JP5136403B2 - Equipment control system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an equipment control system.

In recent years, energy-saving control is also required for equipment in office buildings, tenant buildings, etc. due to requests for greenhouse gas reduction. In office buildings and tenant buildings, for example, a plurality of air conditioners are used as equipment to effectively adjust the air conditioning environment of each space. In addition, a technique for setting a schedule for each air conditioner and efficiently controlling a plurality of air conditioners has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Therefore, it is expected that the energy saving effect will be realized for the entire building by setting the schedule set for the equipment to the energy saving schedule.
JP 2000-132589 A

  On the other hand, even if an appropriate schedule is set for causing the equipment to execute energy saving control, the user may desire to change the setting temporarily and change the setting using a remote controller or the like. As described above, when the setting of the equipment is changed by the user, the equipment is controlled by reflecting the change of the setting, so that the schedule control based on the preset schedule is stopped. Thereby, it may be difficult to obtain the energy saving effect as expected.

  The subject of this invention is providing the equipment control system which can implement | achieve an energy-saving effect, even when a setting change is performed by the user.

  An equipment control system according to a first aspect of the invention is an equipment control system for controlling equipment installed remotely, and includes a control device and a remote management device. The control device is connected to the equipment and performs schedule control of the equipment. Schedule control is control of equipment based on schedule information. The remote management device is disposed remotely from the equipment. The remote management device also sends schedule information to the control device and manages the operating status of the equipment. Furthermore, the control device has a change detection unit. The change detection unit detects an input for changing the setting of the equipment. Changing the setting of the equipment changes the schedule control to non-schedule control. Non-schedule control is control of equipment that is not based on schedule information. The remote management device has a return rule transmission unit. The return rule transmission unit transmits the return rule to the control device. The return rule defines a return condition. The return condition is a condition as to whether or not non-schedule control is returned to schedule control. The control device further includes a return rule acquisition unit and a return determination unit. The return rule acquisition unit acquires a return rule. The return determination unit determines whether to return the non-schedule control to the schedule control based on the return rule.

  In the equipment control system according to the present invention, the control device performs schedule control of the equipment. In schedule control, equipment is controlled based on schedule information. The schedule information is sent from the remote management device to the control device. When setting change is input while the schedule control of the equipment is being performed, the control of the equipment is switched from the schedule control to the non-schedule control. In non-schedule control, equipment is controlled regardless of schedule information. The remote management device transmits a return rule for returning the control of the equipment to the schedule control from the non-schedule control to the control device. The control device determines whether to return the control of the facility device from the non-schedule control to the schedule control based on the return rule transmitted from the remote management device.

  Thereby, since control based on schedule information is performed as appropriate, energy saving can be realized.

  The equipment control system according to the second invention is the equipment control system according to the first invention, and the remote management device further includes an adoption rule transmitter. The adoption rule transmission unit transmits the employment rule to the control device. The employment rule defines the employment conditions. The adoption condition is a condition for determining whether or not to adopt the return rule. The control device further includes an adoption rule acquisition unit. The employment rule acquisition unit acquires the employment rule. In addition, the return determination unit determines whether to adopt the return rule based on the adoption rule.

  In the equipment control system according to the present invention, the control device acquires the return rule and the adoption rule from the remote management device. Further, the control device determines whether or not to adopt the return rule based on the adoption rule.

  Thereby, the priority of non-schedule control and schedule control can be appropriately switched.

  The equipment control system according to the third aspect of the present invention is the equipment control system according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein the adoption condition includes a timing for adopting the return rule and / or a timing for not adopting the return rule.

  In the equipment control system according to the present invention, the adoption condition includes a timing at which the return rule is adopted and / or a timing at which the return rule is not adopted.

  Thereby, it is possible to continue the control related to the change of setting as appropriate.

  The equipment control system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the equipment control system according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the timing for adopting the return rule and / or the timing for not adopting the return rule are included in a predetermined time zone.

  In the equipment control system according to the present invention, the return rule is adopted at a timing included in a predetermined time zone.

  Thereby, non-schedule control of an air conditioner can be prioritized over schedule control in a predetermined time zone.

  The equipment control system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the equipment control system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, wherein the return rule further defines a timing for returning from non-schedule control to schedule control.

  In the equipment control system according to the present invention, the timing for returning from non-schedule control to schedule control is further defined. When the return rule is adopted, the non-schedule control returns to the schedule control based on the time interval.

  Thereby, schedule control can be performed while providing an air-conditioning environment reflecting the change of setting for a certain period of time.

  In the equipment control system according to the first aspect of the invention, since control based on schedule information is performed as appropriate, energy saving can be realized.

  In the equipment control system according to the second invention, the priority order between non-schedule control and schedule control can be switched as appropriate.

  In the equipment control system according to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to continue the control related to the change of setting as appropriate.

  In the equipment control system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, non-scheduled control can be maintained when the content of the setting change does not violate energy saving control.

  In the equipment control system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to perform schedule control while providing an air-conditioning environment that reflects setting changes for a certain period of time.

  Hereinafter, an air conditioner control system (equipment control system) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
In FIG. 1, the whole structure of the air-conditioner control system 100 is shown. The air conditioner control system 100 is an air conditioner installed in each store A, B, C from a remote management server (remote management device) 30 installed in a remote management center located remotely in the stores A, B, C. This is a system for managing 10, 10, and 10. Adapters 20, 20, 20 are connected to the air conditioners 10, 10, 10. The air conditioners 10, 10, 10 operate according to a control command sent from the adapters 20, 20, 20 and a control command sent via the remote controller 12. The adapters 20, 20, 20 and the remote management server 30 are connected via the Internet 40 so that they can communicate with each other.

  In FIG. 1, three stores A, B, and C and air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 installed in each store A, B, and C are shown. The number of air conditioners installed inside is not limited to these. The air conditioner control system 100 can manage a plurality of air conditioners 10, 10, 10,.

<Configuration of each part>
Hereinafter, although the structure of each part is mainly demonstrated using the air conditioner 10 and the adapter 20 which were installed in the store A, also about the air conditioners 10 and 10 and the adapters 20 and 20 which were installed in the other stores B and C. It is assumed that the configuration is the same.

(1) Air conditioner The air conditioner 10 has an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected to the outdoor unit through refrigerant piping. The air conditioner 10 as a whole forms one system having a refrigerant circuit composed of a compressor, a heat exchanger, etc. (not shown). An adapter 20 described later is attached to a predetermined position in the casing of the indoor unit in a removable manner.

  Various sensors such as a room temperature sensor 11a, an outside air temperature sensor 11b, a discharge temperature sensor 11c, a discharge pressure sensor 11d, and a suction pressure sensor 11e are attached to the air conditioner 10. The room temperature sensor 11a detects the temperature of the room in which the indoor unit serving as the parent unit included in the air conditioner 10 is installed. The outside air temperature sensor 11b detects the temperature of the outside air near the store A where the outdoor unit included in the air conditioner 10 is installed. The discharge temperature sensor 11 c detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe of a compressor (not shown) included in the air conditioner 10. The discharge pressure sensor 11d detects the pressure of the refrigerant in the discharge pipe of a compressor (not shown) included in the air conditioner 10. The suction pressure sensor 11 e detects the pressure of the refrigerant in the suction pipe of a compressor (not shown) included in the air conditioner 10.

  The air conditioner 10 has a control unit 13. The control unit 13 controls the operation of controlled components such as a compressor included in the refrigerant circuit in accordance with a control command sent from the adapter 20 described later and a control command input from the user via the remote controller 12. Specifically, the control command sent from the adapter 20 is a control command based on schedule information acquired from the remote management server 30 described later by the adapter 20. In accordance with a control command sent from the adapter 20, the control unit 13 executes schedule control of the air conditioner 10. Further, the control command input from the user via the remote controller 12 is a control command based on the contents set in the remote controller 12 by a general user in the store A. The control unit 13 executes non-schedule control of the air conditioner 10 according to a control command input from the user.

  In addition, the control unit 13 transmits device data related to the air conditioner 10 to the adapter 20. The device data includes data (operation status data) indicating the operation status of the air conditioner 10, data (command data) related to a control command for the air conditioner 10 input from the user via the remote controller 12, and an abnormality of the air conditioner 10. Data (abnormal data) etc. are included. The driving situation data is, for example, detection values of the various sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e,. The control unit 13 transmits the device data of the air conditioner 10 to the adapter 20 at a predetermined time interval (1 minute in the present embodiment). The command data includes, for example, power ON / OFF, operation mode (cooling mode, heating mode, air blowing mode, etc.), set temperature, set humidity, and the like. When a control command is input via the remote controller 12, the control unit 13 immediately transmits the command data to the adapter 20. The abnormal data is data indicating an abnormality such as the detection values of the various sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e,. The control unit 13 compares the detection values of the various sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e,... With a predetermined threshold at a predetermined time interval (1 minute in this embodiment), and detects an abnormality. Abnormal data is transmitted to the adapter 20.

(2) Adapter As described above, the adapter 20 is attached in a removable manner to a predetermined position in the casing of the indoor unit. The adapter 20 acquires the device data sent from the air conditioner 10 and sends the device data to the remote management server 30. Further, the adapter 20 performs schedule control of the air conditioner 10 based on the schedule information acquired from the remote management server 30 and the adoption rules and return rules acquired from the remote management server 30.

  The adapter 20 includes a communication unit 21, a timer 22, a storage unit 23, and a control unit 24.

[Communication Department]
The communication unit 21 is a communication interface for communicating with other devices.

〔timer〕
The timer 22 includes a first timer and a second timer. The first timer measures the time after the schedule acquisition unit described later downloads the schedule from the remote management server 30. The second timer measures the time after the operation control unit 24a switches the schedule control of the air conditioner 10 to non-schedule control.

[Storage section]
The storage unit 23 stores a control program for controlling the air conditioner 10. The storage unit 23 mainly includes a schedule storage area 23a, a return rule storage area 23b, an adopted rule storage area 23c, and a device data storage area 23d.

a) Schedule storage area The schedule storage area 23a stores schedule information for controlling the air conditioner 10. The schedule information is control data for energy-saving control of the air conditioner 10. The schedule information is acquired from the remote management server 30 every predetermined time (in this embodiment, every 3 hours) by a schedule acquisition unit 24b described later.

  The schedule information includes information (see FIG. 5) indicating the day of the week, the time zone, and the type of operation pattern of the air conditioner 10 (see FIG. 5), and information related to specific control contents of the operation pattern (see FIG. 6). The operation pattern is determined by a combination of operation mode, ON / OFF, air volume, set temperature, and the like. The schedule information stored in the schedule storage area 23a is schedule information for 24 hours.

  The schedule storage area 23a has only a capacity sufficient to store a schedule for 24 hours. Therefore, the schedule information for 24 hours stored in the schedule storage area 23a is overwritten by the new schedule information every time new schedule information is acquired by the schedule acquisition unit 24b described later.

  When the air conditioner 10 is controlled based on the schedule information, that is, when a control command based on the schedule information is sent from the adapter 20 to the air conditioner 10, the schedule control (energy saving control) of the air conditioner 10 is performed. ) Will be performed.

b) Return Rule Storage Area The return rule storage area 23b stores a return rule for determining whether to return the control of the air conditioner 10 from non-schedule control to schedule control. The return rule is acquired from the return rule storage area 34b of the remote management server 30 by a return rule acquisition unit 24d described later every predetermined time (in the present embodiment, every quarter). As shown in FIG. 7, the return rule defines a return condition based on the magnitude relationship between the set temperature and the specified temperature and the operation mode. The set temperature is a temperature set by the user via the remote controller 12. The designated temperature is a temperature that is predetermined in consideration of energy saving control. The designated temperature may be the same temperature as the temperature set in the schedule control before the change to the non-schedule control or a temperature different from the temperature set in the schedule control.

  The return rule storage area 23b has only a capacity that can store a predetermined number of return rules. Accordingly, the return rule stored in the return rule storage area 23b is overwritten by the new return rule every time a new return rule is acquired.

c) Adoption rule storage area The adoption rule storage area 23c stores an adoption rule used to determine whether or not to adopt the above-described return rule. The adoption rule defines an employment condition that is a condition for determining whether or not to adopt the return rule. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the adoption rule defines time and validity / invalidity of return to schedule control in the time zone.

  For example, the adoption rule of FIG. 8 indicates that the return to schedule control is valid between 10:00 and 15:00, and the return to schedule control is invalid between 15:00 and 17:00. Stipulate. That is, the determination based on the return rule is valid between 10:00 and 15:00, and the determination based on the return rule is invalid between 15:00 and 17:00. Therefore, if there is a change in setting between 10:00 and 15:00, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to return from non-schedule control to schedule control based on the return rule, but from 15:00 to 17: If the setting is changed during 00, it is not determined whether or not it is necessary to return.

  The adoption rule is acquired from the remote management server 30 by the employment rule acquisition unit 24e described later every predetermined time (in the present embodiment, every 3 hours). More specifically, the adoption rule is acquired from the remote management server 30 at the same timing as the above-described schedule information is acquired. The adopted rule storage area 23c also has only a capacity that can store a predetermined number of adopted rules. Therefore, the employment rule stored in the employment rule storage area 23c is overwritten by the new employment rule every time a new employment rule is acquired.

d) Device data storage area The device data storage area 23d stores device data sent from the air conditioner 10. As described above, the device data includes data indicating the operation status of the air conditioner 10 (operation status data), data related to a control command for the air conditioner 10 input via the remote controller 12 (command data), and the air conditioner 10. This includes data related to abnormalities (abnormal data).

  Further, daily report data created based on the device data stored in the device data storage area 23d is stored in the device data storage area 23d. The daily report data is device data for one day in the device data storage area 23d, and is sent to the remote management server 30 once a day. Daily report data is data that summarizes the operation status and operation history of the air conditioner 10 for one day, and specifically, detection of various sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d, 11e,. The maximum value / minimum value of the value, the cumulative operating time of the air conditioner 10 for the day, and the like are included.

  The device data storage area 23d also has only a capacity that can store device data for one day and daily report data being created. Accordingly, the previously stored device data is overwritten by newly acquired device data.

(Control part)
The control unit 24 mainly includes an operation control unit 24a, a schedule acquisition unit 24b, a change detection unit 24c, a return rule acquisition unit 24d, an adoption rule acquisition unit 24e, a return determination unit 24f, and a device data transmission unit 24g. And have.

a) Operation Control Unit The operation control unit 24a controls the operation of the air conditioner 10. Specifically, the operation control unit 24a controls the air conditioner 10 based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage area 23a. More specifically, the operation control unit 24 a generates a control command based on the schedule information, and sends the control command to the air conditioner 10.

  Further, when the control of the air conditioner 10 is performed based on a change in setting by the user's remote controller 12, that is, when non-scheduled control is performed, the return determination unit 24f described later performs schedule control. If it is determined that it is necessary to return, the operation control unit 24a again generates a control command based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage area 23a and sends the control command to the air conditioner 10. Thereby, the non-schedule control of the air conditioner 10 is switched to the schedule control.

b) Schedule Acquisition Unit As described above, the schedule acquisition unit 24b acquires schedule information from the remote management server 30 every predetermined time (in this embodiment, every 3 hours). The schedule acquisition unit 24b acquires schedule information for 24 hours from the schedule storage area 34a of the remote management server 30 every 3 hours.

c) Change Detection Unit The change detection unit 24 c detects a change in setting input by the user via the remote controller 12.

d) Return Rule Acquisition Unit The return rule acquisition unit 24d acquires the return rule from the remote management server 30 at every predetermined time (in this embodiment, every quarter).

e) Employment Rule Acquisition Unit The employment rule acquisition unit 24e acquires the employment rule from the remote management server 30 every predetermined time (in this embodiment, every 3 hours).

f) Return determination unit The return determination unit 24f needs to return from non-schedule control to schedule control based on the adoption rule stored in the above-described adoption rule storage area 23c and the return rule stored in the return rule storage area 23b. Judge whether there is. Specifically, the return determination unit 24f determines whether or not to adopt the return rule based on the adoption rule, and if it is determined to adopt the return rule, the return determination unit 24f performs non-schedule control based on the return rule. It is determined whether or not the content of such setting is contrary to energy saving control.

g) Device Data Transmitting Unit The device data transmitting unit 24g transmits abnormal data and daily report data among the device data stored in the device data storage area 23d to the remote management server 30 at a predetermined timing. Abnormal data is sent to the remote management server 30 as soon as it is detected. Daily report data is sent to the remote management server 30 once a day.

(3) Remote Management Server The remote management server 30 includes a communication unit 31, a display unit 32, an input unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 35, as shown in FIG.

[Communication Department]
The communication unit 31 is connected to the adapters 20, 20, 20 via the Internet 40. The communication unit 31 enables communication between the remote management server 30 and the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 via the adapters 20, 20, 20.

[Display section]
The display unit 32 is a display for displaying device data of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 acquired via the adapters 20, 20, 20. In addition to the device data of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10, various data stored in the storage unit 34 described later are displayed on the display unit 32.

[Input section]
The input unit 33 mainly includes a keyboard and operation buttons.

[Storage section]
The storage unit 34 stores a management program for remotely managing the air conditioners 10, 10, 10. The storage unit 34 stores various data related to the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10. The storage unit 34 mainly includes a schedule storage area 34a, a return rule storage area 34b, an adoption rule storage area 34c, and a device data storage area 34d.

a) Schedule storage area The schedule storage area 34a stores schedule information for energy-saving control of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10. The schedule information is set by the administrator in the remote management center in consideration of comfort and energy saving. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, information on the type of operation pattern in each time zone of one week and information on specific control contents of each operation pattern are stored as shown in FIG. 6. . In the schedule storage area 34a, schedule information for each indoor unit included in the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 can be stored.

b) Return rule storage area The return rule storage area 34b stores a return rule for determining whether or not to return the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 from non-schedule control to schedule control. As shown in FIG. 7, the return rule defines a return condition based on the magnitude relationship between the set temperature and the specified temperature and the operation mode. The return rules stored in the return rule storage area 34b are sent to the adapters 20, 20, and 20 by a return rule transmission unit 35b described later.

c) Adoption rule storage area The adoption rule storage area 34c stores the adoption rules input by the user of the remote management server 30. The adoption rule defines an employment condition that is a condition for determining whether or not to adopt the return rule. Specifically, the adoption rule defines time and validity / invalidity of return to schedule control at the time (see FIG. 8). That is, the timing for adopting the return rule and / or the timing for not adopting the return rule are defined. The employment rules stored in the employment rule storage area 34c are sent to the adapters 20, 20, and 20 by the employment rule transmission unit 35c described later.

d) Device data storage area The device data storage area 34d stores the device data of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 sent from the adapter 20. The device data stored in the device data storage area 34d is stored for each of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10.

(Control part)
The control unit 35 executes a management program for the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 stored in the storage unit 34. The control unit 35 mainly includes a schedule transmission unit 35a, a return rule transmission unit 35b, and an adoption rule transmission unit 35c.

a) Schedule Transmission Unit The schedule transmission unit 35a sends the schedule information stored in the above-described schedule storage area 34a to the adapters 20, 20, and 20. As shown in FIG. 5, schedule information for one week is stored in the schedule storage area 34 a, but the schedule transmission unit 35 a schedules for 24 hours from the time when the schedule acquisition unit 24 b requests the schedule information. Information is sent to the adapters 20, 20, and 20.

b) Return Rule Sending Unit The return rule sending unit 35b sends the return rules stored in the return rule storage area 34b to the adapters 20, 20, and 20.

c) Employment Rule Transmission Unit The employment rule transmission unit 35c sends the employment rules stored in the above-described employment rule storage area 34c to the adapters 20, 20, and 20.

(4) Flow of Air Conditioner Control System Hereinafter, the flow of processing in the adapters 20, 20, and 20 will be described using FIG.

  As step S101, in the adapters 20, 20, and 20, at the time of activation and every 3 hours, the schedule acquisition unit 24b acquires schedule information for 24 hours from the remote management server 30, and the adoption rule acquisition unit 24e acquires the remote management server 30. Get hiring rules from Next, in step S102, the first timer starts measuring time. Thereafter, in step S103, the operation control unit 24a performs schedule control of the air conditioner 10 based on the schedule information.

  Next, in step S104, it is determined whether or not a setting change is detected by the change detection unit 24c. If a setting change is detected in step S104, the process proceeds to step S105. If no setting change is detected in step S104, the process proceeds to step S109. In addition, when the change of setting is detected in step S104, ie, when the setting is changed by the user, the control of the air conditioner 10 is switched from schedule control to non-schedule control.

  In step S105, measurement of the time after the second timer is switched to non-scheduled control is started. Next, in step S106, the return determination unit 24f determines whether or not it is necessary to return the non-schedule control to the schedule control based on the adoption rule and the return rule. More specifically, first, the validity / invalidity of the return rule is determined based on the adoption rule at the timing when the change in the setting is detected. If it is determined that the return rule is valid, it is determined based on the return rule whether or not it is necessary to return from non-schedule control related to setting change to schedule control. If it is determined that it is necessary to return to the schedule control, the process proceeds to step S107. If it is determined that it is not necessary, the process returns to step S104. On the other hand, when it is determined that the return rule is invalid, the return determination unit 24f does not determine whether it is necessary to return from non-schedule control to schedule control. That is, even if it is determined that the setting content related to the non-schedule control is contrary to the energy-saving control, the return to the schedule control is unnecessary, and the process returns to step S104.

  In step S107, it is determined whether or not the time measured by the second timer has passed 30 minutes. That is, if 30 minutes have elapsed after switching to non-schedule control, the process proceeds to step S108, and if 30 minutes have not elapsed, the process waits until it has elapsed.

  In step S108, non-schedule control is returned to schedule control. That is, the operation control unit 24a generates a control command based on the schedule information stored in the schedule storage area 23a, and sends the control command to the air conditioner 10. Thereby, control of the air conditioner 10 is switched from non-schedule control to schedule control. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S109, and it is determined whether or not the time measured by the first timer has passed 3 hours. That is, it is determined whether or not 3 hours have passed since the schedule information was downloaded. If not, the process returns to step S104, and if it has elapsed, the process returns to step S101.

<Features>
(1)
The air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 in the above embodiment are basically subjected to schedule control. When the setting of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 is changed by the user via the remote controller 12, the control of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 is switched from schedule control to non-schedule control, and the user changes The air conditioner 10 is controlled based on the contents of the setting. The schedule information is set in the remote management server 30 in consideration of comfort and energy saving. Control of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 is basically performed based on the schedule information acquired periodically from the remote management server 30 by the adapters 20, 20, 20. As long as the schedule control is performed, energy saving of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 can be realized. However, if the user desires a setting different from the content set in the schedule information and the control of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 is switched from the schedule control to the non-schedule control, the non-schedule control is continued. Become. As a result, the expected energy saving effect cannot be obtained sufficiently. On the other hand, it is possible to prevent the schedule control from being switched to non-schedule control by prohibiting the operation of the remote controller 12, but it is not preferable that the user's needs cannot be met.

  In the air conditioner control system 100 according to the present embodiment, the return rule and the adoption rule acquired from the remote management server 30 are stored in the adapters 20, 20, 20. When a change in setting by the user is detected, the return determination unit 24f determines whether or not non-schedule control related to the change in setting by the user needs to be returned to schedule control. Since non-schedule control of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 is switched to schedule control based on the determination result of the return determination unit 24f, energy saving control that suppresses excessive air conditioning of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 can be appropriately performed. it can. Thereby, while realizing the air conditioning environment which a user desires, the energy saving control of the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 can be realized.

(2)
Further, in the air conditioner control system 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the adoption rule downloaded to the adapters 20, 20, 20 defines the time for making the return rule valid / invalid. For example, in the stores A, B, and C, the time zone in which the setting from the user via the remote controller 12 should be prioritized, specifically, the time when the number of customers in the store increases, the time when the VIP stays, etc. Is set as a time zone in which the adoption of the return rule is invalidated. Since the priority order between the non-schedule control and the schedule control can be appropriately switched, the air conditioning environment desired by the user can be secured with priority.

(3)
In the said embodiment, based on the schedule information acquired in advance, the adapters 20, 20, and 20 perform schedule control of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10, and based on the determination result using the return rule and the adoption rule, Switch non-schedule control to schedule control. As a result, the amount of communication between the adapters 20, 20, 20 and the remote management server 30 can be reduced. In addition, the processing amount to be performed by the remote management server 30 can be reduced.

<Modification>
(1)
In the above embodiment, the return rule acquisition unit 24d downloads the return rule once a quarter, but the time interval at which the return rule acquisition unit 24d downloads the return rule is not limited to this. For example, when the control of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 is changed between day and night, the return rule acquisition unit 24d may download the day and night control contents in advance.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the timing which returns non-schedule control to schedule control shall be 30 minutes after a setting change by a user, the timing to return is variable. Also good.

  Further, the return timing may be changed according to the content of the setting change by the user. For example, a correspondence level is set for each of the settings that can be changed by the adapters 20, 20, 20 (for example, a change in the set temperature, a degree of the changed set temperature, a change in the operation mode, etc.). Is stored in the remote management server 30. As the correspondence level, a high correspondence level is set for the content of the change that should be promptly returned to the schedule control, that is, the content that has a large degree contrary to the energy saving control. For example, the correspondence level of “change of set temperature” is set higher than “change of operation mode”. In addition, the degree of the set temperature that has been changed is set higher as the deviation value from the specified temperature in each operation mode becomes larger, that is, as the degree against the energy saving control becomes larger. Then, when the correspondence level of the content of the setting change is large, the return timing is advanced, and when the correspondence level is low, the recovery timing is delayed. Thereby, control of an air conditioner can be performed according to the grade of anti-energy-saving control.

(2)
In the above embodiment, the adoption rule acquisition unit 24e acquires the adoption rule at the timing when the schedule acquisition unit 24b acquires the schedule information from the remote management server 30, but the timing at which the adoption rule acquisition unit 24e acquires the adoption rule is The timing may be different from the timing at which the schedule acquisition unit 24b acquires the schedule information.

(3)
In the above-described embodiment, the schedule information transmitted from the remote management server 30 to the adapters 20, 20, and 20 includes both information related to combinations of time zones and driving patterns and information related to specific control contents of the driving patterns. However, information indicating specific time and control content may be transmitted as the schedule information.

(4)
In the above embodiment, it is determined whether or not the energy is saved based on the relationship between the designated temperature specified in the return rule and the changed set temperature, but the content specified in the return rule is not limited to this. That is, the contents specified in the return rule are the air flow rate and capacity control value, etc. instead of or in addition to the specified temperature, and the relationship between these values and these values related to the changed settings It may be determined whether or not it is energy saving. The capacity control value is a value that limits the air conditioning capacity (horsepower (kW)) of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10. Thereby, when the setting by a user requires the capability exceeding 70% of the rated capacity of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10, for example, it can be set to be switched to the schedule control.

  Moreover, the order of energy saving is set to the contents of the setting that can be changed by the adapters 20, 20, and 20 (for example, the change of the set temperature, the degree of the set temperature that has been changed, the change of the operation mode, etc.). It may be designed to determine whether or not to return based on.

  Further, the order of energy saving may be defined in advance by the systems in the adapters 20, 20, 20, or may be sequentially acquired from the remote management server 30. Alternatively, a database that stores the order of energy saving is secured in the adapters 20, 20, and 20 is periodically downloaded from the remote management server 30 at the timing of step S101 in FIG. 9, and information in the database is overwritten. It may be designed as follows.

  Furthermore, this energy saving order may be determined by creating a map and determining the position on the map, or by describing large and small values in the map, and determining the large or small value. It may be defined in advance by the system.

(5)
Moreover, in the said embodiment, the time slot | zone which employ | adopts a return rule is prescribed | regulated as an employment rule. The adoption rule stipulates the time zone during which the set temperature is restored and the validity / invalidity of the restoration rule during that time zone, but the capability control is valid / invalid instead of or in addition to the set temperature. May be defined. Normally, when the capacity control of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 is performed from the remote management server 30, the adapters 20, 20, and 20 and the remote management server 30 frequently communicate with each other, and the capability control command is appropriately transmitted to the adapter 20, 20, need to be sent. Therefore, when the adapters 20, 20, 20 and the remote management server 30 do not communicate frequently as in the air conditioner control system 100 in the above embodiment, the air conditioners 10, 10, 10 by the remote management server 30 are used. It is difficult to effectively control the ability. However, the capacity control rules set by the remote management server 30 are stored in the adapters 20, 20, and 20 so that the capacity control of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 desired by the administrator in the remote management center is appropriately performed. be able to.

(6)
In the said embodiment, the function which the adapters 20, 20, and 20 have may be mounted in the control part 13 of the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10, respectively. In this case, the adapters 20, 20, and 20 are unnecessary.

(7)
In the system in the above embodiment, the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10 are cited as the equipment and the schedule return has been described. However, the equipment includes the air conditioners 10, 10, and 10, the lighting, the air cleaner, and the ventilation fan. It may be a ventilator, a blower, a fan, a water heater, a moisture retention device, a heater, a refrigeration device, a cooking device, a pump, an electric motor, a prime mover, or the like. In addition, a return rule can be set for each facility device. Specifically, a return rule can be set using a value related to each control item as shown in FIG.

  The present invention is useful as an equipment control system capable of realizing an energy saving effect even when the setting is changed by a user.

It is a schematic structure figure of an air-conditioner control system concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the air conditioning machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the adapter which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the remote management server which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the one data contained in schedule information. It is a figure which shows the one data contained in schedule information. It is a figure which shows the return rule memorize | stored in a return rule storage area. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the employment rule memorize | stored in the employment rule storage area. It is a figure which shows the flow of control in an adapter. It is a figure which shows the control item of the return rule used according to the installation apparatus demonstrated in the modification (7).

Explanation of symbols

10, 10, 10 Air conditioner (equipment)
20, 20, 20 Adapter (control device)
30 Remote management server (remote management device)
40 Internet 100 Air conditioner control system (equipment control system)

Claims (5)

A facility equipment control system (100) for controlling remotely located equipment (10, 10, 10),
A control device (20, 20, 20) that is connected to the equipment and performs schedule control that is control based on schedule information of the equipment;
A remote management device (30) that is arranged remotely from the equipment, sends the schedule information to the control device, and manages the operating status of the equipment;
With
The controller is
A change detection unit (24c) that detects an input of a change in the setting of the facility device that will change the schedule control to non-schedule control that is not based on the schedule information.
Have
The remote management device is:
A return rule transmitting unit (35b) for transmitting a return rule that defines a return condition, which is a condition for returning the non-schedule control to the schedule control, to the control device.
Have
The controller is
A return rule acquisition unit (24e) for acquiring the return rule;
A return determination unit (24f) for determining whether to return the non-schedule control to the schedule control based on the return rule;
Equipment control system. The remote management device is:
Employment rule transmitting unit (35c) for transmitting to the control device an employment rule that defines the employment condition, which is a condition for determining whether or not to adopt the return rule.
Further comprising
The controller is
Employment rule acquisition unit (24e) for acquiring the employment rule
Further comprising
The return determination unit determines whether to adopt the return rule based on the adoption rule.
The equipment control system according to claim 1. The employment condition includes a timing for adopting the return rule and / or a timing for not employing the return rule.
The equipment control system according to claim 2. The timing of adopting the return rule and / or the timing of not adopting the return rule are included in a predetermined time zone.
The equipment control system according to claim 3. The return rule further defines a timing for returning from the non-schedule control to the schedule control.
The equipment control system according to claim 4.

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