JP5382152B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an energy-saving device such as an air conditioner having an energy-saving function, and more particularly to a function of advising a user of the energy-saving device about appropriate user behavior from the viewpoint of energy saving.

  For energy-saving devices equipped with conventional energy-saving functions, for example, air conditioners, energy-saving operation is automatically controlled based on information acquired by a temperature sensor, etc. It is publicly known to give advice regarding energy saving to the user by presenting the information (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In addition, by using a power charge calculation means for calculating the power charge and a power charge budget storage means for storing a power charge budget as the upper limit of use, an operation such as shutting down the air conditioner is performed so that the power charge is within the budget amount. Some control is performed (for example, Patent Document 3).

Noto 1600153 Publication Japanese Patent No. 3323811 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-83588

  With conventional energy-saving operation control of energy-saving equipment, only energy-saving advice such as temperature setting is presented to the user, so it is unknown to the user how much energy-saving effect can be obtained when the user follows the energy-saving advice. there were. In addition, as described above, there is a device that can set a use upper limit with a power charge or the like, but it is unknown to the user how much room is available for the use upper limit at the present time. In addition, when the user acts in accordance with the energy saving advice, as a result, the user cannot confirm how much energy can be executed, and it is difficult to realize the energy saving effect.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can provide energy-saving advice in a manner that allows the user to grasp the energy-saving effect, and can evaluate the user's energy-saving behavior. It is an object of the present invention to obtain an energy saving device having an energy saving advice function capable of grasping the energy saving performance and presenting the evaluation result to the user.

In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioner according to the present invention is an air conditioner in which an indoor unit and an outdoor unit are connected by piping, and the indoor unit performs bidirectional communication with a remote controller, and the indoor unit Or energy saving advice generating means for generating energy saving advice based on sensor information measured by a sensor installed in the outdoor unit and setting information received from the remote controller, and a first display unit provided with the energy saving advice in the indoor unit Alternatively, an energy saving advice notifying means for displaying on a second display unit provided on the remote control, an energy saving action verification means for detecting a user energy saving action based on the sensor information, and an energy saving evaluation value from the detected energy saving action. Energy saving performance result evaluation means to calculate, and energy saving performance evaluation notification for displaying the energy saving evaluation value on the first display unit or the second display unit And a stage,
The energy saving advice generating means generates energy saving advice that recommends the use of an air conditioner, and if the energy saving action verification means does not detect the use of the air conditioner, the energy saving action performance evaluation means is the energy saving evaluation. Adding values,
And when the setting information is a signal indicating that the notification content of the energy saving advice has been confirmed, the energy saving advice notification means stops the notification of the energy saving advice, and notifies the energy saving advice again after a predetermined time, It is characterized by.

According to the air conditioner according to the present invention, the user's performance of energy-saving behavior is evaluated even when the user is intentionally not using the air conditioner in the situation where the air conditioner is used, and the result is energy saving. In addition, since the evaluation result can be fed back to the user, there is an effect that the user can objectively grasp the effect of his / her energy saving action.
In addition, when the user confirms the notification of the energy saving advice, the notification of the energy saving advice is automatically stopped and the re-notification after the elapse of a predetermined time is automatically performed. There is an effect that it can be reduced.

The system block diagram of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the structure of the indoor unit of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is an operation flow diagram showing an overall operation of the energy saving advice function in the first embodiment. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 1. FIG. The temperature transition figure explaining operation | movement of the energy-saving advice function in Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 shows display examples of the display unit and remote control display unit of the indoor unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a display example of a graph display displayed on the remote control display unit in the first embodiment. The figure which shows the usage condition example of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 2. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the open / closed state detection function of the door and window in Embodiment 2. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 2. FIG. The figure which shows the usage condition example of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 3. FIG. FIG. 6 shows an example of measurement of a thermal pixel image by an infrared sensor in the third embodiment. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function (cooperation advice) of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 3. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function (movement advice) of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 3. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function (activity amount advice) of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 3. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function (maintenance advice) of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 4. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function (window opening advice) of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 5. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy saving advice function of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 6. FIG. The example of a display which shows the energy-saving prediction of the energy-saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 6. FIG. The operation | movement flowchart which shows operation | movement of the energy-saving advice function (air-conditioning ON advice) of the energy-saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 7. FIG. FIG. 20 is an operation flowchart showing the operation of the countdown function in the eighth embodiment. The display example which shows the countdown of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) in Embodiment 8. FIG. FIG. 18 is a system configuration diagram according to the ninth embodiment.

Embodiment 1.
The energy saving advice function of the energy saving apparatus (air conditioner) according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 installed indoors, an outdoor unit 3 installed outdoors, a pipe 4 between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and a remote controller 5 that communicates with the indoor unit 2. It is configured. Communication between the remote controller 5 and the indoor unit 2 is bidirectional communication using electromagnetic waves such as infrared rays. The indoor unit 2 has an infrared sensor 21, an indoor temperature sensor 22, a camera 23, a display unit 24, a remote control communication unit 25, and an external sensor interface unit 26 (external sensor I / F) in addition to normal functions necessary for air conditioning indoor equipment. Part 26). The display unit 24 has a function of displaying character / graphic information notified to the user and blinking / lighting an LED provided in the display unit 24. The outdoor unit 3 has normal functions necessary for the outdoor fan 31, the outdoor temperature sensor 32, and the air-conditioning outdoor equipment. The remote controller 5 includes a remote controller display unit 51 that displays character / graphic information and a remote controller operation unit 52 that is used when the user operates the air conditioner 1.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the indoor unit 2. The indoor unit 2 includes a control unit 27 that controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 1. The control unit 27 is configured by a microcomputer or the like. The control unit 27 inputs sensor information measured by each sensor from the infrared sensor 21, the indoor temperature sensor 22, the outdoor temperature sensor 32, and the external sensor I / F unit 26, and inputs a camera image from the camera 23. The control unit 27 performs bidirectional communication with the remote controller 5 via the remote control communication unit 25. The control unit 27 includes a storage unit 28 for storing parameters, setting data, and the like for executing various functions such as energy saving evaluation values (energy saving points, etc.) described later, and various timer functions used for operation control of the air conditioner 1. A timer unit 29 to be executed is connected.

  The overall flow of processing of the energy saving advice function in the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an overall processing flow. First, the control unit 27 inputs sensor information from the infrared sensor 21 or the like (S301). Next, the control part 27 produces | generates the content of the energy-saving advice based on this sensor information and user settings (for example, cooling preset temperature, a wind speed, etc.) (S302). The generated energy saving advice is displayed on the display unit 24 installed in the indoor unit 2 using figures, characters, and the like. Further, the energy saving advice is transmitted to the remote controller 5 via the remote controller communication unit 25 and displayed on the remote controller display unit 51 (S303). Only the LED display may be displayed on the display unit 24, and specific advice content may be displayed on the remote control display unit 51. The user of the air conditioner 1 can read the energy saving advice displayed on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 and perform an energy saving action with reference to the energy saving advice.

  The control unit 27 verifies the presence / absence of the user's energy saving action based on the change in the measured value in the sensor information from the infrared sensor 21 and the change history of the user setting (S304). The control unit 27 performs performance evaluation of the energy saving action based on the user's energy saving action (S305). The control unit 27 displays the result of the performance evaluation of the energy saving action on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 (S306). The user can grasp the energy saving effect by his own energy saving action by reading the result evaluation result displayed on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51. By repeating the processes of S301 to S306, the energy saving advice function is executed.

  Next, a specific operation of the energy saving advice function will be described based on the operation flow of FIG. 4 using an infrared sensor as an example. This operation flow shows the operation when the air conditioner 1 is in the cooling operation.

  First, the infrared sensor 21 detects the radiant heat temperature of the indoor space in which the air conditioner 1 is installed, and the control unit 27 acquires the indoor radiant heat temperature data detected by the infrared sensor 21 (S401). Next, the control unit 27 calculates a human sensory temperature Tf (Tf = indoor radiant heat temperature Tr−correction value) from the indoor radiant heat temperature input from the infrared sensor 21 and the correction value (S402). Here, the correction value is parameter data held in the storage unit 28 and is a value determined in consideration of the indoor environment in which the air conditioner 1 is installed. The correction value may be a value set in advance when the air conditioner is installed, or may be a value readjusted according to changes in environmental conditions after installation.

  Next, the sensory temperature Tf is compared with the threshold temperature Th (S403). Here, the threshold temperature Th is a preset value set in the storage unit 28, and may be set to 27.5 ° C., which is slightly lower than, for example, 28 ° C., which is the recommended temperature during cooling recommended by the government. . When the sensible temperature Tf is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature Th, it is determined that the sensible temperature is sufficiently lowered, and the advice set temperature Ta is set to a value higher than the current user set temperature Tu. For example, assuming Ta = Tu + 1, a temperature that is 1 ° C. higher than the current user set temperature may be set as the advice set temperature Ta. Then, “recommend setting change to advice set temperature Ta” is set as the energy saving advice content (S404).

  Next, the control unit 27 compares the currently notified advice content stored in the storage unit 28 with the current advice content (S405), and if the advice content does not match, the setting included in the timer unit 29 is performed. The value of the change advice timer TM1 is initialized by zero reset, and the timer is restarted (S406). Also, the displayed advice content stored in the storage unit 28 is updated with the current advice content (S407). On the other hand, if the advice content matches the previous time and the current time, the process proceeds to the energy-saving advice notification process (S408).

  Next, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the generated energy saving advice (S408). The user notification is performed by blinking the LED of the display unit 24 and transmitting the advice set temperature as the advice content to the remote controller 5. The remote controller 5 displays the notification content on the remote control display unit 51, so that the user can confirm the content of the energy saving advice.

  Next, the control unit 27 verifies the user's energy saving behavior and determines whether or not the user has performed the energy saving behavior based on the energy saving advice (S409). For example, when the user changes the set temperature to the advice set temperature Ta using the remote controller 5 with respect to the energy saving advice “recommended advice set temperature Ta”, it is determined that the energy saving advice has been executed. When the user executes the energy saving advice, the energy saving points held in the storage unit 28 are added (S410). Here, the energy saving point is a cumulative count of the number of executions of energy saving advice, and is an evaluation point for the user's energy saving action. When it is determined that the user has not executed the energy saving advice, it is checked whether or not the value of the setting change advice timer TM1 of the timer unit 29 is larger than the threshold value TMs1 (S411). If TM1> TMs1, that is, a predetermined time. If the advice is not executed even after elapses, the energy saving point is subtracted (S412). In the case of TM1 ≦ TMs1, the energy saving point is not updated.

  Next, when the energy saving point is changed by addition or subtraction, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the verification result of the energy saving action (S413). The user notification is performed in the same procedure as the notification of energy saving advice in S408. In this way, the user can confirm the verification result of the energy saving action. Note that other methods may be used as a notification method to the user. For example, an LED may be provided on the remote controller 5 and the LED may blink to alert the user when notifying energy saving advice. Further, the energy saving advice content may be displayed on the display unit 24. Moreover, a speaker may be provided in the indoor unit 2 or the remote controller 5 so as to notify by voice.

  If the sensible temperature Tf is higher than the threshold temperature Th in S403, it is determined that energy saving advice is unnecessary. Then, the setting change advice timer TM1 is stopped (S414), and if there is an advice being displayed, the advice content being displayed held in the storage unit 28 is deleted (S415), and the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit is also displayed. The advice displayed in 51 is erased (S416).

  FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the temperature change at room temperature when the energy saving advice function is executed in relation to the advice set temperature and the threshold temperature. At time t0, the user has set the same temperature as the advice set temperature Ta as the user set temperature, which represents a state where the room temperature and the sensible temperature Tf are the same. At time t1, the outside air temperature decreases, the indoor radiation temperature Tr rapidly decreases, and the sensible temperature Tf is lower than the threshold temperature Th. Therefore, a temperature higher than the current user set temperature Tu is set as the advice set temperature Ta. At time t2, since the user has executed the energy saving advice, the sensory temperature Tf and the decrease rate of the room temperature are reduced.

  As in the case described in the background art, if the energy saving advice is given only at the outside temperature and the threshold temperature Th, the advice is given in the vicinity of the time t3. In addition, the energy saving effect is small, but in this embodiment, advice can be executed at an appropriate timing.

  In the above explanation, the recommended user behavior is presented as the notification content of the energy conservation advice, but in addition to this, what percentage of power consumption can be saved by energy conservation behavior, or how much yen can be saved You may make it alert | report a predicted value. Further, in the notification of the energy saving performance evaluation, not only the energy saving point but also the amount of power consumption saved as a result of the action corresponding to the energy saving advice or the amount of saved electricity charge may be displayed as the energy saving savings.

  FIG. 6 is a display example of the display unit 24 and the remote control display unit 51. In this display example, the current cooling set temperature (28 ° C.), the accumulated amount of power charges used for the operation of the air conditioner (20 yen), and the energy saving points (3 points) are represented by the number of star marks. In addition, a display example of energy saving advice (“5% energy saving when the set temperature is 29 ° C.”) is also shown.

  You may use a graph display for the alerting | reporting content of energy-saving performance evaluation. FIG. 7 is a display example of a graph display displayed on the remote control display unit 51. FIG. 7 shows the transition of power consumption during normal operation, the transition of power consumption during execution of soft energy saving, and the transition of power consumption during execution of energy saving action. Show. The amount of power charge corresponding to the saved power consumption is defined as energy saving savings. Since such a graph display is easy to understand, the user can realize the energy saving effect, and the user's motivation is improved by evaluating the user's behavior based on the power, the amount of money, and the like. Soft energy saving is energy saving realized by operation control of an air conditioner such as an area air conditioner that changes the air direction from an indoor unit and air-conditions only the vicinity of a person.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, energy saving advice is generated based on sensor information, and this advice content is displayed on the remote controller or the display unit of the indoor unit body, so the user can easily confirm the energy saving advice content. can do. Also, by verifying the user's energy-saving behavior based on the sensor information, the user's energy-saving behavior performance can be evaluated, and this evaluation result is displayed on the remote control or the display unit of the indoor unit main body to notify the user. The user can objectively grasp the effect of his / her energy saving action.

  In the first embodiment, the advice is given based on the temperature sensed by the person in a stable indoor environment. Therefore, more appropriate advice can be given at an early stage, and scenes that the user feels uncomfortable can be reduced. In addition, since advice based on the sensory temperature is given, it is optimal while providing comfort that cannot be realized simply by giving advice to reduce the difference between the set temperature and the government recommended temperature (heating 20 ° C, cooling 28 ° C). Energy saving.

  The sensory temperature can be calculated not only from indoor radiant heat, but also by taking into account the air volume, wind direction, blowing temperature, and humidity of the air conditioner itself. As a specific method for calculating the sensation temperature, a technique similar to an index such as a thermal environment evaluation index PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) can be applied.

  Further, when notifying of the presence or absence of advice by the LED of the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 when notifying the energy saving performance evaluation, the LED may be turned off when the energy saving action by the advice is confirmed. Good. Thus, since the user performs the energy saving action based on the advice, the content of the energy saving advice and the LED are automatically turned off, so that the user's troublesome work does not occur.

In the case of an LED, it may be blinked first and then turned on. When the user dares to ignore the energy saving advice, it is uncomfortable that the flashing control continues, but since it switches to lighting, it does not feel uncomfortable, and it is possible to notice and execute the advice notification later.

Alternatively, after the advice content is displayed on the remote control display unit 51, the advice content may be turned off once, and a certain prohibition time may be provided until the same advice is displayed again.
When the user confirms the advice with the remote controller 5 but does not execute the advice, the advice is not redisplayed at the next sensing timing, so that troublesomeness to the user can be reduced.

  Also, an advice confirmation button (not shown) is provided on the remote control operation unit 52. When the user presses this button, the advice content is temporarily turned off, and a certain prohibition time is provided until the same advice is displayed again. It may be.

  When visiting, you may not want to give energy-saving advice, giving priority to comfort over energy-saving effects. In preparation for such a case, it may be possible to select whether or not to use the energy saving advice function. Specifically, an advice reception button may be provided on the remote controller operation unit 52, and a mechanism for switching whether or not to use the energy saving advice function by simply pressing the advice reception button for a long time may be used. In addition, the energy saving advice function may be stopped by designating a time zone when advice is not desired with the remote controller.

  In the above description, the change of the set temperature is advised. However, the advice content is not limited to this, and for example, the opening / closing of a curtain, a door, or a window may be advised. The open / closed state of the curtain or the like can be confirmed by detecting the amount of solar radiation from the illuminance of the thermal pixel image of the infrared sensor 21 or the camera image of the camera 23. When the outdoor temperature is lower than the indoor temperature, it may be advised to open a curtain or a window.

  It is also possible to identify the room shape from the thermal pixel image of the infrared sensor 21 or the camera 23 camera image. When users purchase an air conditioner, they often purchase a model that has the capacity that matches the size of the room in which it is installed, so estimate the size of the installed room from the model name of the air conditioner. You can also.

  If the air conditioning load for maintaining the user set temperature is a value equal to or greater than the air conditioning load threshold estimated from the room shape and the size of the room, it is determined that the window or door is open, and the window It is also possible to advise you to close the door.

  Similar control is possible with other energy-saving devices. Taking a television as an example, a human body detection sensor and a camera are provided on the television, and the television viewing time of a child can be managed from such sensor information and camera images. In other words, the energy saving evaluation can be performed based on an index of how long the child has endured watching the TV program he / she wants to watch, keeps the TV watching time, or how long he / she has endured the program.

  Moreover, a person's sleep state can be grasped | ascertained using the sensor and illuminance sensor which can measure any of body movement / respiration / heart rate / body temperature. In addition, by using infrared sensors, chair pressure sensors, desktop ID readers that determine ID information such as book type and title from barcodes printed on books, people can read books at their desks. You can determine whether you are studying. And if you are reading a book without turning on the TV, you can evaluate that you have done an energy saving action.

  In the lighting device, when the lighting is turned on and the activity is performed by the window, the lighting is turned off. Even if the lighting is performed near the window or in a place with strong illuminance, it is not necessary to turn on the light. Evaluation is performed when the illumination is turned off based on the advice.

Embodiment 2.
In the second embodiment, an energy saving advice function that prompts opening and closing of windows, doors, curtains, and the like performed based on sensor information acquired by a pressure sensor or the like will be described. An air conditioner will be described as an example of energy saving equipment. The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, description is abbreviate | omitted about the operation | movement same or similar to Embodiment 1, and a different part is demonstrated.

  FIG. 8 shows a form in which the pressure sensor 61 is connected to the indoor unit 2 via the external sensor I / F unit 26 together with a plan view of a room in which the indoor unit 2 is installed. By measuring the pressure in the room, the change in the negative pressure in the room can be known, and thereby the open / closed state of the door or window can be detected.

Based on FIG. 9, the operation of the door / window open / closed state detection function based on the pressure sensor information will be described.
The control unit 27 acquires measurement data of the indoor pressure P1 from the pressure sensor 61 via the external sensor I / F unit 26 (S901). It is determined whether or not the atmospheric pressure P1 is greater than K1 times the average atmospheric pressure (S902). Here, K1 is a coefficient that satisfies K1> 1, and is normally set to a value of about K1 = 1.2-2. The average atmospheric pressure may be the average atmospheric pressure based on the weather data of the area where the air conditioner is installed, or the pressure sensor 61 may always record the pressure fluctuation and use the average value.
Next, when P1> average atmospheric pressure × K1, it is determined that the window or door is closed (S903). When P1 ≦ average atmospheric pressure × K1, it is determined whether or not the atmospheric pressure P1 is smaller than K2 times the average atmospheric pressure (S904). Here, K2 is a coefficient with K2 <1, and normally takes a value of about K2 = 0.8. When P1 <average atmospheric pressure × K2, it is determined that the window or door is open (S905).

  In the above description, the pressure sensor is provided only on the indoor side. However, if the pressure sensor is provided inside and outside the room, and the atmospheric pressure is the same as the outdoor pressure, the window is open. May be determined to be closed. In addition, if there is a pressure sensor only on the indoor side and the ventilation fan exhausts to the outside or there is no ventilator, the pressure fluctuation is always recorded, and the atmospheric pressure is about 1.2 to 2 times larger than normal on the rising side It can be determined that the window has been opened if it has settled down to a certain level immediately after it has swung, and conversely if it has swung down to the lower side and continues to gradually drop, it has been closed. Depending on the shape of the door, it may not swing downward, so it may be determined that the door is closed when the average atmospheric pressure continues to drop.

  Opening / closing detection of windows and doors can be performed by means other than pressure sensors. For example, by providing a door opening / closing sensor that detects opening / closing of a door or window by ON / OFF of a contact, and inputting information from the door opening / closing sensor via the external sensor I / F unit 26, the air conditioner 1 is connected to the door. And window opening / closing information.

Also, the opening of the window can be detected when the temperature of the outdoor temperature sensor 32 and the temperature of the indoor temperature sensor 22 are the same. A distance sensor may be mounted on the indoor unit 2 to measure opening and closing of windows, doors, and curtains by measuring changes in distance. Further, by providing the solar radiation sensor in the indoor unit 2, it is possible to measure the indoor solar radiation amount and detect the opening and closing of the curtain. Further, the solar radiation sensor may be provided externally and the solar radiation amount data may be acquired via the external sensor I / F unit 26.

  Advising the opening and closing of windows, opening and closing of curtains, and opening and closing of doors in order to reduce the air conditioning load by combining the above-described various sensor information alone or in combination. When the living room and the Japanese-style room are connected, it is possible to reduce the air-conditioning space by closing the doors and tubs and reduce the operating load of the air conditioner.

  In addition, it is possible to give water from the outside air temperature and the air conditioning load to give advice to lower the temperature around the outdoor unit. The amount, direction, and method of water to be struck can be advised from the amount of solar radiation by the solar radiation sensor and the indoor radiant heat by the infrared sensor.

  As an example, the operation of the energy-saving advice function when an open / close state of a curtain is detected by using an infrared sensor, a camera, a solar radiation sensor, etc., and the opening / closing of the curtain is advised will be described with reference to the operation flow of FIG. The basic flow of the operation flow is the same as the operation flow of FIG. 4 described in the first embodiment.

  First, the control unit 27 acquires the indoor radiant heat temperature detected by the infrared sensor 21, the camera image from the camera 23, and the amount of solar radiation detected by the solar sensor (not shown) (S1001). The solar radiation sensor may be provided in the indoor unit 2, or sensor information from an external solar radiation sensor may be acquired via the external sensor I / F unit 26.

  Next, the control unit 27 detects the open / close state of the curtain based on the indoor radiant heat temperature, the camera image, and the amount of solar radiation (S1002). For example, it is determined that the curtain is open when the amount of solar radiation detected by the solar radiation amount sensor exceeds a threshold value. Next, the control unit 27 determines whether or not it is effective to give advice on curtain opening / closing (S1003). Specifically, if the operating load of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced by opening or closing the curtain from the operating state of the air conditioner 1 and the current open / closed state of the curtain, advice on opening and closing the curtain It is judged to be effective.

  The control unit 27 compares the current open / close advice content held in the storage unit 28 with the current open / close advice content (S1005), and if the advice content does not match, the open / close advice included in the timer unit 29 is compared. The value of the timer TM2 is initialized by zero reset, the timer is restarted (S1006), and the open / close advice content held in the storage unit 28 is updated with the current open / close advice content (S1007). On the other hand, when the opening / closing advice content matches the previous time and the current time, the process proceeds to an opening / closing advice notification process (S1008).

  Next, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the generated opening / closing advice (S1008). Next, the user's energy saving action is verified, and it is determined whether or not the user has made an energy saving action based on the opening / closing advice (S1009). Specifically, it is determined whether the opening / closing state of the curtain has changed based on the sensor information after the opening / closing advice notification. Regarding the calculation of energy saving points (S1011 to S1012) and the notification of energy saving performance evaluation (S1013), which are subsequent processes, an opening / closing advice timer TM2 and a threshold value are used instead of the setting change advice timer TM1 and the threshold value TMs1 in the first embodiment. Since only the difference in using TMs2 is the same as the operation flow described in the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

  On the other hand, if the determination process of S1003 is NO, curtain opening / closing advice is unnecessary, and therefore the processing for canceling the currently displayed opening / closing advice (S1014 to S1016) is performed as in the operation flow described in the first embodiment. Run.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, energy saving advice is provided to prompt opening / closing of windows, doors, curtains, etc., based on sensor information acquired by a pressure sensor, etc., so that the user can easily open / close the curtains, etc. Know the timing and save energy.

Embodiment 3.
In the third embodiment, a function of performing energy saving advice after grasping the position of a person in the room based on sensor information will be described. The grasp of a person based on sensor information is called human body detection. Human body detection is possible by generating a thermal pixel image using information from an infrared sensor.

  In addition, it is possible to detect the movement of a person by creating such a thermal pixel image at regular time intervals and comparing the thermal pixel images at each time. When a thermal pixel image is generated by scanning a sensor, the same person may be detected in a plurality of areas on one screen due to movement of the person. Also in this case, a false recognition avoidance method such as calculating the movement distance of a person by grasping a past human body detection position using a thermal pixel image of the past time is also possible. Human body detection can also be performed by analyzing a camera image from a camera other than the infrared sensor. In addition, a pyroelectric sensor, a Doppler sensor, or the like may be used.

  An air conditioner will be described as an example of energy saving equipment. The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). FIG. 11 is a plan view of a room in which the air conditioner is in cooling operation. The room has windows and doors, and sunlight is shining through the window. In addition, a situation is shown in which two people are present in the room at positions distant from each other. If there are multiple people in the room, it is more effective to advise them to gather in one place because it is easier to save energy when collecting the people in one place. is there. In addition, since the person (A) is near the window and receives sunlight, the cooling load can be reduced by moving the person (A) to a position away from the window. Therefore, it is effective to advise to move away from the window.

  FIG. 12 is a measurement example of a thermal pixel image by the infrared sensor 21 provided in the indoor unit 2 in the situation of the room of FIG. In FIG. 12, the level of the radiant heat temperature is represented by the shade of the color of each pixel. Further, when the measurement region is divided into nine regions separated by dotted lines, the radiant heat temperature is high in the upper right region and the central left region, and it can be estimated that a person exists in these two regions. As described above, when human bodies are detected in a plurality of ranges, the number of people corresponding to the range is calculated.

  Based on FIG. 13, a function for giving advice on a group by human body detection will be described. First, the control unit 27 acquires sensor information such as the infrared sensor 21 (S1301). Human body detection is performed from the acquired sensor information by analyzing the thermal pixel image as described above (S1302). As a result of the human body detection, it is inspected whether there are a plurality of areas where the human body is detected (S1303). When there are a plurality of areas where the human body is detected, it is checked with reference to the operation setting information of the air conditioner 1 whether the currently air-conditioned area is for a plurality of indoor areas (S1304). When there are a plurality of air-conditioning areas, it is easier to spatially save energy by gathering people in one place, so advice is generated to appropriately arrange people (S1305). Here, this advice is called collective advice.

  The control unit 27 compares the current group advice content currently held in the storage unit 28 with the current group advice content (S1306), and if the two advice contents do not match, the group advice included in the timer unit 29 is compared. The value of the timer TM3 is initialized by zero reset, the timer is restarted (S1307), and the displayed group advice held in the storage unit 28 is updated with the current group advice content (S1308). On the other hand, if the content of the group advice matches the previous time and the current time, the process proceeds to the group advice notification process (S1309).

  Next, the control unit 27 notifies the generated team advice to the user (S1309). The subsequent processing is basically the same as the operation flow described in the first embodiment except that the team advice timer TM2 and the threshold value TMs3 are used.

  On the other hand, when the determination processing in S1303 and S1304 is NO, no group advice is required, and therefore the process of canceling the group advice currently displayed (S1315 to S1317) is performed as in the operation flow described in the first embodiment. Run.

  Next, a function for giving advice on human movement by human body detection will be described with reference to FIG. First, the control unit 27 acquires sensor information such as the infrared sensor 21 (S1401). Human body detection is performed from the acquired sensor information by analyzing the thermal pixel image described above (S1402). As a result of the human body detection, it is inspected whether a person exists in the window side area (S1403). If the person is in the window side area, it is determined from the information of the solar radiation sensor whether the amount of solar radiation is large (S1404). In the determination of the amount of solar radiation, a threshold value for determining the amount of solar radiation may be stored in the storage unit 28 as a parameter, and the amount of solar radiation may be determined based on this threshold value. If the amount of solar radiation is large as a result of the determination, moving the person away from the window reduces the air conditioning load and facilitates energy saving. Therefore, advice is generated to move away from the window (S1405). Here, this advice is called travel advice.

  The control unit 27 compares the currently advised travel advice content stored in the storage unit 28 with the current travel advice content (S1406), and if the advice content does not match, the travel advice included in the timer unit 29 is compared. The value of the timer TM4 is initialized by zero reset, the timer is restarted (S1407), and the displayed movement advice held in the storage unit 28 is updated with the current movement advice content (S1408). On the other hand, if the contents of the movement advice match the previous time and the current time, the process proceeds to the movement advice notification process (S1409).

  Next, the control unit 27 notifies the generated movement advice to the user (S1409). The subsequent processing is basically the same as the operation flow described in the first embodiment except that the movement advice timer TM4 and the threshold value TMs4 are used.

  On the other hand, if the determination processing in S1403 and S1404 is NO, the travel advice is unnecessary, so the processing (S1415 to S1417) for canceling the travel advice currently displayed is performed as in the operation flow described in the first embodiment. Run.

  Next, based on FIG. 15, a function for performing advice for reducing the amount of human activity by human body detection will be described. First, the control unit 27 acquires sensor information such as the infrared sensor 21 (S1501). Human body detection is performed from the acquired sensor information (S1502). As a result of the human body detection, it is determined whether there is a person in the room (S1503). If the presence of the person is confirmed, it is determined whether the person's activity amount is larger than the activity amount threshold (S1504). The amount of activity of a person can be calculated by grasping the moving distance of the same person by using thermal pixel images at a plurality of times. For example, an integrated value of the movement distance per unit time may be used as the activity amount. The activity threshold is a value held in the storage unit 28 as a parameter.

  If the detected amount of activity is greater than the activity amount threshold, it indicates that the amount of activity of the person is large. Since the air conditioning load is reduced when the activity amount of the person is reduced, advice is generated so as to reduce the activity amount by limiting the region in which the person moves. For example, when the detected amount of activity is an amount of activity that spans two sections where airflow control is possible with the flaps and vanes of the air conditioner, advice for urging to act in one section is generated (S1505). This advice is called activity amount reduction advice.

  Next, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the generated activity amount decrease advice (S1509). The subsequent processing is basically the same as the operation flow described in the first embodiment except that the activity amount lowering advice timer TM5 and the threshold value TMs5 are used.

  On the other hand, if the determination processing in S1503 and S1504 is NO, the activity amount lowering advice is unnecessary, and therefore, the processing for canceling the activity amount lowering advice currently displayed (S1515) as in the operation flow described in the first embodiment. To S1517).

  As described above, in the third embodiment, energy saving advice is provided to prompt opening / closing of windows, doors, curtains, etc. based on sensor information acquired by a pressure sensor, etc., so that the user can easily open / close the curtains, etc. Know the timing and save energy.

Embodiment 4.
In the fourth embodiment, a function for realizing energy saving by detecting abnormal operation of an outdoor fan of an outdoor unit of an energy saving device (air conditioner), performance deterioration due to dirt, and giving advice to a user will be described. If these operation abnormalities and performance deterioration are left unattended, the overall operating efficiency of the air conditioner is reduced, and the energy loss is increased. Therefore, these operational abnormalities and performance degradation are detected early and notified to the user, and the user takes measures for maintenance, resulting in energy saving.

  Currently, many outdoor fans equipped with motors for driving outdoor fans are controlled by an inverter. In the inverter control, the rotational speed and torque of the motor are measured, and the motor is controlled based on these measured values. If it is assumed that the environmental conditions such as the outside wind are the same, it is possible to detect the abnormal operation of the outdoor fan and the performance deterioration from the motor driving condition and the measured value by the above measurement. For example, when torque equal to or greater than the threshold is required for the same number of rotations, pressure loss increases, detecting dust on the fan, reduced bearing performance, dust on the filter, heat exchanger, frost, etc. it can. The same determination can be made even when a change in the rotational speed for the same torque is detected. Based on these detection results, it can be advised to clean dust adhering to the filter, fan, and heat exchanger. Such an energy saving advice function can also be used to detect the cleaning timing when an automatic cleaning function is provided.

  The operation of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). First, the control unit 27 acquires sensor information from an outdoor temperature sensor 32 provided in the outdoor unit 3, a fan rotation speed detection sensor, and a motor drive current detection sensor (none of which are shown) (S1601). Next, the motor torque is detected from the sensor information (S1602). The detected torque is compared with a torque threshold (S1603). Since environmental conditions such as the influence of outside wind change depending on the installation conditions of the outdoor unit 3, the torque threshold needs to be changed according to the installation conditions. For this reason, when the outdoor unit 3 is installed, the initial value of the torque threshold or the installation condition of the outdoor unit 3 is input as the initial setting by the remote controller 5, so that the torque threshold is referred to by referring to the database previously stored in the storage unit 28. To decide. In this database, a corresponding torque threshold is defined for each outdoor unit installation state.

  Note that it is also possible to automatically determine the reference destination of the database by judging the installation conditions not from user input but only from sensor information. For example, a sensor capable of determining the installation conditions such as a direction detection sensor, a distance sensor that can measure a distance in front of the eyes, a human body detection / moving body detection sensor that detects a moving object that can determine whether it faces the road, or the like can be used.

  If the torque is greater than the torque threshold, the outdoor temperature is compared with the outdoor temperature threshold (S1604). The outdoor temperature threshold value is the frost adhesion temperature of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 3, and is a value determined with reference to a database held in the storage unit 28 in the same manner as the torque threshold value. If the outdoor temperature is greater than the outdoor temperature threshold, it is determined that maintenance of the outdoor fan 31 is necessary, and energy saving advice that recommends maintenance of the device is generated (S1605). This advice is called maintenance advice.

  Next, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the generated maintenance advice (S1609). The subsequent processing is basically the same as the operation flow described in the first embodiment except that the maintenance advice timer TM6 and the threshold value TMs6 are used.

  On the other hand, when the determination processing in S1603 and S1604 is NO, maintenance advice is unnecessary, and therefore processing (S1615 to S1617) for canceling the maintenance advice currently being displayed is performed as in the operation flow described in the first embodiment. Run.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the operation failure of the outdoor fan of the outdoor unit and the performance deterioration due to dirt are detected, and energy saving advice is given to the user. Whether maintenance is necessary or not can be known, and if the user performs maintenance based on this advice, energy can be saved as a result.

  The functions described in the present embodiment can be applied not only to an air conditioner but also to any device with a motor, such as a ventilation fan, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air purifier, and a heat pump water heater. Is of course applicable. For example, in the case of a ventilation fan, it can be advised that cleaning is performed when the efficiency of dust is reduced with respect to the fan, or a filter is attached at the time of start-up, and an energy-saving effect in the home or factory can be expected.

Embodiment 5.
In the fifth embodiment, the function of measuring the wind speed of the outside wind from the rotation speed of the outdoor fan of the energy saving device (air conditioner) and providing energy saving advice for opening the window based on the wind speed will be described. If there is a wind of outside wind, even if the outside air temperature is high to some extent, it is possible to spend comfortably by opening the window, so it is effective to advise that the air conditioner is turned off and the window is opened.

  As described in the fourth embodiment, the fan rotation speed can be measured by the fan rotation speed detection sensor of the outdoor fan. There are optical, magnetic, and current detection methods for the fan rotational speed detection sensor, and any system can be used as long as the rotational speed can be accurately measured. The rotational speed of the fan is determined by the driving force of the motor and the wind speed of the outside wind. Even when the fan motor is not driven, if there is an external wind, the fan rotates with the wind. Therefore, the wind force of the outside wind can be calculated by measuring the rotation speed of the fan when the fan motor is stopped.

  The operation of the present embodiment will be described based on FIG. The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). First, when the fan motor (not shown) of the outdoor unit 3 is stopped, the control unit 27 obtains information on the fan speed from a fan speed detection sensor (not shown) provided in the outdoor unit 3. Obtain (S1701). Next, the wind speed of the outside wind is calculated from the acquired fan rotation speed information (S1702). This calculation may be based on a preset calculation formula, or a conversion table between the fan rotation speed and the wind speed of the outside wind may be held in the storage unit 28, and the wind speed may be obtained from the rotation speed based on this conversion table. .

  Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated wind speed is within a predetermined range (S1703). Specifically, a wind speed threshold value 1 is set as an upper limit threshold value and a wind speed threshold value 2 is set as a lower limit threshold value, and it is determined whether the wind speed satisfies an inequality of wind speed threshold value 1> wind speed> wind speed threshold value 2. This determination is performed in order to confirm that the wind force of the outside wind is appropriate for the indoor environment. When the calculated wind speed is within a predetermined range, energy saving advice is recommended to recommend turning off the air conditioning operation and opening the window (S1704). This advice is called window opening advice.

  Next, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the generated window opening advice (S1709). The subsequent processing is basically the same as the operation flow described in the first embodiment except that the window opening advice timer TM7 and the threshold value TMs7 are used.

  If the determination in S1703 is NO, window opening advice is unnecessary, and therefore processing for canceling the currently displayed window opening advice (S1714 to S1716) is executed as in the operation flow described in the first embodiment. .

  Since this embodiment is configured as described above, window opening advice can be given in consideration of the condition of the outside wind. If the outdoor temperature is lower than the set temperature and there is no wind and the humidity is high, it may be not comfortable even if the window is opened. In addition, when giving advice on opening a window using only the outside air temperature, taking the cooling operation as an example, the threshold of the outside air temperature at which the window is opened decreases, and the air conditioner operates until the outside air temperature drops to a low temperature. Therefore, it will consume the power consumption. With this method, energy-saving advice that saves power consumption can be provided.

  In the above description, the wind speed of the outside wind is measured from the rotational speed of the outdoor fan 31. However, an anemometer may be separately provided for wind measurement. In addition, the effectiveness of opening a window may be determined using information from an outdoor temperature sensor. In addition, since the radiant heat drop can be predicted when the wind speed is strong, even if there is no radiant heat sensor such as an infrared sensor in the air conditioner, advice can be given to change the set temperature to a slightly higher temperature based on the wind speed measurement. .

  Usually, an air conditioner has a wind speed with an abnormal threshold value (e.g., equivalent to 6 m / s or more) before the outdoor fan is activated, and control is performed so that the air conditioner is not activated when the fan speed is constant. Simple energy saving advice on opening / closing of the window may be given based on the determination of whether to start or not.

  In the case where the outdoor fan is energized from the indoor unit, it is necessary to energize to measure the outside wind, but if the outside wind has a rotation speed above a certain level, by generating electricity with the induced voltage of the motor, Measurement can be performed without energization. The rotational speed measured by the outdoor fan is stored in a memory circuit provided in the outdoor unit, and communicates with the indoor unit when the internal power is supplied, so that the indoor unit acquires the stored rotational speed information. May be.

  The characteristic relationship between the wind force of the outdoor wind and the fan rotation speed changes depending on the installation state of the outdoor unit (installed on the wall, installed on the roof, etc.). For example, depending on the wind direction, the outdoor fan may be difficult to turn around, so a distance sensor or illuminance sensor is installed in the outdoor unit, and the surroundings with the distance sensor and the surroundings with the illuminance sensor are measured in advance and corrected from this measurement value. A value may be set, and the wind speed may be calculated using this correction value. Alternatively, the correction value may be input and set when the device is installed.

  Moreover, the wind speed before starting an outdoor fan and the wind speed during an air conditioning operation may differ. In order to cope with this case, it is only necessary to measure a change in the wind speed while starting the fan motor and determine a change in the wind speed, or to stop the outdoor fan periodically and measure the wind speed.

  The wind speed measurement by the torque change during fan motor starting is demonstrated. When the pulse width of the sensor signal for detecting the position of the fan motor rotor increases, it is detected as an increase in load torque due to outside wind or the like. Alternatively, a change in load torque may be detected using a motor current or a shunt current. The calculation of the wind speed of the outside wind may be performed using a table in which the relationship between the amount of torque change and the wind speed of the outside wind is held in advance.

  Further, since load torque increases when frost or dust is attached to heat exchange, it is necessary to separate load torque increase due to outside wind from load torque increase due to frost or dust attached to heat exchange. For this, the method of performing uncontrolled measurement described in the fourth embodiment can be used. It is also effective to give advice so as not to change the current setting unnecessarily, including when the outdoor unit is in a defrosting state and the air conditioning capability is reduced.

Embodiment 6.
In the sixth embodiment, a function is described in which a user sets a target value of integrated power consumption and performs energy saving advice so that this target can be achieved. An air conditioner will be described as an example of energy saving equipment. The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). Note that the target value of monthly integrated power consumption is set by the user in advance using the remote controller 5 as appropriate, and this target value is stored in the storage unit 28 of the indoor unit 2.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the control unit 27 that executes the energy saving advice function of the present embodiment. First, the control unit 27 acquires sensor information that is a measurement value measured by the infrared sensor 21 or the like (S1801). Next, based on the sensor information and the user setting value relating to the air conditioning operation stored in the storage unit 28, an integrated power prediction for the next month is calculated (S1802). Next, the calculated integrated power predicted value is compared with the integrated power target value set in advance by the user (S1803). As a result of the comparison, when the integrated power predicted value ≦ the integrated power target value, since the integrated power predicted value does not exceed the integrated power target value, energy saving advice based on the integrated power consumption target value is not performed. On the other hand, when the integrated power predicted value> the integrated power target value, that is, when the integrated power consumption is expected to exceed the target value within the period, the integrated power prediction when the energy saving advice is executed by changing the user setting value is calculated. (S1804). The calculation of the integrated power prediction is performed based on the general operation time data and the air conditioning load stored in the database stored in the storage unit 28.

  User set values include a set temperature change, an operation mode change, and the like, and an integrated power prediction is calculated for each of these setting change patterns. Examples of setting change patterns include changing the operation mode from cooling operation to cool operation (increasing the fan wind speed, swinging to lower the sensible temperature, and increasing the set temperature), or turning off the air conditioning operation when absent. is there. In the absence air-conditioning operation OFF, an energy saving effect is calculated by comparing the amount of power with respect to the air-conditioning operation time in the absence and the case where the air-conditioning operation is stopped in the absence. The content of energy saving advice corresponding to these user setting value changes is generated (S1805).

Next, the user is notified by displaying the energy saving advice content and the integrated power consumption prediction result when the setting is changed on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 (S1806). In this notification, the cumulative power consumption prediction result for each setting change pattern is presented so as to be understood. The presentation format may be text, but it is easy for the user to understand when displayed in a graph as shown in FIG.
In FIG. 19, the solid line represents the time series data of the past actual value of the integrated power consumption, and the three dotted lines represent the predicted value at the time of normal operation, the predicted value at the time of executing soft energy saving, and the predicted value at the time of executing energy saving advice Represents. Note that the software energy saving calculation is performed by having the database store how much energy is saved from the predicted value during normal operation. In this example, the user switches from the normal operation mode to the soft energy saving mode at time t0, and the current time is t1.
The time t2 is a time after a predetermined time (for example, three hours later) from the time t1, and is provided for convenience of explanation. The normal operation prediction line represents the predicted value when the normal operation mode is continued after time t0. The soft energy saving prediction line represents the predicted value when the soft energy saving mode is continued even after time t1. The advice execution prediction line represents a predicted value when driving after time t1 according to the energy saving advice. The user can understand from FIG. 19 that if the advice is executed, the target value of the integrated power consumption is not exceeded at time t2. When the advice execution prediction is made with a plurality of patterns, the prediction lines in the figure may be increased and displayed.

  In this way, since the user can know how many hours can be used for each setting, the setting can be properly used according to the use situation. The user can determine the energy saving effect and power saving amount of each setting change according to the usage scene, and can easily determine which setting change should be selected.

  The determination of whether or not the user has performed an energy saving action in response to the energy saving advice may be performed in the same manner as described in the above embodiments. Note that the graph display as shown in FIG. 19 is also effective when reporting the energy saving performance evaluation. As a result of energy saving action, how much power consumption can be saved in one day (how much margin can be obtained up to the target value)? It is possible for the user to understand and to set and operate the air conditioner with a little margin after the next day.

In the above description, the estimated value of the integrated power consumption is calculated. However, an estimated value of the integrated power rate or the amount of CO2 emission (carbon dioxide) may be calculated, and energy saving advice based on this value may be given. Further, instead of the integrated power consumption target value, an integrated power consumption reduction target value may be used. Further, instead of setting the target value in advance by the user, the target value published by an external organization such as the government or the average value of actual results in the home or a value obtained by subtracting a certain value from the average value may be used as the target value. . In addition, the target period of the target value may be set according to the usage form of the user for one month or one week.

  Also, a simulation display in which the graph changes by redrawing the graph every time the set temperature changes by 1 ° C. with the change width of the set temperature as 1 ° C. is also possible. In order to avoid many complicated setting items, recommended modes such as hot spring power modes (wind blowing, swing, strong wind) are prepared in advance and the user selects from these modes, and the predicted value is calculated for the selected mode. You may do it.

  As explained above, energy saving advice corresponding to user setting value change is generated and quantitative energy saving prediction using graphs etc. is presented to the user, so the user can easily determine the necessity of energy saving action can do.

  In the above description, an air conditioner has been described as an example of an energy-saving device. However, the method described in this embodiment can also be used in a refrigerator, a television, or the like. In the refrigerator, energy-saving advice by changing the setting may be to stop automatic ice making and transfer the food in the switching room, which has been used as a freezer, to refrigerate frequently. In addition, it is recommended that you can store and store electricity at midnight power, and that it can be driven by midnight power alone for one day if the opening and closing is reduced in the daytime, and that you can effectively put food in and out by displaying the evaluation results of user behavior for it. You can expect to learn the habits.

  When the refrigerator is packed too much into the cabinet or is exposed to sunlight, the cooling load increases and power consumption increases. Therefore, based on information from sensors attached to the inside and outside of the refrigerator, it is possible to provide advice such as improving the stuffing condition and closing the curtain when exposed to sunlight. Can be shown.

  Since TVs also have backlights and cooling devices, and the operating load increases due to solar radiation, energy-saving advice using solar sensors and thermistors is effective. It can also provide energy-saving advice by sensing distance to people, changing backlight illumination, reducing volume, and optimizing the direction and angle of the display. In addition, a method of reducing the illuminance and volume in a normal energy saving mode on a television and releasing the energy saving mode when watching a movie is also effective for energy saving. By calculating a predicted value of how much the integrated power can be reduced by these energy saving advices and displaying the result in a graph on the display, the user can understand how the energy can be saved. Even devices that are difficult to understand energy saving methods such as televisions can be guided by the user's energy-saving behavior, and the user's energy-saving behavior can be evaluated by the amount of power.

  Many devices, such as rice cookers and microwave ovens, are the most energy efficient when used at about 80% of their maximum capacity. However, since there are some devices that are not, there are cases in which the user is unclear as to what state the device is in use from the viewpoint of energy saving. On the other hand, in the rice cooker, energy saving advice for various setting changes is possible based on user settings such as the family configuration, the number of times of rice cooking, and the heat retention time. For example, if the heat retention time is long (for example, 10 hours), recooking will save energy, or if the household has a long-term heat retention pattern, advise it to freeze and predict the power consumption. Present to the user. The evaluation of the energy saving action is judged from the set values such as the heat retention time, the number of times of rice cooking, the amount of rice cooking performed by the user.

  The microwave oven can be applied to energy-saving advice such as two-stage cooking on the attached shelf and reducing the amount of cooking from the viewpoint of calorie restriction.

Embodiment 7.
In the first to sixth embodiments, the function of performing the energy saving advice from the viewpoint of reviewing the operation state of the device has been described. However, in the seventh embodiment, the user does not use the device in a situation where the device is used. Next, a function for evaluating user behavior when energy is saved will be described.

  In the conventional energy-saving device, the energy-saving evaluation cannot be performed when the user is patient and refrains from using the device. In conventional devices, functions other than the operation unit of the device are stopped in order to save energy during the standby mode, and the sensing function only operates to display temperature and humidity. For this reason, for example, in an air conditioner, if you do not endure air conditioning operation even when it is hot when you do not have a family, the family who came back does not know anything about it and did not use the air conditioner Energy saving behavior is invisible to others. For this reason, the energy saving behavior of the endured user is not evaluated by anyone. In addition, information on how much electricity charges have been saved by not using an air conditioner is not fed back to the user. This may reduce the motivation to implement the ultimate energy saving without using an air conditioner.

  The function of this Embodiment is demonstrated based on FIG. 20 for an air conditioner as an example. The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an operation flow of the control unit 27 of the air conditioner 1.

  First, the control unit 27 checks whether the air conditioner 1 is performing an air conditioning operation (S2001). When the air conditioning operation is in the OFF state, the sensor information that can be acquired is acquired (S2002). Examples of the sensor include an infrared sensor 21 included in the indoor unit 2, an outdoor temperature sensor 32 included in the outdoor unit 3, and an external sensor connected via the external sensor I / F unit 26. Next, it is determined whether there is a person in the room based on the sensor information (S2003). This determination can be made by analyzing the thermal pixel image measured by the infrared sensor 21 as described in the third embodiment. When a person is detected in the room, it is determined from the sensor information of the room temperature sensor 22 or the like whether the room is in a condition that requires air conditioning operation (S2004). Such a situation corresponds to, for example, a case where the room temperature is very high and a dangerous thermal environment is reached.

  If the result of determination is that the air conditioning operation is required, air conditioning ON advice content is generated (S2005). The advice content is to turn on the recommended operation mode and air conditioning operation. Next, it is determined whether the air conditioning ON advice content is the same as the air conditioning ON advice content stored in the storage unit 28 (S2006). If they are not the same, it means that a new air conditioning ON advice has been generated, so the air conditioning ON advice timer TM8 is restarted (S2007), and the storage content of the storage unit 28 is updated with the generated advice content (S2008). Thereafter, the generated air conditioning ON advice is notified (S2009). The notification is performed by displaying advice on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51.

  On the other hand, if the generated advice content is the same as the air conditioning ON advice content stored in the storage unit 28, the generated air conditioning ON advice content is immediately notified (S2009).

  After the advice notification, it is determined whether the air-conditioning operation is turned on (S2010). If the air conditioning operation is turned on, the process is terminated. If the air conditioning operation remains OFF, the value of the air conditioning ON advice timer TM8 is compared with the timer threshold value TMs8 (S2011). When TM8> TMs8, the user refrains from using the air conditioner for a predetermined period and contributes to energy saving. Therefore, the energy saving point held in the storage unit 28 is added (S2012), and the energy saving point is notified as the energy saving performance evaluation (S2013). When TM8 ≦ TMs8, energy saving points are not changed.

  If the determination in any of steps S2001, S2003, and S2004 is NO, it is not recommended to turn on the air conditioning operation, so the air conditioning ON advice timer TM8 is stopped (S2014), and the displayed air conditioning ON advice is displayed. If there is, the contents of the air conditioning ON advice being displayed held in the storage unit 28 are deleted (S2015), and the air conditioning ON advice being displayed on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 is deleted (S2016).

As explained above, a function is provided to evaluate the case where the user has not used the device in the situation where the device is used, resulting in the ultimate energy saving without using the device. Has the effect of making it easier to execute.

  In the above description, the energy saving points are used as the energy saving performance evaluation. However, the accumulated power consumption, the power charge, etc. that can be saved may be notified.

  In addition, if it is determined that the equipment needs to be used, a function to automatically turn on the air-conditioning operation without providing advice to the user is provided. May be added. This also makes it possible to evaluate that the user has refrained from using air conditioning when the air conditioning operation is necessary.

  Although the case of the air conditioner has been shown in the above example, the same means can be applied even when other devices are used. In the refrigerator, if the ice making device that is generally used in the summer is left OFF, it is impossible to take a sudden measure in case of heat stroke. Energy can be saved by advising the quantity of ice required and encouraging users to make ice. In addition, when the ice making function is not used, the evaluation is based on the fact that the energy saving action was taken in terms of reducing the power consumption.

  If a TV or the like is in a room and the TV switch is OFF, it means that the user has not watched the TV and thus has reduced power consumption. In addition, when a human body detection sensor or camera is provided on the TV, and it is determined from the sensor information or camera image that the user is not watching the TV, the TV is automatically turned OFF, and then the user does not immediately turn ON. You should make an evaluation that you have made an energy-saving action.

  In addition, children's TV viewing time can be managed from such sensor information, so they have endured watching TV of the programs they want to watch, are watching TV watching hours, or how long they can endure long programs such as movies. Energy saving evaluation can be performed based on the index of whether or not.

Embodiment 8.
In the energy saving advice function, it may take time to calculate the predicted value of the energy saving effect and to create the energy saving performance evaluation of the user action. At this time, since it is unknown from the user whether the device is operating normally, there is a possibility that the device may be mistaken for malfunction or failure. Since the energy-saving device has a function of notifying the control waiting time in a countdown, it is possible to prevent such misidentification of the user and improve the usability of the user's energy-saving advice function.

  The function of this embodiment will be described by taking an air conditioner as an example of an energy saving device. The system configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1 and 2). FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an operation flow of the countdown notification function.

  For example, assume that the user operates the remote controller 5 to request the presentation of energy saving advice based on the predicted value of the energy saving effect. The control unit 27 starts the countdown notification function at the same time as the calculation of the predicted value of the energy saving effect is started. First, the count initial value is set in the timer unit 29 (S2101). The initial value is a positive integer value, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 28 as a parameter. Next, it is determined whether or not the count value of the timer unit 29 is greater than 0 (S2102). When the count value> 0, the current count value or a figure corresponding to the count value is displayed on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 (S2103). When the count value is already displayed, the display is updated with the latest count value. FIG. 22 shows an example of countdown display, in which a plurality of star marks are displayed corresponding to the count value. Next, the count value is decremented in accordance with the processing state for calculating the predicted value of the energy saving effect (S2104). The decrease range of the count value is determined based on the progress state of the calculation process.

  On the other hand, when the count value ≦ 0 in S2102, it means that the calculation process has been completed, so that the countdown is completed is displayed on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 (S2105), and the countdown notification function is terminated. To do. The control unit 27 displays the generated energy saving effect prediction result and the energy saving advice on the display unit 24 or the remote control display unit 51 as described in the first embodiment.

  In the present embodiment, when the prediction calculation of the energy saving advice is performed, the number of stars and the like are displayed by countdown, so that the user's expectation can be improved. If the generation of drum roll sound and the countdown display described above are used in combination, the effect on the user can be further enhanced.

  This countdown notification function can also be applied to functions other than the energy saving advice function. For example, when defrosting the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit during heating, defrosting the heat exchanger of the indoor unit during cooling, or cooling the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, the operation of the compressor is stopped. The wind direction from the indoor unit may be changed so that the user is not aware of the temperature change. However, the user may notice that the wind direction suddenly changes and nothing is air-conditioned and feels uncomfortable. In this case, the user's stress can be reduced by notifying the progress state of the defrosting operation using the countdown notification function.

  Moreover, warm air does not come out until an air conditioner normally heat-exchanges at the time of a heating start. However, the user does not know how long to wait until the warm air comes out, and may be dissatisfied if the start of heating is slow. Therefore, by using the countdown notification function, the user can determine how long to wait and can reduce stress.

  In addition, when the air conditioner has an automatic cleaning function, the cleaning sound may seem uncomfortable if the automatic cleaning function is driven while sleeping. Therefore, when the automatic cleaning setting is performed, the usage time until the next cleaning may be displayed by the countdown notification function. Thereby, when the automatic cleaning start time matches the bedtime, automatic cleaning can be performed first.

  In addition, as an air conditioner function of an air conditioner, it is possible to use a human body detection sensor to determine that air conditioning operation is necessary when a person comes within a certain distance from an indoor unit, and to automatically change the wind direction, wind speed, set temperature, etc. Conceivable. For example, it is determined that it is cool in summer, and the wind direction, wind speed, set temperature, and the like are changed to cool settings. However, even when a person simply passes through the room, the sensor reacts, so that useless air conditioning operation is performed. Therefore, when it is detected that a person is approaching within a certain distance, the countdown is performed before the change control of the air conditioning setting is started. When the human body is no longer detected before the countdown ends, the air conditioning setting change control is not performed. By using the countdown notification function in this way, it is possible to perform comfortable air conditioning operation control that does not require remote control operation and can prevent malfunction.

  In addition, when the air conditioner is equipped with an earthquake sensor, it is possible to count down the time to reach the seismic wave by voice and display. When a human is detected by the human body detection sensor, earthquake information may be notified by an indoor unit or a remote controller of the air conditioner.

  The countdown notification function can also be applied to other energy saving devices. The function of counting down whether or not to turn on the device when a person approaches can be applied to any device that is used when a person approaches, such as a lighting device, a fan, a ventilation fan, or an electric kettle.

Embodiment 9.
In the first embodiment, the case where energy-saving advice is performed using sensor information collected by one energy-saving device has been described. However, in this embodiment, a plurality of energy-saving devices installed in a plurality of rooms, outdoors, etc. A function for performing energy saving advice using sensor information obtained from a single sensor will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 23, a plurality of devices such as an air conditioner 1, a refrigerator 90, a television 91, and a plurality of sensors 100-1, 100-2, 100-3 installed in each room, door, etc. Assume that 100-n are connected to each other using the home network 200. The home network 200 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or a mixed wired / wireless network. The sensor 100 may be anything having a sensing function such as a temperature / humidity sensor, a human body detection sensor, a pyroelectric sensor, or a door opening / closing sensor. Each device includes a communication control unit (not shown), and acquires sensor information measured by another device or the sensor 100 via the home network 200. Each device executes an energy saving advice function based on sensor information measured by a sensor included in the device body, device setting information set by the user, other devices acquired via the home network 200, and sensor information measured by the sensor 100. To do. The notification of the energy saving advice is performed by displaying the advice content on a display device or a display unit included in each device. Further, one device may become a master, generate all energy saving advice, and transmit the advice content generated to other devices via the home network 200.

  Hereinafter, the energy saving advice function of the air conditioner will be described as an example. Air conditioners are equipped with temperature sensors under the eaves and behind the ceiling, and open / close sensors are installed on the shutters, so that in the summer the cold air from the eaves (base) passes through the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, It is possible to provide energy-saving advice on the opening and closing of shutters and the control of ventilation fans so that warm air behind the ceiling passes through the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. Also, in summer, heat accumulates on the second floor of the house, so it is possible to advise the outside to ventilate the attic from the sensing results and inhale from below the floor.

  In addition, when the absence of a human body is detected by a human body detection sensor such as a multi-eye thermopile sensor, pyroelectric sensor, or camera, energy-saving advice can be given to turn off the air conditioning operation, but there are no people in the room where the air conditioner is installed. Even if the advice is displayed on the display unit 21 of the air conditioner, the user does not know. However, for example, when the user moves to another room, the movement of a person can be detected based on sensor information from a sensor installed in the room. Thereby, when it is detected that the user has moved to the room where the television 91 is installed, the user is displayed on the display of the television 91 by transmitting energy saving advice to the television 91 via the home network 200. You can see energy saving advice.

  As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, a plurality of energy saving devices and a plurality of sensors can be linked to perform energy saving advice, and energy saving advice corresponding to various user actions can be performed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioner, 2 Indoor unit, 3 Outdoor unit, 4 Piping, 5 Remote control, 21 Infrared sensor, 22 Indoor temperature sensor, 23 Camera, 24 Display part, 25 Remote control communication part, 26 External sensor interface part, 27 Control part, 28 storage unit, 29 timer unit, 31 outdoor fan, 32 outdoor temperature sensor, 51 remote control display unit, 52 remote control operation unit, 61 pressure sensor, 90 refrigerator, 91 TV, 100 sensor

Claims (14)

An indoor unit and an outdoor unit are connected by piping, and the indoor unit is an air conditioner that performs two-way communication with a remote controller, from the sensor information measured by the sensor installed in the indoor unit or the outdoor unit and the remote controller Energy saving advice generating means for generating energy saving advice based on the received setting information, and energy saving advice for displaying the energy saving advice on the first display unit provided in the indoor unit or the second display unit provided in the remote controller. An energy saving action verification means for detecting a user's energy saving action based on the sensor information, an energy saving action performance evaluation means for calculating an energy saving evaluation value from the detected energy saving action, and the energy saving evaluation value as the first information. Energy saving performance evaluation notification means for displaying on the display unit or the second display unit,
The energy saving advice generating means generates energy saving advice that recommends the use of an air conditioner, and if the energy saving action verification means does not detect the use of the air conditioner, the energy saving action performance evaluation means is the energy saving evaluation. Adding values ,
And when the setting information is a signal indicating that the notification content of the energy saving advice has been confirmed, the energy saving advice notification means stops the notification of the energy saving advice and notifies the energy saving advice again after a predetermined time has elapsed, Air conditioner characterized by.   2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when the energy saving action verification unit detects a user's energy saving action, the energy saving advice notification unit stops reporting energy saving advice. 3. The air according to claim 1 , further comprising: a predicting unit that predicts the integrated power consumption when executing the energy saving advice, wherein the energy saving advice generating unit generates the energy saving advice based on the predicted integrated power consumption. Harmony machine. The setting information is a target value of integrated power consumption , and the energy saving advice generation unit generates energy saving advice so that the integrated power consumption predicted by the prediction unit does not exceed the target value of integrated power consumption. The air conditioner according to claim 3 . Wherein said predicting means predicts the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the air conditioner at the time of execution energy saving advice, the energy saving advice generating means, characterized in that to generate the energy saving advice based on the discharge amount of carbon dioxide to the predicted Item 4. The air conditioner according to Item 3 . The setting information is a target value of the amount of emitted carbon dioxide, and the energy saving advice generating means generates energy saving advice so that the amount of discharged carbon dioxide predicted by the predicting means does not exceed the target value of the amount of discharged carbon dioxide. The air conditioner according to claim 5 . The setting information is a target amount of power saving amount, and the energy saving advice generating means generates energy saving advice so that the saving amount of the power fee that can be saved when executing the energy saving advice does not fall below the target amount of the saving amount. The air conditioner according to claim 3 .   The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising countdown notification means for notifying the progress of the process being executed by countdown.   A communication control unit having a function of connecting to a home network, wherein the energy saving advice generating means provides an energy saving advice based on the sensor information, the setting information, and the sensor information acquired by the communication control unit via the home network. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the air conditioner is generated.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sensor information is a measurement value measured by a temperature sensor.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sensor information is a measurement value measured by a pressure sensor.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sensor information is a measurement value measured by an infrared sensor.   The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sensor information is a measurement value measured by a human body detection sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the sensor information is a measured value indicating an operation state of a motor included in the air conditioner.

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