CN112041619B

CN112041619B - Air conditioning system

Info

Publication number: CN112041619B
Application number: CN201880092218.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 内田敬介
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2018-04-11
Filing date: 2018-12-21
Publication date: 2022-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2038-12-21
Also published as: CN112041619A; WO2019198277A1; JPWO2019198277A1; JP7219266B2

Abstract

Provided is an air conditioning system capable of performing more comfortable air conditioning control based on air conditioning performance in a space where an air conditioner is installed. Air conditioning system (1), comprising: a heat pump cycle (refrigeration cycle); and a control unit that controls an operation of the heat pump cycle, wherein the control unit changes a control content of the defrosting operation based on an air conditioning performance (for example, a heat insulating performance) of a space (room R) that is air-conditioned by the heat pump cycle.

Description

Air conditioning system

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system including an air conditioner and the like.

Background

In some air conditioners, the air conditioner can be controlled so that the air conditioning operation can be started in advance so that the indoor temperature reaches a set temperature at a desired timing. However, the time from the start of the air conditioning operation to the time when the temperature reaches the set temperature is often different depending on the air conditioning performance of the room in which the air conditioner is installed. This is because the air conditioning performance of each room is influenced by various factors such as heat insulation, width, sealing property, and sunshine.

Therefore, the air conditioning system disclosed in patent document 1 is provided with a function of changing the operating conditions in accordance with the air conditioning load (sealing performance and heat insulating performance) of the house. Thus, switching of the operation state is performed according to the sealing performance and the heat insulating performance of the house, and it is attempted to perform air conditioning operation comfortably and efficiently in houses with different air conditioning loads.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese laid-open patent publication No. 2001- "

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

However, there is room for improvement in the method of controlling the air conditioning operation according to the air conditioning performance of the room. For example, in an indoor area with relatively low heat insulation performance, an indoor person is required to perform an air conditioning operation that feels more comfortable.

Therefore, an object of one aspect of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of performing more comfortable air conditioning control based on air conditioning performance of a space in which an air conditioner is installed.

Means for solving the problems

An air conditioning system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a heat pump cycle and a control unit that controls an operation of the heat pump cycle. In this air conditioning system, the control unit changes the control content of the defrosting operation based on the air conditioning performance of the space to be air-conditioned by the heat pump cycle.

An air conditioning system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a heat pump cycle including a compressor, and a control unit that controls an operation of the heat pump cycle. In this air conditioning system, the control unit performs air conditioning control for bringing the temperature in the space to a set temperature before a set time based on the air conditioning performance of the space to be air conditioned by the heat pump cycle; when the air conditioning performance of the space is higher than a predetermined air conditioning performance standard, the control unit starts the operation of the compressor at a rotation speed within a range in which the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle is optimal.

Effects of the invention

According to the air conditioning system according to the aspects of the present invention described above, it is possible to perform more comfortable air conditioning control based on the air conditioning performance in the space where the air conditioner is installed. For example, according to the air conditioning system of one aspect, the defrosting operation can be controlled according to the level of the heat insulation performance in the space in which the air conditioner is installed.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration and an outline of operation of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an air conditioner constituting the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a heat pump cycle of the air conditioner shown in fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a server constituting the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the air conditioner performance recognition table stored in the server shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the control content identification table of the defrosting operation stored in the server shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing when the control content of the defrosting operation is changed in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a change in room temperature TR when defrosting operation is performed in each of rooms (R1, R2, R3) having different air conditioning performance.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of operations when evaluating air conditioning performance in the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment.

Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing to start measurement of air conditioning performance by the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of changes in the room temperature TR when air conditioning performance is measured in each of the rooms (R1, R2, R3) having different air conditioning performance.

Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the control content identification table of the defrosting operation stored in the server shown in fig. 4.

Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a relationship between the rotational speed control of the compressor and a temporal change in the room temperature at the start of the heating operation by the air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of these are also the same. Therefore, detailed description of the details thereof will not be repeated.

[ first embodiment ]

< overview of the overall configuration and operation of the air conditioning system 1>

First, the overall configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 schematically shows the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment. The air-conditioning system 1 includes, as main components, an air conditioner 10 and a server 70. The air conditioner 10 is connectable to the server 70 via the internet, a router, or the like.

Next, an outline of the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1. The air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment stores information on air conditioning performance of a room R (space) in which the air conditioner 10 is installed.

Here, the information on the air conditioning performance is information that serves as an index of whether or not a space (specifically, a room or an indoor space) in which the air conditioner 10 is installed is an environment that is easily conditioned. The air conditioning performance of the room R is influenced by various factors such as heat insulation, width, sealing, and sunshine of the room R. For example, if the heat insulating property of the room R is higher, the temperature of the room R can be brought to the set temperature in a short time, or the power consumption (required heat) of the air conditioner 10 during the air conditioning operation can be suppressed to a low level. Therefore, the air conditioning performance of the room R is determined to be high. On the other hand, if the heat insulating performance of the room R is lower, the air conditioning performance of the room R is determined to be low. The information on the air conditioning performance can also be said to be information on the heat insulating performance.

The information on the air conditioning performance of the room R (space) in which the air conditioner 10 is installed may be determined in advance based on various conditions such as the building and the location where the room R exists. Alternatively, for example, the result of evaluation using a measurement method of the air conditioning performance of the room R as described below may be used as the information on the air conditioning performance.

In the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the control content of the defrosting operation performed during the heating operation of the air conditioner 10 is changed based on the information on the air conditioning performance of the room R. Here, the content of the control of the defrosting operation refers to a method of the defrosting operation (specifically, a duration, an execution number, and the like of the defrosting operation). The specific configuration of the air conditioning system 1 will be described in detail below.

< construction of air conditioner 10 >

The configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus 10 constituting the air-conditioning system 1 will be described below with reference to fig. 2 and 3. Fig. 2 and 3 show the overall configuration of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment. In fig. 3, solid arrows indicate the flow of the refrigerant (heat medium) during the heating operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 10, and broken arrows indicate the flow of the refrigerant (heat medium) during the cooling operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 10. Although the air conditioner 10 can perform both the heating operation and the cooling operation, the present invention is applicable to even an air conditioner that performs only the heating operation (i.e., a heating machine).

The air conditioner 10 is a separate type air conditioner, and is mainly composed of an indoor unit 20, an outdoor unit 50, and a remote controller 60. The air conditioner 10 performs heating, cooling, dehumidification, and the like of the room R to be air-conditioned using a heat pump cycle (also referred to as a refrigeration cycle or a refrigerant cycle).

The outdoor unit 50 includes a compressor 52, an outdoor heat exchanger 54, a four-way valve 53, an expansion valve 55, and the like. These components form a heat pump cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 12 included on the indoor unit 20 side.

The heat pump cycle is configured by connecting the indoor heat exchanger 12 in the indoor unit 20, the compressor 52 in the outdoor unit 50, the indoor heat exchanger 54, the four-way valve 53, the expansion valve 55, and the like via

refrigerant pipes

57 and 58. The outdoor unit 50, the indoor unit 20, and the

refrigerant pipes

57 and 58 will be described in detail below.

(1) Outdoor machine

The outdoor unit 50 is mainly composed of a casing 51, a compressor 52, a four-way valve 53, an outdoor heat exchanger 54, an expansion valve 55, an outdoor fan 56, a refrigerant pipe 57, a refrigerant pipe 58, a two-way valve 59, and a three-way valve 65. The outdoor unit 50 is installed outdoors.

The casing 51 accommodates a compressor 52, a four-way valve 53, an outdoor heat exchanger 54, an expansion valve 55, an outdoor fan 56, a refrigerant pipe 57, a refrigerant pipe 58, a two-way valve 59, a three-way valve 65, an outside air temperature sensor (not shown), an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 63, and the like.

The compressor 52 includes a discharge pipe 52a and a suction pipe 52 b. The discharge pipe 52a and the suction pipe 52b are respectively connected to different connection ports of the four-way valve 53. When the compressor 52 is operated, a low-pressure refrigerant gas is sucked from the suction pipe 52b, and the refrigerant gas is compressed to generate a high-pressure refrigerant gas, and then the high-pressure refrigerant gas is discharged from the discharge pipe 52 a. In the present embodiment, the control form of the compressor 52 is not particularly limited, and may be a constant speed type compressor or an inverter type compressor.

The four-way valve 53 is connected to the discharge pipe 52a and the suction pipe 52b of the compressor 52, the outdoor heat exchanger 54, and the indoor heat exchanger 12 via refrigerant pipes. The four-way valve 53 switches the path of the heat pump cycle in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the control unit 41 (see fig. 2) of the air-conditioning apparatus 10 during operation. That is, the four-way valve 53 switches the path between the cooling operation state and the heating operation state.

Specifically, in the heating operation state, the four-way valve 53 connects the discharge pipe 52a of the compressor 52 to the indoor-side heat exchanger 12 and connects the suction pipe 52b of the compressor 52 to the outdoor-side heat exchanger 54 (see solid-line arrows in fig. 3). On the other hand, in the cold air operation state, the four-way valve 53 connects the discharge pipe 52a of the compressor 52 to the outdoor heat exchanger 54 and connects the suction pipe 52b of the compressor 52 to the indoor heat exchanger 12 (see the broken-line arrows in fig. 3).

The outdoor heat exchanger 54 is a heat transfer pipe (not shown) in which a plurality of fins (not shown) are attached to both left and right ends thereof. The outdoor heat exchanger 54 functions as a condenser during the cooling operation and functions as an evaporator during the heating operation. As the heat exchanger, a parallel flow (parallel flow) type heat exchanger or a serpentine (serpent) type heat exchanger may be used.

The expansion valve 55 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled via a stepping motor (stepping motor), and is connected to a two-way valve 59 via a refrigerant pipe 57 on one side and to the outdoor heat exchanger 54 on the other side. The stepping motor of the expansion valve 55 operates in accordance with a control signal transmitted from the control unit 41 (see fig. 2) of the air conditioner 10. The expansion valve 55 functions to reduce the pressure of the high-temperature and high-pressure liquid refrigerant flowing out of the condenser (the indoor-side heat exchanger 12 in the case of heating and the outdoor-side heat exchanger 54 in the case of cooling) in a state where the refrigerant is easily evaporated during operation, and to adjust the amount of refrigerant supplied to the evaporator (the outdoor-side heat exchanger 54 in the case of heating and the indoor-side heat exchanger 12 in the case of cooling).

The outdoor fan 56 is mainly composed of a propeller fan and a motor. The propeller fan is driven by the motor to rotate, and supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 54. The motor operates in accordance with a control signal transmitted from a control unit (not shown) of the air conditioner 10.

The two-way valve 59 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 57. The two-way valve 59 is closed when the refrigerant pipe 57 is removed from the outdoor unit 50, and prevents the refrigerant from leaking out of the outdoor unit 50.

The three-way valve 65 is provided in the refrigerant pipe 58. The three-way valve 65 is closed when the refrigerant pipe 58 is removed from the outdoor unit 50, and prevents the refrigerant from leaking from the outdoor unit 50 to the outside. The refrigerant is recovered from the outdoor unit 50 or from the entire heat pump cycle including the indoor units 20, if necessary, by the three-way valve 65.

The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 63 is disposed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 54, and measures the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 54. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 63 may be disposed in contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 54.

(2) Indoor machine

The indoor unit 20 is mainly composed of a casing 11, an indoor-side heat exchanger 12, and an indoor fan 13.

The casing 11 houses an indoor heat exchanger 12, an indoor air-sending device 13, an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 14, an indoor temperature sensor 15, fan blades 19, a control unit 41 (see fig. 2), and the like.

As shown in fig. 3, the indoor heat exchanger 12 is a combination of three heat exchangers covering the roof of the indoor fan 13. Each heat exchanger is a heat transfer pipe (not shown) in which a plurality of radiator fins (not shown) are attached to the left and right ends of the heat transfer pipe. These heat exchangers function as condensers during a heating operation and function as evaporators during a cooling operation. An indoor-side heat exchanger temperature sensor 14 for measuring the temperature of the heat exchanger is disposed in the vicinity of the indoor-side heat exchanger 12. The indoor-side heat exchanger temperature sensor 14 may be disposed in contact with the indoor-side heat exchanger 12.

The indoor fan 13 is mainly composed of a cross flow fan and a motor. The cross flow fan is rotationally driven by a motor, sucks air in the room into the case 11 to be supplied to the indoor-side heat exchanger 12, and sends out the air heat-exchanged by the indoor-side heat exchanger 12 to the room.

The indoor temperature sensor 15 measures the temperature of the room in which the indoor unit 20 is installed. The indoor temperature sensor 15 is disposed near an intake port of the casing 11, for example, to suck indoor air.

The fan blade 19 is formed of a plate-like member whose angle can be changed. By appropriately changing the angle of the plate-like member, the wind direction of the air sent by the indoor fan 13 is changed to the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, the fan blade 19 also functions as a shutter for controlling ON/OFF of the air blown into the room.

The indoor unit 20 includes, as other components than those described above, an indoor temperature sensor 15, a display unit 23, a communication interface 24, a control unit 41, and the like (see fig. 2).

The indoor temperature sensor 15 is an indoor temperature detecting means for measuring the temperature in the room R in which the indoor unit 20 is installed. As the indoor temperature sensor 15, a conventional detection means such as a thermistor (thermistor) can be used.

The display unit 23 includes a liquid crystal display panel, an LED lamp, and the like. The display unit 23 displays the operation status, alarm, and the like of the air conditioner 10 based on a signal from the control unit 41.

The communication interface 24 is realized by an antenna and a connector. The communication interface 24 exchanges data with other devices by wired communication or wireless communication. Specifically, the communication interface 24 receives an infrared signal transmitted when the remote controller 60 is operated.

The communication interface 24 receives various signals, various data, various commands, and the like transmitted from the server 70. The communication interface 24 can transmit information on the air conditioner 10 side to the server 70.

The control unit 41 is connected to each component in the air conditioner 10, and performs these controls. The control unit 41 is, for example, disposed in an electrical component unit disposed at an end portion inside the indoor unit 20. The control unit 41 includes a memory 42, a timer 43, and the like.

The controller 41 is connected to each component of the heat pump cycle via a signal line. The control unit in the electric unit controls the heat pump cycle based on an instruction from a user and detection signals from various sensors such as thermometers that detect outdoor and outdoor temperatures, and performs a cooling operation and a heating operation.

The memory 42 includes a rom (read only memory) and a ram (random Access memory). The memory 42 stores an operation program and setting data of the air conditioner 10 and temporarily stores a calculation result by the control unit 41. The timer 43 measures, as necessary, the time of processing performed in the control unit 41, the operation time of each component in the air conditioner 10, and the like.

The remote controller 60 functions as an operation unit for a user to operate the air conditioner 10. The user can select an operation mode, a set temperature, and the like of the air conditioner 10 by operating the remote controller 60, for example.

(3) Refrigerant piping

The refrigerant pipe 57 is a pipe thinner than the refrigerant pipe 58, and liquid refrigerant flows therethrough during operation. The refrigerant pipe 58 is a pipe thicker than the refrigerant pipe 57, and a gaseous refrigerant flows therethrough during operation.

The compressor 52, the four-way valve 53, the outdoor heat exchanger 54 and the expansion valve 55 of the outdoor unit 50, and the indoor heat exchanger 12 of the indoor unit 20 are connected in this order by

refrigerant pipes

57 and 58, and a heat pump cycle (refrigeration cycle) is configured.

< basic operation of air conditioner >

Hereinafter, the heating operation and the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.

(1) Heating operation

In the heating operation, the four-way valve 53 is shown by the solid line in fig. 3, that is, the discharge pipe 52a of the compressor 52 is connected to the indoor-side heat exchanger 12, and the suction pipe 52b of the compressor 52 is connected to the outdoor-side heat exchanger 54. At this time, the two-way valve 59 and the three-way valve 65 are opened. In this state, when the compressor 52 is started, the gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 52, compressed, and then supplied to the indoor-side heat exchanger 12 via the four-way valve 53 and the three-way valve 65, and heats the indoor air and is condensed into the liquid refrigerant. Then, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the expansion valve 55 through the two-way valve 59, and is decompressed to a gas-liquid two-phase state. The refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 54, evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 54, and turned into a gaseous refrigerant. Finally, the gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 52 again through the four-way valve 53.

(2) Operation of cold air

During the cooling operation, the four-way valve 53 is shown by a broken line in fig. 3, that is, the discharge pipe 52a of the compressor 52 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 54, and the suction pipe 52b of the compressor 52 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 12. At this time, the two-way valve 59 and the three-way valve 65 are opened. In this state, when the compressor 52 is started, the gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 52, compressed, sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 54 via the four-way valve 53, cooled in the outdoor heat exchanger 54, and turned into a liquid refrigerant. Then, the liquid refrigerant is sent to the expansion valve 55, and is decompressed into a gas-liquid two-phase state. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is supplied to the indoor-side heat exchanger 12 through the two-way valve 59, cools the indoor air, and is evaporated into a gas refrigerant. Finally, the gaseous refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 52 again through the three-way valve 65 and the four-way valve 53.

(3) Defrost operation

During the heating operation, frost may adhere to the outdoor heat exchanger 54 and the heat exchange capacity may be reduced. Therefore, the controller 41 (see fig. 2) determines whether frost is deposited on the outdoor heat exchanger 54 based on the temperature measured by the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 63 or the like. When it is determined that frost is deposited, the control unit 51 switches the four-way valve 53 to set the refrigeration cycle to the same cycle as the above-described cooling operation, and performs defrosting by circulating the refrigerant in a state where the indoor fan is stopped (reverse defrosting). The controller 41 appropriately determines whether or not frost is removed from the outdoor heat exchanger 54 based on the temperature measured by the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 63. In the air conditioner 10 of the present embodiment, the control content of the defrosting operation is changed based on the information on the air conditioning performance of the room R acquired from the server 70. Specifically, the duration, the number, and the like of the defrosting operation are changed. The defrosting operation method is not limited to the above-described reverse defrosting.

< construction of Server 70 >

Next, the configuration of the server 70 constituting the air-conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to fig. 4. The server 70 includes, as main components, a cpu (central Processing unit)71, a memory 72, a display 73, an operation unit 74, and a communication interface 75.

The CPU (control unit)71 controls each unit of the server 70 by executing a program stored in the memory 72. For example, the CPU71 executes a program stored in the memory 72, and refers to various data to execute various processes described later.

The CPU71 is provided therein with an air conditioning performance evaluation unit 76. The air-conditioning performance evaluation unit 76 measures a change in the environment in the room R (for example, a change in the temperature in the room R) when the operating state of the air conditioner 10 satisfies a predetermined condition, and evaluates the air-conditioning performance of the room R based on the result. The CPU71 of the server 70 periodically transmits information on the operating state of the air conditioner 10, the measurement data of the indoor temperature sensor 15, and the like from the communication interface 24 of the air conditioner 10 so that the air conditioning performance evaluation unit 76 can evaluate the air conditioning performance of the room R.

The Memory 72 is implemented by various rams (random Access memories), various ROMs (Read-Only memories), and the like. The memory 72 stores programs executed by the CPU71, data generated by the execution of the programs by the CPU71, data that has been input, various databases used for the operation control of the air-conditioning apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, and the like. For example, the memory 72 stores air-conditioning performance information (the air-conditioning performance recognition table 81 shown in fig. 5 and the like) of the room R created by the air-conditioning performance evaluation unit 76. In the present embodiment, these pieces of information are stored in the memory 72 in the server 70, but these pieces of information may be stored in another device accessible (access) to the server 70.

The display 73 displays contents and images based on a signal from the CPU 71. The operation unit 74 is a command of a service manager or the like, and inputs the command to the CPU 71.

The communication interface 75 is another device that transmits data from the CPU71 to the air conditioner 10 and the like via the internet, a carrier network, a router, and the like. Conversely, the communication interface 75 receives data from other devices such as the air conditioner 10 via the internet, a carrier network, a router, and the like, and transmits the data to the CPU 71.

< control method of defrosting operation based on air conditioning performance of room >

Next, a method of changing the control content of the defrosting operation of the air conditioner 10 based on the air conditioning performance of the room R will be described with reference to fig. 1 and 5 to 7.

Fig. 5 shows an air conditioning performance recognition table 81 stored in the memory 72 in the server 70. In the air conditioning performance identification table 81, the identification ID of each room is stored in association with the air conditioning performance of the room. Such a table is effective when there are a plurality of air conditioners capable of communicating information with the server 70. The identification ID of the room is assigned in units of rooms in which the air conditioners are installed.

For example, in fig. 5, room R2 whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "middle" is a space having standard (average) heat insulating performance in the evaluation criterion of heat insulating performance of a current house. Room R1 whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "high" is a space whose heat insulating performance is higher by 20% or more than room R2 whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "medium". The room R3 having the air conditioning performance equivalent to "low" is a space having the heat insulating performance lower by 20% or more than that of the room R2 having the air conditioning performance equivalent to "medium".

Fig. 6 shows a control content identification table 82 for the defrosting operation stored in the memory 72 in the server 70. In the control content identification table 82, the control content of the defrosting operation (specifically, the upper limit value of the duration of the defrosting operation and the ON/OFF of the setting of the defrosting operation) is stored in association with the air conditioning performance of the room.

In the control content recognition table 82 shown in fig. 6, the upper limit value of the duration of the defrosting operation when the defrosting operation is performed in a room whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "low" is set to T2. This upper limit value T2 is a time shorter than the upper limit value T1 of the room whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "medium" and "high". This is because, in a room with low air conditioning performance, the degree of reduction in the indoor temperature during the defrosting operation is large compared to a room with high air conditioning performance. In this way, when the air conditioning performance of room R is lower than the standard air conditioning performance of room R2, the degree of decrease in the indoor temperature during the defrosting operation of room R can be reduced by shortening the upper limit value of the duration of the defrosting operation to be shorter than the preset upper limit value (for example, T1).

The "setting of the defrosting operation" in the control content recognition table 82 shown in fig. 6 is a setting in which the defrosting operation is forcibly performed again after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the defrosting operation. Such setting is preferably performed when defrosting is insufficient in the first defrosting operation. Therefore, in the control content recognition table 82 shown in fig. 6, when the air conditioning performance is "low" in which the upper limit value of the duration time of the defrosting operation is relatively short, the "setting of the defrosting operation again" is ON. On the other hand, when the air conditioning performance is "medium" and "high" with the upper limit value of the defrosting operation duration being relatively long, the "setting of the defrosting operation again" is OFF.

As described above, in the present embodiment, when the defrosting operation is performed in a room whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "low", the duration of the defrosting operation is set to be shorter than that of the room whose air conditioning performance is standard, and the number of times of performing the defrosting operation is increased to be larger than that of the room whose air conditioning performance is standard.

Fig. 7 shows a flow of processing performed when the control content of the defrosting operation of the air conditioner 10 is changed based on the air conditioning performance of the room R. This processing is executed, for example, when the air conditioner 10 starts a heating operation of the room R. The flow of the process of changing the control content of the defrosting operation of the air conditioner 10 will be described below with reference to fig. 7.

First, when the user operates the remote controller 60 or the like to designate the start of operation of the air conditioner 10, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the command is a command for performing a so-called warm air operation (step S11). If the specification is a specification other than the warm-up operation (for example, a cold-air operation or the like) (no in step S11), the process ends.

On the other hand, when the command is a command for the heating operation (yes at step S11), the control unit 41 notifies the server 70 of the content of the command for starting the heating operation. The CPU71 of the server 70 refers to the air-conditioning performance identification table 81 in the memory 72, and acquires information on the air-conditioning performance associated with the identification ID of the room in which the air conditioner 10 is installed (step S12). For example, if the identification ID of the room in which the air conditioner 10 is installed is "R3", air-conditioning performance "low" is acquired.

Next, CPU71 of server 70 refers to control content identification table 82 in memory 72, and acquires information on the control content of the defrosting operation corresponding to the acquired air conditioning performance of room R. (step S13).

Then, the server 70 transmits information on the acquired control content of the defrosting operation to the air conditioner 10 via the communication interface 75 (step S14). The information transmitted to the air conditioner 10 is transmitted to the control unit 41 via the communication interface 24. The control unit 41 changes the information on the control content of the defrosting operation stored in the memory 42 in accordance with the information transmitted from the server 70 (step S15).

Then, the air conditioner 10 starts the heating operation (step S16). Then, for example, when the condition for starting the defrosting operation is satisfied such as when the temperature measured by the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 63 is decreased to the predetermined temperature or less, the control unit 41 executes the defrosting operation in accordance with the control content of the defrosting operation changed at step S15.

< method for evaluating air conditioning performance for room R >

Next, a method of evaluating the air conditioning performance of the room R will be described below. In the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the air conditioning performance of the room R is evaluated from the temperature change in the room R during the defrosting operation of the air conditioner 10.

The defrosting operation is performed during the heating operation. As described above, during the defrosting operation, the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle is circulated in the same direction as during the cooling operation. Since the heating operation is not performed during the defrosting operation, the temperature in the room R tends to decrease. The temperature decrease tendency differs depending on the level of the heat insulating performance of the room. Fig. 8 shows an example of changes in room temperature when defrosting operation is performed in each of rooms (R1, R2, and R3) having different air conditioning performance.

As shown in fig. 8, the change in the indoor temperature after the air conditioner 10 starts the defrosting operation is influenced by the heat insulation property, the sealing property, and the like of each room. As a result, different air conditioning performance is indicated for each room. In the example shown in fig. 8, the amount of temperature decrease in the room after the start of the defrosting operation is reduced in the order of room R1< room R2< room R3. Therefore, the air conditioning performance was evaluated to be high in the order of room R1> room R2> room R3. Therefore, for example, the room R1 is determined as "high" in air-conditioning performance, the room R2 is determined as "medium" in air-conditioning performance, and the room R3 is determined as "low" in air-conditioning performance.

Further, although an example is shown in which room R1 is determined as having "high" air-conditioning performance, room R2 is determined as having "medium" air-conditioning performance, and room R3 is determined as having "low" air-conditioning performance, all of rooms R1, R2, and R3 may have "high" air-conditioning performance, or "medium" air-conditioning performance, or "low" air-conditioning performance. That is, various combinations of the respective air conditioning performances of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 are conceivable.

Based on such evaluation criteria, for example, the air conditioning performance recognition table 81 (see fig. 5) is created as described above. The degree of change in the indoor temperature after the air conditioner 10 starts the defrosting operation may be influenced by the outdoor environment such as the outside air temperature and the weather at that time. Therefore, the amount of temperature decrease in the room after the start of the defrosting operation may be measured every time the defrosting operation is performed. Further, the measurement results for each defrosting operation may be stored in the memory 72 in the server 70, and the air conditioning performance recognition table 81 may be created from the average value of the stored data.

The air-conditioning performance recognition table 81 can be used similarly for a plurality of air conditioners connectable to the server 70. In this case, the air-conditioning performance recognition table 81 may be updated one by referring to the results of performance measurement of each room obtained from a plurality of air conditioners connectable to the server 70.

(summary of the first embodiment)

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control content of the defrosting operation (specifically, the duration, the number of times of execution, and the like of the defrosting operation) is changed based on the information on the air conditioning performance of the room R in which the air conditioner 10 is installed.

For example, when the defrosting operation is performed in a room whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "low", the duration of the defrosting operation is set to be shorter than that of a room whose air conditioning performance is standard, and the number of times of performing the defrosting operation is increased to be larger than that of a room whose air conditioning performance is standard. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the room temperature during the defrosting operation in the room with air conditioning performance equivalent to "low", and also to appropriately defrost the outdoor heat exchanger 54. That is, the room temperature lowered during defrosting is reheated in the heating operation, and the defrosting operation is performed again, whereby the change in the room temperature can be reduced.

Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, more comfortable air conditioning control can be performed based on the air conditioning performance in the room R in which the air conditioner 10 is installed.

[ second embodiment ]

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the second embodiment, the method of evaluating the air conditioning performance of the room R is different from that of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the control method of the defrosting operation is different from that of the first embodiment. Here, the following description will focus on differences from the first embodiment.

< method for evaluating air conditioning performance for room R >

Fig. 9 shows an outline of operations when the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment measures the air conditioning performance of the room R.

In the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the presence or absence of a person in the room R is periodically detected by the person detection sensor 22 included in the air conditioner 10. When detecting that there is no person in room R, air conditioning performance evaluation unit 76 (see fig. 4) included in server 70 measures the air conditioning performance of room R and creates information on the air conditioning performance of room R.

In the present embodiment, the performance of the room R is measured in a state where no person is present in the room R, and the change in the temperature in the room R after the air conditioner 10 stops the heating operation is measured. The temperature in the room R is measured by an indoor temperature sensor 15 included in the air conditioner 10.

The performance of the room R may be influenced by the outdoor environment in which the air conditioner 10 is installed. Therefore, the data of the outside air can be acquired as an index for determining the outdoor environment at the time of performance measurement of the room R. The outdoor air data can be acquired from an outdoor air sensor (not shown) included in the outdoor unit 50 of the air conditioner 10.

The human detection sensor 22 detects the presence or absence of a human in the room R in which the air conditioner 10 is installed based on a signal from the control unit 41, and transmits the detection result to the control unit 41. In the present embodiment, the control unit 41 creates data regarding whether or not there is a person in the room R based on the detection result transmitted from the human detection sensor 22, and transmits the data to the server 70 via the communication interface 24.

< method for measuring and evaluating air conditioning performance for room R >

Next, a flow of processing when the air conditioning performance of the room R is measured will be described. Fig. 10 shows a flow of processing to start measurement of air conditioning performance of room R in which air conditioner 10 is installed, based on an instruction from server 70.

In the present embodiment, the CPU71 in the server 70 determines whether or not to measure the air conditioning performance for the room R in which the air conditioner 10 is installed, according to the flowchart shown in fig. 10. The process shown in fig. 10 is executed at the timing when the air conditioner 10 in the room R stops the heating operation. When the user operates the remote controller 60 or the like to stop the heating operation of the air conditioner 10, the control unit 41 of the air conditioner 10 transmits information of the content of stopping the heating operation to the server 70 via the communication interface 24.

When the CPU71 in the server 70 transmits information indicating that the heating operation is stopped from the air conditioner 10, the process shown in fig. 10 is started. First, the CPU71 determines whether or not the warm air operation is continued for a predetermined time or longer (for example, 1 hour or longer) before the air conditioner 10 stops the warm air operation (step S21). Here, when the duration of the previous heating operation has not elapsed within the predetermined time (no in step S21), the measurement of the air conditioning performance is not performed, and the process ends. This is because, if the duration of the previous heating operation is short, the room R may not reach the set temperature, and the air conditioning performance may not be accurately determined.

On the other hand, when the duration of the previous heating operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time (yes at step S21), it is determined whether or not a person is present in room R (step S22). This determination is made based on data (data on whether or not there is a person in the room R) transmitted from the air conditioner 10.

Here, when it is determined that a person is present in the room R (yes at step S22), the measurement of the air conditioning performance is not performed, and the process is ended. This is because, if a person is present in the room R, the air conditioning performance of the room R may not be accurately determined.

On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that a person is not present in the room R (no at step S22), the CPU71 starts measurement of the air-conditioning performance (step S23).

When the measurement of the air conditioning performance in room R is started, control unit 41 starts the measurement of the temperature change in room R. That is, the time elapsed for measuring the indoor temperature sensor 15 changes. Fig. 11 shows an example of changes in room temperature when air conditioning performance is measured in each of rooms (R1, R2, and R3) having different air conditioning performance.

As shown in fig. 11, the change in the indoor temperature after the air-conditioning apparatus 10 stops the heating operation is influenced by the heat insulation performance, the sealing performance, and the like of each room. As a result, different air conditioning performance is indicated for each room. In the example shown in fig. 11, the amount of temperature decrease in the room after the heating operation is stopped is reduced in the order of room R1< room R2< room R3. Therefore, the air conditioning performance was evaluated to be high in the order of room R1> room R2> room R3. Therefore, for example, the room R1 is determined as "high" in air-conditioning performance, the room R2 is determined as "medium" in air-conditioning performance, and the room R3 is determined as "low" in air-conditioning performance.

In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the room R1 is determined as having "high" air-conditioning performance, the room R2 is determined as having "medium" air-conditioning performance, and the room R3 is determined as having "low" air-conditioning performance, but all of the air-conditioning performances of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 may be "high", or "medium", or "low". That is, various combinations of the respective air conditioning performances of the rooms R1, R2, and R3 are conceivable.

Based on the evaluation criteria, the air conditioning performance recognition table 81 (see fig. 5) is created in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

Further, instead of measuring the air conditioning performance when the duration of the previous heating operation is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the air conditioning performance may be measured when the heating operation is stopped in a state where the indoor temperature is the set temperature, and the air conditioning performance may not be measured when the heating operation is stopped in a state where the indoor temperature is not the set temperature.

Next, a method of changing the control content of the defrosting operation of the air conditioner 10 based on the air conditioning performance of the room R will be described with reference to fig. 5 and 12.

Fig. 12 shows a control content identification table 83 for the defrosting operation stored in the memory 72 in the server 70. In the control content identification table 83, the control content of the defrosting operation (specifically, the rise value of the room temperature before the defrosting operation, the upper limit value of the duration of the defrosting operation, the ON/OFF setting of the defrosting operation, and the rise value of the room temperature before the defrosting operation) is stored in association with the air conditioning performance of the room.

The "upper limit value of the duration of the defrosting operation" and the "upper limit value of the duration of the defrosting operation" in the control content recognition table 83 are the same as those in the control content recognition table 82 described in the first embodiment.

The "rise value of room temperature before defrosting operation" in the control content recognition table 83 is a rise value from the set temperature indicating the temperature in the room R before the air conditioner 10 starts defrosting operation. This value is used to predict that the temperature of the room R may decrease due to the heating operation being temporarily stopped during the defrosting operation, and to set the temperature in the room R to be higher than a preset temperature to some extent in advance. The control unit 41 refers to this item of the control content identification table 82, and determines whether or not to issue an instruction to start the defrosting operation when the temperature of the room R measured by the indoor temperature sensor 15 is several degrees higher than the set temperature of the current heating operation, in accordance with the air conditioning performance of the room R.

In the control content recognition table 83, "the rise value of the room temperature before the defrosting operation" in the room where the air conditioning performance is equivalent to "high" is set to t1 or more. In a room whose air conditioning performance corresponds to "middle", the "rise value of the room temperature before the defrosting operation" is set to t2 or more. In a room where the air conditioning performance corresponds to "low", the "rise value of the room temperature before the defrosting operation" is set to t3 or more.

Here, t1< t2< t3 is assumed. Specifically, t1 ═ 1 ℃, t2 ═ 2 ℃, and t3 ═ 3 ℃ can be set. This is because, in a room where the air conditioning performance is low ("low"), the degree of reduction in the indoor temperature in the defrosting operation is large compared to a room where the air conditioning performance is high ("high"). By setting the rise value of the room temperature before the defrosting operation in this manner, the degree of reduction in the room temperature during the defrosting operation can be reduced even in a room with low air conditioning performance.

The "rise value of room temperature in the defrosting operation" in the control content recognition table 83 is a rise value from the set temperature indicating the temperature in the room R before the air conditioner 10 starts the defrosting operation. This value is used only when the "setting for the defrosting operation" is ON.

In the control of the defrosting operation described in the first embodiment, when the "setting of the defrosting operation again" is ON, the defrosting operation is forcibly performed again after a predetermined time has elapsed from the end of the defrosting operation. In contrast, in the control of the defrosting operation according to the present embodiment, when the "setting of the defrosting operation again" is ON, after the first defrosting operation is ended and the heating operation is restarted, if the temperature in the room R rises by α (for example, +2 ℃) or more from the set temperature, the defrosting operation again is started. This makes it possible to maintain the temperature in the room R in a state of being lower than the set temperature, and to suppress the defrosting operation from being performed again.

In the air conditioning system 1 according to another embodiment, the air conditioning performance of the room R may be evaluated based on the change in the indoor temperature during the defrosting operation described in the first embodiment, and the control content of the defrosting operation may be changed by the above-described method. As a method for evaluating the air conditioning performance of the room R, a method other than the method described in each of the above embodiments can be employed.

(summary of the second embodiment)

As described above, in the present embodiment, the performance is measured when a person is absent in the room R in which the air conditioner 10 is installed, and the evaluation relating to the air conditioning performance of the room R is performed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress errors caused by the number of people present in the room R and the like from being included in the created information on the air conditioning performance. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment can acquire information on more accurate air conditioning performance. Then, by performing control of the air-conditioning operation based on this information, more comfortable air-conditioning operation can be performed as a result.

In the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment, the defrosting operation is controlled using the control content recognition table 83. Therefore, in a room with low air conditioning performance, a decrease in temperature in the room R during the defrosting operation can be appropriately suppressed.

[ third embodiment ]

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the control content of the defrosting operation is changed based on the air conditioning performance of the room R, and the rotation speed of the compressor during the heating operation is also controlled. The method of changing the control content of the defrosting operation based on the air conditioning performance of the room R can be applied to the same method as the method described in the first or second embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

The air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment includes, as main components, an air conditioner 10 and a server 70. Fig. 2 and 3 show the overall structure of the air conditioner 10. The structure for the servo 70 is shown in fig. 4.

In the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the air conditioner 10 includes a compressor 52. The control unit 41 in the air-conditioning apparatus 10 starts the heat pump cycle to start the heating operation so that the temperature in the room R reaches the set temperature by the set time. In this case, the control unit 41 performs air conditioning control based on the air conditioning performance of the room R in which the air conditioner 10 is installed. Specifically, when the air conditioning performance of the room R is higher than a predetermined air conditioning performance standard (for example, the air conditioning performance of a standard space), the controller 41 starts the operation of the compressor 52 at the rotational speed of the rated operation.

Here, the rotation speed of the rated operation is an example of a rotation speed in a range in which the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle expressed by COP (coefficient of performance) or the like is optimal. The rotation speed of the rated operation can be said to be "the rotation speed optimal for power consumption". Here, the phrase "start of operation of the compressor at the rated operation rotation speed" also includes operation of once rotating the compressor at a higher rotation speed and then reducing the rotation speed to the rated operation rotation speed in order to circulate the refrigerant in the heat pump cycle. The rated rotational speed is determined by the capacity, specification, and the like of each compressor.

< method for controlling compressor based on air conditioning performance of room >

Next, a method of changing the rotation speed of the compressor 52 of the air conditioner 10 based on the air conditioning performance of the room R will be described with reference to fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing a relationship between an operating state of the compressor 52 and a temperature change in the room R in the air-conditioning apparatus 10 when control is performed such that the temperature in the room R reaches the set temperature before the set time.

In fig. 13, a change in room temperature when the compressor 52 is operated in the normal operation is indicated by a, and a change in room temperature when the compressor 52 is operated in the rated operation is indicated by B. In fig. 13, a change in room temperature when the compressor 52 is operated at the rated operation rotation speed at the start of the first operation and then changed to the normal operation rotation speed is shown as C.

Fig. 13 shows an example in which the temperature in the room R reaches the set temperature at the set time 0 when the compressor 52 is started in the normal operation state at the time point of the time t1 before the set time.

In the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the controller 41 starts the operation of the compressor 52 at the rated operation rotation speed. In this case, as shown in fig. 13B and C, the temperature rise in the room R becomes slower than that in the case where the compressor 52 is operated in the normal operation.

In the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the controller 41 starts the operation of the compressor 52 at time t2 before time t 1. As a result, the temperature in the room R can be brought to the set temperature at the time point of the set time 0 in a state where the compressor 52 is continuously operated at the rated operation rotation speed. Here, if time 0 is set to 7, for example, time t1 may be 6, and time t2 may be 5.

As another method, after the compressor 52 is started at the rotation speed of the rated operation at the time point of time t1, when the control unit 41 determines that the temperature in the anterior chamber R has not reached the set temperature by the set time 0, the rotation speed of the compressor 52 may be increased to a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed of the rated operation, and the operation may be changed to the rotation speed of the normal operation (see C in fig. 13). By performing such an operation, the compressor 52 can be started in the normal operation at the time point of time t1, and the power consumption of the air conditioner 10 can be suppressed lower than in the control (see D in fig. 13) in which the temperature in the room R reaches the set temperature at the time point earlier than the set time 0.

As described above, according to the air conditioning system 1 of the present embodiment, the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle can be improved by suppressing the rotation speed of the compressor 52 at the start of operation to the rotation speed of the rated operation.

In the air conditioning system according to another aspect of the present invention, the control of the rotation speed of the compressor only during the heating operation may be performed by the above-described method without changing the control content of the defrosting operation based on the air conditioning performance of the room R.

[ fourth embodiment ]

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described below. In each of the above embodiments, an example in which one aspect of the present invention is implemented in the air-conditioning system 1 including the server 70 and the air-conditioning equipment 10 is described. However, the air conditioning system according to an aspect of the present invention may be implemented by the air conditioner 10 alone. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an air conditioning system realized by the air conditioner 10 alone will be described.

Fig. 14 shows an internal configuration of an air conditioner (air conditioning system) 110 according to the present embodiment. The air conditioner 110 is a separate type air conditioner, and is mainly composed of an indoor unit 120, an outdoor unit 50, and a remote controller 60.

The same configuration as that described in the first embodiment can be applied to the outdoor unit 50 and the remote controller 60.

The indoor unit 120 is provided inside the room R. The indoor unit 120 includes an indoor heat exchanger 12, an indoor fan 13, an indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 14, an indoor temperature sensor 15, a display unit 23, a communication interface 124, a control unit 141, and the like.

The same configuration as that described in the first embodiment can be applied to the indoor heat exchanger 12, the indoor fan 13, the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 14, the indoor temperature sensor 15, and the display unit 23.

The controller 141 is connected to each component in the air conditioner 110, and performs these controls. The control unit 141 includes a memory 142, a timer 43, and the like. The timer 43 can be applied to the same configuration as that described in the first embodiment.

The control unit 141 is provided therein with an air conditioning performance evaluation unit 176. The air-conditioning performance evaluation unit 176 measures a change in the environment in the room R (for example, a change in the temperature in the room R) when the operating state of the air-conditioning apparatus 110 satisfies a predetermined condition, and evaluates the air-conditioning performance of the room R based on the result. That is, the air conditioning performance evaluation unit 176 functions similarly to the air conditioning performance evaluation unit 76 of the server 70 described in the first embodiment.

The memory 142 includes a rom (read only memory) and a ram (random Access memory). The memory 142 stores an operation program and setting data of the air conditioner 110 and temporarily stores a calculation result by the control unit 141. In the present embodiment, the air-conditioning performance information (the air-conditioning performance recognition table 81 shown in fig. 5, etc.) of the room R created by the air-conditioning performance evaluation unit 176 and the like are stored in the memory 142. That is, the memory 142 functions similarly to the memory 72 of the server 70 described in the first embodiment.

The communication interface 124 is implemented by an antenna and a connector. The communication interface 124 exchanges data with the remote controller 60 by infrared communication. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner 110 is not connected to the internet. Therefore, the communication interface 124 exchanges data only with the remote controller 60.

With the above configuration, according to the air conditioner 110, more comfortable air conditioning control can be performed based on the air conditioning performance in the room R in which the air conditioner 110 is installed.

[ conclusion ]

An air conditioning system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a heat pump cycle and a control unit that controls an operation of the heat pump cycle. In this air conditioning system, the control unit changes the control content of the defrosting operation based on the air conditioning performance (for example, heat insulation performance) of the space to be air-conditioned by the heat pump cycle. For example, the heat pump cycle includes a compressor that compresses a heat medium, an indoor-side heat exchanger that functions as a condenser during a heating operation and functions as an evaporator during a cooling operation, an expansion valve that decompresses the heat medium, and an outdoor-side heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator during a heating operation and functions as a condenser during a cooling operation.

In the air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may shorten an upper limit of the duration of the defrosting operation when the air conditioning performance of the space is lower than a predetermined air conditioning performance standard. For example, the control unit may reduce the upper limit of the duration of the defrosting operation to be shorter than a preset upper limit when the air-conditioning performance of the space is lower than a standard air-conditioning performance of the space. This makes it possible to end the defrosting operation in a shorter time in a space with low air conditioning performance, and to suppress a temperature decrease in the space during the defrosting operation.

In the air conditioning system configured as described above, the control unit may increase the number of times of the defrosting operation when the air conditioning performance of the space is lower than a predetermined air conditioning performance standard. That is, when the air conditioning performance of the space is lower than the air conditioning performance of the standard space, the defrosting operation may be ended in a shorter time, and the number of times of execution of the defrosting operation may be increased to be larger than the number of times of execution of the defrosting operation of the space having the standard air conditioning performance. This reduces the possibility that the outdoor heat exchanger will not be sufficiently defrosted in a space with low air conditioning performance.

In the air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may determine an increase value of the temperature in the space before the defrosting operation is performed, based on the air conditioning performance of the space.

In the air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may evaluate air conditioning performance of the space from a temperature change in the space during the defrosting operation.

In the air conditioning system according to the aspect of the present invention, the heat pump cycle may include a compressor. The control unit may perform air conditioning control for bringing the temperature in the space to a set temperature before a set time; when the air conditioning performance of the space is higher than a predetermined air conditioning performance standard, the control unit starts the operation of the compressor at a rotation speed within a range in which the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle is optimal.

The rotation speed in the range where the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle is optimal can be determined based on the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle expressed by COP (coefficient of performance) or the like, for example. The rotation speed is, for example, a rotation speed at the time of rated operation of the compressor.

In the air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may increase the rotation speed of the compressor to a rotation speed higher than a rotation speed within a range in which the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle is optimal, when it is determined that the temperature in the space has not reached the set temperature by the set time. Here, increasing the rotation speed of the compressor to a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed in the range in which the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle is optimal means, for example, changing the operation state of the compressor from the rated operation to the normal operation.

The air conditioning system according to each aspect of the present invention may further include a server capable of communicating information with the control unit.

The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be considered as limiting. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the foregoing description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but may be modified in various ways.

Description of the reference numerals

An air conditioning system; an air conditioner; an indoor unit; a control section (of an air conditioner); an outdoor unit; a compressor; a server; 71... CPU (control unit); 76.. an air conditioning performance evaluation unit; an air conditioner (air conditioning system); a room.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising:

a heat pump cycle; and

a control unit for controlling the operation of the heat pump cycle; wherein the content of the first and second substances,

the control unit shortens the upper limit of the duration time of the defrosting operation based on the condition that the air-conditioning performance of the space subjected to the air-conditioning control by the heat pump cycle is lower than a predetermined air-conditioning performance standard,

the air conditioning performance of the space is a value that evaluates a temperature decrease after a defrosting operation in the space is started, and the air conditioning performance of the space indicates a lower value of the evaluation as the temperature decrease amount of the space after the defrosting operation is started is larger.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1,

the control unit increases the number of times of the defrosting operation when the air conditioning performance of the space is lower than a predetermined air conditioning performance standard.

3. Air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit determines a temperature rise value in the space before the defrosting operation is performed, based on air conditioning performance of the space.

4. Air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2,

the control unit evaluates air conditioning performance of the space from a temperature change in the space during the defrosting operation.

5. Air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2,

the heat pump cycle includes a compressor;

the control part is used for performing air conditioning control for enabling the temperature in the space to reach the set temperature before the set time;

when the air conditioning performance of the space is higher than a predetermined air conditioning performance standard, the control unit starts the operation of the compressor at a rotation speed within a range in which the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle is optimal.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5,

the control unit increases the rotation speed of the compressor to a rotation speed higher than a rotation speed within a range in which the energy consumption efficiency of the heat pump cycle is optimal, when it is determined that the temperature in the space does not reach the set temperature before the set time.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by further comprising:

and a server capable of communicating information with the control unit.

8. An air conditioning system, characterized by comprising:

a heat pump cycle; and

the control unit determines a temperature rise value in the space before the defrosting operation is performed based on the air conditioning performance of the space subjected to the air conditioning control by the heat pump cycle,

the air-conditioning performance of the space is a value that evaluates a temperature decrease after the start of a defrosting operation in the space, and the air-conditioning performance of the space indicates a lower value of the evaluation as the amount of temperature decrease of the space after the start of the defrosting operation is larger.