EP4227592A1

EP4227592A1 - Air-conditioning device and air-conditioning system

Info

Publication number: EP4227592A1
Application number: EP20956706.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hirotsugu TOMOMATSU
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2020-10-07
Filing date: 2020-10-07
Publication date: 2023-08-16
Also published as: WO2022074758A1; EP4227592A4; JPWO2022074758A1

Abstract

An air-conditioning apparatus includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and is controlled in operation such that an indoor temperature in an air-conditioning target space in which the indoor unit is installed reaches a set target temperature. The air-conditioning apparatus includes: a remote control configured to operate the air-conditioning apparatus; and a suction air temperature sensor provided at the indoor unit and configured to detect a suction air temperature at the indoor unit. The remote control includes: a remote-control temperature sensor configured to detect a remote-control temperature that is a temperature of air in the vicinity of the remote control, and a remote-control controller configured to make settings including a setting of a target temperature of the air-conditioning target space. The remote-control controller includes: a calculation unit configured to calculate a suction air temperature correction value and a remote-control temperature correction value with reference to a sensor temperature indicating a temperature in the air-conditioning target space that is received from an external sensor provided in a range of activity of a user, and configured to calculate a correction suction air temperature and a correction remote-control temperature, and a comparison determination unit configured to select as the indoor temperature, one of the correction suction air temperature and the correction remote-control temperature.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning apparatus and an air-conditioning system that air-condition an air-conditioning target space.

Background Art

In general, an existing air-conditioning apparatus is operated such that a suction temperature detected by a suction-air temperature sensor provided at an indoor unit reaches a set target temperature. At this time, in many cases, the suction temperature is different from a temperature in a lower region of an air-conditioning target space, which a user feels, since the suction-air temperature sensor provided at the indoor unit detects a temperature in an upper region of the air-conditioning target space.
In view of the above, in recent years, various techniques of causing the suction temperature to be closer to the temperature that the user feels have been proposed. For example, patent literature 1 discloses an air-conditioning apparatus in which a temperature sensor is provided at a remote controller (hereinafter referred to as a "remote control" as appropriate) that a user uses, and the suction temperature in the indoor unit is corrected based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the remote control, to thereby accurately control a room temperature.

Citation List

Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-101871

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem

However, in the air-conditioning apparatus disclosed in patent literature 1, for example, in the case where the remote control is provided in an end of the air-conditioning target space that is not located within the range of activity of a user, it cannot be said that the feeling temperature of the user is detected by the temperature sensor at the remote control. Therefore, in the case where the suction temperature is corrected using the temperature sensor at the remote control provided in the above location, it cannot be properly corrected, and as a result the room temperature cannot be accurately controlled.
Furthermore, in some cases, the temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor of the indoor unit is closer to the feeling temperature of the user than the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the remote control, though whether it is so or not depends on which operation mode, the air-conditioning apparatus operates in or which season the air-conditioning apparatus operates in. However, in the air-conditioning apparatus of patent literature 1, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the remote control is determined as the room temperature, and the suction-air temperature sensor of the indoor unit cannot be used for detection of the room temperature, and inevitably, the temperature sensor at the remote control is used for detection of the room temperature. Thus, it is not possible to accurately control the room temperature.
The present disclosure is applied in view of the above problem of the related art, and relates to an air-conditioning apparatus and an air-conditioning system that are capable of properly correcting a room temperature and accurately controlling the room temperature.

Solution to Problem

An air-conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and is controlled in operation such that an indoor temperature in an air-conditioning target space in which the indoor unit is installed reaches a set target temperature. The air-conditioning apparatus includes: a remote control configured to operate the air-conditioning apparatus; and a suction air temperature sensor provided at the indoor unit and configured to detect a suction air temperature that is a temperature of air that is sucked by the indoor unit. The remote control includes: a remote-control temperature sensor configured to detect a remote-control temperature that is a temperature of air in the vicinity of the remote control; and a remote-control controller configured to make settings including a setting of a target temperature of the air-conditioning target space. The remote-control controller includes: a calculation unit configured to calculate a suction air temperature correction value and a remote-control temperature correction value with reference to a sensor temperature indicating a temperature in the air-conditioning target space that is received from an external sensor provided in a range of activity of a user, the suction air temperature correction value being a difference between the sensor temperature and the suction air temperature, the remote-control temperature correction value being a difference between the sensor temperature and the remote-control temperature, the calculation unit being also configured to calculate a correction suction air temperature by adding the suction air temperature correction value to the suction air temperature, and a correction remote-control temperature by adding the remote-control temperature correction value to the remote-control temperature; and a comparison determination unit configured to select as the indoor temperature, one of the correction suction air temperature and the correction remote-control temperature.
An air-conditioning system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure includes: the air-conditioning apparatus; and a portable temperature sensor provided in the air-conditioning target space, and configured to detect the indoor temperature, as the external sensor.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, based on the suction air temperature correction value and the remote-control temperature correction value that are calculated with reference to the sensor temperature from the external sensor, the correction suction air temperature and the correction remote-control temperature are calculated, and one of the correction suction air temperature and the correction remote-control temperature is selected as the indoor temperature. It is therefore possible to appropriately correct the indoor temperature and accurately control the indoor temperature.

Brief Description of Drawings

[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the configuration of an air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a remote control as illustrated in Fig. 2.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a hardware configuration view illustrating the example of the configuration of the remote control as illustrated in Fig. 3.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration view illustrating another example of the example of the remote control as illustrated in Fig. 3.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a portable temperature sensor according to Embodiment 1.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a schematic view for explanation of the case where a remote-control temperature is used as an indoor temperature.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a schematic view for explanation of the case where a suction air temperature is used as the indoor temperature.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the configuration of an air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 2.

Description of Embodiments

The embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The descriptions concerning the embodiments are not limiting, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present discloses encompasses all combinations of combinable ones of configurations described regarding the embodiments. In addition, in each of figures which will be referred to below, components that are the same as or equivalent to those in a previous figure or previous figures are denoted by the same reference signs, and the same is true of the entire text of the specification.

Embodiment 1

An air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[Configuration of Air-Conditioning System 100]

Fig. 1 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the configuration of the air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the air-conditioning system 100 includes an air-conditioning apparatus 1 and a portable temperature sensor 2. The air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes an outdoor unit 20, an indoor unit 30, and a remote control 10.
The air-conditioning apparatus 1 air-conditions an air-conditioning target space by circulating refrigerant in a refrigerant circuit and transferring heat between outside air and indoor air via the refrigerant. The portable temperature sensor 2 can be carried, and detects a temperature in the range of activity of a user. In particular, it should be noted that when being located close to the user, the portable temperature sensor 2 can detect the feeling temperature of the user. The portable temperature sensor 2 is connected to the remote control 10 by wire or wirelessly.

[Configuration of Air-Conditioning Apparatus 1]

Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes the outdoor unit 20, the indoor unit 30, and the remote control 10. The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are connected by a communication line and a refrigerant pipe through which refrigerant flows. That is, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30 are connected by the refrigerant pipe, whereby the refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant is circulated is formed. The remote control 10 is connected to the indoor unit 30 by wire or wirelessly.

(Outdoor Unit 20)

The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 21, a refrigerant flow switching device 22, and an outdoor heat exchanger 23. The compressor 21 sucks low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, compresses the sucked refrigerant to change it into high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, and discharges the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant. The compressor 21 is, for example, an inverter compressor that is controlled in capacity which is the amount of refrigerant to be sent per unit time, when the operating frequency of the compressor 21 is changed. The operating frequency of the compressor 21 is controlled by a controller 34 of the indoor unit 30, which will be described later.
The refrigerant flow switching device 22 is, for example, a four-way valve, and changes the flow direction of refrigerant to perform switching between a cooling operation and a heating operation. The refrigerant flow switching device 22 is not limited to the four-way valve, and other kinds of valves may be used in combination as the refrigerant flow switching device 22.
The outdoor heat exchanger 23 transfers heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air that is sent by an air-sending device (not illustrated) such as a fan. To be more specific, when being in the cooling operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 operates as a condenser that causes the refrigerant to receive heat from indoor air in the air-conditioning target space, thereby evaporating the refrigerant and cooling the indoor air. Furthermore, when being in the heating operation, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 operates as an evaporator that causes the refrigerant to transfer heat to the indoor air, thereby condensing the refrigerant.

(Indoor Unit 30)

The indoor unit 30 includes an expansion device 31 and an indoor heat exchanger 32. Also, in the indoor unit 30, the controller 34 is provided.
The expansion device 31 is, for example, an expansion valve, and reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand the refrigerant. The expansion device 31 is a valve whose opening degree can be controlled, such as an electronic expansion valve. The opening degree of the expansion device 31 is controlled by the controller 34.
The indoor heat exchanger 32 transfers heat between the refrigerant and indoor air that is sent from an air-sending device (not illustrated) such as a fan. As a result, air for heating or air for cooling is generated as air-conditioned air to be supplied to the air-conditioning target space. The indoor heat exchanger 32 operates as an evaporator when being in the cooling operation, and operates as a condenser when being in the heating operation.
A suction-air temperature sensor 33 is provided at an air suction port (not illustrated) of the indoor unit 30, and detects a suction air temperature that is to be supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 32.
The controller 34 controls the operation of the entire air-conditioning apparatus 1 based on various information sent from components of the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30. To be more specific, the controller 34 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 21, switching of a flow passage by the refrigerant flow switching device 22, the opening degree of the expansion device 31, etc., based on, for example, information from various sensors including the suction-air temperature sensor 33 provided in the refrigerant circuit. To the controller 34, the remote control 10 is connected. The controller 34 controls operations of components in response to a user's operation on the remote control 10.
In Embodiment 1, when performing a temperature correction process which will be described later, the controller 34 transmits a suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33 to the remote control 10. Furthermore, the controller 34 receives from the remote control 10, one of a correction suction air temperature and a correction remote-control temperature which are room temperatures obtained by the temperature correction process.
It should be noted that although it is described above regarding the above example that the controller 34 is provided to control components of both the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 30, it is not limiting. For example, controllers that control respective operations of the outdoor unit 20 and of the indoor unit 30 may be provided. To be more specific, for example, an indoor-side controller that controls the components of the outdoor unit 20 and an indoor-side controller that controls the components of the indoor unit 30 may be provided. In this case, the indoor-side controller and the outdoor-side controller are connected to each other, and control the components in cooperation with each other. Thus, a combination of the indoor-side controller and the outdoor-side controller has the same function as the controller 34 according to Embodiment 1.

(Remote Control 10)

The remote control 10 is operated by the user to make various settings, such as setting of an operation mode of the air-conditioning apparatus 1, a temperature setting, and an air-volume setting, to thereby control the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus 1. The remote control 10 transmits an operation signal associated with the user to the controller 34. In the case where the temperature correction process is performed, the portable temperature sensor 2 which is carried by a serviceman into the air-conditioning target space is connected to the remote control 10.
Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the remote control as illustrated in Fig. 2. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the remote control 10 includes a first remote-control communication unit 11, a second remote-control communication unit 12, an operation unit 13, a display unit 14, a remote-control temperature sensor 15, a storage unit 16, and a remote-control controller 17.
The first remote-control communication unit 11 controls communication between the remote-control controller 17 and the portable temperature sensor 2. The first remote-control communication unit 11 receives a sensor temperature from the portable temperature sensor 2, and transmits the sensor temperature to the remote-control controller 17.
The second remote-control communication unit 12 controls communication between the remote-control controller 17 and the indoor unit 30. The second remote-control communication unit 12 receives a suction air temperature from the indoor unit 30, and transmits the suction air temperature to the remote-control controller 17. Furthermore, the second remote-control communication unit 12 receives from the remote-control controller 17, a correction suction air temperature or a correction remote-control temperature, and transmits the correction suction air temperature or the correction remote-control temperature to the indoor unit 30.
The operation unit 13 includes, for example, buttons, keys, etc., which are operated by the user. The operation unit 13 produces an operation signal in response to an operation by the user, and outputs the operation signal to the controller 34.
The display unit 14 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electro luminescence (EL) display. The display unit 14 displays information that indicates contents of a setting by an operation that is operated on the operation unit 13, for example, an operation mode, a set temperature, or an air volume.
It should be noted that as the operation unit 13, for example, a touch panel including a touch sensor can be used. In this case, as the display unit 14, for example, a touch panel display in which a touch panel is stacked on a display can be used. Furthermore, in the case where a ouch panel display is used as the operation unit 13 and the display unit 14, buttons or keys may be displayed as software buttons or software keys at the display unit 14.
The remote-control temperature sensor 15 detects an ambient temperature of the remote control 10, and transmits the detected temperature to the remote-control controller 17.
The storage unit 16 stores various data that is necessary for the control by the remote-control controller 17. In Embodiment 1, the storage unit 16 stores information on various temperatures for use in the temperature correction process.
The remote-control controller 17 controls each of the units provided at the remote control 10 in response to an operation signal associated with an operation by the user on the operation unit 13. For example, in response to the operation signal, the remote-control controller 17 makes various settings including a setting of a target temperature of the air-conditioning target space.
The remote-control controller 17 includes a temperature acquisition unit 171, a calculation unit 172, and a comparison determination unit 173. The remote-control controller 17 is, for example, an arithmetic device such as a microcomputer that fulfills various functions by causing software to run, or hardware such as a circuit device associated with the various functions.
The temperature acquisition unit 171 acquires from the first remote-control communication unit 11, a sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2. Also, the temperature acquisition unit 171 acquires from the remote-control temperature sensor 15, a remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15. Furthermore, the temperature acquisition unit 171 receives from the second remote-control communication unit 12, a suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33 of the indoor unit 30.
The calculation unit 172 calculates a remote-control temperature correction value that is the difference between the sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 and the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15. The calculation unit 172 also calculates a suction air temperature correction value that is the difference between the sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 and the suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33.
Furthermore, the calculation unit 172 calculates the correction remote-control temperature by adding the acquired remote-control temperature correction value to the remote-control temperature. Also, the calculation unit 172 calculates the correction suction air temperature by adding the acquired suction air temperature correction value to the suction air temperature.
The comparison determination unit 173 compares the remote-control temperature correction value and the suction air temperature correction value both calculated by the calculation unit 172. Then, the comparison determination unit 173 determines which of absolute values of the remote-control temperature correction value and the suction air temperature correction value is smaller, and based on the result of this determination, the comparison determination unit 173 determines which of the correction remote-control temperature and the correction suction air temperature is to be used as an indoor temperature.
Fig. 4 is a hardware configuration view illustrating an example of the configuration of the remote control as illustrated in Fig. 3. In the case where each of the functions of the remote control 10 is fulfilled by hardware, the remote control 10 as illustrated in Fig. 3 includes a processing circuit 41 as illustrated in Fig. 4. The functions of the temperature acquisition unit 171, the calculation unit 172, and the comparison determination unit 173 as illustrated in Fig. 3 are fulfilled by the processing circuit 41.
In the case where the functions are fulfilled by the hardware, the processing circuit 41 corresponds to a single-component circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. The functions of the components of the temperature acquisition unit 171, the calculation unit 172, and the comparison determination unit 173 may be fulfilled by the processing circuit 41, or one of the functions may be fulfilled by the processing circuit 41.
Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration view illustrating another example of the example of the remote control as illustrated in Fig. 3. In the case where the functions of the remote control 10 are fulfilled by software, the remote control 10 as illustrated in Fig. 3 includes a processor 42 and a memory 43 as illustrated in Fig. 5. The functions of the temperature acquisition unit 171, the calculation unit 172, and the comparison determination unit 173 are fulfilled by the processor 42 and the memory 43.
In the case where the functions are fulfilled by the software, the functions of the temperature acquisition unit 171, the calculation unit 172, and the comparison determination unit 173 are fulfilled by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and the firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 43. The processor 42 fulfills the functions by reading out the program or programs from the memory 43 and executing the program or programs.
As the memory 43, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), or an electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPEOM) is used. Also, as the memory 43, for example, a removable record medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disc, a compact disc (CD), a mini disc (MD), or a digital versatile disc, may be used.

[Configuration of Portable Temperature Sensor 2]

Fig. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the portable temperature sensor according to Embodiment 1. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the portable temperature sensor 2 includes a sensor communication unit 201, a temperature detection unit 202, and a sensor control unit 203.
The sensor communication unit 201 controls communication between the portable temperature sensor 2 and the remote control 10. The sensor communication unit 201 receives a sensor temperature from the temperature detection unit 202 via the sensor control unit 203, and transmits the sensor temperature to the remote control 10. The temperature detection unit 202 detects an ambient temperature of the portable temperature sensor 2 as the sensor temperature, and transmits the detected temperature to the sensor control unit 203.
The sensor control unit 203 controls components of the portable temperature sensor 2. In Embodiment 1, the sensor control unit 203 controls the sensor communication unit 201 to cause the sensor communication unit 201 to transmit a sensor temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 202 to the remote control 10. The sensor control unit 203 is an arithmetic device such as a microcomputer that causes software to run, to thereby fulfill each of various functions, or hardware such as a circuit device that is associated with the various functions.

[Operation of Air-Conditioning System 100]

Next, it will be described how the air-conditioning system 100 having the above configuration is operated. In general, in a common air-conditioning system, only an air-conditioning apparatus including an outdoor unit, an indoor unit, and a remote control is operated. In this case, the air-conditioning apparatus uses a suction air temperature sensor provided at the indoor unit as a sensor that detects the temperature of indoor air. In the air-conditioning apparatus 1, components are controlled such that a suction air temperature detected by the suction air temperature sensor and corresponding to an indoor temperature reaches a set target temperature. Furthermore, in another type of common air-conditioning apparatus, a remote-control temperature sensor provided at a remote control is used as a sensor for use in detection of indoor air temperature, a remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor is determined as an indoor temperature, and components are controlled based on the remote-control temperature.
However, in the above common air-conditioning apparatuses, the suction air temperature detected by the suction air temperature sensor and the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor are different from the feeling temperature of a user who is present in the air-conditioning target space. This is because the suction air temperature sensor and the remote-control temperature sensor are provided in respective positions that are different from the position of the user who is present in the air-conditioning target space, and are therefore unable to detect the feeling temperature of the user.
In view of the above, in the air-conditioning system 100 according to Embodiment 1, the portable temperature sensor 2 is provided close to the position of the user, and the suction air temperature and the remote-control temperature are corrected based on the temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2. The air-conditioning system 100 uses either the corrected suction air temperature or the corrected remote-control temperature as the indoor temperature to perform an air-conditioning operation.

(Temperature Correction Process)

The temperature correction process is a process to cause the indoor temperature to be accurately detected in the air-conditioning system 100. The temperature correction process is periodically performed. For example, a serviceman performs periodically maintenance. In the periodic maintenance, the serviceman brings the portable temperature sensor 2 into the air-conditioning target space and the temperature correction process is performed. In such a manner, the temperature correction process is periodically performed.
In the temperature correction process, the portable temperature sensor 2 is brought into the air-conditioning target space by the serviceman, and set close to the user such that the feeling temperature that is a temperature which the user feels can be acquired. Furthermore, the portable temperature sensor 2 is connected to the remote control 10. When an indoor temperature is detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 that the serviceman uses, the temperature acquisition unit 171 of the remote-control controller 17 receives a sensor temperature that is the indoor temperature, from the portable temperature sensor 2 via the first remote-control communication unit 11.
Furthermore, the remote-control temperature sensor 15 detects a remote-control temperature that is an ambient temperature of the remote control 10, and transmits the remote-control temperature to the temperature acquisition unit 171. In addition, the temperature acquisition unit 171 receives from the indoor unit 30, a suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33 via the second remote-control communication unit 12.
Referring to as a reference temperature, a sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2, the calculation unit 172 calculates the difference between the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15 and the sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2, thereby obtaining the difference as a remote-control temperature correction value. Then, the calculation unit 172 adds the obtained remote-control temperature correction value to the remote-control temperature to obtain a correction remote-control temperature.
For example, when the indoor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 is 25 degrees C, and at that time, the remote-control temperature is 27 degrees C, the correction value for the remote-control temperature is 2 degrees C below zero. Therefore, the remote control 10 adds 2 degrees below zero, which is the correction value, to 27 degrees C, which is the remote-control temperature, thereby determining 25 degrees C as the correction remote-control temperature.
Furthermore, the calculation unit 172 uses the sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 as the reference temperature, and calculates the difference between the sensor temperature and the suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33, thereby obtaining the difference as the suction air temperature correction value. Then, the calculation unit 172 adds the obtained suction air temperature correction value to the suction air temperature to obtain a correction suction air temperature.
For example, when the indoor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 is 25 degrees C, and at that time, the suction air temperature is 22 degrees C, the correction value for the suction air temperature is 3 degrees C above zero. Therefore, the remote control 10 adds 3 degrees C above zero, which is the correction value, to 22 degrees C, which is the suction air temperature, thereby determining 25 degrees C as the correction suction air temperature.
It should be noted that in the above case, the correction remote-control temperature and the correction suction air temperature are both 25 degrees C; that is, they are equal to each other. In Embodiment 1, in consideration of the precision of the corrected indoor temperature, a correction temperature obtained using one of the remote-control temperature correction value and the suction air temperature correction, whose absolute value is smaller than that of the other, is used as the indoor temperature.
Fig. 7 is a schematic view for explanation of the case where the remote-control temperature is used as the indoor temperature. In an example illustrated in Fig. 7, the remote control 10 is provided outside the air-conditioning target space. In this case, since the suction-air temperature sensor 33 of the indoor unit 30 detects a temperature in the air-conditioning target space, the suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33 varies depending on a change in the temperature of the air-conditioning target space that is made by the air-conditioning operation.
By contrast, since the remote-control temperature sensor 15 of the remote control 10 cannot detect the temperature in the air-conditioning target space, the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15 does not vary depending on the change in the temperature of the air-conditioning target space that is made by the air-conditioning operation. Thus, the suction air temperature is closer to the sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 than the remote-control temperature. Therefore, in this case, it is appropriate that the suction air temperature is used as the indoor temperature. At that time, the absolute value of the suction air temperature correction value is smaller than that of the remote-control temperature correction value.
Fig. 8 is a schematic view for explanation of the case where the suction air temperature is used as the indoor temperature. In an example illustrated in Fig. 8, in the air-conditioning target space, the indoor unit 30 is installed at a location that is easily affected by sunlight. In this case, since the remote-control temperature sensor 15 of the remote control 10 detects the temperature in the air-conditioning target space, the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15 varies depending on a change in the temperature of the air-conditioning target space that is made by the air-conditioning operation.
By contrast, the suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33 of the indoor unit 30 is affected by sunlight to easily rise to a higher temperature than a suction air temperature that would be detected without being affected by sunlight. Furthermore, the temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33 varies depending on whether conditions. In this case, the suction air temperature does not vary depending on the change in the temperature of the air-conditioning target space. Thus, the remote-control temperature is closer to the sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2 than the suction air temperature. Therefore, in this case, it is appropriate that the remote-control temperature is used as the indoor temperature. At this time, the absolute value of the remote-control temperature correction value is smaller than that of the suction air temperature correction value.
The comparison determination unit 173 compares absolute values of the remote-control temperature correction value and the suction air temperature correction value which are calculated by the calculation unit 172. In the above example, the remote-control temperature correction value for the remote-control temperature is 2 degrees C below zero, the suction air temperature correction value for the suction air temperature is 3 degrees C above zero, and the absolute value of the remote-control temperature correction value is smaller than that of the suction air temperature correction value. Therefore, the comparison determination unit 173 determines that the correction remote-control temperature corrected using the remote-control temperature correction value is used as the indoor temperature.
It should be noted that when a sensor for use in detection of the indoor temperature and a correction value for the detected indoor temperature are determined, the remote-control controller 17 causes the storage unit 16 to store the correction value and use sensor information indicating the sensor to be used. Then, until time at which subsequent maintenance is performed is reached, the temperature of the air-conditioning target space is detected using the sensor indicated by the user sensor information stored in the storage unit 16, and the correction value is added to the detected temperature, thereby correcting the detected temperature, and the corrected temperature is used as the indoor temperature.
For example, in the case where it is determined that the remote-control temperature is used as the indoor temperature, the calculation unit 172 adds the remote-control temperature correction value to the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15, on the basis of the use sensor information stored in the storage unit 16 and the remote-control temperature correction value. As a result, the calculation unit 172 acquires a correction remote-control temperature. Then, the remote-control controller 17 transmits the acquired correction remote-control temperature as the indoor temperature to the indoor unit 30 via the second remote-control communication unit 12.
Furthermore, for example, in the case where it is determined that the suction air temperature is used as the indoor temperature, the temperature acquisition unit 171 acquires the suction air temperature from the indoor unit 30 via the second remote-control communication unit 12 on the basis of the use sensor information stored in the storage unit 16. The calculation unit 172 adds the suction air temperature correction value to the received suction air temperature on the basis of the suction air temperature correction value stored in the storage unit 16. As a result, the calculation unit 172 acquires a correction suction air temperature. Then, the remote-control controller 17 transmits the acquired correction suction air temperature as the indoor temperature to the indoor unit 30 via the second remote-control communication unit 12.
It should be noted that according to the above description concerning the example described regarding Embodiment 1, the air-conditioning system 100 includes a single indoor unit 30. However, this description is not limiting. The air-conditioning system 100 may include a plurality of indoor units 30. In this case, in the temperature correction process, the calculation unit 172 of the remote-control controller 17 calculates a remote-control temperature correction value for the remote control 10, and also calculates suction air temperature correction values for the indoor units 30. Then, the comparison determination unit 173 determines that the remote-control temperature or the suction air temperature which is corrected using one of the calculated remote-control temperature correction value and the corrected suction air temperature correction value, whose absolute value is the smallest, is used as the indoor temperature.

[Operation of Air-Conditioning System 100]

In general, in many cases, the portable temperature sensor 2 of the air-conditioning system 100 is expensive. Thus, in Embodiment 1, the portable temperature sensor 2 is not at all times located in the air-conditioning target space, and is brought into the air-conditioning target space by the serviceman for maintenance, and brought back therefrom by the serviceman after the maintenance.
It should be noted that the air-conditioning system 100 is operated mainly in summer and winter, and it is assumed that a temperature sensor that is optimal as a temperature sensor for detection of the correction value and the indoor temperature varies depending on the season in which the air-conditioning system is operated.
Therefore, after the air-conditioning system 100 is installed, it is necessary to select a temperature sensor and determine a correction value at least once before summer and winter.
In view of the above, in Embodiment 1, before the air-conditioning system 100 is operated in summer and winter, the serviceman brings the portable temperature sensor 2 into the air-conditioning target space and operates the air-conditioning system 100 such that the indoor temperature is properly corrected. Therefore, in summer and winter, the indoor temperature is properly corrected, and the user can thus properly use the air-conditioning apparatus 1.
In addition, it should be noted that both now and in the past, in summer and winter in which the air-conditioning system 100 is operated mainly, failures or troubles have occurred frequently. Inevitably, in summer and winter, servicemen become excessively busy to handle failures or troubles. Therefore, it is preferable that the serviceman inspect the air-conditioning system 100 to check whether a problem arises and solve the problem if it arises, before summer or winter in which the air-conditioning system 100 is operated mainly.
Therefore, as described above, before summer and winter, a temperature sensor for detection of the indoor temperature is selected as a temperature sensor in the air-conditioning system 100 and a correction value is determined, whereby the air-conditioning system 100 can be inspected at the same time as the temperature sensor is selected and the correction value is determined. Furthermore, since the air-conditioning system 100 is inspected before a busy period, it is possible to distribute the load of the serviceman. Regarding the air-conditioning system 100, it is preferable that selection of a temperature sensor for detection of the indoor temperature and determination of the correction value be performed periodically before the busy period.
As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus according to Embodiment 1, the calculation unit 172 calculates the correction suction air temperature and the correction remote-control temperature based on the remote-control temperature correction value and the suction air temperature correction value calculated with reference to the sensor temperature detected by the portable temperature sensor 2. Furthermore, the comparison determination unit 173 selects either the correction suction air temperature or the correction remote-control temperature as the indoor temperature. As a result, the indoor temperature is properly corrected, and the indoor temperature of the air-conditioning target space can be accurately controlled.
In the air-conditioning apparatus 1, the comparison determination unit 173 selects as the indoor temperature, a temperature that is corrected using one of the suction air temperature correction value and the remote-control temperature correction value, whose absolute value is smaller than that of the other. As a result, a temperature that is closer to an actual indoor temperature is selected as the indoor temperature, and it is therefore possible to more properly correct the indoor temperature.
The air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes a plurality of indoor units 30 and the calculation unit 172 calculates suction air temperature correction values for suction air temperatures detected by respective suction-air temperature sensors 33 provided at the indoor units 30. Furthermore, the comparison determination unit 173 selects as the indoor temperature, one of the suction air temperature correction values and the remote-control temperature correction value, whose absolute value is smaller than that of any of the others. Therefore, even in the case where the plurality of indoor units 30 are provided in the air-conditioning target space, it is possible to select a proper temperature as the indoor temperature.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 2, the air-conditioning system includes a plurality of portable temperature sensors. In this regard, Embodiment 2 is different from Embodiment 1. Regarding Embodiment 2, components that are the same as those in Embodiment 1 will be denoted by the same reference signs, and their detailed descriptions will thus be omitted.

[Configuration of Air-Conditioning System 200]

Fig. 9 is a schematic view illustrating an example of the configuration of the air-conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. As illustrated in Fig. 9, the air-conditioning system 200 includes the air-conditioning apparatus 1 and portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b. The air-conditioning apparatus 1 includes the outdoor unit 20, the indoor unit 30, and the remote control 10 as in Embodiment 1. It should be noted that the configurations of the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b are the same as that of the portable temperature sensor 2 of Embodiment 1, and their descriptions will thus be omitted.
In Embodiment 2, in the temperature correction process, the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b, which are brought into the air-conditioning target space by the serviceman, are connected to the remote control 10. The configuration of the remote control according to Embodiment 2 is the same as that of the remote control 10 according to each of Embodiments 1 and 2 which is illustrated in Fig. 3. However, in Embodiment 2, the first remote-control communication unit 11 of the remote control 10 receives from the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b, respective sensor temperatures.
The calculation unit 172 of the remote-control controller 17 calculates an average sensor temperature that is an average value of a plurality of sensor temperatures acquired via the first remote-control communication unit 11. Then, referring to as a reference temperature, the calculated average sensor temperature, the calculation unit 172 calculates a suction air temperature correction value and a remote-control temperature correction value, and also calculates a correction suction air temperature and a correction remote-control temperature.

[Temperature Correction Process]

In the air-conditioning system 200 according to Embodiment 2, the remote-control controller 17 of the remote control 10 acquires sensor temperatures that are detected by respective portable temperature sensors, that is, the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b, and calculates the average sensor temperature. Then, using the calculated average sensor temperature, the remote-control controller 17 corrects the remote-control temperature or the suction air temperature as the indoor temperature.
In the temperature correction process according to Embodiment 2, the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b, which are provided within the range of activity of the user, are connected to the remote control 10, and the indoor temperature is detected by the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b. The temperature acquisition unit 171 of the remote-control controller 17 receives the sensor temperatures as the indoor temperature from the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b via the first remote-control communication unit 11.
The calculation unit 172 calculates the average sensor temperature based on the sensor temperatures detected by the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b. Referring to as a reference temperature, the calculated average sensor temperature, calculation unit 172 calculates the difference between the average sensor temperature and the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15, and acquires a difference value as the remote-control temperature correction value. Then, the calculation unit 172 adds the acquired remote-control temperature correction value to the remote-control temperature to obtain a correction remote-control temperature.
Furthermore, referring to as a reference temperature, the average sensor temperature, the calculation unit 172 calculates the difference between the average sensor temperature and the suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33, and acquires a difference value as the suction air temperature correction value. Then, the calculation unit 172 adds the acquired suction air temperature correction value to the suction air temperature to obtain a correction suction air temperature.
As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 2, in the case where the plurality of portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b are provided, the calculation unit 172 calculates an average sensor temperature that is an average value of a plurality of sensor temperatures. Referring to as a reference, t the calculated average sensor temperature, the calculation unit 172 calculates a suction air temperature correction value and a remote-control temperature correction value. Thus, the precision of the correction value for the indoor temperature is improved, and it is therefore possible to more properly correct the indoor temperature.

Embodiment 3

Embodiment 3 will be described. In the case where the cooling operation is performed, for example, in summer, when the indoor temperature rises to a higher value than the set target temperature, the user in the air-conditioning target space feels uncomfortable. Furthermore, in the case where the heating operation is performed, for example, in winter, when the indoor temperature falls below the set target temperature, the user in the air-conditioning target space feels uncomfortable. In such a manner, when the indoor temperature does not reach the set target temperature, the user in the air-conditioning target space is unable to feel comfortable.
In view of the above, in Embodiment 3, one of sensor temperatures detected by a plurality of portable sensors provided in the air-conditioning target space is selected depending on a set operation mode, in order that the indoor temperature be made to more reliably reach the set target temperature. It should be noted that the configuration of the air-conditioning system 200 of Embodiment 3 is the same as that of Embodiment 2, and its description will thus be omitted. In addition, regarding Embodiment 3, components that are the same as Embodiment 1 and/or Embodiment 2 will be denoted by the same reference signs, and their detailed descriptions will thus be omitted.

[Temperature Correction Process]

In the temperature correction process according to Embodiment 3, when calculating correction values such as the suction air temperature correction value and the remote-control temperature correction value, the calculation unit 172 changes a sensor temperature to be used, depending on the set operation mode. For example, in the case where the cooling operation is performed in summer, it is necessary to more reliably lower the indoor temperature in order to reduce the probability with which the air-conditioning target space will become hot and the user will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in this case, the remote-control controller 17 selects one of the plurality of sensor temperatures that has the highest value, and calculates a correction value referring to the selected sensor temperature.
By contrast, for example, in the case where the heating operation is performed in winter, it is necessary to more reliably raise the indoor temperature in order to reduce the probability with which the air-conditioning target space will become cold and the user will feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in this case, the remote-control controller 17 selects one of the plurality of sensor temperatures that has the lowest value and calculates the selected sensor temperature referring to the selected sensor temperature.
More specifically, in the temperature correction process according to Embodiment 3, the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b set within the range of activity of the user are connected to the remote control 10, and detect the indoor temperature. The temperature acquisition unit 171 of the remote-control controller 17 receives from the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b, respective sensor temperatures that are indoor temperatures, via the first remote-control communication unit 11.
The comparison determination unit 173 confirms the current operation mode. A various kinds of set information including the current operation mode is stored in the storage unit 16. The comparison determination unit 173 reads information stored in the storage unit 16, and in the case where the current operation mode is a cooling operation mode, the comparison determination unit 173 selects one of the plurality of sensor temperatures that has the highest value. Furthermore, in the case where the current operation mode is a heating operation mode, the comparison determination unit 173 select one of the plurality of sensor temperature that has the lowest value.
Referring as a reference temperature, the sensor temperature selected by the comparison determination unit 173, the calculation unit 172 calculates the difference between the sensor temperature and the remote-control temperature detected by the remote-control temperature sensor 15, and obtains a difference value as the remote-control temperature correction value. The calculation unit 172 adds the obtained remote-control temperature correction value to the remote-control temperature to obtain a correction remote-control temperature.
Furthermore, referring to as a reference temperature, the selected sensor temperature, the calculation unit 172 calculates the difference between the sensor temperature and the suction air temperature detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33, and obtains a difference value as the suction air temperature correction value. Then, the calculation unit 172 adds the obtained suction air temperature correction value to the suction air temperature to obtain a correction suction air temperature.
As described above, in the air-conditioning apparatus 1 according to Embodiment 3, the comparison determination unit 173 selects one of sensor temperatures detected by the portable temperature sensors 2a and 2b as a sensor temperature to be used, depending on a set option mode. As a result, a sensor temperature suitable for the operation mode is selected, and it is therefore possible to more properly correct the indoor temperature, depending on the operation mode.
In the air-conditioning apparatus 1, when the operation mode is the cooling operation mode, the comparison determination unit 173 selects one of the plurality of sensor temperatures that has the highest value, and when the operation mode is the heating operation mode, the comparison determination unit 173 selects one of the plurality of sensor temperatures that has the lowest value. As a result, during the cooling operation, the corrected indoor temperature is higher than the actual indoor temperature, and during the heating temperature, the corrected indoor temperature is lower than the actual indoor temperature. Thus, the air-conditioning apparatus 1 can be operated such that the indoor temperature reaches the set target temperature, and the user does not feel uncomfortable.
Although the above descriptions are made regarding Embodiments 1 to 3, they are not limiting. Various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. For example, regarding Embodiments 1 to 3, it is described above that the temperature correction process is performed by the remote-control controller 17 of the remote control 10, it is not limiting. The temperature correction process may be performed by the controller 34 of the indoor unit 30.
Furthermore, regarding Embodiments 1 to 3, although it is described that the temperature is corrected, it is not limiting. For example, humidity may be corrected in the same manner as the temperature. This is because the comfort depends not only on the temperature, but the humidity.
The correction value for the indoor temperature also varies depending on the set position of the portable temperature sensor 2. Thus, the set position of the portable temperature sensor 2 is changed to obtain data, and an appropriate correction value can be determined depending on the position of the user. As a result, even if the position of the user is changed, for example, because of changing of the seat of the user in the air-conditioning target space or remodeling of a tenant, it is possible to appropriately set the correction value for the indoor temperature and accurately control air-conditioning.
In addition, a relationship between the temperature of a location that is subjected to air-conditioned and temperatures detected by the suction-air temperature sensor 33 and the remote-control temperature sensor 15 also varies depending on, for example, the number of users who are present in the air-conditioning target space and heat liberated from devices provided in the air-conditioning target space. Therefore, for example, the air-conditioning system may be caused to learn an appropriate correction value for the indoor temperature based on information acquired from, for example, a human detecting sensor or a thermos sensor and an evaluation of comfortableness that is fed back from the user. In this case, it is possible to more accurately control air-conditioning.

Reference Signs List

100, 200: air-conditioning system, 1: air-conditioning apparatus, 2, 2a, 2b: portable temperature sensor, 10: remote control, 11: first remote-control communication unit, 12: second remote-control communication unit, 13: operation unit, 14: display unit, 15: remote-control temperature sensor, 16: storage unit, 17: remote-control controller, 20: outdoor unit, 21: compressor, 22: refrigerant flow switching device, 23: outdoor heat exchanger, 30: indoor unit, 31: expansion device, 32: indoor heat exchanger, 33: suction-air temperature sensor, 34: controller, 41: processing circuit, 42: processor, 43: memory, 171: temperature acquisition unit, 172: calculation unit, 173: comparison determination unit, 201: sensor communication unit, 202: temperature detection unit, 203: sensor control unit

Claims

An air-conditioning apparatus that comprises an outdoor unit and an indoor unit and is controlled in operation such that an indoor temperature in an air-conditioning target space in which the indoor unit is installed reaches a set target temperature, the air-conditioning apparatus comprising:
a remote control configured to operate the air-conditioning apparatus; and

a suction air temperature sensor provided at the indoor unit and configured to detect a suction air temperature that is a temperature of air that is sucked by the indoor unit,

wherein the remote control includes,
a remote-control temperature sensor configured to detect a remote-control temperature that is a temperature of air in a vicinity of the remote control, and

a remote-control controller configured to make settings including the set target temperature of the air-conditioning target space, and

wherein the remote-control controller includes,
a calculation unit configured to calculate a suction air temperature correction value and a remote-control temperature correction value with reference to a sensor temperature indicating a temperature in the air-conditioning target space that is received from an external sensor provided in a range of activity of a user, the suction air temperature correction value being a difference between the sensor temperature and the suction air temperature, the remote-control temperature correction value being a difference between the sensor temperature and the remote-control temperature, the calculation unit being also configured to calculate a correction suction air temperature by adding the suction air temperature correction value to the suction air temperature, and a correction remote-control temperature by adding the remote-control temperature correction value to the remote-control temperature, and

a comparison determination unit configured to select, as the indoor temperature, one of the correction suction air temperature and the correction remote-control temperature.
The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1, wherein the comparison determination unit is configured to select, as the indoor temperature, a temperature that is corrected using one of the suction air temperature correction value and the remote-control temperature correction value, whose absolute value is smaller than an absolute value of the other.
The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 1 or 2,
wherein a plurality of the indoor units are provided,

wherein the calculation unit is configured to calculate each of a plurality of the suction air temperature correction values for a plurality of the suction air temperatures detected by a plurality of the suction air temperature sensors provided at the plurality of indoor units, and

wherein the comparison determination unit is configured to select, as the indoor temperature, one of the plurality of suction air temperature correction values and the remote-control temperature correction value, whose absolute value is smaller than an absolute value of any of the others.
The air-conditioning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the calculation unit is configured to calculate, in a case where a plurality of the external sensors are provided, an average sensor temperature that is an average value of a plurality of the sensor temperatures, and calculate the suction air temperature correction value and the remote-control temperature correction value with reference to the average sensor temperature.
The air-conditioning apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the remote-control controller is configured to acquire, in a case where a plurality of the external sensors are provided, a plurality of the sensor temperatures detected by the plurality of external sensors, and

wherein the comparison determination unit is configured to select one of the plurality of sensor temperatures as a sensor temperature to be used, depending on a set operation mode.
The air-conditioning apparatus of claim 5, wherein the comparison determination unit is configured to select a highest one of the plurality of sensor temperatures when the operation mode is a cooling operation mode, and select a lowest one of the plurality of sensor temperatures when the operation mode is a heating operation mode.
An air-conditioning system comprising:
the air-conditioning apparatus of claims 1 to 6; and

a portable temperature sensor provided in the air-conditioning target space, and configured to detect the indoor temperature as the external sensor.