GB2554564A

GB2554564A - Air conditioning control device, air conditioning control method, and program

Info

Publication number: GB2554564A
Application number: GB1716420.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Horie Hayato; Hamada Mamoru; Toyoshima Masaki; Takahashi Hiroki; Shibuta Yosuke; Horie Hiroshi
Original assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Current assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date: 2015-03-31
Filing date: 2016-03-28
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-03-28
Also published as: JP6075659B2; WO2016158852A1; GB201716420D0; JP2016191523A; GB2554564B

Abstract

In the present invention, an acquisition unit (301) acquires operation data indicating the operational state of a first outdoor unit and operation data indicating the operational state of a second outdoor unit from an air conditioning system provided with a first group consisting of the first outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit that is connected to the first outdoor unit, and a second group consisting of the second outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit that is connected to the second outdoor unit. An output unit (306) outputs the result of a determination as to whether at least one of the first group and the second group is to be reconstructed, such determination result being based on the load generated in the first outdoor unit and the load generated in the second outdoor unit.

Description

(56) Documents Cited:

JP 2013236264 A JP 2013079737 A

JP 2013064542 A JP 2011052952 A

JP 2009020640 A

JPH11118228 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL F24F

Other: Jitsuyo Shinan Koho 1922-1996; Jitsuyo Shinan Toroku Koho 1996-2016; Kokai Jitsuyo Shinan Koho 1971-2016; Toroku Jitsuyo Shinan Koho 1994-2016 (71) Applicant(s):

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Incorporated in Japan)

7-3 Marunouchi 2-chome, Chiyoda-ku,

Tokyo 100-8310, Japan (72) Inventor(s):

Hayato Horie Mamoru Hamada Masaki Toyoshima Hiroki Takahashi Yosuke Shibuta Hiroshi Horie (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Mewburn Ellis LLP

City Tower, 40 Basinghall Street, LONDON, Greater London, EC2V 5DE, United Kingdom (54) Title ofthe Invention: Air conditioning control device, air conditioning control method, and program Abstract Title: Air conditioning control device, air conditioning control method, and program (57) In the present invention, an acquisition unit (301) acquires operation data indicating the operational state of a first outdoor unit and operation data indicating the operational state of a second outdoor unit from an air conditioning system provided with a first group consisting of the first outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit that is connected to the first outdoor unit, and a second group consisting of the second outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit that is connected to the second outdoor unit.

An output unit (306) outputs the result of a determination as to whether at least one of the first group and the second group is to be reconstructed, such determination result being based on the load generated in the first outdoor unit and the load generated in the second outdoor unit.

301 Acquisition unit

302 Operation data storage unit

303 Calculation unit

304 Determination unit

305 Selection unit

306 Output unit

1/21

FIG. 1

100

Γ⁷

20

2/21 FIG. 2

Z

201

3/21 FIG. 3

301

4/21

FIG. 4

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

MAXIMUM

VALUE

P N

LOAD [kW]

MAX N

5/21

FIG. 5

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY FREQUENCY

FIRST GROUP

SECOND GROUP

6/21

FIG. 6

FIRST GROUP

SECOND GROUP

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

7/21

FIG. 7

FIRST GROUP 1A

SECOND GROUP 1B

INTEGRATED GROUP 1C

8/21

FIG. 8

FIRST GROUP

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------,

ONE GROUP AFTER DIVISION ANOTHER GROUP AFTER DIVISION

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

9/21

FIG. 9

FIRST GROUP 1

ONE GROUP AFTER DIVISION 1X

ANOTHER GROUP

AFTER DIVISION 1Y

10/21

FIG. 10

LOAD [kW]

11/21

FIG. 11

FIRST GROUP

φ φ

P_1 MAX_1

SECOND GROUP

LOAD [kW]

LOAD [kW]

INTEGRATED GROUP

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

LOAD [kW]

12/21

FIG. 12

OCCURRENCE FIRST GROUP FREQUENCY

ONE GROUP AFTER DIVISION OCCURRENCE

ANOTHER GROUP AFTER DIVISION

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

13/21

FIG. 13

FIRST GROUP 1A

SECOND GROUP 1B

OUTDOOR UNIT
		2A rJ
	INDOOR / UNIT
	2B _

cL

OUTDOOR UNIT
		2C _
		INDOOR UNIT
		2D Cj
		INDOOR UNIT

INDOOR UNIT 2B

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

INDOOR UNIT 2A

OCCURRENCE

FREQUENCY

LOAD [kW]

P 2A

MAX 2A

P 2B

LOAD [kW] MAX 2B

14/21

FIG. 14

BEFORE RECONFIGURATION

FIRST GROUP 1A

SECOND GROUP 1B

AFTER RECONFIGURATION

FIRST GROUP 1A

SECOND GROUP 1B

15/21

FIG. 15

16/21

FIG. 16

DATE AND TIME	OPERATION MODE	POWER CONSUMPTION [kW]
09:30:00, MARCH 16, 2015	HEATING	0.90
09:40:00, MARCH 16, 2015	HEATING	0.85
09:50:00, MARCH 16, 2015	HEATING	0.82

13:00:00, MARCH 16, 2015	STOP	0

17/21

FIG. 17

1700

MODEL	CAPACITY
ABCD	^ABCD
EFGH	^EFGH
IJKL	Ajkl

18/21

FIG. 18

ANALYSIS RESULT

FIRST GROUP

SECOND GROUP

OUTDOOR

UNIT

OUTDOOR

UNIT

► Φ

INTEGRATION OF FIRST GROUP AND SECOND GROUP IS RECOMMENDED.

IN PLACE OF EXISTING TWO OUTDOOR UNITS, ESTABLISHMENT OF A SINGLE OUTDOOR UNIT

MODELABCD

IS RECOMMENDED.

19/21

FIG. 19

LOAD [kW]

EXTERNAL AIR TEMPERATURE [°C]

20/21

FIG. 20

POWER

CONSUMPTION [kW]

LOAD [kW]

21/21

FIG. 21

ENERGY CONSUMPTION AMOUNT [kWh]

LOAD [kW]

DESCRIPTION

Title of Invention

AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL DEVICE, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD, AND PROGRAM

Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control method, and a program.

Background Art [0002] When an existing air conditioner is replaced, conventionally the existing air conditioner is often replaced by a latest model of the same capacity as the capacity of the existing air conditioner, regardless of an actual value of a load by the existing air conditioner.

[0003] For example, in the case of selection of an air conditioner of excessive capacity at the time of design of an existing air conditioning system, due to operation of the replacement air conditioner in a state in which the load is lower than a design load, the replacement air conditioner repeatedly operates and stops, and thus energy consumption efficiency may decline. Thus simply selecting the replacement air conditioner as an air conditioner of the same capacity as the capacity of the existing air conditioner results in an unimproved state of low coefficient of performance (COP).

[0004] In such circumstances, a selection technique exists that is useful for lowering life cycle cost, by calculating the load by the air conditioner on the basis of inputted building information, and then selecting the air conditioner that results a maximum in the COP for which a load occurs at high frequency (for example, Patent

Literature 1).

Citation List

Patent Literature [0005] Patent Literature 1: Unexamined Japanese Patent Application Kokai Publication No. 2009-020640

Summary of Invention

Technical Problem [0006] However, the technique of selecting the air conditioner described in Patent Literature 1 does not envision increasing and decreasing the number of outdoor units in the case in which multiple outdoor units are installed for a single room. Particularly in the case of offices, air conditioning is often controlled in a large space by use of multiple outdoor units, and thus an ability to configure an air conditioning system for energy conservation, by also considering changing the number of outdoor units in the case in which there are multiple outdoor units, is desired.

[0007] Further, the technique of Patent Literature 1 calculates the air conditioner load on the basis of inputted building information such as weather conditions, configurations of walls and/or windows, a number of persons present in the room, and a ventilation amount. However, this conventional technique assumes the ability to readily obtain floor plans and design drawings of the building, or assumes the performance of a site survey, and numerous parameters art required for calculating the load, and thus is complex and troublesome, so a more simple technique is desired.

[0008] The present disclosure is developed to solve the aforementioned problems, and an objective of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control method, and a program that make possible configuration of an optimal air conditioning system while considering changing the number of outdoor units.

Solution to Problem [0009] In order to attain the aforementioned objective, the air conditioning control device according to the present disclosure includes:

acquiring means for acquiring, from an air conditioning system, operation data indicating an operation status of a first outdoor unit and operation data indicating an operation status of a second outdoor unit, the air conditioning system including a first group and a second group, the first group including the first outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the first outdoor unit, the second group including the second outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the second outdoor unit; and outputting means for outputting a determination result, based on a load generated by the first outdoor unit and a load generated by the second outdoor unit, of whether at least one of the first group or the second group is to be reconfigured.

Advantageous Effects of Invention [0010] According to the present disclosure, a determination result is output as to whether to reconfigure at least one of a first group or a second group on the basis of at least one of a load generated by a first outdoor unit included in the first group or a load generated by a second outdoor unit included in the second group. Thus the present disclosure can provide an air conditioning control device, an air conditioning control method, and a program that make possible configuration of an optimum air conditioning system while considering changing the number of outdoor units.

Brief Description of Drawings [0011] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system;

FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a hardware configuration of an air conditioning control device;

FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a configuration of functions of the air conditioning control device;

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of a relationship between capacity of an outdoor unit and occurrence frequency;

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating another example of the relationship between capacity of the outdoor unit and occurrence frequency;

FIG. 6 is a drawing for description of integration of two groups;

FIG. 7 is another drawing for description of integration of the two groups;

FIG. 8 is a drawing for description of dividing of a single group;

FIG. 9 is another drawing for description of dividing of the single group;

FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an example of a relationship between capacity of the outdoor unit and COP;

FIG. 11 is a drawing for description of the relationship between capacity of the outdoor units and COP, and integration of the groups;

FIG. 12 is a drawing for description of the relationship between capacity of the outdoor unit and COP, and division of the group;

FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating an example configuration of the air conditioning system and the relationship between capacity of indoor units and occurrence frequency;

FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating adding of indoor units;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart for description of analysis processing;

FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating an example of operation data;

FIG. 17 is a drawing illustrating an example configuration of a model list;

FIG. 18 is a drawing illustrating an example of analysis results presented to a user; FIG. 19 is a drawing illustrating an example of a relationship between outdoor air temperature and capacity;

FIG. 20 is a drawing illustrating an example of a relationship between capacity of the outdoor unit and power consumption; and

FIG. 21 is a drawing illustrating a relationship between capacity of the outdoor unit and energy consumption amount.

Description of Embodiments [0012] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below. FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0013] Within the overall air conditioning system 100, a portion formed by a single outdoor unit 1 and at least one or more indoor unit 2 connected to the outdoor unit 1 is termed a single group. Two groups exist in FIG. 1, that is, a first group 10 including an outdoor unit 1A and indoor units 2A and 2B, and a second group 20 including an outdoor unit IB and indoor units 2C and 2D.

[0014] In the present embodiment, a single outdoor unit 1 is taken to be included in a single group. The number of indoor units 2 included in a single group is not limited to two units, and may be freely selected. The number of groups included in the air conditioning system 100 is not limited to two groups, and may be freely selected.

[0015] An air conditioning control device 50 acquires operation data indicating an operation status of the outdoor units 1 and the indoor units 2 such as operation time, operation mode, and the like, on a group-by-group basis, unit-by-unit outdoor unit 1 basis, or unit-by-unit indoor unit 2 basis, and stores the acquired operation data. Further, the air conditioning control device 50, on the basis of the accumulated operation data, presents to a user, such as a manager of the air conditioning system, information indicating an optimum configuration of the air conditioning system 100.

[0016] The air conditioning control device 50 of the present embodiment, via a dedicated communication network, acquires the operation data of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor units 2 from the outdoor unit 1 included in each group. However, the air conditioning control device 50 may acquire the operation data via the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or the like.

[0017] A hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 50 is described next with reference to FIG. 2.

[0018] A communicator 201 receives the operation data from the outdoor unit 1 of each group.

[0019] An image processor 202 generates graphic data and displays the generated graphic data on a display device. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning control device 50 includes a display 251 as the display device.

[0020] An inputter 203 acquires a signal indicating an operation by the user and inputs the signal to a controller 204.

[0021] The controller 204 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only 5 memory (ROM), and a random access memory (RAM) and performs overall control of the air conditioning control device 50.

[0022] A storage 205 includes a non-volatile memory device such as a hard disk, a flash memory, and the like, and stores various types of programs, an operating system (OS), image data, acquired operation data, and the like for controlling the air conditioning control device 50.

[0023] Processing performed by the air conditioning control device 50 is described below in detail. FIG. 3 illustrates mechanical configuration of the air conditioning control device 50.

[0024] The controller 204 controls the communicator 201 to acquire from the outdoor unit 1 the operation data indicating the operation status of the outdoor units 1, and stores the acquired operation data in the storage 205. Further, the controller 204 controls the communicator 201 to acquire from the indoor units 2 the operation data indicating the operation status of the indoor units 2, and stores the acquired operation data in the storage 205. The controller 204 and the communicator 201 cooperate to function as an acquirer 301 that acquires the operation data. The storage 205 functions as an operation data storage 302 that stores the operation data.

[0025] The controller 204 calculates, on the basis of the acquired operation data, a relationship between a load generated by the outdoor unit 1 and/or the indoor unit 2 and an occurrence frequency of the load. The controller 204 functions as a calculator 303.

[0026] Specifically, the controller 204 calculates an air conditioning capacity of the outdoor unit 1 from a compressor frequency, a cooling medium compression pressure and vapor pressure, a degree of opening of an expansion value, and the like for a certain time period, and the controller 204 calculates a relationship between a generated load and an occurrence frequency thereof. In the present embodiment, only a single outdoor unit 1 is included in a single group, and thus the load generated by a single group can be considered to be the capacity possessed by the outdoor unit 1. For example, in a certain group a load is generated in the case of occurrence of a difference between a target value of temperature and a present value of temperature, or between a target value of humidity and a present value of humidity. That is to say, in the case of the occurrence of an event to cause various types of operation (cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidifying operation, or humidifying operation), a load is generated by the group for which the event occurs.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the relationship between the load (or capacity) calculated from the operation data and the occurrence frequency. FIG. 4 plots the relationship between the generated load in kilowatt units and the occurrence frequency, the subject of the relationship being an Nth group, where N is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and less than or equal to the total number of groups. Further, rather than the load, a load rate in percent units may be used that indicates a ratio of execution performance capacity to a rated capacity. Further, the number of occurrences of a load of a certain magnitude may be considered to be the occurrence frequency, and a total value of lengths of time periods during which the load of a certain magnitude is generated may be considered to be the occurrence frequency of the load of the certain magnitude.

[0028] The load (or capacity) of the outdoor unit 1 of the Nth group having the maximum occurrence frequency is indicated by φρ n. The generated maximum load (or maximum capacity rate) is indicated by Φμαχ_n.

[0029] For the air conditioning system 100 having the first group 10 and the second group 20, FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a relationship between the load generated by each group and the occurrence frequency. Generally the environment experienced by each group differs, and the relationship between the load and the occurrence frequency also differs between groups.

[0030] Here, as illustrated in FIG. 6, in a case in which a generated maximum load Φμαχ ί of the first group 10 is less than or equal to a capacity φι of the outdoor unit 1A within the first group 10, and a generated maximum load Φμαχ 2 of the second group 20 is less than or equal to a capacity Φ2 of the outdoor unit IB within the second group 20, that is to say, in the case in which Φμαχ n is less than or equal to Φν, the controller 204 determines that the first group 10 and the second group 20 are to be integrated together. The controller 204 functions as a determiner 304 that determines whether the first group

10 and the second group 20 are to be reconfigured. Further, the term reconfigured is taken to mean, for example, integrating together the first group 10 and the second group 20, or dividing the first group 10 or the second group 20.

[0031] Further, the controller 204 selects, as new outdoor units 1 after integration, the outdoor units 1 that have a capacity φχ greater than or equal to a generated maximum load (= Φμαχ 1 + φ max 2) and have good energy efficiency. The controller 204 functions as a selector 305 for selecting the outdoor units 1 after reconfiguration.

[0032] Further, the controller 204 controls the image processor 202 to display on the display 251 the determination results indicating whether the first group 10 and the second group 20 are to be reconfigured, and/or information indicating the outdoor unit 1 after reconfiguration. The controller 204 and the image processor 202 cooperatively function as the outputter 306. Further, the controller 204 may transmit to another computer (not illustrated) connected to the air conditioning control device 50, and the other computer may display on a display device the determination results indicating whether the first group 10 and the second group 20 are to be reconfigured, and/or the information indicating the outdoor unit 1 after reconfiguration, rather than the controller 204 displaying the determination results and/or information on the display 251.

[0033] The capacity φ indicates a target of an upper limit of load at which the outdoor units 1 can safely operate.

[0034] The capacity φχ of the outdoor unit 1 after integration is greater than or equal to the sum of the generated maximum load Φμαχ ι of the pre-integration first group 10 and the generated maximum load Φμαχ 2 of the pre-integration second group 20.

[0035] The expression outdoor units 1 having good energy efficiency indicates that the outdoor units 1 have an annual performance factor (APF), as listed in a catalog, for example, larger than a predetermined reference value.

[0036] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of integrating the existing first group 10 and the existing second group 20 to form a single group. The integration forms a single group connecting together 4 units, that is, the indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D with a single outdoor unit 1C having the capacity φχ.

[0037] Integrating the groups and decreasing the number of outdoor units 1 have effects of enabling a decrease in costs required for maintenance of the overall air conditioning system 100 and a decrease in footprint of the outdoor unit 1.

[0038] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 8, in the case in which the maximum load Φμαχ 1 of the first group 10 (or the second group 20) is greater than the capacity φι of the outdoor units 1 in the first group 1 (that is, Φμαχ n is greater than Φν), the controller 204 determines that the first group 10 is to be divided into two groups. Further, the controller 204 selects the following as the two new outdoor units 1 after division: (1) the outdoor unit 1 having a capacity φχι greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχ xi forecast to be generated and having a good energy efficiency, and (2) the outdoor unit 1 having a capacity φχ2 greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχja forecast to be generated and having a good energy efficiency.

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of division of a single existing group into two groups. Due to the division, a group connects a single outdoor unit IX having the capacity φχι with two indoor units 2 A and 2B, and a group connects a single outdoor unit

1Y having the capacity φχ2 with two indoor units 2C and 2D.

[0040] Although a single group is divided into two groups in the present embodiment, the single group may be divided into three or more groups.

[0041] Rather than the aforementioned APF, the coefficient of performance (COP) may be used as the reference value for determining whether energy efficiency is good.

COP indicates the cooling capacity or heating capacity per 1 kW power consumption during rated cooling or rated heating.

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates load (or capacity) of the outdoor unit 1 and an example of the relationship between COP. A maximum value is generally present in the curve indicating the relationship between load and COP. The load (or capacity) when the COP of the Nth outdoor unit 1 is maximum is indicated by Φοορμαχ n.

[0043] FIG. 11 illustrates the relationship between the load of each group before and after integration and COP in the case in which the air conditioning system 100 has the first group 10 and the second group 20. In the case in which the respective maximum generated load is less than or equal to the capacity φι or φ2 of the outdoor unit

1 within the group (that is, the case in which Φμαχ_n is less than or equal to Φν), the controller 204 determines that the first group 10 and the second group 20 are to be integrated into a single group. Further, the controller 204 selects as the new outdoor unit 1 after integration the outdoor unit 1 that has the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχ x forecast to be generated, and for which a load φρχ of maximum occurrence frequency matches the load Φοορμαχ x at the maximum value of COP. Further, in the case in which no such outdoor unit 1 exists, the outdoor unit 1 is selected that has the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχ n forecast to be generated, and for which there is minimum difference between the load φρχ having the maximum occurrence frequency and the load Φοορμαχ x when COP is maximum.

[0044] On the other hand, in the case in which the generated maximum load of the first group 10 (or the second group 20) is greater than the capacity φι of the outdoor unit 1 of the first group 10 as illustrated in FIG. 12 (that is, the case in which Φμαχ n is greater than or equal to Φν), the controller 204 determines that the first group 10 is to be divided.

Further, the controller 204 selects the following as the two new outdoor units 1 after division: (1) the outdoor unit 1 having the capacity φχι greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχχι forecast to be generated and for which the load φρ xi of maximum occurrence frequency matches the load φεοΡΜΑχ xi at the maximum value of COP, and (2) the outdoor unit 1 having the capacity φχ2 greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχja forecast to be generated and for which the load φρ Χ2 of maximum occurrence frequency matches the load φεοΡΜΑχ Χ2 at the maximum value of COP. Further, in the case in which the outdoor unit 1 corresponding to (1) is absent, the outdoor unit 1 is selected that has the capacity φχι greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχ xi forecast to be generated, and for which there is minimum difference between the load φρ xi of maximum occurrence frequency and the load φεοΡΜΑχ xi at the maximum value of COP. In the same manner, in the case in the outdoor unit 1 corresponding to (2) is absent, the outdoor unit 1 is selected that has the capacity φχ2 greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχja forecast to be generated, and for which there is minimum difference between the load φρ X2 of maximum occurrence frequency and the load φεοΡΜΑχ X2 at the maximum value of COP.

[0045] When two groups are integrated into the single group, or when the single group is divided into two groups, construction of a highly energy efficient air conditioning system 100 is enabled by selection of the outdoor units 1 that have relatively high COP at the load having the high occurrence frequency.

[0046] In the aforementioned description, the controller 204 determines that two groups are to be integrated, or determines that the single group is to be divided, on the basis of the relationship between the load on the outdoor unit 1 and the occurrence frequency thereof. However, the controller 204 may focus on the indoor units 2 rather than the outdoor units 1, and may determine, on the basis of the relationship between the load (or capacity) on the indoor unit 2 and the occurrence frequency thereof, that the two groups are to be integrated, or that the single group is to be divided.

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates an example configuration of the air conditioning system 100 in which the first group 10 includes the single outdoor unit 1A and the two indoor units 2A and 2B, and the second group 20 includes the single outdoor unit IB and the two indoor units 2C and 2D. Further, FIG. 13 illustrates the relationship between the load on the indoor unit 2A and the occurrence frequency thereof, and also the relationship between the load on the indoor unit 2B and the occurrence frequency thereof.

[0048] From the indoor units 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2D, the controller 204 acquires from each indoor unit operational data including information such as power consumption, operation mode, operation time, and the like, and the controller 204 stores the operational data in the storage 205. A history of the operation data of the indoor units 2 A, 2B, 2C, and 2D accumulates in the storage 205. The controller 204, on the basis of the operational data stored in the storage 205, acquires information (typically the graph illustrated in FIG. 13) indicating the relationship between the load of each indoor unit 2 and the occurrence frequency thereof.

[0049] The generated maximum load of the indoor unit 2A is indicated by Φμαχ_2Α, and the rated capacity of the indoor unit 2A is indicated by φ2Α. The maximum load generated by the indoor unit 2B is indicated by Φμαχ 2B, and the rated capacity of the indoor unit 2B is indicated by φ2Β.

[0050] In the case in which the maximum load Φμαχ 2A generated by the indoor unit 2A is less than or equal to the capacity φ2Α of the indoor unit 2A, and the generated maximum load Φμαχ_2b of the indoor unit 2B is less than or equal to the capacity φ2Β of the indoor unit 2B (that is, Φμαχ n is less than or equal to Φν), the controller 204 determines that the indoor unit 2A and the indoor unit 2B are to be integrated as the single indoor unit 2. Further, the controller 204 selects as the new indoor units 2 after integration the indoor units 2 having the capacity Φμαχ x greater than or equal to the generated maximum load (= Φμαχ 2A + Φμαχ_2b).

[0051] On the basis of the operational data of each indoor unit 2, the controller 204 finds the generated maximum load of each indoor unit 2 and avoids insufficient capacity of the indoor units 2 by selecting new indoor units 2 having capacities greater than or equal to the generated maximum loads.

[0052] However, even when capacity of the existing indoor unit 2 is sufficient, due to the environment in which each indoor unit 2 is installed, temperature in the room subject to air conditioning may fluctuate, and comfort may decrease. In the case, the controller 204 can made determinations such as deciding to increase the number of indoor units 2, and deciding to change the model types of the indoor units 2.

[0053] Due to the possibility of increased cost if the number of indoor units 2 is wastefully increased, the controller 204 controls the number of indoor units 2 for additional installation at a minimum number. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, on the basis of the operational data, the controller 204, rather than selecting the indoor unit 2A, selects two new indoor units 2E and 2F having a capacity that does not exceed the generated maximum load of the indoor unit 2A.

[0054] Further, in the case of changing the model type of the indoor unit 2, the controller 204 may select an indoor unit 2 having different specifications, such as by changing the indoor unit 2 from a four-direction air flow type unit to a two-direction air flow type unit. During this model change, the controller 204 selects the indoor unit 2 having a capacity greater than or equal to the generated maximum load.

[0055] In this manner, even in the case of a change of the numbers or models of the indoor units 2, the air conditioning system 100 can be constructed that has high energy conservation, that avoids increased cost, and that does not lose comfort.

[0056] Next, the steps of analysis processing performed by the air conditioning control device 50 are described with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 15. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning system 100 includes the first group 10 and the second group 20. For example, the user (typically the manager of the air conditioning system 100) instructs the air conditioning control device 50 to diagnose the present air conditioning system 100, and the air conditioning control device 50, on the basis of the operation data of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 accumulated by the air conditioning control device 50, determines whether to integrate the two groups, and if the determination is to integrate, presents to the user the outdoor unit 1 and/or the indoor unit 2 determined to be suitable.

[0057] The outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 periodically acquire the operation data including measurement date and time, information indicating operation mode such as cooling, heating, or the like, and power consumption, the operation data being collected at 10 minute time intervals, for example, and stored in a memory. A history of the operation data, as illustrated in FIG. 16, is accumulated in the memory of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2. The operation data acquired at a certain single date and time is referred to as a single record. If the measurement time interval is 10 minutes, 6 records are accumulated per 1 hour.

[0058] The controller 204 of the air conditioning control device 50 acquires the respective operation data of at least one outdoor unit 1 and at least one indoor unit 2 that are included in the air conditioning system 100, and stores the acquired operation data in the storage 205 (step S1501).

[0059] For example, the controller 204 of the air conditioning control device 50 once per day at a predetermined time requests the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 to transmit the operation data, and when the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 receive this request, the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 transmit to the air conditioning control device 50 the operation data stored in the memory of the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2. Further, the timing of the request of the air conditioning control device 50 for the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 to transmit the operation data is freely selected.

[0060] Alternatively, the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 at a predetermined periodic timing may, regardless of the request from the air conditioning control device 50, transmit the operation data stored in memory to the air conditioning control device 50.

[0061] Further, the controller 204 of the air conditioning control device 50 may acquire the operation data from the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 upon the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 acquiring the operation data, and operation data of multiple times may be acquired batch-wise, such as by acquiring all of a single day of operation data only once per day, for example.

[0062] Further, the controller 204 may execute the processing of step SI501 independently of the analysis processing illustrated in FIG. 15.

[0063] Next, the controller 204 determines whether a start condition for starting the analysis of the operation data is satisfied (step S1502).

[0064] The start condition, for example, is the amount of the operation data accumulated in the storage 205 of the air conditioning control device 50 is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount. When the number of records of the operation data stored in the storage 205 is greater than or equal to a predetermined number, the controller 204 determines that the start condition is satisfied.

[0065] The start condition may be the present date and time is a predetermined date and time. The controller 204 determines that the start condition is satisfied when the present time measured by a timer included in the air conditioning control device 50 is the predetermined date and time, such as 00:00 (midnight, times indicated in 24-hour format hereinafter) on the 1 st day of each month, for example.

[0066] The start condition may also be an instruction to start the analysis is inputted by the user. When the user inputs to the inputter 203 the instruction to start the analysis, the controller 204 determines that the start condition is satisfied. In this case, at a freely selected timing, the user can input the instruction for the analysis of whether the air conditioning system 100 has the optimum configuration.

[0067] The start condition may also be the energy consumption amount (in kilowatt hour (kWh) units) calculated from the power consumption (in kilowatt (kW) units) indicated by the operation data is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

The controller 204 calculates the energy consumption amount for an acquisition time interval (for example, 10 minutes) of the operation data by assuming that the power consumption indicated by the operation data continues for the acquisition time interval, and when the obtained energy consumption amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined value, the controller 204 determines that the start condition is satisfied. In this case, when the load on the outdoor unit 1 or the indoor unit 2 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, analysis is automatically performed as to whether the air conditioning system 100 has the optimum configuration.

[0068] The start condition may also be the operation rate of the outdoor unit 1 or the indoor unit 2 within a predetermined time period is greater than or equal to a reference value. Among the total number of records of the operation data corresponding to the outdoor unit 1 or the indoor unit 2 in a certain time period, when the fraction of the number of records in which the run condition indicated by the operation data is not stopped is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference value, the controller 204 determines that the start condition is satisfied. For example, if three types of operation condition are assumed to be defined as cooling, heating, and stopped, and the predetermined time period is assumed to be one month, the controller 204 determines that the start condition is satisfied when the fraction of the number of records in which the operation condition indicated by the operation data is stopped is greater than or equal to the predetermined reference value, such as 80%. In this case, when the load on the outdoor unit 1 or the indoor unit 2 is continuously greater than or equal to the reference value, analysis is automatically performed as to whether the air conditioning system 100 has the optimum configuration.

[0069] The start condition is not limited to the aforementioned example start conditions, and the start condition can be freely defined.

[0070] In step SI502, when the start condition is determined not to be satisfied (NO in step SI502), the controller 204 ends the analysis processing.

[0071] On the other hand, when the start condition is determined to be satisfied (YES in step SI502), the controller 204 analyzes the operation data stored in the storage 205 (step SI503).

[0072] Specifically, the controller 204 determines the relationship between the generated load and the occurrence frequency, as illustrated in FIG. 4, for example, for each of the outdoor units 1, and determines the load φρ n having the maximum occurrence frequency.

[0073] The controller 204 determines whether the groups are to be reconfigured, 10 that is to say, whether to integrate the first group 10 and the second group 20 (step

SI 504).

[0074] Specifically, the controller 204 determines, for each of the first group 10 and second group 20, whether the generated maximum load Φμαχν is less than or equal to the capacity Φν of the outdoor unit 1 within the group. For example, for the air conditioning system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1, the controller 204 determines whether the generated maximum load Φμαχ ι of the first group 10 is less than or equal to the capacity φι of the outdoor unit 1A in the first group 10, and determines whether the generated maximum load Φμαχ 2 in the second group 20 is less than or equal to the capacity Φ2 of the outdoor unit IB in the second group 20.

[0075] In the case in which the generated maximum load Φμαχ 1 in the first group is less than or equal to the capacity φι of the outdoor unit 1A in the first group 10, and in which the generated maximum load Φμαχ 2 in the second group 20 is less than or equal to the capacity Φ2 of the outdoor unit IB in the second group 20 (that is to say, in the case in which Φμαχ n is less than or equal to Φν), the controller 204 determines that the first group 10 and the second group 20 are to be integrated. Otherwise, the controller 204 determines that not integrating the first group 10 and the second group 20 is permissible.

[0076] In the case in which determination is made that the first group 10 and the second group 20 are to be integrated (YES in step SI504), the controller 204 selects as the new outdoor unit 1 after integration the outdoor unit 1 that has the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the generated maximum load (= Φμαχ ι + Φμαχ 2) and has good energy efficiency (step SI505).

[0077] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 17, information indicating a model list

1700 of the outdoor unit 1 selectable by the air conditioning control device 50 is stored beforehand in the storage 205, and by referencing the model list 1700 stored in the storage 205, the controller 204 selects, from among the models recorded beforehand in the model list, the outdoor unit 1 that has the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the generated maximum load and has good energy efficiency.

[0078] Here, the controller 204 may use the aforementioned APF as the standard of energy efficiency. Then the controller 204 may select the outdoor unit 1 that has the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the generated maximum load and has an APF that is greater than a predetermined reference value.

[0079] Further, the controller 204 may use the aforementioned COP as the standard of energy efficiency. Then the controller 204 may select the outdoor unit 1 that has the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the generated maximum load, and has the load φρχ having the maximum occurrence frequency that matches the load φεοΡΜΑχ x when COP is maximum.

[0080] Then by displaying on the display 251 the selection results (analysis results) of step SI505 as illustrated in FIG. 18, for example, the controller 204 presents to the user a reconfiguration proposal recommending to the user the reconfiguration of the air conditioning system 100 (step SI506).

[0081] According to the present embodiment, on the basis of the relationship between the generated load (or capacity) and the occurrence frequency thereof on the basis of the operation data of the outdoor unit 1 and/or indoor unit 2, the air conditioning system 100 can determine whether the groups are to be integrated and can easily select the new outdoor unit 1 and/or indoor unit 2. During this determination and selection, the user is not required to input information such as meteorological conditions, structures of walls and/or windows, numbers of personnel present in the room, ventilation amounts, or the like.

[0082] Further, according to the present embodiment, during integration of multiple groups into a single group, the new outdoor unit 1 and/or indoor unit 2 is selected for which the capacity is greater than or equal to the maximum load generated in the previously installed outdoor unit 1 and/or indoor unit 2, and thus an air conditioning system 100 can be constructed that has high energy conservation.

[0083] Although the controller 204 determines whether to integrate the two groups in step SI504 in the flow chart illustrated in FIG. 15, rather than determining whether to integrate the two groups, the controller 204 may determine whether to divide one group into two groups (or three or more groups).

[0084] That is to say, in step SI504, in the case in which the generated maximum load Φμαχ ι in the first group 10 is greater than the capacity φι of the outdoor unit 1A in the first group 10, the controller 204 determines that the first group 10 is to be divided into two groups. Or in the case in which the generated maximum load Φμαχ 2 in the second group 20 is greater than the capacity Φ2 of the outdoor unit IB in the second group 20, the controller 204 determines that the second group 20 is to be divided into two groups. In other cases, the controller 204 determines that neither the first group 10 nor the second group 20 is to be divided.

[0085] Even when a single group is divided into multiple groups, an air conditioning system 100 having high energy conservation can be constructed by selecting the new outdoor unit 1 and/or indoor unit 2 having the capacity greater than or equal to the generated maximum load of the previously installed outdoor unit 1 and/or indoor unit 2 and having the minimum energy consumption.

[0086] The present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments, and various types of modifications and applications are possible. Further, the various constituent elements of the aforementioned embodiments can be freely combined.

[0087] The amount of operation data acquired in step SI503 can possibly be insufficient for analysis by the air conditioning control device 50. In this case, the controller 204 may acquire an outdoor air temperature measured by a temperature sensor included in the outdoor unit 1, and on the basis of a relationship between the outdoor air temperature and the generated load (or capacity) as illustrated in FIG. 19, for example, the controller 204 may acquire the load corresponding to the measured outdoor air temperature. In the case in which the amount of the operation data is small, the controller 204 can perform the analysis processing by estimating the load from the outdoor air temperature and then supplementing the operation data.

[0088] In the aforementioned embodiments, an example is described of, when integrating multiple groups into a single group, section of the outdoor unit 1 that has the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχ_n forecast to be generated, and has the minimum difference between the load φρχ having the maximum occurrence frequency and the load Φοορμαχ xwhen COP is maximum. In the present disclosure, the method of selection of the outdoor unit 1 during integration of multiple groups into the single group is not limited to this example.

[0089] For example, the outdoor unit 1 can be selected that has the capacity greater than or equal to the maximum load forecast to be generated and that has the minimum total energy consumption amount. In this case, firstly a single outdoor unit is selected from among all the outdoor units 1 having the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the maximum Φμαχ n forecast to be generated. Then for the selected outdoor unit 1, the power consumption for each load is found from the relationship between the capacity (load) of the outdoor unit land COP as illustrated in FIG. 10. The power consumption can be found by the formula: load [kW] -4- COP = power consumption [kW], FIG. 20 illustrates an example of the relationship between the capacity (load) of the outdoor unit and the power consumption.

[0090] Furthermore, the energy consumption amount for each load is found from the relationship between the capacity (load) of the outdoor unit 1 and the occurrence frequency as illustrated in FIG. 4. The energy consumption amount can be found by the formula: power consumption [kW] x occurrence frequency [h] = energy consumption amount [kWh], FIG. 21 illustrates an example of the relationship between the capacity (load) of the outdoor unit and the energy consumption amount. Here, the total energy consumption amount is found that is the sum of the energy consumption amounts for each load. In FIG. 21, the surface area of the portion indicated by hatching is the total energy consumption amount. Then the total energy consumption amount is found for all of the outdoor units 1 having the capacity φχ greater than or equal to the maximum load Φμαχ n forecast to be generated. Then the outdoor unit 1 having the minimum total energy consumption amount is selected as the outdoor unit 1 provided in the group after integration.

[0091 ] The outdoor unit 1 can be selected by a similar technique also when dividing the single group into multiple groups. In this case, for each of the groups after division, the outdoor unit 1 is selected that has the capacity greater than or equal to the maximum load forecast to be generated and has the minimum total energy consumption amount. [0092] A program for causing a computer to operate as a portion of or the entire aforementioned air conditioning control device 50 may be stored on and distributed in a form of a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card, a CD-ROM, a DVD, a magneto-optical (MO) disk, and the like, the program may be installed on another computer, and may cause operation as the aforementioned means, or may cause execution of the aforementioned process.

[0093] Further, the program may be stored on a disk device or the like of a server device on the Internet, and for example, may be superimposed on a carrier wave, and then downloaded to the computer.

[0094] Further, in the aforementioned embodiments, an example is described that uses software (or firmware) to achieve most of the functions of the air conditioning control device 50, that is to say, an example is described that achieves most of the functions of the air conditioning control device 50 by execution of the program by the

CPU. In the present disclosure, such functions may be achieved by hardware. In this case, for example, the air conditioning control device 50 includes a processing circuit instead of the CPU. This processing circuit includes a single circuit, multiple circuits, a programmed processor, parallel-programmed processors, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or combinations thereof.

[0095] The foregoing describes some example embodiments for explanatory purposes. Although the foregoing discussion has presented specific embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. This detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the included claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0096] This application claims the benefit of lapanese Patent Application No.

2015-72370, filed on March 31, 2015, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0097] The aforementioned embodiments as described above enable construction of an optimal air conditioning system while considering changing the number of outdoor units.

Reference Signs List [0098] 1 Outdoor unit

Indoor unit

First group 20 Second group 50 Air conditioning control device 100 Air conditioning system

201 Communicator

202 Image processor

203 Inputter

204 Controller

205 Storage

251 Display

301 Acquirer

302 Operation data storage

303 Calculator

304 Determiner

305 Selector

306 Outputter 1700 Model list

Claims

1. An air conditioning control device comprising:

acquiring means for acquiring, from an air conditioning system, operation data indicating an operation status of a first outdoor unit and operation data indicating an

5 operation status of a second outdoor unit, the air conditioning system including a first group and a second group, the first group including the first outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the first outdoor unit, the second group including the second outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the second outdoor unit; and outputting means for outputting a determination result, based on a load generated 10 by the first outdoor unit and a load generated by the second outdoor unit, of whether at least one of the first group or the second group is to be reconfigured.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, further comprising:

15 determining means for determining the first group and the second group are to be integrated when (i) a maximum value of the load generated by the first outdoor unit is less than or equal to a capacity of the first outdoor unit, and (ii) a maximum value of the load generated by the second outdoor unit is less than or equal to a capacity of the second outdoor unit,

20 wherein the outputting means outputs a determination result of determining by the determining means.

3. The air conditioning control device according to claim 2, further comprising:

25 selecting means for, upon determination that the first group and the second group are to be integrated, selecting a new outdoor unit after integration, the new outdoor unit having:

a capacity that is greater than or equal to a sum of the maximum value of the load generated by the first outdoor unit and the maximum value of the load generated by the second outdoor unit, and an energy efficiency that is greater than a reference value.

4. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein the selecting means selects the new outdoor unit after integration, the new outdoor unit having:

the capacity that is greater than or equal to the sum, and 10 a minimum difference between a load of maximum occurrence frequency and a load of maximum energy consumption efficiency.

5. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, wherein the selecting means selects the new outdoor unit after integration, the new outdoor unit

15 having:

the capacity that is greater than or equal to the sum, and a minimum total of an energy consumption amount of each load, the energy consumption amount of each load being obtained by multiplying a power consumption by an occurrence frequency for each load.

6. The air conditioning control device according to claim 2, wherein the determining means determines the first group is to be divided when a maximum value of the load generated by the first outdoor unit is greater than or equal to the capacity of the first outdoor unit.

7. The air conditioning control device according to claim 6, further comprising:

selecting means for, upon determination that the first group is to be divided, selecting at least two new outdoor units after division, each new outdoor unit having:

a capacity that is greater than or equal to a maximum value of a load forecast to be generated, and

5 an energy efficiency that is greater than a reference value.

8. The air conditioning control device according to claim 7, wherein the selecting means selects the new outdoor unit after division, the new outdoor unit having:

the capacity that is greater than or equal to the maximum value, and 10 a minimum difference between a load of maximum occurrence frequency and a load of maximum energy consumption efficiency.

9. The air conditioning control device according to claim 7, wherein the selecting means selects the new outdoor unit after division, the new outdoor unit having:

15 the capacity that is greater than or equal to the maximum value, and a minimum total of an energy consumption amount of each load, the energy consumption amount of each load being obtained by multiplying a power consumption by an occurrence frequency for each load.

20

10. The air conditioning control device according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein when the determining means determines a predetermined start condition for starting determination of whether at least one of the first group or the second group is to be reconfigured is satisfied, the determining means determines whether the at least one of

25 the first group or the second group is to be reconfigured.

11. The air conditioning control device according to claim 10, wherein the determining means determines the start condition is satisfied when an amount of the operation data acquired by the acquiring means is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

5

12. The air conditioning control device according to claim 10, wherein the determining means determines the start condition is satisfied when a current date and time measured by a timer is a predetermined date and time.

13. The air conditioning control device according to claim 10, wherein the 10 determining means determines the start condition is satisfied when an instruction is input by a user.

14. The air conditioning control device according to claim 10, wherein the determining means determines the start condition is satisfied when an energy

15 consumption amount calculated from a power consumption indicated by the acquired operation data is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

15. The air conditioning control device according to claim 10, wherein the determining means determines the start condition is satisfied when an operation rate of

20 the first outdoor unit within a predetermined time period is greater than or equal to a reference value.

16. An air conditioning control method for controlling an air conditioning system including a first group and a second group, the first group including a first outdoor

25 unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the first outdoor unit, the second group including a second outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the second outdoor unit, the air conditioning control method comprising:

acquiring operation data indicating an operation status of the first outdoor unit and operation data indicating an operation status of the second outdoor unit; and outputting a determination result, based on a load generated by the first outdoor unit and a load generated by the second outdoor unit, of whether to reconfigure at least

5 one of the first group or the second group.

17. A program for causing a computer to function as:

acquiring means for acquiring, from an air conditioning system, at least one of operation data indicating an operation status of a first outdoor unit or operation data

10 indicating an operation status of a second outdoor unit, the air conditioning system including a first group and a second group, the first group including the first outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the first outdoor unit, the second group including the second outdoor unit and at least one indoor unit connected to the second outdoor unit;

and

15 outputting means for outputting a determination result, based on at least one of a load generated by the first outdoor unit or a load generated by the second outdoor unit, of whether at least one of the first group or the second group is to be reconfigured.

INTERNATIONAL SEARCH REPORT International application No. PCT/JP2016/059894 A. CLASSIFICATION OF SUBJECT MATTER F24F11/02(2006.01)i According to International Patent Classification (IPC) or to both national classification and IPC B. FIELDS SEARCHED Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) F24F11/02 Documentation searched other than minimum documentation to the extent that such documents are included in the fields searched Jitsuyo Shinan Koho 1922-1996 Jitsuyo Shinan Toroku Koho 1996-2016 Kokai Jitsuyo Shinan Koho 1971-2016 Toroku Jitsuyo Shinan Koho 1994-2016 Electronic data base consulted during the international search (name of data base and, where practicable, search terms used) C. DOCUMENTS CONSIDERED TO BE RELEVANT Category* Citation of document, with indication, where appropriate, of the relevant passages Relevant to claim No. Y A JP 2009-020640 A (Daikin Industries, Ltd.), 29 January 2009 (29.01.2009), claims; paragraphs [0052] to [0066]; fig. 5 to Q 1-2,6,10-17 3-5,7-9 & WO 2009/008134 Al Y JP 2013-079737 A (Toshiba Corp.), 02 May 2013 (02.05.2013), claims; paragraphs [0011] to [0045], [0101] to [0135]; fig. 1 to 18 & US 2013/0085582 Al claims; paragraphs [0027] to [0054], [0105] to [0142]; fig. 1 to 18 & CN 103034267 A 1-2,6,10-17 1 x 1 Further documents are listed in the continuation of Box C. 1 1 See patent family annex. * Special categories of cited documents: “A” document defining the general state of the art which is not considered to be of particular relevance “E” earlier application or patent but published on or after the international filing date “L” document which may throw doubts on priority claim(s) or which is cited to establish the publication date of another citation or other special reason (as specified) “O” document referring to an oral disclosure, use, exhibition or other means “P” document published prior to the international filing date but later than the priority date claimed “T” later document published after the international filing date or priority date and not in conflict with the application but cited to understand the principle or theory underlying the invention “X” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered novel or cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is taken alone “Y” document of particular relevance; the claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other such documents, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the art document member of the same patent family Date of the actual completion of the international search 13 June 2016 (13.06.16) Date of mailing of the international search report 21 June 2016 (21.06.16) Name and mailing address of the ISA/ Japan Patent Office 3-4-3,Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku, Tokvo 100-8915, Japan Authorized officer Telephone No.

Form PCT/ISA/210 (second sheet) (January 2015)