JP2000018670A - Power-saving operating method of air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit the power-saving operation of an air conditioner while maintaining comfortable property by a method wherein at least one time of changing of a control temperature into a direction, approached to and separated from an outside temperature, is effected when a predetermined time is elapsed after an indoor temperature within a predetermined temperature range is obtained. SOLUTION: When a control temperature, set in temperature fluctuation treatment with respect to a set temperature, is raised stepwisely to a predetermined temperature Δt1 and, thereafter, a shifting treatment to reduce the control temperature to another predetermined temperature Δt2 is finished, the initial control temperature in the fluctuation treatment equal to a final control temperature in the shifting treatment is raised stepwisely. When an outside temperature is about 30 deg.C and a set temperature is not higher than about 24 deg.C, the control temperature is raised by about 0.5 deg.C and about 0.75 deg.C than a set temperature during initial about ten minutes and a succeeding about 2.5 minutes, then, the control temperature is raised about 1.0 deg.C and about 1.25 deg.C during subsequent about 17.5 minutes and succeeding about 2.5 minutes while the control temperature is raised by about 1.5 deg.C during the final about 17.5 minutes, however, a temperature change Δt3 in the total sum of the fluctuation treatment in this case is 1.0 deg.C.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner that can save power while maintaining comfort.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there has been proposed an air conditioner having a saving mode in order to reduce power consumption. In this air conditioner, if the room temperature stabilizes near the initial setting temperature selected by the user in the state where the saving operation mode is selected, the set temperature is simply changed, that is, a temperature higher than the initial setting temperature during the cooling operation. In the heating operation, on the other hand, the temperature is changed to a temperature lower than the initial set temperature to save power consumption.

[0003]

However, in the conventional method, since the set temperature is simply changed without considering the sensible temperature, the user's discomfort increases as the set temperature changes. Therefore, the user often cancels the set saving operation mode, and there is a problem that the effect of reducing power consumption cannot be expected.

[0004]

Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a method for saving an air conditioner according to the present invention comprises:
(A) After determining whether or not the fluctuation of the room temperature is within a predetermined temperature range including the set temperature, in order, (b) whether or not a _first predetermined time (t ₁ ) has elapsed from a predetermined time Judge,
(C) The control temperature is set to a predetermined temperature Δt in a direction approaching the outside air temperature
₁ only by changing, (d) managing the temperature is varied in the direction away from the outside air temperature by the predetermined temperature △ t _2, is changed by the predetermined temperature △ t ₃ toward the outside air temperature (e) control temperature, (f) The control temperature is changed by a predetermined temperature Δt _{3 in a} direction away from the outside air temperature, and the cycles of the steps (e) and (f) are executed at least once.

(G) After determining whether or not a _second predetermined time (t ₂ ) has elapsed from the predetermined time, (h) setting the set temperature by a predetermined temperature Δt _{4 in a} direction approaching the outside air temperature It is more effective to perform the step (h) of changing and increasing and decreasing the amount of air blown out of the air conditioner over time at least once.

Further, (i) after determining whether or not a _third predetermined time (t ₃ ) has elapsed from the predetermined time, (j)
After the set temperature is changed by a predetermined temperature Δt _{51 in a} direction approaching the outside air temperature, and further after a fourth predetermined time (t ₄ ) has elapsed,
It is also effective to change the direction approaching the set temperature to the outside air temperature by the predetermined temperature △ t _52.

The processing of steps (e) and (f) and the processing of step (h) are performed simultaneously, and when the control temperature has the maximum value, the blowing air volume also has the maximum value. It is desirable that the blowout air volume also has a minimum value when has a minimum value.

[0008] Either of the steps (b) to (f) and the steps (g) to (h) may be performed first.

[0009] At least two of the processing of steps (e) and (f), the processing of step (h), and the processing of step (j) can be performed simultaneously.

The processes from steps (b) to (f), the processes from steps (g) to (h), and the processes from steps (i) to (j) are executed in an arbitrary order. It is possible.

[0011]

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an air conditioner for cooling and heating. The air conditioner generally includes an indoor unit 1 arranged in a space to be air-conditioned and an outdoor unit 2 arranged outdoors.
And a heat medium circulation path 3 for connecting a heat exchanger (not shown) housed in the indoor unit 1 and a compressor (not shown) housed in the outdoor unit 2. These heat exchangers,
Any known air conditioning circuit configuration including the compressor and the circulation path 3 can be applied, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

A remote controller 4 for controlling the air conditioner operates and stops the air conditioner for starting and stopping.
A stop switch 5, a saving mode switch 6 for activating a saving operation mode to be described later, an air volume / wind direction control switch 7, a temperature setting switch 8, and a transmitting unit 9 are provided, and signals (information) input by each switch are provided. Is transmitted from the transmitting unit.

The indoor unit 1 has a receiving unit 10 for receiving a signal transmitted from the transmitting unit 9, an air inlet 11 for the indoor air, an indoor temperature sensor 12 for detecting the indoor temperature, and an air for blowing out the heat exchanged air. Air volume control fan 13 with adjustable air volume
And an outlet 14, a main body controller (see FIG. 3) for controlling the air conditioner based on the information received by the receiver 10 and the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 12, and a liquid crystal for displaying air conditioning conditions and the like. And a display unit 15.

FIG. 2 shows display contents displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15, and a plurality of display contents shown here are sequentially displayed at a constant time interval. For example, "cooling" (indicating that cooling is in progress), "filter cleaning" (displayed only when it is necessary to clean the filter), power display (displaying current power consumption), "indoor temperature", " Outdoor temperature ", navigation display (displays recommended savings)
And "timer setting time" (only when a timer is set) are displayed.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of the air conditioner. In this control circuit, the main body control unit 21
Has a central control unit 22, a storage unit 23, and a timekeeping unit 25. The temperature information from the indoor temperature sensor 12 is sent to the central control unit 22, and the information received by the reception unit 10 is stored in the storage unit. 23. The central control unit 22 is also configured to transmit air-conditioning conditions to the main body driving unit 24, control the driving of the temperature control unit 26 and the air volume control fan 13 based on the air-conditioning information, and perform air-conditioning control of the room. ing.

I. Power saving mode The air conditioning control based on the control circuit, particularly the saving operation mode executed when the saving mode switch 6 is pressed by the remote controller 4 will be described below. When the saving mode switch 6 is turned on, the central control unit 22 uses the room temperature information from the room temperature sensor 12, the set temperature information set by the remote controller 4, and the time information from the timer unit 25. It is determined whether the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (eg, 1 ° C.) for a predetermined time (t ₁ , for example, 30 minutes). When the room temperature is unstable, that is, when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is not stable for a predetermined time (t ₁ ) or more,
This judgment is repeated. On the other hand, when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is continuously equal to or less than the predetermined temperature for the predetermined time (t ₁ ) or more, the temperature fluctuation control, the air flow fluctuation control, and the PMV control described below are executed.

II. Temperature Fluctuation Control In the case of the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 4, when the temperature fluctuation control is started, first, a transition process is executed. In this transition process, the temperature control unit controls the air-conditioning temperature based on the control temperature (the control temperature set in the temperature fluctuation process) with respect to the set temperature (the temperature set by the remote controller 4). ) Gradually increases to a predetermined temperature (Δt ₁ ), and then decreases to a predetermined temperature (Δt ₂ ).
The rise and fall of the management temperature are determined in advance based on the outside air temperature and the set temperature, and a table (shift processing table) is stored in the storage unit. As an example, a transition processing table when the outside air temperature is 30 ° C. is shown in Table 1 below. According to Table 1, when the outside air temperature is 30 ° C. and the set temperature is 24 ° C. or lower, the control temperature is first divided into four steps of 0.25 ° C. at intervals of 2.5 minutes, and 1 ° C. (△ t
₁ ) and then decrease by 0.5 ° C. (Δt ₂ ), and the final control temperature becomes a value increased by 0.5 ° C. with respect to the set temperature.

[0018]

[Table 1]

When the transition processing is completed, the fluctuation processing starts. The initial control temperature in the fluctuation processing (initial control temperature in the fluctuation processing) is equal to the final control temperature in the transition processing (final control temperature in the transition processing), and the control temperature gradually increases from that value. Then, the control temperature becomes a predetermined temperature (△
When the temperature rises to t ₃ ), the control temperature falls again to the final control temperature of the transfer process. The rise and fall of the management temperature here are also determined in advance by the outside air temperature and the set temperature, and the table is stored in the storage unit. As an example, a transition processing table when the outside air temperature is 30 ° C. is shown in Table 2 below. According to Table 2, the outside air temperature 30
When the set temperature is 24 ° C. or lower, the control temperature is increased by 0.5 ° C. from the set temperature for the first 10 minutes, and is increased by 0.75 ° C. from the set temperature for the next 2.5 minutes. Value, value increased by 1.0 ° C. above the set temperature for the next 17.5 minutes, 1.25 ° C. above the set temperature for the next 2.5 minutes
Is set to a value increased by 1.5 ° C. from the set temperature for the last 17.5 minutes. In this case, the temperature change (Δt ₃ ) of the entire fluctuation process is 1.5 ° C. Then, after a lapse of 50 minutes from the start of the fluctuation processing, the management temperature falls again to the fluctuation processing initial management temperature. The above fluctuation processing is repeatedly executed, during which the control temperature rises
Descend.

[0020]

[Table 2]

As described above, in the temperature fluctuation control,
By fluctuating the management temperature according to the biological rhythm,
A saving effect can be obtained without losing comfort. In addition, even when the cooling operation is performed for a long time or when the user is sleeping, the use of this temperature fluctuation control can expect an effect of not lowering the user's body temperature too much.

III. Airflow Fluctuation Control When the saving mode switch 6 is pressed by the remote controller 4, the central control unit 22 sets a predetermined time (t ₂ , for example, 1
Over a period of time), it is determined whether or not the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 1 ° C.). When the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is continuously equal to or less than the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time (Δt ₂ , 1 hour) or more, the airflow fluctuation control described below is executed.

In the cooling operation, as shown in FIG. 5, when the airflow fluctuation control is started, first, the set temperature is set to a predetermined temperature (△
t ₄₎ only set to a higher value is (change). At the same time as the set temperature is changed, the air volume setting is increased by one tap. Here, “tap” refers to a unit of air volume that increases or decreases, and in the present embodiment, one tap corresponds to 0.2 to 0.3 m ³ / min. This condition lasts for 5 minutes. After that, it is set to 1 tap higher and continues for 7.5 minutes, 1 tap lower for the next 5 minutes, and 0 tap for the next 7.5 minutes (initial air flow state)
To maintain. 6. Next tap for 5 minutes, next 7.
One tap lower for 5 minutes, 1 tap lower for the next 5 minutes, and 0 tap again (initial airflow state)
Step up to and hold for 7.5 minutes. By repeatedly executing the cycle of increasing / decreasing the air volume to fluctuate the air volume, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the sensible temperature even if the set temperature is changed in a direction approaching the outside air temperature.

In this embodiment, in the present embodiment, the time (t ₂ ) for judging the start of the air flow fluctuation control is set to be longer than or equal to the time (t ₁ ) for judging the start of the temperature fluctuation control. Therefore, it is possible to increase or decrease the amount of blown air with time simultaneously with (ie, superimposed on) the above-described temperature fluctuation processing and in conjunction with a change in the management temperature. For example, during the cooling operation, when the management temperature is increasing in the range of the temperature change of the entire temperature fluctuation processing, the user's bodily sensation is increased. At this time, the blowout air volume may also increase in the range of the air volume fluctuation. desirable. Conversely, during the heating operation, when the management temperature is in a downward trend, it is desirable that the blowout air volume be in a downward trend in order not to blow strong low-temperature air on the user. in this way,
By superimposing and interlocking the temperature fluctuation and the airflow fluctuation, a synergistic effect of improving comfort can be obtained.

IV. When the saving mode switch 6 is pressed by the PMV control remote controller 4, the central control unit 22 sets a predetermined time (t ₃ , for example, 2
Over a period of time), it is determined whether or not the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature (for example, 1 ° C.). If the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is continuously equal to or less than the predetermined temperature for a predetermined time (t ₃ , 2 hours) or more,
The PMV control described below is executed.

In the case of the cooling operation, as shown in FIG.
When the V control is started, first, the set temperature rises by a predetermined temperature (Δt ₅₁ ). This set temperature is maintained for a predetermined time (t ₄ ). Thereafter, the set temperature rises again by a predetermined temperature (Δt ₅₂ ), and this state is maintained thereafter. The amount of increase in the set temperature can be determined by the set temperature or the like. For example, when the cooling operation is performed and the set temperature is 26 ° C., each set temperature increase is set to 0.5 ° C. In addition, the predetermined times (t ₃ , t ₄ ) are generally set to be relatively long (for example, 2 hours to 8 hours).

In this embodiment, the PMV control
The time (t ₃ ) for judging the start of the V control is the time for judging the start of the temperature fluctuation control and the flow fluctuation control (t _1, respectively).
And t ₂ ), the temperature fluctuation control and the airflow fluctuation control are executed simultaneously (that is, superimposed). Therefore, even if the set temperature rises by the PMV control, the sensible temperature hardly rises due to the fluctuation of the temperature and the fluctuation of the air volume, and the person in the room does not feel discomfort.

FIG. 7 shows a change in the set temperature (and the control temperature) and a change in the actual room temperature when the temperature fluctuation control, the air flow fluctuation control, and the PMV control are sequentially activated at intervals during the cooling operation. . In this embodiment,
Although the temperature fluctuation control, the air flow fluctuation control, and the PMV control are started in this order, the air flow fluctuation control is executed in parallel with the temperature fluctuation control, and the PMV control is executed in parallel with the temperature fluctuation control and the air flow fluctuation control. These three controls may be executed independently, or two controls selected from the three controls may be executed in parallel. The order in which these three controls are started is not limited to the above embodiment, and the time for determining the start of each process (the time when the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is within a predetermined temperature range). May be set as appropriate, for example, in the order of airflow fluctuation control, PMV control, and temperature fluctuation control, or may be executed in the order of PMV control, temperature fluctuation control, and airflow fluctuation control.

Further, the saving mode and the temperature fluctuation control, the air flow fluctuation control and the PMV control executed in the saving mode have been described taking the cooling operation as an example. However, these controls are also performed during the heating operation. However, unlike during the cooling operation, in the heating operation, the directions in which the set temperature and the control temperature change (that is, increase / decrease) are reversed, and the set temperature gradually changes to a lower value as a whole.

[0030]

As is clear from the description of the embodiments, the invention according to the first aspect executes the fluctuation processing of the temperature fluctuation control at least once, and adjusts the control temperature in accordance with the biological rhythm. By swaying, it is possible to save the air conditioner while maintaining comfort.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the set temperature is changed in a direction approaching the outside air temperature, the comfort as a physical feeling is generally adversely affected, but the amount of blown air is increased and decreased with time. Thereby, the degree of this adverse effect can be suppressed as much as possible.

The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that t ₃ , t ₄
Is set to a relatively long time, it is possible to expect an effect that the cooling / heating operation is continued for a long time to alleviate the excessive cooling and warming of the body temperature, and that the air conditioner is operated in a conservative manner.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 4, the temperature fluctuation processing of steps (e) and (f) and the step (h)
By simultaneously and interlocking the air volume fluctuation processing, the effect of synergistically improving comfort can be obtained as compared with the comfort during the saving operation by each processing.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5 allows the processing of the temperature fluctuation control and the air flow fluctuation control to be executed in an arbitrary order, so that each control and its effect can be performed in an arbitrary order. Can be selected.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided step (e).
And (f) the temperature fluctuation processing, the air flow fluctuation processing in step (h), and the PMV processing in step (j).
At least two processes are allowed to be performed at the same time, in particular, PMV processes in which the predetermined time (t ₃ , t ₄ ) is generally set to a relatively long time (2 to 8 hours), and temperature. By simultaneously executing the fluctuation processing or the air volume fluctuation processing, the air conditioner can be operated for a long time, and the economized operation of the air conditioner can be realized in which the body temperature is considered to be too cold or too warm.

Further, the invention according to claim 7 permits the processing of the temperature fluctuation control, the air flow fluctuation control, and the PMV control to be executed in an arbitrary order, so that each control and its effect can be optionally performed. Can be selected in order.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and a remote controller of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an outline view showing display contents displayed on a liquid crystal display unit of the air conditioner.

FIG. 3 is a configuration block diagram showing a control circuit of the air conditioner.

FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a temporal change of a management temperature in the temperature fluctuation control.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing changes over time of the set temperature and the air flow in the air flow fluctuation control.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing a temporal change of a set temperature in PMV control.

FIG. 7 shows temperature fluctuation control, air flow fluctuation control, and P
FIG. 4 is a timing chart showing a set temperature (and a control temperature) when the MV control is sequentially activated at intervals, and a temporal change of an actual room temperature.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Indoor unit, 2 ... Outdoor unit, 3 ... Circulation path, 4 ... Remote controller, 5 ... Run / stop switch, 6 ... Saving mode switch, 7 ... Air volume / wind direction control switch, 8 ... Temperature setting switch, 9 ... Transmission Unit, 10 receiving unit, 11 suction port, 12 indoor temperature sensor, 13 air flow control fan, 1
4 blow-out port, 15 liquid crystal display section, 21 main body control section, 22 central control section, 23 storage section, 24 main body drive section, 25 clock section, 26 temperature control section

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Takehiko Nitta 1006 Kadoma Kadoma, Osaka Pref. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Satoshi Tokura 1006 Odakadoma Kadoma, Osaka Pref. (72) Inventor Hiroshi Fukuoka 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Prefecture F-term in Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (reference) 3L060 AA03 AA05 CC02 CC03 CC08 DD05 EE01 EE05

Claims (7)

[Claims] (A) determining whether or not a change in the room temperature is within a predetermined temperature range including a set temperature; and (b) determining a first time from a predetermined time after the step (a).
(C) determining whether the predetermined time (t ₁ ) has elapsed; (c) after step (b), changing the control temperature by a predetermined temperature Δt _{1 in a} direction approaching the outside air temperature; After the step (c), the control temperature is changed in a direction away from the outside air temperature by a predetermined temperature Δt ₂ , and (e) After the step (d), the control temperature is changed in the direction approaching the outside air temperature by the predetermined temperature Δt. a step of changing by t _3, (f) step after (e), has a direction away the control temperature from the outside air temperature and a step of changing the predetermined temperature △ t _3, the step (e) and (f) Performing the cycle of at least once at least. (G) determining whether a _second predetermined time (t ₂ ) has elapsed from the predetermined time;
(H) after step (g), changing the set temperature in a direction approaching the outside air temperature by a predetermined temperature Δt ₄ , and increasing and decreasing the amount of air blown out of the air conditioner with time, The method according to claim 1, wherein step (h) is performed at least once. (I) determining whether a _third predetermined time (t ₃ ) has elapsed from the predetermined time;
(J) The set temperature is set to a predetermined temperature Δt in a direction approaching the outside air temperature.
After only varied _51, further after a fourth predetermined time period (t ₄₎ elapses, a predetermined temperature in the direction toward the set temperature to ambient temperature △ t
Changing the air conditioner by _52. 3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: 4. The processing of steps (e) and (f),
The processing of the step (h) is simultaneously executed, and when the control temperature has a maximum value, the blowout air volume also has a maximum value, and when the control temperature has a minimum value, the blowout air volume also has a minimum value. 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the operation of the air conditioner is reduced. 5. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the steps (b) to (f) and the steps (g) to (h) are executed in an arbitrary order. Saving driving method. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the steps (e) and (f), the step (h), and the step (j) are simultaneously executed. Item 3. A method for economizing the air conditioner according to Item 3. 7. The steps (b) to (f), the steps (g) to (h), and the steps (i) to (j) are executed in an arbitrary order. 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the air conditioner is conserved.