JP2000186844A - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To carry out demand control only when suppression of peak power is truly needed, and ensure comfortable air conditioning during the time other than the demand control time. SOLUTION: An air conditioning system is constituted such that one or a plurality of outdoor units 11, 12 and a plurality of indoor units 13, 14, 15 are controlled by a centralized control unit 16 and that the centralized control unit carries out demand control for suppressing working power for individual outdoor units. A time zone for conducting demand control can be set at the centralized control unit.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner system in which an outdoor unit and an indoor unit are controlled by a central control unit and demand control can be performed by the central control unit.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, the power consumption of an air conditioning system having one or a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units must not always exceed a contract power with a power company. In particular, during the daytime in the summer, a peak of the power demand occurs. Even in this case, it is necessary to adjust the peak value of the power demand to a range not exceeding the contract power.

[0003] Therefore, in load equipment such as an air-conditioning system, demand control for suppressing power consumption and suppressing peak power is performed. This demand control may be performed using a contact point in the control device of each outdoor unit, or may be performed by the central control unit for each outdoor unit via serial communication.

[0004]

However, when demand control is performed using a centralized control device, once the demand setting value for cutting the operation capacity of the outdoor unit is set, the outdoor unit is operated throughout the day. It will be operated with the set value. Therefore, the demand control is performed even during the time when the demand control is unnecessary, so that comfortable air conditioning may not be ensured.

An object of the present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described circumstances, and demand control is performed only in a time period in which peak power suppression is really required, and in a time period other than the above-mentioned time period. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that can ensure comfortable air conditioning.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units are controlled by a centralized control device, and the centralized control device controls the power consumption. In the air conditioning system that enables control to be performed on an outdoor unit basis, the centralized control device is configured to be able to set a time zone in which the demand control is performed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, one or a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units are controlled by a central control device,
In the air conditioning system in which the centralized control device can perform the demand control for suppressing the power consumption in the outdoor unit, the centralized control device has an external timer capable of setting a time zone in which the demand control is performed. The central control device is connected, and performs the demand control in a time zone set using the external timer.

The first aspect of the present invention has the following operation.

[0009] The centralized control device is configured to perform demand control for suppressing power consumption for each outdoor unit and to be able to set a time zone in which the demand control is performed. Power consumption is suppressed by setting a time zone, for example, a limited time zone in the daytime in summer, and demand control can be canceled in a time other than the time zone to ensure comfortable air conditioning.

The invention according to claim 2 has the following operation.

[0011] The centralized control device enables demand control for suppressing power consumption to be performed for each outdoor unit, and performs the above-mentioned demand control in a time zone set by using an external timer capable of setting a time zone for performing the demand control. Since the demand control is performed, the demand control is set to a truly necessary time zone, for example, a limited time zone in the daytime in summer to suppress power consumption, and the demand control is performed at a time other than the time zone. It can be released to ensure comfortable air conditioning.

Further, it is not necessary to incorporate a timer in the centralized control device, and the structure of the centralized control device can be simplified.

Further, an external timer can be retrofitted to the already installed centralized control device, and the centralized control device can execute demand control in a time zone set by using the external timer.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an air conditioning system according to the present invention.

The air conditioning system 10 shown in FIG.
Plural (for example, four) outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C, plural indoor units 13, 14, and 15, these outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C, and indoor units 13, 14, and 15 Control device 1 for centralized control of
And 6.

The outdoor unit 11 is a main outdoor unit,
The outdoor units 12A, 12B, and 12C are sub outdoor units, and a built-in compressor is driven by an electric motor or an engine. These outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C and the indoor units 13, 14, and 15 are connected by a refrigerant pipe (not shown), and the indoor units 13, 14, and 15 cool or heat the room.

The outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B and 12C and the indoor units 13, 14 and 15 each include a control device (not shown). The indoor unit 14 can be controlled by inputting a control signal from a remote controller 17 to a built-in control device.
Can be controlled by inputting a control signal from the remote controller 18 to a built-in control device.

Furthermore, the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B and 12C and the indoor units 13, 14 and 15 are non-polar
It is connected to the centralized control device 16 by a line type communication line 19. The central control device 16 periodically performs serial communication to the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C and the indoor units 13, 14, and 15 via the communication line 19, so that these outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B,
And 12C and the indoor units 13, 14, and 15 can be centrally controlled.

That is, the central control device 16 controls the outdoor unit 1
1, 12A, 12B, or 12C or indoor unit 13,
An address code for designating 14 or 15;
It outputs a control signal including control data for controlling the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B or 12C or the indoor units 13, 14 or 15. Then, these outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B or 12C or the indoor units 13,
Each of the control devices 14 and 15 receives the control signal when the control signal to which the address code indicating the device is added is transferred, and controls its own operation state based on the control data in the control signal. . In this way,
The outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C and the indoor units 13, 14, and 15 are configured to be centrally controlled by a centralized control device 16.

The central control unit 16 performs demand control using serial communication via a communication line 19 and controls the outdoor unit 1.
1, 12A, 12B, and 12C can be implemented. This demand control is performed so that the power consumption of the air conditioning system 10 does not always exceed the contract power with the power company.
This is control to suppress peak power by suppressing power consumption.
The central control device 16 includes the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, 1
For every 2C, demand control is performed by subtracting a preset cut amount from the maximum operable horsepower of the outdoor unit.

Further, the central control device 16 is configured to be able to set a time zone in which the demand control is performed. For example, the user uses the built-in timer of the centralized control device 16 to set the demand time by using the demand time setting function so that the demand control is performed during a limited time period during the daytime in summer, for example.

The demand time setting function of the centralized control device 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The panel of the central control unit 16 includes the outdoor unit 1
1, 12A, 12B, 12C and indoor units 13, 14, 15
Is provided with an operation button 20 for identifying the user. Further, a liquid crystal display unit 21 is provided on the panel of the centralized control device 16, and a program setting button 22, a day setting button 23, an hour setting button 24, a minute setting button 25, and an enter button 26 are provided.

In order to set a time zone in which the demand control is performed by the central control device 16, first, the operation buttons 20 are operated to specify the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C. For example, assume that the outdoor unit 11 is specified. Next, a program setting button 22 and a confirmation button 26 are set on the specified outdoor unit 11 in order to set a demand control pattern for when to execute demand control as the program 1.
Is depressed to bring the liquid crystal display unit 21 of the centralized control device 16 into a setting preparation state for the program 1.

Thereafter, in order to set the contents of the program 1, first, the day setting button 23 is depressed to move the arrow 27, and the confirmation button 26 is depressed to fix the day. Next, on the determined day of the week (for example, Monday), to set the start time of the demand control, the hour setting button 24 and the determination button 26 are depressed to set “hour”, and the minute setting button 25 and the determination button 26 are set. Press down to set minutes. Similarly, the end time of the demand control is set.

In FIG. 2, the start time of the demand control in the program 1 is “13:00” and the end time is “1”.
5:00 ". Accordingly, on the day of the week (Monday), a demand signal is output from the central control device 16 to the control device of the outdoor unit 11 at the time “13:00”, and at “15:00”, the demand signal is output.
Demand release signal is output to the control device of the outdoor unit 11 from.

Next, the day setting button 23 is depressed to move the arrow 27, and the enter button 26 is depressed to specify another day in the program 1. Then, using the hour setting button 24, the minute setting button 25, and the confirm button 26, the demand control start time and the demand control end time on the day of the week are set. In this program 1,
The day on which the demand control start time and end time are set
This is indicated by the display of the setting confirmation mark 28.

In this way, the demand control start time and the demand control end time are set to the same or different time zones for all days of the week of the program 1.

Thereafter, the operation button 20 is operated to specify, for example, the outdoor unit 12A other than the outdoor unit 11, and the demand control pattern for the outdoor unit 12A is stored in the program 2.
The program setting button 22 and the confirm button 26 are depressed to set the
Is set to the setting preparation state of the program 2. In this state, the demand control start time and the demand control end time are set to the same or different time zones for all days of the week in the same manner as described above. In FIG. 2, the demand start time on Monday for program 2 is “12:00”
This shows that the demand control end time is set to “16:00”.

The demand control for the outdoor unit 12B is
For example, when the operation is performed in the same manner as the outdoor unit 12A, the operation button 20 is operated to specify the outdoor unit 12B, and the program setting button 22 and the confirm button 26 are operated to specify the program 2, thereby specifying the outdoor unit 12B. Is set as the program 2.

As for the outdoor unit 12C, the outdoor units 11 and 12
A demand control pattern is set in the same manner as A or the outdoor unit 12B.

By the way, as described above, each outdoor unit 1
The central control device 16 in which the time zones of demand control (demand control start time and demand control end time) are set for all days of the week for each of the 1, 12, A, 12B, and 12C, sets the outdoor units 11, 12A on a specific day of the week. , 12B and 12C, the outdoor unit 1
A demand signal is output to the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, 12C via the communication line 19, and the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, 12
When the demand control end time set for each C is reached, a demand release signal is output to the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C.

On the other hand, the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, 12
Each of the control devices C performs demand control and the like as shown in FIG. 3 based on the demand signal and the demand release signal from the central control device 16.

That is, the control units of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B and 12C determine whether or not the demand signal has been input from the central control unit 16 (S1). If the demand signal has been input, the flag (Fd) is set. It is set to 1 (S2). Then, when the demand signal is input, each control device of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C continuously determines whether or not the flag is 1 (S3). In this case, Fd = 1. Therefore, the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12
Demand control is performed on B or 12C (S4). In other words, the power consumption is suppressed by subtracting a preset cut amount from the operable maximum (peak) horsepower of the outdoor unit 11, 12A, 12B or 12C (peak cut operation).

The outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B or 12
In the control operation during the demand control, since the demand signal and the demand release signal are not transmitted from the central control device 16 in each control device of C, it is determined in step S1 that the demand signal is not input, and Then, it is determined whether or not the demand release signal is input from the central control device 16 (S5). In this case, since the demand release signal has not been input from the central control device 16, the control devices of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C perform step 3. Fd during demand control
= 1, the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B,
Each of the control devices 12C includes the outdoor units 11, 12A, and 12C.
The demand control (peak cut operation) is continued in B or 12C (S4).

Thereafter, when the demand cancellation signal is input from the central control device 16, the control device of each of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B or 12C determines that the demand signal has not been input in step S1, and the control proceeds to step S1.
At 5 it is determined that the demand release signal has been input,
Fd is set to 0 (S6). And the outdoor units 11, 1
When the demand release signal is input, each control device of 2A, 12B or 12C continuously executes step S3. In this case, since Fd = 0, the outdoor unit 11,
12A, 12B or 12C is set as a normal operation without performing the demand control, and comfortable air-conditioning is secured (S
7).

The control devices of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B and 12C perform control operations during the normal operation.
Since the demand signal and the demand release signal have not been transmitted from the central control device 16, it is determined in step S1 that the demand signal has not been input, and subsequently, in step S5, the demand release signal has not been input from the central control device 16. Judge. And in this case,
Since Fd = 0, the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12
Each of the control devices B or 12C determines that the flag (Fd) is not 1 in step S3, and determines that the outdoor unit 11,
Normal operation is continued at 12A, 12B or 12C.

Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

The central control unit 16 performs demand control for suppressing power consumption by the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, 12C.
In addition to performing the demand control in units, the time zone in which the demand control is performed can be set using the demand time setting function, so that the demand control is really required in the time zone, for example, during the daytime in summer. Power consumption is suppressed by setting a limited time zone, and demand control is released during a time other than the above time zone to ensure comfortable air conditioning.

Although the present invention has been described based on one embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, as another embodiment of the air conditioning system, the centralized control device does not include the built-in timer which performs the demand time setting function as in the first embodiment, and the centralized control device performs demand control. An external timer that can set the time zone to be implemented is connected, and the centralized control device
In some cases, demand control is performed in a time zone set using the external timer. That is, in this centralized control device, the contact is turned ON at the demand control start time set by the external timer, and the outdoor unit 11, 12A, 12 or 1
Cause 2C to perform demand control. Further, the controller turns off the contact at the demand control end time set by the external timer, and causes the outdoor unit 11, 12A, 12B or 12C to perform the normal operation. The centralized control device is provided for each of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B or 12C.
Demand control and normal operation are performed by the ON and OFF operations of the contacts by the external timer, respectively.

In the case of the other embodiment, the following effects and advantages can be obtained.

The centralized control device enables demand control for suppressing power consumption to be performed in units of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B, and 12C, and uses an external timer capable of setting a time zone in which the demand control is performed. Since the demand control is performed in the set time zone, the demand control is set to a truly necessary time zone, for example, a limited time zone in the daytime in summer to suppress the power consumption. At a time other than the time zone, demand control can be released to ensure comfortable air conditioning.

It is not necessary to incorporate a timer in the centralized control device, and the structure of the centralized control device can be simplified.

An external timer can be retrofitted to the centralized control device already installed, and this centralized control device can execute demand control in a time zone set by using the external timer.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the demand signal and the demand release signal are periodically transmitted from the central control device to the control devices of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B and 12C using the communication line 19. It may be one that keeps outputting continuously. In this case, steps S2, S3 and S6 are omitted from the flowchart of FIG.
Each control device of the outdoor units 11, 12A, 12B or 12C immediately executes Step S4 when a demand signal is input in Step S1, executes Step S5 when no demand signal is input, and inputs a demand release signal. When there is, step S7 is immediately executed.

[0048]

In the air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the central control device executes the demand control for suppressing the power consumption for each outdoor unit, and sets a time zone in which the demand control is performed. In the air conditioning system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the centralized control device enables demand control for suppressing power consumption to be performed for each outdoor unit, and the demand control. Since the demand control is performed in a time zone set using an external timer capable of setting a time zone for performing the above, the demand control is performed only in a time zone where peak power suppression is really necessary, and Comfortable air conditioning can be ensured at times other than the time zone.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an air conditioning system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a part of a panel of the centralized control device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing demand control performed by the outdoor unit of FIG. 1;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 10 air conditioning system 11 outdoor unit 12A, 12B, 12C outdoor unit 13 indoor unit 14 indoor unit 15 indoor unit 16 centralized control device 20 operation button 21 liquid crystal display unit 22 program setting button 23 day setting button 24 hour setting button 25 minute setting button 26 Confirm button

Claims (2)

[Claims] An air conditioner that controls one or more outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units by a centralized control device, and the centralized control device enables demand control for suppressing power consumption to be performed for each of the outdoor units. In the system, the centralized control device is configured to be able to set a time zone in which the demand control is performed. 2. An air conditioner in which one or a plurality of outdoor units and a plurality of indoor units are controlled by a centralized control device, and the centralized control device enables demand control for suppressing power consumption to be performed for each outdoor unit. In the system, an external timer capable of setting a time zone in which the demand control is performed is connected to the centralized control device, and the centralized control device performs the demand control in a time zone set using the external timer. An air conditioning system characterized by being implemented.