JP2009168400A - Air conditioning operation time computing system and air conditioning operation time computing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To compute an air conditioning operation time for charging a user for the use of air conditioning without a sense of unfairness. <P>SOLUTION: A data acquiring section 13 acquires at least first data showing the operating state of an air conditioner, second data showing the state of communication with the air conditioner, and third data showing the state of the air conditioner, at predetermined intervals. A counting section determines whether the air conditioner is in the operating state from the first, second and third data and updates an operation count value data. A determining section 15 compares the operation count value data in a predetermined unit time with the predetermined number of times. A fourth data generating section 16 generates fourth data showing whether the air conditioner is in the operating state in the predetermined unit time according to the compared result of the determining section. A fourth data storage section 12e stores a plurality of fourth data. An air conditioning operation time adding section 21 adds the predetermined unit time of the fourth data if the air conditioner is in the operating state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system and method for calculating the operation time of an air conditioner, and more particularly, to an air conditioning operation time calculation system and method for calculating a charge for air conditioning use.

  Conventionally, billing according to the usage amount of an air conditioner has been made to an air conditioner user such as a building tenant. As the method, there are known a method of apportioning the power consumption of the air conditioner according to the number of indoor units and the like, and a method of calculating a charge according to the operation time of the air conditioner.

The billing system that apportions the amount of power used can accurately and easily grasp the charge according to the power used, but has a demerit that it requires an initial cost to install such as installing a power meter. On the other hand, since the charging system according to the operation time does not require an initial cost, the introduction of the charging system is low, and it is easy to introduce the existing system (for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-229611

  However, in the billing system that calculates the charge according to the operation time, the user such as a tenant notifies the building administrator etc. the time to use the air conditioner in advance, and the usage time is totaled every month etc. You are charged according to the time you did. Therefore, there is a demerit for the user that it is necessary to contact the administrator in advance, which is troublesome and the usage time of the air conditioner cannot be accommodated.

  In order to eliminate such disadvantages, it is conceivable to automatically acquire data indicating the operating state and the stopped state of the air conditioner by the management PC or the like, but the following inconvenience occurs. For example, it is substantially impossible to always hold data indicating the operating state and the stopped state of the air conditioner due to the limitation of memory resources such as a local controller. On the other hand, if it is decided to acquire and hold data on whether the air conditioner is in operation or stopped every predetermined unit time, for example, if there is a short stop during operation, it is recorded as continuous operation It will be done. In such a case, the user is charged for more than the actual driving time, which causes unfairness on the user side.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an air-conditioning operation time calculation system that creates and holds air conditioner operation / stop state data so as not to be inconvenient to the user side in order to charge air-conditioning use without feeling unfair to the user. And it aims at providing the air-conditioning operation time calculation method.

  An air conditioning operation time calculation system according to a first aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning operation time calculation system that calculates an operation time of an air conditioner as data used for charge calculation for air conditioning use, and includes a data acquisition unit, a count unit, and a determination unit A fourth data generation unit, a fourth data storage unit, and an air conditioning operation time integration unit. The data acquisition unit acquires at least first data indicating the operation state of the air conditioner, second data indicating the state of communication with the air conditioner, and third data indicating the state of the air conditioner at predetermined intervals. The count unit determines whether or not the air conditioner is in an operating state from the first data, the second data, and the third data, and updates the operation count value data. The determination unit compares the operation count value data in a predetermined unit time with a predetermined number of times. The fourth data generation unit generates fourth data indicating whether or not the air conditioner is in an operating state in the predetermined unit time based on the comparison result by the determination unit. The fourth data storage unit stores a plurality of fourth data. The air conditioning operation time integration unit integrates the predetermined unit time of the fourth data that the air conditioner is in the operating state.

  Here, the 1st data which shows the operation state of an air conditioner is data which shows whether an air conditioner is an operation state or a stop state. The second data indicating the state of communication with the air conditioner is data indicating whether communication with the air conditioner is abnormal or normal. The third data indicating the condition of the air conditioner is data indicating whether the air conditioner itself is normal or abnormal.

  Here, the air conditioner operation / stop state data can be created and held so as not to be inconvenient for the user, and the user can be charged for using the air conditioner without feeling unfair.

  An air conditioning operation time calculation system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning operation time calculation system according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising a time management unit that controls and holds the time in the air conditioning operation time calculation system. Further, in the air conditioning charge calculation system, the determination unit determines whether or not the time has been changed within the predetermined unit time. Moreover, a 4th data production | generation part produces | generates the 4th data which shows that an air conditioner is a stop state in the said predetermined unit time, when the said time is changed.

  Here, if the time is changed in all or part of the system, the acquisition of the first to third data may be missing or duplicated, and it is accurate whether the air conditioner is in an operating state or a stopped state. Therefore, it is estimated that the air conditioner was stopped. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably create and maintain the air conditioner operation / stop state data so as not to be inconvenient for the user, and to charge the air conditioning without feeling unfair to the user.

  The air-conditioning operation time calculation system according to the third invention is the air-conditioning operation time calculation system according to the first invention, and the counting unit is missing any of the first data, the second data, and the third data Determines that the air conditioner is in a stopped state.

  Here, if data cannot be acquired, for example, if part or all of the system power is turned off during data acquisition, it is impossible to accurately determine whether the air conditioner is operating or stopped. It is estimated that there was a stop state. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably create and maintain the air conditioner operation / stop state data so as not to be inconvenient for the user, and to charge the air conditioning without feeling unfair to the user.

  An air conditioning operation time calculation system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning operation time calculation system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the counting unit is in an operating state in the first data, and in the second data, Only when the communication is normal and the air conditioner is normal in the third data, it is determined that the air conditioner is in the operating state.

  Here, by calculating the operation time only when the air conditioner is surely in operation, the data on the operation / stop state of the air conditioner is created and maintained so as not to be inconvenient to the user side. Charges for using air conditioning without unfairness.

  An air conditioning operation time calculation system according to a fifth invention is the air conditioning operation time calculation system according to the first invention, and includes at least a data acquisition unit, a count unit, a determination unit, a fourth data generation unit, and a fourth data storage unit. And a management device including an air conditioning operation time integration unit, and the control device and the management device are connected via a network.

  An air-conditioning operation time calculation method according to a sixth aspect of the invention is an air-conditioning operation time calculation method for calculating an operation time of an air conditioner as data used for charge calculation for air-conditioning use, and includes a data acquisition step, a count step, and a determination step And a fourth data generation step, a fourth data storage step, and an air conditioning operation time integration step. In the data acquisition step, at least the first data indicating the operation state of the air conditioner, the second data indicating the state of communication with the air conditioner, and the third data indicating the state of the air conditioner are acquired at predetermined intervals. In the counting step, it is determined whether or not the air conditioner is in an operating state from the first data, the second data, and the third data, and the operation count value data is updated. In the determination step, the operation count value data in a predetermined unit time is compared with a predetermined number of times. In the fourth data generation step, fourth data indicating whether or not the air conditioner is in an operating state in the predetermined unit time is generated based on the comparison result in the determination step. In the fourth data storage step, a plurality of fourth data is stored. In the air conditioning operation time integration step, the predetermined unit time of the fourth data indicating that the air conditioner is in operation is integrated.

    According to the present invention, in order to charge the use of air conditioning without feeling unfair to the user, it is possible to create and hold the air conditioner operation / stop state data so as not to inconvenience the user.

1. Embodiment 1.1. FIG. 1 shows an entire air conditioning system including an air conditioning operation time calculation system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The air conditioning system shown in FIG. 1 includes a controller 10 and an air conditioner group 30 including an outdoor unit 31 group and an indoor unit 32 group, which are communicably connected via a network. These networks are all local networks such as a dedicated air conditioning communication line and a LAN. Instead, only the management PC 20 is communicably connected to the controller 10 via an internal network such as Ethernet (registered trademark). In the present embodiment, a plurality of air conditioners 30 are connected to one controller 10, and one controller 10 is connected to one management PC 20. In the present embodiment, the controller 10 is connected to the indoor unit 32 via the outdoor unit 31, but may be directly connected to the indoor unit 32. A plurality of controllers may be connected to one management PC.

  The controller 10 and the management PC 20 constitute the air conditioning operation time calculation system 1 according to this embodiment. The air conditioning operation time calculation system 1 calculates the operation time of each indoor unit 32 from the data of each indoor unit 32.

1.2. Configuration of Controller The controller 10 receives, holds, or transmits operation data of the indoor unit 32 via the outdoor unit 31 to the management PC 20. The controller 10 according to the present embodiment is a control device including a memory 12, a control unit 11 including a CPU, a display unit 41, and an input unit 42.

  The memory 12 includes an operation state data storage unit 12a, a communication state data storage unit 12b, an air conditioner state data storage unit 12c, an operation result data storage unit 12e, and an operation count value data storage unit 12f. The operation state data is data indicating whether each indoor unit 32 is in an operation state or a stop state at a predetermined time. The communication status data is data indicating whether the communication between the controller 10 and each indoor unit 32 is normal or abnormal at a predetermined time. The air conditioner state data is data indicating whether each indoor unit 32 is normal or abnormal at a predetermined time.

  These data are indicated by arbitrary binary values such as the presence or absence of a flag. In addition, when communication with the indoor unit 32 is abnormal in the communication state data and when the indoor unit 32 itself is abnormal in the air conditioner state data, the indoor unit 32 is in an operating state or in a stopped state. Since it cannot be accurately grasped whether there is any, it is estimated that the indoor unit 32 was in a stopped state.

  The operation count value data storage unit 12f stores operation count value data. The count unit 17 described later determines the operation state of the air conditioner from the operation state data, the communication state data, and the air conditioner state data, and increments the operation count value only in the operation state.

  The operation result data storage unit 12e stores operation result data. The operation result data includes the operation results of each indoor unit 32, that is, data indicating whether each indoor unit 32 was in an operation state or a stop state in a predetermined unit time (here, 5 minutes), and its recording date and time (operation result determination) Time). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the operation state data, communication state data, and air conditioner state data are totaled for the indoor unit 32, and the state at each time indicates whether it is operation / stop, normal / abnormal. It is indicated by the binary value shown. In this operation result data storage unit 12e, operation result data for a predetermined number of days (for example, two months) may be stored and transmitted to the management PC 20 collectively when an air conditioning usage charge is charged.

  The control unit 11 includes a data communication unit 13, a determination unit 15, an operation result data generation unit 16, a count unit 17, a reset unit 18, and a transmission unit 19. The data communication unit 13 acquires data including the above-described operation state data, communication state data, and air conditioner state data from the air conditioner group 30, and temporarily holds the data on the memory. The data communication unit 13 acquires data by performing polling communication with the air conditioner group 30 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 20 seconds).

  The determination unit 15 counts whether or not the air conditioner has been continuously operated within a predetermined unit time (in FIG. 4, a time from 17:00 to 17:05 or a time from 17:05 to 17:10). The determination is made by comparing the data in the value data storage unit 12f with the predetermined number of operating states. The determination unit 15 determines whether or not there is a missing value in the operation state data, the communication state data, and the air conditioner state data, that is, whether there is a portion where the data has not been obtained, by comparing the operation count value data with the predetermined number of operation states. Here, “data not being obtained” means, for example, a case where data cannot be obtained at that time due to power-off of the controller 10 or abnormality of the controller. The determination unit 15 also determines whether or not the controller 10 has changed the time within the predetermined unit time from the information of the time management unit 15a. When the time of the controller 10 is changed, if the acquisition of each data is lost or duplicated due to the advance or delay of the time, it is impossible to accurately grasp whether the indoor unit 32 is in the operating state or the stopped state. . Therefore, when the time is changed within the predetermined unit time, it is estimated that the indoor unit 32 has been stopped. The time management unit 15a controls and holds the time of the controller 10.

  The operation result data generation unit 16 receives the determination of the determination unit 15 that the air conditioner has not been continuously operated within the predetermined unit time, and changes the state of the indoor unit 32 in the predetermined unit time to the “stop” state. The operation result data which shows that it is is created. On the other hand, the operation result data generation unit 16 receives the determination of the determination unit 15 that the air conditioner has been continuously operated within the predetermined unit time, and “operates” the state of the indoor unit 32 in the predetermined unit time. The operation result data which shows that it is in a state is created.

  The count unit 17 is used only when the communication state data acquired by the data communication unit 11 from the start to the end of the predetermined unit time is “normal”, the air conditioner state data is “normal”, and the operation state data is “operation”. Count. The reset unit 18 resets the count number. In the present embodiment, the predetermined number of operating states is 15 times. For example, in FIG. 4, the count from a predetermined unit time (17:00 to 17:05) has a first count at 17:00:20, and reaches the same predetermined number of times at 17: 00: 00: 00.

  The transmission part 19 receives the request | requirement from management PC20, acquires driving | operation performance data from the driving | operation performance data storage part 12e, and transmits to management PC20.

  The display unit 41 is a display unit such as a liquid crystal panel. The display unit 41 displays a menu when the user inputs to the time management unit 15a to change the time of the controller 10. The input unit 42 receives an input to the controller 10.

1.3. Specific Example of Creation of Driving Performance Data FIG. 4 shows a specific example when driving performance data is created. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation result data is that the indoor unit A is in a state where all the operation state data is in an operation state for 5 minutes which is a predetermined unit time from 17:00 to 17:05. All abnormal data is normal. Therefore, the 5 minutes are added as operation time. On the other hand, during 5 minutes from 17:05 to 17:10, the communication abnormality data is once shown as abnormal. Therefore, the indoor unit A is considered to be in a stopped state, and the five minutes are not added as the operation time.

1.4. Management PC and Air Conditioning Operation Time Management Tool The management PC 20 includes an air conditioning operation time management tool 21 and a management time data storage unit 22. The air-conditioning operation time management tool 21 is a tool that acquires operation result data transmitted from the controller 10 and adds up the operation time of the indoor unit 32 obtained from the operation result data. The air conditioning operation time management tool 21 is executed by a predetermined program. This operation time is a time obtained by adding up the accumulated time of unit predetermined time that the indoor unit 32 is in the operation state in the operation result data.

  The management time data storage unit 22 stores management time data. For the management time data, for example, a core time is set. Usually, in the billing system using the air conditioning operation time calculation system 1 according to the present embodiment, the business hours of users such as tenants (for example, weekdays from 9:00 to 17:00) are set as the core time. In the core time, a fixed fee is charged with the indoor unit 32 operating. On the other hand, the time other than the core time, for example, the operation time in overtime hours and holiday work hours is a variable time, and therefore, the billing process using this system can be performed.

1.5. Process of Air-Conditioning Charge Calculation System FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of each process of the air-conditioning operation time calculation system 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 3A shows a process of acquiring various data (operation state data, communication state data, air conditioner state data) every 20 seconds and incrementing the operation count value according to the content of the data. FIG. 3 (B) shows a process when saving the operation result data every 5 minutes. FIG. 3C shows a process in which the management PC 20 acquires operation result data from the controller 10. The processes of FIGS. 3A to 3C are executed while being related to each other by multitasking.

  First, FIG. 3A will be described.

  Step S101: For each indoor unit 32, various data such as operation state data, communication state data, and air conditioner state data are acquired. This data acquisition is performed at predetermined intervals (here, every 20 seconds) as described above. The acquired data is temporarily stored in the operation state data storage unit 12a, the communication state data storage unit 12b, and the air conditioner state data storage unit 12c, respectively.

  Step S102: The acquired communication state data is determined by the counting unit 17 as to whether or not the communication state is “normal”. If “normal”, the process proceeds to step S103, and if “abnormal”, the process ends.

  Step S103: In the acquired air conditioner status data, the count unit 17 determines whether the status of the air conditioner 30 is “normal”. If “normal”, the process proceeds to step S104, and if “abnormal”, the process is performed. finish.

  Step S104: The obtained operating state data 12a determines whether the air conditioner 30 is “operating” by the counting unit 17. If “operating”, the process proceeds to step S105, and if “stopping”, the process ends. .

  Step S105: When the operation count value is incremented by the count unit 17, the data in the operation count value data storage unit 12f is updated, and the process ends.

  The process of FIG. 3B will be described.

  Step S201: For each indoor unit 32, an operation count value is acquired from the operation count value data storage unit 12f. This data acquisition is performed at a predetermined interval (for example, every 5 minutes) as described above.

  Step S202: The determination unit 15 compares the obtained operation count value with a predetermined number of operation states (here, 15 times). If the operation count value is the predetermined number of operation states, the process proceeds to step S203, and if the operation state is not the predetermined number of operation states, the process proceeds to step S205.

  Step S203: The determination unit 15 determines whether or not there has been a time change by the time management unit 15a in a predetermined unit time (here, 5 minutes). If yes, go to step S204, otherwise go to step S205.

  Step S204: The operation result data creation unit 16 creates data in which the operation result of the data is “operation”.

  Step S205: The operation result data creating unit 16 creates data for setting the operation result of the data to “stop”.

  Step S206: The created operation result data is stored in the operation result data storage unit 12e and transmitted to the management PC 20 via the transmission unit 19.

  Step S207: The operation count value of the operation count value data is reset by the reset unit 18.

  The process of FIG. 3C will be described.

  Step S301: The operation result data is transmitted from the controller 10 to the management PC 20.

  Step S302: In the management PC 20, the acquired operation result data is processed by the air conditioner operation time management tool 21, and the air conditioning operation time is integrated.

  The above processing is an example, and the processing procedure is not limited to the above.

1.6. Effect of this embodiment According to the air-conditioning operation time calculation system 1 according to this embodiment, even if there is an uncertain time whether or not the indoor unit 32 has been stopped, it is estimated that the indoor unit 32 has been stopped during that time. Do not add to the air conditioning operation time. Therefore, the operation / stop state data of the indoor unit 32 can be reliably created and held so as not to be inconvenient for the user, and charging for air conditioning use without any unfairness to the user can be reliably performed. it can.

  Moreover, according to the air-conditioning operation time calculation system 1 according to the present embodiment, whether the indoor unit 32 is in an operating state or a stopped state even when the time of the controller 10 is changed or the power of the controller 10 is turned off. Therefore, it is estimated that the indoor unit 32 was in a stopped state. As a result, the operation / stop state data of the indoor unit 32 can be created and retained more reliably so as not to be inconvenient for the user, and the user can be charged for air conditioning without feeling unfair.

2. Modification 2.1.
In the above embodiment, the air conditioner operation time management tool 21 is provided in the management PC 20, but may be provided in the controller 10.

2.2.
In the above-described embodiment, the operation state data, the communication state data, and the air conditioner state data are also used as normal operation data for other purposes, and may be accumulated regardless of the core time.

2.3.
In the above embodiment, the determination unit 15 determines whether or not the operation state data, the communication state data, and the air conditioner state data are missing from the comparison between the operation count value data and the predetermined number of operation states, It is estimated that the air conditioner 30 was in a stopped state when it was off. Instead, the determination may be made by acquiring the power-on / off management information of the controller 10. For example, it may be determined from the management information whether or not the power is turned on / off in a predetermined unit time when data is acquired.

2.4.
In the above embodiment, the data communication unit 13 acquires the operation state data, communication state data, and air conditioner state data of each indoor unit 32 at the same time (FIG. 4), but is not limited thereto. Each data may be acquired at different times.

  According to the present invention, in order to charge the use of air conditioning without feeling unfair to the user, it is possible to create and hold the air conditioner operation / stop state data so as not to inconvenience the user.

The schematic block diagram of the whole air conditioning system containing the air-conditioning operation time calculation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention The block diagram of the air-conditioning operation time calculation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the air-conditioning operation time calculation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of the data created by the air-conditioning operation time calculation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention

Explanation of symbols

1 Air-conditioning operation time calculation system 10 Controller (control device)
11 control unit 12 storage unit 12a operation state data (first data) storage unit 12b communication state data (second data) storage unit 12c air conditioner state data (third data) storage unit 12e operation result data storage unit (fourth data) Storage part)
12f Operation count value data storage unit 13 Data communication unit (data acquisition unit)
15 determination unit 15a time management unit 16 operation result data generation unit (fourth data generation unit)
17 Count unit 18 Reset unit 19 Transmitter 20 Management PC (management device)
21 Air-conditioner operation time management tool (air-conditioning operation time integration unit)
22 Management time data storage

Claims (6)

An air conditioning operation time calculation system (1) for calculating the operation time of the air conditioner (30) as data used for the charge calculation for air conditioning use,
At a predetermined interval, at least first data indicating the operating state of the air conditioner (30), second data indicating the state of communication with the air conditioner (30), and first indicating the state of the air conditioner (30). A data acquisition unit (13) for acquiring three data;
A counting unit (17) for determining whether or not the air conditioner is in an operating state from the first data, the second data, and the third data, and updating the operation count value data;
A determination unit (15) that compares the operation count value data in a predetermined unit time with a predetermined number of times;
A fourth data generation unit (16) for generating fourth data indicating whether or not the air conditioner (30) is in an operating state in the predetermined unit time, as a result of the comparison by the determination unit (15);
A fourth data storage unit (12e) for storing a plurality of the fourth data;
An air conditioning operation time integration unit (21) for integrating the predetermined unit time of the fourth data that the air conditioner (30) is in an operating state;
An air conditioning operation time calculation system. A time management unit (15a) for controlling and holding the time in the air conditioning operation time calculation system (1),
The determination unit (15) determines whether the time has changed within the predetermined unit time,
The fourth data generation unit (15) generates the fourth data indicating that the air conditioner (30) is in a stopped state in the predetermined unit time when the time is changed.
The air conditioning operation time calculation system according to claim 1. The counting unit (17) determines that the air conditioner is in a stopped state when any of the first data, the second data, and the third data is missing.
The air conditioning operation time calculation system according to claim 1. In the first data, the count unit (17) is in the operating state of the air conditioner (30), in the second data, communication with the air conditioner (30) is normal, and in the third data Only when the air conditioner (30) is normal, the air conditioner is determined to be in operation.
The air conditioning operation time calculation system according to claim 1. A control device (10) including at least the data acquisition unit (11), the count unit (17), the determination unit (15), the fourth data generation unit (16), and the fourth data storage unit (12e). )When,
A management device (20) including the air conditioning operation time integration unit (21);
With
The control device (10) and the management device (20) are connected via a network.
The air conditioning operation time calculation system according to claim 1. An air conditioning operation time calculation method for calculating the operation time of the air conditioner (30) as data used for the charge calculation for air conditioning use,
At a predetermined interval, at least first data indicating the operating state of the air conditioner (30), second data indicating the state of communication with the air conditioner (30), and first indicating the state of the air conditioner (30). A data acquisition step for acquiring three data;
A counting step of determining whether or not the air conditioner is in an operating state from the first data, the second data, and the third data, and updating the operation count value data;
A determination step of comparing the operation count value data in the predetermined unit time with the predetermined number of times;
A fourth data generation step of generating fourth data indicating whether or not the air conditioner (30) is in an operating state in the predetermined unit time, as a result of the comparison in the determination step;
A fourth data storing step of storing a plurality of the fourth data;
An air conditioner operation time integrating step of integrating the predetermined unit time of the fourth data that the air conditioner (30) is in an operating state;
An air conditioning operation time calculation method comprising:

Images