JP2011002151A - Controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To determine whether not only a first air conditioner but also a second air conditioner different from the first air conditioner observe operation rules or not by referring to data deriving from the first air conditioner.SOLUTION: A controller 10 includes a storage part 15, a room temperature acquisition part 12a, a performance acquisition part 12b and a determination part 12c, and controls an air conditioner group including the first air conditioner 40 and the second air conditioner 50a. The storage part 15 stores rule data related to the operation rules of the air conditioner group. The room temperature acquisition part 12a acquires room temperature data via the first air conditioner 40. The performance acquisition part 12b acquires performance data related to operation performance of the first air conditioner 40. The determination part 12c determines whether the first air conditioner 40 observes the operation rules by referring to the rule data, room temperature data and performance data, and determines whether the second air conditioner 50a observes the operation rules by referring to the rule data and room temperature data.

Description

  The present invention relates to a controller that manages a group of air conditioners.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a controller that acquires performance data related to the operation results of an air conditioner and checks whether or not the air conditioner complies with the operation rules by referring to the performance data (for example, patent document). No. 1, 2007-172406).

  However, when one controller manages a plurality of air conditioners, it may be difficult to obtain various data regarding some air conditioners. For example, when the air conditioner cannot communicate with the controller, such as when the air conditioner is an old type or when the air conditioner and the controller belong to different manufacturers. However, for users, there is a strong demand for grasping the operating state of the air conditioner used by the user even under such circumstances.

  An object of the present invention is to refer to the data derived from the first air conditioner, so that not only the first air conditioner but also the second air conditioner different from the first air conditioner complies with the operation rules. It is an object of the present invention to provide a controller capable of determining whether or not.

  The controller which concerns on 1st invention is provided with the memory | storage part, the room temperature acquisition part, the results acquisition part, and the determination part, and manages an air conditioning machine group. The air conditioner group includes a first air conditioner and a second air conditioner. A memory | storage part memorize | stores the rule data regarding the operation rule of an air conditioning machine group. The room temperature acquisition unit acquires room temperature data related to the room temperature via the first air conditioner. The result acquisition unit acquires result data related to the operation results of the first air conditioner. The determination unit determines whether the first air conditioner is in the first state in compliance with the operation rules by referring to the rule data, room temperature data, and performance data, and refers to the rule data and room temperature data. By doing so, it is determined whether or not the second air conditioner is in the second state in compliance with the operation rules.

  This controller determines whether or not the air conditioner group complies with the operation rules. For the determination, room temperature data or the like derived from some air conditioners included in the air conditioner group is referred to. Therefore, by referring to data derived from some air conditioners (first air conditioners), not only about the air conditioners (first air conditioners) but also about other air conditioners (second air conditioners) It is possible to determine whether or not the operating rules are observed.

  The first invention is particularly useful when there is an air conditioner that cannot acquire room temperature data and performance data in a part of the air conditioner group to be managed.

  The controller according to the second invention is the controller according to the first invention, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the room temperature is on the energy increase side from the temperature condition specified based on the operation rule. Then, it is determined whether or not it is in the second state.

  Here, whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rule is determined depending on whether or not the room temperature derived from the first air conditioner is on the energy increase side with respect to the temperature condition according to the operation rule. . Therefore, by referring to the room temperature data via the first air conditioner, it can be determined whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rules.

  The controller according to a third aspect of the invention is the controller according to the second aspect of the invention, wherein the determining unit is configured to increase the indoor temperature higher than the temperature condition in addition to the time zone in which the operation rule determines that the entire air conditioner group is stopped. By judging whether it is in the side, it is judged whether it is in the second state.

  In general, in a time zone in which the operation rule determines that the entire air conditioner group is stopped, it can be relatively easily determined whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rule. However, it is relatively difficult to determine whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rules outside of such a time zone. However, according to the third aspect of the invention, whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rule except in such a time zone, the room temperature derived from the first air conditioner is based on the temperature condition according to the operation rule. Is also determined according to whether it is on the increased energy side. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rules even outside the time zone in which the entire air conditioner group is determined to be in the operation rules.

  A controller according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the controller according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not it is in the second state when it is determined not to be in the first state. to decide.

  Here, based on the premise that some air conditioners (first air conditioners) comply with the operation rules, it is determined whether other air conditioners (second air conditioners) comply with the operation rules. . Therefore, it can be determined more accurately whether the second air conditioner complies with the operation rules.

  A controller according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the controller according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a violation amount calculation unit. The violation amount calculation unit calculates the violation amount based on the result of determination by the determination unit. The violation amount quantitatively represents the violation operation of the entire air conditioner group that violates the operation rules.

  Here, the violation amount of the entire air conditioner group is calculated based on the result of the determination as to whether or not the air conditioner group complies with the operation rules. Therefore, it is possible to quantitatively evaluate the violation operation of the entire air conditioner group that violates the operation rules.

  A controller according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the controller according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention, further comprising an operation control unit. The operation control unit controls the first air conditioner according to the operation rule.

  This controller controls the first air conditioner according to the operation rules. Therefore, it is possible to more accurately determine whether or not the first air conditioner, and thus the second air conditioner, complies with the operation rules.

  A controller according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the controller according to any one of the first to sixth aspects of the present invention, wherein the room temperature data is data relating to a room temperature in a space air-conditioned by the first air conditioner.

  Here, the room temperature referred to when determining whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rules is the temperature of the air-conditioning target space of the first air conditioner. Therefore, even if the indoor temperature of the air-conditioning target space of the second air conditioner is unknown, it can be determined whether or not the second air conditioner complies with the operation rules.

  The controller according to the present invention determines whether the air conditioner group complies with the operation rules. For the determination, room temperature data or the like derived from some air conditioners included in the air conditioner group is referred to. Therefore, by referring to data derived from some air conditioners (first air conditioners), not only about the air conditioners (first air conditioners) but also about other air conditioners (second air conditioners) It is possible to determine whether or not the operating rules are observed.

The block diagram of the air-conditioner management system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The block diagram of a new air conditioner and a controller. The block diagram of an old air conditioner and a contact monitoring apparatus. The block diagram of a remote management server. The block diagram of a management terminal. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process in which a controller calculates violation amount.

  Hereinafter, an air conditioner management system 100 including a controller 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Air conditioner management system>
(1) Overall Configuration An air conditioner management system 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of air conditioners installed in a building 1, more specifically, a new air conditioner 40 and old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. It is a system for managing. For simplicity, only one building 1 is shown in FIG. 1, but it is assumed that there are actually a large number of buildings 1. The air conditioner management system 100 is a system for supporting the management of energy saving activities in a large number of buildings 1 scattered throughout the country at the headquarters 3 of an organization that supervises the large number of buildings 1. The energy saving activity in the present embodiment is intended for all the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,...

  The air conditioner management system 100 mainly includes a controller 10, contact monitoring devices 30 a, 30 b,..., A power meter 70, a remote management server 20, and a management terminal 80. The controller 10, the contact monitoring devices 30a, 30b,... And the wattmeter 70 are installed in the building 1. The remote management server 20 exists remotely from the building 1 operated by an organization that provides remote management services (including services that support energy-saving activities) that remotely manage the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,. Installed in the remote management center 2. The management terminal 80 is installed in the headquarter 3 of an organization that supervises many buildings 1.

  The controller 10 and the contact monitoring devices 30a, 30b,... Are connected to a local area network (hereinafter referred to as LAN) 5a provided in the building 1 and perform data communication with each other. The wattmeter 70 is also connected to the LAN 5 a, and the measured value of the wattmeter 70 is collected by the controller 10. The controller 10 manages the new air conditioner 40 and manages the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Via the contact monitoring devices 30a, 30b,. The controller 10 and the remote management server 20 are connected to the Internet 6 and perform data communication with each other. The management terminal 80 is also connected to the Internet 6 and performs data communication with the remote management server 20.

  In FIG. 1, only one controller 10 is shown in the building 1, but each of one or a plurality of air conditioners (a new air conditioner 40 and old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... The building 1 in which a plurality of controllers 10 for managing the new air conditioner 40 does not need to exist or the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. Suppose it exists.

  The controller 10 detects violation actions of the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... Violating the energy saving operation rules established by the staff of the headquarters 3, and quantifies the violation amount D for each building. The violation amount D for each building 1 for all buildings 1 is the original data of a report of energy saving activities created for the headquarter 3 by the remote management server 20. The report is distributed to the staff of the headquarters 3 and is used by the staff of the headquarters 3 for correcting the operation of the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... (For example, correcting the energy saving operation rules).

(2) New air conditioner Hereinafter, the new air conditioner 40 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The new air conditioner 40 has an outdoor unit 41 and one or a plurality of indoor units 42 connected to the outdoor unit 41 via a refrigerant pipe. As a whole, a compressor, a heat exchanger, or the like (not shown) is used. One refrigerant circuit is formed. The outdoor unit 41, the one or more indoor units 42, and the controller 10 exchange signals with each other via the communication line 5 b dedicated to the new air conditioner 40.

  The control unit 45 of the indoor unit 42 is an operation command from the remote controller 46 or the controller 10 (command to change the operation parameter. For example, the start or stop of the indoor unit 42 is commanded or the set temperature of the indoor unit 42 is changed. Or a command to change the operation mode of the indoor unit 42, a command to change the set air volume of the indoor unit 42, or a command to change the capacity restriction level. The same shall apply hereinafter.) While coordinating with the control unit 41a, the operation of various components included in the refrigerant circuit is controlled to air-condition the room. Specifically, the frequency of the compressor, the rotation speed of various fans, the opening of various valves, and the like are adjusted. The remote controller 46 is an operation interface device that receives an input of a driving command from a user in the building 1, and is connected to the control unit 45 via a dedicated communication line 5c in a one-to-one or one-to-many manner. Yes.

  Further, the control unit 45 of the indoor unit 42 transmits information related to the indoor unit 42 (hereinafter referred to as monitoring data) to the controller 10 in accordance with a command from the controller 10. The monitoring data of the indoor unit 42 includes the operation parameters of the indoor unit 42 (including the start / stop activation state, the set temperature, the operation mode such as cooling / heating / air blowing, and the set air volume), the indoor temperature, and the indoor unit 42. State information (including the rotational speed of the indoor fan, the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit), and information indicating the operation history of the remote controller 46.

  On the other hand, the control unit 41 a of the outdoor unit 41 transmits information related to the outdoor unit 41 (hereinafter referred to as monitoring data) to the controller 10 in accordance with a command from the controller 10. The monitoring data of the outdoor unit 41 includes the operating parameters of the outdoor unit 41 (including the upper limit frequency of the compressor, the high / low pressure difference of the refrigerant circuit and the capacity limit level), the outside temperature, and the state values of various components included in the outdoor unit 41. Information including (for example, the frequency of the compressor, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan, and the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit) is included.

  The indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the state values of various components included in the indoor unit 42 and the outdoor unit 41 are detected by a sensor or the like (not shown). The sensor for measuring the indoor temperature is attached in the vicinity of the air inlet of the indoor unit 42 (a representative indoor unit 42 when there are a plurality of indoor units 42). The temperature of the air, that is, the temperature in the space air-conditioned by the indoor unit 42 is measured. The sensor for measuring the outside air temperature is attached to an appropriate position in the casing of the outdoor unit 41 and measures the temperature of the outdoor air near the building 1.

  By the way, the new air conditioner 40 is designed to be operable at three levels of capacity restriction. More specifically, the new air conditioner 40 has an unlimited mode (normal mode) in which the capability is not limited and a capability limited mode I that is controlled so as to operate with about 70% power consumption when operating in the unlimited mode. And the capability limitation mode II that is controlled to operate with about 40% of the power consumption when operating in the unlimited mode. Capacity limiting modes I and II are realized by limiting the frequency of the compressor.

(3) Old air conditioner Hereinafter, the old air conditioner 50a will be described with reference to FIG. 3, but the same applies to the other old air conditioners 50b,.

  The old-type air conditioner 50a has an outdoor unit 51 and one or a plurality of indoor units 52 connected to the outdoor unit 51 via refrigerant piping, and as a whole, from a compressor, a heat exchanger, etc. (not shown) One refrigerant circuit is formed. The outdoor unit 51, the one or more indoor units 52, and the contact monitoring device 30a exchange signals with each other via the communication line 5d dedicated to the old air conditioner 50a.

  The control unit 55 of the indoor unit 52 is an operation command (command to change the operation parameter) from the remote controller 56 or the controller 10. For example, the controller 55 orders the start or stop of the indoor unit 52 or changes the set temperature of the indoor unit 52. Or a command to change the operation mode of the indoor unit 52, a command to change the set air volume of the indoor unit 52, or a command to change the capacity restriction level. The same shall apply hereinafter.) While cooperating with the control unit 51a, the operation of various components included in the refrigerant circuit is controlled to air-condition the room. Specifically, the frequency of the compressor, the rotation speed of various fans, the opening of various valves, and the like are adjusted. It is assumed that the controller 10 can send only an operation command for instructing activation or stop of the entire old air conditioner 50a to the old air conditioner 50a. The remote controller 56 is an operation interface device that receives an input of an operation command for the indoor unit 52 from a user in the building 1 and is connected to the control unit 55 via a dedicated communication line 5e in a one-to-one or one-to-many manner. Has been.

  The control unit 51a of the outdoor unit 51 transmits information about the old air conditioner 50a (hereinafter referred to as monitoring data) to the contact monitoring device 30a in response to a command from the contact monitoring device 30a. In the present embodiment, as the monitoring data of the old air conditioner 50a, only the operation parameters relating to the start / stop state of the old air conditioner 50a are transmitted.

  By the way, the old-type air conditioner 50a is also designed to be operable at a three-stage capacity restriction level, like the new-type air conditioner 40. More specifically, the old air conditioner 50a can be switched between an unrestricted mode (normal mode) in which the capacity is not limited, a capacity limit mode I, and a capacity limit mode II. Capacity limiting modes I and II are realized by limiting the frequency of the compressor.

(4) Controller Hereinafter, the controller 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The controller 10 mainly includes a communication unit 11, a control unit 12, and a storage unit 15, and has a function of monitoring and controlling the new air conditioner 40 and the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,.

  The communication unit 11 is a network interface that enables the controller 10 to be connected to the LAN 5a and the Internet 6 and the communication line 5b dedicated to the new air conditioner 40.

  The control unit 12 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and reads out and executes a program stored in the storage unit 15 to thereby execute a temperature acquisition unit 12a, a result acquisition unit 12b, a determination unit 12c, and an operation control. It operates as the unit 12d and the violation amount calculation unit 12e.

  The control unit 12 acquires monitoring data of the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... At a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every minute). More specifically, the temperature acquisition unit 12a is a room temperature data that is an output value of a sensor attached in the vicinity of the air inlet of the indoor unit 42 at a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every minute). Is obtained via the control unit 45 of the indoor unit 42, and the outside air temperature data, which is the output value of the sensor attached in the casing of the outdoor unit 41, is obtained via the control unit 41 a of the outdoor unit 41. The performance acquisition unit 12b acquires the performance data regarding the operation performance of the indoor unit 42 from the control unit 45 of the indoor unit 42 at a predetermined time interval (every minute in the present embodiment) and the outdoor unit 41. The actual data regarding the actual driving performance of the outdoor unit 41 is acquired from the control unit 41a of the outdoor unit 41. In addition, the record acquisition unit 12b monitors the monitoring data of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... At predetermined time intervals (every minute in the present embodiment), respectively. Are obtained via the contact monitoring devices 30a, 30b,.

  Moreover, the control part 12 acquires the electric energy data which are the measured values of the wattmeter 70 at a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every 10 minutes). The wattmeter 70 is arranged so as to be able to measure the power consumption of the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,.

  The monitoring data and power amount data acquired by the control unit 12 are stored in the storage unit 15. The monitoring data and power amount data in the storage unit 15 are remotely managed via the Internet 6 during regular communication between the controller 10 and the remote management server 20 at a predetermined time interval (in this embodiment, every 30 minutes). Uploaded to the server 20. During the regular communication, control data (including energy saving operation rules in the form of operation schedules) for controlling the new air conditioner 40 and the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Is remotely managed via the Internet 6. It is downloaded from the server 20 and stored in the storage unit 15. Note that communication between the controller 10 and the remote management server 20 is realized by the controller 10 operating as a Web client and the remote management server 20 operating as a Web server.

  The operation schedule in the storage unit 15 is processed as follows. That is, the operation control unit 12d transmits an appropriate operation command to an appropriate air conditioner 40, 50a, 50b,... At an appropriate timing according to the operation schedule in the storage unit 15.

  For example, when an operation schedule is set such that “a certain indoor unit 42 is operated in the cooling mode at a set temperature of 27 ° C. from 9:00 to 18:00 every day”, the operation control unit 12d At 9 o'clock every day, a command to set the set temperature to 27 ° C. and the operation mode to the cooling mode is transmitted to the indoor unit 42 at 9 o'clock every day. Furthermore, the operation control unit 12d continuously monitors the operation parameters of the indoor unit 42 until 18:00, and when it is detected that the operation is in violation of the operation schedule, In the embodiment, the same command is transmitted again to the indoor unit 42 after 30 minutes). Further, the operation control unit 12d transmits a stop command to the indoor unit 42 at 18:00. In addition, when an operation schedule of “stopping a certain indoor unit 42 from 20:00 every day to 7:00 a.m.” is set, the operation control unit 12d stops the operation of the indoor unit 42 at 20:00 every day. Send a command. Further, the operation control unit 12d continuously monitors the operation parameters of the indoor unit 42 until 7 am the next morning, and when it is detected that the operation is activated against the operation schedule, the operation control unit 12d (after the predetermined time ( In this embodiment, after 30 minutes), a stop command is transmitted to the indoor unit 42 again.

  In addition, when the operation schedule of “making the old air conditioner 50a operate in the cooling mode at the set temperature of 27 ° C. from 9:00 to 18:00 every day” is set, An activation command is transmitted to the old air conditioner 50a at 9 o'clock every day. The operation control unit 12d transmits a stop command to the old air conditioner 50a at 18:00. In addition, when an operation schedule of “stop the old air conditioner 50a every day from 20:00 to 7:00 the next morning” is set, the operation control unit 12d stops the operation of the old air conditioner 50a every day at 20:00. Send a command. Further, the operation control unit 12d continuously monitors the operation parameters of the old air conditioner 50a until 7 am the next morning, and when it is detected that the operation is started against the operation schedule, a predetermined time ( In this embodiment, after 30 minutes), the stop command is transmitted again to the old air conditioner 50a.

  Note that the new air conditioner 40 and the old air conditioner 50a, 50b,..., Regardless of whether the air conditioner is from the controller 10 or the remote controller 46, 56, the new air conditioner 40 and the old air conditioner. The latest operation command received by 50a, 50b,... Is preferentially executed.

  By the way, as described above, the controller 10 can only send operation commands to the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... To start or stop the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. Yes. Then, by setting detailed energy saving operation rules in the controller 10 in the form of an operation schedule, the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Cannot be controlled in detail via the controller 10. Therefore, although the energy-saving operation rules relating to the old-type air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Are downloaded to the controller 10 from the remote management server 20 in the form of an operation schedule, separately, for example, FAX etc. It is to be delivered by. That is, the energy-saving operation rules relating to the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Are mainly manually set directly on the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. It is in operation.

  In addition, the control unit 12 calculates the violation amount D at the immediately preceding time T1 by referring to the monitoring data, the power amount data, and the operation schedule in the storage unit 15 at an interval of time T1 (in this embodiment, 5 minutes). To do.

  Violation amount D is a predetermined rule that out of all the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... Violating the operation schedule during the immediately preceding time T1, contributes to increased energy more than the operation schedule. It is quantified along. The rules include violation time (time when violation action was performed), violation time converted into basic unit, violation energy amount (energy amount increased or decreased from specified energy amount due to violation operation), and conversion into basic unit There is one that quantifies the amount of violated energy that has been used. The amount of energy is calculated, for example, by multiplying the violation time by a value obtained by subtracting the set temperature according to the operation schedule from the actual set temperature. The process flow (see FIG. 6) for the controller 10 to calculate the violation amount D will be described later.

  Thereafter, the control unit 12 uploads the data of the violation amount D to the remote management server 20 during regular communication with the remote management server 20.

(5) Contact Monitoring Device Hereinafter, the contact monitoring device 30a will be described with reference to FIG. 3, but the same applies to the other contact monitoring devices 30b,.

  The contact monitoring device 30a mainly includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, and a storage unit 35. The contact monitoring device 30a is a remote I / O controller.

  The communication unit 31 is a network interface that enables the contact monitoring device 30a to be connected to the LAN 5a and the communication line 5d dedicated to the old air conditioner 50a.

  The control unit 32 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 35. The control unit 32 acquires the monitoring data of the old air conditioner 50 a from the control unit 51 a of the outdoor unit 51 according to a command from the controller 10, and transmits it to the controller 10. However, as described above, the monitoring data of the old air conditioner 50a that can be acquired by the control unit 32 is only the operation parameters related to the start / stop state of the old air conditioner 50a. That is, the control unit 32 cannot acquire other operating parameters and information indicating the room temperature, the outside air temperature, the state values of various components, the history of operation of the remote controller 56, and the like.

  Moreover, the control part 32 will transfer to the old air conditioner 50, if the operation command (start command or stop command) with respect to the old air conditioner 50 is received from the controller 10. FIG.

(6) Remote Management Server As shown in FIG. 4, the remote management server 20 is a server computer mainly including a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, an output unit 23, an input unit 24, and a storage unit 25. Has a function of monitoring and controlling the new air conditioner 40 and the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. The remote management server 20 has a Web server function, and accepts HTTP connections from the controller 10 having the Web client function and the management terminal 80. Therefore, it is assumed that the remote management server 20 cannot access the controller 10 and the management terminal 80 in principle.

  The communication unit 21 is a network interface that enables the remote management server 20 to be connected to the Internet 6.

  The control unit 22 is mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 25. The managers of the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... (Including the staff of the headquarters 3 who are managers of energy-saving activities and the staff of the remote management center who received a request from the staff of the headquarters 3). The control data of the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... (Including the energy saving operation rules in the form of the operation schedule) can be delivered to the unit 22. Note that access to the control unit 22 is performed via the input unit 24 or any terminal (including the management terminal 80) having a Web client function connected to the Internet 6. The control unit 22 saves the control data in an appropriate directory in the storage unit 25 so that it can be downloaded to the controller 10 during regular communication between the controller 10 and the remote management server 20.

  The output unit 23 mainly includes a display and a speaker, and the input unit 24 mainly includes a mouse and a keyboard.

  The storage unit 25 is mainly composed of a hard disk and holds a device information database 25a. In the device information database 25a, various data of the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... Sent from the controller 10 (including monitoring data, power amount data, and violation amount D data) in an appropriate format. Accumulated. Various data in the device information database 25a is used for various remote management services such as a report distribution service and an abnormality detection service provided by the remote management server 20.

  As the report distribution service, data on a large number of violations D for a large number of buildings 1 are analyzed, and the degree of penetration of energy-saving operation rules in a large number of buildings 1 belonging to the headquarters 3 is evaluated. For example, the ratio (compliance rate) of the building 1 in which the violation amount D exceeds a predetermined threshold is calculated. The results of the analysis are distributed to the staff at Headquarter 3 in the form of a report. As modes of distribution, a staff member of the headquarters 3 accesses the remote management server 20 from the management terminal 80 and downloads it to the management terminal 80, a mode of sending to an e-mail address addressed to the staff member of the headquarters 3 at a predetermined timing, There are modes such as FAX transmission or mailing at the timing.

(7) Management Terminal As shown in FIG. 5, the management terminal 80 mainly includes a communication unit 81, a control unit 82, an output unit 83, an input unit 84, and a storage unit 85. It is a general-purpose personal computer used for A web browser having a web client function is installed in the management terminal 80. The staff of the headquarters 3 can manage the building 1 by acquiring the management screen (including the report viewing screen) of the building 1 on the Web browser from the remote management server 20 which is a Web server.

  The communication unit 81 is a network interface that can connect the management terminal 80 to the Internet 6. The control unit 82 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM. The output unit 83 mainly includes a display and a speaker, and the input unit 84 mainly includes a mouse and a keyboard. The storage unit 85 is mainly composed of a hard disk.

(8) Flow of processing in which controller calculates violation amount D Hereinafter, referring to FIG. 6, the controller 10 performs the violation operation of the new air conditioner 40 and the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. A flow of processing for detecting and calculating the violation amount D will be described. The process shown in FIG. 6 is repeated at time T1 (in this embodiment, 5 minutes) intervals.

  First, in step S1, the determination unit 12c determines whether or not the new air conditioner 40 is in a state of observing the operation schedule at the immediately preceding time T1. More specifically, the determination unit 12c refers to the inside of the storage unit 15, specifies an operation schedule at the time T1 immediately before the new air conditioner 40, and refers to monitoring data (including actual data and room temperature data). By doing this, the actual driving state at the time T1 immediately before the new air conditioner 40 is specified. And the violation operation by the side of the increased energy of the new air conditioner 40 contrary to the driving schedule in the last time T1 is detected by comparing the specified driving schedule with the actual driving state. If a violation operation on the increased energy side is detected, that is, if it is determined that the new air conditioner 40 is not in a state of complying with the operation schedule, the process proceeds to step S2 and a violation operation on the increased energy side is detected. If not, that is, if it is determined that the new air conditioner 40 is in a state of complying with the operation schedule, the process proceeds to step S3.

  In step S <b> 2, the violation amount calculation unit 12 e quantifies the violation operation of the new air conditioner 40 at the immediately preceding time T <b> 1 and records it in the violation amount D. For example, when quantifying the violation action as the violation time, the time T1 is added to the value of the violation amount D. In addition, when quantifying the violating action as the violating energy amount, the violating energy amount at the immediately preceding time T1 is obtained by referring to the monitoring data (including actual data, room temperature data, and outside air temperature data) and the power amount data. Calculate and add to the value of the violation amount D. After the end of step S2, the process ends.

  Steps S3, S4 and S6 are processes for determining whether or not at least one of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,...

  In step S3, according to the operation schedule in the storage unit 15, the determination unit 12c determines that the stop of all the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,. It is determined whether it was a certain time zone. When it is determined that it is such a time zone, the process proceeds to step S4, and when it is determined that it is not such a time zone, the process proceeds to step S6.

  In step S4, the determination unit 12c determines whether the increment per unit time of the power consumption of all the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... In the building 1 at the previous time T1 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Judge whether or not. The increment is derived by referring to the power amount data in the storage unit 15. In addition, the threshold value is set in advance based on the measured value of the standby power amount. And when it is judged that the increment exceeds the threshold value (that is, at least one of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Was not in a state of complying with the operation schedule at the previous time T1. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S5, and if it is determined that it does not exceed (that is, all old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Comply with the operation schedule at the immediately preceding time T1). If it is determined that the process has occurred, the process ends.

  In step S5, the new air conditioner 40 was in compliance with the operation schedule at the previous time T1, but at least one of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b, ... was in compliance with the operation schedule. This process is executed when it is determined that the error has not occurred.

  In step S5, the violation amount calculation unit 12e quantifies the violation operation of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... For example, when quantifying the violation action as the violation time, the time T1 is added to the value of the violation amount D. In addition, when quantifying the violating action as the amount of violating energy, refer to the necessary data from the monitoring data (including actual data, room temperature data, and outside air temperature data) and electric energy data, The amount of violation energy at T1 is calculated and added to the value of the violation amount D. Alternatively, when the violating action is quantified as the violating energy amount, the power consumption amount exceeding the threshold value in step S4 may be regarded as the violating energy amount at the immediately preceding time T1 and added to the value of the violating amount D. After step S5 ends, the process ends.

  In step S6, the determination unit 12c determines whether or not the room temperature in the building 1 at the immediately preceding time T1 is on the increased energy side with respect to a predetermined temperature condition. The room temperature is derived as the temperature near the indoor unit 42 of the new air conditioner 40 at the immediately preceding time T1 by referring to the room temperature data in the storage unit 15. In addition, the temperature condition is within a range of ΔT (1 ° C. in the present embodiment) from the set temperature set in the operation schedule to the increased energy side, but in other embodiments, other temperature conditions are set. It is also possible to adopt. When it is determined that the room temperature is on the energy increase side with respect to the temperature condition (that is, at least one of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... If it is determined that the air conditioner is not present), the process proceeds to step S7, and if it is determined that it is not on the increased energy side (that is, all the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. If it is determined that the schedule is being observed, the process ends.

  In step S7, the new air conditioner 40 was in compliance with the operation schedule at the previous time T1, but at least one of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b, ... was in compliance with the operation schedule. This process is executed when it is determined that the error has not occurred.

  In step S7, the violation amount calculation unit 12e quantifies the violation operation of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... For example, when quantifying the violation action as the violation time, the time T1 is added to the value of the violation amount D. In addition, when quantifying the violating action as the amount of violating energy, refer to the necessary data from the monitoring data (including actual data, room temperature data, and outside air temperature data) and electric energy data, The amount of violation energy at T1 is calculated and added to the value of the violation amount D. Alternatively, when the violating action is quantified as the violating energy amount, the power consumption amount exceeding the threshold value in step S4 may be regarded as the violating energy amount at the immediately preceding time T1 and added to the value of the violating amount D. After step S7 ends, the process ends.

<Features>
(1)
The controller 10 is configured to determine whether the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... In the same building 1 comply with the operation schedule. However, as for the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,..., The controller 10 cannot collect various data such as monitoring data, room temperature data, and outside air temperature data in detail. However, when determining the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,..., Room temperature data derived from the new air conditioner 40 is referred to. In this way, by referring to room temperature data derived from the new air conditioner 40, whether or not the operation schedule is observed not only for the new air conditioner 40 but also for the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. Can be judged.

  More specifically, the controller 10 determines whether or not the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Comply with the operation schedule, so that the room temperature via the new air conditioner 40 increases more than the temperature condition according to the operation schedule. Whether or not it is on the energy side is determined using a criterion of 1.

(2)
In the above embodiment, the new air conditioner 40 complies with the operation schedule, and according to the operation schedule, a time zone in which all air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,. And the old-type air conditioner 50a, under the condition that the increment per unit time of the power consumption of all the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b, ... in the building 1 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. It is determined that at least one of 50b,... Does not comply with the operation schedule.

  Further, the new air conditioner 40 complies with the operation schedule, and according to the operation schedule, it is not the time zone in which all air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,. In addition, it is determined that at least one of the old-type air conditioners 50a, 50b,... Does not comply with the operation schedule under the condition that the room temperature in the building 1 is on the increased energy side than the predetermined temperature condition. ing.

  That is, it is accurately determined whether at least one of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,...

<Modification>
(1)
In the above embodiment, the contact monitoring devices 30a, 30b,... Do not exist, and the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. That is, the present invention is not limited to the case where there is an air conditioner in which the controller 10 cannot collect various data such as monitoring data, room temperature data, and outside air temperature data in detail, but also an air conditioner in which various data cannot be collected. It is also useful when present.

(2)
In the above embodiment, after step S2, the process may proceed to step S3. In such a case, even if the new air conditioner 40 does not comply with the operation schedule, the violating operation of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,. Therefore, especially when the violating action is quantified as the violating energy amount, the violating amount D for the entire building 1 is calculated more accurately.

(3)
In the above embodiment, the violation amount D for one building is not calculated by the controller 10, but by referring to various data such as monitoring data and power amount data transmitted from the controller 10 to the remote management server 20, The remote management server 20 may calculate.

(4)
In the above embodiment, the violation amount D quantifies the operation when the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... Violate the operation schedule on the energy increase side. However, the violation amount D may be calculated as a quantification of the operation when the air conditioners 40, 50a, 50b,... Violate the operation schedule on the energy saving side, both on the energy increasing side and the energy saving side. You may calculate as what quantified the operation | movement when it violates.

(5)
In step S6 of the above embodiment, the operation mode of the old air conditioners 50a, 50b,... May be determined based on the outside air temperature data. For example, if the outside air temperature is 25 ° C. or higher, the cooling mode may be determined. By adding the determination, it is more accurately determined whether the room temperature is on the energy increasing side or the energy saving side than the predetermined temperature condition.

  The present invention is useful as a controller for managing a group of air conditioners. By referring to data derived from the first air conditioner, not only the first air conditioner but also a second air conditioner different from the first air conditioner. This also has the effect that it can be determined whether or not the operating rules are observed.

1 Building 10 Controller 12 Controller 12a Temperature acquisition unit (room temperature acquisition unit)
12b Results acquisition unit 12c Judgment unit 12d Operation control unit 12e Violation amount calculation unit 15 Storage unit 20 Remote management servers 30a, 30b, ... Contact monitoring device 40 New air conditioner (first air conditioner)
50a, 50b, ... Old air conditioner (second air conditioner)
70 power meter 80 management terminal 100 air conditioner management system

JP 2007-172406 A

Claims (7)

A controller (10) for managing an air conditioner group including a first air conditioner (40) and a second air conditioner (50a, 50b, ...),
A storage unit (15) for storing rule data relating to operation rules of the air conditioner group;
A room temperature acquisition unit (12a) for acquiring room temperature data related to the room temperature via the first air conditioner;
A record acquisition unit (12b) for acquiring record data related to the operation record of the first air conditioner;
By referring to the rule data, the room temperature data, and the performance data, it is determined whether the first air conditioner is in a first state that complies with the operation rules, and the rule data and the room temperature. A judgment unit (12c) for judging whether or not the second air conditioner is in a second state in compliance with the operation rule by referring to data;
Comprising
controller. The determination unit (12c) determines whether or not the room temperature is in the second state by determining whether or not the room temperature is on the increased energy side with respect to a temperature condition specified based on the operation rule. To
The controller (10) of claim 1. The determination unit (12c) determines whether or not the room temperature is on the energy increase side with respect to the temperature condition, other than a time zone in which the operation rule determines that the entire air conditioner group is stopped. To determine whether it is in the second state,
The controller (10) according to claim 2. The determination unit (12c) determines whether or not the vehicle is in the second state when it is determined that the device is not in the first state.
The controller (10) according to any of claims 1 to 3. A violation amount calculation unit (12e) that calculates a violation amount that quantitatively represents the violation operation of the entire air conditioner group that violates the operation rule, based on the determination result by the determination unit (12c),
Further comprising
A controller (10) according to any of the preceding claims. An operation control unit (12d) for controlling the first air conditioner (40) according to the operation rule;
Further comprising
A controller (10) according to any of the preceding claims. The room temperature data is data relating to the room temperature in the space air-conditioned by the first air conditioner (40).
A controller (10) according to any of the preceding claims.