JP2012117695A - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an air conditioner for achieving an energy saving operation based on the number of persons in a room, by a simple equipment configuration and a control method.SOLUTION: In an air conditioner 100, when the current number of persons Nnow detected in every prescribed time is smaller than an initial maximum value Ndefault, "maximum number of persons Nmax=Ndefault" for control is calculated, and when the current number of persons Nnow becomes larger than an initial maximum value Ndefault, or when the current number of persons Nnow becomes larger than the previous maximum number of persons Nmax, it is updated to "Nmax=Nnow". When an operation time reaches a prescribed initialization time T1, "Nmax=Ndefault" is calculated, and "a room-presence rate α=Nnow/Nmax" is calculated. Then, the operation rotational frequency of a compressor is changed in accordance with the value of the room-presence rate α.

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner, and more particularly to an air conditioner having human body detection means for detecting the number of people in a room.

  As a conventional air conditioner, an invention for easily and directly calculating a person's comfort level corresponding to a human state such as the number of people and positions and an indoor environment such as temperature and radiation temperature is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). .

Japanese Patent No. 2715844 (page 4-13, FIG. 1)

In the invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the number of people detection means, the human body position detection means, the foot temperature detection means, the floor wall temperature detection means, the suction temperature detection means, the air volume storage means, the operation mode storage means, the radiation temperature calculation means, the person There is a neighborhood temperature estimation means, a comfort level calculation means, and a representative comfort level determination means. In the representative comfort level determination means, the representative comfort level is calculated based on the number of people signal and the representative comfort level calculation formula corresponding to each person's comfort level signal. Is output to the air conditioner as a representative comfort level signal.
For this reason, there are a large number of detection means for detecting each control information, the control becomes complicated, and it is not clear how to control the air conditioner based on the output representative comfort level signal. there were.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner that enables energy-saving operation according to the number of people in a room by a simple equipment configuration and control method. To do.

The air conditioner according to the present invention is
An indoor unit equipped with an indoor heat exchanger;
An outdoor unit equipped with a compressor connected to the indoor heat exchanger to form a refrigeration cycle;
A number detection means for detecting the number of people in the room;
A control means for calculating the ratio of the current number of persons detected by the number-of-person detection means to the maximum number of persons as the occupancy rate, and changing the operating frequency of the compressor based on the calculated occupancy rate; It is characterized by having.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the ratio of the current number of persons (Nnow) detected by the number detection means to the maximum number of persons (Nmax) for control is calculated as the occupancy rate (α = Nnow / Nmax). Since the operating frequency of the compressor is changed based on the calculated occupancy rate, it is possible to quickly and easily estimate the indoor load due to the number of people while having a simple equipment configuration. Compared to the case where the operation frequency of the compressor is controlled by temperature information, it is possible to provide the necessary air conditioning capacity earlier by a simpler control method. Therefore, since the excess and deficiency of the cooling / heating capacity is quickly resolved, energy saving can be realized.

The schematic diagram which shows the whole structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of the indoor unit of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. Sectional drawing which cut | disconnects and shows the side surface of the indoor unit shown in FIG. The perspective view which shows the installation form of the indoor unit shown in FIG. The flowchart explaining the control method of the air conditioner shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a occupancy rate calculation method 1 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a occupancy rate calculation method 2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a occupancy rate calculation method 3 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a occupancy rate calculation method 4 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a occupancy rate calculation method 5 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram illustrating control mode 1 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a control mode 2 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a control mode 3 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram for explaining a control mode 4 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a correlation diagram illustrating control mode 5 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 5. The correlation diagram explaining the calculation method 6 of a occupancy rate in the control method of the air conditioner concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention.

[Embodiment 1: Air conditioner]
1 to 15 illustrate an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall configuration, FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an indoor unit, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the installation form of the indoor unit, FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the control method, and FIGS. 6 to 10 are for explaining the method for calculating the occupancy rate. FIG. 11 to FIG. 15 are correlation diagrams for explaining the control mode. In addition, each figure is drawn typically and this invention is not limited to the form shown in figure.
In FIG. 1, an air conditioner 100 according to Embodiment 1 includes an indoor unit X equipped with an indoor control unit X1, an outdoor unit Y equipped with an outdoor control unit Y1, and a remote controller Z.

And the liquid extension piping A and gas extension piping B which connect the indoor unit X and the outdoor unit Y, between the remote control Z and the indoor control part X1 of the indoor unit X, and the outdoor control part of the indoor control part X1 and the outdoor unit Y A communication line C wired between Y1 and Y1, for example, an infrared sensor 5 (see FIG. 2), which is a human body detection means, is provided.
In addition, although the indoor unit X is embedded and attached, for example in the ceiling 90 in a building (refer FIG. 4), this invention is not limited to this installation form. In addition, although the remote control Z and the indoor control unit X1 are connected by the communication line C, information transmission / reception may be performed by wireless communication during that time. As will be described later, the infrared sensor 5 is provided on the decorative panel 2 of the indoor unit X.
Furthermore, the indoor control unit X1 and the outdoor control unit Y1 are mounted on the indoor unit X and the outdoor unit Y, respectively, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a part of the indoor control unit X1 or The whole may be mounted on the outdoor control unit Y1, or a part or all of the outdoor control unit Y1 may be mounted on the indoor control unit X1.

(Indoor control unit)
When the indoor control unit X1 receives an operation command (operation mode, cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, etc.) from the remote controller Z, the indoor control unit X1 transmits the operation command to the outdoor control unit Y1 of the outdoor unit Y and The fan motor 6 (see FIG. 3) installed in is driven based on the operation command.
In addition, the indoor control unit X1 calculates the operating frequency, the indoor wind speed, or the indoor wind direction of a compressor (not shown) installed in the outdoor unit Y based on the number of people in the room obtained from the infrared sensor 5. These calculation methods will be described later.

(Outdoor control unit)
When the outdoor control unit Y1 receives an operation command from the remote controller Z via the indoor control unit X1, the outdoor control unit Y1 controls the compressor at an operation frequency corresponding to the operation command, and uses the operation frequency calculated by the indoor control unit X1. When received, the compressor is controlled based on the operating frequency.
That is, the rotational speed of the compressor increases as the operating frequency increases, and the rotational speed of the compressor decreases as the operating frequency decreases.
The outdoor unit Y is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger, expansion means, and the like in addition to the compressor (none of them are shown).

(Indoor unit)
In FIG. 2, the exterior of the indoor unit X includes a box-shaped cabinet 10, a quadrilateral decorative panel 2 provided at the lower part of the cabinet 10, and a quadrilateral suction port 1 provided in the center of the decorative panel 2. , Four rectangular air outlets 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d (hereinafter collectively referred to as “air outlet 3”) provided so as to surround the inlet 1 in the decorative panel 2, Wind direction flaps 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d that are respectively provided at the air outlets 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d to change the wind direction in the vertical direction (hereinafter may be collectively referred to as “wind direction flap 4”). And have. An infrared sensor 5 is attached to the lower surface of the corner of the decorative panel 2.

  In FIG. 3, in the cabinet 10 of the indoor unit X, a fan motor 6 installed at the center of the top surface of the cabinet 10 with the load shaft facing downward, and a turbo fan 7 attached to the load shaft of the fan motor 6 The indoor heat exchanger 8 disposed so as to surround the turbo fan 7, the inner cover 9 disposed so as to surround the indoor heat exchanger 8, and the lower part of the indoor heat exchanger 8 are installed at the time of heat exchange. A drain pan 15 for receiving the generated condensed water and a temperature sensor 13 for detecting the temperature of the air sucked from the suction port 1 are provided.

  The inner cover 9 serves to insulate the air heat-exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger 8 and the outside of the machine, and constitutes an air path on the outer periphery of the indoor heat exchanger 8 together with the drain pan 15. The air passage communicates with the suction port 1 and leads to the air outlets 3a, 3b, 3c, and 3d. In addition, an opening that communicates with the suction port of the turbofan 7 is provided below the drain pan 15.

  The suction port 1 of the decorative panel 2 is provided with an air filter 11 that prevents dust and the like from entering the machine, and a grill 12 that supports the air filter 11 and functions as a blindfold. Further, a bell mouth 14 for smoothly introducing the sucked air into the turbo fan 7 is provided between the air filter 11 and the turbo fan 7.

(Outdoor unit)
The outdoor unit Y connects a compressor for compressing refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger, expansion means (all not shown), and the compressor, the outdoor heat exchanger, the expansion means, and the indoor heat exchanger 8. And a refrigerant pipe (not shown) forming a refrigeration cycle and a refrigerant flow switching means (not shown) for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant.

(Control method)
In the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the control method of the air conditioner 100 is such that the indoor control unit X1 performs the following control.
That is, when the indoor control unit X1 starts operation (S1), the infrared sensor 5 detects the number of people in the room (the number of people in the room where the indoor unit X is installed) every predetermined time (S2). .
The indoor control unit X1 receives the number of people detected by the infrared sensor 5 (hereinafter referred to as “current number of people Nnow”), the newly detected number of people Nnow, and the number of current people detected a predetermined time ago. Compared to Nnow (S3), if the former is not more than the latter, the occupancy rate α is calculated without updating (changing) the maximum number Nmax for control (S6).
On the other hand, if the former is greater than the latter, it is determined whether or not to update (change) the maximum number Nmax for control based on a previously registered control method (this will be described in detail separately) ( S4) When updating, the maximum number of people Nmax is updated (changed) based on a previously registered control method (S5).
Then, the occupancy rate α is calculated (S6). Several methods for calculating the occupancy rate by updating the maximum number of persons Nmax for control will be described in detail separately.
Therefore, based on the calculated occupancy rate α, the operation frequency Hzm of the compressor is calculated, and the compressor is operated at the calculated operation frequency Hzm (S7).

Further, it is determined whether to correct the set temperature (S8). If the set temperature is to be corrected, the set temperature is corrected, and the set temperature is changed to the corrected set temperature (S9, control modes 1 and 2).
Further, it is determined whether or not the suction temperature, which is the temperature of the suction air, is corrected (S10). If the suction temperature is corrected, the suction temperature is corrected, and the suction temperature is changed to the corrected suction temperature (S11, control mode 3, 4).

Further, it is determined whether to correct the rotational speed of the fan motor (S12). If the rotational speed of the fan motor is corrected, the rotational speed of the fan motor is corrected to the corrected rotational speed of the fan motor (S12). S13, control modes 5, 6).
Further, it is determined whether to correct the wind direction flap angle (S14). If the wind direction flap angle is corrected, the wind direction flap angle is corrected, and the wind direction flap angle is changed to the corrected wind direction flap angle (S15, control mode 7).
Finally, it is determined whether or not to continue the operation of the air conditioner 100 (S16). When the operation is continued, the process returns to the step (S2) of detecting the current number Nnow every predetermined time and the operation is continued. If not, the operation is stopped (S17).
The control modes 1 to 7 will be described in detail separately. First, a method for calculating the occupancy rate α by updating the maximum number of persons Nmax for control will be described in detail.

(Calculation method 1)
In FIG. 6, the method 1 for calculating the occupancy rate α by updating the maximum number of persons Nmax for control (hereinafter referred to as “calculation method 1”) is a method in which the indoor control unit X1 is newly detected. When the number of people Nnow is larger than the current number of people Nnow detected a predetermined time ago, the maximum number of people Nmax for control is updated to be the same as the current number of people Nnow (Nmax = Nnow), This is executed by calculating “α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Nnow = 1” (see FIGS. 6A and 6B).
On the other hand, when the newly detected current number Nnow is smaller than the current number Nnow detected a predetermined time ago, the maximum number Nmax for control is not changed, and “the occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax” <1 ”is calculated (see C in FIG. 6).
Thereafter, as long as the current number of people Nnow newly detected is smaller than the maximum number of people Nmax, the occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax <1 is calculated in accordance with the above (see D and E in FIG. 6).

Furthermore, when the newly detected current number Nnow exceeds the current number Nnow detected a predetermined time ago, the indoor control unit X1 calculates the maximum number Nmax and the current number Nnow for control according to the above. Update to the same (Nmax = Nnow) to calculate “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Nnow = 1” (see FIG. 6).
Thereafter, the occupancy rate α is calculated according to the above. Therefore, as long as the current number of people Nnow newly detected is greater than the previous maximum number of people Nmax (predetermined by a predetermined time) while continuing driving, the maximum number of people Nmax is updated and increased.

(Calculation method 2)
In FIG. 7, the method 2 for calculating the occupancy rate α by updating the maximum number of persons Nmax for control (hereinafter referred to as “calculation method 2”) has a predetermined “initial maximum value Ndefault”. Immediately after the operation is started, the maximum number Nmax for control is made equal to the initial maximum value Ndefault (Nmax = Ndefault).
That is, immediately after the start of driving, when the number of people detected at predetermined time intervals (hereinafter referred to as “current number of people Nnow”) is smaller than the initial maximum value Ndefault, the indoor control unit X1 The ratio of the current number of people Nnow to the number of people Nmax is calculated as “room ratio α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Ndefault <1” (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).
When the newly detected current number Nnow becomes larger than the initial maximum value Ndefault, the maximum number Nmax for control is updated to the same as the newly detected current number Nnow (Nmax = Nnow) The “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Nnow = 1” is calculated (see C in FIG. 7).

Thereafter, as long as the newly detected current number Nnow is smaller than the previous maximum number of people Nmax (predetermined by a predetermined time), “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax <1” is calculated (see FIGS. 7D and 7D). ).
On the other hand, if the newly detected current number Nnow exceeds the current number Nnow detected a predetermined time ago, the indoor control unit X1 newly detects the maximum number Nmax for control according to the above. The current number of people Nnow is updated to be the same (Nmax = Nnow), and “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Nnow = 1” is calculated (see FIG. 7).
Thereafter, the occupancy rate α is calculated in accordance with the above until the operation time exceeds a predetermined initial set time T1. If the newly detected current number Nnow is less than the initial maximum value Ndefault when the operation time reaches a predetermined initial setting time T1, the maximum number Nmax for control is equal to the initial maximum value Ndefault (Nmax). = Ndefault), and “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Ndefault <1” is calculated (see FIG. 7G).

  On the other hand, when the driving time reaches a predetermined initial setting time T1, if the newly detected current number Nnow is greater than the initial maximum value Ndefault, the maximum number Nmax for control is equal to the initial maximum value Ndefault (Nmax = Ndefault) and update to make the initial maximum value Ndefault equal to the newly detected current number Nnow (Nnow = Ndefault), and calculate “room ratio α = Nnow / Nmax = Ndefault / Ndefault = 1” (Not shown).

(Calculation method 3)
In FIG. 8, the method 3 (hereinafter referred to as “calculation method 3”) for calculating the occupancy rate α by updating the maximum number of persons Nmax for control passes a predetermined initial setting time T1. Up to this point is the same as the calculation method 2 (FIG. 7).
That is, when the driving time reaches a predetermined initial setting time T1, if the newly detected current number Nnow is less than the initial maximum value Ndefault, the maximum number Nmax for control is determined as “predetermined by a predetermined time”. The current number of people Nnow and the initial maximum value Ndefault ”are updated to be equal to (Nmax = (current number of people Nnow + Ndefault detected at a predetermined time before) / 2), and“ occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax ” <1 ”is calculated (refer to FIG. 8G).

On the other hand, when the driving time reaches a predetermined initial setting time T1, if the newly detected current number Nnow is larger than the initial maximum value Ndefault, the maximum number of people immediately before is not changed without changing the maximum number Nmax for control. While Nmax is maintained, “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax <1” is calculated (not shown).
In the above, when the newly detected current number Nnow is smaller than the initial maximum value Ndefault, the maximum number Nmax for control is set to “the maximum number Nmax immediately before (predetermined by a predetermined time) and the initial maximum value Ndefault”. Although the present invention is not limited to this, the maximum number of people Nmax for control is set to a value of a predetermined ratio between the previous maximum number of people Nmax and the initial maximum value Ndefault. (Nmax = Ndefault + (Previous Nmax−Ndefault) * β, β <1.00) may be used.

(Calculation method 4)
In FIG. 9, the method 4 for calculating the occupancy rate α by updating the maximum number of persons Nmax for control (hereinafter referred to as “calculation method 4”) is provided with an update limit threshold Nth for control. In the range where the newly detected current number Nnow is smaller than the update limit threshold Nth, the calculation method 2 (FIG. 7) is the same.
In FIG. 9, when the newly detected current number Nnow is larger than the update limit threshold Nth, the maximum number Nmax for control is made equal to the update limit threshold Nth (Nmax = Nth), and the newly detected current The number of persons Nnow is made equal to the update limit threshold value Nth (Nnow = Nth), and “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nth / Nth = 1” is calculated (see h in FIG. 9).
Thereafter, as long as the newly detected current number Nnow is smaller than the update limit threshold Nth, the occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Nth <1 ”is calculated in accordance with the above (FIG. 9). See).
On the other hand, when the newly detected current number Nnow is again larger than the update limit threshold Nth, the occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nth / Nth = 1 is calculated according to the above (see FIG. 9). reference).

(Calculation method 5)
In FIG. 10, the method 5 for calculating the occupancy rate α by updating the maximum number of persons Nmax for control (hereinafter referred to as “calculation method 5”) is the update for control similar to the calculation method 4 described above. In the range in which the limit threshold value Nth is provided and the newly detected current number Nnow is smaller than the update limit threshold value Nth, the calculation method 4 (FIG. 9) is the same.
In FIG. 10, when the newly detected current number Nnow is larger than the update limit threshold Nth, the maximum number Nmax for control is updated to be equal to the initial maximum value Ndefault (Nmax = Ndefault) and newly detected. The current number of persons Nnow is made equal to the initial maximum value Ndefault (Nnow = Ndefault) to calculate “room occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Ndefault / Ndefault = 1” (see FIG. 10B).

After that, as long as the newly detected current number Nnow is smaller than the update limit threshold Nth, “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Nth <1” is calculated in accordance with the above (FIG. 10). See).
On the other hand, when the newly detected current number Nnow is again larger than the update limit threshold Nth, “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nth / Ndefault <1” is calculated in accordance with the above (see FIG. 10). reference).
On the other hand, when the newly detected current number Nnow is again larger than the update limit threshold value Nth, “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nth / Nth = 1” is calculated according to the above (see FIG. 10). reference).

  As described above, as the calculation method 5, when the newly detected current number Nnow is larger than the update limit threshold Nth, the maximum number Nmax for control is updated to be equal to the initial maximum value Ndefault (Nmax = Ndefault). In accordance with the calculation method 3, the maximum number Nmax is set to “the arithmetic average value of the update limit threshold Nth and the initial maximum value Ndefault ((Nth + Ndefault) / 2)” or “the update limit threshold Nth and the initial maximum value Ndefault”. (Ndefault + (Nth−Ndefault) * β β <1.00) ”.

(Change of compressor operating frequency: Control mode 1)
Next, a change in the operating frequency of the compressor based on the calculated occupancy rate α (hereinafter referred to as “control mode 1”) will be described.
In FIG. 11 (a), the indoor control unit X1 calculates the operating frequency Hzm of the compressor corresponding to the calculated value of the occupancy rate α, and sends the communication line C to the outdoor control unit Y1. And the compressor of the outdoor unit Y is operated at the operating frequency Hzm.

  In FIG. 11 (a), the relationship between the occupancy rate α and the operating frequency Hzm is determined by a linear function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as shown in FIG. 11 (b). Alternatively, a step function that defines an operation frequency Hzm corresponding to the occupancy rate α in a predetermined range may be used. In FIG. 11B, the occupancy rate α is divided into three stages of 0 to 20%, 20 to 50%, and 50 to 100%, and the operating frequency Hzm of the compressor in each range is determined in advance. It may be divided into two stages or four or more stages. Furthermore, the relationship between the occupancy rate α and the operating frequency Hzm may be a quadratic function or an exponential function.

  As described above, the indoor load due to the number of people in the room can be quickly estimated as the occupancy rate α, and the compressor is operated at the operating frequency Hzm corresponding to the occupancy rate α. Compared to the case where the operating frequency of the compressor is controlled based on this, it is possible to provide the required air conditioning capacity more quickly, and it is possible to quickly eliminate the excess or deficiency of the air conditioning capacity, thereby realizing energy saving. become.

(Change of set temperature: Control mode 2)
Next, in order to further save energy, the set temperature described below (hereinafter referred to as “control mode 2”) is changed in parallel with the control mode 1 (change of the operating frequency of the compressor). Good.
In FIG. 12A, a set temperature correction amount corresponding to the occupancy rate α is determined, and the set temperature of the remote controller Z is changed according to the value of the occupancy rate α.
For example, if the user has set the set temperature to 27 ° C. during cooling operation, the occupancy rate α is calculated. If the occupancy rate α is 0%, the occupancy rate is increased by 2 ° C. When the rate α is 20%, the temperature is increased by 1 ° C. (set to 28 ° C.), and when the occupancy rate α is 50% or more, it is left as it is (set to 27 ° C.). It transmits to the outdoor control part Y1 of the machine Y.
The relationship between the occupancy rate α and the set temperature correction amount may be a linear function as shown in FIG. 12A or a step function as shown in FIG. Further, it may be a quadratic function or an exponential function.

(Change of suction temperature: control mode 3)
Next, in order to further save energy, a change in the suction temperature described below in parallel with the control mode 1 or in parallel with the control mode 1 and the control mode 2 (hereinafter referred to as “control mode 3”). You may do.
In FIG. 13 (a), a correction amount of the indoor air suction temperature corresponding to the occupancy rate α is determined, and the temperature of the intake air is corrected by the value of the occupancy rate α.
For example, if the actual indoor air temperature is 25 ° C. during cooling operation, the occupancy rate α is calculated. If the occupancy rate α is 0%, the decrease is 2 ° C. (set to 23 ° C.). If the room rate α is 20%, decrease by 1 ° C. (set to 24 ° C.), and if the occupancy rate α is 50% or more, leave it as it is (set to 25 ° C.). It transmits to the outdoor control part Y1 of the outdoor unit Y.

By changing the suction temperature, the air conditioner recognizes a numerical value lower than the actual suction temperature during the cooling operation, thereby enabling an energy saving operation.
The relationship between the occupancy rate α and the suction temperature correction amount may be a linear function as shown in FIG. 13A or a step function as shown in FIG. Further, it may be a quadratic function or an exponential function.

(Change of fan motor speed: control mode 4)
Next, in order to further save energy, a change in the fan motor rotational speed described below (hereinafter referred to as “control mode”) is performed in parallel with the control mode 1 or in parallel with at least one of the control mode 2 and the control mode 3. 4 ”).
In FIG. 14A, the fan motor rotation speed corresponding to the occupancy rate α is determined, and the fan motor rotation speed is corrected according to the value of the occupancy rate α.
For example, when the occupancy rate α is 0%, “weak wind”, when the occupancy rate α is 20%, “medium wind”, when the occupancy rate α is 50% or more, “strong wind” is corrected. multiply.
The relationship between the occupancy rate α and the fan motor rotational speed is a linear function as shown in FIG. 14A (when the rotational speed of the fan motor 6 can be varied steplessly), as shown in FIG. It may be a step function as shown in (b), and may be a quadratic function or an exponential function.

(Change of wind direction flap angle: Control mode 5)
Next, in order to enhance comfort, a change in a wind direction flap angle described below (hereinafter referred to as “control mode 5”) in parallel with the control mode 1 or in parallel with at least one of the control modes 2 to 4 is performed. May be used).
For example, during heating, warm air normally accumulates above the room, so that the wind direction flaps 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d are assumed to be operated downward. In this case, the effect of heating the room is enhanced, but if there is a person there, there is a possibility that the wind will hit directly and cause discomfort.
In FIG. 15, when it is determined that there is no need to heat the room using the occupancy rate α, for example, when the occupancy rate α is 20% or less, the angles of the wind direction flaps 4a, 4b, 4c, and 4d Is changed horizontally.

  Furthermore, it has a plurality of air outlets 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d, and can independently control the angle of the wind direction flaps 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and the air outlets 3a, 3b, 3c, When there is a human body detecting means capable of detecting the presence or absence of a human body in the vicinity of each of 3d, for example, if it is detected that there is a human body only in the vicinity of the air outlet 3a (or only in the vicinity of the air outlets 3a and 3b), the wind direction Only the flap 4a (or only near the wind direction flaps 4a and 4b) may be changed in the horizontal direction.

  In the above, whether to select the occupancy rate calculation method 1 to 5 or the control mode 1 to 5 may be set in advance on the main body side of the air conditioner 100 or selected by the user on the remote control Z It may be valid only in some cases. At this time, the control modes 1 to 5 may operate in a plurality of modes simultaneously, or may operate in any one of the control modes 2 to 5 in parallel with the control mode 1.

In the first embodiment, the example in which the indoor unit has the number-of-people detection means (infrared sensor 5) is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and is separate from the indoor unit X (for example, the room It is also possible to install a number detection means at the entrance, etc.) and input the detection result of the number detection means to the indoor control unit X1.
In the first embodiment, the air conditioner 100 has the initial maximum value Ndefault of the maximum number of people according to the capability, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial maximum is determined by input from the user. It may be an “input method from the user” for determining the value Ndefault.

[Embodiment 2]
FIG. 16 illustrates an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, and is a correlation diagram illustrating a method for calculating the occupancy rate. Since the configuration of the indoor unit is the same as that in Embodiment 1, the description thereof is omitted.
In FIG. 16, a method 6 for calculating the occupancy rate α (hereinafter referred to as “calculation method 6”) has a predetermined “initial maximum value Ndefault”, and the maximum number Nmax for control is set to the initial maximum. It is fixed to the value Ndefault and is not updated (Nmax = Ndefault).
Accordingly, the number of persons detected at a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as “current number of persons Nnow”) is less than the initial maximum value Ndefault or greater than the initial maximum value Ndefault. The ratio of the current number of people Nnow is calculated as “occupancy rate α = Nnow / Nmax = Nnow / Ndefault”.

Therefore, the occupancy rate α <1 in the former case and the occupancy rate α> 1.00 in the latter case. When “occupancy rate α <1”, energy saving is achieved by executing any one of control modes 1 to 5 in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when “occupancy rate α> 1”, the operation of energy saving is stopped and the energy increase operation is executed. For example, when the occupancy rate α = 100%, the same “100% operation” as the normal operation is performed, and when the occupancy rate α = 60%, the “60% operation” is intended to save energy than the normal operation. When the occupancy rate α = 150%, “150% operation” is performed, which increases energy compared to normal operation.
For example, when the number of people in the room increases and the occupancy rate α> 1 during the cooling operation, the heat load of the human body increases. By increasing the operating frequency of the compressor according to the occupancy rate α, the increased spatial load can be quickly eliminated, so that the comfort of the user in the room is improved.
Therefore, when “occupancy rate α <1”, energy saving can be achieved in the same manner as in the first embodiment. On the other hand, when “occupancy rate α> 1”, comfort is improved. Can be planned. In other words, if the operating frequency of the compressor is increased only when the occupancy rate α> 1, which increases the energy compared to the normal operation, there is less advantage just by increasing the energy. By combining with energy-saving operation in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, it is possible to perform operation that achieves both energy saving and comfort.

  1: suction port, 2: decorative panel, 3: air outlet, 3a-3d: air outlet, 4a-4d: wind direction flap, 4: wind direction flap, 5: infrared sensor, 6: fan motor, 7: turbo fan, 8 : Indoor heat exchanger, 9: inner cover, 10: cabinet, 11: air filter, 12: grille, 13: temperature sensor, 14: bell mouth, 15: drain pan, 90: ceiling, 100: air conditioner, α : Occupancy rate, A: liquid extension piping, B: gas extension piping, C: communication line, Hzm: operating frequency, Ndefault: initial maximum value, Nmax: maximum number of people, Nnow: current number of people, Nth: renewal limit threshold, T1 : Initial setting time, X: indoor unit, X1: indoor control unit, Y: outdoor unit, Y1: outdoor control unit, Z: remote control.

Claims (13)

An indoor unit equipped with an indoor heat exchanger;
An outdoor unit equipped with a compressor connected to the indoor heat exchanger to form a refrigeration cycle;
A number detection means for detecting the number of people in the room;
A control means for calculating the ratio of the current number of persons detected by the number-of-person detection means to the maximum number of persons as the occupancy rate, and changing the operating frequency of the compressor based on the calculated occupancy rate; The air conditioner characterized by having.   The control means updates the maximum number of people to be equal to the newly detected current number of people when the current number of newly detected people is greater than the current number of people detected previously by a predetermined time. The air conditioner according to claim 1. The control means predetermines the maximum number of persons as an initial maximum value, and when the newly detected current number is larger than the maximum number of persons, the maximum number of persons is made equal to the newly detected current number of persons. Update
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein each time a predetermined initial set time elapses after detection is started, the maximum number of persons is updated to be equal to the initial maximum value. The control means predetermines the maximum number of persons as an initial maximum value, and when the newly detected current number is larger than the maximum number of persons, the maximum number of persons is made equal to the newly detected current number of persons. Update
Every time a predetermined initial setting time elapses after detection is started, the maximum number of people is updated to a predetermined value between the maximum number of people when the initial setting time has passed and the initial maximum value. The air conditioner according to claim 1. The control means is preset with an initial maximum value and an update limit threshold greater than the initial maximum value, and makes the maximum number of people equal to a predetermined initial maximum value,
If the newly detected current number is greater than the initial maximum value and less than the update limit threshold, an update is made to make the maximum number of persons equal to the newly detected current number of people,
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when the current number of newly detected persons is greater than the update limit threshold, the update is performed so that the maximum number of persons is equal to the update limit threshold. The control means is preset with an initial maximum value and an update limit threshold greater than the initial maximum value, and makes the maximum number of people equal to a predetermined initial maximum value,
If the newly detected current number is greater than the initial maximum value and less than the update limit threshold, an update is made to make the maximum number of persons equal to the newly detected current number of people,
2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein when the newly detected current number is larger than the update limit threshold value, the maximum number of persons is updated to be equal to the initial maximum value. The control means is preset with an initial maximum value and an update limit threshold greater than the initial maximum value, and makes the maximum number of people equal to a predetermined initial maximum value,
If the newly detected current number is greater than the initial maximum value and less than the update limit threshold, an update is made to make the maximum number of persons equal to the newly detected current number of people,
When the newly detected current number is larger than the update limit threshold, the update is performed so that the maximum number of persons is equal to a predetermined value between the update limit threshold and the initial maximum value. Item 1. An air conditioner according to item 1.   The said indoor unit has a fan motor whose rotation speed is freely changeable, and the said control means changes the rotation speed of the said fan motor based on the said occupancy rate. Air conditioner as described in.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control means changes a set temperature of the indoor unit based on the occupancy rate.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control means changes a suction temperature of the indoor unit based on the occupancy rate.   The air according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the indoor unit has a tiltable wind direction flap, and the control means changes a tilt angle of the wind direction flap based on the occupancy rate. Harmony machine.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the human body detection means is an infrared sensor installed on a decorative panel of the indoor unit.   The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the number detection means is installed in the room instead of the indoor unit and can output a detection result to the control means. .

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