JP6455311B2 - Whole building air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an entire building air conditioning system that automatically performs air conditioning of a plurality of rooms at once.

  A building-wide air conditioning system that collectively air-conditions a plurality of rooms in a building is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In such a whole building air conditioning system, an individual air conditioner (such as a heat exchanger) is not provided for each room of the building, but air conditioned by a single air conditioner is distributed to each room of the building. It has a configuration.

  Note that the “whole building air conditioning system” here does not need to perform air conditioning of all rooms in the building. The entire building air-conditioning system may include a room in which air-conditioned air is not distributed even if a room where air-conditioned air is not distributed exists in a part of the building.

  Since the entire building air conditioning system performs air conditioning of almost the entire building at once, it is basically configured to operate automatically over 24 hours 365 days without any operation performed by the user. Often done.

JP 2002-257399 A

  For example, in the intermediate period (spring and autumn), which is a period between summer and winter, the air temperature is relatively easy to spend, and the user may stop the air-conditioning operation manually. Further, after the user stops the air-conditioning operation by manual operation, if the temperature or humidity changes and the user becomes uncomfortable, the user may perform the manual operation again to restart the air-conditioning operation. Such a manual operation often feels troublesome for the user.

  In addition, it takes time to warm up the equipment in order to resume the air conditioning operation of the entire building air conditioning system. For this reason, even if manual operation is performed immediately after the user feels uncomfortable, the unpleasant state will continue for a while.

  This invention is made | formed in view of such a subject, The objective can perform the start or stop of an air-conditioning driving | operation at an appropriate timing automatically, without making a user perform manual operation. The purpose is to provide an air conditioning system for the entire building.

In order to solve the above problems, the entire building air conditioning system according to the present invention is a whole building air conditioning system that automatically performs air conditioning of a plurality of rooms at once, an acquisition unit that acquires forecast information about temperature and humidity, and A calculation unit that calculates a predicted value of the discomfort index based on the forecast information, and a control unit that controls the state of the air conditioning operation. The control unit starts the air conditioning operation when it is determined that the predicted value is out of the preset comfortable range, and stops the air conditioning operation when it is determined that the predicted value is not out of the comfortable range. . The whole building air-conditioning system has confirmation means (33) for confirming with the user the degree of comfort of the space where the air-conditioning is performed. When the calculated predicted value matches the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the comfortable range, the air conditioning operation is stopped, and then confirmation by the confirmation means is performed to the user.

  In the entire building air conditioning system configured as described above, the predicted value of the discomfort index is calculated based on the forecast information regarding the temperature and humidity, and the air conditioning operation is started or stopped based on the predicted value.

  Specifically, when it is determined that the predicted value of the calculated discomfort index is out of the comfort range, that is, when it is predicted that an uncomfortable state will occur due to future changes in temperature and humidity, air conditioning operation is performed. Is started. On the other hand, when it is determined that the predicted value of the calculated discomfort index is not out of the comfort range, that is, when the future temperature and humidity are expected to be comfortable (without air conditioning operation), Air conditioning operation is stopped.

  Since the start and stop of the air-conditioning operation are automatically performed at an appropriate timing based on the forecast information, the user does not feel uncomfortable. In addition, the user is not allowed to perform manual operations such as resuming the air conditioning operation.

  The time at which the start or stop of the air conditioning operation is automatically performed is desirably a time set in advance during the day. In particular, the time (first time) at which the air-conditioning operation is started is desirably set as a time that is a predetermined time or more earlier than the time at which the discomfort index is maximized or minimized. Since it takes a certain time (warm-up time) to resume air-conditioning operation in the entire building air-conditioning system, if the above-mentioned predetermined time is set to the warm-up time or longer, even if the discomfort index subsequently changes, the building The interior can be reliably maintained in a comfortable state.

  The “time when the discomfort index is maximum or minimum” in the above may be a time set each time based on the forecast information, but is a time set (fixed) without being based on the forecast information. It may be. For example, a mode may be adopted in which 2:00 pm is set as the time when the discomfort index becomes maximum, and 6:00 am is set as the time when the discomfort index becomes minimum.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the whole building air-conditioning system which can perform a start or stop of an air-conditioning driving | operation at an appropriate timing automatically without having a user perform manual operation is provided.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the whole building air conditioning system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control apparatus of a whole building air conditioning system. It is a figure which shows an example of the forecast temperature obtained as forecast information, and forecast humidity. It is a figure which shows an example of a discomfort index and a comfortable range. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control apparatus of a whole building air conditioning system. It is a flowchart which shows the process performed by the control apparatus of a whole building air conditioning system. It is a figure which shows an example of the confirmation screen displayed on the display of a personal computer. It is a figure which shows an example of the confirmation screen displayed on the display of a personal computer.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to facilitate the understanding of the description, the same constituent elements in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals as much as possible, and redundant description will be omitted.

  The entire building air conditioning system ACS according to the embodiment of the present invention automatically performs air conditioning (heating or cooling) of a plurality of rooms at once. FIG. 1 schematically shows an example in which the entire building air conditioning system ACS is installed in a building HS having four rooms R1, R2, R3, and R4.

  The building HS has rooms R1, R2, R3, and R4 that are spaces for residents (also referred to as users of the entire building air conditioning system ACS) to live, and a room R0 that is a space behind the ceiling. . As will be described later, in the entire building air conditioning system ACS, most of the components are installed in the room R0. The entire building air conditioning system ACS is configured to automatically perform air conditioning of the four rooms R1, R2, R3, and R4 collectively. The entire building air conditioning system ACS includes an indoor unit 10, an outdoor unit 20, a control device 30, a router 40, and a gateway 60.

  The indoor unit 10 is a unit including a blower, a heat exchanger, an air filter, and the like (all not shown), and is installed in the room R0. The indoor unit 10 is for sending air heated or cooled by heat exchange with the refrigerant when passing through the heat exchanger into each room (R1 or the like) by a blower. In the present embodiment, by operating only the blower, it is possible to perform the operation of sending the air to the rooms as it is without heating or cooling the air from the outside of the building HS, that is, the air blowing operation. ing.

  The indoor unit 10 and the room R1 are connected by a duct 11, and the indoor unit 10 and the room R2 are connected by a duct 12. Similarly, the indoor unit 10 and the room R3 are connected by a duct 13, and the indoor unit 10 and the room R4 are connected by a duct 14. Air heated or cooled in the indoor unit 10 (or air that is just blown) is supplied to the rooms R1, R2, R3, and R4 through the ducts 11, 12, 13, and 14, respectively.

  An introduction duct 15 and a discharge duct 16 are connected to the indoor unit 10. The introduction duct 15 is for drawing air (outside air) from the outside of the building HS and supplying the air to the indoor unit 10. The air supplied to the indoor unit 10 through the introduction duct 15 is sent to each room (R1 etc.) after being heated by a heat exchanger.

  The exhaust duct 16 is for exhausting air that has returned from each room (R1 and the like) to the indoor unit 10 to the outside of the building HS. When air is sent from the indoor unit 10 to the room R1 or the like by performing any of the heating operation, the cooling operation, or the air blowing operation, the air pushed out from the room R1 or the like is outside the room R1 (and the building HS). It is configured to return to the indoor unit 10 through the inner space. All the air returned from each room (R1 etc.) passes through the discharge duct 16 and is discharged outside the building HS. That is, in the present embodiment, the space outside the room R1 and the like and inside the building HS is configured to function as a so-called return duct.

  The outdoor unit 20 is a unit including a compressor, a heat exchanger, a blower fan, and the like (all not shown), and is disposed outside the building HS. A refrigerant pipe 21 is disposed between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit. The refrigerant pipe 21 is a pair of pipes that form two flow paths (not shown) including a forward path and a return path. The refrigerant passes through the refrigerant pipe 21 so that the refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit. The outdoor unit 20 is for returning the refrigerant discharged from the indoor unit 10 to the indoor unit 10 after exchanging heat with the outside air.

  During the heating operation, the heat of the outside air is collected in the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 20, and the refrigerant is thereby heated. The heated refrigerant is compressed by the compressor and moves to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit 10 while raising the temperature, and heats the air sent to each room.

  During the cooling operation, heat is released from the refrigerant to the outside air in the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit 20, thereby cooling the refrigerant. The cooled refrigerant expands to lower the temperature and moves to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit 10 to cool the air sent to each room.

  The control device 30 is a computer system including a CPU, ROM, RAM, and an input / output interface, and controls the operation of the entire building air conditioning system ACS. The control device 30 communicates with the indoor unit 10 and the outdoor unit 20, respectively, and controls these operations.

  Specifically, the control device 30 controls the type of operation (whether heating operation, cooling operation, or blowing operation is performed) by the entire building air conditioning system ACS. The control device 30 also performs control such that the temperature of the air sent from the outdoor unit 20 to each room (R1 and the like) matches the set temperature.

  The control device 30 includes an acquisition unit 31, a calculation unit 32, a confirmation unit 33, and a control unit 34 as functional control blocks. The acquisition unit 31 is a part that acquires forecast information (expected temperature and expected humidity) provided from a weather server 70 described later via the gateway 60 and the router 40. The calculation part 32 is a part which calculates the predicted value of a discomfort index based on the acquired forecast information.

  The confirmation unit 33 is a part for performing processing for notifying the resident of the state of the entire building air conditioning system ACS and processing for receiving an operation performed by the resident. Such notification and operation by the resident are performed via a personal computer 50 described later. The control unit 34 is a part that performs overall control of the operation of the entire building air conditioning system ACS. Details of specific processing performed in each unit of the control device 30 will be described in detail later.

  The router 40 is a device for relaying communication between the control device 30 and other devices. The router 40 is connected to a personal computer 50 installed in the room R1 via a communication line 51 (for example, a LAN cable), and relays communication between the personal computer 50 and the control device 30. The router 40 and the personal computer 50 may be connected by a wireless LAN.

  The personal computer 50 serves as an interface when a resident of the building HS performs an operation on the entire building air conditioning system ACS. It also serves as an interface for notifying residents of the state of the entire building air conditioning system ACS. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the personal computer 50 is installed in the room R1, the personal computer 50 may be installed in another room. Moreover, the some personal computer 50 may be installed in each room (R1 etc.).

  The gateway 60 is a device for connecting the entire building air conditioning system ACS to a network outside the building HS. In the present embodiment, an external weather server 70 and the control device 30 are connected via a gateway 60 and a router 40.

  The weather server 70 is a server operated by, for example, the Japan Meteorological Agency or a private weather forecasting company, and provides forecast information via the Internet. The forecast information is information related to changes in temperature and humidity that are expected in the future. In the present embodiment, information including the predicted maximum temperature, the predicted minimum temperature, the predicted maximum humidity, and the predicted minimum humidity (that is, composed of four numerical values) is provided from the weather server 70 as the forecast information.

  Note that the format of the forecast information to be provided is not limited to such a format, and another format may be used. For example, after dividing 24 hours from midnight into small periods every 30 minutes, data consisting of a group of numerical values indicating the predicted temperature and humidity in each small period may be provided as the forecast information. .

  The entire building air conditioning system ACS according to the present embodiment divides one day (24 hours from 10:00 am) into two periods TM1 and TM2, and then controls the air conditioning operation in each period based on forecast information. It is configured as follows. The period TM1 is a period from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and the period TM2 is a period from 6:00 pm to 10:00 am on the next day.

  Processing executed by the control device 30 for the air conditioning operation in the period TM1 will be described with reference to FIG. The series of processes shown in FIG. 2 is started before the start of the period TM1, specifically, at 5 am.

  In the first step S01, forecast information is obtained by the obtaining unit 31. FIG. 3 shows an example of forecast information provided from the weather server 70. In FIG. 3, the change in expected temperature is indicated by a line G1, and the change in expected humidity is indicated by a line G2.

  In the example of FIG. 3, the predicted maximum temperature in 24 hours after 5:00 am is 25 ° C. (2 pm), and the predicted minimum temperature is 12 ° C. (6 am). In addition, the predicted maximum humidity during the same period is 80% (6 am), and the predicted minimum humidity is 40% (2 pm). In step S01, the predicted maximum temperature and the predicted minimum humidity are acquired from these forecast information.

  After the process of step S01 is executed, at 6 am, the process of step S02 is performed. In step S02, the predicted value of the future discomfort index is calculated by the calculation unit 32 based on the predicted maximum temperature and the predicted minimum humidity acquired in step S01.

As is generally known, the discomfort index is calculated by the following equation (1).
Discomfort index = 0.81Td + 0.01H × (0.99Td−14.3) +46.3 (1)

  In Formula (1), Td is temperature and H is humidity. FIG. 4 shows a list of discomfort indices calculated by the above formula (1) for various combinations of temperature and humidity.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the description will be continued. The predicted value of the discomfort index calculated in step S02 is calculated based on the predicted maximum temperature and the predicted minimum humidity. Therefore, it can be said that the predicted value is the discomfort index when it is felt the hottest in the next 24 hours, that is, the maximum value of the discomfort index that changes in the next 24 hours.

  The maximum value of the discomfort index may be calculated from only the predicted maximum temperature and the predicted minimum humidity as described above, but may be calculated by other methods. For example, the discomfort index every 30 minutes after 5 am is calculated based on the forecast information (temperature and humidity), and in step S02, the maximum value among the obtained discomfort indices is calculated. It is good. In such an aspect, the maximum value of the discomfort index is always accurately calculated even when the time when the temperature reaches the predicted maximum temperature and the time when the humidity reaches the predicted minimum humidity do not match.

  In step S03 following step S02, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the calculated maximum value of the discomfort index is within the comfortable range. The comfortable range is a range set in advance as a range of discomfort index that can be felt comfortable for humans. In the present embodiment, 75 is set as the upper limit value of the comfort range, and 60 is set as the lower limit value of the comfort range. The comfort range set in this way is shown in FIG. 4 as a range within a thick line with a symbol CA. In addition, as will be described later, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the comfort range are appropriately changed.

  When the maximum value of the discomfort index is not more than the upper limit value of the comfort range and not less than the lower limit value, the process proceeds to step S05. The transition to step S05 means that the possibility that the discomfort index is out of the comfortable range is small in the future period TM1. For this reason, in step S05, the control unit 34 performs control to automatically stop the air conditioning operation of the entire building air conditioning system ACS at 10:00 am (the start of the period TM1).

  Note that “stopping” the air conditioning operation is not limited to stopping the operation of all the components of the entire building air conditioning system ACS. For example, shifting to a state in which only the air conditioning operation is stopped and the air blowing operation is continuously performed is also included in stopping the air conditioning operation. That is, “stopping” the air-conditioning operation means shifting to a state where the operation level (power consumption) of the constituent devices is smaller than the state in which the normal air-conditioning operation is performed.

  In addition, “stopping” the air-conditioning operation includes not only stopping the air-conditioning operation from the state where the air-conditioning operation is performed, but also continuing the state where the air-conditioning operation is not performed. The same applies to the following description.

  If the calculated maximum discomfort index value exceeds the upper limit value of the comfort range, or if the calculated maximum discomfort index value is below the lower limit value of the comfort range, step S04 Migrate to The transition to step S04 means that there is a high possibility that the discomfort index falls outside the comfortable range in the future period TM1. For this reason, in step S04, the control unit 34 performs control to automatically start the air conditioning operation of the entire building air conditioning system ACS at 9:00 am (one hour before the start of the period TM1). Note that “starting” the air conditioning operation includes not only starting the air conditioning operation from a state where the air conditioning operation is not performed but also continuing the state where the air conditioning operation is performed as it is. The same applies to the following description.

  The time at which the process of step S05 is performed, that is, the time at which control for stopping the air-conditioning operation by the control unit 34 (second time) is set in advance at 10 am, which is the start of the period TM1. When the control for stopping the air conditioning operation is performed at 10 am, the air conditioning operation is immediately stopped. For this reason, when it is determined that the air conditioning operation in the period TM1 is unnecessary, the air conditioning operation is stopped from the beginning in the period TM1 even if the process of step S05 is performed at 10:00 am.

  On the other hand, the time at which the process of step S04 is performed, that is, the time at which control for starting the air conditioning operation by the control unit 34 (first time) is set in advance at 9:00 am one hour earlier than the start of the period TM1. (Fixed). If the control for starting the air-conditioning operation is performed at 9 am, the air-conditioning operation is not started immediately, and the air-conditioning operation is started after approximately one hour is required for warming up the device.

  If it is determined that the air conditioning operation in the period TM1 is necessary, the process of step S04 is performed at 9:00 am (allowing for the warm-up time), and thus the air conditioning operation is performed from the beginning in the period TM1.

  The time (first time) at which the process of step S04 is performed is set as a time earlier than the time (2 pm) at which the discomfort index is maximized by a period (1 hour in the present embodiment) necessary for warm-up. It only has to be. If the time at which the process of step S04 is performed is set in this way, it is prevented that the building HS becomes uncomfortable before the air-conditioning operation is started. Maintained.

  The time at which the process of step S04 is performed may be a time other than 9 am as long as the above conditions are satisfied. However, at the start of the air conditioning operation, a relatively loud start-up sound is emitted toward the surroundings with the start-up of the compressor and the blower fan that the outdoor unit 20 has. For this reason, if the air-conditioning operation is started at midnight, not only residents but also neighboring residents are inconvenienced. For this reason, it is desirable to set the time at which the process of step S04 is performed in a time zone (daytime) in which the starting sound is not unpleasant.

  Processing executed by the control device 30 for the air conditioning operation in the period TM2 will be described with reference to FIG. The series of processes shown in FIG. 5 is started before the start of the period TM2, specifically, at 1 pm.

  In the first step S11, forecast information is obtained by the obtaining unit 31. In step S11, the predicted minimum temperature and the predicted maximum humidity are obtained from the forecast information.

  After the process of step S11 is executed, the process of step S12 is performed at 2:00 pm. In step S12, the predicted value of the future discomfort index is calculated by the calculation unit 32 based on the predicted minimum temperature and the predicted maximum humidity acquired in step S11.

  The predicted value of the discomfort index calculated in step S12 is calculated based on the predicted minimum temperature and the predicted maximum humidity as described above. Therefore, the predicted value can be said to be the discomfort index when it is felt the coldest in the next 24 hours, that is, the minimum value of the discomfort index that changes in the next 24 hours.

  The minimum value of the discomfort index may be calculated only from the predicted maximum temperature and the predicted minimum humidity as described above, but may be calculated by other methods. For example, the discomfort index every 30 minutes after 1 pm is calculated based on forecast information (temperature and humidity), and in step S02, the minimum value of the obtained discomfort indices is calculated. It is good. With such an aspect, the minimum value of the discomfort index is always accurately calculated even when the time when the temperature reaches the predicted minimum temperature and the time when the humidity reaches the predicted maximum humidity do not match.

  In step S13 following step S12, the control unit 34 determines whether or not the calculated minimum value of the discomfort index is within the comfortable range. If the minimum value of the discomfort index is not more than the upper limit value of the comfort range and not less than the lower limit value, the process proceeds to step S15. The transition to step S15 means that the possibility that the discomfort index falls outside the comfortable range in the future period TM2 is small. For this reason, in step S15, the control unit 34 performs control such that the air conditioning operation of the entire building air conditioning system ACS is automatically stopped at 6 pm (the start of the period TM2).

  In step S13, when the calculated minimum value of the discomfort index exceeds the upper limit value of the comfort range, or when the calculated minimum value of the discomfort index is below the lower limit value of the comfort range, step S14 Migrate to The transition to step S14 means that there is a high possibility that the discomfort index is out of the comfortable range in the future period TM2. For this reason, in step S14, the control unit 34 performs control to automatically start the air conditioning operation of the entire building air conditioning system ACS at 5:00 pm (one hour before the start of the period TM2).

  The time at which the process of step S15 is performed, that is, the time at which control for stopping the air-conditioning operation by the control unit 34 (second time) is set in advance at 6:00 pm, which is the start of the period TM2. If the control for stopping the air conditioning operation is performed at 6:00 pm, the air conditioning operation is immediately stopped. For this reason, when it is determined that the air conditioning operation in the period TM2 is unnecessary, even if the process of step S15 is performed at 6 pm, the air conditioning operation is stopped from the beginning in the period TM2.

  On the other hand, the time at which the process of step S14 is performed, that is, the time at which control for starting the air conditioning operation by the control unit 34 (first time) is set in advance at 5 pm, which is one hour earlier than the start of the period TM2. (Fixed). If the control for starting the air-conditioning operation is performed at 5 pm, the air-conditioning operation is not started immediately, and the air-conditioning operation is started after approximately one hour is required for warming up the device.

  When it is determined that the air conditioning operation is necessary in the period TM2, the process in step S14 is performed at 5 pm (allowing for the warm-up time), and thus the air conditioning operation is performed from the beginning in the period TM2.

  The time at which the process of step S14 is started (first time) is a time earlier than the time at which the discomfort index is minimum (1 6:00 pm) by a period required for warm-up (1 hour in the present embodiment) or more. It only has to be set. If the time at which the process of step S14 is performed is set in this way, it is prevented from becoming uncomfortable before the air-conditioning operation is started, so that the building HS is in a comfortable state. Maintained.

  The time at which the process of step S14 is performed may be a time other than 5 pm as long as the above conditions are satisfied. However, at the start of the air conditioning operation, a relatively loud start-up sound is emitted toward the surroundings with the start-up of the compressor and the blower fan that the outdoor unit 20 has. For this reason, if the air-conditioning operation is started at midnight, not only residents but also neighboring residents are inconvenienced. For this reason, it is desirable to set the time at which the process of step S14 is performed in a time zone (daytime) in which the start sound is not unpleasant.

  As described above, in the entire building air conditioning system ACS according to the present embodiment, the air conditioning operation is automatically started and stopped at an appropriate timing based on the forecast information provided from the weather server 70. For this reason, the residents of the building HS do not feel uncomfortable. Moreover, the occupant manual operation for stopping or resuming the air-conditioning operation is not performed by the resident.

  A process for changing the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the comfort range will be described with reference to FIG. The series of processes shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the control unit 34 when a predetermined period has elapsed since either the process in step S05 in FIG. 2 or the process in step S15 in FIG. 5 is performed. When the process of step S05 is performed at 10:00 am, for example, the process of FIG. 6 is performed at 4 pm before the period TM1 ends. Further, when the process of step S15 is performed at 6:00 pm, for example, the process of FIG. 6 is performed at 8:00 am before the period TM2 ends.

  In the first step S21, the predicted value of the discomfort index calculated in step S02 or the predicted value of the discomfort index calculated in step S12 (hereinafter, both are simply referred to as “predicted value”) It is determined whether or not it is equal to the lower limit value of the discomfort index. If the predicted value is equal to the lower limit value of the comfortable range, the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S <b> 31, the confirmation screen DP <b> 10 shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 50. Such processing is performed by the confirmation unit 33 of the control device 30.

  The confirmation screen DP10 is a dialog box for disclosing information to the resident and accepting the resident's operation. On the confirmation screen DP10, buttons B11, B12, B13 and a slider SL10 are displayed together with a message “It is a lower limit value of the comfort setting value. How is comfort?”.

  The button B11 is a button to which a character string “Available” is attached. The button B12 is a button to which a character string “just right” is attached. The button B13 is a button to which a character string “cold” is attached. The resident can press any one of these buttons by operating the mouse of the personal computer 50 or operating the touch panel.

  When it is felt that there is room in setting the comfortable range at the present time, that is, when it is felt that it is not necessary to perform air-conditioning operation even if the discomfort index becomes a little smaller, the resident presses the button B11. I do.

  If the comfort range setting at the current time is felt to be just right, that is, if the discomfort index is smaller (even a little) than this time, An operation of pressing the button B12 is performed.

  If it is felt that the comfortable range is set at the current time, that is, if the discomfort index is the same value as this time, and if it is desired to perform the air-conditioning operation, the resident presses the button B13. Do.

  The slider SL10 is for informing the occupant of the degree of energy-saving operation calculated based on the width of the comfortable range at the present time (difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value). The wider the comfortable range, the more the display position of the slider SL10 is on the left side, that is, the “energy saving priority” side. Further, as the comfort range is narrower, the display position of the slider SL10 is on the right side, that is, the “comfort-oriented” side. The relationship between the width of the comfortable range and the degree of energy saving operation (display position of the slider SL10) is set in advance using a map or the like.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. After the confirmation screen DP10 is displayed in step S31, if any of the buttons B11, B12, and B13 is pressed by the resident, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S <b> 32, the confirmation unit 33 determines whether or not the button B <b> 11 (“allowance”) is pressed (selected) by the resident. When the button B11 is pressed by the resident, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S33, the lower limit value of the comfort range is lowered by 1 based on the resident's intention indicated by pressing the button B11. For example, if the lower limit value at the current time is 60, which is the initial value, the lower limit value is changed to 59. As a result, the comfortable range is widened, so that the confirmation unit 33 moves the position of the slider SL10 to the left side from now.

  If it is determined in step S32 that the button pressed by the resident is not the button B11, the process proceeds to step S34. In step S <b> 34, the confirmation unit 33 determines whether the button B <b> 12 (“just right”) is pressed by the resident. When the button B12 is pressed by the resident, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 is terminated without changing the lower limit value. If the button pressed by the resident is not the button B12, that is, if the button pressed by the resident is the button B13, the process proceeds to step S35.

  In step S35, the lower limit of the comfort range is increased by 1 based on the resident's intention indicated by pressing the button B13. For example, when the current lower limit value is 60, which is the initial value, the lower limit value is changed to 61. As a result, the comfortable range is narrowed, and the confirmation unit 33 moves the position of the slider SL10 to the right side from now.

  If the predicted value is not equal to the lower limit value of the comfortable range in step S21, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the predicted value is equal to the upper limit value of the discomfort index at the present time. When the predicted value is equal to the upper limit value of the comfortable range, the process proceeds to step S41.

  In step S <b> 41, a confirmation screen DP <b> 20 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display of the personal computer 50. Such processing is performed by the confirmation unit 33 of the control device 30.

  The confirmation screen DP10 is a dialog box for disclosing information to the resident and accepting the resident's operation, like the confirmation screen DP10 described above. On the confirmation screen DP20, buttons B21, B22, B23 and a slider SL20 are displayed together with a message “It is the upper limit value of the comfort setting value. How is comfort?”.

  The button B21 is a button to which a character string “There is room” is attached. The button B22 is a button to which a character string “just right” is attached. The button B23 is a button to which a character string “hot” is attached. The resident can press any one of these buttons by operating the mouse of the personal computer 50 or operating the touch panel.

  When it is felt that there is a margin in setting the comfortable range at the present time, that is, when it is felt that it is not necessary to perform air-conditioning operation even if the discomfort index becomes a little larger, the resident presses the button B21. I do.

  If you feel that the comfort range setting at the moment is just right, that is, if you feel that you want to go air-conditioned if the discomfort index is higher (even a little) than this time, An operation of pressing the button B22 is performed.

  When it is felt that the comfortable range is set at the present time, that is, when the discomfort index is the same value as this time, when the user feels that the air conditioning operation is to be performed, the resident presses the button B23. Do.

  Similarly to the slider SL10, the slider SL20 is for notifying the occupant of the degree of energy-saving operation calculated based on the width of the comfortable range at present (the difference between the upper limit value and the lower limit value). is there. The wider the comfortable range, the more the display position of the slider SL20 is on the left side, that is, the “energy saving priority” side. Further, as the comfort range is narrower, the display position of the slider SL20 is on the right side, that is, the “comfort-oriented” side. The relationship between the width of the comfortable range and the degree of energy saving operation (display position of the slider SL20) is set in advance using a map or the like.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description will be continued. After the confirmation screen DP20 is displayed in step S41, if any of the buttons B21, B22, B23 is pressed by the resident, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S <b> 42, the confirmation unit 33 determines whether or not the button pressed (selected) by the resident is the button B <b> 21 (“with a margin”). When the button B21 is pressed by the resident, the process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the upper limit value of the comfort range is increased by 1 based on the resident's intention indicated by pressing the button B21. For example, when the upper limit value at the current time is 75, which is the initial value, the upper limit value is changed to 76. As a result, the comfortable range is widened, so that the confirmation unit 33 moves the position of the slider SL20 to the left side from now.

  If it is determined in step S42 that the button pressed by the resident is not the button B21, the process proceeds to step S44. In step S44, the confirmation unit 33 determines whether or not the button B22 (“just right”) is pressed by the resident. If the button B22 is pressed by the resident, the series of processes shown in FIG. 6 is terminated without changing the lower limit value. If the button pressed by the resident is not the button B22, that is, if the button pressed by the resident is the button B23, the process proceeds to step S45.

  In step S45, the upper limit value of the comfort range is lowered by 1 based on the resident's intention indicated by pressing the button B23. For example, when the upper limit value at the present time is the initial value of 75, the lower limit value is changed to 74. As a result, the comfortable range is narrowed, and therefore the confirmation unit 33 moves the position of the slider SL20 to the right side from now.

  In step S22, when the predicted value is not equal to the upper limit value of the comfortable range, the series of processes shown in FIG. In this case, neither the upper limit value nor the lower limit value of the comfort range is changed.

  As described above, in the entire building air conditioning system ACS according to the present embodiment, the confirmation of the comfort level in the building HS that the resident feels is performed by the confirmation screens DP10 and DP20. Further, the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the comfort range is changed based on the confirmed comfort level. For this reason, the air conditioning operation is started or stopped in accordance with the resident's preference regarding the discomfort index, that is, the individual difference. This reduces the likelihood that the resident will feel uncomfortable.

  The resident can change the setting so as to be more comfortable simply by responding to the messages (questions) described on the confirmation screens DP10 and DP20 with a simple operation of pressing the button B11 or the like.

  Moreover, the degree of energy-saving driving | operation is displayed by slider SL10, SL20, and a resident changes the setting of a comfortable range, confirming this. For this reason, the resident can change the setting while considering both comfort and energy saving.

  In practicing the present invention, the entire building air conditioning system ACS may be incorporated in a part of another system. For example, the entire building air conditioning system ACS may be incorporated as part of a home energy management system (HEMS) that automatically controls various energy consuming devices in a house.

  Moreover, after the forecast information from the weather server 70 is acquired by the central control system arranged outside the building HS, it is distributed from the central control system to each building HS (entire building air conditioning system ACS). An aspect may be sufficient.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to specific examples. However, the present invention is not limited to these specific examples. In other words, those specific examples that have been appropriately modified by those skilled in the art are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have the characteristics of the present invention. For example, the elements included in each of the specific examples described above and their arrangement, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, and the like are not limited to those illustrated, but can be changed as appropriate. Moreover, each element with which each embodiment mentioned above is provided can be combined as long as technically possible, and the combination of these is also included in the scope of the present invention as long as it includes the features of the present invention.

ACS: Whole building air conditioning system 30: Controller 31: Acquisition unit 32: Calculation unit 33: Confirmation unit 34: Control unit 50: Personal computer 70: Weather server

Claims (6)

It is a whole-building air conditioning system that automatically air-conditions multiple rooms at once.
An acquisition unit (31) for acquiring forecast information on temperature and humidity;
A calculation unit (32) for calculating a predicted value of the discomfort index based on the forecast information;
A control unit (34) for controlling the state of the air-conditioning operation,
The controller is
If it is determined that the predicted value is outside the preset comfort range, air conditioning operation is started,
When the predicted value is determined not to deviate the comfort range is shall stop the air conditioning operation,
Having confirmation means (33) for confirming with the user the comfort level of the air-conditioned space;
When the calculated predicted value matches the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the comfort range,
After the air conditioning operation is stopped, confirmation to the user by the confirmation means is performed . When it is determined that the predicted value is outside the comfortable range, a first time that is a time at which the control unit starts the air conditioning operation;
The second time, which is a time when the control unit stops the air conditioning operation when it is determined that the predicted value does not deviate from the comfortable range, is preset. The whole building air conditioning system described in.   The whole building air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the first time is set as a time earlier than a time when the discomfort index is maximum or minimum by a predetermined time or more.   The whole building air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the first time is set as a daytime time. On the basis of the comfort degree, characterized in that said the upper or lower limit of the comfort range is changed, central air conditioning system of claim 1, which is confirmed by the confirmation means. When confirmation is made to the user by the confirmation means,
The whole building air-conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the degree of energy-saving operation calculated based on the width of the comfortable range is notified to a user.

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