JP7050760B2 - Air conditioners, controls, air conditioners and programs - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioner, a control device, an air conditioner method and a program.

A technique for controlling air conditioning according to the amount of solar radiation is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that calculates an amount of solar radiation based on the amount of electric power generated by a solar cell and changes the cooling capacity according to the calculated amount of solar radiation. Patent Document 2 discloses an air conditioner that improves comfort and efficiency by controlling the amount of air blown according to the amount of solar radiation incident on the room and the amount of activity of a person in the room. Patent Document 3 discloses an air conditioner that improves comfort by controlling the position where the wind reaches based on the amount of solar radiation incident on the air-conditioned space.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-324188 Japanese Patent No. 5471346 Japanese Patent No. 5467347

By controlling the air conditioning according to the amount of solar radiation, it is possible to predict the change in temperature in the space to be air-conditioned. Therefore, by controlling the air conditioning before the temperature in the space to be air-conditioned changes, the temperature in the space to be air-conditioned can be maintained at a comfortable temperature. However, depending on the situation, it may not be possible to obtain valid information on the amount of solar radiation. Even in such a case, it is required to improve the comfort in the space to be air-conditioned.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner or the like capable of improving comfort in a space to be air-conditioned.

In order to achieve the above object, the air conditioner according to the present invention is
Air-conditioning means to air-condition the space to be air-conditioned,
A temperature information acquisition means for acquiring temperature information of the space to be air-conditioned,
An index information acquisition means for acquiring index information indicating the amount of solar radiation,
The air-conditioning capacity of the air-conditioning means is controlled according to the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and when a specific condition is satisfied, the temperature information is acquired by the temperature information acquisition means. And the air conditioning control means that controls the air conditioning capacity,
A learning means for learning the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned is provided.
The air conditioning control means is
At the time of cooling, the air conditioning capacity is increased in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. As the amount decreases, the air conditioning capacity is reduced,
At the time of heating, the air conditioning capacity is reduced in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. Increasing the air conditioning capacity as the amount decreases,
The air-conditioning capacity is increased or decreased when a time determined by the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned has elapsed after the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means begins to increase or decrease. Let me
The air conditioning capacity is controlled according to the thermal characteristics learned by the learning means.

The present invention controls the air-conditioning capacity according to the index information indicating the amount of solar radiation, and controls the air-conditioning capacity according to the temperature information of the space to be air-conditioned when a specific condition is satisfied. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the comfort in the space to be air-conditioned.

The figure which shows the structure of the air conditioner which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. A block diagram showing a hardware configuration of an outdoor unit control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram showing a functional configuration of an outdoor unit control unit according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (A) to (c) are diagrams showing changes in the amount of solar radiation, room temperature, and cooling capacity in the normal mode in the first embodiment of the present invention, respectively. (A) to (d) are diagrams showing changes in the amount of solar radiation, window temperature, cooling capacity, and room temperature in the look-ahead mode in the first embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The figure which shows an example of the history information in Embodiment 1 of this invention. A flowchart showing a flow of air conditioning control processing executed by the air conditioning apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing the flow of processing in the look-ahead mode executed by the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. A block diagram showing a functional configuration of an outdoor unit control unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing a screen that clearly indicates the control mode and accepts instructions to change the control mode. (A) to (d) are diagrams showing changes in the amount of solar radiation, the outside air temperature, the room temperature, and the cooling capacity in the normal mode in the second embodiment of the present invention, respectively. (A) to (e) are diagrams showing changes in the amount of solar radiation, the outside air temperature, the window temperature, the room temperature, and the cooling capacity in the look-ahead mode in the second embodiment of the present invention, respectively. Explanatory diagram of heat load (A) to (c) are diagrams showing an approximate straight line showing the relationship between the temperature difference and the air conditioning capacity, an approximate straight line for each heat insulation performance, and an approximate straight line for each internal calorific value. Explanatory diagram of the method of finding an approximate straight line using representative data (A) to (f) are diagrams showing changes in the amount of solar radiation, window temperature, outside air temperature, room temperature, heat load, and compressor frequency in the look-ahead mode in the third embodiment of the present invention, respectively. The figure which shows the whole structure of the air-conditioning system which concerns on the modification of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings below, the size relationship of each component may differ from the actual one. Further, in the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

The forms of the components shown in the specification are merely examples, and are not limited to these descriptions. Further, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings. It goes without saying that the embodiments and drawings can be modified without changing the gist of the present invention.

The step of describing a program that performs the operation of the embodiment is a process that is performed in chronological order according to the described order, but is not necessarily processed in chronological order, but is a process that is executed in parallel or individually. May also be included.

The embodiments may be implemented alone or in combination. In either case, the advantageous effects described below will be achieved. Further, the various specific setting examples and flag examples described in the embodiment are only shown as one example, and are not particularly limited thereto.

In the embodiment, the system represents an entire device composed of a plurality of devices or an entire function composed of a plurality of functions.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration of air conditioner 1>
FIG. 1 shows an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner 1 is a device that air-conditions an indoor space 71, which is a space to be air-conditioned. Air conditioning is to adjust the temperature, humidity, cleanliness, air flow, etc. of the air in the space to be air-conditioned, and specifically, heating, cooling, dehumidifying, humidifying, air cleaning, and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 is installed in the house 3. The house 3 is, for example, a so-called general detached house building. The air conditioner 1 is a heat pump type air conditioner using, for example, CO ₂ (carbon dioxide) or HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) as a refrigerant. The air conditioner 1 is equipped with a steam compression type refrigeration cycle, and operates by obtaining electric power from a commercial power source, a power generation facility, a power storage facility, or the like (not shown).

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 11 provided outside the house 3, an indoor unit 13 provided inside the house 3, and a remote controller 55 operated by a user. The outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 13 are connected via a refrigerant pipe 61 through which a refrigerant flows and a communication line 63 through which various signals are transferred. The air conditioner 1 cools the indoor space 71 by blowing out conditioned air, for example, cold air from the indoor unit 13, and heats the indoor space 71 by blowing out warm air.

The outdoor unit 11 includes a compressor 21, a four-way valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an expansion valve 24, an outdoor blower 31, and an outdoor unit control unit 51. The indoor unit 13 includes an indoor heat exchanger 25, an indoor blower 33, and an indoor unit control unit 53. The refrigerant pipe 61 connects the compressor 21, the four-way valve 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the expansion valve 24, and the indoor heat exchanger 25 in an annular shape. This constitutes a refrigeration cycle.

The compressor 21 compresses the refrigerant and circulates the refrigerant pipe 61. Specifically, the compressor 21 compresses the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and discharges the high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant to the four-way valve 22. The compressor 21 includes an inverter circuit capable of changing the operating capacity according to the drive frequency. The operating capacity is the amount that the compressor 21 sends out the refrigerant per unit. The compressor 21 changes the operating capacity according to an instruction from the outdoor unit control unit 51.

The four-way valve 22 is installed on the discharge side of the compressor 21. The four-way valve 22 switches the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipe 61 depending on whether the operation of the air conditioner 1 is a cooling or dehumidifying operation or a heating operation.

The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61 and the air in the outdoor space 72 outside the space to be air-conditioned. The outdoor blower 31 is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and is a first blower that sends the air in the outdoor space 72 to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. When the outdoor blower 31 starts the blower operation, a negative pressure is generated inside the outdoor unit 11 and sucks the air in the outdoor space 72. The sucked air is supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and after heat exchange with the cold / hot heat supplied by the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61, it is blown out to the outdoor space 72.

The expansion valve 24 is installed between the outdoor heat exchanger 23 and the indoor heat exchanger 25, and decompresses and expands the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61. The expansion valve 24 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be variably controlled. The expansion valve 24 adjusts the pressure of the refrigerant by changing the opening degree according to the instruction from the outdoor unit control unit 51.

The indoor heat exchanger 25 is a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61 and the air in the indoor space 71. The indoor blower 33 is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 25, and is a second blower that sends the air in the indoor space 71 to the indoor heat exchanger 25. When the indoor blower 33 starts the blower operation, a negative pressure is generated inside the indoor unit 13 and sucks the air in the indoor space 71. The sucked air is supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 25, and after heat exchange with the cold / hot heat supplied from the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 61, it is blown out to the indoor space 71.

The air heat exchanged by the indoor heat exchanger 25 is supplied to the indoor space 71 as air-conditioned air. As a result, the interior space 71 is cooled and heated. The larger the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the indoor heat exchanger 25, the higher the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1. Here, the air conditioning capacity is an index indicating the strength of air conditioning by the air conditioning device 1. Hereinafter, the air conditioning capacity during cooling is referred to as a cooling capacity, and the air conditioning capacity during heating is referred to as a heating capacity.

The compressor 21, the four-way valve 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 23, the expansion valve 24 and the outdoor blower 31 in the outdoor unit 11, and the indoor heat exchanger 25 and the indoor blower 33 in the indoor unit 13 are collectively referred to as an air conditioner unit. The air-conditioning unit functions as an air-conditioning means for air-conditioning the indoor space 71.

The indoor unit 13 further includes a temperature detecting unit 41 and an illuminance detecting unit 43. The temperature detection unit 41 includes a temperature sensor such as a resistance temperature detector, a thermistor, and a thermoelectric pair, and detects the temperature of the air in the indoor space 71. The temperature detection unit 41 is installed at the suction port of the indoor heat exchanger 25, and detects the temperature of the suction air of the indoor unit 13.

The solar radiation detection unit 43 includes an infrared sensor of a pyroelectric type, a thermopile type, or the like, and detects infrared rays emitted from the object to be detected. The solar radiation detection unit 43 is installed in the vicinity of the window 75, which is a place to receive the solar radiation in the indoor space 71, and acquires the surface temperature of the window 75 by detecting the infrared rays emitted from the window 75. Since the window 75 is illuminated by sunlight when the sun is shining during the day, its surface temperature can be used as an index of the amount of solar radiation.

Further, although not shown, the air conditioner 1 includes a detection unit other than the temperature detection unit 41 and the solar radiation detection unit 43. Specifically, the air conditioner 1 is installed on the discharge side of the compressor 21, a discharge side pressure detection unit that detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21, and is installed on the suction side of the compressor 21. A suction side pressure detector that detects the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 21, a discharge side temperature detector that is installed on the discharge side of the compressor 21 and detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21, and a compressor. It is installed on the suction side of the 21 and includes a suction side temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 21, an outdoor temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the outside air, and the like.

The detection result by the detection unit including the temperature detection unit 41 and the illuminance detection unit 43 is supplied to the indoor unit control unit 53. The indoor unit control unit 53 supplies the supplied detection result to the outdoor unit control unit 51 via the communication line 63.

The outdoor unit control unit 51 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 11. As shown in FIG. 2, the outdoor unit control unit 51 includes a control unit 101, a storage unit 102, a timekeeping unit 103, and a communication unit 104. Each of these parts is connected via a bus 109.

The control unit 101 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU is also referred to as a central processing unit, a central processing unit, a processor, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like. In the control unit 101, the CPU reads out the programs and data stored in the ROM, and uses the RAM as a work area to collectively control the outdoor unit control unit 51.

The storage unit 102 is a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as a flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), or EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM), and serves as a so-called secondary storage device or auxiliary storage device. The storage unit 102 stores programs and data used by the control unit 101 to perform various processes, and data generated or acquired by the control unit 101 performing various processes.

The storage unit 102 stores the history information 150 indicating the history of the detection information detected by the detection unit including the temperature detection unit 41 and the solar radiation detection unit 43 and the ability of the air conditioner performed by the air conditioner 1. .. The storage unit 102 functions as a storage means. The details of the history information 150 will be described later.

The timekeeping unit 103 is provided with an RTC (Real Time Clock), and is a timekeeping device that continues timekeeping even while the power of the air conditioner 1 is off.

The communication unit 104 is an interface for communicating with the indoor unit control unit 53 and the remote controller 55 via the communication line 63. The communication unit 104 receives the operation information received from the user from the remote controller 55, and transmits the notification information for notifying the user to the remote controller 55. Further, the communication unit 104 transmits an operation command of the indoor unit 13 to the indoor unit control unit 53, and receives state information indicating the state of the indoor unit 13 from the indoor unit control unit 53.

Although not shown, the indoor unit control unit 53 includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, a communication interface, and a readable / writable non-volatile semiconductor memory. In the indoor unit control unit 53, the CPU controls the operation of the indoor unit 13 by executing a control program stored in the ROM while using the RAM as a work memory.

The outdoor unit control unit 51 is connected to the indoor unit control unit 53 by a communication line 63 which is a wired, wireless or other communication medium. The outdoor unit control unit 51 operates in cooperation by exchanging various signals with the indoor unit control unit 53 via the communication line 63 to control the entire air conditioner 1. In this way, the outdoor unit control unit 51 functions as a control device for controlling the air conditioner 1.

The outdoor unit control unit 51 and the indoor unit control unit 53 are air-conditioned based on the detection results of the temperature detection unit 41, the solar radiation detection unit 43 and other detection units, and the setting information of the air conditioner 1 set by the user. Controls the operation of the device 1. Specifically, the outdoor unit control unit 51 controls the drive frequency of the compressor 21, the switching of the four-way valve 22, the rotation speed of the outdoor blower 31, and the opening degree of the expansion valve 24. Further, the indoor unit control unit 53 controls the rotation speed of the indoor blower 33. The outdoor unit control unit 51 may control the rotation speed of the indoor blower 33, or the indoor unit control unit 53 may control the drive frequency of the compressor 21, the switching of the four-way valve 22, the rotation speed of the outdoor blower 31, or the expansion. The opening degree of the valve 24 may be controlled. As described above, the outdoor unit control unit 51 and the indoor unit control unit 53 output various operation commands to various devices in response to the operation commands given to the air conditioner 1.

A remote controller 55 is arranged in the interior space 71. The remote controller 55 transmits and receives various signals to and from the indoor unit control unit 53 included in the indoor unit 13. The user of the air conditioner 1 inputs an operation command to the air conditioner 1 by operating the remote controller 55. As operation commands, for example, switching command between operation and stop, switching command of operation mode (cooling, heating, dehumidification, humidification, moisturizing, air cleaning, ventilation, etc.), target temperature switching command, target humidity switching command, air volume Switching command, wind direction switching command, timer switching command, and the like can be mentioned. The air conditioner 1 starts operation according to the input operation command.

<Refrigeration cycle in cooling operation>
First, the operation mode of "cooling" will be described. Upon receiving the "cooling" operation command, the outdoor unit control unit 51 switches the flow path of the four-way valve 22 so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and opens the expansion valve 24. , And drives the compressor 21 and the outdoor blower 31. Further, when the indoor unit control unit 53 receives the operation command of "cooling", the indoor unit control unit 53 drives the indoor blower 33.

When the compressor 21 is driven, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 passes through the four-way valve 22 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sucked from the outdoor space 72 to be condensed and liquefied, and flows into the expansion valve 24. The refrigerant that has flowed into the expansion valve 24 is decompressed by the expansion valve 24 and then flows into the indoor heat exchanger 25. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the indoor air sucked from the indoor space 71 and evaporates, then passes through the four-way valve 22 and is sucked into the compressor 21 again. By flowing the refrigerant in this way, the indoor air sucked from the indoor space 71 is cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 25. The amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 25 is called a cooling capacity.

<Refrigeration cycle in heating operation>
Secondly, the operation mode of "heating" will be described. Upon receiving the "heating" operation command, the outdoor unit control unit 51 switches the flow path of the four-way valve 22 so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 flows into the indoor heat exchanger 25, and opens the expansion valve 24. , And drives the compressor 21 and the outdoor blower 31. Further, when the indoor unit control unit 53 receives the operation command of "heating", the indoor unit control unit 53 drives the indoor blower 33.

When the compressor 21 is driven, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 21 passes through the four-way valve 22 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 25. The refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the indoor air sucked from the indoor space 71 to be condensed and liquefied, and flows into the expansion valve 24. The refrigerant that has flowed into the expansion valve 24 is decompressed by the expansion valve 24 and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The refrigerant flowing into the outdoor heat exchanger 23 exchanges heat with the outdoor air sucked from the outdoor space 72 and evaporates, then passes through the four-way valve 22 and is sucked into the compressor 21 again. By flowing the refrigerant in this way, the indoor air sucked from the indoor space 71 is heated by the indoor heat exchanger 25. The amount of heat exchanged between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 25 is called a heating capacity.

Next, the functional configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, functionally, the air conditioner 1 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 310, an index information acquisition unit 320, an air conditioning control unit 330, a determination unit 340, an information update unit 350, and a learning unit 360. And.

Each of these functions is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are described as a program and are stored in the ROM or the storage unit 102 of the outdoor unit control unit 51. Then, in the control unit 101 of the outdoor unit control unit 51, the CPU realizes each function of the air conditioner 1 by executing the program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 102.

The temperature information acquisition unit 310 acquires temperature information of the indoor space 71 that is the target of air conditioning. The temperature information is information indicating the temperature of the air in the indoor space 71, and specifically, is information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature detecting unit 41 installed in the indoor unit 13.

The temperature detection unit 41 periodically transmits the temperature information to the outdoor unit control unit 51 at a predetermined cycle. Alternatively, the temperature information acquisition unit 310 may transmit a request to the temperature detection unit 41 as needed, and the temperature detection unit 41 may transmit the temperature information in a manner that responds to this request. In this way, the temperature information acquisition unit 310 acquires temperature information indicating the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit 41 via the indoor unit control unit 53 and the communication line 63. The temperature information acquisition unit 310 is realized by the control unit 101 cooperating with the communication unit 104. The temperature information acquisition unit 310 functions as a temperature information acquisition means.

The index information acquisition unit 320 acquires index information indicating the amount of solar radiation. The amount of solar radiation is the amount of radiant energy received from the sun, and is the main factor that fluctuates the temperature of the indoor space 71. The index information is information that directly or indirectly indicates the amount of solar radiation received by the house 3, and specifically, indicates the surface temperature of the window 75 detected by the solar radiation detection unit 43 installed in the indoor unit 13. Information. The index information acquisition unit 320 acquires information indicating the surface temperature of the window 75 detected by the solar radiation detection unit 43 as index information.

The solar radiation detection unit 43 periodically transmits index information to the outdoor unit control unit 51 at a predetermined cycle. Alternatively, the index information acquisition unit 320 may transmit a request to the solar radiation detection unit 43 as needed, and the solar radiation detection unit 43 may transmit the index information in a manner that responds to this request. In this way, the index information acquisition unit 320 acquires index information from the solar radiation detection unit 43 via the indoor unit control unit 53 and the communication line 63. The index information acquisition unit 320 is realized by the control unit 101 collaborating with the communication unit 104. The index information acquisition unit 320 functions as an index information acquisition means.

The air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning of the interior space 71 according to the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310 and the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. The air-conditioning control unit 330 communicates with the indoor unit control unit 53 via the communication unit 104 and cooperates with the indoor unit control unit 53 to cause the air-conditioning means to air-condition. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 330 switches the flow path of the four-way valve 22 according to the operation mode, adjusts the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, and drives the compressor 21, the outdoor blower 31, and the indoor blower 33. .. The air conditioning control unit 330 is realized by the control unit 101 cooperating with the communication unit 104. The air conditioning control unit 330 functions as an air conditioning control means.

The air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning means in two control modes, a normal mode and a look-ahead mode. The normal mode is the first control mode in which the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning means is controlled according to the change of the room temperature so that the difference between the room temperature of the indoor space 71 and the set temperature of the indoor space 71 does not become large. On the other hand, the look-ahead mode is a second control mode in which a change in the room temperature of the indoor space 71 is read ahead and the air-conditioning capacity by the air-conditioning means is controlled before the room temperature changes.

<Normal mode>
In the normal mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 330 refers to the room temperature of the interior space 71 indicated by the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310. Then, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity so that the room temperature does not deviate too much from the set temperature.

FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b) show changes in the amount of solar radiation and room temperature on a clear day, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4A, the amount of solar radiation increases from 6:00 to 12:00 and decreases from 12:00 to 18:00. The sunlight hits the window 75 and the outer wall of the house 3 and heats them. Further, the solar radiation passes through the window 75 and enters the interior space 71 to heat the floor and the inner wall of the house 3. The air in the interior space 71 is heated after a while after the windows 75, the outer wall, the floor, and the inner wall of the house 3 are heated. Therefore, the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71 changes later than the amount of solar radiation, and reaches a peak around 15:00 as shown in FIG. 4 (b).

In the normal mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity according to the difference between the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71 and the set temperature Tm of the indoor space 71. Specifically, at the time of cooling, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases the cooling capacity when the room temperature Ti is higher than the set temperature Tm, and decreases the cooling capacity when the room temperature Ti is lower than the set temperature Tm. On the other hand, at the time of heating, the air conditioning control unit 330 reduces the heating capacity when the room temperature Ti is higher than the set temperature Tm, and reduces the heating capacity when the room temperature Ti is lower than the set temperature Tm. At this time, the air-conditioning control unit 330 greatly changes the cooling capacity or the heating capacity as the difference increases so that the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm becomes small. The set temperature Tm is a target temperature of the indoor space 71 to be maintained by air conditioning by the air conditioner 1.

FIG. 4C shows changes in the cooling capacity when the cooling operation is continuously performed in the normal mode. As shown in FIG. 4C, the air conditioning control unit 330 starts to increase the cooling capacity around 9 o'clock when the room temperature Ti becomes higher than the set temperature Tm, and increases the cooling capacity as the room temperature Ti rises. After that, the air conditioning control unit 330 maximizes the cooling capacity around 15:00 when the room temperature Ti reaches its peak, and decreases the cooling capacity as the room temperature Ti decreases.

On the other hand, when the heating operation is continuously performed in the normal mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 starts to reduce the heating capacity around 9 o'clock when the room temperature Ti becomes higher than the set temperature Tm, and the room temperature Ti starts to decrease. The heating capacity decreases as it rises. After that, the air conditioning control unit 330 minimizes the heating capacity around 15:00 when the room temperature Ti reaches its peak, and increases the heating capacity as the room temperature Ti decreases.

The air conditioning control unit 330 adjusts the air conditioning capacity among the operating capacity of the compressor 21, the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, the amount of air blown by the outdoor blower 31, and the amount of air blown by the indoor blower 33. Do this by modifying at least one. Specifically, when the air conditioning capacity is increased, the air conditioning control unit 330 transmits an instruction to increase the operating capacity to the compressor 21, an instruction to increase the opening degree to the expansion valve 24, and the outdoor. An instruction to increase the air volume is transmitted to the blower 31, or an instruction to increase the air volume is transmitted to the indoor blower 33. On the other hand, when the air conditioning capacity is reduced, the air conditioning control unit 330 transmits an instruction to reduce the operating capacity to the compressor 21, an instruction to reduce the opening degree to the expansion valve 24, and an outdoor blower. An instruction to reduce the air volume is transmitted to 31 or an instruction to reduce the air volume is transmitted to the indoor blower 33. Which of the operating capacity of the compressor 21, the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, the air volume of the outdoor blower 31 and the air volume of the indoor blower 33 should be adjusted depends on the operation mode, the air conditioning condition, etc. It can be changed as appropriate.

As described above, in the normal mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310, without depending on the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. do. In order to control the air conditioning capacity according to the temperature information, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity to the room temperature after the room temperature Ti starts to rise, and in some cases, after the room temperature Ti becomes higher than the set temperature Tm. Lower Ti. Further, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity to raise the room temperature Ti after the room temperature Ti begins to decrease and, in some cases, the room temperature Ti becomes lower than the set temperature Tm. Therefore, the room temperature Ti increases or decreases with a relatively large amplitude with respect to the set temperature Tm.

<Read-ahead mode>
In the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning according to the index information acquired as the index of the amount of solar radiation by the index information acquisition unit 320. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 330 refers to the information on the surface temperature of the window 75, which is the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. Then, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the increase / decrease in the surface temperature of the window 75.

5 (a) and 5 (b) show changes in the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 on a clear day, respectively. As shown in FIG. 5A, the amount of solar radiation increases from 6:00 to 12:00 and decreases from 12:00 to 18:00. The sunlight hits the window 75 of the house 3 and heats the window 75. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5B, the surface temperature of the window 75 increases from 6 o'clock to 12 o'clock and decreases from 12 o'clock to 18 o'clock, similar to the amount of solar radiation. As described above, since the surface temperature of the window 75 changes in the same manner as the amount of solar radiation, it is a highly accurate index for estimating the amount of solar radiation.

In the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the surface temperature of the window 75, which is an index of the amount of solar radiation, regardless of the change in temperature information, that is, the presence or absence of the temperature change in the interior space 71. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases the cooling capacity according to the increase in the amount of solar radiation and decreases the cooling capacity according to the decrease in the amount of solar radiation during cooling. On the other hand, at the time of heating, the air conditioning control unit 330 decreases the heating capacity according to the increase in the amount of solar radiation, and increases the heating capacity according to the decrease in the amount of solar radiation.

More specifically, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases or decreases the air conditioning capacity when a predetermined time has elapsed since the amount of solar radiation began to increase or decrease. As described above, the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71 changes later than the amount of solar radiation. Therefore, after the amount of solar radiation starts to change, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity by delaying it by a predetermined time in consideration of the delay. The specified time is, for example, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, or the like, and is determined by the learning of the learning unit 360 described later.

The specified time is set to be shorter than the time from when the amount of solar radiation begins to increase or decrease until the room temperature Ti exceeds the set temperature Tm. In other words, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases or decreases the air conditioning capacity after the amount of solar radiation has begun to increase or decrease and before the temperature of the indoor space 71 exceeds the set temperature Tm. When the room temperature Ti exceeds the set temperature Tm, it means that the room temperature Ti rises from the temperature lower than the set temperature Tm to the set temperature Tm, or the room temperature Ti falls from the temperature higher than the set temperature Tm to the set temperature Tm. .. The reason for controlling the air conditioning capacity in this way is to reduce the change in room temperature Ti by changing the air conditioning capacity before the room temperature Ti changes due to the change in the amount of solar radiation.

FIG. 5C shows changes in the cooling capacity when the cooling operation is continuously performed in the look-ahead mode. As shown in FIG. 5 (c), the air-conditioning control unit 330 increases the cooling capacity from about 7 o'clock one hour after the specified time, rather than about 6 o'clock when the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 start to increase. It begins to increase and increases the cooling capacity as the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 increase. After that, the air-conditioning control unit 330 started to reduce the cooling capacity from about 13:00, which is one hour after the specified time, than about 12:00 when the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 reached the peak and started to decrease. The cooling capacity is reduced as the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 decrease.

On the other hand, when the heating operation is continuously performed in the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 is about 1 hour after 6 o'clock when the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 start to increase, about 7 o'clock. The heating capacity starts to decrease from the beginning, and the heating capacity decreases as the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 increase. After that, the air conditioning control unit 330 begins to increase the heating capacity from about 13:00, which is one hour after the time when the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 reach the peak and start to decrease, and the amount of solar radiation and the surface temperature of the window 75 start to increase. The heating capacity increases as the surface temperature decreases.

The air conditioning control unit 330 controls such air conditioning capacity by controlling the operating capacity of the compressor 21, the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, the amount of air blown by the outdoor blower 31, and the air supply of the indoor blower 33, as in the normal mode. Perform by changing the air volume and at least one of them. Which of the operating capacity of the compressor 21, the opening degree of the expansion valve 24, the air volume of the outdoor blower 31 and the air volume of the indoor blower 33 should be adjusted depends on the operation mode, the air conditioning condition, etc. It can be changed as appropriate.

As described above, in the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity so as to lower the room temperature Ti after the amount of solar radiation starts to increase and before the room temperature Ti starts to rise and becomes higher than the set temperature Tm. .. Further, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity so as to raise the room temperature Ti after the amount of solar radiation starts to decrease and before the room temperature Ti starts to decrease and becomes lower than the set temperature Tm. In order to adjust the air conditioning capacity prior to the change of the room temperature Ti, the room temperature Ti in the look-ahead mode is maintained at a temperature closer to the set temperature Tm than in the normal mode as shown in FIG. 5 (d). Therefore, the comfort of the interior space 71 can be improved as compared with the normal mode.

In the look-ahead mode, for example, when the cooling load increases from morning to noon in summer, it is possible to prevent the room temperature Ti from rising by increasing the cooling capacity in advance. Therefore, the comfort can be improved as compared with the normal mode. When the cooling load decreases from day to night in summer, it is possible to prevent the room temperature Ti from decreasing too much by reducing the cooling capacity in advance. Therefore, comfort can be maintained and power consumption can be suppressed. Further, when the heating load decreases from the morning to the daytime in winter, it is possible to prevent the room temperature Ti from rising too much by reducing the heating capacity in advance. Therefore, comfort can be maintained and power consumption can be suppressed. When the heating load increases from day to night in winter, it is possible to prevent the room temperature Ti from decreasing by increasing the heating capacity in advance. Therefore, comfort can be improved as compared with the normal mode.

Whether the air conditioning control unit 330 operates in the normal mode or the read-ahead mode can be switched by the user operating the remote controller 55 and inputting a setting. Further, the air conditioning control unit 330 switches between operating in the normal mode and operating in the look-ahead mode, depending on whether or not the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 satisfies a specific condition.

Returning to the description of the functional configuration of the outdoor unit control unit 51 shown in FIG. The determination unit 340 determines whether or not the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 satisfies a specific condition. The specific condition is a condition for the air conditioning control unit 330 to determine whether to control the air conditioning in the normal mode or the look-ahead mode. The air conditioning control unit 330 switches between the normal mode and the look-ahead mode depending on whether or not the determination unit 340 determines that a specific condition is satisfied. The determination unit 340 is realized by the control unit 101. The determination unit 340 functions as a determination means.

Specifically, the specific condition is satisfied when the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 is smaller than the threshold value. The case where the amount of solar radiation is smaller than the threshold value is, for example, the case where there is no solar radiation such as when the sun is not shining at night, or the case where the amount of solar radiation is small such as when the sun is hidden in clouds. In such a case, since the influence of the amount of solar radiation on the room temperature Ti is small, the air conditioning control in the look-ahead mode becomes substantially unnecessary.

Further, the specific condition is also satisfied when the index information cannot be normally acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. The case where the index information could not be acquired normally is the case where the index information indicating the normal amount of solar radiation could not be acquired. As a case where the index information could not be acquired normally, for example, when the solar radiation detection unit 43 erroneously detects the heater, the lighting, etc. installed in the house 3 as the window 75, the curtain is closed by the window 75, or This is the case where the solar radiation detection unit 43 cannot normally detect the surface temperature of the window 75 because the layout of the room is changed and the window 75 is hidden by furniture. In such a case, since the amount of solar radiation cannot be estimated normally, it becomes difficult to control the air conditioning in the look-ahead mode. For example, when the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 or the amount of change thereof is not within the permissible range, the determination unit 340 normally acquires the index information by the index information acquisition unit 320. Judge that it could not be done.

The air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity in the look-ahead mode when the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 does not satisfy a specific condition. In other words, if it is possible to acquire effective index information indicating the amount of solar radiation, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the acquired index information. As a result, fluctuations in room temperature Ti are suppressed, and comfort in the indoor space 71 is improved.

On the other hand, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity in the normal mode when the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 satisfies a specific condition. The reason why the control in the look-ahead mode is stopped when the index information meets certain conditions is that if the air-conditioning capacity is controlled in the look-ahead mode when valid information on the amount of solar radiation cannot be obtained, the comfort may be adversely affected. Is. Therefore, in this case, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310.

In the initial state, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity in the look-ahead mode. After that, the air conditioning control unit 330 switches the air conditioning control mode between the normal mode and the look-ahead mode according to the result of the determination by the determination unit 340. In this way, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning by selecting an appropriate control mode according to the situation.

The information updating unit 350 updates the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102 by the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310 and the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. The history information 150 is information showing the history of the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71, the surface temperature of the window 75, the air conditioning capacity, and the like.

FIG. 6 shows a specific example of the history information 150. As shown in FIG. 6, the history information 150 is detected by the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71 detected by the temperature detection unit 41, the surface temperature of the window 75 detected by the solar radiation detection unit 43, and the outdoor temperature detection unit. The temperature of the outdoor space 72 and the information detected by the detection unit including the temperature of the outdoor space 72 are stored in chronological order. Further, the history information 150 stores values indicating the air conditioning capacity controlled by the air conditioning control unit 330 in chronological order. The "surface temperature of the window 75" is appropriately referred to as "window temperature Tw". Further, the "temperature of the outdoor space 72" is appropriately referred to as "outside air temperature To".

The information update unit 350 stores the information newly detected by the detection unit in the history information 150 in association with each other at predetermined time intervals. As a result, the information updating unit 350 updates the history information 150. The information updating unit 350 is realized by the control unit 101 cooperating with the storage unit 102. The information updating unit 350 functions as an information updating means.

The learning unit 360 learns the thermal characteristics of the indoor space 71. The thermal characteristic of the indoor space 71 is a property relating to the heat of the indoor space 71. The learning unit 360 learns the relationship between the heat load Q, which is the amount of heat required for the air conditioner 1 to maintain the temperature of the indoor space 71, and the room temperature Ti and the window temperature Tw, as the thermal characteristics of the indoor space 71. .. The heat load Q is estimated by the following equation (1) using room temperature Ti, window temperature Tw, outside air temperature To, and internal calorific value Qn. The internal calorific value Qn is the amount of heat generated from a person, lighting, a heater, or the like existing inside the indoor space 71.
Q = f (Ti, Tw, To, Qn) ... (1)

The learning unit 360 analyzes the relationship between the past room temperature Ti, the window temperature Tw, the outside air temperature To, and the air conditioning capacity with reference to the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102. Then, the learning unit 360 estimates the coefficient in the above equation (1) based on the result of the analysis. As a result, the learning unit 360 learns the relationship between the heat load Q, the room temperature Ti, and the window temperature Tw.

The air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the thermal characteristics learned by the learning unit 360. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 330 needs for the current room temperature Ti, window temperature Tw, and outside air temperature To based on the relationship between the heat load Q learned by the learning unit 360 and the room temperature Ti and the window temperature Tw. Heat load Q is calculated. Then, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity to the capacity corresponding to the calculated heat load Q.

Further, the learning unit 360 learns the relationship between the window temperature Tw and the room temperature Ti as the thermal characteristics of the indoor space 71. As described above, the room temperature Ti changes later than the window temperature Tw, which is an index of the amount of solar radiation. The learning unit 360 refers to the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102, and from the relationship between the past room temperature Ti and the window temperature Tw, the timing at which the room temperature Ti starts to increase or decrease and the window temperature Tw increase or decrease. Estimate the time difference from the timing to start. As a result, the learning unit 360 learns the delay time of the change of the room temperature Ti with respect to the change of the window temperature Tw.

The air conditioning capacity is increased or decreased when the time determined by the learning by the learning unit 360 elapses after the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 begins to increase or decrease. Specifically, the time determined by the learning by the learning unit 360 is set to be shorter than the delay time learned by the learning unit 360. As a result, the air conditioning control unit 330 can control the air conditioning capacity before the room temperature Ti changes under the influence of the amount of solar radiation.

In this way, by learning the thermal characteristics of the indoor space 71 using the history information 150, it is possible to control the air conditioning capacity at an appropriate air conditioning capacity and timing. The learning unit 360 is realized by the control unit 101. The learning unit 360 functions as a learning means.

The flow of the air conditioning control process executed in the air conditioning apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8.

The air conditioning control process shown in FIG. 7 starts when a power is supplied to the air conditioner 1 and an instruction to start air conditioning is received via the remote controller 55 or an external communication network.

When the air conditioning control process is started, the control unit 101 first sets the air conditioning control mode to the look-ahead mode (step S1). In other words, the control unit 101 sets the control mode so as to control the air conditioning in the look-ahead mode in the initial state.

Next, the control unit 101 determines whether or not solar radiation has been detected (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 101 acquires index information indicating the amount of solar radiation from the solar radiation detection unit 43, and whether or not the acquired index information satisfies a specific condition for switching between the look-ahead mode and the normal mode. Is determined. Then, the control unit 101 can normally acquire the index information from the solar radiation detection unit 43 when the acquired index information does not satisfy a specific condition, and the amount of solar radiation indicated by the acquired index information is from the threshold value. If it is large, it is determined that solar radiation has been detected. In step S2, the control unit 101 functions as the determination unit 340.

As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the solar radiation is detected (step S2; YES), the control unit 101 controls the air conditioning capacity in the look-ahead mode (step S3). The air conditioning control process in the look-ahead mode will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

In the process in the look-ahead mode shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 101 determines the required air-conditioning capacity and the timing for changing the air-conditioning capacity (step S31). Specifically, the control unit 101 learns the relationship between the heat load Q, the room temperature Ti, and the window temperature Tw with reference to the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102. Then, the control unit 101 estimates the air conditioning capacity required to maintain the room temperature Ti at the set temperature Tm from the current room temperature Ti and the window temperature Tw based on the learned result.

Further, the control unit 101 estimates the delay time of the change of the room temperature Ti with respect to the change of the window temperature Tw with reference to the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102. Then, based on the estimated delay time, the timing for changing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning means from the current air conditioning capacity to the estimated air conditioning capacity is determined. In step S31, the control unit 101 functions as a learning unit 360.

The control unit 101 changes the air conditioning capacity at the determined timing (step S32). Specifically, the control unit 101 changes the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning means to the air conditioning capacity determined in step S31 at the timing of changing the air conditioning capacity determined in step S31. In step S32, the control unit 101 functions as the air conditioning control unit 330.

When the air conditioning capacity is changed, the control unit 101 updates the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102 (step S33). Specifically, the control unit 101 adds the newly detected detection information such as room temperature Ti, window temperature Tw, and outside air temperature To, and information on the actually controlled air conditioning capacity to the history information 150. In step S33, the control unit 101 functions as the information update unit 350.

As a result, the process in the look-ahead mode shown in FIG. 8 is completed. When the process returns to the air conditioning control process shown in FIG. 7 and the process in the look-ahead mode is completed, the control unit 101 returns the process to step S2 and determines whether or not the solar radiation is detected again. When the solar radiation is detected, the control unit 101 repeats the process of step S3. In this way, the control unit 101 controls the air conditioning capacity in the look-ahead mode while detecting the solar radiation.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the solar radiation is not detected as a result of the determination in step S2 (step S2; NO), the control unit 101 switches the air conditioning control mode to the normal mode. Then, the control unit 101 controls the air conditioning capacity in the normal mode (step S4). Specifically, the control unit 101 acquires the temperature information of the indoor space 71 from the temperature detection unit 41, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning means according to the difference so that the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm becomes small. To change. In step S4, the control unit 101 functions as the air conditioning control unit 330.

When the air conditioning capacity is controlled in the normal mode, the control unit 101 returns the process to step S2 and determines whether or not the solar radiation is detected again. In this way, the control unit 101 repeats the process of controlling the air conditioning capacity in the look-ahead mode while detecting the solar radiation, and controlling the air conditioning capacity in the normal mode when the solar radiation cannot be detected.

As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment has two control modes, a normal mode using the temperature information of the indoor space 71 and a look-ahead mode using the index information indicating the amount of solar radiation. Control. In the normal mode, since the air conditioning capacity is controlled according to the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm, the room temperature Ti may be significantly different from the set temperature Tm. On the other hand, in the look-ahead mode, the information on the amount of solar radiation that causes the fluctuation of the room temperature Ti is acquired, and the air conditioning capacity is controlled before the room temperature Ti changes depending on the amount of solar radiation, so that the fluctuation of the room temperature Ti can be suppressed. Therefore, the comfort in the indoor space 71 can be improved.

In particular, the air-conditioning device 1 according to the present embodiment controls the air-conditioning capacity in the look-ahead mode in the initial state, and is effective information on the amount of solar radiation, such as when the amount of solar radiation is low or low, or when the amount of solar radiation cannot be normally acquired. If it cannot be obtained, the air conditioning capacity is controlled in the normal mode. When it is not possible to acquire effective information on the amount of solar radiation, the deterioration of comfort in the indoor space 71 can be suppressed by stopping the control in the look-ahead mode and controlling the air conditioning capacity in the normal mode. As described above, according to the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the comfort in the indoor space 71 can be improved by controlling the air conditioning by an appropriate method according to the situation.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, basically, an example in which the control mode is automatically switched has been described. In the present invention, the control mode may be switched manually. Further, in the first embodiment, an example in which the air conditioning capacity is increased or decreased according to the increase or decrease in the amount of solar radiation in the look-ahead mode has been described. In the present invention, in the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning capacity may be adjusted according to the magnitude of the amount of solar radiation. Further, in the first embodiment, the learning unit 360 mainly described an example of learning the thermal characteristics in order to estimate the delay time of the change of the room temperature Ti with respect to the change of the window temperature Tw. In the present invention, the purpose of the learning unit 360 to learn the thermal characteristics is not limited to this example. Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described. The description of the configuration and processing in which there is no difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

<Display function>
As shown in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the air conditioner 1 functionally further includes an instruction receiving unit 44, a display unit 45, and a display control unit 370. The instruction receiving unit 44 receives an instruction from the user to change the control mode from the look-ahead mode to the normal mode and an instruction to change the control mode from the normal mode to the look-ahead mode. When the instruction receiving unit 44 receives an instruction to change the control mode from the look-ahead mode to the normal mode, the determination unit 340 determines that a specific condition is satisfied. The instruction receiving unit 44 is realized by, for example, the function of the remote controller 55. More specifically, the instruction receiving unit 44 is realized by, for example, the function of the touch screen or the button provided in the remote controller 55.

The display unit 45 displays various information according to the control by the display control unit 370. For example, the display unit 45 displays information indicating whether the current control mode is the look-ahead mode or the normal mode according to the control by the display control unit 370. The display unit 45 can indicate the current control mode to the user, for example, by displaying a character string, displaying an icon, or lighting an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The display unit 45 is realized by, for example, the function of the remote controller 55. More specifically, the display unit 45 is realized by, for example, the function of the touch screen or the liquid crystal display provided in the remote controller 55. The display unit 45 corresponds to, for example, a display means.

The display control unit 370 causes the display unit 45 to display various information based on the determination result by the determination unit 340. For example, when the determination unit 340 determines that a specific condition is not satisfied, the display control unit 370 causes the display unit 45 to display information indicating that the current control mode is the look-ahead mode. On the other hand, when the determination unit 340 determines that a specific condition is satisfied, the display control unit 370 causes the display unit 45 to display information indicating that the current control mode is the normal mode. In this way, the display control unit 370 causes the display unit 45 to display information indicating whether or not a specific condition is satisfied, that is, information indicating whether or not the current control mode is the normal mode. The function of the display control unit 370 is realized, for example, by the cooperation of the control unit 101 and the communication unit 104. The display control unit 370 corresponds to, for example, a display control means.

FIG. 10 shows a screen 400 that clearly indicates the control mode and accepts an instruction to change the control mode. The screen 400 is, for example, a screen included in the remote controller 55. On the screen 400, for example, a character string indicating the current control mode, a character string inquiring whether to change the control mode, a button 410 for receiving an instruction to change the control mode, and the control mode are not changed. It includes a button 420 that accepts instructions. If the button 410 is pressed while the control mode is the normal mode, the control mode is changed from the normal mode to the look-ahead mode. On the other hand, when the button 410 is pressed while the control mode is the look-ahead mode, the control mode is changed from the look-ahead mode to the normal mode.

As described above, the screen 400 has a mode explicit function for clearly indicating the current control mode and a mode changing function for accepting the change of the control mode. However, it goes without saying that the mode explicit function and the mode change function may be provided on separate screens. The mode specification function makes it possible to inform the user which control mode the user is operating in. In addition, the mode change function enables the user to switch the control mode. It is considered that the user is more difficult to grasp the control content in the look-ahead mode than the control content in the normal mode. That is, when the control mode is set to the look-ahead mode, the control that the user does not anticipate is executed, and the user may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, in such a case, the user confirms the current control mode by using the mode explicit function, and when the current control mode is the look-ahead mode, the user normally uses the mode change function to change the control mode from the look-ahead mode. You can switch to the mode.

Next, the function of the air conditioning control unit 330 according to the present embodiment will be described. In the present embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases the air conditioning capacity as the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 increases during cooling. On the other hand, at the time of heating, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases the air conditioning capacity as the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 is smaller. That is, in the present embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 330 does not increase or decrease the air conditioning capacity according to the increase or decrease in the amount of solar radiation, but adjusts the air conditioning capacity according to the current amount of solar radiation. Hereinafter, for ease of understanding, the control at the time of starting the normal mode and the control at the time of starting the look-ahead mode will be described. It should be noted that the activation of the normal mode means that the control is started in the normal mode from the uncontrolled state. In addition, activation of the look-ahead mode means that control is started in the look-ahead mode from an uncontrolled state.

<Starting normal mode>
FIG. 11A shows the change in the amount of solar radiation on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 11A, the amount of solar radiation increases from 6:00 to 12:00 and decreases from 12:00 to 18:00. The sunlight hits the ground and heats the ground. The air in the outdoor space 72 is heated after a while after the ground is heated. Therefore, the outside air temperature To of the outdoor space 72 changes later than the amount of solar radiation. FIG. 11B shows changes in the outside air temperature To on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 11B, the outside air temperature To changes later than the amount of solar radiation and reaches its peak around 13:00.

In addition, the sunlight hits the window 75 and the outer wall of the house 3 and heats them. Further, the solar radiation passes through the window 75 and enters the interior space 71 to heat the floor and the inner wall of the house 3. The air in the interior space 71 is heated after a while after the windows 75, the outer wall, the floor, and the inner wall of the house 3 are heated. Therefore, the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71 changes later than the amount of solar radiation. FIG. 11 (c) shows the change in room temperature Ti on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 11 (c), the room temperature Ti changes later than the amount of solar radiation and reaches a peak around 15:00. Hereinafter, an example in which the normal mode is activated at 16:00 will be described.

In the normal mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 changes the air conditioning capacity according to the difference between the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71 and the set temperature Tm of the indoor space 71. Specifically, at the time of cooling, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases the cooling capacity when the room temperature Ti is higher than the set temperature Tm, and decreases the cooling capacity when the room temperature Ti is lower than the set temperature Tm. On the other hand, at the time of heating, the air conditioning control unit 330 reduces the heating capacity when the room temperature Ti is higher than the set temperature Tm, and increases the heating capacity when the room temperature Ti is lower than the set temperature Tm. At this time, the air-conditioning control unit 330 greatly changes the cooling capacity or the heating capacity as the difference increases so that the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm becomes small. The set temperature Tm is a target temperature of the indoor space 71 to be maintained by air conditioning by the air conditioner 1.

FIG. 11D shows a change in the cooling capacity when the cooling operation is started at 16:00 in the normal mode. As shown in FIG. 11D, when the difference between the room temperature Ti of the indoor space 71 and the set temperature Tm of the indoor space 71 is large, the air conditioning control unit 330 starts operation with a large cooling capacity. However, since the peaks of solar radiation and outside temperature have passed at 16:00, the room temperature Ti drops rapidly. The air-conditioning control unit 330 reduces the cooling capacity as the room temperature Ti decreases, but it is not in time, and the room temperature Ti falls below the set temperature Tm. After that, the air conditioning control unit 330 slightly increases the cooling capacity, and the room temperature Ti finally stabilizes at the set temperature Tm.

As described above, in the normal mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310, without depending on the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. do. In order to control the air conditioning capacity according to the temperature information, the air conditioning control unit 330 starts operation with a larger air conditioning capacity as the difference between the room temperature Ti at startup and the set temperature Tm increases, so that the air conditioning efficiency decreases and the power consumption decreases. Power increases.

<Activation of look-ahead mode>
In the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning according to the index information acquired as the index of the amount of solar radiation by the index information acquisition unit 320. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 330 refers to the information of the window temperature Tw, which is the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. Then, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the height of the window temperature Tw.

FIG. 12A shows the change in the amount of solar radiation on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 12 (a), the amount of solar radiation increases from 6:00 to 12:00 and decreases from 12:00 to 18:00. FIG. 12B shows changes in the outside air temperature To on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 12 (b), the outside air temperature To changes later than the amount of solar radiation and reaches its peak around 13:00. Here, the solar radiation hits the window 75 of the house 3 and heats the window 75. FIG. 12 (c) shows the change in the window temperature Tw on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 12 (c), the window temperature Tw increases from 6:00 to 12:00 and decreases from 12:00 to 18:00, similar to the amount of solar radiation. As described above, since the window temperature Tw changes in the same manner as the amount of solar radiation, it is a highly accurate index for estimating the amount of solar radiation. The reason why the window temperature Tw drops sharply after 16:00 is that the cooling control is started at 16:00. Hereinafter, an example in which the look-ahead mode is activated at 16:00 will be described. FIG. 12 (d) shows the change in room temperature Ti on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 12 (d), the room temperature Ti changes later than the amount of solar radiation and reaches a peak around 15:00. Hereinafter, an example in which the look-ahead mode is activated at 16:00 will be described.

FIG. 12 (e) shows a change in the cooling capacity when the cooling operation is started at 16:00 in the look-ahead mode. In the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 determines the air conditioning capacity according to the height of the window temperature Tw. Specifically, during the cooling operation, the air conditioning control unit 330 increases the air conditioning capacity as the window temperature Tw is higher, and decreases the air conditioning capacity as the window temperature Tw is lower. On the other hand, during the heating operation, the air conditioning control unit 330 reduces the air conditioning capacity as the window temperature Tw is higher, and increases the air conditioning capacity as the window temperature Tw is lower. It should be noted that determining the air conditioning capacity according to the height of the window temperature Tw is basically synonymous with determining the air conditioning capacity according to the magnitude of the amount of solar radiation. As shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (c), the amount of solar radiation and the window temperature Tw are moderate at 16:00. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 12 (e), the air conditioning control unit 330 starts operation at 16:00 with a medium cooling capacity. After that, the air conditioning control unit 330 reduces the cooling capacity as the room temperature Ti and the window temperature Tw decrease, and the room temperature Ti stabilizes at the set temperature Tm.

As described above, in the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 adjusts the air conditioning capacity according to the amount of solar radiation. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 11 (c) and 12 (d), the room temperature Ti in the look-ahead mode is maintained at a temperature closer to the set temperature Tm than the room temperature Ti in the normal mode. Therefore, in the look-ahead mode, it is possible to suppress the overcooling of the interior space 71 and eliminate the discomfort as compared with the normal mode. Further, as shown in FIGS. 11 (d) and 12 (e), the cooling capacity at startup in the look-ahead mode is smaller than the cooling capacity at startup in the normal mode. Therefore, the look-ahead mode has better operating efficiency of the air conditioner 1 than the normal mode and consumes less power, which saves power.

In the look-ahead mode, for example, when the cooling load increases from the morning to the daytime in summer, the room temperature Ti can be quickly cooled by increasing the cooling capacity at the time of starting in advance. Therefore, the look-ahead mode can improve the comfort as compared with the normal mode. Further, in the look-ahead mode, for example, when the cooling load decreases from day to night in summer, it is possible to prevent the room temperature Ti from being excessively lowered by reducing the cooling capacity at the time of starting in advance. Therefore, comfort can be maintained and power consumption can be suppressed. Further, in the look-ahead mode, for example, when the heating load decreases from the morning to the daytime in winter, it is possible to prevent the room temperature Ti from rising too much by reducing the heating capacity at the time of starting in advance. Therefore, comfort can be maintained and power consumption can be suppressed. In the look-ahead mode, for example, when the heating load increases from day to night in winter, it is possible to prevent the room temperature Ti from decreasing by increasing the heating capacity at the time of startup in advance. Therefore, the look-ahead mode can improve the comfort as compared with the normal mode.

<Learning function>
Next, the learning function of the learning unit 360 according to the present embodiment will be described. The learning unit 360 learns the thermal characteristics of the indoor space 71. The thermal characteristic of the indoor space 71 is a property relating to the heat of the indoor space 71. First, the heat load related to the thermal characteristics will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the heat load of the indoor space 71 during cooling. The heat load includes a once-through load, a ventilation load, an internal heat generation, and a solar radiation load. The once-through load is a heat load transmitted through the outer skin according to the temperature difference ΔT between the outside air temperature To and the room temperature Ti. The outer skin is a wall that separates the indoor space 71 from the outdoor space 72. The ventilation load is a heat load due to ventilation or air inflow of draft. The ventilation load is proportional to the temperature difference ΔT. The internal calorific value Qn is a heat load by lighting, home appliances, and a person existing in the indoor space 71. The solar load is a heat load that passes through the window glass to heat the room (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as "first solar load") and a heat load that heats the outer skin and is transmitted from the outer skin to the interior space 71 (hereinafter, referred to as "first solar load"). It is appropriately divided into "second solar radiation load").

The learning unit 360 learns the relationship between the heat load Q, the room temperature Ti, the outside air temperature To, the window temperature Tw, and the internal calorific value Qn as the heat characteristics of the indoor space 71 by using the following equation (2). do. Specifically, the learning unit 360 learns α, β, and Qn. For easy understanding, it is assumed that the room temperature Ti coincides with the set temperature Tm, and the heat load Q is the amount of heat required for the air conditioner 1 to maintain the temperature of the indoor space 71.
Q = α (To2-Ti) + β (Tw-Ti) + Qn ... (2)

α is a coefficient indicating the heat insulating performance of the house 3. That is, α is basically a proportional coefficient related to the heat load required in proportion to the temperature difference ΔT, which is the difference between the outside air temperature To and the room temperature Ti. The heat loads required in proportion to the temperature difference ΔT are the once-through load and the ventilation load. However, it is preferable to treat the second solar radiation load in the same manner as the once-through load in the sense of the heat load transmitted through the outer skin. Therefore, in the above equation (2), the increase in the outside air temperature To corresponding to the second solar radiation load is regarded as ΔTo, and To2 = To + ΔTo is regarded as the apparent outside air temperature, thereby facilitating the calculation.

In addition, α is theoretically estimated by the following equation (3) when the ventilation load is not taken into consideration. The unit of α is W (watt) / K (Kelvin). UA is the average thermal transmission rate of the _exodermis . The unit of _UA is W / (m ² · K). A is the surface area of the outer skin. The unit of A is m ² . 1,000 is a coefficient corresponding to the once-through load, and 0.034 is a coefficient corresponding to the second solar radiation load. However, in many cases, information on UA and _A cannot be obtained, and in many cases, α cannot be accurately obtained by the following equation (3) due to the influence of the ventilation load. Therefore, in the present embodiment, α is obtained from the actual values of various values by using the above equation (2).
α = U _A・ A ・ (1.000 + 0.034)… (3)

β is a coefficient indicating the ease of entering sunlight. That is, β is a proportional coefficient related to the heat load required in proportion to the amount of solar radiation corresponding to the difference between the window temperature Tw and the room temperature Ti. The heat load required in proportion to the amount of solar radiation is the first solar radiation load. β is a value that depends on the size of the window, the type of glass constituting the window, and the like.

The learning unit 360 analyzes the relationship between the room temperature Ti, the window temperature Tw, the outside air temperature To, and the air conditioning capacity with reference to the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102. Then, the learning unit 360 estimates α, β, and Qn based on the result of the analysis. Here, for ease of understanding, the amount of solar radiation is sufficiently small, the first solar radiation load and the second solar radiation load can be ignored, β = 0, ΔTo = 0, and To = To2. And. That is, here, a method for obtaining α and Qn will be described using the following equation (4). FIG. 14A shows the relationship between the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity. As shown in FIG. 14A, since the once-through load and the ventilation load are proportional to the temperature difference ΔT, the relationship between the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity can be expressed by a linear approximation formula. L0 is an approximate straight line showing the relationship between the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity.
Q = α (To-Ti) + Qn ... (4)

The better the performance of the heat insulating material used for the outer skin of the house 3, and the smaller the area of the outer skin, the smaller the once-through load. Further, the smaller the gap between the outer skins that separate the indoor space 71 and the outdoor space 72, the smaller the ventilation load. The smaller the once-through load and the smaller the ventilation load, the smaller the slope of the approximate straight line. This slope corresponds to α. FIG. 14B shows how the slope of the approximate straight line differs depending on the heat insulating performance of the house 3. The slope of L11, which is an approximate straight line required for a house 3 having poor heat insulation performance, is larger than the slope of L12, which is an approximate straight line required for a house 3 having good heat insulation performance.

Further, the smaller the internal calorific value Qn, the smaller the intercept of the approximate straight line. This intercept corresponds to Qn. FIG. 14C shows how the intercept of the approximate straight line differs depending on the internal calorific value Qn. The intercept of L21, which is an approximate straight line obtained for a house 3 having a large internal calorific value Qn, is larger than the intercept of L22, which is an approximate straight line obtained for a house 3 having a small internal calorific value Qn. In this way, the learning unit 360 refers to the history information 150 stored in the storage unit 102, and obtains α indicating the heat insulating performance and the internal calorific value Qn from the room temperature Ti, the window temperature Tw, the outside air temperature To, and the air conditioning capacity. demand.

Here, in order to improve the accuracy and speed of learning, it is necessary to collect a large number of history information 150 in a short period of time. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even if the outside air temperature To and the room temperature Ti are different, if the temperature difference ΔT is the same, it is considered that the required air conditioning capacity is the same, and the horizontal axis is the outside air temperature To and the room temperature Ti. The temperature difference between the above and the temperature is ΔT. In such a configuration, it is not necessary to obtain a thermal characteristic formula for each outside air temperature To or room temperature Ti, so that the accuracy and speed of learning can be improved. By constantly repeating the storage and learning of the history information 150 during the air-conditioning operation, changes in thermal characteristics can be grasped, and improvement in control accuracy can be expected. The change in thermal characteristics is caused, for example, by starting to use an electric carpet in winter and increasing the internal calorific value Qn, or by partitioning the rooms to reduce the once-through load.

Hereinafter, a method for improving the accuracy of learning will be described. In the present embodiment, the learning unit 360 corresponds to data including the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity on a coordinate plane having a horizontal axis representing the temperature difference ΔT and a vertical axis representing the air conditioning capacity. Before plotting the points to be plotted, it is determined whether the data corresponding to the points to be plotted is the data acquired in the absence of solar radiation. Then, when the learning unit 360 determines that the data corresponding to the point to be plotted is the data acquired when there is no solar radiation, the learning unit 360 plots this data on the coordinate plane. On the other hand, when the learning unit 360 determines that the data corresponding to the point to be plotted is the data acquired when there is solar radiation, the learning unit 360 does not plot this data on the coordinate plane.

That is, the learning unit 360 plots the data acquired when there is no sunlight among the data including the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity on the coordinate plane. For example, the learning unit 360 determines that there is no solar radiation when the window temperature Tw is smaller than the room temperature Ti, and determines that there is solar radiation when the window temperature Tw is larger than the room temperature Ti. Alternatively, the learning unit 360 determines that there is no solar radiation when the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information is smaller than a predetermined threshold value, and determines that there is solar radiation when the amount of solar radiation is larger than this threshold value.

In this way, when learning the correlation between the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity, it is preferable to obtain the relationship between the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity from the data acquired when there is no solar radiation. According to such a configuration, the variation of the data due to the influence of the solar radiation load is suppressed, and the heat insulating performance represented by the inclination and the internal calorific value Qn represented by the intercept can be accurately obtained. That is, when using the data acquired when there is no solar radiation, α can be easily obtained by using the equation (4) instead of the equation (2). The learning unit 360 only needs to be able to acquire the slope and intercept of the approximate straight line approximated by the points on the coordinate plane corresponding to the acquired data, and actually corresponds to the data acquired in some coordinate plane. Of course, it is not necessary to plot the points to be used.

When learning the correlation between the amount of solar radiation and the air conditioning capacity, the point corresponding to the data acquired when the temperature difference ΔT is the same among the data including the amount of solar radiation and the air conditioning capacity is defined as the amount of solar radiation. It is preferable to plot on a coordinate plane having a horizontal axis which is a coordinate axis representing and a vertical axis which is a coordinate axis representing air conditioning capacity. In this case, the slope of the approximate straight line obtained from the points plotted on the coordinate plane is obtained as β representing the ease of entering sunlight. The amount of solar radiation basically corresponds to the difference between the window temperature Tw and the room temperature Ti.

Further, in a transitional state where room temperature Ti is not stable, it is general that the exerted air conditioning capacity is not stable. For example, while the room temperature Ti is changing immediately after the start of air conditioning, the air conditioning capacity includes the portion that processes the heat capacity of the room, so that the apparent air conditioning capacity becomes large. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain an approximate straight line using the data acquired when the room temperature Ti is stable. According to such a configuration, the heat insulating performance represented by the inclination and the internal calorific value Qn represented by the intercept can be accurately obtained.

In addition, the air conditioning capacity is divided into sensible heat, latent heat, and total heat. Sensible heat is heat that accompanies temperature changes. Latent heat is heat that accompanies a state change and is heat that does not accompany a temperature change. Total heat is the sum of sensible heat and latent heat. For example, the air conditioning capacity includes latent heat because the moisture in the air is dehumidified during cooling. However, only the sensible heat of the air conditioning capacity correlates with the temperature difference ΔT. Therefore, it is preferable to obtain the data for plotting the air-conditioning capacity of the sensible heat of the air-conditioning capacity.

For example, the air conditioning capacity for sensible heat can be calculated by the ε-NTU (Number of Transfer Unit) method. According to such a configuration, the heat insulating performance represented by the inclination and the internal calorific value Qn represented by the intercept can be accurately obtained. The total heat is represented by the following formula (5), and the sensible heat is represented by the following formula (6).
Total heat = enthalpy efficiency, air density, air volume, (suction air enthalpy of indoor unit 13-saturated air enthalpy of piping temperature of indoor heat exchanger 25) ... (5)
Sensible heat = temperature efficiency, air density, air volume, (suction air temperature of indoor unit 13-pipe temperature of indoor heat exchanger 25) ... (6)

Next, with reference to FIG. 15, a data processing method for improving the accuracy of learning will be described. When the learning unit 360 actually learns based on the history information 150, the points corresponding to the data (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “data”) are not always plotted uniformly on the coordinate plane. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, where the temperature difference ΔT is large, specifically, the data is unevenly distributed in the region between T3 and T4. All the plotted data are represented by black circles. Here, if the approximate straight line is obtained using all the data represented by the black circles, the slope and intercept of the approximate straight line may not be accurately obtained due to the strong influence of the area where there are many black circles. FIG. 15 shows an example in which the slope of L31, which is an approximate straight line obtained using all the data, is small and the intercept of L31 is large. That is, in this case, it is regarded as the house 3 having good heat insulation performance and a large internal calorific value Qn, and the error becomes large.

Therefore, it is preferable to obtain an approximate straight line by using representative data represented by white circles instead of all data represented by black circles. FIG. 15 shows an example in which the region of the temperature difference ΔT is divided by a predetermined temperature width, and one representative data is obtained for each divided temperature width. The representative data is, for example, data representing the average value of all the data belonging to one category. The average value is obtained for each of the temperature difference ΔT and the air conditioning capacity. Then, when L32 is obtained as an approximate straight line using the representative data obtained for each division, the slope of the approximate straight line and the accuracy of the intercept are improved. FIG. 15 shows that the slope of L32 is larger than the slope of L31, and the slope can be obtained more accurately by using the representative data than by using all the data. Further, FIG. 15 shows that the intercept of L32 is smaller than the intercept of L31, and the intercept can be obtained more accurately by using the representative data than by using all the data. According to such a method, even when the number of data is small and the conditions are biased, for example, when the air conditioner 1 is first used, it is possible to learn with high accuracy.

(Embodiment 3)
In the first embodiment, an example in which the air conditioning capacity is increased or decreased according to the increase or decrease in the amount of solar radiation in the look-ahead mode will be described, and in the second embodiment, the air conditioning capacity will be adjusted according to the magnitude of the amount of solar radiation in the look-ahead mode. The example to be done was explained. In the present invention, the method for adjusting the air conditioning capacity in the look-ahead mode is not limited to these examples. Hereinafter, an example in which the subsequent heat load is estimated using the learning result in the look-ahead mode and the air conditioning capacity is adjusted according to the estimation result will be described.

FIG. 16A shows the change in the amount of solar radiation on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 16A, the amount of solar radiation increases from 6:00 to 12:00 and decreases from 12:00 to 18:00. FIG. 16B shows changes in the window temperature Tw on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 16B, the window temperature Tw increases from 6:00 to 12:00 and decreases from 12:00 to 18:00, similar to the amount of solar radiation. FIG. 16 (c) shows the change in the outside air temperature To on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 16 (c), the outside air temperature To changes later than the amount of solar radiation and reaches its peak around 13:00.

FIG. 16D shows the change in room temperature Ti on a clear day. As shown in FIG. 16D, when continuously controlled in the look-ahead mode, the room temperature Ti is maintained at substantially the same as the set temperature Tm. Here, the heat load Q is obtained by the equation (2), but when the thermal characteristics of the indoor space 71 have already been learned, α indicating the heat insulating performance, β indicating the ease of entering sunlight, and internal heat generation. The quantity Qn is known. FIG. 16E shows the change in the heat load Q. As shown in FIG. 16 (e), the heat load Q gradually increases from 6 o'clock, and is 12:30, which is between 12 o'clock, which is the peak of the window temperature Tw, and 13:00, which is the peak of the outside air temperature To. It reaches its peak around that time.

Here, just by executing data processing in increments of several seconds to several minutes as in a general air conditioner, the heat load Q is slightly reduced due to the influence of variations when measuring the outside air temperature To or the window temperature Tw. You can only capture the situation of variation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the learning unit 360 analyzes and discriminates the change tendency of the heat load Q, for example, going back one hour before the current time in order to capture the fluctuation of the heat load Q over a long period of time. That is, the learning unit 360 analyzes and discriminates the change tendency of the heat load Q in the last hour. The change tendency of the heat load Q is a concept indicating how much the heat load Q is increasing, stable, or decreasing. When the current time is 18:00, the learning unit 360 estimates that the decreasing tendency of the heat load Q will be maintained in the future because the heat load Q is continuously decreasing for a long time. Then, the air conditioning control unit 330 lowers the air conditioning capacity in accordance with the decrease in the heat load Q. As a result, the room temperature Ti is maintained at the same level as the set temperature Tm, and overcooling is suppressed. The air conditioning capacity has a strong correlation with the frequency of the compressor 21 (hereinafter referred to as "compressor frequency"). Therefore, FIG. 16 (f) shows the change in the compressor frequency.

In the present embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls to lower the compressor frequency in order to lower the air conditioning capacity in accordance with the prediction that the heat load Q required to maintain the room temperature Ti at the set temperature Tm will decrease. In general control, the compressor 21 is controlled after the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm is widened, but in such control, the comfort due to overcooling in cooling or overheating by heating is achieved. A decrease and an increase in power consumption occur. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, since the future change tendency of the heat load Q is estimated, the compressor 21 is appropriately controlled before the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm is widened. As a result, deterioration of comfort due to overcooling in cooling or overheating by heating is suppressed, and power consumption is reduced.

(Modification example)
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and applications are possible in carrying out the present invention.

For example, in the first embodiment, the index information acquisition unit 320 has acquired information indicating the surface temperature of the window 75 detected by the solar radiation detection unit 43, which is an infrared sensor, as index information indicating the amount of solar radiation. However, the index information acquisition unit 320 may acquire information indicating the surface temperature of the place where the sunlight enters, for example, near the window 75, as long as it is the place where the sunlight is received in the indoor space 71. Further, the index information acquisition unit 320 may acquire any information as index information as long as it is highly related to the amount of solar radiation and directly or indirectly indicates the amount of solar radiation.

For example, a temperature sensor is installed in a place receiving sunlight in the indoor space 71, and the index information acquisition unit 320 acquires temperature information indicating the room temperature of the place receiving sunlight detected by the temperature sensor as index information. May be. In this case, the index information acquisition unit 320 estimates that the higher the room temperature of the place receiving the solar radiation, the larger the amount of solar radiation. Alternatively, the illuminance sensor is installed in the indoor space 71, and the index information acquisition unit 320 may acquire the illuminance information indicating the illuminance of the indoor space 71 detected by the illuminance sensor as the index information. In this case, the index information acquisition unit 320 estimates that the larger the illuminance of the indoor space 71, the larger the amount of solar radiation. Further, a camera is installed in the interior space 71, and the index information acquisition unit 320 may acquire image information indicating a visible image of the interior space 71 taken by the camera as index information. In this case, the index information acquisition unit 320 analyzes the visible image to determine whether the interior space 71 is bright or dark, and estimates that the brighter the interior space 71, the greater the amount of solar radiation.

Further, the index information acquisition unit 320 may acquire information on the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility as index information via an external communication network. The photovoltaic power generation facility may be installed in the house 3 or may be installed in a place different from the house 3. In this case, the index information acquisition unit 320 estimates that the larger the amount of power generated by the photovoltaic power generation facility, the larger the amount of solar radiation. Alternatively, the index information acquisition unit 320 may acquire information indicating meteorological data as index information via an external communication network, and may acquire information on the amount of solar radiation in an area including the house 3 from the meteorological data.

In the first embodiment, the temperature detection unit 41 and the illuminance detection unit 43 are installed in the indoor unit 13. However, the temperature detection unit 41 and the solar radiation detection unit 43 may be installed anywhere as long as they can detect the target temperature and the amount of solar radiation, respectively.

In the first embodiment, the air conditioner 1 includes one outdoor unit 11 and one indoor unit 13. However, in the present invention, the air conditioner 1 may include one outdoor unit 11 and a plurality of indoor units 13. Alternatively, the air conditioner 1 includes one outdoor unit 11, a repeater (not shown), a check valve (not shown), and a plurality of indoor units 13, the indoor unit 13 for cooling and the indoor unit for heating. It may be possible to operate the machine 13 in combination with the machine 13.

The position where the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 13 are installed is not particularly limited. Further, the outdoor unit 11 and the indoor unit 13 may be installed at a distance from each other. For example, the outdoor unit 11 may be installed on the roof of a building (not shown), and the indoor unit 13 may be installed behind the ceiling.

In the first embodiment, the outdoor unit control unit 51 includes a temperature information acquisition unit 310, an index information acquisition unit 320, an air conditioning control unit 330, a determination unit 340, an information update unit 350, and a learning unit 360. And functioned as a control device for controlling the air conditioner 1. However, in the present invention, a part or all of each of these functions may be provided by the indoor unit control unit 53, or may be provided by an external device of the air conditioner 1.

For example, as shown in FIG. 17, in the air conditioning system S including the air conditioning device 1 and the control device 100, the control device 100 connected to the air conditioning device 1 via the communication network N is the temperature information acquisition unit 310 and an index. The information acquisition unit 320, the air conditioning control unit 330, the determination unit 340, the information update unit 350, and the learning unit 360 may be provided. For example, the communication network N is a home network based on ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) , and the control device 100 is a controller of a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) that manages electric power in the house 3. May be. Alternatively, the communication network N may be a wide area network such as the Internet, and the control device 100 may be a server that controls the air conditioner 1 from the outside of the house 3.

When the control device 100 has each of the above functions, the air conditioning system S may include a plurality of air conditioning devices 1 as control targets by the control device 100. In this case, the number of air conditioners 1 is not limited. The control target of the control device 100 may be any device having a refrigerating cycle, such as the air conditioner 1, and the detailed configuration thereof is not limited.

In the second embodiment described above, an example in which the instruction receiving unit 44 and the display unit 45 are provided on the remote controller 55 has been described. In the present invention, the device provided with the instruction receiving unit 44 and the display unit 45 is not limited to the remote controller 55, and may be provided, for example, in the outdoor unit 11, the indoor unit 13, or the control device 100.

In the first embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 330 responds to the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320 in the look-ahead mode, regardless of the change in the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310. Controlled air conditioning capacity. However, in the look-ahead mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to both the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition unit 310 and the index information acquired by the index information acquisition unit 320. Is also good. For example, in the look-ahead mode, the air-conditioning control unit 330 controls the air-conditioning capacity according to the index information, refers to the temperature information, and responds to the difference so that the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm becomes small. The air conditioning capacity may be controlled.

When the air conditioning control unit 330 controls the air conditioning capacity according to the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm, the air conditioning capacity may be changed by changing the set temperature Tm. For example, in the look-ahead mode, the air-conditioning control unit 330 lowers the set temperature Tm according to the increase in the amount of solar radiation and raises the set temperature Tm according to the decrease in the amount of solar radiation, both during cooling and during heating. Further, in the normal mode, the air conditioning control unit 330 lowers the set temperature Tm when the room temperature Ti is higher than the set temperature Tm, and lowers the set temperature Tm when the room temperature Ti is lower than the set temperature Tm in both cooling and heating. To raise. When the set temperature Tm is changed, the air conditioner 1 executes control so that the room temperature Ti approaches the changed set temperature Tm. Therefore, the air conditioning capacity can be indirectly controlled by intentionally increasing or decreasing the difference between the room temperature Ti and the set temperature Tm in this way. Since the change of the set temperature Tm can be easily executed as compared with the case of directly controlling the air conditioning means of the air conditioning device 1, the convenience is improved. In particular, when the control device 100 controls the air conditioner 1 from the outside via the communication network N, a command can be sent to the air conditioner 1 regardless of the manufacturer if the set temperature Tm is changed, so that the air conditioner can be easily air-conditioned. You can control the ability.

In the first embodiment, the house 3 has been described as an example of the object in which the air conditioner 1 is installed. However, in the present invention, the object in which the air conditioner 1 is installed may be an apartment house, an office building, a facility, a factory, or the like. The space to be air-conditioned is not limited to the room in the house 3, and may be any space as long as it is air-conditioned by the air-conditioning device 1.

In the first embodiment, in the control unit 101, the CPU executes a program stored in the ROM or the storage unit 102, whereby the temperature information acquisition unit 310, the index information acquisition unit 320, the air conditioning control unit 330, and the air conditioning control unit 330. It functioned as a determination unit 340, an information update unit 350, and a learning unit 360, respectively. However, in the present invention, the control unit 101 may be dedicated hardware. The dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. When the control unit 101 is dedicated hardware, the functions of each unit may be realized by individual hardware, or the functions of each unit may be collectively realized by a single hardware.

Further, some of the functions of each part may be realized by dedicated hardware, and other parts may be realized by software or firmware. As described above, the control unit 101 can realize each of the above-mentioned functions by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

By applying a program that regulates the operation of the outdoor unit control unit 51 or the control device 100 according to the present invention to an existing computer such as a personal computer or an information terminal device, the computer can be applied to the outdoor unit control unit according to the present invention. It is also possible to function as 51 or the control device 100.

Further, the distribution method of such a program is arbitrary, and for example, a computer-readable recording such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an MO (Magneto Optical Disk), or a memory card. It may be stored in a medium and distributed, or may be distributed via a communication network such as the Internet.

The present invention allows for various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention, and do not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiment but by the claims. And various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the equivalent meaning of the invention are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-77516 filed on April 10, 2017. The specification, claims, and the entire drawing of Japanese Patent Application No. 2017-77516 shall be incorporated into this specification as a reference.

The present invention is applicable to air conditioners.

1 Air conditioner, 3 House, 11 Outdoor unit, 13 Indoor unit, 21 Compressor, 22 Four-way valve, 23 Outdoor heat exchanger, 24 Expansion valve, 25 Indoor heat exchanger, 31 Outdoor blower, 33 Indoor blower, 41 Temperature detection Unit, 43 Solar radiation detection unit, 44 Instruction reception unit, 45 Display unit, 51 Outdoor unit control unit, 53 Indoor unit control unit, 55 Remote controller, 61 Refrigerant piping, 63 Communication line, 71 Indoor space, 72 Outdoor space, 75 windows , 100 control device, 101 control unit, 102 storage unit, 103 timing unit, 104 communication unit, 109 bus, 150 history information, 310 temperature information acquisition unit, 320 index information acquisition unit, 330 air conditioning control unit, 340 judgment unit, 350 Information update unit, 360 learning unit, 370 display control unit, 400 screens, 410, 420 buttons, N communication network, S air conditioning system

Claims (16)

Air-conditioning means to air-condition the space to be air-conditioned,
A temperature information acquisition means for acquiring temperature information of the space to be air-conditioned,
An index information acquisition means for acquiring index information indicating the amount of solar radiation,
The air-conditioning capacity of the air-conditioning means is controlled according to the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and when a specific condition is satisfied, the temperature information is acquired by the temperature information acquisition means. And the air conditioning control means that controls the air conditioning capacity,
A learning means for learning the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned is provided.
The air conditioning control means is
At the time of cooling, the air conditioning capacity is increased in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. As the amount decreases, the air conditioning capacity is reduced,
At the time of heating, the air conditioning capacity is reduced in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. Increasing the air conditioning capacity as the amount decreases,
The air-conditioning capacity is increased or decreased when a time determined by the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned has elapsed after the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means begins to increase or decrease. Let me
The air conditioning capacity is controlled according to the thermal characteristics learned by the learning means.
Air conditioner. When the time determined by the thermal characteristics learned by the learning means elapses after the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means begins to increase or decrease. , Increasing or decreasing the air conditioning capacity,
The air conditioner according to claim 1. The specific condition is that the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means is smaller than the threshold value, or the index information cannot be normally acquired by the index information acquisition means. To be satisfied,
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 . The specific condition is satisfied when a predetermined instruction is given by the user.
The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2 . Further provided with a display control means for causing the display means to display information indicating whether or not the specific condition is satisfied.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . When the specific condition is not satisfied, the air conditioning control means controls the air conditioning capacity regardless of the change in the temperature information acquired by the temperature information acquisition means.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The learning means has a coordinate plane having a coordinate axis representing the temperature difference between the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned and the outside temperature and a coordinate axis representing the air-conditioning capacity, and the actual value of the temperature difference and the actual value of the air-conditioning capacity. When plotting a plurality of points corresponding to the data including, the heat insulation performance of the space to be air-conditioned is obtained from the slope of a straight line approximated by the plurality of points plotted on the coordinate plane.
The air conditioning control means controls the air conditioning capacity according to the heat insulating performance obtained by the learning means.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . The points plotted on the coordinate plane are limited to the points corresponding to the data acquired when the amount of solar radiation is equal to or less than the threshold value.
The air conditioner according to claim 7 . The points plotted on the coordinate plane are limited to the points corresponding to the data acquired when the amount of change in temperature of the space to be air-conditioned is equal to or less than the threshold value.
The air conditioner according to claim 7 or 8 . The actual value of the air-conditioning capacity included in the data is the actual value of the air-conditioning capacity of the sensible heat obtained by the ε-NTU method.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 7 to 9 . The plurality of points plotted on the coordinate plane are classified into a plurality of categories according to the actual value of the temperature difference, and the plurality of points included in one category are the actual value of the temperature difference and the actual value of the air conditioning capacity. Each of the above is averaged and integrated into one point, and the point after integration approximates the straight line.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 7 to 10 . The learning means plots a plurality of points corresponding to data including the actual value of the amount of solar radiation and the actual value of the air conditioning capacity on a coordinate plane having a coordinate axis representing the amount of solar radiation and the coordinate axis representing the air conditioning capacity. From the slope of a straight line approximated by the plurality of points plotted on the coordinate plane, the ease with which sunlight can enter the space to be air-conditioned is obtained.
The air-conditioning control means controls the air-conditioning capacity according to the ease of entering the solar radiation obtained by the learning means.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The index information acquisition means, as the index information, includes the temperature of a place receiving sunlight in the air-conditioned space, the illuminance of the air-conditioned space, an image of the air-conditioned space, and a solar power generation facility. Obtains information indicating at least one of the amount of power generated by the vehicle and the meteorological data.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . A control device that controls an air-conditioning device that air-conditions the space to be air-conditioned.
A temperature information acquisition means for acquiring temperature information of the space to be air-conditioned,
An index information acquisition means for acquiring index information indicating the amount of solar radiation,
The air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is controlled according to the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and when a specific condition is satisfied, the temperature information is acquired by the temperature information acquisition means. And the air conditioning control means that controls the air conditioning capacity,
A learning means for learning the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned is provided.
The air conditioning control means is
At the time of cooling, the air conditioning capacity is increased in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. As the amount decreases, the air conditioning capacity is reduced,
At the time of heating, the air conditioning capacity is reduced in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. Increasing the air conditioning capacity as the amount decreases,
The air-conditioning capacity is increased or decreased when a time determined by the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned has elapsed after the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means begins to increase or decrease. Let me
The air conditioning capacity is controlled according to the thermal characteristics learned by the learning means.
Control device. Acquires temperature information of the space to be air-conditioned,
Obtain index information showing the amount of solar radiation,
The space to be air-conditioned is air-conditioned according to the acquired index information.
When a specific condition is satisfied, the space to be air-conditioned is air-conditioned according to the acquired temperature information.
Learn the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned,
At the time of cooling, the air conditioning capacity is increased according to the increase in the amount of solar radiation, and the air conditioning capacity is decreased according to the decrease in the amount of solar radiation.
At the time of heating, the air-conditioning capacity is decreased according to the increase in the amount of solar radiation, and the air-conditioning capacity is increased according to the decrease in the amount of solar radiation.
When the time determined by the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned has elapsed since the amount of solar radiation began to increase or decrease, the air-conditioning capacity was increased or decreased.
The air conditioning capacity is controlled according to the learned thermal characteristics.
Air conditioning method. A computer that controls an air conditioner that air-conditions the space to be air-conditioned.
A temperature information acquisition means for acquiring temperature information of the space to be air-conditioned,
Index information acquisition means for acquiring index information indicating the amount of solar radiation,
The air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is controlled according to the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and when a specific condition is satisfied, the temperature information is acquired by the temperature information acquisition means. Air conditioning control means for controlling the air conditioning capacity,
It is a program that functions as a learning means for learning the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned.
The air conditioning control means is
At the time of cooling, the air conditioning capacity is increased in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. As the amount decreases, the air conditioning capacity is reduced,
At the time of heating, the air conditioning capacity is reduced in response to an increase in the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means, and the solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means. Increasing the air conditioning capacity as the amount decreases,
The air-conditioning capacity is increased or decreased when a time determined by the thermal characteristics of the space to be air-conditioned has elapsed after the amount of solar radiation indicated by the index information acquired by the index information acquisition means begins to increase or decrease. Let me
The air conditioning capacity is controlled according to the thermal characteristics learned by the learning means.
program.

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