US20150136378A1 - Air-conditioning system - Google Patents

Air-conditioning system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20150136378A1
US20150136378A1 US14/397,883 US201314397883A US2015136378A1 US 20150136378 A1 US20150136378 A1 US 20150136378A1 US 201314397883 A US201314397883 A US 201314397883A US 2015136378 A1 US2015136378 A1 US 2015136378A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
air
schedule
person
absence
conditioning apparatus
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US14/397,883
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kazuo Maeda
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Original Assignee
Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Mitsubishi Electric Corp filed Critical Mitsubishi Electric Corp
Assigned to MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION reassignment MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MAEDA, KAZUO
Publication of US20150136378A1 publication Critical patent/US20150136378A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F24F11/0034—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/0012—
    • F24F11/006—
    • F24F11/0076—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30—Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • F24F11/46—Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
    • F24F11/64—Electronic processing using pre-stored data
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62—Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63—Electronic processing
    • F24F11/65—Electronic processing for selecting an operating mode
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/72—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure
    • F24F11/74—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity
    • F24F11/77—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the supply of treated air, e.g. its pressure for controlling air flow rate or air velocity by controlling the speed of ventilators
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/70—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof
    • F24F11/80—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air
    • F24F11/86—Control systems characterised by their outputs; Constructional details thereof for controlling the temperature of the supplied air by controlling compressors within refrigeration or heat pump circuits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00—Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1902—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value
    • G05D23/1904—Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value variable in time
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56—Remote control
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56—Remote control
    • F24F11/59—Remote control for presetting
    • F24F2011/0013—
    • F24F2011/0068—
    • F24F2011/0072—
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F2120/00—Control inputs relating to users or occupants
    • F24F2120/10—Occupancy

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an air-conditioning system.
  • a known air-conditioning system is configured to control a plurality of air-conditioning apparatuses at a set time in accordance with set operation contents on the basis of a preset operation schedule of low-power consumption (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).
  • a known air-conditioning system is configured to control an air-conditioning apparatus on the basis of a detection result of a human detection sensor provided in the air-conditioning apparatus, and a preset operation schedule (see, for example, Patent Literature 2).
  • a known air-conditioning system is configured to control an air-conditioning apparatus on the basis of a detection result of a human detection sensor installed in a room (see, for example, Patent Literature 3).
  • Patent Literature 1 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-112298 (claim 1)
  • Patent Literature 2 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-85280 (Paragraphs [0018] to [0130])
  • Patent Literature 3 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-171075 (claim 1)
  • Patent Literature 1 In the known air-conditioning system (Patent Literature 1), however, while an air-conditioning apparatus is controlled based on the low-power consumption operation schedule, processing of determination as to the presence or absence of a person in a room is not incorporated. Therefore, control of the air-conditioning apparatus to match actual activities of a person is not performed.
  • Patent Literature 2 While an air-conditioning apparatus is controlled to match actual activities of a person on the basis of a human detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a person, the human detection sensor is provided in the air-conditioning apparatus, and it is therefore impossible to increase the installed number of human detection sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a person.
  • Patent Literature 3 While the number of human detection sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a person may be increased, the human detection sensors which are installed in a room are used, and it is therefore impossible to readily increase the installed number of human detection sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a person or to readily change the installed positions of human detection sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a person.
  • the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an air-conditioning system in which a necessary number of sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person may be arranged at appropriate positions and an air-conditioned comfortable space may be provided while reducing energy consumption.
  • An air-conditioning system includes an air-conditioning remote controller; and an air-conditioning apparatus controlled in accordance with an instruction from the air-conditioning remote controller.
  • the air-conditioning remote controller includes an operation unit configured to generate an operation signal for operating the air-conditioning apparatus, a radiant energy measuring sensor configured to detect presence or absence of a person, a transmission/reception unit configured to transmit the operation signal to the air-conditioning apparatus and receive a signal from the air-conditioning apparatus, and a controller configured to control the radiant energy measuring sensor and the transmission/reception unit.
  • the operation unit includes a plurality of schedule-related operation parts configured to generate a schedule operation signal related to a schedule.
  • the radiant energy measuring sensor detects the presence or absence of a person and generates a presence/absence detection signal representing a result of detection of the presence or absence of a person.
  • the controller transmits the schedule operation signal to the air-conditioning apparatus, and transmits the presence/absence detection signal to the air-conditioning apparatus.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus includes an air-conditioning control section configured to control an operation of the air-conditioning apparatus based on the schedule operation signal and the presence/absence detection signal.
  • a necessary number of sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person may be arranged at appropriate positions, and an air-conditioned comfortable space may be provided while reducing energy consumption.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic configuration of an air-conditioning system 11 installed in a building 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a refrigerant circuit 12 of an air-conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a heat-source-side control section 71 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of load-side control sections 72 a to 72 f in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a room in the case where a habitable room space 22 a is viewed from above in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a room in the case where a habitable room space 22 d is viewed from above in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of a remote controller 73 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schedule setting screen displayed on a display unit 201 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the remote controller 73 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information in the case where a schedule stored in a memory 501 is being executed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 during execution of a schedule in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information before and after execution of a schedule stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 before and after execution of a schedule in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in a running mode stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information in the case where no person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where no person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where no person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where no person is detected before execution of a schedule in a stopped mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected after execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a learning rule for room occupancy patterns stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 25 is a state transition diagram for explaining an example of control of a processor 601 based on the learning rule for room occupancy patterns in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of person's presence/absence confirmation patterns stored in the memory 501 using a human detection sensor 401 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person exits from a room 111 during execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person enters the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person is present in the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person exits from the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person enters the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a state where no person is present in the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the remote controller 73 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the remote controller 73 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of person's presence/absence confirmation patterns stored in the memory 501 using an illuminance sensor 801 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the processor 601 for the human detection sensor 401 in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the schematic configuration of an air-conditioning system 11 installed in a building 1 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the building 1 is a six-story building and includes the air-conditioning system 11 .
  • the building 1 forms a space 21 a as a first-floor configuration, a space 21 b as a second-floor configuration, a space 21 c as a third-floor configuration, a space 21 d as a fourth-floor configuration, a space 21 e as a fifth-floor configuration, and a space 21 f as a fifth-floor construction.
  • the spaces 21 a to 21 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a space 21 .
  • a habitable room space 22 a and an attic space 23 a are formed.
  • a habitable room space 22 b and an attic space 23 b are formed.
  • a habitable room space 22 c and an attic space 23 c are formed.
  • a habitable room space 22 d and an attic space 23 d are formed.
  • a habitable room space 22 e and an attic space 23 e are formed.
  • a habitable room space 22 f and an attic space 23 f are formed.
  • habitable room spaces 22 a to 22 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a habitable room space 22 .
  • the attic spaces 23 a to 23 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called an attic space 23 .
  • the configuration of the building 1 described above is merely an example, and the configuration is not limited to this.
  • the air-conditioning system 11 includes a heat-source-side unit 41 and load-side units 42 a to 42 f .
  • the heat-source-side unit 41 and the load-side units 42 a to 42 f are connected via a refrigerant pipe 31 .
  • the heat-source-side unit 41 is, for example, installed on the rooftop of the building 1.
  • the load-side unit 42 a is, for example, installed in the attic space 23 a.
  • the load-side unit 42 b is, for example, installed in the attic space 23 b.
  • the load-side unit 42 c is, for example, installed in the attic space 23 c.
  • the load-side unit 42 d is, for example, installed in the attic space 23 d.
  • the load-side unit 42 e is, for example, installed in the attic space 23 e.
  • the load-side unit 42 f is, for example, installed in the attic space 23 f.
  • load-side units 42 a to 42 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a load-side unit 42 .
  • the numbers of the heat-source-side units 41 and the load-side units 42 are not particularly limited.
  • the air-conditioning system 11 includes remote controllers 73 a to 73 f.
  • the remote controller 73 a forms, via a wired medium or a wireless medium, a logical connection relationship with the load-side unit 42 a.
  • the remote controller 73 b forms, via a wired medium or a wireless medium, a logical connection relationship with the load-side unit 42 b.
  • the remote controller 73 c forms, via a wired medium or a wireless medium, a logical connection relationship with the load-side unit 42 c.
  • the remote controller 73 d forms, via a wired medium or a wireless medium, a logical connection relationship with the load-side unit 42 d.
  • the remote controller 73 e forms, via a wired medium or a wireless medium, a logical connection relationship with the load-side unit 42 e.
  • the remote controller 73 f forms, via a wired medium or a wireless medium, a logical connection relationship with the load-side unit 42 f.
  • the remote controllers 73 a to 73 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a remote controller 73 .
  • the number and the installation positions of the remote controllers 73 are not particularly limited.
  • a plurality of remote controllers 73 may be installed in the habitable room space 22 b .
  • each of the remote controllers 73 may, for example, be installed on a corresponding one of the walls forming the habitable room space 22 b.
  • the air-conditioning system 11 includes the heat-source-side unit 41 , the load-side units 42 , the remote controllers 73 , and the like.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus includes the heat-source-side unit 41 , the load-side units 42 , and the like.
  • the air-conditioning system 11 includes the air-conditioning apparatus, the remote controllers 73 , and the like.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the refrigerant circuit 12 of an air-conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the heat-source-side unit 41 includes, as a main circuit, a compressor 51 , a four-way valve 52 , a heat-source-side heat exchanger 53 , an accumulator 54 , and a second expansion device 60 whose opening degree is variable, which are connected sequentially.
  • the load-side unit 42 a includes a load-side heat exchanger 55 a and a first expansion device 59 a whose opening degree is variable.
  • the load-side unit 42 f includes a load-side heat exchanger 55 f and a first expansion device 59 f whose opening degree is variable.
  • the load-side units 42 b to 42 e have configurations similar to the load-side unit 42 a and the load-side unit 42 f.
  • the heat-source-side unit 41 and the load-side units 42 a to 42 f are connected by a first connection pipe 56 and a second connection pipe 57 via valves 61 a and 61 b.
  • valves 61 a and 61 b are not particularly distinguished from each other, they are each called a valve 61 .
  • the first connection pipe 56 and the second connection pipe 57 illustrated in FIG. 2 are accommodated in the refrigerant pipe 31 illustrated in FIG. 1 .
  • the refrigerant circuit 12 circulates a refrigerant through the compressor 51 , the four-way valve 52 , the load-side heat exchangers 55 a to 55 f , the first expansion devices 59 a to 59 f , the second expansion device 60 , the heat-source-side heat exchanger 53 , and the accumulator 54 .
  • first expansion devices 59 a to 59 f and the “second expansion device 60 ” correspond to “expansion means” of the present invention.
  • the heat-source-side heat exchanger 53 is provided with a fan 58 g that blows air.
  • the load-side heat exchangers 55 a to 55 f are provided with fans 58 a to 58 f that blows air.
  • the fans 58 a to 58 g each include a centrifugal fan, a multi-blade fan, or the like, which is driven by a DC motor (not illustrated), and are capable of adjusting the amount of air to be blown.
  • fans 58 a to 58 g are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a fan 58 .
  • the compressor 51 is a compressor whose operation capacity is variable.
  • the compressor 51 includes, for example, a positive displacement compressor driven by a motor which is controlled by an inverter.
  • the valves 61 a and 61 b each include, for example, a valve, such as a ball valve, an opening/closing valve, or an operation valve, which is capable of opening and closing operations.
  • fluid with which a refrigerant exchanges heat is air.
  • the fluid is not particularly limited to air in the present invention.
  • the fluid may be, for example, water, a refrigerant, brine, or the like.
  • a supply device supplying the fluid with which a refrigerant exchanges heat may be a pump or the like.
  • Embodiment 1 descriptions are given on the configuration of the case where six load-side units 42 are provided.
  • the number of the load-side units 42 may be more than two and less than six, or more than seven.
  • the load-side units 42 may have different capacities from small to large or may have the same capacity. Alternatively, among the total units, plural units may have the same capacity and the remaining plural units may have different capacities.
  • the capacities of the individual load-side units 42 are not limited in particular.
  • Embodiment 1 the second expansion device 60 and a liquid pipe pressure sensor 87 (described later) are configured to be built in the heat-source-side unit 41 .
  • the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the second expansion device 60 and the liquid pipe pressure sensor 87 only need to be provided in the flow passage between the first expansion devices 59 a to 59 f and the heat-source-side heat exchanger 53 .
  • the second expansion device 60 and the liquid pipe pressure sensor 87 may be configured to be provided in the flow passage of the second connection pipe 57 which connects the valve 61 b and the load-side units 42 a to 42 f.
  • refrigerant which circulates through the refrigerant circuit 12 of the air-conditioning apparatus in Embodiment 1, and any type of refrigerant may be used.
  • natural refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, and helium
  • substitute refrigerants such as R407C and R404A, which do not contain chlorine, as well as R410A, may be used.
  • Embodiment 1 descriptions are given on a configuration of the refrigerant circuit 12 which includes the four-way valve 52 so that switching between a heating operation and a cooling operation may be performed.
  • the present invention is not limited to this in particular.
  • the configuration may be such that only a heating operation (including an air-blowing operation) is performed without the four-way valve 52 .
  • descriptions are given on the case where the accumulator 54 is provided that stores an excess refrigerant.
  • the present invention is not limited to this in particular.
  • the configuration may be such that the accumulator 54 is not included.
  • a discharge temperature sensor 84 for detecting the temperature of a refrigerant is installed on the discharge side of the compressor 51 .
  • a suction temperature sensor 85 for detecting the temperature of a refrigerant flowing into the accumulator 54 is installed on the inlet side of the accumulator 54 .
  • the discharge temperature sensor 84 and the suction temperature sensor 85 are installed in such a way that either they are in contact with the refrigerant pipe or they are inserted into the refrigerant pipe, and they detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe.
  • An outdoor ambient air temperature for which the heat-source-side heat exchanger 53 is to be installed that is, the temperature of air with which the heat-source-side heat exchanger 53 exchanges heat, is detected by an air temperature sensor 83 g.
  • Heat exchange temperature sensors 86 a to 86 f for detecting the temperature of a refrigerant flowing into the first expansion devices 59 a to 59 f during a heating operation are provided on the outlet side of the load-side heat exchangers 55 a to 55 f.
  • Ambient air temperatures of the attic spaces 23 a to 23 f where the load-side heat exchangers 55 a to 55 f are to be installed that is, the temperatures of air with which the load-side heat exchangers 55 a to 55 f exchange heat, are detected by air temperature sensors 83 a to 83 f.
  • a discharge pressure sensor 81 for detecting the pressure of a refrigerant discharged from the compressor 51 is installed on the discharge side of the compressor 51 . Further, a suction pressure sensor 82 for detecting the pressure of a refrigerant sucked into the compressor 51 is installed on the refrigerant pipe between the accumulator 54 and the four-way valve 52 .
  • a liquid pipe pressure sensor 87 for detecting the pressure of a refrigerant flowing into the second expansion device 60 is installed on the refrigerant pipe between the second expansion device 60 and the valve 61 b.
  • Embodiment 1 as illustrated in FIG. 2 , it is possible to detect, by providing the suction pressure sensor 82 and the suction temperature sensor 85 on the refrigerant pipe between the accumulator 54 and the four-way valve 52 , the degree of superheat of a refrigerant on the inlet side of the accumulator 54 .
  • suction temperature sensor 85 is positioned at the inlet side of the accumulator 54 to achieve an operation in which the liquid refrigerant does not return to the accumulator 54 by controlling the degree of superheat of the refrigerant on the inlet side of the accumulator 54 .
  • the position of the suction pressure sensor 82 is not particularly limited to the position illustrated in FIG. 2 .
  • the suction pressure sensor 82 may be arranged in any place as long as it is arranged in a section between the four-way valve 52 and the suction side of the compressor 51 .
  • the air temperature sensors 83 a to 83 g are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called an air temperature sensor 83 .
  • heat exchange temperature sensors 86 a to 86 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a heat exchange temperature sensor 86 .
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of a heat-source-side control section 71 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a connection configuration of sensors, actuators, and the like which are connected to the heat-source-side control section 71 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 is configured to control the entire air-conditioning apparatus, and is built, for example, in the heat-source-side unit 41 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 includes a measurement part 91 , a calculation part 92 , a driving part 93 , and a storage part 94 .
  • the measurement part 91 is configured to cause various sensors, such as the discharge pressure sensor 81 , the suction pressure sensor 82 , the liquid pipe pressure sensor 87 , the air temperature sensor 83 g , the discharge temperature sensor 84 , and the suction temperature sensor 85 , to measure temperatures, pressure, and the like.
  • the calculation part 92 is configured to perform calculation processing, such as comparison and determination, based on the measurement result measured by the measurement part 91 , and supply the calculation result obtained from the calculation processing to the storage part 94 , where necessary.
  • the driving part 93 is configured to control driving of the compressor 51 , the four-way valve 52 , the second expansion device 60 , the fan 58 g , and the like.
  • the driving part 93 controls driving of the compressor 51 , the second expansion device 60 , the fan 58 g , and the like, based on, for example, the calculation result of the calculation part 92 .
  • the driving part 93 controls driving of various devices, such as the first expansion devices 59 a to 59 f and the fans 58 a to 58 f , which are connected to load-side control sections 72 a to 72 f , which will be described later, by supplying a control instruction to the load-side control sections 72 a to 72 f , through, for example, an output unit 96 which will be described in detail later.
  • the measurement part 91 , the calculation part 92 , and the driving part 93 each include, for example, a microprocessor unit. However, they do not necessarily include a microprocessor unit in particular.
  • the storage part 94 is configured to store a calculation result by the calculation part 92 , a predetermined constant, an approximate expression and various tables for calculating physical property values of a refrigerant (for example, a saturation pressure and saturation temperature), and the like, and it is possible to provide the stored information for reference, or rewrite the stored information as necessary.
  • a refrigerant for example, a saturation pressure and saturation temperature
  • the storage part 94 includes, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like. However, the storage part 94 does not necessarily include a semiconductor memory in particular.
  • the output unit 96 is an output interface that outputs image data which is obtained by image conversion from various processing results by the heat-source-side control section 71 , and displays the image data on an LED, a monitor, or the like, which is not illustrated.
  • the output unit 96 is an output interface that outputs modulation data which is modulated from various processing results by the heat-source-side control section 71 and that supplies the various processing results to a remote place by supplying the modulation data through communication means, such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or a radio, which is not illustrated.
  • the input unit 95 is an input interface that demodulates various signals generated by the remote controller 73 and sent through the load-side control sections 72 a to 72 f , which will be described later, and supplies the demodulated signals to the heat-source-side control section 71 .
  • the input unit 95 is an input interface that performs code conversion of operation input information from various switches (not illustrated) on a substrate and that supplies the information to the heat-source-side control section 71 .
  • the input unit 95 is an input interface that demodulates various communication data supplied through communication means, such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or a radio, which is not illustrated, and supplies the data to the heat-source-side control section 71 .
  • communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or a radio, which is not illustrated, and supplies the data to the heat-source-side control section 71 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 functions as a main control section of the air-conditioning apparatus, and performs cooperative processing by generating various control instructions and performing mutual communication with the load-side control sections 72 a to 72 f , which function as sub-control sections of the air-conditioning apparatus.
  • the “heat-source-side control section 71 ” corresponds to an “air-conditioning control section” of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the load-side control sections 72 a to 72 f in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates a connection configuration of sensors, actuators, and the like which are connected to the load-side control sections 72 a to 72 f.
  • the load-side control section 72 a will be explained.
  • the load-side control section 72 a is configured to control the air-conditioning apparatus as a sub-control section, and is built, for example, in the load-side unit 42 a .
  • the load-side control section 72 a includes a measurement part 101 a , a calculation part 102 a , a driving part 103 a , and a storage part 104 a.
  • the measurement part 101 a is configured to cause various sensors, such as the air temperature sensor 83 a and the heat exchange temperature sensor 86 a , to measure temperatures.
  • the calculation part 102 a is configured to perform calculation processing, such as comparison and determination, based on the measurement result measured by the measurement part 101 a , and supply the calculation result obtained from the calculation processing to the storage part 104 a , where necessary.
  • the driving part 103 a is configured to control driving of the first expansion device 59 a , the fan 58 a , and the like.
  • the driving part 103 a controls driving of the first expansion device 59 a , the fan 58 a , and the like, based on, for example, the calculation result of the calculation part 102 a.
  • the driving part 103 a controls driving of various devices, such as the first expansion devices 59 a to 59 f and the fans 58 a to 58 f , which are connected to the load-side control section 72 a , in accordance with a control instruction supplied by the heat-source-side control section 71 described above, through, for example, an input/output unit 105 a , which will be described in detail later.
  • the measurement part 101 a , the calculation part 102 a , and the driving part 103 a each include, for example, a microprocessor unit. However, they do not necessarily include a microprocessor unit in particular.
  • the storage part 104 a is configured to store a calculation result by the calculation part 102 a , a predetermined constant, an approximate expression and various tables for calculating physical property values of a refrigerant (for example, a saturation pressure and saturation temperature), and the like, and it is possible to provide the stored information for reference or rewrite the stored information as necessary.
  • a refrigerant for example, a saturation pressure and saturation temperature
  • the storage part 104 a is configured to accumulate various signals from the remote controller 73 a , which will be described in detail later.
  • the storage part 104 a includes, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like. However, the storage part 104 a does not necessarily include a semiconductor memory in particular.
  • the input/output unit 105 a is an input/output interface that outputs image data which is obtained by image conversion from various processing results by the load-side control section 72 a and that displays the image data on an LED, a monitor, or the like, which is not illustrated.
  • the input/output unit 105 a is an input/output interface that outputs modulation data which is modulated from various processing results by the load-side control section 72 a and that supplies the various processing results to a remote place by supplying the modulation data through communication means, such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or a radio, which is not illustrated.
  • communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or a radio, which is not illustrated.
  • the input/output unit 105 a is an input/output interface that demodulates various control instructions sent through the heat-source-side control section 71 described above and that supplies the instructions to the load-side control section 72 a.
  • the input/output unit 105 a is an input/output interface that performs code conversion of operation input information from various switches (not illustrated) on the substrate and that supplies the information to the load-side control section 72 a.
  • the input/output unit 105 a is an input/output interface that demodulates various communication data which is supplied through communication means, such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or a radio, which is not illustrated, and that supplies the demodulated data to the load-side control section 72 a.
  • communication means such as a telephone line, a LAN line, or a radio, which is not illustrated, and that supplies the demodulated data to the load-side control section 72 a.
  • the input/output unit 105 a is an input/output interface that receives various signals from the remote controller 73 a , performs code conversion of the received various signals, and supplies the converted various signals to the load-side control section 72 a.
  • the input/output unit 105 a receives various signals from the remote controller 73 a is explained.
  • the input/output unit 105 a is not necessarily configured as described above in particular.
  • various signals from any of the remote controllers 73 b to 73 f may be received, and the above-described processing may be performed.
  • the load-side control sections 72 b to 72 f have the same configurations and functions as those of the load-side control section 72 a , and therefore, explanations of those same configurations and functions will be omitted.
  • load-side control sections 72 b to 72 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a load-side control section 72 .
  • the load-side control section 72 functions as a sub-control section of the air-conditioning apparatus, and performs cooperative processing by generating various control instructions and performing mutual communication with the heat-source-side control section 71 , which functions as a main control section of the air-conditioning apparatus.
  • FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a room in the case where the habitable room space 22 a is viewed from above in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • a room 111 a is provided inside the habitable room space 22 a .
  • the room 111 a is a specific space assigned from the habitable room space 22 a .
  • the assigned specific space is provided with a plurality of walls, and a part of the plurality of walls is provided with a doorway 112 a.
  • rooms 111 b to 111 f are provided inside the other habitable room spaces 22 b to 22 f.
  • the rooms 111 a to 111 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a room 111 .
  • doorways 112 a to 112 f are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a doorway 112 .
  • the room 111 a is provided with the remote controller 73 a on a part of a wall side thereof.
  • desks 121 a to 121 c are arranged, with a person 131 a seated at the desk 121 a , a person 131 b seated at the desk 121 b , and a person 131 c seated at the desk 121 c.
  • the desks 121 a to 121 c are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a desk 121 .
  • the persons 131 a to 131 c are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a person 131 .
  • the remote controller 73 a is provided with a human detection sensor 401 , which will be described in detail later.
  • the human detection sensor 401 has a function for a detection range 141 . That is, the human detection sensor 401 detects a person within the detection range 141 .
  • FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a room in the case where the habitable room space 22 d is viewed from above in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the room 111 d is provided with the remote controller 73 d on a part of a wall side thereof. Another part of a wall side of the room 111 d is provided with the same remote controller 73 d.
  • a desk group 151 is formed by desks 121 d to 121 i , which are adjacently arranged. At the desks 121 d to 121 i , persons 131 d to 131 i are seated respectively.
  • a desk group 152 is formed by desks 121 j to 121 o , which are adjacently arranged. At the desks 121 j to 121 o , persons 131 j to 131 o are seated respectively.
  • the desks 121 j to 121 o are not particularly distinguished from one another, they are each called a desk 121 .
  • the remote controller 73 d is provided with the human detection sensor 401 , which will be described in detail later.
  • One human detection sensor 401 has a function for the detection range 141 .
  • the other human detection sensor 401 has a function for a detection range 142 . That is, the human detection sensors 401 detect a person within the detection range 141 and the detection range 142 .
  • the detection range of the human detection sensor 401 is determined in advance, installation of the human detection sensor 401 may be decided as needed.
  • plural remote controllers 73 d for example, two remote controllers 73 d , installed in the room 111 d will suffice to detect the people's motion and entry and exit from the room.
  • the remote controller 73 is configured to include the human detection sensor 401 , the person detection range can be expanded or reduced as necessary.
  • the remote controller 73 configured to include the human detection sensor 401 , by providing a necessary number of remote controllers 73 at positions which cover detection ranges, a necessary number of human detection sensors 401 , as sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person, may be arranged at appropriate positions.
  • FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the remote controller 73 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 is made from a synthetic resin or the like and is molded into a substantially quadrangular-form housing.
  • the remote controller 73 includes the display unit 201 , an operation unit 301 , and the human detection sensor 401 .
  • the display unit 201 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like, and displays the setting contents, operating state, a schedule, and the like of the air-conditioning apparatus.
  • the display unit 201 may include a liquid crystal display, the display unit 201 may include a different display device.
  • the operation unit 301 includes, for example, various operation buttons, and is an interface for receiving such instructions as changing the setting contents of the air-conditioning apparatus, changing the operating state by starting an operation of the air-conditioning apparatus, changing the operating state by stopping the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus, and changing the scheduled operation contents.
  • the operation unit 301 generates a predetermined code based on a received instruction, and thereby generates an operation signal or a schedule operation signal.
  • the operation unit 301 supplies the generated operation signal, schedule operation signal, and the like to a processor 601 , which will be described later.
  • the operation unit 301 includes a set temperature decrease button 301 a , a set temperature increase button 301 b , a run/stop button 301 c , a filter button 301 d , an up/down wind direction button 301 e , a wind speed button 301 f , a timer ON/OFF button 301 g , a timer menu button 301 h , an operation switching button 301 i , a time setting decrease button 301 j , a time setting increase button 301 k , a louver button 301 l , a ventilation button 301 m , a check button 301 n , and a test operation button 301 o.
  • each of the various operation buttons is illustrated in a substantially quadrangular form.
  • the form of each of the various operation buttons is not particularly limited to this.
  • a different function may be allocated to any of the set temperature decrease button 301 a , the set temperature increase button 301 b , the run/stop button 301 c , the filter button 301 d , the up/down wind direction button 301 e , the wind speed button 301 f , the timer ON/OFF button 301 g , the timer menu button 301 h , the operation switching button 301 i , the time setting decrease button 301 j , the time setting increase button 301 k , the louver button 301 l , the ventilation button 301 m , the check button 301 n , and the test operation button 301 o.
  • a schedule setting menu may be displayed on the display unit 201 .
  • a human detection sensor setting menu may be displayed on the display unit 201 .
  • the setting is able to be performed.
  • any one or some of the “set temperature decrease button 301 a ”, the “set temperature increase button 301 b ”, the “run/stop button 301 c ”, the “filter button 301 d ”, the “up/down wind direction button 301 e ”, the “wind speed button 301 f ”, the “timer ON/OFF button 301 g ”, the “timer menu button 301 h ”, the “operation switching button 301 i ”, the “time setting decrease button 301 j ”, the “time setting increase button 301 k ”, the “louver button 301 l ”, the “ventilation button 301 m ”, the “check button 301 n ”, and the “test operation button 301 o ” corresponds to a “schedule-related operation part” of the present invention.
  • any one or some of the “set temperature decrease button 301 a ”, the “set temperature increase button 301 b ”, the “run/stop button 301 c ”, the “filter button 301 d ”, the “up/down wind direction button 301 e ”, the “wind speed button 301 f ”, the “timer ON/OFF button 301 g ”, the “timer menu button 301 h ”, the “operation switching button 301 i ”, the “time setting decrease button 301 j ”, the “time setting increase button 301 k ”, the “louver button 301 l ”, the “ventilation button 301 m ”, the “check button 301 n ”, and the “test operation button 301 o ” corresponds to a “sensor-related operation part” of the present invention.
  • schedule operation signals are generated.
  • the operation unit 301 includes buttons is described above, the operation unit 301 is not particularly limited to this.
  • the operation unit 301 may include a touch panel.
  • the operation unit 301 has a function of an input interface and an embodiment of the operation unit 301 is not particularly limited.
  • the operation unit 301 determines that operation enable information is input, and transmits a setting instruction for enabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 to the processor 601 .
  • the operation unit 301 determines that operation disable information is input, and supplies a setting instruction for disabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 to the processor 601 .
  • the human detection sensor 401 detects infrared light emitted from an object, which is a monitoring target located in a monitoring region. That is, the human detection sensor 401 is a radiant energy measuring sensor which detects the presence or absence of an object by measuring radiant energy emitted from the object.
  • the human detection sensor 401 when the temperature converted from radiant energy is equal to or higher than a preset threshold, the human detection sensor 401 generates a presence/absence detection signal indicating the presence of an object serving as a monitoring target, and supplies the presence/absence detection signal to the processor 601 , which will be described later.
  • the human detection sensor 401 when the temperature converted from radiant energy is lower than the preset threshold, the human detection sensor 401 generates a presence/absence detection signal indicating the absence of an object serving as a monitoring target, and supplies the presence/absence detection signal to the processor 601 , which will be described later.
  • the human detection sensor 401 includes a pyroelectric sensor, a circuit board which performs A/D conversion of infrared light acquired at the pyroelectric sensor to obtain an electric signal, and the like.
  • the circuit board performs conversion into temperature, where necessary.
  • piezoelectric ceramic absorbs infrared light emitted from an object serving as a monitoring target. By absorbing infrared light, a change in the temperature of the piezoelectric ceramic occurs, and the change in the temperature causes an electric charge.
  • the pyroelectric sensor is a sensor which detects the motion of an object serving as a monitoring target, such as, for example, a person, by utilizing piezoelectric ceramic having physical characteristics of pyroelectric effects in which an electric charge occurs due to a change in temperature.
  • the human detection sensor 401 may include a sensor different from a pyroelectric sensor.
  • the human detection sensor 401 may include an infrared sensor, a heat insulation part which insulates the infrared sensor from surrounding heat, a circuit board which performs A/D conversion of infrared light acquired at the infrared sensor to obtain an electric signal, and the like.
  • the infrared sensor is configured such that, for example, sixty-four thermopiles are independently driven.
  • the heat insulation part represents a heat insulator.
  • the heat insulation part is formed such that, for example, a foamed heat insulator surrounds the infrared sensor.
  • the circuit board converts heat energy of infrared light detected by the thermopiles into an electric signal, and performs conversion into temperature, where necessary.
  • imaging means such as a CCD image sensor, may detect the motion of a person.
  • displacement of the motion of a person may be calculated, and the motion of the person may be determined based on a calculation result.
  • FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schedule setting screen displayed on the display unit 201 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • a schedule setting menu is displayed on the display unit 201 .
  • As a screen title for example, “weekly schedule setting” is displayed.
  • the display unit 201 includes various display regions. Contents corresponding to the various display regions are displayed on the display unit 201 . When input corresponding to a display region is performed, an input result is reflected in the display region.
  • an input result of a day of the week for which schedule setting is performed is displayed in a day of the week operation region 211 .
  • results of allocation of patterns 1 to 4 to input schedules are displayed in a pattern operation region 212 .
  • a result of input of a schedule start time is displayed in a time operation region 213 .
  • a result of input as to whether the operating state of a schedule is a running state or a stopped state is displayed in a run/stop operation region 214 .
  • a set temperature is displayed in a set temperature operation region 215 .
  • a setting update button notification region 216 information for prompting depression of a final determination button as to whether or not setting update is to be determined is displayed in a setting update button notification region 216 .
  • information for prompting a cursor operation is displayed in a cursor operation region 217 .
  • information for prompting selection of an operation item is displayed in a contents operation region 218 .
  • the display example explained above is merely an example and the display is not particularly limited to this.
  • FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the remote controller 73 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 includes the display unit 201 , the operation unit 301 , a memory 501 , the processor 601 , a transmission/reception unit 701 , and the human detection sensor 401 .
  • the display unit 201 displays data stored in the memory 501 , which will be described later, and a processing result of the processor 601 , which will be described later.
  • the operation unit 301 When various operation buttons are depressed, the operation unit 301 generates codes corresponding to the various operation buttons, and inputs the generated codes to the processor 601 which performs internal control of the remote controller 73 .
  • the memory 501 temporarily stores data using, for example, a rewritable RAM (Random Access Memory).
  • the memory 501 also stores a processing program, a parameter, codes corresponds to the various operation buttons, and the like, using, for example, a read-only ROM (Read Only Memory). That is, the memory 501 includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like.
  • the processor 601 reads a processing program or the like from the memory 501 , and executes the program or the like based on a frequency of an oscillator, which is not illustrated, for supplying certain clocks. Further, when the operation unit 301 is operated by a user, the processor 601 supplies to the transmission/reception unit 701 a code for controlling the air-conditioning apparatus and supplies to the display unit 201 an operation result of the operation unit 301 , in accordance with the operation.
  • the processor 601 changes the setting of the human detection sensor 401 by transmitting the instruction to the human detection sensor 401 .
  • the transmission/reception unit 701 performs modulation processing on a supplied code so that the code may be transmitted, and transmits the modulated transmission signal to the load-side unit 42 .
  • the transmission/reception unit 701 performs demodulation processing on a reception signal received from the load-side unit 42 , and supplies the demodulated demodulation signal to the processor 601 .
  • the human detection sensor 401 confirms the presence or absence of a person, and supplies a presence/absence detection signal to the processor 601 .
  • the “processor 601 ” corresponds to a “controller” in the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 and the load-side unit 42 may be communicated with each other via a communication medium in a wired or wireless manner.
  • the remote controller 73 and the load-side unit 42 may be connected by wire.
  • the remote controller 73 and the load-side unit 42 may be wirelessly connected, and an ad-hoc network may thus be formed.
  • the remote controller 73 may be a wireless remote controller which operates the air-conditioning apparatus using an infrared signal.
  • a signal of the transmission/reception unit 701 may be supplied to an LED in a light-emitting unit, which is not illustrated, and a predetermined signal may be transmitted from the LED to the load-side unit 42 .
  • the remote controller 73 and the load-side unit 42 are only capable of communicating with each other.
  • FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information in the case where a schedule stored in the memory 501 is being executed in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the control pattern is a pattern 1-1 or a pattern 1-2.
  • a presence (presence-in-room) state is allocated for confirmation of the presence or absence of a person. This state corresponds to a case where a person is detected within a certain period of time while the air-conditioning apparatus is running.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus is described as an air-conditioner.
  • an absence (absence-in-room) state is allocated for confirmation of the presence or absence of a person. This state corresponds to a case where no person is detected within a certain period of time while the air-conditioning apparatus is running.
  • the set temperature is changed (overwritten) towards energy conservation, and the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus continues to be performed.
  • setting for changing the set temperature to a set reference temperature of the schedule is performed.
  • setting is performed such that the set temperature is changed (overwritten) towards more energy conservation than the contents of control in the case where no person is detected within thirty minutes, and the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus continues to be performed.
  • the control pattern is a pattern 1-3 or a pattern 1-4.
  • a presence (presence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person. This state corresponds to a case where a person is detected within a certain period of time while the air-conditioning apparatus is stopped.
  • an absence (absence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person. This state corresponds to a case where no person is detected within a certain period of time while the air-conditioning apparatus is stopped.
  • FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 during execution of a schedule in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not a schedule is being executed.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 102 . In contrast, when a schedule is not being executed, the heat-source-side control section 71 ends processing.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether the schedule execution state is a running state or a stopped state.
  • step S 103 When the schedule execution state is the running state, the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 109 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not a person is detected.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 104 . In contrast, when no person is detected, the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 108 .
  • Step S 108 Processing for proceeding to step S 108 corresponds to the pattern 1-1 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines which one of the followings the value of a timer count X is.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 102 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 105 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 106 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 107 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs an energy conservation operation 1 , and returns to step S 102 . Specifically, the heat-source-side control section 71 changes the set temperature set for the schedule to a set temperature which achieves energy conservation, and performs an operation at the changed set temperature. Then, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 102 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs an energy conservation operation 2 , and returns to step S 102 . Specifically, the heat-source-side control section 71 performs changing to a set temperature which achieves more energy conservation than the energy conservation operation 1 , and performs an operation at the changed set temperature. Then, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 102 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 stops the air-conditioner, and returns to step S 102 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 maintains the schedule execution state, and returns to step S 102 .
  • Processing of steps S 104 to S 107 corresponds to the pattern 1-2 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not a person is detected.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 110 . In contrast, when no person is detected, the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 113 .
  • Step S 110 Processing for proceeding to step S 110 corresponds to the pattern 1-4 explained above.
  • processing for proceeding to step S 113 corresponds to the pattern 1-3 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not the number of detection times is equal to a predetermined number of times.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 111 . In contrast, when the number of detection times is smaller than the predetermined number of times X, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 102 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not a detection time is within a predetermined time.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 When the detection time is longer than the predetermined time Y, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 102 . In contrast, when the detection time is shorter than or equal to the predetermined time Y, the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 112 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs an operation. Specifically, the heat-source-side control section 71 performs an operation at the set temperature of the next schedule, and returns to step S 102 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 maintains the schedule execution state, and returns to step S 102 .
  • FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information before and after execution of a schedule stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • control pattern is a pattern 2-1 or a pattern 2-2.
  • a presence (presence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control at this time are set such that a comfortable operation (precooling/preheating operation) is performed until an execution time.
  • an absence (absence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control at this time are set such that the current operation state is maintained until the execution time without performing any processing.
  • control pattern is a pattern 2-3 or a pattern 2-4.
  • a presence (presence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control at this time are set such that the current operation state is maintained until execution of the next schedule without performing any processing.
  • an absence (absence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control at this time are set such that an energy conservation operation (the set temperature is regularly changed) is performed until detection of the presence of a person in the room.
  • control pattern is a pattern 2-5 or a pattern 2-6.
  • a presence (presence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control at this time are set such that the current operation state is maintained until execution of the next schedule without performing any processing.
  • an absence (absence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control at this time are set such that the current operation state is maintained until execution of the next schedule without performing any processing.
  • control pattern is a pattern 2-7 or a pattern 2-8.
  • a presence (presence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control at this time are set such that when the number of detection times is equal to the predetermined number of times (X) and the detection time is within the predetermined time (Y), an air-conditioning operation is set to be performed at the set temperature of the next schedule.
  • an absence (absence-in-room) state is allocated for the confirmation of the presence or absence of a person, and the contents of control are set such that the current operation state is maintained until execution of the next schedule without performing any processing.
  • FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 before and after execution of a schedule in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether the current state is a state before or after execution of a schedule or not.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 ends processing.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not a person is detected.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 203 . In contrast, when no person is detected, the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 211 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not the person detection time is near a schedule time (within Y minutes before and after the schedule time).
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 204 . In contrast, when the person detection time is not near the schedule time, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines the person detection time.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 205 .
  • Step S 205 Processing for proceeding to step S 205 corresponds to the pattern 2-1 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 206 .
  • Step S 206 Processing for proceeding to step S 206 corresponds to the pattern 2-3 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 207 .
  • Step S 207 Processing for proceeding to step S 207 corresponds to the pattern 2-5 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 208 .
  • Step S 208 corresponds to the pattern 2-7 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs a precooling/preheating operation until the execution of the schedule, and returns to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 maintains the current operation state until execution of the next schedule, and returns to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 maintains the current operation state until execution of the next schedule, and returns to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not the number of detection times is equal to a predetermined number of times.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 209 . In contrast, when the number of detection times is smaller than the predetermined number of times X, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not the detection time is within a predetermined time.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 When the detection time is longer than the predetermined time Y, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 202 . In contrast, when the detection time is shorter than or equal to the predetermined time Y, the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 210 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs an operation and returns to step S 202 . Specifically, the heat-source-side control section 71 performs an operation at the set temperature of the next schedule, and returns to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines the person detection time.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 212 .
  • Step S 212 Processing for proceeding to step S 212 corresponds to the pattern 2-4 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 213 .
  • Step S 213 Processing for proceeding to step S 213 corresponds to the patterns 2-2, 2-6, and 2-8 explained above.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs an energy conservation operation until detection of the presence of a person in the room, and returns to step S 202 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 maintains the current operation state until the execution of the next schedule, and returns to step S 202 .
  • FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in the running mode stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • a heating operation is to be performed. It is assumed that a preheating operation is performed before a heating operation starts at a schedule start time.
  • the operating state is operation ON and the set temperature at this time is 26 degrees Centigrade.
  • the operating state is operation ON and the set temperature at this time is 27 degrees Centigrade.
  • the operating state is operation ON and the set temperature at this time is 28 degrees Centigrade.
  • FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the set temperature is increased in a stepwise manner with time.
  • the set temperature can be reduced in a stepwise manner, which is contrary to the heating operation.
  • FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of control information in the case where no person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the operating state is operation ON and the set temperature at this time is 27 degrees Centigrade.
  • the operating state is operation ON and the set temperature at this time is 26 degrees Centigrade.
  • FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where no person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • a schedule is set such that the schedule execution time is nine and a heating operation at the set temperature of 28 degrees Centigrade is performed at nine.
  • FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where no person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the setting temperature is 28 degrees Centigrade.
  • the operation of the air-conditioner is changed each time an absence time has passed, based on the execution time.
  • a first check point is the case where no person is present in the room even after ten minutes have passed.
  • the set temperature is changed to 27 degrees Centigrade.
  • a second check point is the case where no person is present in the room even after twenty minutes have passed.
  • the set temperature is changed to 26 degrees Centigrade.
  • a third check point is the case where no person is present in the room even after thirty minutes have passed. In this case, the operation of the air-conditioner is stopped.
  • FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the set temperature is 28 degrees Centigrade.
  • the operation of the air-conditioner is changed in a stepwise manner until the schedule execution time has passed, based on a presence-in-room detection time.
  • a first check point is the case where presence-in-room is detected twenty minutes before execution of the schedule.
  • the set temperature is changed to 26 degrees Centigrade.
  • a second check point is the case of ten minutes before the execution of the schedule.
  • the set temperature is changed to 27 degrees Centigrade.
  • a third check point is the time of execution of the schedule.
  • the set temperature is changed to 28 degrees Centigrade.
  • FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected after execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the set temperature is 28 degrees Centigrade.
  • FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where no person is detected before execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected before execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining in a chronological order the details of a control example of the heat-source-side control section 71 in the case where a person is detected after execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
  • the stopped mode is canceled at the time when presence-in-room is detected, and the operating state of the air-conditioner is changed to the running state.
  • a necessary number of sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person may be arranged at appropriate positions, and an air-conditioned comfortable space may be provided while reducing energy consumption.
  • the remote controller 73 includes the operation unit 301 that generates an operation signal for operating the air-conditioning apparatus, the human detection sensor 401 that detects the presence or absence of a person, the transmission/reception unit 701 that transmits an operation signal to the air-conditioning apparatus and receives a signal from the air-conditioning apparatus, and the processor 601 that controls the human detection sensor 401 and the transmission/reception unit 701 .
  • the operation unit 301 includes a plurality of schedule-related operation parts that generate a schedule operation signal related to a schedule.
  • the human detection sensor 401 detects the presence or absence of a person, and generates a presence/absence detection signal representing a result of detection of the presence or absence of a person.
  • the processor 601 transmits a schedule operation signal to the air-conditioning apparatus, and transmits a presence/absence detection signal to the air-conditioning apparatus.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus includes the heat-source-side control section 71 that controls the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus on the basis of the schedule operation signal and the presence/absence detection signal. Accordingly, a necessary number of sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person may be arranged at appropriate positions, and an air-conditioned comfortable space may be provided while reducing energy consumption.
  • Embodiment 2 processing for correcting a schedule by learning a behavior pattern of a person will be explained on the assumption of the configuration explained in Embodiment 1.
  • Embodiment 2 items not particularly mentioned are similar to those in Embodiment 1, and the same functions and configuration features as those in Embodiment 1 will be described using the same signs as those in Embodiment 1.
  • FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of a learning rule for room occupancy patterns stored in the memory 501 in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • the corresponding pattern is defined as presence-in-room.
  • the corresponding pattern is defined as absence-in-room.
  • the remote controller 73 corrects a schedule.
  • the processor 601 stores a presence/absence detection signal acquired from the human detection sensor 401 and a schedule operation signal acquired from the operation unit 301 into the memory 501 .
  • the processor 601 supplies schedule operation signals to the memory 501 every time setting information including a schedule start time, a setting temperature of the air-conditioning apparatus, and a running state or a stopped state, which is an operating state of the air-conditioning apparatus, is updated.
  • the processor 601 continues to supply presence/absence detection signals to the memory 501 for a predetermined period of time.
  • the processor 601 corrects the schedule start time, based on the presence/absence detection signals and the schedule operation signals stored in the memory 501 .
  • the processor 601 updates the schedule operation signal, based on the corrected schedule start time, and transmits the update result to the air-conditioning apparatus via the transmission/reception unit 701 .
  • FIG. 25 is a state transition diagram for explaining an example of control of the processor 601 based on the learning rule for room occupancy patterns in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs air-conditioning control which matches a schedule and the motion of a person, based on various instructions supplied from the remote controller 73 , and then proceeds to step S 302 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines whether or not the schedule matches the actual motion of a person.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 When the schedule matches the actual motion of a person, the heat-source-side control section 71 returns to step S 301 . In contrast, when the schedule does not match the actual motion of a person, the heat-source-side control section 71 proceeds to step S 303 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines that the schedule does not match the actual motion of a person.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 determines that the schedule does not match the actual motion of a person.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 issues an instruction to the remote controller 73 , examines the motion of a person by the human detection sensor 401 mounted on the remote controller 73 , and then proceeds to step S 304 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 causes the remote controller 73 to perform examination for each specific day of the week, and stores an examination result of the day as data in the memory 501 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 causes the remote controller 73 to count the number of detection times for each time zone of the day, based on the examination result of the day stored in the memory 501 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 reflects the detection result of the human detection sensor 401 in the schedule.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 resets the schedule start time or the like to the time which more matches the motion of a person.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 is able to control the air-conditioning apparatus with more energy conservation and more comfort.
  • the memory 501 which stores a presence/absence detection signal and a schedule operation signal is provided, and the processor 601 supplies the schedule operation signal to the memory 501 every time setting information is updated, supplies a presence/absence detection signal to the memory 501 for a predetermined period of time, corrects a schedule start time, based on the presence/absence detection signal stored in the memory 501 and the schedule operation signal stored in the memory 501 , and transmits the schedule operation signal updated based on the corrected schedule start time to the air-conditioning apparatus from the transmission/reception unit 701 . Therefore, the air-conditioning apparatus may be controlled with more energy conservation and more comfort.
  • Embodiment 3 processing for determining whether or not a person is present in the room 111 will be explained by way of a specific example, on the assumption of the configurations explained in Embodiments 1 and 2.
  • Embodiment 3 items not particularly mentioned are similar to those in Embodiments 1 and 2, and the same functions and configuration features as those in Embodiments 1 and 2 will be described using the same signs as those in Embodiments 1 and 2.
  • FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of person's presence/absence confirmation patterns stored in the memory 501 using the human detection sensor 401 in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • a room access determination rule using the human detection sensor 401 is set.
  • a rule for determining room entry or room exit namely, a rule for determining presence-in-room or absence-in-room, is set as described below.
  • a set time within a predetermined range is set.
  • a running state of the air-conditioning system 11 or a stopped state of the air-conditioning system 11 is set.
  • the corresponding person's presence/absence confirmation pattern is defined as room exit.
  • the corresponding person's presence/absence confirmation pattern is defined as room entry.
  • FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person exits from the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 is installed near the doorway 112 of the room 111 , a schedule for the air-conditioning system 11 is being executed in the room 111 , and the air-conditioning system 11 is running.
  • the remote controller 73 detects the person by using the human detection sensor 401 , which is not illustrated.
  • control is performed such that the air-conditioning system 11 is stopped or the set temperature of the air-conditioning system 11 is changed to a value at which power consumption decreases so that energy conservation can be achieved.
  • the air-conditioning system 11 performs control to reduce the set temperature during a heating operation and to increase the set temperature during a cooling operation.
  • a plurality of human detection sensors 401 may be provided on the remote controller 73 in a row in parallel to the ground.
  • room exit can be obtained as a determination result.
  • FIG. 28 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person enters the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 is installed near the doorway 112 of the room 111 , a schedule for the air-conditioning system 11 is being executed in the room 111 , and the air-conditioning system 11 is running.
  • the remote controller 73 detects the person by using the human detection sensor 401 , which is not illustrated.
  • a plurality of human detection sensors 401 are provided on the remote controller 73 in a row in parallel to the ground.
  • room entry can be obtained as a determination result.
  • FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person is present in the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the running mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 is installed near the doorway 112 of the room 111 , a schedule for the air-conditioning system 11 is being executed in the room 111 , and the air-conditioning system 11 is running.
  • the human detection sensor 401 does not detect the person.
  • FIG. 30 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person exits from the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 is installed near the doorway 112 of the room 111 , a schedule for the air-conditioning system 11 is being executed in the room 111 , and the air-conditioning system 11 is stopped.
  • the remote controller 73 detects the person by using the human detection sensor 401 , which is not illustrated.
  • a plurality of human detection sensors 401 are provided on the remote controller 73 in a row in parallel to the ground.
  • room exit can be obtained as a determination result.
  • FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining a state where a person enters the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 is installed near the doorway 112 of the room 111 , a schedule for the air-conditioning system 11 is being executed in the room 111 , and the air-conditioning system 11 is stopped.
  • the remote controller 73 detects the person by using the human detection sensor 401 , which is not illustrated.
  • control is performed such that the air-conditioning system 11 is operated in the running state and the air-conditioning system 11 is operated at a set temperature with a tendency of energy conservation so that energy conservation can be achieved.
  • a plurality of human detection sensors 401 may be provided on the remote controller 73 in a row in parallel to the ground.
  • room entry can be obtained as a determination result.
  • FIG. 32 is a diagram for explaining a state where no person is present in the room 111 during execution of a schedule in the stopped mode in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
  • the remote controller 73 is installed near the doorway 112 of the room 111 , a schedule for the air-conditioning system 11 is being executed in the room 111 , and the air-conditioning system 11 is stopped.
  • a person is located at a position near the doorway 112 and outside the room 111 .
  • the remote controller 73 Since no person passes through the doorway 112 , the remote controller 73 detects no person even using the human detection sensor 401 , which is not illustrated.
  • control is performed such that the air-conditioning system 11 continues to be stopped while maintaining the status quo, and no change of control is made.
  • the air-conditioning system 11 by controlling the air-conditioning system 11 using the remote controller 73 on which the human detection sensor 401 is provided, a necessary number of sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person may be arranged at appropriate positions, and an air-conditioned comfortable space may be provided while reducing energy consumption.
  • the remote controller 73 includes the operation unit 301 that generates an operation signal for operating the air-conditioning apparatus, the human detection sensor 401 that detects the presence or absence of a person, the transmission/reception unit 701 that transmits an operation signal to the air-conditioning apparatus and receives a signal from the air-conditioning apparatus, and the processor 601 that controls the human detection sensor 401 and the transmission/reception unit 701 .
  • the operation unit 301 includes a plurality of schedule-related operation parts that generate a schedule operation signal related to a schedule.
  • the human detection sensor 401 detects the presence or absence of a person, and generates a presence/absence detection signal representing a result of detection of the presence or absence of a person.
  • the processor 601 transmits a schedule operation signal to the air-conditioning apparatus, and transmits a presence/absence detection signal to the air-conditioning apparatus.
  • the air-conditioning apparatus includes the heat-source-side control section 71 that controls the operation of the air-conditioning apparatus on the basis of the schedule operation signal and the presence/absence detection signal. Accordingly, a necessary number of sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person may be arranged at appropriate positions, and an air-conditioned comfortable space may be provided while reducing energy consumption.
  • Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiments 1 to 3 in that a presence/absence detection signal is generated by an illuminance sensor 801 , instead of being generated by the human detection sensor 401 .
  • Confirmation of presence or absence using the illuminance sensor 801 may be singularly performed by the illuminance sensor 801 or may be performed by the illuminance sensor 801 and the human detection sensor 401 used in Embodiments 1 to 3.
  • the confirmation of presence or absence is performed by the illuminance sensor 801 and the human detection sensor 401
  • the confirmation is executed based on both a detection result of the human detection sensor 401 and a detection result of the illuminance sensor 801 . Therefore, more accurate confirmation of presence or absence may be achieved.
  • Embodiment 4 items not particularly mentioned are similar to those in Embodiments 1 to 3, and the same functions and configuration features as those in Embodiments 1 to 3 will be described using the same signs as those in Embodiments 1 to 3.
  • FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the external configuration of the remote controller 73 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal configuration of the remote controller 73 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating an example of person's presence/absence confirmation patterns stored in the memory 501 using the illuminance sensor 801 in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 measures the intensity of radiant energy by measuring radiant energy radiated from an object, for example, illumination.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 is made of, for example, a photodiode.
  • a photodiode is a sensor which converts light energy into a current or voltage and which detects a change in the intensity of light.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 includes a conversion circuit which converts light energy detected by the photodiode into a current value or a voltage value.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 determines whether or not the illuminance level reaches a certain value by comparing the current value or voltage value obtained by conversion at the conversion circuit with a preset threshold.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 is provided, for example, on the upper right corner of the remote controller 73 .
  • the position of the illuminance sensor 801 is not particularly limited to this.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 may be provided at the lower center of the remote controller 73 .
  • the illuminance sensor 801 is formed so as to be able to communicate with the processor 601 .
  • a detection result supplied from the illuminance sensor 801 is supplied to the processor 601 , and a predetermined control signal is supplied from the processor 601 to the illuminance sensor 801 .
  • a room access determination rule using the illuminance sensor 801 is set.
  • a rule for determining room entry or room exit namely, a rule for determining presence-in-room or absence-in-room, is set as described below.
  • a set time within a predetermined range is set.
  • a running state of the air-conditioning system 11 or a stopped state of the air-conditioning system 11 is set.
  • an illuminance level is set.
  • the corresponding person's presence/absence confirmation pattern is defined as room exit.
  • the corresponding person's presence/absence confirmation pattern is defined as room entry.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 when an illuminance converted based on a current value or a voltage value converted from light energy detected by the photodiode which is not illustrated, is equal to or greater than the preset threshold, the illuminance sensor 801 generates a presence/absence confirmation signal indicating the presence of a person.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 when an illuminance converted based on a current value or a voltage value converted from light energy detected by the photodiode which is not illustrated, is smaller than the preset threshold, the illuminance sensor 801 generates a presence/absence confirmation signal indicating the absence of a person.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 performs confirmation of the presence or absence of a person.
  • the illuminance sensor 801 generates a presence/absence detection signal indicating the presence of a person when an illuminance converted from radiant energy emitted from illumination is equal to or greater than the preset threshold, and generates a presence/absence detection signal indicating the absence of a person when an illuminance converted from radiant energy emitted from illumination is smaller than the threshold. Accordingly, a necessary number of sensors for confirming the presence or absence of a person may be arranged at appropriate positions, and an air-conditioned comfortable space may be provided while reducing energy consumption.
  • Embodiment 5 a feature that an operation condition of the human detection sensor 401 is able to be set, will be explained.
  • Embodiment 5 items not particularly mentioned are similar to those in Embodiments 1 to 4, and the same functions and configuration features as those in Embodiments 1 to 4 will be described using the same signs as those in Embodiments 1 to 4.
  • FIG. 36 is a flowchart for explaining an example of control of the processor 601 for the human detection sensor 401 in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
  • the processor 601 determines whether or not a human detection sensor setting mode is set.
  • the processor 601 proceeds to step S 402 .
  • the processor 601 returns to step S 401 .
  • the processor 601 determines whether or not an automatic setting mode is set.
  • step S 403 When the automatic setting mode is set, the processor 601 proceeds to step S 403 . In contrast, when the automatic setting mode is not set, the processor 601 proceeds to step S 405 .
  • the case where automatic setting mode is not set means a case where a manual setting mode is set.
  • the processor 601 determines a sleep time zone from a registered schedule.
  • the processor 601 determines that the corresponding time zone is a sleep time zone.
  • the processor 601 determines that the corresponding time zone is a sleep time zone.
  • the method for determining a sleep time zone is not particularly limited to this.
  • the processor 601 performs setting for disabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 for the determined sleep time zone, and the processor 601 ends processing.
  • the human detection sensor 401 When setting for disabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 is set, the human detection sensor 401 does not generate a presence/absence detection signal.
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 does not receive a presence/absence detection signal via the load-side control section 72 .
  • the heat-source-side control section 71 performs air-conditioning control without consideration of the human detection sensor 401 .
  • control is not limited to this.
  • the human detection sensor 401 itself may not be operated.
  • a presence/absence detection signal generated by the human detection sensor 401 may not be supplied to the processor 601 .
  • the processor 601 determines a setting menu of the human detection sensor 401 .
  • step S 406 When the setting menu of the human detection sensor 401 is for an operating time zone, the processor 601 proceeds to step S 406 . In contrast, when the setting menu of the human detection sensor 401 is for permission or inhibition of operation, the processor 601 proceeds to step S 408 .
  • the processor 601 determines whether or not the operating time zone for the human detection sensor 401 has been input.
  • step S 407 When the operating time zone for the human detection sensor 401 has been input, the processor 601 proceeds to step S 407 . In contrast, when the operating time zone has not been input, the processor 601 returns to step S 406 .
  • the setting menu is a menu for inputting the operating time zone, a standby state is maintained until the operating time zone has been input.
  • an arbitrary button provided on the operation unit 301 receives input of the operating time zone. For example, by depressing the time setting decrease button 301 j or the time setting increase button 301 k , the operating time zone may be input. When a button, such as the time setting decrease button 301 j or the time setting increase button 301 k , is depressed and determination of the input operating time zone is confirmed by an arbitrary button provided on the operation unit 301 , valid time zone information or invalid time zone information is formed, and a sensor operation signal based on the information is generated.
  • the processor 601 performs setting for enabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 for the input operating time zone, and the processor 601 ends processing.
  • the processor 601 sets an operation enable flag to 1, and receives a presence/absence detection signal supplied from the human detection sensor 401 when the operation enable flag is 1.
  • control for setting the signal transmission circuit to a closed circuit may be performed in accordance with an instruction from the processor 601 .
  • the processor 601 determines whether or not the operation of the human detection sensor 401 is permitted.
  • step S 409 When the operation of the human detection sensor 401 is permitted, the processor 601 proceeds to step S 409 . In contrast, when the operation of the human detection sensor 401 is not permitted, the processor 601 proceeds to step S 410 .
  • the processor 601 performs setting for enabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 , and the processor 601 ends processing.
  • the processor 601 sets the operation enable flag to 1, and receives a presence/absence detection signal supplied from the human detection sensor 401 when the operation enable flag is 1.
  • control for setting the signal transmission circuit to a closed circuit may be performed in accordance with an instruction from the processor 601 .
  • the processor 601 performs setting for disabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 , and the processor 601 ends processing.
  • the processor 601 sets the operation disable flag to 1, and does not receive a presence/absence detection signal supplied from the human detection sensor 401 when the operation disable flag is 1.
  • control for setting the signal transmission circuit to an open circuit may be performed in accordance with an instruction from the processor 601 .
  • a bias voltage which is lower than the operable threshold voltage and prevents malfunction may be applied to the human detection sensor 401 in accordance with an instruction from the processor 601 .
  • no power may be supplied to the human detection sensor 401 .
  • a circuit for controlling fluctuations in the human detection sensor 401 may be separately provided.
  • control is not limited to this.
  • enable setting and disable setting for the human detection sensor 401 may be performed.
  • the operation unit 301 includes a plurality of sensor-related operation parts that generate a sensor operation signal for operating the human detection sensor 401 .
  • the processor 601 performs setting for enabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 .
  • the processor 601 performs setting for disabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 .
  • the processor 601 When invalid time zone information, as an invalid time zone for which the operation of the human detection sensor 401 is disabled, is input via the sensor-related operation parts, the processor 601 performs the setting for disabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 for the invalid time zone.
  • the human detection sensor 401 When setting for disabling the operation of the human detection sensor 401 is set, the human detection sensor 401 does not generate a presence/absence detection signal. Accordingly, enable setting or disable setting for the human detection sensor 401 is able to be performed.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Mathematical Physics (AREA)
  • Fuzzy Systems (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
US14/397,883 2012-06-22 2013-04-26 Air-conditioning system Abandoned US20150136378A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2012-140529 2012-06-22
JP2012140529 2012-06-22
PCT/JP2013/062348 WO2013190911A1 (ja) 2012-06-22 2013-04-26 空気調和システム

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20150136378A1 true US20150136378A1 (en) 2015-05-21

Family

ID=49768517

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US14/397,883 Abandoned US20150136378A1 (en) 2012-06-22 2013-04-26 Air-conditioning system

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US20150136378A1 (ja)
EP (1) EP2865959B1 (ja)
JP (1) JP5932998B2 (ja)
WO (1) WO2013190911A1 (ja)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160110614A1 (en) * 2014-10-21 2016-04-21 Azbil Corporation Person detection system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
US20160341438A1 (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-11-24 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Room air conditioning system
US20180031727A1 (en) * 2016-07-28 2018-02-01 International Business Machines Corporation Air conditioner
US20180106491A1 (en) * 2016-10-17 2018-04-19 Lennox Industries, Inc. Operating a climate control system based on occupancy status
EP3540322A4 (en) * 2016-11-08 2019-11-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation AIR CONDITIONER
US11105525B2 (en) * 2016-12-13 2021-08-31 Oblamatik Ag Method for heating or cooling rooms in a building
US11940166B2 (en) 2019-03-26 2024-03-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Air conditioning system for transferring air in an air-conditioned room

Families Citing this family (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015186154A1 (ja) * 2014-06-03 2015-12-10 三菱電機株式会社 エネルギー管理システム
JP6386336B2 (ja) * 2014-10-21 2018-09-05 積水化学工業株式会社 空調システム及び建物
CN105091213B (zh) * 2015-06-09 2018-07-03 邻元科技（北京）有限公司 一种基于无中心网络的冷机系统、冷机控制器及控制方法
KR20170065835A (ko) * 2015-12-04 2017-06-14 엘지전자 주식회사 공기 조화기 및 그 제어방법
WO2017195371A1 (ja) * 2016-05-13 2017-11-16 三菱電機株式会社 施設管理システム
WO2017216956A1 (ja) * 2016-06-17 2017-12-21 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和システム
CN109654689B (zh) * 2018-12-24 2021-08-20 美的集团武汉制冷设备有限公司 空调器的控制方法和空调器
WO2020230269A1 (ja) * 2019-05-14 2020-11-19 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和管理装置および空気調和システム
US20230167994A1 (en) * 2020-05-22 2023-06-01 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Control device and control method

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5261481A (en) * 1992-11-13 1993-11-16 American Standard Inc. Method of determining setback for HVAC system
US5344068A (en) * 1993-04-16 1994-09-06 Staefa Control System, Inc. Dynamically controlled environmental control system
US5637040A (en) * 1995-04-13 1997-06-10 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Infrared object detector
US20050264414A1 (en) * 2004-05-25 2005-12-01 Kevin Sweeney Wireless integrated occupancy sensor
US20080099570A1 (en) * 2006-10-04 2008-05-01 Steve Krebs System and method for estimating temperature drift and drive curves
US20110130881A1 (en) * 2009-12-01 2011-06-02 Denso Wave Incorporated Central air-conditioning system
US20110320013A1 (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-12-29 Pixart Imaging Inc. Home appliance control device
US20120247748A1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2012-10-04 Panasonic Corporation Air control system
US20120248209A1 (en) * 2011-03-31 2012-10-04 Drew Reid Hvac setback system
US20130073094A1 (en) * 2010-03-30 2013-03-21 Telepure Limited Building occupancy dependent control system
US20130168038A1 (en) * 2010-10-18 2013-07-04 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air conditioner control device, air conditioner control method, and program
US20130184876A1 (en) * 2012-01-12 2013-07-18 International Business Machines Corporation Managing Power Consumption In A User Space

Family Cites Families (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP3098087B2 (ja) * 1992-01-24 2000-10-10 松下電器産業株式会社 空気調和機の制御装置
JP3098677B2 (ja) * 1994-07-14 2000-10-16 シャープ株式会社 人体検知装置
JPH116644A (ja) * 1997-06-17 1999-01-12 Toshiba Corp 空調制御システム
JP2000171075A (ja) 1998-12-02 2000-06-23 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd 空調機の制御装置
JP3975295B2 (ja) * 2002-03-01 2007-09-12 株式会社真幸コーポレーション 省エネモード付きリモコン
JP2005106355A (ja) * 2003-09-30 2005-04-21 Fujitsu General Ltd 空気調和機の制御方法
JP4552814B2 (ja) * 2005-09-15 2010-09-29 パナソニック株式会社 リモコン
JP2007132610A (ja) * 2005-11-11 2007-05-31 Hitachi Appliances Inc 空気調和機
US20090065596A1 (en) * 2007-05-09 2009-03-12 Johnson Controls Technology Company Systems and methods for increasing building space comfort using wireless devices
US7918406B2 (en) * 2008-07-22 2011-04-05 Howard Rosen Override of nonoccupancy status in a thermostat device based upon analysis of recent patterns of occupancy
JP2010181043A (ja) * 2009-02-03 2010-08-19 Daikin Ind Ltd 空調システム
JP5452160B2 (ja) 2009-10-14 2014-03-26 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和機の制御装置
JP5036793B2 (ja) 2009-11-27 2012-09-26 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和機の制御装置
JP5306168B2 (ja) * 2009-12-24 2013-10-02 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和機
JP5479133B2 (ja) * 2010-01-29 2014-04-23 三洋電機株式会社 空調制御装置
JP2011179717A (ja) * 2010-02-26 2011-09-15 Fujitsu General Ltd 空気調和機
JP5250011B2 (ja) * 2010-10-26 2013-07-31 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和機

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5261481A (en) * 1992-11-13 1993-11-16 American Standard Inc. Method of determining setback for HVAC system
US5344068A (en) * 1993-04-16 1994-09-06 Staefa Control System, Inc. Dynamically controlled environmental control system
US5637040A (en) * 1995-04-13 1997-06-10 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Infrared object detector
US20050264414A1 (en) * 2004-05-25 2005-12-01 Kevin Sweeney Wireless integrated occupancy sensor
US20080099570A1 (en) * 2006-10-04 2008-05-01 Steve Krebs System and method for estimating temperature drift and drive curves
US20110320013A1 (en) * 2009-07-01 2011-12-29 Pixart Imaging Inc. Home appliance control device
US20120247748A1 (en) * 2009-09-11 2012-10-04 Panasonic Corporation Air control system
US20110130881A1 (en) * 2009-12-01 2011-06-02 Denso Wave Incorporated Central air-conditioning system
US20130073094A1 (en) * 2010-03-30 2013-03-21 Telepure Limited Building occupancy dependent control system
US20130168038A1 (en) * 2010-10-18 2013-07-04 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Air conditioner control device, air conditioner control method, and program
US20120248209A1 (en) * 2011-03-31 2012-10-04 Drew Reid Hvac setback system
US20130184876A1 (en) * 2012-01-12 2013-07-18 International Business Machines Corporation Managing Power Consumption In A User Space

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160110614A1 (en) * 2014-10-21 2016-04-21 Azbil Corporation Person detection system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
US9727791B2 (en) * 2014-10-21 2017-08-08 Azbil Corporation Person detection system, method, and non-transitory computer readable medium
US20160341438A1 (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-11-24 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Room air conditioning system
US10288303B2 (en) * 2015-05-20 2019-05-14 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Room air conditioning system
US20180031727A1 (en) * 2016-07-28 2018-02-01 International Business Machines Corporation Air conditioner
US10031258B2 (en) * 2016-07-28 2018-07-24 International Business Machines Corporation Air conditioner
US11029443B2 (en) 2016-07-28 2021-06-08 International Business Machines Corporation Air conditioning system obstruction detection
US20180106491A1 (en) * 2016-10-17 2018-04-19 Lennox Industries, Inc. Operating a climate control system based on occupancy status
US10731882B2 (en) * 2016-10-17 2020-08-04 Lennox Industries Inc. Operating a climate control system based on occupancy status
EP3540322A4 (en) * 2016-11-08 2019-11-13 Mitsubishi Electric Corporation AIR CONDITIONER
US11105525B2 (en) * 2016-12-13 2021-08-31 Oblamatik Ag Method for heating or cooling rooms in a building
US11940166B2 (en) 2019-03-26 2024-03-26 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Air conditioning system for transferring air in an air-conditioned room

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP5932998B2 (ja) 2016-06-08
EP2865959B1 (en) 2019-10-16
EP2865959A4 (en) 2016-04-06
EP2865959A1 (en) 2015-04-29
JPWO2013190911A1 (ja) 2016-05-26
WO2013190911A1 (ja) 2013-12-27

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20150136378A1 (en) Air-conditioning system
US10060643B2 (en) Air-conditioning apparatus and air-conditioning system executing a precooling operation or a preheating operation
US10088211B2 (en) Air-conditioning apparatus
CN110662925B (zh) 空调系统
JP7004827B2 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
JP6494562B2 (ja) 制御装置、空調システム、制御方法、及び、プログラム
JP6234569B2 (ja) 空気調和システム
KR20120096722A (ko) 공기조화장치 및 그 제어방법
JP2020026945A (ja) 空調装置
WO2018199167A1 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
KR20150032106A (ko) 공기조화기 및 그 제어방법
JP7050760B2 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
CN105518396A (zh) 空调系统
JP2015161446A (ja) 温度環境制御システムおよび装置
WO2020035913A1 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
WO2020035911A1 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
WO2020035908A1 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
CN114585861B (zh) 换气报告装置和换气报告程序的存储装置
KR101573363B1 (ko) 공기조화기 및 그 제어방법
JP7038835B2 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
JP6537705B2 (ja) 制御装置、空調システム、空調方法及びプログラム
KR101921536B1 (ko) 공기조화기 시스템
JP7016601B2 (ja) 空調装置、制御装置、空調方法及びプログラム
KR102143347B1 (ko) 원격제어기 및 그를 포함하는 공기조화기 시스템
US20220404057A1 (en) Air conditioner system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION, JAPAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MAEDA, KAZUO;REEL/FRAME:034068/0318

Effective date: 20140902

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION