WO2023157267A1

WO2023157267A1 - Air conditioner and air-conditioning system

Info

Publication number: WO2023157267A1
Application number: PCT/JP2022/006811
Authority: WO
Inventors: 優介坪井
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2022-02-21
Filing date: 2022-02-21
Publication date: 2023-08-24
Also published as: JPWO2023157267A1

Abstract

This air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit. The air conditioner comprises: a wireless device that receives a power restriction signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company; and a control unit that restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor on the basis of the power restriction signal received by the wireless device, and releases the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure has occurred on a communication path from the server to the wireless device.

Description

Air conditioners and air conditioning systems

The present disclosure relates to air conditioners and air conditioning systems.

If a communication failure occurs in the communication path with the server, electronic devices such as air conditioners that are remotely controlled by the server via wireless communication will switch to a mode with limited functions to ensure as much safety as possible. is disclosed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-169969 A

When a power regulation signal is received from a power company to regulate the use of electricity, an air conditioner that operates with power limitation based on the received power regulation signal may experience a failure in the communication path and become unable to communicate. Therefore, there is a concern that the user will not be able to drive comfortably because the restricted operation will continue even if the restriction is not required. For example, even if the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above is applied, when a communication failure occurs, the function of the air conditioner is limited to ensure safety. There is a concern that the user will not be able to drive comfortably.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in an air conditioner that controls operation based on a power regulation signal from an electric power company, control when a communication failure occurs in the communication path from the electric power company. One of the objects is to provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system that perform properly.

An air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, and receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company. The upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is regulated based on the wireless device and the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device, the and a control unit that releases the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor.

Further, an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning system including an air conditioner including an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, a cloud, and a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the cloud. The air conditioner includes a wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company via a repeater via the cloud, and based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device a control unit that regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor by using the control unit, and cancels the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device. The cloud monitors communication in which the power regulation signal is transmitted from the server to the wireless device, and when the wireless device receives the power regulation signal, the air conditioner is in the restricted operation. is notified to the mobile terminal.

According to the present disclosure, in an air conditioner that controls operation based on a power regulation signal from a power company, it is possible to appropriately perform control when a communication failure occurs in the communication path from the power company.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The system diagram which shows the outline|summary of the power regulation system which concerns on embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the basic operation|movement of the air conditioning in the air conditioner which concerns on embodiment. 4 is a time chart showing an example of restricted operation control when a communication failure occurs according to the embodiment; 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioner according to an embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing executed by an indoor unit control unit according to the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart showing an example of regulation value selection processing for selecting a regulation value at the time of regulation restoration according to the embodiment; The flowchart which shows an example of the electric power regulation process which the outdoor unit control part which concerns on embodiment performs. The figure which shows the notification example during restricted driving displayed on the portable terminal which concerns on embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a notification displayed on the mobile terminal according to the embodiment during deregulation;

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, with reference to FIG. 1, an outline of an air conditioning system that regulates power of an air conditioner based on a power regulation signal from an electric power company will be described.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an outline of a power regulation system according to this embodiment.
The illustrated air conditioning system SYS includes an air conditioner 1 , a router 2 , a server 4 corresponding to a power company, a cloud 6 , and a mobile terminal 7 .

The server 4 corresponding to the electric power company may be a server operated by the electric power company itself, or may be a server entrusted by the electric power company (a server operated by a company other than the electric power company). Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as "power company server 4". The mobile terminal 7 is a mobile device owned by the user, such as a smart phone or a notebook computer, and can communicate with the cloud 6 via the Internet or a mobile phone communication network.

The air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a remote controller 30, and a wireless device 40. Indoor unit 20 , remote control 30 , and wireless device 40 are installed in room 3 . The outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors outside the room 3 . The air conditioner 1 performs heating operation or cooling operation by circulating the refrigerant in the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 as shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the basic operation of air conditioning in the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by

refrigerant pipes

51 and 52 . By switching the four-way valve 15 provided in the outdoor unit 10 to switch the circulation direction of the refrigerant, the heating operation and the cooling operation are switched.

In the case of heating operation, the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 13 flows through the four-way valve 15 and the refrigerant pipe 51 to the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 . The refrigerant in the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to warm the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become liquid due to heat exchange flows through the refrigerant pipe 52 and the expansion valve 16 into the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14 . The refrigerant in the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. Refrigerant in a gaseous state through heat exchange passes through the four-way valve 15 and returns to the compressor 13 .

In the case of cooling operation, gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 13 flows through the four-way valve 15 into the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14 . The refrigerant in the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become liquid due to heat exchange passes through the expansion valve 16 and flows into the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 via the refrigerant pipe 52 . The refrigerant in the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to cool the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become gaseous due to heat exchange passes through the refrigerant pipe 51 , the four-way valve 15 , and returns to the compressor 13 .

Returning to FIG. 1, the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit controller 21 in which a timer 212 is incorporated. The outdoor unit 10 also includes an outdoor unit control unit 11 . The indoor unit controller 21 is connected to each of the wireless device 40 and the outdoor unit controller 11 by wired communication or the like.

The wireless device 40 is connected to the router 2 and the remote control 30 provided in the room 3 by wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The router 2 is an example of a repeater that relays communication between a public line such as the Internet or a mobile phone communication network and a LAN (Local Area Network) in the room 3, and is a wireless LAN router here.

The remote controller 30 is a remote controller that accepts operation start/stop, operation mode, set temperature, etc. of the air conditioner 1 by user's operation. The wireless device 40 receives a signal transmitted from the remote control 30 according to the user's operation, and transmits the received signal to the indoor unit control section 21 . The indoor unit control section 21 controls heating operation or cooling operation based on a signal transmitted from the remote controller 30 .

Also, the wireless device 40 is communicatively connected to the cloud 6 via the Internet or the like via the router 2 . For example, the wireless device 40 receives, via the cloud 6 and the router 2, a power regulation signal transmitted from the power company's server 4 or the like. Upon receiving the power regulation signal, the wireless device 40 transmits the received power regulation signal to the indoor unit controller 21 . Upon receiving the power restriction signal transmitted from the wireless device 40 , the indoor unit controller 21 transmits the received power restriction signal to the outdoor unit controller 11 . The outdoor unit control unit 11 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on this power regulation signal. The reason why the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is regulated is that the power consumption of the compressor 13 accounts for most of the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 .

A power regulation signal is a regulation signal for limiting the use of electric power, and is a signal that includes a regulation value that indicates the upper limit of the use of electric power. For example, the regulation value is set to a value indicating the upper limit of use, such as "50%". If there is no regulation, for example, a power regulation signal with a regulation value of "100%" is transmitted. In addition, when there is no regulation, a power regulation signal indicating that there is no regulation value may be transmitted. This power regulation signal is transmitted, for example, at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 minutes) from the power company's server 4 .

For example, when the outdoor unit control unit 11 receives a power regulation signal with a regulation value of “50%”, the frequency of the compressor 13 is limited so as not to exceed 50% of the maximum value of the control specification and controls operation. . Note that the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 for the power regulation signal with the regulation value of "50%" is not limited to 50%, and may be a value obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined percentage based on 50%. In the following description, the operation in which the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is restricted based on the power restriction signal will be referred to as "regulated operation".

Here, if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40 and communication cannot be performed, the air conditioner 1 will not be able to receive the power regulation signal. A communication failure may occur between the wireless device 40 and the router 2 . It may also occur between the cloud 6 and the router 2. Similarly, when a communication failure occurs between the power company server 4 and the cloud 6 and when the cloud 6 is abnormal, communication on the communication path from the power company server 4 to the wireless device 40 is similarly performed. be an obstacle.

If a communication failure occurs during restricted operation, the air conditioner 1 cannot receive the information even if the restriction becomes unnecessary. As a result, if the restricted driving continues, there is a concern that the user will not be able to drive comfortably. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 releases the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 when a communication failure occurs.

With reference to FIG. 3, the operation of restricted operation when a communication failure occurs during restricted operation will be described. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an example of restricted operation control when a communication failure occurs according to this embodiment. In this figure, the upper time chart shows the communication state ("communication failure", "communication failure"). The lower time chart shows whether or not the frequency of the compressor 13 is regulated. When the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is restricted based on the power restriction signal, that is, when the operation is under restriction, it indicates "restricted", and when the restriction is lifted, it indicates "not restricted".

First, we will explain the operation when a communication failure occurs. It is assumed that there is no communication failure and that a communication failure occurs at time t1 from the state of restricted operation (with restriction) based on the power restriction signal. When determining that a communication failure has occurred, the indoor unit control unit 21 starts counting using the timer 212 to measure the elapsed time since the communication failure occurred. The indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a regulation release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 when the communication failure continues even at time t2 when the “waiting time A” has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure. When the outdoor unit control unit 11 receives the restriction release signal, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is released (no restriction). Here, "waiting time A" is a time (for example, 10 minutes) set in advance as a buffer from the occurrence of a communication failure until the restriction is lifted.

When a signal is received from the remote controller 30 while communication failure is occurring, the indoor unit control unit 21 controls operation based on the signal (command) from the remote controller 30 .

Next, we will explain the operation when recovering from a communication failure. Assume that the communication failure is recovered at time t3. When it is determined that the communication failure has been recovered, the indoor unit control unit 21 starts counting using the timer 212 to measure the elapsed time since the communication failure has been recovered. The indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a regulation recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 at time t4 when the "waiting time B" has passed since the communication failure was recovered. Upon receiving the regulation restoration signal, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13, and performs regulation operation based on the power regulation signal (with regulation). Here, the "waiting time B" is a time (for example, 10 minutes) set in advance as a buffer from the recovery of the communication failure until the regulation is resumed.

The same time may be set for "waiting time A" and "waiting time B", or different times may be set. For example, when performing control so as to comply with power company regulations as much as possible, "standby time B" may be set to a shorter time than "standby time A".

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described in detail.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. In this figure, the main configuration of the configuration of the air conditioner 1 is shown, and a part of the configuration is omitted. In addition, in this figure, the same reference numerals are given to the structures corresponding to the parts in FIGS.

The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit controller 21 , an indoor unit fan 22 , a flap 23 , an indoor unit sensor 24 , an indoor unit heat exchanger 25 and an indoor unit communication unit 28 . The indoor unit control section 21 controls each section of the indoor unit 20 . For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 controls the number of rotations of the indoor unit fan 22 and the direction of the flap 23 in order to control the air volume and direction based on a signal (command) from the remote controller 30 . In addition, the indoor unit control unit 21 acquires the output of the indoor unit sensor 24 and detects the refrigerant temperature, indoor temperature, indoor humidity, etc. of the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 . The indoor unit sensor 24 includes a temperature sensor that outputs a signal according to the temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger 25, a temperature sensor that outputs a signal according to the indoor temperature, a humidity sensor that outputs a signal according to the indoor humidity, and the like. .

In addition, the indoor unit control section 21 includes a communication state determination section 211, a timer 212, and a restriction instruction section 213. The indoor unit controller 21 communicates with the wireless device 40 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 . The communication state determination unit 211 determines whether or not a communication failure has occurred on the communication path with the server 4 of the electric power company.

For example, the communication state determination unit 211 periodically transmits a communication confirmation signal (for example, a heartbeat signal) for determining whether or not communication can be performed normally from the wireless device 40 via the indoor unit communication unit 28. Send to company server 4 . When the server 4 of the electric power company acquires the communication confirmation signal, it transmits a response signal to the transmission source of the communication confirmation signal.

If the response signal transmitted from the server 4 of the electric power company can be obtained via the indoor unit communication unit 28 within a predetermined time after transmitting the communication confirmation signal, the communication state determination unit 211 wirelessly receives the signal from the server 4 of the electric power company. It is determined that no communication failure has occurred on the communication path to the device 40 .

On the other hand, if the communication status determination unit 211 cannot acquire the response signal transmitted from the electric power company server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 within a predetermined time after transmitting the communication confirmation signal, the electric power company It is determined that a communication failure has occurred somewhere on the communication path from the server 4 to the wireless device 40 .

Note that the cloud 6 periodically transmits the signal received from the server 4 of the power company to the wireless device 40 via the router 2, and the communication state determination unit 211 transmits this signal to the indoor unit via the wireless device 40. It may be determined whether or not the communication can be performed normally depending on whether or not the control unit 21 has received it. For example, the communication state determination unit 211 determines that a communication failure has not occurred when the indoor unit control unit 21 receives the signal received by the cloud 6 from the power company server 4 via the wireless device 40. may Further, the communication state determination unit 211 determines that a communication failure has occurred when the indoor unit control unit 21 does not receive the signal received by the cloud 6 from the power company server 4 via the wireless device 40. You can judge.

When the power restriction instruction unit 213 receives the power restriction signal transmitted from the electric power company server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 when no communication failure has occurred, the power restriction instruction unit 213 transmits the received power restriction signal to the indoor unit communication. It is transmitted to the outdoor unit control section 11 via the section 28 .

Further, when the communication state determination unit 211 determines that a communication failure has occurred, the restriction instruction unit 213 starts counting using the timer 212, and prevents the communication failure even after the waiting time A (see FIG. 3) has passed. continues, a regulation release signal instructing cancellation of the regulation is transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 .

In addition, when the communication state determination unit 211 determines that the communication failure has been recovered, the regulation instruction unit 213 starts counting using the timer 212, and after the waiting time B (see FIG. 3) has passed, the regulation is performed. A regulation recovery signal instructing restart is transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 .

Here, when the restriction instruction unit 213 transmits the restriction restoration signal, the restriction value may be set as follows. For example, when the power regulation instruction unit 213 receives the power regulation signal during the standby time B, it sets the regulation value included in the received power regulation signal as the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the restriction value of the power restriction signal received during the standby time B. FIG.

Also, when the power restriction signal is not received during the standby time B, the regulation instruction unit 213 sets the regulation value before the regulation is lifted as the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 restarts the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the original regulation value before the regulation was lifted.

Also, if the power regulation instruction unit 213 has not received a power regulation signal during the standby time B, it may inquire of the cloud 6 about the latest power regulation signal. By acquiring the latest power regulation signal from the cloud 6, the regulation instruction unit 213 may set the regulation value included in the acquired power regulation signal as the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the restriction value of the power restriction signal acquired from the cloud 6 .

The outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor unit control unit 11, an outdoor unit fan 12, a compressor 13, an outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, a four-way valve 15, an expansion valve 16, an outdoor unit sensor 17, and an outdoor unit communication unit 18. . The outdoor unit control section 11 controls each section of the outdoor unit 10 . For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 acquires the output of the outdoor unit sensor 17 and detects the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, the outside air temperature, and the like. The outdoor unit sensor 17 includes a temperature sensor that outputs a signal according to the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, a humidity sensor that outputs a signal according to the outside air temperature, and the like. The outdoor unit control unit 11 controls the frequency of the compressor 13, the direction of refrigerant flow in the four-way valve 15, the degree of opening of the expansion valve 16, and the like, based on the operation mode, refrigerant state, outside temperature, and the like.

In addition, the outdoor unit control section 11 includes a regulation control section 111. Regulation control section 111 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of compressor 13 based on the power regulation signal transmitted from indoor unit control section 21 . Further, the restriction control unit 111 releases the upper limit restriction of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the restriction release signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21 . Further, the restriction control unit 111 restarts restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the restriction recovery signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21 .

Next, the operation of the power regulation process executed by the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing executed by the indoor unit control section 21 according to this embodiment.

The indoor unit control unit 21 determines the state of communication with the server 4 of the electric power company. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not a communication failure has occurred on the communication path from the electric power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40 (step S101).

When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that no communication failure has occurred, upon receiving the power restriction signal transmitted from the server 4 of the electric power company, the received power restriction signal is sent to the outdoor unit control unit 11. Send (step S103). Then, the process returns to step S101.

When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that a communication failure has occurred in step S101, it transmits a regulation release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. For example, when the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that a communication failure has occurred in step S101, it starts counting using the timer 212, and the communication failure continues even after the standby time A (see FIG. 3) has passed. If so, a regulation release signal is transmitted to the outdoor unit controller 11 (step S105). Then, the process returns to step S101.

When the indoor unit control section 21 determines that the communication failure has been recovered in step S101, it transmits a regulation restoration signal to the outdoor unit control section 11. For example, when the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that the communication failure has been recovered in step S101, it starts counting using the timer 212, and after the waiting time B (see FIG. 3) has elapsed, the regulation recovery signal is sent to the outdoor unit. It is transmitted to the machine control section 11 (step S107). Then, the process returns to step S101.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of regulation value selection processing in which the indoor unit control section 21 according to the present embodiment selects regulation values at the time of regulation restoration.

When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that the communication failure has been recovered in step S101 (Fig. 5), it determines whether or not the power restriction signal has been received during the standby time B (step S151).

When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that the power regulation signal has been received during the standby time B in step S151 (YES), it sets the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal based on the received power regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the regulation value included in the power regulation signal received during the standby time B (step S153).

Note that, when the indoor unit control unit 21 receives a plurality of types of power regulation signals during the standby time B, it sets the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal to the regulation value included in the latest power regulation signal.

When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that the power regulation signal has not been received during the standby time B in step S151 (NO), it inquires the cloud 6 about the latest power regulation signal (step S155). . Then, the indoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not the latest power regulation signal has been obtained from the cloud 6 (step S157).

When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S157 that the latest power regulation signal has been acquired from the cloud 6 (YES), it sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal based on the acquired latest power regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the regulation value included in the power regulation signal acquired from the cloud 6 (step S159).

On the other hand, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S157 that the latest power regulation signal has not been obtained from the cloud 6 (NO), the regulation restoration signal is generated based on the power regulation signal before the regulation is lifted. Set regulation values. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal to the original regulation value before the regulation was released (step S161).

In addition, the indoor unit control unit 21 does not determine whether or not the power regulation signal has been received during the standby time B, and whether or not the latest power regulation signal has been acquired from the cloud 6. The regulation value of the restoration signal may be set to the original regulation value before the regulation is released.

Further, the indoor unit control unit 21 does not determine whether or not the latest power regulation signal is acquired from the cloud 6, and if the power regulation signal is not received during the standby time B, the regulation is restored. The signal regulation value may be set to the original regulation value before the regulation is lifted.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing executed by the outdoor unit control section 11 according to this embodiment.

The outdoor unit control section 11 determines whether or not a power regulation signal has been received from the indoor unit control section 21 (step S201).

When the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S201 that the power restriction signal has been received from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is restricted based on the received power restriction signal. . For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 with the regulation value included in the received power regulation signal (step S203). Then, the process returns to step S201.

On the other hand, when the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S201 that the power regulation signal has not been received from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), it determines whether or not it has received a regulation release signal (step S205). ).

When the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S205 that it has received the regulation release signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), it releases the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 (step S207). Then, the process returns to step S201.

On the other hand, when the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S205 that the regulation release signal has not been received from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), it determines whether or not the regulation restoration signal has been received (step S209 ).

When the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S209 that the regulation restoration signal has been received from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is regulated based on the received regulation restoration signal. resume. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 with the restriction value included in the received restriction restoration signal (step S211). Then, the process returns to step S201.

On the other hand, when the outdoor unit control section 11 determines in step S209 that the regulation recovery signal has not been received from the indoor unit control section 21 (NO), the process returns to step S201.

As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment includes the outdoor unit 110 having the compressor 13, the indoor unit 20 connected to the outdoor unit 10, and the electric power transmitted from the server 4 of the electric power company. and a wireless device 40 that receives the regulation signal. Also, the air conditioner 1 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device 40 . When a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the electric power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is lifted.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 cancels the regulation when it becomes impossible to receive the power regulation signal due to a communication failure in the communication path from the electric power company. It is possible to prevent the user from losing comfort without continuation. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can appropriately perform control when a communication failure occurs in the communication path from the electric power company.

For example, when a communication failure occurs in the air conditioner 1, if the communication failure continues even after a preset time (for example, standby time A) has elapsed since the communication failure occurred, The restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is lifted.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 provides a waiting time A as a buffer from the occurrence of a communication failure until the restriction is lifted. regulation can continue.

Further, in the air conditioner 1, when the communication failure is recovered after the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is released, a preset time (for example, standby time B) elapses after the communication failure is recovered. After that, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is resumed.

As a result, when the communication failure is restored, the air conditioner 1 can correctly perform power regulation operation based on the power regulation signal from the power company. In addition, since the air conditioner 1 is provided with the waiting time B as a buffer from when the communication failure is recovered to when the regulated operation is resumed, when the communication state is unstable, the regulated operation and the regulated operation can be performed in a short period of time. It is possible to prevent the frequency of the compressor 13 from fluctuating due to repeated release. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can prevent the comfort of the user from being impaired.

For example, if the wireless device 40 receives a power regulation signal during a period from the recovery of the communication failure until a preset time (for example, standby time B) elapses, the air conditioner 1 receives the received power regulation The upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is regulated based on the signal.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can resume restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the latest power restriction signal when the communication failure is restored and the restriction is resumed.

On the other hand, in the air conditioner 1, if the wireless device 40 does not receive the power regulation signal during a period from the recovery of the communication failure to the lapse of a preset time (for example, standby time B), the compressor 13 to return to the regulation before the upper limit of the frequency was lifted.

As a result, even if the air conditioner 1 cannot receive the power restriction signal after the communication failure is restored, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 can be resumed with the original restriction before the restriction was lifted.

Note that if the wireless device 40 does not receive the power restriction signal during a period of time (for example, standby time B) that has been set in advance after the recovery of the communication failure, the air conditioner 1 determines that the wireless device The latest power regulation signal may be acquired from the cloud 6 via 40, and the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 may be regulated based on the acquired power regulation signal.

Further, when the wireless device 40 receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 minutes), the air conditioner 1 controls the lowest frequency among the received power regulation signals. The value may limit the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 .

For example, the power regulation signal received by the wireless device 40 may be transmitted from other devices such as the mobile terminal 7 in addition to the server 4 of the power company. If multiple types of power regulation signals are received within a predetermined period of time (for example, within 10 minutes) and the regulation value is changed each time the signal is received, the frequency of the compressor 13 may fluctuate and comfort may be impaired. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can respond to the regulation request from the electric power company without impairing comfort by fixing the regulation value of the lowest frequency among the plurality of types of power regulation signals.

Note that when the wireless device 40 receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a predetermined time (for example, within 10 minutes), the air conditioner 1 sets the highest frequency among the received power regulation signals. The value may limit the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 .

In this case, the air conditioner 1 gives priority to the air conditioning performance by fixing the regulation value of the highest frequency among the plurality of types of power regulation signals, thereby preventing the user's comfort from being impaired.

Also, the wireless device 40 receives a power regulation signal transmitted from the server 4 of the power company via the cloud 6 and the router 2 (an example of a repeater).

As a result, the air conditioner 1 can receive the power regulation signal from the server 4 of the electric power company and perform regulation operation using a general LAN installed in the home without requiring any special equipment. .

Further, in the air conditioning system SYS according to the present embodiment, the cloud 6 monitors communication in which a power regulation signal is transmitted from the server 4 of the electric power company to the wireless device 40, and when the wireless device 40 receives the power regulation signal, The mobile terminal 7 may be notified that the air conditioner 1 is in restricted operation.

When the mobile terminal 7 receives the notification from the cloud 6, it displays the content of the notification.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of notification during restricted driving displayed on the mobile terminal 7 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the display unit of the portable terminal 7 displays information indicating that the vehicle is in the restricted driving mode, such as "The vehicle is restricted to 50%." . Note that the example of notification shown in this figure is just an example, and the content of notification can be determined arbitrarily.

As a result, the air conditioning system SYS can easily notify the user by displaying on the mobile terminal 7 that the air conditioner 1 is in restricted operation.

Further, when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the electric power company server 4 to the wireless device 40, the cloud 6 notifies the occurrence of the communication failure or regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 in the air conditioner 1. The mobile terminal 7 may be notified of the cancellation.

When the mobile terminal 7 receives the notification from the cloud 6, it displays the content of the notification.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of notification displayed on the mobile terminal 7 according to the present embodiment during the release of restrictions. As shown in the figure, the display of the mobile terminal 7 shows "Communication failure", "Electrical regulation signal is interrupted. Please check the router", "Will be restored in 10 minutes". , "Electricity restrictions have been lifted.", and "Restoration is scheduled to occur in 10 minutes." The scheduled recovery time is displayed according to, for example, the remaining time of the standby time B when the communication failure is recovered. Note that the example of notification shown in this figure is just an example, and the content of notification can be determined arbitrarily.

As a result, the mobile terminal 7 displays on the mobile terminal 7 that a communication failure has occurred or that the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 in the air conditioner 1 has been lifted. You can easily let us know.

As described above, each embodiment has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and each embodiment may be combined, modified, or omitted as appropriate. It is possible to

Further, although the air conditioner 1 according to the above embodiment has shown a configuration example in which one indoor unit 20 is connected to one outdoor unit 10, one outdoor unit 10 has a plurality of indoor units. 20 may be connected. In that case, one of the plurality of indoor units 20 performs control to transmit a power regulation signal, a regulation release signal, and a regulation recovery signal to the outdoor unit 10 .

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the indoor unit control unit 21 has explained an example in which, when a communication failure occurs, the regulation release signal is transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 after the waiting time A has passed. The length of A may be set arbitrarily, and the regulation cancellation signal may be transmitted to the outdoor unit control section 11 in response to the occurrence of a communication failure without waiting for the waiting time A.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the indoor unit control unit 21, when the communication failure is restored, has been described as an example in which the regulation recovery signal is transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 after the waiting time B has passed. The length of B may be set arbitrarily, and the regulation recovery signal may be transmitted to the outdoor unit control section 11 in response to the occurrence of communication recovery without waiting for the waiting time B.

In addition, a program for realizing the function of the control unit of each device (for example, the outdoor unit control unit 11, the indoor unit control unit 21) is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into the computer system and executed to perform the processing of the control unit of each device. It should be noted that the "computer system" referred to here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

In addition, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a program that dynamically retains programs for a short period of time, like a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. It includes things that hold programs for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or a client in that case. Further, the program may be for realizing part of the functions described above, or may be capable of realizing the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. Alternatively, the above program may be stored in a predetermined server, and distributed (downloaded, etc.) via a communication line in response to a request from another device.

Also, part or all of the functions of the control units of each device (for example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 and the indoor unit control unit 21) may be realized as an integrated circuit such as LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processorized, or part or all may be integrated and processorized. Also, the method of circuit integration is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. In addition, when an integration circuit technology that replaces LSI appears due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on this technology may be used.

1 air conditioner 2 router 3 indoor 4 power company server 6 cloud 7 portable terminal 10 outdoor unit 11 outdoor unit control unit 111 regulation control unit 12 outdoor unit fan 13 compressor 14 outdoor unit heat exchanger 15 four-way valve 16 expansion valve 17 Outdoor unit sensor 18 Outdoor unit communication unit 20 Indoor unit 21 Indoor unit control unit 211 Communication state determination unit 212 Timer 213 Regulation instruction unit 22 Indoor unit fan 23 Flap 24 Indoor unit sensor 25 Indoor unit heat exchanger 28 Indoor unit communication unit 30 Remote controller 40 Wireless device 51 Refrigerant pipe 52 Refrigerant pipe

Claims

An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit,
a wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company;
The upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is regulated based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device, the frequency of the compressor is a control unit that releases the upper limit of
air conditioner.
The control unit
When the communication failure occurs, if the communication failure continues even after a preset time has passed since the communication failure occurred, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is lifted. ,
The air conditioner according to claim 1.
The control unit
When the communication failure is recovered after the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is released, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is resumed after a preset time has elapsed since the communication failure was recovered. resume,
The air conditioner according to claim 2.
The control unit
If the wireless device receives the power restriction signal during a period from the recovery of the communication failure until a preset time elapses, the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is adjusted based on the received power restriction signal. regulate,
The air conditioner according to claim 3.
The control unit
If the wireless device does not receive the power restriction signal within a preset time after the recovery of the communication failure, restriction before releasing the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor back to
The air conditioner according to claim 3.
The control unit
If the wireless device does not receive the power restriction signal within a preset time after the recovery of the communication failure, the latest power restriction signal is received from the cloud via the wireless device. obtaining and regulating the upper frequency limit of the compressor based on the obtained power regulation signal;
The air conditioner according to claim 3.
The control unit
When the wireless device receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a predetermined period of time, the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is regulated to the lowest frequency regulation value among the received power regulation signals. ,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The control unit
When the wireless device receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a predetermined time, the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is regulated to the highest frequency regulation value among the received power regulation signals. ,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
The wireless device receives the power regulation signal transmitted from the server via a cloud via a repeater,
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, a cloud, and a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the cloud,
The air conditioner is
A wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company via a repeater via the cloud, and an upper frequency limit for the compressor based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device. a control unit that regulates and cancels the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device,
The cloud is
monitoring communication in which the power regulation signal is transmitted from the server to the wireless device;
When the wireless device receives the power regulation signal, notifies the mobile terminal that the air conditioner is in regulation operation;
air conditioning system.
The cloud is
When the communication failure occurs, notifying the mobile terminal that the communication failure has occurred or that the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor has been lifted in the air conditioner;
11. The air conditioning system of claim 10.