Design method, program, and design system

Abstract

An object of the present disclosure is to select an arrangement condition and an operation condition that ensure both comfort and energy conservation. The selecting step includes obtaining a plurality of device parameters satisfying both a first condition and a second condition based on a plurality of sets, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter that have been obtained for a plurality of samples, respectively. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold. The second condition is the condition that the air conditioner energy parameter is minimized within the range of the multiple equipment parameters meeting the first condition.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a design method, a program, and a design system, and more particularly, to a design method, a program, and a design system for designing a plurality of equipment parameters related to arrangement conditions and operation conditions of air conditioning equipment. Background Art

[0002] As an exemplary known system for designing the operating conditions of air conditioning equipment, the comfort value management system disclosed in Patent Document 1 can be cited. The comfort value management system includes an arithmetic processing means. The arithmetic processing means uses the measurement values ​​and preset element values ​​provided by the measuring instruments set at multiple points in the room to calculate the comfort value at each of these indoor points by a predetermined arithmetic equation. In addition, the arithmetic processing means also obtains the adjustment value of the air conditioning temperature required to change the comfort value to the preset target comfort value, and calculates the energy reduction rate corresponding to the adjustment value using the preset energy reduction rate for each temperature.

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent document 1: JP 2006-162093 A. Summary of the invention

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a design method, a program, and a design system, all of which facilitate selection of layout conditions and operating conditions that ensure comfort and energy saving.

[0007] A design method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for designing a plurality of equipment parameters related to arrangement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning device. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. The acquisition step includes acquiring information about corresponding settable ranges of the plurality of equipment parameters. The plurality of equipment parameters include air volume, outlet temperature, installation location, and air direction of the air conditioning device. The sampling step includes determining a plurality of samples, each of which is a set of a plurality of equipment parameters that fall within a settable range. The set calculation step includes calculating a plurality of sets by performing a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step on each of the plurality of samples, each of which includes an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter. The simulation step includes performing a simulation of a thermal fluid distribution in a space of interest by using a sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition. The space of interest forms at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. The first calculation step includes calculating an air conditioning energy parameter with respect to a sample, the air conditioning energy parameter being calculated by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume. The second calculation step includes calculating the distribution of a predicted average body sensation index of the space of interest based on the simulation result. The third calculation step includes calculating the comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the volume of the portion of the space of interest whose predicted average somatosensory index value falls within a predetermined range by the overall volume of the space of interest. The design method also includes a selection step. The selection step includes obtaining the multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition and the second condition based on multiple sets, each of the multiple sets respectively including air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters that have been obtained for multiple samples. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value. The second condition is a condition that minimizes the air conditioning energy parameter within the range of multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0008] A program according to another aspect of the present disclosure is designed to cause one or more processors of a computer system to execute the above-mentioned design method.

[0009] A design system according to another aspect of the present disclosure is configured to design a plurality of equipment parameters related to the arrangement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning device. The design system includes an acquirer, a sampler, a simulator, a first calculator, a second calculator, and a third calculator. The acquirer acquires information about each settable range of a plurality of equipment parameters, including the air volume, outlet temperature, installation location, and air direction of the air conditioning device. The sampler determines a plurality of samples, each of which is a set of a plurality of equipment parameters falling within the settable range. The simulator performs a simulation step, the simulation step including simulating the distribution of a thermal fluid in a space of interest by using a sample selected from a plurality of samples as an input condition. The space of interest forms at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device. The first calculator performs a first calculation step, the first calculation step including calculating an air conditioning energy parameter with respect to a sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is calculated by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the outlet temperature of the space of interest by the air volume. The second calculator performs a second calculation step, including calculating the distribution of a predicted average body sensation index of the space of interest based on the simulation result. The third calculator performs a third calculation step, including calculating a comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the volume of the part of the space of interest whose predicted average somatosensory index value falls within a predetermined range by the overall volume of the space of interest. The simulator, the first calculator, the second calculator, and the third calculator respectively perform a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step on each of the multiple samples, thereby calculating multiple sets, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter. The design system also includes a selector and a result outputter. The selector obtains multiple device parameters that satisfy a first condition and a second condition based on multiple sets, each set including air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters that have been obtained for multiple samples respectively. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value. The second condition is a condition that minimizes the air conditioning energy parameter within the range of multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition. The result outputter outputs multiple device parameters obtained by the selector. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a design system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0011] Figure 2 shows the processing performed by the design system; and

[0012] Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary operation process of the design system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] (Example)

[0014] The design method, program / program product, and design system 1 according to the exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the embodiments to be described below are merely exemplary embodiments of the various embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be interpreted as limiting. On the contrary, the exemplary embodiments can be easily modified in various ways according to design choices or any other factors without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] (1) Overview

[0016] The design system 1 is a system for designing a plurality of equipment parameters regarding the arrangement conditions and operation conditions of air conditioning equipment. For example, before performing the installation operation of air conditioning equipment in a facility, a plurality of equipment parameters satisfying predetermined conditions can be obtained using the design system 1.

[0017] More specifically, the design system 1 uses the predicted mean physiognomy (PMV) as an index to obtain multiple equipment parameters that will ensure the comfort of a given space. In addition, the design system 1 also uses the air conditioning energy parameter (described later) as another index to obtain multiple equipment parameters that will contribute to energy saving.

[0018] The design system 1 according to this embodiment is configured to design a plurality of equipment parameters of the arrangement conditions and operation conditions of the air conditioning equipment. Figure 1 As shown, the design system 1 includes an acquirer 21, a sampler 22, a simulator 23, a first calculator 24, a second calculator 25, and a third calculator 26. The acquirer 21 acquires information about corresponding settable ranges of multiple device parameters, and the multiple device parameters include air volume, outlet temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning device. The installation position is an equipment parameter related to the arrangement conditions of the air conditioning device. The air volume, outlet temperature, and air direction are equipment parameters related to the operating conditions of the air conditioning device.

[0019] The sampler 22 determines a plurality of samples, each of which is a set of a plurality of equipment parameters falling within a settable range. The simulator 23 performs a simulation step, which includes simulating the distribution of a thermal fluid in a space of interest by using a sample selected from a plurality of samples as an input condition. The space of interest forms at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device. The first calculator 24 performs a first calculation step including calculating an air conditioning energy parameter for a sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is calculated by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the outlet temperature of the space of interest by the air volume. The second calculator 25 performs a second calculation step, including calculating the distribution of a predicted mean body feeling index (PMV) in the space of interest based on the simulation result. The third calculator 26 performs a third calculation step, including calculating a comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the volume of the portion of the predicted mean body feeling index (PMV) in the space of interest where the value falls within a predetermined range by the entire volume of the space of interest. The simulator 23, the first calculator 24, the second calculator 25 and the third calculator 26 respectively perform a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step and a third calculation step on each of the multiple samples, thereby calculating multiple sets, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter. The design system 1 also includes a selector 27 and a result outputter 28. The selector 27 obtains multiple device parameters that satisfy a first condition and a second condition based on multiple sets, each set including air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters that have been obtained for multiple samples respectively. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and the second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition. The result outputter 28 outputs the multiple device parameters obtained by the selector 27.

[0020] This embodiment can select the layout conditions and operating conditions (involved multiple equipment parameters) that ensure comfort and energy saving based on PMV. For example, the user can select an air-conditioning device with such specifications that will achieve multiple equipment parameters selected by the design system 1. Then, the user can adjust the installation position of the air-conditioning device according to the selected multiple equipment parameters, and set the air volume, outlet temperature, wind direction and other parameters of the air-conditioning device. This can ensure the comfort and energy saving of the real space.

[0021] Alternatively, the function of the design system 1 can also be implemented as a design method. The design method according to the present embodiment is a method for designing a plurality of equipment parameters regarding the arrangement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning device. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. The acquisition step includes acquiring information about the corresponding settable ranges of the plurality of equipment parameters. The plurality of equipment parameters include the air volume, outlet temperature, installation location, and air direction of the air conditioning device. The sampling step includes determining a plurality of samples, each of which is a set of a plurality of equipment parameters that fall within the settable range. The set calculation step includes calculating a plurality of sets by performing a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step on each of the plurality of samples, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter. The simulation step includes simulating the distribution of a thermal fluid in a space of interest by using a sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition. The space of interest forms at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. The first calculation step includes calculating an air conditioning energy parameter regarding a sample, the air conditioning energy parameter being calculated by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the outlet temperature of the space of interest by the air volume. The second calculation step includes calculating the distribution of the predicted mean physical feeling index (PMV) in the space of interest based on the simulation results. The third calculation step includes calculating the comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the partial volume of the predicted mean physical feeling index (PMV) of the space of interest whose value falls within a predetermined range by the entire volume of the space of interest. The design method also includes a selection step, which includes: obtaining multiple equipment parameters that meet the first condition and the second condition based on multiple sets, each set including air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters that have been obtained for multiple samples respectively. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold, and the second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of multiple equipment parameters that meet the first condition.

[0022] Still alternatively, the design method can also be implemented as a program. The program according to this embodiment is designed to enable one or more processors of a computer system to execute the above-mentioned design method. The program can be stored in a non-transitory storage medium readable by a computer system.

[0023] (2) Details

[0024] The design system 1 according to this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0025] The space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device may be, for example, an indoor space of a facility. Examples of facilities where the air conditioning device is installed include residences, office buildings, factories, shopping malls, libraries, art galleries, museums, entertainment facilities, airports, train stations, hotels, nursing facilities, and hospitals. Alternatively, the facility may also be a mobile vehicle, such as a ship, train, or airplane.

[0026] In the description of the following embodiments, as an example, the air conditioning device should be an air conditioner. More specifically, in the description of the following embodiments, the air conditioning device should be a wall-mounted air conditioner.

[0027] In this embodiment, the number of device parameters is seven. The seven device parameters are air volume, outlet temperature, x, y and z coordinates of the installation position, air direction in the upward / downward direction, and air direction in the rightward / leftward direction. In this case, the X-axis, the Y-axis and the Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, the X-axis and the Y-axis are axes parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis is an axis perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0028] In the present embodiment, the number of air-conditioning devices for which the layout conditions, operating conditions (and multiple device parameters) are designed by the design system 1 should be one. However, this is merely an example and should not be construed as a limitation. Alternatively, the design system 1 can also design corresponding layout conditions and corresponding operating conditions for multiple air-conditioning devices. For example, if the number of air-conditioning devices provided is N, and the number of device parameters to be designed for each air-conditioning device is M, the number of device parameters to be designed by the design system 1 is N×M, and one sample will have N×M device parameters. In the present embodiment, N=1, M=7.

[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, the design system 1 includes a processor 2 , a storage device 3 , an input device 4 and an output device 5 .

[0030] The storage device 3 may be implemented as, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 3 stores information. The storage device 3 may store, for example, specifications of the air conditioning equipment, three-dimensional data of the facility, and thermal conductivity of the walls, floors, and ceilings of the facility as information required for designing arrangement conditions and operating conditions of the air conditioning equipment.

[0031] The input device 4 accepts input of information transmitted from outside the design system 1. The input device 4 may include at least one of an operation device 41 or a receiver 42, for example.

[0032] The operation device 41 may include, for example, at least one of a button, a key switch, a touch screen panel, or a touch screen panel display. The operation device 41 accepts an operation command input by a user. The user is allowed to input information required for designing the arrangement conditions and operation conditions of the air-conditioning equipment into the design system 1, or to cause the design system 1 to start designing the arrangement conditions and operation conditions by operating the operation device 41. The user can determine, for example, the target temperature of the space of interest, the threshold to be compared with the comfort parameter, and the settable range of the equipment parameter by operating the operation device 41.

[0033] The receiver 42 receives information from another device. The receiver 42 receives information directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater, for example, by an appropriate communication method, which may be wired communication or wireless communication. For example, the receiver 42 receives information about specifications of the air conditioning equipment, three-dimensional data of the facility, and air temperature of the area where the facility is located.

[0034] The output device 5 outputs information, and the output device 5 includes, for example, at least one of a display 51 , a speaker 52 , or a transmitter 53 .

[0035] The output device 5 displays information on the display 51. For example, the output device 5 may display on the display 51 at least one of the arrangement conditions or the operation conditions that have been obtained by the design system 1, for example.

[0036] The output device 5 also outputs information as sound (including voice) emitted through the speaker 52. The output device 5 can output, through the speaker 52, at least one of the arrangement conditions or the operation conditions that have been obtained by the design system 1, for example.

[0037] The transmitter 53 transmits information to another device. The transmitter 53 transmits information directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater, for example, by an appropriate communication method, which may be wired communication or wireless communication. For example, the transmitter 53 may transmit, for example, arrangement conditions and operating conditions that have been obtained by the design system 1.

[0038] The processor 2 comprises a computer system including one or more processors and a memory. At least some functions of the processor 2 are performed by causing the processor of the computer system to execute a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be stored in the memory. Alternatively, the program may also be downloaded via a telecommunication line such as the Internet, or distributed after having been stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card.

[0039] The processor 2 includes an acquirer 21, a sampler 22, a simulator 23, a first calculator 24, a second calculator 25, a third calculator 26, a selector 27, and a result outputter 28. Note that these constituent elements of the processor 2 merely represent corresponding functions to be performed by the processor 2 and do not necessarily have substantial configurations.

[0040] The acquirer 21 acquires information about the corresponding settable ranges of the plurality of device parameters. For example, the information about the settable ranges may be pre-stored in the storage device 3. The acquirer 21 reads out the information about the settable ranges from the storage device 3. Alternatively, the user may input the information about the settable ranges via the operation device 41 of the input device 4, and the acquirer 21 may acquire the information about the settable ranges that have been input by the operation device 41 from the operation device 41. Still alternatively, the acquirer 21 may also acquire from the receiver 42 the information about the settable ranges that have been input into the receiver 42 from another device.

[0041] The information about the settable range of the outlet temperature of the air conditioning device may include, for example, information about each settable outlet temperature. Specifically, if the outlet temperature can be set to 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, ..., and 30°C, then the corresponding values ​​of 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, ..., and 30°C correspond to the information about the settable range of the outlet temperature of the air conditioning device.

[0042] Alternatively, the information about the settable range of the outlet temperature of the air conditioning device may also include, for example, information about a minimum value of the outlet temperature, a maximum value of the outlet temperature, and a minimum change when the outlet temperature changes between the minimum value and the maximum value.

[0043] The information about the settable range of the air volume of the air conditioning device may include, for example, information about each settable air volume. Alternatively, the information about the settable range of the air volume of the air conditioning device may also include, for example, information about the minimum value of the air volume, the maximum value of the air volume, and the minimum change when the air volume changes between the minimum value and the maximum value. The minimum value of the air volume may be greater than zero.

[0044] The information about the settable range of the installation position of the air conditioner can be obtained based on the three-dimensional data of the facility, for example. The information about the settable range of the installation position of the air conditioner indicates the range of respective values ​​that the X, Y and Z coordinates of the installation position can take.

[0045] The air direction of the air conditioner can be represented by, for example, an angle corresponding to the air direction. Information about the settable range of the air direction in the upward / downward direction of the air conditioner can include, for example, angle information when the air direction is most upward, angle information when the air direction is most downward, and information about the minimum change in angle when the air direction changes upward and downward. Information about the settable range of the left and right air directions of the air conditioner can include, for example, angle information when the air direction is most to the left, angle information when the air direction is most to the right, and information about the minimum change in angle when the air direction changes to the right and left.

[0046] The sampler 22 determines a plurality of samples, each of which is a set of a plurality of (e.g., seven) device parameters acquired by the acquirer 21 and falling within their respective settable ranges. Specifically, in order to determine one sample, the sampler 22 sets each of the seven device parameters (i.e., air volume, outlet temperature, X, Y, and Z coordinates of the installation location, upward / downward air direction, and rightward / leftward air direction) to a single value. The set consisting of the seven device parameters thus determined is one sample.

[0047] The processing performed by the sampler 22 corresponds to a sampling step. The sampling step includes determining a plurality of samples by experimental design. As the experimental design, for example, a Latin hypercube sampling method or a Monte Carlo method may be employed. Table 1 below shows an example of a plurality of samples determined by experimental design:

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049]

[0050] The seven factors AG are respectively consistent with the seven device parameters, that is, in this embodiment, the number of factors is 7, and, in Table 1, the number of tests (ie, the number of samples) is 8, and the number of levels is 2.

[0051] The simulator 23 performs the simulation step. That is, the simulator 23 simulates the distribution of the thermal fluid in the space of interest by using one sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition. In this case, the space of interest does not have to be the entire space separated by the walls, floor, ceiling, and other building components of the room, but may be only a part of the entire space. For example, the space of interest may be only an area where someone stays in the entire space (e.g., an area around a table), that is, the space of interest does not have to be a space separated from other spaces.

[0052] Note that in this embodiment, the number of air conditioning devices for which the arrangement conditions and the operating conditions (the multiple device parameters involved) are designed by the design system 1 is one, and the simulator 23 simulates the thermal fluid distribution formed by the single air conditioning device. However, if the number of air conditioning devices is plural, the simulator 23 simulates the thermal fluid distribution formed by the multiple air conditioning devices.

[0053] The parameters referred to for simulation purposes are not limited to the samples determined by the sampler 22. Instead, the temperature of the area where the facility is located, the three-dimensional data of the facility, and the thermal conductivity of the walls, floors, ceilings and other building components of the facility may be further referred to. The simulator 23 performs simulation based on these parameters.

[0054] In addition, the simulator 23 also simulates each of the plurality of samples. Therefore, the simulator 23 outputs a simulation result corresponding to each sample. For example, if eight samples numbered I to VIII are determined as shown in Table 1, the simulator 23 outputs a simulation result using the sample numbered I as an input condition, a simulation result using the sample numbered II as an input condition, ..., and a simulation result using the sample numbered VIII as an input condition.

[0055] The first calculator 24 calculates the air conditioning energy parameter for one sample. As used herein, the air conditioning energy parameter is calculated by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume. The outlet temperature and the air volume are values ​​included in one sample. The target temperature can be, for example, a value that has been input into the input device 4.

[0056] If the air conditioning energy parameter is W, the air volume is F, the target temperature is Ta, and the outlet temperature is Tb, then the following equation (1) is satisfied:

[0057] W = F × |Ta – Tb| (1).

[0058] In addition, the first calculator 24 calculates an air conditioning energy parameter for each of the plurality of samples. Therefore, the first calculator 24 calculates a plurality of air conditioning energy parameters corresponding to the plurality of samples one by one. For example, if eight samples numbered I to VIII, respectively, as shown in Table 1 are determined, the first calculator 24 calculates the first air conditioning energy parameter based on the outlet temperature and air volume included in the sample numbered I. The second air conditioning energy parameter is calculated based on the outlet temperature and air volume included in the sample numbered II... and the eighth air conditioning energy parameter is calculated based on the outlet temperature and air volume included in the sample numbered VIII.

[0059] The second calculator 25 calculates the PMV distribution in the space of interest based on the simulation results performed by the simulator 23. In this case, the simulator 23 outputs eight simulation results corresponding to eight samples numbered I-VIII, respectively. The second calculator 25 calculates eight PMV distributions corresponding to the eight simulation results. That is, the second calculator 25 calculates one PMV distribution based on the result of one simulation. The PMV distribution can be a two-dimensional distribution or a three-dimensional distribution, whichever is appropriate.

[0060] The second calculator 25 calculates PMV by the PMV calculation formula defined by ISO 7730. Examples of parameters for determining PMV include the air temperature in the space of interest, the radiation temperature in the space of interest, the average air velocity in the space of interest, the relative humidity in the space of interest, the metabolic rate of people, and the amount of clothing worn by people. The second calculator 25 extracts the air temperature at the point of interest (for which PMV is calculated) from the simulation results performed by the simulator 23. When calculating PMV, the corresponding values ​​at the representative point in the space of interest can be used as the radiation temperature, the average air velocity, and the relative humidity. For example, the radiation temperature can be measured by, for example, a sensor installed in the space of interest. Alternatively, the radiation temperature can also be assumed to be equal to the air temperature. The average air velocity and relative humidity can be measured by a sensor installed in the space of interest, can be preset values, or can be obtained by simulation by the simulator 23. For the metabolic rate and the amount of clothing of a person, a preset value or a value entered by the user through the operating device 41 can be used, as appropriate.

[0061] The third calculator 26 calculates the comfort parameter based on the PMV distribution calculated by the second calculator 25. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the volume of the portion of the space of interest where the PMV has a value falling within a predetermined range by the entire volume of the space of interest. In this case, the second calculator 25 outputs 8 PMV distributions, which correspond one-to-one to the 8 samples numbered I-VIII. The third calculator 26 calculates 8 comfort parameters corresponding one-to-one to the 8 PMV distributions. The predetermined range preferably includes zero. For example, the predetermined range may be equal to or greater than -0.5 and equal to or less than 0.5. The predetermined range may be, for example, a preset range or a range input by a user into the operating device 41, as appropriate.

[0062] If the comfort parameter is C, the entire volume of the space of interest is V, and the volume of the portion of the space of interest where the PMV has a value falling within a predetermined range is Vp, the following equation (2) is satisfied:

[0063] C=Vp / V(2)

[0064] A plurality of (e.g., eight) air conditioning energy parameters corresponding to the plurality of samples are calculated by the first calculator 24. A plurality of (e.g., eight) comfort parameters corresponding to the plurality of samples are calculated by the third calculator 26. That is, the design system 1 performs the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step on each of the plurality of samples, thereby calculating a plurality of (eight) sets, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter.

[0065] The selector 27 performs a selection step. Specifically, the selector 27 obtains a plurality of (e.g., seven) device parameters that satisfy a first condition and a second condition based on a plurality of sets (each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter). The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and the second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of a plurality of device parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0066] For example, the threshold value may be a value equal to or greater than 0.9 and equal to or less than 1.0. The threshold value is preferably a value equal to or greater than 0.9 and equal to or less than 0.91. The threshold value may be, for example, 0.9, 0.901, or 0.902. The threshold value may be, for example, a preset value or a value input into the operating device 41 by a user, whichever is appropriate.

[0067] The selecting step includes generating interpolation data by interpolating data between a plurality of samples. The selecting step also includes obtaining a plurality of device parameters satisfying a first condition and a second condition based on the interpolation data. In this regard, reference will be made to Figure 2 Give a description.

[0068] The selecting step may include, for example, deriving an approximate function f(x) of the output data based on the N-point input / output data (x1, f(x1)), ... and (xN, f(xN)). In this case, the input data x1, ..., xN are corresponding samples, and the output data f(x1) ..., f(xN) are corresponding air conditioning energy parameters. The approximate function f(x) is a function using seven device parameters as variables, and x represents the seven device parameters. Note that for ease of explanation, x is not represented in Figure 2 It is represented as a single axis (ie, the horizontal axis) in . Note that in the foregoing description, as shown in Table 1, it is assumed that the number of samples is 8. Figure 2 The situation shown is different from the above situation. Figure 2 In the above example, the number of samples N is greater than 8.

[0069] The approximate function f(x) is the above-mentioned interpolation data. That is, by making the selector 27 derive the approximate function f(x), as Figure 2 As shown, data between a plurality of samples are interpolated. For example, the air conditioning energy parameter in the case where the values ​​of a plurality of equipment parameters are values ​​between sample II and sample IV is represented by the approximate function f(x).

[0070] The selector 27 determines based on the approximate function f(x) that when the values ​​of the plurality of equipment parameters are between the values ​​of the sample II and the sample IV, the air conditioning energy parameter becomes the minimum (eg Figure 2 In this case, if the comfort parameter derived from the plurality of device parameters (hereinafter referred to as "plurality of first device parameters") is greater than a threshold value, the plurality of first device parameters satisfy the first condition and the second condition.

[0071] That is, the simulator 23 performs a simulation of the thermal fluid distribution by using the plurality of first equipment parameters as input conditions, and based on the simulation result, the second calculator 25 calculates the PMV distribution and the third calculator 26 calculates the comfort parameter. If the comfort parameter is greater than the threshold value, the plurality of first equipment parameters satisfy the first condition and the second condition. On the other hand, if the comfort parameter is less than the threshold value, the selector 27 determines whether the first condition and the second condition are satisfied with respect to the other plurality of equipment parameters.

[0072] In this way, the selector 27 obtains multiple equipment parameters satisfying the first condition and the second condition. Optionally, in order to obtain multiple equipment parameters when the air conditioning energy parameter becomes minimum, the selector 27 can adopt annealing method, Bayesian optimization method, genetic algorithm or parameter study.

[0073] The result outputter 28 controls the output device 5. This allows the result outputter 28 to output the plurality of device parameters obtained by the selector 27 via the output device 5.

[0074] Alternatively, for example, the result outputter 28 may have a plurality of equipment parameters displayed on the display 51. In this case, the user may set a plurality of equipment parameters of the air conditioning equipment by referring to the information displayed on the display 51.

[0075] Alternatively, the result output device 28 may, for example, have a plurality of device parameters sent to the air conditioning device via the transmitter 53 , so as to set the air volume, outlet temperature and air direction of the air conditioning device.

[0076] (3) Exemplary Operations

[0077] Figure 3 An exemplary operation process of the design system 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 3 The flowchart shown in is merely an exemplary operation process of the design system 1 and should not be construed as limiting. Figure 3 The processing steps shown in may be performed in an order different from that shown, where appropriate. Figure 3 Some of the processing steps shown in may be omitted as appropriate, and / or additional processing steps may be performed as needed.

[0078] First, the design system 1 initializes a plurality of (e.g., seven) device parameters stored in the storage device 3 (in step ST1). Next, the acquirer 21 acquires the corresponding settable ranges of the plurality of device parameters (in step ST2). Furthermore, the sampler 22 determines a plurality of samples (in step ST3). Each of the plurality of samples is a set of a plurality of device parameters, and the corresponding device parameter of the sample has a value falling within the settable range acquired by the acquirer 21. For example, the number of samples is preferably equal to or greater than 20.

[0079] Next, the design system 1 selects a sample from the multiple samples determined by the sampler 22 (in step ST4). In steps ST5-ST7, the design system 1 performs processing on the sample selected in step ST4. More specifically, the simulator 23 simulates the distribution of thermal fluid in the space of interest by using the sample as an input condition (in step ST5). The first calculator 24 multiplies the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the outlet temperature of the space of interest by the air volume to calculate the air conditioning energy parameter (in step ST6). The sample includes the outlet temperature and air volume for calculating the air conditioning energy parameter. The second calculator 25 calculates the PMV distribution in the space of interest based on the simulation results performed by the simulator 23. The third calculator 26 calculates the comfort parameter based on the PMV distribution (in step ST7).

[0080] In step ST8 following steps ST5-ST7, it is determined whether each of the plurality of samples determined by the sampler 22 has been selected in step ST4. If there are one or more unselected samples (if the answer in step ST8 is no), the process returns to step S4, where the design system 1 selects one of the unselected samples and performs steps ST5-ST7 on the sample thus selected. By performing a series of steps ST4-ST7 the same number of times as the number of samples, the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter corresponding to each sample are obtained.

[0081] Next, the selector 27 obtains a plurality of equipment parameters satisfying the first condition and the second condition based on a plurality of sets, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter (in step ST9). Finally, the result outputter 28 outputs the plurality of equipment parameters obtained by the selector 27 (in step ST10).

[0082] (Variation of the embodiment)

[0083] Next, modifications of the exemplary embodiment will be listed one by one. Note that the modifications to be described below can be adopted in appropriate combination.

[0084] The type of air conditioning device is not limited to air conditioning. Alternatively, the air conditioning device may also be, for example, a heater or a refrigerator, or a combination of a heater or a refrigerator and an air conditioning duct, a blower or a ventilator.

[0085] Some of the device parameters belonging to the plurality of device parameters may each have a fixed value. For example, if the design system 1 is used for an existing air conditioning device as a target, the air conditioning device installation position belonging to the plurality of device parameters may have a fixed value. Alternatively, the right / left air direction belonging to the plurality of device parameters may also be fixed, for example.

[0086] For example, if the air conditioning device is an air conditioning device to be embedded in the ceiling, the plurality of device parameters may include forward / rearward air direction instead of upward / downward air direction. That is, the plurality of device parameters may include forward / rearward air direction and right / left air direction.

[0087] The selector 27 only needs to obtain at least multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition and the second condition. In addition, the selector 27 can also obtain multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition and the third condition. That is, the selector 27 can obtain two or more arrangement conditions. The selector 27 can also obtain two or more operating conditions. The second condition is the condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized (i.e., is the minimum value) within the range of multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition. The third condition is the condition that the difference between the air conditioning energy parameter and the minimum value is equal to or less than a predetermined value within the range of multiple device parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0088] The design system 1 according to the present disclosure or the implementation subject of the design method according to the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system may include a processor and a memory as its main hardware components. The computer system performs at least some functions of the design system 1 according to the present disclosure or serves as the implementation subject of the design method according to the present disclosure by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system. Alternatively, the program may also be downloaded via a telecommunications line, or distributed after being recorded in some non-temporary storage media (such as a memory card, an optical disk, or a hard disk drive), any of which storage media is readable for the computer system. The processor of the computer system may be composed of a single or multiple electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). As used herein, integrated circuits such as IC or LSI are referred to by different names according to their degree of integration. Examples of integrated circuits such as IC or LSI include integrated circuits referred to as "system LSI", "very large-scale integrated circuit (VLSI)" and "ultra-large-scale integrated circuit (ULSI)". Alternatively, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) programmed after manufacturing the LSI or a reconfigurable logic device that allows the connection or circuit part inside the LSI to be reconfigured can also be used as a processor. These electronic circuits can be integrated together on a single chip or distributed on multiple chips, as appropriate. These multiple chips can be aggregated together in a single device or distributed on multiple devices without restriction. As used herein, a "computer system" includes a microcontroller, which includes one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller can also be implemented as a single or multiple electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0089] In the above embodiment, multiple functions of the design system 1 are integrated together in a single device. However, this is not a necessary configuration of the design system 1. Alternatively, those constituent elements of the design system 1 may be distributed in multiple different devices. Alternatively, at least some functions of the design system 1 (e.g., some functions of the processor 2) may also be implemented as a server or cloud computing system.

[0090] (Summary)

[0091] The above-described exemplary embodiments and their modifications are specific implementations of the following aspects of the present disclosure.

[0092] The design method according to the first aspect is a method for designing a plurality of equipment parameters related to the arrangement conditions and operation conditions of an air conditioning device. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. The acquisition step includes acquiring information about the corresponding settable ranges of the plurality of equipment parameters. The plurality of equipment parameters include the air volume, outlet temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning device. The sampling step includes determining a plurality of samples, each of which is a set of a plurality of equipment parameters falling within the settable range. The set calculation step includes calculating a plurality of sets by performing a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step on each of the plurality of samples, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter. The simulation step includes simulating the distribution of a thermal fluid in a space of interest by using a sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition. The space of interest forms at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. The first calculation step includes calculating an air conditioning energy parameter about a sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is calculated by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the outlet temperature of the space of interest by the air volume. The second calculation step includes calculating the distribution of a predicted average body sensation index in the space of interest based on the simulation result. The third calculation step includes calculating the comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the volume of the portion of the space of interest where the predicted average somatosensory index value falls within a predetermined range by the entire volume of the space of interest. The design method also includes a selection step. The selection step includes obtaining a plurality of device parameters that satisfy a first condition and a second condition based on a plurality of sets, each set including air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters that have been obtained for a plurality of samples, respectively. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value. The second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of a plurality of device parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0093] The method can select layout conditions and operating conditions (involving multiple equipment parameters) that can ensure both comfort based on the predicted average body sensation index value and energy saving.

[0094] In the design method according to the second aspect (which can be implemented in combination with the first aspect), the sampling step includes determining a plurality of samples through an experimental design.

[0095] This method can shorten the time taken to select arrangement conditions and operation conditions by reducing the number of samples.

[0096] In the design method according to the third aspect (which can be implemented in combination with the first or second aspect), the predetermined range is equal to or greater than -0.5 and equal to or less than 0.5.

[0097] This method can provide a comfortable space.

[0098] In the design method according to the fourth aspect (which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to third aspects), the threshold is a value equal to or greater than 0.9 and equal to or less than 1.0.

[0099] This method can provide a comfortable space.

[0100] In the design method according to the fifth aspect (which can be implemented in combination with any one of the first to fourth aspects), the selecting step includes generating interpolation data by interpolating data between a plurality of samples. The selecting step further includes obtaining a plurality of device parameters satisfying the first condition and the second condition based on the interpolation data.

[0101] In the case where the comfort parameter is set to a value greater than a threshold value and the air-conditioning energy parameter is minimized, the method can provide an air-conditioning energy parameter that is smaller than selecting a plurality of equipment parameters from a plurality of samples.

[0102] Note that the features according to the second to fifth aspects are not essential features of the design method and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0103] The program according to the sixth aspect is designed to cause one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0104] The program is capable of selecting layout conditions and operating conditions (involving a plurality of equipment parameters) that ensure comfort and energy saving based on the predicted average body sensation index.

[0105] A design system (1) according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is configured to design a plurality of equipment parameters related to arrangement conditions and operation conditions of an air conditioning device. The design system (1) includes an acquirer (21), a sampler (22), a simulator (23), a first calculator (24), a second calculator (25) and a third calculator (26). The acquirer (21) acquires information about corresponding settable ranges of the plurality of equipment parameters. The plurality of equipment parameters include air volume, outlet temperature, installation position and air direction of the air conditioning device. The sampler (22) determines a plurality of samples, each sample being a set of a plurality of equipment parameters falling within the settable range. The simulator (23) performs a simulation step, the simulation step including simulating a thermal fluid distribution in a space of interest by using a sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition. The space of interest forms at least a part of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. The first calculator (24) performs a first calculation step including calculating an air conditioning energy parameter about one sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is calculated by multiplying an absolute value of a difference between a target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume. The second calculator (25) performs a second calculation step, including calculating the distribution of the predicted average somatosensory index in the space of interest based on the simulation result. The third calculator (26) performs a third calculation step, including calculating a comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the volume of the portion of the space of interest where the predicted average somatosensory index value falls within a predetermined range by the entire volume of the space of interest. The simulator (23), the first calculator (24), the second calculator (25) and the third calculator (26) respectively perform the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step and the third calculation step on each of the multiple samples, thereby calculating multiple sets, each set including an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter. The design system (1) also includes a selector (27) and a result outputter (28). The selector (27) obtains multiple device parameters that meet a first condition and a second condition based on the multiple sets that have been obtained for the multiple samples, wherein each set includes an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and the second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of the multiple device parameters that meet the first condition. The result outputter (28) outputs a plurality of device parameters obtained by the selector (27).

[0106] This configuration enables selection of layout conditions and operating conditions (involving multiple equipment parameters) that ensure comfort and energy saving based on the predicted average body sensation index.

[0107] Note that these are not the only aspects of the present disclosure, but various configurations (including modifications) of the design system (1) according to the above exemplary embodiment can also be implemented as, for example, a design method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory storage medium on which the program is stored.

[0108] Reference numerals list

[0109] 1. Design System

[0110] 21Getter

[0111] 22 Sampler

[0112] 23 Simulator

[0113] 24First Calculator

[0114] 25 Second Calculator

[0115] 26Third Calculator

[0116] 27 Selectors

[0117] 28 Result Output

Claims

1. A design method for designing a plurality of equipment parameters related to arrangement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning equipment, the design method comprising: an acquisition step, comprising acquiring information about corresponding configurable ranges of the plurality of equipment parameters, the plurality of equipment parameters comprising air volume, outlet temperature, installation location and air direction of the air conditioning equipment; a sampling step, comprising determining a plurality of samples, each sample of the plurality of samples being a set of the plurality of device parameters falling within the settable range; as well as a set calculation step, comprising calculating a plurality of sets by executing a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step and a third calculation step for each of the plurality of samples, each of the plurality of sets comprising an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter, The simulation step includes simulating a thermal fluid distribution in a space of interest, the space of interest forming at least a part of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device, by using one sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition, The first calculation step includes calculating the air conditioning energy parameter for the one sample by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume, The second calculation step includes calculating the distribution of the predicted average somatosensory index in the focus space based on the simulation results, The third calculation step includes calculating a comfort parameter by dividing the volume of the portion of the space of interest where the predicted average body sensation index has a value falling within a predetermined range by the entire volume of the space of interest, The design method further comprises a selection step, wherein the selection step comprises obtaining the plurality of equipment parameters satisfying both the first condition and the second condition based on the plurality of sets, wherein each set comprises the air conditioning energy parameters and the comfort parameters respectively obtained for the plurality of samples, The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and The second condition is a condition that the air-conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy the first condition.

2. The design method as claimed in claim 1, wherein The sampling step includes determining the plurality of samples through an experimental design.

3. The design method as claimed in claim 1, wherein The predetermined range is equal to or greater than -0.5 and equal to or less than 0.

5.

4. The design method as claimed in claim 1, wherein The threshold value is a value equal to or greater than 0.9 and equal to or less than 1.

0.

5. The design method as claimed in claim 1, wherein The selection step comprises: generating interpolated data by interpolating data between the plurality of samples; as well as Based on the interpolation data, the plurality of device parameters satisfying both the first condition and the second condition are obtained.

6. A program designed to cause one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method according to claim 1.

7. A design system configured to design a plurality of equipment parameters related to arrangement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning device, the design system comprising: an acquirer configured to acquire information about corresponding settable ranges of the plurality of equipment parameters, the plurality of equipment parameters including air volume, outlet temperature, installation location, and air direction of the air conditioning equipment; a sampler configured to determine a plurality of samples, each sample of the plurality of samples being a set of the plurality of device parameters falling within the settable range; a simulator configured to perform a simulation step including performing a simulation of a thermal fluid distribution in a space of interest, the space of interest forming at least a part of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device, by using one sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition; a first calculator configured to perform a first calculation step, the first calculation step comprising calculating the air conditioning energy parameter for the one sample by multiplying an absolute value of a difference between a target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume; a second calculator configured to perform a second calculation step, the second calculation step comprising calculating a distribution of predicted average somatosensory indexes in the space of interest based on a simulation result; as well as a third calculator configured to perform a third calculation step, the third calculation step comprising calculating the comfort parameter by dividing the volume of the portion of the space of interest where the predicted average body sensation index has a value falling within a predetermined range by the entire volume of the space of interest, The simulator, the first calculator, the second calculator and the third calculator respectively perform the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step and the third calculation step on each of the multiple samples, thereby calculating multiple sets, each of the multiple sets including the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter, The design system further includes: a selector configured to obtain the plurality of equipment parameters satisfying both a first condition and a second condition based on the plurality of sets, wherein each set includes the air conditioning energy parameters and the comfort parameters that have been obtained for the plurality of samples, respectively; as well as a result outputter configured to output the plurality of device parameters obtained by the selector, The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and The second condition is a condition that the air-conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy the first condition.

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