Air conditioning equipment control method, air conditioning equipment control program, and air conditioning equipment control system

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioning equipment control method, an air conditioning equipment control program, and an air conditioning equipment control system that suppress the unnecessarily large current consumption of air conditioning equipment during operation. [Solution] The air conditioning equipment control method is performed by a computer to control an air conditioning system 12 that includes an outdoor unit 13 capable of operating using an operating current within a range below a set provisional upper limit, and includes measuring and storing the actual temperature of the target space 15 to be controlled, measuring and storing the actual humidity of the target space 15, calculating the perceived temperature using Equation 1, calculating the linear rate of change R of the perceived temperature from a past time point tP to the present time point tN, calculating the future temperature TF which is the temperature of the target space 15 after a period tD from the present time point tN, assuming that the perceived temperature will continue to change at the calculated rate of change R after the present time point tN, and lowering the provisional upper limit when predetermined conditions are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning equipment control method, an air conditioning equipment control program, and an air conditioning equipment control system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, as described in Patent Document 1, air conditioning equipment includes an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and circulates a refrigerant between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. When the air conditioning equipment is in cooling operation or heating operation, the compressor and expansion valve of the outdoor unit operate, so that the volume change of the refrigerant and heat exchange with the outside air are performed. Further, in the indoor unit, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air is performed, and cold air or warm air is blown into the room. The operation of the outdoor unit is electrically controlled.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Here, when the user sets the indoor temperature, when the indoor temperature is not far from the set temperature, the current consumption of the outdoor unit is relatively small. However, when the indoor temperature is far from the set temperature, the outdoor unit consumes a relatively large current within the range below the maximum value of the available current to quickly bring the indoor temperature close to the set temperature. However, from the viewpoints of environmental consideration, energy saving, and cost reduction, it is not preferable for the outdoor unit to consume a large current. Also, in reality, the user may not desire such a rapid temperature change.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning equipment control method, an air conditioning equipment control program, and an air conditioning equipment control system that suppress the air conditioning equipment from operating while consuming an unnecessarily large current. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first embodiment of the air conditioning equipment control method is an air conditioning equipment control method implemented by a computer for controlling air conditioning equipment that includes an outdoor unit capable of operating using an operating current within a set provisional upper limit range, comprising: measuring and storing the actual temperature of the target space to be controlled; measuring and storing the actual humidity of the target space; and calculating the perceived temperature using Equation 1, with the actual temperature being TA, the actual humidity being HA, and the perceived temperature being Tm.

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[0007] According to the first embodiment, when predetermined conditions are met, the provisional upper limit is lowered, thereby limiting the operating current available to the outdoor unit. As a result, it is possible to suppress the air conditioning system from consuming unnecessarily large amounts of current while operating. Furthermore, since perceived temperature is used instead of actual temperature, the air conditioning system can be controlled based on a temperature that is closer to human perception.

[0008] The air conditioning equipment control method of the second embodiment further includes calculating predicted temperatures at multiple future points in time using time series analysis based on multiple past measured temperatures, and further includes calculating predicted humidity at multiple future points in time using time series analysis based on multiple past measured humidity, wherein predicted temperature is used instead of measured temperature and predicted humidity is used instead of measured humidity in Equation 1, the air conditioning equipment control method of the first embodiment.

[0009] According to the second embodiment, since predicted temperature is used instead of measured temperature and predicted humidity is used instead of measured humidity in Equation 1, the outdoor unit can be controlled relatively gradually even if a rapid temperature change is expected when using measured temperature.

[0010] The third embodiment of the air conditioning equipment control method is the air conditioning equipment control method according to the second embodiment, which includes: averaging past measured temperatures in units of period T1, calculating a predicted temperature for future periods of period T1 based on the averaged past measured temperature data; and averaging past measured humidity in units of period T2, calculating a predicted humidity for future periods of period T2 based on the averaged past measured humidity data.

[0011] According to the third embodiment, since the predicted temperature and predicted humidity are calculated as averaged data, even if a rapid temperature change is expected when using the measured temperature, the outdoor unit can be controlled relatively gradually. In addition, since the measured temperature and measured humidity are averaged, the computational load for predicting the temperature and predicted humidity is reduced.

[0012] The fourth embodiment of the air conditioning equipment control method is the air conditioning equipment control method according to the third embodiment, which includes stopping the use of predicted temperature and predicted humidity and switching to calculating the perceived temperature using the actual temperature and actual humidity when the predicted temperature based on time series analysis is more than or equal to the actual temperature measured at the present time, or when the predicted humidity based on time series analysis is more than or equal to the actual humidity measured at the present time.

[0013] According to the fourth embodiment, when predetermined switching conditions are met, the use of predicted temperature and humidity based on time series analysis is stopped, and actual temperature and humidity are used instead, so that the air conditioning equipment can be controlled without using data that is far removed from the actual temperature and humidity.

[0014] The fifth embodiment of the air conditioning equipment control method is the air conditioning equipment control method according to the fourth embodiment, wherein the provisional upper limit can be set to a value less than or equal to the maximum value that can be supplied to the outdoor unit, and the air conditioning equipment control method further includes returning the provisional upper limit to the maximum value after a predetermined time has elapsed since the provisional upper limit was lowered.

[0015] According to the fifth embodiment, after the provisional upper limit is lowered, the provisional upper limit is returned to the maximum value after a predetermined time has elapsed, so that the desired control can be appropriately achieved after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0016] The sixth embodiment of the air conditioning equipment control method is the air conditioning equipment control method described in the fifth embodiment, wherein the provisional upper limit is not lowered until a period tD has elapsed after the provisional upper limit has been lowered, even if predetermined conditions are met.

[0017] According to the sixth embodiment, the provisional upper limit is not lowered until period tD has elapsed, so the increase in control load that would otherwise be incurred by frequently controlling the provisional upper limit can be suppressed.

[0018] The seventh embodiment of the air conditioning equipment control program is an air conditioning equipment control program that causes a computer to perform the method described in any one of the first to sixth embodiments.

[0019] The air-conditioning equipment control system according to the eighth aspect is an air-conditioning equipment control system for controlling an air-conditioning equipment including an outdoor unit that can operate using an operating current within a range not exceeding a set provisional upper limit value, comprising: a current limiting device capable of setting the operating current flowing through the outdoor unit to not exceed the provisional upper limit value; a thermometer for measuring the measured temperature of the target space to be air-conditioned; a hygrometer for measuring the measured humidity of the target space; a temperature and humidity measurement unit for acquiring and storing the measured temperature from the thermometer and the measured humidity from the hygrometer; a perceived temperature calculator for calculating the perceived temperature using the formula 2 with the measured temperature being TA, the measured humidity being HA, and the perceived temperature being Tm.

Equation

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air-conditioning equipment control method, an air-conditioning equipment control program, and an air-conditioning equipment control system that suppress the air-conditioning equipment from consuming an unnecessarily large current and operating.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of the air-conditioning equipment control system and its related devices according to the embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] (composition) Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning equipment control system 10 and its related devices according to this embodiment. The air conditioning equipment control system 10 is connected to a power supply 11 and air conditioning equipment 12. The power supply 11 may be, for example, a commercial power supply provided by a general outlet, a power supply that provides electricity generated by gas, a power supply that provides electricity generated by solar panels, or any other power supply capable of providing electricity.

[0023] The air conditioning system 12 comprises an outdoor unit 13 and an indoor unit 14. The indoor unit 14 is installed within a target space 15 that is to be controlled by the air conditioning system. The target space 15 may be, for example, a room in an office building or a room in a private home, but is not limited to these. The outdoor unit 13 is installed outside the target space 15, for example, outdoors, but is not limited to this.

[0024] The air conditioning system 12 circulates a refrigerant between the indoor unit 14 and the outdoor unit 13. When the air conditioning system 12 is in cooling or heating operation, the compressor and expansion valve of the outdoor unit 13 operate, causing a volume change in the refrigerant and heat exchange with the outside air. Furthermore, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the target space 15 occurs in the indoor unit 14, and cool or warm air is blown into the target space 15. The operation of the outdoor unit 13 is electrically controlled. The structure of the air conditioning system 12 is not limited to this.

[0025] The air conditioning system 12 controls the outdoor unit 13 and indoor unit 14 so that the temperature of the target space 15 approaches a target temperature set by the user or a preset target temperature. The outdoor unit 13 is supplied with current from the power supply 11 via the air conditioning system control system 10. The outdoor unit 13 can operate using an operating current within a range below a set provisional upper limit. Generally, rapid cooling or heating is possible by consuming a relatively large operating current, and gradual cooling or heating is possible by consuming a relatively small operating current.

[0026] The air conditioning equipment control system 10 includes a current limiting device 21, a thermometer 22, a hygrometer 23, a storage device 24, and a processing unit 25.

[0027] The current limiting device 21 is connected between the power supply 11 and the outdoor unit 13. The current limiting device 21 sets a provisional upper limit value, which is a provisional upper limit of the operating current flowing from the power supply 11 to the outdoor unit 13, based on instructions from the arithmetic processing unit 25. The provisional upper limit value can be set to a value less than or equal to the maximum value that can be supplied to the outdoor unit 13. The outdoor unit 13 can operate by consuming an operating current of a value less than or equal to the provisional upper limit value. The outdoor unit 13 does not need to consume the entire operating current of the set provisional upper limit value; as long as it is less than or equal to the provisional upper limit value, it can operate while changing its power consumption according to, for example, the difference to the target temperature.

[0028] The thermometer 22 is installed to measure the temperature within the target space 15. The hygrometer 23 is installed to measure the humidity within the target space 15.

[0029] The storage device 24 stores the air conditioning equipment control program 31, measured temperature data 32, measured humidity data 33, predicted temperature data 34, and predicted humidity data 35. Furthermore, the storage device 24 can appropriately store information necessary for the operation of the arithmetic processing unit 25.

[0030] The air conditioning equipment control program 31 is used by a computing device 25, which functions as a computer, to implement the air conditioning equipment control method. The measured temperature data 32 includes the time-series temperature of the target space 15 that was actually measured in the past by the thermometer 22. The measured humidity data 33 includes the time-series humidity of the target space 15 that was actually measured in the past by the hygrometer 23. The predicted temperature data 34 includes the time-series temperature of the target space 15 that was predicted as described later. The predicted humidity data 35 includes the time-series humidity of the target space 15 that was predicted as described later.

[0031] The processing unit 25 functions as an air conditioning equipment control unit 41 that implements an air conditioning equipment control method by reading and executing an air conditioning equipment control program 31 from the storage device 24. The air conditioning equipment control unit 41 includes a temperature and humidity measurement unit 42, a time series analysis unit 43, a perceived temperature calculation unit 44, a provisional upper limit setting unit 45, and a timer 46.

[0032] (Air conditioning equipment control method) The air conditioning control method executed by the air conditioning control unit 41 will now be described. When the air conditioning control method is executed, each part of the air conditioning control unit 41 performs its respective operation in parallel or sequentially.

[0033] The temperature and humidity measuring unit 42 periodically controls the thermometer 22 to measure and acquire the actual temperature of the target space 15, and stores it chronologically as actual temperature data 32. The temperature and humidity measuring unit 42 also periodically controls the hygrometer 23 to measure and acquire the actual humidity of the target space 15, and stores it chronologically as actual humidity data 33. For example, the actual temperature and actual humidity are measured every minute.

[0034] The time series analysis unit 43 periodically calculates predicted temperatures at multiple future points in time using time series analysis based on multiple past measured temperatures and stores them as predicted temperature data 34. Furthermore, the time series analysis unit 43 calculates predicted humidity at multiple future points in time using time series analysis based on multiple past measured humidity levels and stores them as predicted humidity data 35. For example, Prophet may be used for time series analysis, but is not limited to this.

[0035] In one example, the time series analysis unit 43 averages past measured temperatures in units of period T1 and calculates a predicted temperature for future periods of period T1 based on the averaged past measured temperature data. Furthermore, the time series analysis unit 43 averages past measured humidity in units of period T2 and calculates a predicted humidity for future periods of period T2 based on the averaged past measured humidity data. For example, periods T1 and T2 are 30 minutes each. Periods T1 and T2 are set to be longer than the measurement intervals for measured temperature and measured humidity.

[0036] For example, the time series analysis unit 43 calculates and updates the predicted temperature and humidity for the next 7 days based on the measured temperature and humidity for the past 3 months at a certain point in time each day using time series analysis. For example, if periods T1 and T2 are 30 minutes each, then 48 × 7 days = 336 data points are predicted for both the predicted temperature and predicted humidity.

[0037] The perceived temperature calculation unit 44 calculates the perceived temperature at a specified time using Equation 3. Here, TA is the measured temperature, HA is the measured humidity, and Tm is the perceived temperature. However, as described later, if certain conditions are met, or under normal conditions, the predicted temperature is used instead of the measured temperature, and the predicted humidity is used instead of the measured humidity in Equation 3. Equation 3 is a Missenard formula for calculating the perceived temperature that a person actually feels based on temperature, humidity, and wind speed, with the wind speed set to 0. Using the perceived temperature calculated by Equation 3 rather than the measured temperature allows for control that takes human perception into account.

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[0038] In one example, the perceived temperature calculation unit 44, under normal conditions, uses the predicted temperature instead of the measured temperature in Equation 3, and the predicted humidity instead of the measured humidity. If the current predicted temperature is more than a threshold temperature range (e.g., 2°C) away from the current measured temperature, or if the current predicted humidity is more than a threshold humidity range (e.g., 10%) away from the current measured humidity, the perceived temperature calculation unit 44 stops using the predicted temperature and predicted humidity and switches to calculating the perceived temperature using the measured temperature and measured humidity. If the difference between the current predicted temperature and the current measured temperature is less than a threshold temperature range, and the difference between the current predicted humidity and the current measured humidity is less than a threshold humidity range, the perceived temperature calculation unit 44 switches to calculating the perceived temperature using the predicted temperature and predicted humidity.

[0039] The provisional upper limit setting unit 45 periodically determines a provisional upper limit (for example, every minute). In detail, first, the provisional upper limit setting unit 45 performs a first step. In the first step, the provisional upper limit setting unit 45 calculates the linear rate of change R of the perceived temperature from past time point tP to present time point tN, based on the perceived temperature at past time point tP and the perceived temperature at present time point tN, respectively, which are calculated by the perceived temperature calculation unit 44. In one example, past time point tP is one minute before present time point tN.

[0040] Next, the provisional upper limit setting unit 45 performs a second step. In the second step, the provisional upper limit setting unit 45 calculates the future temperature TF, which is the perceived temperature of the target space 15 after a period tD from the current time tN, assuming that the perceived temperature will continue to change at the calculated rate of change R even after the current time tN. In one example, the period tD is 3 minutes.

[0041] Next, the provisional upper limit setting unit 45 performs a third step. In the third step, the provisional upper limit setting unit 45 lowers the provisional upper limit of the current limiting device 21 when predetermined conditions are met. The predetermined conditions include at least one of the following: when the air conditioning equipment 12 is in cooling operation, the future temperature TF is lower than a preset target temperature TC; and when the air conditioning equipment 12 is in heating operation, the future temperature TF is higher than a preset target temperature TW.

[0042] The provisional upper limit can be set to a value less than or equal to the maximum value that can be supplied to the outdoor unit 13. The provisional upper limit is pre-selected from a value between 0% and 100% of the maximum value. The provisional upper limit setting unit 45 starts the timer 46 when the provisional upper limit is set. The provisional upper limit setting unit 45 may be configured to stop the heat exchange of the air conditioning equipment 12 and only provide airflow when the provisional upper limit is set to 0%.

[0043] The provisional upper limit setting unit 45 will not lower the provisional upper limit after it has been lowered, even if predetermined conditions are met in the third process, until a period tD has elapsed. For example, period tD is 20 minutes. That is, the provisional upper limit will be maintained for, for example, 20 minutes.

[0044] The provisional upper limit setting unit 45 periodically repeats the first to third steps (for example, every minute). The provisional upper limit setting unit 45 checks the timer 46 as appropriate, and after the provisional upper limit has been lowered, it returns the provisional upper limit to its maximum value after a predetermined time has elapsed. For example, the predetermined time is 20 minutes.

[0045] For example, during cooling operation, if the current perceived temperature or measured temperature (when using the actual temperature) is 25.262°C, and the perceived temperature or measured temperature (when using the actual temperature) one minute ago was 25.780°C, then the future temperature TF three minutes later is calculated to be 23.708°C. When the target temperature TC is 25°C, the current cooling rate is relatively fast, resulting in high power consumption. Therefore, by setting the provisional upper limit to less than the maximum value, as in this example, the maximum operating current that the air conditioning equipment 12 can consume is limited, preventing the cooling rate of the air conditioning equipment 12 from rising beyond a certain point. As a result, power consumption can be suppressed compared to not setting a provisional upper limit.

[0046] (summary) According to this embodiment, when predetermined conditions are met, the provisional upper limit is lowered, thereby limiting the operating current available to the outdoor unit 13. As a result, it is possible to suppress the air conditioning equipment 12 from consuming unnecessarily large amounts of current during operation. Furthermore, since perceived temperature is used instead of actual temperature, the air conditioning equipment 12 can be controlled based on a temperature closer to human perception.

[0047] According to this embodiment, since predicted temperature is used instead of measured temperature and predicted humidity is used instead of measured humidity in Equation 3, the outdoor unit 13 can be controlled relatively gradually even if a rapid temperature change is expected when using the measured temperature.

[0048] According to this embodiment, since the predicted temperature and predicted humidity are calculated as averaged data, even if a rapid temperature change is expected when using the measured temperature, the outdoor unit 13 can be controlled relatively gradually. In addition, since the measured temperature and measured humidity are averaged, the computational load for the predicted temperature and humidity is reduced.

[0049] According to this embodiment, when predetermined switching conditions are met, the use of predicted temperature and humidity based on time-series analysis is stopped, and actual temperature and humidity are used instead. This makes it possible to control the air conditioning equipment 12 without using data that deviates from the actual temperature and humidity.

[0050] According to this embodiment, after the provisional upper limit is lowered, it is returned to the maximum value after a predetermined time has elapsed, so the desired control can be appropriately achieved after the predetermined time has elapsed.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the provisional upper limit is not lowered until period tD has elapsed, thus suppressing the increase in control load that would otherwise be incurred by frequently controlling the provisional upper limit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 10...Air conditioning control system, 11...Power supply, 12...Air conditioning equipment, 13...Outdoor unit 14...Indoor unit, 15...Target space, 21...Current limiting device, 22...Thermometer, 23...Hygrometer 24...Memory device, 25...Arithmetic processing unit, 31...Air conditioning equipment control program, 32...Measured temperature data, 33...Measured humidity data, 34...Predicted temperature data, 35…Predicted humidity data, 41…Air conditioning equipment control unit, 42…Temperature and humidity measurement unit, 43...Time series analysis unit, 44...Perceived temperature calculation unit, 45...Provisional upper limit setting unit, 46...Timer

Claims

1. A computer-based air conditioning equipment control method for controlling an air conditioning system that includes an outdoor unit capable of operating using an operating current within a set provisional upper limit range, Measure and store the actual temperature of the target space for which the air conditioning is controlled, The actual humidity of the aforementioned target space is measured and stored, Let the measured temperature be TA, the measured humidity be HA, and the perceived temperature be Tm, and calculate the perceived temperature using Equation 1. [Math 1] To calculate the linear rate of change R of the perceived temperature from a past time point tP to the present time point tN, Assuming that the perceived temperature changes at the rate of change R calculated from the present time tN onward, the future temperature TF, which is the temperature of the target space after a period tD from the present time tN, is calculated. When certain conditions are met, the provisional upper limit will be lowered, Includes, The aforementioned predetermined conditions When the aforementioned air conditioning equipment is in cooling operation, and the future temperature TF is lower than the preset target temperature TC, When the aforementioned air conditioning system is operating in heating mode, and the future temperature TF is higher than the preset target temperature TW, Including at least one of the following, Air conditioning equipment control method.

2. This further includes using time-series analysis to calculate predicted temperatures at multiple future points in time based on multiple past measured temperatures, This further includes calculating predicted humidity at multiple future points in time using time-series analysis based on multiple past measured humidity levels, In Equation 1, the predicted temperature is used instead of the measured temperature, and the predicted humidity is used instead of the measured humidity. The air conditioning equipment control method according to claim 1.

3. The process involves averaging past measured temperatures over a period of T1, and calculating the predicted temperature for future periods of T1 based on the averaged past measured temperature data. The process involves averaging past measured humidity data over a period of T2, and calculating the predicted humidity for future periods of T2 based on the averaged past measured humidity data. The air conditioning equipment control method according to claim 2, including the method described in claim 2.

4. If the current predicted temperature based on the time series analysis is more than a threshold temperature range away from the current measured temperature, or if the current predicted humidity based on the time series analysis is more than a threshold humidity range away from the current measured humidity, the system includes stopping the use of the predicted temperature and humidity and switching to calculating the perceived temperature using the actual temperature and humidity. The air conditioning equipment control method according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned provisional upper limit can be set to be less than or equal to the maximum value that can be supplied to the outdoor unit. The air conditioning equipment control method further includes lowering the provisional upper limit and then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, returning the provisional upper limit to the maximum value. The air conditioning equipment control method according to claim 4.

6. After the provisional upper limit has been lowered, the provisional upper limit will not be lowered until the period tD has elapsed, even if the predetermined conditions are met. The air conditioning equipment control method according to claim 5.

7. To cause a computer to perform the method described in any one of claims 1 to 6, Air conditioning system control program.

8. An air conditioning equipment control system for controlling an air conditioning system that includes an outdoor unit capable of operating using an operating current within a range below a set provisional upper limit, A current limiting device capable of setting the operating current flowing to the outdoor unit to less than or equal to the provisional upper limit, A thermometer that measures the actual temperature of the target space to be controlled by the air conditioning, A hygrometer for measuring the actual humidity of the aforementioned target space, A temperature and humidity measuring unit that acquires and stores the measured temperature from the thermometer and acquires and stores the measured humidity from the hygrometer, A perceived temperature calculation unit calculates the perceived temperature using Equation 2, where TA is the measured temperature, HA is the measured humidity, and Tm is the perceived temperature. [Math 2] A provisional upper limit setting unit, wherein the provisional upper limit setting unit is To calculate the linear rate of change R of the perceived temperature from a past time point tP to the present time point tN, Assuming that the perceived temperature changes at the rate of change R calculated from the present time tN onward, the future temperature TF, which is the temperature of the target space after a period tD from the present time tN, is calculated. When certain conditions are met, the provisional upper limit will be lowered, It is configured to perform the following actions: The aforementioned predetermined conditions When the aforementioned air conditioning equipment is in cooling operation, and the future temperature TF is lower than the preset target temperature TC, When the aforementioned air conditioning system is operating in heating mode, and the future temperature TF is higher than the preset target temperature TW, Including at least one of the following, The aforementioned provisional upper limit setting unit, An air conditioning equipment control system equipped with the following features.

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