Air conditioning system and method of controlling power to an air conditioning system

Abstract

An air conditioning system (1000) has at least one air conditioner (100) in which a refrigerant circulates, and a first controller (1). A score corresponding to a cost of using at least one indoor unit (20) is set in advance for each indoor unit (20). The first controller (1) calculates a first total value of the scores of the respective at least one indoor unit (20) included in each of the at least one air conditioner (100). The first controller (1) calculates a second total value of the respective first total values of the at least one air conditioner (100). In a case where a power amount limitation condition is established, the first controller (1) sets a drive frequency of a compressor (11) included in each of the at least one air conditioner (100) in accordance with a ratio of the first total value to the second total value of the at least one air conditioner (100).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an air conditioning system and a method of controlling electric power to the air conditioning system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, an air conditioning system in which a plurality of indoor units are respectively set with priorities corresponding to necessity of air conditioning is known. For example, a heat pump system having a plurality of indoor units is disclosed in International Publication No. 2013 / 061399 (Patent Literature 1). In the heat pump system, a user sets priorities to work spaces according to frequency of use or importance, whereby even in a case where a total of maximum cooling capacities of the indoor units exceeds a maximum cooling capacity of an outdoor unit, it is possible to cause the indoor units of a work space having a large air conditioning load to operate at a rated capacity. Further, it is possible to cause the indoor units of a work space having high necessity of air conditioning to operate at a rated capacity. As a result, it is possible to ensure comfort of the work space.

[0003] PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: International Publication No. 2013 / 061399 SUMMARY

[0006] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0007] In the heat pump system disclosed in Patent Literature 1, a plurality of indoor units are provided to one compressor. However, as a structure of an air conditioning system, a structure in which a plurality of indoor units are provided to a plurality of compressors is also assumed. In demand control performed in accordance with a demand request (electric power amount limit request), how to fairly distribute limited electric power amount to at least one compressor in accordance with costs accompanying use of the plurality of indoor units respectively becomes a problem. However, in the heat pump system disclosed in Patent Literature 1, fair distribution of costs accompanying use of the plurality of indoor units respectively is not considered.

[0008] The present application has been achieved in order to solve the above-described problems, and has an object to improve fairness of distribution of costs accompanying use of an air conditioner while achieving electric power amount limitation in an air conditioning system having at least one air conditioner.

[0009] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0010] An air conditioning system of one aspect of the present application has at least one air conditioner in which a refrigerant circulates and a first controller. The first controller limits an amount of electric power consumed per unit time by the at least one air conditioner in a case where an electric power amount limitation condition is established. The at least one air conditioner respectively includes a compressor and at least one indoor unit. Scores corresponding to costs of using the indoor units are set in advance for the indoor units respectively. The first controller calculates a first total value of the scores of the indoor units included in the at least one air conditioner for the air conditioners respectively. The first controller calculates a second total value of the first total values of the at least one air conditioner respectively. The first controller sets a drive frequency of the compressor included in the at least one air conditioner in accordance with a ratio of the first total value to the second total value for the air conditioner in a case where the electric power amount limitation condition is established.

[0011] A method of controlling an electric power amount of an air conditioning system of another aspect of the present application limits an amount of electric power consumed per unit time by at least one air conditioner in which a refrigerant circulates in a case where an electric power amount limitation condition is established. The at least one air conditioner respectively includes a compressor and at least one indoor unit. Scores corresponding to costs of using the indoor units are set in advance for the indoor units respectively. The method of controlling the electric power amount of the air conditioning system includes the steps of calculating a first total value of the scores of the indoor units included in the at least one air conditioner for the air conditioners respectively, calculating a second total value of the first total values of the at least one air conditioner respectively, and setting a drive frequency of the compressor included in the at least one air conditioner in accordance with a ratio of the first total value to the second total value for the air conditioner in a case where the electric power amount limitation condition is established.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] The air conditioning system and the method of controlling an electric power amount of an air conditioning system according to the present application set a drive frequency of a compressor included in at least one air conditioner in accordance with a ratio of a first total value to a second total value for the air conditioner in a case where an electric power amount limitation condition is established, and thus, it is possible to improve fairness of cost distribution associated with use of an air conditioner while achieving electric power amount limitation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the air conditioning system of Embodiment 1.

[0015] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the demand controller of Figure 1 .

[0016] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the air conditioner of Figure 1 .

[0017] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an electric power amount monitoring process flow by the demand controller of Figure 1

[0018] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing a specific process flow of the demand control of Figure 4

[0019] Figure 6 is a graph showing a relationship between a flow passage resistance of the expansion valve and an opening degree (Cv value) of the expansion valve, and a relationship between the flow passage resistance of the expansion valve and a heat exchange amount of the heat exchanger of Figure 3

[0020] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a process flow by the controller of Figure 3

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a specific process flow of the setting process of the opening degree of the expansion valve of Figure 7

[0022] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing a structure of an air conditioning system of a modification example of Embodiment 1.

[0023] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an electric power amount monitoring process flow by the demand controller of Figure 9

[0024] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing a specific process flow of the electric power amount adjustment control of Figure 10

[0025] is a flowchart showing a demand control process flow by the demand controller of the air conditioning system of Embodiment 2. Figure 12

[0026] is a flowchart showing a specific process flow of the setting process of the upper limit value of the drive frequency of the compressor of Figure 13 Figure 12 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Also, the same or equivalent portions are designated by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and explanations thereof will be omitted in principle.

[0028] Embodiment 1

[0029] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the air conditioning system 1000 of Embodiment 1. As shown in the drawing, the air conditioning system 1000 of Embodiment 1 includes a compressor 101, an outdoor heat exchanger 102, an expansion valve 103, an indoor heat exchanger 104, a control unit 105, and a demand controller 106.​​​​​​​​Figure 1 As shown, the air conditioning system 1000 includes a demand controller 1 (first controller) and multiple air conditioners 100. Each of the multiple air conditioners 100 includes a heat source unit 10 and at least one indoor unit 20. Refrigerant circulates in each of the multiple air conditioners 100. A priority score corresponding to the cost of utilizing the indoor unit 20 (utilization cost) is pre-set for each of the at least one indoor unit 20. Utilization cost includes, for example, the rental fee for the space where the indoor unit 20 is installed and the electricity cost stipulated in the contract. Alternatively, the air conditioning system 1000 may include only one air conditioner 100.

[0030] Demand controller 1 performs power consumption monitoring processing on multiple air conditioners 100 at each sampling time. Specifically, when a demand request DR (power consumption limit request) is received during the power consumption monitoring process, demand controller 1 performs demand control to reduce the power consumption (power consumption) of the multiple air conditioners 100 per unit time. For example, when there is a high probability of power consumption being unpredictable due to power shortages, a demand request DR is issued from a power consumption management system that centrally manages the power consumption of multiple systems, including the air conditioning system 1000.

[0031] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The functional block diagram of the structure of demand controller 1. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 As shown, the demand controller 1 includes a processing circuit 91, a memory 92, a communication unit 93, and an input / output unit 94. The processing circuit 91, the memory 92, the communication unit 93, and the input / output unit 94 are interconnected via a bus 95.

[0032] The processing circuit 91 can be a dedicated hardware or a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program stored in the memory 92. In the case where the processing circuit 91 is a dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 91 is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a component obtained by combining them. In the case where the processing circuit 91 is a CPU, the functions of the demand controller 1 are implemented by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program, which is stored in the memory 92. The processing circuit 91 reads out and executes the program stored in the memory 92. In addition, the CPU is also referred to as a central processing device, a processing device, an arithmetic device, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a processor, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The memory 92 includes a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), or an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and a magnetic disk, a floppy disk, an optical disk, a high-density disk, a mini disk, or a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0033] The communication section 93 communicates with a plurality of air conditioners 100 respectively via a network NW. The network NW includes, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet.

[0034] The input / output section 94 accepts an operation from a user and outputs a processing result to the user. The input / output section 94 includes, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, a display, and a speaker.

[0035] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram showing a structure of the air conditioner 100 of Figure 1 . As shown in Figure 3As shown, the heat source unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a heat exchanger 12, a four-way valve 13, and a controller 14 (second controller). At least one indoor unit 20 includes an expansion valve 21, a heat exchanger 22, and a controller 24 (second controller). The air conditioner 100 selectively operates in cooling and heating modes, and operates in demand mode upon receiving demand control commands from the demand controller 1.

[0036] Controller 14 controls the drive frequency of compressor 11 and the amount of refrigerant discharged by compressor 11 per unit time. Controller 14 controls the opening of expansion valve 21 via controller 24. Controller 14 controls four-way valve 13 to switch the refrigerant circulation direction during cooling and heating operations. Controllers 14 and 24 are respectively capable of... Figure 2 The demand controller 1 shown has the same structure. Alternatively, controllers 14 and 24 can also be formed as a single unit.

[0037] In cooling operation, the refrigerant circulates in the following sequence: compressor 11, four-way valve 13, heat exchanger 12, expansion valve 21, heat exchanger 22, and back to four-way valve 13. During cooling operation, the controller 14 controls the opening of the expansion valve 21 to ensure that the superheat of the refrigerant flowing between the heat exchanger 22 and compressor 11 is close to the target superheat. In heating operation, the refrigerant circulates in the following sequence: compressor 11, four-way valve 13, heat exchanger 22, expansion valve 21, and back to heat exchanger 12. During heating operation, the controller 14 controls the opening of the expansion valve 21 to ensure that the subcooling of the refrigerant flowing between the heat exchanger 22 and expansion valve 21 is close to the target subcooling.

[0038] Figure 4 It is shown by Figure 1 The flowchart shows the power monitoring process performed by the demand controller 1. This power monitoring process is invoked by a main program (not shown) that centrally controls the demand controller 1. Hereinafter, the steps are abbreviated as S. Furthermore, the priority score of the j-th indoor unit 20 of the i-th air conditioner 100 is represented as P. i，j Indices i and j are both natural numbers.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, in S110, the demand controller 1 calculates the sum of priority scores Q for each of the at least one indoor unit 20 contained in the air conditioner 100 for the multiple air conditioners 100, as shown in the following formula (1). i (The first total value), causing the processing to proceed to S120. In equation (1), the natural number M i It is the number of at least one indoor unit 20 included in the i-th air conditioner 100.

[0040]

[0041] In S120, the demand controller 1 calculates the total value Q of each of the multiple air conditioners 100 as follows: Equation (2) i The total value R (the second total value) causes the process to proceed to S130. In equation (2), the natural number N is the number of multiple air conditioners 100.

[0042]

[0043] In S130, the demand controller 1 determines whether a condition (electrical power limit condition) such as receiving a demand request DR is met. If no demand request DR is received (S130: No), the demand controller 1 returns the process to the main program. If a demand request DR is received (S130: Yes), in S140, the demand controller 1 performs demand control. Furthermore, the electrical power limit condition is not limited to receiving a demand request DR. The demand controller 1 can also directly measure the electrical power of multiple air conditioners 100 per unit time and include a condition such as the electrical power exceeding a reference electrical power in the electrical power limit condition.

[0044] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating the specific processing flow of demand control (S140). For example... Figure 5 As shown, in S141, the demand controller 1 sets the reference frequency W for multiple air conditioners 100 as follows (3): i (Indicator value), calculated as the driving frequency H of the compressor of the i-th air conditioner. i The compressor's stroke volume (suction volume) V i and reference stroke volume V r The product of the reciprocals (the first product) causes the process to proceed to S142. Drive frequency H i This is the drive frequency when demand controller 1 receives the demand request DR. Reference frequency W i At the driving frequency H i It also reflects the stroke volume V i The indicator value of the amount of electricity consumed by the air conditioner per unit time. Additionally, the reference stroke volume V. r It is used for measuring the stroke volume V i The baseline value for normalization could be, for example, 1 cc.

[0045]

[0046] In S142, the demand controller 1 calculates the reference frequency W as shown in equation (4) below. i The total reference frequency G (total index value) causes the processing to enter S143.

[0047]

[0048] In S143, the demand controller 1 calculates the upper limit total reference frequency U as a product of the power amount limitation rate D and the total reference frequency G as shown in the following expression (5), and advances the process to S144.

[0049] U = D x G (5)

[0050] In S144, the demand controller 1 calculates the upper limit reference frequency E i as a product of the upper limit total reference frequency U and the proportion of the total value Q i to the total value R as shown in the following expression (6), and advances the process to S145.

[0051]

[0052] In S145, the demand controller 1 calculates the upper limit drive frequency Z i as a product of the upper limit reference frequency E i , the reference stroke volume V r , and the reciprocal of the stroke volume V i (the 2nd product) as shown in the following expression (7), and returns the process to the main routine. The ith air conditioner takes the upper limit drive frequency Z i as an upper limit value of the drive frequency of the compressor included in the air conditioner, and continues the air conditioning operation.

[0053]

[0054] As shown in expression (6), the demand controller 1 sets the drive frequency of the compressor 11 in accordance with the proportion of the total value Q i to the total value R. According to the demand controller 1, in the demand control, the reduction of the drive frequency of the compressor 11 included in the air conditioner 100 having a relatively high priority score is suppressed. The drive frequency of the compressor 11 has a correlation with the power amount consumed by the compressor 11 per unit time. Further, the power amount of the compressor 11 occupies a relatively large proportion in the power amount consumed by the air conditioner 100 per unit time. Therefore, the drive frequency of the compressor 11 is set in accordance with the proportion of the total value Q i to the total value R of the air conditioners 100, whereby the power amount is preferentially distributed to the air conditioners 100 having a relatively high cost for use. According to the air conditioning system 1000, it is possible to realize the power amount limitation while improving the fairness of the cost distribution accompanying the use of the air conditioners.

[0055] Furthermore, even with the same drive frequency, the power consumption of the compressor may vary depending on the size of the compressor. According to the air conditioning system 1000, in the power consumption allocation during demand control, the stroke volume, which is related to the size of the compressor, is also considered in addition to the compressor's drive frequency. Therefore, the fairness of cost allocation associated with air conditioning can be further improved.

[0056] The above explains the fair allocation of electricity based on utilization costs among multiple air conditioners 100. Below, we will use... Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 The fair allocation of cooling doses based on utilization costs among at least one indoor unit 20 in the air conditioning unit 100 is explained.

[0057] Figure 6 It is shown together Figure 3 The graph shows the relationship between the flow path resistance of expansion valve 21 and the opening degree (Cv value) of expansion valve 21, and the relationship between the flow path resistance of expansion valve 21 and the heat exchange capacity of heat exchanger 22. Figure 6 As shown, the larger the opening degree of the expansion valve 21, the smaller the flow resistance of the expansion valve 21. Furthermore, the smaller the flow resistance of the expansion valve 21, the greater the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger 22. The greater the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger 22, the greater the air conditioning effect achieved by the indoor unit 20. In other words, the larger the opening degree of the expansion valve 21, the greater the air conditioning effect achieved by the indoor unit 20.

[0058] Therefore, in the air conditioner 100, for at least one indoor unit 20, the priority score P of the indoor unit 20 is calculated respectively. i，j The total value Q relative to air conditioner 100 i The opening degree of the expansion valve 21 included in the indoor unit 20 is set according to the ratio.

[0059] Figure 7 This indicates that, according to demand control instructions, Figure 3 A flowchart of the processing flow performed by controller 14. The main program (not shown) that controls the air conditioner 100 in a unified manner is invoked. Figure 7 The processing is shown.

[0060] like Figure 7 As shown, in S161, the controller 14, according to the following formula (8), calculates the total value Q of the air conditioner 100. i And at least one indoor unit, 20 units in total (M) i Calculate the priority score P for at least one indoor unit (20 units). i，j The average value P ave This causes the process to proceed to S162.

[0061]

[0062] In S162, the controller 14 assigns a priority score P to at least one indoor unit 20. i，j Relative to the total value Q i The opening degree of the expansion valve 21 contained in the indoor unit 20 is set according to the ratio, so that the processing returns to the main program.

[0063] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 7 The flowchart shows the specific processing flow of setting the opening degree of expansion valve 21, S162. (See attached flowchart.) Figure 8 As shown, in S1621, the controller 14 determines the priority score P of the indoor unit 20. i，j Less than the average value P ave Does this condition hold true? (Based on priority score P) i，j Less than the average value P ave In the case of (S1621: Yes), in S1622, controller 14 reduces the opening degree of expansion valve 21 included in indoor unit 20 compared to when the condition in S1621 is met, causing processing to return to the main program. In priority score P i，j The average value P ave In the above case (S1621: No), in S1623, the controller 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 21 included in the indoor unit 20 compared to when the condition in S1621 is met, and the process returns to the main program.

[0064] In cooling operation, the target superheat can be increased in S1622, thereby reducing the opening of expansion valve 21; and the target superheat can be decreased in S1623, thereby increasing the opening of expansion valve 21. In heating operation, the target subcooling can be increased in S1622, thereby reducing the opening of expansion valve 21; and the target subcooling can be decreased in S1623, thereby increasing the opening of expansion valve 21.

[0065] According to equation (8), the priority score P of S1621 i，j Less than the average value P ave This condition is the same as the condition under which equation (9) holds. The condition under which equation (9) holds is the priority score P. i，j Relative to the total value Q i The proportion is less than 1 indoor unit, and the number of units is 20. i The condition is the reciprocal of the given value.

[0066]

[0067] The controller 14 sets the opening degree of the expansion valve 21 using whether the condition of formula (9) is established or not, and thus, according to the priority score P of the indoor unit 20 i，j The opening degree of the expansion valve 21 included in the indoor unit 20 is set in proportion to the ratio of the total value Q i According to the controller 14, in the demand control, the opening degree of the expansion valve included in the indoor unit 20 in which the cost of use is relatively high is increased among at least one indoor unit 20. The expansion valve 21 has the function of a flow regulating valve that regulates the refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit 20, and thus, the larger the opening degree of the expansion valve 21, the larger the amount of refrigerant flowing in the indoor unit 20. According to the air conditioning system 1000, the refrigerant amount is preferentially distributed to the indoor unit 20 in which the cost of use is relatively high, and thus, the fairness of the cost distribution accompanying the use of the air conditioner by the air conditioning system 1000 can be improved among at least one indoor unit 20.

[0068] Variation of Embodiment 1

[0069] The following structure is described in the variation of Embodiment 1: the power adjustment control is performed after the demand control, and excessive deviation from the target power amount is suppressed.

[0070] Figure 9 is a functional block diagram showing the structure of the air conditioning system 1100 of the variation of Embodiment 1. The structure of the air conditioning system 1100 is a structure in which Figure 1 the demand controller 1 of is replaced with 1A, and the power amount sensor Ps that measures the power amount consumed by the air conditioner 100 is additionally provided to each of the plurality of air conditioners 100. The same is true except for this, and thus, the description is omitted.

[0071] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the power amount monitoring process flow performed by the demand controller 1A of Figure 9 The power amount monitoring process is called up by the not-shown main program of the demand controller 1A by integrated control. Figure 9 The flowchart shown in Figure 4 is a flowchart in which the power amount adjustment control S200 is added after the demand control S140 of The same is true except for this, and thus, the description is omitted.

[0072] As shown in Figure 10 , the demand controller 1A, like Embodiment 1, performs S110, S120, S130, S140, and after the power amount adjustment control in S200, returns the process to the main program.

[0073] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the detailed process flow of the power amount adjustment control S200 of Figure 10 As shown in Figure 11As shown, in S201, the demand controller 1A determines whether the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the target power from the consumed power is greater than the reference value δ (the second reference value). If the absolute value is less than the reference value δ (S201: No), the demand controller 1A returns the process to the main program. If the absolute value is greater than the reference value δ (S201: Yes), the demand controller 1A causes the process to proceed to S202. The reference value δ can be appropriately determined through actual experiments or simulations.

[0074] In S202, the demand controller 1A determines whether the consumed power is greater than the target power. If the consumed power is greater than the target power (S202: Yes), in S203, the demand controller 1A lowers the drive frequency of the compressor 11 included in each of the multiple air conditioners 100 compared to when the condition in S202 was met, and the process proceeds to S205. If the consumed power is less than the target power (S202: No), in S204, the demand controller 1A raises the drive frequency of the compressor 11 included in each of the multiple air conditioners 100 compared to when the condition in S202 was met, and the process proceeds to S205. In S205, after a certain period of standby, the demand controller 1A returns the process to S201.

[0075] According to the air conditioning system 1100, after demand control, the deviation between the consumed power and the target power can be suppressed to below the reference value δ. Therefore, even under power constraints, the allowed power can be fully utilized.

[0076] As described above, the air conditioning system and the method for controlling the electrical power of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 and its variations can improve the fairness of cost allocation associated with the use of air conditioning while achieving electrical power limitation.

[0077] Implementation Method 2

[0078] In Embodiment 1, a structure is described that prioritizes allocating electrical power to air conditioners with relatively high priority scores. According to Embodiment 1, under power constraints, the utilization cost of a particular indoor unit does not vary based on its priority score alone, but rather on the relative magnitude of those priority scores. Embodiment 2 describes a structure where the allocated electrical power is limited based on the priority score itself, so that the utilization cost corresponds to the priority score.

[0079] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating the demand control processing flow performed by the demand controller of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 2. Figure 12 The process shown is to Figure 5 The process is the same as S145, which is replaced by S245. Otherwise, the explanation is omitted.

[0080] like Figure 12 As shown, after the demand controller executes S141 to S144 in the same manner as in Implementation 1, in S245, it sets an upper limit value for the drive frequency of the compressor contained in at least one air conditioner, and then returns the processing to the main program.

[0081] Figure 13 It is shown Figure 12 The flowchart shows the specific processing flow for setting the upper limit of the compressor drive frequency (S245). The demand controller performs separate operations for at least one air conditioner. Figure 13 The processing shown. In Figure 13 The diagram shows the processing for the i-th air conditioner.

[0082] like Figure 13 As shown, in S2451, the demand controller determines the total value Q. i Is it less than the baseline value σ (the first baseline value)? In the total value Q... i If the value is above the baseline value σ (the first baseline value) (S2451: No), in S2452, the demand controller will calculate the product Z from equation (7). i Set the upper limit of the drive frequency of the compressor contained in the i-th air conditioner, and then return the process to the main program. The total value Q... i If the value is less than the reference value σ (the first reference value) (S2451: Yes), in S2453, the demand controller will adjust the product Z. i Small value F i Set the upper limit of the drive frequency of the compressor included in the i-th air conditioner, and then return the process to the main program. For example, use a predetermined coefficient smaller than 1 or the total value Q. i The corresponding coefficient and product Z i Multiply, and then calculate the value F. i The baseline value σ can be appropriately determined through actual experiments or simulations.

[0083] As described above, the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 and the method for controlling the power of the air conditioning system can further improve the fairness of cost allocation associated with the use of air conditioning compared to Embodiment 1, while achieving power limitation.

[0084] The various embodiments disclosed herein are also intended to be appropriately combined and implemented within a non-contradictory scope. It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the invention is defined not by the foregoing description but by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0085] Label Explanation

[0086] 1, 1A: demand controller; 10: heat source machine; 11: compressor; 12, 22: heat exchanger; 13: four-way valve; 14, 24: controller; 20: indoor unit; 21: expansion valve; 91: processing circuitry; 92: memory; 93: communication section; 94: input / output section; 95: bus; 100: air conditioner; 1000, 1100: air conditioning system; NW: network; Ps: electric power amount sensor.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, the air conditioning system having: At least one air conditioner that circulates refrigerant; and The first controller, when the power limiting condition is met, limits the power consumed by the at least one air conditioner per unit time. Each of the at least one air conditioner units includes a compressor and at least one indoor unit. For each of the at least one indoor unit, a score corresponding to the cost of using that indoor unit is pre-set. The first controller calculates a first total value of the scores of each of the at least one indoor unit contained in the air conditioner for each of the at least one air conditioner. The first controller calculates a second total value of the first total value of each of the at least one air conditioner. When the power limiting condition is met, the first controller sets the drive frequency of the compressor included in the air conditioner for each of the at least one air conditioner according to the ratio of the first total value to the second total value of the air conditioner.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, When the aforementioned electric force limiting condition is met. The first controller obtains an electric force limitation rate, which represents the ratio of the target electric force to the electric force when determining the electric force limitation condition. The first controller calculates the product of the stroke volume of the compressor, the drive frequency of the compressor, and the reciprocal of the reference stroke volume of each of the at least one air conditioner, as an indicator value of the amount of electricity consumed by the air conditioner per unit time. The first controller calculates the sum of the multiple index values ​​of the at least one air conditioner. The first controller sets the total index value, the power limiting rate, the ratio of the first total value of each of the at least one air conditioner to the second total value, and the value less than or equal to the second product of the reference stroke volume and the stroke volume of the compressor of the air conditioner as the upper limit value of the driving frequency of the compressor of the air conditioner.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein, For each of the at least one air conditioner, If the first total value of the air conditioner is greater than the first reference value, the first controller sets the upper limit value to the second product. If the first total value of the air conditioner is less than the first reference value, the first controller sets the upper limit value to a value smaller than the second product.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, After the first controller sets the drive frequency of the compressor included in the air conditioner for each of the at least one air conditioner in response to the establishment of the power limit condition, if the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the target power from the power is greater than the second reference value, When the electrical power is greater than the target electrical power, the drive frequency of the compressor included in each of the at least one air conditioner is reduced compared to the comparison between the electrical power and the target electrical power. In a case where the electric power amount is smaller than the target electric power amount, the drive frequency of the compressor included in each of the at least one air conditioning device is increased from the comparison time.

5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the at least one air conditioning device further includes a second controller that controls the at least one indoor unit, each of the at least one indoor unit includes an expansion valve through which the refrigerant passes and a second heat exchanger, the second controller sets, for each of the at least one indoor unit, an opening degree of the expansion valve included in the indoor unit in accordance with a ratio of the score of the indoor unit with respect to the first total value of the air conditioning device.

6. A method of controlling an electric power amount of an air conditioning system that has at least one air conditioning device in which a refrigerant circulates, the method limiting an electric power amount consumed per unit time by the at least one air conditioning device in a case where an electric power amount restriction condition is satisfied, wherein each of the at least one air conditioning device includes a compressor and at least one indoor unit, a score corresponding to a cost of using each of the at least one indoor unit is set in advance, the method of controlling an electric power amount of an air conditioning system includes the steps of: calculating, for each of the at least one air conditioning device, a first total value of the score of each of the at least one indoor unit included in the air conditioning device; calculating a second total value of the first total value of each of the at least one air conditioning device; and in a case where the electric power amount restriction condition is satisfied, setting, for each of the at least one air conditioning device, a drive frequency of the compressor included in the air conditioning device in accordance with a ratio of the first total value of the air conditioning device with respect to the second total value.

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