Air conditioning management system

Abstract

An air conditioner management system. If a management program is made based on information unique to an air conditioner device, management cannot be sufficiently performed by the existing management program when a new air conditioner device is introduced into the air conditioner management system. An air conditioner management system (1) is a system that manages a plurality of air conditioner devices (10) as management targets. The air conditioner management system (1) includes a controller (60) and a server device (40). The controller (60) is connected to the air conditioner devices (10). The controller (60) executes a management program (3) for managing the air conditioner devices (10). The server device (40) is connected to the controller (60). The server device (40) provides the controller (60) with an air conditioner data model (4). The air conditioner data model (4) is a collection of data of the air conditioner devices (10) referred to by the management program (3).

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application entitled "Air Conditioning Management System", filed on November 25, 2020, with application number 202080081408.X (international application number PCT / JP2020 / 043899). Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to an air conditioning management system for managing multiple air conditioning devices that are subject to management. Background Technology

[0003] Previously, there were air conditioning management systems for the comprehensive management (monitoring, control, etc.) of air conditioning equipment such as outdoor and indoor units. In such air conditioning management systems, a data center connected to a network such as the Internet or public lines provides a management program to the controller, which executes the management program (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-234176). The management program in Patent Document 1 selects based on equipment information, which is unique to air conditioning equipment, and is provided by the data center. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] The procedures for managing air conditioning equipment sometimes differ depending on the individual air conditioner being managed. For example, when introducing a new air conditioning unit, it is sometimes impossible to manage it adequately using the existing management program on the controller. In Patent Document 1, when introducing a new air conditioning unit, a corresponding management program needs to be developed to manage it. The development of this management program presents problems such as long operating times and large workloads.

[0006] Methods for solving problems

[0007] The first-person viewpoint's air conditioning management system is a system that manages multiple air conditioning devices. The air conditioning management system has a controller and a server. The controller is connected to the air conditioning devices. The controller executes management programs for managing the air conditioning devices. The server is connected to the controller. The server provides the controller with air conditioning unit data models. The air conditioning unit data model is a collection of data from the air conditioning devices referenced by the management program.

[0008] In the first-view air conditioning management system, the air conditioning data model is provided through a server device, so that even when new air conditioning equipment is introduced, it can be managed through the same management program.

[0009] The second viewpoint's air conditioning management system is the same as the first viewpoint's system, with the controller connected to the server device via a network.

[0010] The third-view air conditioning management system is a system based on the first or second viewpoint, and the air conditioning data model is provided according to each model of air conditioning equipment.

[0011] Therefore, even when a new model of air conditioning equipment is introduced into the air conditioning management system, the air conditioning management system can still manage the new model of air conditioning equipment through the same management program.

[0012] The fourth viewpoint's air conditioning management system is a system of any one of the first to third viewpoints. If the air conditioner data model is registered in the server device, the server device provides the air conditioner data model to the controller.

[0013] The fifth viewpoint's air conditioning management system is a system based on any one of the first to third viewpoints. The air conditioner data model has information related to a transformation function that performs mutual transformation between data obtained from the air conditioning equipment and data that the server device can recognize.

[0014] Therefore, the controller and server devices are able to exchange data in a recognizable language.

[0015] The sixth viewpoint's air conditioning management system is a system based on any one of the first to fifth viewpoints. The air conditioner data model has information related to a transformation function that performs mutual transformation between data obtained from the air conditioning equipment and data that the server device can recognize. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an air conditioning management system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of an air conditioning unit.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the functional blocks of the various devices that make up the air conditioning management system.

[0019] Figure 4 This is an example of an air conditioner data model.

[0020] Figure 5 This is an example of an air conditioner data model.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an example of an air conditioner data model.

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0023] 1: Air conditioning management system; 3: Management program; 4: Air conditioner data model; 10: Air conditioning equipment; 40: Server device; 50: Network; 60: Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0024] (1) Overall structure

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the air conditioning management system 1. Furthermore, in the following description, when multiple devices with the same function are described in a common manner, the same reference numerals will be used. When describing a single device from among multiple devices with the same function, a lowercase English letter suffix will be added. For example, indoor units 12a, 12b, and 12c are devices with the same function; therefore, when the description is common, the suffixes a, b, and c will be omitted, and the device will be referred to simply as indoor unit 12.

[0026] The air conditioning management system 1 includes an air conditioning device 10 as the object of management, a controller 60 that executes a management program 3 for managing the air conditioning device 10, and a server device 40 that provides an air conditioning data model 4 referenced in the management program 3 and manages the air conditioning device 10.

[0027] Here, server device 40 is located in a central management center. Server device 40 is connected to a communication network 50, such as the Internet. Server device 40 is connected to multiple facilities 2 (2a to 2c). Facilities 2 are, for example, office buildings, commercial buildings, and apartments. Moreover, in each facility 2, one or more air conditioning units 10 are installed as managed objects to perform cooling and heating within the facility 2. The air conditioning unit 10 has an outdoor unit 11 and one or more indoor units 12 (12a, 12b, 12c). A controller 60 is connected to the air conditioning unit 10. The controller 60 is connected to server device 40 via a communication network 50, such as the Internet.

[0028] In the air conditioning management system 1, the air conditioning equipment 10 is managed by executing management program 3 in the controller 60. Here, management refers to monitoring or operating the air conditioning equipment 10. The controller 60 executes management program 3 based on the air conditioner data model 4, thereby processing the prescribed data obtained from the air conditioning equipment 10. The air conditioner data model 4 is a collection of data from the air conditioning equipment 10 (outdoor unit 11 or indoor unit 12). The air conditioner data model 4 is created by the administrator of the air conditioning management system 1 for each model and registered in the server device 40. When the air conditioner data model 4 is registered in the server device 40, the server device 40 provides the air conditioner data model 4 to the controller 60. Thus, the air conditioning management system 1 can manage new models of air conditioning equipment 10.

[0029] (2) Air conditioning equipment that becomes a management object

[0030] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the air conditioning unit 10. As described above, the air conditioning unit 10, which is managed by the air conditioning management system 1, has an outdoor unit 11 and one or more indoor units 12. The outdoor unit 11 is installed, for example, on a roof or in a basement. The indoor units 12 are distributed and installed on multiple floors or in multiple rooms of the facility 2.

[0031] The outdoor unit 11 includes a compressor 21, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an outdoor fan 24, a sensor 25, and an outdoor unit control unit 11X. Indoor units 12a, 12b, and 12c each include an indoor heat exchanger 33, an indoor fan 34, a sensor 35, and indoor unit control units 12X (12Xa, 12Xb, and 12Xc). The outdoor unit 11 (outdoor unit control unit 11X) and the indoor unit 12 (indoor unit control unit 12X) are connected via a dedicated communication line. Based on the detection values ​​of sensors 25 and 35, the outdoor unit control unit 11X and the indoor unit control unit 12X collaboratively control the operation of various parts of the air conditioning equipment 10. The server device 40 collects data from the outdoor unit control unit 11X and the indoor unit control unit 12X via a communication network 50. Data communication between the outdoor unit control unit 11X and the controller 60 is performed between the outdoor unit control unit 11X and the indoor unit 12. The air conditioning unit 10 manages the control units 11X and 12X based on instructions input from remote controls or the like attached to each indoor unit 12, as well as instructions input via the communication network 50, the server device 40, and the controller 60.

[0032] (3) Detailed structure of the air conditioning equipment management system

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the functional blocks of the various devices that constitute the air conditioning management system 1.

[0034] (3-1) Controller

[0035] The controller 60 manages the air conditioning unit 10 by connecting to the outdoor unit control unit 11X of the outdoor unit 11. The controller 60 is a computer used to manage the air conditioning unit 10, and is referred to as a gateway or edge unit, for example. The controller 60 can also be configured by connecting multiple computers and devices through a network. The controller 60 has a storage unit 61, a communication unit 62, a processing unit 63a, and a connection unit 64.

[0036] Storage unit 61 stores various information and may include ROM, RAM, and / or hard disk, etc. Storage unit 61 stores various programs for executing various functions of controller 60 and various data for executing these programs. Specifically, storage unit 61 stores a management program 3 for managing air conditioning equipment 10, an air conditioning data model 4 (described later) referenced in management program 3, and transformation functions for transforming data. Management program 3 may be provided from server device 40 via communication unit 62 (described later), or it may be pre-existing with controller 60. The transformation function is a transformation function used to convert data recognizable by air conditioning equipment 10 into data recognizable by server device 40. Information related to the transformation functions for transforming various data is associated in air conditioning data model 4, and controller 60 can perform data transformation processing using these transformation functions.

[0037] The communication unit 62 is an interface used to perform communication with the communication network 50 via a public line, router, etc. (not shown). Through the function of the communication unit 62, data communication of the air conditioning unit 10, including various instructions, is performed between the controller 60 and the server device 40. Furthermore, the controller 60 provides the air conditioning unit data model 4 from the server device 40 via the communication unit 62.

[0038] The control unit 63 consists of a CPU and a high-speed cache memory. The control unit 63 cooperates with other components of the controller 60 to control the entire controller 60. The processing unit 63a within the control unit 63 performs various information processing operations within the controller 60. For example, the processing unit 63a obtains data from the outdoor unit 11 and indoor unit 12 via the connection unit 64 and stores it in the storage unit 61. The processing unit 63a performs transformations using transformation functions to convert data recognizable by the air conditioning unit 10 into data recognizable by the server device 40. Furthermore, the processing unit 63a enables the communication unit 62 to send various instructions received from the server device 40 to the outdoor unit 11 and indoor unit 12 at predetermined times.

[0039] The connection section 64 is an interface for connecting to the outdoor unit control unit 11X. The controller 60 can send various commands to the outdoor unit control unit 11X via the connection section 64, and can also obtain data from the outdoor unit control unit 11X.

[0040] (3-2) Server device

[0041] Server device 40 manages air conditioning equipment 10 by connecting to controller 60 via communication network 50. Server device 40 is a computer that manages air conditioning equipment 10, such as a supercomputer, workstation, personal computer, or cloud computing. Server device 40 has storage unit 41, communication unit 42, processing unit 43a, input unit 45, and output unit 46.

[0042] Storage unit 41 stores various information, including ROM, RAM, and / or hard disk. For example, storage unit 41 stores various programs for performing various functions of server device 40 and various data for executing programs. Specifically, storage unit 41 stores management program 3 and air conditioner data model 4 referenced in management program 3. Air conditioner data model 4 is stored (registered) in storage unit 41 via input unit 45 (described later) or via communication unit 42 (described later). When air conditioner data model 4 is registered in storage unit 41 of server device 40, processing unit 43a provides air conditioner data model 4 to controller 60 via communication unit 42.

[0043] The communication unit 42 is an interface used for communication with the controller 60 via a public line, router, etc. (not shown). Specifically, communication of data from the air conditioning unit 10, including various instructions, occurs between the communication unit 42 and the controller 60.

[0044] The control unit 43 consists of a CPU and a cache memory, among other components. The control unit 43 coordinates with other components of the server device 40 to control the entire server device 40. The processing unit 43a within the control unit 43 performs various information processing operations within the server device 40. For example, the processing unit 43a stores data obtained from the controller 60 about the air conditioning equipment (outdoor unit 11 and indoor unit 12) that is being managed in the storage unit 41. Furthermore, the processing unit 43a manages the air conditioning equipment based on the data stored in the storage unit 41.

[0045] The input unit 45 is an interface for inputting information into the server device 40. For example, the input unit 45 is implemented through a keyboard, mouse, and / or touch screen.

[0046] The output unit 46 outputs various information and consists of various displays and speakers.

[0047] (4) Air Conditioner Data Model

[0048] Air conditioner data model 4 is a collection of data for each model of air conditioning equipment 10. Here, each model of air conditioning equipment 10 refers to each model of outdoor unit 11 or indoor unit 12. If the horsepower, capacity, etc. of outdoor unit 11 or indoor unit 12 are different, different models are set respectively.

[0049] For example, Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram representing the air conditioner data model 4 of indoor unit 12a. Indoor unit 12a is a single-flow indoor unit (model A), which includes data related to start / stop, set temperature, and suction temperature. Figure 5This is a schematic diagram representing the air conditioner data model 4 of indoor unit 12b. Indoor unit 12b is a four-way air supply box-type indoor unit (model B), which contains data related to start / stop, set temperature, intake temperature, and human detection status. Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram representing the air conditioner data model 4 for indoor unit 12c. Indoor unit 12c is a floor-standing indoor unit (model C), containing data related to start / stop, set temperature, intake temperature, and floor temperature. Additionally, other data can also be included in the air conditioner data model 4 for indoor unit 12. Each data point is associated with items such as "Input / Output," "Deta Type," and "Property," providing a more detailed representation of the data related to each of the indoor units 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0050] Specifically, here, "Input / Output" indicates whether the data is an input value or an output value. "Deta Type" indicates whether the obtained data is analog or binary data.

[0051] The current value in "Property" represents the current state of the air conditioning unit 10, the state of the surrounding environment of the air conditioning unit 10, and the set value. The current value stores data obtained by the controller 60 from the air conditioning unit 10 via the connection unit 64. Minimum / Maximum Values ​​represent the minimum / maximum values ​​that can be managed in this model. For example, Minimum / Maximum Values ​​represent the minimum and / or maximum set temperature in the air conditioning unit 10. Initial Value represents the initial set value in this model. Scale Width represents the scale width of the set values ​​that can be managed in this model. OPC represents the communication command set in this model. Type of OPC represents information about the air conditioning unit 10 determined based on the communication command. Date Converter represents information related to the transformation function used when transforming this data item.

[0052] Here, the information related to the transformation function is the information that allows selection of one transformation function from a plurality of transformation functions stored in the controller 60. For example, the information related to the transformation function may be a function ID pre-defined for each transformation function.

[0053] (5) Provision of Air Conditioner Data Model 4

[0054] The following explains the method for providing data model 4 for air conditioners.

[0055] In the air conditioning management system 1, the controller 60 stores the management program 3 in the storage unit 61 for managing the air conditioning equipment 10. When a new air conditioning unit is introduced, the administrator of the air conditioning management system 1 creates an air conditioner data model 4 related to that unit and stores it in the storage unit 41 of the server device 40. Storage in the storage unit 41 of the server device 40 is performed by the administrator sending the air conditioner data model 4 from a computer, tablet, or similar device used by the administrator to the communication unit 42 of the server device 40 via a communication network 50 such as the Internet. When a new air conditioner data model 4 is stored (registered) in the storage unit 41, the processing unit 43a of the server device 40 sends the air conditioner data model 4 from the communication unit 42 to the communication unit 62 of the controller 60 via the communication network 50 such as the Internet. The processing unit 63a of the controller 60 stores the received air conditioner data model 4 in the storage unit 61. Thus, the controller 60 can execute the management program 3 by referring to the air conditioner data model 4. Furthermore, at this time, the controller 60 can obtain transformation functions as information for executing the program.

[0056] (6) Execution of Management Procedure 3

[0057] The controller 60 acquires data from the air conditioning unit 10 via the connection 64. The acquired data is stored in... Figures 4-6 The specified area of ​​the air conditioner data model 4 shown.

[0058] When a request is received via the input unit 45 or the communication unit 42, or at predetermined intervals, the server device 40 communicates with the controller 60 to manage the air conditioning equipment 10 based on the air conditioning data model 4 stored in the controller 60. Management of the air conditioning equipment 10 includes monitoring the air conditioning equipment 10 and sending instructions to the air conditioning equipment 10 or other devices. Furthermore, at this time, the processing unit 63a of the controller 60 refers to information related to the transformation function included in the air conditioning data model 4 and performs data transformation based on the transformation function. Specifically, the processing unit 63a uses the transformation function of the air conditioning data model 4 to transform the data stored in a specified area of ​​the air conditioning data model 4 into data that the server device 40 can recognize.

[0059] (7) Features

[0060] (7-1)

[0061] The air conditioning management system 1 disclosed herein is a system for managing multiple air conditioning units 10 (outdoor units 11 or indoor units 12) that are subject to management. The air conditioning management system 1 includes a controller 60 and a server device 40. The controller 60 is connected to the air conditioning units 10. The controller 60 executes a management program 3 for managing the air conditioning units 10. The controller 60 is connected to the server device via a network. The server device 40 is connected to the controller 60. The server device 40 provides the controller 60 with an air conditioning unit data model 4, which is a collection of data from the air conditioning units referenced by the management program 3. Furthermore, the air conditioning unit data model 4 is provided according to each model of the air conditioning unit 10. Here, the air conditioning unit data model 4 has information related to a transformation function that performs mutual transformation between data obtained from the air conditioning units and data recognizable by the server device.

[0062] In addition, in the air conditioning management system 1, if the air conditioner data model 4 is registered in the server device 40, the server device 40 provides the air conditioner data model 4 to the controller 60.

[0063] In previous air conditioning management systems, management program 3 was created based on information specific to the air conditioning equipment (air conditioner data model 4). With this management program 3, when new air conditioning equipment is imported into the system, there are situations where the existing program 3 cannot adequately manage it. For example, when importing a new model of air conditioning equipment, a corresponding management program needs to be developed. The development of this program presents challenges such as long processing time and large workloads.

[0064] Therefore, by adopting the above-described structure, the air conditioning management system 1 disclosed herein can begin managing the new air conditioning equipment 10 even when a new air conditioning unit 10 is added to the air conditioning management system 1, without redeveloping the management program 3. Thus, the management of the air conditioning equipment 10 can continue within the air conditioning management system 1.

[0065] In addition, the air conditioner data model 4 contains information related to the transformation function, which enables the mutual transformation between data obtained from the air conditioning equipment and data that can be recognized by the server device.

[0066] (8) Variations

[0067] In the air conditioning management system 1 disclosed herein, the controller 60 can also provide the air conditioner data model 4 by the method shown below.

[0068] First, when a new air conditioning unit is introduced, the administrator of the air conditioning management system 1 creates an air conditioning data model 4 related to that unit and stores it in the storage unit 41 of the server device 40. Storage in the storage unit 41 of the server device 40 is performed by the administrator sending the air conditioning data model 4 from a computer, tablet, or similar device used by the administrator to the communication unit 42 of the server device 40 via a communication network 50 such as the Internet.

[0069] Next, the air conditioning unit is installed in facility 2, and its outdoor unit control unit is connected to the connection part 64 of the controller 60. The controller 60 obtains the model information of the outdoor and indoor units of the air conditioning unit via the connection part 64. The controller 60 requests the transmission of the air conditioning unit data model corresponding to the model information by sending the model information obtained from the air conditioning unit to the server device 40 via the communication network 50. In response to this request, the server device 40 sends the air conditioning unit data model to the controller 60, thereby providing the controller 60 with a new air conditioning unit data model. (9)

[0071] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in manner and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims.

[0072] Existing technical documents

[0073] Patent documents

[0074] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-234176

Claims

1. An air conditioning management system (1) for managing multiple air conditioning devices (10) that are subject to management, the air conditioning management system (1) comprising: A controller (60), connected to the air conditioning unit (10), executes a management program (3) for managing the air conditioning unit (10); and A server device (40) connected to the controller (60) provides the controller (60) with an air conditioner data model (4) that is a collection of data of the air conditioning equipment (10) referenced by the management program (3). The air conditioner data model (4) is the information related to the air conditioning equipment (10) referenced in the management program (3). The air conditioner data model (4) stores information related to the air conditioning equipment (10) according to each data item. Information related to the air conditioning device (10) includes information related to the attributes of the air conditioning device (10).

2. The air conditioning management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The information associated with the attribute includes information related to the scale width of the numerical data.

3. The air conditioning management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The information associated with the attribute includes information related to the maximum and minimum values ​​that the numerical data can take.

4. The air conditioning management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The air conditioner data model (4) is a data storage that further divides the information related to the air conditioning equipment (10) into input values ​​and output values.

5. The air conditioning management system (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The air conditioner data model (4) has information related to a transformation function that performs mutual transformation between data obtained from the air conditioning equipment (10) and data that the server device (40) can recognize.

6. An air conditioning management system (1) for managing multiple air conditioning devices (10) that are subject to management, the air conditioning management system (1) comprising: A controller (60), connected to the air conditioning unit (10), executes a management program (3) for managing the air conditioning unit (10); and A server device (40) connected to the controller (60) provides the controller (60) with an air conditioner data model (4) that is a collection of data of the air conditioning equipment (10) referenced by the management program (3). The air conditioner data model (4) is the information related to the air conditioning equipment (10) referenced in the management program (3). The air conditioner data model (4) is provided according to each model of the air conditioning equipment (10). The air conditioner data model (4) has information related to a transformation function that performs mutual transformation between data obtained from the air conditioning equipment (10) and data that the server device (40) can recognize.

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