Air conditioner control device and air conditioner control method

Abstract

The air conditioner control device and the air conditioner control method can further reduce discomfort of residents to the warm environment. An air-conditioning control device according to the present embodiment comprises: a prediction model storage unit for storing a prediction model indicating the influence of an operation variable on a control variable; a control variable target value storage unit that stores a target value for each index constituting the control variable; a restriction condition storage unit that stores information relating to restriction conditions when the target value of each operation variable is calculated; a control variable current value acquisition unit that acquires each current value of the control variable; and an operation variable target value calculation unit that calculates the target value of the operation variable on the basis of the prediction model, each target value of the control variable, the restriction condition, and each current value of the control variable so as to equalize the magnitude of the deviation between the predicted values and the target values of the plurality of control variables based on the prediction model.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an air conditioning control device and an air conditioning control method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a technique for controlling the air environment of multiple spaces within a certain range (hereinafter referred to as zones or spatial locations), which controls by adjusting the air supply volume for each zone to reduce the difference between the target temperature and the current temperature of each zone.

[0003] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned prior art, when the heat load or target temperature is different for each area, there may be an area where the deviation between the target temperature and the current temperature is large. The reason for this is that each air supply volume has an upper limit and a lower limit, and each air supply volume is controlled by only considering the target value of the temperature of the area in charge. Therefore, the occupants in the area with a large deviation may feel uncomfortable.

[0004] Therefore, in order to reduce the discomfort of the occupants, a technology has been proposed in which the air conditioning equipment in other areas assists in controlling the air conditioning equipment in the insufficient capacity state (for example, refer to Patent Document 1). In addition, the so-called insufficient capacity state refers to a state in which, for example, during cooling (heating), the temperature associated with a certain area is higher (lower) than the target value, but because the air supply volume of the area has already reached the upper limit value, the air supply volume cannot be increased, and the temperature cannot be brought closer to the target value. In addition, on the contrary, for example, during cooling (heating), the temperature associated with a certain area is lower (higher) than the target value, but because the air supply volume of the area has already reached the lower limit value, the air supply volume cannot be reduced, and the temperature cannot be brought closer to the target value. This state is called an excess capacity state.

[0005] [Prior art literature]

[0006] [Patent Document]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2020 / 003447 Summary of the invention

[0008] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0009] However, there is room for improvement in reducing the discomfort of residents to the warm environment in the prior art. For example, there is a problem that the increased air supply volume for assistance also affects areas outside the assistance destination in a state of insufficient capacity. Therefore, if there is an area outside the assistance destination that is almost in a state of excess capacity, the air conditioning capacity will become excessive and the residents will feel uncomfortable.

[0010] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0011] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the air conditioning control device of the present invention includes: a prediction model storage unit, which, for each of the control variables which is a set of indicators related to the comfort of multiple spatial positions which are different from each other in the indoor environment, uses a parameter related to the air supply volume of the air outlet which affects the control variable as an operating variable, and stores a prediction model representing the influence of the operating variable on the control variable; a control variable target value storage unit, which stores the target value of each control variable; a constraint condition storage unit, which stores the constraint conditions related to the operating variable; a control variable current value acquisition unit, which acquires each current value of the control variable; and an operating variable target value calculation unit, which calculates the target value of the operating variable based on the prediction model, each target value of the control variable, the constraint conditions, and each current value of the control variable in a manner that balances the size of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the multiple control variables based on the prediction model.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention can further reduce the discomfort felt by residents in a warm environment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing an overview of an air-conditioning control system including an air-conditioning control device according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing an example of objects controlled by the air-conditioning control device according to the embodiment and the control results thereof.

[0016] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air-conditioning control device according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the air-conditioning control device according to the embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration.

[0019] [Explanation of Symbols]

[0020] 100: Air conditioning control device

[0021] 110: Ministry of Communications

[0022] 120: Control Department

[0023] 121: Control variable current value acquisition unit

[0024] 122: Operation variable target value calculation unit

[0025] 123: Operation permission signal acquisition unit

[0026] 124: Human detection data acquisition department

[0027] 125: Deviation tolerance adjustment unit

[0028] 126: Control variable exclusion processing unit

[0029] 127: Application data acquisition department

[0030] 128: Reporting data summary department

[0031] 130: Storage

[0032] 131: Prediction model storage unit

[0033] 132: Control variable target value storage unit

[0034] 133: Constraint storage unit

[0035] 134: Deviation tolerance storage unit

[0036] 135: Gas supply consumption energy evaluation function storage unit

[0037] 200: Air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device

[0038] 210: Air conditioner

[0039] 220, 220-1~220-3: VAV

[0040] 230, 230-1~230-3: Temperature sensor DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the air conditioning control device and the air conditioning control method of the present application will be described in detail based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the air conditioning control device and the air conditioning control method of the present application are not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0042] 〔1. Overview of air conditioning control system〕

[0043] First, an overview of a system including the air-conditioning control device 100 according to the present embodiment will be described. Figure 11 is a diagram showing an overview of an air conditioning control system including an air conditioning control device of an embodiment. The air conditioning control system of the present embodiment relates to a technology for controlling the air environment of each area by adjusting the air supply volume of each space within a certain range. Moreover, the air conditioning control device 100 in the present system uses the air supply volume of each area or the state of the equipment that affects the air supply volume (the opening degree of the air supply damper, etc.) as an operating variable to calculate the target value of the operating variable. Moreover, the air conditioning control device 100 basically calculates the target value of the operating variable of each area in a manner that reduces the difference between the target temperature set in each area and the current temperature.

[0044] exist Figure 1 In the example, the air conditioning control device 100 is connected to the air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device 200 by wire or wireless, and information is transmitted and received mutually. In addition, the air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device 200 is connected to one air conditioner 210, VAV 220-1 to VAV 220-3, and temperature sensor 230-1 to temperature sensor 230-3 by signal lines, etc., and obtains information related to each state to control the air conditioner and VAV. Furthermore, the air conditioner 210 supplies temperature-adjusted air to VAV 220-1 to VAV 220-3 respectively through the air supply duct.

[0045] In addition, Figure 1 The example of FIG. 1 shows a structure including one air conditioner 210 and a plurality of variable air volumes (VAV), but the present invention is not limited thereto. Figure 1 , the number of zones can be increased or decreased to any number, and the number of VAVs 220 and temperature sensors 230 can also be increased or decreased along with the increase or decrease in the number of zones. Furthermore, the number of zones does not need to be the same as the number of VAVs, and the number of VAVs may not be multiple.

[0046] The air conditioning control device 100 uses, for each of the control variables that are a set of indicators related to the comfort of multiple different spatial locations in the indoor environment, a parameter related to the air supply volume of the air outlet that affects the control variable as an operating variable, and respectively stores a prediction model representing the influence of the operating variable on the control variable, a target value of each control variable, and constraints related to the operating variable.

[0047] Then, the air conditioning control device 100 obtains each current value of the control variable, and based on the prediction model, each target value of the control variable, the constraint condition, and each current value of the control variable, calculates the target value of the manipulated variable in a manner that equalizes the magnitude of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the plurality of control variables based on the prediction model. In addition, hereinafter, as the magnitude of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the control variable, the absolute value of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the control variable (hereinafter referred to as the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable) is used for explanation.

[0048] The air conditioning control device 100 stores a prediction model indicating the influence of the manipulated variable on the controlled variable. Here, for example, the index related to comfort refers to the air temperature, and the parameter related to the air supply volume of the outlet refers to the air supply volume of the VAV.

[0049] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 stores each target value of the control variable and constraints related to the operation variable. For example, the air conditioning control device 100 stores the target value of the temperature in the area set from the outside, and also stores constraints when calculating the target value of each operation variable such as the upper limit value or the lower limit value of the air supply volume of the VAV 220.

[0050] Then, the air conditioning control device 100 obtains each current value of the control variable. For example, the air conditioning control device 100 obtains the measured value of the temperature in the area at the processing time point measured by the temperature sensor 230 via the air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device 200 as the current value of the control variable.

[0051] Thereafter, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the target value of the manipulated variable based on the prediction model, each target value of the controlled variable, the constraints, and each current value of the controlled variable so as to equalize the absolute values ​​of deviations of the plurality of controlled variables based on the prediction model.

[0052] For example, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the target value of the supply air volume of the VAV 220 in each area based on the prediction model, the target value of the temperature in the area, the upper limit value, the lower limit value of the supply air volume, and the measured value of the temperature in the area, and in a manner that balances the absolute value of the deviation of the control variables in each area.

[0053] Here, refer to Figure 2 The characteristics of the control target assumed by the air-conditioning control device 100 will be described. Figure 2 This is an example of cooling areas 1 to 3. Areas 1 and 3 are areas with relatively low air conditioning loads, and area 2 is an area with relatively high air conditioning loads. The air conditioning loads of the areas controlled by the air conditioning control device 100 are as described above. Figure 2As shown in the example, it is usually different depending on the heat load such as heat dissipation of the occupants, or the temperature target value, etc. Moreover, the purpose of the control device of this embodiment is to reduce the discomfort of the occupants to the warm environment compared with the previous control by appropriately operating the air supply air volume for such a control object.

[0054] Back to Figure 1 The air conditioning monitoring / control device 200 monitors the state of air conditioning equipment such as the air conditioner 210 and the VAV 220, and controls the air conditioning equipment by changing the target value of the air conditioning equipment. Furthermore, the air conditioning monitoring / control device 200 is connected to the air conditioning control device 100 to obtain the target value of each calculated operating variable, and controls the VAV 220 and the like using the target value to control the temperature of each area.

[0055] The air conditioner 210 is, for example, an air conditioner including a cooling coil or a heating coil, and a blower, and its operation is controlled by the air conditioner monitoring / control device 200. In addition, the conditioned air blown out by the air conditioner 210 is supplied to each area via an air supply duct. The VAV 220 is an air conditioner that controls the amount of conditioned air supplied to each area with respect to the conditioned air supplied from the air conditioner 210 to eliminate the air conditioning load. In addition, the VAV 220 can control the amount of supply air supplied to each area by controlling the opening of the damper.

[0056] [2. Structure of Air Conditioning Control Device 100 and Operation of Each Component]

[0057] Next, refer to Figure 3 right Figure 1 The structure of the air conditioning control device 100 shown and the operation of each component will be described. Figure 3 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning control device according to an embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the air conditioning control device 100 according to the embodiment includes a communication unit 110 , a control unit 120 , and a storage unit 130 .

[0058] The communication unit 110 is realized by, for example, a network interface card (NIC) etc. The communication unit 110 is connected to the air conditioning system monitoring / controlling device 200 by wire or wirelessly, and transmits and receives information.

[0059] The storage unit 130 is implemented by a storage device such as a random access memory (RAM) or a hard disk. The storage unit 130 stores data and programs required for various processes performed by the control unit 120, and in particular, as a storage unit closely related to the present invention, includes: a prediction model storage unit 131, a control variable target value storage unit 132, a constraint condition storage unit 133, a deviation allowable value storage unit 134, and a gas supply consumption energy evaluation function storage unit 135.

[0060] The prediction model storage unit 131 stores a prediction model representing the influence of the operating variable on the control variable for each of the control variables that are a set of indicators related to the comfort of a plurality of different spatial positions of the indoor environment, using a parameter related to the air supply volume of the air outlet that affects the control variable as an operating variable. For example, the prediction model storage unit 131 stores a prediction model based on a step response using the following equations (1) to (6).

[0061] Here, the following description is made of the equations (1) to (6) related to the prediction model. z The following describes the case where a region is formed, an air outlet is provided in each region, and the temperature of each region is controlled. i (t) is a manipulated variable and represents the air supply volume at the outlet of zone i at time t. j (t) is a control variable and represents the temperature of region j at time t. m )、(j=1、…、N c ), N m Set as the number of manipulated variables, N c Set as the number of control variables. In addition, in this embodiment, set N m =N c =N z The equality is explained here, but generally speaking, it is not necessary for the equality to hold.

[0062] [Formula 1]

[0063]

[0064] In this embodiment, the air conditioning control device 100 uses the above formula (1) for calculating the predicted value of the control variable in the prediction model. In addition, the formula used in calculating the predicted value of the control variable is not limited to the above formula (1), and a formula different from the above formula (1) may be used depending on the prediction model used. In the above formula (1), τ represents the current time, y j ^(t) represents yj (t) is the predicted value. In addition, y j ^ indicates that in y j There is a ^ just above . In addition, r represents the number of steps from the current time to the backward prediction. In this specific example, r=1 (Nh=1). That is, it is assumed that only the backward prediction is made. In addition, Δu i (t) represents the amount of change in the manipulated variable at time t, so the following equation (2) holds.

[0065] [Formula 2]

[0066]

[0067] The above formula (2) indicates that the change in the manipulated variable is calculated by the difference between the manipulated variable at time t and the manipulated variable at time t-1, one step before time t. i (t), the following formula (3) holds. i ~(t) represents u i The measured value at time t. In addition, u i ~ means in u i There is ~ directly above. Furthermore, s ij is the number of steps until the step response becomes stable. ij , the following formula (4) holds.

[0068] [Formula 3]

[0069]

[0070] [Formula 4]

[0071]

[0072] In addition, a ij k Relative to u i (t) j The coefficients of the step response model of (t), as parameters for which the following equation (5) is established, are obtained by collecting step response data of each set of operating variables and control variables in an actual environment or a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model representing the actual environment and calculating the parameters to adapt to the data. ij k It means that there is k In addition, the step response data is collected, for example, by: when the environment is in a stable state, u i Collect each control variable y in a step-by-step manner jThe response data and each operation variable u i The treatment is carried out.

[0073] [Formula 5]

[0074]

[0075] Moreover, j (t) represents the interference term, which is given by the difference between the current value of the control variable and the predicted value related to the current time at the last prediction, as shown in the following formula (6). In addition, the current value of the control variable y j (τ) uses, for example, the measured value of the control variable (temperature). In addition, the interference term d j (t) is not limited to the following formula (6), and may be defined by other formulas.

[0076] [Formula 6]

[0077]

[0078] That is, in the above formula (1), for the predicted value of the temperature (controlled variable) from the current time to the next r steps, the influence of the change amount of the manipulated variable from the current time to the next r-1 steps in all regions, the influence of the change amount of the manipulated variable from the current time to the next r-1 steps, and the influence of the change amount of the manipulated variable from the current time to the next r-1 steps ij The influence of the change amount of the manipulated variable before -1 step and the disturbance term are added to the predicted value of the temperature related to the current time predicted in the past and the calculation is performed.

[0079] In addition, the prediction model stored in the prediction model storage unit 131 is not limited to the model based on the step response model, and for example, a state space model, an impulse response model, an Auto-Regressive with Extra inputs (ARX) model, a transfer function model, etc. can also be used. In addition, in the above description, the case where a model generated based on input / output data is used is described, but for example, a first principle model generated based on physical laws such as the law of conservation of energy can also be used.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above model, the past values ​​of the manipulated variables are used, but this is not limited to this. For example, a prediction model generated by linearizing a nonlinear physical model around a certain control point may be used. In this case, the values ​​of the manipulated variables at the control point may be used. j Although a measured value is used for (τ), an estimated value calculated based on other measurement data may be used, for example.

[0081] Furthermore, the formula representing the predicted value of the control variable in the prediction model may not be a function related to the manipulated variable itself, but may be a function of the time change of the manipulated variable such as the above-mentioned formula (1). In addition, it may be expressed in the form of a function of the supply air heat instead of the supply air volume, and a transformation formula between the supply air heat and the supply air volume may be used.

[0082] The control variable target value storage unit 132 stores the target value of each control variable. For example, the control variable target value storage unit 132 stores the target value of the indoor temperature set in each area of ​​the control target in association with each area.

[0083] The constraint storage unit 133 stores the constraint conditions related to the manipulated variables. For example, the constraint storage unit 133 stores the constraint inequalities of the following equations (7) and (8) and information defining the parameters used therein as data representing the constraint conditions of the upper and lower limits of the supply air volume as the manipulated variables.

[0084] [Formula 7]

[0085]

[0086] [Formula 8]

[0087]

[0088] Here, u i ˉ and u i _ are parameters representing the upper limit and lower limit of the air supply volume as the operation variable, and are set to a preset number. i ˉ means in u i There is ˉ,u directly above i _ means in u i There is _ directly below. In addition, the constraint condition storage unit 133 may store data related to various constraints such as the upper limit and lower limit of the total supply air volume, or the upper limit and lower limit of the change amount of the supply air volume, in addition to the above.

[0089] The deviation tolerance storage unit 134 stores the deviation tolerance values, which represent the tolerance values ​​of the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable from each target value, or the tolerance values ​​of the amount of the control variable exceeding each target value and the tolerance values ​​of the amount of the control variable not reaching each target value. For example, the deviation tolerance storage unit 134 stores the values ​​of each preset region j (j=1, ..., N c ) of the temperature with respect to the absolute value of the deviation from the target value ε j .

[0090] The air supply energy consumption evaluation function storage unit 135 stores an air supply energy consumption evaluation function for evaluating the energy consumption depending on the air supply volume according to the value of the operating variable. For example, the air supply energy consumption evaluation function storage unit 135 stores the following formula 9 which is pre-defined assuming that the energy consumption of the fan of the air conditioner increases monotonically corresponding to the air supply volume.

[0091] [Formula 9]

[0092]

[0093] The control unit 120 is implemented by executing various programs stored in a storage device inside the air conditioning control device 100 using a RAM as a work area by a central processing unit (CPU) or a microprocessor (MPU). In addition, the control unit 120 is implemented by an integrated circuit such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0094] The control unit 120 has a control variable current value acquisition unit 121 and an operation variable target value calculation unit 122, and may also have, as needed, an operation permission signal acquisition unit 123, a human detection data acquisition unit 124, a deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125, a control variable exclusion processing unit 126, a report data acquisition unit 127, and a report data aggregation unit 128.

[0095] The control variable current value acquisition unit 121 acquires each current value of the control variable. For example, the control variable current value acquisition unit 121 acquires the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 230 installed in each area via the air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device 200 and the communication unit 110. Here, the control variable current value acquisition unit 121 acquires, for example, the temperature measured before the manipulated variable target value calculation process described later, or a value estimated as the temperature before the manipulated variable target value calculation process as the current value of the control variable.

[0096] The manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 calculates the target value of the manipulated variable based on the prediction model, each target value of the control variable, the constraints, and each current value of the control variable, and in a manner that balances the absolute values ​​of the deviations between the predicted values ​​of multiple control variables based on the prediction model and the target values.

[0097] In the present embodiment, the linear programming method is used to calculate the value of the manipulated variable that equalizes the absolute value of the deviation of each controlled variable from the target value.

[0098] More specifically, here, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 uses a linear programming solver or the like to solve the optimization problem 1 shown below. That is, the equations and inequalities indicated by "Subject to" are used as constraints to find u that minimizes the objective function indicated by "Minimize". i (τ) and output it as the manipulated variable target value. sp j is the parameter representing the target value of the control variable in region j, y sp j It means that there is a j Here, equations (1) to (3) and (6) representing the prediction model are stored as constraint equations of optimization problem 1. In addition, equations (7) and (8) representing constraint conditions related to the manipulated variables are also stored as constraint equations of optimization problem 1.

[0099] [Formula 10]

[0100] Optimization Problem 1:

[0101] Minimize err max …(10)

[0102] Subject to

[0103]

[0104]

[0105] Formula (1), Formula (2), Formula (3), Formula (6), Formula (7), Formula (8)

[0106] In addition, err max is a variable representing the maximum value of the absolute value of the deviation of each control variable in the next control step from the current moment, and equations (11) and (12) are constraint equations representing the above situation.

[0107] The operating variable target value calculation unit 122 calculates the optimization problem 1 and, for all control variables, can calculate the operating variable target value so that the absolute value of the deviation of a specific control variable does not become very large compared with the absolute value of the deviation of other control variables, that is, so that the absolute value of the deviation of the control variables in each area is balanced.

[0108] In addition, regarding the above formula (1), the operating variables of each area also take into account the impact on the control variables of other areas outside the area. Therefore, the operating variable target value calculation unit 122 can calculate the operating variable target value in a manner to assist other areas by using the above formula (1).

[0109] Furthermore, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 may calculate the target value of the manipulated variable so that the absolute values ​​of the deviations between the predicted values ​​and the target values ​​of the plurality of controlled variables based on the prediction model are equalized according to the deviation allowable value.

[0110] For example, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 uses the deviation allowable value ε stored in the deviation allowable value storage unit 134 instead of solving the optimization problem 1. j The optimization problem 2a shown below is solved. As a result, the absolute value of the deviation of each control variable after the calculation is balanced so as to be less than the deviation allowable value ε stored in the deviation allowable value storage unit 134 as much as possible. j The degree of the manipulated variable target value.

[0111] [Formula 11]

[0112] Optimization Problem 2a:

[0113]

[0114] Subject to

[0115]

[0116]

[0117]

[0118] Formula (1), Formula (2), Formula (3), Formula (6), Formula (7), Formula (8)

[0119] Here, overerr j is the control variable y for the next step from the current moment j The absolute value of the deviation relative to the allowable deviation value ε j The variables of the excess amount, the equations (14) to (16) are constraint equations representing the above situation.

[0120] In addition, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 may also calculate the optimization problem 2b shown below instead of the optimization problem 2a, thereby calculating the manipulated variable target value so that the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable in each area is balanced to the extent that it does not exceed the allowable deviation value as much as possible.

[0121] [Formula 12]

[0122] Optimization Problem 2b:

[0123] Minimize normerr max …(17)

[0124] Subject to

[0125]

[0126]

[0127]

[0128] Formula (1), Formula (2), Formula (3), Formula (6), Formula (7), Formula (8)

[0129] Here, normer j is the control variable y that will be one step from the current moment j The absolute value of the deviation is calculated using the deviation tolerance ε j The variables of the normalized values ​​are shown in equations (18) and (19). max It means normer j The variable with the maximum value of , the equation (20) is a constraint equation representing the above situation.

[0130] In addition, in the calculation optimization problem 2b, the deviation of the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable in each area can be expected to be smaller than that in the case of the calculation optimization problem 2a, but the calculation load may be increased.

[0131] In the above description, the same value is used for the deviation tolerance on the side exceeding and the side insufficient from the target value, but different values ​​may be used, and a term other than the term for balancing the deviation of the control variable may be added to the objective function of the above optimization problem. In addition, in the above calculation, a nonlinear prediction model, objective function, and constraint formula may be used, and the manipulated variable target value may be calculated by nonlinear programming, and a general optimization algorithm (metaheuristics, etc.) or a unique search algorithm (rule base, etc.) other than linear programming or nonlinear programming may be used for calculation.

[0132] Furthermore, in order to improve the robustness of control, the following method can also be used: storing a prediction model for a period including multiple future time steps, calculating the trajectory (reference trajectory) of the control variable that gradually approaches the set target value from the current value, and at any timing during the period, calculating the operating variable values ​​for multiple future steps that use the reference trajectory as the target value of the control variable and equalize the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable, and then using the initial operating variable value as the target value of the current operating variable.

[0133] In the above description, the manipulated variable is not limited to the air supply volume. For example, the VAV opening can be used as the manipulated variable under the premise that the duct pressure is controlled to be constant. Furthermore, the controlled variable is not limited to the temperature. For example, the temperature and other parameters or measured values ​​can be used, and PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) can be used as the controlled variable to set a target value or a deviation tolerance for PMV. However, the prediction model uses a model corresponding to the manipulated variable and the controlled variable used.

[0134] Furthermore, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 may use the air supply energy consumption evaluation function to calculate the target value of the manipulated variable in a manner that minimizes the energy consumption depending on the air supply volume. For example, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 calculates the optimization problem 1' shown below instead of the optimization problem 1.

[0135] [Formula 13]

[0136] Optimization Problem 1':

[0137]

[0138] Subject to formula (1), formula (2), formula (3), formula (6), formula (7), formula (8), formula (11), formula (12)

[0139] Here, α in the formula (21) is a pre-set positive coefficient parameter. The manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 calculates the optimization problem 1' to minimize the sum of the maximum absolute value of the deviation of the control variable and the gas supply consumption energy evaluation function, thereby calculating the manipulated variable target value that minimizes the gas supply consumption energy and balances the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable.

[0140] In addition, when calculating the target value of the operating variable taking into account the gas supply consumption energy and the allowable deviation value, by calculating the optimization problem 2a' or the optimization problem 2b' shown next, the target value of the operating variable can be calculated so that the gas supply consumption energy is as small as possible and the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable is balanced to a degree that does not exceed the allowable deviation value as much as possible.

[0141] [Formula 14]

[0142] Optimization Problem 2a':

[0143]

[0144] Subject to formula (1), formula (2), formula (3), formula (6), formula (7), formula (8), formula (14), formula (15), formula (16)

[0145] [Formula 15]

[0146] Optimization Problem 2b':

[0147]

[0148] Subject to formula (1), formula (2), formula (3), formula (6), formula (7), formula (8), formula (18), formula (19), formula (20)

[0149] So far, an embodiment has been described in which the control unit 120 has a basic configuration including only the control variable current value acquisition unit 121 and the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the control unit 120 has additional components will be described.

[0150] First, the structure in which the control unit 120 has the operation permission signal acquisition unit 123 is described. In the structure, the operation variable target value calculation unit 122 uses the operation variable corresponding to the operation prohibition signal acquired by the operation permission signal acquisition unit 123 as a predetermined fixed value to calculate the target value of the operation variable. For example, when the operation prohibition signal is acquired by the operation permission signal acquisition unit 123 described later, the operation variable target value calculation unit 122 adds the constraint formula (24) below to the optimization problem 1 to perform the calculation.

[0151] [Formula 16]

[0152] Δu p (τ)=0…(24)

[0153] Here, in the above formula (24), the operation variable u p is the manipulated variable of the region p corresponding to the VAV to which the signal indicating that the operation is not allowed is sent. By adding the condition of the above-mentioned equation (24), the following equation (25) is established according to the above-mentioned equations (2) and (3).

[0154] [Formula 17]

[0155]

[0156] That is, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 can calculate the manipulated variable u corresponding to the area where the inoperability signal is obtained. p Since the calculation is performed with the current value (closest to the measured value) fixed, the influence of the VAV that has become inoperable can be considered and the manipulated variable target value can be calculated.

[0157] The operability signal acquisition unit 123 acquires an operability signal indicating whether the manipulated variable can be operated. For example, the operability signal acquisition unit 123 acquires an operability signal for distinguishing whether the air supply air volume of the VAV 220 to be controlled can be operated from the air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device 200 via the communication unit 110. Then, when the operability signal acquisition unit 123 acquires an operability signal, it notifies the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 of the region that has become inoperable.

[0158] When the air conditioning equipment monitoring / controlling device 200 finds that the state has become a stopped state or a failed state due to a failure of the VAV 220 being controlled, the air conditioning equipment monitoring / controlling device 200 may send information on the area corresponding to the VAV 220 that has become inoperable to the air conditioning control device 100.

[0159] Next, an embodiment in which the control unit 120 includes a human detection data acquisition unit 124 and a deviation tolerance adjustment unit 125 is described. The human detection data acquisition unit 124 acquires human detection data indicating the number of people present at a spatial position or the presence or absence of a person. For example, the human detection data acquisition unit 124 acquires the number of people n present in each area by using a human detection algorithm based on information acquired by a thermal image sensor installed in each area. j .

[0160] The deviation tolerance adjustment unit 125 makes the following adjustments based on the human detection data acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit 124: the deviation tolerance of the control variable corresponding to the spatial position with relatively few people is increased, and the deviation tolerance of the control variable corresponding to the spatial position with relatively many people is decreased. For example, the deviation tolerance adjustment unit 125 uses the number of people n acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit 124 j The deviation tolerance ε is adjusted using the following formula (26): j .

[0161] [Formula 18]

[0162]

[0163] Here, in the above formula (26), ε j ˉ is the deviation tolerance ε of area j jis the parameter of the upper limit value, γ is a positive parameter, and e represents Napier's constant. In addition, ε j ˉ means in ε j There is ˉ just above it. In addition, the two parameters are arbitrary parameters set in advance. Moreover, the formula (26) represents the j The allowable deviation value is calculated by multiplying the exponential function as the value decreases and the upper limit of the allowable deviation value.

[0164] The deviation tolerance adjustment unit 125 can make the following adjustments based on the formula (26): reduce the deviation tolerance of the area with a large number of people and increase the deviation tolerance of the area with a small number of people, so that the target value of the operating variable can be calculated so that the temperature in the area with a large number of people is closer to the target value.

[0165] In addition, as a method of automatically adjusting to reduce the deviation tolerance corresponding to an area with a relatively large number of people, the following formula (27) or the following formula (28) may be used.

[0166] [Formula 19]

[0167]

[0168] [Formula 20]

[0169]

[0170] Here, the above formula (27) expresses the upper limit value ε of the deviation allowable value. j ˉdivided by 1 and the number of people n j The deviation tolerance ε is calculated by calculating the larger number of the sum and 1. j In addition, in the above formula (28), β represents a positive coefficient parameter, ε j _ represents the lower limit of the allowable deviation value and is greater than 0 and less than ε j In addition, ε j _ indicates that in ε j There is _ directly below. In addition, the two parameters are arbitrary parameters set in advance. Moreover, the above formula (28) represents the upper limit value ε of the deviation allowable value. j ˉ minus βn j The obtained value is equal to the lower limit of the deviation allowable value ε j _The larger value is used for comparison and is calculated as the allowable deviation value.

[0171] In addition, the number of people represented by the human detection data may be an approximate number, and the deviation tolerance may be adjusted according to the size of the approximate number. For example, the human detection data may be data indicating that the number of people at each spatial position is approximately 4 or less, or approximately 5 or more and 9 or less, or approximately 10 or more. When the human detection data indicates that the number of people is approximately 4 or less, n is adjusted to 1.j Set to 0, and when the human detection data indicates that there are more than 5 people and less than 9 people, set n j Set to 5. When the human detection data indicates more than 10 people, n j Set it to 10, calculate any one of the above equations (26) to (28) to adjust the deviation tolerance ε j .

[0172] In addition, the human detection data is data indicating the presence or absence of a person at each spatial position obtained by a pyroelectric sensor or the like, that is, data that cannot distinguish the number of people of more than one person but can distinguish zero or more than one person. In this case, for example, when the human detection data indicates absence, n j Set to 0, when the human detection data is present, n j Set it to 1, calculate any one of the above equations (26) to (28) to adjust the deviation tolerance ε j .

[0173] Next, an embodiment in which the control unit 120 has a structure including a human detection data acquisition unit 124 and a control variable exclusion processing unit 126 will be described. In addition, the operation of the human detection data acquisition unit 124 in the above embodiment is the same as the operation in the embodiment in which the control unit 120 has a structure including a human detection data acquisition unit 124 and a deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 (paragraphs

[0086] to

[0096] ), and therefore the description of the human detection data acquisition unit 124 will be omitted.

[0174] The control variable exclusion processing unit 126 excludes the index corresponding to the spatial position indicating that the number of people is less than the specified number from the control variables based on the human detection data acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit 124. For example, the control variable exclusion processing unit 126 excludes the temperature corresponding to the area determined to have the number of people present in each area acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit 124 less than the preset specified number (for example, 0; or a value greater than 0) from the control variables. That is, the control variable exclusion processing unit 126 performs processing such that the equations (11) and (12) are set to the following equations (29) and (30) before solving the optimization problem 1, for example.

[0175] [Formula 21]

[0176]

[0177] [Formula 22]

[0178]

[0179] Here, in the above formulas (29) and (30), Sn represents a set of indices of control variables whose number of detected persons in the corresponding area is less than a specified number. Furthermore, the above formulas (29) and (30) represent the constraint formula corresponding to Sn excluded from the above formulas (11) and (12).

[0180] According to the above formulas (29) and (30), the index related to the comfort of the area with a number of people less than the specified number is excluded from the control variable to calculate the manipulated variable target value. In addition, when solving other optimization problems, such as any one of formulas 11 to 15, the index corresponding to the set Sn that appears in the formula of the optimization problem is also excluded, and the index related to the comfort of the area with a number of people less than the specified number is excluded from the control variable to calculate the manipulated variable target value.

[0181] Furthermore, when the human detection data is data indicating the presence or absence of a person in each area, the same processing may be performed by using the index of the area where the human detection data indicates the absence of a person as an element of Sn.

[0182] Finally, an embodiment in which the control unit 120 includes a deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125, a reported data acquisition unit 127, and a reported data aggregation unit 128 is described. The deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 of the above embodiment is similar to the deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 in the embodiment in which the control unit 120 includes a human detection data acquisition unit 124 and a deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 (paragraphs

[0086] to

[0096] ) in terms of adjusting the deviation allowable value, but the difference is that the deviation allowable value is adjusted based on the reported data. The operation of the deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 in the above embodiment will be described later.

[0183] First, the report data acquisition unit 127 acquires report data including reports of discomfort from residents existing in a spatial location and information about the spatial location where the residents who have made the report exist. For example, the report data acquisition unit 127 associates report information indicating discomfort from residents existing in each area with information about the area where the report has been made, and then acquires the report data.

[0184] Here, the report of discomfort from the resident is made, for example, by using a reporting terminal distributed in advance to the resident, and a signal of "hot" or "cold" can be reported. The reporting data acquisition unit 127, for example, determines the area where the receiver with the strongest receiving radio wave intensity of the reporting signal among the receivers installed in each area that receive the reporting signal sent from the reporting terminal is located as the area where the resident who made the report exists. In addition, for example, the report of discomfort from the resident can also be made by sending information indicating the report of discomfort from an information processing terminal such as a personal computer (PC) or a smart phone used by the resident directly or via the air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device 200 together with the location information of the terminal to the air conditioning control device 100.

[0185] The reported data aggregating unit 128 aggregates the reported data of each spatial position acquired by the reported data acquiring unit 127. For example, the reported data aggregating unit 128 aggregates the reported data for each area at a certain control cycle and notifies the deviation allowable value adjusting unit 125.

[0186] The deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 makes the following adjustment based on the reported data aggregated by the reported data aggregate unit 128: the deviation allowable value of the control variable corresponding to the spatial position where the number of reported discomfort increases is reduced by a predetermined time. For example, during a certain control cycle, the deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 reduces the deviation allowable value ε of the area notified of the reported data from the reported data aggregate unit 128 by 1. j Adjust to the following equation 23.

[0187] [Formula 23]

[0188] ∈ q →μ∈ q …(31)

[0189] Here, in the above formula 23, μ is a parameter greater than 0 and less than 1, and is preset. Furthermore, the above formula 23 indicates that when there is a report in area q, the deviation tolerance value of area q is set to ε q The product of .

[0190] Furthermore, the deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 may perform adjustment such that the deviation allowable value becomes smaller as the number of reported data reported during a certain control cycle increases, for example, according to the following Expression 24.

[0191] [Formula 24]

[0192]

[0193] Here, in the above formula 24, n qrepresents the total number of declaration data in area q, and η represents a preset parameter greater than 0. Furthermore, the above formula 24 represents the total number of declaration data n. q The exponential function that increases as the value decreases and the deviation allowable value ε stored in the deviation allowable value storage unit 134 q The product of is used to calculate the allowable deviation value.

[0194] The deviation tolerance adjustment unit 125 can make the following adjustments based on the above-mentioned formula 23 or formula 24: reduce the deviation tolerance of the area with reports or the area with a large number of reports, so that the manipulated variable target value can be calculated so that the temperature in the area with a large number of reports is closer to the target value.

[0195] In addition, generally speaking, when the air conditioner is controlled by the discomfort report data, the following control is sometimes performed: when the report is made, the target value of the indoor temperature is changed for a certain period of time according to the report content (heat, cold), and the target value of the indoor temperature is restored to the original state after a certain period of time has passed. Therefore, the deviation allowable value adjustment unit 125 can also adjust the deviation allowable value by taking the time from the change of the target value of the indoor temperature to the restoration of the target value to the original state as the specified time, and restore the deviation allowable value to the original state after the specified time has passed.

[0196] 〔3. Processing sequence by air conditioning control device〕

[0197] Next, use Figure 4 An example of a processing procedure performed by the air-conditioning control device 100 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure in the air-conditioning control device according to the embodiment.

[0198] First, in step S101, the prediction model is stored in the prediction model storage unit 131. Then, in step S102, the target value of each control variable is stored in the control variable target value storage unit 132. Then, in step S103, the constraint condition including the constraint condition related to the manipulated variable is stored in the constraint condition storage unit 133. Then, in step S104, the current value of each control variable is acquired in the control variable current value acquisition unit 121. Then, in step S105, in the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122, based on the prediction model stored in step S101, the target value of each control variable stored in step S102, the constraint condition stored in step S103, and the current value of each control variable acquired in step S104, the target value of each manipulated variable is calculated in a manner that satisfies the constraint condition and balances the size of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the plurality of control variables based on the prediction model.

[0199] The above steps S101 to S105 are executed for each control cycle. However, in steps S101 to S103, if the prediction model, the target value of each control variable, and the constraint condition are not changed, the processing may be omitted. In this case, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit uses the last stored data on the prediction model, the target value of each control variable, and the constraint condition.

[0200] [4. Effects of implementation methods]

[0201] As described above, the air conditioning control device 100 of the present embodiment includes: a prediction model storage unit 131, a control variable target value storage unit 132, a constraint condition storage unit 133, a control variable current value acquisition unit 121, and an operation variable target value calculation unit 122. The prediction model storage unit 131 stores a prediction model representing the influence of the operation variable on the control variable. The control variable target value storage unit 132 stores the target value of each index constituting the control variable.

[0202] The constraint storage unit 133 stores information related to the constraint when calculating the target value of each manipulated variable. The control variable current value acquisition unit 121 acquires each current value of the control variable. The manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 calculates the target value of the manipulated variable based on the prediction model, each target value of the control variable, the constraint, and each current value of the control variable, and in a manner that the size of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the plurality of control variables based on the prediction model is equalized.

[0203] As a result, the air conditioning control device 100 has the following effect: for the comfort indicators in multiple areas as control variables, the operating variable target value whose absolute value of deviation from the target value of each indicator is balanced is calculated, thereby reducing the phenomenon that the absolute value of deviation from the target value of each indicator for all areas becomes unacceptable, thereby further reducing the occupants' discomfort with the warm environment.

[0204] For the above effects, refer to Figure 2 The description is given based on a more specific embodiment. Figure 2 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a specific example of the control result of the air conditioning control device 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 2 An example of the result of controlling the temperature of each area related to area 1 to area 3 by cooling is shown in FIG. Figure 2 Among them, area 1 and area 3 are areas with relatively low air-conditioning loads, and area 2 is an area with relatively high air-conditioning loads.

[0205] exist Figure 2In the example, the target value of the temperature of zone 1 and zone 3 is "26.5°C", and the target value of the temperature of zone 2 is "25.5°C". The air conditioning control device 100 calculates the target value of the supply air volume so as to equalize the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable based on the prediction model, the current value of the temperature of each zone, and the target value of the temperature of each zone. In the calculation, the supply air volume of zone 1 and zone 3 is calculated in such a way that zone 2 is not too warm with respect to the target temperature, and zone 1 and zone 3 are not too cold with respect to the target temperature. In addition, the supply air volume of zone 2 is calculated in such a way that zone 1 and zone 3 are not too cold with respect to the target temperature, and zone 2 is not too warm with respect to the target temperature.

[0206] The result of supplying air using the air supply volume thus calculated is Figure 2 In the example, the measured value of the temperature in area 1 and area 3 is "26.2℃", and the measured value of the temperature in area 2 is "25.8℃". The absolute value of the deviation of the control variables in any area is balanced to "0.3℃". If the supply air volume of area 1 and area 3 is increased, the temperature of area 2 approaches the target value and the absolute value of the deviation decreases. However, since the absolute value of the deviation between the temperature of area 1 and area 3 increases, the degree of equalization decreases. In addition, if the supply air volume of area 1 and area 3 is reduced, the temperature of area 1 and area 3 approaches the target value and the absolute value of the deviation decreases. However, since the absolute value of the deviation in area 2 increases, the degree of equalization still decreases. In addition, the same situation can be said for the case of increasing or decreasing the supply air volume of area 2.

[0207] As stated Figure 2 As in the example, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the target value of the VAV air supply volume in all zones in consideration of the overall balance so that no zone has a large absolute value of deviation of the control variable compared to other zones, thereby reducing the discomfort of the occupants. In addition, in the example, the control during cooling is described, but the same control is performed for heating (suitable for heating control and cooling control).

[0208] In addition, in the prior art, there is a problem that no special improvement is made for the area of ​​the air conditioning equipment in the overcapacity state. In contrast, the present invention has the following effect: the target value of the manipulated variable that makes the absolute value of the deviation between each index and the target value equalized is calculated, but the absolute value of the deviation becomes larger regardless of the undercapacity state or the overcapacity state, so not only the undercapacity state can be improved, but also the overcapacity state can be improved.

[0209] For example, the following control is implemented: the air supply volume of the relatively low-load area is increased to assist the relatively high-load area, and the air supply volume is not increased too much so as not to excessively damage the comfort of the relatively low-load area (not becoming too cold in the case of cooling, and not becoming too warm in the case of heating). In addition, the following control is implemented: the air supply volume of the relatively high-load area is reduced to assist the relatively low-load area. Furthermore, at this time, the following control can also be implemented: the air supply volume is not reduced too much so as not to excessively damage the comfort of the relatively high-load area (not becoming too warm in the case of cooling, and not becoming too cold in the case of heating).

[0210] In addition, in the prior art, there is a problem that the air supply volume is changed after insufficient or excessive capacity is recognized based on the current value of the control variable, so sometimes a time lag occurs and the time of feeling uncomfortable becomes longer. In contrast, the present invention is a method in which the air conditioning control device 100 cooperates with the air conditioning equipment monitoring / control device 200 and controls the air supply volume based on a prediction. If it is predicted that the capacity will be insufficient or excessive in the near future, the air supply volume is changed, so that the time lag is shortened compared to the prior art, and the time of feeling uncomfortable is shortened.

[0211] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 further includes a deviation tolerance storage unit 134. The deviation tolerance storage unit 134 stores the deviation tolerance values, which represent the tolerance values ​​of the absolute values ​​of the deviations of the control variables from each target value, or the tolerance values ​​of the excess amount of the control variables exceeding each target value and the tolerance values ​​of the under-reaching amount. Then, the manipulated variable target value calculation unit 122 calculates the target value of the manipulated variable in such a manner that the absolute values ​​of the deviations of the predicted values ​​of the plurality of control variables based on the prediction model from the target values ​​are equalized according to the deviation tolerance values.

[0212] Regarding the air conditioning control of each area, if the absolute values ​​of the deviations of the control variables of all areas are uniformly equalized, there may be some cases where the number of residents who feel uncomfortable is not reduced. For example, if the absolute values ​​of the deviations of the control variables of the areas where people are usually frequent and the areas where people are not frequent are uniformly equalized, there may be an unnecessary increase in the number of residents who feel uncomfortable in the areas where people are usually frequent.

[0213] Therefore, the air conditioning control device 100 sets the deviation tolerance value of the area with a high frequency of people in advance to be low, so that the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable related to the area with a low frequency of people can be suppressed within a certain range, and at the same time, the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable in the area with a high frequency of people in normal times is relatively small, thereby reducing the number of people who feel uncomfortable. That is, the air conditioning control device 100 has the effect of flexibly controlling the temperature according to the characteristics of each area.

[0214] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 further includes an air supply energy consumption evaluation function storage unit 135. The air supply energy consumption evaluation function storage unit 135 stores an air supply energy consumption evaluation function that evaluates the energy consumption that depends on the air supply air volume according to the value of the operating variable. Then, the operating variable target value calculation unit 122 calculates the target value of the operating variable to minimize the air supply energy consumption evaluation function when the air supply energy consumption evaluation function is a monotonically increasing function of the energy consumption, and to maximize the air supply energy consumption evaluation function when the air supply energy consumption evaluation function is a monotonically decreasing function of the energy consumption.

[0215] Regarding the air conditioning control of each area, when there is a degree of freedom of control due to the fact that there are more manipulated variables than controlled variables, there may be multiple manipulated variable target values ​​that equalize the absolute values ​​of the deviations of the controlled variables. In this case, it is ideal to calculate the manipulated variable target value that consumes as little energy as possible in the manipulated variable target value. Therefore, the air conditioning control device 100 has the following effect: while balancing the absolute values ​​of the deviations of the controlled variables, the target value of the manipulated variable that minimizes the energy consumed based on the air supply is calculated, thereby reducing the energy consumed based on the control.

[0216] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 further includes an operation permission signal acquisition unit 123. The operation permission signal acquisition unit 123 acquires an operation permission signal indicating whether the operation variable can be operated. Then, the operation variable target value calculation unit 122 uses the operation variable corresponding to the operation prohibition signal acquired by the operation permission signal acquisition unit 123 as a predetermined fixed value to calculate the target value of the operation variable.

[0217] In the air conditioning control of each area, when an inoperable manipulated variable is generated due to a failure of equipment, etc., the inoperable manipulated variable cannot follow the target value, so the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable in the area near the inoperable manipulated variable sometimes becomes unacceptably large. Therefore, the air conditioning control device 100 uses the inoperable manipulated variable as a fixed value to calculate the target value of other manipulated variables, thereby performing control to assist the control related to the inoperable manipulated variable.

[0218] That is, in the air conditioning control device 100, for example, when controlling by cooling, in the case where an operating variable that becomes inoperable is generated in a state of small air volume, an operation may be performed to increase the value of the operating variable near the operating variable that becomes inoperable (increasing the supply air volume), and control may be performed so that the air temperature of the area near the operating variable that becomes inoperable is not too warm. On the other hand, in the air conditioning control device 100, in the case where an operating variable that becomes inoperable is generated in a state of large air volume, an operation may be performed to decrease the value of the operating variable near the operating variable that becomes inoperable (decreasing the supply air volume), and control may be performed so that the air temperature of the area near the operating variable that becomes inoperable is not too cold. In addition, in the example, the control during cooling is described, but the same control is performed for the heating case (suitable for corresponding heating control and cooling control).

[0219] Therefore, the air-conditioning control device 100 has an effect of being able to appropriately control the temperature of all areas in consideration of the influence of the manipulated variable that has become inoperable on the nearby areas.

[0220] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 further includes a human detection data acquisition unit 124 and a deviation tolerance value adjustment unit 125. The human detection data acquisition unit 124 acquires human detection data indicating the number of people present at a spatial position or the presence or absence of a person at a spatial position. The deviation tolerance value adjustment unit 125 makes the following adjustments based on the human detection data acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit 124: increase the deviation tolerance value of the control variable corresponding to a spatial position with a relatively small number of people, and decrease the deviation tolerance value of the control variable corresponding to a spatial position with a relatively large number of people.

[0221] In the air conditioning control of each area, by uniformly equalizing the absolute values ​​of the deviations of the control variables of the area with a large number of people and the area with a small number of people, there is a possibility that more occupants who feel uncomfortable will be unnecessary in the area with a large number of people. Therefore, the air conditioning control device 100 has the following effect: by adjusting the deviation allowable value of the control variable of the area with a large number of people relatively small according to the number of people existing in each area, the manipulated variable value is calculated so that the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable of the area with a large number of people is relatively small, thereby reducing the number of occupants who feel uncomfortable.

[0222] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 further includes the human detection data acquisition unit 124 and a control variable exclusion processing unit 126. The control variable exclusion processing unit 126 excludes the index corresponding to the spatial position indicating that the number of people is less than a predetermined number from the control variables based on the human detection data acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit 124.

[0223] Thus, the air conditioning control device 100 calculates the target value of the manipulated variable by excluding the index of the area with a number of people less than the specified number, thereby achieving the following effect: air supply is not performed for making the area with a small number of people comfortable, where no people exist or where people can just move to other areas. Energy consumption can be reduced. In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 achieves the following effect: when the air supply volume of the area with a small number of people who do not exist or where people can just move to other areas is set to 0, in the case where the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable of the area near the area becomes large due to insufficient capacity, control can be performed to increase the air supply volume of the area by reducing the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable of the area near the area.

[0224] In addition, the air conditioning control device 100 includes: a report data acquisition unit 127, a report data aggregation unit 128, and a deviation tolerance value adjustment unit 125. The report data acquisition unit 127 acquires report data including reports of discomfort of residents existing in spatial positions and information on the spatial positions where the residents who have made reports exist. The report data aggregation unit 128 aggregates the report data of each spatial position acquired by the report data acquisition unit 127. The deviation tolerance value adjustment unit 125 makes the following adjustment based on the report data aggregated by the report data aggregation unit 128: the deviation tolerance value of the control variable corresponding to the spatial position where the number of reports of discomfort increases is reduced for a predetermined time.

[0225] In a reporting type air conditioner that performs control to change the temperature target value by reporting discomfort, the temperature of one area determined separately for each supply air volume as an operating variable is controlled as a control variable, so that the discomfort of the occupants may continue even if the report is made. For example, in the control, for an area in an insufficient capacity state or an excessive capacity state, even if the target value is changed, the supply air volume cannot be improved and cannot follow the target value after the control variable is changed, so the discomfort continues.

[0226] Therefore, the air conditioning control device 100 adjusts the deviation allowable value according to the number of discomfort reports in each area, thereby also considering the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable in the area with a small number of reports, and at the same time calculates the values ​​of all operating variables in a manner that reduces the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable in the area with a large number of reports. This has the following effects: it can prevent the area with a small number of reports from becoming uncomfortable to an intolerable degree, and at the same time, the control variables in the area with a large number of reports can easily follow the target value, thereby reducing the discomfort of the occupants.

[0227] 〔5. Hardware structure〕

[0228] The air conditioning control device 100 of the embodiment described above is, for example, Figure 5 The present invention is realized by a computer 1000 having the structure shown. Figure 51 is a hardware structure diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the air conditioning control device 100. The computer 1000 has the following configuration: a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a read-only memory (ROM) 1300, an auxiliary storage device 1400, a communication I / F (interface) 1500, and an input / output I / F (interface) 1600 are connected via a bus 1800.

[0229] The CPU 1100 operates based on the programs stored in the ROM 1300 or the auxiliary storage device 1400 to control each unit. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started, a program depending on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0230] Auxiliary storage device 1400 stores programs executed by CPU 1100 and data used by the programs, etc. Communication I / F 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network and transmits the data to CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by CPU 1100 to other devices via a predetermined communication network.

[0231] The CPU 1100 controls an output device such as a display or a printer and an input / output device 1700 such as a keyboard or a mouse via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600. In addition, the CPU 1100 outputs generated data to the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600.

[0232] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the air-conditioning control device 100 of the present embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 implements the function of the control unit 120 by executing a program loaded on the RAM 1200 .

[0233] 〔6. Other〕

[0234] In each process described in the embodiment, all or part of the processes described as processes performed automatically may be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as processes performed manually may be performed automatically using a known method. In addition, except for cases where special instructions are given, the processing sequence, specific names, and information including various data or parameters shown in the document or in the drawings may be arbitrarily changed. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information shown in the drawing.

[0235] In this specification, the absolute value of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the control variable (the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable) is used as the size of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value, and the example of equalizing the absolute value is described, but it is not limited to this. For example, even if the square of the deviation between the predicted value and the target value of the control variable is used and the square value is equalized, the same effect can be obtained. In addition, various modifications such as using an indicator that increases as the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable increases can be performed.

[0236] In the embodiments of this specification, the following method is described: the maximum value of the absolute value of the deviation of the control variable (or the deviation normalized by the allowable deviation) is minimized in Formula 10, Formula 12, Formula 13, and Formula 15, thereby balancing the magnitude of the deviation of the control variable, but a method of minimizing the sum of the absolute values ​​of the deviation of each control variable (or the deviation normalized by the allowable deviation) based on the power of a real number greater than 1 may also be used. In this way, the balancing effect can also be obtained.

[0237] In addition, the structural components of each device shown in the figure are functional and conceptual, and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as shown in the figure. That is, the specific form of dispersion and integration of each device is not limited to the form shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically dispersed or integrated in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions.

[0238] The structural components include components that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, substantially the same components, and components in the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the embodiments can be appropriately combined within the range that does not cause contradictions in the processing contents.

[0239] In addition, the "section (part, module, unit)" may be renamed as "component" or "circuit", etc. For example, the control section may be renamed as control component or control circuit.

[0240] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above based on the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be implemented in other ways that are variously modified and improved based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, represented by the embodiments described in the disclosure column of the invention.

Claims

1. An air conditioning control device, characterized in that: include: A prediction model storage unit, for each of the control variables that are a set of indicators related to comfort of a plurality of different spatial positions of the indoor environment, uses as an operation variable a parameter related to the air supply volume of the air outlet that affects the control variable, and stores a prediction model representing the influence of the operation variable on the control variable; A control variable target value storage unit stores the target value of each control variable; a constraint condition storage unit for storing constraint conditions related to the operation variables; A control variable current value acquisition unit, which acquires each current value of the control variable; as well as The operating variable target value calculation unit calculates the target value of the operating variable based on the prediction model, the target values ​​of the control variables, the constraints, and the current values ​​of the control variables, and in a manner that balances the size of the deviation between the predicted values ​​of the multiple control variables based on the prediction model and the target values.

2. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a deviation allowable value storage unit, The deviation tolerance storage unit stores a deviation tolerance value, wherein the deviation tolerance value indicates a tolerance value for a deviation of the controlled variable from each target value, or a tolerance value for an excess amount of the controlled variable exceeding each target value and a tolerance value for an under-reach amount. The manipulated variable target value calculation unit calculates the target value of the manipulated variable so that the magnitudes of deviations between predicted values ​​of the plurality of controlled variables based on the prediction model and target values ​​are equalized according to the deviation allowable value.

3. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a gas supply consumption energy evaluation function storage unit, The air supply energy consumption evaluation function storage unit stores an air supply energy consumption evaluation function for evaluating energy consumption depending on the air supply volume according to the value of the manipulated variable. The operating variable target value calculation unit calculates the target value of the operating variable to minimize the gas supply consumption energy evaluation function when the gas supply consumption energy evaluation function is a monotonically increasing function of the consumed energy, or to maximize the gas supply consumption energy evaluation function when the gas supply consumption energy evaluation function is a monotonically decreasing function of the consumed energy.

4. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an operation permission signal acquisition unit, The operation permission signal acquisition unit acquires an operation permission signal indicating whether the operation variable is operable. The manipulated variable target value calculation unit calculates a target value of the manipulated variable by using the manipulated variable corresponding to the operational disallowance signal acquired by the operational disallowance signal acquisition unit as a predetermined fixed value.

5. The air conditioning control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: a human detection data acquisition unit that acquires human detection data indicating the number of people present at a spatial location or the presence or absence of a person at the spatial location; as well as The deviation tolerance adjustment unit makes the following adjustments based on the human detection data acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit: increasing the deviation tolerance of the control variable corresponding to the spatial position with relatively fewer people, and decreasing the deviation tolerance of the control variable corresponding to the spatial position with relatively more people.

6. The air conditioning control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: Also includes: a human detection data acquisition unit that acquires human detection data indicating the number of people present at a spatial location or the presence or absence of a person at the spatial location; as well as The control variable exclusion processing unit excludes the index corresponding to the spatial position indicating that the number of people is less than or equal to a predetermined number from the control variables based on the human detection data acquired by the human detection data acquisition unit.

7. The air conditioning control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also includes: a report data acquisition unit that acquires report data including a report of discomfort of a resident present at a spatial position and information on the spatial position of the resident who has made the report; as well as a declared data aggregating unit for aggregating the declared data of each spatial position acquired by the declared data acquiring unit; as well as The deviation allowable value adjustment unit makes an adjustment based on the report data counted by the report data counting unit so as to reduce the deviation allowable value of the control variable corresponding to the spatial position where the number of reports of discomfort increases for a predetermined time.

8. An air conditioning control method, characterized in that: include: A prediction model storage step, for each of the control variables that are a set of indicators related to the comfort of a plurality of different spatial locations of the indoor environment, using a parameter related to the air supply volume of the air outlet that affects the control variable as an operation variable, and storing a prediction model representing the influence of the operation variable on the control variable; a control variable target value storage step, storing the target value of each control variable; A constraint condition storage step, storing the constraint conditions related to the operation variables; A control variable current value acquisition step, acquiring each current value of the control variable; as well as The step of calculating the target value of the operating variable is based on the prediction model, the target values ​​of the control variables, the constraints, and the current values ​​of the control variables, and the target value of the operating variable is calculated in a manner that balances the size of the deviation between the predicted values ​​of the multiple control variables based on the prediction model and the target values.

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