Design method, program, and design system

Abstract

One object of the present disclosure is to select arrangement conditions and operating conditions that guarantee both comfort and energy saving. The selection step comprises obtaining a plurality of device parameters satisfying both a first condition and a second condition, based on a plurality of sets, each set comprising air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters that have been obtained for a plurality of samples, respectively. The first condition is the condition that the comfort parameters are values greater than a threshold. The second condition is the condition that the air conditioning energy parameters are minimized within a range of the plurality of device parameters satisfying the first condition.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a design method, program, and design system in general, and more particularly, to a design method, program, and design system for designing a plurality of device parameters related to arrangement conditions and operation conditions of an air conditioning device. BACKGROUND

[0002] As an exemplary known system for designing operation conditions of an air conditioning device, a comfort value management system disclosed in Patent Literature 1 can be cited. The comfort value management system includes an arithmetic processing means. The arithmetic processing means calculates a comfort value at each of a plurality of points in a room by a predetermined arithmetic equation using a measured value provided by a measuring instrument arranged at each of the points and a preset element value. In addition, the arithmetic processing means obtains an adjustment value of an air conditioning temperature required to change the comfort value to a preset target comfort value, and calculates an energy reduction rate corresponding to the adjustment value using a preset energy reduction rate for each temperature.

[0003] LIST OF CITATIONS

[0004] PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: JP 2006-162093 A. SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0012] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an exemplary operation process of the design system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] (EMBODIMENT)

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

[0015] (1) SUMMARY

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

[0017] More specifically, the design system 1 obtains a plurality of device parameters that will ensure the comfort of a given space using a Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) as an index. In addition, the design system 1 also obtains a plurality of device parameters that will contribute to energy saving using an air conditioning energy parameter (described later) as another index.

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

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

[0020] The present embodiment can select arrangement conditions and operation conditions (a plurality of device parameters involved) that ensure PMV-based comfort and energy saving. For example, a user can select an air conditioning device having specifications that will realize the plurality of device parameters selected by the design system 1. Then, the user can adjust an installation position of the air conditioning device and set an air volume, an outlet temperature, a wind direction, and other parameters of the air conditioning device in accordance with the selected plurality of device parameters. This can ensure comfort and energy saving in a real space.

[0021] Alternatively, the functions of the design system 1 can also be implemented as a design method. The design method according to the present embodiment is a method for designing a plurality of device parameters on arrangement conditions and operation conditions of an air conditioning device. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. The acquisition step includes acquiring information on respective settable ranges of the plurality of device parameters. The plurality of device parameters include an air volume, an outlet temperature, an installation position, and an air direction of the air conditioning device. The sampling step includes determining a plurality of samples, each of which is a set of the plurality of device parameters falling within the settable ranges. The set calculation step includes calculating a plurality of sets each of which includes an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter, by performing a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step on each of the plurality of samples. The simulation step includes simulating a thermal fluid distribution in a space of interest by using one of the plurality of samples selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition. The space of interest forms at least a part of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. The first calculation step includes calculating an air conditioning energy parameter on one sample, the air conditioning energy parameter being calculated by multiplying an absolute value of a difference between a target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume. The second calculation step includes calculating a distribution of a predicted mean vote (PMV) in the space of interest based on a simulation result. The third calculation step includes calculating a comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing a partial volume in which the predicted mean vote (PMV) of the space of interest has a value falling within a predetermined range by an entire volume of the space of interest. The design method further includes a selection step including obtaining a plurality of device parameters satisfying a first condition and a second condition based on the plurality of sets each of which includes the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter that have been obtained for the plurality of samples, respectively. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and the second condition is a condition that minimizes the air conditioning energy parameter within a range of the plurality of device parameters satisfying the first condition.

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

[0023] (2) Details

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

[0025] The space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device can be, for example, an indoor space of a facility. Examples of the facility in which the air conditioning device is installed include a house, an office building, a factory, a shopping mall, a library, an art gallery, a museum, an entertainment facility, an airport, a train station, a hotel, a nursing facility, and a hospital. Alternatively, the facility can also be a mobile vehicle such as a ship, a train, or an airplane.

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

[0027] In this embodiment, there are seven device parameters. These seven parameters are airflow, outlet temperature, x, y, and z coordinates of the installation location, air direction in the up / down direction, and air direction in the right / left direction. In this case, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other, the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

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

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

[0030] Storage device 3 can be implemented as, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). Storage device 3 stores information. Storage device 3 can store, for example, the specifications of air conditioning equipment, three-dimensional data of the facility, and the thermal conductivity of the walls, floors, and ceilings of the facility, as information needed to design the layout and operating conditions of the air conditioning equipment.

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

[0032] The operating device 41 may include at least one of, for example, buttons, push-button switches, a touchscreen panel, or a touchscreen display. The operating device 41 accepts operating commands input by the user. It allows the user to input information required for designing the layout and operating conditions of the air conditioning equipment into the design system 1, or to initiate the design of layout and operating conditions by operating the operating device 41. The user can use the operating device 41 to determine, for example, the target temperature for the space of interest, thresholds to be compared with comfort parameters, and the settable range of equipment parameters.

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

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

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

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

[0037] The transmitter 53 transmits information to another device. The transmitter 53 transmits information, directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater, for example, by an appropriate communication method, which can be wired communication or wireless communication. For example, the transmitter 53 can transmit at least one of, for example, the arrangement condition and the operation condition that has been obtained by the design system 1.

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

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

[0040] The acquirer 21 acquires information on a respective settable range of a plurality of device parameters. For example, the information on the settable range can be stored in advance in the storage device 3. The acquirer 21 reads out the information on the settable range from the storage device 3. Alternatively, a user can input the information on the settable range via the operation device 41 of the input device 4, and the acquirer 21 can acquire the information on the settable range that has been input by the operation device 41 from the operation device 41. Still alternatively, the acquirer 21 can also acquire the information on the settable range that has been input into the receiver 42 from another device from the receiver 42.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049]

[0050] The seven factors A to G respectively correspond to the seven device parameters, that is, in the present embodiment, the number of factors is 7, and in Table 1, the number of tests (i.e., the number of samples) is 8, and the number of levels is 2.

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

[0052] Note that in the present embodiment, the number of air conditioning devices whose arrangement conditions and operation conditions (the plurality of device parameters involved) are designed by the design system 1 is one, and the simulator 23 simulates the thermal fluid distribution formed by the single air conditioning device. However, if the number of air conditioning devices is a plurality, the simulator 23 simulates the thermal fluid distribution formed by the plurality of air conditioning devices.

[0053] The parameters referred to for the purpose of simulation are not limited to the samples determined by the sampler 22. Instead, the temperature of the area where the facility is located, the three-dimensional data of the facility, and the thermal conductivities of the walls, floor, ceiling, and other architectural components of the facility can also be further referred to. The simulator 23 performs simulation based on these parameters.

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

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

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

[0057] W = F × |Ta - Tb| (1).

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

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

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

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

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

[0063] C = Vp / V (2)

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

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

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

[0067] The selection step includes generating interpolated data by interpolating data between the plurality of samples. The selection step also includes obtaining the plurality of device parameters satisfying the first condition and the second condition based on the interpolated data. This aspect will be described with reference to Figure 2 .

[0068] The selection step can include, for example, deriving an approximation function f(x) of the output data based on N-point input / output data (x1, f(x1)),..., and (xN, f(xN)). In this case, the input data x1,..., xN are the respective samples, and the output data f(x1),..., f(xN) are the respective air-conditioning energy parameters. The approximation function f(x) is a function using the seven device parameters as variables, and x represents the seven device parameters. Note that, for ease of illustration, x is represented as a single axis (i.e., the horizontal axis) in Figure 2 . Note that, in the foregoing description, it is assumed that the number of samples is 8 as shown in Table 1. Figure 2 The case shown in Figure 2 is different from the above case. In , the number of samples N is greater than 8.

[0069] Figure 2 The approximation function f(x) is the above-mentioned interpolated data. That is, by causing the selector 27 to derive the approximation function f(x), data between the plurality of samples is interpolated as shown in

[0070] The selector 27 determines, based on the approximation function f(x), that the air-conditioning energy parameter becomes the smallest (as indicated by the arrow in Figure 2 ) when the value of the plurality of device parameters is a value between Sample II and Sample IV. In this case, if the comfort parameter derived from the plurality of device parameters (hereinafter referred to as "a plurality of first device parameters") is greater than the threshold value, the plurality of first device parameters satisfy the first condition and the second condition.

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

[0072] In this way, the selector 27 obtains the plurality of device parameters satisfying the first condition and the second condition. Alternatively, in order to obtain the plurality of device parameters in a case where the air conditioning energy parameter becomes the minimum, the selector 27 can employ an annealing method, a Bayesian optimization method, a genetic algorithm, or a parameter study.

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

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

[0075] Alternatively, the result outputter 28, for example, can have the plurality of device parameters transmitted to the air conditioning device via the transmitter 53, thereby setting the air volume, the outlet temperature, and the air direction of the air conditioning device.

[0076] (3) Exemplary Operation

[0077] Figure 3 An exemplary operation procedure of the design system 1 is shown in FIG. 10. Note that, Figure 3 The flowchart shown in FIG. 10 is only an exemplary operation procedure of the design system 1, and should not be interpreted as limiting. Alternatively, Figure 3 The processing steps shown in FIG. 10 can be executed in an order appropriately different from the order shown, Figure 3 Some of the processing steps shown in FIG. 10 can be omitted as appropriate, and / or additional processing steps can be executed as necessary.

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

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

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

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

[0082] (Variations of the Embodiments)

[0083] Next, variations of the exemplary embodiments will be shown one by one. Note that the variations described below can be combined as appropriate.

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

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

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

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

[0088] The design system 1 according to the present disclosure or the implementer that executes the design method according to the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system can include a processor and a memory as its main hardware components. The computer system executes at least some functions of the design system 1 according to the present disclosure or serves as an implementer that executes the design method according to the present disclosure by causing the processor to execute a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program can be stored in the memory of the computer system in advance. Alternatively, the program can also be downloaded through a telecommunication line or distributed after having been recorded in some non-transitory storage medium such as a memory card, an optical disc, or a hard disk drive, any of which is readable for the computer system. The processor of the computer system can be composed of a single or a plurality of electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). As used herein, integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs are referred to by different names according to their integration levels. Examples of integrated circuits such as ICs or LSIs include integrated circuits referred to as “system LSIs,” “very large scale integrated circuits (VLSIs),” and “ultra large scale integrated circuits (ULSIs).” Alternatively, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) programmed after manufacturing the LSI or a reconfigurable logic device that allows reconfiguring connections or circuit portions inside the LSI can also be employed as the processor. These electronic circuits can be integrated together on a single chip or distributed over a plurality of chips as appropriate. These plurality of chips can be aggregated together in a single device or distributed without restriction over a plurality of devices. As used herein, a “computer system” includes a microcontroller that includes one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller can also be implemented as a single or a plurality of electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0089] In the above-described embodiments, a plurality of functions of the design system 1 are integrated together in a single device. However, this is not a necessary configuration of the design system 1. Alternatively, those constituent elements of the design system 1 can be distributed over a plurality of different devices. Yet alternatively, at least some functions of the design system 1 (for example, some functions of the processor 2) can also be implemented as a server or a cloud computing system.

[0090] (Summary)

[0091] The above-described exemplary embodiments and variations thereof are concrete implementations of the following aspects of the present disclosure.

[0092] The design method according to the first aspect is a method for designing multiple equipment parameters related to the layout and operating conditions of an air conditioning unit. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. The acquisition step includes acquiring information about the corresponding settable ranges of the multiple equipment parameters. The multiple equipment parameters include the airflow, outlet temperature, installation location, and air direction of the air conditioning unit. The sampling step includes determining multiple samples, each sample being a set of multiple equipment parameters falling within the settable range. The set calculation step includes calculating multiple sets by performing a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step on each of the multiple samples, each set including air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters. The simulation step includes simulating the distribution of heat flux in a space of interest using a sample selected from the multiple samples as input conditions. The space of interest forms at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning unit. The first calculation step includes calculating the air conditioning energy parameter for a sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is calculated by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the outlet temperature of the space of interest by the airflow. The second calculation step includes calculating the distribution of the predicted average perceived temperature index in the space of interest based on the simulation results. The third calculation step includes calculating the comfort parameters. The comfort parameter is calculated by dividing the volume of the area of ​​interest where the predicted average perceived comfort index falls within a predetermined range by the total volume of the area of ​​interest. The design method also includes a selection step. This selection step involves obtaining multiple device parameters satisfying a first condition and a second condition based on multiple sets, each set including air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters obtained separately for multiple samples. The first condition is that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold. The second condition is that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of multiple device parameters satisfying the first condition.

[0093] This method can select layout and operating conditions (involving multiple equipment parameters) that can both ensure comfort based on predicted average somatosensory index values ​​and save energy.

[0094] In the design method according to the second aspect (which can be combined with the first aspect), the sampling step includes determining multiple samples through experimental design.

[0095] This method can reduce the time spent selecting layout and operating conditions by reducing the number of samples.

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

[0097] This method can provide a comfortable space.

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

[0099] The method can provide a comfortable space.

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

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

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

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

[0104] The program can select arrangement conditions and operating conditions (a plurality of device parameters involved) that ensure comfort and energy saving based on the predicted average thermal sensation index.

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

[0106] This configuration allows for the selection of layout and operating conditions (multiple equipment parameters involved) that ensure comfort and energy efficiency based on predicted average comfort index.

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

[0108] List of Reference Signs

[0109] 1 design system

[0110] 21 acquirer

[0111] 22 sampler

[0112] 23 simulator

[0113] 24 first calculator

[0114] 25 second calculator

[0115] 26 third calculator

[0116] 27 selector

[0117] 28 result outputter

Claims

1. A design method for designing a plurality of device parameters related to arrangement conditions and operation conditions of an air conditioning device, the design method comprising: an acquisition step including acquiring information on respective settable ranges of the plurality of device parameters including an air volume, an outlet temperature, a mounting position, and an air direction of the air conditioning device; a sampling step including determining a plurality of samples, each of the plurality of samples being a set of the plurality of device parameters falling within the settable ranges; and a set calculation step including calculating a plurality of sets each of which includes an air conditioning energy parameter and a comfort parameter by performing, for each of the plurality of samples, a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step, the simulation step including simulating a thermal fluid distribution in a space of interest forming at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device by using one of the plurality of samples selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition, the first calculation step including calculating the air conditioning energy parameter for the one sample by multiplying an absolute value of a difference between a target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume, the second calculation step including calculating a distribution of a predicted mean vote in the space of interest based on a simulation result, the third calculation step including calculating the comfort parameter by dividing a volume of a portion of the space of interest in which the predicted mean vote has a value falling within a predetermined range by an entire volume of the space of interest, the design method further including a selection step including obtaining the plurality of device parameters satisfying both a first condition and a second condition based on the plurality of sets, wherein each of the sets includes the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter that have been obtained for the plurality of samples, respectively, the first condition being a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and the second condition being a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the plurality of device parameters satisfying the first condition.

2. The design method according to claim 1, wherein the sampling step includes determining the plurality of samples by design of experiments.

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

5.

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

0.

5. The design method according to claim 1, wherein the selection step includes: generating interpolated data by interpolating data between the plurality of samples; and obtaining the plurality of device parameters satisfying both the first condition and the second condition based on the interpolated data.

6. A computer program product storing a program designed to cause one or more processors to perform respective steps of the design method according to claim 1 when executed by the one or more processors of a computer system. ​ 7. A design system configured to design a plurality of device parameters related to arrangement conditions and operation conditions of an air conditioning device, the design system comprising: an obtainer configured to obtain information on respective settable ranges of the plurality of device parameters including an air volume, an outlet temperature, a mounting position, and an air direction of the air conditioning device; a sampler configured to determine a plurality of samples, each of the plurality of samples being a set of the plurality of device parameters falling within the settable ranges; a simulator configured to perform a simulation step including performing simulation of thermal fluid distribution in a space of interest by using one sample selected from the plurality of samples as an input condition, the space of interest forming at least a part of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device; a first calculator configured to perform a first calculation step including calculating an air conditioning energy parameter for the one sample by multiplying an absolute value of a difference between a target temperature of the space of interest and the outlet temperature by the air volume; a second calculator configured to perform a second calculation step including calculating a distribution of a predicted mean vote in the space of interest based on a simulation result; and a third calculator configured to perform a third calculation step including calculating a comfort parameter by dividing a volume of a part of the space of interest in which the predicted mean vote has a value falling within a predetermined range by an entire volume of the space of interest, the simulator, the first calculator, the second calculator, and the third calculator performing the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step, respectively, for each of the plurality of samples, thereby calculating a plurality of sets, each of the plurality of sets including the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter, the design system further comprising: a selector configured to obtain the plurality of device parameters satisfying both a first condition and a second condition based on the plurality of sets, wherein each set includes the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter that have been obtained for the plurality of samples, respectively; and a result outputter configured to output the plurality of device parameters obtained by the selector, the first condition being a condition that the comfort parameter is a value greater than a threshold value, and the second condition being a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the plurality of device parameters satisfying the first condition.

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