Control device, air-conditioning system, control method, and program

Abstract

Provided is a method for performing suitable air-conditioning control against indoor temperature unevenness in the height direction. This control device, which is for an air-conditioner, comprises: a temperature information acquisition unit which acquires a high-place temperature on the ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in the vicinity of the floor of the space, and a middle-place temperature at a middle height in the space; and a control unit which controls the air-conditioner on the basis of the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the middle-place temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, an air-conditioning system, a control method, and a program. The present disclosure claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-022708 filed in Japan on February 16, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0002] In a case of an air-conditioner that supplies air from a vicinity of a ceiling to perform air-conditioning in a room, temperature distribution is formed from the vicinity of the ceiling to a floor surface. In a case where it is assumed that the temperature distribution is large, air-conditioning may be performed using not only a temperature measured by a temperature sensor provided at a suction port of the air-conditioner but also a temperature measured by a temperature sensor provided in a remote controller (hereinafter, referred to as a remote control) attached to a wall surface (for example, PTL 1). Meanwhile, a height of a position where the remote control is installed from the floor surface is about 1 m, and an air temperature in a vicinity of the floor surface cannot be detected. On the other hand, control of predicting the air temperature on the floor surface and adjusting an air volume or an air direction for eliminating the temperature distribution has been proposed. However, in such control, since an actual air temperature in the vicinity of the floor surface is not detected, there is a possibility that appropriate air-conditioning is not performed and discomfort is caused instead. PTL 2 discloses control in which a fan is operated to agitate air in a room to equalize an indoor temperature when a temperature difference between a temperature measured by a temperature sensor of an air-conditioner suction port and a temperature measured by a temperature sensor in a vicinity of a floor reaches a predetermined value.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-101871 [PTL 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-159908 Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] In order to solve a problem of an air-conditioning environment related to indoor temperature unevenness, it is necessary to ascertain temperature distribution in a height direction in the room and perform control. The air-conditioning environment may not necessarily be improved only by performing air-conditioning with reference to only a temperature at a height where the remote control is installed or to only a temperature in the vicinity of the floor surface, in addition to a temperature in the vicinity of the ceiling where the air-conditioner is provided.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a control device, an air-conditioning system, a control method, and a program which are capable of solving the foregoing problems. Solution to Problem

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a control device is a control device for an air-conditioner, the control device including: a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space; and a control unit that controls the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an air-conditioning system includes a high-place temperature sensor that detects a temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature sensor that detects a temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, a central temperature sensor that detects a temperature at an intermediate height in the space, an air-conditioner including an indoor unit provided in the space, and the control device.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a control method is a control method for an air-conditioner, the method including: a step of acquiring a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space; and a step of controlling the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature.

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a program causes a computer that controls an air-conditioner, to execute a step of acquiring a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space, and a step of controlling the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0010] According to the control device, the air-conditioning system, the control method, and the program described above, it is possible to perform appropriate control with respect to variation in temperature distribution in a height direction in a room.Brief Description of Drawings

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device according to the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a setting example of execution conditions for an agitation operation according to the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of temperature distribution related to the agitation operation according to the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of control of the agitation operation according to the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a setting example of a calculation method for a reference temperature according to the embodiment. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a setting example of a likelihood of temperature unevenness and a temperature to be adopted, based on an air-conditioning condition and a space condition according to the embodiment. Fig. 8 is a first diagram showing an example of the calculation method for a reference temperature in accordance with a situation according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 is a second diagram showing the example of the calculation method for a reference temperature in accordance with the situation according to the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of calculation processing of the reference temperature according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control device according to the embodiment. Description of Embodiments<Embodiment>

[0012] Hereinafter, an air-conditioning system according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11.(System Configuration)

[0013] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] As shown in Fig. 1, an air-conditioning system 100 includes an air-conditioner 1, a remote control 7, and a refrigerant leakage detector 8.

[0015] The air-conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 2 and an outdoor unit 3. The indoor unit 2 is connected to the outdoor unit 3 through a refrigerant pipe 4. The outdoor unit 3 includes a compressor, an expansion valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, a four-way valve, and the like (which are not shown), and the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 configure a refrigeration cycle. The air-conditioner 1 performs heating and cooling of a refrigerant by circulating the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected through a communication line (not shown), and control signals are transmitted and received between the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3.

[0016] The indoor unit 2 is installed on a wall surface, a ceiling, or the like of a space A in which a user is present, and performs various operations for adjusting an air-conditioning environment in the space A in accordance with a control command by a control device 10. The indoor unit 2 includes a fan 5 capable of adjusting an air volume, a louver 6 capable of adjusting an air direction, a temperature sensor Th1, and the control device 10. The temperature sensor Th1 is provided in the vicinity of the suction port of the indoor unit 2 and measures the temperature of the air suctioned from the room. The temperature sensor Th1 measures the temperature of the space A in the vicinity of the ceiling and at a high place. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th1 is referred to as a high-place temperature. The control device 10 receives a request from the user for the air-conditioning environment through the remote control 7, controls the indoor unit 2 to satisfy the request, and controls the refrigeration cycle including the outdoor unit 3 in cooperation with a control device (not shown) of the outdoor unit 3. The control device 10 acquires the high-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th1.

[0017] The remote control 7 receives a request operation from the user for the air-conditioning environment. The remote control 7 is communicably connected to the control device 10. The remote control 7 transmits a request signal based on the request operation from the user to the control device 10. A temperature sensor Th2 is provided on the remote control 7. The remote control 7 is provided at a position at a height of about 1 m (for example, 1 to 1.2 m) from the floor of the wall surface of the space A. The temperature sensor Th2 measures the indoor temperature at an intermediate height (near 1 m) in the space A. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th2 is referred to as a central temperature. The remote control 7 transmits the central temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th2 to the control device 10.

[0018] The refrigerant leakage detector 8 includes a refrigerant sensor 9 and detects a refrigerant that has leaked from the indoor unit 2. The refrigerant leakage detector 8 is communicably connected to the control device 10. The refrigerant leakage detector 8 transmits a refrigerant detection signal including the refrigerant amount or the like detected by the refrigerant sensor 9 to the control device 10. The refrigerant leakage detector 8 is provided in the vicinity of the wall surface having a height of 0.3 m or less from a floor surface and within 10 m in a horizontal direction from the indoor unit 2. A temperature sensor Th3 is provided in the refrigerant leakage detector 8. The temperature sensor Th3 measures the indoor temperature at a low place (height of 0.3 m or less) in the space A. The temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th3 is referred to as a low-place temperature. The refrigerant leakage detector 8 transmits the low-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th3 to the control device 10.(Functional Configuration of Control Device)

[0019] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a control device according to the embodiment.

[0020] The control device 10 includes a sensor information acquisition unit 11, a setting receiving unit 12, a control unit 13, and a storage unit 14.

[0021] The sensor information acquisition unit 11 acquires the high-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th1, the central temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th2, the low-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th3, and the measurement value measured by the refrigerant sensor 9. The sensor information acquisition unit 11 records the temperature and the like acquired from each sensor in the storage unit 14.

[0022] The setting receiving unit 12 acquires the request signal including an instruction operation or setting information input by the user from the remote control 7. For example, the setting receiving unit 12 acquires the request signal including a set temperature, an operation mode (cooling or heating, and the like), the air volume, the air direction, an operation instruction, a stop instruction, and the like for the space A, which are input by the user. For example, the setting receiving unit 12 acquires the setting (to be described later) of the weights for the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors Th1 to Th3. The setting receiving unit 12 records the received setting in the storage unit 14.

[0023] The control unit 13 controls the fan 5, the louver 6, and the indoor unit 2. For example, the control unit 13 operates the fan 5 at a rotation speed at which the air volume set by the user operating the remote control 7 is delivered. The control unit 13 controls the louver 6 such that the air is delivered in the air direction set by the user operating the remote control 7. The control unit 13 performs the operation of the refrigeration cycle in cooperation with the control device (not shown) of the outdoor unit 3. For example, the control unit 13 performs the cooling operation or the heating operation so that the temperature reaches the set temperature set by the user operating the remote control 7.

[0024] The control unit 13 performs control to cope with the temperature unevenness in the height direction in the space A. For example, the control unit 13 calculates a temperature difference in the height direction using the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature, and performs an "agitation operation" of agitating the air in the room such that the temperature unevenness in the height direction is eliminated in a case where the temperature difference is large. The control unit 13 calculates a "reference temperature" using the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature, and performs the cooling operation or the heating operation by regarding the reference temperature as the temperature of the indoor air.

[0025] The storage unit 14 stores various kinds of information such as a measurement value of the temperature acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 11 and various kinds of setting information acquired by the setting receiving unit 12. The storage unit 14 stores various programs that realize functions of the control device 10.<Agitation Operation>

[0026] Next, the agitation operation for eliminating the temperature unevenness in the height direction of the space A will be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 5.(1) Execution Condition for Agitation Operation

[0027] Fig. 3 shows an example of execution condition setting for the agitation operation of the present embodiment. In the setting example of an item number 1 in Fig. 3 (referred to as an agitation condition 1), it is determined to perform the agitation operation by operating the fan 5 in a case where the temperature difference between the ceiling and the vicinity of the floor is 7°C or more. In the setting example of an item number 2 (referred to as an agitation condition 2), it is determined to perform the agitation operation by operating the fan 5 in a case where the temperature difference between the center of the room and the vicinity of the floor is 4°C or more. When the agitation operation is performed, the air in the upper and lower regions of the space A is mixed, thereby rendering the indoor air uniform. That is, the temperature unevenness in the height direction is eliminated. In ISO 7730, which defines a standard for a comfortable air-conditioning environment, it is recommended that a temperature difference between a temperature at 0.1 m above the floor in the room and a temperature at 1.1 m above the floor be within 3°C. The setting of the agitation condition 2 is a setting example of the execution condition for the agitation operation based on the recommendation. The setting of the agitation condition 1 is a setting example based on the assumption that when the temperature difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature exceeds 3°C, the same temperature difference would have occurred between the high-place temperature and the central temperature.

[0028] Fig. 4 shows an example of temperature distribution in the room. In temperature example distribution 1, the high-place temperature is 28°C, the central temperature is 25°C, and the low-place temperature is 21°C. In this case, the difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature is 7°C, and the agitation condition 1 is satisfied. The difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature is 4°C, and the agitation condition 2 is satisfied. The control unit 13 performs the agitation operation in a case where the agitation condition 1 or the agitation condition 2 is satisfied. Therefore, the control unit 13 performs the agitation operation when the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors Th1 to Th3 are as in the temperature example distribution 1.

[0029] In temperature example distribution 2, the high-place temperature is 28°C, the central temperature is 26°C, and the low-place temperature is 22°C. In this case, the difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature is 6°C, and the agitation condition 1 is not satisfied. The difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature is 4°C, and the agitation condition 2 is satisfied. When the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors Th1 to Th3 are as in the temperature example distribution 2, the agitation condition 2 is satisfied, and thus the control unit 13 performs the agitation operation.

[0030] In temperature example distribution 3, the high-place temperature is 28°C, the central temperature is 24°C, and the low-place temperature is 21°C. In this case, the difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature is 7°C, and the agitation condition 1 is satisfied. The difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature is 3°C, and the agitation condition 2 is not satisfied. When the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors Th1 to Th3 are as in the temperature example distribution 3, the agitation condition 1 is satisfied, and thus the control unit 13 performs the agitation operation.

[0031] In temperature example distribution 4, the high-place temperature is 28°C, the central temperature is 25°C, and the low-place temperature is 22°C. In this case, the difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature is 6°C, and the agitation condition 1 is not satisfied. The difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature is 3°C, and the agitation condition 2 is not satisfied. When the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors Th1 to Th3 are as in the temperature example distribution 3, none of the agitation conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied, and thus the control unit 13 does not perform the agitation operation.

[0032] The agitation conditions 1 and 2 in Fig. 3 are examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The agitation condition may be set arbitrarily by the user using the remote control 7.(2) Contents of Agitation Operation

[0033] Here, the content of the agitation operation will be described. In the agitation operation, the control unit 13 controls the louver 6 to set the air direction downward and increase the rotation speed of the fan 5 such that the air volume is greater than that prior to the agitation operation. By setting the air direction downward and operating the fan 5, the air in the room can be agitated in the height direction, so that the temperature unevenness in the height direction can be eliminated.(3) Control of Agitation Operation

[0034] Next, the control of the agitation operation will be described with reference to Fig. 5. The control device 10 repeatedly executes the following processing during the operation of the air-conditioner 1.

[0035] As a premise, the temperature sensors Th1 to Th3 measure the temperatures and transmit the temperatures measured in a predetermined control cycle to the control device 10. The sensor information acquisition unit 11 acquires the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature (step S1). The sensor information acquisition unit 11 records each acquired temperature in the storage unit 14. Next, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the operating condition of the air-conditioner 1 has changed (step S2). For example, the control unit 13 determines that the operating condition of the air-conditioner 1 has changed when the cooling operation or the heating operation is started. For example, the control unit 13 determines that the operating condition has changed when the set temperature of the cooling and heating operation is changed or when the air volume by the fan 5 is changed. In a case where the control unit 13 determines that the operating condition has not changed (step S2; No), the processing proceeds to step S4. The operating condition disclosed herein is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, it may be determined that the operating condition has changed only when the cooling operation or the heating operation is started, or any condition may be set using the remote control 7.

[0036] In a case where the control unit 13 determines that the operating condition has changed (step S2; Yes), the control unit 13 activates the agitation operation (step S3). The activation of the agitation operation means permitting the execution of the agitation operation in a case where the agitation condition 1 or 2 or the like is satisfied. The control unit 13 activates the agitation operation in a case where the effect of the agitation operation is recognized, and deactivates the agitation operation in a case where the temperature unevenness is not eliminated even when the agitation operation is performed. In a case where the operating condition changes, the agitation operation is activated to permit the execution of the first agitation operation under the changed condition. The control unit 13 sets "1" to the agitation operation flag, for example.

[0037] Next, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is within a predetermined threshold value (step S4). For example, this determination is made to prioritize the cooling and heating operation without performing the agitation operation in a case where the indoor air is highly likely to exhibit temperature unevenness immediately after the start of the air-conditioning, but in such a state. In a case where the temperature difference between the indoor temperature (for example, the high-place temperature or the reference temperature to be described later) and the set temperature has not reached the predetermined threshold value (step S4; No), the processing from step S1 is repeated. In a case where the difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature is within the predetermined threshold value (step S4; Yes), the control unit 13 reads and acquires the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature which are acquired in step S1 from the storage unit 14, and determines whether or not the agitation condition is satisfied (step S5). For example, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the agitation condition 1 or the agitation condition 2 illustrated in Fig. 3 is satisfied. When the agitation condition is not satisfied (step S5; No), the processing from step S1 is repeated.

[0038] In a case where the agitation condition is satisfied (step S5; Yes), the control unit 13 determines whether or not the agitation operation is deactivated (step S6). In the first determination after the change of the operating condition, the agitation operation is activated, so that the determination is No. Once the agitation operation is deactivated, as long as the air-conditioner 1 is operated under the same operating condition, the determination is Yes. In a case where the agitation operation is deactivated (step S6; Yes), the processing from step S1 is repeated. In this manner, operation of the fan 5 by increasing the air volume even though the effect of eliminating the temperature unevenness is not recognized in the agitation operation, is avoided. In this manner, it is possible to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to the operation sound of the fan 5 or the air hitting the user. It is possible to suppress the influence of the agitation operation on the air-conditioning environment.

[0039] In a case where the agitation operation is not deactivated (is activated) (step S6; No), the control unit 13 performs the agitation operation (step S7). Specifically, the control unit 13 controls the louver 6 such that the air direction is downward (for example, an angle at which the air direction becomes the most downward (direction close to vertical)). The control unit 13 rotates the fan 5 at a high speed such that the air volume is greater than that prior to the agitation operation. For example, the control unit 13 may operate the fan 5 at the maximum rotation speed. The control unit 13 continues the agitation operation for a predetermined time.

[0040] When the agitation operation is executed, the sensor information acquisition unit 11 acquires the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature (step S8). The control unit 13 determines whether or not the temperature unevenness is eliminated, based on the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature which are acquired after the agitation operation (step S9). This determination may be executed immediately after the agitation operation is stopped or may be executed after a predetermined time has elapsed from the stopping of the agitation operation. For example, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature which are acquired after the agitation operation satisfy the agitation condition 1 or the agitation condition 2. In a case where both the agitation condition 1 and the agitation condition 2 are not satisfied, the control unit 13 determines that the temperature unevenness is eliminated. In a case where either the agitation condition 1 or the agitation condition 2 is satisfied, the control unit 13 determines that the temperature unevenness is not eliminated. Alternatively, the control unit 13 may determine whether or not the temperature unevenness is eliminated based on another reference that is not the agitation conditions 1 and 2. In a case where the temperature unevenness is eliminated (step S9; Yes), the processing from step S1 is repeated. In a case where the temperature unevenness is not eliminated (step S9; No), the control unit 13 deactivates the agitation operation (step S10). For example, the control unit 13 sets "0" to the agitation operation flag. The agitation operation flag is reactivated when the operating condition is changed. For example, in a case where the cooling operation or the heating operation is stopped by the user and then the operation is started by the user, the agitation operation flag is activated. Alternatively, the agitation operation flag may be activated when the set temperature is changed during the cooling or heating operation.(4) Effect of Agitation Operation

[0041] As described above, according to the agitation operation of the present embodiment, the temperature unevenness in the height direction occurring in the space A is detected based on the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature, and the fan 5 is operated by controlling the air direction downward. As a result, it is possible to eliminate the temperature unevenness. For example, in a case where the temperature unevenness is detected only by the temperature sensor of the air-conditioner and the temperature sensor of the floor surface which are disclosed in PTL 2, even when the temperature difference between the temperature at 0.1 m above the floor and the temperature at 1.1 m above the floor in the room is 3°C or more, this may be overlooked (for example, temperature distribution example 2 in Fig. 4). For example, even in a case where the temperature unevenness is detected only by the temperature sensor of the air-conditioner and the temperature sensor of the remote control which are disclosed in PTL 1, similarly, a situation where the temperature difference between the temperature at 0.1 m above the floor and the temperature at 1.1 m above the floor in the room is 3°C or more may be overlooked (for example, temperature distribution example 2 in Fig. 4). In this way, the temperature unevenness in the space A can be accurately detected by monitoring the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature.

[0042] For example, in a case where only the temperature sensor Th1 of the indoor unit 2 and the temperature sensor Th2 of the remote control 7 are used, air-conditioning control is performed while ignoring the temperature at the low place in the space A. Therefore, for example, there is a possibility that coldness near the feet during the heating operation cannot be eliminated. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the "reference temperature" is calculated from the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature, and the air-conditioning control is performed by regarding the reference temperature as the indoor temperature. Next, a method for calculating the reference temperature from the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature will be described.<Air-Conditioning Control Based on Reference Temperature>(1) Calculation of Reference Temperature

[0043] The reference temperature is a temperature that is a control target of air-conditioning control, and is an indoor temperature that reflects variation in temperature distribution. The reference temperature is used, for example, when the air-conditioner 1 switches between thermostat ON (the room temperature has not reached the set temperature, so that a cooling / heating or heating operation is executed) and thermostat OFF (the room temperature has reached the set temperature, so that the cooling / heating or heating operation is temporarily stopped). By using the reference temperature instead of the room temperature (high-place temperature) measured by the air-conditioner 1, for example, during the heating operation, the thermostat ON and the thermostat OFF can be switched in consideration of the low-place temperature. As a simple example, an average value of the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature may be calculated, and the average value may be used as the reference temperature. It is not necessary to use all of the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature, and depending on the situation, in one case, the high-place temperature may be adopted as the reference temperature, and in another case, the average value of the central temperature and the low-place temperature may be adopted as the reference temperature. The calculation method for a reference temperature may be set by the user as desired, or the control unit 13 may calculate the reference temperature suitable for the situation.(1-1) Setting by User

[0044] A setting example of the calculation method for a reference temperature by the user is shown in Fig. 6. In a case where air-conditioned air is supplied from the vicinity of the ceiling and air-conditioning is performed as in the indoor unit 2 of Fig. 1, temperature unevenness is unlikely to occur in the space A during the cooling operation, and the temperature unevenness is likely to occur during the heating operation. Based on such knowledge, for example, the user can be set to select the high-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th1 of the indoor unit 2 as the reference temperature during the cooling operation and to select the central temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th2 of the remote control 7 and the low-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th3 of the refrigerant leakage detector 8, which are the temperatures in the range of the height at which a person is present, as the reference temperature during the heating operation, as shown in Fig. 6. The user operates the remote control 7 to select the installation machinery (installation position and height) of the temperature sensor to be selected as the reference temperature for each operation mode (for example, Fig. 6). The setting receiving unit 12 receives the setting illustrated in Fig. 6 and records the setting in the storage unit 14. The control unit 13 performs the cooling operation using the high-place temperature as the reference temperature, that is, the indoor temperature, during the cooling operation, and, for example, the control unit 13 makes the thermostat OFF state when the high-place temperature reaches the set temperature, and the control unit 13 makes the thermostat ON state when the high-place temperature deviates from the set temperature. During the heating operation, the control unit 13 calculates the average value of the central temperature and the low-place temperature as the reference temperature, and performs the heating operation such that the reference temperature is the set temperature. For example, the control unit 13 makes the thermostat OFF state when the reference temperature reaches the set temperature, and makes the thermostat ON state when the reference temperature deviates from the set temperature. Although Fig. 6 shows an example of setting whether or not to select the temperature of each machinery, a weight may be set for the temperature of each machinery. For example, the user operates the remote control 7 to set "6" for the "remote control (center)" during the heating operation and to set "4" for the "refrigerant detector (vicinity of floor)". In this case, the control unit 13 calculates the reference temperature by (central temperature x 6 + low-place temperature x 4) ÷ 10.(1-2) Automatic Setting by Air-Conditioner

[0045] Next, a method in which the control unit 13 automatically calculates the reference temperature will be described. Fig. 7 shows an example of a setting table in which a likelihood of the temperature unevenness and a temperature position to be adopted for the temperature unevenness are set, based on an air-conditioning condition and a space condition. The air-conditioning conditions are the operation mode (cooling or heating) and the air volume. The space conditions are the space height to be air-conditioned (the height of the ceiling) and the area of the space.

[0046] Regarding the operation mode of the air-conditioning condition, when the operation mode is cooling, the temperature difference in the vertical direction is small, and when the operation mode is heating, the temperature difference in the vertical direction tends to be large. In the setting table of Fig. 7, for the cooling with small temperature unevenness, the high-place temperature (the "ceiling" in the drawing, hereinafter omitted) is set to be adopted, and "2" is set as the weight thereof. For heating with large temperature unevenness, the central temperature (the "center" in the drawing, hereinafter omitted) and the low-place temperature (the "vicinity of floor" in the drawing, hereinafter omitted) are set to be adopted, and "2" is set as the weight of each.

[0047] Regarding the air volume of the air-conditioning condition, the greater the air volume is, the more the indoor air is agitated, and the temperature difference in the vertical direction tends to be smaller. In the setting table of Fig. 7, in a case where the air volume is large (in a case where the temperature unevenness is small), the high-place temperature is set to be adopted, and "2" is set as the weight thereof. In a case where the air volume is in the middle (in a case where the temperature unevenness is in the middle), the central temperature is set to be adopted, and "2" is set as the weight thereof. In a case where the air volume is small (in a case where the temperature unevenness is large), the central temperature (center) and the low-place temperature (vicinity of floor) are set to be adopted, and "2" is set as the weight of each.

[0048] Regarding the space height of the space condition, the higher the space height is, the greater the temperature difference in the vertical direction tends to be. In the setting table of Fig. 7, in a case where the space height is high (in a case where the temperature unevenness is large), the central temperature and the low-place temperature are set to be adopted, and "1" is set as the weight of each. In a case where the space height is normal (in a case where the temperature unevenness is small), the high-place temperature is set to be adopted, and "1" is set as the weight thereof.

[0049] Regarding the area of the space of the space condition, the wider the space is, the greater the temperature difference in the vertical direction tends to be. In the setting table of Fig. 7, in a case where the space area is wide (in a case where the temperature unevenness is large), the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature are set to be adopted, and "1" is set as the weight of each. In a case where the space area is narrow (in a case where the temperature unevenness is small), the high-place temperature is set to be adopted, and "1" is set as the weight thereof.

[0050] Since the air-conditioning condition has a greater influence on the temperature unevenness than the space condition, the weight "2" is set for the air-conditioning condition, and the weight "1" is set for the space condition. The storage unit 14 stores the setting table illustrated in Fig. 7 in advance, and the control unit 13 calculates the reference temperature in accordance with a situation based on the setting table and performs air-conditioning control based on the reference temperature. Next, with reference to Figs. 8 and 9, a description will be given of how the control unit 13 selects a temperature to be used for calculating the reference temperature and calculates the reference temperature based on the setting table.

[0051] In advance, the space height and area are set. For example, a reference is set in advance for the space height and area, and the user determines whether the space height of the space A is high or normal and whether the area of the space A is wide or narrow in accordance with the reference. The user operates the remote control 7 to set the space height and area of the space A. The setting receiving unit 12 acquires the setting related to the space height and area set by the user from the remote control 7, and records the setting content related to the space height and area in the storage unit 14. Regarding the space area, the control unit 13 may automatically determine the space area based on the capacity of the air-conditioner 1. Specifically, in the storage unit 14, information indicating the capacity of the air-conditioner 1 and a threshold value related to the space area are recorded in advance, and the control unit 13 recognizes the capacity of the air-conditioner 1 by using the information. When the capacity of the air-conditioner 1 is equal to or greater than the threshold value related to the space area, the control unit 13 determines that the space A is wide, and when the capacity of the air-conditioner 1 is less than the threshold value, the control unit 13 determines that the space A is narrow, and records the determination result in the storage unit 14 as the setting of the space area. The determination criterion for the air volume is predetermined, and the determination criterion is recorded in the storage unit 14.(Example 1: Operation Mode "Heating", Air Volume "Large", Room Height "High", Room Area "Wide")

[0052] Fig. 8 is a first diagram showing an example of the calculation method for a reference temperature in accordance with a situation according to the embodiment. It is assumed that the air-conditioner 1 is in a heating operation in a state where the air volume is large. The control unit 13 determines that the operation mode of the air-conditioning condition is "heating". The control unit 13 determines that the air volume is "large" based on the determination criterion for the air volume recorded in the storage unit 14. Based on the setting of the space height and the space area which are recorded in the storage unit 14 in advance, the control unit 13 determines that the space height of the space condition is "high" and the space area is "wide". When the air-conditioning condition and the space condition are determined in accordance with the situation, the control unit 13 selects the temperature used for calculating the reference temperature and sets the weight for the temperature, based on the setting table of Fig. 7. For example, the control unit 13 selects the central temperature and the low-place temperature based on the "heating" and on the setting of the "heating" line in the setting table of Fig. 7 for the operation mode, and sets the weight "2" for each. The control unit 13 selects the high-place temperature based on "large" and on the setting of the "large" line in the setting table of Fig. 7 for the air volume, and sets the weight "2". The control unit 13 selects the central temperature and the low-place temperature based on the "high" and on the setting of the "high" line in the setting table of Fig. 7 for the space height, and sets the weight "1" for each. The control unit 13 selects the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature based on the "wide" and on the setting of the "wide" line in the setting table of Fig. 7 for the space area, and sets the weight "1" for each. As a result of these pieces of processing, the settings of the rows of "ceiling", "center", and "vicinity of floor" from the line of "operation mode" to the line of "room area" in the table of Fig. 8 are obtained. The control unit 13 totals the set weight values for each row. Each sum of the weight values for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature is 3, 4, and 4. Since there is little difference between each sum of the weight values, and the like, the control unit 13 determines to use all of the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature for calculating the reference temperature, and calculates the reference temperature by using a weighted average based on each weight value. For example, the control unit 13 calculates the reference temperature under the air-conditioning condition and the space condition by (high-place temperature x 3 + central temperature x 4 + low-place temperature x 4) ÷ 11. The control unit 13 performs the heating operation based on the reference temperature calculated in this way. When the operation mode or the air volume is changed, the control unit 13 determines the calculation method for a reference temperature (temperature to be adopted and weight for each temperature) in the same procedure, and calculates the reference temperature by the newly determined method.(Example 2: Operation Mode "Cooling", Air Volume "Small", Room Height "Normal", Room Area "Narrow")

[0053] Fig. 9 is a second diagram showing the example of the calculation method for a reference temperature in accordance with the situation according to the embodiment. It is assumed that the air-conditioner 1 is in a cooling operation in a state where the air volume is small. For the space A, it is assumed that the room height "normal" and the room area "narrow" are set in advance. The control unit 13 determines that the operation mode is "cooling and heating", the air volume is "small", the space height is "normal", and the space area is "narrow". The control unit 13 sets the temperature to be adopted and the weight for each of the operation mode, the air volume, the room height, and the room area, based on the determination results and the setting table of Fig. 7. The setting result is shown in the rows of "ceiling", "center", and "vicinity of floor" in the "room area" line from the "operation mode" line of the table in Fig. 9. The control unit 13 totals the set weight values for each row. Each sum of the weight values for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature is 4, 2, and 2. The control unit 13 determines to use only the high-place temperature for the calculation of the reference temperature, due to the difference between each sum of the weight values, and the like. That is, the control unit 13 adopts the high-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th1 as the reference temperature. Regarding the determination to adopt only the high-place temperature based on each ratio of the total weight values for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature being 4, 2, and 2, for example, in a case where there is a difference of 2 times or more between each sum of the weight values, a reference may be provided such that only the temperature to which a large weight value is assigned is adopted, and the control unit 13 may determine to use only the high-place temperature for the calculation of the reference temperature based on the reference. Alternatively, a reference may be provided such that only the temperature to which the large weight value is assigned is adopted in a case where there is a difference of 2 or more in the weight values, and the control unit 13 may determine to use only the high-place temperature for the calculation of the reference temperature based on the reference. Even in a case where each sum of the weight values as shown in Fig. 9 is calculated, a reference may be provided in which the reference temperature is calculated by the weighted average of temperatures as in the case of Fig. 8, and the control unit 13 may calculate the reference temperature by (high-place temperature x 4 + central temperature x 2 + low-place temperature x 2) ÷ 8.

[0054] Thus, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 13 determines which temperature among the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature is important in the air-conditioning control, based on the likelihood of the temperature unevenness depending on the air-conditioning condition and the space condition, and calculates the reference temperature based on the determination result. In this manner, air-conditioning can be performed based on the reference temperature calculated in consideration of the overall temperature distribution of the space A, instead of the local temperature in the space A where the temperature unevenness has occurred. Therefore, it is expected that the comfort of the user can be improved.(2) Calculation Processing of Reference Temperature

[0055] Next, calculation processing of the reference temperature will be described with reference to Fig. 10.

[0056] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the calculation processing of the reference temperature according to the embodiment.

[0057] The control unit 13 determines whether or not the user setting (for example, Fig. 6) regarding the calculation method for a reference temperature is registered, with reference to the storage unit 14 (step S11). In a case where the user setting is registered (step S11; Yes), the control unit 13 calculates the reference temperature based on the user setting (step S15). In a case where the setting of Fig. 6 is registered, the control unit 13 calculates an average value of the central temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th2 and the low-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th3 during the heating operation, and uses the average value as the reference temperature. In the cooling operation, the control unit 13 uses the high-place temperature measured by the temperature sensor Th1 as the reference temperature.

[0058] In a case where the user setting is not registered (step S11; No), the control unit 13 derives the calculation method for a reference temperature based on the air-conditioning condition and on the space condition. First, the control unit 13 sets the weight for the temperature at each height based on the air-conditioning condition (step S12). The control unit 13 sets the weight for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature based on the operation mode and on the setting table in Fig. 7. The control unit 13 sets the weight for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature based on the air volume and on the setting table in Fig. 7.

[0059] Next, the control unit 13 sets the weight for the temperature at each height based on the space condition (step S13). The control unit 13 sets the weight for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature based on the space height and on the setting table in Fig. 7. The control unit 13 sets the weight for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature based on the space area and on the setting table in Fig. 7.

[0060] Next, the control unit 13 calculates the sum of the weights for the temperature at each height (step S14). For example, the control unit 13 calculates each sum of the weights of 3, 4, and 4 (Fig. 8) or 4, 2, and 2 (Fig. 9) for the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature. Next, the control unit 13 calculates the reference temperature (step S15). In a case of the example in Fig. 8, the control unit 13 calculates the reference temperature by (high-place temperature x 3 + central temperature x 4 + low-place temperature x 4) ÷ 11. The control unit 13 performs air-conditioning control based on the reference temperature (step S16). For example, the control unit 13 performs the heating operation of the space A based on the reference temperature calculated by the above expression and on the set temperature. Accordingly, whereas the heating operation is executed only by the high-place temperature in the related art, the heating operation is executed based on the reference temperature in which the central temperature and the low-place temperature are taken into consideration. Therefore, it is possible to improve the excess or insufficiency of the air-conditioning control caused by the temperature unevenness such as only the vicinity of the ceiling being warm and the feet remaining cold.(3) Effect of Air-Conditioning Control Based on Reference Temperature

[0061] As described above, according to the reference temperature of the present embodiment, the reference temperature is calculated from the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature. In calculating the reference temperature, the likelihood of temperature unevenness is taken into consideration based on the air-conditioning condition and on the space condition, and in a case where the temperature unevenness occurs, for example, a weight is set for the temperature at each height such that the reference temperature is calculated using a wide range of temperatures in the vertical direction, thereby calculating the reference temperature of the space A in consideration of the temperature distribution of the entire room. When a temperature at a height that is important to the user exists, a greater value of weight is given to the temperature at the height, so that it is possible to create an air-conditioning environment that meets the user's request while taking the temperature distribution of the entire room into consideration. For example, when the user places importance on the temperature at the feet during heating, "3" may be set in the "vicinity of floor" row of the "heating" line in the setting table of Fig. 7. In the above-described embodiment, both the air-conditioning condition and the space condition are used. However, the weight may be set for each of the high-place temperature, the central temperature, and the low-place temperature based on only the air-conditioning condition or only the space condition, and the reference temperature may be calculated. Regarding the air-conditioning conditions, out of the operation mode and the air volume, only the operation mode may be used to set the weight for the temperature at each height, or only the air volume may be used to set the weight for the temperature at each height. Similarly, regarding the space conditions, out of the space height and the space area, only the space height may be used to set the weight for the temperature at each height, or only the space area may be used to set the weight for the temperature at each height.(Effects)

[0062] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the temperature unevenness can be eliminated by performing the agitation operation with respect to the variation in the temperature distribution in the height direction of the space A. The reference temperature reflecting the variation in the temperature distribution is calculated, and the air-conditioning control is performed based on the calculated reference temperature. In this manner, it is possible to correct the excess or insufficiency of the air-conditioning control caused by the temperature unevenness and to reduce the user's discomfort. In the above-described embodiment, the agitation operation and the air-conditioning control based on the reference temperature have been described separately. However, the control unit 13 may execute both the agitation operation and the air-conditioning control based on the reference temperature in parallel.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor Th1 provided in the indoor unit 2, the temperature sensor Th2 provided on the remote control 7, and the temperature sensor Th3 provided in the refrigerant leakage detector 8 can be used to perform the agitation operation or the air-conditioning control based on the reference temperature. Therefore, it is not necessary to newly provide a temperature sensor. In the above-described embodiment, the air-conditioner is provided in the vicinity of the ceiling. However, the agitation operation and the air-conditioning control based on the reference temperature of the present embodiment may be applied to an air-conditioning system including a temperature sensor provided in the vicinity of the ceiling and a floor-mounted air-conditioner. The air-conditioning system 100 may be a room air-conditioner for home use, or may be an air-conditioning system provided in a space where a large number of users are present, such as a large store and a factory.

[0064] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control device according to the embodiment.

[0065] A computer 900 includes a CPU 901, a main storage device 902, an auxiliary storage device 903, an input / output interface 904, and a communication interface 905.

[0066] The control device 10 described above is mounted on the computer 900. Each of the functions described above is stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 in the form of a program. The CPU 901 reads out the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, expands the program in the main storage device 902, and executes the above processing according to the program. The CPU 901 allocates a storage area in the main storage device 902 according to the program. The CPU 901 allocates a storage area for storing data being processed in the auxiliary storage device 903 according to the program.

[0067] A program for achieving all or a part of the functions of the control device 10 is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the process by each functional unit may be performed by a computer system reading and executing the program recorded on the recording medium. The "computer system" herein includes an OS and hardware such as a peripheral device. The "computer system" also includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) when a WWW system is used. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a CD, a DVD, or a USB, or a storage device such as a hard disk built into the computer system. In a case where the program is distributed to the computer 900 by a communication line, the computer 900 to which the program is distributed may expand the program in the main storage device 902 and execute the above processing. The above program may be for realizing a part of the above functions, or may further realize the above functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0068] In addition, it is possible to appropriately replace the constituent elements in the embodiment described above with well-known constituent elements within a scope that does not depart from the gist of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and the present invention can include various changes without departing from the scope of the present invention.<Additional Notes>

[0069] The control device, the air-conditioning system, the control method, and the program described in the embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0070] (1) A control device 10 of a first aspect is a control device 10 for an air-conditioner 1, the control device 10 including: a temperature information acquisition unit (sensor information acquisition unit 11) that acquires a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space; and a control unit 13 that controls the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature. In this manner, it is possible to perform appropriate control with respect to the variation (temperature unevenness) in the temperature distribution in the height direction in the room. (2) A control device 10 according to a second aspect is the control device 10 of (1), in which the control unit 13 operates a fan included in an indoor unit of the air-conditioner when a first temperature difference, which is a temperature difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature, is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value or when a second temperature difference, which is a temperature difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature, is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value. In this manner, the temperature unevenness that has occurred in the room can be detected without missing, and the temperature unevenness can be eliminated by agitating the air in the room. (3) A control device 10 according to a third aspect is the control device of (2), in which the control unit 13 performs control of increasing an air volume compared to before and directing a louver downward when operating the fan. By delivering air in the vertical direction, the temperature unevenness in the height direction can be eliminated. (4) A control device according to a fourth aspect is the control device of (2) to (3), in which in a case where a difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature or a difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature after operating the fan is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit 13 does not operate the fan even when the first temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value or when the second temperature difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. In a case where the temperature unevenness cannot be eliminated by the agitation operation, it is possible to avoid executing the agitation operation in the next and subsequent times. In this manner, the possibility that the user feels uncomfortable due to sound or air generated by operating the fan 5 at a high speed can be reduced. (5) A control device according to a fifth aspect is the control device of (1) to (4), in which the control unit performs a cooling operation or a heating operation based on a reference temperature calculated from the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature, and a set temperature. In this manner, air-conditioning control can be performed based on the temperature to be used as a reference for air-conditioning control, which reflects the temperature distribution in the space A. (6) A control device according to a sixth aspect is the control device of (1) to (5), further including: a setting receiving unit that receives setting of a weight for each of the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature in the calculation of the reference temperature. In this manner, the user can set any weight to each of the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature. (7) A control device according to a seventh aspect is the control device of (1) to (6), in which the control unit calculates a weight for each of the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature based on an air-conditioning condition and / or a space condition, and calculates the reference temperature based on each of the calculated weights, the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature. Accordingly, the reference temperature in accordance with the situation can be automatically calculated, and the air-conditioning control can be performed based on the reference temperature. Therefore, the air-conditioning control in accordance with the situation can be automatically executed. (8) A control device according to an eighth aspect is the control device of (1) to (7), in which the air-conditioning condition is an operation mode indicating either cooling or heating and / or a magnitude of an air volume, and the space condition is a height of the space and / or an area of the space. In this manner, the reference temperature based on the operation mode, the air volume, and the height and area of the space can be calculated. (9) A control device according to a ninth aspect is the control device of (1) to (8), in which the control unit calculates the weight based on a setting table (Fig. 7) that defines a likelihood of temperature variation in a height direction of the space for each of the air-conditioning condition and the space condition. In this manner, it is possible to estimate the magnitude of the temperature unevenness occurring in the space A and to calculate the reference temperature based on the magnitude of the temperature unevenness. (10) An air-conditioning system according to a tenth aspect includes a high-place temperature sensor Th1 that detects a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature sensor Th2 that detects a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, a central temperature sensor Th3 that detects a temperature at an intermediate height in the space, an air-conditioner including an indoor unit provided in the space, and the control device of (1) to (9). In this manner, it is possible to perform appropriate air-conditioning with respect to the temperature unevenness in the height direction in the room. (11) An air-conditioning system according to an eleventh aspect is the air-conditioning system of (10), in which the high-place temperature sensor is provided in the air-conditioner, the central temperature sensor is provided in a remote control of the air-conditioner, and the low-place temperature sensor is provided in a refrigerant leakage detector. Accordingly, in an environment where the remote control and the refrigerant leakage detector which have the temperature sensor are installed, it is not necessary to additionally provide the temperature sensor. (12) A control method according to a twelfth aspect is a control method for an air-conditioner, the method including: a step of acquiring a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space; and a step of controlling the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature. (13) A program according to a thirteenth aspect causes a computer that controls an air-conditioner, to execute a step of acquiring a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space, and a step of controlling the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature. Industrial Applicability

[0071] According to the control device, the air-conditioning system, the control method, and the program described above, it is possible to perform appropriate control with respect to variation in temperature distribution in a height direction in a room.Reference Signs List

[0072] 1: air-conditioner 2: indoor unit 3: outdoor unit 4: refrigerant pipe 5: fan 6: louver 7: remote control 8: refrigerant leakage detector 9: refrigerant sensor 10: control device 11: sensor information acquisition unit 12: setting receiving unit 13: control unit 14: storage unit Th1, Th2, Th3: temperature sensor

Claims

1. A control device for an air-conditioner, the control device comprising: a temperature information acquisition unit that acquires a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space; and a control unit that controls the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature.

2. The control device according to Claim 1, wherein the control unit operates a fan included in an indoor unit of the air-conditioner when a first temperature difference, which is a temperature difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature, is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value or when a second temperature difference, which is a temperature difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature, is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value.

3. The control device according to Claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control of increasing an air volume compared to before and directing a louver downward when operating the fan.

4. The control device according to Claim 2 or 3, wherein in a case where a difference between the high-place temperature and the low-place temperature or a difference between the central temperature and the low-place temperature after operating the fan is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the control unit does not operate the fan even when the first temperature difference is equal to or greater than the first threshold value or when the second temperature difference is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

5. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit performs a cooling operation or a heating operation based on a reference temperature calculated from the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature, and a set temperature.

6. The control device according to Claim 5, further comprising: a setting receiving unit that receives setting of a weight for each of the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature in the calculation of the reference temperature.

7. The control device according to Claim 5, wherein the control unit calculates a weight for each of the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature based on an air-conditioning condition and / or a space condition, and calculates the reference temperature based on each of the calculated weights, the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature.

8. The control device according to Claim 7, wherein the air-conditioning condition is an operation mode indicating either cooling or heating and / or a magnitude of an air volume, and the space condition is a height of the space and / or an area of the space.

9. The control device according to Claim 7, wherein the control unit calculates the weight based on a setting table that defines a likelihood of temperature variation in a height direction of the space for each of the air-conditioning condition and the space condition.

10. An air-conditioning system comprising: a high-place temperature sensor that detects a temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned; a low-place temperature sensor that detects a temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space; a central temperature sensor that detects a temperature at an intermediate height in the space; an air-conditioner including an indoor unit provided in the space; and the control device according to Claim 1 or 2.

11. The air-conditioning system according to Claim 10, wherein the high-place temperature sensor is provided in the air-conditioner, the central temperature sensor is provided in a remote control of the air-conditioner, and the low-place temperature sensor is provided in a refrigerant leakage detector.

12. A control method for an air-conditioner, the method comprising: a step of acquiring a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space; and a step of controlling the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature.

13. A program causing a computer that controls an air-conditioner, to execute: a step of acquiring a high-place temperature on a ceiling side of a space to be air-conditioned, a low-place temperature in a vicinity of a floor of the space, and a central temperature at an intermediate height in the space; and a step of controlling the air-conditioner based on the high-place temperature, the low-place temperature, and the central temperature.

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