Control device, heat source system, and control method

Abstract

Provided is a control method for a fan of a heat source device capable of achieving a set temperature by a set time. The control device comprises: a setting reception unit that receives setting of a set temperature for a target whose temperature is adjusted by a heat source device and a set time when the set temperature should be achieved; a calculation unit that calculates, for each of a plurality of rotation speeds, an operation time required to achieve the set temperature when a fan provided to the heat source device is operated at a prescribed one of the rotation speeds, and selects the rotation speed at which the set temperature can be achieved by the set time, among the plurality of the rotation speeds, on the basis of the operation time calculated for each of the rotation speeds; and a control unit that operates the heat source device while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, a heat source system, and a control method. The present disclosure claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-022435 filed in Japan on February 16, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0002] Provided is a function called a pre-cooling mode in which an operation of an air conditioner is automatically started before a setting time designated by a user, and a cooling operation is performed such that a room temperature reaches a setting temperature until the setting time (for example, PTL 1). When this function is used, the user designates a time at which the user returns his or her home to the setting time. In this manner, his or her home can be cooled to a desired setting temperature when the user returns his or her home. In the pre-cooling mode, an air conditioning time required for achieving the setting temperature varies depending on various conditions such as an air volume of an indoor unit fan. Therefore, in order to improve operation accuracy in the pre-cooling mode, it is necessary to consider a fan rotation speed. For example, when a cooling operation is performed in the pre-cooling mode, unless settings of the air volume are intentionally changed, the indoor unit fan is often operated without any change in the settings of the air volume when the indoor unit fan is previously stopped. Depending on the settings of the air volume set when the indoor unit fan is previously stopped, there is a possibility that the setting temperature cannot be achieved until the setting time.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-94505Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] It is necessary to control a fan to achieve the setting temperature until the setting time by performing an operation of the fan in view of the air volume of the fan.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a control device, a heat source system, and a control method, which can solve the above-described problems.Solution to Problem

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control device includes a setting receiving unit that receives settings of a setting temperature of a target whose temperature is adjusted by a heat source device and a setting time by which the setting temperature is to be achieved, a calculation unit that calculates an operation time required for achieving the setting temperature when a fan included in the heat source device is operated at a predetermined rotation speed, for a plurality of the rotation speeds, and that selects the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time, from the plurality of rotation speeds, based on the operation time for each of the calculated rotation speeds, and a control unit that operates the heat source device while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a heat source system includes a heat source device and the control device.

[0008] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, a control method includes a step of receiving settings of a setting temperature of a target whose temperature is adjusted by a heat source device and a setting time by which the setting temperature is to be achieved, a step of calculating an operation time required for achieving the setting temperature when a fan included in the heat source device is operated at a predetermined rotation speed, for a plurality of the rotation speeds, and selecting the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time, from the plurality of rotation speeds, based on the operation time for each of the calculated rotation speeds, and a step of operating the heat source device while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0009] According to the control device, the heat source system, and the control method which are described above, the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time.Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system in an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a prediction model in the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for the air conditioning system in the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the air conditioning system in the embodiment. Description of Embodiments<Embodiments>

[0011] Hereinafter, a fan control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. The control method of the present embodiment can be applied to control of fans of various heat source devices such as air conditioners, water heaters, and refrigerators. Hereinafter, a case where the control method is applied to the air conditioner will be described as an example.(Configuration of Air Conditioning System)

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an air conditioning system in the embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, an air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 1 and a server 20. An air conditioner 1 includes an outside air temperature sensor 2, an indoor temperature sensor 3, an indoor unit fan 4, a compressor 5, an outdoor unit fan 6, and a control device 10. The outside air temperature sensor 2 and the indoor temperature sensor 3 are connected to the control device 10, and the control device 10 acquires temperatures measured by the outside air temperature sensor 2 and the indoor temperature sensor 3. The indoor unit fan 4, the compressor 5, and the outdoor unit fan 6 are connected to the control device 10. The control device 10 controls the indoor unit fan 4, the compressor 5, and the outdoor unit fan 6, and detects operation states thereof. For example, the control device 10 can operate each of the indoor unit fan 4, the compressor 5, and the outdoor unit fan 6 at a desired rotation speed, and can further measure rotation speeds thereof. The control device 10 and the server 20 are connected to be communicable via a network NW.(Configuration of Control Device)

[0013] The control device 10 includes a sensor information acquisition unit 11, a setting receiving unit 12, an arrival time calculation unit 13, a control unit 14, and a communication unit 15.

[0014] The sensor information acquisition unit 11 acquires an outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 2 and the indoor temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 3.

[0015] The setting receiving unit 12 receives settings of a setting temperature of an air conditioning target space and a setting time by which the setting temperature is to be achieved.

[0016] The arrival time calculation unit 13 calculates a time (referred to as an arrival time) until an indoor temperature of an air conditioning target space reaches a setting temperature and a power consumption required at the arrival time, when the indoor unit fan 4 is operated at a certain rotation speed X. For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 calculates the arrival time, based on a prediction model, a table, a function, and the like which are created by a prediction model creation unit 21 (to be described later), and operation conditions such as the outside air temperature and the indoor temperature which are measured by the air conditioner 1. For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 calculates the power consumption required for achieving the setting temperature by adding up values obtained by multiplying the arrival time by consumed power corresponding to the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, consumed power corresponding to the rotation speed of the compressor 5, consumed power corresponding to the rotation speed of the outdoor unit fan 6, and the like. The arrival time calculation unit 13 determines the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, based on the calculated arrival time and the calculated power consumption. For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 selects the rotation speed at which the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time, and determines whether to operate the indoor unit fan 4 at the selected rotation speed. Alternatively, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may select the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized from the rotation speeds at which the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time, or may change the rotation speed after the operation starts. For example, the following configuration is conceivable. The indoor unit fan 4 is first operated at a high speed to achieve the setting temperature early. Thereafter, the setting temperature for switching the rotation speed to a low speed is maintained, the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized is selected from the rotation speeds at which the setting temperature can be achieved first, and the rotation speed is switched to a higher rotation speed when necessary according to a subsequent situation.

[0017] The control unit 14 controls the indoor unit fan 4, the compressor 5, the outdoor unit fan 6, and the like, based on the temperatures or the like measured by the outside air temperature sensor 2 and the indoor temperature sensor 3, and performs air conditioning such that the setting temperature can be achieved at the setting time. For example, the control unit 14 starts the air conditioning at a time obtained by subtracting the arrival time calculated by the arrival time calculation unit 13 from the setting time, or slightly before the time, and performs a cooling operation or a heating operation such that the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time. In this case, the control unit 14 operates the indoor unit fan 4 at the rotation speed selected by the arrival time calculation unit 13.

[0018] The communication unit 15 communicates with the server 20. For example, as learning data required for creating the prediction model, the communication unit 15 transmits the outside air temperature and the indoor temperature which are acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 11, the rotation speeds of the indoor unit fan 4, the compressor 5, and the outdoor unit fan 6 which are measured by the control unit 14, and the setting time and the setting temperature which are acquired by the setting receiving unit 12, to the server 20. The communication unit 15 acquires the prediction model, the table, or the like used for calculating the arrival time from the server 20, and weather information used for calculating the arrival time. The control device 10 may directly acquire the weather information from a server on the Internet.(Configuration of Server)

[0019] The server 20 includes the prediction model creation unit 21 and a communication unit 22.

[0020] The prediction model creation unit 21 creates the prediction model for predicting a required arrival time for setting the indoor temperature of the air conditioning target space to the setting temperature, when the indoor unit fan 4 is operated at a certain rotation speed X. For example, the prediction model creation unit 21 analyzes how much time is required for achieving the setting temperature at any indoor temperature, any outside air temperature, and any rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, based on past operation data of the air conditioner 1, and creates a table, a function, or the like which defines a relationship among the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the setting temperature, the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, and the arrival time (when the operation starts). Alternatively, the prediction model creation unit 21 uses machine learning or the like to create the prediction model in which the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the setting temperature, the setting time (or a time zone for the air conditioning), an air conditioning target month (January, August, and the like, or season), the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, the rotation speed of the compressor 5, the rotation speed of the outdoor unit fan 6, the weather, and the like are explanatory variables, and the arrival time required for achieving the setting temperature is an objective variable (power consumption required for achieving the setting temperature may be added to the objective variable in addition to the arrival time).

[0021] The communication unit 22 communicates with the control device 10 and various servers or the like on the Internet. For example, the communication unit 22 receives the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the setting temperature, the setting time, the rotation speeds of the indoor unit fan 4, the compressor 5, and the outdoor unit fan 6, and the like from the control device 10, and outputs these values to the prediction model creation unit 21. The communication unit 22 acquires weather forecast information or actual result information from a server that distributes a weather forecast or an actual result, and outputs the acquired information to the prediction model creation unit 21, or transmits the acquired information to the control device 10. The communication unit 22 transmits the prediction model, the table, and the like which are created by the prediction model creation unit 21, to the control device 10.

[0022] The configuration shown in Fig. 1 is an example. For example, a function of calculating the arrival time and the power consumption in the arrival time calculation unit 13 may be provided in the server 20, a process requiring a large calculation amount, such as transmitting a calculation result thereof to the control device 10 may be performed by the server 20. Without providing the server 20, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may be configured to store a simple table or the like in which the arrival time and the power consumption of each fan rotation speed are determined for each of the setting temperature, the outside air temperature, and the indoor temperature of the air conditioning target space, and may be configured to calculate the arrival time and the power consumption, based on the table.(Prediction Model)

[0023] Fig. 2 shows an example of the prediction model. A first speed to a fourth speed in Fig. 2 represent an air volume and the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4. The first speed is a lowest rotation speed, and has a smallest air volume. As the number increases from the second speed, the third speed, and to the fourth speed, the rotation speed increases, and the air volume also increases. Basically, it is considered that the arrival time is shortened as the air volume increases. However, there may be an exception in which the arrival time is shortened at the third speed than at the fourth speed due to various conditions. As shown in the drawing, the prediction model is configured to calculate the arrival time and the power consumption (both are objective variables) under the operation condition for each of the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the setting temperature, the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, and the like (both are explanatory variables). Although omitted in the drawing, as the explanatory variables, information on the rotation speed of the compressor 5, the rotation speed of the outdoor unit fan 6, the month (season for the air conditioning), the setting time (time zone for the air conditioning), the weather, and the like may be added. The power consumption may be calculated separately instead of a value output by the prediction model. The power consumption is not a power amount consumed by the indoor unit fan 4, but a power amount consumed by the air conditioner 1 until the setting temperature is achieved, or a power amount consumed by representative devices (for example, the indoor unit fan 4, the compressor 5, and the outdoor unit fan 6) of the air conditioner 1.

[0024] The arrival time calculation unit 13 determines the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, based on the prediction model shown in Fig. 2 as an example. For example, it is assumed that a user sets the air conditioning in a pre-cooling mode at 11:30, such that the room temperature is 26°C at 12:00 on that day. The pre-cooling mode is an operation mode in which the operation is automatically started before the setting time designated by the user, and the cooling operation or the heating operation is performed such that the room temperature reaches the setting temperature until the setting time (although referred to as "pre-cooling", a target of the pre-cooling mode in the present specification is not only the cooling operation but also the heating operation). It is assumed that the indoor temperature of the air conditioning target space is 33 degrees and the outside air temperature is 35 degrees at 11:30. The arrival time calculation unit 13 calculates a difference between the current time 11:30 and the setting time 12:00. The arrival time calculation unit 13 selects the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 such that the setting temperature can be achieved within the calculated 30 minutes, based on the prediction model. In a case of the first speed, the arrival time is 40 minutes, and when the air conditioning starts from now, the air conditioning is not completed until the setting time. Therefore, the arrival time calculation unit 13 selects the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 from the second speed to the fourth speed. (A) For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may select the lowest rotation speed (in this example, the second speed) from the rotation speeds, or may select the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized, by comparing power consumptions (w21, w31, w41) at the second speed to the fourth speed. Alternatively, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may select the rotation speed (for example, the fourth speed) at which the setting temperature is achieved earliest, or the rotation speed (for example, the second speed) at which the setting temperature is achieved latest. (B) Alternatively, the arrival time is 30 minutes at the second speed, and the arrival time is exactly 12:00 designated by the user. Therefore, for example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may select the lowest rotation speed (in this example, the third speed) in the rotation speeds that satisfy a condition that the setting temperature can be achieved 5 minutes before the setting time, or may select the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized. (C) For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may select the second speed at which the setting temperature can be achieved at an initially set setting time, and thereafter, may compare a remaining time until 12:00 and the arrival time based on the prediction model each time while monitoring the temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 3 at a predetermined time interval, and may change the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4. For example, it is assumed that the operation is started at the second speed at 11:30, and the indoor temperature is 32°C and the outside air temperature is 35°C at 11:35 after 5 minutes. The arrival time calculation unit 13 calculates the arrival time of 26 minutes, based on the remaining time of 25 minutes, the conditions of the indoor temperature of 32 degrees, the outside air temperature of 35 degrees, the rotation speed of the second speed, and the prediction model in Fig. 2. Since the remaining time is 25 minutes, when the operation is continued as it is at the second speed, the operation is not completed until the setting time. Therefore, the arrival time calculation unit 13 calculates the arrival times of the other first speed, third speed, and fourth speed, and selects the rotation speed at which the operation is completed until the setting time, from the calculated arrival times. In this case, the arrival time calculation unit 13 selects either the third speed or the fourth speed. For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may select the lowest rotation speed, may select the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized, may select the rotation speed at which the setting temperature can be achieved in view of a greatest margin, or may select the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achieved latest. The arrival time calculation unit 13 regularly calculates the remaining time thereafter, and determines the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 from the rotation speeds at which the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time. When the indoor temperature at 11:35 is 31°C and the outside air temperature is 35°C, the arrival time is 22 minutes whereas the remaining time is 25 minutes. Therefore, the arrival time calculation unit 13 does not need to change the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 from the second speed. (D) Alternatively, when the user can select an "energy saving mode" or an "achievement priority mode", and the user selects the "energy saving mode", the arrival time calculation unit 13 may use a method for selecting the rotation speed at which the power consumption is smallest in the description of (A) or (B) to determine the rotation speed at timings such as (a) when the user sets the setting temperature or the setting time, (b) when the air conditioning starts (when the pre-cooling mode is set at a time having no margin at the setting time as in a case of this example), or (c) 1 to 2 hours before the setting time (it is considered that most of the setting temperatures can be achieved within 1 to 2 hours), and may maintain the rotation speed even after the operation starts (there is a possibility that the operation is not completed until the setting time due to a change in the outside air temperature or the like). When the user selects the "achievement mode", the operation may be performed while appropriately switching the rotation speeds by using the method described in (C). (E) The rotation speeds may be switched multiple times in a stepwise manner. For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 performs a simulation in advance, and creates a schedule in which the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time set in advance. For example, when the air conditioning starts or at a timing of 1 to 2 hours before the setting time, the arrival time calculation unit 13 sets the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, and the like at that time, as operation conditions. The arrival time calculation unit 13 predicts a change in the indoor temperature when the indoor unit fan 4 is operated for every predetermined time in order of the fourth speed, the third speed, the second speed, and the first speed or in order of the first speed, the second speed, the third speed, and the fourth speed, from the prediction model in Fig. 2, and creates a schedule in which the setting temperature can be achieved. The control unit 14 operates the indoor unit fan 4 in accordance with the schedule. The order of the rotation speeds described above is an example, and the configuration is not limited thereto.

[0025] In the air conditioning control in a generally provided pre-cooling mode, the air volume of the indoor unit fan 4 is not sufficiently considered. For example, in some cases, the fan is rotated while the fan rotation speed when the fan is previously stopped is continued as it is. Therefore, the setting temperature cannot be achieved until the setting time, thereby causing a possibility that the comfort of the user is impaired. Depending on users, the setting of the setting temperature or the setting time is only a guideline, and in some cases, the operation for suppressing the power consumption may be more important than strictly achieving the setting temperature until the setting time. According to the present embodiment, in accordance with needs of the user, any of an operation for achieving the setting temperature until the setting time, an operation for suppressing the power consumption, and an operation for satisfying both the operations can be realized through the control of the indoor unit fan 4.(Operation)

[0026] Next, a flow of the control in the pre-cooling mode operation to which the air volume control of the indoor unit fan 4 according to the present embodiment is applied will be described with reference to Fig. 3.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for the air conditioning system in the embodiment.

[0028] First, the prediction model creation unit 21 creates the prediction model that outputs the arrival time (Step S11). The prediction model creation unit 21 creates the prediction model, based on past operation data of the air conditioner 1, for example, the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4, the rotation speed of the compressor 5, the rotation speed of the outdoor unit fan 6, the power consumption of the air conditioner 1, the arrival time, and the like, which are provided in a time-series manner. The prediction model creation unit 21 transmits the created prediction model to the control device 10 through the communication unit 22. In the control device 10, the arrival time calculation unit 13 acquires and stores the transmitted prediction model. The prediction model may be configured to output the arrival time and the power consumption, or may be configured to output only the arrival time. When the prediction model is configured to output only the arrival time, the power consumption for each air volume of the indoor unit fan 4 may be calculated by the prediction model creation unit 21, or the arrival time calculation unit 13 may calculate the power consumption for each air volume of the indoor unit fan 4 from the rotation speed or the like of the compressor 5 which is input to the prediction model and the arrival time output by the prediction model.

[0029] Next, the user sets the setting temperature and the setting time in the control device 10 by using a remote controller (not shown), a smartphone, or the like (Step S12). The setting receiving unit 12 acquires and stores the setting temperature and the setting time. Next, the arrival time calculation unit 13 sets the fan rotation speed and the air conditioning start time (Step S13). For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 inputs the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the weather, the time zone, the month, and a rated rotation speed of the compressor 5, a rated rotation speed of the outdoor unit fan 6, and the rotation speeds (first to fourth speeds) of the indoor unit fan 4 to the prediction model, (a) when the user sets the setting temperature or the setting time, (b) when the air conditioning starts, or (c) 1 to 2 hours before the setting time, and calculates the arrival time and the power consumption for each rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4. Alternatively, the arrival time calculation unit 13 may be configured to store a table in which the arrival time and the power consumption for each rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 are associated with each other for each of the setting temperature, the outside air temperature, and the indoor temperature, and may be configured to calculate the arrival time and the power consumption, based on the table. For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 selects the rotation speed at which the power consumption is smallest in the rotation speeds at which the operation is completed until the setting time. The arrival time calculation unit 13 sets a time obtained by subtracting the arrival time corresponding to the selected fan rotation speed from the setting time set in Step S12, or a time slightly before the time, as the air conditioning start time. The arrival time calculation unit 13 outputs the selected rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 and the air conditioning start time to the control unit 14.

[0030] Next, when the air conditioning start time set in Step S13 is reached, the control unit 14 starts the air conditioning in the pre-cooling mode, based on the setting temperature and the setting time which are set by the user (Step S14). In this case, the control unit 14 operates the indoor unit fan 4 at the rotation speed determined in Step S13. When the air conditioning starts, the arrival time calculation unit 13 determines whether the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time at a predetermined time interval (Step S15). For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 calculates the remaining time until the setting time once in every few minutes, calculates the arrival time when the operation is continued as it is, based on the operation conditions such as the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, and the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 at that time and the prediction model, determines that the setting temperature cannot be achieved when the remaining time is shorter than the arrival time, and determines that the setting temperature can be achieved when the remaining time is longer than the arrival time. When it is determined that the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time (Step S15; Yes), the process proceeds to Step S17.

[0031] When it is determined that the setting temperature cannot be achieved until the setting time (Step S15; No), the arrival time calculation unit 13 changes the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 (Step S16). For example, the arrival time calculation unit 13 selects the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized from the rotation speeds at which the arrival time shorter than the remaining time is set. The arrival time calculation unit 13 outputs the selected rotation speed to the control unit 14. The control unit 14 switches the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 to the rotation speed acquired from the arrival time calculation unit 13.

[0032] Next, the control unit 14 determines whether the setting temperature is achieved (Step S17). When the setting temperature is not achieved (Step S17; No), the processes subsequent to Step S15 are repeatedly performed. When the setting temperature is achieved (Step S17; Yes), the control unit 14 switches the rotation speed to control such that the setting temperature can be maintained. For example, the control unit 14 may switch the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 4 to the lowest rotation speed.

[0033] In the flowchart in Fig. 3, a control example in which the "achievement modes" of (A) to (C) and (D) described above are combined has been described. Meanwhile, the "energy saving mode" of (D) may be applied as the control method of the indoor unit fan 4 (Steps S15 and S16 are not present in Fig. 3), or the control may be performed by using the method of (E).(Advantageous Effects)

[0034] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the indoor unit fan 4 can be operated with the air volume which can achieve the setting temperature until the setting time when the indoor unit fan 4 is operated in the pre-cooling mode. In this manner, a probability of achieving the setting temperature until the setting time can be improved. The indoor unit fan 4 can be operated at the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized while the operation is completed until the setting time. In this manner, unnecessarily consumed power can be suppressed without impairing the comfort of the user.

[0035] In the above-described embodiment, a case where the fan control method of the present embodiment is applied to the air conditioning system has been described. Meanwhile, a fan of a water heater or a fan of a refrigerator can be controlled by applying the present embodiment to a case where hot water is boiled by the water heater or a target is cooled by the refrigerator.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment.

[0037] 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. The control device 10 and the server 20 are mounted on the computer 900. Each of the functions described above is stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 in a form of a program. The CPU 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, expands the program in the main storage device 902, and performs the above-described processes in accordance with the program. The CPU 901 secures a storage area in the main storage device 902 in accordance with the program. The CPU 901 secures a storage area for storing currently processed data in the auxiliary storage device 903 in accordance with the program.

[0038] A program for realizing all or some functions of the control device 10 and the server 20 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The program recorded on the recording medium may be read by a computer system, and each functional unit may perform the process by executing the program. The "computer system" herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The "computer system" also includes a homepage providing environment (or display environment) when a WWW system is utilized. The "computer-readable recording medium" refers to a portable medium such as a CD, a DVD, and a USB, or a storage device such as a hard disk incorporated into the computer system. When 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 may perform the above-described processes. The above-described program may be used for realizing some of the above-described functions, or may be used for further realizing the above-described functions in combination with a program previously recorded in the computer system.

[0039] While certain embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made within the scope not departing from the concept of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope of the invention described in the appended claims and an equivalent scope thereof, as well as in the scope or the concept of the invention.<Additional Notes>

[0040] The control device, the heat source system, and the control method which are described in each embodiment are understood as follows, for example. (1) A control device according to a first aspect includes the setting receiving unit 12 that receives settings of the setting temperature of the target whose temperature is adjusted by the heat source device (air conditioner 1) and the setting time by which the setting temperature is to be achieved, the calculation unit (arrival time calculation unit 13) that calculates the operation time required for achieving the setting temperature when the fan included in the heat source device is operated at a predetermined rotation speed, for the plurality of rotation speeds, and that selects the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time, from the plurality of rotation speeds, based on the operation time for each of the calculated rotation speeds, and the control unit 14 that operates the heat source device while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed. In this manner, the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time. (2) As the control device according to a second aspect, in the control device of (1), the calculation unit calculates the remaining time until the setting time after the operation of the heat source device starts, determines whether the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time when the heat source device is operated, while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed as it is, and when the setting temperature is not achievable, the calculation unit newly selects a rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable. In this manner, even when the operation conditions are changed after the operation starts, the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time by quickly switching the fan rotation speeds. (3) As the control device according to a third aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (2), the calculation unit selects the rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized when the heat source device is operated, while rotating the fan at the rotation speed, from the rotation speeds at which the setting temperature is achievable. In this manner, not only can the setting temperature be achieved until the setting time, but also the fan rotation speed at which the power consumption is minimized can be calculated. The control for satisfying both the comfort of the user and the energy saving can be realized. (4) As the control device according to a fourth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (3), the calculation unit selects any one of the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achieved earliest, the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achieved latest, and the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable at a predetermined time before the setting time, from the rotation speeds at which the setting temperature is achievable. In this manner, the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time. (5) As the control device according to a fifth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (4), the calculation unit includes the prediction model that predicts the operation time, based on the predetermined operation condition of the heat source device, which includes the setting temperature and the rotation speed, and calculates the operation time, based on the prediction model. In this manner, the operation time (arrival time) according to the operation condition can be calculated. Since the operation time is accurately predicted, accuracy in achieving the setting temperature until the setting time can be improved. (6) As the control device according to a sixth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (5), the calculation unit includes the prediction model that predicts the operation time and the power consumption, based on the operation condition of the heat source device, which includes the setting temperature and the rotation speed, and calculates the operation time and the power consumption, based on the prediction model. In this manner, the operation time (arrival time) and the power consumption according to the operation condition can be calculated. Since the operation time and the power consumption are accurately calculated, control accuracy can be improved. (7) As the control device according to a seventh aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (6), the heat source device is any one of the air conditioner, the water heater, and the refrigerator. In this manner, the fans of the air conditioner, the water heater, and the refrigerator can be controlled to achieve the setting temperature until the setting time. (8) As the control device according to an eighth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (7), the heat source device is the air conditioner, and the control device further includes the prediction model that outputs the operation time required for achieving the setting temperature, based on the temperature of the air conditioning target space, the outside air temperature, the setting temperature, the setting time or the time zone including the setting time, the month of the air conditioning target, the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan of the air conditioner, the rotation speed of the compressor of the air conditioner, and the rotation speed of the outdoor unit fan of the air conditioner. In this manner, the operation time can be accurately predicted. Since the operation time is accurately predicted, the air conditioning in the pre-cooling mode can be accurately performed. (9) The heat source system (air conditioning system 100) according to a ninth aspect includes the heat source device (air conditioner 1), and the control device 10 according to (1) to (8). (10) A control method according to a tenth aspect includes a step of receiving settings of the setting temperature of the target whose temperature is adjusted by the heat source device and the setting time by which the setting temperature is to be achieved, a step of calculating the operation time required for achieving the setting temperature when the fan included in the heat source device is operated at a predetermined rotation speed, for the plurality of rotation speeds, and selecting the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time, from the plurality of rotation speeds, based on the operation time for each of the calculated rotation speeds, and a step of operating the heat source device while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed. Industrial Applicability

[0041] According to the control device, the heat source system, and the control method which are described above, the setting temperature can be achieved until the setting time.Reference Signs List

[0042] 100: air conditioning system 1: air conditioner 2: outside air temperature sensor 3: indoor temperature sensor 4: indoor unit fan 5: compressor 6: outdoor unit fan 10: control device 11: sensor information acquisition unit 12: setting receiving unit 13: arrival time calculation unit 14: control unit 15: communication unit 20: server 21: prediction model creation unit 22: communication unit 900: computer 901: CPU 902: main storage device 903: auxiliary storage device 904: input / output interface 905: communication interface

Claims

1. A control device comprising: a setting receiving unit that receives settings of a setting temperature of a target whose temperature is adjusted by a heat source device and a setting time by which the setting temperature is to be achieved; a calculation unit that calculates an operation time required for achieving the setting temperature when a fan included in the heat source device is operated at a predetermined rotation speed, for a plurality of the rotation speeds, and that selects the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time, from the plurality of rotation speeds, based on the operation time for each of the calculated rotation speeds; and a control unit that operates the heat source device while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed.

2. The control device according to Claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates a remaining time until the setting time after an operation of the heat source device starts, determines whether the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time when the heat source device is operated, while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed as it is, and when the setting temperature is not achievable, the calculation unit newly selects a rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable.

3. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit selects the rotation speed at which a power consumption is minimized when the heat source device is operated, while rotating the fan at the rotation speed, from the rotation speeds at which the setting temperature is achievable.

4. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit selects any one of the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achieved earliest, the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achieved latest, and the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable at a predetermined time before the setting time, from the rotation speeds at which the setting temperature is achievable.

5. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the calculation unit includes a prediction model that predicts the operation time, based on an operation condition of the heat source device, which includes the setting temperature and the rotation speed, and calculates the operation time, based on the prediction model.

6. The control device according to Claim 3, wherein the calculation unit includes a prediction model that predicts the operation time and the power consumption, based on an operation condition of the heat source device, which includes the setting temperature and the rotation speed, and calculates the operation time and the power consumption, based on the prediction model.

7. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat source device is any one of an air conditioner, a water heater, and a refrigerator.

8. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat source device is an air conditioner, and the control device further comprises a prediction model that outputs an operation time required for achieving the setting temperature, based on a temperature of an air conditioning target space, an outside air temperature, the setting temperature, the setting time or a time zone including the setting time, a month of an air conditioning target, a rotation speed of an indoor unit fan of the air conditioner, a rotation speed of a compressor of the air conditioner, and a rotation speed of an outdoor unit fan of the air conditioner.

9. A heat source system comprising: a heat source device; and the control device according to Claim 1 or 2.

10. A control method comprising: a step of receiving settings of a setting temperature of a target whose temperature is adjusted by a heat source device and a setting time by which the setting temperature is to be achieved; a step of calculating an operation time required for achieving the setting temperature when a fan included in the heat source device is operated at a predetermined rotation speed, for a plurality of the rotation speeds, and selecting the rotation speed at which the setting temperature is achievable until the setting time, from the plurality of rotation speeds, based on the operation time for each of the calculated rotation speeds; and a step of operating the heat source device while rotating the fan at the selected rotation speed.

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