Control device, air-conditioning system, and control method

Abstract

Provided is a control device for an air conditioner with which it is possible to improve user comfort and energy efficiency. This control device comprises: a setting reception unit that receives settings pertaining to a set temperature for a space being air-conditioned and to a set time at which the set temperature is to be reached; a prediction unit that predicts the time required to reach the set temperature; an inquiry unit that, before a time that precedes the set time by the prediction time, transmits inquiry information for inquiring as to whether air-conditioning based on the settings is to be executed; and a control unit that controls the air conditioner on the basis of a response to the inquiry information so that the air conditioner executes air-conditioning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control device, an air-conditioning system, and a control method. The present disclosure claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-022164, filed in Japan on February 16, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0002] A function called a pre-cooling mode is provided in which an operation of an air conditioner is automatically started before a set time designated by a user and a cooling operation is performed such that a room temperature reaches a set temperature by the set time (for example, PTL 1). By using this function to designate the user's return time as the set time, it is possible to cool home to a desired set temperature by the time the user returns home. However, the user's return time fluctuates depending on work circumstances and the like. In a case where the user returns home before the set time, the room temperature may not have reached the set temperature, which compromises comfort. In a case where the user returns home later than the set time, more power than necessary may be consumed.Citation ListPatent Literature

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

[0004] In a case where the user is prompted at an appropriate timing to confirm whether to actually execute air conditioning based on settings designated by the user and is allowed to make changes and the like, both comfort and energy efficiency can be achieved.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a control device, an air-conditioning system, and a control method capable of achieving the above-mentioned object.Solution to Problem

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control device including: a setting receiving unit that receives settings of a set temperature for an air-conditioned target space and a set time by which the set temperature is to be reached; a prediction unit that predicts an air conditioning prediction time required to reach the set temperature; an inquiry unit that transmits inquiry information for inquiring whether to execute air conditioning based on the settings for the air-conditioned target space, before a time obtained by subtracting the air conditioning prediction time from the set time; and a control unit that controls an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning based on the settings, in accordance with a response to the inquiry information.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an air-conditioning system including: an air conditioner; the control device; and a terminal device that is a transmission destination of the inquiry information.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a control method including: a step of receiving settings of a set temperature for an air-conditioned target space and a set time by which the set temperature is to be reached; a step of predicting an air conditioning prediction time required to reach the set temperature; a step of transmitting inquiry information for inquiring whether to execute air conditioning based on the settings for the air-conditioned target space, before a time obtained by subtracting the air conditioning prediction time from the set time; and a step of controlling an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning based on the settings, in accordance with a response to the inquiry information.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0009] With the control device, the air-conditioning system, and the control method described above, it is possible to achieve both user comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioner.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 illustrating a control method for the air-conditioning system in the embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of inquiry information in the embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the control method for the air-conditioning system in the embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the air-conditioning system in the embodiment. Description of Embodiments<Embodiment>

[0011] Hereinafter, a control method for an air-conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5.(Configuration of Air-Conditioning System)

[0012] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the air-conditioning system in one embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Fig. 1, an air-conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 1, a server 20, and a user terminal device 30. The air conditioner 1 includes an outside air temperature sensor 2, an indoor temperature sensor 3, 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 control device 10, the server 20, and the user terminal device 30 are communicably connected to each other 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, a control unit 13, and a communication unit 14.

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

[0015] The setting receiving unit 12 receives settings of a set temperature for an air-conditioned target space and a set time by which the set temperature is to be reached, and the like.

[0016] The control unit 13 controls a compressor, a valve, and the like (not shown) provided in the air conditioner 1 to execute air conditioning such that the set temperature can be reached at the set time. For example, the control unit 13 starts air conditioning slightly before a time obtained by subtracting a time required for air conditioning from the set time and performs a cooling operation or a heating operation such that the set temperature can be reached by the set time.

[0017] The communication unit 14 communicates with the server 20 or the user terminal device 30. For example, the communication unit 14 transmits the outside air temperature and the indoor temperature acquired by the sensor information acquisition unit 11 and the set time and the set temperature acquired by the setting receiving unit 12 to the server 20 and acquires a predicted value of an air conditioning time required to reach the set temperature (referred to as an air conditioning prediction time) from the server 20.(Configuration of Server)

[0018] The server 20 includes a prediction model creation unit 21, a prediction unit 22, an inquiry unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0019] The prediction model creation unit 21 creates a prediction model for predicting the air conditioning time required to bring the indoor temperature of the air-conditioned target space to the set temperature. For example, the prediction model creation unit 21 analyzes, based on past operation data of the air conditioner 1, how long it takes to reach the set temperature under various indoor and outside air temperatures, and creates a table, a function, or the like that defines a relationship among the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the set temperature, and the air conditioning time required to reach the set temperature. Alternatively, the prediction model creation unit 21 creates a prediction model using machine learning or the like, in which the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the set temperature, the set time, the month (such as August), the weather, and the like are used as explanatory variables and the air conditioning time required to reach the set temperature is used as an objective variable.

[0020] The prediction unit 22 predicts the air conditioning time (air conditioning prediction time) required to reach the set temperature, based on the outside air temperature, the indoor temperature, and the like measured by the air conditioner 1, and the prediction model, the table, the function, and the like created by the prediction model creation unit 21.

[0021] The inquiry unit 23 generates inquiry information for inquiring whether to execute air conditioning based on the set temperature and the set time received by the setting receiving unit 12, before a time obtained by subtracting the air conditioning prediction time from the set time, and transmits the generated inquiry information to the user terminal device 30 through the communication unit 24.

[0022] The communication unit 24 communicates with the control device 10, the user terminal device 30, various servers on the Internet, and the like. For example, the communication unit 24 receives the indoor temperature and the outside air temperature from the control device 10 and outputs these values to the prediction unit 22. For example, the communication unit 24 acquires weather forecast information and actual weather information from a server that distributes weather forecasts or actual weather records, and outputs the information to the prediction unit 22. The prediction unit 22 stores the temperature and weather information acquired through the communication unit 24. The information is used to predict the air conditioning prediction time.(Configuration of User Terminal Device)

[0023] The user terminal device 30 is configured as a mobile terminal such as a smartphone and is used by the user to set the set temperature, the set time, and the like. The user terminal device 30 includes a display unit 31. The display unit 31 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 31 displays the inquiry information transmitted by the inquiry unit 23, in addition to a setting screen of the set temperature or the set time. A touch panel that detects contact is installed on a surface of the display unit 31, and the display unit 31 has an input function. The display unit 31 receives an input of the set temperature or the set time, or an input of a response to the inquiry information. The setting information and the response input by the user are transmitted from the user terminal device 30 to the control device 10. Alternatively, the response and the like may be transmitted to the control device 10 via the server 20. The setting receiving unit 12 of the control device 10 acquires the transmitted response through the communication unit 14 and sets an air conditioning start time, which is a time to start air conditioning, based on the acquired response. When the air conditioning start time set by the setting receiving unit 12 is reached, the control unit 13 controls the air conditioner 1 to start air conditioning such that the set temperature can be reached at the set time.

[0024] The configuration illustrated in Fig. 1 is an example. For example, the prediction unit 22 and the inquiry unit 23 may be provided in the control device 10, and only the creation of the prediction model, which requires a large amount of calculation, may be performed by the server 20, while the calculation of the air conditioning prediction time and the inquiry to the user may be performed by the control device 10.(Inquiry Function)

[0025] Next, the inquiry function and air conditioning control of the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 2 and 3. The inquiry function is a function of confirming with the user whether to execute air conditioning based on the set temperature and the set time set by the user. In response to the inquiry, in a case where the air conditioning is performed as set, the user provides a response to execute the air conditioning as set, and the user can change the set temperature or the set time in a case where there are any changes to the set temperature or the set time, and can cancel the settings in a case where air conditioning is not performed.

[0026] For example, it is assumed that the user sets the set temperature to 24°C and the set time to 10:00. The inquiry unit 23 performs a first inquiry, for example, when a time earlier than 10:00, which is the set time, by a predetermined time set with sufficient margin (for example, more than half a day before the set time) is reached. Fig. 3 shows an example of the inquiry information transmitted by the inquiry unit 23 to the user terminal device 30. The inquiry information is output to the display unit 31. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the inquiry information displays the current date and time (May 18, 16:04), the current indoor temperature (29°C), the current outside air temperature (31°C), the set temperature (24°C), the set time (10:00), and the air conditioning prediction time required to reach the set temperature (30 minutes). The "30 minutes" of the air conditioning prediction time is a time output by the prediction model in a case where the prediction unit 22 inputs, into the prediction model created by the prediction model creation unit 21, the indoor temperature and the outside air temperature around 9:00 to 10:00 on the day (May 18), the month (May), the weather (for example, the weather forecast value around 9:00 to 10:00 on the following day (May 19)), the set temperature (24°C), the set time (10:00), and the like. In response to the inquiry, when the user taps "Execute", the user terminal device 30 transmits a response indicating that air conditioning is to be executed along with the air conditioning prediction time of 30 minutes to the control device 10. In the control device 10, the setting receiving unit 12 acquires the response indicating "air conditioning prediction time of 30 minutes" and "Execute" and sets the start of air conditioning to a time that is at least 30 minutes before the set time of 10:00 and sufficiently earlier to avoid unnecessary power consumption of air conditioning (for example, 9:25 on the following day, which is obtained by subtracting 35 minutes from 10:00) ("air conditioning prediction time + α" in Fig. 3) such that the set temperature can be reached at the set time ("air conditioning start time" in Fig. 3). With these settings, the control unit 13 starts air conditioning at 9:25 on the following day.

[0027] When the user taps "Change", the user terminal device 30 displays the setting screen (not shown) for the set temperature and the set time. For example, when there is a change in the time of arrival at the air-conditioned target space, the user can change the set time on the setting screen. In a case where there is a change in the set temperature with the change in the set time, the user can change the set temperature on the setting screen. When the set temperature or the set time is updated, the user terminal device 30 transmits the updated set time or set temperature to the control device 10 and the server 20. In the control device 10, the setting receiving unit 12 acquires the updated set time and the like and overwrites the previous set temperature or set time with the updated information. In the server 20, the prediction unit 22 acquires the updated set temperature or set time, inputs the updated set temperature, set time, or the like into the prediction model, and re-predicts the air conditioning prediction time. The inquiry unit 23 generates inquiry information including the updated set temperature, set time, and air conditioning prediction time and transmits the generated inquiry information to the user terminal device 30. This allows the user to be reminded of new settings, air conditioning time, and the like.

[0028] When the user taps "Cancel", the user terminal device 30 transmits a cancellation of the air conditioning based on the set temperature and the set time to the control device 10. In the control device 10, the setting receiving unit 12 acquires this information and sets not to execute air conditioning to reach the set temperature by the set time. Consequently, air conditioning for the next time (May 19) is not executed. Then, on the following day, inquiry information is transmitted again to ask whether to perform an operation of bringing the room temperature to 24 degrees at 10:00 on the following day.

[0029] The user can close an inquiry screen illustrated in Fig. 3 without tapping any of "Execute", "Change", or "Cancel". In this case, in the control device 10, the execution of the air conditioning based on the set temperature and the set time is put on hold (that is, the air conditioning is not executed as it is).

[0030] Next, the inquiry unit 23 performs a second inquiry when a predetermined time has elapsed since the first inquiry, or when a time obtained by subtracting a predetermined time from the air conditioning start time or the set time is reached. The prediction unit 22 inputs, into the prediction model, predicted values of the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, and the weather, and the like near the set time at a point in time when the second inquiry is performed, and calculates the air conditioning prediction time. For example, in a case where the day on which the first inquiry is performed is sunny and the outside air temperature is high around 9:00 to 10:00, and the day on which air conditioning is to be performed is cloudy and the outside air temperature around 9:00 to 10:00 is lower than that on the previous day, the air conditioning time of 30 minutes predicted at the time of the first inquiry may be longer than the actual time required. The prediction unit 22 inputs, into the prediction model, for example, the indoor temperature or the outside air temperature around 9:00 to 10:00 on a recent cloudy day (for example, in a case where the day before the previous day is cloudy in the acquired daily weather information, the indoor temperature and the outside air temperature measured around 9:00 to 10:00 on the day before the previous day by the indoor temperature sensor 3 and the outside air temperature sensor 2) and updates the air conditioning prediction time. The inquiry unit 23 transmits the inquiry information including the updated air conditioning prediction time to the user terminal device 30. When the user terminal device 30 acquires the inquiry information, the user terminal device 30 outputs the inquiry information to the display unit 31.

[0031] The inquiry unit 23 may perform an inquiry to the user at the second time or later or before the second time. For example, in a case where there is a possibility that the air conditioning prediction time predicted when the previous inquiry is performed may change due to a sudden change in the weather or the outside air temperature, or the like, the inquiry unit 23 transmits the inquiry information including the latest air conditioning prediction time by the prediction unit 22 to the user terminal device 30. For example, the prediction unit 22 inputs, at predetermined time intervals, the indoor temperature and the outside air temperature around 9:00 to 10:00, the month, the weather, the set temperature, the set time, and the like into the prediction model, and predicts the air conditioning prediction time. The inquiry unit 23 performs an inquiry when a difference between the currently predicted air conditioning prediction time and the previously predicted air conditioning prediction time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. As a result, it is possible to start air conditioning based on a more accurate air conditioning prediction time.

[0032] In the above-described example, the first inquiry is executed more than half a day before the set time, but the first inquiry may be performed slightly before the air conditioning start time. The timing of the first and second inquiries may be freely set by the user. For example, the user sets the first and second inquiry times using the user terminal device 30. The setting receiving unit 12 receives the settings of the inquiry times and transmits information on the inquiry times set by the user to the server 20. In the server 20, the inquiry unit 23 acquires the information and performs an inquiry when the time set by the user is reached. The number of inquiries may be one or may be three or more. The timing of each inquiry may be set by the user. For example, the convenience for the user can be improved by enabling the user to set a convenient time as the timing of the first or second inquiry.

[0033] In a case where the user does not set the inquiry time, the inquiry unit 23 may be configured to automatically perform the first inquiry slightly before the air conditioning start time (slightly before a time that is set earlier than the air conditioning start time to avoid unnecessary power consumption due to air conditioning execution, for example, 5 to 10 minutes before the air conditioning start time). Alternatively, the prediction unit 22 may predict the air conditioning prediction time at a time earlier than the air conditioning start time or the set time, by a time within a range considered not to affect the prediction of the air conditioning prediction time (a time range in which no further changes in the temperature and the like are expected, for example, 10 to 30 minutes before the air conditioning start time or the set time), and immediately thereafter, the inquiry unit 23 may transmit the inquiry information including the air conditioning prediction time most recently predicted by the prediction unit 22.

[0034] In a case where the user repeatedly closes the inquiry screen without tapping any of "Execute", "Change", or "Cancel", the air conditioning is not started even when the air conditioning start time is reached. In that case, the inquiry unit 23 may perform an inquiry even after the air conditioning start time. For example, the inquiry unit 23 may execute an n-th inquiry immediately before the air conditioning start time and execute an n+1-th inquiry when a predetermined time has elapsed from the air conditioning start time. If the user selects "Execute" in response to the n+1-th inquiry, it is possible to bring the indoor temperature close to the set temperature, although the set temperature is not reached by the set time.(Operation)

[0035] Next, the flow of the inquiry and the air conditioning control will be described with reference to Fig. 4.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for the air-conditioning system in the embodiment.

[0037] First, the prediction model creation unit 21 creates the prediction model that outputs the air conditioning prediction time (step S1). The prediction model creation unit 21 creates the prediction model based on the past operation data of the air conditioner 1, the indoor temperature, the outside air temperature, the weather information, and the like. The prediction model creation unit 21 outputs the created prediction model to the prediction unit 22. Next, the user sets the set temperature and the set time on the user terminal device 30 (step S2). The user terminal device 30 transmits the set temperature and the set time, which have been set, to the control device 10, and the setting receiving unit 12 acquires and stores the set temperature and the set time. Next, when it becomes X hours before the set time (for example, half a day before the set time), the prediction unit 22 predicts the air conditioning prediction time (step S3). Next, the inquiry unit 23 executes the first inquiry including the air conditioning prediction time predicted in step S3 and the like (step S4). The inquiry unit 23 transmits the inquiry information to the user terminal device 30. The user terminal device 30 displays the inquiry information. The user inputs the response to the first inquiry into the user terminal device 30. The setting receiving unit 12 of the control device 10 acquires the response to the first inquiry (step S5). In a case where "Execute" is acquired, the setting receiving unit 12 sets the air conditioning start time. In a case where "Change" is acquired, the setting receiving unit 12 updates the set temperature or the set time, which has been previously set, with the changed set temperature or set time. In a case where "Cancel" is acquired, the setting receiving unit 12 sets not to perform air conditioning. The same applies to the n-th inquiry.

[0038] Next, the inquiry unit 23 determines whether the inquiry condition has been satisfied (step S6). For example, the inquiry unit 23 determines that the inquiry condition has been satisfied when the n-th inquiry time is reached. For example, when the air conditioning prediction time periodically predicted by the prediction unit 22 significantly fluctuates, the inquiry unit 23 determines that the inquiry condition has been satisfied. When it is determined that the inquiry condition has not been satisfied (step S6; No), the process proceeds to step S10. When it is determined that the inquiry condition has been satisfied (step S6; Yes), the prediction unit 22 re-predicts the air conditioning prediction time based on the latest temperature, weather information, and the like (step S7). The inquiry unit 23 transmits the inquiry information including the re-predicted air conditioning prediction time to the user terminal device 30 and performs the n-th inquiry (step S8). The user inputs the response to the n-th inquiry into the user terminal device 30. The setting receiving unit 12 of the control device 10 acquires the response to the n-th inquiry (step S9).

[0039] Next, the control unit 13 determines whether the air conditioning start time has arrived (step S10). The control unit 13 determines whether the air conditioning start time set by the setting receiving unit 12 has arrived in response to the user's "Execute" response. When the air conditioning start time has arrived (step S10; Yes), the control unit 13 starts the air conditioning based on the set temperature and the set time set by the user (step S11). When the air conditioning start time has not arrived (step S10; No), or when there is no "Execute" response from the user and the air conditioning start time is not set, the process from step S6 is repeatedly executed.(Effects)

[0040] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in air conditioning control (for example, a pre-cooling mode) in which air conditioning is automatically started before the set time and the indoor temperature is brought to the set temperature by the set time, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption without compromising user comfort. Since the time required to bring the indoor temperature to the set temperature can be understood, user convenience is improved. By reminding the user of the set temperature or the set time set by the user, it is possible to prevent the user from forgetting that the settings have been made, and it is possible to provide an opportunity to change or cancel the settings in a case where it is necessary to further change or cancel the settings.

[0041] In the prediction model of the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the air conditioning prediction time is predicted based on using 100% of the capacity of the air conditioner 1 so that the prediction time is minimized. However, a prediction model may be created to predict an air conditioning prediction time for minimizing power consumption, for example, by using actual power consumption values as explanatory variables. Consequently, for example, in the example of Fig. 3, in a case where the air conditioning prediction time, which has been predicted to be 30 minutes, is predicted to be, for example, 90 minutes (using only 50% of the air conditioning capacity), the air conditioning can be started 90 minutes before 10:00, thereby realizing minimization of power consumption without compromising comfort. When such a prediction model is used for the air conditioning of a multi-air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, the following effects can be obtained. In the multi-air conditioner, for example, there may be cases where the connection of indoor units equivalent to 150% of the capacity is permitted. In this case, when indoor units equivalent to 150% of the capacity are actually connected, sufficient capacity may not be allocated to each indoor unit, and depending on the air conditioning load of each indoor unit, user comfort may be compromised. On the other hand, when the inquiry function of the present embodiment is applied using the prediction model that outputs the air conditioning prediction time for realizing minimization of power consumption, the air conditioning time is long, but the capacity allocated to each indoor unit can be reduced. Therefore, even when indoor units equivalent to 150% of the capacity are connected, the set temperature can be reached by the set time set for each indoor unit, and user comfort is not compromised.

[0042] In the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the control method of the present embodiment is applied to the air-conditioning system. However, the present embodiment can also be applied to control in cases such as heating water with a water heater or cooling a target with a refrigerator.

[0043] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the air-conditioning system according to each embodiment.

[0044] 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 mentioned above are implemented in the computer 900. Each of the functions mentioned above is stored in the auxiliary storage device 903 in the form of a program. The CPU 901 reads the program from the auxiliary storage device 903, loads the program into the main storage device 902, and executes the above-described processing 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 data being processed in the auxiliary storage device 903 in accordance with the program.

[0045] A program for implementing all or some of the functions of the control device 10 and the server 20 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the processing by each functional unit may be performed by reading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system and executing the program. The term "computer system" as used herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. The term "computer system" also includes a homepage providing environment (or a display environment) in a case where a WWW system is used. The term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media 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 via a communication line, the computer 900 that receives the distribution may load the program into the main storage device 902 and execute the above-described processing. The above-described program may be for implementing only a part of the above-mentioned functions, or may also be capable of implementing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system.

[0046] As described above, several embodiments according to the present disclosure have been described, but all of these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made within the scope of the invention that does not depart from its gist. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included within the scope and the gist of the invention and are also included within the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalents thereof.<Supplementary Notes>

[0047] The control device, the air-conditioning system, and the control method described in each embodiment are understood, for example, as follows.

[0048] (1) According to a first aspect, a control device includes: a setting receiving unit that receives settings of a set temperature for an air-conditioned target space and a set time by which the set temperature is to be reached; a prediction unit that predicts an air conditioning prediction time required to reach the set temperature; an inquiry unit that transmits inquiry information for inquiring whether to execute air conditioning based on the settings for the air-conditioned target space, before a time obtained by subtracting the air conditioning prediction time from the set time; and a control unit that controls an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning based on the settings, in accordance with a response to the inquiry information.

[0049] As a result, air conditioning that achieves both user comfort and energy efficiency becomes possible.

[0050] (2) According to a second aspect, in the control device according to (1), the prediction unit performs prediction of the air conditioning prediction time at a time earlier than a start time of the air conditioning based on the settings, by a time within a range considered not to affect the prediction, and the inquiry unit transmits the inquiry information including a result of the prediction before the start time of the air conditioning based on the settings.

[0051] By predicting the air conditioning prediction time based on the temperature immediately before the start of air conditioning and the like and setting the air conditioning start time, it is possible to accurately realize air conditioning that achieves both user comfort and energy efficiency.

[0052] (3) According to a third aspect, in the control device according to (1) and (2), the inquiry unit initially performs the inquiry at a time earlier than the set time by a predetermined time.

[0053] For example, the convenience can be improved by setting the first reminder to be performed at a time convenient for the user.

[0054] (4) According to a fourth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (3), the inquiry unit performs the inquiry in a case where there is a possibility that the air conditioning prediction time predicted in the inquiry that has been performed may change.

[0055] As a result, it is possible to enhance prediction accuracy of the air conditioning prediction time and accurately realize air conditioning that achieves both user comfort and energy efficiency.

[0056] (5) According to a fifth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (4), the inquiry unit performs the inquiry when a predetermined time has elapsed since the initial inquiry.

[0057] For example, the convenience can be improved by setting the reminder to be performed at a time convenient for the user.

[0058] (6) According to a fifth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (5), the prediction unit predicts a time required to reach the set temperature, based on a temperature of the air-conditioned target space, an outside air temperature, the set time, a target month for air conditioning, and the set temperature.

[0059] As a result, the air conditioning prediction time can be predicted.

[0060] (7) According to a seventh aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (6), the inquiry unit transmits the air conditioning prediction time together with the inquiry information.

[0061] As a result, the time required to bring the indoor temperature to the set temperature can be understood, user convenience is improved.

[0062] (8) According to an eighth aspect, in the control device according to (1) to (7), the inquiry unit transmits information for guiding a change in the set temperature or the set time, together with the inquiry information.

[0063] As a result, since the user can change the set temperature or the set time without forgetting the set temperature or the set time, user convenience is improved.

[0064] (9) According to a ninth aspect, an air-conditioning system includes: an air conditioner; the control device according to (1) to (8); and a terminal device that is a transmission destination of the inquiry information.

[0065] (10) According to a tenth aspect, a control method includes: a step of receiving settings of a set temperature for an air-conditioned target space and a set time by which the set temperature is to be reached; a step of predicting an air conditioning prediction time required to reach the set temperature; a step of transmitting inquiry information for inquiring whether to execute air conditioning based on the settings for the air-conditioned target space, before a time obtained by subtracting the air conditioning prediction time from the set time; and a step of controlling an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning based on the settings, in accordance with a response to the inquiry information.Industrial Applicability

[0066] With the control device, the air-conditioning system, and the control method described above, it is possible to achieve both user comfort and energy efficiency of the air conditioner.Reference Signs List

[0067] 100: air-conditioning system 1: air conditioner 2: outside air temperature sensor 3: indoor temperature sensor 10: control device 11: sensor information acquisition unit 12: setting receiving unit 13: control unit 14: communication unit 20: server 21: prediction model creation unit 22: prediction unit 23: inquiry unit 24: communication unit 30: user terminal device 31: display 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 set temperature for an air-conditioned target space and a set time by which the set temperature is to be reached; a prediction unit that predicts an air conditioning prediction time required to reach the set temperature; an inquiry unit that transmits inquiry information for inquiring whether to execute air conditioning based on the settings for the air-conditioned target space, before a time obtained by subtracting the air conditioning prediction time from the set time; and a control unit that controls an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning based on the settings, in accordance with a response to the inquiry information.

2. The control device according to Claim 1, wherein the prediction unit performs prediction of the air conditioning prediction time at a time earlier than a start time of the air conditioning based on the settings, by a time considered not to affect the prediction, and the inquiry unit transmits the inquiry information including a result of the prediction before the start time of the air conditioning based on the settings.

3. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the inquiry unit initially performs the inquiry at a time earlier than the set time by a predetermined time.

4. The control device according to Claim 3, wherein the inquiry unit performs the inquiry in a case where there is a possibility that the air conditioning prediction time predicted in the inquiry that has been performed may change.

5. The control device according to Claim 3, wherein the inquiry unit performs the inquiry when a predetermined time has elapsed since the initial inquiry.

6. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the prediction unit predicts a time required to reach the set temperature, based on a temperature of the air-conditioned target space, an outside air temperature, the set time, a target month for air conditioning, and the set temperature.

7. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the inquiry unit transmits the air conditioning prediction time together with the inquiry information.

8. The control device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the inquiry unit transmits information for guiding a change in the set temperature or the set time, together with the inquiry information.

9. An air-conditioning system comprising: an air conditioner; the control device according to Claim 1 or 2; and a terminal device that is a transmission destination of the inquiry information.

10. A control method comprising: a step of receiving settings of a set temperature for an air-conditioned target space and a set time by which the set temperature is to be reached; a step of predicting an air conditioning prediction time required to reach the set temperature; a step of transmitting inquiry information for inquiring whether to execute air conditioning based on the settings for the air-conditioned target space, before a time obtained by subtracting the air conditioning prediction time from the set time; and a step of controlling an air conditioner to execute the air conditioning based on the settings, in accordance with a response to the inquiry information.

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