Evaluation device, evaluation method, and program

Abstract

This evaluation device comprises: an extraction unit that extracts, from time-series data obtained by measuring the temperature of a control target of a heat source device, an element included in a monitoring section from a prescribed start condition to an end condition of temperature control; an estimation unit that, on the basis of the extracted element, estimates a dead time estimation value of a response of the temperature with respect to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value of a first-order lag response; and an evaluation unit that creates evaluation information about the heat source device based on at least one of the dead time estimation value and the time constant estimation value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and a program. Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-174187, filed on October 6, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0002] PTL 1 discloses a monitoring system that focuses on a fact that a time taken to reach a load set value (set temperature) is prolonged due to aging deterioration or a malfunction of an air conditioner, and determines that the malfunction of the air conditioner has occurred in a case where a difference between a set temperature and a room temperature does not reach an allowable value within a predetermined reach time from a start of operation.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-106929Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] The time from the start of operation to the reach of the set temperature varies depending on various factors such as an operation mode (cooling operation or heating operation), a decrease in air conditioning performance, and clogging of a filter. Therefore, in a case where the evaluation is performed using the time (measured value) until the set temperature is reached as an indicator, it may be difficult to accurately evaluate whether or not there is a deterioration in performance or an abnormality in the air conditioner.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an evaluation device, an evaluation method, and a program that can provide evaluation information capable of more accurately evaluating whether or not there is a deterioration in performance or an abnormality in a heat source device.Solution to Problem

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an evaluation device includes an extraction unit that extracts an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device, an estimation unit that estimates a dead time estimation value of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element, and an evaluation unit that creates evaluation information of the heat source device based on at least one of the dead time estimation value and the time constant estimation value.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an evaluation method includes a step of extracting an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device, a step of estimating a dead time estimation value of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element, and a step of creating evaluation information of the heat source device based on at least one of the dead time estimation value and the time constant estimation value.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a program causes an evaluation device to execute a process including a step of extracting an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device, a step of estimating a dead time estimation value of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element, and a step of creating evaluation information of the heat source device based on at least one of the dead time estimation value and the time constant estimation value.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0009] According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide evaluation information capable of more accurately evaluating whether or not there is a deterioration in performance or an abnormality in the heat source device.Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of estimating thermal response parameters according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data of an indoor temperature according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an evaluation process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of evaluation information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of assignment of explanatory variables and level categories according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of use of the evaluation information according to the first embodiment. Description of Embodiments<First Embodiment>

[0011] Hereinafter, the evaluation method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the evaluation method according to the present embodiment can be applied to control of various heat source devices such as an air conditioner, a water heater, and a chiller, hereinafter, an example will be described in which the evaluation method according to the present embodiment is applied to the air conditioner.(Overall Configuration of Air Conditioning System)

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 1 and a terminal device 20. The air conditioner 1 includes an outside air temperature sensor 2, an indoor temperature sensor 3, a memory 4, an indoor unit 5, and an outdoor unit 6. The outside air temperature sensor 2 and the indoor temperature sensor 3 are connected to an evaluation device 10, and the evaluation device 10 acquires the temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 2 and the indoor temperature sensor 3. The indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 6 are connected to the evaluation device 10, and the evaluation device 10 detects an operation state of the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 6. The indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 6 are controlled by a control device (not shown) according to a set condition such as a set temperature and an airflow rate set by a user. The evaluation device 10 and the terminal device 20 are communicably connected to each other via a network NW. The terminal device 20 is a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet, or a computer such as a server, which is used by a service engineer such as a manufacturer or a maintenance provider of the air conditioner 1.(Functional Configuration of Evaluation Device)

[0014] The evaluation device 10 is, for example, a computer including a central processing unit (CPU), such as a microcomputer or a micro processing unit (MPU). The evaluation device 10 includes an information acquisition unit 11, an extraction unit 12, a division unit 13, an estimation unit 14, an evaluation unit 15, an alarm unit 16, and a communication unit 17.

[0015] The 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. In addition, the operation state of the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 6 is acquired. The operation state includes an ON or OFF state of the air conditioner 1, an operation mode (cooling operation or heating operation), and a set condition such as a set temperature and an airflow rate.

[0016] The extraction unit 12 extracts an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to a predetermined end condition of air conditioning control by the air conditioner 1 from time-series data of the indoor temperature of an indoor space (air-conditioning target space) in which the air conditioner 1 is provided.

[0017] The division unit 13 divides elements of the valid interval into elements of a first-order delay response and elements of a dead time, the elements of the first-order delay response including, in a cooling operation, elements of the valid interval from a point at which the indoor temperature starts to decrease and, in a heating operation, elements of the valid interval from a point at which the indoor temperature starts to increase, and the elements of the dead time including elements of the valid interval other than the elements of the first-order delay response.

[0018] The estimation unit 14 estimates a length of the dead time as a dead time estimation value L, and estimates a time constant estimation value τ at which a curve approximation error with respect to the indoor temperature in the section of the first-order delay response is minimized. The parameter including the time constant estimation value τ of the first-order delay and the dead time estimation value L is also referred to as a thermal response parameter.

[0019] The evaluation unit 15 creates evaluation information of the air conditioner 1 based on at least one of the dead time estimation value L and the time constant estimation value τ.

[0020] The alarm unit 16 issues an alert in a case where a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the air conditioner 1 is determined based on the evaluation information.

[0021] The communication unit 17 communicates with the terminal device 20. For example, the communication unit 17 transmits the evaluation information created by the evaluation unit 15 to the terminal device 20. In addition, the communication unit 17 may transmit the alert of the alarm unit 16 to the terminal device 20.(Process of Estimating Thermal Response Parameters)

[0022] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of a process of estimating the thermal response parameters according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Here, a flow of the process of estimating the thermal response parameters by the evaluation device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The evaluation device 10 repeatedly executes the series of processes shown in FIG. 2 for each predetermined control cycle (for example, every 50 ms) while the air conditioner 1 is operating. In addition, during this period, the information acquisition unit 11 sequentially acquires the sensor measured value or the set condition of the outside air temperature, the indoor temperature, the airflow rate, or the like from the outside air temperature sensor 2, the indoor temperature sensor 3, the indoor unit 5, or the like.

[0024] First, the extraction unit 12 determines whether or not the start condition of the monitoring interval is satisfied (step S100). The monitoring interval is an interval for monitoring (extracting and holding) data in order to estimate the thermal response parameters in the air conditioning control of the air conditioner 1. For example, the extraction unit 12 determines that the start condition of the monitoring interval is satisfied when the indoor unit 5 is switched to ON or when the set temperature is changed.

[0025] When the start condition is not satisfied (step S100; NO), the extraction unit 12 ends the process. On the other hand, when the start condition is satisfied (step S100; YES), the extraction unit 12 starts extracting and holding necessary information (step S101). Thereafter, the extraction unit 12 records the measured value (time-series data) of the indoor temperature in a buffer secured in the memory 4 for each predetermined control cycle. In addition, the extraction unit 12 records the operation mode (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 1 and the explanatory variable used in the evaluation process described later in the memory 4 only when the recording of the indoor temperature is started. The explanatory variable is, for example, a time when the holding of the measured value is started, the outside air temperature, the airflow rate of the indoor unit 5, and a temperature gap between the indoor temperature and the set temperature.

[0026] Next, the extraction unit 12 determines whether or not the predetermined end condition is satisfied (step S102). For example, the extraction unit 12 determines that the end condition is satisfied when the buffer reaches an end (upper limit number or upper limit amount of time-series data), when the indoor unit 5 is switched to OFF, or when the set temperature is changed.

[0027] When the end condition is not satisfied (step S102; NO), the extraction unit 12 temporarily ends the process. In this case, the holding of the time-series data of the indoor temperature is continuously performed. Accordingly, the indoor temperature in each step of the control cycle is extracted and held in the buffer until the extraction unit 12 determines that the end condition is satisfied. On the other hand, when the end condition is satisfied (step S102; YES), the extraction unit 12 further determines whether or not the monitoring interval is a valid interval (step S103).

[0028] For example, the extraction unit 12 determines that the monitoring interval is not valid (step S103; NO) when the time-series data does not satisfy a predetermined criterion (that is, it is difficult to estimate the thermal response parameters based on the time-series data), such as when the length of the data (time-series data of the indoor temperature) recorded in the buffer is less than a threshold value or when the indoor temperature does not reach the set temperature until the buffer end is achieved. In this case, the extraction unit 12 clears the buffer (step S106), and ends the process. On the other hand, when the time-series data satisfies the criterion, the extraction unit 12 determines that the monitoring interval is valid (step S103; YES).

[0029] Next, the division unit 13 divides the time-series data of the monitoring interval into the dead time element and the first-order delay element (step S104).

[0030] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of time-series data of an indoor temperature according to the first embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 3 shows an example of the time-series data of the indoor temperature in a heating operation. In the example of FIG. 5, the extraction unit 12 extracts and records the time-series data of the indoor temperature in the monitoring interval from a time t0 to a time t2. The division unit 13 first specifies the element portion of the first-order delay response from the time-series data. For example, the division unit 13 uses, in the heating operation, the elements in the monitoring interval from the point at which the indoor temperature starts to increase as elements of the first-order delay response. More specifically, the division unit 13 searches for an extreme value (a minimum value in the heating operation) from the time-series data, and determines that the indoor temperature starts to increase in a case where the indoor temperature increases by a predetermined temperature (for example, 1°C) or more from the extreme value. In this case, the division unit 13 uses the extreme value immediately before the indoor temperature starts to increase as a boundary point, and uses the elements from the boundary point as the element of the first-order delay response. In the example of FIG. 3, the indoor temperature increases by the predetermined temperature or more from the minimum value from the time t1. Therefore, the division unit 13 sets the element at the time t1 immediately before the indoor temperature starts to increase as the boundary point, and views the element from the time t1 to the time t2 as the element of the first-order delay response.

[0032] Similarly, the division unit 13 uses, in the cooling operation, the elements in the monitoring interval from the point at which the indoor temperature starts to decrease as the elements of the first-order delay response. More specifically, the division unit 13 detects an extreme value (a maximum value in the cooling operation) from the time-series data, and determines that the indoor temperature starts to decrease in a case where the indoor temperature decreases by a predetermined temperature (for example, 1°C) or more from the extreme value.

[0033] In addition, the division unit 13 uses elements in the monitoring interval other than the elements of the first-order delay response as elements of the dead time. In the example of FIG. 3, the division unit 13 uses elements before the time t1 as the elements of the dead time.

[0034] Next, the estimation unit 14 estimates the thermal response parameters (step S105). The estimation unit 14 according to the present embodiment estimates the length of the dead time and the time constant of the first-order delay response as the thermal response parameters.

[0035] First, the estimation unit 14 obtains the length (the number of array elements) of the dead time divided by the division unit 13 from the time-series data as the dead time estimation value L. In the example of FIG. 3, the estimation unit 14 obtains the time from the time t0 to the time t1 as the dead time estimation value L.

[0036] In addition, the estimation unit 14 estimates the time constant τ of the first-order delay response based on the elements of the first-order delay response. For example, the estimation unit 14 performs a simulation (curve approximation) of the temporal change in the indoor temperature for each assumed value of the time constant while sequentially changing the assumed value of the time constant in increments of a certain time (for example, 1 minute) from the lower limit value to the upper limit value. Various known techniques may be used for the simulation. The estimation unit 14 obtains an error between an approximate curve for each assumed value of the time constant obtained by the simulation and the measured value (the first-order delay response portion of the time-series data divided by the division unit 13), and sets the assumed value of the time constant at which the error is minimized as the time constant estimation value τ.

[0037] The estimation unit 14 stores the thermal response parameters including the dead time estimation value L and the time constant estimation value τ in the memory 4 in association with the operation mode and the explanatory variable that are recorded earlier (step S106). Thereafter, the estimation unit 14 clears the buffer (step S107), and ends the process.(Evaluation Process)

[0038] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the evaluation process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a first diagram showing an example of the evaluation information according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of assignment of the explanatory variables and level categories according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the use of the evaluation information according to the first embodiment.

[0039] Here, a flow of processing of the evaluation device 10 evaluating the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. The evaluation device 10 executes the series of processes shown in FIG. 4 at each predetermined evaluation cycle. The evaluation cycle may be any cycle such as one month or one year.

[0040] First, the evaluation unit 15 extracts data for an evaluation target period from the thermal response parameter estimation value (the dead time estimation value L and the time constant estimation value τ of the first-order delay response) stored in the memory 4 (step S200). For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that July 2022 is the evaluation target period. In this case, the evaluation unit 15 extracts and acquires the combination of the thermal response parameter estimation value and the explanatory variable estimated in July 2022 from the memory 4.

[0041] Next, the evaluation unit 15 creates evaluation information D1 of the evaluation target period based on the extracted data (step S201). The evaluation information D1 includes at least an average value of the time constant estimation value τ of the first-order delay response in the evaluation target period. In addition, the evaluation information D1 may further include a standard deviation of the time constant estimation value τ of the first-order delay response, an average value of the dead time estimation value L, and a standard deviation of the dead time estimation value L, each calculated in the evaluation target period. The created evaluation information D1 is stored in the memory 4. In addition, the created evaluation information D1 may be transmitted to the terminal device 20 with identification information (air conditioner ID, manufacturing number, or the like) capable of specifying the air conditioner 1 attached thereto. In this case, the evaluation information D1 for each air conditioner received from the evaluation device 10 is stored in the terminal device 20.

[0042] The operation mode or the set condition (explanatory variable) varies depending on the evaluation target period. Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, in a case where the airflow rate and the outside air temperature are used as the explanatory variables 1 and 2, the evaluation unit 15 sets the level category corresponding to the set value or the measurement of each explanatory variable in advance. In addition, as shown in FIG. 5, the evaluation unit 15 may count the number of samples of the thermal response parameter for each operation mode and for each combination of the level categories of the explanatory variables 1 and 2, and calculate average values and standard deviations of the time constant estimation value τ and the dead time estimation value L based on the estimation value of the thermal response parameter belonging to the combination having the largest number of samples. In this way, the estimation value having a large number of samples and a relatively high reliability can be used for the evaluation. In the example of FIG. 5, the combination of the level 3 of the explanatory variable 1 and the level 4 of the explanatory variable 2 has the largest number of samples. In this case, the evaluation unit 15 extracts only the estimation value of the thermal response parameter belonging to the combination from the estimation values of the thermal response parameters stored in the memory 4, and calculates the average values and the standard deviations of the time constant τ and the dead time L. In another embodiment, the evaluation unit 15 may calculate the average values and the standard deviations of the time constant τ and the dead time L based on the estimation values of all the thermal response parameters in the evaluation target period, after weighting according to the number of samples of each combination.

[0043] In addition, the alarm unit 16 determines whether or not there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality in the air conditioner 1 based on the evaluation information D1 (step S202).

[0044] For example, the alarm unit 16 compares each of the average value of the time constant estimation value τ, the standard deviation of the time constant estimation value τ, the average value of the dead time estimation value L, and the standard deviation of the dead time estimation value L with the threshold value for each parameter. In a case where any one parameter (for example, the average value of the time constant estimation value τ) exceeds the threshold value, or in a case where two or more predetermined parameters (for example, both the average value of the time constant estimation value τ and the estimation value of the dead time estimation value L) exceed the threshold value, the alarm unit 16 determines that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality in the air conditioner 1 (step S202; YES). Any one of the four parameters may be set to be used for the determination. In addition, in a case of using a plurality of parameters for the determination, it may be arbitrarily set whether or not to determine that there is a decrease in performance in a case where any one of the parameters exceeds the threshold value (the OR condition is satisfied) or whether or not to determine that there is a decrease in performance in a case where all the threshold values exceed the threshold value (the AND condition is satisfied).

[0045] In another embodiment, the alarm unit 16 may determine whether or not there is a deterioration in performance or an abnormality based on whether or not each parameter is in an increasing trend, instead of whether or not each parameter exceeds the threshold value. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the alarm unit 16 compares the latest evaluation information D1 with the past evaluation information D1 (for example, the evaluation information D1 in each month of the same year or the evaluation information D1 in the same month of the previous year) stored in the memory 4 to determine whether or not each parameter is in an increasing trend. The alarm unit 16 determines that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality in a case where the amount or the rate of increase from the previous month of the same year or from the same month of the previous year exceeds the upper limit value set for each parameter. Although FIG. 7 shows an example of the average value and the standard deviation of the time constant estimation value τ, the dead time estimation value L may be similarly used for the determination.

[0046] In a case where it is determined that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality in the air conditioner 1 (step S202; NO), the alarm unit 16 ends the process. On the other hand, in a case where it is determined that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality in the air conditioner 1 (step S202; YES), the alarm unit 16 issues an alert (step S203). For example, the alarm unit 16 may notify the user that maintenance of the air conditioner 1 is necessary by turning on a indicator lamp of the indoor unit 5. In addition, the alarm unit 16 may notify the service engineer such as the manufacturer or the maintenance provider of the air conditioner 1 that maintenance of the air conditioner 1 is necessary by issuing an alert to the terminal device 20. In this case, the service engineer may refer to the evaluation information D1 of the air conditioner 1 stored in the terminal device 20 to speculate on the trouble spot or the like of the air conditioner 1, and make proposals such as maintenance (repair or part replacement), replacement to the user.

[0047] In FIG. 4, the example has been described in which the alarm unit 16 of the evaluation device 10 determines whether or not there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the air conditioner 1 based on the evaluation information D1; however, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the service engineer may determine whether or not there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the air conditioner 1 based on the evaluation information D1.

[0048] The service engineer reads out the evaluation information D1 of a certain air conditioner 1 from the terminal device 20, and determines whether or not there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the air conditioner 1 (step S202). For example, the terminal device 20 presents the service engineer with data (a graph or the like) that can compare the evaluation information D1 of each month of the same year and the same month of the previous year, for example as shown in FIG. 7. The service engineer determines whether or not there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the air conditioner 1 while referring to this data. The determination method may be the same as the method of the alarm unit 16 described above.

[0049] In addition, the time constant and the dead time of the first-order delay response are affected by different physical phenomena of the air conditioner 1, respectively. For example, the time constant of the first-order delay response is affected by deterioration in air conditioning performance or an abnormality of the air conditioner 1. That is, the average value may exhibit an increasing trend due to aging deterioration or an abnormality of a heat medium system or the like that affects the air conditioning performance of the air conditioner 1, or the standard deviation may vary. In addition, the dead time may increase due to aging deterioration or an abnormality of a mechanical system of the air conditioner 1. Therefore, the service engineer may speculate on not only the deterioration in performance or the abnormality of the air conditioner 1 itself but also the trouble spot of the air conditioner 1 by individually checking the average value or the standard deviation of the time constant estimation value τ or the dead time estimation value L based on these findings, and may propose maintenance or replacement to the user.

[0050] In addition, in a case where it is determined that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality in the air conditioner 1 (step S202; YES), the service engineer issues an alert to the air conditioner 1, a portable terminal owned by the user of the air conditioner 1, or the like through the terminal device 20 (step S203). The service engineer may notify the user that maintenance (part replacement) or replacement is required by using other various methods such as a phone call, e-mail, and a home visit.(Operations and Effects)

[0051] As described above, the evaluation device 10 according to the present embodiment includes the extraction unit 12 that extracts an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of air conditioning control by the air conditioner 1 from time-series data in which the indoor temperature is measured, the estimation unit 14 that estimates the dead time estimation value L of the response of the indoor temperature to the air conditioning control and the time constant estimation value τ of the first-order delay response based on the extracted element, and the evaluation unit 15 that creates the evaluation information D1 of the air conditioner 1 based on at least one of the dead time estimation value L and the time constant estimation value τ.

[0052] As described above, the evaluation device 10 can provide the evaluation information D1 that individually evaluates the dead time of the thermal response of the air conditioner 1 and the first-order delay response. As described above, the time constant and the dead time of the first-order delay response are affected by different physical phenomena of the air conditioner 1, respectively. Therefore, for example, it is possible for a service engineer to speculate on the deterioration in performance or the abnormality of the air conditioner 1, the trouble spot, and the like more accurately than simply observing the time taken to reach the set temperature.

[0053] In addition, the evaluation unit 15 creates the evaluation information D1 including at least one of the average value of the dead time estimation value L, the standard deviation of the dead time estimation value, the average value of the time constant estimation value τ, or the standard deviation of the time constant estimation value τ in the predetermined evaluation period.

[0054] In general, in the abnormality detection or the failure prediction, a large number of sensor values such as pressure and temperature of each unit need to be comprehensively monitored, which imposes a large burden on the monitor (service engineer). On the other hand, since the evaluation device 10 can provide the evaluation information D1 that allows the state of the deterioration in performance or the abnormality of the air conditioner 1 to be quantitatively and easily intuitively understood, the load on the service engineer can be reduced by the evaluation information D1.

[0055] In addition, the evaluation device 10 further includes the alarm unit 16 that issues an alert in a case where it is determined that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the air conditioner 1 based on the evaluation information D1.

[0056] In this way, the evaluation device 10 can quickly notify the user or the service engineer of the presence or absence of the decrease in performance or the abnormality of the air conditioner 1. The user or the service engineer can take measures such as performing maintenance before the air conditioner 1 actually fails by knowing the presence or absence of the decrease in performance.<Another Embodiment>

[0057] The embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the above description, and various design changes and the like can be made. That is, in another embodiment, the order of the above processes may be changed as appropriate. Further some of the processes may be executed in parallel.

[0058] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration example has been described in which the evaluation device 10 is provided inside the air conditioner 1, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the evaluation device 10 may be provided in an external server or a terminal device 20 used by the service engineer. In this case, the evaluation device 10 collects the sensor measured value, the operation mode, the set condition, and the like of each air conditioner 1 for each predetermined cycle in association with identification information of the air conditioner 1. Then, the evaluation information D1 for each air conditioner 1 is created, and the presence or absence of the decrease in performance or the abnormality is determined by the processing of each functional unit described above. In addition, a part of the functional units (for example, the evaluation unit 15 and the alarm unit 16) of the evaluation device 10 may be separated and mounted on the terminal device 20. Even in such an aspect, the same effect as that of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.<Supplementary Note>

[0059] For example, the evaluation device, the evaluation method, and the program according to the above-described embodiments are understood as follows.

[0060] (1) According to a first aspect, an evaluation device includes an extraction unit 12 that extracts an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device 1, an estimation unit 14 that estimates a dead time estimation value L of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value τ of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element, and an evaluation unit 15 that creates evaluation information D1 of the heat source device 1 based on at least one of the dead time estimation value L and the time constant estimation value τ.

[0061] As described above, the evaluation device 10 can provide the evaluation information D1 that individually evaluates the dead time of the thermal response of the heat source device 1 and the first-order delay response. As described above, the time constant and the dead time of the first-order delay response are affected by different physical phenomena of the heat source device 1, respectively. Therefore, for example, it is possible for a service engineer to speculate on the deterioration in performance or the abnormality of the heat source device 1, the trouble spot, and the like more accurately than simply observing the time taken to reach the set temperature.

[0062] (2) According to a second aspect, in the evaluation device 10 according to the first aspect, the evaluation unit 15 creates the evaluation information D1 including at least one of an average value of the dead time estimation value L, a standard deviation of the dead time estimation value L, an average value of the time constant estimation value τ, and a standard deviation of the time constant estimation value τ, each calculated in a predetermined evaluation period.

[0063] In general, in the abnormality detection or the failure prediction, a large number of sensor values such as pressure and temperature of each unit need to be comprehensively monitored, which imposes a large burden on the monitor (service engineer). On the other hand, since the evaluation device 10 can provide the evaluation information D1 that allows the state of the deterioration in performance or the abnormality of the heat source device 1 to be quantitatively and easily intuitively understood, the load on the service engineer can be reduced by the evaluation information D1.

[0064] (3) According to a third aspect, the evaluation device 10 according to the first or second aspect further includes an alarm unit 16 that issues an alert in a case where it is determined that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the heat source device 1 based on the evaluation information D1.

[0065] In this way, the evaluation device 10 can quickly notify the user or the service engineer of the presence or absence of the decrease in performance or the abnormality of the air conditioner 1. The user or the service engineer can take measures such as performing maintenance before the heat source device 1 actually fails by knowing the presence or absence of the decrease in performance.

[0066] (4) According to a fourth aspect, an evaluation method includes a step of extracting an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device 1, a step of estimating a dead time estimation value L of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value τ of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element, and a step of creating evaluation information D1 of the heat source device 1 based on at least one of the dead time estimation value L and the time constant estimation value τ.

[0067] (5) According to a fifth aspect, a program causes an evaluation device 10 to execute a process including a step of extracting an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device 1, a step of estimating a dead time estimation value L of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value τ of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element, and a step of creating evaluation information D1 of the heat source device 1 based on at least one of the dead time estimation value L and the time constant estimation value τ.Industrial Applicability

[0068] According to the above-described aspect, it is possible to provide evaluation information capable of more accurately evaluating whether or not there is a deterioration in performance or an abnormality in the heat source device.Reference Signs List

[0069] 100: air conditioning system 1: air conditioner (heat source device) 2: outside air temperature sensor 3: indoor temperature sensor 4: memory 5: indoor unit 6: outdoor unit 10: evaluation device 11: information acquisition unit 12: extraction unit 13: division unit 14: estimation unit 15: evaluation unit 16: alarm unit 17: communication unit 20: terminal device

Claims

1. An evaluation device comprising: an extraction unit that extracts an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device; an estimation unit that estimates a dead time estimation value of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element; and an evaluation unit that creates evaluation information of the heat source device based on at least one of the dead time estimation value and the time constant estimation value.

2. The evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit creates the evaluation information including at least one of an average value of the dead time estimation value, a standard deviation of the dead time estimation value, an average value of the time constant estimation value, and a standard deviation of the time constant estimation value, each calculated in a predetermined evaluation period.

3. The evaluation device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: an alarm unit that issues an alert in a case where it is determined that there is a decrease in performance or an abnormality of the heat source device based on the evaluation information.

4. An evaluation method comprising: a step of extracting an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device; a step of estimating a dead time estimation value of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element; and a step of creating evaluation information of the heat source device based on at least one of the dead time estimation value and the time constant estimation value.

5. A program causing an evaluation device to execute a process comprising: a step of extracting an element included in a monitoring interval from a predetermined start condition to an end condition of temperature control from time-series data obtained by measuring a temperature of a control target of a heat source device; a step of estimating a dead time estimation value of a response of the temperature to the temperature control and a time constant estimation value of a first-order delay response to the temperature control based on the extracted element; and a step of creating evaluation information of the heat source device based on at least one of the dead time estimation value and the time constant estimation value.

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