Air conditioning system, control method for air conditioning system, and program

Abstract

This air conditioning system comprises: an outdoor unit; a plurality of indoor units that are each provided with a heat exchanger connected to the outdoor unit via a medium circuit through which a heat medium flows, and that each exchange heat between indoor air and the heat medium which is supplied from a compressor via the medium circuit; an outdoor temperature sensor that detects the outdoor temperature where the outdoor unit is installed; an outdoor unit control device that controls operation of the outdoor unit; and indoor unit control devices that are provided to the plurality of indoor units and that control the operation of the indoor units in accordance with set temperatures which are set externally. The outdoor unit control device includes a setting unit that, on the basis of correlation information which indicates a correlation of a reference pressure saturation temperature and outdoor temperatures and which is set in advance, acquires, as a reference pressure saturation temperature, a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor, and that, on the basis of the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature, sets a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting output of the compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-176452 filed in Japan on October 12, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0002] In an air conditioning system in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, the outdoor unit performs medium supply according to a load demand level of air conditioning exhibited by each indoor unit by controlling a rotation speed of a compressor provided in the outdoor unit (for example, see PTL 1).Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] International Publication No. WO2014 / 103028Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] Meanwhile, in the plurality of indoor units, the load demand levels from the plurality of indoor units may vary depending on an environment of a room in which each indoor unit is installed, a preference of a user of the room, and the like. Therefore, the outdoor unit performs the operation of the compressor such that the medium supply to the plurality of indoor units can be performed in a state in which there is sufficient margin with respect to the load demand level from the plurality of indoor units.

[0005] As a result, the medium having a significantly higher capacity than the load demand level is supplied from the indoor unit side. As a result, a difference between a temperature of the medium flowing through the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and the room temperature is large, and it is necessary to perform the heat exchange in the heat exchanger by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF in order to adjust the indoor temperature to the set temperature. As a result, the room temperature frequently fluctuates, and it is difficult to stably adjust the room temperature to the set temperature.

[0006] In addition, the outdoor unit side needs to output in a state in which there is sufficient margin with respect to the load demand level from the plurality of indoor units, and there is room for improvement in the operation efficiency.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioning system, a control method of an air conditioning system, and a program that can perform temperature adjustment in an indoor unit in a more detailed manner and increase an operation efficiency.Solution to Problem

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problem, an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit including a compressor that compresses a heat medium, a plurality of indoor units that are connected to the outdoor unit through a medium circuit through which the heat medium flows and that include a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the heat medium supplied from the compressor through the medium circuit and indoor air, an outdoor temperature sensor that detects an outdoor temperature at a location where the outdoor unit is installed, an outdoor unit control device that controls an operation of the outdoor unit and an indoor unit control device that is provided in each of the plurality of indoor units and that controls an operation of the indoor unit according to a set temperature set from outside, in which the outdoor unit control device includes a setting unit that acquires a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and that sets a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of the compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0009] A control method for an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit including a compressor and a plurality of indoor units, the control method including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of the compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0010] A program according to the present disclosure causes a computer of an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit including a compressor and a plurality of indoor units to execute a process including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of the compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0011] According to the air conditioning system, the control method of the air conditioning system, and the program according to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform temperature adjustment in an indoor unit in a more detailed manner and increase an operation efficiency.Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an indoor control device of the air conditioning system. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an outdoor control device of the air conditioning system. FIG. 4 is an example of correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature during cooling operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an upper limit value of a plurality of stages of pressure saturation temperatures according to an energy saving level during cooling operation. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a control method in the outdoor control device. FIG. 7 is an example of correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature during heating operation. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an upper limit value of a plurality of stages of pressure saturation temperatures according to an energy saving level during heating operation. Description of Embodiments

[0013] Hereinafter, an aspect for implementing the air conditioning system, the control method of the air conditioning system, and the program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment only.(Configuration of Air Conditioning System)

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 1 includes one outdoor unit 2 and a plurality of indoor units 3.(Configuration of Outdoor Unit)

[0015] The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors of a building. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 3 through a connection pipe 5. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 21, a condenser (not shown), a fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), a switching valve (not shown), an outdoor temperature sensor 25, a pressure sensor 27, and an outdoor unit control device 50.

[0016] The compressor 21, the condenser, the fan, the expansion valve, and the switching valve are provided on a medium circuit (not shown). The compressor 21 compresses a heat medium (so-called refrigerant) flowing through a heat medium pipe constituting the medium circuit. The condenser performs heat exchange between the outdoor air and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium pipe. The fan sends the external air to the condenser. The expansion valve expands the heat medium that has passed through the condenser. The switching valve switches a flow of the heat medium in the medium circuit to switch between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0017] The outdoor temperature sensor 25 detects an outdoor (outside) temperature at a location where the outdoor unit 2 is installed. The pressure sensor 27 detects a pressure of the heat medium in the compressor 21. The pressure sensor 27 includes a suction side sensor 27a that detects a pressure of the heat medium on a suction side of the compressor 21 during cooling operation, and a discharge side sensor 27b that detects a pressure of the heat medium on a discharge side of the compressor 21 during heating operation.(Configuration of Indoor Unit)

[0018] Each of the plurality of indoor units 3 is installed in an indoor space of the building. Each indoor unit 3 performs cooling operation, heating operation, and the like to achieve air conditioning in the room. Each indoor unit 3 performs cooling operation, heating operation, and the like to achieve air conditioning in the room. The indoor unit 3 includes a heat exchanger (evaporator) 33, an indoor temperature sensor 31, a humidity sensor 32, and an indoor unit control device 40.

[0019] The evaporators 33 of the plurality of indoor units 3 are connected to one outdoor unit 2 through the connection pipe 5. The connection pipe 5 constitutes a part of the medium circuit (not shown).

[0020] The indoor temperature sensor 31 detects an indoor temperature at a location where the indoor unit 3 is installed. The humidity sensor 32 detects an indoor humidity at a location where the indoor unit 3 is installed.

[0021] The outdoor unit control device 50 of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit control devices 40 of the plurality of indoor units 3 are electrically connected to each other through a signal line (not shown).(Configuration of indoor unit control device)

[0022] The indoor unit control device 40 can be configured by using a computer such as a microcomputer and a central processing unit (CPU), and hardware such as a peripheral circuit and a peripheral device of the computer. In the present embodiment, the indoor unit control device 40 is configured by a control substrate equipped with a microcomputer. The indoor unit control device 40 controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 according to the set temperature and the like set from outside. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit control device 40 includes an information acquisition unit 41, an external input reception unit 42, an operation control unit 43, and an output unit 46 as a functional configuration configured by a combination of hardware and software such as a program executed by a computer.

[0023] The information acquisition unit 41 acquires information on the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 31 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32.

[0024] The external input reception unit 42 can receive selection of the plurality of operation modes based on the input by the user from an external remote controller 38 or the like. The external input reception unit 42 receives the input of the set temperature based on the input by the user from the external remote controller 38 or the like.

[0025] In the indoor unit 3, the plurality of operation modes such as the heating operation and the cooling operation are selectable by the user of the air conditioning system 1 in the remote controller 38 or the like of the indoor unit 3.

[0026] In addition, in the indoor unit 3, the energy saving level during the operation is selectable from among a plurality of stages as the operation mode of the indoor unit 3 by the user in the remote controller 38 or the like of the indoor unit 3. For example, in the present embodiment, for the indoor unit 3, four stages are set as energy saving levels during operation: Lv1: Eco mode Low Lv2: Eco mode Medium Lv3: Eco mode High Lv4: Eco mode Super High.

[0027] The four stages of the energy saving levels are set such that the energy saving level is sequentially increased in the order of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, and Lv4: Eco mode Super High. In other words, the four stages of the energy saving levels are set such that the capacity demand level for the outdoor unit 2 is reduced in the order of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, and Lv4: Eco mode Super High.

[0028] In a case in which the selection of the operation mode such as the heating operation and the cooling operation is received, the external input reception unit 42 notifies the operation control unit 43 of the selected operation mode. In a case in which selection of any one of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, or Lv4: Eco mode Super High is received, as a setting of the energy saving level for performing the energy saving operation, the external input reception unit 42 notifies the operation control unit 43 of the type of the selected energy saving level.

[0029] The operation control unit 43 controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 based on the acquired indoor temperature and the humidity. The operation control unit 43 controls the indoor unit 3 such that the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature within a predetermined range of the humidity, based on the set temperature, the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 31, and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32.

[0030] The output unit 46 outputs the value of the set temperature Ts set in the indoor unit 3 to the outdoor unit control device 50. In addition, in a case in which the energy saving level (Lv1 to Lv4) is set in the indoor unit 3, the output unit 46 outputs the set level (Lv1 to Lv4) that is set to the outdoor unit control device 50.(Configuration of outdoor unit control device)

[0031] The outdoor unit control device 50 can be configured by using a computer such as a microcomputer and a central processing unit (CPU), and hardware such as a peripheral circuit and a peripheral device of the computer. In the present embodiment, the outdoor unit control device 50 is configured by a control substrate equipped with a microcomputer. The outdoor unit control device 50 controls the operation of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 according to the requested capacity from the plurality of indoor units 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor unit control device 50 includes an acquisition unit 51, a setting unit 52, a compressor control unit 53, and a storage unit 54 as a functional configuration configured by a combination of hardware and software such as a program executed by a computer.

[0032] The acquisition unit 51 acquires the value of the set temperature Ts set in each indoor unit 3. In addition, in a case in which the energy saving level (Lv1 to Lv4) is set, the acquisition unit 51 acquires the set level (Lv1 to Lv4) that is set. In addition, the acquisition unit 51 acquires the outdoor temperature Ta detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 and the pressure of the heat medium in the compressor 21 detected by the pressure sensor 27.

[0033] The setting unit 52 sets a target pressure saturation temperature ST for adjusting the output of the compressor 21. In order to set the target pressure saturation temperature ST in the setting unit 52, first, a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 is acquired as a reference pressure saturation temperature ST1. The storage unit 54 stores correlation information showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature Ta and the reference pressure saturation temperature. FIG. 4 is an example of correlation information D1 showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature Ta and the reference pressure saturation temperature during cooling operation.

[0034] The setting unit 52 acquires the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 corresponding to the outdoor temperature Ta at that point in time with reference to the correlation information D1 stored in the storage unit 54 as shown in FIG. 4. Here, in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is in a temperature range in which a person can stay comfortably, such as 17°C to 23°C, the reference pressure saturation tempera ture ST1 corresponding to the outdoor temperature Ta is set to a temperature T1 higher than a temperature T2 described below. In addition, in a case in which the outdoor t emperature Ta is, for example, 23°C or higher, that is, in a temperature range in which a person feels hot, the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 gradually decreas es from the temperature T1 as the outdoor temperature Ta increases, and is set to a tem perature T2 lower than the temperature T1, for example, in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is a temperature of 42°C or higher.

[0035] Here, in a case in which the detection resolution of the outdoor temperature Ta has, for example, an accuracy of the second decimal place or more when the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 is acquired, the setting unit 52 preferably quantizes the detected numerical value in order to reduce the processing load. For example, in a case in which the numerical value of the detection result of the outdoor temperature Ta is 0 or more, in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "0, 1, 2, 3, 4", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "0.0", and in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "5, 6, 7, 8, 9", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "0.5"; and in a case the numerical value is a negative number, in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "0, 1, 2, 3, 4", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "-0.5", and in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "5, 6, 7, 8, 9", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "-1.0", thereby quantizing in increments of 0.5. For example, in a case in which the detection value of the outdoor temperature Ta is "27.36", the value after quantization is "27.0". For example, in a case in which the detection value of the outdoor temperature Ta is "-2.79", the value after quantization is "-3.0".

[0036] The quantization of the numerical value in the setting unit 52 is not limited to the method exemplified here, and may be performed by other appropriate methods such as rounding, rounding up, and rounding down.

[0037] The setting unit 52 calculates the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set reference pressure saturation temperature ST1, for example, based on Equation (1).

[0038] In Equation (1), the set temperature correction value Th1 corrects the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51 of the plurality of indoor units 3. The setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set temperature having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the set temperatures of each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51. That is, the indoor unit 3 having the largest difference between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Ts in the plurality of indoor units 3 has the highest requested capacity for the outdoor unit 2. The setting unit 52 specifies the set temperature Ts having the largest difference with the outdoor temperature Ta among the set temperatures Ts in the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0039] The setting unit 52 determines the set temperature correction value Th1 by, for example, Equation (2) and applies the set temperature correction value Th1 to Equation (1).

[0040] Here, the constant K can be set to, for example, K = 24. For example, in a case in which the lowest set temperature Ts among the plurality of indoor units 3 is Ts = 20°C, the set temperature correction value Th1 = 20 - 24 = -4°C based on Equation (2).

[0041] In Equation (1), the eco level correction Th2 is for performing a correction according to the set energy saving level, in a case in which, in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, any one of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, and Lv4: Eco mode Super High is set as an energy saving level during operation.

[0042] Here, the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set level (the energy saving level having the greatest degree of capacity demand for the outdoor unit 2 among Lv1 to Lv4) of the energy saving level in each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51. Specifically, the capacity demand level for the outdoor unit 2 is reduced in the order of Lv1 to Lv4 of the energy saving level. Therefore, the setting unit 52 specifies the energy saving level having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the energy saving levels set in the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0043] The setting unit 52 acquires the correction value of the eco level correction Th2 according to the energy saving level having the greatest degree of capacity demand. Therefore, the storage unit 54 stores the energy saving level and the correction value of the eco level correction Th2 in association with each other.

[0044] For example, in a case of Lv1: Eco mode Low, the eco level correction Th2 = 15°C in a case of Lv2: Eco mode Medium, the eco level correction Th2 = 10°C in a case of Lv3: Eco mode High, the eco level correction Th2 = 5°C in a case of Lv4: Eco mode Super High, the eco level correction Th2 = 0°C is set.

[0045] Here, the other correction value Th3 in Equation (1) can be set based on, for example, the indoor humidity.

[0046] For example, in a case in which the state in which the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32 is higher than the preset humidity reference value continues for, for example, 3 minutes, the other correction value Th3 as the count value of the flag is subtracted by "1". Here, in a case in which the initial value of the other correction value Th3 of the count value of the flag is Th3 = 0, if the humidity is higher than the humidity reference value for 3 minutes, the other correction value Th3 of the count value of the flag is subtracted by "1", resulting in Th3 = -1.

[0047] Thereafter, the other correction value Th3 of the count value of the flag is sequentially subtracted by "1" each time the state in which the humidity is higher than the humidity reference value continues for 3 minutes. As a result, when the state in which the humidity is higher than the humidity reference value continues increases, the other correction value Th3 fluctuates to -2, -3, and the like. This is to reduce the target pressure saturation temperature ST by increasing the amount of subtraction of the target pressure saturation temperature ST by the other correction value Th3, thereby increasing the output from the outdoor unit 2, and improving an indoor dehumidification performance.

[0048] In this way, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on Equation (1).

[0049] Here, the setting unit 52 checks whether or not the target pressure saturation temperature ST set by Equation (1) is within a range of the lower limit value Tmin or more and the upper limit value Tmax or less of the target pressure saturation temperature, both of which are set in advance. In a case in which the target pressure saturation temperature ST is less than the lower limit value Tmin, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST to the lower limit value Tmin. In addition, in a case in which the target pressure saturation temperature ST exceeds the upper limit value Tmax, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST to the upper limit value Tmax. The lower limit value of the target pressure saturation temperature ST is a constant value set in advance. On the other hand, the upper limit value Tmax may be a constant value set in advance, but for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of stages of upper limit values Tmax1 to Tmax4 may be set according to the energy saving levels Lv1 to Lv4.

[0050] The setting unit 52 outputs the target pressure saturation temperature ST set in this way to the compressor control unit 53. The compressor control unit 53 operates the compressor 21 at a rotation speed corresponding to the output target pressure saturation temperature.(Procedure of Control Method of Air Conditioning System)

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the outdoor unit control device 50 acquires information on the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32 of the indoor unit 3 (step S11).

[0052] Next, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST (step S12).

[0053] In this regard, first, the setting unit 52 acquires the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 corresponding to the outdoor temperature Ta at that point with reference to the correlation information D1 as shown in FIG. 4 based on the outdoor temperature sensor 25.

[0054] Then, the setting unit 52 calculates the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 by Equation (1). In this case, the setting unit 52 acquires the set temperature correction value Th1 by Equation (2), based on the set temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51 of the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0055] Further, the setting unit 52 acquires the correction value according to the energy saving level set in each of the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0056] In addition, the setting unit 52 acquires the other correction value Th3 as the count value of the flag counted based on the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32.

[0057] After the target pressure saturation temperature ST is set based on Equation (1), the set target pressure saturation temperature ST is output to the compressor control unit 53, and the compressor control unit 53 operates the compressor 21 at a rotation speed corresponding to the output target pressure saturation temperature (step S13).

[0058] Thereafter, a series of processes of steps S11 to S13 is repeated at a preset time interval, for example, every 1 minute, the target pressure saturation temperature ST is updated, and the operation of the compressor 21 based on the updated target pressure saturation temperature ST is continued.(Operations and Effects)

[0059] According to the above-described configuration of the air conditioning system 1, the control method for the air conditioning system 1, and the program, by setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 can be set to be according to the outdoor temperature. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.

[0060] In addition, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the set temperature in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3 can be understood from the set temperature in the indoor unit 3. Therefore, the target pressure saturation temperature can be adjusted according to the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3.

[0061] In addition, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the set temperature having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the set temperatures in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, the output of the outdoor unit 2 can be adjusted without excess or deficiency.

[0062] In addition, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the level of the energy saving operation, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side according to the level of the energy saving operation can be reduced.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the case of performing the cooling operation has been described, but the same control can be performed in a case of performing the heating operation.

[0064] In this case, in order to obtain the reference pressure saturation temperature, for example, correlation information D2 showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature Ta and the reference pressure saturation temperature during the heating operation as shown in FIG. 7 is used. In this case, for example, in a case in which the outdoor temperature is 12°C or higher, the reference pressure saturation temperature is set to T11. As the outdoor temperature decreases to less than 12°C, the reference pressure saturation temperature is gradually increased, and in a case in which the outdoor temperature is less than -10°C, the reference pressure saturation temperature is set to a temperature T12 higher than T11. In addition, as the upper limit value in a case in which the target pressure saturation temperature ST is set by the setting unit 52, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is - 15°C or higher, the upper limit value Tmax11 may be set, and in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is less than -15°C, the upper limit value may be gradually decreased, and in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is -25°C or lower, the upper limit value may be set to an upper limit value Tmax12 lower than the upper limit value Tmax11.(Other Embodiments)

[0065] Above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and includes design changes and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0066] The process by each functional unit may be performed by recording a program for realizing all or a part of the functions of the indoor unit control device 40 and the outdoor unit control device 50 on a computer-readable recording medium and by causing a computer system to read the program recorded on the recording medium. The term "computer system" as used herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. In addition, the term "computer system" also includes a homepage providing environment (or a display environment) in a case where a WWW system is used. In addition, 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 addition, in a case in which the program is distributed to the indoor unit control device 40 and the outdoor unit control device 50 through a communication line, the indoor unit control device 40 and the outdoor unit control device 50 that have received the distribution may expand the program in the storage and execute the processing. In addition, 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.<Additional Notes>

[0067] The air conditioning system 1, the control method of the air conditioning system 1, and the program according to the embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0068] (1) An air conditioning system 1 according to a first aspect includes an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 that compresses a heat medium, a plurality of indoor units 3 that are connected to the outdoor unit 2 through a medium circuit 5 through which the heat medium flows and that include a heat exchanger 33 that performs heat exchange between the heat medium supplied from the compressor 21 through the medium circuit 5 and indoor air, an outdoor temperature sensor 25 that detects an outdoor temperature at a location where the outdoor unit 2 is installed, an outdoor unit control device 50 that controls an operation of the outdoor unit 2, and an indoor unit control device 40 that is provided in each of the plurality of indoor units 3 and that controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 according to a set temperature set from outside, in which the outdoor unit control device 50 includes a setting unit 52 that acquires a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 as a reference pressure saturation temperature based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and that sets a target pressure saturation temperature based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0069] By setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the air conditioning system 1 can set the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 to be according to the outdoor temperature from the initial stage. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.

[0070] (2) An air conditioning system 1 according to a second aspect is the air conditioning system 1 according to (1), and further includes an acquisition unit 51 that acquires the set temperature in the indoor unit 3, in which the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature based on respective set temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit 51 for the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0071] As a result, the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3 can be understood from the set temperature in the indoor unit 3, and the target pressure saturation temperature can be adjusted according to the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3.

[0072] (3) An air conditioning system 1 according to a third aspect is the air conditioning system 1 according to (2), in which the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature, based on a set temperature having a greatest degree of capacity demand among the respective set temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit 51 for the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0073] As a result, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the set temperature having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the set temperatures in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, the output of the outdoor unit 2 can be adjusted without excess or deficiency.

[0074] (4) An air conditioning system 1 according to a fourth aspect is the air conditioning system 1 according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the indoor unit control device 40 controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 according to a level of energy saving operation set from outside, and the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature, based on the level of the energy saving operation set in the indoor unit control device 40.

[0075] As a result, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the level of the energy saving operation, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side according to the level of the energy saving operation can be reduced.

[0076] (5) A control method for an air conditioning system 1 according to a fifth aspect is a control method for an air conditioning system 1 including an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 and a plurality of indoor units 3, the control method including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0077] In the control method for air conditioning system 1, by setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 can be set to be according to the outdoor temperature from the initial stage. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.

[0078] (6) A program according to a sixth aspect causes a computer of an air conditioning system 1 including an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 and a plurality of indoor units 3 to execute a process including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0079] In the program, by setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 can be set to be according to the outdoor temperature from the initial stage. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.Industrial Applicability

[0080] According to each embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to perform temperature adjustment in an indoor unit in a more detailed manner and increase an operation efficiency.Reference Signs List

[0081] 1: air conditioning system 2: outdoor unit 3: indoor unit 5: connection pipe (medium circuit) 21: compressor 23: outdoor unit 25: outdoor temperature sensor 27: pressure sensor 27a: suction side sensor 27b: discharge side sensor 31: indoor temperature sensor 32: humidity sensor 33: heat exchanger 38: remote controller 40: indoor unit control device 41: Information acquisition unit 42: external input reception unit 43: operation control unit 46: output unit 50: outdoor unit control device 51: acquisition unit 52: setting unit 53: compressor control unit 54: storage unit D1: correlation information D2: correlation information

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Hereinafter, an aspect for implementing the air conditioning system, the control method of the air conditioning system, and the program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment only.

(Configuration of Air Conditioning System)

[0014]As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 1 includes one outdoor unit 2 and a plurality of indoor units 3.

(Configuration of Outdoor Unit)

[0015]The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors of a building. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 3 through a connection pipe 5. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 21, a condenser (not shown), a fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), a switching valve (not shown), an outdoor temperature sensor 25, a pressure sensor 27, and an outdoor unit control device 50.

[0016]The compressor 21, the condenser, the fan, the expansion valve, and the switching valv...

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program. The present application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-176452 filed in Japan on October 12, 2023, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background Art

[0002] In an air conditioning system in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, the outdoor unit performs medium supply according to a load demand level of air conditioning exhibited by each indoor unit by controlling a rotation speed of a compressor provided in the outdoor unit (for example, see PTL 1).Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] International Publication No. WO2014 / 103028Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0004] Meanwhile, in the plurality of indoor units, the load demand levels from the plurality of indoor units may vary depending on an environment of a room in which each indoor unit is installed, a preference of a user of the room, and the like. Therefore, the outdoor unit performs the operation of the compressor such that the medium supply to the plurality of indoor units can be performed in a state in which there is sufficient margin with respect to the load demand level from the plurality of indoor units.

[0005] As a result, the medium having a significantly higher capacity than the load demand level is supplied from the indoor unit side. As a result, a difference between a temperature of the medium flowing through the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and the room temperature is large, and it is necessary to perform the heat exchange in the heat exchanger by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF in order to adjust the indoor temperature to the set temperature. As a result, the room temperature frequently fluctuates, and it is difficult to stably adjust the room temperature to the set temperature.

[0006] In addition, the outdoor unit side needs to output in a state in which there is sufficient margin with respect to the load demand level from the plurality of indoor units, and there is room for improvement in the operation efficiency.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioning system, a control method of an air conditioning system, and a program that can perform temperature adjustment in an indoor unit in a more detailed manner and increase an operation efficiency.Solution to Problem

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problem, an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit including a compressor that compresses a heat medium, a plurality of indoor units that are connected to the outdoor unit through a medium circuit through which the heat medium flows and that include a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the heat medium supplied from the compressor through the medium circuit and indoor air, an outdoor temperature sensor that detects an outdoor temperature at a location where the outdoor unit is installed, an outdoor unit control device that controls an operation of the outdoor unit and an indoor unit control device that is provided in each of the plurality of indoor units and that controls an operation of the indoor unit according to a set temperature set from outside, in which the outdoor unit control device includes a setting unit that acquires a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and that sets a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of the compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0009] A control method for an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit including a compressor and a plurality of indoor units, the control method including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of the compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0010] A program according to the present disclosure causes a computer of an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit including a compressor and a plurality of indoor units to execute a process including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of the compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0011] According to the air conditioning system, the control method of the air conditioning system, and the program according to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform temperature adjustment in an indoor unit in a more detailed manner and increase an operation efficiency.Brief Description of Drawings

[0012] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an indoor control device of the air conditioning system. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an outdoor control device of the air conditioning system. FIG. 4 is an example of correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature during cooling operation. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an upper limit value of a plurality of stages of pressure saturation temperatures according to an energy saving level during cooling operation. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a control method in the outdoor control device. FIG. 7 is an example of correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature during heating operation. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an upper limit value of a plurality of stages of pressure saturation temperatures according to an energy saving level during heating operation. Description of Embodiments

[0013] Hereinafter, an aspect for implementing the air conditioning system, the control method of the air conditioning system, and the program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment only.(Configuration of Air Conditioning System)

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 1 includes one outdoor unit 2 and a plurality of indoor units 3.(Configuration of Outdoor Unit)

[0015] The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors of a building. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 3 through a connection pipe 5. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 21, a condenser (not shown), a fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), a switching valve (not shown), an outdoor temperature sensor 25, a pressure sensor 27, and an outdoor unit control device 50.

[0016] The compressor 21, the condenser, the fan, the expansion valve, and the switching valve are provided on a medium circuit (not shown). The compressor 21 compresses a heat medium (so-called refrigerant) flowing through a heat medium pipe constituting the medium circuit. The condenser performs heat exchange between the outdoor air and the heat medium flowing through the heat medium pipe. The fan sends the external air to the condenser. The expansion valve expands the heat medium that has passed through the condenser. The switching valve switches a flow of the heat medium in the medium circuit to switch between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0017] The outdoor temperature sensor 25 detects an outdoor (outside) temperature at a location where the outdoor unit 2 is installed. The pressure sensor 27 detects a pressure of the heat medium in the compressor 21. The pressure sensor 27 includes a suction side sensor 27a that detects a pressure of the heat medium on a suction side of the compressor 21 during cooling operation, and a discharge side sensor 27b that detects a pressure of the heat medium on a discharge side of the compressor 21 during heating operation.(Configuration of Indoor Unit)

[0018] Each of the plurality of indoor units 3 is installed in an indoor space of the building. Each indoor unit 3 performs cooling operation, heating operation, and the like to achieve air conditioning in the room. Each indoor unit 3 performs cooling operation, heating operation, and the like to achieve air conditioning in the room. The indoor unit 3 includes a heat exchanger (evaporator) 33, an indoor temperature sensor 31, a humidity sensor 32, and an indoor unit control device 40.

[0019] The evaporators 33 of the plurality of indoor units 3 are connected to one outdoor unit 2 through the connection pipe 5. The connection pipe 5 constitutes a part of the medium circuit (not shown).

[0020] The indoor temperature sensor 31 detects an indoor temperature at a location where the indoor unit 3 is installed. The humidity sensor 32 detects an indoor humidity at a location where the indoor unit 3 is installed.

[0021] The outdoor unit control device 50 of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit control devices 40 of the plurality of indoor units 3 are electrically connected to each other through a signal line (not shown).(Configuration of indoor unit control device)

[0022] The indoor unit control device 40 can be configured by using a computer such as a microcomputer and a central processing unit (CPU), and hardware such as a peripheral circuit and a peripheral device of the computer. In the present embodiment, the indoor unit control device 40 is configured by a control substrate equipped with a microcomputer. The indoor unit control device 40 controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 according to the set temperature and the like set from outside. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit control device 40 includes an information acquisition unit 41, an external input reception unit 42, an operation control unit 43, and an output unit 46 as a functional configuration configured by a combination of hardware and software such as a program executed by a computer.

[0023] The information acquisition unit 41 acquires information on the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 31 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32.

[0024] The external input reception unit 42 can receive selection of the plurality of operation modes based on the input by the user from an external remote controller 38 or the like. The external input reception unit 42 receives the input of the set temperature based on the input by the user from the external remote controller 38 or the like.

[0025] In the indoor unit 3, the plurality of operation modes such as the heating operation and the cooling operation are selectable by the user of the air conditioning system 1 in the remote controller 38 or the like of the indoor unit 3.

[0026] In addition, in the indoor unit 3, the energy saving level during the operation is selectable from among a plurality of stages as the operation mode of the indoor unit 3 by the user in the remote controller 38 or the like of the indoor unit 3. For example, in the present embodiment, for the indoor unit 3, four stages are set as energy saving levels during operation: Lv1: Eco mode Low Lv2: Eco mode Medium Lv3: Eco mode High Lv4: Eco mode Super High.

[0027] The four stages of the energy saving levels are set such that the energy saving level is sequentially increased in the order of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, and Lv4: Eco mode Super High. In other words, the four stages of the energy saving levels are set such that the capacity demand level for the outdoor unit 2 is reduced in the order of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, and Lv4: Eco mode Super High.

[0028] In a case in which the selection of the operation mode such as the heating operation and the cooling operation is received, the external input reception unit 42 notifies the operation control unit 43 of the selected operation mode. In a case in which selection of any one of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, or Lv4: Eco mode Super High is received, as a setting of the energy saving level for performing the energy saving operation, the external input reception unit 42 notifies the operation control unit 43 of the type of the selected energy saving level.

[0029] The operation control unit 43 controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 based on the acquired indoor temperature and the humidity. The operation control unit 43 controls the indoor unit 3 such that the indoor temperature approaches the set temperature within a predetermined range of the humidity, based on the set temperature, the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 31, and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32.

[0030] The output unit 46 outputs the value of the set temperature Ts set in the indoor unit 3 to the outdoor unit control device 50. In addition, in a case in which the energy saving level (Lv1 to Lv4) is set in the indoor unit 3, the output unit 46 outputs the set level (Lv1 to Lv4) that is set to the outdoor unit control device 50.(Configuration of outdoor unit control device)

[0031] The outdoor unit control device 50 can be configured by using a computer such as a microcomputer and a central processing unit (CPU), and hardware such as a peripheral circuit and a peripheral device of the computer. In the present embodiment, the outdoor unit control device 50 is configured by a control substrate equipped with a microcomputer. The outdoor unit control device 50 controls the operation of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 according to the requested capacity from the plurality of indoor units 3. As shown in FIG. 3, the outdoor unit control device 50 includes an acquisition unit 51, a setting unit 52, a compressor control unit 53, and a storage unit 54 as a functional configuration configured by a combination of hardware and software such as a program executed by a computer.

[0032] The acquisition unit 51 acquires the value of the set temperature Ts set in each indoor unit 3. In addition, in a case in which the energy saving level (Lv1 to Lv4) is set, the acquisition unit 51 acquires the set level (Lv1 to Lv4) that is set. In addition, the acquisition unit 51 acquires the outdoor temperature Ta detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 and the pressure of the heat medium in the compressor 21 detected by the pressure sensor 27.

[0033] The setting unit 52 sets a target pressure saturation temperature ST for adjusting the output of the compressor 21. In order to set the target pressure saturation temperature ST in the setting unit 52, first, a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 is acquired as a reference pressure saturation temperature ST1. The storage unit 54 stores correlation information showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature Ta and the reference pressure saturation temperature. FIG. 4 is an example of correlation information D1 showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature Ta and the reference pressure saturation temperature during cooling operation.

[0034] The setting unit 52 acquires the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 corresponding to the outdoor temperature Ta at that point in time with reference to the correlation information D1 stored in the storage unit 54 as shown in FIG. 4. Here, in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is in a temperature range in which a person can stay comfortably, such as 17°C to 23°C, the reference pressure saturation tempera ture ST1 corresponding to the outdoor temperature Ta is set to a temperature T1 higher than a temperature T2 described below. In addition, in a case in which the outdoor t emperature Ta is, for example, 23°C or higher, that is, in a temperature range in which a person feels hot, the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 gradually decreas es from the temperature T1 as the outdoor temperature Ta increases, and is set to a tem perature T2 lower than the temperature T1, for example, in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is a temperature of 42°C or higher.

[0035] Here, in a case in which the detection resolution of the outdoor temperature Ta has, for example, an accuracy of the second decimal place or more when the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 is acquired, the setting unit 52 preferably quantizes the detected numerical value in order to reduce the processing load. For example, in a case in which the numerical value of the detection result of the outdoor temperature Ta is 0 or more, in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "0, 1, 2, 3, 4", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "0.0", and in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "5, 6, 7, 8, 9", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "0.5"; and in a case the numerical value is a negative number, in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "0, 1, 2, 3, 4", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "-0.5", and in a case in which the value of the first decimal place is "5, 6, 7, 8, 9", the value of the first decimal place after quantization is "-1.0", thereby quantizing in increments of 0.5. For example, in a case in which the detection value of the outdoor temperature Ta is "27.36", the value after quantization is "27.0". For example, in a case in which the detection value of the outdoor temperature Ta is "-2.79", the value after quantization is "-3.0".

[0036] The quantization of the numerical value in the setting unit 52 is not limited to the method exemplified here, and may be performed by other appropriate methods such as rounding, rounding up, and rounding down.

[0037] The setting unit 52 calculates the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set reference pressure saturation temperature ST1, for example, based on Equation (1).

[0038] In Equation (1), the set temperature correction value Th1 corrects the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51 of the plurality of indoor units 3. The setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set temperature having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the set temperatures of each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51. That is, the indoor unit 3 having the largest difference between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Ts in the plurality of indoor units 3 has the highest requested capacity for the outdoor unit 2. The setting unit 52 specifies the set temperature Ts having the largest difference with the outdoor temperature Ta among the set temperatures Ts in the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0039] The setting unit 52 determines the set temperature correction value Th1 by, for example, Equation (2) and applies the set temperature correction value Th1 to Equation (1).

[0040] Here, the constant K can be set to, for example, K = 24. For example, in a case in which the lowest set temperature Ts among the plurality of indoor units 3 is Ts = 20°C, the set temperature correction value Th1 = 20 - 24 = -4°C based on Equation (2).

[0041] In Equation (1), the eco level correction Th2 is for performing a correction according to the set energy saving level, in a case in which, in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, any one of Lv1: Eco mode Low, Lv2: Eco mode Medium, Lv3: Eco mode High, and Lv4: Eco mode Super High is set as an energy saving level during operation.

[0042] Here, the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the set level (the energy saving level having the greatest degree of capacity demand for the outdoor unit 2 among Lv1 to Lv4) of the energy saving level in each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51. Specifically, the capacity demand level for the outdoor unit 2 is reduced in the order of Lv1 to Lv4 of the energy saving level. Therefore, the setting unit 52 specifies the energy saving level having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the energy saving levels set in the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0043] The setting unit 52 acquires the correction value of the eco level correction Th2 according to the energy saving level having the greatest degree of capacity demand. Therefore, the storage unit 54 stores the energy saving level and the correction value of the eco level correction Th2 in association with each other.

[0044] For example, in a case of Lv1: Eco mode Low, the eco level correction Th2 = 15°C in a case of Lv2: Eco mode Medium, the eco level correction Th2 = 10°C in a case of Lv3: Eco mode High, the eco level correction Th2 = 5°C in a case of Lv4: Eco mode Super High, the eco level correction Th2 = 0°C is set.

[0045] Here, the other correction value Th3 in Equation (1) can be set based on, for example, the indoor humidity.

[0046] For example, in a case in which the state in which the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32 is higher than the preset humidity reference value continues for, for example, 3 minutes, the other correction value Th3 as the count value of the flag is subtracted by "1". Here, in a case in which the initial value of the other correction value Th3 of the count value of the flag is Th3 = 0, if the humidity is higher than the humidity reference value for 3 minutes, the other correction value Th3 of the count value of the flag is subtracted by "1", resulting in Th3 = -1.

[0047] Thereafter, the other correction value Th3 of the count value of the flag is sequentially subtracted by "1" each time the state in which the humidity is higher than the humidity reference value continues for 3 minutes. As a result, when the state in which the humidity is higher than the humidity reference value continues increases, the other correction value Th3 fluctuates to -2, -3, and the like. This is to reduce the target pressure saturation temperature ST by increasing the amount of subtraction of the target pressure saturation temperature ST by the other correction value Th3, thereby increasing the output from the outdoor unit 2, and improving an indoor dehumidification performance.

[0048] In this way, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on Equation (1).

[0049] Here, the setting unit 52 checks whether or not the target pressure saturation temperature ST set by Equation (1) is within a range of the lower limit value Tmin or more and the upper limit value Tmax or less of the target pressure saturation temperature, both of which are set in advance. In a case in which the target pressure saturation temperature ST is less than the lower limit value Tmin, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST to the lower limit value Tmin. In addition, in a case in which the target pressure saturation temperature ST exceeds the upper limit value Tmax, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST to the upper limit value Tmax. The lower limit value of the target pressure saturation temperature ST is a constant value set in advance. On the other hand, the upper limit value Tmax may be a constant value set in advance, but for example, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of stages of upper limit values Tmax1 to Tmax4 may be set according to the energy saving levels Lv1 to Lv4.

[0050] The setting unit 52 outputs the target pressure saturation temperature ST set in this way to the compressor control unit 53. The compressor control unit 53 operates the compressor 21 at a rotation speed corresponding to the output target pressure saturation temperature.(Procedure of Control Method of Air Conditioning System)

[0051] As shown in FIG. 6, the outdoor unit control device 50 acquires information on the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 and the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32 of the indoor unit 3 (step S11).

[0052] Next, the setting unit 52 sets the target pressure saturation temperature ST (step S12).

[0053] In this regard, first, the setting unit 52 acquires the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 corresponding to the outdoor temperature Ta at that point with reference to the correlation information D1 as shown in FIG. 4 based on the outdoor temperature sensor 25.

[0054] Then, the setting unit 52 calculates the target pressure saturation temperature ST based on the reference pressure saturation temperature ST1 by Equation (1). In this case, the setting unit 52 acquires the set temperature correction value Th1 by Equation (2), based on the set temperature of each of the plurality of indoor units 3 acquired by the acquisition unit 51 of the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0055] Further, the setting unit 52 acquires the correction value according to the energy saving level set in each of the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0056] In addition, the setting unit 52 acquires the other correction value Th3 as the count value of the flag counted based on the indoor humidity detected by the humidity sensor 32.

[0057] After the target pressure saturation temperature ST is set based on Equation (1), the set target pressure saturation temperature ST is output to the compressor control unit 53, and the compressor control unit 53 operates the compressor 21 at a rotation speed corresponding to the output target pressure saturation temperature (step S13).

[0058] Thereafter, a series of processes of steps S11 to S13 is repeated at a preset time interval, for example, every 1 minute, the target pressure saturation temperature ST is updated, and the operation of the compressor 21 based on the updated target pressure saturation temperature ST is continued.(Operations and Effects)

[0059] According to the above-described configuration of the air conditioning system 1, the control method for the air conditioning system 1, and the program, by setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 can be set to be according to the outdoor temperature. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.

[0060] In addition, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the set temperature in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3 can be understood from the set temperature in the indoor unit 3. Therefore, the target pressure saturation temperature can be adjusted according to the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3.

[0061] In addition, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the set temperature having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the set temperatures in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, the output of the outdoor unit 2 can be adjusted without excess or deficiency.

[0062] In addition, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the level of the energy saving operation, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side according to the level of the energy saving operation can be reduced.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the case of performing the cooling operation has been described, but the same control can be performed in a case of performing the heating operation.

[0064] In this case, in order to obtain the reference pressure saturation temperature, for example, correlation information D2 showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature Ta and the reference pressure saturation temperature during the heating operation as shown in FIG. 7 is used. In this case, for example, in a case in which the outdoor temperature is 12°C or higher, the reference pressure saturation temperature is set to T11. As the outdoor temperature decreases to less than 12°C, the reference pressure saturation temperature is gradually increased, and in a case in which the outdoor temperature is less than -10°C, the reference pressure saturation temperature is set to a temperature T12 higher than T11. In addition, as the upper limit value in a case in which the target pressure saturation temperature ST is set by the setting unit 52, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is - 15°C or higher, the upper limit value Tmax11 may be set, and in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is less than -15°C, the upper limit value may be gradually decreased, and in a case in which the outdoor temperature Ta is -25°C or lower, the upper limit value may be set to an upper limit value Tmax12 lower than the upper limit value Tmax11.(Other Embodiments)

[0065] Above, the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to the embodiments, and includes design changes and the like within a scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0066] The process by each functional unit may be performed by recording a program for realizing all or a part of the functions of the indoor unit control device 40 and the outdoor unit control device 50 on a computer-readable recording medium and by causing a computer system to read the program recorded on the recording medium. The term "computer system" as used herein includes an OS and hardware such as peripheral devices. In addition, the term "computer system" also includes a homepage providing environment (or a display environment) in a case where a WWW system is used. In addition, 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 addition, in a case in which the program is distributed to the indoor unit control device 40 and the outdoor unit control device 50 through a communication line, the indoor unit control device 40 and the outdoor unit control device 50 that have received the distribution may expand the program in the storage and execute the processing. In addition, 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.<Additional Notes>

[0067] The air conditioning system 1, the control method of the air conditioning system 1, and the program according to the embodiment are understood as follows, for example.

[0068] (1) An air conditioning system 1 according to a first aspect includes an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 that compresses a heat medium, a plurality of indoor units 3 that are connected to the outdoor unit 2 through a medium circuit 5 through which the heat medium flows and that include a heat exchanger 33 that performs heat exchange between the heat medium supplied from the compressor 21 through the medium circuit 5 and indoor air, an outdoor temperature sensor 25 that detects an outdoor temperature at a location where the outdoor unit 2 is installed, an outdoor unit control device 50 that controls an operation of the outdoor unit 2, and an indoor unit control device 40 that is provided in each of the plurality of indoor units 3 and that controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 according to a set temperature set from outside, in which the outdoor unit control device 50 includes a setting unit 52 that acquires a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 25 as a reference pressure saturation temperature based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and that sets a target pressure saturation temperature based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0069] By setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the air conditioning system 1 can set the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 to be according to the outdoor temperature from the initial stage. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.

[0070] (2) An air conditioning system 1 according to a second aspect is the air conditioning system 1 according to (1), and further includes an acquisition unit 51 that acquires the set temperature in the indoor unit 3, in which the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature based on respective set temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit 51 for the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0071] As a result, the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3 can be understood from the set temperature in the indoor unit 3, and the target pressure saturation temperature can be adjusted according to the requested capacity in each indoor unit 3.

[0072] (3) An air conditioning system 1 according to a third aspect is the air conditioning system 1 according to (2), in which the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature, based on a set temperature having a greatest degree of capacity demand among the respective set temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit 51 for the plurality of indoor units 3.

[0073] As a result, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the set temperature having the greatest degree of capacity demand among the set temperatures in each of the plurality of indoor units 3, the output of the outdoor unit 2 can be adjusted without excess or deficiency.

[0074] (4) An air conditioning system 1 according to a fourth aspect is the air conditioning system 1 according to any one of (1) to (3), in which the indoor unit control device 40 controls the operation of the indoor unit 3 according to a level of energy saving operation set from outside, and the setting unit 52 adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature, based on the level of the energy saving operation set in the indoor unit control device 40.

[0075] As a result, by adjusting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the level of the energy saving operation, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side according to the level of the energy saving operation can be reduced.

[0076] (5) A control method for an air conditioning system 1 according to a fifth aspect is a control method for an air conditioning system 1 including an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 and a plurality of indoor units 3, the control method including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0077] In the control method for air conditioning system 1, by setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 can be set to be according to the outdoor temperature from the initial stage. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.

[0078] (6) A program according to a sixth aspect causes a computer of an air conditioning system 1 including an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 and a plurality of indoor units 3 to execute a process including acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and a reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and setting a target pressure saturation temperature based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

[0079] In the program, by setting the target pressure saturation temperature based on the reference pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature, the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 can be set to be according to the outdoor temperature from the initial stage. As a result, the deviation of the output of the compressor 21 of the outdoor unit 2 from the requested capacity from the indoor unit 3 side can be reduced. Therefore, the necessity of performing the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 33 on the indoor unit 3 side by repeating the intermittent ON / OFF is suppressed. As a result, it is possible to perform the temperature adjustment in the indoor unit 3 in a more detailed manner and increase the operation efficiency of the air conditioning system 1.Industrial Applicability

[0080] According to each embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to perform temperature adjustment in an indoor unit in a more detailed manner and increase an operation efficiency.Reference Signs List

[0081] 1: air conditioning system 2: outdoor unit 3: indoor unit 5: connection pipe (medium circuit) 21: compressor 23: outdoor unit 25: outdoor temperature sensor 27: pressure sensor 27a: suction side sensor 27b: discharge side sensor 31: indoor temperature sensor 32: humidity sensor 33: heat exchanger 38: remote controller 40: indoor unit control device 41: Information acquisition unit 42: external input reception unit 43: operation control unit 46: output unit 50: outdoor unit control device 51: acquisition unit 52: setting unit 53: compressor control unit 54: storage unit D1: correlation information D2: correlation information

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0013]Hereinafter, an aspect for implementing the air conditioning system, the control method of the air conditioning system, and the program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment only.

(Configuration of Air Conditioning System)

[0014]As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioning system 1 includes one outdoor unit 2 and a plurality of indoor units 3.

(Configuration of Outdoor Unit)

[0015]The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors of a building. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to the plurality of indoor units 3 through a connection pipe 5. The outdoor unit 2 includes a compressor 21, a condenser (not shown), a fan (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), a switching valve (not shown), an outdoor temperature sensor 25, a pressure sensor 27, and an outdoor unit control device 50.

[0016]The compressor 21, the condenser, the fan, the expansion valve, and the switching valv...

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: an outdoor unit including a compressor that compresses a heat medium; a plurality of indoor units that are connected to the outdoor unit through a medium circuit through which the heat medium flows and that include a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between the heat medium supplied from the compressor through the medium circuit and indoor air; an outdoor temperature sensor that detects an outdoor temperature at a location where the outdoor unit is installed; an outdoor unit control device that controls an operation of the outdoor unit; and an indoor unit control device that is provided in each of the plurality of indoor units and that controls an operation of the indoor unit according to a set temperature set from outside, wherein the outdoor unit control device includes a setting unit that acquires a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to the outdoor temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between the outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance, and that sets a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of the compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires the set temperature in the indoor unit, wherein the setting unit adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature based on respective set temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit for the plurality of indoor units.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature based on a set temperature having a greatest degree of capacity demand among the respective set temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit for the plurality of indoor units.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the indoor unit control device controls the operation of the indoor unit according to a level of energy saving operation set from outside, and the setting unit adjusts the target pressure saturation temperature, based on the level of the energy saving operation set in the indoor unit control device.

5. A control method for an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units, the control method comprising: acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance; and setting a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of a compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

6. A program causing a computer of an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units to execute a process comprising: acquiring a pressure saturation temperature corresponding to a detected outdoor temperature as a reference pressure saturation temperature, based on correlation information showing a correlation between an outdoor temperature and the reference pressure saturation temperature, which is set in advance; and setting a target pressure saturation temperature for adjusting an output of a compressor based on the acquired reference pressure saturation temperature.

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