Temperature output device, air conditioning system, method for outputting temperature, and method for controlling air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a temperature output device for allowing a user to know temperature of each virtual area in a single air conditioning space.SOLUTION: A temperature output device 10 includes: a temperature acquisition part 11 for acquiring an area temperature that is a temperature of each of the virtually divided areas in a single air conditioning space 50; and an output part 12 for outputting the area temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition part 11. Accordingly, a person present in the air conditioning space 50 is enabled to know area temperature of each area and to move an area with temperature where the person feels comfortable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature output device that outputs the temperature for each virtual area in an air-conditioned space, and an air-conditioning system that performs air conditioning in the air-conditioned space. [Background technology]

[0002] A single air-conditioned space is usually conditioned to maintain a uniform temperature. In order to promote energy conservation in such air-conditioning, air curtains are installed at the open area to the outdoors, and the air-conditioning system is controlled to reduce the amount of air that flows in from the open area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-115053 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The temperature that feels comfortable varies from person to person. Therefore, if an air-conditioned space is adjusted to a uniform temperature, what may be comfortable for one person may not be comfortable for another person. On the other hand, even if there are areas with different temperatures in the air-conditioned space, if the people in the air-conditioned space do not notice this, they will not be able to move to an area with a comfortable temperature.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a temperature output device, etc. that enables one to know the temperature of each virtual area in a single air-conditioned space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a temperature output device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature acquisition unit that acquires area temperatures, which are the temperatures of each of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided, and an output unit that outputs the area temperatures. This configuration makes it possible to know the temperature of each virtual area in the air-conditioned space, so that people in the air-conditioned space can move to an area with a temperature that they feel comfortable with.

[0007] In the temperature output device according to an aspect of the present invention, the output section may output the area temperature by a color of illumination of the area corresponding to the area temperature. With this configuration, people in the air-conditioned space can know the temperature in each area by the color of the lighting.

[0008] In the temperature output device according to one aspect of the present invention, the output section may output the area temperature by sound in an area corresponding to the area temperature. With this configuration, people in the air-conditioned space can know the temperature in each area by the sound that is output.

[0009] Moreover, an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a temperature output device, an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of the air, a supply unit that supplies air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to an air-conditioned space, and a control unit that uses the area temperature to control the supply unit so that the air-conditioned space reaches a desired temperature. With this configuration, for example, when the temperature differs from area to area due to air conditioning using an air conditioner, it becomes possible to know the temperature in each area.

[0010] In addition, in an air-conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention, the air-conditioned space is virtually divided into N compartments (N is an integer greater than or equal to M), each area is composed of one or more compartments, the supply unit includes a plurality of compartment supply units that independently supply air whose temperature has been adjusted by an air conditioner to each of the N compartments, and the control unit may control the plurality of compartment supply units so that the M area temperatures are each different. With this configuration, air conditioning can be performed so that each area has a different temperature.

[0011] In addition, in the air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may set the target temperature for each area so that heat transfer between adjacent areas is reduced. With this configuration, efficient air conditioning, that is, energy-saving air conditioning, can be performed.

[0012] In addition, in an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the temperature acquisition unit also acquires a perimeter temperature, which is the temperature of the perimeter of the air-conditioned space, and the control unit may set a target temperature for each area so that the temperature difference between the target temperature of an area having a perimeter and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter is smaller. With this configuration, it is possible to set the target temperature taking into account the temperature of the perimeter. For example, by setting the target temperature to be higher in the evening for areas facing the western perimeter and lower for areas facing the eastern perimeter, it is possible to promote energy conservation.

[0013] In addition, in an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, a number of people acquisition unit is further provided that acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space, and the control unit may reduce the area with the target temperature having the greatest air conditioning load when the number of people acquired by the number of people acquisition unit is less than a threshold value. With this configuration, when there are few people in the air-conditioned space, air conditioning with a smaller load, that is, energy-saving air conditioning, can be performed.

[0014] In addition, an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention further includes a number of people acquisition unit that acquires the number of people present in the air conditioned space for each area, and a people density acquisition unit that acquires the people density for each area using the number of people for each area acquired by the number of people acquisition unit, and the control unit may enlarge the area where the people density acquired by the people density acquisition unit is greater than a threshold value. This configuration can prevent high population density in an area with a certain target temperature, thereby improving comfort in the air-conditioned space.

[0015] Furthermore, a temperature output method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step of acquiring area temperatures, which are the temperatures of each of M areas (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided, and a step of outputting the area temperatures.

[0016] In addition, a control method for an air-conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method for an air-conditioning system including an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of air and a supply unit that supplies the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to an air-conditioned space, and includes the steps of acquiring area temperatures, which are the temperatures of M areas (M is an integer of 2 or more) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided, outputting the area temperatures, and controlling the supply unit so that the air-conditioned space reaches the desired temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0017] According to the temperature output device and the like according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the temperature of each virtual area in a single air-conditioned space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. [Figure 3D] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, an air conditioning system, a temperature output device, a method for controlling an air conditioning system, and a temperature output method according to the present invention will be described using embodiments. In the following embodiments, components and steps with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and repeated explanations may be omitted. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment outputs the respective temperatures of a plurality of areas into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided, and controls each area to have a different temperature.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air-conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the air-conditioning system 1. FIGS. 3A to 3D are each a plan view of an air-conditioned space 50. Note that FIG. 1 mainly shows the configuration related to the flow of conditioned air, and FIG. 2 mainly shows the configuration related to control. The air-conditioned space 50 is a space to be conditioned by the air-conditioning system 1. There is no particular limitation on a single air-conditioned space 50, and it may be, for example, a large space such as a waiting room at an airport or hospital.

[0021] A single air-conditioned space 50 is virtually divided into N sections. One or more sections constitute one area. Therefore, a single air-conditioned space 50 may be virtually divided into M areas. As described later, when the target temperature is controlled to be different for each area, one area may be considered to be a region corresponding to one target temperature. M is an integer of 2 or more, and N is an integer of M or more (N≧M). When the area is expanded or reduced, N may be an integer greater than M (N>M). The number of sections and the number of areas are not particularly limited, but in this embodiment, a case where the air-conditioned space 50 has five sections 51a to 51e and three areas 53a to 53c, that is, N=5 and M=3, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D, will be mainly described. When the sections 51a to 51e are not particularly distinguished from each other, they may be called sections 51. The same applies to the areas 53a to 53c and other configurations. Although the sections 51 and the areas 53 are virtual, as an example, the numbers thereof, that is, N and M, may be fixed.

[0022] In Fig. 1 and Fig. 3A to Fig. 3D, the boundaries of the sections 51 are indicated by dashed lines. In Fig. 3A to Fig. 3D, the areas 53 are indicated by dashed lines. Note that since the boundaries of the sections 51 and the areas 53 are virtual, no structures separating the spaces, such as walls or partitions, exist at positions in the real space corresponding to the boundaries of the sections 51 and the areas 53 in the air-conditioned space 50. The multiple sections 51 and the multiple areas 53 are generally adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. In addition, the temperatures shown in Fig. 3A to Fig. 3D are the target temperatures of each area 53.

[0023] A perimeter may be present in a portion of the air-conditioned space 50 that is in contact with the outside air. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1 and Figs. 3A to 3D, a case where perimeters 52a, 52b are present on two opposing wall surfaces of the air-conditioned space 50 will be mainly described. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, a case where the perimeters 52a, 52b are present on the east side and the west side of the air-conditioned space 50, respectively, will be described, but the number and positions of the perimeters 52 are not important. As an example, the perimeter 52 may be a window or the like. The area of ​​the air-conditioned space 50 that is in contact with the perimeter 52 is easily affected by the outside air and solar radiation.

[0024] The air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment includes a temperature output device 10, an air conditioner 21, a supply unit 22, a number of people acquisition unit 24, a people density acquisition unit 25, and a control unit 26. The temperature output device 10 includes a temperature acquisition unit 11 and an output unit 12. The supply unit 22 includes a plurality of section supply units 23a to 23e.

[0025] The temperature acquiring unit 11 acquires area temperatures, which are the temperatures of each of the multiple areas 53. The temperature acquiring unit 11 may acquire the temperature of each section 51 to acquire the area temperature of each area 53. The temperature of each section 51 may be acquired by temperature sensors 61a to 61e arranged in each of the multiple sections 51, and passed to the temperature acquiring unit 11. The temperature of each section 51 may be a representative value of temperatures at multiple positions in each section 51. The area temperature of a certain area 53 may be a representative value of temperatures of one or more sections 51 included in that area 53. The representative value may be, for example, an average value or a median value.

[0026] The temperature acquisition unit 11 may also acquire a perimeter temperature, which is the temperature of the perimeter 52 of the air-conditioned space 50. The perimeter temperature may be a temperature measured by temperature sensors 62a, 62b in a perimeter zone near the perimeter 52. The temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 61, 62 may be passed to the temperature acquisition unit 11 via a wired or wireless connection. Note that the temperature acquisition unit 11 may or may not include the temperature sensors 61, 62, for example.

[0027] As described later, when the area 53 is expanded or reduced, the temperature acquisition unit 11 may change the temperature of the section used to acquire the area temperature according to the expansion or reduction of the area 53. For example, when the area 53a is composed of the sections 51a and 51b, the area temperature of the area 53a may be a representative value of the temperatures of the sections 51a and 51b. Also, when the area 53a is reduced to include only the section 51a, the area temperature of the area 53a may be the temperature of the section 51a. The temperature acquisition unit 11 may acquire the area temperature of each area 53 by using the correspondence between the area and the section indicated by the correspondence information that associates an area identifier that identifies an area with a section identifier that identifies a section included in the area. The correspondence information may be managed by the control unit 26, for example.

[0028] The output unit 12 outputs the area temperature. For example, the output unit 12 may output the area temperature of a certain area 53 in that area 53. Specifically, the output unit 12 may output the area temperature by the color of the lighting in the area 53 corresponding to that area temperature, may output by sound in the area 53 corresponding to that area temperature, or may display in the area 53 corresponding to that area temperature. The area 53 corresponding to the area temperature is the area 53 where the measurement related to that area temperature was performed. In this way, when the area temperature is output in the area 53, an output device (for example, lighting, a speaker, a display device, etc.) may be arranged in each section 51, and the area temperature may be output via the output device. Also, for example, when one area 53 includes two or more sections 51, the same area temperature may be output in the two or more sections 51. When the area temperature is indicated by the color of the lighting, for example, lighting 63a to 63e whose color can be changed may be arranged in each section 51 as shown in FIG. 1. Note that the lighting that indicates the area temperature by color may, for example, also serve as lighting for brightening the area 53, or may be lighting used to indicate the area temperature separately from the lighting for brightening the area 53. In addition, when the area temperature is indicated by sound, for example, a speaker or the like capable of outputting sound may be disposed in each section 51. In addition, when the area temperature is displayed, for example, a display device such as a display may be disposed in each section 51.

[0029] When the area temperature is output by the color of the lighting, for example, a lower area temperature may be output by a color that is perceived as cool, i.e., a lighting color with a higher color temperature (e.g., a cool color), and a higher area temperature may be output by a color that is perceived as warm, i.e., a lighting color with a lower color temperature (e.g., a warm color). When such an output is performed, a person who feels comfortable at a lower temperature may move to area 53 with a lighting color that is perceived as cool, and a person who feels comfortable at a higher temperature may move to area 53 with a lighting color that is perceived as warm.

[0030] When the area temperature is output by sound, for example, a lower area temperature may be output by a sound that feels cool, such as the sound of a babbling river, the sound of waves, or the sound of a wind chime, and a higher area temperature may be output by a sound that feels warm, such as the sound of a bonfire. When such output is performed, a person who feels comfortable at a lower temperature may move to area 53 with sounds that feel cool, and a person who feels comfortable at a higher temperature may move to area 53 with sounds that feel warm. The area temperature may be output by a voice that reads out the area temperature, for example.

[0031] When displaying the area temperature, the area temperature, for example, "26°C", may be displayed on a display device such as digital signage arranged in each area 53. When such a display is performed, a person who feels comfortable at a lower temperature can move to an area 53 where a lower temperature is displayed, and a person who feels comfortable at a higher temperature can move to an area 53 where a higher temperature is displayed.

[0032] The output unit 12 may transmit, for example, a display showing the area temperature for each area 53 to an information processing terminal (for example, a smartphone or a tablet terminal) of a person present in the air-conditioned space 50. The area temperature for each area 53 may then be displayed on the information processing terminal. As a result, the area temperature may be output in any manner as long as the person present in each area 53 can know the area temperature of that area. As will be described later, when the area 53 is expanded or reduced, the output unit 12 may change the area 53 to which the area temperature is output accordingly. For example, when the area 53a is composed of the sections 51a and 51b, the area temperature of the area 53a may be output to the sections 51a and 51b. When the area 53a is reduced to include only the section 51a, the area temperature of the area 53a may be output only to the section 51a. The output unit 12 may output the area temperature in the area 53 corresponding to the area temperature by using the correspondence relationship between the area and the partition indicated by the correspondence information that associates, for example, an area identifier that identifies an area with a partition identifier that identifies a partition included in the area. The correspondence information may be managed by, for example, the control unit 26.

[0033] Furthermore, the output unit 12 may perform an output to indicate, for example, the value of the area temperature. For example, when the area temperature of a certain area 53 is 26° C., the output unit 12 may control the lighting 63 of that area 53 to have a color corresponding to 26° C., may output a voice reading 26° C. from a speaker of that area 53, or may display the character string 26° C. on a display device arranged in that area 53. When lighting according to temperature is performed in this manner, for example, a correspondence between the area temperature and the corresponding color may be determined in advance, and the output unit 12 may determine the color of the lighting 63 accordingly.

[0034] Furthermore, the output unit 12 may perform output so that the relative temperatures of the multiple areas 53 can be known, for example. For example, when the area temperature of area 53a is 24°C, the area temperature of area 53b is 26°C, and the area temperature of area 53c is 28°C, the output unit 12 may control the lighting 63 in area 53a to be blue corresponding to a lower temperature, control the lighting 63 in area 53b to be white corresponding to a middle temperature, and control the lighting 63 in area 53c to be red corresponding to a higher temperature, output the sound of a babbling river corresponding to a lower temperature from the speaker in area 53a, output the sound of birds chirping corresponding to a middle temperature from the speaker in area 53b, and output the sound of a bonfire corresponding to a higher temperature from the speaker in area 53c, and display an image of drifting ice corresponding to a lower temperature on the display device of area 53a, display an image of a park corresponding to a middle temperature on the display device of area 53b, and display an image of a desert corresponding to a higher temperature on the display device of area 53c.

[0035] When performing an output to allow the relative temperatures of a plurality of areas 53 to be known, the output unit 12 may, for example, convert the area temperature of each area 53 into a relative temperature and perform an output corresponding to the relative temperature for each area 53. The relative temperature may be, for example, a high temperature, a medium temperature, a low temperature, etc. For example, when there are M areas 53, the output unit 12 may convert the area temperatures into relative temperatures such as a high temperature, a medium temperature, etc. in the order of the highest area temperature. In addition, the relative temperatures and the output contents may be associated in advance for the M relative temperatures, and the output unit 12 may use this to perform an output corresponding to the relative temperature of the area temperature of a certain area 53.

[0036] Here, the output by the output unit 12 may be, for example, lighting by a lighting device, sound output by a speaker, display on a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display), or transmission to a predetermined device via a communication line. The output unit 12 may or may not include a device that performs output (for example, a speaker or a display device). The output unit 12 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives those devices.

[0037] The air conditioner 21 adjusts the temperature of the air. For this air conditioning, cold water or hot water supplied from a heat source device 20 having a boiler or a refrigerator may be used. The air conditioner 21 may also adjust humidity, ventilate, or purify the air, for example. The air conditioned by the air conditioner 21 is supplied to the supply unit 22 through a duct. In this embodiment, a case where air conditioning is performed by a central air supply system will be mainly described, but it goes without saying that air conditioning may also be performed by other systems, for example, a central water / air combined supply system or a water supply system, or a distributed refrigerant supply system.

[0038] The supply unit 22 supplies air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 21 to the air-conditioned space 50. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a case will be mainly described in which the supply unit 22 has a plurality of section supply units 23a to 23e that independently supply the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 21 to each of the plurality of sections 51. The section supply unit 23 may supply the temperature-adjusted air supplied from the air conditioner 21 through a duct to each section 51 at a variable air volume. The section supply unit 23 may be, for example, a variable air volume device (VAV: Variable Air Volume), a blower whose air volume can be adjusted by inverter control or the like, a combination of both, or other configurations capable of adjusting the air volume. In this embodiment, a case will be mainly described in which the section supply unit 23 is a variable air volume device. Note that the supply port (air outlet) of the air from the section supply unit 23 may be provided, for example, on the ceiling of the air-conditioned space 50 as shown in FIG. 1, or may be provided at other locations. Moreover, it is preferable that the supply port of each section 51 is located at a position where conditioned air is supplied to the entire section 51. For example, the supply port may be provided at or near the center or center of gravity of each section 51 in a plan view.

[0039] Although not shown in Fig. 1, a configuration for exhausting or circulating air in the air-conditioned space 50 may be present. For example, air may be sucked in through an inlet provided in the air-conditioned space 50, and the air may be exhausted or returned to the air conditioner 21. An inlet may or may not be provided for each section 51, for example. As an example, part of the air from the inlet may be exhausted and part may be returned.

[0040] The number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50. The number of people acquisition unit 24 may, for example, acquire the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 for each area 53. When the human density acquisition unit 25 acquires the human density for each area 53, it is preferable that the number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people for each area 53. In order to acquire the total number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 and the number of people for each area 53, the number of people acquisition unit 24 may, for example, acquire the number of people for each section 51, and use the acquired number to acquire the number of people for each area 53 and the total number of people in the air-conditioned space 50. More specifically, the number of people acquisition unit 24 may acquire the number of people in the area 53 by summing up the number of people in the sections 51 constituting the area 53, or may acquire the total number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 by summing up the number of people in all sections 51. In this embodiment, this case will be mainly described.

[0041] There is no limit to the method by which the number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people for each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51. For example, the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people present in each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51 may be acquired using an image captured by a camera 64. Although only one camera 64 is shown as an example in FIG. 1, for example, the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people for each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51 may be acquired using one or more cameras 64. When acquiring the number of people using a captured image, for example, people may be detected in the captured image and the detected people may be counted to acquire the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people for each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51.

[0042] The number of people acquiring unit 24 may acquire the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 by other methods. For example, the number of people acquiring unit 24 may acquire the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, or the number of people for each area 53 or each section 51, by using a Media Access Control (MAC) address included in a wireless signal transmitted from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0043] The people density acquisition unit 25 acquires the people density for each area 53 using the number of people for each area 53 acquired by the number of people acquisition unit 24. The people density acquisition unit 25 may, for example, hold the area of ​​each section 51 and use it to calculate the area of ​​each area 53. Then, the people density acquisition unit 25 may calculate the people density for each area 53 by, for example, dividing the number of people for each area 53 acquired by the number of people acquisition unit 24 by the area of ​​each area 53.

[0044] The control unit 26 controls the supply unit 22 using the area temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 11 so that the air-conditioned space 50 has a desired temperature. More specifically, the control unit 26 may control the multiple section supply units 23 so that the multiple area temperatures are different from each other. For example, the control unit 26 may control the section supply units 23 that supply conditioned air to each area 53 so that the area temperature of each area 53 becomes a target temperature. The target temperature for each area 53 may be different, for example. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the target temperatures of the areas 53a to 53c are set to 28°C, 26°C, and 24°C, respectively, the control unit 26 may control the section supply units 23a and 23b of the sections 51a and 51b that constitute the area 53a so that the area temperature of the area 53a becomes the target temperature of 28°C. Similar control may be performed for the other areas 53b and 53c. Furthermore, when the area 53 is changed or the target temperature of the area 53 is changed, the air conditioning is controlled accordingly using the area 53 and the target temperature after the change. This control may be, for example, a feedback control.

[0045] The control unit 26 may also set the target temperature of each area 53, for example. The control unit 26 may set the target temperature of each area 53, for example, so that the transfer of heat between adjacent areas 53 is reduced. In this way, more energy-saving air conditioning can be realized. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A and the like, when the areas of the boundaries of the multiple areas 53 are the same, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature of each area 53 so that the sum of the temperature differences of the area temperatures between the adjacent areas 53 is reduced. On the other hand, when the areas of the boundaries of the multiple areas 53 are not the same, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature of each area 53 so that the sum of the results of multiplying the temperature differences of the area temperatures between the adjacent areas 53 by a value corresponding to the area of ​​the boundary is reduced. The value corresponding to the area of ​​the boundary may be, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the area of ​​the boundary by a predetermined positive coefficient. The temperature difference between the areas 53 may be a real number equal to or greater than 0. That is, when calculating the temperature difference, the absolute value of the result of subtracting one temperature from the other temperature may be calculated.

[0046] The M target temperatures assigned to the M areas 53 may be determined in advance. For example, when cooling is performed and three areas 53 exist in the air-conditioned space 50, the three target temperatures assigned to the three areas 53 may be determined in advance to be 28° C., 26° C., and 24° C. Then, the control unit 26 may set the target temperatures for each area 53 by assigning the M target temperatures determined in advance to the M areas 53, respectively.

[0047] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, when a plurality of areas 53 are arranged in a row, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature so that the target temperature increases or decreases along the row. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the control unit 26 may set the target temperatures of the areas 53a to 53c to 28°C, 26°C, and 24°C, respectively. In this way, the total temperature difference between the area temperatures of the adjacent areas 53 becomes smaller, and it is possible to make the transfer of heat between the adjacent areas 53 smaller than when the target temperatures of the areas 53a to 53c are set to 28°C, 24°C, and 26°C, respectively. On the other hand, when the plurality of areas 53 are arranged in a more complicated manner, the control unit 26 may calculate the sum of the results of multiplying the temperature difference between the area temperatures of the adjacent areas 53 by a value according to the area of ​​the boundary for each allocation result in which each target temperature is allocated to each area 53, and set the target temperature of each area 53 so that the allocation of the target temperature corresponds to the smallest sum. When there are M areas 53, it is possible to assign M factorial (M!) target temperatures. Therefore, the control unit 26 may calculate the sum of M! areas, and set the target temperature of each area 53 so that the target temperature corresponding to the smallest sum is assigned.

[0048] When there are multiple target temperature allocations that reduce the transfer of heat between adjacent areas 53, the control unit 26 may, for example, set the target temperature according to one randomly selected allocation, or may select one from the multiple target temperature allocations taking into consideration the perimeter temperature, etc., and set the target temperature according to the selected allocation. Setting the target temperature taking into consideration the perimeter temperature will be described later.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 26 may reduce the area 53 of the target temperature with the highest air conditioning load when, for example, the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 acquired by the number-of-people acquisition unit 24 is less than a threshold value. In this way, the air-conditioning load can be reduced overall, and energy conservation can be promoted. The target temperature with the highest air-conditioning load may be, for example, the lowest target temperature when cooling is performed, and the highest target temperature when heating is performed. The threshold value may be determined in advance. This threshold value may be set to a small value that is considered to be such that people are sparsely present in the air-conditioned space 50, for example.

[0050] In addition, when only one section 51 is included in the area 53 of the target temperature with the highest air conditioning load, the area 53 may not be reduced. In addition, when three or more sections 51 are included in the area 53 of the area temperature with the highest air conditioning load, the area 53 may be reduced, for example, so that the area 53 after reduction contains only one section 51, or the number of sections 51 included in the area 53 may be reduced by one. In addition, when the area 53 of the target temperature with the highest air conditioning load is reduced, for example, the adjacent area 53 may be expanded accordingly, or the area 53 of the target temperature with the lowest air conditioning load may be expanded. The target temperature with the lowest air conditioning load may be, for example, the highest target temperature when cooling is performed, and the lowest target temperature when heating is performed. As an example, in a situation where the target temperature is set as shown in Figure 3A, if the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 acquired by the number of people acquisition unit 24 is less than a threshold value, the control unit 26 may reduce area 53c, which has the highest air-conditioning load and has a target temperature of 24°C, as shown in Figure 3B, and accordingly expand area 53b adjacent to area 53c and has a target temperature of 26°C.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature of each area 53 so that the temperature difference between the target temperature of the area 53 having the perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter 52 is smaller. The perimeter temperature may be acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 11. In this way, more energy-saving air conditioning can be realized. For example, due to the influence of solar radiation, the perimeter temperature of the eastern perimeter 52a may be high in the morning, and the perimeter temperature of the western perimeter 52b may be high in the evening. Therefore, more energy-saving air conditioning can be realized by setting the target temperature of the eastern area 53 to be high in the morning and the target temperature of the western area 53 to be high in the evening according to the perimeter temperature.

[0052] The control unit 26 may set the target temperature of each area 53, for example, so that the transfer of heat between adjacent areas 53 is smaller and so that the temperature difference between the target temperature of an area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter 52 is smaller. For example, as shown in Fig. 3A, when multiple areas 53 are arranged in a row, the control unit 26 may use the perimeter temperature to determine whether the target temperatures are to be in descending or ascending order from the area 53 on the east side to the area 53 on the west side when setting the target temperatures so that the target temperatures increase or decrease along the row. More specifically, the control unit 26 may set the target temperatures of each area 53 so that the target temperatures are arranged in accordance with the smaller sum of the sum of the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62a and the area temperature of the area 53a and the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62b and the area temperature of the area 53c when the target temperatures are arranged in descending order from the east side area 53 to the west side area 53, and the sum of the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62a and the area temperature of the area 53a and the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62b and the area temperature of the area 53c when the target temperatures are arranged in ascending order from the east side area 53 to the west side area 53. For example, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature of the area 53a having the east side perimeter 52a to be higher in the morning as shown in FIG. 3A, and set the target temperature of the area 53c having the west side perimeter 52b to be higher in the evening as shown in FIG. 3C.

[0053] In addition, the control unit 26 may, for example, enlarge the area 53 in which the human density acquired by the human density acquisition unit 25 is greater than a threshold value. This threshold value is different from the threshold value used when reducing the area 53 of the target temperature with the highest air conditioning load. In this way, it is possible to prevent people from congesting a specific area 53, and, for example, to improve the comfort in the air-conditioned space 50. When the area 53 in which the human density is greater than the threshold value is enlarged, for example, the adjacent area 53 may be reduced accordingly. In addition, when the area 53 adjacent to the enlarged area 53 includes only one section 51, for example, the area 53 adjacent to the enlarged area 53 may be moved, and the area 53 including two or more sections 51 may be reduced. As an example, in a situation in which the target temperature is set as shown in FIG. 3A, when the human density of the area 53b acquired by the human density acquisition unit 25 becomes greater than the threshold value, the control unit 26 may enlarge the area 53b in which the human density is greater than the threshold value, and reduce the areas 53a and 53c adjacent to the area 53b accordingly, as shown in FIG. 3D. When each area 53 other than the area 53 in which the occupancy density is greater than the threshold includes only one section 51, the area 53 in which the occupancy density is greater than the threshold does not need to be enlarged.

[0054] Setting the target temperature according to the perimeter temperature and expanding or reducing the area 53 may be performed while air conditioning is being performed. In this way, it becomes possible to realize suitable air conditioning according to changes in the perimeter temperature, changes in the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50, and changes in the population density in each area 53.

[0055] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. (Step S101) The control unit 26 sets a target temperature for each area 53. Note that, for example, the multiple areas 53 in the air-conditioned space 50 may be determined in advance. The target temperature for each area 53 may be set to, for example, a predetermined initial value, or may be set so that heat transfer between adjacent areas 53 is reduced.

[0056] (Step S102) The temperature acquisition unit 11 judges whether to acquire the area temperature, etc. Then, if the area temperature, etc. is to be acquired, the process proceeds to step S103, and if not, the process proceeds to step S106. Note that the temperature acquisition unit 11 may, for example, periodically judge whether to acquire the area temperature, etc.

[0057] (Step S103) The temperature acquisition unit 11 acquires the area temperature and the perimeter temperature using the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 61a to 61e and the temperature sensors 62a and 62b. The acquired area temperatures and the like may be stored in a recording medium (not shown).

[0058] (Step S104) The output unit 12 outputs the acquired area temperature.

[0059] (Step S105) The control unit 26 controls the partition supply unit 23 of each area 53 so that the area temperature of each area 53 becomes the target temperature. Then, the process returns to step S102.

[0060] (Step S106) The control unit 26 judges whether to enlarge or reduce the area or change the target temperature. If the area is to be enlarged or reduced or the target temperature is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S107; otherwise, the process returns to step S102. The control unit 26 may periodically judge to enlarge or reduce the area or change the target temperature. Also, for example, the frequency at which it is judged in step S102 to acquire the area temperature or the like may be higher than the frequency at which it is judged in step S106 to enlarge or reduce the area or the like. For example, in step S102, it may be judged Yes every minute or every 10 minutes, and in step S106, it may be judged Yes every 30 minutes or every hour.

[0061] (Step S107) The number of people obtaining unit 24 obtains the number of people in each area 53 of the air-conditioned space 50. The number of people obtaining unit 24 may also obtain the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 by adding up the number of people in each area 53.

[0062] (Step S108) The crowd density acquiring unit 25 acquires the crowd density of each area 53 using the number of people in each area 53.

[0063] (Step S109) The control unit 26 determines whether the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 is less than a predetermined threshold. If the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 is less than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S110, and if not, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0064] (Step S110) Control unit 26 reduces area 53 of the target temperature with the highest air conditioning load, and then returns to step S102.

[0065] (Step S111) The control unit 26 determines whether or not there is an area 53 in which the person density is greater than a predetermined threshold. If there is an area 53 in which the person density is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control unit 26 proceeds to step S112, and if not, the control unit 26 proceeds to step S113.

[0066] (Step S112) The control unit 26 expands the area 53 in which the person density is greater than the predetermined threshold value, and then returns to step S102.

[0067] (Step S113) The control unit 26 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the target temperature settings of the multiple areas 53. If it is necessary to change the target temperature settings, the process proceeds to step S114; if not, the process returns to step S102. Note that the control unit 26 may determine to change the target temperature settings when, for example, there is another target temperature setting that can reduce the temperature difference between the target temperature of the area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter 52, as compared with the current target temperature setting. The perimeter temperature may be the last perimeter temperature acquired, i.e., the latest perimeter temperature.

[0068] (Step S114) Control unit 26 sets the target temperature of each area 53 so as to reduce the temperature difference between the target temperature of area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of that perimeter 52. Then, the process returns to step S102.

[0069] Although not included in the flowchart of FIG. 4, cold water or hot water may be supplied from the heat source device 20 to the air conditioner 21, and the air conditioner 21 may provide air at a predetermined temperature using the cold water or hot water. The order of the processes in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is an example, and the order of each step may be changed as long as the same result can be obtained. For example, the process of acquiring the human density in step S108 may be performed immediately before the determination process in step S111 is performed. In addition, in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when it is determined in step S106 that the area is to be enlarged or reduced, only one of the processes in steps S110, S112, and S114 is performed, but this is not necessary. Two or more processes in steps S110, S112, and S114 may be performed. In this case, for example, the process may proceed from step S110 to step S111, and from step S112 to step S113. In the flowchart of FIG. 4, the process ends due to an interruption such as power off or end of process.

[0070] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment will be described using a specific example. First, when control of the air conditioning system 1 is started, the control unit 26 sets a target temperature for each area 53 as determined in advance (step S101). In this specific example, it is assumed that the target temperature for each area 53 is set as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0071] Next, when it is time to acquire the temperature, the temperature acquisition unit 11 acquires the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 61a to 61e, acquires the area temperatures using the temperatures, and passes them to the output unit 12 and the control unit 26. The temperature acquisition unit 11 also acquires the perimeter temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 62a and 62b, and passes them to the control unit 26 (steps S102 and S103). Upon receiving the area temperatures, the output unit 12 outputs the area temperatures to each area 53 (step S104). For example, the area temperatures may be output by the color of the lighting 63. By outputting the area temperatures, people in the air-conditioned space 50 can know the current temperatures of each area 53, and can move to an area 53 where they feel comfortable. Furthermore, upon receiving the area temperatures, the control unit 26 controls the section supply unit 23 for each area 53 so that the area temperatures become the target temperatures for the areas 53 (step S105). By acquiring the area temperature and controlling the partition supply unit 23 for each area 53, the area temperature of each area 53 approaches the target temperature.

[0072] Furthermore, when it is time to enlarge or reduce the area or change the target temperature, the number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people in each area 53 of the air-conditioned space 50 and the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, passes the number of people in each area 53 to the person density acquisition unit 25, and passes the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 to the control unit 26 (steps S106, S107). Upon receiving the number of people in each area 53, the person density acquisition unit 25 uses it to acquire the person density of each area 53 and passes it to the control unit 26 (step S108).

[0073] When the control unit 26 receives the number of people and the human density in the space 50, the control unit 26 judges whether the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 is less than a predetermined threshold (step S109). In this case, it is assumed that the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 is not less than the predetermined threshold. Then, the control unit 26 judges whether there is an area 53 in which the human density is greater than the predetermined threshold (step S111). In this case, it is assumed that there is no area 53 in which the human density is greater than the predetermined threshold. Then, the control unit 26 judges whether it is necessary to change the target temperature settings of the multiple areas 53 (step S113). For example, the control unit 26 may compare the sum of the temperature differences between the current perimeter temperature and the target temperature of the area 53 having the perimeter 52 with the sum of the temperature differences when the target temperature of the area 53 is changed, and if the latter sum of the temperature differences is smaller, it may judge that it is necessary to change the target temperature settings of the multiple areas 53. In this case, it is assumed that the latter sum of the temperature differences is smaller. Then, the control unit 26 changes the target temperature so that the target temperature becomes lower from the area 53c on the perimeter 52b side toward the area 53a on the perimeter 52a side (step S114). As a result, for example, the target temperature may be changed as shown in Fig. 3C. By performing this change, for example, it becomes possible to select an appropriate target temperature depending on the influence of solar radiation, and it is possible to promote energy saving.

[0074] When the target temperature is set as shown in FIG. 3A, if the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 26 may, for example, reduce the area 53c with the highest air-conditioning load, i.e., the area 53c with the lowest target temperature during cooling, as shown in FIG. 3B (step S110).

[0075] In addition, when the target temperature is set as shown in FIG. 3A, if the occupancy density in area 53b becomes greater than a predetermined threshold, control unit 26 may, for example, expand area 53b where the occupancy density is greater than the predetermined threshold, as shown in FIG. 3D (step S112).

[0076] As described above, according to the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, air conditioning can be performed so that the temperature of each area 53 is different. Furthermore, by outputting the area temperature of each area 53, the person in the air-conditioned space 50 can know the temperature of each area 53. Therefore, the person in the air-conditioned space 50 can move to and stay in the area 53 with a temperature that he or she feels comfortable with. Furthermore, by setting the target temperature of each area 53 so that the transfer of heat between adjacent areas 53 is reduced, energy-saving air conditioning can be performed. Furthermore, by setting the target temperature of each area 53 so that the temperature difference between the target temperature of the area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter 52 is reduced, energy saving can be further promoted. Furthermore, when the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 is small, the area 53 with the target temperature having the largest air-conditioning load can be reduced to perform more energy-saving air conditioning. Furthermore, by enlarging the area 53 with a population density greater than a threshold value, it is possible to eliminate the problem of the population density in the area 53 with a specific target temperature becoming high, and the population density in each area 53 of the air-conditioned space 50 can be made more uniform.

[0077] In the present embodiment, the case where the area 53 is expanded according to the human density has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. The area 53 does not necessarily have to be expanded according to the human density. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 does not need to include the human density acquisition unit 25, and the number of people acquisition unit 24 does not need to acquire the number of people for each area.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the area 53 is reduced in accordance with the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. The area 53 does not have to be reduced in accordance with the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50. If the area 53 is not reduced in accordance with the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 and is not expanded in accordance with the crowd density, the air-conditioning system 1 does not have to be equipped with the number of people acquisition unit 24. If the area 53 is not expanded or reduced, for example, the area 53 may coincide with the section 51.

[0079] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the target temperature is set taking into consideration the perimeter temperature of the perimeter 52 has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. The target temperature does not necessarily have to be set taking into consideration the perimeter temperature. In this case, the temperature acquisition unit 11 does not necessarily have to acquire the perimeter temperature.

[0080] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where control is performed to make the area temperatures of the areas 53 different from each other has been mainly described, but this is not necessary. For example, in the case where the areas 53a to 53c are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 3A, the supply of conditioned air may be performed only in the area 53a, and the intake of air for exhaust or return may be performed only in the area 53c. In this case, a temperature gradient naturally exists from the area 53a to the area 53c. Therefore, in such a situation, a person in the air-conditioned space 50 may refer to the area temperature output by the output unit 12 and move to the area 53 that he or she finds comfortable. In this way, when active control is not performed to make the area temperatures of the areas 53 different from each other, the supply unit 22 may not have a section supply unit 23 for each section. In this case, the supply unit 22 may supply conditioned air to at least one of the areas 53 of the air-conditioned space 50, for example. This supply unit 22 may also have a variable air volume device or the like, similar to the section supply unit 23. In addition, it is preferable that the plurality of areas 53 are set to have different temperatures by supplying conditioned air from the supply unit 22.

[0081] In addition, in the present embodiment, the case where the temperature output device 10 is included in the air conditioning system 1 has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. Only the temperature output device 10 may be used independently. For example, when an air conditioning system performs air conditioning on an air-conditioned space, the area temperatures of the multiple areas included in the air-conditioned space may differ. For example, such a situation may occur when the air-conditioning system does not have sufficient capacity for the air-conditioned space. By acquiring and outputting the area temperature of each area by the temperature output device 10, the area temperature of each area can be visualized or made apparent, and people in the air-conditioned space can move to an area with a temperature that they feel comfortable with reference to the output area temperature. It is preferable that the multiple areas 53 are set to have different temperatures.

[0082] In addition, in the above embodiments, each process or function may be realized by centralized processing in a single device or a single system, or may be realized by distributed processing in multiple devices or multiple systems.

[0083] In addition, in the above embodiments, the transfer of information between each component may be performed, for example, by one component outputting information and the other component receiving information if the two components transferring the information are physically different, or, if the two components transferring the information are physically the same, by shifting from a processing phase corresponding to one component to a processing phase corresponding to the other component.

[0084] In the above embodiment, information related to the processing performed by each component, such as information accepted, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, or received by each component, and information such as thresholds, formulas, and addresses used by each component in processing, may be temporarily or long-term stored in a recording medium (not shown) even if not specified in the above description. Furthermore, each component or a storage unit (not shown) may store information in the recording medium (not shown). Furthermore, each component or a reading unit (not shown) may read information from the recording medium (not shown).

[0085] In the above embodiment, if the information used by each component, such as the thresholds, addresses, and various setting values ​​used by each component in processing, may be changed by the user, the user may be able to change the information as appropriate, even if not specified in the above description. If the information is changeable by the user, the change may be realized, for example, by a reception unit (not shown) that receives a change instruction from the user, and a change unit (not shown) that changes the information in response to the change instruction. The reception unit (not shown) may receive the change instruction from an input device, may receive information transmitted via a communication line, or may receive information read from a predetermined recording medium.

[0086] In addition, in the above embodiments, when two or more components included in the air conditioning system 1 or the temperature output device 10 have a communication device, an input device, etc., the two or more components may physically have a single device, or may have separate devices.

[0087] In the above embodiment, each component may be configured by dedicated hardware, or a component that can be realized by software may be realized by executing a program. For example, a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory may be read and executed by a program execution unit such as a CPU, thereby realizing a component that can be realized by software. During execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing a storage unit or a recording medium. The program may be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, or may be executed by reading a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium (for example, an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, etc.). The program may be used as a program that constitutes a program product. The computer that executes the program may be a single computer or a plurality of computers. That is, centralized processing may be performed, or distributed processing may be performed.

[0088] The above-mentioned embodiments are merely examples for specifically implementing the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments, and is intended to include modifications within the literal scope of the claims and the scope of equivalent meanings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Temperature output device 11 Temperature acquisition section 12 Output section 21 Air conditioner 22 Supply section 23, 23a-23e Section supply section 24 Number of people acquisition part 25 People density acquisition section 26 Control Unit

Claims

1. a temperature acquisition unit that acquires area temperatures, which are temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) that are virtually divided from a single air-conditioned space; and an output unit that outputs the area temperature.

2. The temperature output device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the area temperature by a color of lighting in the area corresponding to the area temperature.

3. The temperature output device according to claim 1 , wherein the output unit outputs the area temperature by sound in the area corresponding to the area temperature.

4. A temperature output device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, An air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of the air, A supply unit that supplies air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to the air-conditioned space; and a control unit that uses the area temperature to control the supply unit so that the air-conditioned space reaches a desired temperature.

5. The air-conditioned space is virtually divided into N sections (N is an integer equal to or greater than M), An area is made up of one or more sections, The supply unit includes a plurality of compartment supply units that independently supply air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to each of the N compartments, The air conditioning system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the plurality of section supply units so that the M area temperatures are different from one another.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit sets the target temperature of each area so that heat transfer between adjacent areas is reduced.

7. The temperature acquisition unit also acquires a perimeter temperature, which is a temperature of a perimeter of the air-conditioned space, The air conditioning system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit sets the target temperature for each area so that a temperature difference between a target temperature for an area having a perimeter and a perimeter temperature for the perimeter becomes smaller.

8. A number of people acquisition unit that acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space, The air conditioning system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit reduces an area with a target temperature having a highest air conditioning load when the number of people acquired by the number-of-people acquisition unit is less than a threshold value.

9. A number-of-people acquisition unit that acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space for each area; A crowd density acquisition unit that acquires a crowd density for each area using the number of people for each area acquired by the number of people acquisition unit, The air conditioning system according to claim 5 , wherein the control unit expands an area in which the occupancy density acquired by the occupancy density acquisition unit is greater than a threshold value.

10. acquiring area temperatures, which are temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; and outputting the area temperature.

11. A method for controlling an air conditioning system including an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of air and a supply unit that supplies air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to the air-conditioned space, comprising: acquiring area temperatures, which are temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; outputting the area temperature; and controlling the supply unit so that the air-conditioned space reaches a desired temperature.

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