Control method, program, and control system

Abstract

To provide a control method capable of bringing a temperature in some areas of an indoor space close to a target temperature in a relatively short time period.SOLUTION: A control method includes a first step for performing heating operation of a plurality of air conditioners 1-8 installed in an indoor space 90 in a first wind direction closer to a horizontal direction than a vertical direction, and a second step for generating an air flow in a second wind direction closer to the vertical direction than the horizontal direction in a first area 91 by controlling the air conditioners 1-3 provided in the first area 91 after execution of the first step.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method, a program, and a control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation system that performs ventilation and air conditioning for each zone. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 230201 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides a control method and the like that can bring the temperature of a part of an indoor space close to a target temperature within a relatively short period of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method executed by a computer, and includes a first step of operating a plurality of air conditioning devices installed in an indoor space in heating or cooling mode with a first wind direction that is closer to horizontal than vertical, and a second step of, after the first step, controlling air conditioning devices or blower devices installed in a target area corresponding to a portion of the indoor space to generate an airflow in the target area with a second wind direction that is closer to vertical than horizontal.

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the control method.

[0007] A control system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a control unit that operates multiple air conditioning devices installed in an indoor space in heating or cooling mode with a first wind direction that is closer to horizontal than vertical, and the control unit controls air conditioning devices or blowers installed in a target area corresponding to a portion of the indoor space to generate an airflow in the target area with a second wind direction that is closer to vertical than horizontal. Effect of the Invention

[0008] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention can bring the temperature of a portion of an area of ​​an indoor space closer to a target temperature in a relatively short period of time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the air conditioning equipment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of dividing an indoor space into areas. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the control method according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a control method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a control method according to the third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a control method according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component arrangement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in the independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0011] In addition, each drawing is a schematic diagram and is not necessarily a precise illustration. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are used for substantially the same configurations, and duplicated explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of a control system according to an embodiment will be described below. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control system according to an embodiment.

[0013] 1, the control system 10 is a control system used in an indoor space 90 such as an office space. The control system 10 includes a plurality of air conditioning devices 20, a plurality of lighting devices 30, a control device 40, an entrance / exit management device 50, and a human detection device 60. Note that the control system 10 is only required to include at least the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 and the control device 40, and may not include other devices.

[0014] The air conditioner 20 is an air conditioner capable of heating operation, cooling operation, and fan operation. The heating operation refers to an operation mode in which air from the indoor space 90 is taken in, heated, and blown out into the indoor space 90, and the cooling operation refers to an operation mode in which air from the indoor space 90 is taken in, cooled, and blown out into the indoor space 90. The fan operation refers to an operation mode in which air from the indoor space 90 is taken in, and blown out into the indoor space 90 as is without adjusting the temperature.

[0015] The air conditioner 20 has an appearance as shown in FIG. 2, for example. FIG. 2 is an external view of the air conditioner 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioner 20 is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 90, and can blow air in four directions along a horizontal plane. The air conditioner 20 also has flaps (louvers) on each of the four air outlets corresponding to the four directions, and can change the direction in which the air is blown out. The air conditioner 20 can blow air in a horizontal direction or a direction close to this, as shown in FIG. 2(a), and can also blow air vertically downward or a direction close to this, as shown in FIG. 2(b). The air conditioner 20 can also take an intermediate state between FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b) and blow air in an oblique direction.

[0016] The air conditioner 20 is not limited to an air conditioner having the appearance as shown in Fig. 2. For example, the air conditioner 20 may be an air conditioner provided on a wall surface of the indoor space 90 near the ceiling.

[0017] The lighting device 30 is provided on the ceiling of the indoor space 90 and illuminates the indoor space 90. The lighting device 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor light emitting element such as an LED. The lighting device 30 is, for example, a base light, but may be other lighting devices such as a downlight or a spotlight.

[0018] The control device 40 is a device that controls the multiple air conditioning devices 20 and the multiple lighting devices 30. The control device 40 is, for example, a device provided in the indoor space 90, but may be a device provided in a location away from the indoor space 90, such as a cloud server. Specifically, the control device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0019] The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) for the control device 40 to communicate with the multiple air conditioners 20, the multiple lighting devices 30, the entrance / exit management device 50, and the human detection device 60. When the control device 40 is provided in the indoor space 90, the communication unit 41 communicates with the multiple air conditioners 20 and the multiple lighting devices 30 through a local communication network. When the control device 40 is provided in a location away from the indoor space 90, the communication unit 41 communicates with the multiple air conditioners 20 and the multiple lighting devices 30 through a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for the communication.

[0020] The control unit 42 performs information processing for controlling the plurality of air conditioners 20 and the plurality of lighting devices 30. Specifically, the control unit 42 can control the operation mode, the set temperature, and the flap angle (the direction in which air is blown out; in other words, the wind direction) of the air conditioners 20 by transmitting a control signal to the air conditioners 20 using the communication unit 41. The control unit 42 can also turn on, off, or dim the lighting devices 30 by transmitting a control signal to the lighting devices 30 using the communication unit 41. The control unit 42 is realized, for example, by a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the control unit 42 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor (hardware) constituting the control unit 42 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 43.

[0021] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary for controlling the multiple air conditioning devices 20 and the multiple lighting devices 30, and computer programs executed by the control unit 42. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but may also be realized by a HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0022] The entrance / exit management device 50 manages the number of users in the indoor space 90, and provides (transmits) the number of users to the control device 40. The entrance / exit management device 50 is realized, for example, by an IC card reader that reads an IC card of a user.

[0023] The human detection device 60 detects the presence or absence of a person (a user of the indoor space 90) located in the indoor space 90. The human detection device 60 is realized, for example, by one or more pyroelectric sensors that detect infrared rays emitted from a human body, but may also be realized by a camera (image sensor) or a thermal imaging camera (thermal image sensor). The human detection device 60 may have a function of counting the number of people located in the indoor space 90. In other words, the human detection device 60 may count the number of users of the indoor space 90.

[0024] 1, the control system 10 uses both the entrance / exit management device 50 and the human detection device 60 to manage the number of users in the indoor space 90, but the number of users may be managed using only the entrance / exit management device 50, or the number of users may be managed using only the human detection device 60. The control system 10 may manage the number of users using at least one of the entrance / exit management device 50 and the human detection device 60.

[0025] [A common control method for heating a certain area of ​​an indoor space] In recent years, an increasing number of companies have adopted telecommuting, and the number of people coming into the office varies from day to day. Therefore, by dividing an indoor space 90 into a number of areas and making only some of the areas available depending on the number of users of the indoor space 90, it is possible to reduce power consumption in the indoor space 90. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of dividing the indoor space 90 into areas, where (a) of FIG. 3 is a diagram (plan view) of the indoor space 90 viewed from above, and (b) of FIG. 3 is a diagram of the indoor space 90 viewed from the side. Note that FIG. 3 also illustrates the arrangement of air conditioners 20, and the numbers (1 to 8) in FIG. 3 refer to the air conditioners 20.

[0026] In the example of FIG. 3, the indoor space 90 is divided into three areas: a first area 91, a second area 92, and a third area 93. Air conditioners 1 to 3 are provided in the first area 91, air conditioners 4 to 6 are provided in the second area 92, and air conditioners 7 to 8 are provided in the third area 93. For example, when the number of users provided by the entrance / exit management device 50 or the human detection device 60 is less than a threshold, the control device 40 causes the lighting devices 30 provided in the first area 91 to emit light brightly and turns off the lighting devices 30 provided in the second area 92 and the third area 93 or causes them to emit light dimly. In other words, the control device 40 determines only the first area 91 as an available area. As a result, the control system 10 can reduce power consumption in the indoor space 90 by guiding users to the first area 91 and operating only the air conditioners 20 provided in the first area 91 in heating mode.

[0027] The available area is expanded as the number of users increases, for example, to a first area 91, a first area 91+a second area 92, a first area 91+a second area 92+a third area 93, etc. The available area may be directly specified by an administrator of the control system 10 or the like by manually operating a user interface (not shown).

[0028] [Example 1] The inventors have found a control method that can create a temperature environment that is comfortable for users in a relatively short period of time. Hereinafter, such a control method according to Example 1 will be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram (a diagram of an indoor space 90 viewed from the side) for explaining the control method according to Example 1.

[0029] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 sets the airflow direction of the air conditioners 1 to 8 to a first airflow direction, and then performs heating operation of the air conditioners 1 to 8 at the same set temperature, such as in the early morning when no one is in the indoor space 90 (FIG. 4(a)). The first airflow direction is closer to horizontal than to vertical, as shown in FIG. 2(a). The heating operation in FIG. 4(a) is also referred to as preliminary operation. With preliminary operation, warm air stagnates near the ceiling. During preliminary operation, no usable area is provided in the indoor space 90.

[0030] In this state, when a user enters the indoor space 90, the control unit 42 adds the first area 91 to the available area, and changes the airflow direction of the air conditioners 1 to 3 installed in the first area 91 from the first airflow direction to the second airflow direction (FIG. 4(b)). In other words, the control unit 42 generates an airflow in the first area 91 with the second airflow direction. The second airflow direction is closer to a vertical downward direction than a horizontal direction, as shown in FIG. 2(b). The airflow direction of the air conditioners 4 to 8 remains the first airflow direction.

[0031] Thereafter, when the number of users of the indoor space 90 further increases, the control unit 42 adds the second area 92 to the available area, and changes the airflow direction of the air conditioners 4 to 6 installed in the second area 92 from the first airflow direction to the second airflow direction (FIG. 4(c)). In other words, the control unit 42 generates an airflow in the second airflow direction in the second area 92. Note that the airflow direction of the air conditioners 7 to 8 remains the first airflow direction.

[0032] According to this embodiment 1, the control system 10 keeps warm air accumulating near the ceiling through the preliminary operation of (a) in Figure 4, and when a user enters the indoor space 90 (creation of an available area) or when the number of users increases (expansion of the available area), the control system 10 changes the airflow direction of the air conditioning equipment 20 installed in the available area to downward, thereby making it possible to bring the temperature in the available area close to the target temperature (set temperature) in a relatively short period of time.

[0033] 4(a), warm air accumulates around the air conditioners 1 to 8, and the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensors provided in the air conditioners 1 to 8 are close to the temperature of the warm air. Therefore, during the preliminary operation, the air conditioners 1 to 8 do not attempt to increase their output even if the lower part of the indoor space 90 is not warmed, and the warm air can be efficiently accumulated.

[0034] In addition, the control unit 42 may change the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 to lower set temperatures than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 8 in parallel with the change in the wind direction in FIG. 4(b). By lowering the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3, the effect of making it easier for the airflow blown out from the air conditioners 1 to 3 to reach the floor surface (below) is obtained. In addition, even if the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 are lowered, heating is possible using the warm air that has accumulated on the ceiling side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the usable area is limited. Therefore, heating of the usable area can be realized more efficiently. Similarly, in parallel with the change in the wind direction in FIG. 4(c), the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed to lower set temperatures than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 7 to 8.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 42 may change the operation mode of the air conditioners 1 to 3 from heating operation to fan operation in parallel with the change in the airflow direction in FIG. 4(b). Even if the air conditioners 1 to 3 are changed to fan operation, heating is possible using the warm air remaining on the ceiling side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the usable area is limited. Therefore, heating of the usable area can be realized more efficiently. Similarly, the operation mode of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed from heating operation to fan operation in parallel with the change in the airflow direction in FIG. 4(c).

[0036] [Example 2] In (b) of FIG. 4, the control unit 42 controls a flap (wind direction adjustment mechanism) provided in the air conditioner 20 installed in the available area to change the direction of the wind blown out from the air conditioner 20 from a first wind direction to a second wind direction, resulting in the generation of an airflow in the second wind direction. Here, in a case where a blower separate from the air conditioner 20 is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 90 in addition to the air conditioner 20, the control unit 42 may operate the blower instead of controlling the flap to generate an airflow in the second wind direction in the first area 91. FIG. 5 is a diagram (a diagram of the indoor space 90 viewed from the side) for explaining such a control method according to the second embodiment.

[0037] The blower 70 shown in FIG. 5 is realized by, for example, a blower fan. The installation position of the blower 70 and the number of blowers 70 are not particularly limited as long as they can form an airflow from the ceiling side to the floor side in the indoor space 90. In the example of FIG. 5, the blower 70 installed on the ceiling blows air toward the floor surface to form an airflow from the ceiling side to the floor side of the indoor space 90, but the blower 70 installed on the floor surface may blow air toward the floor surface side (underfloor side) to form an airflow from the ceiling side to the floor side of the indoor space 90. The control unit 42 of the control device 40 can turn on and off the blower 70 by transmitting a control signal to the blower 70 using the communication unit 41.

[0038] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 sets the airflow direction of the air conditioners 1 to 8 to a first airflow direction, and then performs heating operation of the air conditioners 1 to 8 at the same set temperature, such as in the early morning when no one is in the indoor space 90 (FIG. 5(a)). The first airflow direction is closer to horizontal than to vertical, as shown in FIG. 2(a). The heating operation in FIG. 5(a) is also referred to as preliminary operation. With preliminary operation, warm air stagnates near the ceiling. During preliminary operation, no usable area is provided in the indoor space 90.

[0039] In this state, when a user enters the indoor space 90, the control unit 42 adds the first area 91 to the available area, and operates the air blowing device 70 provided in the first area 91 (FIG. 5(b)). That is, the air blowing device 70 provided in the first area 91 that is in the off state is turned on.

[0040] As a result, an air current is generated in the first area 91 from the ceiling side to the floor side. That is, an air current in the second wind direction is generated in the first area 91. The second wind direction is closer to a vertical downward wind direction than a horizontal wind direction. Note that the control unit 42 does not operate the air blowing devices 70 provided in the second area 92 and the third area 93, and keeps them off.

[0041] Thereafter, when the number of users of the indoor space 90 further increases, the control unit 42 adds the second area 92 to the available area and operates the air blowing equipment 70 installed in the second area 92 (FIG. 5(c)). That is, the air blowing equipment 70 installed in the second area 92 that is in the off state is turned on. As a result, an airflow is generated in the second area 92 from the ceiling side to the floor side. That is, an airflow in the second wind direction is generated in the second area 92. Note that the control unit 42 does not operate the air blowing equipment 70 installed in the third area 93, leaving it off.

[0042] According to this embodiment 2, the control system 10 keeps warm air near the ceiling through the preliminary operation of (a) in Figure 5, and when a user enters the indoor space 90 (creation of an available area) or when the number of users increases (expansion of the available area), it operates the blower equipment 70 installed in the available area, thereby making it possible to bring the temperature in the available area close to the target temperature (set temperature) in a relatively short period of time.

[0043] 5(a), warm air accumulates around the air conditioners 1 to 8, and the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensors provided in the air conditioners 1 to 8 are close to the temperature of the warm air. Therefore, during the preliminary operation, the air conditioners 1 to 8 do not attempt to increase their output even if the lower part of the indoor space 90 is not warmed, and the warm air can be efficiently accumulated.

[0044] In the second embodiment, the air conditioners 1 to 8 continue the heating operation while remaining in the standby operation state even if the available area is created or expanded. However, the control unit 42 may change the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 to lower set temperatures than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 8 in parallel with turning on the blower 70 provided in the first area 91 in FIG. 5(b). Even if the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 are lowered, heating is possible using the warm air remaining on the ceiling side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the available area is limited. Therefore, the heating of the available area can be realized more efficiently. Similarly, the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed to lower set temperatures than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 7 to 8 in parallel with turning on the blower 70 provided in the second area 92 in FIG. 5(c).

[0045] Furthermore, the control unit 42 may change the operation mode of the air conditioners 1 to 3 from heating operation to fan operation in parallel with turning on the fan equipment 70 provided in the first area 91 in FIG. 5(b). Even if the air conditioners 1 to 3 are changed to fan operation, heating is possible using the warm air remaining on the ceiling side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the usable area is limited. Therefore, heating of the usable area can be realized more efficiently. Similarly, the operation mode of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed from heating operation to fan operation in parallel with turning on the fan equipment 70 provided in the second area 92 in FIG. 5(c).

[0046] [Example 3] There may be a case where a plurality of air conditioners 20 included in the control system 10 are provided on the floor of the indoor space 90 or on a wall of the indoor space 90 close to the floor. A control method according to a third embodiment performed in such a case will be described below. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining the control method according to the third embodiment (a diagram of the indoor space 90 viewed from the side).

[0047] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 sets the airflow direction of the air conditioners 1 to 8 to a first airflow direction, and then performs cooling operation on the air conditioners 1 to 8 at the same set temperature, such as in the early morning when no one is in the indoor space 90 (FIG. 6(a)). The first airflow direction is closer to the horizontal direction than to the vertical direction. The cooling operation in FIG. 6(a) is also referred to as a preliminary operation. During the preliminary operation, cold air stagnates near the floor surface. During the preliminary operation, no usable area is provided in the indoor space 90.

[0048] In this state, when a user enters the indoor space 90, the control unit 42 adds the first area 91 to the available area, and changes the airflow direction of the air conditioners 1 to 3 installed in the first area 91 from the first airflow direction to the second airflow direction (FIG. 6(b)). In other words, the control unit 42 generates an airflow with the second airflow direction in the first area 91. The second airflow direction is closer to a vertical upward direction than to a horizontal direction. The airflow direction of the air conditioners 4 to 8 remains the first airflow direction.

[0049] Thereafter, when the number of users of the indoor space 90 further increases, the control unit 42 adds the second area 92 to the available area, and changes the airflow direction of the air conditioners 4 to 6 installed in the second area 92 from the first airflow direction to the second airflow direction (FIG. 6(c)). In other words, the control unit 42 generates an airflow in the second airflow direction in the second area 92. Note that the airflow direction of the air conditioners 7 to 8 remains the first airflow direction.

[0050] According to the third embodiment, the control system 10 retains cool air near the floor surface through the preliminary operation of (a) in Figure 6, and when a user enters the indoor space 90 (creation of an available area) or when the number of users increases (expansion of the available area), the control system 10 changes the airflow direction of the air conditioning equipment 20 installed in the available area to upward, thereby making it possible to bring the temperature in the available area close to the target temperature (set temperature) in a relatively short period of time.

[0051] 6(a), cool air accumulates around the air conditioners 1 to 8, and the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensors provided in the air conditioners 1 to 8 are close to the temperature of the cool air. Therefore, during the preliminary operation, the air conditioners 1 to 8 do not attempt to increase their output even if the upper part of the indoor space 90 is not cooled, and the cool air can be efficiently accumulated.

[0052] In addition, the control unit 42 may change the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 to higher than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 8 in parallel with the change in the wind direction in FIG. 6(b). By increasing the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3, the effect of making it easier for the airflow blown out from the air conditioners 1 to 3 to reach the ceiling (above) is obtained. In addition, even if the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 are increased, cooling is possible using the cold air that has accumulated on the floor side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the usable area is limited. Therefore, cooling of the usable area can be realized more efficiently. Similarly, in parallel with the change in the wind direction in FIG. 6(c), the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed to higher than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 7 to 8.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 42 may change the operation mode of the air conditioners 1 to 3 from cooling operation to blowing operation in parallel with the change in the airflow direction in FIG. 6(b). Even if the air conditioners 1 to 3 are changed to blowing operation, cooling is possible using the cold air that has accumulated on the floor side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the usable area is limited. Therefore, cooling of the usable area can be achieved more efficiently. Similarly, the operation mode of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed from cooling operation to blowing operation in parallel with the change in the airflow direction in FIG. 6(c).

[0054] [Example 4] In (b) of FIG. 6, the control unit 42 controls a flap (wind direction adjustment mechanism) provided in the air conditioner 20 installed in the available area to change the direction of the wind blown from the air conditioner 20 from a first wind direction to a second wind direction, resulting in the generation of an airflow in the second wind direction. Here, in a case where a blower 70 separate from the air conditioner 20 is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 90 in addition to the air conditioner 20, the control unit 42 may operate the blower 70 instead of controlling the flap to generate an airflow in the second wind direction. FIG. 7 is a diagram (a side view of the indoor space 90) for explaining such a control method according to the fourth embodiment.

[0055] The installation position of the air blowing device 70 and the number of air blowing devices 70 are not particularly limited as long as they can form an airflow from the floor side to the ceiling side in the indoor space 90. In the example of Fig. 7, the air blowing device 70 installed on the ceiling blows air toward the ceiling side, thereby forming an airflow from the floor side to the ceiling side of the indoor space 90, but the air blowing device 70 installed on the floor may also blow air toward the ceiling, thereby forming an airflow from the floor side to the ceiling side of the indoor space 90. The control unit 42 of the control device 40 can turn the air blowing device 70 on and off by transmitting a control signal to the air blowing device 70 using the communication unit 41.

[0056] The control unit 42 of the control device 40 sets the airflow direction of the air conditioners 1 to 8 to a first airflow direction, and then performs cooling operation on the air conditioners 1 to 8 at the same set temperature, such as in the early morning when no one is in the indoor space 90 (FIG. 7(a)). The first airflow direction is closer to the horizontal direction than to the vertical direction. The cooling operation in FIG. 7(a) is also referred to as a preliminary operation. During the preliminary operation, cold air stagnates near the floor surface. During the preliminary operation, no usable area is provided in the indoor space 90.

[0057] In this state, when a user enters the indoor space 90, the control unit 42 adds the first area 91 to the available area, and operates the air blowing device 70 provided in the first area 91 (FIG. 7(b)). That is, the air blowing device 70 provided in the first area 91 that is in the off state is turned on.

[0058] As a result, an air current is generated in the first area 91 from the floor side to the ceiling side. That is, an air current in the second wind direction is generated in the first area 91. The second wind direction is closer to a vertical upward wind direction than a horizontal wind direction. Note that the control unit 42 does not operate the air blowing devices 70 provided in the second area 92 and the third area 93, and keeps them off.

[0059] Thereafter, when the number of users of the indoor space 90 further increases, the control unit 42 adds the second area 92 to the available area and operates the air blowing equipment 70 installed in the second area 92 (FIG. 7(c)). That is, the air blowing equipment 70 installed in the second area 92 that is in the off state is turned on. As a result, an airflow is generated in the second area 92 from the floor side to the ceiling side. That is, an airflow in the second direction is generated in the second area 92. Note that the control unit 42 does not operate the air blowing equipment 70 installed in the third area 93, leaving it off.

[0060] According to this embodiment 4, the control system 10 retains cool air near the floor surface through the preliminary operation of (a) in Figure 7, and when a user enters the indoor space 90 (creation of an available area) or when the number of users increases (expansion of the available area), it operates the blower equipment 70 installed in the available area, thereby making it possible to bring the temperature in the available area close to the target temperature (set temperature) in a relatively short period of time.

[0061] 7(a), cool air accumulates around the air conditioners 1 to 8, and the temperatures sensed by the temperature sensors provided in the air conditioners 1 to 8 are close to the temperature of the cool air. Therefore, during the preliminary operation, the air conditioners 1 to 8 do not attempt to increase their output even if the upper part of the indoor space 90 is not cooled, and the cool air can be efficiently accumulated.

[0062] In the fourth embodiment, the air conditioners 1 to 8 continue to perform cooling operation while remaining in the standby operation state even if an available area is created or expanded. However, the control unit 42 may change the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 to higher set temperatures than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 8 in parallel with turning on the blower 70 provided in the first area 91 in FIG. 7(b). Even if the set temperatures of the air conditioners 1 to 3 are raised, cooling is possible using the cold air that has accumulated on the floor side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the available area is limited. Therefore, the available area can be cooled more efficiently. Similarly, the set temperatures of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed to higher set temperatures than the set temperatures of the air conditioners 7 to 8 in parallel with turning on the blower 70 provided in the second area 92 in FIG. 7(c).

[0063] In addition, the control unit 42 may change the operation mode of the air conditioners 1 to 3 from cooling operation to fan operation in parallel with turning on the fan equipment 70 provided in the first area 91 in FIG. 7(b). Even if the air conditioners 1 to 3 are changed to fan operation, cooling is possible using the cold air that has accumulated on the floor side, and the impact on the temperature environment in the usable area is limited. Therefore, cooling of the usable area can be achieved more efficiently. Similarly, the operation mode of the air conditioners 4 to 6 may be changed from cooling operation to fan operation in parallel with turning on the fan equipment 70 provided in the second area 92 in FIG. 7(c).

[0064] [Effects, etc.] Inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification are, for example, the following inventions. Hereinafter, the inventions derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described together with the effects and the like obtained by the inventions.

[0065] Invention 1 is a control method executed by a computer, the control method including a first step of performing heating or cooling operation on a plurality of air conditioners 20 installed in an indoor space 90 with a first wind direction closer to the horizontal direction than the vertical direction, and a second step of, after the first step, controlling the air conditioners 20 or the blower 70 installed in a target area corresponding to a part of the indoor space 90 to generate an airflow with a second wind direction closer to the vertical direction than the horizontal direction in the target area. The target area corresponds to the available area in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0066] In this type of control method, by retaining warm or cold air in the first step, after starting execution of the second step, the temperature of the target area corresponding to a portion of the indoor space 90 can be brought close to the target temperature in a relatively short period of time.

[0067] Invention 2 is a control method of Invention 1, in which a plurality of air conditioning devices 20 are installed on the ceiling of an indoor space 90 or on a wall surface of the indoor space 90 close to the ceiling, and in a first step, the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 are operated in heating mode, and the second wind direction is closer to a vertical downward direction than a horizontal direction.

[0068] This type of control method allows the temperature in the target area to approach the target temperature in a relatively short period of time by trapping warm air on the ceiling side in a first step, and then blowing the trapped warm air down to the floor side in a second step.

[0069] Invention 3 is a control method of Invention 2, in which in the second step, the set temperature of the air conditioner 20 installed in the target area is further changed to a lower set temperature than the set temperature of the air conditioner 20 installed in the non-target area of ​​the indoor space 90.

[0070] Such a control method can efficiently heat the target area.

[0071] Invention 4 is the control method of Invention 2, further comprising, in the second step, changing the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 installed in the target area from heating operation to fan operation.

[0072] Such a control method can efficiently heat the target area.

[0073] Invention 5 is a control method of Invention 1, in which a plurality of air conditioning devices 20 are installed on the floor of an indoor space 90 or on a wall of the indoor space 90 close to the floor, and in a first step, the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 are operated in cooling mode, and the second wind direction is a wind direction closer to a vertical upward direction than a horizontal direction.

[0074] This type of control method allows the temperature in the target area to approach the target temperature in a relatively short period of time by trapping cold air on the floor side in a first step, and then blowing the trapped cold air up toward the ceiling in a second step.

[0075] Invention 6 is the control method of Invention 5, in which in the second step, the set temperature of the air conditioner 20 installed in the target area is further changed to a higher set temperature than the set temperature of the air conditioner 20 installed in the non-target area of ​​the indoor space 90.

[0076] Such a control method can efficiently cool the target area.

[0077] Invention 7 is the control method of Invention 5, further comprising, in the second step, changing the operation mode of the air conditioner 20 installed in the target area from cooling operation to fan operation.

[0078] Such a control method can efficiently cool the target area.

[0079] Invention 8 is a control method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 7, in which in the second step, an airflow in a second wind direction is generated by controlling an airflow adjustment mechanism provided in air conditioner 20 installed in the target area.

[0080] This type of control method controls the airflow direction adjustment mechanism included in the air conditioner 20, making it possible to bring the temperature in the target area closer to the target temperature in a relatively short period of time.

[0081] Invention 9 is the control method of any one of Inventions 1 to 7, in which, in the second step, airflow in the second wind direction is generated by operating air blowing equipment 70 provided in the target area.

[0082] Such a control method can bring the temperature of the target area close to the target temperature in a relatively short period of time by operating the air blowing device 70.

[0083] Invention 10 is a control method of any of Inventions 1 to 9, in which a first step is executed when there is no one in the indoor space 90, and a second step is executed when a person enters the indoor space 90 which is otherwise empty.

[0084] This control method can bring the temperature in the target area close to the target temperature in a relatively short period of time after a person enters the indoor space 90 that is empty.

[0085] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the control method of any one of the first to tenth aspects of the present invention, wherein the target area is expanded as the number of people located in the indoor space 90 increases.

[0086] With this control method, after the target area is expanded, the temperature of the newly expanded target area can be brought close to the target temperature in a relatively short period of time.

[0087] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute any one of the control methods of the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention.

[0088] According to such a program, the computer causes warm or cold air to stagnate in the first step, and after starting execution of the second step, the computer can bring the temperature of the target area, which corresponds to a portion of the indoor space 90, closer to the target temperature in a relatively short period of time.

[0089] Invention 13 is a control system 10 including a control unit 42 that controls a plurality of air conditioning devices 20 installed in an indoor space 90 to perform heating or cooling operation in a first wind direction that is closer to horizontal than vertical, and the control unit 42 controls the air conditioning devices 20 or the blower devices 70 installed in a target area corresponding to a portion of the indoor space 90 to perform heating or cooling operation in the first wind direction, thereby generating an airflow in the target area with a second wind direction that is closer to vertical than horizontal.

[0090] Such a control system 10 operates multiple air conditioning devices 20 in heating or cooling mode in a first wind direction that is closer to horizontal than vertical, thereby causing warm or cold air to stagnate and generating an airflow in a second wind direction, and then can bring the temperature of a target area corresponding to a portion of the indoor space 90 close to the target temperature in a relatively short period of time.

[0091] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiment has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

[0092] For example, in the above embodiment, the control system is realized by a plurality of devices. When the control system is realized by a plurality of devices in this manner, the components (particularly, functional components) of the control system may be allocated in any manner among the plurality of devices.

[0093] The control system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the control system may be realized as a single device corresponding to the control device.

[0094] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (such as a gateway device) (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0096] In the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory.

[0097] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit, or a dedicated circuit.

[0098] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0099] For example, the present invention may be realized as a control device according to the above-described embodiment, or as a control method executed by a computer such as the control system (control device) according to the above-described embodiment, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the control method (in other words, a computer program product).The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0100] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art may think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope that does not deviate from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 10. Control System 20 Air conditioning equipment 30 Lighting equipment 40 Control device 41 Communications Department 42 Control section 43 Storage section 50 Access control device 60 Human detection device 70 Ventilation equipment 90 Indoor space 91 Area 1 92 Area 2 93 Third Area

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented control method comprising: A first step of performing heating or cooling operation on a plurality of air conditioners installed in an indoor space with a first airflow direction that is closer to a horizontal direction than a vertical direction; and a second step of generating an air flow having a second wind direction closer to a vertical direction than a horizontal direction in the target area by controlling an air conditioner or a blower provided in the target area corresponding to a part of the indoor space after the first step. Control methods.

2. The plurality of air conditioners are installed on a ceiling of the indoor space or on a wall surface of the indoor space near the ceiling, In the first step, the plurality of air conditioners are operated in a heating mode; The second wind direction is closer to a vertical downward direction than to a horizontal direction. The control method according to claim 1 .

3. In the second step, a set temperature of an air conditioner installed in the target area is further changed to a set temperature lower than a set temperature of an air conditioner installed in a non-target area of ​​the indoor space. The control method according to claim 2 .

4. In the second step, an operation mode of an air conditioner installed in the target area is changed from a heating operation to a fan operation. The control method according to claim 2 .

5. The plurality of air conditioners are installed on a floor surface of the indoor space or on a wall surface of the indoor space near the floor surface, In the first step, the plurality of air conditioners are operated in cooling mode; The second wind direction is closer to a vertical upward direction than a horizontal direction. The control method according to claim 1 .

6. In the second step, a set temperature of an air conditioner installed in the target area is further changed to a set temperature higher than a set temperature of an air conditioner installed in a non-target area of ​​the indoor space. The control method according to claim 5.

7. In the second step, the operation mode of the air conditioner installed in the target area is changed from cooling operation to fan operation. The control method according to claim 5.

8. In the second step, an airflow in the second wind direction is generated by controlling a wind direction adjustment mechanism of an air conditioner installed in the target area. The control method according to claim 1 .

9. In the second step, an airflow in the second wind direction is generated by operating a blower installed in the target area. The control method according to claim 1 .

10. The first step is executed when no one is present in the indoor space, The second step is executed when a person enters the indoor space that is empty. The control method according to claim 1 .

11. The target area is expanded as the number of people located in the indoor space increases. The control method according to claim 1 .

12. A program for causing a computer to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. a control unit that controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in an indoor space to perform heating or cooling operation in a first airflow direction that is closer to a horizontal direction than a vertical direction; The control unit controls the plurality of air conditioners in heating or cooling operation in the first airflow direction, and then controls the air conditioners or blowers installed in a target area corresponding to a portion of the indoor space to generate an airflow in the target area in a second airflow direction closer to a vertical direction than a horizontal direction. Control system.

Images