Air conditioning system

Abstract

To set a proper operation mode of an outdoor unit.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system 1 comprises an outdoor unit 10, a heat medium flow passage 12, an indoor unit 14, a center control part, and a storage device 42 stored with correlation history data 50, and the center control part 44 derives an estimated mode by estimating an operation mode in setting of a future operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 based upon past correlation history data 50 and a weather forecast of weather in the setting of the future operation mode at the installation position of the outdoor unit 10 before the operation mode of the outdoor equipment 10 is set, acquires operation state information as information representing the actual operation state of the indoor unit in the setting of the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10, and determines which of a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode is set as the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 based upon the estimated mode and operation state information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system that sets the start date of a cooling period or a heating period from a representative value of past outside air temperature data. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-112352 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the start dates of the cooling period and the heating period are set solely from past outdoor temperature data, and depending on the condition of the indoor unit, the accuracy of setting the cooling period and the heating period may decrease, making it impossible to set the outdoor unit to the appropriate operating mode, either cooling mode or heating mode.

[0005] In addition, in some air conditioning systems, the cooling or heating operation mode of the outdoor unit cannot be changed by the indoor unit, or permission from an administrator is required to change it, or the outdoor unit or all indoor units must be stopped to change it by the indoor unit. For this reason, for example, a situation may occur where cooling is desired in a room where an indoor unit is installed, but the outdoor unit is set to heating mode. Therefore, in an air conditioning system, it may be difficult to determine whether the outdoor unit should be set to cooling mode or heating mode as its operation mode.

[0006] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of setting an appropriate operation mode in an outdoor unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, an air conditioning system of the present invention includes an outdoor unit having a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes and capable of switching between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, a heat medium flow path through which a heat medium corresponding to a set operation mode of the outdoor unit's cooling operation mode or heating operation mode flows, an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit through the heat medium flow path, a central control unit that controls the operation of the outdoor unit, and a storage device that stores correlation history data indicating a relationship between weather conditions at an installation location of the outdoor unit and a set operation mode of the outdoor unit's cooling operation mode or heating operation mode, wherein, before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, the central control unit derives an estimated mode that estimates the operation mode when a future operation mode of the outdoor unit is set based on the past correlation history data and a weather forecast that predicts the weather at the installation location of the outdoor unit when a future operation mode is set, and when the operation mode of the outdoor unit is set, obtains operating state information that is information indicating the actual operating state of the indoor unit, and determines whether to set the operation mode of the outdoor unit to the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode based on the estimated mode and the operating state information.

[0008] Furthermore, the setting modes of the indoor unit may include a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode, and the operating state information may include at least the setting mode that has been set in the indoor unit.

[0009] In addition, the indoor unit has setting modes for a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode, and the operation status information includes the setting mode set in the indoor unit, as well as either or both of operation status information indicating whether the indoor unit is operating or not, and temperature difference information indicating the temperature difference between the set temperature in the indoor unit and the temperature detected at a specified position on the indoor unit, and when the estimated mode of the outdoor unit and the setting mode of the indoor unit differ, the central control unit may determine which of the estimated mode and the setting mode to decide as the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit based on either or both of the operation status information and the temperature difference information.

[0010] In addition, the central control unit may acquire the weather conditions at the time when the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit was determined, associate the acquired weather conditions with the determined operation mode, and update the correlation history data based on the associated weather conditions and operation mode.

[0011] In addition, there may be a plurality of outdoor units and indoor units, each of the plurality of indoor units being connected to one of the plurality of outdoor units, correlation history data being stored in a storage device for each outdoor unit, and the central control unit deriving the estimation mode based on the correlation history data for each outdoor unit that corresponds to the outdoor unit from which the estimation mode is derived, among the correlation history data for each outdoor unit. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to set an appropriate operation mode in the outdoor unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the correlation history data. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the pre-processing by the central control unit. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the process for setting the operation mode. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of how the operation mode is determined. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values ​​shown in the embodiment are merely examples for facilitating understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0015] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. In Fig. 1, dashed arrows illustrate the direction of signal transmission. The air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, a heat medium flow path 12, a plurality of indoor units 14, and a central control device 16. In Fig. 1, three indoor units 14 are illustrated, but the number of indoor units 14 is not limited to three, and may be one, two, or four or more.

[0016] The outdoor unit 10 has a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes. As will be described later, the outdoor unit 10 is configured to be switchable between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode.

[0017] The heat medium flow path 12 is connected to the outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit 10 is connected to a plurality of indoor units 14 through the heat medium flow path 12. A heat medium corresponding to a set operation mode out of a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode flows through the heat medium flow path 12.

[0018] The outdoor unit 10 includes a communication unit 20, a cooling / heating unit 22, a cooling / heating switching unit 24, and an outdoor control unit 26. The communication unit 20 can establish communication with a plurality of indoor units 14 and the central control device 16.

[0019] The cooling / heating unit 22 includes, for example, a heat exchanger, a compressor, and a pressure reducer, and cools or heats the heat medium. More specifically, in the cooling operation mode, the cooling / heating unit 22 cools the heat medium supplied to the outdoor unit 10 and sends the cooled heat medium to the multiple indoor units 14 through the heat medium flow path 12. In addition, in the heating operation mode, the cooling / heating unit 22 heats the heat medium supplied to the outdoor unit 10 and sends the heated heat medium to the multiple indoor units 14 through the heat medium flow path 12.

[0020] The cooling / heating switching unit 24 switches the operation mode between a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode. For example, the cooling / heating switching unit 24 can switch the operation mode by switching the flow path of the heat medium between the devices that configure the cooling / heating unit 22.

[0021] The outdoor control unit 26 is composed of a processor and a memory that stores a program. The outdoor control unit 26 controls the entire outdoor unit 10 by the processor executing the program. For example, under the control of the central control device 16, the outdoor control unit 26 sets the operation mode and causes the cooling / heating switching unit 24 to switch the operation mode.

[0022] The indoor unit 14 is installed in a space to be air-conditioned. Hereinafter, the space to be air-conditioned may be referred to as a target space for air conditioning.

[0023] The indoor unit 14 has a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode as setting modes. A user of the indoor unit 14 can set the setting mode of the indoor unit 14 to the cooling setting mode when the user wants to cool the air-conditioned space, and can set the setting mode of the indoor unit 14 to the heating setting mode when the user wants to heat the air-conditioned space.

[0024] The indoor unit 14 includes a communication unit 30, a heat exchanger 32, a temperature sensor 34, a user interface 36, and an indoor control unit 38. In Fig. 1, the user interface is abbreviated as UI. The communication unit 30 can establish communication with the outdoor unit 10 and the central control device 16.

[0025] The heat exchanger 32 exchanges heat between the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path 12 and air supplied from the space to be air-conditioned, and sends the air after the heat exchange to the space to be air-conditioned.

[0026] The temperature sensor 34 is installed at a predetermined position in the indoor unit 14 and detects the temperature at that position. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 is transmitted to the central control device 16 and used to determine the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10, as will be described later.

[0027] For example, the temperature sensor 34 is installed at an inlet portion where the heat medium is sent from the heat medium flow path 12 to the indoor unit 14, and detects the temperature of the heat medium sent to the indoor unit 14.

[0028] It should be noted that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 is not limited to the temperature of the heat medium fed to the indoor unit 14. For example, the temperature sensor 34 may be installed at an outlet portion where the heat medium is sent from the indoor unit 14 to the heat medium flow path 12, and detect the temperature of the heat medium sent from the indoor unit 14. Also, for example, the temperature sensor 34 may be installed at a position in the indoor unit 14 facing the space to be air-conditioned, and detect the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned at the position of the indoor unit 14.

[0029] The user interface 36 includes, for example, an input function such as an input switch, and an output function such as a display device. A user can input the setting mode and the set temperature of the indoor unit 14 through the user interface 36.

[0030] The indoor control unit 38 is composed of a processor and a memory that stores a program. The processor executes the program, and the indoor control unit 38 controls the entire indoor unit 14. For example, the indoor control unit 38 controls the temperature and volume of air sent to the space to be air-conditioned.

[0031] The central control device 16 controls the operation of the outdoor unit 10. The central control device 16 may be installed in the same building in which the outdoor unit 10 is installed and control the outdoor unit 10, or may be installed in a location separate from the building in which the outdoor unit 10 is installed and control the outdoor unit 10 by remote operation.

[0032] The central control device 16 includes a communication unit 40, a storage device 42, and a central control unit 44. The communication unit 40 can establish communication with the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 14.

[0033] The storage device 42 is configured with, for example, a non-volatile storage element such as a HDD, a flash memory, etc. The storage device 42 stores correlation history data 50. The correlation history data 50 will be described in detail later.

[0034] The central control unit 44 is composed of a processor and a memory that stores programs. The central control unit 44 controls the operation of the entire central control device 16 and the outdoor unit 10 by the processor executing the programs.

[0035] The central control unit 44 determines the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit 10 from the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode, and instructs the outdoor unit 10 of the determined operation mode to set the outdoor unit 10 to the operation mode. The central control unit 44 determines the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 at predetermined time intervals and updates the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10. The predetermined time here is, for example, one hour, but is not limited to this example and may be set to any time.

[0036] The indoor unit 14 transmits a start instruction to the outdoor unit 10 when a start operation is received through the user interface 36 or when a preset time is reached by timer reservation or the like. When the outdoor unit 10 receives the start instruction of the indoor unit 14, it starts operating in a set operation mode out of a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode. When the outdoor unit 10 starts operating, a heat medium corresponding to the set operation mode is sent to the indoor unit 14 through the heat medium flow path 12. Then, in the heat exchanger 32 of the indoor unit 14, heat is exchanged between the heat medium and the air in the space to be air-conditioned, and the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned is balanced.

[0037] The central control unit 44 can switch the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 from a cooling operation mode to a heating operation mode and from a heating operation mode to a cooling operation mode by updating the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10. In this way, the air conditioning system 1 has a cooling / heating switching configuration.

[0038] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the correlation history data 50. As shown in Fig. 2, the correlation history data 50 indicates the relationship between the weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10 and the operation mode that is actually set in the outdoor unit 10, either the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode.

[0039] The weather conditions include, for example, at least one of the outdoor temperature, humidity, and weather at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10. That is, in the correlation history data 50, the outdoor temperature, humidity, and weather, or a combination of these conditions, are associated one-to-one with the set operation mode.

[0040] In addition, the weather conditions are not limited to the outside air temperature, humidity, and weather, but may include any indicator related to the weather at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10, such as the amount of solar radiation, cloud cover, and sunshine hours at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10.

[0041] The correlation history data 50 is updated, for example, at the timing when the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 is set (updated). Note that the correlation history data 50 may be updated at the timing when the air conditioning load of the outdoor unit 10 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or may be updated at the timing when the operation time of the outdoor unit 10 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined time.

[0042] Next, the operation of the central control unit 44 will be described. The central control unit 44 performs a predetermined pre-processing before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10. The pre-processing is performed, for example, on the day before the operation mode is set. Note that the pre-processing is not limited to the day before the operation mode is set, and may be performed at any timing earlier than the operation mode setting timing on the day of the operation mode setting.

[0043] 3 is a flowchart explaining the pre-processing by the central control unit 44. When the timing to start the pre-processing arrives, the central control unit 44 reads out the past correlation history data 50 stored in the storage device 42 (S10). The central control unit 44 acquires a weather forecast predicting the weather at the installation position of the outdoor unit 10 when the future operation mode is set (S11). The weather forecast may be acquired from a server device of the Japan Meteorological Agency or the like via the Internet, for example.

[0044] The central control unit 44 derives an estimated mode, which is an estimate of the operation mode at the time of setting a future operation mode in the outdoor unit 10, based on the read past correlation history data 50 and the acquired weather forecast (S12). For example, the central control unit 44 derives an operation mode corresponding to the acquired weather forecast as an estimated mode from the acquired weather forecast and the read correlation history data 50. The central control unit 44 stores the derived estimated mode in the storage device 42 (S13) and ends the pre-processing in FIG. 3.

[0045] Note that weather forecasts can be wrong. In preparation for such a case, the central control unit 44 may, for example, correct each value of the weather conditions in the correlation history data 50 stored in the storage device 42 with data acquired by the outdoor unit 10. Here, when the cooling / heating unit 22 of the outdoor unit 10 cools or heats the heat medium, the fan draws outside air into the cooling / heating unit 22. The intake temperature sensor installed at the position where the outdoor unit 10 draws in the outside air can obtain a measurement value that is approximately the same as the outside air temperature at the position of the outdoor unit 10. Based on this, the central control unit 44 may correct each value of the weather conditions in the correlation history data 50 with the measurement value of the intake temperature sensor of the outdoor unit 10. By doing so, the accuracy of the correlation history data 50 can be improved.

[0046] Fig. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the process when setting the operation mode. The central control unit 44 performs the operation mode setting process shown in Fig. 4 when setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10. Note that the operation mode setting may occur, for example, every hour on the day after the estimated mode is derived.

[0047] When the timing for starting the operation mode setting process arrives, the central control unit 44 acquires operation state information, which is information indicating the actual operation state of the indoor unit 14 (S20).

[0048] The operating state information includes at least the setting mode currently set in the indoor unit 14. Furthermore, the operating state information may include either one or both of operating / non-operating information and temperature difference information. The operating / non-operating information indicates whether the indoor unit 14 is currently operating. The temperature difference information indicates the temperature difference between the currently set temperature of the indoor unit 14 and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 at a predetermined position of the indoor unit 14. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 at a predetermined position of the indoor unit 14 is, for example, the temperature of the heat medium fed into the indoor unit 14, but may also be the temperature of the heat medium sent out from the indoor unit 14 or the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned at the position of the indoor unit 14.

[0049] The central control unit 44 reads out the estimated mode derived in the most recent pre-processing from the storage device 42 (S21). The central control unit 44 determines whether to set the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 to the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode based on the read out estimated mode and the operation state information acquired in step S20 (S22).

[0050] 5 is a diagram showing an example of determining an operation mode. The central control unit 44 judges whether the estimated mode of the outdoor unit 10 is substantially the same as the set mode of the indoor unit 14 included in the operation state information. Note that the estimated mode and the set mode being the same means that "cooling" or "heating" of the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode in the estimated mode are the same as "cooling" or "heating" of the cooling setting mode and the heating setting mode in the set mode.

[0051] When the estimated mode of the outdoor unit 10 and the set mode of the indoor unit 14 included in the operation state information are substantially the same, the central control unit 44 determines the estimated mode as the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10. For example, when both the estimated mode and the set mode are "cooling", the central control unit 44 determines the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit 10 to be the "cooling" operation mode. On the other hand, when both the estimated mode and the set mode are "heating", the central control unit 44 determines the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit 10 to be the "heating" operation mode.

[0052] On the other hand, when the estimated mode of the outdoor unit 10 differs from the set mode of the indoor unit 14 included in the operation state information, the central control unit 44 determines which of the estimated mode or the set mode to determine as the operation mode to be set in the outdoor unit 10, based on either one or both of the operation status information, namely, the operation status information, and the temperature difference information.

[0053] For example, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration only the operation presence / absence information regardless of the temperature difference information, and if the operation presence / absence information indicates "absence", i.e., if the indoor unit 14 is not operating, it is presumed that the indoor unit 14 is not operating because the set mode is different from the set mode that should be. Therefore, the central control unit 44 may determine the operation mode to be "cooling" indicated by the estimated mode. Also, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration only the operation presence / absence information regardless of the temperature difference information, and if the operation presence / absence information indicates "presence", i.e., if the indoor unit 14 is operating, it is presumed that the indoor unit 14 is operating because the set mode is set to the set mode that should be. Therefore, the central control unit 44 may determine the operation mode to be "heating" indicated by the set mode.

[0054] Also, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", only the temperature difference information is taken into consideration regardless of the operation / non-operation information, and if the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine that the operation load of the indoor unit 14 is extremely small because the set mode is different from the desired set mode, and therefore the estimation of the estimated mode is correct, and may determine "cooling" indicated by the estimated mode as the operation mode. Also, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", only the temperature difference information is taken into consideration regardless of the operation / non-operation information, and if the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is greater than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine that the estimation of the estimated mode is incorrect, and may determine "heating" indicated by the set mode as the operation mode.

[0055] Also, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration both the operation presence / absence information and the temperature difference information, and if the operation presence / absence information indicates "absence" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine "cooling" indicated by the estimated mode as the operation mode, since it is presumed that the operation load of the indoor unit 14 is extremely small even if the operation presence / absence information changes to "present" after the current time. Also, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration both the operation presence / absence information and the temperature difference information, and if the operation presence / absence information indicates "present" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine "cooling" indicated by the estimated mode as the operation mode, since it is presumed that the operation load of the indoor unit 14 is extremely small.

[0056] Also, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", taking into consideration both the operation / non-operation information and the temperature difference information, if the operation / non-operation information indicates "no" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 presumes that the set mode should be set, and even if the operation / non-operation information changes to "yes" after the current time, it is presumed that the operating load of the indoor unit 14 is large, so the central control unit 44 may determine "heating" indicated by the set mode as the operation mode. Also, when the estimated mode is "cooling" and the set mode is "heating", taking into consideration both the operation / non-operation information and the temperature difference information, if the operation / non-operation information indicates "yes" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than a predetermined temperature difference, it is presumed that the set mode should be set, so the central control unit 44 may determine "heating" indicated by the set mode as the operation mode.

[0057] Also, for example, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration only the operation presence / absence information regardless of the temperature difference information, and if the operation presence / absence information indicates "absence", i.e., if the indoor unit 14 is not operating, it is presumed that the indoor unit 14 is not operating because the set mode is different from the set mode that should be. Therefore, the central control unit 44 may determine "heating" indicated by the estimated mode as the operation mode. Also, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration only the operation presence / absence information regardless of the temperature difference information, and if the operation presence / absence information indicates "presence", i.e., if the indoor unit 14 is operating, it is presumed that the indoor unit 14 is operating because the set mode is set to the set mode that should be. Therefore, the central control unit 44 may determine "cooling" indicated by the set mode as the operation mode.

[0058] Also, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", only the temperature difference information is taken into consideration regardless of the operation / non-operation information, and if the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is equal to or smaller than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine that the operation load of the indoor unit 14 is extremely small because the set mode is different from the desired set mode, and therefore the estimation of the estimated mode is correct, and may determine "cooling" indicated by the estimated mode as the operation mode. Also, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", only the temperature difference information is taken into consideration regardless of the operation / non-operation information, and if the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine that the estimation of the estimated mode is incorrect, and may determine "cooling" indicated by the set mode as the operation mode.

[0059] Also, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration both the operation / non-operation information and the temperature difference information, and if the operation / non-operation information indicates "no" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine the "heating" indicated by the estimated mode as the operation mode, since it is presumed that the operation load of the indoor unit 14 is extremely small even if the operation / non-operation information changes to "yes" after the current time. Also, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", the central control unit 44 may take into consideration both the operation / non-operation information and the temperature difference information, and if the operation / non-operation information indicates "yes" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is equal to or less than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 may determine the "heating" indicated by the estimated mode as the operation mode, since it is presumed that the operation load of the indoor unit 14 is extremely small.

[0060] Also, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", taking into consideration both the operation / non-operation information and the temperature difference information, if the operation / non-operation information indicates "no" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than a predetermined temperature difference, the central control unit 44 presumes that the set mode is as it should be, and even if the operation / non-operation information changes to "yes" after the current time, it is presumed that the operating load of the indoor unit 14 is large, so the central control unit 44 may determine "cooling" indicated by the set mode as the operation mode. Also, when the estimated mode is "heating" and the set mode is "cooling", taking into consideration both the operation / non-operation information and the temperature difference information, if the operation / non-operation information indicates "yes" and the temperature difference indicated by the temperature difference information is larger than a predetermined temperature difference, it is presumed that the set mode is as it should be, so the central control unit 44 may determine "cooling" indicated by the set mode as the operation mode.

[0061] Returning to Fig. 4, after the operation mode is determined, the central control unit 44 instructs the outdoor unit 10 of the determined operation mode (S23). Upon receiving this instruction, the outdoor unit 10 updates the setting of the operation mode.

[0062] After the operation mode is determined, the central control unit 44 acquires the weather conditions at the current location of the outdoor unit 10 (S24). For example, the central control unit 44 may acquire the outdoor temperature and humidity from the detection values ​​of various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 10. The central control unit 44 may also acquire information on the current weather from a server device of the Meteorological Agency or the like via the Internet.

[0063] The central control unit 44 associates the weather conditions acquired in step S24 with the driving mode determined in step S22, updates the correlation history data 50 with the associated weather conditions and driving mode (S25), and ends the series of processes in FIG. 4.

[0064] For example, the initial correlation history data 50 may also include information such as "I originally wanted to cool, but the outdoor unit 10 was in heating operation mode when I started up the indoor unit 14." In this example, since cooling is not performed properly, the indoor unit 14 may be stopped early. In this case, the estimated mode (e.g., heating operation mode) and the set mode (e.g., cooling set mode) are different, and the indoor unit 14 is not operating, and the central control unit 44 determines the set mode (e.g., "cooling") as the operation mode. In other words, the operation mode is corrected to the set mode that should be. At this time, the correlation history data 50 is updated based on the corrected operation mode and weather conditions.

[0065] In this way, the correlation history data 50 is updated to more appropriate content, so that the estimation accuracy of the estimation mode can be improved, and as a result, the accuracy of determining the operation mode can be improved.

[0066] The timing for updating the correlation history data 50 is not limited to when the operation mode is determined. For example, the central control unit 44 may acquire weather conditions and update the correlation history data 50 when the outdoor unit 10 is operated at or above a predetermined air conditioning load, or may acquire weather conditions and update the correlation history data 50 when the outdoor unit 10 has been operated for a predetermined period of time or more.

[0067] As described above, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, correlation history data 50 indicating the relationship between the weather conditions at the installation location of the outdoor unit 10 and the set operation mode is stored in the storage device 42. Before setting the operation mode, the central control unit 44 of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment derives an estimated mode based on the past correlation history data 50 and a weather forecast for the installation location of the outdoor unit 10 at the time of setting the future operation mode. The central control unit 44 determines the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 based on the estimated mode and the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 at the time the operation mode was set.

[0068] As a result, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the operation mode of the outdoor unit 10 is set taking into consideration both the operation mode estimated from the weather forecast for the outdoor unit 10 and the actual operating state of the indoor unit 14.

[0069] Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to set an appropriate operation mode in the outdoor unit .

[0070] For example, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 is used to set the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10, so that it is possible to determine an appropriate operating mode, either "cooling" or "heating", that suits the situation of the air-conditioned space in which the indoor unit 14 is installed. This makes it possible to prevent the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment from being in a situation where, for example, "cooling" is desired in the air-conditioned space in which the indoor unit 14 is installed, but the outdoor unit 10 ends up being set to the "heating" operating mode.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, the operating status information of the indoor unit 14 is used to set the operating mode of the outdoor unit 10, so even if there is an indoor unit 14 that is not operating and the operation of the outdoor unit 10 is not properly reflected in the space to be air-conditioned by the indoor unit 14, an appropriate operating mode can be set in the outdoor unit 10.

[0072] Second embodiment Fig. 6 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to the second embodiment. In the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment described above, one outdoor unit 10 is provided in one heat medium flow path 12. In contrast, in the air conditioning system 100 of the second embodiment, two outdoor units 10 are provided in one heat medium flow path 12. Note that, although Fig. 6 shows an example in which two outdoor units 10 are provided in one heat medium flow path 12, the number of outdoor units 10 provided in one heat medium flow path 12 is not limited to two and may be any multiple number equal to or greater than two.

[0073] The central control unit 44 regards a plurality of outdoor units 10 provided in one system as one outdoor unit 10 and controls each outdoor unit 10. In this case, in the correlation history data 50, for example, the weather conditions at the position of the outdoor unit 10 regarded as one outdoor unit 10 may be associated one-to-one with the operation mode of each outdoor unit 10.

[0074] As in the first embodiment, before setting the operation mode, the central control unit 44 derives an estimated mode for each outdoor unit 10 based on the past correlation history data 50 and a weather forecast at the time of setting the future operation mode for the installation location of the outdoor unit 10 regarded as one outdoor unit. The central control unit 44 determines the operation mode for each outdoor unit 10 based on the estimated mode and the operating state information of the indoor unit 14 at the time the operation mode is set.

[0075] As a result, in the air conditioning system 100 of the second embodiment, it is possible to set an appropriate operation mode in each outdoor unit 10, similar to the first embodiment.

[0076] Third embodiment FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system 200 according to the third embodiment. In the air conditioning system 100 of the second embodiment described above, two outdoor units 10 are provided in one heat medium flow path 12. In contrast, in the air conditioning system 200 of the third embodiment, there are two heat medium flow paths 12, and one outdoor unit 10 is provided in each system. Note that, although FIG. 7 shows an example in which there are two heat medium flow paths 12, the number of systems is not limited to two, and may be any number equal to or greater than two. That is, in the air conditioning system 200 of the third embodiment, the outdoor units 10 are provided in a plurality of different heat medium flow paths 12 systems.

[0077] 7, the multiple indoor units 14 connected to the outdoor unit 10 through the heat medium flow path 12 are different for each outdoor unit 10. In other words, each of the multiple indoor units 14 is connected to one of the multiple outdoor units 10.

[0078] The correlation history data 50 is stored in the storage device 42 for each outdoor unit 10 having a different system of the heat medium flow path 12.

[0079] The central control unit 44 derives the estimation mode based on the correlation history data 50 corresponding to the outdoor unit 10 from which the estimation mode is to be derived, out of the correlation history data 50 for each outdoor unit 10.

[0080] For example, suppose there is a north-side outdoor unit connected to an indoor unit 14 installed in a space to be air-conditioned on the north side of a building, and a south-side outdoor unit connected to an indoor unit 14 installed in a space to be air-conditioned on the south side of the building. The north-side outdoor unit and the south-side outdoor unit have different systems of the heat medium flow path 12, as shown in FIG.

[0081] When the north-side outdoor unit and the south-side outdoor unit are installed in roughly the same location, such as outdoors, the outdoor air temperature of the north-side outdoor unit and the outdoor air temperature of the south-side outdoor unit are roughly the same. However, there is a bias in the temperatures of the air-conditioned spaces on the north side and the south side, and for example, the indoor unit 14 in the air-conditioned space on the north side may be set to a heating setting mode, and the indoor unit 14 in the air-conditioned space on the south side may be set to a cooling setting mode.

[0082] The central control unit 44 derives an estimated mode for the north side outdoor unit based on the correlation history data 50 corresponding to the north side outdoor unit and a weather forecast for the installation position of the north side outdoor unit at the time of setting the future operation mode. The central control unit 44 also derives an estimated mode for the south side outdoor unit based on the correlation history data 50 corresponding to the south side outdoor unit and a weather forecast for the installation position of the south side outdoor unit at the time of setting the future operation mode.

[0083] The central control unit 44 determines the operation mode of the north side outdoor unit based on the estimated mode of the north side outdoor unit and the operation state information of the indoor unit 14 connected to the north side outdoor unit. The central control unit 44 also determines the operation mode of the south side outdoor unit based on the estimated mode of the south side outdoor unit and the operation state information of the indoor unit 14 connected to the south side outdoor unit.

[0084] In this way, the central control unit 44 can independently manage, for example, the relationship between the outdoor air temperature and the operation mode of the north-side outdoor unit and the relationship between the outdoor air temperature and the operation mode of the south-side outdoor unit by using different correlation history data 50 for each outdoor unit 10 having a different system of the heat medium flow path 12. For example, even if the north-side outdoor unit and the south-side outdoor unit have the same outdoor air temperature, the central control unit 44 can perform control such as setting the operation mode of the north-side outdoor unit to the heating operation mode and the operation mode of the south-side outdoor unit to the cooling operation mode.

[0085] As a result, in the air conditioning system 200 of the third embodiment, it becomes possible to set an appropriate operation mode in each outdoor unit 10, similar to the first embodiment.

[0086] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can think of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0087] For example, the air conditioning systems 1, 100, and 200 of the above embodiments are not limited to being applied to multi-air conditioners for buildings, but may also be applied to, for example, small-scale store air conditioning systems or central air conditioning systems that circulate hot and cold water within a building.

[0088] Also provided are a program that causes a computer to function as the central control unit 16, and a storage medium, such as a computer-readable flexible disk, magneto-optical disk, ROM, CD, DVD, or BD, on which the program is recorded. Here, the program refers to a data processing means written in any language or description method.

[0089] It should be noted that each process shown in this specification does not necessarily have to be performed in chronological order according to the order shown in the flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 1, 100, 200 Air Conditioning System 10 Outdoor unit 12 Heat transfer medium flow path 14 Indoor unit 42 Storage device 44 Central Control Unit 50 Correlated Historical Data

Claims

1. An outdoor unit that has a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode as operation modes and is switchable between the cooling operation mode and the heating operation mode; a heat medium flow path through which a heat medium corresponding to a set operation mode of the outdoor unit, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path corresponds to the set operation mode of the outdoor unit, the heat medium flowing through the heat medium flow path; an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit through the heat medium flow path; A central control unit that controls the operation of the outdoor unit; a storage device that stores correlation history data indicating a relationship between weather conditions at an installation location of the outdoor unit and a set operation mode of the outdoor unit, the operation mode being one of a cooling operation mode and a heating operation mode; Equipped with The central control unit: before setting the operation mode of the outdoor unit, deriving an estimated mode that is an estimate of the operation mode when the future operation mode of the outdoor unit is set, based on the past correlation history data and a weather forecast that predicts weather at an installation position of the outdoor unit when the future operation mode is set, When the operation mode of the outdoor unit is set, operation state information is acquired which is information indicating an actual operation state of the indoor unit; The air conditioning system determines whether to set a cooling operation mode or a heating operation mode as the operation mode of the outdoor unit based on the estimated mode and the operation state information.

2. The indoor unit has a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the operating state information includes at least the setting mode that is set in the indoor unit.

3. The indoor unit has a cooling setting mode and a heating setting mode. The operating state information includes the setting mode set in the indoor unit, and also includes one or both of operation presence / absence information indicating whether the indoor unit is operating or not, and temperature difference information indicating a temperature difference between a set temperature in the indoor unit and a temperature detected at a predetermined position in the indoor unit, The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein when the estimated mode of the outdoor unit and the set mode of the indoor unit are different, the central control unit determines, based on either one or both of the operation / non-operation information and the temperature difference information, which of the estimated mode and the set mode to determine as the operation mode to be set for the outdoor unit.

4. The central control unit: Obtaining the weather conditions when the operation mode to be set for the outdoor unit was determined; Correlating the acquired weather conditions with the determined driving mode; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the correlation history data is updated based on the associated weather conditions and the associated operation modes.

5. There are a plurality of the outdoor units and the indoor units, Each of the indoor units is connected to one of the outdoor units, the correlation history data is stored in the storage device for each of the outdoor units; The central control unit: The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the estimation mode is derived based on the correlation history data corresponding to the outdoor unit from which the estimation mode is derived, among the correlation history data for each outdoor unit.

Images