Air-conditioning control system, and air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning control system which can realize energy saving operation in an optional air conditioner, and an air conditioner equipped with the air-conditioning control system.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning control system according to the present invention has a reception unit for receiving instructions of an operation to an air conditioner, a control unit for causing the air conditioner to execute an operation corresponding to the operation instructions, and a room temperature measurement unit for measuring a room temperature. When the reception unit receives instructions of power-saving operation, the control unit carries out a first power-saving operation control for, if a difference between the current room temperature and the target room temperature is a threshold value or greater, controlling the air conditioner so that the room temperature should be a tentative target temperature between the current indoor room temperature and the target temperature, and if the difference between the current room temperature and the target temperature becomes less than the threshold value, controlling the air conditioner so that the room temperature should be the target temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The following disclosure relates to an air conditioning control system and an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] There has long been a demand for energy-saving technologies to reduce energy consumption in home appliances that consume a lot of power, such as air conditioners. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an air conditioner energy-saving control device that provides greater freedom in energy-saving settings. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-65960 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, advances in IoT (Internet of Things) technology have made it possible to operate multiple air conditioners using a common platform. However, because multiple air conditioners do not necessarily all have the same functions, there is still room for ingenuity in making it possible to achieve energy-saving operation for any air conditioner.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning control system that can achieve energy-saving operation in any air conditioner, and an air conditioner equipped with the air conditioning control system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) One embodiment of the present disclosure is an air conditioning control system comprising a receiving unit that receives operational instructions for an air conditioner, a control unit that causes the air conditioner to perform an operational operation corresponding to the operational instruction, and a room temperature measurement unit that measures the temperature in the room, wherein when the receiving unit receives an energy-saving operation instruction, the control unit performs first energy-saving operation control to control the air conditioner so that the indoor temperature becomes a tentative target temperature between the current temperature and the target temperature when a difference between the current temperature in the room and a target temperature is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and then, when the difference between the current temperature in the room and the target temperature becomes less than the threshold value, to control the air conditioner so that the indoor temperature becomes the target temperature.

[0007] (2) Furthermore, one embodiment of the present disclosure is an air conditioning control system in which, in addition to the configuration of (1) above, the control unit operates the air conditioner when the temperature in the room reaches the target temperature so that the temperature in the room maintains the target temperature.

[0008] (3) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the configuration of (1) or (2) above, the control unit sets the tentative target temperature so that the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature becomes larger the greater the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature. This is an air conditioning control system.

[0009] (4) Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), or (3) above, the air conditioning control system further includes a humidity measuring unit that measures the humidity in the room, and when the air conditioner performs cooling operation, the control unit sets the tentative target temperature so that the difference between the tentative target temperature and the current temperature becomes smaller as the humidity in the room increases.

[0010] (5) Another embodiment of the present disclosure is an air conditioner including the air conditioning control system described in (1), (2), (3), or (4).

[0011] (6) Furthermore, an embodiment of the present disclosure, in addition to the configuration of (1), (2), (3) or (4) above, further includes a judgment unit that determines whether or not the air conditioner is capable of performing a second energy saving operation, and when the receiving unit receives an energy saving operation instruction, the judgment unit judges whether or not the air conditioner is capable of performing the second energy saving operation, and if the judgment unit determines that the second energy saving operation is capable of performing the second energy saving operation, the control unit causes the air conditioner to perform the second energy saving operation, and if the judgment unit determines that the second energy saving operation cannot be performed, the control unit performs the first energy saving operation control, an air conditioning control system. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control system that can realize energy-saving operation in any air conditioner, and an air conditioner equipped with the air conditioning control system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning control system 1. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a server 20. [Figure 3A] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of an indoor unit 11 of an air conditioner 10. FIG. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external appearance of an indoor unit 11 of an air conditioner 10. FIG. [Figure 4] 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line AA' in FIG. 3A). [Diagram 5] 13 is an example of a flowchart when a cooling operation is performed. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a chart conceptually showing the timing for switching the target temperature when performing a cooling operation. [Figure 7] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning control system 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning control system 1. [Figure 9] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning control system 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is an example of a flowchart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments, and appropriate design changes can be made within the scope of the configuration of the present disclosure. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0015] In this specification, the indoor space refers to the space targeted by the air conditioner 10, i.e., the space in which the air conditioner 10 is installed. For example, when a split-type air conditioner consisting of an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit is used as the air conditioner 10, the indoor space refers to the space in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. Moreover, the outdoor space refers to a space other than the indoor space, and for example, when a split-type air conditioner is used, the outdoor space may be the space in which the outdoor unit is installed.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment. The main components of the air conditioning control system 1 include a receiving unit 30, a control unit 32, and a room temperature measurement unit 331. The room temperature measurement unit 331 is one of the measurement units 33. FIG. 1 illustrates a mode in which the air conditioner 10 includes all of these functional units, but one or more of these functional units may be located outside the air conditioner 10. In this case, it is preferable that the air conditioning control system 1 includes a server 20 that can be connected to the air conditioner 10 via a communication line NT (see FIG. 2). FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the server 20.

[0017] The server 20 includes, as main components, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 210, a memory 220, a communication interface 230, and an operation unit 240 (see FIG. 2). The CPU 210 controls each unit by executing a program stored in the memory 220 or an external storage medium, for example. The memory 220 is realized by various ROMs, RAMs, etc., and may be included in the server 20, may be detachable from the server 20, or may be an external recording medium accessible from the server 20. The memory 220 records various programs, data, etc. The communication interface 230 is connected to a communication line NT via a router, a gateway, etc. The communication interface 230 is also capable of one-way or two-way communication with the air conditioner 10 or an operation terminal 40 owned by a user via the communication line NT. The operation terminal 40 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a smartphone, a smart speaker, and a tablet.

[0018] The air conditioners 10 targeted by the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment are not particularly limited as long as they can receive instructions and execute operating operations in an energy saving operation mode (for example, air conditioning operations such as cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidification, and air purification). In this way, the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment can achieve energy saving operation in any air conditioner 10. Furthermore, the number of controllable air conditioners 10 is not particularly limited and may be two or more.

[0019] 3A and 3B are schematic perspective views showing the external appearance of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 10, and FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line A-A') in FIG. 3A. Only the main parts are shown in these drawings. In this embodiment, a split-type air conditioner consisting of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit will be described as an example of the air conditioner 10.

[0020] The air conditioner 10 comprises an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit (not shown). The components of the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit are connected by refrigerant piping to form a cycle section (not shown), and the cycle section usually comprises an indoor heat exchanger 116 as well as an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, a four-way valve, and an expansion valve (also referred to as a pressure reducing section), etc. (not shown).

[0021] The indoor unit 11 has a housing 110 that houses various structures therein. The housing 110 is, for example, a member formed in a generally box shape with the left-right direction as the longitudinal direction. An intake port 111 is formed on the top surface of the housing 110, and an air outlet 112 is formed on the front surface of the housing 110. An air guide plate 113 is provided in the air outlet 112. The air guide plate 113 changes the direction of air blown out from the air outlet 112 and opens and closes the air outlet 112.

[0022] A filter 114 is provided inside the housing 110 to collect dust and the like in the air. A filter cleaning device 115 for cleaning the filter 114 may also be provided. An indoor heat exchanger 116, an indoor blower 117 for passing indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 116, and the like are also arranged inside the housing 110. The indoor heat exchanger 116 functions as a condenser during heating operation and as an evaporator during cooling operation. The indoor blower 117 is, for example, a crossflow fan, a sirocco fan, or the like.

[0023] The configuration of the air-conditioning control system 1 will be further described with reference mainly to Fig. 1. The air-conditioning control system 1 includes at least the receiving unit 30, the control unit 32, and the room temperature measuring unit 331, as described above.

[0024] The receiving unit 30 receives an operation instruction for the air conditioner 10. An operation instruction for the air conditioner 10 is, for example, an instruction from a user such as starting operation (operation ON), stopping operation (operation OFF), operation type (cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, air purification, etc.), operation mode (automatic mode, wind power setting mode, energy saving operation mode, etc.), setting or changing temperature, etc. The receiving unit 30 receives instructions from a user via a remote control device, an operation terminal 40, an input unit of the main body of the air conditioner 10, etc. Examples of the receiving unit 30 include an optical sensor that receives light (e.g., infrared rays) as an operation signal output from a remote control device, and a communication interface 230 of the server 20, etc. The receiving unit 30 outputs the received operation instruction to the control unit 32 directly or via another functional unit.

[0025] The control unit 32 causes the air conditioner 10 (particularly the air conditioning unit 31) to execute an operating operation corresponding to the operation instruction received by the receiving unit 30. The control unit 32 is configured with a CPU and the like, and executes a program stored in a storage device. The control unit 32 may be a microcomputer equipped with a CPU and a storage device and the like.

[0026] The main part of the air conditioner 10 is referred to as the air conditioning unit 31. The air conditioning unit 31 has various functions such as cooling, heating, blowing air, dehumidifying, deodorizing, and ventilation, and performs these operations appropriately upon receiving instructions from the control unit 32, etc. The air conditioning unit 31 includes at least a cycle unit including a heat exchanger (such as the indoor heat exchanger 116) and a compressor, and a blower unit (such as the indoor blower unit 117).

[0027] When the receiving unit 30 receives the energy saving operation instruction, it outputs the instruction to the control unit 32, and the control unit 32 starts a first energy saving operation control. The energy saving operation instruction means an instruction to cause the air conditioner 10 to execute any energy saving operation, and the energy saving operation means an operation with high energy efficiency. The energy saving operation instruction is, for example, an operation instruction for an energy saving operation mode input by a user, or an operation instruction for an energy saving operation mode preset in an automatic operation mode. The first energy saving operation control will be described later.

[0028] The room temperature measuring unit 331 detects the room temperature based on instructions from the control unit 32 etc. The room temperature measuring unit 331 outputs the detected value (also referred to as a measured value) to the control unit 32 etc. The room temperature measuring unit 331 may be provided outside the air conditioner 10. Information from the external room temperature measuring unit 331 is provided to the air conditioner 10 or the server 20 via a communication line NT etc. As the room temperature measuring unit 331, for example, a temperature sensor is suitably used.

[0029] Taking the cooling operation as an example, an overview of the first energy saving operation control will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is an example of a flowchart when the cooling operation is performed, and the area enclosed by a dotted line corresponds to the first energy saving operation control performed by the control unit 32. Note that the operation of the air conditioner 10 controlled by the first energy saving operation control is also referred to as first energy saving operation operation or first energy saving operation.

[0030] When the receiving unit 30 receives the energy saving operation instruction (step S11), the receiving unit 30 outputs the instruction to the control unit 32, and the control unit 32 starts the first energy saving operation control. The control unit 32 first calculates the current indoor temperature T obtained from the room temperature measurement unit 331 and the target temperature T x It is determined whether the difference between the target temperature T and the threshold value T0 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0 (step S12). x is a target indoor temperature, specifically, a temperature set by the user or a temperature set in advance in the automatic operation mode. x is also called the set temperature. The target temperature T x may be obtained from a user via the receiving unit 30, or may be determined by the control unit 32. If the difference is equal to or greater than T0, the result is Yes, and if the difference is less than T0, the result is No. T0 and T1, which will be described later, are set in consideration of, for example, the indoor volume, room temperature, and outside temperature.

[0031] If the difference is equal to or greater than T0 (Yes in step S12), the control unit 32 sets the temperature obtained by subtracting T0 from the current temperature T (i.e., T-T0) as the tentative target temperature T y The room temperature is set to the tentative target temperature T yThat is, the air conditioner 10 receives an instruction from the control unit 32 and causes the air conditioner 10 to perform cooling operation so that the temporary target temperature T y Cooling operation will begin with the target temperature set at 100°C.

[0032] Here, the control unit 32 calculates the current indoor temperature T and the target temperature T x The larger the difference between the current temperature T and the tentative target temperature T y The difference between the tentative target temperature T y Specifically, the current indoor temperature T and the target temperature T x If the difference between T and T0 is, for example, five times or more larger than T0, the control unit 32 sets the temperature obtained by subtracting T1 (T1-T0≧1° C.) from the current temperature T (i.e., T-T1) as the tentative target temperature T y This further improves the comfort of the user. y The higher the current indoor temperature T, the higher the current temperature T and the tentative target temperature T y Difference with (TT y ) may be made larger.

[0033] The control unit 32 then sets the tentative target temperature T y Then, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of cooling operation with the target temperature T as the temporary target temperature (step S14). This predetermined time varies depending on the volume of the room, etc., but is, for example, 5 to 60 minutes. If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 32 determines that the result is No. In FIG. 5, the flow when the result of the determination in step S14 is N (No) is omitted, but if the result of the determination in step S14 is No, the flow returns to step S13, and the tentative target temperature T is maintained until the predetermined time has elapsed. y The cooling operation is performed with the target value set as follows.

[0034] If the predetermined time has elapsed in step S14, the determination is Yes, and the control unit 32 compares the current indoor temperature T (also referred to as T' for convenience) at that time with the target temperature T xThe control unit 32 determines whether the difference between the current indoor temperature T' and T0 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0 (step S12). If the difference is equal to or greater than T0, the determination is Yes. The control unit 32 sets the temperature obtained by subtracting T0 from the current indoor temperature T' at that time (i.e., T'-T0) as a new tentative target temperature T y The indoor temperature is reset to this temporary target temperature T y (Step S13). The air conditioner 10 performs cooling operation so that the new temporary target temperature T y In this way, the cooling operation is started with the tentative target temperature T y The cooling operation with the target temperature is performed by dividing the current indoor temperature T by the target temperature T. x The temporary target temperature T y may be reset and executed repeatedly multiple times.

[0035] In step S12, the current indoor temperature T and the target temperature T x If it is determined that the difference between the current temperature T and the target temperature T is less than the threshold T0 (determined as No), x If they are not equal, the result is Yes, and the control unit 32 determines whether the indoor temperature is equal to the target temperature T x On the other hand, if the temperature is equal to the target temperature T x If it reaches the target temperature T, the result is No. x In this manner, the control unit 32 controls the air conditioner to perform cooling operation so as to maintain the indoor temperature at the target temperature T x When it reaches the target temperature T x It is preferable to operate the air conditioner 10 so as to maintain this temperature, thereby further improving energy conservation (also referred to as energy saving performance).

[0036] As described above, in steps S16 and S17, the target temperature T x The control unit 32 then starts a cooling operation with the target temperature T xThe control unit 32 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the cooling operation with the target temperature T as the target temperature (step S14). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the control unit 32 determines No. In FIG. 5, the flow when the determination is N (No) in step S14 is omitted, but if the determination is No in step S14, the flow returns to step S16 or step S17, and the target temperature T is maintained until the predetermined time has elapsed. x The cooling operation is performed with the target value set as follows.

[0037] If the predetermined time has elapsed in step S14, the determination is Yes, and the control unit 32 compares the current indoor temperature T (also referred to as T' for convenience) at that time with the target temperature T x It is determined whether the difference between is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0 (step S12). Details of step S12 are as described above. In this manner, the process shown in FIG.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a chart conceptually showing the timing for switching the target temperature when performing cooling operation. In FIG. 6, the current indoor temperature T and the tentative target temperature T y and target temperature T x The relationship between the above is conceptually shown. In FIG. 6, the vertical axis represents temperature and the horizontal axis represents time, with the time when the first energy saving operation is started being designated as "0 (time)". Immediately after the start of the first energy saving operation, the air conditioner 10 is at a tentative target temperature T y The cooling operation is performed with the target temperature T, and the room temperature drops. Even after a certain time has passed, the current room temperature T and the target temperature T x If the difference between the target temperature and the threshold value T0 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0, the tentative target temperature T y While the temperature is reset, the temporary target temperature T y The cooling operation is repeated with the target temperature T being the current room temperature and the target temperature T being the x When the difference between the target temperature and the threshold value T0 becomes less than the threshold value T0, x In this way, the indoor temperature is cooled to the target temperature T x The indoor temperature gradually approaches the target temperature T x When it reaches the target temperature T x The cooling operation is performed so as to maintain the above.

[0039] The first energy saving operation control is ended when the receiver 30 receives an instruction to stop operation or an instruction to change the operation mode from the energy saving operation mode, and outputs this to the controller 32.

[0040] The air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment allows a user to execute stepwise cooling operation in any air conditioner 10 simply by specifying the operation mode and set temperature, or in the case of automatic operation mode, by presetting the operation mode and set temperature, thereby realizing energy-saving operation that suppresses the load on the air conditioning unit 31, such as the compressor. Therefore, it is extremely useful because it can achieve energy-saving operation even in an air conditioner 10 whose command system, etc., is unknown. An air conditioner 10 equipped with such an air conditioning control system 1 is also one of the inventions made by the present inventors.

[0041] The air conditioning control system 1 of the present embodiment may be a system built into one air conditioner 10, or may be a system that externally controls one or more air conditioners 10. The first energy saving operation control does not perform complex control for energy saving operation such as human detection, so even for air conditioners 10 that do not have an energy saving operation mode, energy saving operation can be performed by having the control unit 32 control the air conditioner 10.

[0042] (Modification of the first embodiment) In the above embodiment 1, the cooling operation is mainly described, but the heating operation is also similar. In the heating operation, the control unit 32 also determines whether the room temperature is a current temperature T or a target temperature T x The tentative target temperature T y After controlling the air conditioner 10 so that the room temperature T becomes the target temperature T x A first energy saving operation control is performed to control the air conditioner 10 so that the above-mentioned condition is satisfied.

[0043] Here, the current indoor temperature T acquired from the room temperature measurement unit 331 and the target temperature T xIf the difference between the current temperature T and the target temperature T is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0 (Yes in step S12), the control unit 32 sets the temperature obtained by adding T0 to the current temperature T (i.e., T+T0) as the tentative target temperature T y The control unit 32 sets the room temperature to the tentative target temperature T y The air conditioner 10 is caused to perform a heating operation so that the temporary target temperature T y When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of heating operation with the target temperature T (Yes in step S14), the current temperature T (also referred to as T' for convenience) in the room at that time is compared with the target temperature T x It is determined whether the difference between the current temperature T′ and the target temperature T is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0 (step S12). If the difference is equal to or greater than T0, the control unit 32 sets the temperature obtained by adding T0 to the current temperature T′ at that time (i.e., T′+T0) as a new tentative target temperature T y The indoor temperature is reset to this temporary target temperature T y In this way, the air conditioner 10 is caused to perform a heating operation so that the tentative target temperature T y The heating operation with the target temperature is performed by dividing the current indoor temperature T by the target temperature T. x The temporary target temperature T y may be reset and executed repeatedly multiple times.

[0044] When performing heating operation, immediately after the start of the first energy saving operation, the tentative target temperature T y The heating operation is performed with the target temperature T as the room temperature rises. Even after a certain time has passed, the current room temperature T and the target temperature T x If the difference between the target temperature and the threshold value T0 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T0, the tentative target temperature T y While the temperature is reset, the temporary target temperature T y The heating operation is repeated to target the current temperature T and the target temperature T x When the difference between the target temperature and the threshold value T0 becomes less than the threshold value T0, x In this way, the room temperature is heated to the target temperature T x The indoor temperature gradually approaches the target temperature T x When it reaches the target temperature T xThe heating operation is performed so as to maintain the above.

[0045] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, features unique to this embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with embodiment 1 will be omitted. This embodiment mainly differs from embodiment 1 in that the air conditioning control system 1 further includes a humidity measurement unit 332.

[0046] 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment. The air conditioning control system 1 includes, as main components, at least a receiving unit 30, a control unit 32, a room temperature measuring unit 331, and a humidity measuring unit 332. One or more of these functional units may be provided outside the air conditioner 10. The humidity measuring unit 332 is one of the measuring units 33.

[0047] The humidity measuring unit 332 detects the indoor humidity based on instructions from the control unit 32, etc. The humidity measuring unit 332 outputs the detected value (measured value) to the control unit 32, etc. The detected humidity is relative humidity (RH). For example, a humidity sensor is suitably used as the humidity measuring unit 332.

[0048] When the air conditioner 10 is in cooling operation, the control unit 32 determines the difference between the current temperature T and the tentative target temperature T y The temporary target temperature T y For example, if a humidity threshold H0 is set in advance, and the current humidity in the room is greater than the threshold H0, the current temperature T and the tentative target temperature T y The temporary target temperature T y The threshold value H0 is set in advance taking into consideration the room temperature, the outside temperature, and the like.

[0049] As described above, in the first energy saving operation control, the current temperature T in the room and the target temperature T x If the difference between the current temperature T and the target temperature T is equal to or greater than T0, the control unit 32 sets the temperature obtained by subtracting T0 from the current temperature T (i.e., T-T0) as the tentative target temperature T y The room temperature is set to the tentative target temperature Ty In this embodiment, the air conditioner 10 is caused to perform cooling operation so that the temporary target temperature T y During the cooling operation, the humidity in the room is also monitored. When the humidity in the room exceeds the threshold value H0, the control unit 32 sets the tentative target temperature T y is set to a temperature close to the current temperature T. That is, for example, the temperature obtained by subtracting T2 from the current temperature T (i.e., T-T2) is set as the tentative target temperature T y (However, T0>T2). T2 is set in consideration of, for example, the indoor volume, the room temperature, the outside temperature, and the like.

[0050] In the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment, when the humidity in the room is high, cooling operation is performed with a slower indoor cooling rate in order to improve dehumidification performance, thereby achieving energy savings while also increasing user comfort.

[0051] (Embodiment 3) In this embodiment, features unique to this embodiment will be mainly described, and descriptions of contents overlapping with those of embodiment 1 will be omitted. This embodiment mainly differs from embodiment 1 in that the air conditioning control system 1 further includes a determination unit 34.

[0052] The configuration and operation of the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 8, Fig. 9, and Fig. 10. Fig. 8 is an image diagram showing the overall configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment. Fig. 10 is an example of a flowchart showing the processing in the air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment.

[0053] The air conditioning control system 1 comprises, as main components, a receiving unit 30, a control unit 32, a room temperature measuring unit 331, and a determination unit 34. It may further comprise a humidity measuring unit 332. Furthermore, one or more of these functional units may be provided outside the air conditioner 10. For example, as shown in Fig. 9, the receiving unit 30, the determination unit 34, etc. may be provided outside the air conditioner 10 (for example, the server 20).

[0054] When the receiving unit 30 receives an energy saving operation instruction (step S21), it outputs this instruction to the determining unit 34. The determining unit 34 determines whether or not the air conditioner 10 is capable of executing the second energy saving operation (step S22). When the air conditioning control system 1 targets two or more air conditioners 10, the determining unit 34 identifies the air conditioners 10 that are the target of the energy saving operation instruction, and performs a determination for each of the corresponding air conditioners 10. When the determining unit 34 is provided on the server 20 side, for example, the determining unit 34 is included in the CPU 210. The determining unit 34 outputs the determination result to the control unit 32, for example, via the output unit 35 and the receiving unit 130 on the air conditioner 10 side.

[0055] The second energy saving operation (also referred to as second energy saving operation) refers to any energy saving operation other than the first energy saving operation described above. For convenience, the first energy saving operation described above is denoted as "energy saving operation 0", and the second energy saving operation is denoted as "energy saving operation n" (n represents an integer equal to or greater than 1). The number n varies depending on the content of the energy saving operation, and for example, energy saving operation 1 and energy saving operation 2 have different operation content. The content of the energy saving operation varies depending on the model of the air conditioner 10, and examples include energy saving operation that detects the presence or absence of a person in the room and controls the air conditioning unit 31, and energy saving operation that detects the amount of solar radiation (outdoor temperature) and controls the air conditioning unit 31.

[0056] If the determination unit 34 determines that the air conditioner 10 is capable of executing the second energy saving operation (Yes in step S22), then the control unit 32 instructs the air conditioner 10 to execute the second energy saving operation (step S23). That is, the control unit 32 instructs the air conditioner 10 to execute the second energy saving operation (energy saving operation n) (step S23), and in response to this, the air conditioner 10 starts energy saving operation n (step S25).

[0057] On the other hand, if the determination unit 34 determines that the air conditioner 10 cannot execute the second energy saving operation (No in step S22), the control unit 32 responds by performing the first energy saving operation control described above (step S23). That is, the control unit 32 instructs the air conditioner 10 to execute the first energy saving operation (energy saving operation 0) (step S24). In response to this, the air conditioner 10 starts energy saving operation 0 (step S25). Note that, depending on the air conditioner 10, there are cases where the second energy saving operation cannot be determined, or where the meaning of the received signal at the time of determination cannot even be determined, resulting in a transmission / reception error. In these cases, it is determined that the second energy saving operation cannot be executed (No in step S22).

[0058] Here, the determination in step S22 may be made based on a management table 360 ​​that manages whether or not the air conditioner 10 is capable of executing the second energy saving operation. The management table 360 ​​is stored in advance in, for example, the storage unit 36 ​​(memory 220, etc.) (see FIG. 9).

[0059] The management table 360 ​​includes, for example, correspondence data 361 between the device ID and model name of the air conditioner 10, and correspondence data 362 between the model name of the air conditioner 10 and executable energy saving operations (see FIG. 8). The correspondence data 362 manages information on whether or not energy saving operation n is executable for each model. In FIG. 8, "◯" indicates that it is executable, and "×" indicates that it is not executable.

[0060] When three air conditioners (1) to (3) are targeted as shown in FIG. 8, the judgment unit 34 judges whether or not each air conditioner is capable of executing a second energy saving operation (e.g., energy saving operation 1 and energy saving operation 2) based on the correspondence data 361 and 362 in the management table 360 ​​(step S22).

[0061] For example, the air conditioner (1) with the device ID of 0001 is capable of executing energy saving operation 1, and therefore the judgment unit 34 judges as Yes (step S22). The control unit 32 instructs the air conditioner (1) to execute energy saving operation 1 (step S23), and in response to this, the air conditioner (1) starts energy saving operation 1 (step S25). The air conditioner (2) with the device ID of 0002 is capable of executing energy saving operation 2, and therefore the judgment unit 34 judges as Yes (step S22). The control unit 32 instructs the air conditioner (2) to execute energy saving operation 2 (step S23), and in response to this, the air conditioner (2) starts energy saving operation 2 (step S25). The air conditioner (3) with the device ID of 0003 is unable to execute either energy saving operation 1 or energy saving operation 2, and therefore the judgment unit 34 judges as No (step S22). The control unit 32 instructs the air conditioner (3) to perform energy saving operation 0 (step S24), and in response to this, the air conditioner (3) starts energy saving operation 0 (step S25).

[0062] If the air conditioner 10 is capable of performing multiple energy saving operations, for example, if it is capable of performing both energy saving operations 1 and 2, the judgment unit 34 judges it to be Yes (step S22). In this case, the operation that the control unit 32 instructs the air conditioner 10 to perform in step S23 may be either energy saving operation 1 or 2, but it is preferable for the judgment unit 34 to determine which energy saving operation is more energy efficient among the multiple energy saving operations that can be performed, and instruct the air conditioner 10 to perform that energy saving operation.

[0063] The air conditioning control system 1 of this embodiment can achieve more effective energy-saving operation in any air conditioner 10 simply by the user specifying the operation mode and set temperature, or in the case of automatic operation mode, by setting the operation mode and set temperature in advance. In particular, in this embodiment, air conditioners 10 that are capable of executing energy-saving operation more effective than the first energy-saving operation can be made to execute that effective energy-saving operation, and air conditioners 10 that are not capable of executing the first energy-saving operation, resulting in even greater energy savings than in the first embodiment.

[0064] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various aspects without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. In addition, the components disclosed in the above embodiments can be modified as appropriate. For example, a certain component among all the components shown in one embodiment may be added to a component of another embodiment, or some components among all the components shown in one embodiment may be deleted from the embodiment.

[0065] In addition, the drawings are mainly schematic illustrations of each component to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each illustrated component may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. In addition, the configurations of each component shown in the above embodiment are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within a range that does not substantially deviate from the effects of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1: Air conditioning control system 10, (1), (2), (3): Air conditioner 11: Indoor unit 20: Server 30: Receiving section 31: Air conditioning section 32: Control section 33: Measuring part 34: Judgment section 35: Output section 36: Storage section 40: Operation terminal 110: Housing 111: Inlet 112:Air outlet 113: Wind guide plate 114: Filter 115: Filter cleaning device 116:Indoor heat exchanger 117: Indoor ventilation section 130: Receiving unit 210: CPU 220: Memory 230: Communication interface 240:Operation unit 331: Room temperature measurement unit 332: Humidity measurement section 360, 361, 362: Management table NT: Communication line Y: Yes N:No

Claims

1. A receiving unit that receives an operation instruction for the air conditioner; a control unit that causes the air conditioner to execute an operating operation corresponding to the operation instruction; A room temperature measuring unit that measures the room temperature, When the receiving unit receives an energy saving operation instruction, The control unit controls the air conditioner so that the indoor temperature becomes a tentative target temperature between the current temperature and the target temperature when a difference between the current temperature and the target temperature in the room is equal to or greater than a threshold, and then performs a first energy saving operation control to control the air conditioner so that the indoor temperature becomes the target temperature when the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature in the room becomes less than the threshold. Climate control system.

2. When the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature, the control unit operates the air conditioner so that the indoor temperature is maintained at the target temperature. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

3. The control unit sets the tentative target temperature such that the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature becomes larger as the difference between the current temperature and the target temperature becomes larger. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

4. A humidity measuring unit that measures the humidity in the room is further provided, When the air conditioner performs cooling operation, The control unit sets the tentative target temperature such that the difference between the tentative target temperature and the current temperature becomes smaller as the humidity in the room increases. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

5. Equipped with an air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 Air conditioner.

6. A determination unit that determines whether the air conditioner is capable of executing a second energy saving operation, When the receiving unit receives an energy saving operation instruction, The determination unit determines whether or not the air conditioner is capable of executing the second energy saving operation, When the determination unit determines that the second energy saving operation is executable, the control unit causes the air conditioner to execute the second energy saving operation, When the determination unit determines that the second energy saving operation cannot be performed, the control unit performs the first energy saving operation control. An air conditioning control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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