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

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of suppressing increase in energy consumption of an air conditioner due to change of a set temperature.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system air-conditions an air-conditioned space by using an air conditioner. The air conditioning system includes: a storage section that stores change frequency of changes of a set temperature of the air conditioner with respect to each set temperature of the air conditioner; and a determination section that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner on the basis of the change frequency stored by the storage section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling an air conditioner so that the set temperature of the air conditioner changes stepwise in response to changes in the outside air temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-061716 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning system control method, and a program that can suppress an increase in energy consumption of an air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, and includes a memory unit that stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed, and a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit based on the number of changes stored in the memory unit.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioning system in the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, and for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed is stored, and the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit is determined based on the stored number of changes.

[0007] In addition, the program of the present disclosure causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit, stored in a memory unit that stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The air conditioning system, air conditioning system control method, and program disclosed herein determine the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed, making it possible to set the set temperature of the air conditioning device to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user, thereby reducing the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning device. Thus, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a management server according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows an example of first management data in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 shows an example of second management data in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of achievements in the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of changes in the first embodiment; [Figure 7] A flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing the operation of a determination unit in a determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the first embodiment. [Figure 10]A flowchart showing the operation of a determination unit in a determination process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the operation of a management server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of a determination unit in a process for determining whether a first condition is satisfied in the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment. [Figure 16] A flowchart showing the operation of a management server according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit in the process for determining whether the second condition is satisfied in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology for changing the set temperature of an air conditioner in response to changes in outdoor temperature. However, even if the set temperature of the air conditioner is changed based on the outdoor temperature, the comfort of the conditioned space is not necessarily ensured. Therefore, a user may change the set temperature of the air conditioner in order to seek comfort in the conditioned space. In general, when the set temperature of an air conditioner is changed, the user tends to seek excessive comfort, and when the set temperature is changed, the energy consumption of the air conditioner is likely to increase. The inventors discovered this problem, and in order to solve this problem, the subject of the present disclosure was formed. Note that, seeking excessive comfort refers to, for example, setting the set temperature lower than necessary during cooling operation, and setting the set temperature higher than necessary during heating operation. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning system control method, and a program that can suppress an increase in energy consumption of an air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature.

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Air conditioning system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that conditions a conditioned space S using an air conditioner 1. Air conditioning of the conditioned space S can include cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, etc., but in this embodiment, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 1 cools and heats the conditioned space S. The conditioned space S is a space owned by a facility H, and is a space that is conditioned by the air conditioner 1. Examples of the facility H include homes, offices, stores, medical facilities, and public facilities.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioner 1. In FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioners 1. The number of air conditioners 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12, and performs air conditioning operation using the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to air condition the conditioned space S in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioner 1 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network configured from a public line network, a dedicated line, the Internet, other communication networks, and the like.

[0014] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by an administrator P who manages the facility H. The administrator P is not limited to a person, and may be an entity with management authority over the facility H (for example, a company that operates the facility H). The terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a laptop computer, but may also be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. The terminal device 2 is connected to a network NW. The terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioning device 1, such as power consumption, for each facility H.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning devices 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW, and performs information processing with the air conditioning devices 1 and terminal devices 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by an administrator P, or may be a server device not owned by the administrator P.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service of providing weather data. The weather data provided by the server includes at least a forecast value of the outside air temperature of the facility H.

[0017] In each drawing, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are each represented by one block, but this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are configured by a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may be configured to include multiple server devices with different processing contents, or may be configured by the same server device.

[0018] [1-1-2. Air conditioner configuration] The configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. Note that the air conditioner 1 may be equipped with a plurality of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12.

[0019] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. As a result, in the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 form a refrigerant cycle.

[0020] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall surface or the like of the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has a plurality of operation buttons that allow a user of the air conditioner 1 to start or stop operation, operate menus, operate cursor keys, etc. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, the operating state of the indoor unit 11, etc.

[0021] The communication device 14 is a device that connects to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 is also a device that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1. The communication device 14 transmits operation data RD to the management server 3 every time the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 is changed.

[0022] The operation data RD is data indicating that an operation to change the set temperature has been accepted. The operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), the change date and time, the air conditioning type, the set temperature before the change, and the set temperature after the change. The air conditioner ID is identification information for the air conditioner 1. The change date and time is the date and time when the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 1, and indicates cooling or heating in this embodiment. The set temperature before change is the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 before the change. The set temperature after change is the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 after the change.

[0023] The communications device 14 receives setting data SD from the management server 3. The setting data SD is data that instructs the setting of the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and records the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. The communications device 14 operates the air conditioning device 1 at the set temperature recorded in the received setting data SD.

[0024] [1-1-3. Management Server Configuration] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3. As shown in FIG. The management server 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31 . The server control device 30 is an example of a "computer."

[0025] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a server memory 310, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. The server memory 310 is an example of a "storage unit."

[0026] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores a control program 311, a management DB (database) 312, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and configure a work area for the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is configured, for example, by a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control program 311 is an example of a "program."

[0027] The management DB 312 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning apparatus 1. The management DB 312 has one record R for each air conditioning apparatus 1. In one record R, the air conditioner ID, communication information, the location of the facility H, the air conditioning type, the current set temperature, first management data MD1, and second management data MD2 are recorded. The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning apparatus 1, and is, for example, address information of the communication device 14. The location of the facility H is the location of the facility H where the air conditioning device 1 is installed, and is, for example, the address of the facility H. The current set temperature is the set temperature that is set in the air conditioner 1. The first management data MD1 is data for managing information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 during cooling. The second management data MD2 is data for managing information relating to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 during heating. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first management data MD1 and the second management data MD2, the symbol "MD" will be added and they will be expressed as "management data MD".

[0028] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first management data MD. The first management data MD1 records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the first management data MD1 records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 hours, where N is an integer from 0 to 23.

[0029] Moreover, the first management data MD1 has a plurality of outside air temperatures recorded in increments of 1° C. The range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD includes at least the range of temperatures that the outside air of the facility H can be. Note that the range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 may be the same regardless of the location of the facility H, or may be a different range depending on the location of the facility H.

[0030] The first management data MD1 records one piece of collected data AD for one combination of time period and one outside air temperature. The collected data AD is data having information related to the history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The collected data AD is data that collects various data within a predetermined range of set temperatures. From the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined by processing in a flowchart described below.

[0031] The collected data AD records a plurality of set temperatures of the air conditioner 1 in increments of 1°C within a predetermined range. In the example of Fig. 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. That is, in the example of Fig. 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD is a range from 23°C to 27°C. 1°C is an example of a "predetermined temperature."

[0032] The collected data AD records the number of actual results, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each recorded set temperature. In the example of Fig. 3, the collected data AD records the number of actual results, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each of 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. The number of achievements indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature has been set in the air conditioner 1. The number of changes indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature has been changed to another set temperature. The change probability indicates the probability that the corresponding set temperature is changed to another set temperature, and is calculated by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding number of achievements.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second management data MD2. The second management data MD2 is different from the first management data MD1 in the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the recorded collected data AD. The predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collected data AD recorded in the first management data MD1 is 23°C to 27°C. In contrast, the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collected data AD recorded in the second management data MD2 is 18°C ​​to 23°C.

[0034] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, the server communication device 31 comprises hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning device 1, the terminal device 2, and the weather server 4 under the control of the server control device 30.

[0035] The server processor 300 reads and executes a control program 311 stored in the server memory 310 , thereby functioning as a communication control unit 301 , an acquisition unit 302 , an update unit 303 , a determination unit 304 , and a setting unit 305 .

[0036] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning apparatus 1, the terminal apparatus 2, and the weather server 4 via the server communication device 31.

[0037] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R and acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R to be processed. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information requesting a forecast value of the outside air temperature for a time period including the current time, and the location of the facility H recorded in the record R to be processed and the time period to be requested are recorded. For example, when the current time is H:M, the time period from H:0 to H+1:0 is recorded in the forecast value request information. Here, H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. Then, the communication control unit 301 receives from the weather server 4 a plurality of forecast values ​​corresponding to the location of the facility H and the time period recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301, and acquires the calculated average value as the outside air temperature. Note that, when calculating the average forecast value, the acquisition unit 302 of this embodiment truncates the value to the nearest integer or rounds the value to the nearest integer.

[0038] The update unit 303 updates the management DB 312 . The update unit 303 updates the number of results recorded in the collected data AD at L minutes past every hour. The update unit 303 updates the number of results for each record R. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. To explain the update of the number of results in detail, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outdoor air temperature based on the record R to be processed at L minutes past every hour. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the management data MD of the record R to be processed, and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outdoor air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. More specifically, when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is cooling, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD from the first management data MD1, and when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is heating, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD from the second management data MD2. Then, the update unit 303 increments the number of results corresponding to the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed, among the numbers of results recorded in the identified collected data AD. Furthermore, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of achievements to a change probability that reflects the incremented number of achievements.

[0039] Now, updating of the number of achievements will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the update of the number of achievements.

[0040] The explanation of Fig. 5 will be given by way of example of a case where the current time when updating the performance count is between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation of Fig. 5 will also be given by way of example of a case where the air conditioning device 1 is performing cooling operation. In the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature of 34°C, from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0041] In the explanation of Fig. 5, a case where the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed is 25°C is exemplified. That is, in the explanation of Fig. 5, a case where the set temperature set in the air conditioning device 1 is 25°C is exemplified. In the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 increments the number of achievements corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the number of achievements recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Fig. 5, in conjunction with the update of the number of achievements, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5".

[0042] Further, the update performed by update unit 303 will be described. When the communications control unit 301 receives operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies a record R having the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD from the management DB 312. Next, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the air conditioning type of the identified record R to the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0043] Furthermore, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outdoor air temperature based on the record R identified by the received operation data RD. Next, if the air conditioning type of cooling is recorded in the received operation data RD, the update unit 303 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period including the current time and the outdoor air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the first management data MD1 of the identified record R. Furthermore, if the air conditioning type of heating is recorded in the received operation data RD, the update unit 303 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period including the current time and the outdoor air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the second management data MD2 of the identified record R. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates cooling and the changed set temperature is lower than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. In addition, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates heating and the changed set temperature is higher than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to a change probability that reflects the incremented number of changes.

[0044] Now, with reference to FIG. 6, updating of the number of changes will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the update of the number of changes.

[0045] The explanation of Fig. 6 will be given by way of example of a case where the current time when updating the number of changes is between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation of Fig. 6 will also be given by way of example of a case where the air conditioning device 1 is performing cooling operation. In the case of Fig. 6, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outside air temperature of 34°C, from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0046] In the explanation of FIG. 6, a case where the pre-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25° C. is exemplified. Also, in the explanation of FIG. 6, a case where the post-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24° C. is exemplified. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25° C. from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of FIG. 6, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25° C. from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" in conjunction with the update of the number of changes.

[0047] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning apparatus 1. The determination method of the determination unit 304 will be described in detail later.

[0048] The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the air conditioner 1. The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature to the air conditioner 1 based on the record R to be processed. In detail, the setting unit 305 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and communication information recorded in the record R to be processed to the communications control unit 301. The set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 is recorded in the generated setting data SD. The communications control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the setting unit 305 to the air conditioner 1 based on the communication information received from the setting unit 305.

[0049] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3.

[0050] 7 is a flowchart that starts at K minutes past every hour, where K is an integer between 0 and 59, for example 0. 7 is a flowchart carried out for each air conditioning apparatus 1. In other words, the flowchart in FIG.

[0051] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R to be processed (step SA1). Step SA1 will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed, and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, when the current time is 10:00, the time period from 10:00 to 11:00 is recorded in the forecast value request information. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. Then, the communication control unit 301 receives from the weather server 4 a plurality of forecast values ​​(for example, a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the position and time period of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates an average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301, and acquires the calculated average as the outside air temperature.

[0052] Next, the determining unit 304 identifies the collected data AD to be processed from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed (step SA2).

[0053] Step SA2 will now be described in detail. When the air conditioning type of the record R2 to be processed indicates cooling, the determination unit 304 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SA1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed. Also, when the air conditioning type of the record R2 to be processed indicates heating, the determination unit 304 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the pair of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SA1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0054] Next, the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (step SA3). The determination process is a process for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1. In the determination process, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0055] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the determination process. The operation shown in Fig. 8 is performed when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates cooling.

[0056] The determining unit 304 determines whether or not the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD to be processed satisfies the following first condition (step SA31). First condition: A first set temperature and a second set temperature exist.

[0057] The first set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, for example 0.1 (10% as a percentage). The second set temperature is a set temperature that is the second lowest in the predetermined range after the first set temperature and has a corresponding change probability less than a predetermined threshold value.

[0058] Here, the first set temperature and the second set temperature will be explained with reference to FIG. In the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "0 / 1" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "3 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0059] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, 25° C., 26° C., and 27° C. correspond to the first set temperature, and 24° C. corresponds to the second set temperature in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3 satisfies the above first condition.

[0060] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, if the determination unit 304 determines that the first condition is satisfied (step SA31: YES), it determines whether or not there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SA32).

[0061] If it is determined that there are not multiple second set temperatures (step SA32: NO), the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SA33).

[0062] Here, step SA33 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24°C is the second set temperature in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, and other set temperatures do not correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, the determination unit 304 determines in step 33 that 24°C is the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0063] On the other hand, if the determination unit 304 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures (step SA33: YES), it determines the second set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SA34).

[0064] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is cooling.

[0065] Now, step SA34 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD. In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 9, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23° C., a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 24° C., a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 25° C., a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26° C., and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27° C.

[0066] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24° C., 26° C., and 27° C. correspond to the first set temperatures, and 23° C. and 25° C. correspond to the second set temperatures in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Fig. 9, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature of 23° C. as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 1 is cooling.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of step SA31, if the decision unit 304 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (step SA31: NO), it determines whether all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are the first set temperature or the third set temperature (step SA35). The third set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0068] If the determination unit 304 determines that all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are the first set temperature (step SA35: first set temperature), it determines the set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed that will maximize the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SA36).

[0069] Returning to the explanation of step SA35, if the determination unit 304 determines that all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are the third set temperature (step SA35: third set temperature), it determines the set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed that results in the least energy saving of the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SA37).

[0070] The set temperature that consumes the least amount of energy among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is cooling.

[0071] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the determination process. The operation shown in Fig. 10 is performed when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates heating. In the explanation of Fig. 10, the same steps as in Fig. 8 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0072] The determining unit 304 determines whether or not the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD to be processed satisfies the following second condition (step SA41). Second condition: A third set temperature and a fourth set temperature exist.

[0073] The third set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold. The fourth set temperature is the next lowest set temperature after the third set temperature within the predetermined range, and the corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0074] Here, the fourth set temperature will be explained with reference to FIG. In the collected data AD shown in Figure 4, a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 18°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 19°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 20°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 21°C, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 22°C, and a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C.

[0075] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4, 21°C, 22°C, and 23°C correspond to the third set temperature, and 20°C corresponds to the fourth set temperature. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4 satisfies the second condition above.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, if the determination unit 304 determines that the second condition is satisfied (step SA41: YES), it determines whether there are multiple third set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SA42).

[0077] If it is determined that there are not multiple third set temperatures (step SA32: NO), the determination unit 304 determines the third set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SA43).

[0078] On the other hand, if the determination unit 304 determines that there are multiple third set temperatures (step SA43: YES), it determines the third set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SA44).

[0079] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is heating.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of step SA41, if the deciding unit 304 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (step SA41: NO), it performs the processes of step SB35 and thereafter.

[0081] In addition, the set temperature that consumes the least amount of energy by the air conditioning device 1 among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is heating.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 7, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in the determination process of step SA3 (step SA4).

[0083] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning system 1000 conditions the conditioned space S using the air conditioning apparatus 1. The air conditioning system 1000 includes a server memory 310 that stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1 has been changed, and a determination unit 304 that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning apparatus 1 based on the number of changes stored in the server memory 310.

[0084] According to this, by determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 has been changed, it becomes possible to set the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to a temperature at which the user is unlikely to feel uncomfortable. This reduces the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0085] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an acquisition unit 302 that acquires the outdoor air temperature. The server memory 310 stores the number of changes for each set temperature of the air conditioner 1 for a pair of a time period and an outdoor air temperature. The determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 based on the number of changes stored in the server memory 310 that corresponds to the pair of a time period including the current time and the outdoor air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302.

[0086] Generally, the comfort of the conditioned space S desired by the user varies depending on the time of day and the outdoor temperature. Therefore, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined based on the number of changes corresponding to the time of day and the outdoor temperature. As a result, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 can be set to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user depending on the time of day and the outdoor temperature, and the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced. Therefore, an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0087] The acquisition unit 302 acquires a forecast value of the outside air temperature for a time period including the current time from a service that provides weather data, and acquires the outside air temperature based on the acquired forecast value.

[0088] This makes it possible to determine the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 based on the number of changes that corresponds to an accurate outside air temperature. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of times that the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. This makes it possible to further suppress increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0089] The server memory 310 stores, for each set temperature included in a predetermined range of set temperatures of the air conditioner 1, the number of achievements, which is the number of times the set temperature was set in the air conditioner 1, the number of changes, and a change probability, which is the probability calculated from the number of achievements and the number of changes, that the set temperature was changed. When the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, if the set temperatures included in the predetermined range satisfy a first condition that there exists a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and a second set temperature which is the next lowest after the first set temperature in the predetermined range and whose change probability is less than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0090] According to this, when the set temperature included in the predetermined range includes a first set temperature and a second set temperature, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be a set temperature with a low probability of change and the second lowest set temperature after the set temperature with a high probability of change. Therefore, during cooling, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, during cooling, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to a change in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0091] When the set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the first condition and there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0092] According to this, when there are multiple second set temperatures, the second set temperature that increases the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined, so a more appropriate set temperature can be determined for the air conditioner 1. Therefore, during cooling, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to a change in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0093] The determination unit 304 determines the third set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 if the set temperatures included in the specified range satisfy a second condition that, when the air conditioning device 1 is performing heating, there exists a third set temperature whose probability of change is less than a specified threshold, and a fourth set temperature which is the next lowest after the third set temperature in the specified range and whose probability of change is equal to or greater than the specified threshold.

[0094] According to this, when the third set temperature and the fourth set temperature are included in the predetermined range, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be the set temperature with a low probability of change and the second highest set temperature after the set temperature with a high probability of change. Therefore, during heating, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, during heating, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to a change in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0095] When the set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the second condition and there are multiple third set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the third set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0096] According to this, when there are multiple third set temperatures, the third set temperature that increases the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined, so a more appropriate set temperature can be determined for the air conditioner 1. Therefore, during heating, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to a change in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0097] When all the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to the first set temperature, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature within the specified range that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0098] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from set temperatures included in a predetermined range and all set temperatures have a high probability of being changed, a set temperature that can suppress an increase in the number of set temperature changes is determined as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1. Therefore, even if the set temperature is changed frequently and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0099] If all the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to the third set temperature whose change probability is less than a specified threshold, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature within the specified range that results in the least energy consumption of the air conditioning device 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0100] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the set temperatures included in the specified range and the probability of change for all set temperatures is low, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be the set temperature that reduces the energy consumption of the air conditioner 1. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not changed often and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changing the set temperature.

[0101] The control method of the air conditioning system 1000 stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 has been changed for each set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 based on the stored number of changes.

[0102] This provides the same effects as those of the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0103] The control program 311 causes the server control device 30 of the air conditioning system 1000 to function as a determination unit 304 that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device 1 based on the number of changes stored in the server memory 310, which stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device 1.

[0104] This provides the same effects as those of the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0105] (Embodiment 2) Next, a second embodiment will be described. [2-1. Configuration] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the second embodiment is similar to the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted where appropriate.

[0106] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in the second embodiment will be described. Compared to the first embodiment, the second embodiment differs in the operation of the management server 3 related to setting the set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Note that in this embodiment as well, operations related to setting the set temperature are performed for each air conditioning apparatus 1. That is, in this embodiment as well, operations related to setting the set temperature are performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0107] First, the operation when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is cooling will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in embodiment 2. In the explanation of Fig. 11, the same steps as those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] 11 is a flowchart that starts at P minutes past every hour, where P is an integer between 0 and 59, for example 0.

[0109] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the determining unit 304 determines whether or not the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SA2 satisfies the above-mentioned first condition (step SB1).

[0110] When it is determined that the first condition is satisfied (step SB1: YES), the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (step SB2). Step SB2 is a process for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1, and only steps SA32, SA34, and SA35 of the determination process performed in embodiment 1 are performed. In the determination process of step SB2, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0111] Returning to the explanation of step SB1, if the deciding unit 304 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (step SB1: NO), it performs a process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied (step SB3).

[0112] The process for satisfying the first condition is a process for making the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfy the above-mentioned first condition. In the process for satisfying the first condition, the collected data AD specified in step SA2 is processed.

[0113] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied.

[0114] The determining unit 304 determines whether or not all of the performance numbers recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are zero (step SB31).

[0115] If the determination unit 304 determines that all of the performance numbers are zero (step SB31: YES), it determines the median of the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SB32). Note that in this embodiment, when calculating the median set temperature, digits after the decimal point are discarded or rounded off to the nearest integer.

[0116] The set temperature determined in step SB32 is not limited to the median value. For example, the set temperature determined in step SB32 may be the lowest set temperature, the highest set temperature, the next highest set temperature after the median, or the next lowest set temperature after the median among the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed.

[0117] Returning to the explanation of step SB31, when it is determined that the achievement numbers are not all zero (step SB31: NO), the decision unit 304 determines whether the change probability of the fifth set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "energy saving side fifth set temperature") that consumes the least energy among the set temperatures (hereinafter referred to as the "fifth set temperature") whose achievement numbers are 1 or more is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB33). This predetermined threshold is, for example, 0.1 (10% as a percentage).

[0118] Here, the energy saving fifth set temperature will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0119] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 13, for each set temperature from 23° C. to 24° C., the number of achievements of "4", the number of changes of "0", and the change probability of "0 / 4" are recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 13, for each set temperature between 25°C and 27°C, the number of actual occurrences of "0" and the number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded.

[0120] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R to be processed is cooling, 24° C. corresponds to the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0121] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 12, if the decision unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy saving side fifth set temperature is less than the predetermined threshold (step SB33: YES), it determines whether the added temperature obtained by adding 1°C to the energy saving side fifth set temperature exceeds the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB34). The added temperature corresponds to an example of a "first calculated temperature."

[0122] Here, the process of step SB34 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. As described above, in Fig. 13, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, 24°C is the fifth energy saving set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 13, the added temperature when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling is 25°C. Also, of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of Fig. 13, 27°C is the highest set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 13, the decision unit 304 makes a negative judgment in step SB34.

[0123] If the determination unit 304 determines that the added temperature does not exceed the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB34: NO), it determines the added temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB35).

[0124] On the other hand, if the determination unit 304 determines that the added temperature exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB34: YES), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB36). If there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0125] Now, step SB36 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0126] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 14, for each set temperature between 23°C and 26°C, the number of actual results of "0" and the number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual results is zero, the probability of change is not recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 14, for a set temperature of 27° C., the number of achievements of “3”, the number of changes of “4”, and the change probability of “3 / 4” are recorded.

[0127] In Fig. 14, 27°C is the fifth energy saving set temperature. Therefore, the added temperature becomes 28°C, which exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 14, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, the determination unit 304 determines 26°C as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0128] Returning to the explanation of step SB33 in Figure 12, if the decision unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy saving side fifth set temperature is not less than the specified threshold (step SB33: NO), it determines whether or not a sixth set temperature with an actual number of zero exists between the lowest set temperature and the energy saving side fifth set temperature within the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SB37).

[0129] If the decision unit 304 determines that a sixth set temperature exists between the lowest set temperature and the energy saving side fifth set temperature (step SB37: YES), it decides that the sixth set temperature is the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SB38). Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple sixth set temperatures, the determination unit 304 determines, as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1, the sixth set temperature at which the energy saving of the air conditioner 1 is minimized.

[0130] Now, step SB38 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0131] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 15, for each of the set temperatures of 23°C, 24°C, and 27°C, a number of actual occurrences of "0" and a number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 15, for a set temperature of 25° C., the number of achievements of “3”, the number of changes of “2”, and the change probability of “2 / 3” are recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 15, for a set temperature of 26° C., the number of achievements of “4”, the number of changes to “4”, and a change probability of “4 / 4” are recorded.

[0132] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1 and the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R to be processed is cooling, 26° C. corresponds to the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0133] In the collected data AD of Fig. 15, 23°C is the lowest set temperature. That is, in the collected data AD of Fig. 15, a sixth set temperature of 23°C and a sixth set temperature of 24°C exist between 26°C and the energy saving side fifth set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 15, in step SB38, the determination unit 304 determines 24°C as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling.

[0134] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in Figure 12, if the decision unit 304 determines that there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side (step SB37: NO), it decides that the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the lowest set temperature and the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side within the specified range indicated by the collected data AD is the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB39). If there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0135] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 11, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SB2 or step SB3 (step SB4).

[0136] Next, the operation when the type of air conditioning in the record R to be processed is heating will be described. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in embodiment 2. In the explanation of Fig. 16, the same steps as those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0137] The flowchart in FIG. 16 is a flowchart that starts at P minutes past every hour.

[0138] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the determining unit 304 determines whether the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SA2 satisfies the above-mentioned second condition (step SC1).

[0139] When it is determined that the second condition is satisfied (step SC1: YES), the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (step SC2). Step SC2 is a process for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1, and only steps SA42, SA44, and SA45 of the determination process performed in embodiment 1 are performed. In the determination process of step SC2, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0140] Returning to the explanation of step SC1, if the deciding section 304 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (step SC1: NO), it performs a process for determining whether the second condition is satisfied (step SC3).

[0141] The process for satisfying the second condition is a process for making the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfy the above-mentioned second condition. In the process for satisfying the second condition, the collected data AD specified in step SA2 is processed.

[0142] Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the second condition satisfaction process. In the explanation of Fig. 17, the same steps as those in Fig. 12 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0143] When the decision unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy saving side fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB33: YES), it determines whether the subtracted temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy saving side fifth set temperature is lower than the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC31). The subtraction temperature corresponds to an example of a "second calculated temperature."

[0144] Here, the energy saving fifth set temperature during heating will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the collected data AD.

[0145] In the collected data AD shown in FIG. 18, for each set temperature between 19° C. and 20° C., the number of achievements of "2", the number of changes of "1", and the change probability of "1 / 2" are recorded. In addition, in the collected data AD shown in FIG. 18, for each of the set temperatures of 18°C ​​and 21°C to 23°C, a number of actual occurrences of "0" and a number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded.

[0146] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R to be processed is heating, 19° C. corresponds to the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0147] Here, the process of step SC31 will be specifically explained with reference to FIG. As described above, in Fig. 18, 19°C is the fifth energy saving set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 18, the subtraction temperature is 18°C. Also, 18°C ​​is the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of Fig. 18. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 18, the decision unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SC41.

[0148] If the determination unit 304 determines that the subtraction temperature is not below the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it determines the subtraction temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SC42).

[0149] Returning to the explanation of step SB33 in Figure 17, if the decision unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is not less than the specified threshold (step SB33: NO), it determines whether or not a sixth set temperature with an actual number of zero exists between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature within the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SC33).

[0150] If the determination unit 304 determines that a sixth set temperature exists between the highest set temperature and the energy saving side fifth set temperature (step SC33: YES), it determines the sixth set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SB38). Furthermore, in the case where there are multiple sixth set temperatures, the determination unit 304 determines, as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1, the sixth set temperature at which the energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 is minimized.

[0151] If the determination unit 304 determines that there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side (step SC33: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side within the specified range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SC34). If there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0152] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 16, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SC2 or step SC3 (step SC4).

[0153] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, when the set temperature included in the specified range indicated by the collected data AD does not satisfy the first condition, the determination unit 304 executes processing for satisfying the first condition so that the set temperature included in the specified range indicated by the collected data AD can satisfy the first condition.

[0154] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the process for satisfying the first condition is executed. Therefore, during cooling, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0155] The predetermined range includes multiple set temperatures in increments of 1° C. In the process for satisfying the first condition when the set temperatures included in the predetermined range include a fifth set temperature with an actual number of 1 or more, if the probability of changing the energy saving side fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold value and the added temperature obtained by adding 1° C. to the energy saving side fifth set temperature does not exceed the highest set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the added temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0156] According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined to be a set temperature with zero actual results and that reduces the comfort of the conditioned space S. This increases the possibility of changing the set temperature with zero actual results to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during cooling, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0157] If the probability of changing the energy saving side fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold and the added temperature exceeds the highest set temperature within a predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0158] According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be the set temperature with the fewest actual results. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the set temperature with the fewest actual results will be changed to another set temperature. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during cooling, and it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0159] In the process for determining whether a first condition is satisfied when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results is present among the set temperatures included in a specified range, if the probability of change to the energy-saving fifth set temperature is greater than or equal to a specified threshold value and a sixth set temperature with zero actual results exists between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving fifth set temperature in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the sixth set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

[0160] According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be the sixth set temperature, which has zero actual results and is lower than the fifth energy saving set temperature. This increases the likelihood that the actual number of set temperatures lower than the fifth energy saving set temperature will be 1 or more. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during cooling can satisfy the first condition, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0161] When the probability of change of the energy saving side fifth set temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the energy saving side fifth set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the lowest set temperature and the energy saving side fifth set temperature in the specified range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0162] According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be lower than the fifth energy saving set temperature and has the lowest number of actual results. This increases the possibility that the number of actual results for set temperatures lower than the fifth energy saving set temperature will increase. This increases the possibility that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD can satisfy the first condition, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0163] If the set temperature included in the specified range indicated by the collected data AD does not satisfy the second condition, the determination unit 304 executes processing for satisfying the second condition so that the set temperature included in the specified range indicated by the collected data AD can satisfy the second condition.

[0164] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the process for satisfying the second condition is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during heating, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0165] The predetermined range includes multiple set temperatures in increments of 1° C. In the process for satisfying the second condition when the set temperatures included in the predetermined range include a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results, if the probability of changing the energy saving side fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold value and the subtraction temperature obtained by subtracting 1° C. from the energy saving side fifth set temperature is not below the lowest set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the subtraction temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1.

[0166] According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be a set temperature with zero actual results and that reduces the comfort of the conditioned space S. This increases the possibility of changing the set temperature with zero actual results to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during heating, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0167] If the probability of changing the energy saving side fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold and the subtraction temperature is lower than the lowest set temperature within a predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0168] According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be the set temperature with the fewest actual results. This increases the possibility of changing the set temperature from the set temperature with the fewest actual results to another set temperature. This makes it possible to further reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during heating, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0169] In the process for determining whether the second condition is satisfied when there is a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the probability of changing the energy-saving fifth set temperature is greater than or equal to a specified threshold value and there is a sixth set temperature with zero actual results between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving fifth set temperature in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the sixth set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

[0170] According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be the sixth set temperature, which has zero actual results and is higher than the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side. This increases the likelihood that the actual number of set temperatures higher than the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side will be 1 or more. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during heating will satisfy the second condition, making it possible to effectively suppress increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0171] When the probability of change of the energy saving side fifth set temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the energy saving side fifth set temperature within a predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the highest set temperature and the energy saving side fifth set temperature within the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0172] According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be higher than the fifth energy saving set temperature and has the lowest number of actual results. This increases the possibility that the number of actual results of set temperatures higher than the fifth energy saving set temperature will increase. This increases the possibility that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD can satisfy the second condition, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0173] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to form new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0174] In the above-described first and second embodiments, the outdoor air temperature is included as a parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. In other embodiments, the parameters may be configured to include outdoor air humidity, the amount of solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, the amount of precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc., instead of or in addition to the outdoor air temperature.

[0175] In another embodiment, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of achievements or the number of changes. In this other embodiment, the configuration may be such that the more recent the update date and time, the higher the priority is when calculating the change probability.

[0176] In the above-described embodiment, the specified range indicated by the collected data AD is a range of 23°C to 27°C, but this specified range is merely an example and may be the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning apparatus 1, or may be a range that the user is expected to set within the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0177] In the embodiment described above, the plurality of set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set at intervals of 1° C. In other embodiments, the intervals of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range are not limited to 1° C. and may be, for example, 0.5° C.

[0178] In another embodiment, at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, the determination unit 304, and the setting unit 305 may be executed by a control unit that controls each part of the terminal device 2, or a control unit that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1 (for example, the communication device 14), instead of the server control device 30. In this other embodiment, the control unit that controls each part of the terminal device 2 and the control unit that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1 correspond to the "computer". In addition, in this other embodiment, a program for realizing at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, the determination unit 304, and the setting unit 305, which is executed by the control unit that controls each part of the terminal device 2 or the control unit that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1, corresponds to the "program". In addition, in this other embodiment, the memory of the terminal device 2 or the air conditioning device 1 may store the management data MD. Note that, when a control device that controls each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1 functions as the setting unit 305, the setting unit 305 sets a set temperature in the air conditioning apparatus 1 by controlling each part of the air conditioning apparatus 1. That is, in this case, the setting unit 305 does not generate setting data SD.

[0179] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of a time period and an outside temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for a time period, instead of for each pair of a time period and an outside temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0180] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and outdoor temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for the outdoor temperature, instead of for each pair of time period and outdoor temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the outdoor temperature.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may be determined taking into consideration the number of changes that are close to the current conditions (for example, the number of changes of ±1°C relative to the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, when there are multiple second set temperatures and multiple third set temperatures, the set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined as the set temperature to be set, but the set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning device 1 may also be determined as the set temperature to be set.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the calculation rule for the "first calculated temperature" is a rule to add 1°C. In other embodiments, the calculation rule for the "first calculated temperature" may be a rule to add a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2°C) or a rule to multiply a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.1). In the case of a rule to multiply, decimals may be rounded up or down. The same rule applies to the "second calculated temperature", and is not limited to the rule to subtract 1°C.

[0184] The server processor 300 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0185] The configuration of the management server 3 shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software.

[0186] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, and 17 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to facilitate understanding of the operations, and the operations are not limited by the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names thereof. The operations may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within a range that does not impede the purpose of this disclosure.

[0187] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0188] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0189] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, the air conditioning system comprising: a memory unit that stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed; and a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed stored in the memory unit. According to this, by determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner has been changed, it is possible to set the set temperature of the air conditioner to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. This reduces the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature.

[0190] (Technology 2) An air conditioning system as described in Technology 1, comprising an acquisition unit that acquires an outside air temperature, wherein the memory unit stores the number of changes for each set temperature of the air conditioning device for a combination of a time period and an outside air temperature, and the determination unit determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device based on the number of changes stored in the memory unit that corresponds to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit. According to this, the comfort of the conditioned space desired by the user generally differs depending on the time of day and the outdoor temperature. Therefore, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined based on the number of changes corresponding to the time of day and the outdoor temperature. Therefore, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be set to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user depending on the time of day and the outdoor temperature, and the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner can be further reduced. Therefore, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0191] (Technology 3) The air conditioning system described in Technology 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a forecast value of the outside air temperature for the time period including the current time from a service that provides weather data, and acquires the outside air temperature based on the acquired forecast value. This makes it possible to determine the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the number of changes corresponding to an accurate outdoor temperature. This reduces the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner. This makes it possible to further suppress increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature.

[0192] (Technology 4) An air conditioning system as described in any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the memory unit stores, for each set temperature included in a predetermined range of set temperatures of the air conditioning device, an actual number of times that the set temperature was set in the air conditioning device, the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and a change probability calculated from the actual number and the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and the determination unit determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device when the set temperatures included in the predetermined range satisfy a first condition that, when the air conditioning device is performing cooling, there exists a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and a second set temperature which is the next lowest after the first set temperature in the predetermined range and whose change probability is less than the predetermined threshold. According to this, when the set temperature included in the predetermined range includes a first set temperature and a second set temperature, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to be a set temperature with a low probability of change and the second lowest set temperature after the set temperature with a high probability of change. Therefore, during cooling, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to be an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, during cooling, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0193] (Technology 5) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 4, when a set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the first condition and there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit determines the second set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space or the second set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning device as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, when there are multiple second set temperatures, the second set temperature that increases the comfort of the conditioned space or the second set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner is determined, so that the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to a more appropriate set temperature. Therefore, during cooling, an increase in the energy consumption of the air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0194] (Technology 6) An air conditioning system as described in any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the memory unit stores, for each set temperature included in a predetermined range of set temperatures of the air conditioning device, an actual number of times that the set temperature was set in the air conditioning device, the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and a change probability calculated from the actual number and the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and the determination unit determines the third set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device when the set temperatures included in the predetermined range satisfy a second condition that, when the air conditioning device is performing heating, there exists a third set temperature whose change probability is less than a predetermined threshold, and a fourth set temperature that is the next lowest after the third set temperature in the predetermined range and whose change probability is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. According to this, when the third set temperature and the fourth set temperature are included in the predetermined range, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to be the set temperature with the low probability of change and the second highest set temperature after the set temperature with the high probability of change. Therefore, during heating, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to be an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, during heating, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0195] (Technology 7) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 6, when a set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the second condition and there are multiple third set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit determines, as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device, the third set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space or the third set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning device. According to this, when there are multiple third set temperatures, the third set temperature that increases the comfort of the conditioned space or the third set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner is determined, so that the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to a more appropriate set temperature. Therefore, during heating, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0196] (Technology 8) An air conditioning system described in any one of Technology 4 to Technology 7, wherein when all of the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or higher than a specified threshold, the determination unit determines the set temperature within the specified range that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the set temperatures included in a predetermined range and all set temperatures have a high probability of being changed, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be a set temperature that can suppress an increase in the number of set temperature changes. Therefore, even if the set temperature is changed frequently and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature.

[0197] (Technology 9) An air conditioning system described in any one of Technology 4 to Technology 7, wherein when all of the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to a third set temperature whose change probability is less than the specified threshold, the determination unit determines the set temperature within the specified range that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the set temperatures included in the specified range and the probability of change for all set temperatures is low, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner is determined to be the set temperature that reduces the energy consumption of the air conditioner. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not changed often and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, it is possible to suppress an increase in the energy consumption of the air conditioner due to the change in the set temperature.

[0198] (Technology 10) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 4, when the set temperature included in the specified range does not satisfy the first condition, the determination unit executes a process for ensuring that the set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the first condition. According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures, the process for satisfying the first condition is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures during cooling, and to suppress an increase in the energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0199] (Technology 11) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 10, in the process for satisfying the first condition when a fifth set temperature with an actual number of 1 or more exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the probability of changing the fifth set temperature that will result in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is less than the specified threshold value, and if a first calculated temperature that is higher than the fifth set temperature calculated according to a specified rule does not exceed the highest set temperature within the specified range, the determination unit determines the first calculated temperature to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be a set temperature with zero actual results and that reduces the comfort of the conditioned space. This increases the possibility that the set temperature with zero actual results will be changed to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from a predetermined range of set temperatures during cooling, and effectively suppresses the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0200] (Technology 12) The air conditioning system described in Technology 11, wherein when the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range, is less than the specified threshold value and the first calculated temperature is higher than the highest set temperature within the specified range, the set temperature within the specified range with the smallest number of actual results is determined to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be the set temperature with the fewest actual results. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the set temperature with the fewest actual results will be changed to another set temperature. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from a predetermined range of set temperatures during cooling, and it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in the energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0201] (Technology 13) The air conditioning system described in any one of Technology 10 to Technology 12, wherein in the process for satisfying the first condition when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the change probability of the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value, and if a sixth set temperature with zero actual results exists between the lowest set temperature in the specified range and the fifth set temperature, the determination unit determines the sixth set temperature to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be a sixth set temperature that has zero actual results and is lower than the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner. This increases the likelihood that the actual number of set temperatures lower than the fifth set temperature will be 1 or more. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures will satisfy the first condition during cooling, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner.

[0202] (Technology 14) The air conditioning system described in Technology 13, wherein when the change probability of the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value and when there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature in the specified range and the fifth set temperature, the determination unit determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the specified range from the lowest set temperature to the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be lower than the fifth set temperature at which the energy consumption of the air conditioner is the smallest, and to be the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results. This increases the possibility that the number of actual results for set temperatures lower than the fifth set temperature will increase. This increases the possibility that the specified range of set temperatures can satisfy the first condition during cooling, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0203] (Technology 15) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 6, when the set temperature included in the specified range does not satisfy the second condition, the determination unit executes a process for ensuring that the set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the second condition. According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures, the process for satisfying the second condition is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures during heating, and to suppress an increase in the energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0204] (Technology 16) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 15, in the process for satisfying the second condition when a fifth set temperature with an actual number of 1 or more exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit determines the second calculated temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device if the probability of changing the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is less than the specified threshold value, and if a second calculated temperature that is lower than the fifth set temperature calculated according to a specified rule is not below the lowest set temperature within the specified range. According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be a set temperature with zero actual results and that reduces the comfort of the conditioned space. This increases the possibility that the set temperature with zero actual results will be changed to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from a predetermined range of set temperatures during heating, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner.

[0205] (Technology 17) The air conditioning system described in Technology 16, wherein when the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range, is less than the specified threshold value and the second calculated temperature is below the lowest set temperature within the specified range, the set temperature within the specified range with the smallest number of actual results is determined to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be the set temperature with the fewest actual results. Therefore, it is possible to increase the possibility that the set temperature with the fewest actual results will be changed to another set temperature. Therefore, it is possible to further reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from a predetermined range of set temperatures during heating, and it is possible to effectively suppress an increase in the energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0206] (Technology 18) An air conditioning system described in any one of Technology 15 to Technology 17, wherein in the process for satisfying the second condition when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the change probability of the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value, and if a sixth set temperature with zero actual results exists between the highest set temperature in the specified range and the fifth set temperature, the determination unit determines the sixth set temperature to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device. According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be a sixth set temperature, which has zero actual results and is higher than the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner. This increases the likelihood that the actual number of set temperatures higher than the fifth set temperature will be 1 or more. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures will satisfy the second condition during heating, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner.

[0207] (Technology 19) The air conditioning system described in Technology 18, wherein when the change probability of the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value and when there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature in the specified range and the fifth set temperature, the determination unit determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the specified range from the highest set temperature to the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device, as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device. According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be higher than the fifth set temperature at which the energy consumption of the air conditioner is the smallest, and is also determined to be the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results. This increases the possibility that the number of actual results of set temperatures higher than the fifth set temperature will increase. This increases the possibility that the specified range of set temperatures can satisfy the second condition during heating, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0208] (Technology 20) A control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, the control method including storing, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed, and determining the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device based on the stored number of changes. According to this, the same effects as those of the air conditioning system described in the first technique can be achieved.

[0209] (Technology 21) A program that causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning unit based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit, stored in a memory unit that stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed. According to this, the same effects as those of the air conditioning system described in the first technique can be achieved. [Industrial Applicability]

[0210] As described above, the air conditioning system, the control method for the air conditioning system, and the program according to the present invention can be used to determine the set temperature to be set in an air conditioner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0211] 1. Air conditioning equipment 2 Terminal Equipment 3 Management Server 4. Weather Server 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote Control 14 Communication equipment 30 Server control device (computer) 31 Server communication device 300 Server Processors 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Acquisition Department 303 Update Department 304 Decision Section 305 Settings 310 Server memory (storage unit) 311 Control Program (Program) 312 Management DB 1000 Air Conditioning System AD Performance Data H Facility MD Management Data NW Network P Administrator RD Operation Data S Air conditioned space SD setting data

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to a space using an air conditioning device, A determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the number of changes, which indicates the number of times the specific set temperature of the air conditioner has been changed from the specific set temperature to another set temperature, The system includes a setting unit that sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit to the air conditioner, Air conditioning system.

2. The air conditioner is equipped with a storage unit that stores the number of times the set temperature has been changed for each of the multiple set temperatures, The determination unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the number of changes stored in the storage unit. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The storage unit stores the number of changes for each set of time period and outside temperature, The determination unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system based on the number of changes stored in the storage unit, which corresponds to the time period including the current time and the outside temperature. The air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit obtains a forecast value of the outside temperature for the time period including the current time from a weather data service, and obtains the outside temperature based on the obtained forecast value, The air conditioning system according to claim 3.

5. The determination unit is When the aforementioned air conditioning system is performing cooling, If the set temperatures included in the predetermined range satisfy the first condition that there exists a first set temperature whose change probability, which is the probability that the set temperature has been changed based on the number of changes, is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and a second set temperature which is the next lowest in the predetermined range of the set temperature of the air conditioner and whose change probability is less than the predetermined threshold, The second set temperature is determined as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned determination unit, If the set temperature included in the predetermined range satisfies the first condition, and there are multiple second set temperatures within the set temperature included in the predetermined range, The second set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space, or the second set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning system, is determined as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. The determination unit is When the aforementioned air conditioning system is performing heating, If the set temperatures included in the predetermined range satisfy the second condition, which is the probability of a set temperature being changed based on the number of changes, and the probability of a set temperature being changed is less than a predetermined threshold, and there exists a third set temperature which is the next lowest in the predetermined range of the set temperature of the air conditioner and whose probability of change is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, The above-mentioned third set temperature is determined as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned determination unit, If the set temperature included in the predetermined range satisfies the second condition, and there are multiple third set temperatures within the predetermined range, The third set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space, or the third set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning system, is determined as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned determination unit, If all of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range are first set temperatures whose change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, The set temperature that maximizes comfort in the air-conditioned space within the predetermined range is determined as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 5 or 7.

10. The aforementioned determination unit, If all of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range are third set temperatures whose change probability is less than the predetermined threshold, The setting temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range is determined as the setting temperature to be set for the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 5 or 7.

11. The aforementioned determination unit, If the set temperature included in the predetermined range does not satisfy the first condition, a process for fulfilling the first condition is executed to enable the set temperature included in the predetermined range to satisfy the first condition. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

12. The aforementioned determination unit, In the process for fulfilling the first condition when, among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, there is a fifth set temperature for which the number of times the set temperature has been set in the air conditioning system is 1 or more, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is less than the predetermined threshold, and the first calculated temperature, which is higher than this fifth set temperature calculated according to the predetermined rule, does not exceed the highest set temperature within the predetermined range, The first calculated temperature is determined to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 11.

13. The aforementioned determination unit, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is less than the predetermined threshold, and the first calculated temperature exceeds the highest set temperature within the predetermined range, The setting temperature with the smallest number of actual occurrences within the predetermined range is determined as the setting temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 12.

14. The aforementioned determination unit, In the process for fulfilling the first condition when, among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, there is a fifth set temperature for which the number of times the set temperature has been set in the air conditioning system is one or more, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which has the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and there exists a sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the fifth set temperature within the predetermined range for which the number of actual occurrences is zero, The above-mentioned sixth set temperature is determined as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 11.

15. The aforementioned determination unit, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which has the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the fifth set temperature within the predetermined range, Within the predetermined range, the setting temperature with the fewest recorded occurrences between the lowest setting temperature and the fifth setting temperature at which the air conditioner consumes the least energy is determined to be the setting temperature to be set on the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 14.

16. The aforementioned determination unit, If the set temperature included in the predetermined range does not satisfy the second condition, a process for fulfilling the second condition is executed to enable the set temperature included in the predetermined range to satisfy the second condition. The air conditioning system according to claim 7.

17. The aforementioned determination unit, In the process for fulfilling the second condition when, among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, there is a fifth set temperature for which the number of times the set temperature has been set in the air conditioning system is 1 or more, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is less than the predetermined threshold, and the second calculated temperature, which is lower than the fifth set temperature calculated according to the predetermined rule, is not lower than the lowest set temperature within the predetermined range, The second calculated temperature is determined to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 16.

18. The aforementioned determination unit, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is less than the predetermined threshold, and the second calculated temperature is below the lowest set temperature within the predetermined range, The setting temperature with the smallest number of actual occurrences within the predetermined range is determined as the setting temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 17.

19. The aforementioned determination unit, In the process for fulfilling the second condition when, among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, there is a fifth set temperature for which the number of times the set temperature has been set in the air conditioning system is one or more, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which has the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and there exists a sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature within the predetermined range for which the number of actual occurrences is zero, The above-mentioned sixth set temperature is determined as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 16.

20. The aforementioned determination unit, If the probability of changing the fifth set temperature, which has the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range, is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature within the predetermined range, Within the predetermined range, the setting temperature with the smallest actual number of occurrences between the highest setting temperature and the fifth setting temperature at which the air conditioner consumes the least energy is determined to be the setting temperature to be set on the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 19.

21. A control method for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space using an air conditioning device, Based on the number of changes, which indicates the number of times the specific set temperature of the air conditioner has been changed from that specific set temperature to another set temperature, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner is determined. The determined set temperature is set in the air conditioning system. A method for controlling an air conditioning system.

22. The computer for an air conditioning system that uses an air conditioning device to air-condition a space is A determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the number of changes, which indicates the number of times the specific set temperature of the air conditioner has been changed from the specific set temperature to another set temperature, This setting unit functions as a unit that sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit to the air conditioning unit. program.

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