Air conditioning system and control method for air conditioner

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of effectively utilizing generated power.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system (1) comprises: a power generation amount estimation section (312) for estimating a power generation amount of a photovoltaic power generator (32) on a time zone basis and estimating a power generation amount transition in a predetermined time zone; a surplus power amount estimation section (314) for estimating a surplus power amount in each time zone included in the predetermined time zone based on the power generation amount transition estimated by the power generation amount estimation section (312) and estimated power consumption estimated to be consumed at least by apparatuses (34 and 35) other than an air conditioner; and a control section (21) for performing control in such a manner that, in a case where the surplus power amount in every time zone is less than a predetermined value, an air conditioner (40) is operated under a first operation condition and in a case where the surplus power amount in every time zone is equal to or more than the predetermined value, the air conditioner (40) is operated under a second operation condition of larger power consumption than that of the first operation condition.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and a method for controlling an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a system in which a solar power generator generates DC power from solar energy, converts the generated DC power into AC power, and supplies it to electrical equipment such as air conditioners. In such a system, when there is a shortage of generated power, the power is purchased from an electric power company, and when there is surplus power, the power generated by the solar power generator is reverse-flowed to the power grid so that it can be sold to the electric power company.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses that the time periods during which load devices consume electricity are selected to reduce electricity bills based on the time periods during which predicted surplus electricity will occur, the daytime and nighttime electricity purchase prices, and the predicted amount of electricity usage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-199157 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, the price of selling electricity has fallen, and an increasing number of users are requesting to effectively utilize the generated electricity rather than selling it. Patent Document 1 discloses a method for selecting a time period during which a load device consumes electricity. However, for example, load devices such as air conditioners are often in operation all the time, and the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot be used.

[0006] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of effectively utilizing generated power. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention is an air conditioning system that controls an air conditioner that operates on either power generated by a generator inside the home or power supplied from a power grid, and includes a power generation estimation unit that predicts the amount of power generated by the generator for each time period and estimates a trend in the amount of power generated during a specified time period, a surplus power estimation unit that estimates the amount of surplus power during each time period included in the specified time period based on the trend in the amount of power generated estimated by the power generation estimation unit and an expected amount of power consumption that is expected to be consumed by at least equipment other than the air conditioner, and a control unit that controls the air conditioner to operate under first operating conditions if the amount of surplus power during each time period is less than a specified value, and controls the air conditioner to operate under second operating conditions that consume more power than the first operating conditions if the amount of surplus power during each time period is equal to or greater than the specified value.

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, a control method for an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present invention is a control method for an air conditioner that controls an air conditioner that operates on either power generated by a generator inside the home or power supplied from a power grid, and includes the steps of: predicting the amount of power generated by the generator for each time period and estimating a trend in the amount of power generated during a specified time period; estimating the amount of surplus power during each time period included in the specified time period based on the estimated trend in the amount of power generated and an expected amount of power consumption predicted to be consumed by at least equipment other than the air conditioner; and controlling the air conditioner to operate under first operating conditions if the amount of surplus power during each time period is less than a specified value, and controlling the air conditioner to operate under second operating conditions that consume more power than the first operating conditions if the amount of surplus power during each time period is equal to or greater than the specified value. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system and an air conditioner control method that can effectively utilize generated power. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of an operation terminal. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating an example of account information, device information, and link information. [Diagram 5] 10 is a graph showing the relationship between the estimated amount of surplus power and the operating conditions of an air conditioner. [Figure 6] 1 is a graph showing an example of a change in room temperature caused by an air conditioner. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating a processing procedure of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. For the sake of convenience, the same members are given the same reference numerals, and their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] <Example of air conditioning system configuration> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an operation terminal 10, an equipment management server 20, a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) cloud server 31, a solar power generator 32, a HEMS controller 33, a water heater 35, and an air conditioner (hereinafter also referred to as an air conditioner) 40. Note that, although a case of solar power generation will be described as an example of power generation, the power generation method is not limited to solar power generation, and for example, a power generation method such as wind power generation or geothermal power generation may be used.

[0013] The operation terminal 10 is a terminal for operating electrical appliances such as the air conditioner 40 and the water heater 35 included in the air conditioning system 1. A user can operate electrical appliances such as the air conditioner 40 and the water heater 35 by inputting operation details into the operation terminal 10. In Fig. 1, information on the air conditioner installed in the living room and the air conditioner installed in the bedroom is displayed as an equipment list on the display screen of the operation terminal 10.

[0014] When the user uses the operation terminal 10 to select to operate the air conditioner 40 in cooperation with power generation by the solar power generator 32, the operation terminal 10 instructs the equipment management server 20 to set up the cooperation.

[0015] The equipment management server 20 is a server for managing electrical equipment such as the air conditioner 40 and the water heater 35 included in the air conditioning system 1. When the equipment management server 20 receives an instruction to set up a linkage from the operation terminal 10, it sets a linkage flag, described below, to "1." When a linkage availability flag and a linkage flag, described below, are both "1," the equipment management server 20 causes the air conditioner 40 to operate in linkage with power generation by the solar power generator 32. Hereinafter, the operation of the air conditioner 40 in linkage with power generation by the solar power generator 32 will be referred to as solar linkage.

[0016] During solar-linked operation, the device management server 20 transmits a surplus power estimation request to the HEMS cloud server 31 in order to determine the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40. This surplus power is the amount of power obtained by subtracting the predicted power consumption of electrical devices other than the air conditioner 40 (such as the water heater 35) from the predicted power generation amount by the solar power generator 32.

[0017] The device management server 20 determines the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40 based on the amount of surplus power estimated by the HEMS cloud server 31, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 40. The device management server 20 controls the operation of the air conditioner 40 by transmitting control data to the air conditioner 40 according to the operating conditions. The device management server 20 also receives operating information from the air conditioner 40, such as the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, and the operating status of the air conditioner 40.

[0018] In the following description, the operation of the air conditioner 40 is controlled according to the amount of surplus power, but other electrical devices may be controlled according to the amount of surplus power. In this embodiment, the device management server 20 controls the operation of the air conditioner 40, but the HEMS controller 33 may control the operation of the air conditioner 40.

[0019] The HEMS cloud server 31 sequentially receives power data (the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 and the amount of power consumed by electrical appliances such as the water heater 35) from the HEMS controller 33, and accumulates the data as information such as historical data on the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 and historical data on the amount of power consumed by electrical appliances such as the water heater 35 included in the air conditioning system 1. Note that in the following description, it is assumed that the HEMS cloud server 31 has accumulated sufficient historical data on the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 and historical data on the amount of power consumed by electrical appliances such as the water heater 35, and estimates the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 and the amount of power consumed by electrical appliances such as the water heater 35 based on this historical data.

[0020] In response to a request from the device management server 20, the HEMS cloud server 31 estimates the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 and the amount of power consumed by electrical devices such as the water heater 35. Then, the HEMS cloud server 31 estimates the amount of surplus power from these predicted values ​​and transmits the estimated amount of surplus power to the device management server 20.

[0021] The solar power generator 32 is installed, for example, inside a house, and includes a solar module, a power conditioner, etc. The solar module converts sunlight into DC power and outputs the DC power to the power conditioner. The power conditioner converts the DC power output from the solar module into AC power and supplies it to electrical appliances such as the air conditioner 40 and the water heater 35.

[0022] Furthermore, when the amount of power generated by the solar module is insufficient, the power conditioner can sell the power by supplying the power to the power grid of the power company. When the amount of power generated by the solar module is insufficient, the power conditioner receives power from the power grid of the power company and supplies it to electrical appliances such as the air conditioner 40 and the water heater 35.

[0023] The HEMS controller 33 controls electrical appliances such as the solar power generator 32 and the water heater 35, and receives information regarding the amount of power generated from the solar power generator 32 and information regarding power consumption from electrical appliances such as the water heater 35. The HEMS controller 33 then transmits the information regarding the amount of power generated from the solar power generator 32 and information regarding power consumption from electrical appliances such as the water heater 35 to the HEMS cloud server 31 as power data.

[0024] <Block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system> Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the air conditioning system 1 has a configuration in which an operation terminal 10, a device management server 20, a HEMS system 30, and an air conditioner 40 can communicate with each other via a network 50. Note that the network 50 can be a wired LAN (Local Area Network), a wireless LAN, WiFi (registered trademark), a WAN (Wide Area Network), a public line network, a mobile data communication network, or a combination of these networks.

[0025] <Configuration of operation terminal 10> The operation terminal 10 includes an operation unit 11 and a display unit 12. The operation terminal 10 is capable of communicating with a device management server 20, each device in the HEMS system 30, and an air conditioner 40 via a network 50.

[0026] The operation unit 11 is a unit for inputting information such as operation details of the air conditioner 40, operation details of the air purifier 34, operation details of the water heater 35, and information on whether or not to link with power generation by the solar power generator 32. The display unit 12 is a unit for presenting to the user information such as operation details of the air conditioner 40, operation details of the air purifier 34, operation details of the water heater 35, and information indicating whether or not to link with power generation by the solar power generator 32. The operation unit 11 and the display unit 12 are configured, for example, by a touch panel.

[0027] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen of the operation terminal 10. As shown in the left diagram of Fig. 3, a device list is displayed on the display unit 12 of the operation terminal 10, the HEMS system 30 is selling power, and information such as the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32, the amount of power consumed by the electrical devices in the HEMS system 30, and model information is displayed. On this display screen, "Solar linkage" 121 is displayed, and when the user presses "Solar linkage" 121, the display on the display unit 12 shifts to a solar linkage screen.

[0028] As shown in the right diagram of FIG. 3, the solar linkage screen displays the electric devices that are being set for solar linkage. When the user presses "set linked device" 122 on this display screen, the electric device (linked device) during solar linkage can be set. For example, when the linked device is the air conditioner 40, during cooling operation, when the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 is sufficient (when the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), the air conditioner 40 can be set to perform cooling operation at a temperature (-0.5°) that is 0.5° lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40. When the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 is not sufficient (when the amount of surplus power is less than a predetermined value), the air conditioner 40 can be set to perform cooling operation at a temperature (+1.0°) that is 1° higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40.

[0029] Also, for example, if the linked device is an air conditioner 40, during heating operation, when the solar power generator 32 has a margin of power generation (when the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value), it can be set to perform heating operation at a temperature 0.5° higher (+0.5°) than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40. Also, when the solar power generator 32 does not have a margin of power generation (when the amount of surplus power is less than a predetermined value), it can be set to perform heating operation at a temperature -1° lower (-1.0°) than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40.

[0030] A user can operate the operation unit 11 while referring to the display contents of the display unit 12 of the operation terminal 10 to perform link setting, and thereby transmit a link setting instruction from the operation terminal 10 to the device management server 20.

[0031] <Configuration of device management server 20> 2, the device management server 20 includes a control unit 21 and a storage unit 22. The device management server 20 is capable of communicating with the operation terminal 10, each device in the HEMS system 30, and the air conditioner 40 via a network 50.

[0032] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the account information 221, device information 222, and link information 223 stored in the storage unit 22. The account information 221 includes a user ID and a device ID. As shown in FIG. 4, the user ID is stored in association with the device ID of an electrical device owned by the user of the user ID. For example, it is described that a user with a user ID "User001" owns an electrical device with a device ID "Device0001" and a system with a device ID "System001".

[0033] The device information 222 stores a device ID and a type of electrical device in association with each other, and may also store information about the device, such as its function and operation history. By referring to the device information shown in Fig. 4, it can be determined that, for example, a user with the user ID "User001" owns an air conditioner and a HEMS system.

[0034] In the link information 223, a user ID, a linkage flag, and a linkage flag are stored in association with each other. The linkage flag is set to "1" ("◯" in FIG. 4) when the user has both the device and system to be linked, and is set to "0" ("×" in FIG. 4) when the user does not have either or both. For example, since a user with the user ID "User001" has both an air conditioner and a HEMS system, the linkage flag is set to "1."

[0035] The linkage flag is set to "1" ("◯" in FIG. 4) when solar linkage is set by the user, and is set to "0" ("×" in FIG. 4) when solar linkage is not set. For example, it is shown that the user with user ID "User001" has set up solar linkage.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 4, the linkage flag is set to "1", and linkage is performed for devices owned by users whose linkage flags are set to "1". Therefore, solar linkage is performed between the air conditioner owned by the user with user ID "User001" and the HEMS system. When solar linkage is not performed, the device management server 20 causes the air conditioner 40 to operate normally, regardless of the amount of surplus power.

[0037] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2, the control unit 21 of the device management server 20 refers to the linkage information 223 stored in the storage unit 22, and inquires of the operation terminal 10 of the user whose linkage availability flag is set to "1" whether or not to perform solar linkage via the network 50. Note that in this state, it is assumed that the linkage flag is set to "0".

[0038] When the operation terminal 10 receives an inquiry from the device management server 20, for example, the operation terminal 10 displays a solar linkage screen as shown in FIG. 3 on the display unit 12 and prompts the user to select whether or not to set up solar linkage. When the user sets up solar linkage, information on the solar linkage setting is transmitted from the operation terminal 10 to the device management server 20.

[0039] When the device management server 20 receives the solar linkage setting from the operation terminal 10, the control unit 21 sets the corresponding linkage flag in the linkage information 223 of the storage unit 22 to "1". When the linkage flag is set to "1", the control unit 21 transmits a surplus energy estimation request to the HEMS cloud server 31 via the network 50. Note that this surplus energy estimation request is transmitted periodically, for example, once a day at a predetermined time.

[0040] When the control unit 21 receives the estimated amount of surplus power from the HEMS cloud server 31, the control unit 21 determines the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40 depending on whether the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. This predetermined value is, for example, the amount of power consumed when the air conditioner 40 performs cooling operation at a set temperature when the air conditioner 40 performs cooling operation.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the estimated surplus power amount and the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40. In the graph shown in FIG. 5, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents surplus power amount (kW), with the predetermined value being 1 kW. The estimated surplus power amount exceeds the predetermined value after 7:00, when the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 increases. Therefore, the control unit 21 determines that the air conditioner 40 should be operated under the first operating conditions until 8:00, and that the air conditioner 40 should be operated under the second operating conditions after 8:00. Note that in the graph shown in FIG. 5, the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40 are determined every hour.

[0042] Furthermore, the predicted surplus power amount becomes smaller than the predetermined value after 4 p.m. Therefore, the control unit 21 determines to operate the air conditioner 40 under the first operating condition again after 4 p.m. Here, when the air conditioner 40 performs cooling operation, the first operating condition is cooling operation at a first predetermined temperature, for example, a temperature 1° higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40, and the second operating condition is cooling operation at a second predetermined temperature, for example, a temperature 0.5° lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40.

[0043] In addition, when the air conditioner 40 performs heating operation, the first operating condition is heating operation at a third predetermined temperature, for example, 1° lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40, and the second operating condition is heating operation at a fourth predetermined temperature, for example, 0.5° higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a graph showing an example of a change in room temperature caused by the air conditioner 40. In the graph shown in FIG. 6, the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the control content (operation condition). As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioner 40 performs cooling operation (power saving) under the first operation condition (+1°) until 8:00, and performs cooling operation (high power) under the second operation condition (-0.5°) after 8:00. Therefore, the room temperature gradually decreases from after 8:00, and the room temperature becomes 0.5° lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner 40. As a result, the room temperature can be lowered by 0.5° than the set temperature by 4:00 p.m., when the estimated surplus power amount becomes smaller than the predetermined value, so that even if the air conditioner 40 operates in power saving mode after 4:00 p.m., the room can be kept cool until after 6:00 p.m., and power generation by the solar power generator 32 can be effectively utilized.

[0045] As explained using Figures 5 and 6, the control unit 21 periodically transmits control data to the air conditioner 40, and controls the air conditioner 40 so that it operates under the first operating conditions until 8:00, operates under the second operating conditions from 8:00, and then operates under the first operating conditions again from 16:00 onwards.

[0046] In addition, the control unit 21 may include a control schedule generation unit 211. The control schedule generation unit 211 may generate a control schedule including the operation conditions for each time period of one day as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, and transmit the generated control schedule to the air conditioner 40. In this case, the air conditioner 40 operates according to the received control schedule. As a result, it is not necessary for the device management server 20 to periodically transmit control data to the air conditioner 40 to control it, and the load on the device management server 20 can be reduced.

[0047] In addition, the control unit 21 may refer to the surplus power generation amount for each time period received from the HEMS cloud server 31, identify the time when the surplus power generation amount transitions from a time period equal to or greater than a predetermined value to a time period less than the predetermined value, and control the air conditioner 40 to operate under the second operation condition before that time.

[0048] In addition, the first operation condition may be an operation in which the operating frequency of the compressor at the start of operation of the air conditioner 40 is driven at the first operating frequency, and the second operation condition may be an operation in which the operating frequency of the compressor at the start of operation of the air conditioner 40 is driven at a second operating frequency higher than the first operating frequency.

[0049] For example, when starting the operation of the air conditioner 40 in a time period where the surplus power generation amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the control unit 41 of the air conditioner 40 controls the compressor to operate at the maximum operating frequency. Also, when starting the operation of the air conditioner 40 in a time period where the surplus power generation amount is less than a predetermined value, the control unit 41 of the air conditioner 40 controls the compressor to operate at an operating frequency of 80% of the maximum operating frequency.

[0050] <Configuration of the HEMS system 30> The HEMS system 30 includes a HEMS cloud server 31, a solar power generator 32, a HEMS controller 33, an air purifier 34, and a water heater 35. The HEMS cloud server 31 and the HEMS controller 33 can communicate with devices such as the operation terminal 10 and the device management server 20 via a network 50.

[0051] The solar power generator 32, the HEMS controller 33, the air purifier 34, and the water heater 35 are communicatively connected via a network 36. Note that the network 36 may be a wired LAN, a wireless LAN, WiFi (registered trademark), or a combination of these networks.

[0052] The HEMS cloud server 31 includes a memory unit 311, a power generation amount estimation unit 312, a power consumption amount estimation unit 313, and a surplus power amount estimation unit 314. The HEMS cloud server 31 periodically receives power data (such as the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32, the amount of power consumed by the air purifier 34, and the amount of power consumed by the water heater 35) from the HEMS controller 33 via the network 36, and stores the data in the memory unit 311 as history data.

[0053] The storage unit 311 stores information such as the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32, the date and time when the power was generated, the weather at that time, and the amount of solar radiation at that time in association with each other as history data. When the HEMS cloud server 31 receives a request for estimating the amount of surplus power from the device management server 20, the power generation amount estimation unit 312 refers to the history data stored in the storage unit 311 and searches for the amount of power generated in the past close to the date and time of the request for estimating the amount of surplus power from the device management server 20, thereby estimating the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 in each time zone. The power generation amount estimation unit 312 may also obtain information such as a weather forecast and a solar radiation forecast from outside, and estimate the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 in each time zone by searching the history data stored in the storage unit 311 together with this information.

[0054] Furthermore, information such as the power consumption of the air purifier 34 and the operating state of the air purifier 34 at that time is associated and stored as history data in the memory unit 311. Similarly, information such as the power consumption of the water heater 35 and the operating state of the water heater 35 at that time is associated and stored as history data in the memory unit 311. When the HEMS cloud server 31 receives a surplus power amount estimation request from the device management server 20, the power consumption estimation unit 313 estimates the power consumption of the air purifier 34 and the water heater 35 in each time zone by searching the history data stored in the memory unit 311 based on information such as the planned operating state of the air purifier 34 and the planned operating state of the water heater 35.

[0055] The surplus power estimation unit 314 estimates the amount of surplus power in each time period by subtracting the amount of power consumption of the air purifier 34 and the water heater 35 in each time period estimated by the power consumption estimation unit 313 from the amount of power generation in each time period estimated by the power generation estimation unit 312.

[0056] When the HEMS cloud server 31 receives a surplus power estimation request from the device management server 20, the HEMS cloud server 31 transmits the surplus power amount for each time period of the predetermined time period estimated by the surplus power estimation unit 314 to the device management server 20 via the network 50. Note that, for example, the predetermined time period is one day, and each time period is one hour.

[0057] The solar power generator 32 includes a control unit 321, a power generation amount measuring unit 322, and a power generation unit 323. The power generation unit 323 includes a solar module, a power conditioner, and the like. The solar module converts sunlight into DC power and outputs the DC power to the power conditioner. The power conditioner converts the DC power output from the solar module into AC power and supplies it to electrical devices such as the air conditioner 40, the air purifier 34, and the water heater 35.

[0058] The power generation amount measuring unit 322 periodically measures the amount of power generated by the power generation unit 323 and transmits the amount to the HEMS controller 33 via the network 36. The control unit 321 performs overall control of the solar power generator 32. For example, when there is a surplus of power generated by the solar module, the control unit 321 controls the solar power generator 32 to sell the power by supplying the power to the power grid of the power company. Also, when there is a shortage of power generated by the solar module, the control unit 321 controls the solar power generator 32 to receive power from the power grid of the power company and supply the power to electrical appliances such as the air conditioner 40, the air purifier 34, and the water heater 35.

[0059] The control unit 331 of the HEMS controller 33 controls electrical appliances such as the solar power generator 32, the air purifier 34, the water heater 35, etc., and receives information regarding the amount of power generated from the solar power generator 32 and information regarding power consumption from electrical appliances such as the air purifier 34, the water heater 35, etc. Then, the control unit 331 transmits information regarding the amount of power generated from the solar power generator 32 and information regarding power consumption from electrical appliances such as the air purifier 34, the water heater 35, etc. to the HEMS cloud server 31 as power data.

[0060] The air conditioner 40 includes a control unit 41 and an air conditioning unit 42. When the air conditioner 40 receives control data from the device management server 20, the control unit 41 controls the operation of the air conditioner 40 by controlling the air conditioning unit 42 based on the received control data. In addition, when the air conditioner 40 receives a control schedule, the control unit 41 extracts the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40 for each time period included in a predetermined time period in accordance with the control schedule, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 40 by controlling the air conditioning unit 42 based on the operating conditions for the time period corresponding to the current time.

[0061] The air conditioning unit 42 includes a compressor, a four-way valve, an indoor fan, an outdoor fan, an indoor temperature measuring unit, an outdoor temperature measuring unit, etc. The control unit 41 controls the operation of the air conditioner 40 by controlling the air conditioning unit 42, but since the configuration and operation are similar to those of a general air conditioner, detailed explanation will not be provided here.

[0062] <Processing flow of Air Conditioning System 1> 7 is a sequence diagram for explaining the processing procedure of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. First, the operation terminal 10 transmits a link setting to the device management server 20 in response to an instruction from a user (S11). Upon receiving the link setting from the operation terminal 10, the device management server 20 sets the link flag of the link information 223 stored in the storage unit 22 to "1". Then, the device management server 20 transmits a surplus power amount estimation request to the HEMS cloud server 31 (S12).

[0063] When the HEMS cloud server 31 receives a request for estimating surplus power from the equipment management server 20, the power generation estimation unit 312 refers to the historical data stored in the memory unit 311, estimates the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 in each time period, and determines this as the power generation trend (S13).

[0064] Next, power consumption estimation unit 313 refers to the history data stored in storage unit 311 and estimates the power consumption of electrical appliances such as air purifier 34 and water heater 35 in each time period (S14).

[0065] Next, the surplus power estimation unit 314 estimates the amount of surplus power in each time period from the amount of power generated by the solar power generator 32 in each time period estimated by the power generation estimation unit 312 and the amount of power consumed in each time period by electrical appliances such as the air purifier 34 and the water heater 35 estimated by the power consumption estimation unit 313 (S15), and transmits the estimated amount of surplus power to the equipment management server 20 (S16).

[0066] When the device management server 20 receives the amount of surplus power from the HEMS cloud server 31, the control unit 21 determines the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40 for each time period based on the amount of surplus power for each time period (S17).

[0067] Then, the control unit 21 of the equipment management server 20 creates control data corresponding to the operating conditions of the air conditioner 40 (S18), and transmits the created control data to the air conditioner 40 (S19). Furthermore, when the control schedule generation unit 211 generates a control schedule for the air conditioner 40, the control unit 21 transmits the generated control schedule to the air conditioner 40.

[0068] When the air conditioner 40 receives the control data or the control schedule from the device management server 20, the control unit 41 controls the operation of the air conditioner 40 by controlling the air conditioning unit 42 based on the control data or the control schedule (S20).

[0069] <Effects of Air Conditioning System 1> As described above, in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 controls the air conditioner 40 to operate under the first operating condition when the amount of surplus power in each time period is less than a predetermined value, and controls the air conditioner 40 to operate under the second operating condition that consumes more power than the first operating condition when the amount of surplus power in each time period is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. This makes it possible to effectively utilize the power generated by the solar power generator 32 and reduce the amount of power supplied from the power grid of the power company.

[0070] Furthermore, the control unit 21 refers to the amount of surplus power in each time period, identifies the time when the amount of surplus power transitions from a time period where the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value to a time period where the amount of surplus power is less than the predetermined value, and controls the air conditioner 40 to operate under the second operating conditions before the time period. Therefore, the air conditioner 40 can operate more efficiently before the time period when the amount of surplus power becomes less than the predetermined value.

[0071] The first operating condition is an operation in which the compressor is driven at a first operating frequency when the air conditioner 40 starts up, and the second operating condition is an operation in which the compressor is driven at a second operating frequency that is higher than the first operating frequency when the air conditioner 40 starts up. Therefore, the power generated by the solar power generator 32 can be effectively utilized, and the amount of power supplied from the power grid of the power company can be reduced.

[0072] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment differs from the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 only in that the configuration and function of the control unit 21 of the equipment management server 20 are different. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with the reference number 1', and the control unit 21 according to this embodiment will be described with the reference number 21'.

[0073] When a power saving request time period has been set by the user, the control unit 21' receives information regarding the power saving request time period from the operation terminal 10, and controls the air conditioner 40 to operate under the first operating conditions during the power saving request time period regardless of the amount of surplus power.

[0074] In addition, the control unit 21' may refer to the amount of surplus power in each time period received from the HEMS cloud server 31, identify the time at which the amount of surplus power transitions from a time period in which the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value to a power saving request time period, and control the air conditioner 40 to operate under the second operating conditions before that time.

[0075] <Effects of Air Conditioning System 1'> As described above, in the air conditioning system 1' according to this embodiment, the control unit 21' controls the air conditioner 40 to operate under the first operating condition during a power saving request time zone regardless of the amount of surplus power. Therefore, when a power saving request time zone is set, consumption of power generated by the solar power generator 32 can be reduced.

[0076] Furthermore, the control unit 21' refers to the amount of surplus power in each time period, identifies the time when the time period in which the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than a predetermined value transitions to a power saving request time period, and controls the air conditioner 40 to operate under the second operating conditions before that time period. This allows the air conditioner 40 to operate more efficiently before the power saving request time period.

[0077] <Example of software implementation> The control blocks of the air conditioning systems 1, 1' (particularly, the control units 21, 21', the power generation estimation unit 312, the power consumption estimation unit 313, and the surplus power estimation unit 314) may be realized by a logic circuit (hardware) formed in an integrated circuit (IC chip) or the like, or by software.

[0078] In the latter case, the control block includes a computer that executes instructions of a program, which is software that realizes each function. The computer includes, for example, at least one processor (control device) and at least one computer-readable recording medium that stores the program. The object of the present invention is achieved by the processor reading the program from the recording medium and executing it in the computer. The processor may be, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The recording medium may be a "non-transient tangible medium," such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), tape, disk, card, semiconductor memory, programmable logic circuit, or the like. The computer may further include a RAM (Random Access Memory) that expands the program. The program may be supplied to the computer via any transmission medium (such as a communication network or broadcast waves) that can transmit the program. Note that one aspect of the present invention may also be realized in the form of a data signal embedded in a carrier wave, in which the program is embodied by electronic transmission.

[0079] [summary] The air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: An air conditioning system that controls an air conditioner that operates using either power generated by a generator in a home or power supplied from a power grid, a power generation amount estimation unit that predicts the power generation amount of the power generator for each time period and estimates a transition of the power generation amount in a predetermined time period; a surplus power estimation unit that estimates an amount of surplus power in each time period included in the predetermined time period based on the power generation amount transition estimated by the power generation amount estimation unit and an expected amount of power consumption that is expected to be consumed by at least an appliance other than the air conditioner; The control unit controls the air conditioner to operate under first operating conditions when the amount of surplus power in each time period is less than a predetermined value, and controls the air conditioner to operate under second operating conditions that consume more power than the first operating conditions when the amount of surplus power in each time period is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0080] According to the above configuration, the power generated by the generator can be effectively utilized, and the amount of power supplied from the power grid of the power company can be reduced.

[0081] In the air conditioning system according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in the above aspect 1, the control unit refers to the amount of surplus power in each time period estimated by the surplus power estimation unit, identifies the time when the amount of surplus power transitions from a time period where the amount of surplus power is greater than or equal to the predetermined value to a time period where the amount of surplus power is less than the predetermined value, and controls the air conditioner to operate under the second operating conditions before that time.

[0082] According to the above configuration, the air conditioner can operate more efficiently before the time period when the amount of surplus power falls below a predetermined value.

[0083] An air conditioning system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to the first or second aspect, wherein when the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation, the first operating condition is a cooling operation at a temperature that is higher than a set temperature of the air conditioner by a first predetermined temperature, The second operating condition is a cooling operation at a temperature that is lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner by a second predetermined temperature.

[0084] An air conditioning system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to the first or second aspect, wherein when the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the first operating condition is a heating operation at a temperature that is lower than a set temperature of the air conditioner by a third predetermined temperature, The second operating condition is a heating operation at a temperature that is higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner by a fourth predetermined temperature.

[0085] An air conditioning system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first operating condition is an operation in which an operating frequency of the compressor at start-up of the air conditioner is driven at a first operating frequency, The second operating condition is an operation in which the compressor is driven at a second operating frequency higher than the first operating frequency at the start-up of the air conditioner.

[0086] According to the above configuration, the power generated by the generator can be effectively utilized, and the amount of power supplied from the power grid of the power company can be reduced.

[0087] In the air conditioning system of aspect 6 of the present invention, in aspect 1 above, the control unit acquires information regarding a power saving request time period, and during the power saving request time period, controls the air conditioner to operate under the first operating condition regardless of the amount of surplus power.

[0088] According to the above configuration, when a power saving request time period is set, it is possible to reduce consumption of power generated by the generator.

[0089] In the air conditioning system of aspect 7 of the present invention, in aspect 6 above, the control unit refers to the amount of surplus power in each time period estimated by the surplus power estimation unit, identifies the time at which the amount of surplus power transitions from a time period in which the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than the specified value to the power saving request time period, and controls the air conditioner to operate under the second operating conditions before that time.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the air conditioner can operate more efficiently before the power saving request time period.

[0091] An air conditioning system according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the control unit refers to a coordination flag indicating whether or not to control operation of the air conditioner in coordination with power generation by the generator, When linked with power generation by the generator, the air conditioner is controlled to operate under the first operating condition or the second operating condition according to the amount of surplus power; When the power generation by the generator is not linked, the air conditioner is controlled to operate regardless of the amount of surplus power.

[0092] An air conditioning system according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in any of aspects 1 to 8 above, includes a control schedule generation unit that generates a control schedule indicating whether the air conditioner should be controlled to operate under the first operating condition or the second operating condition during each time period of the specified time period, and transmits the control schedule to the air conditioner.

[0093] According to the above configuration, the control unit does not need to periodically control the air conditioner, and the load on the control unit can be reduced.

[0094] A control method for an air conditioner according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a control method for an air conditioner that operates using either power generated by a generator in a home or power supplied from a power grid, the control method comprising: predicting the amount of power generated by the generator for each time period and estimating a transition of the amount of power generated in a predetermined time period; estimating an amount of surplus power in each time period included in the specified time period based on the estimated power generation amount transition and an expected amount of power consumption that is expected to be consumed by at least equipment other than the air conditioner; The method includes a step of controlling the air conditioner to operate under first operating conditions when the amount of surplus power in each time period is less than a predetermined value, and controlling the air conditioner to operate under second operating conditions that consume more power than the first operating conditions when the amount of surplus power in each time period is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

[0095] According to the above configuration, the power generated by the generator can be effectively utilized, and the amount of power supplied from the power grid of the power company can be reduced.

[0096] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. The technical scope of the present invention also includes embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in the different embodiments. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1,1' Air Conditioning System 10 Operation terminal 11 Control section 12 Display section 20 Device management server 21, 21', 41, 321, 331 Control section 22,311 storage unit 30 HEMS System 31 HEMS cloud server 32 Solar power generator 33 HEMS Controller 34 Air Purifier 35 Water heater 36,50 Network 40 Air Conditioner 42 Air Conditioning Section 312 Power generation estimation unit 313 Power consumption estimation section 314 Surplus power estimation unit 322 Power Generation Measurement Section 323 Power Generation Division

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that controls an air conditioner that operates using either power generated by a generator in a home or power supplied from a power grid, a power generation amount estimation unit that predicts the power generation amount of the power generator for each time period and estimates a transition of the power generation amount in a predetermined time period; a surplus power estimation unit that estimates an amount of surplus power in each time period included in the predetermined time period based on the power generation amount transition estimated by the power generation amount estimation unit and an expected amount of power consumption that is expected to be consumed by at least an appliance other than the air conditioner; an air conditioning system comprising: a control unit that controls the air conditioner to operate under first operating conditions when the amount of surplus electricity in each time period is less than a predetermined value, and controls the air conditioner to operate under second operating conditions that consume more power than the first operating conditions when the amount of surplus electricity in each time period is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

2. the control unit refers to the amount of surplus power in each time period estimated by the surplus power amount estimation unit, identifies a time period during which the amount of surplus power transitions from a time period during which the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than the predetermined value to a time period during which the amount of surplus power is less than the predetermined value, and controls the air conditioner to operate under the second operating condition before the identified time period.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1.

3. When the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation, the first operating condition is a cooling operation at a temperature that is higher than a set temperature of the air conditioner by a first predetermined temperature, The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second operating condition is a cooling operation at a temperature that is lower than the set temperature of the air conditioner by a second predetermined temperature.

4. When the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the first operating condition is a heating operation at a temperature that is lower than a set temperature of the air conditioner by a third predetermined temperature, The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second operating condition is a heating operation at a temperature that is higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner by a fourth predetermined temperature.

5. the first operating condition is an operation in which an operating frequency of a compressor at a start-up of the air conditioner is driven at a first operating frequency, 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the second operating condition is an operation in which the compressor is driven at a second operating frequency higher than the first operating frequency when the air conditioner is started up.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit acquires information relating to a power saving request time period, and controls the air conditioner to operate under the first operating condition during the power saving request time period regardless of the amount of surplus power.

7. the control unit refers to the amount of surplus power in each time period estimated by the surplus power amount estimation unit, identifies a time at which the amount of surplus power transitions from a time period in which the amount of surplus power is equal to or greater than the predetermined value to the power saving request time period, and controls the air conditioner to operate under the second operating condition before the identified time.

7. An air conditioning system according to claim 6.

8. The control unit refers to a coordination flag indicating whether or not to control the operation of the air conditioner in coordination with power generation by the generator, When the power generation is linked to the generator, the air conditioner is controlled to operate under the first operating condition or the second operating condition according to the amount of surplus power; When the power generation by the generator is not linked, the air conditioner is controlled to operate regardless of the amount of surplus power.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The control unit includes a control schedule generation unit that generates a control schedule indicating whether the air conditioner is to be controlled to operate under the first operating condition or the second operating condition during each time period of the predetermined time period, and transmits the control schedule to the air conditioner.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A method for controlling an air conditioner that operates using either power generated by a generator in a home or power supplied from a power grid, comprising: predicting the amount of power generated by the generator for each time period and estimating a transition of the amount of power generated in a predetermined time period; estimating an amount of surplus power in each time period included in the specified time period based on the estimated power generation amount transition and an expected amount of power consumption that is expected to be consumed by at least equipment other than the air conditioner; a step of controlling the air conditioner to operate under first operating conditions when the amount of surplus power in each time period is less than a predetermined value, and a step of controlling the air conditioner to operate under second operating conditions that consume more power than the first operating conditions when the amount of surplus power in each time period is equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

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