Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system for allowing the setting of a use charge reflecting the request of a user for an air conditioner.SOLUTION: The air conditioning system includes the air conditioner, a user request acquisition part for acquiring the user request that a user of the air conditioner wants for the operation of the air conditioner, a mode setting part for setting a control mode of the air conditioner according to the user request, a control part for controlling the air conditioner according to the control mode set by the mode setting part, and a charge setting part for setting the use charge for the air conditioner by the user, the user request including comfort request as a request for thermal comfort which is actualized by the operation of the air conditioner, and an energy saving request as a request for reducing power consumption by the operation of the air conditioner, and the charge setting part serving for setting the use charge according to the user request.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] There is known an energy equipment introduction method including an installation step of installing an air conditioner at a customer's place and a price setting step of setting, as a price to be paid by the customer, a consideration for a service provided by the air conditioner to the customer, the consideration being determined based on the usage time and the supplied heat quantity of the air conditioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technology as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a price to be paid by a customer (user) is set based on the usage time and the supplied heat quantity of the air conditioner. For this reason, it is difficult to set a price that reflects whether the user values obtaining thermal comfort by operating the air conditioner or values reducing the power consumption caused by operating the air conditioner as much as possible, that is, which of comfort realization and energy saving the user demands from the air conditioner.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. An object thereof is to provide an air conditioning system capable of setting a usage fee for an air conditioner that reflects a user's request for the air conditioner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioner, a user requirement acquisition unit that acquires user requirements that a user of the air conditioner demands for the operation of the air conditioner, a mode setting unit that sets a control mode of the air conditioner according to the user requirements, a control unit that controls the air conditioner according to the control mode set by the mode setting unit, and a charge setting unit that sets a usage charge of the air conditioner by the user. The user requirements include a comfort requirement that is a requirement regarding the thermal comfort achieved by the operation of the air conditioner, and an energy saving requirement that is a requirement regarding reduction of power consumption by the operation of the air conditioner. The charge setting unit sets the usage charge according to the user requirements.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure, there is an effect that the usage charge of the air conditioner can be set reflecting the user's requirements for the air conditioner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Figure 15

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Embodiments for implementing the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each figure, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and within the scope not departing from the gist of the present disclosure, a free combination of each embodiment, a modification of any component of each embodiment, or an omission of any component of each embodiment is possible.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a charge setting unit included in the air conditioning system. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the relationship between the electricity charge and the energy saving requirement in the air conditioning system. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the setting of the charge according to the electricity charge and the energy saving requirement in the air conditioning system. Each of FIGS. 5 and 6 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting of the charge according to the comfort requirement in the air conditioning system. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning system. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting of the charge in the air conditioning system. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the electricity charge in the air conditioning system. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the setting of the charge in the air conditioning system. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example when the upper limit value of the charge in the air conditioning system is set. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a configuration example when a refurbishment is incorporated into the air conditioning system. Each of FIGS. 13 and 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the charge setting when a refurbishment is incorporated into the air conditioning system. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the charge setting when a refurbishment is incorporated into the air conditioning system. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration for realizing the functions of the information processing device and the like in the air conditioning system.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system according to this embodiment includes an air conditioner 100 and an information processing device 200. The air conditioner 100 is a device that performs air conditioning in a space by adjusting, for example, the temperature of the air in the space where the air conditioner 100 is installed. The air conditioner 100 is capable of performing an air conditioning operation including one or both of a cooling operation and a heating operation. Further, the air conditioner 100 may be capable of performing any one or more of a dehumidifying operation, a humidifying operation, and a blowing operation.

[0012] The information processing apparatus 200 is communicably provided with the air conditioner 100 via the communication network 300. The communication network 300 may include, for example, one of an intranet, an extranet, a virtual private network (VPN), a local area network (LAN), a wireless LAN, a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a public telephone line network, a mobile phone line network, an ISDN (Integrated Service Digital Networks), satellite communication, or a combination of two or more of these.

[0013] The information processing apparatus 200 is for providing a service that allows a user to use the air conditioner 100. The information processing apparatus 200 is, for example, a single server device. However, the information processing apparatus 200 is not limited to being composed of a single server device. For example, the information processing apparatus 200 may be constructed on the cloud. That is, each function provided by the information processing apparatus 200 may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of devices communicably provided via the communication network 300 or the like.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 100 includes an air conditioner transmission unit 111 and an air conditioner reception unit 112. The air conditioner transmission unit 111 and the air conditioner reception unit 112 transmit and receive various data via the communication network 300. This transmission and reception may be performed either wired or wirelessly. Also, any communication protocol may be used as long as data can be transmitted and received. The air conditioner transmission unit 111 transmits various data to the information processing apparatus 200. The air conditioner reception unit 112 receives various data transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200.

[0015] The air conditioner 100 further includes an operation unit 130 and a usage data collection unit 120. The operation unit 130 is for the user of the air conditioner 100 to perform operations. The operation unit 130 is provided, for example, as a remote control of the air conditioner 100, an operation panel provided on the housing of the indoor unit of the air conditioner 100, or the like. Alternatively, a terminal device such as a smartphone that the user possesses and can communicate with the air conditioner 100 may be used as the operation unit 130.

[0016] The usage data collection unit 120 collects usage data of the air conditioner 100. The usage data of the air conditioner 100 includes information regarding the operation content and operation time of the air conditioner 100. Note that the air conditioner 100 further includes an air conditioning means (not shown). The air conditioning means includes, for example, a heat exchanger, a compressor, etc., has a refrigerant circuit that functions as a heat pump, a fan for blowing conditioned air, and a louver for adjusting the wind direction, etc.

[0017] In the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, the user of the air conditioner 100 can input a user request to the system. The user request indicates what kind of operation the user desires for the air conditioner 100. In this embodiment, the user request includes at least a comfort request and an energy saving request. The comfort request is a request regarding the thermal comfort realized by the operation of the air conditioner 100. The energy saving request is a request regarding the reduction of the power consumption by the operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0018] The user of the air conditioner 100 inputs a desired user requirement by operating the operation unit 130, for example. At this time, it is preferable that the user can select each of the comfort requirement and the energy-saving requirement from among a plurality of levels. For example, for each of the comfort requirement and the energy-saving requirement, set three levels from 1 to 3. Level 1 indicates that the priority for that requirement is low. Level 3 indicates that the priority for that requirement is high. Level 2 is intermediate between these levels 1 and 3. That is, Level 2 indicates that the priority for that requirement is neither high nor low. Then, the user can input a desired user requirement by selecting a desired level from 1 to 3 for each of the comfort requirement and the energy-saving requirement. Note that the levels selectable by the user are not limited to three levels and may be four levels or more. Also, the number of levels selectable as the comfort requirement and the number of levels selectable as the energy-saving requirement may be different.

[0019] In addition, as selectable user requirements, a plurality of patterns may be preset for combinations of the level of the comfort requirement and the level of the energy-saving requirement. Specifically, for example, a combination where the comfort requirement level is 3 (high) and the energy-saving requirement level is 1 (low) is set as the "comfort priority" pattern, a combination where the comfort requirement level is 1 (low) and the energy-saving requirement level is 3 (high) is set as the "energy-saving priority" pattern, and a combination where both the comfort requirement level and the energy-saving requirement level are 2 is set as the "comfort and energy-saving compatible" pattern. Then, the user can input a desired user requirement by selecting a desired pattern from these patterns. By doing so, the user can easily input a desired user requirement without separately selecting each of the comfort requirement and the energy-saving requirement.

[0020] The air conditioner transmission unit 111 transmits the user requests input by the operations on the user operation unit 130 to the information processing apparatus 200. Then, the information processing apparatus 200 receives the user requests transmitted from the air conditioner 100 via the communication network 300. Also, the air conditioner transmission unit 111 transmits the usage data collected by the usage data collection unit 120 to the information processing apparatus 200. Then, the information processing apparatus 200 receives the usage data transmitted from the air conditioner 100 via the communication network 300.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the information processing apparatus 200 includes a communication unit 210. The communication unit 210 of the information processing apparatus 200 transmits and receives various data via the communication network 300. This transmission and reception may be performed either by wire or wirelessly. Also, any communication protocol may be used as long as the transmission and reception of data can be executed. The communication unit 210 of the information processing apparatus 200 is provided with a transmission unit 211 and a reception unit 212. The transmission unit 211 transmits various data to the air conditioner 100. The reception unit 212 receives various data transmitted from the air conditioner 100.

[0022] The information processing apparatus 200 includes a processing unit 220, a device control unit 240, and a storage unit 250. The processing unit 220 performs various data processes related to the operation of the air conditioning system. The device control unit 240 controls the operation of the air conditioner 100 based on the data processing results in the processing unit 220. That is, the device control unit 240 generates a control signal for the air conditioner 100 based on the data processing results in the processing unit 220. The transmission unit 211 transmits the control signal generated by the device control unit 240 to the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner reception unit 112 of the air conditioner 100 receives the control signal transmitted from the information processing apparatus 200 via the communication network 300. Then, the air conditioner 100 operates according to the received control signal.

[0023] The processing unit 220 includes a data acquisition unit 221, a mode setting unit 222, a user request setting unit 223, and a fee setting unit 230. The data acquisition unit 221 acquires the user request received by the reception unit 212. That is, the data acquisition unit 221 is a user request acquisition unit that acquires the user request that the user of the air conditioner 100 requests for the operation of the air conditioner 100.

[0024] The mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 according to the user request acquired by the data acquisition unit 221. As an example, the case where the user request is selected from the three patterns of "both comfort and energy saving", "emphasis on energy saving", and "emphasis on comfort" described above will be described. In this case, if the user request is the "both comfort and energy saving" pattern, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 to the "both comfort and energy saving" mode. Also, if the user request is the "emphasis on energy saving" pattern, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 to the "emphasis on energy saving" mode. And if the user request is the "emphasis on comfort" pattern, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 to the "emphasis on comfort" mode.

[0025] The device control unit 240 controls the air conditioner 100 according to the control mode set by the mode setting unit 222. That is, in the "comfort and energy saving compatible" mode, the device control unit 240 performs control that achieves both energy saving and comfort. Specifically, for example, it constantly monitors one or both of the indoor and outdoor conditions where the air conditioner 100 is installed, and performs control that can maintain both energy saving and comfort. Examples of the indoor and outdoor conditions to be monitored include air quality (dust, odor, pollen, PM2.5, etc.), temperature, humidity, air volume, etc. At this time, sensors for detecting these elements may be attached to the air conditioner 100, or the detection data of sensors mounted on other devices such as air purifiers installed in the same space as the air conditioner 100 may be utilized. Also, a camera for photographing the interior, an infrared sensor capable of non-contact detection of the surface temperature of indoor objects, etc. may be provided and utilized for the control of the air conditioner 100. In this case, for example, the position of a person indoors can be detected by a camera, an infrared sensor, etc., and air can be blown toward the person or, conversely, the person can be prevented from being directly exposed to the wind. Furthermore, weather information, etc. of the area where the air conditioner 100 is installed may be acquired and utilized for the control of the air conditioner 100.

[0026] Also, in the "energy saving priority" mode, the device control unit 240 performs control that prioritizes energy saving over comfort. However, the control is such that while prioritizing energy saving, a minimum level of comfort can be ensured. Specifically, for example, in summer, the set temperature is set higher, and through control of humidity, air volume, wind direction, etc. other than temperature, the control is such that the minimum level of comfort is not impaired.

[0027] And, in the "comfort priority" mode, the device control unit 240 performs control that prioritizes comfort over energy saving. However, the control is such that while prioritizing comfort, the energy consumption does not increase beyond a certain level.

[0028] In addition, when levels are selected for each of the comfort requirement and the energy saving requirement as user requirements, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode to preferentially respond to the requirement with the higher level among the comfort requirement and the energy saving requirement. That is, when the comfort requirement level is higher than the energy saving requirement level, the greater the difference between the comfort requirement level and the energy saving requirement level, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 so as to be closer to the operation in the "comfort priority" mode. Also, when the energy saving requirement level is higher than the comfort requirement level, the greater the difference between the energy saving requirement level and the comfort requirement level, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 so as to be closer to the operation in the "energy saving priority" mode.

[0029] The fee setting unit 230 sets the usage fee of the air conditioner 100 by the user. The usage fee is the consideration for the user's use of the air conditioner 100. The fee setting unit 230 sets the usage fee according to the user requirements acquired by the data acquisition unit 221. In the configuration example described here, as shown in FIG. 2, the fee setting unit 230 includes an electricity fee calculation unit 231, a comfort fee setting unit 232, and an energy saving fee setting unit 233.

[0030] The electricity fee calculation unit 231 calculates the electricity fee for the power consumption amount due to the operation of the air conditioner 100. Here, the data acquisition unit 221 acquires the usage status data of the air conditioner 100 received by the reception unit 212. Then, the electricity fee calculation unit 231 identifies the operation content, operation time, and time zone of the air conditioner 100 from the usage status data. Also, the electricity fee calculation unit 231 acquires the power company information that supplies the power used for the operation of the air conditioner 100. The power company information is stored, for example, in the storage unit 250 of the information processing device 200. The power company information includes information on the electricity fee by time zone in the power company. The electricity fee calculation unit 231 calculates the electricity fee for the power consumption amount due to the operation of the air conditioner 100 from the operation content, operation time, and time zone of the air conditioner 100 and the power company information.

[0031] The energy-saving charge setting unit 233 sets a charge according to the energy-saving requirement. For example, the energy-saving charge setting unit 233 sets the charge such that the higher the level of the energy-saving requirement in the user requirement acquired by the data acquisition unit 221, the lower the charge according to the energy-saving requirement. As shown in FIG. 3, when the level of the energy-saving requirement is high, the electricity charge related to the operation of the air conditioner 100 becomes low. Therefore, the energy-saving charge setting unit 233 may set the charge such that the lower the electricity charge calculated by the electricity charge calculation unit 231, the lower the charge according to the energy-saving requirement.

[0032] In this case, an example of the process in the charge setting unit 230 is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in the figure, first, the electricity charge calculation unit 231 calculates the electricity charge for the power consumption amount due to the operation of the air conditioner 100 from the operation details, operation time, and time zone of the air conditioner 100 and the power company information. Thereby, the electricity charge for using the air conditioner 100 is obtained. Then, the energy-saving charge setting unit 233 specifies the level of the energy-saving requirement from the electricity charge for using the air conditioner 100. And the energy-saving charge setting unit 233 sets a charge according to the energy-saving requirement. For example, the energy-saving charge setting unit 233 sets a charge according to the energy-saving requirement based on the specified level of the energy-saving requirement.

[0033] The comfort charge setting unit 232 sets a charge according to the comfort requirement. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the comfort charge setting unit 232 sets the charge such that the higher the level of the comfort requirement in the user requirement acquired by the data acquisition unit 221, the higher the charge according to the comfort requirement. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6, the comfort charge setting unit 232 may set the charge according to the comfort requirement step by step according to the comfort requirement. In this case, for example, for each of the comfort requirement levels 1, 2, and 3, the charge according to the comfort requirement is set step by step.

[0034] The charge setting unit 230 sets the total of the charge corresponding to the comfort requirement set by the comfort charge setting unit 232 and the charge corresponding to the energy saving requirement set by the energy saving charge setting unit 233 as the usage charge of the air conditioner 100 by the user. When the user subscribes to a plan that includes the electricity charge in the usage charge, etc., the charge setting unit 230 may set the total of the charge corresponding to the comfort requirement, the charge corresponding to the energy saving requirement, and the electricity charge calculated by the electricity charge calculation unit 231 as the usage charge of the air conditioner 100 by the user.

[0035] An example of the operation in the air conditioning system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIG. 7. As shown in the figure, first, the data acquisition unit 221 acquires the user requirement input by the user. If the user requirement is in the "comfort and energy saving compatible" pattern, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 to the "comfort and energy saving compatible" mode (control A). Further, the mode setting unit 222 determines the device configuration such as sensors required for this control mode (device configuration X). Then, in the air conditioner 100, the devices such as sensors required for the device configuration X are activated. When the air conditioner 100 does not have the devices required for the device configuration X, for example, the devices required for the device configuration X may be sent to the user, and the user may additionally install the devices required for the air conditioner 100. Next, the charge setting unit 230 sets the usage charge corresponding to the "comfort and energy saving compatible" pattern, which is the user requirement (charge setting A).

[0036] Similarly, if the user request is in the "energy conservation emphasis" pattern, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 to the "energy conservation emphasis" mode (Control B). Further, the mode setting unit 222 determines the device configuration such as sensors required for this control mode (Device Configuration Y). Then, in the air conditioner 100, the devices such as sensors required for the device configuration Y are activated. If the air conditioner 100 does not have the devices required for the device configuration Y, for example, the user may be sent the devices required for the device configuration Y, and the user may install the required devices in the air conditioner 100. Next, the charge setting unit 230 sets the usage charge according to the "energy conservation emphasis" pattern which is the user request (Charge Setting B).

[0037] Also similarly, if the user request is in the "comfort emphasis" pattern, the mode setting unit 222 sets the control mode of the air conditioner 100 to the "comfort emphasis" mode (Control C). Further, the mode setting unit 222 determines the device configuration such as sensors required for this control mode (Device Configuration Z). Then, in the air conditioner 100, the devices such as sensors required for the device configuration Z are activated. If the air conditioner 100 does not have the devices required for the device configuration Z, for example, the user may be sent the devices required for the device configuration Z, and the user may install the required devices in the air conditioner 100. Next, the charge setting unit 230 sets the usage charge according to the "comfort emphasis" pattern which is the user request (Charge Setting C).

[0038] According to the air conditioning system configured as described above, it is possible to set a charge that reflects whether the user emphasizes obtaining thermal comfort through the operation of the air conditioner 100 or emphasizes reducing the power consumption as much as possible through the operation of the air conditioner 100, that is, which of comfort realization and energy conservation the user demands for the air conditioner. That is, it is possible to set the usage charge of the air conditioner 100 that reflects the user's request for the air conditioner 100.

[0039] Note that the setting of the usage fee by the fee setting unit 230 including the comfort fee setting unit 232 and the energy saving fee setting unit 233 is preferably such that the usage fee when the user request is in the "comfort and energy saving compatible" pattern is higher than the usage fee when the user request is in the "comfort priority" pattern or the "energy saving priority" pattern, as shown in FIG. 8. In the "comfort and energy saving compatible" mode, in order to achieve both comfort and energy saving, highly precise and detailed control is required for the air conditioner 100. On the other hand, if there is not much difference in the usage fee according to the user request, the motivation for the user to select the "comfort priority" pattern or the "energy saving priority" will be weakened. Therefore, by making it easier to select the "comfort priority" pattern or the "energy saving priority" from the perspective of the fee, it is possible to encourage the user to set requests according to the situation, season, etc., and enable the control of the air conditioner 100 with a clear distinction.

[0040] However, as shown in FIG. 9, from the aspect of the electricity fee for the operation of the air conditioner 100, it is expected that the fee when the user request is in the "comfort and energy saving compatible" pattern or the "energy saving priority" pattern will be lower than when the user request is in the "comfort priority" pattern. Therefore, it is possible to encourage the selection of the "energy saving priority" pattern as the user request and reduce the amount of energy consumption.

[0041] In addition, as information regarding the power used for the operation of the air conditioner 100, not only power company information but also information regarding the power source may be stored in the storage unit 250. And when the power source is carbon-neutral such as natural energy, etc., the charge setting unit 230 may discount the usage charge more than usual. When it can be determined from the usage status data collected by the usage status data collection unit 120 that the air conditioner 100 is regularly cleaned, or when it can be determined from the usage status data that an appropriate set temperature is set, etc., when it can be determined that the air conditioner 100 is used under conditions where no load is applied, the charge setting unit 230 may also discount the usage charge more than usual. Further, as a control mode of the air conditioner 100, a renewable energy priority mode may be provided, and when this mode is set, it may be subject to a discount on the usage charge.

[0042] In a modification of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing unit 220 of the information processing device 200 may further include a charge upper limit setting unit 224. The charge upper limit setting unit 224 sets an upper limit value of the usage charge of the air conditioner 100 by the user. The upper limit value of the usage charge may be input, for example, by the user operating the operation unit 130 or the like. And the mode setting unit 222 changes the control mode so that the usage charge does not exceed the upper limit value set by the charge upper limit setting unit 224.

[0043] For example, in the case of Japan, the greater the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 and the outside air temperature, the greater the load on the air conditioner 100, and thus the electricity charge tends to increase. That is, the electricity charge is relatively low during intermediate periods such as spring and autumn, and relatively high in summer. Also, in winter, the electricity charge tends to be even higher than in summer. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 10, during summer and winter seasons when there is a demand for energy saving, since the electricity charge is high, it is also conceivable that simply adding the electricity charge and the usage charge will result in a high total amount. Therefore, by setting an upper limit value by the charge upper limit setting unit 224 and controlling so that the usage charge does not exceed the set upper limit value, it is possible to suppress the total amount of the usage charge and the electricity charge from becoming too high above a certain level.

[0044] Even if the control mode is set to minimize the usage fee, the resulting usage fee may still exceed the set upper limit. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 11, the amount exceeding the upper limit may be carried over to other seasons or times. In this case, the upper limit is set lower by the amount carried over. By doing so, the total annual usage fee can be kept within a certain range.

[0045] In another modification of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing unit 220 of the information processing device 200 may further include a user request setting unit 223. In this case, the storage unit 250 of the information processing device 200 stores past user requests for each user. Also, the storage unit 250 stores the time (date, period, etc.) when the user request was set. Then, the user request setting unit 223 sets a user request based on the past user requests stored in the storage unit 250. For example, the user request setting unit 223 sets the same user request as the same period last year. Also, when the past user requests stored in the storage unit 250 cover multiple years, the user request setting unit 223 may determine the user request for this year from the user requests in the same period of the past multiple years. For example, the user request setting unit 223 sets the user request most frequently set in the same period of the past multiple years as the user request for this year. It is considered that user requests often change according to seasons and the like. Therefore, by providing such a user request setting unit 223, the user request can be automatically set according to seasons and the like. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the labor of the user inputting the user request and to cope with the omission of changing the user request.

[0046] Note that the user request setting unit 223 may request the user's approval each time the user request is changed. Also, by setting in advance that approval is not required when the user request is changed, the user request setting unit 223 may be able to automatically change the user request without the user's approval.

[0047] In the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, it is also possible to incorporate a refurbishment service for the air conditioner 100 by a refurbishment (repair and regeneration) contractor. A configuration example of the air conditioning system when incorporating the refurbishment service for the air conditioner 100 by the refurbishment contractor is shown in FIG. 12. As shown in the figure, a refurbishment contractor terminal 400 is installed for the refurbishment contractor.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the refurbishment contractor terminal 400 includes a transfer unit 401, a component collection unit 402, a component management unit 403, and a component repair unit 404. The transfer unit 401 manages the transfer of the air conditioner 100 related to refurbishment at the refurbishment contractor. The refurbishment contractor collects usable components from the air conditioner 100 collected at the request of the user. The component collection unit 402 manages the components collected from the air conditioner 100. The refurbishment contractor replaces and repairs the faulty components in the collected air conditioner 100. The component repair unit 404 manages the repair of the collected air conditioner 100. The component management unit 403 manages the inventory of components by managing the components collected from the air conditioner 100 and the components used for the repair of the air conditioner 100. Note that the functions of each of the transfer unit 401, the component collection unit 402, the component management unit 403, and the component repair unit 404 provided in the refurbishment contractor terminal 400 may be provided in the information processing device 200.

[0049] In this case, a refurbishment service can be attached to the service provided by the information processing device 200 to the user as an air conditioning system. The refurbishment service is provided as part of maintenance for maintaining the functions of the air conditioner 100. The refurbishment service is a service in which when a component of the air conditioner 100 fails or when a certain period has elapsed since the start of use of the component, the manufacturer or the refurbishment contractor collects the component, repairs and cleans it as if it were new, and then reinstalls it in the air conditioner 100.

[0050] When providing a refurbishment service, the charge setting unit 230 may add the charge related to the refurbishment service to the usage charge. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13, the charge setting unit 230 may set the charge (part replacement cost) related to the refurbishment service step by step according to the grade of the parts to be replaced by the refurbishment. In other words, as shown in FIG. 14, the grade of the parts to be replaced by the refurbishment may be changed according to the charge (maintenance cost) related to the refurbishment service. Note that the higher the grade of the parts to be replaced by the refurbishment, the closer they are to new or near-new condition.

[0051] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for realizing the respective functions of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbishment vendor terminal 400 in this embodiment. The respective functions of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbishment vendor terminal 400 are realized by, for example, a processing circuit. The processing circuit may include a processor 501 and a memory 502. The processing circuit may be dedicated hardware 503. A part of the processing circuit may be formed as dedicated hardware 503, and the processing circuit may further include a processor 501 and a memory 502. In the example shown in the figure, a part of the processing circuit is formed as dedicated hardware 503. Also, in the example shown in the figure, the processing circuit further includes a processor 501 and a memory 502.

[0052] Examples of the processing circuit, a part of which is at least one piece of dedicated hardware 503, include a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 501 and at least one memory 502, the functions of the control device 30 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware.

[0053] Software and firmware are described as programs and stored in the memory 502. The processor 501 realizes the functions of each part by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 502. The processor 501 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or a DSP. The memory 502 includes, for example, non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memories such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM, or magnetic disks, flexible disks, optical disks, compact disks, mini disks, and DVDs.

[0054] In this way, the processing circuits of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbisher terminal 400 can realize the respective functions of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbisher terminal 400 by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. When the processing circuits of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbisher terminal 400 each include at least the processor 501 and the memory 502, the processor 501 executes the programs stored in the memory 502 in each of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbisher terminal 400, and the hardware and software of each of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbisher terminal 400 cooperate with each other, whereby the functions of each part provided in each of the information processing apparatus 200 and the refurbisher terminal 400 are realized.

[0055] Note that the air conditioning system is not limited to a configuration in which the operation is controlled by a single information processing apparatus 200. The air conditioning system may be controlled to operate by cooperation of a plurality of devices. Also, a part of the functions of the information processing apparatus 200, for example, the device control unit 240 or the like, may be provided in the air conditioner 100.

[0056] In the present disclosure, each embodiment and each modification example may be arbitrarily combined without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are collectively described below as appendices. (Appendix 1) An air conditioner, a user requirement acquisition unit that acquires user requirements required by a user of the air conditioner for operation of the air conditioner, a mode setting unit that sets a control mode of the air conditioner according to the user requirements, a control unit that controls the air conditioner according to the control mode set by the mode setting unit, and a fee setting unit that sets a usage fee of the air conditioner by the user, wherein the user requirements include a comfort requirement that is a requirement regarding thermal comfort achieved by operation of the air conditioner, and an energy saving requirement that is a requirement regarding reduction of power consumption by operation of the air conditioner, and the fee setting unit sets the usage fee according to the user requirements. An air conditioning system. (Appendix 2) Each of the comfort requirement and the energy saving requirement can be selected from a plurality of levels, and the mode setting unit sets the control mode to preferentially respond to the requirement with the higher level among the comfort requirement and the energy saving requirement. The air conditioning system according to Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The user requirements can be selected from a plurality of preset patterns as a combination of the level of the comfort requirement and the level of the energy saving requirement. The air conditioning system according to Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The fee setting unit includes an electricity fee calculation unit that calculates an electricity fee for the power consumption by operation of the air conditioner, and a comfort fee setting unit that sets a fee according to the comfort requirement. An air conditioning system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, comprising an energy-saving charge setting unit that sets a charge according to the energy-saving requirement. (Appendix 5) The comfort charge setting unit is an air conditioning system according to Appendix 4 that sets a charge according to the comfort requirement step by step according to the comfort requirement. (Appendix 6) The energy-saving charge setting unit is an air conditioning system according to Appendix 4 or 5 that sets a charge according to the energy-saving requirement according to the electricity charge for the power consumption by the operation of the air conditioner. (Appendix 7) Further comprising a charge upper limit setting unit that sets an upper limit value of the usage charge, The mode setting unit is an air conditioning system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6 that changes the control mode so that the usage charge does not exceed the upper limit value set by the charge upper limit setting unit. (Appendix 8) A storage unit that stores the past user requirements, An air conditioning system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, further comprising a user requirement setting unit that sets the user requirement based on the past user requirements stored in the storage unit.

Explanation of Signs

[0057] 100 Air conditioner 111 Air conditioner transmission unit 112 Air conditioner reception unit 120 Usage status data collection unit 130 Operation unit 200 Information processing device 210 Communication unit 211 Transmission unit 212 Reception unit 220 Processing unit 221 Data acquisition unit 222 Mode setting unit 223 User requirement setting unit 224 Charge upper limit setting unit 230 Charge setting unit 231 Electricity charge calculation unit 232 Comfort Fee Setting Unit 233 Energy Saving Fee Setting Unit 240 Equipment Control Unit 250 Memory Unit 300 Communication Network 400 Refurbisher Terminal 401 Transfer Unit 402 Parts Recovery Unit 403 Parts Management Unit 404 Parts Repair Unit 501 Processor 502 Memory 503 Dedicated Hardware

Claims

1. An air conditioner, a user requirement acquisition unit that acquires user requirements that a user of the air conditioner demands for the operation of the air conditioner, a mode setting unit that sets a control mode of the air conditioner according to the user requirements, a control unit that controls the air conditioner according to the control mode set by the mode setting unit, and a fee setting unit that sets a usage fee of the air conditioner by the user, and includes: The user requirements are a comfort requirement that is a requirement regarding the thermal comfort achieved by the operation of the air conditioner, and an energy saving requirement that is a requirement regarding reduction of power consumption by the operation of the air conditioner, and includes: The fee setting unit sets the usage fee according to the user requirements. An air conditioning system.

2. Each of the comfort requirement and the energy saving requirement can be selected from a plurality of levels, The mode setting unit sets the control mode to preferentially respond to the requirement with the higher level among the comfort requirement and the energy saving requirement. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The user requirements can be selected from a plurality of preset patterns as a combination of the level of the comfort requirement and the level of the energy saving requirement. The air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The fee setting unit includes an electricity fee calculation unit that calculates an electricity fee for the power consumption by the operation of the air conditioner, a comfort fee setting unit that sets a fee according to the comfort requirement, and an energy saving fee setting unit that sets a fee according to the energy saving requirement. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The comfort fee setting unit sets the fee according to the comfort requirement step by step according to the comfort requirement. The air conditioning system according to claim 4.

6. The energy saving fee setting unit sets the fee according to the energy saving requirement according to the electricity fee for the power consumption by the operation of the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 4.

7. Further includes a fee upper limit setting unit that sets an upper limit value of the usage fee, The mode setting unit changes the control mode so that the usage fee does not exceed the upper limit value set by the fee upper limit setting unit. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A storage unit that stores the past user requirements, An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a user request setting unit that sets the user request based on the past user requests stored in the memory unit.

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