Air-conditioning device

The air conditioning control system optimizes energy use and comfort in large spaces by relaxing temperature and humidity before and after events and dynamically adjusting during events based on user feedback and occupancy, addressing the inefficiencies of existing systems.

JP2025105118APending Publication Date: 2025-07-10TAKENAKA CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023223432
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-28
Publication Date
2025-07-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing air conditioning systems for large spaces like arenas or multi-purpose stadiums consume excessive energy without considering the comfort and energy efficiency during events and non-event periods, particularly when outside temperatures are extreme.

Method used

An air conditioning control system that adjusts temperature and humidity based on outside air conditions, event schedules, and real-time feedback from users and sensors to optimize energy use and comfort, using a first control unit for pre-event and post-event relaxation and a second control unit for dynamic adjustments during events based on user feedback and building occupancy.

Benefits of technology

Achieves energy-efficient air conditioning by relaxing temperature and humidity before and after events and dynamically adjusting during events to maintain comfort, reducing energy consumption while ensuring a comfortable indoor environment.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To maintain a comfortable environment in a building by air-conditioning the building with power saving.SOLUTION: When an external temperature which is a temperature outside of a building is a first threshold value or more or the external temperature is less than a second threshold value, an air-conditioning device 22 controls an air-conditioning facility in the building such that the temperature and humidity in the building is within a first range for a time zone before and after an event is held in the building. When an external temperature is less than the first threshold value and the second threshold value or more, the air-conditioning device 22 controls the air-conditioning facility such that the temperature and humidity in the building is within a second range for a time zone before and after the event is being held. The air-conditioning device 22 controls the air-conditioning facility such that the temperature and humidity in the building is within the second range for a time zone while the event is being held.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning control device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner (specifically, an air conditioner) that varies a room temperature set value with time, compares the room temperature set value with the room temperature, and performs operation control (specifically, feedback control) so that the room temperature reaches the room temperature set value.

[0003] Further, FIG. 1A of Patent Document 1 discloses that the set temperature TS is kept constant at the temperature selected by the user. Further, FIG. 1B of Patent Document 1 discloses that the room temperature set value is changed in consideration of the difference between the outside air temperature and the indoor temperature (specifically, outside air temperature compensation control). Further, FIG. 1C of Patent Document 1 discloses that the set room temperature is gradually increased during the bedtime period and then kept at a constant value.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] By the way, when an event is held in a large space such as an arena or a multi-purpose indoor stadium, it is necessary to air-condition the building, and a large amount of energy is consumed for the air-conditioning.

[0006] However, even if the temperature and humidity inside the building are not made comfortable, there may not be much of a problem. For example, in the time periods before and after an event is held, even if the temperature and humidity inside the building are relaxed (for example, set to a somewhat uncomfortable temperature and humidity compared to comfortable temperature and humidity), it may not be much of a problem. Also, for example, in seasons such as summer and winter, when the outside air temperature is high and low, it is said that people can tolerate some discomfort regarding temperature and humidity.

[0007] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 changes the set room temperature according to the biological rhythm of the human body, and the set room temperature values that change according to the time are pre-programmed. Therefore, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a technology for setting a comfortable room temperature for people and is not for the purpose of energy saving.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above facts, and an object thereof is to air-condition the inside of a building in an energy-saving manner while making the inside of the building in a comfortable state.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention, when the outside air temperature, which is the air temperature outside the building, is equal to or higher than a first threshold value or the outside air temperature is lower than a second threshold value in the time period before and after an event is held in the building, the air conditioning equipment in the building is controlled so that the temperature and humidity in the building are within a first range. When the outside air temperature is lower than the first threshold value and equal to or higher than the second threshold value in the time period before and after the event is held, the air conditioning equipment is controlled so that the temperature and humidity in the building are within a second range. During the time period when the event is being held, a first control unit controls the air conditioning equipment so that the temperature and humidity in the building are within the second range. During the execution of the control of the air conditioning equipment by the first control unit, a second control unit controls the air conditioning equipment to change the temperature and humidity in the building based on at least one of the number of people in the building, the operating status of the equipment in the building, and the questionnaire results regarding the indoor thermal environment by the people in the building. Thereby, while air-conditioning the building in an energy-saving manner, the building can be made comfortable.

[0010] In addition, the first control unit according to the second aspect of the present invention controls the air conditioning equipment based on the past operation performance information of the air conditioning equipment. Thereby, the same air conditioning control as the past air conditioning control can be executed.

Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, the effect that the building can be made comfortable while air-conditioning the building in an energy-saving manner can be obtained.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012]

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

Fig. 3A

Fig. 3B

Fig. 3C

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

Fig. 7

Fig. 8

Fig. 9

Fig. 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an air conditioning control system 10 according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning control system 10 includes a plurality of sensors 12A, 12B, ···, a plurality of user terminals 14A, 14B, ···, a management server 16, an indoor temperature and humidity sensor 18, an outdoor temperature and humidity sensor 20, an air conditioning control device 22, a plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ···, and a blower 25. Hereinafter, when referring to any one of the plurality of sensors 12A, 12B, ···, it is simply referred to as sensor 12, when referring to any one of the plurality of user terminals 14A, 14B, ···, it is simply referred to as user terminal 14, and when referring to any one of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ···, it is simply referred to as air conditioner 24. Note that the air conditioning control system 10 is installed, for example, in a building having a large space such as an arena or a multi-purpose indoor stadium.

[0015] The sensor 12 is a sensor for detecting the number or density of people present in the building. For example, the sensor 12 is an image sensor, a thermal camera, a beacon held by a person, or a movable camera, etc. Each of the plurality of sensors 12A, 12B, ··· is installed at each location in the building or held by a person, for example. The air-conditioning control device 22 described later calculates the number or density of people present in the building based on the information detected by each of the plurality of sensors 12A, 12B, ···. In the present embodiment, a case where air-conditioning control described later is executed according to the number of people in the building will be described as an example.

[0016] Each of the plurality of user terminals 14A, 14B, ··· is a terminal held by each of the plurality of people in the building, and is, for example, a smartphone. The people in the building are, for example, people participating in an event being held in the building, such as event staff or event spectators, etc. Hereinafter, a person holding the user terminal 14 will be simply referred to as a user. The user answers a questionnaire regarding the indoor thermal environment described later by operating their own user terminal 14.

[0017] The management server 16 acquires various information such as the content of an event held in the building (for example, the time period during which the event is held), weather forecast, and ticket sales. The management server 16 generates operation schedule information for each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... according to these various pieces of information. For example, the management server 16 generates operation schedule information based on the operation record information of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... in the past. In this case, for example, the management server 16 selects operation record information from past operation record information for past events similar to the season, outside air temperature, outside air humidity, event content, and number of visitors on the event day, and sets the selected operation record information as the operation schedule information for the day. Alternatively, for example, the management server 16 may generate the operation schedule information for the day by inputting the season, outside air temperature, outside air humidity, event content, and number of visitors on the event day to a learned model previously generated by machine learning based on past operation record information. Then, the management server 16 outputs a control signal corresponding to the operation schedule information to the air conditioning control device 22.

[0018] In addition, the management server 16 calculates the number or density of users in the building based on the information detected by the plurality of sensors 12A, 12B,.... The management server 16 also acquires the questionnaire results regarding the indoor thermal environment transmitted from each of the plurality of user terminals 14A, 14B,.... The management server 16 also acquires information regarding the operating status of various devices in the building. Since the users in the building and the devices in the building generate heat, the number of users in the building and the operating status of the devices in the building are considered in the air conditioning control described later. Also, in this embodiment, air conditioning control is executed based on the questionnaire results regarding the indoor thermal environment transmitted from each of the plurality of user terminals 14A, 14B,....

[0019] The indoor temperature and humidity sensor 18 sequentially measures the temperature and humidity in the building. The outdoor temperature and humidity sensor 20 sequentially measures the temperature and humidity of the outside air outside the building.

[0020] Each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· is installed at various locations within the building and outputs cold air or warm air for adjusting the temperature and humidity within the building. Note that each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· outputs cold air or warm air into the building in response to a control signal output from the air conditioning control device 22 described later. The plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· is an example of air conditioning equipment.

[0021] FIG. 2 is an example of an air conditioning control system 10 installed within a building. FIG. 2 represents a cross-sectional view of a building having a large space such as an arena or a multipurpose indoor stadium. As shown in FIG. 2, the air flow 40 from the air conditioners 24A, 24B is output from the outlets installed around the spectator seats within the building. Also, the air 41 within the building is supplied by, for example, the air conditioner 24B having a total heat exchanger (not shown), becomes the heated or dehumidified air 42, and is exhausted to the outside by the blower 25.

[0022] Functionally, the air conditioning control device 22 includes a first control unit 22A and a second control unit 22B.

[0023] The first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· based on the control signal output from the management server 16, the indoor temperature and humidity detected by the indoor temperature and humidity sensor 18, and the outdoor temperature and humidity detected by the outdoor temperature and humidity sensor 20. Specifically, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· according to the operation schedule information included in the control signal output from the management server 16. Also, the first control unit 22A controls the air conditioning equipment within the building such that the indoor temperature and humidity are within the first range (relaxed range) when the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the building, is equal to or higher than the first threshold or lower than the second threshold during the time periods before and after an event is held within the building.

[0024] In addition, when the outside air temperature is less than the first threshold value and not less than the second threshold value in the time period before and after the event is held, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the second range (non-relaxing range: for example, temperature 26 degrees, humidity 50%). Further, during the time period when the event is being held, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the second range (non-relaxing range: for example, temperature 26 degrees, humidity 50%).

[0025] On the other hand, during the execution of the control of each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· by the first control unit 22A, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· to change the temperature and humidity inside the building based on at least one of the number of users in the building, the operating status of the devices in the building, and the questionnaire results regarding the indoor thermal environment by the users in the building.

[0026] Specifically, the management server 16 acquires information regarding the position and number of users inside the building detected by the sensor 12. Then, the management server 16 calculates the number or density of users in the building. The management server 16 outputs a control signal representing the number or density of users in the building to the second control unit 22B.

[0027] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a questionnaire screen displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the user terminal 14. As shown in FIG. 3A, as an example of a questionnaire regarding the indoor thermal environment, a questionnaire regarding the thermal sensation of being hot or cold and a questionnaire regarding humidity are displayed on the display unit (not shown) of the user terminal 14.

[0028] The user operates their own user terminal 14 and answers the questionnaire displayed on the display unit (not shown). Each of the plurality of user terminals 14A, 14B,... transmits data representing the questionnaire results to the management server 16. The management server 16 aggregates the questionnaire results of the plurality of users and outputs a control signal corresponding to the aggregated results to the air-conditioning control device 22.

[0029] The second control unit 22B of the air-conditioning control device 22 controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... to change the temperature and humidity in the building based on the number of users in the building, the operating status of the devices, and the questionnaire aggregation results acquired from the management server 16. Specifically, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity are lowered as the number of users in the building increases, and the temperature and humidity are raised as the number of users in the building decreases.

[0030] In addition, when the questionnaire aggregation result indicates that "the temperature is high (or hot)", the second control unit 22B lowers the temperature; when the questionnaire aggregation result indicates that "the temperature is low (or cold)", the second control unit 22B raises the temperature; and when the questionnaire result indicates that "the temperature is at an appropriate temperature (just right)", the second control unit 22B controls to maintain the temperature as it is. Also, when the questionnaire aggregation result indicates that "the humidity is high (or stuffy, etc.)", the second control unit 22B lowers the humidity; when the questionnaire aggregation result indicates that "the humidity is low (or dry, etc.)", the second control unit 22B raises the humidity; and when the questionnaire result indicates that "the humidity is at an appropriate humidity (just right)", the second control unit 22B controls to maintain the humidity as it is.

[0031] Figure 3B is a diagram for explaining the air-conditioning control of the present embodiment. As shown in Figure 3B, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... in the building according to whether an event is being held and the outdoor temperature.

[0032] As described above, if it is a time period before and after an event is held in a building, even if the temperature and humidity in the building are relaxed (for example, set to a somewhat uncomfortable temperature and humidity compared to a comfortable temperature and humidity), it will not cause much of a problem. Also, for example, in seasons such as summer and winter, during periods when the outside air temperature is high and periods when the outside air temperature is low, it is said that people can tolerate some discomfort regarding temperature and humidity.

[0033] Therefore, the first control unit 22A relaxes the temperature and humidity in the building according to the event holding time period and the outdoor temperature and humidity. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B, in a time period before and after an event is held (for example, during event preparation, event cleanup, or event practice), and when the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than a first threshold value (for example, 29° C. or higher) or the outside air temperature is lower than a second threshold value (for example, lower than 19° C.), the temperature and humidity in the building are relaxed. In this case, for example, when the first control unit 22A cools the indoor area using a plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ···, each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· is controlled so that the temperature in the building becomes 26 to 29° C. Also, for example, when the first control unit 22A heats the indoor area using a plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ···, each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· is controlled so that the temperature in the building becomes 19 to 22° C.

[0034] Then, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the above relaxation conditions are not satisfied, each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· is controlled so as not to relax the temperature and humidity in the building.

[0035] Also, FIG. 3C is another diagram for explaining the air conditioning control of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3C, in the time period before and after an event is held in the building, the number of visitors is also small, and even if the temperature and humidity in the building are relaxed, it will not cause much of a problem. As shown in FIG. 3C, conventionally, regardless of whether an event is held or not, uniform temperature control has been executed. In contrast, in the present embodiment, in the time period before and after an event is held, the temperature and humidity in the building are controlled in an energy-saving manner by relaxing the temperature and humidity in the building. Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.

[0036] (Air Conditioning Control Example 1) FIG. 4 is an air diagram for explaining an example of air conditioning control on a hot day in midsummer. B in FIG. 4 is a comfort improvement range, representing a range in which the air conditioning environment in the building is not relaxed. A in FIG. 4 is a cooling relaxation range, representing a range in which the air conditioning environment in the building is relaxed when cooling is implemented. C (C1 to C2) in FIG. 4 is a heating relaxation range, representing a range in which the air conditioning environment in the building is relaxed when heating is implemented.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, first, when the temperature and humidity of the outside air are high and the outside air temperature and humidity are T1 (for example, when the temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature and the humidity is equal to or higher than a predetermined humidity), the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity in the building become the temperature and humidity of T2 in FIG. 4.

[0038] Then, before the time zone when the event is held, the first control unit 22A reduces the humidity to a range where reheating is not required, and controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity become the temperature and humidity of T3 in FIG. 4.

[0039] Then, for example, under the situation where the temperature and humidity of T3 in FIG. 4 are maintained, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity in the building become the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 4 based on the number of users in the building, the operating status of the equipment in the building, and the questionnaire results. For example, when any one of the situations where the number of users is increasing, the operating status of the equipment in the building is active, and the questionnaire result indicates "hot" is realized, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity in the building become the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 4. In this case, the second control unit 22B executes air conditioning control by various threshold processes.

[0040] Next, when an event is started under the condition that the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 4 are maintained, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T5 in FIG. 4. Alternatively, under the condition that the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 4 are maintained, for example, when any one of the following conditions is realized: the number of users is increasing, the operating status of the devices inside the building is active, and the questionnaire result indicates "hot", the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T5 in FIG. 4.

[0041] (Air Conditioning Control Example 2) FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining another example of control on a hot day in midsummer. As shown in FIG. 5, first, similar to FIG. 4, when the temperature and humidity of the outside air are high and the outside air temperature and humidity are T1, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T2 in FIG. 5.

[0042] Then, for example, under the condition that the temperature and humidity of T2 in FIG. 5 are maintained, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 5 based on the number of users inside the building, the operating status of each device inside the building, and the questionnaire result. For example, when any one of the following conditions is realized: the number of users is increasing, the operating status of the devices inside the building is active, and the questionnaire result indicates "hot", the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 5. In this case, different from the air conditioning control in FIG. 4, since the control of reducing the humidity within the range where reheating is not required becomes unnecessary, the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0043] Next, when an event is started under the condition that the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 5 are maintained, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T5 in FIG. 5. Or, under the condition that the temperature and humidity of T4 in FIG. 5 are maintained, for example, when any one of the situations where the number of users is increasing, the operating status of the equipment inside the building is becoming active, and the questionnaire result indicates "hot" is realized, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T5 in FIG. 5.

[0044] (Air conditioning control example 3) While the air conditioning control shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 above is being executed and the event is being held, the first control unit 22A and the second control unit 22B control each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the comfort improvement range B in FIG. 6. For example, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T6, T7, or T8 in FIG. 6 based on the number of users inside the building, the operating status of each device inside the building, and the questionnaire result.

[0045] (Air conditioning control example 4) FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of control on a day when the outside air temperature is high but the humidity is low. As shown in FIG. 7, first, when the outside air temperature is high and the outside air humidity is low, and the outside air temperature and humidity are T10, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T11 in FIG. 7.

[0046] Next, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B, ··· so that the humidity is reduced to a range where reheating is not required and the temperature and humidity become the temperature and humidity of T12 in FIG. 7 during the time period before the event is held.

[0047] Next, when an event is started under the condition that the temperature and humidity of T12 in FIG. 7 are maintained, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T5 in FIG. 7. Alternatively, under the condition that the temperature and humidity of T12 in FIG. 7 are maintained, for example, when any of the situations where the number of users is increasing, the operating status of the equipment inside the building is active, and the questionnaire result indicates "hot" is realized, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity inside the building become the temperature and humidity of T5 in FIG. 7.

[0048] (Air Conditioning Control Example 5) FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of control on a day when the outside air temperature is low but the humidity is high. As shown in FIG. 8, when the outside air temperature is high and the outside air temperature and humidity are T13, since it corresponds to the situation where the outside air temperature is less than the first threshold value (29°C) and greater than or equal to the second threshold value (19°C), each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... is controlled so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the comfort improvement range B (non-relaxing range: for example, T15 with a temperature of 26 degrees and a humidity of 50%).

[0049] The user terminal 14, the management server 16, and the air conditioning control device 22 can be realized by, for example, a computer 60 as shown in FIG. 9. The computer 60 that realizes the user terminal 14, the management server 16, and the air conditioning control device 22 includes a CPU 61, a memory 62 as a temporary storage area, and a non-volatile storage unit 63. Further, the computer 60 includes an input / output interface (I / F) 64 to which input / output devices etc. (not shown) are connected, and a read / write (R / W) unit 65 that controls reading and writing of data to and from the recording medium 69. Further, the computer includes a network I / F 66 connected to a network such as the Internet. The CPU 61, the memory 62, the storage unit 63, the input / output I / F 64, the R / W unit 65, and the network I / F 66 are connected to each other via a bus 67.

[0050] The memory unit 63 can be realized by a Hard Disk Drive (HDD), a Solid State Drive (SSD), a flash memory, or the like. A program for operating the computer is stored in the memory unit 63 as a storage medium. The CPU 61 reads the program from the memory unit 63 and expands it in the memory 62, and sequentially executes the processes included in the program.

[0051] <Operation of the air conditioning control system 10>

[0052] Next, the operation of the air conditioning control system 10 of the embodiment will be described.

[0053] When the air conditioning control device 22 of the air conditioning control system 10 receives a predetermined instruction signal, it executes the air conditioning control processing routine shown in FIG. 10.

[0054] In step S100, the first control unit 22A of the air conditioning control device 22 acquires the operation schedule information output from the management server 16. Then, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... according to the operation schedule information.

[0055] Next, in step S102, the first control unit 22A of the air conditioning control device 22 acquires the temperature and humidity inside the building acquired by the indoor temperature and humidity sensor 18 and the temperature and humidity outside the building acquired by the outdoor temperature and humidity sensor 20.

[0056] Then, in step S104, the first control unit 22A determines whether or not the above-described relaxation condition is satisfied. The above-described relaxation condition is that the outside air temperature is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (29°C) or the outside air temperature is lower than the second threshold value (19°C) in the time period before and after the event is held.

[0057] Therefore, in step S104, the first control unit 22A determines whether the current time is within the event holding time zone included in the operation schedule information, determines whether the outside air temperature outside the building acquired by the outdoor temperature and humidity sensor 20 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (29°C), and determines whether the outside air temperature is lower than the second threshold value (19°C).

[0058] In step S104, if the relaxation condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S106. On the other hand, if the relaxation condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S108.

[0059] In step S106, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity inside the building fall within the cooling relaxation range A or the heating relaxation range C shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. Note that when the first control unit 22A cools the inside of the building, it controls so that the temperature and humidity inside the building fall within the cooling relaxation range A shown in FIGS. 4 to 8. Also, when the first control unit 22A heats the inside of the building, it controls so that the temperature and humidity inside the building fall within the heating relaxation range C shown in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0060] In step S108, the first control unit 22A controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... so that the temperature and humidity inside the building fall within the comfort improvement range B shown in FIGS. 4 to 8.

[0061] In step S110, the second control unit 22B determines whether to further improve the comfort inside the building. For example, the second control unit 22B determines whether flag information indicating further improvement of comfort is included in the operation schedule information acquired in step S100. If flag information indicating further improvement of comfort is included in the operation schedule information, the process proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if flag information indicating further improvement of comfort is not included in the operation schedule information, the process returns to step S102.

[0062] In step S112, the second control unit 22B acquires the number of users, the operating status of the devices, and the questionnaire results transmitted from the management server 16.

[0063] In step S114, the second control unit 22B controls each of the plurality of air conditioners 24A, 24B,... based on the number of users, the operating status of the devices, and the questionnaire results acquired in step S112, thereby controlling the temperature and humidity inside the building.

[0064] As described above, the air conditioning control device of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment controls the air conditioning equipment inside the building so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the first range (relaxation range) when the outside air temperature, which is the temperature outside the building, is equal to or higher than the first threshold or lower than the second threshold in the time periods before and after an event is held inside the building. Also, the air conditioning control device controls the air conditioning equipment so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the second range (comfort improvement range) when the outside air temperature is lower than the first threshold and higher than the second threshold in the time periods before and after the event is held. Further, the air conditioning control device controls the air conditioning equipment so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the second range (comfort improvement range) during the time period when the event is being held. Also, the air conditioning control device controls the air conditioning equipment to change the temperature and humidity inside the building based on at least one of the number of people in the building, the operating status of the devices in the building, and the questionnaire results regarding the indoor thermal environment by the people in the building while the control of the air conditioning equipment is being executed. Thereby, it is possible to air-condition the inside of the building in an energy-saving manner while making the inside of the building a comfortable state.

[0065] Specifically, in the time periods before and after the event and in seasons such as summer and winter when the outside air temperature is extremely high or low, it becomes possible to air-condition the inside of the building in an energy-saving manner by relaxing the temperature and humidity inside the building. Also, at that time, by executing air conditioning control based on the number of users in the building, the operating status of the devices, and the questionnaire results, it is possible to air-condition the inside of the building in an energy-saving manner while making the inside of the building a comfortable state.

[0066] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the invention.

[0067] For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the first threshold value is 29°C and the second threshold value is 19°C has been described as an example, but it is not limited thereto, and the threshold values can be freely set. Also, the relaxation ranges A and C and the comfort improvement range B shown in FIGS. 4 to 8 can be appropriately changed.

[0068] Also, in the above embodiment, the case of controlling the temperature and humidity in the building based on the number of users, the operating status of the equipment, and the questionnaire results has been described as an example, but the temperature and humidity in the building may be controlled using at least one of these.

[0069] Also, in the above, the mode in which the program according to the present invention is pre-stored (installed) in the storage unit has been described, but the program according to the present invention can also be provided in a form recorded on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, and a micro SD card.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0070] 10 Air conditioning control system 12 Sensor 14 User terminal 16 Management server 18 Indoor temperature and humidity sensor 20 Outdoor temperature and humidity sensor 22 Air conditioning control device 22A Control unit 22B Control unit 24 Air conditioner

Claims

1. When the outside air temperature, which is the air temperature outside the building, is equal to or higher than the first threshold value or the outside air temperature is lower than the second threshold value in the time period before and after an event is held inside the building, the air conditioning equipment inside the building is controlled so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the first range. When the outside air temperature is lower than the first threshold value and equal to or higher than the second threshold value in the time period before and after the event is held, the air conditioning equipment is controlled so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the second range. A first control unit that controls the air conditioning equipment so that the temperature and humidity inside the building are within the second range during the time period when the event is being held. A second control unit that controls the air conditioning equipment to change the temperature and humidity inside the building based on at least one of the number of people in the building, the operating status of the equipment in the building, and the questionnaire results regarding the indoor thermal environment by the people in the building while the control of the air conditioning equipment by the first control unit is being executed. An air conditioning control device comprising the above.

2. The first control unit controls the air conditioning equipment based on the past operation performance information of the air conditioning equipment. The air conditioning control device according to Claim 1.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Air conditioner

    JP1984041735A