Air conditioning system, control method and control device

Abstract

To inhibit a user from feeling uncomfortable and reduce a ventilation amount.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system includes a ventilation device and an air conditioner. The air conditioning system also includes a control section that reduces air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation device reduces a ventilation amount.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Air conditioning systems that adjust the indoor air condition by controlling an air conditioner and a ventilation device are known. For example, a control device has been devised that, when the CO2 concentration exceeds a threshold, sets the indoor temperature set by the air conditioner to a temperature with a higher air conditioning capacity than the current set temperature, depending on the relationship between the outside air temperature and the indoor temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, if the control unit reduces the ventilation volume when, for example, the CO2 concentration drops or the number of people in the room decreases, the indoor load due to the outside air load is reduced. As a result, the indoor temperature may drop below the set temperature during cooling, causing discomfort to the user. Alternatively, the indoor temperature may rise above the set temperature during heating, causing discomfort to the user.

[0004] The present disclosure proposes a technique for reducing ventilation volume while minimizing user discomfort.

[0005] The present disclosure proposes a technique for reducing ventilation volume while minimizing user discomfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure is An air conditioning system having a ventilation device and an air conditioner, The air conditioning device further includes a control unit that reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume.

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the ventilation volume while preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, The control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation volume of the ventilation device is reduced in accordance with the CO2 concentration.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to the first or second aspect, When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the evaporating temperature of the air conditioner, or When the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by lowering the condensing temperature of the air conditioner.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to the first or second aspect, When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the set temperature of the air conditioner, or When the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by lowering the set temperature of the air conditioner.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to the first or second aspect, The control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by reducing the air volume of the air conditioner.

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the air conditioning system according to the first or second aspect, When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the evaporation temperature of the air conditioner and reducing the airflow rate, or When the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the condensing temperature of the air conditioner and reduces the airflow rate, thereby reducing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner.

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, When a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting value was changed to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner was reduced.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, If the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, After the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, if the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner rises above a predetermined temperature, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before reducing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, or If the air conditioner is in heating operation, After the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, if the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner drops below a predetermined temperature, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner was reduced.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, When the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, and the condition for the ventilation device to increase the ventilation volume is met, The control unit returns the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner to the setting value before the reduction.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, When the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume and the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner satisfies a predetermined condition, The control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner that detects an indoor temperature that satisfies the predetermined condition.

[0017] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, an edge device capable of communicating with the ventilation device and the air conditioner via a network; When the control unit of the edge device reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is A control method performed by an air conditioning system having a ventilation device and an air conditioner, When the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is reduced.

[0019] According to the twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the ventilation volume while preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable.

[0020] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is A control device for controlling an air conditioning system having a ventilation device and an air conditioner, The air conditioning device further includes a control unit that reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume.

[0021] According to the thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the ventilation volume while preventing the user from feeling uncomfortable. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a graph showing the change in CO2 concentration over time and the change in ventilation volume over time. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a hardware configuration of a computer. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an example of a functional block diagram illustrating functions of an edge device divided into blocks. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining control of a ventilation device and an air conditioner. [Figure 6] 10 is a diagram for explaining the time rate of change of CO2 concentration and correspondence information for determining the ventilation volume on the basis of the CO2 concentration. FIG. [Figure 7]10 is a diagram for explaining the time rate of change of CO2 concentration and the difference up to a predetermined value of CO2 concentration. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating correspondence information for determining a ventilation volume based on the time rate of change of CO2 concentration and the difference between the CO2 concentration and a predetermined value. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the time b required for the CO2 concentration to reach a predetermined value. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the time rate of change of CO2 concentration. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining correspondence information for determining the ventilation volume using the time rate of change of CO2 concentration as a condition. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating conditions for turning off the capacity reduction control of an air conditioner. [Figure 13] This summarizes the air conditioning capacity reduction method and the conditions for turning off the air conditioning capacity reduction control. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how changing the evaporating or condensing temperature reduces the capacity of an air conditioner. [Figure 15] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating control by a control unit to change the ventilation amount, control to reduce the capacity of an air conditioner, and processing to end control to reduce the capacity of an air conditioner. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 20] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a plurality of air conditioners installed in a target area and the number of people near the air conditioners. [Figure 21] 10 is an example of a flowchart illustrating control by a control unit to change the ventilation amount, control to reduce the capacity of an air conditioner, and processing to end control to reduce the capacity of an air conditioner. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0024] [First Embodiment] <Outline of CO2 Concentration Control> First, referring to FIG. 1, the outline of the ventilation control in the present disclosure will be described. FIG. 1 is a graph showing the time change of the CO2 concentration and the time change of the ventilation volume with respect to time. The control unit described later adjusts the ventilation volume so that the CO2 concentration changes in the vicinity of 1000 [ppm] (for example, between 800 and 1000 [ppm]) in order to suppress the ventilation volume as much as possible (energy consumption can be suppressed by suppressing the outside air load).

[0025] · When the CO2 concentration (people) is increasing as in Case 1 When the CO2 concentration is likely to exceed, for example, 1000 [ppm], the control unit increases the ventilation volume. In the case of a user who values comfort, the control unit may slightly increase the capacity of the air conditioner.

[0026] · When the CO2 concentration (people) is decreasing as in Case 2 When the CO2 concentration is likely to fall below, for example, 800 [ppm], the control unit reduces the ventilation volume, and further reduces the capacity of the air conditioner below the current level. As a method of reducing the capacity of the air conditioner below the current level, there are methods of changing the evaporation temperature (during cooling) / condensation temperature (during heating), changing the set temperature, or changing the air volume.

[0027] In this way, the control unit reduces the capacity of the air conditioner when reducing the ventilation volume. After reducing the ventilation volume, the indoor load due to the outside air load is reduced, so the user is unlikely to feel uncomfortable even if the capacity of the air conditioner is reduced (it is unlikely that the room temperature will drop too much during cooling or rise too much during heating). Also, since the control unit reduces the capacity of the air conditioner, energy consumption can be saved.

[0028] <Configuration of Air Conditioning System> FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2, the air conditioning system 1 includes an edge device 10, ventilation devices 11a, 11b, etc., a CO2 sensor 12, air conditioners 13a, 13b, etc., a management server 50, and an administrator terminal 20. In the following description, the term "ventilation device 11" will be used to refer to any ventilation device among the ventilation devices 11a, 11b, etc. Furthermore, the term "air conditioner 13" will be used to refer to any air conditioner among the air conditioners 13a, 13b, etc. The edge device 10 and the management server 50 can communicate with each other via a communication network N. Furthermore, the administrator terminal 20 can communicate with the management server 50 and the edge device 10 via the communication network N.

[0029] The ventilation device 11 is a ventilation device that ventilates the target area 2. The number of ventilation devices 11 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the number of ventilation devices 11 may be one or more. The target area 2 is an example of a space that is a target for ventilation by the ventilation device 11.

[0030] The CO2 sensor 12 is a sensor that measures the carbon dioxide concentration (hereinafter referred to as CO2 concentration) in the target area 2. The CO2 sensor 12 may be provided in the target area 2, or in a space through which air drawn in from the target area 2 passes. The CO2 sensor 12 may be provided in the ventilation device 11 or the air conditioner 13. The edge device 10 may control the ventilation volume, etc., based on the number of people in the room, rather than the CO2 concentration detected by the CO2 sensor 12. The number of people in the room may be detected by a motion sensor (a camera on the ceiling or an entrance / exit sensor at the entrance / exit) or may be estimated based on the reservation schedule for the target area 2 (which registers the number of people who will use the area during a certain time period). The number of people in the room may also be estimated based on past statistical data. The past statistical data contains the approximate number of people in the target area 2 for each day of the week and each time period.

[0031] The air conditioner 13 is an air conditioning device that is the target of air conditioning (air conditioning) the target area 2. Note that the number of air conditioners 13 shown in Fig. 2 is an example, and the number of air conditioners 13 may be one or more.

[0032] The edge device 10 is an information processing device having a computer configuration, and in this embodiment, controls the ventilation device 11 and the air conditioner 13. The edge device 10 is an example of a control device that controls the air conditioning system 1 having the ventilation device and the air conditioner. The edge device 10 is communicatively connected to, for example, the ventilation device 11, the CO2 sensor 12, the air conditioner 13, etc. via a communication cable 15 such as RS-485. The edge device 10 can also communicate with a management server 50 or an administrator terminal 20, etc., via a communication network N such as the Internet or a LAN (Local Area Network). The edge device 10 acquires, for example, measurement data of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 measured by the CO2 sensor 12, operation data of the ventilation device 11, operation data of the air conditioner, etc. The edge device 10 also transmits this data to the management server 50 for storage. In addition, the edge device 10 creates control data for the ventilation device 11 and the air conditioner 13 based on the acquired CO2 concentration measurement data, the operation data of the ventilation device 11, and the operation data of the air conditioner, and transfers it to the ventilation device 11 and the air conditioner 13.

[0033] The management server 50 is an information processing device having a computer configuration or a system including multiple computers. In this embodiment, the management server 50 stores measurement data of CO2 concentration, operation data of the ventilation device 11, and operation data of the air conditioners, and monitors the operating status of the ventilation device 11 and the air conditioners 13.

[0034] The administrator terminal 20 is an information processing device used by an administrator 21 or the like who manages the air conditioning system 1. The administrator terminal 20 may be, for example, a PC, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone. The administrator terminal 20 is not limited to a PC or the like as long as it is a device on which a web browser or a dedicated app runs. The administrator 21 can, for example, use the administrator terminal 20 to log in to the management server 50 and set or change the setting information described below. In this embodiment, the administrator terminal 20 is optional and not required. The setting information includes correspondence information that associates the time rate of change of CO2 concentration with the ventilation volume, etc.

[0035] <Hardware configuration> The management server 50, edge device 10, and administrator terminal 20 each have, for example, the hardware configuration of a computer 500 as shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer according to this embodiment. Note that the management server 50 may be configured by multiple computers 500.

[0036] The computer 500 includes, for example, a CPU 510, a memory 501, a storage device 502, a communication I / F (Interface) 503, an output device 504, an input device 505, a drive device 506, and the like.

[0037] The CPU 510 is a processor that realizes various functions by executing predetermined programs stored in a storage medium such as the storage device 502 or the memory 501. Note that the CPU 510 may also include a processor other than the CPU, such as a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor).

[0038] The memory 501 includes, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a volatile memory used as a work area or the like for the CPU 510, and a ROM (Read Only Memory), which is a nonvolatile memory that stores programs for starting up the CPU 510. The storage device 502 is a nonvolatile, large-capacity storage device that stores an OS (Operating System), programs such as applications, and various data.

[0039] The communication I / F 503 includes various communication interfaces for communicating with other devices, such as a network interface card (NIC) that connects the computer 500 to a communication network N, a wireless communication interface that performs wireless wide area network (WAN) communication, or wireless LAN communication.

[0040] The output device 504 is an output device that outputs to the outside, such as a display, a speaker, or an LED (Light Emitting Diode). The input device 505 is an input device that receives input from the outside, such as a touch panel, a keyboard, or a pointing device. Note that the output device 504 and the input device 505 may be a display input device such as a touch panel display.

[0041] Drive device 506 is a device for connecting storage medium (recording medium) 507 to computer 500. The storage medium 507 here includes, for example, a medium that records information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, or a magneto-optical disk. Storage medium 507 may also include, for example, a semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as a ROM or flash memory. Bus 508 is commonly connected to the above-mentioned components and transmits, for example, address signals, data signals, and various control signals.

[0042] <About the function> 4 is a functional block diagram explaining the functions of the edge device 10 by dividing them into blocks. The edge device 10 has a data communication unit 101, a control unit 102, a communication unit 103, a storage unit 110, etc. These functions of the edge device 10 are functions or means realized by the CPU 510 executing a program deployed in the memory 501.

[0043] The data communication unit 101 is connected to the communication cable 15 and communicates with the ventilation device 11, the CO2 sensor 12, and the air conditioner 13 to acquire CO2 concentration measurement data, operation data of the ventilation device 11, operation data of the air conditioner, etc. The data communication unit 101 also transmits control data created by the control unit 102 to the ventilation device 11, the CO2 sensor 12, and the air conditioner 13. The control data for the ventilation device 11 is data instructing the ventilation volume, the control data for the CO2 sensor 12 is data such as turning on or off CO2 concentration sensing, and the control data for the air conditioner 13 is data instructing the evaporation temperature (when cooling), the condensation temperature (when heating), the set temperature or air volume, etc.

[0044] The control unit 102 controls the entire edge device 10. The control unit 102 executes a process of controlling the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 13 based on the time change rate of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2, etc.

[0045] The storage unit 110 is realized by a storage device 502 or the like provided in the edge device 10, and stores various data and programs, including, for example, time-series CO2 concentration data (CO2 concentration data 111) acquired by the data communication unit 101 and various setting information 112. Note that the storage unit 110 may be realized by another server that can communicate with the edge device 10 via the communication network N, cloud storage, or the like.

[0046] The communication unit 103 connects the edge device 10 to the communication network N and executes communication processing for communicating with the management server 50, the administrator terminal 20, and the like.

[0047] <Processing Overview> 5 is a diagram for explaining the control of the ventilation device 11 and the air conditioner 13 according to this embodiment. In this FIG. 5, the horizontal axis is time, the left vertical axis is CO2 concentration [ppm], and the right vertical axis is temperature [°C] and ventilation volume [m 3 / h]. Therefore, Fig. 5 shows an example of the time change of CO2 concentration 201, the time change of indoor temperature 202, the time change of outdoor temperature 203, the time change of set temperature 204, and the time change of ventilation rate 213 in target area 2. CO2 concentration 201, indoor temperature 202, and outdoor temperature 203 are measured values, and set temperature 204 and ventilation rate 213 are controlled variables by control unit 102. Furthermore, each time change in Fig. 5 is during cooling control, and the numerical values ​​are merely examples.

[0048] CO2 concentration 201 is 1 [m 3 The CO2 concentration in the outdoor air is about 400 ppm, and the standard for indoor CO2 concentration 201 (a CO2 concentration that should not be exceeded) is, for example, 1000 ppm or less.

[0049] 5, when the ventilation device 11 is stopped, the CO2 concentration 201 in the target area 2 rises due to people's breathing. Furthermore, the change in the CO2 concentration 201 over time differs depending on the number of people in the target area 2. Therefore, the control unit 102 adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 based on the current value and the rate of change over time of the CO2 concentration 201 in the target area 2 so that the CO2 concentration 201 falls within a range 207 from a first predetermined value (e.g., 1000 [ppm]) to a second predetermined value (e.g., 800 [ppm]).

[0050] An example will be described using the current value 205 of the CO2 concentration 201 at time t1. At time t1, the number of people in the room is increasing, and therefore the time rate of change 206 of the CO2 concentration 201 is increasing. For example, at time t1 in FIG. 5, the control unit 102 starts operation of the ventilation device 11 when it is determined that the CO2 concentration 201 is likely to exceed the first predetermined value based on the current value 205 of the CO2 concentration 201 and the time rate of change 206 of the CO2 concentration 201.

[0051] Preferably, the control unit 102 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 in a stepwise manner based on the current value 205 of the CO2 concentration 201 and the time rate of change 206 of the CO2 concentration 201. For example, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to a larger value when the CO2 concentration 201 reaches the first predetermined value in a shorter time.

[0052] Then, as shown by the set temperature 204 at time t1, when setting a large ventilation volume, the control unit 102 lowers the set temperature of the air conditioner 13 by a predetermined value (for example, 0.5°C). By lowering the set temperature at the start of ventilation, it is possible to prevent the room temperature from temporarily rising due to an increase in the indoor load caused by the start of ventilation. In other words, the control unit 102 can prevent a decrease in comfort. The control unit 102 returns the set temperature 204 set at time t1 to the original set temperature 204 at time t2 when the room temperature 202 has dropped to the set temperature 204. The set temperature is lowered because cooling is performed, and the control unit 102 raises the set temperature during heating.

[0053] Next, an example will be described using the current value 208 of the CO2 concentration 201 at time t3. At time t3, the number of people in the room is decreasing, so the time rate of change 209 of the CO2 concentration 201 indicates a decrease. At time t3, if the current value 208 and time rate of change 209 of the CO2 concentration 201 indicate that the CO2 concentration 201 is likely to fall below the second predetermined value, the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11. In the example of FIG. 5, the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 by one level at time t3.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 102 stops operation of the ventilation device 11, for example, at time t4 in Figure 5, when the current value 210 and time change rate 211 of the CO2 concentration 201 indicate that the CO2 concentration 201 has fallen below a second predetermined value and is continuing to decrease.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit 102 reduces the air conditioning output (W / h) when reducing (including stopping) the ventilation volume, such as at time t3 or time t4. Reducing the air conditioning output means lowering the capacity of the air conditioner from the current level. Methods for reducing the capacity of the air conditioner include at least one of the following: A. The control unit 102 changes the evaporation / condensation temperature (increasing the evaporation temperature during cooling and decreasing the condensation temperature during heating). During cooling, the control unit 102 increases the target evaporation temperature setting by ΔT2c (for example, 3° C.). During heating, the control unit 102 lowers the target condensing temperature setting by ΔT2h (for example, 3° C.). Note that 3°C ​​given as ΔT2c and ΔT2h is just an example, and can be set appropriately from 0.5 to 5°C. Also, the administrator may be able to set any ΔT2c and ΔT2h. In Figure 5, as an example, the control unit 102 increases the evaporation temperature 212. B. The control unit 102 changes the set temperature (increases the set temperature during cooling and decreases the set temperature during heating). The control unit 102 raises the temperature by 0.5° C. during cooling. During heating, the control unit 102 lowers the temperature by 0.5°C. The illustrated change amount of the set temperature, 0.5° C., is just an example and can be set appropriately from 0.5 to 3° C. The administrator may also be able to set any change amount of the set temperature. C. The control unit 102 reduces the airflow rate. The control unit 102 reduces the air volume by one to several stages during cooling or heating.

[0056] When the ventilation rate is reduced (including when the ventilation rate is stopped), the outdoor air load due to ventilation is reduced, temporarily reducing the indoor load. Even after ventilation is stopped, the control unit 102 continues to control the indoor load based on the indoor load when outdoor air was introduced before the reduction for a while. Therefore, during cooling, the indoor temperature may fall below the set temperature, resulting in reduced comfort. During heating, the indoor temperature may rise above the set temperature, resulting in reduced comfort. Furthermore, when the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation rate, if the air conditioner 13 controls the indoor temperature 202 spontaneously, the air conditioning capacity may be too high, causing the air conditioner to stop after a predetermined time has elapsed. This indicates the risk of unnecessary energy consumption. Furthermore, if the indoor temperature 202 rises above the set temperature 204 after the air conditioner 13 has stopped, the control unit 102 resumes air conditioning. Thus, if the air conditioner 13 controls the indoor temperature 202 spontaneously after ventilation is stopped, there is a risk of the thermostat repeatedly turning on and off (this is called chattering).

[0057] In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit 102 "reduces the capacity of the air conditioner when reducing the ventilation rate," so that even if the ventilation rate is reduced in accordance with the CO2 concentration, the number of people in the room, etc., it is possible to prevent the indoor temperature from tending to drop during cooling or rise during heating, making it less likely for the user to feel uncomfortable. Also, because the control unit 102 reduces the capacity of the air conditioner 13, energy consumption can be saved. Chattering of the air conditioner 13 can also be suppressed.

[0058] When the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume, the control that changes the evaporation temperature or condensation temperature is more preferable than the control that changes the set temperature, as it is less likely to stop the air conditioner 13. On the other hand, the latter has the advantage of being easier to control. The control that reduces the air volume also has the advantage of being easier to control.

[0059] After reducing the capacity of the air conditioner 13, if the conditions for turning off the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 are met, the control unit 102 ends the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13. Ending the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 means returning the set values ​​(evaporation temperature / condensation temperature, set temperature, air volume) to those before the capacity of the air conditioner 13 was reduced.

[0060] In Fig. 5, the control unit 102 starts the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 at time t3, and ends the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 at time t5. Therefore, the control unit 102 returns the evaporation temperature, set temperature 204, or air volume to the original set value at time t5 (in Fig. 5, as an example, the control unit 102 returns the evaporation temperature 212 to the original setting). The conditions for turning off the capacity reduction control will be described later.

[0061] <Conditions for determining ventilation volume control> The air conditioning system 1 can determine whether to perform control to change the ventilation volume based on the following four conditions. (i) Time rate of change of CO2 concentration and CO2 concentration (ii) The rate of change of CO2 concentration over time and the difference in CO2 concentration up to a predetermined value (iii) Time required for CO2 concentration to reach a predetermined value (iv) Time rate of change of CO2 concentration Each of these will be explained in turn below. Note that the condition (iii) is substantially the same as that (ii).

[0062] <<(i) Time rate of change of CO2 concentration and CO2 concentration>> 6 is a diagram illustrating the rate of change of CO2 concentration over time and correspondence information for determining the ventilation volume based on the CO2 concentration. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 102 determines the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 using correspondence information 710 that pre-stores a current value 711 of the CO2 concentration and a ventilation volume 713 of the ventilation device 11 that corresponds to a rate of change of CO2 concentration over time 712.

[0063] In the example of the correspondence information 710 in FIG. 6, the ventilation volume 713 of the ventilation device 11 is expressed in three levels: “0 (stop),” “L,” and “H.” Here, “0 (stop)” indicates that the operation of the ventilation device 11 is stopped. “L” indicates that the ventilation device 11 is operated at low power, and “H” indicates that the ventilation device 11 is operated at high power. In the correspondence information 710, “−Y” indicates a threshold value of a negative slope (e.g., “−2”), and “Z” indicates a threshold value of a positive slope (e.g., “8”). For example, if the current value x of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 is 850 [ppm] and the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 is a value between −Y and Z (e.g., “1”), the control unit 102 can determine the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to be “L” based on the correspondence information 710.

[0064] The time change rate a is calculated, for example, by the following (Equation 1). Time rate of change a= (Current moving average of CO2 concentration) - (Current moving average of CO2 concentration 1 minute before) (Equation 1) The moving average of CO2 concentration at the current time is, for example, the average of CO2 concentration for 10 minutes from the current time to 10 minutes before. Similarly, the moving average of CO2 concentration 1 minute before the current time is the average of CO2 concentration for 10 minutes from 1 minute before the current time to 11 minutes before.

[0065] FIG. 6 shows correspondence information 720 as another example of the ventilation volume to be determined. The correspondence information 720 indicates the ventilation volume 721 of the ventilation device 11 in five levels: “−2,” “−1,” “0,” “+1,” and “+2.” Here, “−2” indicates that the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 is reduced by two levels, and “−1” indicates that the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 is reduced by one level. “0” indicates that the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 is not changed. “+1” indicates that the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 is increased by one level, and “+2” indicates that the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 is increased by two levels. Note that if the ventilation volume level after the change exceeds the maximum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum value. Similarly, if the ventilation volume level after the change is below the minimum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum value (e.g., stopped).

[0066] 6 also shows correspondence information 730 as another example of the ventilation volume to be determined. The correspondence information 730 indicates the ventilation volume 731 of the ventilation device 11 in five levels: "-40%," "-20%," "0," "+20%," and "+40%." Here, "-40%" indicates that the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 is reduced by 40%, and "-20%" indicates that the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 is reduced by 20%. "0" indicates that the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 is not changed. Furthermore, "+20%" indicates that the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 is increased by 20%, and "+40%" indicates that the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 is increased by 40%. Note that if the ventilation volume after the change exceeds the maximum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum value. Similarly, if the ventilation volume after the change is below the minimum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum value (e.g., stopped).

[0067] 6 is included in, for example, the setting information 112 stored in advance in the air conditioning system 1. Furthermore, the setting values ​​of the corresponding information 710, 720, 730 may be changeable by the administrator 21 or the like using the administrator terminal 20.

[0068] <<(ii) Time rate of change of CO2 concentration and difference up to a predetermined value of CO2 concentration>> 7 is a diagram illustrating the time rate of change of the CO2 concentration and the difference to a predetermined value of the CO2 concentration. The control unit 102 adjusts the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 using, for example, the difference c between the current value of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 and the predetermined value of the CO2 concentration (for example, 1000 [ppm]) and the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration.

[0069] 8 is a diagram illustrating correspondence information for determining the ventilation volume based on the time rate of change of the CO2 concentration and the difference to a predetermined value of the CO2 concentration. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 102 determines the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 using correspondence information 1110 that pre-stores a difference 1111 between the predetermined value of the CO2 concentration and the current value of the CO2 concentration, a time rate of change 1112 of the CO2 concentration, and a corresponding ventilation volume 1113 of the ventilation device 11.

[0070] In the example of the correspondence information 1110, the ventilation volume 1113 of the ventilation device 11 is expressed in three levels: “0 (stop),” “L,” and “H.” The meanings of “0 (stop),” “L,” and “H” are the same as those in FIG. 6. In the correspondence information 1110, “−Y” is a threshold value of a negative slope (e.g., “−2”), and “Z” is a threshold value of a positive slope (e.g., “8”). For example, if the difference c between the predetermined value of the CO2 concentration and the current value of the CO2 concentration is 100, and the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration is a value between Y and Z (e.g., “5”), the control unit 102 can determine the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to be “L” based on the correspondence information 1110.

[0071] As another example, the correspondence information 1120 indicates the ventilation volume 1121 of the ventilation device 11 in five levels: "-2," "-1," "0," "+1," and "+2." The meanings of "-2," "-1," "0," "+1," and "+2" are the same as those in FIG. 6. If the changed ventilation volume level exceeds the maximum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum value. Similarly, if the changed ventilation volume level is below the minimum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum value (e.g., stopped) or stops the operation of the ventilation device 11.

[0072] As another example, the correspondence information 1130 indicates the ventilation volume 1131 of the ventilation device 11 in five levels of "-40%", "-20%", "0", "+20%", and "+40%". The meanings of "-40%", "-20%", "0", "+20%", and "+40%" are the same as those in FIG. 6. When the changed ventilation volume exceeds the maximum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum value. Similarly, when the changed ventilation volume is less than the minimum value, the control unit 102 sets (for example, stops) the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum value.

[0073] Such correspondence information 1110, 1120, and 1130 is included in the setting information 112 prestored in the air conditioning system 1, for example. Also, the set values of the correspondence information 1110, 1120, and 1130 may be changeable by an administrator 21 or the like using the administrator terminal 20.

[0074] Further, the control unit 102 may determine the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 regardless of the correspondence information 1110, 1120, and 1130. For example, when the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration is "a>0", the control unit 102 may control the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 as follows based on the difference c between the predetermined value of the CO2 concentration and the current value of the CO2 concentration.

[0075] When the difference c between the predetermined value of the CO2 concentration and the current value of the CO2 concentration satisfies c<T7×a, the control unit 102 raises the level of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 by one step. Here, T7 is a preset seventh time T7 (for example, 20 minutes), and a is the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration.

[0076] When the difference c between the predetermined value of the CO2 concentration and the current value of the CO2 concentration satisfies c<T8×a, the control unit 102 raises the level of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 by two steps. Here, T8 is a preset eighth time T8 (for example, 10 minutes). Note that when the level of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 exceeds the maximum level by the above control, the control unit 102 sets the level of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum level.

[0077] Further, when the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration satisfies "a ≤ 0", the control unit 102 may control the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 as follows based on the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration. When the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration satisfies a < A1, the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 by one step. Here, A1 is a predetermined first time change rate (for example, -5).

[0078] When the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration satisfies a < A2, the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 by two steps. Here, A2 is a predetermined second time change rate (for example, -10). When the level of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 falls below the minimum level by the above control, the control unit 102 sets the level of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum level or stops the operation of the ventilation device 11.

[0079] <<(iii) Time to reach a predetermined value of CO2 concentration>> FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the time b to reach a predetermined value of the CO2 concentration. When the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration satisfies "a > 0", for example, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the control unit 102 may determine the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 based on the time b to reach the first predetermined value (for example, 1000 [ppm]) of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2.

[0080] The time b to reach the first predetermined value of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 can be calculated, for example, by the following (Equation 2) from the current CO2 concentration x and the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration. Time to reach b = (1000 - x) × 1 / a ··· (Equation 2) When the time change rate a of the CO2 concentration satisfies "a > 0", the control unit 102 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 as follows based on the time b to reach.

[0081] If the arrival time b is less than a predetermined first time T1 (e.g., 20 minutes) and is equal to or greater than a predetermined second time T2 (e.g., 10 minutes), the control unit 102 increases the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 by one level.

[0082] If the arrival time b is less than the second time T2 and is equal to or greater than a predetermined third time T3 (for example, 5 minutes), the control unit 102 increases the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 by two steps.

[0083] If the arrival time is less than the third time T3, the control unit 102 increases the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 by three levels. Note that, if the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 exceeds the maximum level as a result of the above control, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum level.

[0084] Here, as an example, the control unit 102 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilator 11 every five minutes, and the first time T1 is set to four-fifths, or 20 minutes. The second time T2 is set to two-fifths, or 10 minutes, and the third time T3 is set to five minutes. However, the above first time T1, second time T2, and third time T3 are merely examples, and other values ​​may be used.

[0085] In this way, it is desirable for the control unit 102 to set the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to be larger when the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 reaches the first predetermined value in a shorter time.

[0086] Preferably, the control unit 102 executes the process of increasing the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 when the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, 700 [ppm]).

[0087] In addition, for example, as shown in Figure 9 (B), when the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration is "a≦0", the control unit 102 may determine the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 based on the arrival time b for the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 to reach a second predetermined value (e.g., 800 [ppm]).

[0088] For example, when the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration is "a≦0", the control unit 102 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 based on the arrival time b as follows.

[0089] If the arrival time b is less than a predetermined fourth time T4 (e.g., 20 minutes) and greater than or equal to a predetermined fifth time T5 (e.g., 10 minutes), the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 by one level.

[0090] If the arrival time b is less than the fifth time T5 and is equal to or greater than a predetermined sixth time T6 (for example, 5 minutes), the control unit 102 reduces the level of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 by two stages.

[0091] If the arrival time is less than the sixth time T6, the control unit 102 reduces by three stages the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11. Note that, if the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 falls below the minimum level as a result of the above control, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum level or stops the operation of the ventilation device 11.

[0092] Here, as an example, the fourth time T4 is 20 minutes, the fifth time T5 is 10 minutes, and the sixth time T6 is 5 minutes. However, the fourth time T4, the fifth time T5, and the sixth time T6 are merely examples, and other values ​​may be used.

[0093] In this way, it is desirable that the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to a smaller value when the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 reaches the second predetermined value in a shorter time. Alternatively, the control unit 102 stops the operation of the ventilation device 11 when the CO2 concentration in the target area is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold.

[0094] As another example, the control unit 102 may determine the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 based on the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2, for example, when the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration is "a≦0", as shown in FIG. 10.

[0095] For example, when the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration is "a≦0", the control unit 102 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 based on the time rate of change a as follows.

[0096] If the time change rate a is less than a predetermined first time change rate Y1 (e.g., -2 = -20 [ppm] / 10 minutes) and is greater than or equal to a predetermined second time change rate Y2 (e.g., -5 = -50 [ppm] / 10 minutes), the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 by one level.

[0097] If the time change rate a is less than the second time change rate Y2, or if the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 is below a predetermined threshold (e.g., 700 ppm), the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 by two stages.

[0098] If the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 falls below the minimum level as a result of the above control, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum level or stops the operation of the ventilation device 11.

[0099] Preferably, the control unit 102 executes the process of reducing the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 when the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 is equal to or lower than a first predetermined value (for example, 1000 [ppm]).

[0100] <<(iv) Time rate of change of CO2 concentration>> 11 is a diagram illustrating correspondence information for determining the ventilation volume using the time rate of change of CO2 concentration as a condition. As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 102 determines the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 using correspondence information 1200 that pre-stores the ventilation volumes of the ventilation device 11 corresponding to the time rate of change of CO2 concentration.

[0101] In the example of correspondence information 1200 in FIG. 11, the ventilation volume 1202 of the ventilation device 11 is expressed in three levels: "0 (stop)," "L," and "H." "0 (stop)," "L," and "H" have the same meanings as in FIG. 6. For example, if the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 is a value between -Y and Z (for example, "1"), the control unit 102 can determine the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to be "L" from the correspondence information 710.

[0102] FIG. 11 shows another example of correspondence information 1210. The correspondence information 1210 indicates the ventilation volume 1202 of the ventilation device 11 in three levels: "-1," "0," and "+1." The meanings of "-1," "0," and "+1" are the same as in FIG. 6. If the ventilation volume level after the change exceeds the maximum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum value. Similarly, if the ventilation volume level after the change falls below the minimum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume level of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum value (e.g., stopped), or stops operation of the ventilation device 11.

[0103] 11 shows another example of correspondence information 1220. The correspondence information 1220 indicates the ventilation volume 1202 of the ventilation device 11 in three stages: "-20%", "0", and "+20%". The meanings of "-20%, "0", and "+20%" are the same as in FIG. 6. If the ventilation volume after the change exceeds the maximum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the maximum value. Similarly, if the ventilation volume after the change falls below the minimum value, the control unit 102 sets the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 to the minimum value (for example, stops it).

[0104] Such correspondence information 1200, 1210, and 1220 are included in, for example, the setting information 112 stored in advance in the air conditioning system 1. Furthermore, the setting values ​​of the correspondence information 1200, 1210, and 1220 may be changeable by the administrator 21 or the like using the administrator terminal 20.

[0105] <Conditions for turning off air conditioner capacity reduction control> When the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11, it reduces the capacity of the air conditioner 13. If the capacity of the air conditioner 13 remains reduced, the indoor temperature in the target area 2 may rise above the set temperature (when cooling) or fall below the set temperature (when heating), so the control unit 102 turns off the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 when the conditions for turning off the capacity reduction control are met. The conditions for turning off the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 will be described.

[0106] 12 is a diagram illustrating the conditions for turning off the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13. The following conditions are given as examples of conditions for turning off the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13. (a) The room temperature rises above the set temperature + 1°C (when cooling) The room temperature drops below the set temperature -1°C (when heating) (b) 30 minutes have passed since the air conditioner capacity was reduced (c) Time rate of change of CO2 concentration a>0 (d) The conditions for the ventilation device 11 to increase the ventilation volume are met. Condition (a) is a condition that the indoor temperature during cooling operation becomes higher than the set temperature by a predetermined amount due to the reduction in the capacity of the air conditioner 13. +1°C is an example, and a range of 0.1 to 1.5°C may also be used, and may be set by the administrator. The same applies to heating operation. Condition (b) is a condition that, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the capacity of the air conditioner 13 was reduced, the air conditioner 13 is considered to be controlling the indoor temperature in accordance with the internal load with the reduced ventilation rate. The predetermined time of 30 minutes is an example, and is appropriately set as the time until the fluctuations in the influence of the outdoor air load due to the stoppage of the ventilation device 11 settle down. The administrator may set the predetermined time. Condition (c) is a condition that, if the time rate of change of the CO2 concentration begins to increase due to the reduction in the ventilation rate, the ventilation device 11 may increase the ventilation rate (because the indoor load due to the outdoor air load increases), and therefore the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 is turned off. Condition (d) partially overlaps with condition (c), but when the ventilation device 11 increases the ventilation volume, the indoor load due to the outdoor air load increases, so the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 is turned off. By having the control unit 102 turn off the capacity reduction control of the air conditioner 13 under conditions (a) to (d) like these, it is possible to prevent the user's comfort from being impaired.

[0107] <Air conditioning capacity reduction method and conditions for turning off air conditioning capacity reduction control> Fig. 13 summarizes the correspondence between air conditioning capacity reduction methods and conditions for turning off air conditioning capacity reduction control. For both cooling and heating, there are air conditioning capacity reduction methods A to C, and also conditions for turning off air conditioning capacity reduction control (a) to (d). There are no restrictions on the correspondence between air conditioning capacity reduction methods A to C and conditions for turning off air conditioning capacity reduction control (a) to (d), and the control unit 102 can reduce the capacity of the air conditioner 13 using any of the air conditioning capacity reduction methods A to C, and can adopt any of the conditions for turning off air conditioning capacity reduction control (a) to (d).

[0108] The control unit 102 may combine the air conditioning capacity reduction methods A to C. For example, the control unit 102 may combine A and C, or B and C, and implement these air conditioning capacity reduction methods in parallel.

[0109] <About changing the evaporation temperature / condensation temperature> When changing the evaporation temperature or the condensation temperature, the control unit 102 may instruct the air conditioner 13 of a target evaporation temperature or a target condensation temperature. That is, the control unit 102 transmits control data including the target evaporation temperature or the target condensation temperature to the air conditioner 13. Similarly, for the set temperature and air volume, the control unit 102 may transmit control data including the set temperature or air volume to the air conditioner 13.

[0110] Referring to Figure 14, we will explain how changing the evaporation temperature or condensation temperature reduces the air conditioning capacity. Figure 14 explains how changing the evaporation temperature or condensation temperature reduces the capacity of the air conditioner 13. Figure 14 is a Mollier diagram, also known as a pH diagram. The air conditioner 13 repeats a compression stroke (1 → 2), a condensation stroke (2 → 3), an expansion stroke (3 → 4), and an evaporation stroke (4 → 1). During cooling, the evaporation stroke (4 → 1) is performed in the indoor unit, and the condensation stroke (2 → 3) is performed in the outdoor unit. During heating, the condensation stroke (2 → 3) is performed in the indoor unit, and the evaporation stroke (4 → 1) is performed in the outdoor unit. Of the four strokes, the compression stroke (1 → 2) is the one that primarily consumes power for the air conditioner 13. The power consumption of the air conditioner 13 is correlated with the pressure difference 33 during the compression stroke. Therefore, when the pressure difference 33 in the compression stroke from 1 to 2 is reduced, the capacity of the air conditioner 13 is reduced.

[0111] Here, increasing the evaporation temperature during cooling means that arrow 32, which represents the evaporation process from 4 to 1, moves upward in a parallel manner. As arrow 32 moves upward, the pressure difference 33 in the compression process from 1 to 2 decreases, reducing the capacity of air conditioner 13. Similarly, reducing the condensation temperature during heating means that arrow 31, which represents the condensation process from 2 to 3, moves downward in a parallel manner. As arrow 31 moves downward, the pressure difference 33 in the compression process from 1 to 2 decreases, reducing the capacity of air conditioner 13.

[0112] When the control unit 102 transmits control data including the target evaporation temperature or the target condensation temperature to the air conditioner 13, the air conditioner 13 reduces the rotation speed of the compressor in the compression stroke from 1 to 2 or the total rotation amount for eliminating the pressure difference 33, thereby reducing the capacity of the air conditioner 13.

[0113] <Action or Processing> Next, a control method for reducing the capacity of the air conditioner 13 when the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume will be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the control performed by the control unit 102 to change the ventilation volume, the control to reduce the capacity of the air conditioner 13, and the process to end the control to reduce the capacity of the air conditioner 13. The process in Fig. 15 is repeatedly executed, for example, at regular intervals while the ventilation device 11 and the air conditioner 13 are operating.

[0114] First, the data communication unit 101 of the edge device 10 acquires the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 from the CO2 sensor 12 (S1). The data communication unit 101 passes the acquired CO2 concentration to the control unit 102, which then stores it in the storage unit 110. The control unit 102 acquires CO2 concentration data 111 in the target area 2 measured at predetermined time intervals (e.g., one-minute intervals) and sets the moving average of the CO2 concentration over a predetermined period (e.g., from the current time to 10 minutes ago) as the CO2 concentration in the target area 2. This makes it possible to reduce, for example, adverse effects caused by fluctuations in the CO2 concentration data 111 in the target area 2.

[0115] Next, the control unit 102 determines the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 based on the above conditions (i) to (iv) (S2). The ventilation volume to be determined may be increased, may remain unchanged, or may be decreased.

[0116] The control unit 102 determines whether or not the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 was reduced in step S2 (S3). Note that in step S3, the control unit 102 may determine not only whether or not the ventilation device 11 simply reduced the ventilation volume, but also whether the ventilation volume was reduced with a change equal to or greater than a threshold, whether the ventilation volume was set to less than a threshold, or whether the ventilation volume was set to zero.

[0117] If the determination in step S3 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S4, and if No, the process in FIG. 15 ends.

[0118] In step S4, the control unit 102 reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 13 (S4). That is, the control unit 102 performs one of the following: A. changing the evaporation / condensation temperature (increasing the evaporation temperature during cooling and decreasing the condensation temperature during heating), B. changing the set temperature (increasing the set temperature during cooling and decreasing the set temperature during heating), or C. reducing the air volume. The control unit 102 may perform a combination of A and C or B and C. The control unit 102 saves the set value before the air conditioning capacity was reduced in order to return the set value to the value before the air conditioning capacity was reduced.

[0119] After reducing the capacity of the air conditioner 13, the control unit 102 determines whether or not one or more of the conditions (a) to (d) for turning off the capacity reduction control are met (S5). The control unit 102 repeats the determination of step S5 until any one of the conditions (a) to (d) is met.

[0120] If the determination in step S5 is Yes, the control unit 102 returns the set value related to the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 13 to the set value before the air conditioning capacity was reduced (S6). That is, if the evaporation temperature / condensation temperature has been changed, the control unit 102 returns it to the original evaporation temperature / condensation temperature; if the set temperature has been changed, the control unit 102 returns it to the original set temperature; and if the air volume has been reduced, the control unit 102 returns it to the original air volume.

[0121] <Modifications of air conditioning systems> The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 2 is one example. In the above embodiment, the data communication unit 101, the control unit 102, the communication unit 103, the storage unit 110, and the like, which are included in the edge device 10, may be included in the management server 50 as shown in FIG. 16. This reduces the load on the edge device 10. Furthermore, if the management server 50 is common to multiple air conditioning systems 1, costs may be reduced compared to incorporating the processing of this embodiment into each edge device 10. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 16, the management server 50 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 so that the CO2 concentration 201 falls within a predetermined value range 207, and reduces the capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation volume is reduced.

[0122] 17, the data communication unit 101, the control unit 102, the communication unit 103, the storage unit 110, etc. may be included in each ventilation device 11. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 so that the CO2 concentration 201 falls within a predetermined value range 207 based on the current value of the CO2 concentration 201 in the target area 2 and the change in the CO2 concentration 201 over time, without relying on the edge device 10, and reduces the capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation volume is reduced.

[0123] 18, the data communication unit 101, the control unit 102, the communication unit 103, the storage unit 110, etc. may be included in each air conditioner 13. As a result, the air conditioning system 1 controls the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 so that the CO2 concentration 201 falls within a predetermined value range 207 based on the current value of the CO2 concentration 201 in the target area 2 and the change in the CO2 concentration 201 over time, without relying on the edge device 10, and reduces the capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation volume is reduced.

[0124] 19, each ventilation device 11 and each air conditioner 13 may have the data communication unit 101, the control unit 102, the communication unit 103, the memory unit 110, etc. In this case, the control unit 102 of each ventilation device 11 controls the ventilation volume based on the CO2 concentration, etc. The control unit 102 of the ventilation device 11 notifies the air conditioner 13 that it has reduced the ventilation volume. The control unit 102 of the air conditioner 13 reduces its own capacity in response to this notification. The control unit 102 of the air conditioner 13 also terminates the capacity reduction process when it detects that the room temperature has risen above the set temperature + 1°C or that 30 minutes have passed since the capacity reduction of the air conditioner 13. The air conditioner 13 also terminates the capacity reduction process when it receives from the ventilation device 11 a notification that the time rate of change a of the CO2 concentration acquired from the CO2 sensor 12 is greater than 0 or that the condition for increasing the ventilation volume has been met.

[0125] The data communication unit 101, the control unit 102, the communication unit 103, the memory unit 110, etc. may be provided in a distributed manner in the management server 50, the edge device 10, the ventilation device 11, etc. In short, the data communication unit 101, the control unit 102, the communication unit 103, the memory unit 110, etc. may be provided in any device within the air conditioning system 1 as long as they are included in the air conditioning system 1.

[0126] <Major Effects> In this embodiment, the control unit 102 reduces the capacity of the air conditioner when reducing the ventilation rate. After reducing the ventilation rate, the indoor load due to the outside air load is reduced, so the user is less likely to feel uncomfortable even if the capacity of the air conditioner is reduced (the room temperature is less likely to temporarily drop too low when cooling, or to temporarily rise too high when heating). Furthermore, because the control unit reduces the capacity of the air conditioner, energy consumption can be saved.

[0127] [Second embodiment] When there are multiple air conditioners 13 in the target area 2, it may be desirable to individually perform capacity reduction control on each air conditioner 13. However, in this case, a CO2 sensor 12 may be required for each air conditioner 13. Therefore, in this embodiment, a control unit 102 that individually performs capacity reduction control on each air conditioner 13 using the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner 13 will be described.

[0128] <When there are multiple air conditioners (indoor units) in target area 2> FIG. 20 schematically shows multiple air conditioners 13 installed in the target area 2 and the number of people near the air conditioners 13. In FIG. 20, six air conditioners 13a to 13f are installed in the target area 2, but the number of air conditioners 13 and the number of people near the air conditioners 13 are merely an example. Also, although only one CO2 sensor 12 is shown, the number of CO2 sensors 12 may be less than the number of air conditioners 13a to 13f. In other words, the following description will be given assuming a situation in which one CO2 sensor 12 is shared by multiple air conditioners 13.

[0129] In the first embodiment, the control unit 102 determines the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 under the conditions (i) to (iv) for changing the ventilation volume, and further reduces the capacity of the air conditioner 13. In the present embodiment, the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 11 is determined under the conditions (i) to (iv), as in the first embodiment, but when the control unit 102 reduces the ventilation volume, it determines whether the indoor temperature satisfies the temperature conditions, and if the temperature conditions are satisfied, it individually reduces the capacity of the air conditioner 13.

[0130] An example of the temperature conditions is shown below. The temperature conditions are determined for each air conditioner 13.

[0131] Cooling: Room temperature Tr < Set temperature Ts + ΔT1c (e.g. 0.5°C) During heating: Room temperature Tr > Set temperature Ts -ΔT1h (e.g. 0.5°C) That is, the control unit 102 reduces the capacity of air conditioners 13 that are located in locations where reducing the capacity of the air conditioners 13 will have little effect on the indoor temperature. In this way, the control unit 102 determines the temperature conditions for each air conditioner 13, and can perform capacity reduction control for each air conditioner 13.

[0132] The air conditioning capacity reduction method may be the same as A to C in the first embodiment. During cooling A. Increase the evaporation temperature (raise the target evaporation temperature setting by ΔT2c (e.g., 3°C)) B. Increase the set temperature (increase the set temperature by 0.5°C) C. Reduce the airflow When heating A. Lower the condensation temperature (lower the target condensation temperature setting by ΔT2h (e.g., 3°C)) B. Lower the set temperature (lower the set temperature by 0.5°C) C. Reduce the airflow In this embodiment, the above temperature conditions specify that the indoor temperature is lower than the set temperature during cooling, or higher than the set temperature during heating, so an air conditioning capacity reduction method like B that directly affects the indoor temperature is preferred. Also, because the evaporation temperature / condensation temperature is changed collectively for the same system (multiple indoor units connected to the same outdoor unit), the evaporation temperature / condensation temperature cannot be changed for each individual indoor unit. For this reason, changing the evaporation temperature / condensation temperature like A may not be possible for each individual indoor unit. In other words, if all indoor units in the same system meet the temperature conditions, the control unit 102 can reduce the capacity of the air conditioner 13 by changing the evaporation temperature / condensation temperature.

[0133] The illustrated change amount of the set temperature, 0.5° C., is just an example and can be set appropriately from 0.1 to 3° C. The administrator may also be able to set any change amount of the set temperature.

[0134] In addition, when the conditions for turning off the air conditioning capacity reduction control (a) to (d) are met, the control unit 102 terminates the air conditioning capacity reduction control, so that if the evaporation temperature / condensation temperature has been changed, it returns to the original evaporation temperature / condensation temperature, if the set temperature has been changed, it returns to the original set temperature, and if the air volume has been reduced, it returns to the original air volume.

[0135] The capacity reduction control of air conditioner 13 in Fig. 20 will be described based on the temperature conditions explained above. Although control unit 102 determines that one of conditions (i) to (iv) is met (the number of people is decreasing), for example, the indoor temperature detected by air conditioner 13a does not meet the temperature condition. Therefore, control unit 102 does not implement capacity reduction control for air conditioner 13a. On the other hand, the indoor temperature detected by air conditioner 13c meets the temperature condition. Therefore, control unit 102 implements capacity reduction control for air conditioner 13c.

[0136] <Action or Processing> 21 is a flowchart illustrating the control by the control unit 102 to change the ventilation volume, the control to reduce the capacity of the air conditioner 13, and the process of terminating the control to reduce the capacity of the air conditioner 13. The explanation of FIG. 21 may mainly focus on the differences from FIG. 15.

[0137] First, in step S11, the data communication unit 101 of the edge device 10 acquires the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 from the CO2 sensor 12, and acquires the set temperature and room temperature of each air conditioner 13 (S11). The data communication unit 101 passes the acquired CO2 concentration, set temperature, and room temperature to the control unit 102, and the control unit 102 stores them in the memory unit 110. The control unit 102 calculates the CO2 concentration in the target area 2 in the same way as in FIG. 15. The processes of the next steps S12 and S13 may be the same as in FIG. 15.

[0138] In step S14, the control unit 102 determines whether or not there is an air conditioner that satisfies the temperature condition (S14). If the determination in step S14 is Yes, the process proceeds to step S15, and if No, the process in FIG. 21 ends.

[0139] In step S15, the control unit 102 individually reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioners 13 that satisfy the temperature conditions (S15). The subsequent steps S16 and S17 may be similar to those in FIG.

[0140] <Major Effects> In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment can perform capacity reduction control for each air conditioner 13 by determining the temperature conditions for each indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner 13.

[0141] <Other application examples> The best mode for carrying out the present disclosure has been described above using examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples in any way, and various modifications and substitutions can be made within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0142] For example, the configuration example in FIG. 4 and the like is divided according to main functions to make it easier to understand the processing by the edge device 10. The technique of the present disclosure is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The processing by the edge device 10 can also be divided into more processing units depending on the processing content. Also, it can be divided so that one processing unit includes more processes.

[0143] Additionally, the devices described in the examples are merely illustrative of one of several computing environments for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. In one embodiment, management server 50 includes multiple computing devices, such as a server cluster, configured to communicate with each other via any type of communications link, including a network, shared memory, etc., and to perform the processes disclosed herein.

[0144] The functions of the present disclosure described above can be realized not only by software processing through the execution of a program, but also by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to perform each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a conventional circuit module designed to perform each of the functions described above.

[0145] <Reasons for the effect> The first aspect of the present disclosure "reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume," thereby saving energy consumption by the air conditioner and reducing the indoor load caused by the outside air load, thereby preventing user discomfort. In the second aspect of the present disclosure, "when the ventilation volume of the ventilation device is reduced in accordance with the CO2 concentration, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is reduced," so when the ventilation volume is reduced due to a decrease in CO2 concentration, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner can be reduced. Since a decrease in CO2 concentration includes a decrease in the number of people, when the ventilation volume is reduced due to a decrease in the number of people, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner can be reduced. In the third aspect of the present disclosure, "when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the evaporating temperature of the air conditioner, or when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by decreasing the condensing temperature of the air conditioner," so that the air conditioning capacity can be reduced using a control method that makes it less likely for the air conditioner 13 to stop. A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for reducing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the set temperature of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is in cooling operation. When the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by lowering the set temperature of the air conditioner, so the air conditioning capacity can be reduced with relatively easy control. In the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, "the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by lowering the airflow rate of the air conditioner," so that the air conditioning capacity can be reduced with relatively easy control. The sixth aspect of the present disclosure is that "when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the evaporating temperature of the air conditioner and reducing the air volume, or when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by decreasing the condensing temperature of the air conditioner and reducing the air volume," so that by reducing the air conditioning capacity and further reducing the air volume using a control method that makes it less likely for the air conditioner 13 to stop, it is possible to save energy consumption by the air conditioner. The seventh aspect of the present disclosure is that "when a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting was changed to a value that reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, the setting is returned to the setting before the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner was reduced," so that the setting of the air conditioner can be restored to its original setting after an appropriate predetermined time has elapsed (the time until the fluctuations in the impact of the outside air load due to the stoppage of the ventilation device 11 settle down), thereby reducing discomfort to the user. An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is such that "after the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, if the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner rises above a predetermined temperature, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner was reduced, or, if the air conditioner is in heating operation, after the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, if the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner falls below a predetermined temperature, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner was reduced," so the setting value of the air conditioner can be restored before the user becomes uncomfortable with the indoor temperature. A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is that "after the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, if a condition for the ventilation device to increase the ventilation volume is met, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner was reduced." Therefore, in contrast to when the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume, if a condition for increasing the ventilation volume is met, the setting value of the air conditioner can be returned to its original value, making it easier to return to the same situation as when the ventilation device reduced the ventilation volume. In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, "when the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume and the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner satisfies a predetermined condition, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner that detected the indoor temperature that satisfies the predetermined condition," so that the temperature conditions can be determined for each indoor temperature detected by air conditioner 13, and capacity reduction control for air conditioner 13 can be performed for each air conditioner 13. The eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is that "when the control unit of the edge device reduces the ventilation volume of the ventilation device, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner," thereby reducing the communication load between the air conditioner 13 and the management server 50. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Edge Devices 11 Ventilation equipment 12 CO2 sensor 13 Air conditioner 50 Management Server [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0147] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-167150

Claims

1. An air conditioning system having a ventilation device and an air conditioner, a control unit that reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume; An air conditioning system having:

2. The control unit determines whether the ventilation volume of the ventilation device is CO ２ The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is reduced when the concentration is reduced.

3. When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the evaporating temperature of the air conditioner, or The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by lowering a condensing temperature of the air conditioner.

4. When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the set temperature of the air conditioner, or The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by lowering the set temperature of the air conditioner.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by reducing the air volume of the air conditioner.

6. When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by increasing the evaporation temperature of the air conditioner and reducing the airflow rate, or The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner by lowering the condensing temperature of the air conditioner and reducing the air volume.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit returns the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner to the setting value before the reduction when a predetermined time has elapsed since the setting value was changed to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner.

8. If the air conditioner is operating in cooling mode, After the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, if the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner rises above a predetermined temperature, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before reducing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, or If the air conditioner is in heating operation, 2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein, after the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, if the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner drops below a predetermined temperature, the control unit returns the setting value to the setting value before the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner was reduced.

9. When the control unit changes the setting value to reduce the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner, and the condition for the ventilation device to increase the ventilation volume is met, The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit returns the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner to a setting value before the reduction.

10. When the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume and the indoor temperature detected by the air conditioner satisfies a predetermined condition, The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner that detects an indoor temperature that satisfies the predetermined condition.

11. an edge device capable of communicating with the ventilation device and the air conditioner via a network; The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit of the edge device reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation volume of the ventilation device is reduced.

12. A control method performed by an air conditioning system having a ventilation device and an air conditioner, When the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is reduced. Control method.

13. A control device for controlling an air conditioning system having a ventilation device and an air conditioner, a control unit that reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the ventilation device reduces the ventilation volume; A control device having:

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