Air conditioner

Abstract

To reduce a starting / stopping frequency of a compressor at a time corresponding to an adjustment request of power consumption.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 1 includes a control part 8, an indoor temperature sensor 47, and a communication part 8a. The control part 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on a difference between a first temperature for stopping a compressor 21 and an indoor temperature Tr at a time not corresponding to an adjustment request of power consumption during a cooling operation, and when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the first temperature, and also when a first condition is satisfied for continuing for a first time T1 in a state where a difference between the first temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range, the compressor 21 is stopped. The control part 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on a difference between a second temperature for stopping the compressor 21 and the indoor temperature Tr at a time corresponding to the adjustment request of power consumption, and when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the second temperature, and also when a second condition is satisfied for continuing for a second time T2 longer than the first time T1 in a state where a difference between the second temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range, the compressor 21 is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Regarding air conditioners. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a management device that manages air conditioners based on requests for adjusting power consumption predicts the amount of power consumption that can be reduced by the managed air conditioners and responds to requests for adjusting power consumption (Patent Document 1 (JP 2016-217598 A)). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption in the past, there was a problem in that the number of times the air conditioner's compressor was started and stopped was more than when the request to adjust power consumption was not responded to, which could result in an increase in power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] An air conditioner according to a first aspect is an air conditioner having a refrigeration cycle formed by connecting an outdoor unit including a compressor to an indoor unit. The air conditioner includes a control unit, an indoor temperature detection unit, and a communication unit. The indoor temperature detection unit detects the indoor temperature. The communication unit receives a request for adjusting power consumption. The control unit, during cooling operation and when the power consumption adjustment request is not being met, controls the capacity of the air conditioner based on the difference between the indoor temperature and a first temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user, and stops the compressor when a first condition is met. The first condition is when the indoor temperature reaches the first temperature and the difference between the first temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a first hour. The control unit, during cooling operation and when the power consumption adjustment request is met, controls the capacity of the air conditioner based on the difference between the indoor temperature and a second temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user, and stops the compressor when a second condition is met. The second condition is that the room temperature reaches a second temperature, and the difference between the second temperature and the current room temperature remains within a predetermined range for a second time period that is longer than the first time period. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

[0005] In this air conditioner, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during cooling operation, the timing at which the compressor stops is delayed, reducing the frequency of starting and stopping, thereby achieving both reduced power consumption and comfort.

[0006] An air conditioner according to a second aspect is the air conditioner according to the first aspect, wherein the control unit controls the capacity of the air conditioner during heating operation based on the difference between the indoor temperature and a third temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met, and stops the compressor when a third condition is met. The third condition is that the indoor temperature reaches the third temperature, and the difference between the third temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a third hour. The control unit controls the capacity of the air conditioner during heating operation based on the difference between the indoor temperature and a fourth temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user when a power consumption adjustment request is being met, and stops the compressor when a fourth condition is met. The fourth condition is that the indoor temperature reaches the fourth temperature, and the difference between the fourth temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a fourth hour, which is longer than the third hour. The fourth temperature is lower than the third temperature.

[0007] In this air conditioner, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during heating operation, the timing at which the compressor stops is delayed, reducing the frequency of starting and stopping, thereby achieving both reduced power consumption and comfort.

[0008] An air conditioner according to a third aspect is the air conditioner according to the first or second aspect, which operates at the minimum capacity of the air conditioner while the second or fourth period continues.

[0009] With this air conditioner, the comfort of the user can be maintained by operating at the minimum capacity of the air conditioner while the second or fourth period continues.

[0010] An air conditioner according to a fourth aspect is the air conditioner according to the first or third aspect, in which the target indoor temperature set by the user is defined as the fifth temperature, and the control unit determines the second time period such that the lower the fifth temperature is, the longer the second time period is.

[0011] With this air conditioner, during cooling operation, when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the second time period can be optimally determined in accordance with the indoor environment.

[0012] An air conditioner according to a fifth aspect is the air conditioner according to the second aspect, wherein the fifth temperature is a target indoor temperature set by a user, and the control unit determines the fourth time period such that the higher the fifth temperature is, the longer the fourth time period is.

[0013] With this air conditioner, during heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the fourth period can be optimally determined in accordance with the indoor environment.

[0014] An air conditioner according to a sixth aspect is the air conditioner according to the first or third aspect, further comprising an outdoor temperature detection unit that detects the outdoor temperature. The control unit determines the second time period such that the higher the outdoor temperature, the longer the second time period.

[0015] With this air conditioner, during cooling operation, the second time period can be optimally determined according to the outdoor environment at the start of the power consumption adjustment request.

[0016] An air conditioner according to a seventh aspect is the air conditioner according to the second aspect, further comprising an outdoor temperature detection unit that detects the outdoor temperature. The control unit determines the fourth time period such that the lower the outdoor temperature, the longer the fourth time period.

[0017] With this air conditioner, during heating operation, the fourth time period can be optimally determined according to the outdoor environment at the start of the power consumption adjustment request.

[0018] An air conditioner according to an eighth aspect is the air conditioner according to the sixth aspect, wherein the fifth temperature is a target indoor temperature set by a user, and the control unit determines the second time period such that the lower the fifth temperature is and the higher the outdoor temperature is, the longer the second time period is.

[0019] With this air conditioner, the second time period can be determined more appropriately.

[0020] An air conditioner according to a ninth aspect is the air conditioner according to the seventh aspect, wherein the fifth temperature is a target indoor temperature set by a user, and the control unit determines the fourth time period such that the higher the fifth temperature is and the lower the outdoor temperature is, the longer the fourth time period is.

[0021] With this air conditioner, the fourth time can be determined more appropriately.

[0022] An air conditioner of a tenth aspect is an air conditioner of the eighth or ninth aspect, in which the control unit determines the second time or the fourth time based on the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature in accordance with predetermined levels related to the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature.

[0023] With this air conditioner, there is no need to perform calculations each time to find the second time or fourth temperature, and the calculation load can be reduced.

[0024] An air conditioner of an eleventh aspect is an air conditioner of any one of the first to tenth aspects, in which the control unit determines the second time or the fourth temperature based on the indoor temperature, which changes depending on the heat load on the building in which the air conditioner is installed.

[0025] This air conditioner can set the second or fourth time period, taking into account the characteristics of the building and influences from outside.

[0026] An air conditioner of a twelfth aspect is the air conditioner of the eleventh aspect, wherein the control unit measures data relating to the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature after the compressor is stopped during cooling or heating operation when a request for adjustment of power consumption is not met, and determines the second or fourth time based on the data.

[0027] In this air conditioner, when operating in cooling or heating mode and a request for adjusting power consumption is not being accommodated, the second or fourth time is determined using data regarding the time it takes for the indoor temperature to rise or fall after the compressor is stopped, making it possible to determine the second or fourth time that is appropriate for the environment in which the air conditioner is used.

[0028] An air conditioner according to a thirteenth aspect is the air conditioner according to the twelfth aspect, wherein the control unit has a data storage unit. The control unit stores data in the data storage unit and determines the second time period or the fourth time period based on the data stored in the data storage unit.

[0029] In this air conditioner, data relating to the time it takes for the room temperature to rise or fall after the compressor is stopped is accumulated, and the second or fourth time is determined using the data accumulated in the data accumulation unit, making it possible to determine the second or fourth time that is appropriate for the environment in which the air conditioner is used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an operation control system. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in indoor temperature when the thermostat is turned off and on during cooling operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in room temperature when the thermostat is turned off and turned on during heating operation. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delay time when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during cooling operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a delay time when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during heating operation. [Figure 8A] 10 is a flowchart of thermo timing change control during cooling operation. [Figure 8B] 10 is a flowchart of thermo timing change control during cooling operation. [Figure 9A] 10 is a flowchart of thermo timing change control during heating operation. [Figure 9B]10 is a flowchart of thermo timing change control during heating operation. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the compressor when a request for adjustment of power consumption during cooling operation is not met. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the compressor when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during cooling operation. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an operation control system. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature during cooling operation. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a room temperature rise table. [Figure 15A] 10 is a flowchart for learning a delay time during cooling operation. [Figure 15B] 10 is a flowchart for learning a delay time during cooling operation. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature during heating operation. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a room temperature decrease table. [Figure 18A] 10 is a flowchart for learning a delay time during heating operation. [Figure 18B] 10 is a flowchart for learning a delay time during heating operation. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in indoor temperature when the thermostat is turned off and on during conventional cooling operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] First Embodiment An air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the specific configuration of the embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment and can be modified within the scope of the gist of the invention.

[0032] (1) Overview of the operation control system The operation control system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is a system that controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 of this embodiment. The operation control system 100 is used as a system for controlling power consumption adjustment requests. Control of power consumption adjustment requests refers to control that adjusts the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 so that the power demand of the air conditioner 1 does not exceed a predetermined power supply. The operation control system 100 adjusts the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 based on an external request for power demand adjustment in the direction of suppressing the power consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0033] The operation control system 100 includes an air conditioner 1, an electric power company 200, and a management device 300.

[0034] The air conditioner 1 is connected to an external management device 300 so that it can communicate with the management device 300. The management device 300 is also connected to an electric power company 200 so that it can communicate with the electric power company 200. The electric power company 200 sends a request for adjusting the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner 1 to the management device 300. The air conditioner 1 receives the request for adjusting the amount of power consumed from the electric power company 200 via the management device 300.

[0035] (2) Basic configuration of air conditioner 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioner 1 is a device used for air conditioning indoor spaces such as buildings by operating a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 1 is primarily configured by connecting an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 4. Here, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4 are connected via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 6 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 7. In other words, the vapor compression refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is configured by connecting the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4 via the refrigerant connection pipes 6, 7.

[0036] (2-1) Indoor unit The indoor unit 4 is installed indoors. The indoor unit 4 is connected to the outdoor unit 2 via refrigerant connection pipes 6 and 7, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0037] Next, the configuration of the indoor unit 4 will be described.

[0038] The indoor unit 4 mainly includes an indoor refrigerant circuit 10a that constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The indoor refrigerant circuit 10a mainly includes an indoor heat exchanger .

[0039] The indoor heat exchanger 42 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An indoor fan 43 is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 42 to send indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 42. The indoor fan 43 sends indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 42, whereby heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 42. The indoor fan 43 is driven to rotate by an indoor fan motor 44. As a result, the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a refrigerant radiator and a refrigerant evaporator.

[0040] The indoor unit 4 is also provided with a sensor. An indoor temperature sensor (indoor temperature detection unit) 47 that detects the temperature of the indoor air in the indoor unit 4 (in other words, the indoor temperature Tr) is provided on the indoor air intake side of the indoor unit 4. The indoor unit 4 also has an indoor side control unit 48 that controls the operation of each unit that makes up the indoor unit 4. The indoor side control unit 48 has a microcomputer, memory, etc. that are provided to control the indoor unit 4, and is able to exchange control signals, etc. with a remote control 49 that operates the indoor unit 4, and to exchange control signals, etc. with the outdoor unit 2.

[0041] The remote controller 49 is a device through which the user issues various settings related to the air conditioning operation and commands to start / stop the air conditioning.

[0042] (2-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to the indoor unit 4 via refrigerant connection pipes 6 and 7, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the outdoor unit 2 will be described.

[0044] The outdoor unit 2 mainly includes an outdoor refrigerant circuit 10d that constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The outdoor refrigerant circuit 10d mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an accumulator 24, an outdoor expansion valve 25, a liquid-side shut-off valve 26, and a gas-side shut-off valve 27.

[0045] The compressor 21 is a hermetic compressor that houses a compression element (not shown) and a compressor motor 21a that rotates and drives the compression element in a casing. The compressor motor 21a is supplied with power via an inverter device (not shown), and the operating capacity can be varied by changing the output frequency (in other words, the number of rotations) of the inverter device.

[0046] The four-way switching valve 22 is a valve for switching the direction of the refrigerant flow. During cooling operation, which is one of the air conditioning operations, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a radiator of the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 21, and the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant that has radiated heat in the outdoor heat exchanger 23. In order to do this, the discharge side of the compressor 21 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the suction side of the compressor 21 is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 7 (four-way switching valve in FIG. 2). During heating operation, which is one of the air conditioning operations, it is possible to connect the discharge side of compressor 21 to gas refrigerant connecting pipe 7 and to connect the suction side of compressor 21 to the gas side of outdoor heat exchanger 23, so that indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a radiator of refrigerant compressed in compressor 21 and outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator of refrigerant that has radiated heat in indoor heat exchanger 42 (see dashed lines of four-way switching valve 22 in FIG. 2).

[0047] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 is, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An outdoor fan 28 for sending outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The outdoor fan 28 sends outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, whereby heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The outdoor fan 28 is driven to rotate by an outdoor fan motor 28a. This allows the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to function as a refrigerant radiator and a refrigerant evaporator.

[0048] The accumulator 24 is a sealed container connected between the four-way switching valve 22 and the suction side of the compressor 21 .

[0049] The outdoor expansion valve 25 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor refrigerant circuit 10d. The outdoor expansion valve 25 is an electric expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger .

[0050] The liquid-side shut-off valve 26 and the gas-side shut-off valve 27 are valves provided at the connection ports to external equipment and piping (specifically, the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 7). The liquid-side shut-off valve 26 is connected to the outdoor expansion valve 25. The gas-side shut-off valve 27 is connected to the four-way switching valve 22.

[0051] The outdoor unit 2 is also provided with various sensors. The outdoor unit 2 is provided with a suction pressure sensor 29 that detects the suction pressure Ps of the compressor 21, a discharge pressure sensor 30 that detects the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 21, a suction temperature sensor 31 that detects the suction temperature Ts of the compressor 21, and a discharge temperature sensor 32 that detects the discharge temperature Td of the compressor 21. The suction temperature sensor 31 is provided on the inlet side of the accumulator 24. An outdoor air temperature sensor (outdoor temperature detection unit) 34 that detects the outdoor air temperature (outdoor air temperature Ta) at the outdoor air intake port side of the outdoor unit 2 is provided. The outdoor unit 2 also has an outdoor-side control unit 35 that controls the operation of each component constituting the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor-side control unit 35 has a microcomputer, memory, and inverter circuit for controlling the compressor motor 21a, etc., that are provided to control the outdoor unit 2, and is capable of exchanging control signals and the like with an indoor-side control unit 48 of the indoor unit 4.

[0052] (2-3) Refrigerant connection pipe The refrigerant connection pipes 6, 7 are refrigerant pipes that are installed on-site when the air conditioner 1 is installed, and pipes with various lengths and diameters are used depending on the installation conditions of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4.

[0053] (2-4) Control unit The air conditioner 1 has a control unit 8 that is connected to the indoor side control unit 48 of the indoor unit 4 and the outdoor side control unit 35 of the outdoor unit 2 via transmission lines and communication lines in order to control the operation of the constituent equipment.

[0054] 3, the control unit 8 is connected to be able to send and receive control signals to and from the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the outdoor expansion valve 25, the outdoor fan 28, the indoor fan 44, and the remote control 49. The control unit 8 is also connected to be able to receive detection signals from the suction pressure sensor 29, the discharge pressure sensor 30, the suction temperature sensor 31, the discharge temperature sensor 32, the outdoor air temperature sensor 34, and the indoor temperature sensor 47, as necessary.

[0055] The control unit 8 controls the refrigerant circuit 10 by controlling the operation of the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the outdoor expansion valve 25, the outdoor fan 28, and the indoor fan 44, respectively.

[0056] The control unit 8 is typically a computer mainly comprising a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. The control and arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control and arithmetic device reads a control program stored in the storage device and performs operation control in accordance with this control program. The control and arithmetic device can write calculation results to the storage device and read information stored in the storage device in accordance with the control program.

[0057] The control unit 8 includes a communication unit 8a and a timer unit 8b (see FIG. 1).

[0058] The communication unit 8a receives a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption from the power company 200 via the management device 300, and issues control commands to the indoor control unit 48, etc.

[0059] The timer unit 8b includes a monitoring timer, a thermo-off timer, and a thermo-off delay timer (not shown). The monitoring timer measures the rise or fall time of the room temperature Tr detected by the room temperature sensor 47. The thermo-off timer measures the standby time during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed and waits for the timing to turn the thermo-off when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met. The thermo-off delay timer measures the sum of the time equivalent to the standby time when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met and a delay time tdr by which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed and turns the thermo-off later than when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met, when a power consumption adjustment request is being met. Note that the thermo-off timer may measure the standby time when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met, and may also measure the sum of the time equivalent to the standby time when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met and the delay time tdr when a power consumption adjustment request is being met.

[0060] As will be described later, the air conditioner 1 performs air conditioning operation so that the indoor temperature Tr in the indoor unit 4 becomes the indoor temperature setting temperature Trs set by the user in the indoor unit 4. The indoor temperature setting temperature Trs in the indoor unit 4 is set by the remote control 49.

[0061] (2-5) Remote Control The remote control 49 is provided indoors and mainly includes a remote control communication unit 49a, a remote control operation unit 49b, and a remote control display unit 49c. The remote control communication unit 49a transmits and receives control data and the like to and from the indoor side control unit 48. The remote control operation unit 49b accepts input of control commands and the like from the user. The remote control display unit 49c displays operation and the like. The remote control 49 accepts input of operation commands, control commands, and the like via the remote control operation unit 49b, and issues control commands and the like to the indoor side control unit 48 via the remote control communication unit 49a while displaying the operation status and control status on the remote control display unit 49c.

[0062] (3) Basic operation of air conditioners Next, the basic operation of the air conditioning operation (cooling operation and heating operation) of the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0063] (3-1) Cooling operation When a command for cooling operation is given from the remote control 49, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the cooling operation state (the state shown by the solid line of the four-way switching valve 22 in Figure 2), and the compressor 21, the outdoor fan 28, and the indoor fan 43 are started.

[0064] Then, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is sucked into the compressor 21 and compressed to become high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 via the four-way selector valve 22.

[0065] The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is cooled and condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 21, which functions as a refrigerant radiator, by heat exchange with outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 28. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25.

[0066] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25 is reduced in pressure to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle by the outdoor expansion valve 25, becoming a low-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state. The low-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state reduced in pressure by the outdoor expansion valve 25 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42 via the liquid-side shut-off valve 26 and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 6.

[0067] The low-pressure refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42 is heated and evaporated in the utilization heat exchanger 42, which functions as a refrigerant evaporator, through heat exchange with indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 43, and becomes low-pressure gas refrigerant. This low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent from the indoor unit 4 to the outdoor unit 2 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7.

[0068] The low-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the outdoor unit 2 is sent to the accumulator 24 via the gas-side shut-off valve 27 and the four-way switching valve 22. Then, the low-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the accumulator 24 is sucked into the compressor 21 again.

[0069] During cooling operation, the control unit 8 performs capacity control to control the capacity of the compressor 21 so that the evaporation temperature Te of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 approaches a predetermined target evaporation temperature Teds. The capacity control of the compressor 21 is performed by controlling the rotation speed (frequency) of the compressor motor 21a.

[0070] The predetermined target evaporation temperature Teds is determined by, for example, the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr detected by the room temperature sensor 47 and the set temperature Trs set by the user through the remote control operation section 49b of the remote controller 49.

[0071] The evaporation temperature Te of the refrigerant is obtained by converting the suction pressure detected by the suction pressure sensor 29 into the saturation temperature of the refrigerant. The evaporation temperature Te of the refrigerant means a temperature obtained by converting the pressure (evaporation pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10) representative of the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle that flows from the outlet of the outdoor expansion valve 25 through the utilization heat exchanger 42 to the suction side of the compressor 21 during cooling operation, or the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 42 that functions as a refrigerant evaporator. Therefore, if a temperature sensor is provided in the utilization heat exchanger 42, the temperature of the refrigerant detected by this temperature sensor may be used as the evaporation temperature Te of the refrigerant.

[0072] (3-2) Heating operation When a command for heating operation is given from the remote control 49, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the heating operation state (the state indicated by the dashed line of the four-way switching valve 22 in Figure 2), and the compressor 21, the outdoor fan 28, and the indoor fan 43 are started.

[0073] Then, the low-pressure gas refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is sucked into the compressor 21 and compressed to become high-pressure gas refrigerant. This high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent from the outdoor unit 2 to the indoor unit 4 via the four-way switching valve 22, the gas-side shut-off valve 27, and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 7.

[0074] The high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor unit 4 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42. In the indoor heat exchanger 42, which functions as a refrigerant radiator, the high-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42 is cooled and condensed by heat exchange with indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 43, and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25 via the liquid refrigerant communication pipe 6 and the liquid-side shut-off valve 26.

[0075] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25 is reduced in pressure by the outdoor expansion valve 25 to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle, becoming a low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant. This low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. In the outdoor heat exchanger 23, which functions as a refrigerant evaporator, the low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant exchanges heat with outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 28, and is heated to evaporate, becoming a low-pressure gas refrigerant. This low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the accumulator 24 via the four-way selector valve 22. The low-pressure gas refrigerant sent to the accumulator 24 is then sucked into the compressor 21 again.

[0076] During heating operation, the control unit 8 performs capacity control to control the capacity of the compressor 21 so that the condensation temperature Tc of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 approaches a predetermined target condensation temperature Tcs. The capacity control of the compressor 21 is performed by controlling the rotation speed (frequency) of the compressor motor.

[0077] The predetermined target condensing temperature is determined, for example, by the temperature difference between the room temperature Tr detected by the room temperature sensor 47 and the set temperature Trs set by the user through the operation unit 49b of the remote controller 49.

[0078] The refrigerant condensation temperature Tc is obtained by converting the discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor 30 into the saturation temperature of the refrigerant. The refrigerant condensation temperature Tc means a temperature obtained by converting the pressure (the condensation pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10) representative of the high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the discharge side of the compressor 21 through the utilization heat exchanger 42 and into the outdoor expansion valve 25 during heating operation into the saturation temperature of the refrigerant, or the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 42, which functions as a refrigerant radiator. Therefore, if a temperature sensor is provided in the utilization heat exchanger 42, the refrigerant temperature detected by this temperature sensor may be used as the refrigerant condensation temperature Tc.

[0079] (4) Thermo control The control unit 8 performs thermo control when the room temperature Tr in the indoor unit 4 reaches the room temperature setting temperature Trs in the indoor unit 4. In the thermo control, the thermo is turned on and off.

[0080] The control unit 8 performs thermo-off, which temporarily stops the compressor 21, when the first to fourth conditions related to the temperature of the space to be cooled or heated are satisfied.

[0081] Furthermore, when the fifth to eighth conditions related to temperature are satisfied, the control unit 8 switches from the thermo-off state to the thermo-on state, which restarts the compressor 21.

[0082] (4-1) When power consumption adjustment requests are not met (4-1-1) Cooling operation Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the change in indoor temperature Tr when thermo-off and thermo-on are controlled during cooling operation. The graph in Fig. 4 shows the change in indoor temperature Tr of the target space around the set temperature, with the horizontal axis as the time axis. Line A1 on the graph in Fig. 4 shows the indoor temperature Tr when a request for adjustment of power consumption is not being met, and line A2 on the graph in Fig. 4 shows the indoor temperature Tr when a request for adjustment of power consumption is being met.

[0083] During cooling operation, when a request for power consumption adjustment is not being accommodated, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the indoor temperature Tr and a first temperature determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user. The capacity of the air conditioner 1 refers to the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a, the rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 48a, the actuators, etc.

[0084] The control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 when a first condition is satisfied during cooling operation without responding to a request for power consumption adjustment. The first condition is met when, during cooling operation without responding to a request for power consumption adjustment, the room temperature Tr reaches a first temperature, and the difference between the first temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a first period of time. An example of a state in which the difference between the first temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within the predetermined range is when the current room temperature Tr is within a range of plus or minus 0.5°C of the first temperature.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first temperature is a thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped, and is set to a set temperature Trs. The first time is a time t1 during which the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed. In this embodiment, the minimum rotation speed of the compressor motor 28a includes a range of the minimum rotation speed of the compressor motor 28a + 10%.

[0086] The first condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met when, during cooling operation, a request for adjusting power consumption is not met and the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs or falls below the set temperature Trs for a period of time t1.

[0087] The fifth condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the room temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the fifth condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 2°C or more higher than the set temperature Trs during cooling operation when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met.

[0088] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C during cooling operation, and time t1 has passed with the room temperature Tr at 25°C, the first condition for thermo-off is met. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C during cooling operation and the room temperature Tr exceeds 27°C due to thermo-off, the fifth condition for thermo-on is met.

[0089] The set temperature Trs is a target indoor temperature (set temperature Trs) set by the remote control 49. The indoor temperature is a temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor 34 (indoor temperature Tr).

[0090] (4-1-2) Heating operation Fig. 5 is a diagram showing the change in the indoor temperature Tr when the thermostat is turned off and on during heating operation. The graph in Fig. 5 shows the change in the indoor temperature Tr of the target space around the set temperature, with the horizontal axis as the time axis. Line B1 on the graph in Fig. 5 shows the indoor temperature Tr when a request for adjustment of power consumption is not being met, and line B2 on the graph in Fig. 5 shows the indoor temperature Tr when a request for adjustment of power consumption is being met.

[0091] During heating operation, when a request for adjusting power consumption is not met, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the third temperature determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature Tr.

[0092] If a third condition is met during heating operation when a request for adjusting the power consumption is not being met, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21. The third condition is met when, during heating operation when a request for adjusting the power consumption is not being met, the room temperature Tr reaches a third temperature, and the difference between the third temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a third hour. An example of a state in which the difference between the third temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within the predetermined range is when the current room temperature Tr is within a range of plus or minus 0.5°C of the third temperature.

[0093] In this embodiment, the third temperature is a thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped, and is set to a set temperature Trs. The third time is a time t3 during which the compressor 21 is operated at the minimum rotation speed. The third condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met when, during heating operation, a request for adjusting power consumption is not met and the indoor temperature Tr reaches or exceeds the set temperature Trs and continues for a period of time t3.

[0094] The seventh condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the room temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the seventh condition is met when, during heating operation, the room temperature Tr is lower than the set temperature Trs by 2°C or more when a power consumption adjustment request is not being met.

[0095] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C during heating operation, and time t3 has passed with the room temperature Tr remaining at 22°C, the third condition for thermo-off is met. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C during heating operation and the room temperature Tr falls below 20°C due to thermo-off, the seventh condition for thermo-on is met.

[0096] (4-2) When responding to a request to adjust power consumption If the number of thermostat off times increases, the problem arises that the increase in power consumption due to the start and stop of the compressor 21 cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

[0097] Therefore, in the air conditioner 1, during air conditioning operation involving thermo-off and thermo-on as described above, when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 performs thermo-timing change control. Here, thermo-timing change control is control that changes the time for which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed and delays the timing for turning the thermo-off when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption.

[0098] (4-2-1) Cooling operation During cooling operation, when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the second temperature determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature Tr.

[0099] The control unit 8 stops the compressor 1 when a second condition is met during cooling operation while responding to a request for power consumption adjustment. The second condition is met when, during cooling operation while responding to a request for power consumption adjustment, the room temperature Tr reaches the second temperature, and the difference between the second temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a second time period that is longer than the first time period. An example of a state in which the difference between the second temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within the predetermined range is when the current room temperature Tr is within a range of plus or minus 0.5°C of the second temperature.

[0100] When the communication unit 8a receives a power consumption adjustment request during cooling operation, the target temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the adjustment request set temperature) Trsd when the power consumption adjustment request is met is higher than the set temperature Trs during normal operation (when the power consumption adjustment request is not met). In this embodiment, the second temperature is the thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 stops when the power consumption adjustment request is met, and is a temperature that is 1°C or more higher than the set temperature Trs. The second time is the time t2 during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed when the power consumption adjustment request is met.

[0101] While time t2 continues, the control unit 8 operates at the minimum capacity of the air conditioner 1. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the compressor motor 21a to operate at the minimum rotation speed.

[0102] During cooling operation, the second temperature at which compressor 21 is stopped when a request for adjustment of the power consumption amount is made is higher than the first temperature at which compressor 21 is stopped when the request for adjustment of the power consumption amount is not met.

[0103] Furthermore, during cooling operation, the time t2 during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed when a power consumption adjustment request is met is longer than the time t1 during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed when a power consumption adjustment request is not met. The time T2 is the sum of the time t1 and the delay time tdr (time t1+tdr).

[0104] The second condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met when, during cooling operation, a request for adjustment of power consumption is responded to and the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trs + 1°C) or falls below the adjustment request set temperature Trsd continues for time t2 (time t1 + tdr).

[0105] The sixth condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the room temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the sixth condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 2°C or more higher than the set temperature Trs during cooling operation in response to a power consumption adjustment request.

[0106] In this embodiment, during cooling operation, the sixth condition when a power consumption adjustment request is met is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the room temperature Tr is the same as the fifth condition when a power consumption adjustment request is not met.

[0107] For example, during cooling operation, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C when a power consumption adjustment request is made, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd will be 26°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 1°C." When the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is 26°C, if time t2 (time t1 + tdr) has passed while the room temperature Tr is at 26°C, the second condition for thermo-off is met. Also, during cooling operation, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C when a power consumption adjustment request is made, and the room temperature Tr exceeds 27°C due to thermo-off, the sixth condition for thermo-on is met.

[0108] The control unit 8 determines the time t2 (time t1+tdr) based on the fifth temperature set by the user and the outdoor temperature Ta, in accordance with a predetermined level related to the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta. Here, in this embodiment, the fifth temperature is the set temperature Trs.

[0109] The control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr when determining whether to start thermo-off during cooling operation in response to a request for adjusting the power consumption. In other words, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature (second temperature) at which the compressor 21 stops.

[0110] FIG. 6 shows an example (temperature table) of the delay time tdr when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption during cooling operation.

[0111] In FIG. 6, a high set temperature Trs set by the user is 28°C or higher, a medium set temperature Trs is 24°C or higher but lower than 28°C, and a low set temperature Trs is lower than 24°C.

[0112] In addition, when the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is small, it is defined as less than 1°C; when the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is medium, it is defined as 1°C or more but less than 3°C; and when the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is large, it is defined as 3°C or more.

[0113] For example, if the set temperature Trs is high and the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is small, the delay time tdr is set to 5 minutes.

[0114] When the set temperature Trs is high and the temperature difference Δt between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is medium, or when the set temperature Trs is medium and the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is small or medium, the delay time tdr shall be 10 minutes.

[0115] If the set temperature Trs is high or medium and the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is large, or if the set temperature Trs is low regardless of the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs, the delay time tdr shall be 15 minutes.

[0116] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 26°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 28.5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 2.5°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 10 minutes. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 23°C and the outdoor temperature is 28.5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 5.5°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 15 minutes. Thus, the controller 8 determines the time T2 so that the lower the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) set by the user during cooling operation, the longer the delay time tdr becomes, thereby lengthening the time t2 (time t1 + tdr).

[0117] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 28°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 28.5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 0.5°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 5 minutes. If the set temperature Trs is 28°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 32°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 4°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 15 minutes. In this way, the control unit 8 determines the time T2 during cooling operation so that the higher the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the delay time tdr becomes, thereby lengthening the time t2 (t1 + tdr).

[0118] The set temperature Tr, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Tr, and the delay time tdr are not limited to the values ​​shown in FIG.

[0119] (4-2-2) Heating operation During heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the fourth temperature, which is determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user, and the indoor Tr.

[0120] If a fourth condition is met during heating operation when a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption is being responded to, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21. The fourth condition is met when, during heating operation when a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption is being responded to, the room temperature Tr reaches the fourth temperature, and the difference between the fourth temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a fourth time period that is longer than the third time period. An example of a state in which the difference between the fourth temperature and the current room temperature Tr remains within the predetermined range is when the current room temperature Tr is within a range of plus or minus 0.5°C of the fourth temperature.

[0121] During heating operation, when the communication unit 8a receives a power consumption adjustment request, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd falls below the set temperature Trs. In this embodiment, the fourth temperature is the thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 stops when a power consumption adjustment request is responded to, and is a temperature that is 1°C or more lower than the set temperature Trs. The fourth time is time t4 during which the compressor 21 operates at the minimum rotation speed. The control unit 8 operates the air conditioner 1 at the minimum capacity while time t4 continues. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the compressor motor 21a to operate at the minimum rotation speed.

[0122] During heating operation, the fourth temperature, which is the temperature at which compressor 21 is stopped when a power consumption adjustment request is made, is lower than the third temperature, which is the temperature at which compressor 21 is stopped when a power consumption adjustment request is not made.

[0123] Furthermore, during heating operation, the time t4 during which the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed when a power consumption adjustment request is met is longer than the time t3 during which the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed when a power consumption adjustment request is not met. The time t4 is the sum of the time t3 and the delay time tdr, i.e., t3+tdr.

[0124] The fourth condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met when, during heating operation, a request for adjustment of power consumption is responded to and the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trs + 1°C) or exceeds the adjustment request set temperature Trsd for a period of time t4 (time t3 + tdr).

[0125] The eighth condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trsd and the room temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the eighth condition is met when, during heating operation, the room temperature Tr is lower than the set temperature Trs by 2°C or more when responding to a request for adjustment of power consumption.

[0126] In this embodiment, during heating operation, the eighth condition when a power consumption adjustment request is met is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the room temperature Tr is the same as the seventh condition when a power consumption adjustment request is not met.

[0127] For example, during heating operation, when a power consumption adjustment request is made, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd becomes 21°C, which is "set temperature Trsd - 1°C." When the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is 21°C, if time t4 (time t3 + tdr) has passed while the room temperature Tr is 21°C, the fourth condition for thermo-off is met. Also, during heating operation, when a power consumption adjustment request is made, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C and the room temperature Tr falls below 20°C due to thermo-off, the eighth condition for thermo-on is met.

[0128] The control unit 8 determines the time t4 (time t3+tdr) based on the fifth temperature set by the user and the outdoor temperature Ta, in accordance with a predetermined level related to the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta. Here, in this embodiment, the fifth temperature is the set temperature Trs.

[0129] During heating operation, when responding to a request for adjusting the power consumption, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr at the time of determining whether to start thermo-off. In other words, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr at the time when the room temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature (fourth temperature) at which the compressor 21 stops.

[0130] FIG. 7 shows an example (temperature table) of the delay time tdr when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption during heating operation.

[0131] In FIG. 7, a low set temperature Trs set by the user is below 20° C., a medium set temperature Trs is between 20° C. and 24° C., and a high set temperature Trs is above 24° C.

[0132] In addition, when the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is small, it is defined as less than 5°C; when the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is medium, it is defined as 5°C or more but less than 15°C; and when the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is large, it is defined as 15°C or more.

[0133] Furthermore, when the set temperature Trs is low and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is small, the delay time tdr is set to 5 minutes.

[0134] When the set temperature Trs is low and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is medium, or when the set temperature Trs is medium and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is small or medium, the delay time tdr shall be 10 minutes.

[0135] If the set temperature Trs is low or medium and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is large, or if the set temperature Trs is high regardless of the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta, the delay time tdr shall be 15 minutes.

[0136] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 9°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 13°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 10 minutes. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 24°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 9°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 15°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 15 minutes. In this way, the control unit 8 determines time t4 so that the higher the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) set by the user during heating operation, the longer the delay time tdr becomes, thereby lengthening time t4 (time t3 + tdr).

[0137] Furthermore, for example, if the set temperature Trs is 20°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 16°C, the difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 4°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 5 minutes. If the set temperature Trs is 20°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 15°C, so tdr is set to 15 minutes. In this way, the control unit 8 determines the time T4 so that the lower the outdoor temperature Ta is during heating operation, the longer the delay time tdr becomes, thereby lengthening time t4 (time t3 + tdr).

[0138] The set temperature Tr, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Tr and the outdoor temperature Ta, and the delay time tdr are not limited to the values ​​shown in FIG.

[0139] (5) Thermo timing change control (5-1) Cooling operation 8A and 8B are flowcharts of the thermo timing change control during cooling operation. In the thermo timing change control during cooling operation, the control unit 8 performs control to change the time during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed from time t1 to time t2 (time t1+tdr) when responding to a request to adjust the power consumption.

[0140] In step S1, the control unit 8 starts air conditioning operation based on an air conditioning operation command set by the user using the remote control 49. When air conditioning operation starts, the normal operation described in (3) above continues. In this embodiment, cooling operation starts when the set temperature Trs is 25°C, and the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0141] In step S2, the control unit 8 determines whether a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption has been received. If the communication unit 8a has not received a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If the communication unit 8a has received a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0142] In step S3, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, when the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-off temperature is 25°C. In step S3, it determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 25°C.

[0143] If it is determined in step S3 that the room temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-off temperature, the air conditioning operation continues (step S1). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0144] In step S4, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed for a time t1, and then proceeds to step S5. In this embodiment, the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed for a time t1 when the room temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature of 25°C.

[0145] In step S5, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21, and the process proceeds to step S6. In this embodiment, when the time t1 has elapsed, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off).

[0146] In step S6, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, when the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 2°C." In step S6, it determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature of 27°C.

[0147] If it is determined in step S6 that the room temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0148] In step S7, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo on). By performing step S7 of restarting the compressor 21, normal air conditioning operation is performed. In this embodiment, when the room temperature Tr reaches 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 2°C," the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0149] If the control unit 8 has received a request to adjust the amount of power consumption (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S8.

[0150] In step S8, it is determined whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, when a power consumption adjustment request is received during cooling operation, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is 26°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 1°C." When the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-off temperature is 26°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 1°C." In step S8, it is determined whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 26°C.

[0151] In step S9, the delay time tdr is determined from the temperature table. In this embodiment, the set temperature Trs is 25°C, which is medium in the temperature table shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, if the outdoor temperature Ta is 32°C, the difference between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 7°C, so the delay time tdr is 15 minutes.

[0152] In step S10, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed for time t2 (time t1 + tdr), and then proceeds to step S11. In this embodiment, when the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is 26°C and the room temperature Tr reaches 26°C, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is controlled to be the minimum, and the compressor motor 21a operates for time t2 (time t1 + 15 minutes).

[0153] In step S11, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21, and the process proceeds to step S12. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 (thermo-off) when the compressor motor 21 operates at the minimum rotation speed for time t2 (time t1+15 minutes).

[0154] In step S12, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, when the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 2°C." In step S12, it is determined whether the room temperature has reached the thermo-on temperature of 27°C.

[0155] If it is determined in step S12 that the room temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0156] In step S13, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo on). By performing step S13 of restarting the compressor 21, normal air conditioning operation is performed. In this embodiment, when the room temperature Tr reaches 27°C, which is the "set temperature Trs + 2°C", the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0157] (5-2) Heating operation 9A and 9B show flowcharts of the thermo timing change control during heating operation. In the thermo timing change control during heating operation, the control unit 8 performs control to change the time during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed from time t3 to time t4 (time t3+tdr) when responding to a request to adjust the power consumption.

[0158] Step S2 of determining whether or not there is a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, steps S5 and S11 of stopping the operation of the compressor 21, and steps S7 and S13 of restarting the compressor 21 are the same as the processing during cooling operation shown in Figures 8A and 8B for air conditioning operation, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0159] In step S21, the control unit 8 starts the air conditioning operation based on the air conditioning operation command set by the user using the remote control 49. In this embodiment, the heating operation starts when the set temperature Trs is 22°C, and the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0160] In step S22, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, when the set temperature Trs is 22° C., the thermo-off temperature is set to 22° C. In step S22, it determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 22° C. If it is determined in step S22 that the room temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-off temperature, the air conditioning operation continues (step S21). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0161] In step S23, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed for a time t3, and then proceeds to step S5. In this embodiment, when the room temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature of 22°C, the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed for a time t3.

[0162] In step S24, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, when the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 20°C, which is "set temperature Trs - 2°C." In step S24, it determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature of 20°C.

[0163] If it is determined in step S24 that the room temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0164] If the control unit 8 has received a request to adjust the amount of power consumption (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0165] In step S25, it is determined whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, when a power consumption adjustment request is received during heating operation, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is 21°C, which is "set temperature Trs-1°C." When the set temperature Trs is 21°C, the thermo-off temperature is 21°C, which is "set temperature Trs-1°C." In step S25, it is determined whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 21°C.

[0166] In step S26, the delay time tdr is determined from the temperature table. In this embodiment, the set temperature Trs is 22°C, which is medium in the temperature table shown in Figure 7. Furthermore, if the outdoor temperature Ta is 16°C, the difference between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 6°C, so the delay time tdr is 10 minutes.

[0167] In step S27, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed for time t4 (time t3 + tdr), and then proceeds to step S11. In this embodiment, when the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is 21°C and the room temperature Tr reaches 21°C, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is controlled to be the minimum, and the compressor motor 21a operates for time t4 (time t3 + 15 minutes).

[0168] In step S28, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, when the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 20°C, which is "set temperature Trs-2°C." In step S28, it determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature of 20°C.

[0169] If it is determined in step S28 that the room temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state continues. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process proceeds to step S13.

[0170] (6) Compressor operation (6-1) When power consumption adjustment requests are not met FIG. 10 shows an example of the operation of the compressor 21 during cooling operation when a request for adjustment of the power consumption amount is not met.

[0171] During cooling operation, the set temperature Trs set by the user is 26°C. As the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is gradually increased, changing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 from minimum capacity (MIN) to intermediate capacity, and then from intermediate capacity to rated capacity, the indoor temperature Tr drops from 25°C to 23°C. When the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is minimum capacity (MIN).

[0172] Next, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is gradually reduced, changing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 from rated capacity to intermediate capacity, and then from intermediate capacity to minimum capacity, causing the indoor temperature Tr to rise from 23° C. to 25° C. The control unit 8 controls the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a to the minimum rotation speed to operate the compressor 21, and when the indoor temperature Tr remains at 24° C., stops the compressor 21 (thermo off).

[0173] When the compressor 21 is stopped, the room temperature Tr gradually rises to 26°C.

[0174] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo on), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is set to the rated capacity, and the indoor temperature Tr gradually decreases, dropping from 26°C to 25°C and then to 24°C. Thereafter, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21 is gradually reduced, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is changed from the rated capacity to an intermediate capacity, and then from the intermediate capacity to a minimum capacity. When the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed and the indoor temperature Tr remains at 23 to 24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo off).

[0175] When the operation of the compressor 21 is stopped, the room temperature Tr rises to 25°C.

[0176] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo on), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is changed from minimum capacity to intermediate capacity, and then from intermediate capacity to rated capacity, so that the room temperature Tr becomes 24°C. Thereafter, when the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed, the room temperature Tr becomes 25°C.

[0177] In the example shown in Figure 10, when the set temperature Trs is 26°C, the thermostat is turned on when the room temperature Tr is 25°C. Also, when the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed and the room temperature Tr remains below 24°C, the thermostat is turned off.

[0178] (6-2) When responding to a request to adjust power consumption FIG. 11 shows an example of the operation of the compressor 21 in response to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during cooling operation.

[0179] During cooling operation, the set temperature Trs set by the user is 26°C. When the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is changed from minimum capacity (MIN) to intermediate capacity, the room temperature Tr drops from 25°C to 23°C.

[0180] Next, when the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is controlled to the minimum rotation speed and the compressor 21 is operated, the room temperature Tr rises from 23° C. to 25° C. If the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed and the room temperature Tr remains at 24° C., the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off). When the operation of the compressor 21 is stopped, the indoor temperature rises from 24°C to 25°C and then to 26°C.

[0181] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo on), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21 is increased, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is set to intermediate capacity. While the air conditioner 1 is operating at intermediate capacity, the communication unit 8a receives a shift instruction to raise the set temperature Trs by 1°C as a power consumption adjustment request. In other words, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd becomes 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 1°C."

[0182] When the indoor temperature Tr drops from 26°C to 25°C, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is set to the minimum rotation speed, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is changed from intermediate capacity to minimum capacity. While the air conditioner 1 is operating at minimum capacity, the indoor temperature Tr drops from 25°C to 24°C. If the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed and the indoor temperature Tr remains at 24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off).

[0183] When the operation of the compressor 21 is stopped, the room temperature Tr rises to 26°C.

[0184] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo on), the compressor motor 21 is controlled to the minimum rotation speed, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is set to the minimum. As a result, the room temperature Tr reaches 26°C, and drops from 26°C to 25°C and then to 24°C. The compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed, and if the room temperature Tr remains at 24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo off). When the room temperature Tr reaches 26°C, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo on), and the same operation is then repeated.

[0185] In the example shown in FIG. 11, when a power consumption adjustment request is received during cooling operation, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd becomes "set temperature Trs 26°C + 1°C." When the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is "26°C + 1°C," the indoor temperature Tr is set to 25°C and the thermo-on state is activated, just as it is when a power consumption adjustment request is not being accommodated (normal cooling operation). In addition, the compressor 21 is operated at the minimum rotation speed, and if the indoor temperature Tr remains below 25°C for a certain period of time, the thermo-off state is activated.

[0186] In this way, when responding to a power consumption adjustment request, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1, which changes depending on the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a, is changed from rated capacity and intermediate capacity to minimum capacity, and the time at rated capacity and intermediate capacity is shortened, thereby achieving the effect of power reduction due to the power consumption adjustment request. For example, if the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioning capacity is intermediate capacity is 50% of the rated power consumption, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 will also be 50%, and the time it takes for the indoor temperature Tr to reach the set temperature of 26°C will be longer if there is a temperature shift due to the power consumption adjustment request.

[0187] (7) Features (7-1) The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment has a refrigeration cycle formed by connecting an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 and an indoor unit 4. The air conditioner 1 includes a control unit 8, an indoor temperature sensor 47, and a communication unit 8a. The indoor temperature sensor 47 detects the indoor temperature Tr. The communication unit 8a receives a request for adjusting power consumption. During cooling operation, when a request for adjusting power consumption is not being accommodated, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the indoor temperature Tr and a first temperature (set temperature Trs) determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user. When a first condition is met, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21. The first condition is that the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs, and the difference between the set temperature Trs and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of time t1. During cooling operation, when responding to a power consumption adjustment request, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the room temperature Tr and a second temperature (adjustment request set temperature Trsd) determined based on the target room temperature set by the user, and stops the compressor 21 when a second condition is met. The second condition is that the room temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd, and the difference between the adjustment request set temperature Trsd and the current room temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of time t2 (time t1+tdr) beyond time t1. The adjustment request set temperature Trsd when responding to a power consumption adjustment request is higher than the set temperature Trs.

[0188] For example, when an air conditioner is operating in cooling mode or when the power supply is tight, power consumption can be reduced by raising the set temperature Trsd, which is the target temperature when a power consumption adjustment request is being responded to, above the set temperature Trs during normal operation (when a power consumption adjustment request is not being responded to). However, while raising the adjustment request set temperature Trsd during a power consumption adjustment request above the normal set temperature Trs reduces power consumption, the room temperature Tr will reach the adjustment request set temperature Trsd during a power consumption adjustment request before reaching the normal set temperature Trs, causing the air conditioner to stop operating (thermo-off).

[0189] Furthermore, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, if the temperature at the thermo-on point (thermo-on temperature) at which the air conditioner resumes operation also increases due to the effect of a set temperature shift that raises the set temperature, the deterioration of the indoor environment (temperature) may accelerate, causing users to feel uncomfortable and increasing the risk of heatstroke and other problems.

[0190] Therefore, if the thermo-on temperature during a power consumption adjustment request is returned to the normal thermo-on temperature (temperature shift release) to reduce user discomfort and the risk of heatstroke, the difference between the thermo-on temperature and the room temperature will increase, and the air conditioner will meet the thermo-on condition in a short time. As a result, the difference between the thermo-off temperature and the thermo-on temperature will decrease, and the frequency of thermo-off and thermo-on cycles (number of thermo-on / off cycles) will increase more than usual. Because a large amount of power is consumed when the compressor 21 is started, increasing the frequency of thermo-off and thermo-on cycles may result in increased power consumption.

[0191] FIG. 19 shows the change in indoor temperature Tr during cooling operation in a conventional air conditioner when the thermostat is off and on. Line C1 on the graph in FIG. 19 represents the indoor temperature Tr when a request for power consumption adjustment is not being met, and line C2 on the graph in FIG. 19 represents the indoor temperature Tr when a request for power consumption adjustment is being met. As shown in FIG. 19, during cooling operation, the time during which the compressor motor operates at the minimum rotation speed when a request for power consumption adjustment is not being met is time t, and the time during which the compressor motor operates at the minimum rotation speed when a request for power consumption adjustment is being met is time t. Thus, in the past, the time during which the compressor motor operates at the minimum rotation speed after the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature is the same whether a request for power consumption adjustment is not being met or a request for power consumption adjustment is being met.

[0192] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during cooling operation, the time t2 during which the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed is set to be a delay time tdr longer than the time t1 during which the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotation speed when not responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption.

[0193] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during cooling operation, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is minimized after the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd, and the time that the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed is extended, thereby delaying the timing of stopping the compressor 21, thereby reducing the frequency of on / off switching and achieving both comfort and suppressing the increase in power consumption due to thermostat on / off switching.

[0194] (7-2) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 during heating operation based on the difference between the room temperature Tr and a third temperature (set temperature Trs) determined based on a target room temperature set by the user when a power consumption adjustment request is not being fulfilled. The control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 when a third condition is met. The third condition is that the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs, and the difference between the set temperature Trs and the current room temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of time t3. The control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 during heating operation based on the difference between the room temperature Tr and a fourth temperature (adjustment request set temperature Trsd), determined based on a target room temperature set by the user when a power consumption adjustment request is being fulfilled. The control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 when a fourth condition is met. The fourth condition is that the room temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd, and the difference between the adjustment request set temperature Trsd and the current room temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of time t4 (time t3 + tdr) longer than time t3. The adjustment request set temperature Trsd when the power consumption adjustment request is met is lower than the set temperature Trs when the power consumption adjustment request is not met.

[0195] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption during heating operation, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is minimized after the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trs, and the time that the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed is extended, thereby delaying the timing of stopping the compressor 21, thereby reducing the frequency of starting and stopping and achieving both reduced power consumption and comfort.

[0196] (7-3) The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment operates at its minimum capacity while time t2 or time t4 continues.

[0197] In this air conditioner 1, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is minimized during the duration of time t2 or time t4, and the air conditioner 1 is operated at its minimum capacity, thereby maintaining user comfort.

[0198] (7-4) The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment further includes an outdoor temperature sensor 34 that detects the outdoor temperature Ta. The control unit 8 determines the time t2 so that the higher the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t2.

[0199] In this air conditioner 1, during cooling operation, the second minimum capacity duration T2 can be optimally determined according to the outdoor environment at the start of a request to adjust the amount of power consumption.

[0200] (7-5) The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment further includes an outdoor temperature sensor 34 that detects the outdoor temperature Ta. The control unit 8 determines the time t4 so that the lower the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t4.

[0201] In this air conditioner 1, during heating operation, time t4 can be optimally determined according to the outdoor environment at the start of the power consumption adjustment request.

[0202] (7-6) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the target indoor temperature set by the user is set as the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs). During cooling operation, when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 determines the time t2 so that the lower the set temperature Trs, the longer the time t2.

[0203] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request for adjustment of power consumption during cooling operation, time t2 can be set optimally in accordance with the indoor environment.

[0204] (7-7) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the target indoor temperature set by the user is set as the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs). The control unit 8 determines the time t4 so that the higher the set temperature Trs, the longer the time t4.

[0205] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request for adjustment of power consumption during heating operation, time t4 can be set optimally in accordance with the indoor environment.

[0206] (7-8) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 8 determines time t2 or time t4 based on the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta, in accordance with a predetermined level related to the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) and the outdoor temperature Ta.

[0207] With this air conditioner 1, it is not necessary to perform calculations each time to find time t2 or time t4, and the calculation load can be reduced.

[0208] (8) Variations (8-1) Variation 1A In this embodiment, the case where the air conditioner 1 performs cooling operation or heating operation has been described, but the air conditioner may also be a dedicated cooling air conditioner.

[0209] (8-2) Variation 1B The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment has been described as being communicably connected to an external management device 300, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0210] FIG. 12 shows an operation control system 100a equipped with an air conditioner 1a of modification 1B.

[0211] As shown in Fig. 12, the air conditioner 1a has a management device 300a. In Modification 1B, the management device 300a of the air conditioner 1a is also connected so as to be able to communicate with the electric power company 200. The air conditioner 1a receives a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption from the electric power company 200 via the management device 300a.

[0212] (8-3) Variation 1C In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the compressor 21 is restarted when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the thermo-on temperature during cooling operation and a request for power consumption adjustment is not met. However, the compressor 21 may also be restarted when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the thermo-on temperature and remains at that temperature for a predetermined period of time.

[0213] (8-4) Variation 1D In the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the thermo-on temperature during cooling operation when a power consumption adjustment request is not met is the same as the thermo-on temperature during cooling operation when a power consumption adjustment request is met, but this is not limited to this. During cooling operation, the thermo-on temperature during cooling operation when a power consumption adjustment request is met may be higher than the thermo-on temperature during cooling operation when a power consumption adjustment request is not met.

[0214] Furthermore, in the air conditioner 1 according to the present embodiment, the case has been described in which the thermo-on temperature during heating operation when a power consumption adjustment request is not met is the same as the thermo-on temperature during heating operation when a power consumption adjustment request is met, but this is not limited to this. During heating operation, the thermo-on temperature during heating operation when a power consumption adjustment request is met may be lower than the thermo-on temperature during heating operation when a power consumption adjustment request is not met.

[0215] (8-5) Variation 1E During cooling operation, when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 may determine the time t2 so that the lower the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) set by the user and the higher the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t2 for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed.

[0216] Furthermore, during heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 may determine the time t4 so that the higher the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) set by the user and the lower the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t4 for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed.

[0217] In Modification 1E, the time t2 can be calculated more appropriately when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during cooling operation. Also, in Modification 1E, the time t4 can be calculated more appropriately when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during heating operation.

[0218] Second Embodiment This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the delay time tdr is learned during thermo control. In the second embodiment, only the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and other descriptions will be omitted unless necessary.

[0219] (1) Thermo control In this embodiment, the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 determines the time t2 (time t1 + tdr) or time t4 (time t3 + tdr) for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed based on the indoor temperature Tr, which changes depending on the heat load on the building in which the air conditioner 1 is installed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 measures data related to the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr after the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off) during cooling or heating operation when a request for power consumption adjustment is not being met, and determines the time t2 (time t1 + tdr) or time t4 (time t3 + tdr) based on the data related to the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr. The control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 may have a data storage unit (not shown), and may store data related to the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr after the compressor 21 is stopped during cooling or heating operation when a request for power consumption adjustment is not being met in the data storage unit as a database. The control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 determines time t2 (time t1 + tdr) or time t4 (time t3 + tdr) based on data relating to the rise time or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr stored in the data storage unit. The rise time or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr includes only the rise time, only the fall time, or both the rise time and the fall time.

[0220] (1-1) Cooling operation (1-1-1) Study table A case where the delay time tdr is learned during cooling operation will be described. An example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature Ta and the room temperature Tr is shown in Fig. 13, and an example of the room temperature rise table (learning table) is shown in Fig. 14.

[0221] First, when the thermostat is turned off during normal operation (cooling operation) (◆ in FIG. 13), the room temperature rise table to be recorded is determined from the outdoor temperature (outdoor temperature) Ta and the room temperature Tr at the time of thermostat off. The control unit 8 also sets the current room temperature Tr as the room temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the indoor reference temperature Trb) that serves as the reference when learning the delay time tdr.

[0222] In this embodiment, during normal operation, when the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs, the thermostat is turned off.

[0223] Every time the room temperature Tr rises by 0.5°C (● in Figure 13), the elapsed time is recorded in the room temperature rise table. The elapsed time is recorded in the room temperature rise table until the learning end conditions are met. The learning end conditions are when Thermo-On occurs, when the outdoor temperature Ta deviates by 1°C or more while measuring the elapsed time, or when the next rise in the room temperature Tr does not occur until 30 minutes have passed.

[0224] For example, as shown in Fig. 13, if thermo-off occurs during cooling operation when the set temperature Trs is 26°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 34.5°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C, it is determined that the outdoor temperature Ta is recorded in the column for 34.5°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C in the room temperature rise table shown in Fig. 14. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 26.0°C.

[0225] Let t11 ​​be the time that elapses until the room temperature Tr rises from 26.0°C to 26.5°C. Let t12 be the time that elapses until the room temperature Tr rises from 26.5°C to 27.0°C. Let t13 be the time that elapses until the room temperature Tr rises from 27.0°C to 27.5°C. Let t14 be the time that elapses until the room temperature Tr rises from 27.5°C to 28.0°C. Let t15 be the time that elapses until the room temperature Tr rises from 28.0°C to 28.5°C. Let t16 be the time that elapses until the room temperature Tr rises from 28.5°C to 29.0°C. If the learning success condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 29.0°C, recording of the elapsed time in the room temperature rise table will stop. Therefore, the elapsed times t11, t12, t13, t14, t15, and t16 are recorded in the column for outdoor temperature Ta of 34.5°C and indoor temperature Tr of 26.0°C in the indoor temperature rise table shown in FIG.

[0226] Also, as shown in Figure 13, if thermo-off occurs during cooling operation when the set temperature Trs is 26.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 33.5°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.5°C, it is determined that the outdoor temperature Ta is recorded in the column for 33.5°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.5°C in the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 26.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 26.5°C.

[0227] The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr rises from 26.5°C to 27.0°C is defined as t21. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr rises from 27.0°C to 27.5°C is defined as t22. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr rises from 27.5°C to 28.0°C is defined as t23. If the learning success condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 28.0°C, recording of the elapsed time in the room temperature rise table is terminated. Therefore, the elapsed times t21, t22, and t23 are recorded in the column of the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14 where the outdoor temperature Ta is 33.5°C and the room temperature Tr is 26.5°C.

[0228] Also, as shown in Figure 13, if thermo-off occurs during cooling operation when the set temperature Trs is 27.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 33.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 27.5°C, it is determined that the outdoor temperature Ta is recorded in the column for 33.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 27.5°C in the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 27.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 27.5°C.

[0229] The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr rises from 27.5°C to 28.0°C is defined as t31. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr rises from 28.0°C to 28.5°C is defined as t32. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr rises from 28.5°C to 29.0°C is defined as t33. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr rises from 29.0°C to 29.5°C is defined as t34. If the learning success condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 29.5°C, recording of the elapsed time in the room temperature rise table is terminated. Therefore, the elapsed times t31, t32, t33, and t34 are recorded in the column of the room temperature rise table shown in FIG. 14 where the outdoor temperature Ta is 33.0°C and the room temperature Tr is 27.5°C.

[0230] During cooling operation, the delay time tdr is determined by referring to the room temperature rise table based on the indoor temperature Tr and outdoor temperature Ta when the thermo-off condition is met in response to a power consumption adjustment request, and by referring to the time corresponding to the shift amount from the set temperature Trs to the set temperature Trsd in response to a power consumption adjustment request. In this embodiment, the thermo-off condition is met when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trs + 1°C) in response to a power consumption adjustment request.

[0231] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 26.0°C, the indoor temperature at the time of thermo-off is 26.0°C, the outdoor temperature is 34.5°C, and the set temperature shift amount due to the power consumption adjustment request is 1.5°C, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd, which is the target temperature when the power consumption adjustment request is met, will be 27.5°C (set temperature Trs 26.5°C + 1.5°C). Therefore, the total time elapsed until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 26.0°C to 27.5°C, t11 + t12 + t13, is determined as the delay time tdr.

[0232] During cooling operation, if the room temperature rise table does not contain data on the elapsed time corresponding to the indoor temperature Tr and outdoor temperature Ta when the thermo-off condition is met in response to a power consumption adjustment request, new data on the elapsed time may be obtained, or, as described in the first embodiment, a fixed value such as that shown in Figure 6 may be used as the delay time tdr.

[0233] If elapsed time data already exists in the room temperature rise table, the newly acquired elapsed time data and the elapsed time data previously recorded in the room temperature rise table are used to calculate an average value, and the previously recorded data in the room temperature rise table is updated as the average of the old and new values.

[0234] (1-1-2) Processing An example of a flowchart for learning the delay time tdr during cooling operation is shown in Figures 15A and 15B. During cooling operation, the control unit 8 controls the air conditioner 1 at the control cycle shown in Figures 15A and 15B.

[0235] First, the process of learning the delay time tdr during normal operation (cooling operation) will be described. In step S101, during normal operation (cooling operation), the control unit 8 determines whether or not a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption has been received. If the communication unit 8a has not received a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption (Yes in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0236] In step S102, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a thermostat-off state has occurred. In this embodiment, it is determined that a thermostat-off state has occurred when the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs and time t1 has elapsed. If a thermostat-off state has occurred (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0237] In step S103, the control unit 8 stores the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. Then, the process proceeds to step S104. In this embodiment, the outdoor temperature sensor 34 detects the current outdoor temperature Ta, and the control unit 8 stores the outdoor temperature Ta. In addition, the indoor temperature sensor 47 detects the current indoor temperature Tr, and the control unit 8 stores the indoor temperature Tr. In this embodiment, it is assumed that the current outdoor temperature Ta is 34.5°C, and the current indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C.

[0238] In step S104, the control unit 8 sets the current room temperature Tr to the room reference temperature Trb. In this embodiment, if the current room temperature Tr is 26.0°C, the room reference temperature Trb is set to 26.0°C.

[0239] In step S105, the control unit 8 starts the monitoring timer of the timer unit 8b, and then the process proceeds to step S106.

[0240] In step S106, the control unit 8 determines whether the monitoring timer is counting. In this embodiment, the monitoring timer measures the elapsed time until the room temperature Tr rises by 0.5°C. The rise in the room temperature Tr is not limited to 0.5°C.

[0241] If the monitoring timer is counting (Yes in step S106), the process proceeds to step S107.

[0242] In step S107, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the monitoring timer can continue counting. If the monitoring timer can continue counting, the delay time tdr can be learned.

[0243] In step S107, the conditions under which the monitoring timer can continue counting are that the thermo-on signal has not occurred, that the outdoor temperature Ta has not deviated by 1°C or more while measuring the elapsed time, or that the count value of the monitoring timer is within a predetermined time. For example, the count value of the monitoring timer being within the predetermined time means that the next room temperature rise will occur before 30 minutes have passed.

[0244] If the monitoring timer can continue counting (Yes in step S107), the process proceeds to step S108.

[0245] In step S108, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has risen by 0.5°C from the room reference temperature Trb. If the room temperature Tr has risen by 0.5°C from the room reference temperature Trb (Yes in step S108), the process proceeds to step S109. In this embodiment, if the room temperature Tr has risen by 0.5°C from the room reference temperature Trb of 26.0°C, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0246] In step S109, the control unit 8 records the difference from the previous timer value of the monitoring timer in the learning table. In step S109, the learning table refers to, for example, the room temperature rise table shown in FIG. 14. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, the elapsed time t11, which is the difference from the previous timer value of the monitoring timer, is recorded in the field of the learning table where the outdoor temperature Ta is 34.5°C and the room temperature Tr is 26.0°C. Then, the process proceeds to step S110.

[0247] In step S110, the indoor reference temperature Trb is incremented by 0.5° C., and one control cycle ends. In this embodiment, 0.5° C. is added to the indoor reference temperature Trb of 26.0° C. set in step S104.

[0248] If the monitoring timer cannot continue counting (No in step S107), the process proceeds to step S111.

[0249] In step S111, the control unit 8 stops counting by the monitoring timer, and one control cycle ends.

[0250] In this way, if the communication unit 8a does not receive a request to adjust the amount of power consumption during cooling operation (step S101), the control unit 8 acquires operating data of the air conditioner 1 for each control cycle from step S101 to step S110 during cooling operation, and records the difference from the previous timer value of the monitoring timer in the learning table (step S109).

[0251] Next, a process for determining the delay time tdr when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during cooling operation will be described.

[0252] If the communication unit 8a has received a request to adjust the amount of power consumption (No in step S101), the process proceeds to step S112.

[0253] In step S112, the control unit 8 determines whether the thermo-off condition is met or not, or whether the thermo-off state is in progress. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 determines that the thermo-off condition is met when the room temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trd+1°C). Also, in this embodiment, the control unit 8 determines that the thermo-off condition is not met while the thermo-off state is in progress.

[0254] If the thermo-off condition is not met (No in step S112), one control cycle ends.

[0255] If the thermo-off condition is met (Yes in step S112), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0256] In step S113, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the delay time tdr has been determined.

[0257] If the delay time tdr has not been determined (No in step S113), the process proceeds to step S117. For example, the delay time tdr has not been determined in the first control cycle since the start of cooling operation. Therefore, in the first control cycle, it is determined in step S113 that the delay time tdr has not been determined, and the process proceeds to step S117.

[0258] In step S117, the control unit 8 refers to a learning table (room temperature rise table) for determining the delay time tdr based on the current outdoor temperature Ta and room temperature Tr. In step S117, the control unit 8 refers to the learning table created in the process of learning the delay time tdr in steps S101 to S110. Then, the process proceeds to step S118.

[0259] In step S118, the control unit 8 determines whether the learning table contains data on the elapsed time of room temperature rise at the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. If the learning table contains data (Yes in step S118), the process proceeds to step S119.

[0260] In step S119, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr from the learning table, and then proceeds to step S121.

[0261] If there is no data in the learning table (No in step S118), the process proceeds to step S120. In step S121, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr from the temperature table. In step S120, the temperature table refers to, for example, a table of delay times tdr when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption during cooling operation, as shown in Fig. 6. Then, the process proceeds to step S121. Note that if there is no data in the learning table, the delay time tdr may be determined after acquiring the data, and the process proceeds to step S121 (not shown).

[0262] In step S121, the delay time tdr determined in step S119 or step S120 is set in the thermo-off delay timer (thermo-off delay timer set start). In step S121, the thermo-off delay timer is maintained in a state in which the delay time tdr determined in step S119 or step S120 is set as the delay time tdr, and starts counting, thereby completing one control cycle. Therefore, in the next air conditioning control cycle, the thermo-off delay timer will be in a counting state.

[0263] If the delay time tdr has already been determined (Yes in step S113), the process proceeds to step S114. For example, in the second control cycle after starting cooling operation, the delay time tdr has already been determined in the first control cycle (steps S119 and S120), and the delay time tdr has been set in the thermo-off delay timer (step S121). At this time, the delay time tdr has already been determined (Yes in step S113), so the process proceeds to step S114.

[0264] In step S114, the control unit 8 determines whether the thermo-off delay timer has counted down the total time of the delay time tdr and the waiting time when the power consumption adjustment request is not met (thermo-off delay timer tdr count over).

[0265] If the total time of the time corresponding to the standby time when a power consumption adjustment request is not being accommodated and the delay time tdr has not elapsed (No in step S114), one control cycle ends. If the total time of the time corresponding to the standby time when the power consumption adjustment request is not met and the delay time tdr has elapsed (Yes in step S114), the process proceeds to step S115.

[0266] In step S115, the control unit 8 resets the delay time tdr set in the thermo-off delay timer (thermo-off delay timer tdr reset). In other words, in step S115, the value of the delay time tdr set in the thermo-off delay timer, which was determined in the first control cycle, is canceled. Then, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0267] In step S116, the thermostat is turned off, and one control cycle ends.

[0268] In the next control cycle, the thermostat is turned off, so in step S112 it is determined that the thermostat-off condition is not met while the thermostat is off (No in step S112), and one control cycle ends.

[0269] In the subsequent control cycle, if the thermostat-off state ends and the thermostat-off condition is met (Yes in step S112), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0270] Because the delay time tdr set in the thermo-off delay timer was canceled in step S115 the previous time the thermostat was turned off, the predetermined delay time tdr determined in step S119 or step S120 is used only once in step S114. In other words, if the thermostat is turned off in step S116 in a certain control cycle in response to a power consumption adjustment request, a new delay time tdr is determined the next time the thermostat is turned off. As a result, each time the thermostat-off condition is met in a different control cycle, an appropriate delay time tdr is determined based on the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr, and the timing to turn the thermostat off can be delayed.

[0271] (1-2) During heating operation (1-2-1) Study table A case where the delay time tdr is learned during heating operation will be described. An example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature Ta and the room temperature Tr is shown in Fig. 16, and an example of the room temperature decrease table (learning table) is shown in Fig. 17.

[0272] First, when the thermostat is turned off during normal operation (heating operation) (◆ in FIG. 16), the room temperature drop table to be recorded is determined based on the outdoor temperature (outdoor temperature) Ta and the room temperature Tr at the time of thermostat off. The control unit 8 also sets the current room temperature Tr to the room reference temperature Trb.

[0273] In this embodiment, when the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs during normal operation (heating operation), the thermo-off occurs.

[0274] Every time the room temperature Tr drops by 0.5°C (● shown in Figure 16), the elapsed time is recorded in the drop table. The elapsed time is recorded in the room temperature drop table until the learning end condition is met. The learning end conditions are when Thermo-On occurs, when the outdoor temperature Ta deviates by 1°C or more while measuring the elapsed time, or when the next drop in the room temperature Tr does not occur until 30 minutes have passed.

[0275] For example, as shown in Fig. 16, if thermo-off occurs during heating operation when the set temperature Tr is 23.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 12.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 23.5°C, it is determined that the outdoor temperature Ta is recorded in the column for 12.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 23.5°C in the room temperature drop table shown in Fig. 17. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 23.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 23.5°C.

[0276] The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 23.5°C to 23.0°C is defined as t41. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 23.0°C to 22.5°C is defined as t42. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 22.5°C to 22.0°C is defined as t43. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 22.0°C to 21.5°C is defined as t44. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 21.5°C to 21.0°C is defined as t45. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 21.0°C to 20.5°C is defined as t46. If the learning success condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 20.5°C, recording of the elapsed time in the room temperature decline table is terminated. Therefore, the elapsed times t41, t42, t43, t44, t45, and t46 are recorded in the column for outdoor temperature Ta of 12.0°C and room temperature Tr of 23.5°C in the room temperature decrease table shown in FIG.

[0277] Also, as shown in Figure 16, if thermo-off occurs during heating operation when the set temperature Trs is 22.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 11.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.5°C, it is determined that the outdoor temperature Ta is recorded in the column for 11.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.5°C in the room temperature drop table shown in Figure 17. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 22.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 22.5°C.

[0278] The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 22.5°C to 22.0°C is defined as t51. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 22.0°C to 21.5°C is defined as t52. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 21.5°C to 21.0°C is defined as t53. If the learning success condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 21.0°C, recording of the elapsed time in the room temperature drop table is terminated. Therefore, the elapsed times t51, t52, and t53 are recorded in the column of the room temperature drop table shown in Figure 17 where the outdoor temperature Ta is 11.0°C and the room temperature Tr is 22.5°C.

[0279] Also, as shown in Figure 16, if thermo-off occurs during heating operation when the set temperature Trs is 22.0°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 9.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C, it is determined that the outdoor temperature Ta is recorded in the column for 9.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C in the room temperature drop table shown in Figure 17. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 22.0°C.

[0280] The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 22.0°C to 21.5°C is designated as t61. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 21.5°C to 21.0°C is designated as t62. The time elapsed until the room temperature Tr drops from 21.0°C to 20.5°C is designated as t63. If the learning success condition is met when the room temperature Tr is 20.5°C, recording of the elapsed time in the room temperature drop table is terminated. Therefore, the elapsed times t61, t62, and t63 are recorded in the column of the room temperature drop table shown in Figure 17 where the outdoor temperature Ta is 9.0°C and the room temperature Tr is 22.0°C.

[0281] During heating operation, the room temperature drop table is referenced based on the indoor and outdoor temperatures when the thermo-off condition is met during a power consumption adjustment request, and the delay time tdr is determined by referencing the time equivalent to the shift from the set temperature Trs to the set temperature Trsd when the power consumption adjustment request is met.

[0282] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 22.0°C, the indoor temperature at the time of thermo-off is 22.0°C, the outdoor temperature is 9.0°C, and the set temperature shift amount due to the power consumption adjustment request is 1.5°C, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd, which is the target temperature when the power consumption adjustment request is met, will be 20.5°C (set temperature Trs 22.0°C - 1.5°C). Therefore, the value t61 + t62 + t63, which is the total time elapsed until the indoor temperature Tr drops from 22.0°C to 20.5°C, is set as the delay time tdr.

[0283] During heating operation, if the room temperature drop table does not contain data on the elapsed time corresponding to the indoor temperature Tr and outdoor temperature Ta when the thermo-off condition is met in response to a request for adjusting the power consumption, new data on the elapsed time may be obtained, or, as described in the first embodiment, a fixed value such as that shown in FIG. 7 may be used as the delay time tdr.

[0284] If elapsed time data already exists in the room temperature drop table, the newly acquired elapsed time data and the elapsed time data previously recorded in the room temperature drop table are used to calculate an average value, which is updated as the average of the old and new values.

[0285] (1-2-2) Processing An example of a flowchart for learning the delay time tdr during heating operation is shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

[0286] The steps from step S101 for determining whether a power consumption adjustment request has been made to step S106 for determining whether the monitoring timer is counting, step S111 for stopping the counting of the monitoring timer, step S112 for determining whether the thermo-off condition has been met, step S113 for determining whether the delay time tdr has been determined, step S114 for determining whether the total time equivalent to the waiting time when a power consumption adjustment request has not been made and the delay time tdr has elapsed, to step S116 for turning the thermo-off, and step S121 for setting the delay time tdr in the thermo-off delay timer are the same as the processing during cooling operation shown in Figures 15A and 15B, and therefore will not be described in detail.

[0287] First, the process of learning the delay time tdr during normal operation (heating operation) will be described. In this embodiment, during heating operation, it is assumed that the current outdoor temperature Ta is 9.0°C and the current indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C. When the current indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 22.0°C.

[0288] In step S131, the control unit 8 determines whether the monitoring timer can continue counting. The conditions for the monitoring timer to continue counting are that the thermo-on has not occurred, the outdoor temperature Ta has not deviated by 1°C or more while measuring the elapsed time, or the count value is within a predetermined time. The count value being within the predetermined time means that the next drop in room temperature will occur before 30 minutes have passed. If the monitoring timer can continue counting (Yes in step S131), the process proceeds to step S132.

[0289] In step S132, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has dropped by 0.5°C from the room reference temperature Trb. If the room temperature Tr has dropped by 0.5°C (Yes in step S132), the process proceeds to step S133. In this embodiment, if the room temperature Tr has dropped by 0.5°C from the room reference temperature Trb of 22.0°C, the process proceeds to step S133.

[0290] In step S133, the control unit 8 records the difference from the previous timer value in the learning table. In step S133, the learning table refers to, for example, the room temperature decrease table shown in FIG. 17. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, the elapsed time t61, which is the difference from the previous timer value of the monitoring timer, is recorded in the field of the learning table where the outdoor temperature Ta is 9.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C. Then, the process proceeds to step S134.

[0291] In step S134, the control unit 8 subtracts 0.5°C from the indoor reference temperature Trb, and one control cycle ends. In this embodiment, 0.5°C is subtracted from the indoor reference temperature Trb of 22.0°C.

[0292] Next, a process for determining the delay time tdr when responding to a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption during heating operation will be described.

[0293] In step S135, the control unit 8 refers to a learning table (room temperature drop table) for determining the delay time tdr based on the current outdoor temperature Ta and room temperature Tr. In step S135, the control unit 8 refers to the learning table created in the process of learning the delay time tdr in steps S101 to S106 and steps S131 to S134. Then, the process proceeds to step S136.

[0294] In step S136, the control unit 8 determines whether the learning table (room temperature decrease table) contains data on the elapsed time of room temperature decrease at the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. If the learning table contains data (Yes in step S136), the process proceeds to step S137.

[0295] In step S137, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr from the learning table, and then proceeds to step S121.

[0296] If there is no data in the learning table (No in step S136), the process proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr from the temperature table. In step S138, the temperature table refers to, for example, the table of delay times tdr when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption during heating operation, as shown in FIG. 7. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S121. Note that if there is no data in the learning table, the delay time tdr may be determined after acquiring the data, and the process proceeds to step S121 (not shown).

[0297] In this embodiment, the control unit 8 determines the time t2 or t4 for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotation speed based on the indoor temperature Tr, which changes depending on the heat load on the building in which the air conditioner 1 is installed, so it is possible to set the time t2 or t4 taking into account the characteristics of the building and outdoor influences. Furthermore, by determining the time t2 or t4 using data related to the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr during normal operation, it is possible to determine the time t2 or t4 that is appropriate for the usage environment of the air conditioner.

[0298] (2) Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0299] 1, 1a Air conditioner 2 outdoor units 4 Indoor unit 8 Control Unit 8a Communications Department 8b Timer section 21 Compressor 21a Compressor motor [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0300] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-217598

Claims

1. An air conditioner (1, 1a) having a refrigeration cycle configured by connecting an outdoor unit (2) including a compressor (21) and an indoor unit (4), A control unit (8); an indoor temperature detection unit (47) for detecting an indoor temperature; a communication unit (8a) that receives a request for adjusting the amount of power consumption; Equipped with The control unit, during cooling operation, When the power consumption adjustment request is not met, controlling the capacity of the air conditioner based on a difference between a first temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by a user and the indoor temperature; When a first condition is satisfied that the indoor temperature reaches the first temperature and the difference between the first temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a first time (T1), the compressor is stopped; When responding to the request to adjust the amount of power consumption, controlling the capacity of the air conditioner based on a difference between a second temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by a user and the indoor temperature; When a second condition is satisfied that the indoor temperature reaches the second temperature and a difference between the second temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a second time period (T2) that is longer than the first time period, the compressor is stopped. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. Air conditioner.

2. The control unit, during heating operation, When the power consumption adjustment request is not met, controlling the capacity of the air conditioner based on a difference between a third temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by a user and the indoor temperature; When the indoor temperature reaches the third temperature and a state in which a difference between the third temperature and the current indoor temperature is within a predetermined range continues for a third time (T3), the compressor is stopped. When responding to the request to adjust the amount of power consumption, controlling the capacity of the air conditioner based on a difference between a fourth temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by a user and the indoor temperature; When a fourth condition is satisfied that the indoor temperature reaches the fourth temperature and a difference between the fourth temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a fourth time (T4) that is longer than the third time, the compressor is stopped; the fourth temperature is lower than the third temperature; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The air conditioner is operated at a minimum capacity while the second time period or the fourth time period continues.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The target indoor temperature set by the user is the fifth temperature, the control unit determines the second time period such that the lower the fifth temperature is, the longer the second time period is. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. The target indoor temperature set by the user is the fifth temperature, the control unit determines the fourth time period such that the higher the fifth temperature is, the longer the fourth time period becomes. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

6. an outdoor temperature detection unit that detects the outdoor temperature; Furthermore, The control unit determines the second time period such that the higher the outdoor temperature is, the longer the second time period is. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

7. an outdoor temperature detection unit (34) for detecting the outdoor temperature; Furthermore, The control unit determines the fourth time period such that the lower the outdoor temperature is, the longer the fourth time period is. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

8. The target indoor temperature set by the user is the fifth temperature, The control unit determines the second time period such that the lower the fifth temperature is and the higher the outdoor temperature is, the longer the second time period is. The air conditioner according to claim 6.

9. The target indoor temperature set by the user is the fifth temperature, The control unit determines the fourth time period such that the higher the fifth temperature is and the lower the outdoor temperature is, the longer the fourth time period is. The air conditioner according to claim 7.

10. the control unit determines the second time period or the fourth time period based on the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature in accordance with predetermined levels related to the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 8 or 9.

11. the control unit determines the second time period or the fourth time period based on an indoor temperature that changes depending on a heat load on a building in which the air conditioner is installed.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the control unit measures data regarding a rise time or a fall time of the indoor temperature after the compressor is stopped during the cooling operation or the heating operation when the request for adjustment of the power consumption is not met, and determines the second time period or the fourth time period based on the data. The air conditioner according to claim 11.

13. the control unit has a data storage unit, the control unit accumulates the data in the data accumulation unit, and determines the second time or the fourth time based on the data accumulated in the data accumulation unit. The air conditioner according to claim 12.

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