Air conditioning control system, air conditioning control device, and air conditioning control method

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning control system etc. which achieves energy saving while performing air conditioning properly.SOLUTION: An air conditioning control system X1 includes a controller 100 which controls a plurality of air conditioners. The air conditioners individually have refrigerant systems. In a case where an air conditioner in which a compressor conducts intermittent operation exists among the air conditioners, the controller 100, when an indoor unit of an air conditioner having another refrigerant system in which a compressor does not conduct intermittent operation exists in an air-conditioned area in which the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed, performs intermittent operation inhibitory control in which the compressor conducting the intermittent operation is brought into a stop state with operation of the indoor unit continued.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning control system and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] Known techniques for controlling the number of air conditioners are described, for example, in Patent Documents 1 and 2. Patent Document 1 describes that "as the indoor air-conditioning load increases, the number of outdoor units operated by the outdoor unit operation control section (41) is increased."

[0003] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes an air conditioning control system that includes "an acquisition unit that acquires parameters related to the operation of a compressor, and a determination unit that determines the number of air conditioners to operate from among the plurality of air conditioners based on the parameters of each of the plurality of air conditioners acquired by the acquisition unit." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-24465 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-89489 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] As described above, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 adjust the number of operating air conditioners based on parameters related to the indoor air conditioning load and compressor operation, but there is room for further energy savings.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning control system or the like that performs air conditioning appropriately while achieving energy conservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the air conditioning control system of the present disclosure includes a controller that controls multiple air conditioners, each of which has its own refrigerant system, and when there is an air conditioner among the multiple air conditioners whose compressor is operating intermittently, and when there is an indoor unit of an air conditioner with a different refrigerant system whose compressor is not operating intermittently in the air-conditioned area in which the indoor unit of that air conditioner is installed, the controller executes intermittent operation suppression control that continues operation of the indoor unit while stopping the compressor that is operating intermittently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioning control system and the like that achieves energy savings while performing air conditioning appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram including an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between a controller and each air conditioner in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the layout of an air-conditioning target area in the air-conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a connection management table of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a layout management table of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a detection method registration table of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a return condition registration table of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a method selection table of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9]4 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by a controller provided in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 3 is an explanatory diagram of time-series data showing the operation / stop of a compressor in the air-conditioning control system according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 4 is an example of data showing the transition of power consumption of an outdoor unit in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a suppression control management table of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 10 is data of a comparative example showing the transition of power when one of two air conditioners is in intermittent operation and intermittent operation suppression control is not performed. [Figure 14] 10 is data showing changes in power consumption when intermittent operation suppression control is performed in the case where one of two air conditioners is in intermittent operation in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram including an air conditioning control system X1 according to an embodiment. The air conditioning control system X1 is a system that controls multiple air conditioners. Although shown simply in FIG. 1, the multiple air conditioners that are the control targets of the controller 100 each include an outdoor unit and one or more indoor units connected to the outdoor unit via refrigerant piping (see FIG. 2). In other words, each of the multiple air conditioners has its own refrigerant system. Such air conditioners may be configured as so-called multi-air conditioners (VRF: Variable Refrigerant Flow), or may be configured as commercial air conditioners or other types of air conditioners. Furthermore, multiple types of air conditioners may be mixed. Targets that are air-conditioned by multiple air conditioners include, for example, offices, stores, commercial facilities, factories, plants, and storage facilities.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning control system X1 is configured to include a controller 100 (air conditioning control device) and a service server 200. The controller 100 has the function of managing information about multiple air conditioners and the function of controlling multiple air conditioners. Although not shown in the figure, the hardware configuration of the controller 100 is configured to include electronic circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and various interfaces. Programs stored in the ROM are read and expanded in the RAM, and the CPU executes various processes.

[0012] The service server 200 is a server that provides predetermined information to the controller 100, and is connected to the controller 100 via a wide area network N1.

[0013] Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, the intermittent operation of the compressor is suppressed by the control of the controller 100. This is because starting the compressor from a stopped state requires a large amount of power, and if the compressor is started and stopped repeatedly at a high frequency, more power is consumed than if the compressor were to operate continuously.

[0014] For example, suppose some of the multiple air conditioners that are conditioning a specific area are operating intermittently. In this case, stopping the intermittently operating air conditioners increases the air conditioning load of the remaining air conditioners, resulting in a corresponding increase in power consumption. However, the total power consumption of all air conditioners, including the ones that have been stopped, decreases. As a result, the operating efficiency of the entire system is improved.

[0015] In some cases, a single air conditioner may be used to provide air conditioning for a specific area. If the compressor of this air conditioner is operating intermittently, stopping the compressor would go against the user's intention to provide air conditioning (cooling or heating) for the area. In such cases, it is not desirable to stop the compressor that is operating intermittently.

[0016] Therefore, in this embodiment, if an indoor unit of an air conditioner with a different refrigerant system that is not operating intermittently exists in the air-conditioned area of ​​an air conditioner whose compressor is operating intermittently, the operation of this indoor unit is continued while the compressor operating intermittently is stopped. By having controller 100 perform this "intermittent operation suppression control," it is possible to increase operating efficiency while continuing air conditioning in the air-conditioned area.

[0017] The controller 100 shown in Fig. 1 is equipped with a direct communication IF unit 11 and a general-purpose communication IF unit 12 as components for communicating with air conditioners. Note that the "IF" included in each of the above terms is an abbreviation for "Interface." The direct communication IF unit 11 and the general-purpose communication IF unit 12 are communication interfaces for acquiring operating status information of the air conditioners to which they are connected and transmitting control signals to the air conditioners.

[0018] The direct communication IF unit 11 communicates in a predetermined manner with air conditioners whose manufacturer is the same as the manufacturer of the controller 100 (referred to as in-house manufactured air conditioners). The general-purpose communication IF unit 12 communicates in a predetermined manner with air conditioners whose manufacturer is different from the manufacturer of the controller (referred to as other manufacturer's air conditioners) via a repeater 30. Note that in Figure 1 etc., the outdoor units and indoor units of other manufacturer's air conditioners are shown with dots.

[0019] In addition to the components described above, the controller 100 also includes a connection management unit 13, a layout management unit 14, a detection method storage unit 15, an efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16, an operation status information acquisition unit 17, an intermittent operation detection unit 18, an air conditioner shutdown determination unit 19, an operation resumption determination unit 20, a measuring instrument IF unit 21, and a total power acquisition allocation unit 22.

[0020] The connection management unit 13 manages the connection information of each air conditioner. Note that "connection information" is information for identifying the communication interface used to obtain operating status information and transmit control signals. Such connection information is appropriately set by the system administrator during initial setup.

[0021] The layout management unit 14 manages predetermined layout information. The "layout information" is information that indicates the correspondence between the air-conditioned areas and the indoor units of each air conditioner. Such layout information is appropriately set by the system administrator during initial setup.

[0022] Data on a plurality of detection methods for detecting an outdoor unit in which the compressor is operating intermittently is stored in the detection method storage unit 15. The detection method storage unit 15 also stores data on the conditions for restoring operation after the compressor that has been operating intermittently is stopped.

[0023] The efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 selects a predetermined detection method and recovery condition to be actually applied from the plurality of detection methods and recovery conditions stored in the detection method storage unit 15 based on the operating efficiency and the like. The operating state information acquisition unit 17 acquires information indicating the operating state of the compressor and the like from each air conditioner via a communication interface managed by the connection management unit 13.

[0024] The intermittent operation detection unit 18 identifies an air conditioner whose compressor is performing intermittent operation based on the information acquired by the operation state information acquisition unit 17. When an air conditioner whose compressor is operating intermittently is identified, the air conditioner-to-be-stopped determination unit 19 determines whether or not to stop the compressor of that air conditioner.

[0025] The operation resumption determination unit 20 determines whether a predetermined resumption condition is satisfied after the compressor that has been intermittently operating is stopped. If the resumption condition is satisfied, the operation resumption determination unit 20 outputs a control command to resume the operation of the compressor via a communication interface managed by the connection management unit 13.

[0026] The measuring instrument IF unit 21 acquires momentarily detected values ​​from the measuring instrument 40. The measuring instrument 40 is, for example, a wattmeter for detecting the power consumption of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner made by another manufacturer (such as the dotted air conditioner B1 in FIG. 1), and is installed in a distribution panel (not shown). Note that an ammeter may also be used as the measuring instrument 40. Furthermore, in the case of air conditioners made by other manufacturers, if the controller 100 can acquire the detected values ​​of the power consumption and current of the outdoor unit, there is no particular need to provide a separate measuring instrument 40.

[0027] Incidentally, wired communication via a communication cable may be performed between the controller 100 and each air conditioner, repeater 30, and measuring instrument 50, or wireless communication may be performed using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like.

[0028] The total power acquisition allocation unit 22 calculates the total power consumption as the sum (time average value) of the power consumption of multiple air conditioners, and allocates (distributes) this total power consumption for each air-conditioned area. For example, the total power acquisition allocation unit 22 acquires the power consumption of each air conditioner in real time, and calculates the sum of the power consumption as the total power consumption. The total power acquisition allocation unit 22 then allocates this total power consumption based on the operating time (or thermo-on time) of the indoor units in a specified air-conditioned area, and calculates the power consumption for each air-conditioned area.

[0029] Note that some or all of the functions of the controller 100 may be performed by the service server 200. When the controller 100 has all of the functions as shown in Fig. 1, there is no particular need to provide a separate service server 200.

[0030] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the connection relationship between the controller 100 and each air conditioner. 2 shows the direct communication IF unit 11 and the general-purpose communication IF unit 12, and does not show the remaining functional units of the controller 100. In addition, in FIG. 2, refrigerant piping is indicated by a thick solid line, and communication lines are indicated by a dashed line.

[0031] In the example of Figure 2, eight air conditioners 1 to 8 are installed as air conditioners manufactured by the same manufacturer as the controller 100. In addition, two air conditioners B1 and C1 are installed as air conditioners manufactured by another company. Each of these ten air conditioners 1 to 8, B1, and C1 has its own individual refrigerant system.

[0032] For example, the air conditioner 1 is configured such that one outdoor unit o11 and three indoor units i11, i12, and i13 are connected in a predetermined manner via refrigerant piping. The outdoor unit o1 is installed outdoors. The indoor units i11, i12, and i13 are installed in a predetermined area to be air-conditioned. The outdoor unit o1 and the indoor units i11, i12, and i13 are connected to the direct communication IF unit 11 of the controller 100 via communication lines.

[0033] The air conditioner 1 also includes a compressor 1a, an outdoor heat exchanger (not shown), an expansion valve (not shown), and an indoor heat exchanger (not shown), which are connected in sequence in a ring via refrigerant piping and a four-way valve (not shown). The compressor, outdoor heat exchanger, and four-way valve are installed in the outdoor unit o1 together with an outdoor fan (not shown). The expansion valve and indoor heat exchanger are installed in each of the indoor units i11, i12, and i13 together with an indoor fan (not shown). The other air conditioners 2-8, B1, and C1 also have similar configurations. For example, the other air conditioners 2-8, B1, and C1 also have compressors 1a-8a, B1a, and C1a in the outdoor units o1-o8, oB1, and oC1, respectively.

[0034] For the air conditioners 1-8 manufactured by the same company, the controller 100 can acquire detailed data related to the operation of the compressors in real time. Therefore, for the air conditioners 1-8 manufactured by the same company, the presence or absence of intermittent operation is determined based on, for example, predetermined time-series data indicating the operation / stop of the compressor. Note that the presence or absence of intermittent operation may also be determined based on the current value and power consumption of the compressor in addition to the operating frequency of the compressor.

[0035] On the other hand, for air conditioners B1 and C1 made by other manufacturers, adapters compatible with general-purpose communication protocols such as Bacnet (registered trademark) and ECHONET (registered trademark) are used as appropriate. In the example of Fig. 2, outdoor unit oB1 is connected to general-purpose communication IF unit 12 via Bacnet adapter 31 (corresponding to repeater 30 in Fig. 1). Another outdoor unit oC1 is connected to general-purpose communication IF unit 12 via contact input device 32 (corresponding to repeater 30 in Fig. 1). For air conditioners B1 and C1 made by other manufacturers, it is often not possible to obtain time-series data indicating the operation / stop of the compressor, so controller 100 determines whether the compressor is on or off based on the detection value of measuring instrument 40 (see Fig. 1).

[0036] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the layout of the air-conditioned area. Note that air conditioners 1-8, B1, and C1 shown in FIG. 3 correspond to those shown in FIG. 2. In the example of FIG. 3, in addition to banks and restaurants as tenants, there is also a rental event space and a shared hall and corridor. In such a building, air conditioners 1-8, B1, and C1 and a controller 100 are installed. Furthermore, a measuring instrument 40 is installed in a distribution panel (not shown) in the machine room. As described above, the measuring instrument 40 detects the power values ​​of the outdoor units oB1 and oC1 of the air conditioners B1 and C1 made by other manufacturers. The momentary detected values ​​of the measuring instrument 40 are output to the controller 100.

[0037] In the example of Figure 3, the common hall and corridors are air-conditioned by air conditioner 1. The bank, which has a meeting room, counters, and offices, is air-conditioned by four air conditioners 2 to 5. The restaurant, which has a kitchen and seating, is air-conditioned by three air conditioners 6 to 8. The event hall is air-conditioned by two air conditioners B1 and C1 made by another company.

[0038] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the connection management table 51. As shown in FIG. The connection management table 51 shown in Fig. 4 is a data table for managing the connection information of each air conditioner. Such a connection management table 51 is set by a system administrator during initial setup, and is then managed by the connection management unit 13 (see Fig. 1).

[0039] As shown in FIG. 4, the connection management table 51 associates "air conditioner IDs," "outdoor units," "indoor units," "information source IF ports," and "control IF ports." "Air conditioner IDs" are identification information assigned to each air conditioner. The "outdoor unit" field registers identification information for the outdoor unit of the air conditioner identified by the air conditioner ID. The "indoor unit" field registers identification information for the indoor unit of the air conditioner identified by the air conditioner ID. Such identification information is set as what is known as a node address. For simplicity's sake, in the example of FIG. 4, the symbols for the outdoor units and indoor units (for example, "o1" is the symbol for outdoor unit o1) are shown as identification information.

[0040] The "information source IF port" column shown in Figure 4 is set with the interface port used by the controller 100 when acquiring air conditioner operating status information. For example, for an air conditioner 1 manufactured by the same company, operating status information for the air conditioner 1 is acquired directly via the communication IF unit 11 (see Figure 1). For an air conditioner B1 manufactured by another company, the detected value of the measuring instrument 40 (see Figure 1) is acquired via the wattmeter port of the controller 100. For another air conditioner C1 manufactured by another company, the detected value of the measuring instrument 40 (see Figure 1) is acquired via the ammeter port of the controller 100.

[0041] The "Control IF Port" column shown in Figure 4 is set with the interface port used when sending control signals from the controller 100 to each air conditioner. For example, in an air conditioner 1 made by the same company, control signals are sent to the outdoor unit o1 and indoor units i11, i12, and i13 via the direct communication IF section 11 (see Figure 1) of the controller 100. In addition, in an air conditioner B1 made by another company, control signals are sent to the outdoor unit oB1 and indoor unit iB1 via the Bacnet adapter interface of the controller 100. In addition, in another air conditioner C1 made by another company, control signals are sent to the outdoor unit oC1 and indoor unit iC1 via the contact interface of the controller 100.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the layout management table 52. As shown in FIG. The layout management table 52 shown in FIG. 5 corresponds to the layout in FIG. The layout management table 52 is a data table that shows the correspondence between the air-conditioned areas ("areas" and "zones" in FIG. 3) and the indoor units of each air conditioner. This layout management table 52 is set by a system administrator during initial setup, and is then managed by the layout management unit 14 (see FIG. 1).

[0043] In the layout management table 52, "areas," "zones," and "indoor units" are associated with each other. An "area" is a specific space included in a facility where an air conditioner is installed. In the example of FIG. 5, a common area, an event hall area, a bank area, and a restaurant area are set as "areas" of a commercial facility.

[0044] A "zone" is a space when an "area" is divided into multiple sections. In the example of Figure 5, the "zones" included in the bank area are a business meeting zone, a teller zone, and an office zone. Also, the "zones" included in the restaurant area are a customer seating zone and a kitchen zone.

[0045] The "indoor unit" column in the layout management table 52 sets the identification information of the indoor units to be placed in a specified area. For example, indoor units i11, i12, and i13 are placed in the common area (see also FIG. 3). Furthermore, indoor units iB1 and iC1 are placed in the event hall area (see also FIG. 3). In this way, the indoor units placed in a specified area or zone are registered as a group. This allows the controller 100 (see FIG. 3) to know which indoor unit is air-conditioning a specified area. Note that in the example of FIG. 5, the indoor units are grouped into two levels, "area" and "zone," but the number of levels when grouping can be changed as appropriate.

[0046] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the detection method registration table 53. As shown in FIG. The detection method registration table 53 shown in Fig. 6 is a data table indicating detection methods for detecting an outdoor unit in which a compressor is performing intermittent operation, and is stored in the detection method storage unit 15 (see Fig. 1). In the example of Fig. 6, three detection methods, method α, method β, and method γ, are registered. Furthermore, the detection method registration table 53 associates "method" with "detection algorithm." The "method" is a name (or identification information) given to a detection method for intermittent operation of a compressor. The "detection algorithm" is an algorithm for detecting intermittent operation of a compressor using a predetermined detection method.

[0047] When a compressor is operating intermittently, it often alternates between starting and stopping in a relatively short period of time. Therefore, methods α, β, and γ determine whether or not the compressor is operating intermittently based on the frequency of starting and stopping.

[0048] In method α, if the compressor is repeatedly started and stopped a predetermined number of times (e.g., twice or more) within a certain period of time (e.g., 30 minutes), it is determined that the compressor is operating intermittently. In method β, if the time from the start to the stop of the compressor operation is shorter than a predetermined time (for example, less than 20 minutes), it is determined that the compressor is operating intermittently. In method γ, if the duration of operation of the compressor is longer than the duration of the stopped state, it is determined that the compressor is operating intermittently.

[0049] In this embodiment, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 (see FIG. 1) selects a predetermined detection method for each air conditioner from the three detection methods (methods α, β, and γ) shown in the detection method registration table 53. The method for selecting the detection method will be described later.

[0050] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the return condition registration table 54. As shown in FIG. The restoration condition registration table 54 shown in Fig. 7 is a data table showing restoration conditions for restarting operation of the compressor after the intermittent operation of the compressor has been stopped. In the example of Fig. 7, four restoration conditions, namely, condition K, condition L, condition M, and condition N, are registered.

[0051] Condition K is that if a remote control (not shown) is operated to increase the air conditioning in an area where an air conditioner that has stopped intermittent operation includes a compressor, the compressor that has been stopped is returned to operation. Here, "increasing the air conditioning" means lowering the set temperature using the remote control during cooling operation, or raising the set temperature using the remote control during heating operation.

[0052] Condition L is such that, after stopping the compressor in intermittent operation, if the temperature of the air-conditioning target area of the air conditioner including this compressor changes by a predetermined value or more, the compressor that was once stopped is restored to operation. For example, when the air conditioner is performing cooling operation in a predetermined air-conditioning target area, after stopping the intermittent operation of the air conditioner, if the temperature of this air-conditioning target area becomes higher than a predetermined value from the time when the intermittent operation was stopped, the controller 100 restarts the compressor that was once stopped. Also, for example, when the air conditioner is performing heating operation in a predetermined air-conditioning target area, after stopping the intermittent operation of the air conditioner, if the temperature of this air-conditioning target area becomes lower than a predetermined value from the time when the intermittent operation was stopped, the controller 100 restarts the compressor that was once stopped.

[0053] Condition M is such that, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the time when the compressor in intermittent operation was stopped, the compressor that was once stopped is restored to operation.

[0054] Condition N is such that, when the total power P0 (time-averaged value) during intermittent operation of the compressor is smaller than the total power P1 (time-averaged value) after stopping this compressor (P0 < P1), the compressor that was once stopped is restored to operation. Note that, as the above-described total powers P0 and P1, the power consumption allocated to the air-conditioning target area of the air conditioner in which intermittent operation is being performed may be used, or the total value of the power consumption of all air conditioners may be used. In the present embodiment, among the four conditions K, L, M, and N shown in the return condition registration table 54, a predetermined condition selected by the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 (see FIG. 1) is used.

[0055] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the method selection table 55. The method selection table 55 shown in FIG. 8 is a data table showing, for each air conditioner, a combination of the detection method (see FIG. 6) of the intermittent operation of the compressor and the return condition (see FIG. 7) when restoring the compressor from the stopped state to operation. As shown in FIG. 8, in the method selection table 55, "air conditioner ID", "detection method", and "return condition" are associated with each other.

[0056] "Air conditioner ID" is identification information assigned to each air conditioner. The "detection method" is a method (method) for detecting whether the compressor is operating intermittently. In this embodiment, one "detection method" is selected for each air conditioner from the three methods α, β, and γ in the detection method registration table 53 (see FIG. 6). The "restart condition" is a condition for restarting an intermittently operating compressor after the compressor has been stopped. In this embodiment, one or more of the four conditions K, L, M, and N in the restart condition registration table 54 (see FIG. 7) are selected. When multiple conditions are selected, they are combined as appropriate using AND or OR conditions.

[0057] For example, for air conditioner 1, intermittent operation of the compressor is automatically detected based on method α. Specifically, if the compressor is turned on and off twice or more times within 20 minutes, controller 100 determines that the compressor is operating intermittently. Then, if a predetermined time has passed since the intermittent operation of the compressor was stopped (condition M), and if a predetermined operation to increase the air conditioning is performed using the remote control (condition K), controller 100 will return the stopped compressor to operation. Explanation will be omitted for the remaining air conditioners 2 to 10, but the method of detecting intermittent operation and the subsequent conditions for resumption are set individually for each.

[0058] The optimal method for detecting intermittent compressor operation and the optimal conditions for subsequent recovery often differ depending on the air conditioner, and the optimal detection method and recovery conditions are often unknown at the time of initial setup. In such cases, it is recommended that the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 (see Figure 1) sequentially tries different detection methods and recovery conditions to identify the optimal combination.

[0059] For example, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 (see FIG. 1) applies method α to all air conditioners as an initial setting. To give a specific example, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 sets the unit so that if the compressor is repeatedly turned on and off twice or more times in 30 minutes, it is determined to be intermittent operation. If the intermittent operation of the compressor is detected based on this method α and operation efficiency is improved by performing intermittent operation suppression control, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 adopts this method α as the detection method. The efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 then appropriately optimizes the time threshold and the threshold for the number of starts and stops used in method α based on the state of intermittent operation.

[0060] The operating efficiency may be calculated based on the power consumption (time average value) of the entire system calculated by the total power acquisition allocation unit 22. The operating efficiency may also be calculated based on the power consumption (time average value) allocated to the air-conditioned areas of air conditioners that are operating intermittently.

[0061] If intermittent operation of a specified air conditioner is detected using method α and the operating efficiency is not improved even when intermittent operation suppression control is performed, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 switches the intermittent operation detection method for that air conditioner to method β. Method α is the simplest detection method, but intermittent operation suppression control is initiated after the compressor has been repeatedly turned on and off a predetermined number of times. In contrast, method β determines whether or not intermittent operation is occurring based on the operating time when the compressor switches from a stopped state to an operating state, so it can detect intermittent operation in a shorter time than method α. If the operating efficiency is improved by detecting intermittent operation of the compressor based on method β and performing intermittent operation suppression control, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 adopts method β as the detection method.

[0062] Furthermore, if intermittent operation of a specific air conditioner is detected using method β and the operating efficiency is not improved even when intermittent operation suppression control is performed, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 switches the intermittent operation detection method for that air conditioner to method γ. For example, if intermittent operation suppression control is performed in the case of intermittent operation in which the compressor operates for a long period of time and is stopped for only a short time, the air conditioning load of other operating air conditioners may become too large. In such cases, the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16 detects the presence or absence of intermittent operation based on method γ.

[0063] In this way, the controller 100 detects intermittent operation using a predetermined detection method among multiple detection methods (e.g., methods α, β, γ) used to detect intermittent operation of the compressor, and then tries another detection method if the operating efficiency does not improve even after performing intermittent operation suppression control.

[0064] The restoration condition may be selected as appropriate from the restoration condition registration table 54 (see FIG. 7) based on a user's operation via an input device (not shown), for example. It is also possible for the user to set a new restoration condition in the restoration condition registration table 54 by operating the input device, and then apply this new restoration condition to the method selection table 55 (see FIG. 8). In this embodiment, if the user does not specify a particular restoration condition, the compressor that was the target of the intermittent operation suppression control is restored to operation when both condition K and condition M are satisfied. The restoration condition may be changed as appropriate by the efficiency monitoring method setting unit 16.

[0065] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing by the controller (also see FIGS. 1 and 2 as appropriate). At the time of "START" in FIG. 9, it is assumed that predetermined air conditioning operations are being performed by the air conditioners 1 to 8, B1, and C1 (see FIG. 2). In step S101, the controller 100 determines whether or not it is time to acquire data on the operating state information by the operating state information acquisition unit 17. The data acquisition timing is the timing (for example, every minute) at which the controller 100 acquires predetermined operating state information from the air conditioners 1 to 8, B1, C1 and the measuring instrument 40, and is set in advance.

[0066] If it is not time to obtain data in step S101 (S101: No), the controller 100 repeats the process of step S101. If it is time to obtain data in step S101 (S101: Yes), the process of the controller 100 proceeds to step S102.

[0067] In step S102, the controller 100 acquires operating state information of the air conditioners using the operating state information acquisition unit 17. More specifically, the controller 100 references the connection management table 51 (see FIG. 4) and acquires operating state information of the compressors and the like of each air conditioner via a predetermined information source IF port. Note that in addition to the operating state information of the compressors, the operating mode and set temperature of the air conditioners, and sensor detection values ​​(room temperature, outside temperature, humidity, etc.) may also be acquired.

[0068] In step S103, the controller 100 updates the time series data using the operation state information acquisition unit 17. For example, when time series data indicating whether the compressor is on or off is obtained as operation state information, such as for an air conditioner manufactured by the company, the controller 100 updates the time series data to the latest one.

[0069] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of time-series data 61 showing the operation and stop of the compressor. The time-series data 61 shown in FIG. 10 is time-series data indicating whether the compressor in each air conditioner is on or off. In the example of FIG. 10, a value of "1" is assigned when the compressor is on, and a value of "0" is assigned when the compressor is off. For air conditioners manufactured by the same company, the time-series data 61 is generated based on moment-by-moment data (every minute in the example of FIG. 10) indicating whether the compressor is on or off. On the other hand, for air conditioners manufactured by other companies, as mentioned above, data indicating whether the compressor is on or off is often not available. Therefore, for air conditioners manufactured by other companies, moment-by-moment power consumption (or current) data such as that shown in the following FIG. 11 is acquired from the measuring instrument 40 (see FIG. 1).

[0070] FIG. 11 shows an example of data showing the transition of power consumption of the outdoor unit. In Figure 11, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents the power consumption (instantaneous value) of the outdoor unit. During the period shown in Figure 11 (12:00 to 16:00), intermittent operation suppression control is not performed, so the power consumption of the outdoor unit fluctuates frequently. This data is acquired by measuring instrument 40 (see Figure 1) installed in air conditioners B1 and C1 (see Figure 2) made by other companies.

[0071] The threshold indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 11 is a preset threshold of power consumption (or current) that serves as a criterion for determining whether the compressor is operating or stopped. Note that since almost all of the power consumption of the outdoor unit is power consumption by the compressor, the time average of power consumption during fan operation when the compressor is stopped may be set as the threshold in Fig. 11.

[0072] For example, if the instantaneous value of the power consumption (or current) is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the controller 100 determines that the compressor is operating. On the other hand, if the instantaneous value of the power consumption (or current) is less than the predetermined threshold, the controller 100 determines that the compressor is stopped. Then, based on the result of comparing the power consumption with the threshold every time, the controller 100 converts the result into time series data in the same format as in FIG. 10. The process of generating time series data in this way (updating process) is step S103 in FIG. 9.

[0073] Next, in step S104, the controller 100 executes a predetermined calculation related to determining whether the compressor is operating intermittently, using the intermittent operation detection unit 18. For example, if the detection method of method α (see FIG. 6) is specified in the method selection table 55 (see FIG. 8), the controller 100 calculates the number of times the compressor was operated and stopped within the most recent predetermined period of time.

[0074] In step S105, the controller 100 determines whether or not there is a compressor in intermittent operation using the intermittent operation detection unit 18. That is, for air conditioners manufactured by the same company, the controller 100 determines whether or not there is a compressor in intermittent operation based on time-series data 61 (see FIG. 10) indicating the operation and stoppage of the compressor. Furthermore, for air conditioners manufactured by other companies that are included in the multiple air conditioners, the controller 100 acquires the detected value of the power consumption (or current) of the outdoor unit from the measuring instrument 40 (see FIG. 1), and determines whether or not the compressor of the outdoor unit is in intermittent operation based on this detected value.

[0075] In step S105, if there is no compressor in intermittent operation in the specified air conditioner (S105: No), the processing by the controller 100 proceeds to step 109. Also, in step S105, if there is a compressor in intermittent operation in the specified air conditioner (S105: Yes), the processing by the controller 100 proceeds to step 106. Although omitted in FIG. 9, the identification information of the air conditioner that includes the compressor in intermittent operation (i.e., the air conditioner ID) is notified from the intermittent operation detection unit 18 to the air conditioner to be stopped determination unit 19. This identification information is used to calculate the number of operating air conditioners (S106).

[0076] In step S106, the controller 100 uses the air-conditioner-to-be-stopped determination unit 19 to identify the number of air conditioners (including air conditioners in intermittent operation) operating in the air-conditioned area where the air conditioner's compressor is operating intermittently. Specifically, the controller 100 first references the layout management table 52 (see FIG. 5) and identifies the air-conditioned area where the air conditioner's compressor is operating intermittently. The controller 100 then determines, based on the latest operating status information, whether or not indoor units of other air conditioners in operation (in normal operation, not intermittent operation) are located in this air-conditioned area.

[0077] For example, suppose that air conditioner 1, which is conditioning the common area shown in Figure 3, is operating intermittently. In this case, since there are no other indoor units of air conditioners in the common area, there is only one air conditioner operating in the common area. Also, for example, suppose that air conditioner B1, which is performing air conditioning in the event hall area shown in Figure 3, is operating intermittently. In this case, an indoor unit iC1 of another air conditioner C1 is installed in the event hall area. Therefore, when the compressor of air conditioner C1 is operating, the number of operating air conditioners is two (air conditioners B1 and C1). When the compressor of air conditioner C1 is stopped, the number of operating air conditioners is one (air conditioner B1).

[0078] Furthermore, if an air conditioner with multiple indoor units is conditioning multiple areas to be air-conditioned, the following determination is made. For example, suppose that air conditioner 6 in the restaurant area shown in Figure 3 is operating intermittently. In this case, indoor unit i61 of air conditioner 6 is installed in the seating zone, while another indoor unit i62 is installed in the kitchen zone.

[0079] For example, if indoor unit i61 is stopped and the other indoor unit i62 is performing air conditioning operation, only air conditioner 6 is performing air conditioning in the kitchen zone, so the number of operating air conditioners in the kitchen zone will be 1. Also, even if both indoor units i61 and i62 are performing air conditioning operation, the number of operating air conditioners in the kitchen zone will be 1.

[0080] If multiple indoor units of a given air conditioner are installed in multiple air-conditioned areas (for example, a customer zone and a kitchen zone), the number of operating air conditioners in step S106 is determined based on the air-conditioned area with the fewest number of operating air conditioners. For example, with regard to air conditioner 6 in Figure 3, suppose that the number of operating air conditioners in the customer zone where indoor unit i61 is installed is three (air conditioners 6, 7, and 8), and that the number of operating air conditioners in the kitchen zone where another indoor unit i62 is installed is one (only air conditioner 6). In such a case, in the processing of step S106, the number of operating air conditioners 6 is determined to be "1."

[0081] In step S107, the controller 100 determines whether the number of operating air conditioners (including air conditioners operating intermittently) is two or more using the air conditioner shutdown determination unit 19. In other words, the controller 100 determines whether there is at least one indoor unit of another air conditioner that is operating normally rather than intermittently in each of the air-conditioned areas of the air conditioner that is operating intermittently. In step S107, if the number of operating air conditioners is two or more (S107: Yes), the processing of the controller 100 proceeds to step S108.

[0082] In step S108, controller 100 outputs a stop command to the compressor that is in intermittent operation. That is, controller 100 references connection management table 51 (see FIG. 4) and outputs a stop command to the compressor that is in intermittent operation via a specified control IF port. In this way, when there is an air conditioner among multiple air conditioners whose compressor is performing intermittent operation (S105: Yes), and when there is an indoor unit of an air conditioner of a different refrigerant system whose compressor is not performing intermittent operation in the air-conditioned area in which the indoor unit of this air conditioner is installed (S107: Yes), controller 100 executes intermittent operation suppression control to stop the compressor that is performing intermittent operation while continuing to operate the indoor unit (S108).

[0083] When the indoor unit is in cooling operation, the controller 100 may stop the compressor that is operating intermittently and switch the operation mode to fan operation. This is because fan operation allows the cool air blown out from other indoor units that are in operation to be adequately stirred. When the indoor unit is in heating operation, the controller 100 may stop the compressor that is operating intermittently and may also stop the indoor unit. This prevents the warm air from being unnecessarily stirred in a room that has been heated by the operation of other air conditioners.

[0084] Although not shown in FIG. 9, when the compressor that has been operating intermittently is stopped (S108), the suppression control management table 56 (see FIG. 12) described later is updated appropriately. Furthermore, if the number of operating air conditioners is less than two in step S107 (S107: No), the processing of the controller 100 proceeds to step S109. In this case, since no indoor unit of another air conditioner is installed in the area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner that is intermittently operating, the controller 100 does not perform intermittent operation suppression control.

[0085] In this way, even if there is an air conditioner among multiple air conditioners whose compressor is operating intermittently (S105: Yes), if there is no indoor unit of an air conditioner with a different refrigerant system whose compressor is not operating intermittently in the air-conditioned area where the indoor unit of this air conditioner is installed (S107: No), the controller 100 will continue operation of the compressor that is operating intermittently.This makes it possible to prevent the intermittent operation suppression control from causing a situation where air conditioning in a specified air-conditioned area is not performed.

[0086] FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the restriction control management table 56. In the suppression control management table 56 shown in Fig. 12, "air conditioner ID," "operating state," and "suppression control time" are associated with each other. "Air conditioner ID" is identification information assigned to each air conditioner. In the "operating state" column, information is registered to distinguish whether the stopped state of the compressor is due to intermittent operation suppression control or not.

[0087] In the "Operating Status" column, "Normal operation" indicates that normal air conditioning operation is being performed. "Normally stopped" indicates that air conditioning operation is stopped without intermittent operation suppression control. "Suppression control stopped" indicates that air conditioning operation is stopped due to intermittent operation suppression control. The "Suppression control time" column registers the start time of intermittent operation suppression control (the time the compressor was stopped). In the example of Figure 12, intermittent operation suppression control was started for air conditioner B1 at 13:30.

[0088] Next, in step S109 of Fig. 9, the controller 100 determines whether or not intermittent operation detection (determination of the presence or absence of intermittent operation) has been performed for all air conditioners registered in the connection management table 51 (see Fig. 4). If there are air conditioners for which intermittent operation detection has not been performed (S109: No), the processing of the controller 100 returns to step S104. On the other hand, if intermittent operation detection has been performed for all air conditioners (S109: Yes), the processing of the controller 100 proceeds to step S110.

[0089] In step S110, the controller 100 reads out predetermined restoration conditions using the operation restoration determination unit 20. That is, the controller 100 reads out predetermined restoration conditions from the method selection table 55 (see FIG. 8) for the air conditioner that is the target of intermittent operation suppression control. For example, if intermittent operation suppression control is being performed on air conditioner B1 (see FIG. 3), the data for condition N (see FIGS. 7 and 8) is read out as the restoration condition.

[0090] In step S111, the controller 100 reads information used to determine whether the return condition is satisfied from the layout management table 52 (see FIG. 5) and the operating state information of the air conditioners. In step S112, the controller 100 determines whether the return condition is satisfied. If the return condition is satisfied (S112: Yes), the process by the controller 100 proceeds to step S113. If the return condition is not satisfied in step S112 (S112: No), the process by the controller 100 proceeds to step S114.

[0091] In step S113, the controller 100 resumes operation of the compressor that has been stopped due to the intermittent operation suppression control. As a result, the air conditioner including the compressor resumes its original cooling or heating operation. For example, if restoration condition K (see FIG. 7) is applied to the air conditioner that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control, the controller 100 performs the following processing. That is, if the remote control is operated to increase the air conditioning in the air-conditioned area of ​​the air conditioner that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control while the intermittent operation suppression control is being executed, the controller 100 stops the intermittent operation suppression control and restarts the compressor that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control. This makes it possible to perform operation in accordance with the user's intention to increase the air conditioning in a specific air-conditioned area (for example, lowering the set temperature during cooling operation). It also makes it possible to prevent the load on other air conditioners that are performing air-conditioning in the air-conditioned area from becoming too large.

[0092] The remote control (the remote control operated to increase the air conditioning) may be electrically connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioner that is the target of intermittent operation suppression control. The remote control may also be electrically connected to the indoor unit of an air conditioner with a refrigerant system different from that of the air conditioner that is the target of intermittent operation suppression control. This indoor unit (the indoor unit of the air conditioner with the different refrigerant system) is assumed to be installed in the area that is the target of air conditioning by the air conditioner that is the target of intermittent operation suppression control. When the remote control is operated to increase the air conditioning in the target area, the compressor of the air conditioner with the different refrigerant system is assumed to be operating without intermittent operation.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, with regard to restoration condition N (see FIG. 7), controller 100 may perform the following processing. That is, if the time average value of the total power of multiple air conditioners (or the power consumption when allocated to air-conditioned areas) while intermittent operation suppression control is being executed is greater than the time average value of the total power of multiple air conditioners before intermittent operation suppression control was executed, controller 100 will stop the intermittent operation suppression control and restart driving the compressor that was the target of the intermittent operation suppression control. This improves operational efficiency when performing air conditioning, thereby enabling energy savings.

[0094] 9, the controller 100 determines whether or not there are any other stopped compressors for which the processing of steps 110 to S113 has not been performed, among the compressors for which intermittent operation suppression control is being performed. If there are other stopped compressors (S114: Yes), the processing of the controller 100 returns to step S110. If the processing of steps 110 to S113 has been performed for all stopped compressors (S114: No), the processing of the controller 100 returns to "START" (RETURN).

[0095] FIG. 13 shows data of a comparative example showing the transition of power when one of two air conditioners is in intermittent operation and intermittent operation suppression control is not performed. The horizontal axis of Figure 13 represents time, and the vertical axis represents power consumption. The two solid line graphs in Figure 13 show the changes in power consumption of the outdoor units oB1 and oC1 used to air-condition the event hall in Figure 3. Note that one of the air conditioners, C1, was operating intermittently, but intermittent operation suppression control was not performed on this air conditioner C1.

[0096] The dashed line graph in Figure 13 shows the trend in the power consumption allocated to the air conditioning of the event hall. That is, the dashed line graph shows the power consumption of the event hall output by the total power acquisition allocation unit 22 (in this example, the total value of the moment-to-moment power consumption of outdoor units oB1 and oV1). In the example of Figure 13, air conditioner C1 (see Figure 3), which includes outdoor unit oC1, is repeatedly operated intermittently. As a result, a large amount of startup power is required each time the compressor switches from stopped to operating, and the total power consumption of the two units (dashed line) shown by the dashed line is unnecessarily large. In other words, the power consumption used for air conditioning of the event hall fluctuates frequently, resulting in inefficient operation.

[0097] FIG. 14 shows data showing the transition of power when intermittent operation suppression control is performed when one of two air conditioners is in intermittent operation in the air conditioning control system according to this embodiment. The horizontal and vertical axes and the divisions of each graph in Fig. 14 are the same as those in Fig. 13, and therefore will not be described again. In the example of Fig. 14, air conditioner C1 is switched to fan operation through intermittent operation suppression control, which causes a slight increase in the operating load of the other air conditioner B1, but the power consumption of the entire event hall, indicated by the dashed line, is significantly smaller than in the comparative example (see Fig. 13). In the example of Fig. 14, air conditioner C1 returns to air conditioning operation from suppression control operation in approximately 1.5 hours based on predetermined return conditions.

[0098] <Effects> According to this embodiment, the controller 100 identifies in real time any air conditioners that are operating intermittently (inefficiently), and if there are indoor units of other air conditioners in the area to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner, the compressor that is operating intermittently is stopped. This reduces the overall power consumption of multiple air conditioners. It also prevents air conditioning from being stopped in an air-conditioned area that was previously operating in cooling or heating mode due to the effects of intermittent operation suppression control. In this way, this embodiment can provide an air-conditioning control system X1 that saves energy while appropriately air-conditioning the area to be air-conditioned.

[0099] <<Variations>> The air conditioning control system X1 and the air conditioning control method according to the present disclosure have been described above in the embodiments, but they are not limited to these descriptions and can be modified in various ways. For example, in the embodiment, when an air conditioner in which the compressor is being operated intermittently is in cooling operation, the controller 100 stops the compressor and switches to fan operation, but this is not limiting. That is, in the intermittent operation suppression control, the controller 100 may stop the compressor and switch the air conditioner from cooling operation to a stopped state. Furthermore, in the embodiment, when an air conditioner in which the compressor is operating intermittently is performing heating operation, the controller 100 stops the compressor and puts the indoor unit of the air conditioner into an operation stop state, but this is not limited to this. That is, in the intermittent operation suppression control, the controller 100 may stop the compressor and switch the indoor unit from heating operation to fan operation. In other words, when the controller 100 executes the intermittent operation suppression control, the controller 100 may stop the operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner that includes the compressor that is operating intermittently, or may switch the operating mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to fan operation.

[0100] Furthermore, the program executed by the controller 100 (the program for the air conditioning control method) can be provided via a communication line, or can be written onto a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and distributed. Furthermore, the embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present disclosure, and are not necessarily limited to those including all of the configurations described. Furthermore, some of the configurations of the embodiments may be added to, deleted from, or replaced with other configurations. Furthermore, the mechanisms and configurations described above are those that are considered necessary for the explanation, and do not necessarily represent all mechanisms and configurations of the product. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Air conditioners (in-house manufactured air conditioners) 1a,2a,3a,4a,5a,6a,7a,8a Compressor 11 Direct communication IF section 12 General-purpose communication IF section 13 Connection Management Unit 14 Layout Management Section 15 Detection method memory section 16 Efficiency monitoring method setting section 17. Operation status information acquisition unit 18 Intermittent operation detection unit 19. Air conditioner stop decision unit 20 Operation return decision unit 21 Measuring instrument IF section 22 Total power acquisition apportionment section 30 Repeater 31 Bacnet adapter 32 Contact input device 40 Measuring Instruments 51 Connection Management Table 52 Layout Management Table 53 Detection method registration table 54 Return condition registration table 55 Method Selection Table 56 Suppression Control Management Table 61 Time Series Data 100 Controller (air conditioning control device) 200 Service Server B1, C1 air conditioners (other manufacturers' air conditioners) i11,i12,i13,i21,i22,i31,i32,i41,i42,i51,i52,i61,i62,i71,i81 Indoor unit iB1,iC1 Indoor unit o1,o2,o3,o4,o5,o6,o7,o8 Outdoor unit oB1,oC1 Outdoor unit N1 Wide Area Network X1 climate control system

Claims

1. Equipped with a controller that controls multiple air conditioners, Each of the plurality of air conditioners has its own refrigerant system, The air conditioning control system is configured such that, when there is an air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners whose compressor is operating intermittently, and when there is an indoor unit of an air conditioner of a different refrigerant system whose compressor is not operating intermittently in the air-conditioned area in which the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed, the controller executes intermittent operation suppression control to stop the compressor that is operating intermittently while continuing to operate the indoor unit.

2. When executing the intermittent operation suppression control, the controller stops operation of the indoor unit of the air conditioner including the compressor that is performing intermittent operation, or switches the operation mode of the indoor unit of the air conditioner to fan operation. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

3. The controller continues operation of the compressor that is operating intermittently even if there is an air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners whose compressor is operating intermittently, when there is no indoor unit of an air conditioner of another refrigerant system whose compressor is not operating intermittently in the air-conditioned area in which the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

4. The controller acquires the detected value of power consumption or current of the outdoor unit of an air conditioner made by another company included in the plurality of air conditioners from a measuring instrument, and determines whether or not the compressor of the outdoor unit is operating intermittently based on the detected value. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

5. The controller detects the intermittent operation of the compressor using a predetermined detection method among a plurality of detection methods used to detect the intermittent operation of the compressor, and then tries another detection method if the operation efficiency is not improved even when the intermittent operation suppression control is performed. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

6. When a remote control is operated to increase the air conditioning of an area to be air-conditioned by an air conditioner that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control during execution of the intermittent operation suppression control, the controller stops the intermittent operation suppression control and drives the compressor that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control again. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

7. The remote controller is electrically connected to the indoor unit of the air conditioner that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control. The air conditioning control system according to claim 6,

8. the remote control is electrically connected to an indoor unit of an air conditioner of a refrigerant system different from that of the air conditioner that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control, and is installed in an air-conditioned area of ​​the air conditioner that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control, When the remote control is operated to increase the air conditioning in the area to be air-conditioned, the compressor of the air conditioner of the other refrigerant system is driven without intermittent operation. The air conditioning control system according to claim 6,

9. When a time average value of the total power of the plurality of air conditioners during execution of the intermittent operation suppression control is greater than a time average value of the total power of the plurality of air conditioners before execution of the intermittent operation suppression control, the controller stops the intermittent operation suppression control and drives the compressor that is the target of the intermittent operation suppression control again. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 .

10. An air conditioning control device that controls multiple air conditioners, Each of the plurality of air conditioners has its own refrigerant system, When there is an air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners whose compressor is operating intermittently, and when there is an indoor unit of an air conditioner of a different refrigerant system whose compressor is not operating intermittently in the air-conditioned area where the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed, the air conditioning control device executes intermittent operation suppression control to stop the compressor that is operating intermittently while continuing to operate the indoor unit.

11. An air conditioning control method in which, when there is an air conditioner among a plurality of air conditioners, each having its own refrigerant system, in which the compressor is operating intermittently, and when there is an indoor unit of an air conditioner with a different refrigerant system in which the compressor is not operating intermittently in the air-conditioned area in which the indoor unit of the air conditioner is installed, the method executes intermittent operation suppression control to stop the compressor in intermittent operation while continuing to operate the indoor unit.

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