Air conditioner control device utilizing comfortable temperature, air conditioner control method, and air conditioner control system

Abstract

A cooling / heating unit control device and method capable of preventing unnecessary operation of a cooling / heating unit, and a system including the device are provided. [Solution] The air conditioner control device is a device for controlling an air conditioner installed in an indoor zone, and includes a communication unit that receives the indoor temperature of the zone measured by a temperature sensor and weather information of the zone provided from a weather server, and a control unit that sets a comfort temperature of the zone based on the weather information and generates a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the comfort temperature. In this case, the comfort temperature includes an off comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the zone when the air conditioner is turned off, and an on comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user when the air conditioner is turned on.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a heater / cooler control device and method for controlling the operation of a heater / cooler so as to maintain a comfortable temperature in an indoor area in all seasons while minimizing the power consumption of the heater / cooler, and a system including the device. [Background technology]

[0002] A cooling / heating machine (or air conditioner) is a device that uses a refrigeration cycle to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature suitable for human activity. A cooling / heating machine draws in hot air from inside a room, exchanges heat with a low-temperature refrigerant, and then expels the air into the room to cool the room, or it heats the room by doing the opposite.

[0003] Generally, the operation of a heater or cooler is controlled by a direct operation of a person. For example, in summer, when the indoor temperature is high, the user turns on the heater or cooler and sets a desired temperature of the turned-on heater or cooler to a low value in order to quickly reduce the high indoor temperature. Meanwhile, in spaces such as restaurants, cafes, and offices where many users are present, the manager of the space generally directly controls the operation of the air conditioner. However, there is a problem that the air conditioner is not operated efficiently due to the manager's ignorance or indifference.

[0004] For example, in summer, if the manager sets the desired temperature of the air conditioner to be high, the user may feel hot, and if the manager sets the desired temperature of the air conditioner to be low, the user may feel cold, which causes inconvenience to the user. Furthermore, if the desired temperature of the air conditioner is set low in summer, the power consumption of the air conditioner increases, which causes an increase in the electricity cost of the space. Therefore, there is a demand for a technique for efficiently operating a cooling or heating machine without the need for a manager to directly operate the machine. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling / heating unit control device and method capable of preventing unnecessary operation of a cooling / heating unit, and a system including the device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a heater / cooler control device and method capable of minimizing power consumption of the heater / cooler, and a system including the device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a cooling / heating control device and method that can efficiently set a comfortable temperature based on weather information for an indoor area, and a system including the device. The object of the present invention is not limited to the object mentioned above, and other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it is easily understood that the object and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof as set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling a heater / cooler installed in a room includes a communication unit for receiving an indoor temperature of the room measured by a temperature sensor and weather information of the room provided from a weather server, and a control unit for setting a comfort temperature of the room based on the weather information and generating a drive control signal for the heater / cooler based on the indoor temperature and the comfort temperature. Here, the comfort temperature includes an off comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the room when the heater / cooler is turned off, and an on comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by the user when the heater / cooler is turned on.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for controlling a heater / cooler installed in an area of ​​a room includes a temperature sensor for measuring an indoor temperature of the area, a gateway for receiving the indoor temperature from the temperature sensor, a management server for receiving weather information for the area provided from a weather server and the indoor temperature transferred from the gateway, and setting an off comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the area when the heater / cooler is turned off, and an on comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by the user when the heater / cooler is turned on, based on the weather information, and generating a drive control signal for the heater / cooler based on the indoor temperature, the off comfort temperature, and the on comfort temperature, and a control module for receiving the drive control signal transferred from the management server via the gateway and transferring the drive control signal to the heater / cooler.

[0008] A method for controlling a heater / cooler installed in an indoor area according to one embodiment of the present invention is performed by a processor-based device, and includes the steps of receiving weather information for the area provided from a weather server, setting an off comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the area when the heater / cooler is turned off, and an on comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by the user when the heater / cooler is turned on, based on the weather information, receiving an indoor temperature measured in the area, and generating a drive control signal for the heater / cooler based on the indoor temperature, the off comfort temperature, and the on comfort temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, by using the off comfort temperature to determine whether to turn on the air conditioner or heater, or to determine whether to turn off the air conditioner or heater, it is possible to provide a comfortable indoor environment for the user while preventing unnecessary operation of the air conditioner or heater.

[0010] In addition, according to the present invention, when a heater / cooler is turned on, or when it is determined that a turned-off heater / cooler is to be turned on, a desired temperature of the heater / cooler can be set using the on-comfort temperature, thereby providing a comfortable indoor environment for a user and minimizing power consumption of the heater / cooler.

[0011] In addition, according to the present invention, by using outdoor weather information to set a comfortable temperature by month and period, it is possible to prevent users in indoor areas from feeling uncomfortable due to the indoor temperature in advance. Furthermore, it should be understood that the effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, but include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention described in the detailed description of the present invention or the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a space according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cooling and heating control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a management server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a graph showing a first temperature change function according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a graph showing a second temperature change function according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present invention can be modified in various ways and has various embodiments, and a specific embodiment will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, and it should be understood that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals are used for similar components in describing each drawing.

[0014] Terms such as "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple associated listed items or any of multiple associated listed items.

[0015] When a component is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

[0016] The terms used in this specification are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this application.

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a space 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, a space 1 includes a plurality of zones 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. The plurality of zones 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may be separated from one another by inner walls. By being separated by the inner walls, the indoor temperatures and humidity of the plurality of zones 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may be different from one another.

[0019] A heater / cooler 20, a temperature / humidity sensor 30, and a control module 40 may be installed in each of the multiple zones 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. A gateway 50 may be installed in at least a portion of the multiple zones 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, such as zone 10b. Meanwhile, although not shown in FIG 1, an access point 60 (see FIG 2) may be further installed in a specific zone among the multiple zones 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described assuming that the area 10b in which the gateway 50 is installed is the target area 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contents of the present invention described below can be applied to all of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a cooling and heating machine control system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the cooler / heater control system 2 includes a temperature and humidity sensor 30, a control module 40, a gateway 50, an access point 60, and a management server 70.

[0022] The temperature and humidity sensor 30 can measure the indoor temperature and humidity in the target area 10. To this end, the temperature and humidity sensor 30 can include a temperature sensor module and a humidity sensor module. The temperature and humidity sensor 30 may be installed in a position where it can measure the temperature and humidity in the area where people mainly perform activities, but is not limited thereto, and the temperature and humidity sensor 30 may also be built into the air conditioner 20.

[0023] The temperature and humidity sensor 30 can communicate with other electronic devices in the target area 10. To this end, the temperature and humidity sensor 30 can include a short-range communication module. As an example, the temperature and humidity sensor 30 can include a Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication module, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0024] The control module 40 may be a device that transmits a drive control signal to the air conditioner 20 for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20. The control module 40 may be installed in a specific portion of the target area 10 adjacent to the air conditioner 20. As described below, the drive control signal may be generated in the management server 70 and transmitted from the management server 70 to the control module 40 via the access point 60 and the gateway 50.

[0025] To this end, the control module 40 may include a short-range communication module and an infrared data association (IrDA) module. As an example, the control module 40 may include a Bluetooth communication module, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0026] The gateway 50 can communicate with each of the temperature and humidity sensor 30, the control module 40, and the access point 60. To this end, the gateway 50 can include a first short-range communication module for communicatively connecting with the temperature and humidity sensor 30 and the control module 40, and a second short-range communication module for communicatively connecting with the access point 60. As an example, the first short-range communication module can be a Bluetooth communication module, and the second short-range communication module can be a Wi-Fi (Wireless fidelity) communication module, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0027] After receiving the indoor temperature and humidity information from the temperature and humidity sensor 30, the gateway 50 can transfer the information to the access point 60. Furthermore, after receiving a drive control signal for the air conditioner 20 (described later) from the access point 60, the gateway 50 can transfer the information to the control module 40. Furthermore, the gateway 50 can also receive data related to the drive of the air conditioner 20 from the control module 40.

[0028] The access point 60 can relay communications between the gateway 50 and the management server 70. To this end, the access point 60 can include a second short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0029] The management server 70 may be a device that actually controls the air conditioner 20. The management server 70 may be communicatively connected to the access point 60 and the weather server 80. The management server 70 may receive indoor temperature and humidity information of the target area 10 from the access point 60, and may receive weather information of the target area 10 from the weather server 80. The management server 70 may generate a drive control signal for the air conditioner 20 using the indoor temperature and humidity information and the weather information of the target area 10, and may transmit the drive control signal to the access point 60.

[0030] The weather server 80 may be a server that provides weather information (weather information) by administrative district. The weather information may be predicted information. The weather information may include weather information by time period of a day and average weather information for the day. The weather information by time period of a day may include outdoor temperature, cloud cover, probability of precipitation, humidity, etc., and the average weather information for the day may include minimum outdoor temperature, maximum outdoor temperature, average cloud cover, average probability of precipitation, average humidity, etc. The weather information may include both current day weather information and past day weather information. Meanwhile, cloud cover may correspond to solar radiation.

[0031] The management server 70 will now be described in more detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management server 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3, the management server 70 can control the operation of the cooler / heater 20 on a daily basis, and can include a communication unit 710, a control unit 720, and a storage unit 730. Hereinafter, the function of each component will be described in detail.

[0032] The communication unit 710 may be a module that communicates with the access point 60 and the weather server 80. As an example, the communication unit 710 may include a long-distance communication module implemented in a wired or wireless manner, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, the communication unit 710 can receive indoor temperature and humidity information measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 30, and can receive weather information for the target area 10 provided by the weather server 80.

[0033] The control unit 720 may include a memory and a processor. The memory may be a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and may store commands or data related to at least one other component of the management server 70. The processor may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, or a communication processor.

[0034] The control unit 720 can control the communication unit 710 and generate a drive control signal for the air conditioner 20. As described above, indoor temperature information, indoor humidity information, and weather information for the target area 10 can be received via the communication unit 710, and the control unit 720 can generate a drive control signal based on the received information. In order to generate the drive control signal, the control unit 720 can calculate processing information using the information.

[0035] Meanwhile, the control unit 720 may generate the processing information in real time at the time when the cooler / heater 20 is to be controlled (control time point), or may generate the processing information in advance before the control time point.

[0036] The storage unit 730 may store a control command for the cooler / heater 20, status information of the control module 40, and the like.

[0037] Meanwhile, the control unit 720 may generate a drive control signal for the air conditioner 20 using various information. Here, the various information may include a comfort temperature, a thermal characteristic of the target area 10, and a first and second temperature change amount in the target area 10. Here, the comfort temperature and the first and second temperature change amounts in the target area 10 may be calculated by the control unit 720 based on weather information of the target area 10.

[0038] The above information will now be explained in more detail. 1. Comfortable Temperature Comfort temperature can be defined as the temperature at which a user positioned in the target area 10 feels comfortable. The comfortable temperature may be set differently depending on the season. For example, the comfortable temperature in summer may be higher than the comfortable temperature in winter. The comfort temperature may be set differently for each period included in a target day on which the air conditioner 20 is to be controlled. Here, a plurality of periods may refer to successive time intervals included in the target day.

[0039] The multiple periods may be set based on an operation schedule for the space 1 or the target area 10. As an example, if the space 1 is a cafe and the business hours of the cafe are "8:00 to 20:00", the operation schedule may be set to "7:00 to 21:00".

[0040] The length of a period, i.e., the unit time related to a period, can be set in various ways. As an example, the unit time defining a period can be set to one hour. Therefore, the comfortable temperature for the period "7:00~7:59" and the comfortable temperature for the period "8:00~8:59" can be set separately. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the unit time can be set in various ways.

[0041] Meanwhile, the comfortable temperature may include an off comfortable temperature and an on comfortable temperature. The off comfortable temperature may be defined as a temperature at which a user located in the target area 10 feels comfortable when the air conditioner 20 is turned off. The on comfortable temperature may be defined as a temperature at which a user located in the target area 10 feels comfortable when the air conditioner 20 is turned on.

[0042] Specifically, the user's sensible temperature may differ depending on the operation of the cooler / heater 20, for example, the output of cold air / hot air from the cooler / heater 20. That is, the user's sensible temperature changes depending on an external stimulus. For example, when cold air comes into contact with the user's skin, the sensible temperature may be low, and when hot air comes into contact with the user's skin, the sensible temperature may be high. Therefore, the management server 70 can classify the comfort temperature into an OFF comfort temperature and an ON comfort temperature by applying the change in the user's sensible temperature due to an external stimulus, and control the operation of the cooler / heater 20 using both the OFF comfort temperature and the ON comfort temperature.

[0043] According to the embodiment, the off comfort temperature may be used when switching the state of the air conditioner 20. At this time, switching the state of the air conditioner 20 may include a first state switching of switching the state of the air conditioner 20 from turn-off to turn-on, and a second state switching of switching the state of the air conditioner 20 from turn-on to turn-off. That is, the off comfort temperature may be used when determining whether to turn on the air conditioner 20 that has been turned off, or when determining whether to turn off the air conditioner 20 that has been turned on. By using the off comfort temperature, the management server 70 can provide a comfortable indoor environment to the user while preventing unnecessary operation of the air conditioner 20. This will be described later.

[0044] According to the embodiment, when the air conditioner 20 is turned on or when it is determined that the turned-off air conditioner 20 is to be turned on, the on comfort temperature can be used to set a desired temperature of the air conditioner 20. By using the on comfort temperature, the management server 70 can minimize power consumption of the air conditioner 20 while providing a comfortable room environment to the user. This will be described later.

[0045] Meanwhile, the OFF comfort temperature and the ON comfort temperature may be set individually for each of the plurality of periods, and the OFF comfort temperature and the ON comfort temperature may be different for each period. According to the embodiment, the on-comfort temperature may be set higher or lower than the off-comfort temperature by a predefined critical temperature, which is based on the above-mentioned "change in the user's sensible temperature due to an external stimulus."

[0046] That is, the OFF comfort temperature is set, and the ON comfort temperature is set by adding or subtracting the critical temperature from the OFF comfort temperature, thereby simplifying the setting of the OFF comfort temperature and the ON comfort temperature.

[0047] For example, when the air conditioner 20 is operated in a cooling mode, the user's perceived temperature may be lowered by cold air, so the on-comfort temperature may be set higher than the off-comfort temperature by a critical temperature. Also, when the air conditioner 20 is operated in a heating mode, the user's perceived temperature may be higher by hot air, so the on-comfort temperature may be set lower than the off-comfort temperature by a critical temperature.

[0048] Meanwhile, the critical temperature may be a fixed temperature value. As an example, the critical temperature may be 1°C, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the critical temperature may be defined based on the operating characteristics of the air conditioner 20. The operating characteristics of the air conditioner 20 may include the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 20, the installation position of the air conditioner 20, the production year of the air conditioner 20, the installation height of the air conditioner 20, etc. The operating efficiency of the air conditioner 20 may be defined as the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 20 at a specific desired temperature.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the OFF comfort temperature and the ON comfort temperature can be set in the form of a temperature interval. That is, the OFF comfort temperature can be set as an OFF comfort temperature interval, and the ON comfort temperature can be set as an ON comfort temperature interval. As an example, the OFF comfort temperature interval can be set to "22.5°C to 23.5°C", and the ON comfort temperature interval can be set to "23.5°C to 24.5°C".

[0050] According to the embodiment, the reference comfort temperature for the reference day is preset, and the comfort temperature for the target day can be set by reflecting the weather information for the target day in the reference comfort temperature. That is, the comfort temperature for the target day can be set by adjusting the reference comfort temperature for the reference day according to the weather information for the target day in the target area 10. Here, the reference date may be defined as a specific day of the target month including the target date, and may correspond to a sunny day without clouds or precipitation, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0051] The reference comfort temperature may be set for each period of the target day. Also, the OFF comfort temperature may be set based on the reference comfort temperature for each period, and the ON comfort temperature may be set by adding or subtracting a critical temperature to the OFF comfort temperature. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0052] According to an embodiment, a representative reference comfort temperature, which is a reference comfort temperature for a reference period included in a reference date, may be preset. As an example, the reference date may be a sunny day without clouds or precipitation, and the reference period may be "3:00 to 3:59". The reference comfort temperature may be preset based on weather information for a reference time on the reference date received from the weather server 80.

[0053] According to an embodiment, a predefined period correction parameter may be applied to the representative reference comfort temperature to set a period-specific reference comfort temperature, where the period correction parameter may be defined based on at least one of the sunrise / sunset time of a reference day and the average outdoor temperature of the reference day.

[0054] For example, in the case of a specific day of a reference month including a reference date, the sunrise / sunset time of the reference date may be the average sunrise / sunset time of a plurality of days included in the reference month, and the average outdoor temperature of the reference date may be the average outdoor temperature of a plurality of days included in the reference month. The average sunrise / sunset time and the average outdoor temperature of a plurality of days in the reference month may be calculated based on weather information of the reference month provided from the weather server 80.

[0055] Hereinafter, the operation of the control unit 720 of the management server 70 for setting the comfort temperature by reflecting the weather information of a target day in the reference comfort temperature will be described in more detail. In this case, the operation of the control unit 720 described below can be performed in the same manner for each period and can be applied in the same manner to each of the OFF comfort temperature and the ON comfort temperature.

[0056] 1.1. Setting a comfortable temperature taking into account the outdoor temperature According to an embodiment, the control unit 720 can calculate the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature on the target day and the outdoor temperature on a reference day, and set the comfort temperature on the target day by adjusting the reference comfort temperature according to the temperature difference between the target day and the reference day.

[0057] Here, the outdoor temperatures on the target day and the reference day may be outdoor temperatures by period on the target day and the reference day, or may be average outdoor temperatures on the target day and the reference day. In this case, the average outdoor temperature on the target day and the average outdoor temperature on the reference day may be provided from the weather server 80. Alternatively, the control unit 720 may receive the minimum and maximum outdoor temperatures on the target day and the reference day from the weather server 80, and calculate the average outdoor temperatures on the target day and the reference day based on the minimum and maximum outdoor temperatures.

[0058] In detail, if the outdoor temperatures on the reference day and the target day are the same, the comfort temperature on the target day may be the same as the comfort temperature on the reference day. If the outdoor temperature on the target day is higher than the outdoor temperature on the reference day, the comfort temperature on the target day must be lower than the comfort temperature on the reference day in response to changes in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli (temperature). If the outdoor temperature on the target day is lower than the outdoor temperature on the reference day, the comfort temperature on the target day must be higher than the comfort temperature on the reference day in response to changes in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli (temperature). Therefore, the control unit 720 can set the comfort temperature on the target day by comparing the outdoor temperatures on the reference day and the outdoor temperatures on the target day and adjusting the reference comfort temperature.

[0059] As an example, the control unit 720 can set a comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 1]. [Number 1] Comfort temperature on the target day = Reference comfort temperature - α△Ta Here, ΔTa is the temperature difference between the target day and the reference day, and α is a temperature adjustment parameter. The temperature adjustment parameter can have different values ​​depending on whether the air conditioner 20 is in a cooling mode or a heating mode.

[0060] The following Tables 1 and 2 show the concept of calculating the comfortable temperature on a target day based on the outdoor temperature using [Equation 1]. At this time, the comfortable temperature is defined as a comfortable temperature range. [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0061] 1.2 Setting the comfort temperature taking cloud cover into account According to the embodiment, the control unit 720 calculates the difference in cloud amount between the cloud amount on the target day and the cloud amount on the reference day, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature according to the difference in cloud amount between the target day and the reference day to set the comfort temperature on the target day. The cloud amount may correspond to the amount of solar radiation. Here, the cloud amount for the target day and the reference day may be the cloud amount by period for the target day and the reference day, or may be the average cloud amount for the target day and the reference day. In this case, the cloud amount by period or the average cloud amount for the target day and the reference day may be provided from the weather server 80.

[0062] In detail, when the cloud amount on the reference day and the target day is the same, the comfort temperature on the target day may be the same as the comfort temperature on the reference day. When the cloud amount on the target day is higher than the cloud amount on the reference day, the insolation on the target day is lower than the insolation on the reference day, so the comfort temperature on the target day must be higher than the comfort temperature on the reference day in response to the change in the user's perceived temperature due to the external stimulus (insolation). When the cloud amount on the target day is lower than the cloud amount on the reference day, the insolation on the target day is higher than the insolation on the reference day, so the comfort temperature on the target day must be lower than the comfort temperature on the reference day in response to the change in the user's perceived temperature due to the external stimulus (insolation). Therefore, the control unit 720 can set the comfort temperature on the target day by comparing the cloud amount on the reference day with the cloud amount on the target day and adjusting the reference comfort temperature.

[0063] As an example, the control unit 720 can set a comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 2]. [Number 2] Comfort temperature on the target day = Reference comfort temperature + β△C Here, ΔC is the difference in cloud cover between the target day and the reference day, and β is a cloud cover adjustment parameter. The cloud cover adjustment parameter can have different values ​​depending on whether the air conditioner 20 is in a cooling mode or a heating mode.

[0064] Cloudiness, on the other hand, can be defined as a level. For example, there can be five levels of cloudiness, with more cloudiness from lower to higher levels.

[0065] Table 3 below shows the concept of calculating the comfortable temperature on a target day based on cloud cover using [Equation 2]. In this case, the comfortable temperature is defined as a comfortable temperature interval. Cloud cover is set as a level, and the reference day is set to level 1, which means there are no clouds. [Table 3]

[0066] 1.3 Setting comfortable temperature depending on whether or not it is raining According to the embodiment, the control unit 720 can calculate the difference in precipitation between the precipitation on the target day and the precipitation on the reference day, and set the comfort temperature on the target day by adjusting the reference comfort temperature according to the difference in precipitation between the target day and the reference day. Here, the precipitation on the target day and the reference day may be the precipitation by period on the target day and the reference day, or the average precipitation on the target day and the reference day. In this case, the precipitation by period or the average precipitation on the target day and the reference day may be provided from the weather server 80.

[0067] In detail, the precipitation information for one day (target day and reference day) may include the probability of precipitation for one day and the type of precipitation for one day. The probability of precipitation may be expressed as a percentage, and the type of precipitation may include snow, rain, etc. In this case, the control unit 720 may determine that precipitation has occurred when the probability of precipitation is equal to or greater than a preset critical probability, and may determine that precipitation has not occurred when the probability of precipitation is less than the critical probability. The critical probability may be set experimentally or empirically, and may be 80%, for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] As mentioned above, the reference day may be a day without precipitation, and if it rains in summer, the user may feel colder than on a day without rain, and if it snows in winter, the user may feel warmer than on a day without snow.

[0069] Therefore, assuming that no precipitation occurs on the reference day, if no precipitation occurs on the target day, the comfort temperature on the target day may be the same as the comfort temperature on the reference day. If it rains on the target day, the comfort temperature on the target day must be higher than the comfort temperature on the reference day in response to a change in the user's perceived temperature due to an external stimulus. If it snows on the target day, the comfort temperature on the target day must be lower than the comfort temperature on the reference day in response to a change in the user's perceived temperature due to an external stimulus. Therefore, the control unit 720 can set the comfort temperature on the target day by comparing the precipitation on the reference day with the precipitation on the target day and adjusting the reference comfort temperature.

[0070] As an example, the control unit 720 can set a comfort temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 3]. [Number 3] Comfort temperature on the target day = Reference comfort temperature + γ△R-δ△S Here, ΔR is the first precipitation difference for rain, ΔS is the second precipitation difference for snow, γ is the rain adjustment parameter, and δ is the snow adjustment parameter. The rain adjustment parameter and the snow adjustment parameter can have different values ​​depending on whether the air conditioner 20 is in the cooling mode or the heating mode.

[0071] Table 4 below shows the concept of calculating the comfort temperature on a target day due to precipitation using [Equation 3]. At this time, the comfort temperature is defined as a comfort temperature interval. Also, when it rains or snows, R and S have a value of "1", and when it does not rain or snow, R and S have a value of "0". Also, R and S are set to "0" on the reference day, as it is a day when precipitation does not occur. [Table 4]

[0072] 1.4 Setting a comfortable temperature taking into account outdoor temperature, cloud cover, and the presence or absence of precipitation According to the embodiment, the control unit 720 can set the comfort temperature of the target day by adjusting the reference comfort temperature according to the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature of the target day and the outdoor temperature of the reference day, the cloud amount difference between the cloud amount of the target day and the cloud amount of the reference day, and the precipitation difference between the precipitation of the target day and the precipitation of the reference day, which is similar to the content described above.

[0073] As an example, the control unit 720 can set a comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 4]. [Number 4] Comfort temperature on the target day = Reference comfort temperature - α△Ta + β△C + γ△R - δ△S Here, the temperature adjustment parameter α, the cloud amount adjustment parameter β, the rain adjustment parameter γ, and the snow adjustment parameter δ may differ from the values ​​when the indoor temperature, the cloud amount, and the presence or absence of precipitation are taken into consideration individually.

[0074] In short, the management server 70 can set the comfortable temperature by day and period, and at the same time, adjust the comfortable temperature using weather information for the target area 10, thereby realizing a comfortable indoor temperature in the indoor area suitable for the outside weather, thereby preventing users located in the target area 10 from feeling uncomfortable due to the indoor temperature in advance.

[0075] 2. First temperature change The first temperature change amount may be defined as the temperature change amount per unit time in the target area 10 when the air conditioner 20 is turned off. The first temperature change amount may be set based on thermal characteristics of the target area 10. In this case, the thermal characteristics of each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may be different, and therefore the first temperature change amount may be set individually for each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. Here, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 may relate to "the influence of changes in the external environment on changes in the indoor temperature of the target area 10."

[0076] For example, indoor temperature changes in a particular area may be relatively more affected by the indoor / outdoor temperature difference than indoor temperature changes in other areas, and therefore the amount of change in indoor temperature in the particular area may be greater than in other areas.

[0077] According to the embodiment, the thermal characteristic may have a proportional relationship with the influence of the indoor / outdoor temperature difference. That is, the lower the influence of the indoor / outdoor temperature difference, the lower the thermal characteristic of the target area 10 may be set, and the higher the influence of the indoor / outdoor temperature difference, the higher the thermal characteristic of the target area 10 may be set. That is, the lower the thermal characteristic of the target area 10, the more the temperature of the target area 10 may be maintained or change less even if the indoor / outdoor temperature difference increases.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 may be preset based on at least one of the distance between the target area 10 and the outside of the space 1 and the insulation efficiency of the target area 10. As an example, the insulation efficiency of the target area 10 may include the material of the interior wall finishing material of the target area 10, the number of doors and / or windows provided in the target area 10, the installation direction of the doors and / or windows, whether or not the windows are treated with a thermal coating film, the degree of sanding of the windows, etc.

[0079] For example, the greater the separation distance, the higher the insulation efficiency of the interior wall finishing material of the target area 10, the lower the thermal characteristic value may be. If the thermal characteristic is low, even if the indoor / outdoor temperature difference increases, the amount of change in indoor temperature in the target area 10 may be relatively low compared to other areas with high thermal characteristics.

[0080] In addition, the first temperature change amount may be set further based on a first temperature difference, which is a difference between the indoor temperature of the target area 10 and the outdoor temperature of the target area 10. Here, the first temperature difference may be defined as a value obtained by subtracting the outdoor temperature from the indoor temperature. The larger the first temperature difference is, the larger the temperature change amount per unit time in the target area 10 may be when the air conditioner 20 is turned off. In short, the first temperature change amount can be set based on the first temperature difference and the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 .

[0081] According to the embodiment, the first temperature change amount may be defined by a predefined function, i.e., a first temperature change function. The first temperature change amount may have a form of a quadratic function. In this case, a variable of the first temperature change function may be an indoor / outdoor temperature difference, a constant of the first temperature change function may be predefined based on the thermal characteristics of the target area 10, and an output of the first temperature change function may be the first temperature change amount. In this case, the first temperature difference may be substituted for the variable of the first temperature change function (i.e., the indoor / outdoor temperature difference) to calculate the first temperature change amount due to the first temperature difference. The first temperature change function may be expressed as the following Equation 5.

number

[0082] 4 is a graph showing a first temperature change function according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the output value of the first temperature change function may increase nonlinearly as the indoor / outdoor temperature difference increases.

[0083] 3. Second temperature change The second temperature change amount may be defined as the temperature change amount per unit time in the target area 10 when the air conditioner 20 is turned on. The second temperature change amount may be set based on thermal characteristics of the target area 10. In this case, the thermal characteristics of each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may be different, and therefore the second temperature change amount may be set individually for each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0084] The thermal characteristics of the target area 10 for setting the second temperature change amount may be preset based on at least one of the distance between the target area 10 and the outside of the space 1, the insulation efficiency of the interior wall finishing material of the target area 10, and the operating characteristics of the heater / cooler 20. That is, since the second temperature change amount assumes that the heater / cooler 20 is turned on, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 for setting the second temperature change amount should take into account the operating characteristics of the heater / cooler 20. As described above, the operating characteristics of the heater / cooler 20 may include the operating efficiency of the heater / cooler 20, the installation location of the heater / cooler 20, and the production year of the heater / cooler 20.

[0085] Also, the second temperature change amount may be set further based on a first temperature difference, which is a difference between the indoor temperature of the target area 10 and the outdoor temperature of the target area 10. The first temperature difference has been described above.

[0086] In addition, the second temperature change amount may be set further based on the desired temperature of the air conditioner / heater 20 (i.e., the set temperature when the air conditioner / heater 20 is operated). As an example, when the air conditioner / heater 20 is operated in a heating mode, the higher the desired temperature at which the air conditioner / heater 20 is operated, the faster the indoor temperature of the target area 10 may increase. In addition, when the air conditioner / heater 20 is operated in a cooling mode, the lower the desired temperature at which the air conditioner / heater 20 is operated, the faster the indoor temperature of the target area 10 may decrease. Therefore, the second temperature change amount should take into account the desired temperature of the air conditioner / heater 20.

[0087] In short, the second temperature change amount can be set based on the first temperature difference, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 and the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20 . According to the embodiment, the second temperature change amount may be defined as a predefined function, i.e., a second temperature change function for each desired temperature. The second temperature change function for each desired temperature may have a quadratic function form. At this time, a variable of the second temperature change function for each desired temperature may be an indoor / outdoor temperature difference, a constant of the first temperature change function may be predefined based on the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 and the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20, and an output of the second temperature change function may be a second temperature change amount. At this time, the first temperature difference may be substituted for the variable of the second temperature change function (i.e., the indoor / outdoor temperature difference) to calculate the second temperature change amount according to the first temperature difference. The second temperature change function may be expressed similarly to the above-mentioned [Equation 5].

[0088] 5 is a graph showing a second temperature change function according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, a graph can be shown for each desired temperature of the air conditioner 20. In this case, as the indoor / outdoor temperature difference increases, the output value of the first temperature change function can increase nonlinearly. Also, as the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20 increases, the second temperature change amount can increase.

[0089] In short, the management server 70 can control the operation of the cooler / heater 20 according to various algorithms using the OFF comfort temperature, the ON comfort temperature, the first temperature change amount, and the second temperature change amount.

[0090] Also, embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in the form of program instructions that can be executed by various computer means and stored on a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium may include, alone or in combination, program instructions, data files, data structures, and the like. The program instructions stored on the medium may be specially designed and constructed for the present invention, or may be publicly available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, magneto-optical media such as floptical disks, and hardware devices specially configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code, such as that produced by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, and the like. The above hardware devices may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of an embodiment of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0091] As described above, the present invention has been described with specific details such as specific components, limited embodiments, and drawings, but these are provided only to aid in the overall understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and all modifications equivalent to the scope of the claims, including but not limited to the scope of the claims, are within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 space 2. Heating and cooling control system 10. Target Area Area 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d 20 Air conditioners 30 Temperature and Humidity Sensor 40 Control Module 50 Gateway 60 Access Points 70 Management Server 80 Weather Server 710 Communications Department 720 Control Unit 730 Preservation Department

Claims

1. In a device for controlling a heating and cooling unit installed in an indoor area, a communication unit that receives the indoor temperature of the area measured by a temperature sensor and weather information of the area provided by a weather server; and a control unit that sets a comfort temperature for the area based on the weather information, and generates a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the comfort temperature; A cooling and heating unit control device characterized in that the comfort temperature includes an off comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the area when the cooling and heating unit is turned off, and an on comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by the user when the cooling and heating unit is turned on.

2. The off comfort temperature is used when switching the state of the heating and cooling device, 2. The cooling and heating machine control device according to claim 1, wherein the switching of the state of the cooling and heating machine includes a first state change of switching the state of the cooling and heating machine from turn-off to turn-on, and a second state change of switching the state of the cooling and heating machine from turn-on to turn-off.

3. The cooling and heating unit control device according to claim 1 , wherein the on-comfort temperature is used when setting a desired temperature of the cooling and heating unit.

4. When the air conditioner is in a cooling mode, the on-comfort temperature is set higher than the off-comfort temperature by a predefined critical temperature by driving the air conditioner; The air conditioner control device according to claim 1 , wherein the on-comfort temperature is set to be lower than the off-comfort temperature by a predefined critical temperature when the air conditioner is in a heating mode.

5. The cooling and heating control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit sets the comfort temperature for the target day by adjusting a reference comfort temperature for a reference day that is predefined based on weather information for the target day in the area.

6. The cooling and heating control device according to claim 5 , wherein the reference date corresponds to a sunny day without clouds and precipitation.

7. The weather information includes an average outdoor temperature for one day; The air conditioner control device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit calculates a temperature difference between the outdoor temperature of the area on the target day and the outdoor temperature of the area on the reference day, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the temperature difference to set the comfort temperature for the target day.

8. The cooling and heating control device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit sets the comfort temperature for the target day based on the following formula: Comfort temperature on the target day = Reference comfort temperature - α△Ta Here, ΔTa denotes the temperature difference, and α denotes a temperature adjustment parameter.

9. the weather information includes daily cloud cover; 6. The cooling and heating control device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit calculates a difference in cloud amount between the cloud amount on the target day in the area and the cloud amount on the reference day in the area, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the difference in cloud amount to set the comfort temperature on the target day.

10. The cooling and heating control device according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit sets the comfort temperature for the target day based on the following formula: Comfort temperature on the target day = Standard comfort temperature + β△C Here, ΔC denotes the cloud amount difference, and β denotes a cloud amount adjustment parameter.

11. The weather information includes daily precipitation information, The air conditioner control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the control unit calculates a precipitation difference between the precipitation on the target day in the area and the precipitation on the reference day in the area, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the precipitation difference to set the comfort temperature on the target day.

12. The daily precipitation information includes a daily precipitation probability and a daily precipitation type; The control unit determines that precipitation has occurred when the precipitation probability is equal to or greater than a preset critical probability, and determines that precipitation has not occurred when the precipitation probability is less than the critical probability, The cooling and heating control device according to claim 11 , wherein the control unit sets the comfort temperature for the target day based on the following formula: Comfort temperature on the target day = Reference comfort temperature + γ△R - δ△S Here, ΔR denotes a first precipitation difference for rain, ΔS denotes a second precipitation difference for snow, γ denotes a rain adjustment parameter, and δ denotes a snow adjustment parameter.

13. The weather information includes an average daily outdoor temperature, an average daily cloud cover, and a daily precipitation information.

6. The cooling and heating control device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit calculates a temperature difference between an average outdoor temperature in the area on the target day and an average outdoor temperature in the area on the reference day, a cloud cover difference between an average cloud cover in the area on the target day and an average cloud cover in the area on the reference day, and a precipitation difference between precipitation in the area on the target day and precipitation in the area on the reference day, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the temperature difference, the cloud cover difference, and the precipitation difference to set the comfort temperature for the target day.

14. The reference comfort temperature and the comfort temperature for the target day are set for successive periods included in one day, A period-specific reference comfort temperature is set by applying a predefined period correction parameter to a representative reference comfort temperature, which is a reference comfort temperature for a reference period included in the reference date; The cooling and heating unit control device according to claim 5 , wherein the period correction parameter is defined based on at least one of a sunrise / sunset time of the reference day and an average outdoor temperature of the reference day.

15. In a system for controlling a heating and cooling unit installed in an indoor area, a temperature sensor for measuring the indoor temperature of said area; a gateway receiving the indoor temperature from the temperature sensor; a management server that receives weather information for the area provided from a weather server and the indoor temperature transferred from the gateway, sets an OFF comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the area when the air conditioner or heater is turned off, and an ON comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by the user when the air conditioner or heater is turned on, based on the weather information, and generates a drive control signal for the air conditioner or heater based on the indoor temperature, the OFF comfort temperature, and the ON comfort temperature; a control module that receives the drive control signal transferred from the management server via the gateway and transfers the drive control signal to the heater / cooler.

16. 1. A method for controlling a heating or cooling unit installed in an indoor zone, the method being performed by a processor-based device, the method comprising: receiving weather information for the area provided from a weather server; setting an off comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the area when the air conditioner is turned off, and an on comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by the user when the air conditioner is turned on, based on the weather information; receiving an indoor temperature measured in the area; and generating a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the off and on comfort temperatures.

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