Air conditioning apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of suppressing insufficient cooling / heating and excessive cooling / heating in a precooling / preheating operation by performing the precooling / preheating operation for an appropriate operation time in consideration of a heat capacity of a structure of a living room.SOLUTION: The pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means includes a target structural body temperature estimating means (S130) for estimating a target structural body temperature of a structural body constituting the room based on a room temperature of the room and a comfort indicator of the room, a required time estimating means (S150) for estimating a required operation time of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the target structural body temperature, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation executing means (S180 to S230) for executing the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the required operation time. 200.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner that conditions the air of a room in a building, and more particularly to an air conditioner that performs pre-cooling / pre-heating operation when no one is using the air conditioner in the room. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, air conditioning technologies have been proposed that perform pre-cooling / pre-heating operations to pre-cool or pre-heat a room while the user is away, thereby suppressing the sudden increase in air conditioning load that occurs after the user enters the room and shifting the peak time of air conditioning load.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART An air conditioner that performs pre-cooling / pre-heating operation when no user is present is known, for example, from the one described in Patent Document 1.

[0004] Patent document 1 shows an air conditioning apparatus that includes a presence detection means for recognizing the presence of a user in the room, and a measurement control device that sets a predetermined time period estimated based on information input by the user or past performance information of the presence detection means as the start time period of presence.

[0005] The measurement control device then performs pre-cooling operation or pre-heating operation to set the indoor temperature to a first state, which is a set temperature with a low air conditioning load compared to the target temperature, by the earliest time of the occupancy start time period, and performs pre-cooling operation or pre-heating operation to maintain the first state until the occupancy detection means detects the presence of a user in the room.

[0006] In addition, when the presence detection means detects the presence of a user in the room, cooling or heating operation is performed to set the indoor temperature to a second state, which is a set temperature as a target temperature set by the user or based on actual information, thereby allowing for flexible response to fluctuations in the start of user presence and enabling operation that achieves both energy savings and comfort. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-190164 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The air conditioner in Patent Document 1 controls pre-cooling / pre-heating operation by comparing the indoor temperature (here, air temperature) with a target temperature. However, when the indoor temperature is set as the control target, there is a difference between the heat capacity of the structures that make up the room (for example, structures that make up the side walls, floor, ceiling, etc.) and the heat capacity of the air in the room space.

[0009] This difference in heat capacity can cause the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation to end before the structure is sufficiently cooled / heated, resulting in problems such as a loss of comfort in the living space and an inability to fully utilize the effects of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation because the structure cannot store enough heat (including cold).

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning apparatus and a control method thereof that can suppress insufficient cooling / heating or excessive cooling / heating during pre-cooling / pre-heating operation by performing pre-cooling / pre-heating operation for an appropriate operating time that takes into account the heat capacity of the structure of the room. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides an air conditioning device that conditions a room by executing at least a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode using a control means, wherein the control means is equipped with a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means that executes the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, and the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means is characterized by being equipped with a target structure temperature estimation means that estimates a target structure temperature of a structure that constitutes the room based on the room temperature and a room comfort index, a required time estimation means that estimates the required operation time for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the target structure temperature, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation execution means that executes the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the required operation time.

[0012] Furthermore, the present invention provides a control method for an air conditioning device that conditions a room by executing at least a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode using a control means, wherein when executing the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, the control means sequentially executes the following steps: estimating a target structure temperature of a structure that constitutes the room based on the room temperature and a comfort index of the room; estimating a required operating time for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on this target structure temperature; and continuing the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the required operating time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, by controlling the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation for an appropriate operating time that takes into account the heat capacity of the structure of the room, it is possible to prevent insufficient cooling / heating or excessive cooling / heating during the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the control flow in a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating the control flow in an air conditioning operation mode in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a structure temperature detecting means in an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the configuration of an indoor unit as viewed from the side. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of a structure temperature detection means in an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention, showing the configuration of an indoor unit as viewed from above. [Figure 7A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a room temperature detecting means in an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the configuration of an indoor unit as viewed from the side. [Figure 7B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a room temperature detection means in an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the configuration of an indoor unit as viewed from above. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Specific operation examples of the system described in this embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these operations. [Example]

[0016] The air conditioning apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 is constructed from an indoor unit 110 that conditions the air in a room 1000 of a building, an outdoor unit 120, and a remote controller 300 that controls the air conditioning apparatus 100. The indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120 are connected by connecting pipes 115, 125, and the refrigerant inside the connecting pipes 115, 125 flows through a refrigeration cycle formed by the indoor unit 110 and the outdoor unit 120, thereby forming a system that conditions the air in the room 1000. Here, "OUT" in the diagram indicates the outside of the room, and "IN" indicates the inside of the room.

[0017] The indoor unit 110 is composed of an indoor heat exchanger 180 and an indoor fan 190 , and the outdoor unit 120 is composed of a compressor 130 , a four-way valve 140 , an outdoor heat exchanger 150 , and an expansion valve 160 .

[0018] The control device 200 provided in the indoor unit 110 communicates with a remote controller 300 and external communication means 400, and controls the air conditioner 100 based on command information sent from the remote controller 300 and external communication means 400. Note that command information is parameters that determine the operation of the air conditioner 100, such as each operation mode (cooling, heating, fan, pre-cooling / pre-heating, etc.), set temperature, air volume, air direction, etc. Note that below, the cooling operation mode and heating operation mode may be collectively referred to as air conditioning operation mode.

[0019] In addition, the detection means for detecting the thermal environment in the room is composed of a room temperature detection means 220 for detecting the air temperature in the room (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the room temperature), and a structure temperature detection means 230 for detecting the temperature of the structures that make up the room (for example, the side walls, floor, ceiling, etc. of the room).

[0020] The room temperature detection means 220 is a sensor provided at the return air inlet of the indoor unit 110, and is composed of sensors such as a thermistor, thermocouple, semiconductor thermometer, etc. On the other hand, the structure temperature detection means 230 is a sensor that detects the radiation temperature of one or more of the side walls, floor, ceiling, etc. of the room, and is composed of sensors such as a radiation thermometer, infrared sensor, thermoviewer, etc. However, the sensors in this embodiment are not limited to the types of sensors mentioned above.

[0021] The control device 200 of the air conditioner 100, which receives commands from the remote controller 300 and the external communication means 400, changes the flow direction of the refrigerant according to the received operation mode to air-condition the space of the room 1000. In other words, the operation of the refrigeration cycle changes depending on the cooling operation mode, heating operation mode, and pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, and therefore the flow direction of the refrigerant is changed.

[0022] The control device 200 determines the required rotation speed of the compressor 130 based on the temperature difference between the set temperature provided by the remote controller 300 and the external communication means 400 and the temperatures obtained from the room temperature detection means 220 and the structure temperature detection means 230. The control device 200 then issues a command to the compressor 130 to operate at the determined predetermined rotation speed. Upon receiving the command, the compressor 130 is operated at the predetermined rotation speed, and the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 130 flows in a direction according to the operation mode.

[0023] In the cooling operation mode and the pre-cooling operation mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 130 flows through the circuit shown by the solid line in the four-way valve 140 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 150. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 150 is liquefied by dissipating heat to the outdoor air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 150 by the outdoor fan 170, and then flows out of the outdoor heat exchanger 150.

[0024] The refrigerant that has released heat also undergoes adiabatic expansion as it flows into and passes through expansion valve 160, and then flows into indoor heat exchanger 180. The refrigerant that has flowed into indoor heat exchanger 180 absorbs heat from the indoor air passing through indoor heat exchanger 180 by means of indoor fan 190 and vaporizes, thereby cooling and dehumidifying the indoor air and conditioning the room. The refrigerant that has passed through indoor unit 180 bends through connecting pipe 115 and returns to compressor 130.

[0025] In the heating operation mode and the preheating operation mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 130 flows through the circuit shown by the dashed line of the four-way valve 140 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 180. The refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 180 is liquefied by dissipating heat into the indoor air passing through the indoor heat exchanger 180 by the indoor fan 190, thereby heating the indoor air and air-conditioning the room.

[0026] The refrigerant that has flowed out of the outdoor heat exchanger 180 passes through the connecting pipe 125 and then flows into the expansion valve 160. The refrigerant undergoes adiabatic expansion as it passes through the expansion valve 160 and then flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 150. The refrigerant that has flowed into the outdoor heat exchanger 150 absorbs heat from the outdoor air passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 150 by the outdoor fan 170 and is vaporized, cooling and dehumidifying the outdoor air. The refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger 150 is returned to the compressor 130 again.

[0027] In the air conditioner 100 having the above-described operation modes, when the control device 200 of the air conditioner 100 receives a command for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, which is the subject of this embodiment, it executes the control flow shown in Fig. 2. This control flow will be explained below.

[0028] <Step S100>, <Step S110> In step S100, the control device 200 receives an operation command for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode from the external communication means 400. In step S110, the control device 200 checks whether or not a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation command has been received. If a command for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode has been received, the control device 200 proceeds to step S120; if a command for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode has not been received, the control device 200 waits until an operation command is received.

[0029] <Step S120> In step S120, it is confirmed whether the air conditioner is in a non-operating state, and if it is in an operating state (determined as Yes), the process proceeds to step S125. On the other hand, if the air conditioner is in a non-operating state (determined as No), the process proceeds to step S130.

[0030] <Step S125> When the process proceeds to step S125, the control device 200 continues the normal air conditioning operation mode (for example, the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode) without changing the operation mode to the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode. The normal air conditioning mode is shown in FIG. 3 and will be described later.

[0031] <Step S130> In step S130, the control target values ​​required to execute the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode are estimated. In this embodiment, the control target values ​​are estimated as (1) a target room temperature, (2) a target predicted mean vote (PMV), and (3) a target structure temperature.

[0032] In this case, the control target value is determined using the air conditioning environment information learned and stored in the air conditioning operation mode. The air conditioning environment information is stored in a memory device MRY built into the control device 200. The memory device MRY can be a RAM with a power backup or an EEPROM such as a flash memory.

[0033] Then, in step S130, the control target values ​​(target room temperature, target PMV, target structure temperature) in the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode are estimated from at least the "room temperature," "PMV," and "structure temperature" in the air-conditioning operation mode.

[0034] Here, PMV indicates thermal comfort based on physical considerations of human sensations, and is a "comfort index" calculated by adding two factors on the human body side (metabolic equivalent and amount of clothing) to four environmental factors that determine thermal sensation (temperature, humidity, wind speed, and thermal radiation).

[0035] In addition to PMV, other comfort indices that can be used include (1) operative temperature (OT), (2) corrected effective temperature (CET), (3) new effective temperature (ET*), and (4) new standard effective temperature (SET*). These comfort indices can be appropriately selected as needed. In this embodiment, PMV is used as an index suitable for estimating the structure temperature.

[0036] The target room temperature, target PMV, and target structure temperature are calculated using the following method. [Pre-cooling operation mode] Target room temperature = room temperature learned in air conditioning operation mode + ΔTm (Tm is temperature) Target PMV = PMV learned in air conditioning operation mode + 1 ·Target structure temperature = f (target PMV, target room temperature) [Preheating operation mode] Target room temperature = room temperature learned in air conditioning operation mode - ΔTm (Tm is temperature) Target PMV = PMV learned in air conditioning operation mode - 1 ·Target structure temperature = f (target PMV, target room temperature) As can be seen from the above concept, the target structure temperature is calculated from the target PMV and the target room temperature. For example, the target structure temperature can be calculated from a map with the target PMV on the vertical axis and the target room temperature on the horizontal axis. By searching the map in this way, the calculation time can be shortened compared to arithmetic calculations. Of course, the values ​​on the map can be calculated in advance through experiments, simulations, etc.

[0037] Once the target room temperature, target PMV, and target structure temperature have been estimated, the process proceeds to step S140. In this embodiment, the structure temperature is the wall temperature, which is the temperature of the side wall of the room, so from step S140 onwards, the structure temperature will be read as the wall temperature.

[0038] <Step S140> In step S140, the actual thermal environment in the room before the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is executed is obtained by room temperature detection sensor 220 and structure temperature detection sensor 230. Once the current room temperature and wall temperature are detected, the process proceeds to step S150.

[0039] <Step S150> In step S150, the required operation time Tp required for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is estimated ("Tp = g (target wall temperature - actual wall temperature")) based on the difference between the actual wall temperature, which is the actual temperature obtained by the structure temperature detection sensor 230, and the target wall temperature determined in step S130. Once the required operation time Tp is determined, the process proceeds to step S160.

[0040] <Step S160> In step S160, the operation start time Tt of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is estimated (Tt = occupancy start time - required operation time). Here, the occupancy start time is, for example, the time when the user is estimated to return home from outside and be in the room.

[0041] The occupancy start time may be defined as the earliest time in the air conditioning operation time slot stored in the memory device MRY, or the user may define (reserve) the occupancy start time by some other means, for example, via the external communication means 400. The required operation time is the predetermined time calculated in step S150. Once the operation start time Tt for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is calculated, the process proceeds to step S170.

[0042] <Step S170> In step S170, a pre-cooling / pre-heating start timer is set for the operation start time Tt estimated in step S160. The pre-cooling / pre-heating start timer can be an internal timer of control device 200. Once the pre-cooling / pre-heating start timer is set, the process proceeds to step S180.

[0043] <Step S180> In step S180, it is checked whether the operation start time Tt for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode has arrived. If the current time is before the operation start time Tt, the operation in the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is put on hold, and when the current time becomes equal to or greater than the operation start time Tt, the process proceeds to step S190.

[0044] <Step S190> In step S190, the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is started, which prioritizes the structure temperature. Here, feedback control is performed so that the temperature converges to the target wall temperature. At this time, the drive rotation speed of the compressor 130 by the control device 200 is set to a fixed rotation speed of 50% of the rated rotation speed. Once the compressor 130 is driven, the process proceeds to step S200.

[0045] <Step S200> In step S200, the actual wall temperature is acquired by the structure temperature detection sensor 230, and it is confirmed whether the actual wall temperature satisfies the target wall temperature.

[0046] When the difference between the detected actual wall temperature and the target wall temperature is not sufficiently small, the process returns to step S190 to continue the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation that prioritizes the structure temperature. On the other hand, when the difference between the detected actual wall temperature and the target wall temperature is sufficiently small, the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode that prioritizes the structure temperature is terminated, and the process proceeds to step S210.

[0047] <Step S210> In step S210, operation in the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is started, targeting the room temperature. Here, feedback control is performed so that the room temperature converges to the target room temperature. At this time, the drive rotation speed of the compressor 130 by the control device 200 is set to a fixed rotation speed of 50% of the rated rotation speed. Once the compressor 130 is driven, the process proceeds to step S220.

[0048] <Step S220> In step S220, the actual room temperature is acquired by the room temperature detection sensor 220, and it is confirmed whether the actual room temperature satisfies the target room temperature.

[0049] If the difference between the detected actual room temperature and the target room temperature is not small enough, the process returns to step S210 to continue pre-cooling / pre-heating operation for the room temperature. On the other hand, if the difference between the detected actual room temperature and the target room temperature is small enough, the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode for the room temperature is terminated and the process proceeds to step S230.

[0050] As described in steps S190 to S220, the structure temperature feedback is executed before the room temperature feedback, so that the wall temperature, which has a large heat capacity, can be efficiently pre-cooled / pre-heated.

[0051] <Step S230> In step S230, it is confirmed whether the current time has reached the end time of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode. This end time can be the room occupancy start time used in step S160. For example, the end time can be defined as the earliest time in the air conditioning operation time period stored in the memory device MRY, or the user can define the end time by some other means, for example, via the external communication means 400.

[0052] If the current time has not yet reached the end time, the rotation speed of the compressor 130 is reduced by a predetermined frequency (ΔHz) to continue the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode. On the other hand, if the current time has reached the end time, it is determined that the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode has ended, and the process proceeds to step S240.

[0053] <Step S240> When the process proceeds to step S240, the operation mode is changed from the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode to a normal air conditioning operation mode (for example, cooling operation mode or heating operation mode). At this time, the air conditioning mode is executed assuming that the user has returned home and is in the room. Next, this air conditioning mode will be explained using FIG. 3.

[0054] <Step S250> In step S250, the air conditioning mode instructed in step S125 or step S240 is executed. The air conditioning mode executes the following control steps.

[0055] <Step S260> In step S260, it is confirmed whether or not a command to stop air conditioning has been received. If a command to stop air conditioning has been received, the process proceeds to step S270, where the air conditioner 100 is stopped. On the other hand, if a command to stop air conditioning has not been received, the process proceeds to step S280.

[0056] <Step S280> In step S280, the control method is changed to one that controls the rotation speed of the compressor 130 based on the difference between the target room temperature (set temperature) set by the remote controller 300 and the external communication means 400 and the room temperature detected by the room temperature detection sensor 220.

[0057] For example, if "target room temperature - occupied room temperature > 3.0°C," the rotation speed is set to maximum. If "0.5°C ≦ target room temperature - occupied room temperature < 1.0°C," the necessary compressor rotation speed is estimated based on the temperature difference between the target room temperature and the occupied room temperature by calculating "(compressor rated rotation speed - minimum rotation speed) x 0.25 + minimum compressor rotation speed."

[0058] Once the compressor 130 is driven based on the estimated compressor rotation speed, the process proceeds to step S290.

[0059] <Step S290> In step S290, it is confirmed that the actual room temperature has reached the target room temperature. The actual room temperature is calculated from the temperature of the intake air drawn into the indoor unit. If the temperature difference calculated by "target room temperature - actual room temperature" is greater than a predetermined threshold, the control device 200 determines that the actual room temperature has not reached the target room temperature (set temperature), returns to step S260, and repeats the same control steps.

[0060] On the other hand, when the temperature difference calculated by "target room temperature - actual room temperature" is smaller than the predetermined threshold, the control device 200 determines that the actual room temperature has reached the target room temperature (set temperature) and proceeds to step S300.

[0061] <Step S300> In step S300, it is determined whether the thermal environment in the room has reached a steady state. In this embodiment, the steady state is determined using, for example, the operating time of the air conditioner as a parameter.

[0062] If the time elapsed since the start of the air conditioning operation mode has not exceeded the predetermined time, it is determined that the thermal environment in the room has not reached a steady state, and the process returns to step S260, where the same control steps are repeated.

[0063] On the other hand, if the time that has elapsed since the start time of the air-conditioning operation mode exceeds the predetermined time, it is determined that the thermal environment in the room has reached a steady state, and the process proceeds to step S310.

[0064] <Step S310> In step S310, to calculate the current comfort index, the room's thermal environment information, that is, the room temperature and structure temperature, are obtained from the detected values ​​of the room temperature detection sensor 220 and the structure temperature detection sensor 230, and the PMV value is estimated from the respective obtained temperatures. As shown in step S130, the PMV is calculated using "PMV = f (room temperature, structure temperature)". Once the PMV value is estimated, the process proceeds to step S320.

[0065] <Step S320> In step S320, the setting information (date and time, air conditioning operation mode, set temperature, etc.) set by the remote controller 300 and external communication means 400, the room temperature, the structure temperature, the PMV, the air conditioning operation time period, etc. are learned and stored in the memory device MRY. Note that the learned values ​​may be the values ​​when the air conditioning mode is stopped.

[0066] The various types of air conditioning environment information stored in this storage device MRY are used to calculate the target room temperature, the target PMV, and the target structure temperature in step S130 shown in FIG.

[0067] The air conditioning system disclosed in Patent Document 1 controls pre-cooling / pre-heating operation by comparing the room temperature with a target room temperature. However, when the target room temperature is used as the control target, there is a difference between the heat capacity of the structures that make up the room and the heat capacity of the air in the room. This difference in heat capacity can cause the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation to end before the structures are sufficiently cooled / heated. This can lead to problems such as a loss of comfort in the room space and an inability to store a sufficient amount of heat (including cold energy) in the structures, preventing the full effectiveness of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation.

[0068] In contrast to this, in this embodiment, in the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, the operation time of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation can be appropriately determined, and the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation can be performed within an operation time that is neither too long nor too short.

[0069] As described above, this embodiment is equipped with a target structure temperature estimation means that calculates at least the target room temperature and the target comfort index from the air conditioning environment information of the air conditioning mode executed before the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, and further calculates the target structure temperature using the target room temperature and the target comfort index. Using the target comfort index makes it possible to provide a comfortable space for the user.

[0070] The system is also equipped with a required operation time estimation means that calculates the required operation time for pre-cooling / pre-heating operation using the difference between the target structure temperature and the actual structure temperature. Because the difference in temperature of the same structure is used, it is possible to calculate an accurate operation time. Because the required operation time is accurately calculated, it is possible to reduce energy consumption in the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode.

[0071] The air conditioner is also provided with a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation start time setting means for setting the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation start time based on the predicted occupancy start time of the user in the room and the required operation time.

[0072] The pre-cooling / pre-heating operation start time set by the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation start time setting means is calculated by counting back the required operation time from the occupancy start time. The occupancy start time is set by the user or the earliest time in the air conditioning operation time range stored in the storage device.

[0073] Furthermore, the system is provided with a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation execution means that starts the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode at the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation start time and continues the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode for the required operation time. The pre-cooling / pre-heating operation execution means executes the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation so that the actual structure temperature approaches the target structure temperature, and when the actual structure temperature reaches the target structure temperature, executes the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation so that the actual room temperature approaches or is maintained at the target room temperature.

[0074] When the required operating time is reached, the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation stops and the unit then switches to air-conditioning mode. By running the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode first, it is possible to suppress a sudden increase in air-conditioning load when switching to air-conditioning mode. In addition, because the room has been pre-cooled / pre-heated, a comfortable air-conditioned space can be provided when the occupant enters the room.

[0075] Furthermore, by using a sensor (e.g., a human presence sensor) that detects the presence of a user in the room, if it is detected that a user has entered the room before the required operating time has elapsed while the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is being performed, the operation mode can be transitioned from the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode to the cooling operation mode or the heating operation mode. [Example]

[0076] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figure 4 shows an example of the second embodiment of the air conditioning apparatus. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the position of the structure temperature detection sensor 230 is set in the controller holder 310. Note that the control flow of the operation modes shown in Figures 2 and 3 is the same, so a description of the control flow will be omitted.

[0077] In the second embodiment, the structure temperature detection sensor 230 that was provided in the indoor unit 110 is provided in a controller holder 310 of a remote controller 300. In general, the controller holder 310 is provided so as to be fixed to a side wall of a room.

[0078] The temperature of the side wall, which is a structure, can be detected by installing the structure temperature detection sensor 230 in contact with the side wall of the room, which has a large heat capacity. The structure temperature detection sensor 230 is configured with a sensor such as a thermistor, thermocouple, or semiconductor thermometer, as it comes into contact with the side wall. [Example]

[0079] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Figures 5 to 7B show an example of the third embodiment of the air conditioning apparatus. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the room wall temperature is detected using a room temperature detection sensor 220. The third embodiment is characterized in that the room temperature and the room wall temperature (structure temperature) are detected by changing the air blowing pattern.

[0080] 5, the indoor unit 110 is not provided with a structure temperature detection sensor 230. Instead, the louvers of the indoor unit 110 are controlled to change the air flow when detecting the wall temperature and when detecting the room temperature. A room temperature detection sensor 220 is attached to the air intake of the indoor unit 110 to detect the temperature of the air flowing into the indoor unit 110.

[0081] The control means 200 also includes a louver control means, which, when detecting the wall temperature of the side wall, controls the horizontal louvers and the vertical louvers so that the air being blown flows toward the side wall, and when detecting the room temperature of the room, controls the horizontal louvers and the vertical louvers so that the air being blown flows toward the air intake port on the upper side of the indoor unit.

[0082] 6A and 6B show the air flow when detecting wall temperature. That is, this is an example of detecting wall temperature based on the airflow pattern. To detect wall temperature, the horizontal louvers 500 are directed downward from the horizontal position as shown in Fig. 6A, and the vertical louvers are directed toward the wall as shown in Fig. 6B, thereby deflecting the airflow from the indoor unit 110 toward the side wall SW.

[0083] In this way, by blowing air toward the surface of the side wall SW, the air affected by the wall temperature is returned to the indoor unit 110, and the temperature of the returned air in the living room can be detected by the living room temperature detection sensor 220.

[0084] On the other hand, to detect the air temperature in the living room, as shown in Fig. 7A, horizontal louvers 500 are directed upward from the horizontal position, and as shown in Fig. 7B, vertical louvers are directed in a direction parallel to the ventilation direction, thereby creating an air flow that returns the air blown out from indoor unit 110 directly to the air inlet of indoor unit 110. Therefore, the temperature of the recirculated air in the living room can be detected by room temperature detection sensor 220.

[0085] According to the present invention, in an air conditioning device that conditions a room by executing a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode using a control means, the control means is equipped with a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means that executes the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, and the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means is characterized by being equipped with a target structure temperature estimation means that estimates a target structure temperature of a structure that constitutes the room based on the room temperature and a room comfort index, a required time estimation means that estimates the required operation time for the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the target structure temperature, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation execution means that executes the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the required operation time.

[0086] This allows the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation to be controlled for an appropriate operating time that takes into account the thermal capacity of the room's structure, making it possible to prevent insufficient or excessive cooling / heating during the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation.

[0087] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes various modifications. The above-described embodiments have been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those including all of the described configurations. Furthermore, it is possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. It is also possible to add, delete, or replace other configurations with respect to the configuration of each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 1000...room, 100...air conditioning device, 110...indoor unit, 120...outdoor unit, 130...compressor, 140...four-way valve, 150...outdoor heat exchanger, 160...expansion valve, 170...outdoor fan, 180...indoor heat exchanger, 190...indoor fan, 115...connecting piping, 125...connecting piping, 200...control unit, 220...room temperature detection sensor, 230...structure temperature detection sensor, 300...remote controller, 310...controller holder, 400...external communication means.

Claims

1. In an air conditioning apparatus that performs at least a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode by a control means to air-condition a room, The control means includes a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means for executing a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, and the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means includes: a target structure temperature estimation means for estimating a target structure temperature of a structure constituting the living space based on the living space temperature of the living space and a comfort index of the living space; a required operation time estimation means for estimating a required operation time of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the target structure temperature; and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation execution means for executing the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the required operation time. An air conditioning device characterized by:

2. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, The required operation time estimation means estimates the required operation time based on a difference between the target structure temperature and the actual structure temperature. An air conditioning device characterized by:

3. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1, The target structure temperature estimation means calculates a target room temperature and a target comfort index from air conditioning environment information of an air conditioning mode executed before the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, and further calculates the target structure temperature using the target room temperature and the target comfort index. An air conditioning device characterized by:

4. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 3, The target structure temperature estimation means In the case of pre-cooling operation in the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode, the target room temperature is calculated by adding a predetermined temperature to the room temperature in the air conditioning mode, the target comfort index is calculated by adding a predetermined value to the comfort index in the air conditioning mode, and the target structure temperature is estimated from the target room temperature and the target comfort index; In the case of preheating operation in the pre-cooling / preheating operation mode, the target room temperature is calculated by subtracting a predetermined temperature from the room temperature in the air conditioning mode, the target comfort index is calculated by subtracting a predetermined value from the comfort index in the air conditioning mode, and the target structure temperature is estimated from the target room temperature and the target comfort index. An air conditioning device characterized by:

5. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 4, The comfort index is the predicted average thermal sensation declaration An air conditioning device characterized by:

6. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2, The pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means a pre-cooling / pre-heating start time setting means for determining a time when a user starts to be in the room and setting a time obtained by pre-calming the required operation time from the time when the user starts to be in the room as the pre-cooling / pre-heating start time; The pre-cooling / pre-heating operation execution means starts execution of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode when the pre-cooling / pre-heating start time arrives. An air conditioning device characterized by:

7. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 2, The structure forming the living room is a side wall of the living room. An air conditioning device characterized by:

8. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7, The room temperature is detected by a temperature sensor that detects the air temperature in the room, and the wall temperature of the side wall of the room is detected by an infrared sensor or a radiant temperature sensor. An air conditioning device characterized by:

9. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7, The room temperature is detected by a temperature sensor that detects the air temperature in the room, and the wall temperature of the side wall of the room is detected by bringing a temperature detection sensor provided in a controller holder of a remote controller fixed to the side wall into contact with the side wall. An air conditioning device characterized by:

10. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 7, The indoor unit that air-conditions the room includes a room temperature detection sensor that detects the temperature of air drawn into the air inlet, and horizontal and vertical louvers that change the flow of the air being blown out, the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation control means includes a louver control means, The louver control means When detecting the wall temperature of the side wall, the horizontal louvers and the vertical louvers are controlled so that the air flows in the direction of the side wall; When detecting the room temperature of the room, the horizontal louver and the vertical louver are controlled so that the flow of the blown air flows toward the air inlet on the upper side of the indoor unit. An air conditioning device characterized by:

11. The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 6, The pre-cooling / pre-heating start time setting means sets the occupancy start time based on a time set by the user transmitted from outside. An air conditioning device characterized by:

12. A control method for an air conditioner that performs at least a cooling operation mode, a heating operation mode, and a pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode by a control means to air-condition a room, comprising: When the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode is executed, the control means estimating a target structure temperature of a structure constituting the living space based on the living space temperature of the living space and the comfort index of the living space; estimating a required operation time of the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the target structure temperature; and continuing the pre-cooling / pre-heating operation mode based on the required operation time. A method for controlling an air conditioning apparatus comprising:

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