Air conditioning method, program, and air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning method capable of improving comfort of a user by reducing a temperature difference in a height direction between two different areas air-conditioned at different temperatures.SOLUTION: The air conditioning method includes a first air conditioning step of controlling a first air conditioning device 20a to adjust a temperature of a first area 101 to a first temperature, a second air conditioning step of controlling a second air conditioning device 20b to adjust a temperature of a second area 102 different from the first area 101 to a second temperature different from the first temperature when the first air conditioning step is executed, and an air blowing step of controlling one or more air blowing devices 20c located in a third area 103 adjacent to the first area 101 and the second area 102 and having at least an air blowing function to blow air toward the first area 101 and the second area 102 when the first air conditioning step and the second air conditioning step are executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A technology has been disclosed that generates an airflow that prevents conditioned air from diffusing from the air-conditioned space by blowing air against the boundary surface of the air-conditioned space (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-057951 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, air is blown in a manner that prevents the conditioned air from escaping from the space to be air-conditioned, so the direct impact of the air blown on the space to be air-conditioned is minor.

[0005] It is generally known that users of a space feel more comfortable when the temperature difference in the vertical direction of the space is small, so there is a demand for reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction in air-conditioned spaces.

[0006] In addition, preferred room temperatures vary from person to person, so there is a need to provide two air-conditioned spaces at different temperatures within a single indoor space.

[0007] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide an air conditioning method, program, and air conditioning system that can reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between two air-conditioned areas and improve user comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the air conditioning method of the present disclosure is an air conditioning method executed by a computer, and includes: a first air conditioning step of controlling a first air conditioning device to adjust the temperature of a first area to a first temperature; a second air conditioning step of controlling a second air conditioning device to adjust the temperature of a second area different from the first area to a second temperature different from the first temperature while the first air conditioning step is being executed; and a blowing step of controlling one or more blowing devices having at least a blowing function located in a third area adjacent to the first area and the second area to blow air toward the first area and the second area while the first air conditioning step and the second air conditioning step are being executed.

[0009] Furthermore, one aspect of the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes a first air conditioning device controlled to adjust the temperature of a first area to a first temperature, a second air conditioning device different from the first air conditioning device controlled to adjust the temperature of a second area different from the first area to a second temperature different from the first temperature, and one or more air blowing devices located in a third area adjacent to the first area and the second area, having at least an air blowing function, and controlled to blow air toward the first area and the second area.

[0010] The present invention can be realized not only as the air conditioning method described above, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning method, and further as a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The air conditioning method, program, and air conditioning system according to the present disclosure can reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between two air-conditioned spaces, thereby improving the comfort of users. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating how an air conditioning system according to an embodiment operates. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an external view of the air conditioning equipment according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of dividing an indoor space into areas according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating how the air conditioning system operates in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the air conditioning system in the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (Embodiment) Hereinafter, embodiments of an air conditioning method, a program, and an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, components, component placement and connection, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components constituting a preferred embodiment.

[0014] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0015] First, an overview of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an air conditioning system 10 according to an embodiment. The air conditioning system 10 is an air conditioning system used in an indoor space 100 such as an office space.

[0016] 1, an air conditioning system 10 includes a plurality of air conditioning devices 20, and a first area 101 in an indoor space 100 is conditioned by one air conditioning device 20a of the plurality of air conditioning devices 20, and a second area 102 different from the first area is conditioned by an air conditioning device 20b different from the one air conditioning device 20a of the plurality of air conditioning devices 20. Here, the first area 101 and the second area 102 are conditioned to have different temperatures.

[0017] Air conditioning equipment 20c provided in a third area 103 adjacent to the first area 101 and the second area 102 blows air to support the air conditioning of the first area 101 and the second area 102. The specific method of blowing air performed by air conditioning equipment 20c will be described in detail later.

[0018] [composition] First, the configuration of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment will be described. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioning system 10 according to the embodiment.

[0019] 2, the air conditioning system 10 is an air conditioning system used in an indoor space 100 such as an office space. The air conditioning system 10 includes a plurality of air conditioning devices 20, a plurality of lighting devices 30, a control device 40, a temperature detection device 50, an entry / exit management device 60, and a human detection device 70. Note that the air conditioning system 10 is only required to include at least the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 and the control device 40, and may not include other devices.

[0020] The air conditioner 20 is an air conditioner capable of heating operation, cooling operation, and fan operation. Heating operation refers to an operation mode in which air is taken in from the indoor space 100, heated, and blown out into the indoor space 100, while cooling operation refers to an operation mode in which air is taken in from the indoor space 100, cooled, and blown out into the indoor space 100. Fan operation refers to an operation mode in which air is taken in from the indoor space 100, and blown out into the indoor space 100 as is without adjusting the temperature.

[0021] The air conditioner 20 also has a temperature sensor near the air inlet, which can measure the temperature of the air that is taken in. The air conditioner 20 also has a temperature sensor near the air outlet, which can measure the temperature of the air that is blown out.

[0022] The air conditioner 20 has an appearance as shown in FIG. 3, for example. FIG. 3 is an external view of the air conditioner 20. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioner 20 is installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 100 and can blow air in four directions along a horizontal plane. The air conditioner 20 also has flaps (louvers) on each of four air outlets corresponding to the four directions, allowing the direction in which the air is blown out to be changed. The air conditioner 20 can blow air in a horizontal direction or a direction close to this, as shown in FIG. 3(a), and can also blow air vertically downward or a direction close to this, as shown in FIG. 3(b). The air conditioner 20 can also blow air in an oblique direction, taking a state intermediate between FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 2(b).

[0023] The air conditioner 20 is not limited to an air conditioner having the appearance shown in Fig. 3. For example, the air conditioner 20 may be an air conditioner installed on a wall surface of the indoor space 100 near the ceiling.

[0024] The lighting device 30 is provided on the ceiling of the indoor space 100 and illuminates the indoor space 100. The lighting device 30 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor light-emitting element such as an LED. The lighting device 30 is, for example, a base light, but may also be other lighting devices such as a downlight or a spotlight.

[0025] The control device 40 is a device that controls the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 and the plurality of lighting devices 30. The control device 40 is, for example, a device that is installed in the indoor space 100, but may also be a device that is installed in a location away from the indoor space 100, such as a cloud server. Specifically, the control device 40 includes a communication unit 41, a control unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0026] The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the control device 40 to communicate with the plurality of air conditioning devices 20, the plurality of lighting devices 30, the entrance / exit management device 60, and the human detection device 70. When the control device 40 is installed in the indoor space 100, the communication unit 41 communicates with the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 and the plurality of lighting devices 30 through a local communication network. When the control device 40 is installed in a location away from the indoor space 100, the communication unit 41 communicates with the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 and the plurality of lighting devices 30 through a wide area communication network such as the Internet. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 is, for example, wired communication, but may also be wireless communication. There is no particular limitation on the communication standard used for communication.

[0027] The control unit 42 performs information processing for controlling the plurality of air conditioners 20 and the plurality of lighting devices 30. Specifically, the control unit 42 can control the operation mode, set temperature, and flap angle (the direction in which air is blown out; in other words, the wind direction) of the air conditioners 20 by transmitting control signals to the air conditioners 20 using the communication unit 41. The control unit 42 can also turn on, off, or dim the lighting devices 30 by transmitting control signals to the lighting devices 30 using the communication unit 41. The control unit 42 is implemented, for example, by a microcomputer or may be implemented by a processor. The functions of the control unit 42 are implemented, for example, by the microcomputer, processor, or the like (hardware) constituting the control unit 42 executing a computer program (software) stored in the storage unit 43.

[0028] The storage unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary for controlling the plurality of air conditioning devices 20 and the plurality of lighting devices 30, and computer programs executed by the control unit 42. The storage unit 43 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but may also be realized by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0029] The temperature detecting device 50 is a detecting device that measures the room temperature of the indoor space 100 and provides (transmits) the measured room temperature to the control device 40. The temperature detecting device 50 is particularly installed at a height that allows it to detect the temperature felt by a user of the indoor space 100. The temperature detecting device 50 is realized by, for example, a temperature sensor.

[0030] The entrance / exit management device 60 manages the number of users in the indoor space 100 and provides (transmits) the number of users to the control device 40. The entrance / exit management device 60 is realized, for example, by an IC card reader that reads the IC card of a user. The entrance / exit management device 60 can provide the number of people using the first area 101 and the number of people using the second area 102 by storing information obtained in advance by a questionnaire or the like about whether each user prefers the temperature environment of the first area 101 or the temperature environment of the second area 102.

[0031] The human detection device 70 detects the presence or absence of a person (a user of the indoor space 100) located in the indoor space 100. The human detection device 70 is realized, for example, by one or more pyroelectric sensors that detect infrared rays emitted from a person's body, but may also be realized by a camera (image sensor) or a thermal imaging camera (thermal image sensor). The human detection device 70 may have a function to count the number of people located in the indoor space 100. In other words, the human detection device 70 may count the number of users in the indoor space 100. Furthermore, the human detection device 70 may count the number of users in the first area 101 and the number of users in the second area 102 separately.

[0032] 1, the air conditioning system 10 uses both the entrance / exit management device 60 and the human detection device 70 to manage the number of users in the indoor space 100, but the number of users may be managed using only the entrance / exit management device 60, or the number of users may be managed using only the human detection device 70. The air conditioning system 10 may manage the number of users using at least one of the entrance / exit management device 60 and the human detection device 70.

[0033] [Basic operation] In recent years, an increasing number of companies have adopted telecommuting, and the number of people coming into the office varies from day to day. Therefore, by dividing the indoor space 100 into multiple areas and making only some of the multiple areas available depending on the number of users of the indoor space 100, it is possible to reduce the power consumption in the indoor space 100.

[0034] Furthermore, the comfortable temperature varies depending on the person working in the office. For example, some people prefer to work in an environment with a room temperature of 25°C, while others prefer to work in an environment with a room temperature of 27°C. Therefore, by providing multiple usable areas with different environments, such as room temperature, in the indoor space 100, each user can select an environment that is comfortable for them to work in.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of dividing the indoor space 100 into areas. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the indoor space 100 viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 4, the indoor space 100 is divided into 16 unit areas, areas 1 to 16. Each of areas 1 to 16 is equipped with at least one air conditioning device 20 for air-conditioning the respective area. Each of areas 1 to 16 may also be equipped with a lighting device 30 for illuminating the respective area.

[0036] In the example of FIG. 4, an indoor space 100 is divided into a first area 101, a second area 102, and a third area 103. The first area 101 is areas 1 to 4. The second area 102 is areas 11 to 16. The third area 103 is areas 5 to 10. The third area 103 includes a first unit area adjacent to the first area 101 and a second unit area adjacent to the second area 102. Note that the first unit area and the second unit area may be the same area.

[0037] The control device 40 controls the air conditioners 20 installed in areas 1 to 4 as air conditioners 20a, the air conditioners 20 installed in areas 11 to 16 as air conditioners 20b, and the air conditioners 20 installed in areas 5 to 10 as air conditioners 20c.

[0038] The control device 40 acquires the number of users in the first area 101 and the second area 102 from at least one of the entrance / exit control device 60 and the human detection device 70, and determines the ranges of the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0039] The control device 40 causes the lighting devices 30 that illuminate the first area 101 and the second area 102 to emit bright light, and turns off or dims the lighting devices 30 installed in the third area 103. In other words, the control device 40 sets the first area 101 and the second area 102 as usable areas. As a result, the air conditioning system 10 can guide users to the first area 101 and the second area 102 and air-condition the areas used by users by operating only the air conditioners 20 installed in the first area 101 and the second area 102, thereby reducing power consumption in the indoor space 100.

[0040] The size and location of the first area 101 and the second area 102 may be determined based on the results of a questionnaire conducted in advance among users of the indoor space 100. For example, the control device 40 determines the size of the first area 101 and the second area 102 so that the size is predicted from the results of the questionnaire regarding the users' work days and desired temperature environment, and determines the locations of the first area 101 and the second area 102 so that a third area 103 can be provided adjacent to the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0041] Here, there is a demand for reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction in the usable area. According to the invention of the present disclosure, by controlling one or more air conditioning devices 20c located in a third area 103 adjacent to the first area 101 and the second area 102 to send air toward the first area 101 and the second area 102, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0042] Hereinafter, the air blowing method by the air conditioner 20c provided in the third area 103 will be specifically described with reference to an example.

[0043] [Example 1: Air conditioning method when two areas of an indoor space are heated] Warm air moves higher in the height direction of the indoor space 100 than cold air. Therefore, in general, when the air conditioner 20 installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 100 performs heating operation, the air conditioner 20 is controlled to blow out warm air downward in the height direction.

[0044] However, if the air is blown downward in the vertical direction, the warm air may directly hit the occupants of the indoor space 100, potentially reducing their comfort. Therefore, when heating the indoor space 100, the warm air may not be blown downward to a sufficient degree, resulting in a large temperature difference in the vertical direction. Therefore, in the first embodiment, an air conditioning method is described in which, when the first area 101 and the second area 102 are heated, the air conditioning device 20c operates to blow air, thereby reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the air conditioning system 10 in the first embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows how, when a first area 101 of an indoor space 100 is heated at a first temperature by air conditioning equipment 20a and a second area 102 is heated at a second temperature by air conditioning equipment 20b, air conditioning equipment 20c in a third area 103 is controlled to operate as a fan.

[0046] The control device 40 controls the air conditioning equipment 20a installed in the first area 101 to perform heating operation at a first temperature, the air conditioning equipment 20b installed in the second area 102 to perform heating operation at a second temperature, and in parallel with this, the air conditioning equipment 20c installed in the third area 103 adjacent to the first area 101 and the second area 102 to perform fan operation.

[0047] Here, air conditioner 20c is controlled to perform air blowing operation to an area adjacent to the area where air conditioner 20c is installed. For example, air conditioner 20c installed in area 7 in Fig. 4 is controlled to perform air blowing operation to air conditioner 20a installed in area 3 and air conditioner 20b installed in area 11.

[0048] That is, the control device 40 controls the air conditioning device 20c provided in an area of ​​the third area 103 adjacent to at least one of the first area 101 and the second area 102 to send air to at least one of the first area 101 and the second area 102. Note that the air conditioning device 20c may also perform an air sending operation to an area other than the adjacent area.

[0049] 5, the direction of the air blown by air conditioner 20c toward first area 101 is closer to the horizontal than the direction of the air blown at the first temperature by air conditioner 20a. Also, the direction of the air blown by air conditioner 20c toward second area 102 is closer to the horizontal than the direction of the air blown at the second temperature by air conditioner 20b.

[0050] According to this air conditioning method, the warm air stagnating near the ceiling due to heating operation of the air conditioning equipment 20a in the first area 101 is stirred downward by the fan operation of the air conditioning equipment 20c in the third area 103, thereby reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction within the first area 101.

[0051] At the same time, the warm air stagnating near the ceiling due to the heating operation of the air conditioning equipment 20b in the second area 102 is stirred downward by the fan operation of the air conditioning equipment 20c in the third area 103, thereby reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction within the second area 102.

[0052] Furthermore, the air blown by air conditioning equipment 20c can move warm air stagnating near the ceiling downward in the vertical direction, thereby supporting the heating operation of air conditioning equipment 20a and air conditioning equipment 20b and reducing the power consumption of air conditioning equipment 20a and air conditioning equipment 20b.

[0053] According to the air conditioning method described above, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102 that are heated at different temperatures (i.e., the first temperature and the second temperature). Therefore, this air conditioning method can improve the comfort of the users of the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0054] At the same time, this air conditioning method can contribute to power saving because it reduces the power consumption of the air conditioners 20a and 20b for maintaining the first area 101 and the second area 102 at the set temperatures.

[0055] [Example 2: Air conditioning method when two areas of an indoor space are cooled] Cold air moves lower in the height direction of the indoor space 100 than warm air. Therefore, in general, when the air conditioner 20 installed on the ceiling of the indoor space 100 performs cooling operation, the air conditioner 20 is controlled to blow out cold air in a direction close to horizontal.

[0056] At this time, a temperature difference occurs in the vertical direction within the area to be air-conditioned, and therefore it is necessary to reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction. Therefore, in Example 2, an air conditioning method is described in which, when the first area 101 and the second area 102 are cooled, the air conditioner 20c is operated to blow air to reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating how the air conditioning system 10 operates in Example 2.

[0057] FIG. 6 shows how, when a first area 101 of an indoor space 100 is cooled at a first temperature by air conditioning equipment 20a and a second area 102 is cooled at a second temperature by air conditioning equipment 20b, air conditioning equipment 20c in a third area 103 is controlled to blow air.

[0058] The control device 40 controls the air conditioning equipment 20a installed in the first area 101 to operate in cooling mode at a first temperature, the air conditioning equipment 20b installed in the second area 102 to operate in cooling mode at a second temperature, and in parallel with this, the air conditioning equipment 20c installed in the third area 103 adjacent to the first area 101 and the second area 102 to operate in fan mode.

[0059] 6, the direction of the air blown by air conditioner 20c toward the first area 101 is closer to the vertical downward direction than the direction of the air blown at the first temperature by air conditioner 20a. Moreover, the direction of the air blown by air conditioner 20c toward the second area 102 is closer to the vertical downward direction than the direction of the air blown at the second temperature by air conditioner 20b.

[0060] Here, assuming that the direction of airflow from air conditioner 20c in Example 1 is a first direction and the direction of airflow from air conditioner 20c in Example 2 is a second direction, the second direction is lower in the height direction than the first direction. When controlling air conditioners 20a and 20b to perform heating operation, control device 40 controls air conditioner 20c to send air in the first direction, and when controlling air conditioners 20a and 20b to perform cooling operation, control device 40 controls air conditioner 20c to send air in the second direction, which is lower in the height direction than the first direction. In other words, control device 40 adjusts the direction of airflow for the air-blowing operation of air conditioner 20c installed in third area 103 based on whether the available area is being air-conditioned in heating operation or cooling operation.

[0061] According to this air conditioning method, the cold air blown out by the cooling operation of the air conditioning equipment 20a in the first area 101 is stirred downward by the blowing operation of the air conditioning equipment 20c in the third area 103, thereby reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction within the first area 101.

[0062] At the same time, the cold air blown out by the cooling operation of the air conditioning equipment 20b in the second area 102 is stirred downward by the blowing operation of the air conditioning equipment 20c in the third area 103, thereby reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction within the second area 102.

[0063] According to the air conditioning method described above, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102 that are cooled at different temperatures (i.e., the first temperature and the second temperature). Therefore, this air conditioning method can improve the comfort of the users of the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0064] [Example 3: Air conditioning method based on the difference between the outlet temperature and the target temperature] In Examples 1 and 2, the control device 40 adjusted the wind direction of the air conditioning device 20c installed in the third area 103 based on whether the available area was being air-conditioned in heating operation or cooling operation.

[0065] Here, the wind direction of air conditioning equipment 20c may be determined based on the temperature difference between the blowing temperature of air conditioning equipment 20a and the first temperature, and the temperature difference between the blowing temperature of air conditioning equipment 20b and the second temperature, rather than the operating modes of air conditioning equipment 20a and air conditioning equipment 20b.

[0066] The greater the temperature difference between the blowing temperature of air conditioner 20a and the first temperature, the greater the temperature difference in the height direction of first area 101. Similarly, the greater the temperature difference between the blowing temperature of air conditioner 20b and the second temperature, the greater the temperature difference in the height direction of second area 102.

[0067] The control device 40 acquires the blowout temperatures from the air conditioner 20a and the air conditioner 20b, and calculates the temperature difference between the first temperature and the second temperature stored in the storage unit 43.

[0068] The control device 40 controls the air conditioner 20c so that the direction of the air blown by the air conditioner 20c to the first area 101 becomes more horizontal the greater the temperature difference between the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 20a and the first temperature. At the same time, the control device 40 controls the air conditioner 20c so that the direction of the air blown by the air conditioner 20c to the second area 102 becomes more horizontal the greater the temperature difference between the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 20b and the second temperature.

[0069] According to this air conditioning method, when there is a large temperature difference between the discharge temperature of the air conditioning equipment 20 in the area to be air-conditioned and the target temperature (i.e., the first temperature or the second temperature), the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102 can be further reduced by having the air conditioning equipment 20c blow air in a direction close to horizontal.

[0070] [Variation 1: The air-conditioned area is variable] In the above embodiment, the available area, that is, the range of the first area 101 and the second area 102, is predetermined, but the available area may be an area whose size varies.

[0071] The number of people who prefer the thermal environment of the first area 101 and the number of people who prefer the thermal environment of the second area 102 may change depending on the number of people who come to the office and the time of day. In such cases, the control device 40 can change the range of the available area.

[0072] That is, the size of the available area may vary depending on the number of users of the indoor space 100. For example, the control device 40 performs control to expand the range of the first area 101 when the number of users of the first area 101 increases, and to reduce the range of the second area 102 when the number of users of the second area 102 decreases.

[0073] For example, when the number of users in the first area 101 is small, the control device 40 causes the lighting devices 30 installed in area 1 to emit bright light and turns off or dims the lighting devices 30 installed in areas 2 to 4. In other words, the control device 40 designates area 1 of the first area 101 as the available area. This allows the air conditioning system 10 to guide users to area 1 of the first area 101 and to air-condition the area used by the users by operating only the air conditioners 20 installed in area 1, thereby reducing power consumption in the indoor space 100. The control device 40 can gradually expand the available area as the number of users in the first area 101 increases. For example, area 2 is further designated as the available area.

[0074] The control device 40 determines the size and layout of the available area based on information about the number of users acquired from the entrance / exit management device 60 and the human detection device 70. For example, in FIG. 4, the first area 101 is made up of areas 1 to 4, but if the number of people using the first area 101 increases, control is performed so that area 5 is also air-conditioned as the first area 101. At this time, the air conditioning device 20c installed in area 5 is treated as the air conditioning device 20a that air-conditions the first area 101. Furthermore, when the size of the available area is changed, the control device 40 also changes the range of the third area 103 as appropriate. In other words, the control device 40 selects air conditioning device 20c to match the range of the available area.

[0075] The range of the available area may be set by a manager of the air conditioning system 10 directly specifying the range through a manual operation on a user interface (not shown).

[0076] [Variation 2: Timing of fan operation] In the above embodiment, the air conditioning equipment 20c installed in the third area 103 always blew air to the first area 101 and the second area 102 that were being air-conditioned, but the air conditioning equipment 20c may be controlled to bleed air only when it is determined that such air blowing is necessary.

[0077] That is, the control device 40 may determine whether or not to control the air conditioner 20c to blow air based on a predetermined condition.

[0078] The predetermined condition is, for example, that the difference between the intake temperature of air conditioner 20 and the room temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. In other words, the difference between the intake temperature of air conditioner 20a and the room temperature of the first area 101 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and the difference between the intake temperature of air conditioner 20b and the room temperature of the second area 102 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0079] The intake temperature is the temperature of the air drawn in by the air conditioners 20a and 20b. The control device 40 acquires information indicating the intake temperature measured by the air conditioners 20. The room temperature is measured by the temperature detection device 50 and acquired by the control device 40.

[0080] A large difference between the intake temperature and the room temperature indicates a large temperature difference in the vertical direction of the air-conditioned area. Therefore, when the control device 40 determines that the difference between the intake temperature and the room temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it controls the air conditioner 20c to send air to the first and second areas. The predetermined threshold is, for example, 10°C, but may also be 5°C or 8°C.

[0081] When it is determined that the difference between the intake temperature and the room temperature is less than the predetermined threshold, the control device 40 controls the air conditioner 20c not to perform the air blowing operation.

[0082] The determination of whether the difference between the intake temperature and the room temperature is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value may be performed every 10 minutes or every hour.

[0083] Furthermore, the predetermined condition is, for example, that the ratio of the power consumption to the maximum power consumption of the air conditioner 20 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0084] A high ratio of the power consumption to the maximum power consumption of the air conditioner 20 indicates that the air conditioner 20 is operating in a state close to the upper limit of its performance.

[0085] For example, if the maximum power consumption of air conditioner 20a is 100 kW and the current power consumption is 80 kW, control device 40 determines that the power consumption of air conditioner 20a is equal to or greater than a predetermined rate, and controls air conditioner 20c to send air to first area 101. The predetermined rate may be, for example, 80% or 70%.

[0086] According to this air conditioning method, when the operating status of the air conditioning equipment 20a is close to the upper limit of the performance of the air conditioning equipment 20a, the air conditioning of the first area 101 can be assisted by blowing air from the air conditioning equipment 20c to the first area 101.

[0087] The same applies to the air conditioner 20b and the second area 102.

[0088] [Variation 3: Type of ventilation equipment] In the above embodiment, the control device 40 controls the air conditioning device 20c to blow air to the first area 101 and the second area 102. However, the device controlled by the control device 40 to blow air may not be the air conditioning device 20 provided in the third area 103, but may be an device provided in the third area 103 that has a blowing function. For example, air may be blown by a duct-like blower or a fan-like blower provided in the third area 103. Here, the duct-like blower or the fan-like blower needs to have a function to adjust the blowing angle.

[0089] That is, the air conditioning equipment 20c may be a duct-like air blower or an electric fan, instead of the air conditioning equipment 20, as long as it has at least the function of blowing air and the function of adjusting the air blowing angle.

[0090] [Effects, etc.] The technologies derived from the disclosure of this specification are, for example, the following technologies. Below, the technologies derived from the disclosure of this specification will be described together with the effects and the like obtained by the technologies.

[0091] Technique 1 is an air conditioning method executed by a computer, and includes: a first air conditioning step of controlling a first air conditioning device 20a to adjust the temperature of a first area 101 to a first temperature; a second air conditioning step of controlling a second air conditioning device 20b to adjust the temperature of a second area 102 different from the first area 101 to a second temperature different from the first temperature while the first air conditioning step is being executed; and a blowing step of controlling one or more blowing devices 20c having at least a blowing function and located in a third area 103 adjacent to the first area 101 and the second area 102 to blow air toward the first area 101 and the second area 102 while the first air conditioning step and the second air conditioning step are being executed.

[0092] This type of air conditioning method reduces the temperature difference in the vertical direction between two different conditioned areas (first area 101 and second area 102) by blowing air from an area (third area 103) adjacent to the two areas, thereby improving the comfort of users.

[0093] Technique 2 is an air conditioning method of Technique 1 in which the third area 103 is an area between the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0094] This type of air conditioning method can reduce the temperature difference in the height direction between two different conditioned areas by blowing air from an area between the two areas.

[0095] Technique 3 is an air conditioning method of Technique 1 or 2, in which the third area 103 includes multiple unit areas, including a first unit area adjacent to the first area 101 and a second unit area adjacent to the second area 102.

[0096] This type of air conditioning method can reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between two different conditioned areas by blowing air into the two areas from an area adjacent to at least one of the two areas.

[0097] Technique 4 is an air conditioning method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, in which, in the air blowing step, one or more air blowing devices 20c blow air in a first direction toward the first area 101 and the second area 102 when heating is being performed in the first area 101 and the second area 102, and blow air in a second direction toward the first area 101 and the second area 102 that is vertically lower than the first direction when cooling is being performed in the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0098] This type of air conditioning method changes the direction of airflow from an area adjacent to two different conditioned areas based on whether the two areas are being conditioned by heating or cooling, thereby more efficiently diffusing the air within the two areas and reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the two areas.

[0099] Technique 5 is an air conditioning method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 4, in which, in the air blowing step, the air blowing direction of the air blowing device 20c is adjusted based on the temperature difference between the blowing temperature of the first air conditioning device 20a and the first temperature, and the temperature difference between the blowing temperature of the second air conditioning device 20b and the second temperature.

[0100] This type of air conditioning method changes the direction of air blown from an area adjacent to two different conditioned areas based on the temperature of the air blown out by the air conditioning equipment 20 in those two areas and the target temperature of the air conditioning equipment 20, thereby more efficiently diffusing the air in those two areas and reducing the temperature difference in the vertical direction between those two areas.

[0101] Technique 6 is the air conditioning method according to any one of techniques 1 to 5, in which the blower 20c is an air conditioner 20 that operates to blow air or a blower that has a function of adjusting the blowing angle.

[0102] This type of air conditioning method can reduce the temperature difference in the vertical direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102 by blowing air using an air conditioning device 20 that operates to blow air and is installed in the third area 103, or an air blower that can adjust the blowing angle.

[0103] Technique 7 is an air conditioning method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 6, in which the sizes of the first area 101 and the second area 102 are variable, and further includes an air blower selection step of selecting an air blower 20c to be controlled from among a plurality of air blowers 20c so that air can be blown from outside the first area 101 and the second area 102 toward at least one of the first area 101 and the second area 102.

[0104] This type of air conditioning method can change the size of the first area 101 and the second area 102 depending on the number of people using the first area 101 and the second area 102, and can change the range of the third area 103 accordingly.

[0105] Technique 8 is an air conditioning method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 7, in which the air blowing device 20c is controlled based on the intake temperature of the first air conditioner 20a and the temperature of the first area 101 in the air blowing step.

[0106] In this air conditioning method, air is sent to the first area 101 by the air blower 20c when there is a large difference between the intake temperature of the first air conditioner 20a and the temperature of the first area 101. In other words, this air conditioning method contributes to power saving because air is sent only when the effect of air blowing by the air blower 20c is large.

[0107] Technique 9 is the air conditioning method according to any one of Techniques 1 to 8, in which the air blowing device 20c is controlled based on the ratio of the power consumption to the maximum power consumption of the first air conditioner 20a in the air blowing step.

[0108] In this air conditioning method, the air blowing device 20c blows air to the first area 101 when the first air conditioner 20a is operating at a state close to the upper limit of its performance. In other words, this air conditioning method contributes to power saving because air blowing is performed only when the effect of the air blowing device 20c is large.

[0109] Technique 10 is a program for causing a computer to execute any one of the air conditioning methods of Techniques 1 to 9.

[0110] Such a program can assist in reducing the temperature difference in the height direction between the first area 101 and the second area 102 by blowing air from the third area 103.

[0111] Technology 11 is an air conditioning system 10 including a first air conditioning device 20a controlled to adjust the temperature of a first area 101 to a first temperature, a second air conditioning device 20b different from the first air conditioning device 20a controlled to adjust the temperature of a second area 102 different from the first area 101 to a second temperature different from the first temperature, and one or more air blowing devices located in a third area adjacent to the first and second areas, having at least an air blowing function, and controlled to blow air toward the first and second areas.

[0112] Such an air conditioning system 10 can reduce the temperature difference in the height direction between two different conditioned areas by blowing air from an area between the two areas.

[0113] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the indoor space 100 has been described as being any one of the first area 101, the second area 102, and the third area 103, but there may be an area in which an air conditioner 20 is installed that neither performs air conditioning nor blows air. For example, an air conditioner 20 installed in an area that is not adjacent to either the first area 101 or the second area 102 does not need to be controlled to blow air.

[0114] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, the air conditioning system is realized by a plurality of devices. When the air conditioning system is realized by a plurality of devices in this way, the components (particularly functional components) of the air conditioning system may be allocated in any way among the plurality of devices.

[0116] The air conditioning system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the air conditioning system may be realized as a single device corresponding to the control device.

[0117] Furthermore, the method of communication between the devices in the above-described embodiments is not particularly limited. Furthermore, a relay device (such as a gateway device) (not shown) may be involved in the communication between the devices.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0119] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0120] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0121] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0122] For example, the present invention may be realized as the control device of the above-described embodiment, or as an air conditioning method executed by a computer such as the air conditioning system (control device) of the above-described embodiment, or as a program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning method (in other words, a computer program product).The present invention may also be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0123] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10. Air Conditioning System 20 Air conditioning equipment 20a Air conditioning equipment (1st air conditioning equipment) 20b Air conditioning equipment (second air conditioning equipment) 20c Air conditioning equipment (air blowing equipment) 101 Area 1 102 Area 2 103 Third Area Areas 1 to 16 (unit areas)

Claims

1. 1. A computer-implemented air conditioning method, comprising: a first air conditioning step of controlling a first air conditioner to adjust the temperature of the first area to a first temperature; a second air conditioning step of controlling a second air conditioner to adjust a temperature of a second area different from the first area to a second temperature different from the first temperature while the first air conditioning step is being executed; and a blowing step of controlling, when the first air conditioning step and the second air conditioning step are being performed, one or more blowing devices having at least a blowing function and located in a third area adjacent to the first area and the second area to blow air toward the first area and the second area. Air conditioning method.

2. The third area is an area between the first area and the second area. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 .

3. the third area includes a plurality of unit areas, The plurality of unit areas include a first unit area adjacent to the first area and a second unit area adjacent to the second area. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. In the blowing step, the one or more blowing devices When heating is being performed in the first area and the second area, air is blown in a first direction toward the first area and the second area, When cooling is performed in the first area and the second area, air is blown in a second direction toward the first area and the second area, which is lower in the height direction than the first direction. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In the air blowing step, the air blowing direction of the air blowing device is adjusted based on a temperature difference between the blowing temperature of the first air conditioner and the first temperature and a temperature difference between the blowing temperature of the second air conditioner and the second temperature. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The air blowing device is an air conditioning device that operates to blow air or an air blowing device that has a function of adjusting the air blowing angle. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The sizes of the first area and the second area are variable, The method further includes a blower selection step of selecting a blower to be controlled from a plurality of blowers so that air can be blown from outside the first area and the second area toward at least one of the first area and the second area. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

8. In the blowing step, the blowing device is controlled based on the intake temperature of the first air conditioner and the temperature of the first area. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. In the blowing step, the blowing device is controlled based on a ratio of power consumption to maximum power consumption of the first air conditioner. The air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

10. A program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning method according to claim 1 or 2.

11. a first air conditioning device that is controlled to adjust the temperature of the first area to a first temperature; a second air conditioning device different from the first air conditioning device that is controlled to adjust the temperature of a second area different from the first area to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and one or more air blowing devices located in a third area adjacent to the first area and the second area, the air blowing devices having at least an air blowing function and being controlled to blow air toward the first area and the second area. Air conditioning system.

Images