Estimation method, estimation device, and program

Abstract

To accurately estimate an energy saving effect of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: A control unit (101) included in an estimation apparatus (10) executes a step of acquiring first information indicating a relationship between an attribute of a first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) and an evaluation index of an energy-saving effect achieved by applying an energy-saving measure, and a step of estimating an evaluation index of an energy-saving effect in a second air conditioning apparatus (20-2) based on the first information and second information about an attribute of the second air conditioning apparatus (20-2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an estimation method, an estimation device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known techniques for estimating the energy-saving effect of an air conditioner. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an energy-saving effect estimation device that compares a heat load feature amount of a property where energy-saving control is being implemented with a heat load feature amount of a property where energy-saving control is not being implemented, and calculates an estimated value of the energy-saving effect of a property where energy-saving control is not being implemented from a value indicating the energy-saving effect of the property where energy-saving control is being implemented. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-82007 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the conventional technology has room for improvement in the accuracy of estimating the energy-saving effect. For example, the conventional technology does not take into account characteristics other than whether or not energy-saving control is being implemented.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a technique for accurately estimating the energy-saving effect of an air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The estimation method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure includes a step in which a control unit (101) of an estimation device (10) acquires first information indicating a relationship between an attribute of a first air conditioning device (20-1) and an evaluation index of an energy-saving effect resulting from application of an energy-saving measure, and a step in which an evaluation index of the energy-saving effect of a second air conditioning device (20-2) is estimated based on the first information and second information relating to the attribute of the second air conditioning device (20-2).

[0007] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the energy saving effect of an air conditioner can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is an estimation method according to the first aspect, wherein the step of acquiring the first information acquires the first information according to the attributes based on third information relating to the attributes of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) to which the energy saving measure has been applied, fourth information indicating the state of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) when the energy saving measure has not been applied, and fifth information indicating the state of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) when the energy saving measure has been applied.

[0009] According to the second aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately acquire an evaluation index of the energy-saving effect according to the attributes of an air conditioner to which an energy-saving measure has been applied.

[0010] A third aspect of the present disclosure is an estimation method according to the second aspect, wherein the step of acquiring the first information includes calculating an evaluation index of the energy saving effect of the first air conditioning device (20-1) by comparing the fourth information with the fifth information, and acquiring the first information by classifying the evaluation index of the energy saving effect according to the attributes of the first air conditioning device (20-1) based on the third information.

[0011] According to the third aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately acquire an evaluation index of the energy-saving effect according to the attributes of an air conditioner to which an energy-saving measure has been applied.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is an estimation method according to the second or third aspect, wherein the fourth information and the fifth information include information on the refrigerant temperature of the first air conditioning device (20-1), or information on the compressor rotation speed or compressor frequency, and information on the load of the first air conditioning device (20-1).

[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the energy saving effect can be estimated with high accuracy based on the refrigerant temperature, compressor rotation speed or frequency of an air conditioner to which an energy saving measure has been applied, and the load of the air conditioner.

[0014] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is an estimation method according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the evaluation index of the energy-saving effect includes at least one of an index indicating the energy-saving effect and an index forming the basis of the energy-saving effect.

[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to accurately estimate an index showing the energy-saving effect when an energy-saving measure is applied, or an index serving as a basis for the energy-saving effect.

[0016] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the estimation method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the first information includes a refrigerant temperature relaxation range according to a load condition of the first air conditioner (20-1).

[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire the refrigerant temperature mitigation range according to the load condition of the air conditioner to which the energy saving measure is applied.

[0018] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is an estimation method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the first information includes a mitigation range for the compressor rotation speed or frequency according to a load condition of the first air conditioning device (20-1).

[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to acquire the mitigation width of the compressor rotation speed or frequency according to the load condition of the air conditioner to which the energy saving measure is applied.

[0020] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the estimation method according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the attribute includes a type of control different from the energy saving measure.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the energy-saving effect can be estimated according to the type of control different from the energy-saving measure.

[0022] An estimation device (10) according to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure is an estimation device (10) having a control unit (101), in which the control unit (101) acquires first information indicating a relationship between attributes of a first air conditioning device (20-1) and an evaluation index of an energy saving effect resulting from application of an energy saving measure, and estimates an evaluation index of the energy saving effect in the second air conditioning device (20-2) based on the first information and second information relating to attributes of the second air conditioning device (20-2).

[0023] A program according to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure causes a control unit (101) of an estimation device (10) to execute the steps of acquiring first information indicating a relationship between attributes of a first air conditioning device (20-1) and an evaluation index of an energy-saving effect resulting from application of an energy-saving measure, and estimating an evaluation index of the energy-saving effect of a second air conditioning device (20-2) based on the first information and second information relating to attributes of the second air conditioning device (20-2). [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an energy saving effect estimation system. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a computer. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of an estimation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of device information. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an energy reduction index. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an estimation model. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an estimation method according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an energy saving effect index. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0026] [First embodiment] A first embodiment of the present disclosure is an energy saving effect estimation system that estimates the energy saving effect of an air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as "energy saving effect"). In this embodiment, the energy saving effect estimation system estimates the energy saving effect when an energy saving measure (hereinafter referred to as "energy saving measure") is applied to a property in which an air conditioner is installed.

[0027] Energy-saving measures are measures that allow an air conditioner to efficiently use energy, such as electricity, consumed during operation. Energy-saving measures may, for example, include the use of energy-saving operation control (hereinafter referred to as "energy-saving operation control") that operates the air conditioner so as to reduce energy consumption. In this case, the energy-saving measures may include setting the outdoor unit of the air conditioner to operate under energy-saving operation control. Note that energy-saving measures are not limited to energy-saving operation control, and any measure that reduces the energy consumed by the air conditioner may be applied. Energy-saving measures may, for example, include the use of demand control that suppresses power consumption to a target value or below. Energy-saving measures may, for example, include the use of control that assumes that the set temperature will be relaxed.

[0028] The purpose of this embodiment is to accurately estimate the energy-saving effect of air conditioners. To this end, in this embodiment, first information indicating the relationship between the attributes of a first air conditioner and an evaluation index of the energy-saving effect resulting from the application of an energy-saving measure is acquired, and an evaluation index of the energy-saving effect of the second air conditioner is estimated based on the first information and second information related to the attributes of a second air conditioner.

[0029] In one aspect, according to this embodiment, an evaluation index for the energy saving effect is estimated based on first information according to the attributes of the air conditioning device, so the energy saving effect of the air conditioning device can be estimated with high accuracy. In another aspect, according to this embodiment, the energy saving effect when an energy saving measure is applied can be confirmed before the energy saving measure is applied, so information for determining whether or not to apply the energy saving measure can be provided to a user or owner of the air conditioning device.

[0030] <Overall structure> The overall configuration of the energy saving effect estimation system in this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the energy saving effect estimation system.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the energy saving effect estimation system 1000 includes an estimation device 10, a plurality of air conditioners 20 (20-1 to 20-4), a plurality of control devices 30 (30-1, 30-2), and one or more terminal devices 40.

[0032] Hereinafter, when there are multiple air conditioning devices 20, they will be distinguished from one another by using sub-numbers such as "air conditioning device 20-1" and "air conditioning device 20-2." When "air conditioning device 20" is used without using a sub-number, it applies to all air conditioning devices 20. The same notation will be used for the control device 30.

[0033] The estimation device 10, the air conditioning device 20, the control device 30, and the terminal device 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data via a communication network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. The communication network N may include, for example, a wireless LAN, a mobile communication network, or a network using short-range wireless communication.

[0034] The energy saving effect estimation system 1000 includes multiple properties B (B-1, B-2, ...). The properties B are, for example, buildings such as offices, stores, or residences. One or more air conditioning units 20 and one or more control devices 30 are installed in the properties B. For example, air conditioning units 20-1, 20-3, ... and a control device 30-1 are installed in the property B-1. Furthermore, air conditioning units 20-2, 20-4, ... and a control device 30-2 are installed in the property B-2. Note that one air conditioning unit 20 installed in the property B corresponds to one system.

[0035] The number of properties B included in the energy saving effect estimation system 1000, or the number of air conditioners 20 or control devices 30 installed in each property B, is an example. These numbers may be configured arbitrarily.

[0036] In this embodiment, it is assumed that the property B-1 has energy-saving measures applied. It is also assumed that the property B-2 has no energy-saving measures applied. Hereinafter, the property B-1 to which the energy-saving measures have been applied will be referred to as the "applied property," and the property B-2 to which the energy-saving measures have not been applied will be referred to as the "target property."

[0037] The estimation device 10 is an information processing device such as a personal computer, server, or workstation that estimates the energy-saving effect of air conditioners 20-2, 20-4, ... installed in target property B-2. The estimation device 10 may estimate the energy-saving effect of air conditioners 20-2, 20-4, ... in response to a request from a terminal device 40. The estimation device 10 may transmit the estimated results of the energy-saving effect to the terminal device 40.

[0038] The air conditioner 20 is a facility device that conditions the air of a specified indoor space. The air conditioner 20 performs at least one of the following air treatments for the specified indoor space: cooling, heating, air purification, ventilation, humidification, and dehumidification. The air conditioner 20 may include one or more outdoor units and one or more indoor units. The outdoor unit is installed outside the indoor space to be air-conditioned. The indoor unit is installed inside the indoor space to be air-conditioned. The outdoor unit and the indoor unit are connected by refrigerant piping. A refrigerant circuit that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is formed by the circulation of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant piping. In the refrigerant circuit, the refrigerant sealed inside is compressed, releases heat, decompresses, evaporates, and then compressed again, performing a refrigeration cycle.

[0039] The outdoor unit of the air conditioner 20 accumulates operating data indicating the status of the equipment in a storage device during operation. The outdoor unit of the air conditioner 20 outputs the operating data accumulated in the storage device to the control device 30. As one example, the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 20 may output the operating data at predetermined time intervals, or may output the operating data in response to a request from the control device 30.

[0040] The control device 30 is an information processing device that controls the air conditioning device 20. The control device 30 may be installed in any property B and may control one or more air conditioning devices 20 installed in the same property B. For example, the control device 30-1 installed in property B-1 may control the air conditioning devices 20-1, 20-3, ... installed in property B-1. Furthermore, the control device 30-2 installed in property B-2 may control the air conditioning devices 20-2, 20-4, ... installed in property B-2.

[0041] The control device 30 may be integrated with and configured inside the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device 20. The control device 30 may be installed in a data center or the like that is capable of communicating with the outdoor unit of the air conditioning device 20 via a communication network N.

[0042] The control device 30 collects operating data output by the outdoor unit of the air conditioner 20. The control device 30 transmits the collected operating data to the estimation device 10. The control device 30 may transmit control signals to the air conditioner 20 that control the operation of the outdoor unit and indoor unit of the air conditioner 20 based on the collected operating data.

[0043] The terminal device 40 is an information processing terminal such as a personal computer, smartphone, or tablet terminal operated by a user U of the energy saving effect estimation system 1000. The terminal device 40 may transmit an estimation request for the energy saving effect to the estimation device 10 in response to an operation by the user U. The estimation request is information or a signal requesting an estimation of the energy saving effect of the air conditioning device 20. The terminal device 40 may present the estimation result of the energy saving effect received from the estimation device 10 to the user U. As an example, the terminal device 40 may display a screen including the estimation result on a display device connected to the terminal device 40. The terminal device 40 may print a document including the estimation result from a printing device connected to the terminal device 40.

[0044] Note that the overall configuration of the energy-saving effect estimation system 1000 shown in Fig. 1 is one example, and various system configuration examples are possible depending on the application and purpose. For example, the energy-saving effect estimation system 1000 may include multiple units of one or more of the estimation device 10, air conditioning device 20, control device 30, and terminal device 40. For example, the estimation device 10 may be realized by multiple computers, or may be realized as a cloud computing service. The classification of devices such as the estimation device 10, air conditioning device 20, control device 30, and terminal device 40 shown in Fig. 1 is one example.

[0045] <Hardware configuration> The estimation device 10, the control device 30, and the terminal device 40 included in the energy saving effect estimation system 1000 can be implemented by a computer. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a computer.

[0046] 2, the computer 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102, an auxiliary storage device 103, an operation device 104, a display device 105, a communication device 106, and a drive device 107. The hardware components of the computer 100 are connected to each other via a bus 108.

[0047] The processor 101 (hereinafter also referred to as a "controller") has various arithmetic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The processor 101 reads various programs installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 onto the memory 102 and executes them.

[0048] The memory 102 has a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The processor 101 and the memory 102 form a so-called computer, and the processor 101 executes various programs read onto the memory 102, thereby enabling the computer to realize various functions.

[0049] The auxiliary storage device 103 (hereinafter also referred to as a "storage unit") stores various programs and various data used when the processor 101 executes the various programs.

[0050] The operation device 104 is an operation device that allows a user of the computer 100 to perform various operations. The display device 105 is a display device that displays the results of various processes executed by the computer 100.

[0051] The communication device 106 is a communication device for communicating with external devices via a network (not shown).

[0052] Drive device 107 is a device for loading storage medium 109. The storage medium 109 here includes media that store information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks. Storage medium 109 may also include semiconductor memories that store information electrically, such as ROMs and flash memories.

[0053] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed storage medium 109 in the drive device 107 and reading out the various programs stored in the storage medium 109 by the drive device 107. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 103 may be installed by being downloaded from a network via the communication device 106.

[0054] <Estimation method> The estimation method executed by the energy saving effect estimation system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 3 to Fig. 6. Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the estimation method according to the first embodiment.

[0055] In step S1, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 collects operating data output by the air conditioning device 20. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may acquire operating data of the air conditioning device 20 installed in property B from a control device 30 installed in property B. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may request operating data from the control device 30 installed in property B at predetermined time intervals. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may receive operating data transmitted by the control device 30 regularly or irregularly.

[0056] In this embodiment, the operating data of the air conditioning apparatus 20 includes at least information related to the refrigerant temperature and information related to the load. The information related to the load may include, for example, the actual air conditioning capacity value [kW], the outside air temperature [°C], the room temperature [°C], and the set temperature [°C].

[0057] In this embodiment, the operating data of the air conditioner 20 includes operating data including information indicating the state of the equipment when no energy saving measures are applied (an example of fourth information), and operating data including information indicating the state of the equipment when an energy saving measure is applied (an example of fifth information). The state of the equipment may, for example, include the temperature of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant piping of the air conditioner 20. The temperature of the refrigerant may include at least one of the evaporation temperature (Te) or the condensation temperature (Tc). As another example, the state of the equipment may include the rotation speed or frequency of the compressor.

[0058] The operating data when no energy-saving measures are applied may include operating data before the energy-saving measures are applied to the applied property B-1, or may include operating data when the energy-saving measures are not used after the energy-saving measures are applied to the applied property B-1 (for example, when the energy-saving operation control is off).The operating data when energy-saving measures are applied may include operating data after the energy-saving measures are applied to the applied property B-1, or may include operating data when the energy-saving measures are used after the energy-saving measures are applied to the applied property B-1 (for example, when the energy-saving operation control is on).

[0059] The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 stores the collected driving data. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may store the driving data in the storage unit 103 of the estimation device 10. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may store the driving data in an external storage device connected to the estimation device 10.

[0060] In step S2, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires equipment information (an example of third information) related to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20. The equipment information of the air conditioning device 20 may be stored in advance in the storage unit 103 of the estimation device 10, etc. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may acquire the equipment information of the air conditioning device 20 from the air conditioning device 20 or the control device 30. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may generate the equipment information based on the operating data collected in step S1. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may accept input of the equipment information in response to an operation on the operation device 104 of the estimation device 10.

[0061] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of device information. As shown in Fig. 4, device information is acquired for each property and system. The device information includes information on operation conditions, installation conditions, device conditions, and property conditions.

[0062] The operating conditions are conditions related to the operation of the air conditioning device 20. The operating conditions may include, for example, use or control information. The use is information indicating the use of the indoor space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device 20. The use may include, for example, a conference room, an office, or a common area (for example, a hallway or an entrance). The control information is information regarding control that is different from the energy-saving measures. The control information is information indicating whether control that is different from the energy-saving measures is being applied, and if control that is different from the energy-saving measures is being applied, the type of control, etc. Note that the control that is different from the energy-saving measures may be an energy-saving measure that is different from the energy-saving measures applied to the applied property B-1, or may be control that does not aim to achieve an energy-saving effect. The control that is different from the energy-saving measures may include, for example, demand control that suppresses power consumption below a target value, or control that prioritizes comfort.

[0063] The installation conditions are conditions related to the installation environment of the air conditioning apparatus 20. The installation conditions may include, for example, room allocation or floor spanning. The room allocation is the room allocation of the indoor space in which the indoor units of the air conditioning apparatus 20 are installed. For example, the room allocation may include a large room consisting of one large room, or multiple private rooms consisting of multiple small rooms. Floor spanning is information indicating whether the indoor units of the air conditioning apparatus 20 are installed on multiple floors. For example, floor spanning may include floor spanning, in which the indoor units are installed on multiple floors, or floor spanning, in which the indoor units are installed on a single floor.

[0064] The equipment conditions are conditions related to the equipment specifications of the air conditioning apparatus 20. The equipment conditions may include, for example, the model or capacity. The model is identification information that identifies the model of the air conditioning apparatus 20. For example, the model may include the model name or model number. The capacity is information that indicates the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning apparatus 20. For example, the capacity may be expressed in kW, horsepower, or the number of tatami mats.

[0065] The property conditions are conditions related to property B in which the air conditioning device 20 will be installed. The property conditions may, for example, include use or area. The use is information related to the use of property B. For example, the use may include an office or a hospital. The area is information indicating the location of property B. For example, the area may be expressed by a regional division, prefecture, city, town, or village.

[0066] Returning to Figure 3, in step S3, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 calculates an energy reduction index according to the load conditions for each of the air conditioners 20-1, 20-3, ... based on the operating data of the air conditioners 20-1, 20-3, ... installed in the applied property B-1. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may classify the operating data of each of the air conditioners 20-1, 20-3, ... by range of load conditions, and calculate the energy reduction index according to the load conditions by comparing, for each range of load conditions, the operating data when the energy saving measure is not applied (fourth information) with the operating data when the energy saving measure is applied (fifth information).

[0067] The load conditions may include, for example, the load factor, the outside air temperature, the difference between the indoor temperature (intake temperature) and the set temperature, or a combination of these. For example, the load factor may be calculated by dividing the actual air conditioning capacity [kW] by the rated capacity [kW] x 100.

[0068] The energy reduction index is an index that serves as the basis for the energy saving effect. The energy reduction index may include, for example, a refrigerant temperature relaxation range, a compressor rotation speed or frequency relaxation range, etc. The refrigerant temperature relaxation range is the difference in temperature of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigerant piping of the air conditioner 20 when an energy saving measure is applied and when an energy saving measure is not applied. The refrigerant temperature relaxation range is the difference in the evaporation temperature (Te) of the refrigerant in cooling operation, and the difference in the condensation temperature (Tc) of the refrigerant in heating operation. The energy reduction index is an example of an evaluation index for the energy saving effect.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of an energy reduction index. FIG. 5 shows a refrigerant temperature relaxation range [°C] as an example of an energy reduction index. As shown in FIG. 5, the energy reduction index is calculated for each property and each system. The energy reduction index may include a refrigerant temperature relaxation range for each range of load factor. The range of load factor may be set at equal intervals, such as 0 to 10%, 10 to 20%, etc., or may not be at equal intervals. The range of load factor is an example of a load condition.

[0070] Returning to FIG. 3 , the following description will be given. In step S4, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 constructs an estimation model for each attribute of the air conditioning device 20. In this embodiment, the estimation model is a machine learning model that takes load conditions as input and outputs an estimated value of an energy reduction index. The machine learning model may be a model based on any method, such as a statistical method or deep learning, for example. Note that the input and output of the estimation model are not limited to this. For example, the estimation model may be a machine learning model that takes attributes as input and outputs an energy reduction index according to the load conditions. Alternatively, for example, the estimation model may be a machine learning model that takes the occurrence rate of a load condition as input and outputs an energy reduction index for each load condition. Alternatively, for example, the estimation model may be a machine learning model that takes attributes and the occurrence rate of a load condition as input and outputs an energy reduction index for each load condition.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 classifies the energy reduction indexes according to the load conditions calculated in step S3 into the same or similar attributes based on the device information (third information) acquired in step S2. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 constructs an estimation model for each attribute using the energy reduction indexes according to the load conditions classified by attribute as learning data.

[0072] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an estimation model. As shown in Fig. 6, the estimation model may be a mathematical model that can calculate the refrigerant temperature relaxation range based on the load factor.

[0073] The estimation model may be a machine learning model that takes load conditions as input and outputs an index indicating the energy saving effect (hereinafter referred to as "energy saving effect index"). The energy saving effect index may include, for example, the amount or rate of reduction in energy consumption (electricity), or the rate of improvement in operating efficiency (COP; Coefficient of Performance). The energy saving effect index is another example of an evaluation index for the energy saving effect.

[0074] The energy saving effect index may be calculated by converting the energy reduction index based on the equipment characteristics of the air conditioning apparatus 20. The equipment characteristics of the air conditioning apparatus 20-2 may be determined in advance through testing or the like. As an example, the equipment characteristics of the air conditioning apparatus 20-2 may be a relational expression showing the relationship between the energy reduction index and the amount of energy consumed. The control unit 101 of the estimation apparatus 10 may accept input of the equipment characteristics of the air conditioning apparatus 20-2 in response to an operation on the operation device 104 of the estimation apparatus 10. The control unit 101 of the estimation apparatus 10 may acquire the equipment characteristics of the air conditioning apparatus 20-2 by learning the relationship between the energy reduction index and the amount of energy consumed based on operating data of the air conditioning apparatus 20-2.

[0075] Each estimation model for each attribute is an example of first information indicating the relationship between the attribute and the energy reduction index (or the energy saving effect index). The first information is not limited to the estimation model, and may be any information that can estimate the energy reduction index (or the energy saving effect index) based on the load condition. As an example, the first information may be a matrix, a map, a graph, a function, or the like, with the load condition and the energy reduction index (or the energy saving effect index) as variables.

[0076] The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 stores an estimation model for each attribute. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may store the estimation model for each attribute in the storage unit 103 of the estimation device 10. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may store the estimation model for each attribute in an external storage device connected to the estimation device 10.

[0077] In step S5, the terminal device 40 sends an estimation request for energy saving effects to the estimation device 10 in response to an operation by the user U. The estimation request includes information indicating the air conditioning device 20 to be estimated. The estimation request may include equipment information for the air conditioning device 20 to be estimated. The air conditioning device 20 to be estimated may be selected by the user U. The air conditioning device 20 to be estimated may be an air conditioning device 20 installed in property B to which no energy saving measures have been applied. In this embodiment, the description will be given assuming that the air conditioning device 20-2 installed in the target property B-2 is specified as the estimation target.

[0078] The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 receives a request for estimation of energy-saving effects from the terminal device 40. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 indicated in the estimation request. For example, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may read out the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 from the operating data stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may acquire the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 from the control device 30-2.

[0079] In step S6, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires equipment information (an example of second information) related to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-2. For example, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may extract the equipment information of the air conditioning device 20-2 from the equipment information acquired in step S2. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may read out the equipment information of the air conditioning device 20-2 from the equipment information pre-stored in the storage unit 103. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may acquire the equipment information of the air conditioning device 20-2 from the air conditioning device 20-2 or the control device 30-2. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may generate the equipment information of the air conditioning device 20-2 based on the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 acquired in step S5. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may acquire the equipment information of the air conditioning device 20-2 included in the estimation request.

[0080] The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires an estimation model according to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-2 based on the device information of the air conditioning device 20-2. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may select an estimation model that matches or is similar to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-2 from the estimation models for each attribute constructed in step S4. For example, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may read out an estimation model that matches or is similar to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-2 from the estimation models for each attribute stored in the storage unit 103.

[0081] In step S7, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 estimates the energy reduction index of the air conditioning device 20-2 based on the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 acquired in step S5 and the estimation model acquired in step S6. Specifically, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 calculates the load conditions based on the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 inputs the calculated load conditions into the estimation model. The estimation model outputs an estimated value of the energy reduction index based on the input load conditions. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires the estimated value of the energy reduction index output from the estimation model.

[0082] The load factor, which is an example of a load condition, may change when an energy-saving measure is applied to property B to which no energy-saving measure has been applied. Therefore, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may correct the load factor calculated based on the operation data and then input the corrected load factor to the estimation model.

[0083] In step S8, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 transmits the estimated result of the energy saving effect to the terminal device 40. The estimated result of the energy saving effect may include the estimated value of the energy reduction index estimated in step S7. The estimated result of the energy saving effect may include an energy saving effect index based on the estimated value of the energy reduction index. When the estimation result includes the energy saving effect index, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may convert the estimated value of the energy reduction index into the energy saving effect index based on the device characteristics of the air conditioning device 20-2. For example, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may convert the estimated value of the energy reduction index into the energy saving effect index based on a conversion model that has learned the relationship between the energy reduction index and the energy saving effect index based on operation data. The conversion model may be learned for each attribute. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may convert the estimated value of the energy reduction index into the energy saving effect index based on a conversion model according to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-2.

[0084] The terminal device 40 receives the estimation result of the energy saving effect from the estimation device 10. The terminal device 40 presents the received estimation result of the energy saving effect to the user U. The terminal device 40 may display on the display device 105 a screen including the estimated value of the energy reduction index or the energy saving effect index included in the estimation result of the energy saving effect.

[0085] [Second embodiment] In the first embodiment, the attributes for constructing the first information include operation conditions, installation conditions, equipment conditions, and property conditions. In the second embodiment, the attributes for constructing the first information include operation conditions indicated in the operation data.

[0086] <Estimation method> The estimation method executed by the energy saving effect estimation system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the estimation method according to the second embodiment. The estimation method according to this embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the estimation method according to the first embodiment (see Fig. 3).

[0087] In step S11, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 collects the operating data output by the air conditioning device 20. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 stores the collected operating data.

[0088] In step S12, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 divides the operation data of each of the air conditioners 20-1, 20-3, ... installed in the application-completed property B-1 into time sections of a predetermined length, and classifies each time section by operation condition. The operation conditions may include conditions related to sections where the energy saving effect is large when the energy saving measure is applied (hereinafter referred to as "sections with large energy saving effect"), and conditions related to sections where the energy saving effect is small when the energy saving measure is applied (hereinafter referred to as "sections with small energy saving effect").

[0089] Examples of small energy-saving effect sections include sections where the compressor is operating at the minimum rotation speed, sections where protection / oil return / defrost control is active, sections where the load is extremely high (for example, load factor is 90% or more), sections where the refrigerant temperature relaxation range is sufficiently small, etc. In these sections, there is little room to reduce the amount of energy consumption, so even if energy-saving measures are applied, the energy-saving effect is thought to be small.

[0090] An example of a section with a large energy-saving effect is a section with a large number of thermostat on / off times. A large number of thermostat on / off times indicates that the system is operating at an excessive capacity, and therefore it is considered that the energy-saving effect of applying energy-saving measures is large. A section with a large energy-saving effect may be any section that is not classified as a section with a small energy-saving effect.

[0091] The operating conditions may be set according to the energy-saving measures. In this embodiment, the operating conditions are shown assuming that an energy-saving measure that relaxes the refrigerant temperature is applied. For example, when applying an energy-saving measure that relaxes the set temperature, the large energy-saving effect section may be a section in which the set temperature is sufficiently low during cooling operation. In this case, the small energy-saving effect section may be a section in which the set temperature is sufficiently high during cooling operation.

[0092] In step S13, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 calculates an energy saving effect index for each operating condition for each of the air conditioning units 20-1, 20-3, ... installed in the applied property B-1, based on the operating data classified in step S12. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may calculate the energy saving effect index for each operating condition by comparing, for each operating condition, operating data when the energy saving measure is not applied with operating data when the energy saving measure is applied.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of an energy saving effect index. FIG. 8 shows a power consumption reduction rate [%] as an example of the energy saving effect index. As shown in FIG. 8, the energy saving effect index is calculated for each property and each grid. The energy saving effect index may include a power consumption reduction rate calculated for each operating condition by classifying each of the large energy saving effect section and the small energy saving effect section by operating condition. The energy saving effect index may include a power consumption reduction rate for the entire large energy saving effect section and a power consumption reduction rate for the entire small energy saving effect section. The power consumption reduction rate for each operating condition may include a power consumption reduction rate calculated for each range of load conditions, as in the first embodiment.

[0094] Returning to Fig. 7, in step S14, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 constructs an estimation model for each operating condition of the air conditioning device 20. In this embodiment, the estimation model is a machine learning model that receives operating data as input and outputs an estimated value of the energy saving effect index.

[0095] Specifically, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 constructs an estimation model for each operating condition based on learning data including the operating data classified for each operating condition in step S12 and the energy-saving effect index calculated for each operating condition in step S13. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 stores the estimation model for each operating condition.

[0096] In step S15, the terminal device 40 transmits a request for estimating the energy saving effect to the estimation device 10 in response to an operation by the user U. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the air conditioning device 20-2 installed in the target property B-2 is designated as the estimation target.

[0097] The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 receives an estimation request from the terminal device 40. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 divides the acquired operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 into time intervals of a predetermined time length.

[0098] In step S16, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 for the first time interval divided in step S15. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 determines whether the operating data for the acquired time interval corresponds to a high energy-saving effect interval.

[0099] The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 determines that the operating data corresponds to the large energy-saving effect section when the operating data matches any of the operating conditions related to the large energy-saving effect section. On the other hand, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 determines that the operating data does not correspond to the large energy-saving effect section when the operating data does not match any of the operating conditions related to the large energy-saving effect section or when the operating data matches any of the operating conditions related to the small energy-saving effect section.

[0100] If it is determined that the period falls within the high energy saving effect period (YES), the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 proceeds to step S17. On the other hand, if it is determined that the period does not fall within the high energy saving effect period (NO), the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 proceeds to step S19.

[0101] In step S17, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires an estimation model according to the driving conditions that match the driving data. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may select an estimation model for the driving conditions that match the driving data from the estimation models for each driving condition constructed in step S14. For example, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may read out an estimation model for the driving conditions that match the driving data from among the estimation models for each driving condition stored in the storage unit 103.

[0102] In step S18, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 estimates the energy saving effect index of the air conditioning device 20-2 based on the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 acquired in step S15 and the estimation model acquired in step S17. Specifically, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 inputs the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 to the estimation model. The estimation model outputs an estimated value of the energy saving effect index based on the input operating data. The control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires the estimated value of the energy saving effect index output from the estimation model.

[0103] In step S19, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 sets the estimated value of the energy saving effect index of the air conditioning device 20 to a fixed value indicating that there is no (or an extremely small) energy saving effect. For example, when estimating the amount of power consumption reduction as the energy saving effect index, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may set the estimated value of the amount of power consumption reduction to zero.

[0104] In step S20, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 determines whether or not energy saving effect indices have been estimated for all time intervals of the operating data of the air conditioning device 20. If it is determined that energy saving effect indices have been estimated for all time intervals (YES), the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 proceeds to step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that energy saving effect indices have not been estimated for any time interval (in other words, there is a time interval for which energy saving effect indices have not been estimated) (NO), the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 returns the process to step S16.

[0105] After returning the process to step S16, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 acquires operating data for the next time interval. Thereafter, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 executes the processes of steps S16 to S20 for the operating data for the next time interval. In this way, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 repeatedly executes the processes of steps S16 to S20 until it has estimated energy saving effect indexes for all time intervals of the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2 acquired in step S15.

[0106] In step S21, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 transmits the estimated result of the energy saving effect to the terminal device 40. The estimated result of the energy saving effect may include the estimated value of the energy saving effect index estimated in step S18 and the fixed value of the energy saving effect index set in step S19. The estimated result of the energy saving effect may include statistical values ​​of the energy saving effect index estimated or set for all time intervals of the operating data of the air conditioning device 20-2. The statistical value of the energy saving effect index may be a sum, average, median, maximum value, minimum value, etc. The estimated result of the energy saving effect may include an estimated value of the energy reduction index.

[0107] The terminal device 40 receives the estimation result of the energy saving effect from the estimation device 10. The terminal device 40 presents the received estimation result of the energy saving effect to the user U. The terminal device 40 may display on the display device 105 a screen including the estimated value of the energy reduction index or the energy saving effect index included in the estimation result of the energy saving effect.

[0108] [Variations] In the second embodiment, a configuration has been described in which an estimation model is constructed that takes operating data as input and outputs an estimated value of an energy saving effect index. The estimation device 10 according to the second embodiment may construct an estimation model similar to that of the first embodiment. That is, the estimation device 10 according to the second embodiment may construct an estimation model that takes load conditions as input and outputs an estimated value of an energy reduction index. In this case, the control unit 101 of the estimation device 10 may convert the estimated value of the energy reduction index output by the estimation model into an energy saving effect index based on the device characteristics of the air conditioning device 20-2.

[0109] In the second embodiment, an estimation model is constructed for each operating condition related to the large energy-saving effect section, and if the time section to be estimated is not a large energy-saving effect section, the energy-saving effect index is not estimated and a fixed value indicating no energy-saving effect is set. The estimation device 10 according to the second embodiment may construct an estimation model for each operating condition related to the small energy-saving effect section, and estimate the energy-saving effect index even if the time section to be estimated is a small energy-saving effect section.

[0110] <Summary> The estimation device 10 acquires first information indicating the relationship between the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-1 and an evaluation index of the energy saving effect resulting from the application of energy saving measures, and estimates an evaluation index of the energy saving effect in the air conditioning device 20-2 based on the first information and second information relating to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-2.

[0111] In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, the evaluation index for the energy saving effect is estimated based on first information corresponding to the attributes of air conditioning apparatus 20-2, out of first information indicating the relationship between the attributes of air conditioning apparatus 20-1 and the evaluation index for the energy saving effect, so it is possible to accurately estimate the energy saving effect of air conditioning apparatus 20-2 when an energy saving measure is applied. In another aspect, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to confirm the energy saving effect when an energy saving measure is applied before applying the energy saving measure, so it is possible to provide the user or owner of air conditioning apparatus 20-2 with information for determining whether or not to apply the energy saving measure.

[0112] The first information may include a refrigerant temperature mitigation range according to the load condition of the air conditioner 20-1. According to one aspect, according to the present embodiment, the refrigerant temperature mitigation range of the air conditioner 20-2 can be estimated with high accuracy.

[0113] The estimation device 10 may acquire first information corresponding to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-1 based on third information related to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-1 to which the energy saving measure has been applied, fourth information indicating the state of the air conditioning device 20-1 when the energy saving measure has not been applied, and fifth information indicating the state of the air conditioning device 20-1 when the energy saving measure has been applied. According to one aspect, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to acquire an evaluation index of the energy saving effect corresponding to the attributes of the air conditioning device 20-1 to which the energy saving measure has been applied.

[0114] The state may include information about the refrigerant temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 20-1, or information about the compressor rotation speed or frequency, and information about the load. The first information may include a refrigerant temperature relaxation range according to the load conditions of the air conditioning apparatus 20-1. The first information may include a compression rotation speed or frequency relaxation range according to the load conditions of the air conditioning apparatus 20-1. In one aspect, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to acquire a refrigerant temperature relaxation range or a compressor rotation speed or frequency relaxation range according to the load conditions of the air conditioning apparatus 20-1 to which an energy saving measure has been applied.

[0115] The attribute may include a type of control other than the energy saving measure. According to one aspect, the present embodiment makes it possible to estimate the energy saving effect according to the type of control other than the energy saving measure.

[0116] [supplement] Each function of the above-described embodiments can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU) implemented by an electronic circuit, as well as devices such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each of the above-described functions.

[0117] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10: Estimation device 20: Air conditioning equipment 30: Control device 40: Terminal device 101: Processor (control unit) 102: Memory 103: Auxiliary storage device (storage unit) 104: Operating device 105:Display device 106: Communication equipment 107: Drive device 1000: Energy saving effect estimation system

Claims

1. A control unit (101) included in the estimation device (10) acquiring first information indicating a relationship between an attribute of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) and an evaluation index of an energy-saving effect resulting from application of an energy-saving measure; a step of estimating an evaluation index of the energy saving effect in the second air conditioning apparatus (20-2) based on the first information and second information related to attributes of the second air conditioning apparatus (20-2); Estimation method to perform.

2. The step of acquiring the first information includes: The first information according to the attributes is acquired based on third information relating to the attributes of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) to which the energy-saving measure has been applied, fourth information indicating the state of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) when the energy-saving measure has not been applied, and fifth information indicating the state of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) when the energy-saving measure has been applied. The estimation method according to claim 1 .

3. The step of acquiring the first information includes: calculating an evaluation index of the energy-saving effect of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) by comparing the fourth information with the fifth information; acquiring the first information by classifying the evaluation index of the energy-saving effect for each attribute of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) based on the third information; The estimation method according to claim 2 .

4. The fourth information and the fifth information include information on the refrigerant temperature of the first air conditioning device (20-1), or information on the number of revolutions or frequency of a compressor, and information on the load of the first air conditioning device (20-1). The estimation method according to claim 2 .

5. The evaluation index of the energy-saving effect includes at least one of an index indicating the energy-saving effect and an index serving as a basis for the energy-saving effect, The estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first information includes a refrigerant temperature relaxation range according to a load condition of the first air conditioning device (20-1). The estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. The first information includes a relaxation width of a compressor rotation speed or a frequency according to a load condition of the first air conditioning device (20-1), The estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The attribute includes a type of control different from the energy saving measure. The estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. An estimation device (10) having a control unit (101), The control unit (101) acquiring first information indicating a relationship between an attribute of the first air conditioning device (20-1) and an evaluation index of the energy saving effect resulting from the application of an energy saving measure; estimating an evaluation index of the energy saving effect in the second air conditioning apparatus (20-2) based on the first information and second information relating to attributes of the second air conditioning apparatus (20-2); Estimation device (10).

10. A control unit (101) of an estimation device (10) acquiring first information indicating a relationship between an attribute of the first air conditioning apparatus (20-1) and an evaluation index of an energy-saving effect resulting from application of an energy-saving measure; a step of estimating an evaluation index of the energy saving effect in the second air conditioning apparatus (20-2) based on the first information and second information related to attributes of the second air conditioning apparatus (20-2); A program to execute.

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