Control device, control method, control program, and air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a control device and an air conditioning system capable of making an air conditioner perform air conditioning having high energy saving performance.SOLUTION: The control device includes a determination unit that determines whether a room temperature of a second room adjacent to a first room is closer to a target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and an instruction unit that instructs air conditioning performed in the first room to be first air conditioning when the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and instructs the air conditioning to be second air conditioning having a higher energy saving property than an energy saving property of the first air conditioning when the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner device. In this air conditioner device, when the outside air temperature and the room temperature are within the ranges that enable the automatic operation mode, an energy-saving eco automatic cooling operation or eco automatic heating operation is performed. When the outside air temperature and the room temperature are outside the ranges that enable the automatic operation mode, the air conditioner device operates in the normal cooling mode or heating mode (paragraphs 0043 and 0067). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-193945 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, depending on the room temperature of a room adjacent to the room being cooled or heated, it may be sufficient to perform eco automatic cooling operation or eco automatic heating operation even if the outside air temperature and room temperature are outside the range that activates the automatic operation mode. However, in the air conditioner disclosed in Patent Document 1, eco automatic cooling operation or eco automatic heating operation is not performed even when it may be sufficient to perform eco automatic cooling operation or eco automatic heating operation. As a result, energy savings cannot be sufficiently improved.

[0005] In view of this problem, an aspect of the present disclosure aims to provide, for example, a control device, a control method, a control program, and an air conditioning system that can cause an air conditioner to perform air conditioning with high energy efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A control device of a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a judgment unit that judges whether the room temperature of a second room adjacent to a first room is closer to a target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and an instruction unit that instructs the air conditioning to be performed in the first room to be first air conditioning when the judgment unit judges that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and instructs the air conditioning to be second air conditioning that has higher energy saving properties than the first air conditioning when the judgment unit judges that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room.

[0007] A control method of a second aspect of the present disclosure includes determining whether a room temperature of a second room adjacent to a first room is closer to a target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and instructing that the air conditioning performed in the first room be a first air conditioning if it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and instructing that the air conditioning be a second air conditioning that has higher energy saving properties than the first air conditioning if it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room.

[0008] A control program of a third aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to determine whether the room temperature of a second room adjacent to a first room is closer to a target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and if it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, instruct the air conditioning to be performed in the first room to be first air conditioning, and if it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, instruct the air conditioning to be second air conditioning that has higher energy saving properties than the first air conditioning.

[0009] An air conditioning system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure includes the control device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure and an air conditioner that performs the air conditioning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment and a second embodiment and a building that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning system. [Figure 2] 3 is a diagram showing the contents of operations performed on each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment, and the contents of communications performed between each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system and a management server. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a management server provided in the air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control device provided in the air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 6] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a management table managed by a management unit of a control device provided in the air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first air conditioner and a plurality of second air conditioners provided in the air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments, as well as a first room and a plurality of second rooms that are air-conditioned by the first air conditioner and the plurality of second air conditioners, respectively. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the room temperature T1 of a first room to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments, the room temperature T2X and target temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room, and the judgment made by the judgment unit of a control device provided in the air-conditioning system. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the room temperature T1 of a first room to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments, the room temperature T2X and target temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room, and the judgment made by the judgment unit of a control device provided in the air-conditioning system. [Figure 8C]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the room temperature T1 of a first room to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments, the room temperature T2X and target temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room, and the judgment made by the judgment unit of a control device provided in the air-conditioning system. [Figure 8D] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the room temperature T1 of a first room to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments, the room temperature T2X and target temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room, and the judgment made by the judgment unit of a control device provided in the air-conditioning system. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the change in the energy saving performance of air conditioning performed in a first room depending on the proximity of the room temperature T1 of the first room to the target temperature and the room temperature T2X of a second room adjacent to the first room to the target temperature, which is performed by the air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 10] 10 is a graph showing an example of the change in the energy saving performance of air conditioning performed in a first room depending on the number of rooms among a plurality of second rooms adjacent to the first room that are air-conditioned by the air-conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments and that have room temperatures closer to the target temperature than the room temperature T1 of the first room. [Figure 11] 10 is a graph showing an example of the change in the energy saving performance of air conditioning performed in a first room depending on the distance of the room temperature T2X of a second room adjacent to the first room that is air-conditioned by the air-conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments from the room temperature T1 of the first room. [Figure 12] 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a control device provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of instruction processing performed by an instruction unit of a control device provided in the air conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of operations performed on a management server provided in an air conditioning system of a second embodiment, and the contents of communications performed between each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system and the management server. [Figure 15]10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by a control device provided in an air conditioning system of a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or equivalent elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0012] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Air conditioning system FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment and a building that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning system.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 provides air conditioning to a building B. The building B is an apartment building, a hotel, a Japanese inn, an office building, etc. The apartment building is an apartment building, a condominium, an apartment, etc.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, building B has a plurality of rooms R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, and R44, as well as a common area S. Building B has four floors. Rooms R11, R12, R13, and R14 are located on the first floor and are located at different floor positions from each other. Rooms R21, R22, R23, and R24 are located on the second floor and are located at different floor positions from each other. Rooms R31, R32, R33, and R34 are located on the third floor and are located at different floor positions from each other. Rooms R41, R42, R43, and R44 are located on the fourth floor and are located at different floor positions from each other. The number of floors of building B, the number of rooms in building B, the number of rooms arranged on each floor of building B, the floor arrangement of the rooms arranged on each floor of building B, etc. may be changed.

[0015] Rooms R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, and R44 are separated from each other by walls, floors, ceilings, etc. For this reason, it is not possible to move directly from one room included in rooms R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, and R44 to another room included in rooms R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, and R44.

[0016] Doors or other entrances are formed between each room R included in rooms R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, and R44 and the common area S. Therefore, each room R is connected to the common area S via an entrance. Therefore, it is possible to move directly from each room R to the common area S, and it is possible to move directly from the common area S to each room R.

[0017] The rooms R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, and R44 are assigned different room numbers, "1-1," "1-2," "1-3," "1-4," "2-1," "2-2," "2-3," "2-4," "3-1," "3-2," "3-3," "3-4," "4-1," "4-2," "4-3," and "4-4," respectively. The room number assigned to each room R includes a first portion including a single-digit natural number "1," "2," "3," or "4," a second portion following the first portion including a hyphen "-," and a third portion following the second portion including a single-digit natural number "1," "2," "3," or "4." The first portion represents the floor on which each room R is located. The third portion represents the location of each room R on the floor. The room numbers "1-1," "1-2," "1-3," "1-4," "2-1," "2-2," "2-3," "2-4," "3-1," "3-2," "3-3," "3-4," "4-1," "4-2," "4-3," and "4-4" have a pattern that allows adjacent rooms to be identified. For example, if the first parts of two room numbers are consecutive and the third parts of the two room numbers match, the two rooms assigned with those room numbers are adjacent to each other vertically. Also, if the first parts of two room numbers match and the third parts of the two room numbers are consecutive, the two rooms assigned with those room numbers are adjacent to each other horizontally. The number of digits of the natural numbers included in the first and third parts may be changed. The first and third parts may include numbers, letters, symbols, etc. other than natural numbers. The second part may include numbers, letters, symbols other than hyphens "-," etc. The second part may be omitted. If building B is a single-story building, the first and second parts may be omitted.

[0018] The common areas S include corridors, stairs, elevators, escalators, lobbies, etc.

[0019] The air conditioning system 1 includes a plurality of air conditioners 11, A12, A13, A14, A21, A22, A23, A24, A31, A32, A33, A34, A41, A42, A43, and A44, and a management server MS.

[0020] The air conditioners A and management server MS included in the air conditioners 11, A12, A13, A14, A21, A22, A23, A24, A31, A32, A33, A34, A41, A42, A43, and A44 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. This allows the air conditioners A and management server MS to communicate with each other.

[0021] Air conditioners A11, A12, A13, A14, A21, A22, A23, A24, A31, A32, A33, A34, A41, A42, A43, and A44 provide air conditioning to rooms R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, and R44, respectively. The air conditioning provided to each room R includes temperature control to adjust the room temperature of each room R. Each air conditioner A consumes power when performing air conditioning. The power consumed by each air conditioner A varies depending on the air conditioning provided by each air conditioner A. The multiple air conditioners 11, A12, A13, A14, A21, A22, A23, A24, A31, A32, A33, A34, A41, A42, A43 and A44 are assigned multiple different device identifiers (device IDs) "0011", "0012", "0013", "0014", "0021", "0022", "0023", "0024", "0031", "0032", "0033", "0034", "0041", "0042", "0043" and "0044", respectively.

[0022] The management server MS is a cloud server or the like connected to the Internet.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the content of operations performed on each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment, and the content of communications performed between each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system and the management server.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2 , a start operation 101, a stop operation 102, an air conditioning type setting operation 103, and a temperature setting operation 104 are performed on each air conditioner A. The start operation 101 instructs the start of air conditioning. The stop operation 102 instructs the end of air conditioning. The air conditioning type setting operation 103 instructs the setting of an air conditioning type 111. The air conditioning type setting operation 103 includes an operation to specify an air conditioning type. The specified air conditioning type is selected from "heating" and "cooling". The temperature setting operation 104 instructs the setting of a set temperature 112. The temperature setting operation 104 includes an operation to specify a target temperature 113. A single operation may serve as both the start operation 101 and the air conditioning type setting operation 103. For example, the operation of pressing the "heating button" or the "cooling button" may serve as both the start operation 101 and the air conditioning type setting operation 103. Each air conditioner A transmits a start notification 121, an end notification 122, a room temperature notification 123, an air conditioning type notification 124, and a set temperature notification 125 to the management server MS. The start notification 121 notifies that air conditioning will start. The end notification 122 notifies that air conditioning will end. The room temperature notification 123 notifies the room temperature of room R. The air conditioning type notification 124 notifies the set air conditioning type 111. The set temperature notification 125 notifies the set set temperature 112.

[0025] In response to the start operation 101, each air conditioner A transmits a start notification 121 to the management server MS and starts air conditioning.

[0026] In response to the termination operation 102, each air conditioner A transmits a termination notification 122 to the management server MS and terminates air conditioning.

[0027] In response to the air conditioning type setting operation 103 being performed, each air conditioner A sets the air conditioning type 111 and sends an air conditioning type notification 124 to the management server MS. Each air conditioner A sets the air conditioning type to the air conditioning type specified in the performed air conditioning type setting operation 103. Each air conditioner A performs air conditioning according to the set air conditioning type 111.

[0028] In response to a temperature setting operation 104, each air conditioner A sets a set temperature 112 and sends a set temperature notification 125 to the management server MS. Each air conditioner A sets the set temperature to the target temperature 113 specified by the performed temperature setting operation 104 or a temperature obtained by correcting the target temperature 113. Each air conditioner A performs air conditioning to bring the room temperature of the room R being conditioned by each air conditioner A closer to the set temperature 112 that has been set.

[0029] 2, the management server MS receives a start notification 121, an end notification 122, a room temperature notification 123, an air conditioning type notification 124, and a set temperature notification 125 from each air conditioner A. The management server MS sends an energy saving instruction 131 to each air conditioner A. The energy saving instruction 131 instructs each air conditioner A to save energy in the air conditioning performed by that air conditioner A.

[0030] The management server MS updates the management table 141 in response to receiving the start notification 121, the end notification 122, the room temperature notification 123, the air conditioning type notification 124, or the set temperature notification 125. The management server MS updates the management table 141 in accordance with the received start notification 121, the end notification 122, the room temperature notification 123, the air conditioning type notification 124, or the set temperature notification 125.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, each air conditioner A receives an energy saving instruction 131 from the management server MS.

[0032] Each air conditioner A performs air conditioning with the energy saving effect instructed by the received energy saving instruction 131.

[0033] Each air conditioner A may perform only one of heating and cooling, and it may be possible to omit performing the air conditioning type setting operation 103, setting the air conditioning type 111, and sending and receiving the air conditioning type notification 124. Each air conditioner A may automatically set the air conditioning type 111. Each air conditioner A may automatically set the set temperature 112.

[0034] 1.2 Air conditioner FIG. 3 is a block diagram of each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, each air conditioner A includes an air conditioning unit 21, an operation unit 22, a room temperature sensor 23, a communication unit 24, and a control unit 25.

[0036] The air conditioning unit 21 performs air conditioning.

[0037] The air conditioning unit 21 includes a heat pump, and therefore includes a compressor 31, a condenser 32, an expansion valve 33, an evaporator 34, and a refrigerant 35, as shown in FIG.

[0038] The compressor 31 compresses the refrigerant 35 in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state to generate the refrigerant 35 in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state. The condenser 32 condenses the refrigerant 35 in a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous state to generate the refrigerant 35 in a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid state, thereby releasing heat. The expansion valve 33 expands the refrigerant 35 in a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid state to generate the refrigerant 35 in a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid and gaseous state. The evaporator 34 evaporates the refrigerant 35 in a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid and gaseous state to generate the low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state, thereby absorbing heat. In this way, the air conditioning unit 21 transfers heat from the evaporator 34 to the condenser 32. When each air conditioner A is used for heating, a four-way valve or the like is used to set the heat exchanger in the indoor unit as the condenser 32 and the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit as the evaporator 34. When performing cooling, each air conditioner A uses a four-way valve or the like to set the heat exchanger in the indoor unit as an evaporator 34 and the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit as a condenser 32.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the compressor 31 includes a motor 41 .

[0040] The motor 41 generates rotational force. The motor 41 converts electric power into rotational force. The compressor 31 uses the generated rotational force to compress the refrigerant 35. When the rotation speed of the motor 41 is high, more heat is transported per unit time, and the time required to bring the room temperature of the room R closer to the set temperature 112 is shortened. However, the power consumption of the motor 41 is increased. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the motor 41 is low, less heat is transported per unit time, and the time required to bring the room temperature of the room R closer to the set temperature 112 is lengthened. However, the power consumption of the motor 41 is reduced.

[0041] Operations are performed on the operation unit 22. The operation unit 22 detects the operations being performed. The operation unit 22 includes buttons, dials, sliders, a touch panel, etc. The operation unit 22 may be a remote controller separated from the main body of each air conditioner A.

[0042] The room temperature sensor 23 detects the room temperature of the room R. A room temperature sensor other than the room temperature sensor 23 provided in each air conditioner A may detect the room temperature of the room R. For example, a room temperature sensor provided in a device other than each air conditioner A, a stand-alone room temperature sensor, etc. may detect the room temperature of the room R.

[0043] The communication unit 24 communicates with the management server MS. The communication unit 24 performs communication in accordance with standards such as Ethernet (registered trademark), Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), etc. The communication unit 24 includes an electronic circuit, an antenna, etc.

[0044] The control unit 25 controls the air conditioning unit 21, the operation unit 22, the room temperature sensor 23, and the communication unit 24.

[0045] In response to start operation 101 being performed on operation unit 22, control unit 25 causes communication unit 24 to transmit start notification 121, and causes air conditioning unit 21 to start performing air conditioning.

[0046] In response to the termination operation 102 being performed on the operation unit 22, the control unit 25 causes the communication unit 24 to transmit a termination notification 122, and causes the air conditioning unit 21 to terminate air conditioning.

[0047] In response to an air conditioning type setting operation 103 being performed on the operation unit 22, the control unit 25 sets the air conditioning type 111, causes the communication unit 24 to send an air conditioning type notification 124, and causes the air conditioning unit 21 to perform air conditioning according to the set air conditioning type 111. The control unit 25 sets the air conditioning type 111 to the air conditioning type specified by the performed air conditioning type setting operation 103.

[0048] In response to a temperature setting operation 104 being performed on the operation unit 22, the control unit 25 sets a set temperature 112, causes the communication unit 24 to send a set temperature notification 125, and causes the air conditioning unit 21 to perform air conditioning to bring the room temperature of room R detected by the room temperature sensor 23 closer to the set set temperature 112. The control unit 25 sets the set temperature 112 to the target temperature 113 specified in the set temperature notification 125 or a temperature corrected from the target temperature 113.

[0049] The control unit 25 includes a microcontroller and peripheral circuits. The microcontroller includes a processor and memory. The processor executes a program stored in the memory to operate the microcontroller and peripheral circuits as the control unit 25. All or part of the processing performed by the microcontroller may be performed by hardware such as a dedicated electronic circuit.

[0050] 1.3 Management Server FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the management server provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0051] 4, the management server MS includes a processor 51, a memory 52, a storage 53, an operation unit 54, and a communication unit 55. A program 61 is installed in the storage 53.

[0052] The processor 51 is a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), etc. The memory 52 is a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), etc. The storage 53 is a solid state drive (SSD), a hard disk drive (HDD), etc.

[0053] An operation is performed on the operation unit 54. The operation unit 54 detects the operation being performed. The operation unit 54 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, a touch panel, and the like.

[0054] The communication unit 55 communicates with the communication unit 24 provided in each air conditioner A. The communication unit 55 performs communication in accordance with standards such as Ethernet and Wi-Fi. The communication unit 55 includes an electronic circuit, an antenna, and the like.

[0055] 1.4 Control Device FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a control device provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0056] The processor 51 executes the program 61 loaded from the storage 53 to the memory 52 to cause the management server MS to operate as a control device 71 shown in Fig. 5. A part or all of the control device 71 may be implemented in a device other than the management server MS. For example, a part or all of the control device 71 may be implemented in a part or all of the air conditioners A11, A12, A13, A14, A21, A22, A23, A24, A31, A32, A33, A34, A41, A42, A43, and A44.

[0057] 5, the control device 71 includes a management unit 81, a determination unit 82, an instruction unit 83, a timing control unit 84, a storage unit 85, an operation unit 54, and a communication unit 55. The storage unit 85 is configured by either or both of the memory 52 and the storage 53.

[0058] 1.5 Management Department FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a management table managed by the management unit of the control device provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0059] The management unit 81 stores a management table 141 shown in FIG. 6 in the storage unit 85 and manages the stored management table 141.

[0060] The management table 141 includes the following information: (1) Device IDs "0011", "0012", "0013", "0014", "0021", "0022", "0023", "0024", "0031", "0032", "0033", "0034", "0041", "0042", "0043" and "0044"; (2) Room numbers "1-1", "1-2", "1-3", "1-4", "2-1", "2-2", "2-3", "2-4", "3-1", "3-2", "3-3", "3-4", "4-1", "4-2", "4-3" and "4-4"; (3) Room temperature: "20.1°C", "5.2°C", "4.8°C", "6.0°C", "5.9°C", "19.0°C", "20.4°C", "23.1°C", "3.9°C", "23.2°C", "16.0°C", "22.8°C", "4.8°C", "7.4°C", "25.5°C" and "23.1°C"; (4) Air conditioning status: "heating", "stop", "stop", "stop", "stop", "heating", "heating", "stop", "heating", "heating", "stop", "stop", "heating", and "heating"; and (5) Set temperatures: "20°C", "22°C", "24°C", "21°C", "23°C", "25°C", "23°C", "23°C" and "26°C".

[0061] The management table 141 associates the room numbers "1-1," "1-2," "1-3," "1-4," "2-1," "2-2," "2-3," "2-4," "3-1," "3-2," "3-3," "3-4," "4-1," "4-2," "4-3," and "4-4" with the device IDs "0011," "0012," "0013," "0014," "0021," "0022," "0023," "0024," "0031," "0032," "0033," "0034," "0041," "0042," "0043," and "0044," respectively. Associating a specific room number with a specific device ID means that air conditioner A, which is assigned a specific device ID, will perform air conditioning on room R, which is assigned a specific room number.

[0062] The management table 141 associates room temperatures "20.1°C," "5.2°C," "4.8°C," "6.0°C," "5.9°C," "19.0°C," "20.4°C," "23.1°C," "3.9°C," "23.2°C," "16.0°C," "22.8°C," "4.8°C," "7.4°C," "25.5°C," and "23.1°C" with device IDs "0011," "0012," "0013," "0014," "0021," "0022," "0023," "0024," "0031," "0032," "0033," "0034," "0041," "0042," "0043," and "0044," respectively. Associating a specific room temperature with a specific device ID means that the room temperature of room R, which is conditioned by air conditioner A assigned a specific device ID, is the specific room temperature.

[0063] The management table 141 associates the air conditioning states "heating," "stopped," "stopped," "stopped," "stopped," "heating," "heating," "stopped," "heating," "heating," "stopped," "heating," "heating," "stopped," "stopped," "heating," and "heating" with the device IDs "0011," "0012," "0013," "0014," "0021," "0022," "0023," "0024," "0031," "0032," "0033," "0034," "0041," "0042," "0043," and "0044," respectively. Associating a specific air conditioning state with a specific device ID means that the air conditioning state of air conditioner A assigned the specific device ID is the specific air conditioning state. The air conditioning state can be selected from "heating," "cooling," and "stopped."

[0064] The set temperatures "20°C," "22°C," "24°C," "21°C," "23°C," "25°C," "23°C," "23°C," and "26°C" are respectively associated with device IDs "0011," "0022," "0023," "0024," "0032," "0033," "0034," "0043," and "0044," which are associated with the air conditioning states "heating" and "cooling." Associating a specific set temperature with a specific device ID means that the set temperature 112 set by air conditioner A, which is assigned a specific device ID, is the specific set temperature.

[0065] In response to the communication unit 55 receiving the start notification 121, the management unit 81 updates the air conditioning state associated with the device ID assigned to air conditioner A that sent the received start notification 121 in the management table 141 to "heating" or "cooling." The management unit 81 updates the air conditioning state to the air conditioning state notified by the received air conditioning type notification 124.

[0066] In response to the communication unit 55 receiving the termination notification 122, the management unit 81 updates the air conditioning state associated with the device ID assigned to the air conditioner A that sent the received termination notification 122 in the management table 141 to "stopped."

[0067] In response to the communication unit 55 receiving the air conditioning type notification 124, the management unit 81 updates the air conditioning type associated with the device ID assigned to the air conditioner A that sent the received air conditioning type notification 124 in the management table 141 to the air conditioning type notified by the air conditioning type notification 124.

[0068] In response to the communication unit 55 receiving the room temperature notification 123, the management unit 81 updates the room temperature associated with the device ID assigned to the air conditioner A that sent the received room temperature notification 123 in the management table 141 to the room temperature notified by the room temperature notification 123.

[0069] In response to the communication unit 55 receiving the set temperature notification 125, the management unit 81 updates the set temperature associated with the device ID assigned to the air conditioner A that sent the received set temperature notification 125 in the management table 141 to the set temperature notified by the set temperature notification 125.

[0070] This allows the latest information on whether each air conditioner A is stopped, the air conditioning type 111 and set temperature 112, and the room temperature of the room R that is being air-conditioned by each air conditioner A to be read from the management table 141.

[0071] 1.6 Judgment part FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically illustrating a first air conditioner and a plurality of second air conditioners provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment, as well as a first room and a plurality of second rooms that are air-conditioned by the first air conditioner and the plurality of second air conditioners, respectively.

[0072] 7, the determination unit 82 identifies a plurality of second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D adjacent to the first room R1 that is conditioned by the first air conditioner A1 to which the energy saving instruction 131 is transmitted. The identified second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D are, for example, four second rooms consisting of a second room R2A located vertically above the first room R1, a second room R2B located vertically below the first room R1, a second room R2C located on one horizontal side of the first room R1, and a second room R2D located on the other horizontal side of the first room R1.

[0073] The determination unit 82 reads out the room numbers associated with the device ID assigned to the first air conditioner A1 from the management table 141, and identifies the room numbers of the second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D by utilizing the regularity of the room numbers "1-1," "1-2," "1-3," "1-4," "2-1," "2-2," "2-3," "2-4," "3-1," "3-2," "3-3," "3-4," "4-1," "4-2," "4-3," and "4-4." The determination unit 82 may also identify the room numbers of the second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D by referring to a table that identifies rooms adjacent to each room R. The determination unit 82 may also identify the room numbers of the second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D based on the results of distance measurement using Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0074] The determination unit 82 determines whether each of the multiple room temperatures T2A, T2B, T2C, and T2D of the multiple second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1. The determination unit 82 reads the room temperature T1 associated with the room number assigned to the first room R1 from the management table 141, and reads the room temperatures T2A, T2B, T2C, and T2D associated with the room numbers assigned to the second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D from the management table 141, and determines whether each of the read room temperatures T2A, T2B, T2C, and T2D is closer to the target temperature 113 than the read room temperature T1.

[0075] 7 shows a case where the room temperature T2A of the second room R2A is the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X for which it is determined whether or not it is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1, and the second air conditioner A2A is the air conditioner A2X that performs air conditioning on the second room R2X. Of course, the room temperatures T2B, T2C, and T2D of the second rooms R2B, R2C, and R2D, respectively, are also the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X for which it is determined whether or not it is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1, and each of the second air conditioners A2B, A2C, and A2D is also the air conditioner A2X that performs air conditioning on the second room R2X.

[0076] Figures 8A to 8D are diagrams showing the relationship between the room temperature T1 of a first room to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning systems of the first and second embodiments, the room temperature T2X and target temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room, and the judgment made by the judgment unit of a control device provided in the air-conditioning system.

[0077] 8A, when the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X are lower than the target temperature 113, the air conditioning type 111 is "heating," and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is higher than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1. This situation occurs when the second air conditioner A2X has already started heating at the time the first air conditioner A1 starts heating.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 8B, if the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X are lower than the target temperature 113, the air conditioning type 111 is "heating," and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is lower than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the judgment unit 82 judges that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is not closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1.

[0079] 8C, when the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X are higher than the target temperature 113, the air conditioning type 111 is cooling, and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is lower than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1. This situation occurs when the second air conditioner A2X has already started cooling at the time the first air conditioner A1 starts cooling.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 8D, if the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X are higher than the target temperature 113, the air conditioning type 111 is cooling, and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is higher than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the judgment unit 82 judges that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is not closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1.

[0081] 1.7 Instruction section FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the change in the energy saving performance of air conditioning performed in a first room depending on the proximity of the room temperature T1 of the first room to the target temperature and the room temperature T2X of a second room adjacent to the first room to the target temperature, which is performed by the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 9 , when the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is not closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the instructing unit 83 transmits an energy-saving instruction 131 that instructs the first air conditioner A1 to perform the first air conditioning. When the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the instructing unit 83 transmits an energy-saving instruction 131 that instructs the first air conditioner A1 to perform the second air conditioning. The second air conditioning has higher energy-saving properties than the first air conditioning. The instructing unit 83 causes the communication unit 55 to transmit the energy-saving instruction 131. As a result, if the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is not closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the instructing unit 83 instructs the first air conditioner A1 to perform the first air conditioning, and if the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the instructing unit 83 instructs the first air conditioner A1 to perform the second air conditioning. As a result, if the transfer of heat through the wall, floor, ceiling, etc. separating the first room R1 and the second room R2A contributes to bringing the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 closer to the target temperature 113, it is possible to increase the energy efficiency of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1 while suppressing a decrease in the rate at which the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 is brought closer to the target temperature 113. As a result, the overall energy conservation of the air conditioning performed in building B can be improved.

[0083] For example, when the air conditioning type 111 is "heating," the walls, floor, ceiling, etc. separating the first room R1 and the second room R2A function like warm insulated walls, insulated floors, insulated ceilings, etc., so that the air conditioning system 1 can sufficiently air-condition the first room R1 even when the amount of heat transferred by the air-conditioning performed in the first room R1 is small, thereby utilizing this fact to increase the overall energy conservation of the air-conditioning performed in the building B. Therefore, the air-conditioning system 1 increases the overall energy conservation of the air-conditioning performed in the building B by utilizing the fact that the energy required for air-conditioning the first room R1 facing the second room R2X through the walls, floor, ceiling, etc. is less than the energy required for air-conditioning a room in a detached house or the like facing the outside air through the walls, floor, ceiling, etc.

[0084] The first air conditioner A1 or the management server MS may be configured to allow the user or system administrator to switch whether or not to increase the energy saving of the air conditioning performed by the first air conditioner A1 when the judgment unit 82 judges that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1.

[0085] Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the change in energy saving efficiency of air conditioning performed in a first room depending on the number of rooms among multiple second rooms adjacent to the first room that are air-conditioned by the air-conditioning system of the first embodiment and that have room temperatures closer to the target temperature than the room temperature T1 of the first room.

[0086] In the graph shown in Figure 10, the horizontal axis represents the number of rooms having room temperatures closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, and the vertical axis represents the energy saving effect of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 10 , the instruction unit 83 increases the energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1 as the number of rooms included in the second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D that are determined by the determination unit 82 to be closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 increases. For example, if the number of rooms is 0, the instruction unit 83 causes the air conditioning to be performed at an operation with energy saving performance of level 0. Operation with energy saving performance of level 0 is normal operation. If the number of rooms is 1, the instruction unit 83 causes the air conditioning to be performed at an operation with energy saving performance of level 1, which is higher than the energy saving performance of level 0. If the number of rooms is 2, the instruction unit 83 causes the air conditioning to be performed at an operation with energy saving performance of level 2, which is higher than the energy saving performance of level 1. If the number of rooms is 3, the instruction unit 83 causes the air conditioning to be performed at an operation with energy saving performance of level 3, which is higher than the energy saving performance of level 2. Furthermore, when the number of rooms is four, the instructing unit 83 causes the air conditioning to be performed at an operation with energy saving performance of level 4, which is higher than the energy saving performance of level 3. This makes it possible to further increase the energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1 while suppressing a decrease in the rate at which the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 approaches the target temperature 113.

[0088] FIG. 11 is a graph showing an example of the change in the energy saving performance of air conditioning performed in a first room depending on the distance between the room temperature T2X of a second room adjacent to the first room that is air-conditioned by the air-conditioning system of the first embodiment and the room temperature T1 of the first room.

[0089] In Figure 11, the horizontal axis represents the distance between the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X adjacent to the first room R1 and the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, and the vertical axis represents the energy saving effect of the air conditioning performed in the first room R1.

[0090] 11, when the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the instructing unit 83 increases the energy saving of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1 as the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X becomes farther from the room temperature T1 of the first room R1. For example, when the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X are lower than the target temperature 113, the air conditioning type 111 is "heating," and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is higher than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the instructing unit 83 increases the energy saving of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1 as the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X becomes higher. Furthermore, when the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X are higher than the target temperature 113, the air conditioning type 111 is "cooling," and the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is lower than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the instruction unit 83 increases the energy saving of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1 as the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X decreases. This makes it possible to further increase the energy saving of the air conditioning performed on the first room R1 while suppressing a decrease in the rate at which the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 approaches the target temperature 113.

[0091] 1.8 Timing control section The timing control unit 84 (1) causing the determination unit 82 to determine whether the room temperatures T2A, T2B, T2C, and T2D of the second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D, respectively, are closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 (hereinafter referred to as "determination processing"); (2) When the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature T2X of the second room R2X is not closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the energy-saving instruction 131 is set as an energy-saving instruction instructing the first air conditioner A1 to perform the first air conditioning, and when the determination unit 82 determines that the room temperature is closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, the energy-saving instruction 131 is set as an energy-saving instruction instructing the first air conditioner A1 to perform the second air conditioning, and the instruction unit 83 is caused to transmit the energy-saving instruction 131 to the communication unit 55 (hereinafter referred to as "instruction processing"). Control the timing.

[0092] The timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform the determination process and the instruction unit 83 to perform the instruction process in response to the communication unit 55 receiving the start notification 121. Accordingly, the timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform the determination process and the instruction unit 83 to perform the instruction process in response to a start operation 101 being performed on the operation unit 22. Accordingly, the timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform the determination process and the instruction unit 83 to perform the instruction process in response to an instruction to start air conditioning. This makes it possible to improve the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A immediately after air conditioning is started, when the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning is likely to be low. The second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D adjacent to the first room R1 may be identified in response to the communication unit 55 receiving the start notification 121, or may be identified in advance.

[0093] Furthermore, when the communication unit 55 receives a downward demand response requesting a reduction in power demand from the power company's server, the timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform determination processing and the instruction unit 83 to perform instruction processing during the time period in which the downward demand response was activated. This makes it possible to reduce the power consumed during the time period in which the downward demand response was activated, and to respond to the downward demand response.

[0094] Furthermore, the timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform a determination process and the instruction unit 83 to perform an instruction process during a time period when a higher unit price for electricity is set than the unit price for electricity set during other time periods. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of electricity consumed during the time period when a relatively high unit price for electricity is set, thereby reducing the amount of electricity bills paid.

[0095] 1.9 Adjusting air conditioning for energy efficiency The energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A is adjusted, for example, by the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 of the compressor 31. For example, when the control unit 25 is instructed to set the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A to first air conditioning, the control unit 25 sets the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 to a first upper limit, and when the control unit 25 is instructed to set the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A to second air conditioning, the control unit 25 sets the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 to a second upper limit. The second upper limit is lower than the first upper limit. Furthermore, when the energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A is adjusted by the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 of the compressor 31, for example, when operation with level 1 energy saving is performed, the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 is set to 0.9 times the reference rotation speed. Furthermore, when operation with level 2 energy saving is performed, the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 is set to 0.8 times the reference rotation speed. When the vehicle is operated with level 3 energy saving performance, the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 is set to 0.7 times the reference rotation speed. When the vehicle is operated with level 4 energy saving performance, the upper limit of the rotation speed of the motor 41 is set to 0.6 times the reference rotation speed.

[0096] Alternatively, the energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A is adjusted, for example, by the set temperature 112. For example, when the control unit 25 is instructed to set the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A to first air conditioning, the control unit 25 sets the set temperature 112 to the first set temperature, and when the control unit 25 is instructed to set the air conditioning performed by the first air conditioner A1 to second air conditioning, the control unit 25 sets the set temperature 112 to the second set temperature. The second set temperature is closer to the room temperature of room R than the first set temperature. For example, the first set temperature is the same temperature as the target temperature 113, and the second set temperature is closer to the room temperature of room R than the target temperature 113. Furthermore, when the energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A is adjusted by the set temperature 112, for example, when operation with level 1 energy saving performance is performed, the set temperature 112 is shifted by 0.5°C toward the room temperature of room R from the target temperature 113. Furthermore, when operation with level 2 energy saving is performed, the set temperature 112 is shifted 1.0°C from the target temperature 113 toward the room temperature of room R. Furthermore, when operation with level 3 energy saving is performed, the set temperature 112 is shifted 1.5°C from the target temperature 113 toward the room temperature of room R. Furthermore, when operation with level 4 energy saving is performed, the set temperature 112 is shifted 2.0°C from the target temperature 113 toward the room temperature of room R.

[0097] The energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A may be adjusted by other methods. For example, the energy saving performance of the air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A may be adjusted by changing the length of time that air conditioning unit 21 operates at a high intensity during start-up immediately after air conditioning by air conditioning unit 21 is started.

[0098] 1.10 Processing flow FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the control device provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0099] The air conditioning system 1 executes steps S101 to S105 shown in FIG.

[0100] In step S101, the timing control unit 84 determines whether the current time falls within a time period in which a down-demand response has been initiated. If it is determined that the current time falls within the time period, step S103 is executed. If it is determined that the current time does not fall within the time period, step S102 is executed.

[0101] In the next step S102, the timing control unit 84 determines whether the current time belongs to a time slot in which a unit price of electric energy higher than the unit price of electric energy set for another time slot is set. If it is determined that the current time belongs to the time slot, step S103 is executed. If it is determined that the current time does not belong to the time slot, step S101 is executed.

[0102] Steps S101 and S102 result in steps S103 and subsequent steps being executed if the current time falls within a time period in which a lower demand response was initiated or a time period in which a higher unit price for electricity is set than the unit price for electricity set for another time period, and if the current time does not fall within either the former time period or the latter time period, steps S103 and subsequent steps are not executed until the current time falls within either the former time period or the latter time period. This allows steps S103 and subsequent steps to be executed during time periods in which it is particularly expected that the energy conservation of the air conditioning system 1 will be improved.

[0103] In step S103, the timing control unit 84 determines whether or not the start notification 121 has been received by the communication unit 55. If it is determined that the start notification 121 has been received, step S104 is executed. If it is determined that the start notification 121 has not been received, step S101 is executed.

[0104] In step S104, the timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform the determination process, and the determination unit 82 performs the determination process. The determination unit 82 performs the determination process by determining the air conditioner that sent the start notification 121 as the first air conditioner A1 and the room to be air-conditioned by the first air conditioner A1 as the first room R1.

[0105] In the following step S105, the timing control unit 84 causes the instruction unit 83 to perform the instruction process, and the instruction unit 83 performs the instruction process. The instruction unit 83 determines the content of the instruction process based on the determination result of the determination process.

[0106] By steps S103 to S105, the determination process and the instruction process are performed immediately after the start operation 101 is performed on the operation unit 22 of the air conditioner.

[0107] Regardless of whether the current time falls within a time period in which a unit price of electric energy is set that is higher than the unit price of electric energy set for the time period in which downward demand response was activated or another time period, the determination process and instruction process may be performed in conjunction with the start operation 101 being performed on the operation unit 22 of the air conditioner A. The determination process and instruction process may also be performed at a timing other than immediately after the start operation 101 is performed on the operation unit 22 of the air conditioner.

[0108] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of instruction processing performed by the instruction unit of the control device provided in the air conditioning system of the first embodiment.

[0109] The instruction unit 83 executes steps S111 to S113 shown in FIG.

[0110] In step S111, the instructing unit 83 determines whether or not the plurality of second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D includes a room having a room temperature closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1. If it is determined that the plurality of second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D includes a room having a room temperature closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, step S112 is executed. If it is determined that the plurality of second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D does not include a room having a room temperature closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1, step S113 is executed.

[0111] In step S112, the instruction unit 83 instructs the first air conditioner A1 to perform second air conditioning, which has relatively high energy-saving properties, and causes the communication unit 55 to send an energy-saving instruction 131. The energy-saving properties of the second air conditioning become higher as the number of rooms having room temperatures closer to the target temperature 113 than the room temperature T1 of the first room R1 increases, and become higher as the room temperatures T2A, T2B, T2C, and T2D of the second rooms R2A, R2B, R2C, and R2D become farther from the room temperature T1 of the first room.

[0112] In step S113, the instructing unit 83 instructs the communication unit 55 to transmit an energy saving instruction 131, instructing the air conditioning performed by the first air conditioner A1 to be the first air conditioning having relatively low energy saving properties.

[0113] 2. Second embodiment The following describes the differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment. For points that are not described, the second embodiment also employs the same configuration as that employed in the first embodiment.

[0114] Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment and a building that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning system. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing the operations performed by a management server provided in the air conditioning system according to the second embodiment and the communications performed between each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system and the management server.

[0115] 2, in the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment, a start operation 101, a stop operation 102, an air conditioning type setting operation 103, and a temperature setting operation 104 are performed on each air conditioner A. Furthermore, each air conditioner A transmits a start notification 121, a stop notification 122, an air conditioning type notification 124, and a set temperature notification 125 to the management server MS. Furthermore, the management server MS receives the start notification 121, the stop notification 122, the air conditioning type notification 124, and the set temperature notification 125 from each air conditioner A.

[0116] In contrast, in the air conditioning system 2 of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14 , a start operation 101, a stop operation 102, an air conditioning type setting operation 103, and a temperature setting operation 104 are performed on the management server MS. Furthermore, the start operation 101, the stop operation 102, the air conditioning type setting operation 103, and the temperature setting operation 104 each include an operation for specifying a room R. Furthermore, the management server MS transmits a start instruction 151, a stop instruction 152, an air conditioning type setting instruction 153, and a temperature setting instruction 154 to the air conditioner A that will perform air conditioning on the room R specified by the start instruction 151, the stop instruction 152, the air conditioning type setting instruction 153, and the temperature setting instruction 154, respectively. The start instruction 151 is an instruction to start air conditioning. The stop instruction 152 is an instruction to end air conditioning. The air conditioning type setting instruction 153 is an instruction to set the air conditioning type 111. The temperature setting instruction 154 is an instruction to set the set temperature 112. Furthermore, each air conditioner A receives a start instruction 151, an end instruction 152, an air conditioning type setting instruction 153, and a temperature setting instruction 154 from the management server MS.

[0117] In response to the start operation 101 being performed, the management server MS transmits a start instruction 151 to the air conditioner A that will perform air conditioning of the room R specified by the start operation 101 that has been performed.

[0118] In response to the termination operation 102 being performed, the management server MS transmits a termination instruction 152 to the air conditioner A that performs air conditioning of the room R specified by the termination operation 102 that has been performed.

[0119] In response to the air conditioning type setting operation 103 being performed, the management server MS transmits an air conditioning type setting instruction 153 to the air conditioner A that will perform air conditioning on the room R specified by the performed air conditioning type setting operation 103. The management server MS sets the air conditioning type specified by the transmitted air conditioning type setting instruction 111 to the air conditioning type specified by the air conditioning type setting operation 103.

[0120] In response to the temperature setting operation 104 being performed, the management server MS transmits a temperature setting instruction 154 to the air conditioner A that will perform air conditioning on the room R specified by the temperature setting operation 104. The management server MS sets the set temperature specified by the transmitted temperature setting instruction 154 to the target temperature 113 specified by the temperature setting operation 104 or a temperature obtained by correcting the target temperature 113.

[0121] The management server MS updates the management table 141 in response to the start operation 101, the end operation 102, the air conditioning type setting operation 103, or the temperature setting operation 104. The management server MS updates the management table 141 in accordance with the start operation 101, the end operation 102, the air conditioning type setting operation 103, or the temperature setting operation 104 that has been performed.

[0122] Each air conditioner A starts performing air conditioning in response to receiving a start instruction 151 from management server MS.

[0123] Each air conditioner A ends air conditioning in response to receiving the end instruction 152 from management server MS.

[0124] Each air conditioner A sets the air conditioning type 111 in response to receiving the air conditioning type setting instruction 153 from the management server MS. Each air conditioner A sets the air conditioning type 111 to the air conditioning type specified in the received air conditioning type setting instruction 153. Each air conditioner A performs air conditioning according to the set air conditioning type 111.

[0125] Each air conditioner A sets the set temperature 112 in response to receiving a temperature setting instruction 154 from the management server MS. Each air conditioner A sets the set temperature 112 to the set temperature specified in the received temperature setting instruction 154. Each air conditioner A performs air conditioning to bring the room temperature of room R close to the set temperature 112 that has been set.

[0126] Fig. 5 is also a block diagram of a control device provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a management table managed by the management unit of the control device provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

[0127] In response to start operation 101 being performed on operation unit 54, management unit 81 causes communication unit 55 to send start instruction 151, and updates the air conditioning state associated with the device ID assigned to air conditioner A that will condition room R specified by start operation 101 in management table 141 to "heating" or "cooling." The management unit 81 sets the air conditioning state as the air conditioning type specified by the performed air conditioning type setting operation 103.

[0128] In response to the termination operation 102 being performed on the operation unit 54, the management unit 81 causes the communication unit 55 to send a termination instruction 152, and updates the air conditioning state associated with the device ID assigned to the air conditioner A that conditions the room R specified by the termination operation 102 performed in the management table 141 to "stopped."

[0129] In response to the air conditioning type setting operation 103 being performed on the operation unit 54, the management unit 81 causes the communication unit 55 to send an air conditioning type setting instruction 153, and updates the air conditioning type associated with the device ID assigned to the air conditioner A that conditions the room R specified by the air conditioning type setting operation 103 performed in the management table 141 to the air conditioning type specified by the air conditioning type setting operation 103.

[0130] In response to the temperature setting operation 104 being performed on the operation unit 54, the management unit 81 causes the communication unit 55 to send a temperature setting instruction 154, and updates the set temperature associated with the device ID assigned to the air conditioner A that conditions the room R specified by the temperature setting operation 104 performed in the management table 141 to the target temperature 113 specified by the temperature setting operation 104 or a temperature corrected from the target temperature 113.

[0131] In response to a start operation 101 being performed on the operation unit 54, the timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform a determination process and the instruction unit 83 to perform an instruction process. In response to an instruction to start air conditioning, the timing control unit 84 thereby causes the determination unit 82 to perform a determination process and the instruction unit 83 to perform an instruction process. In this way, it is possible to increase the energy saving effect of air conditioning performed by each air conditioner A immediately after air conditioning has started, when the energy saving effect of air conditioning is likely to be low.

[0132] FIG. 3 is also a block diagram of each air conditioner provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

[0133] In response to the communication unit 24 receiving the start instruction 151, the control unit 25 causes the air conditioning unit 21 to start performing air conditioning.

[0134] In response to the communication unit 24 receiving the end instruction 152, the control unit 25 causes the air conditioning unit 21 to end the air conditioning.

[0135] The control unit 25 sets the air conditioning type 111 in response to the communication unit 24 receiving the air conditioning type setting instruction 153. The control unit 25 sets the air conditioning type 111 to the air conditioning type specified in the received air conditioning type setting instruction 153. The control unit 25 causes the air conditioning unit 21 to perform air conditioning according to the set air conditioning type 111.

[0136] In response to communication unit 24 receiving temperature setting instruction 154, control unit 25 sets set temperature 112. Control unit 25 sets set temperature 112 to the set temperature specified by the received temperature setting instruction 154. Control unit 25 causes air conditioning unit 21 to perform air conditioning to bring the room temperature of room R closer to set temperature 112.

[0137] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing performed by the control device provided in the air conditioning system of the second embodiment.

[0138] The air conditioning system 2 executes steps S201 to S205 shown in FIG.

[0139] In step S201, the timing control unit 84 determines whether the current time falls within a time period in which a down-demand response has been initiated. If it is determined that the current time falls within the time period, step S203 is executed. If it is determined that the current time does not fall within the time period, step S202 is executed.

[0140] In the next step S202, the timing control unit 84 determines whether the current time belongs to a time slot in which a unit price of electric energy higher than the unit price of electric energy set for another time slot is set. If it is determined that the current time belongs to the time slot, step S203 is executed. If it is determined that the current time does not belong to the time slot, step S201 is executed.

[0141] In step S203, the timing control unit 84 determines whether or not the start operation 101 has been performed on the operation unit 54. If it is determined that the start operation 101 has been performed, step S204 is executed. If it is determined that the start operation 101 has not been performed, step S201 is executed.

[0142] In step S204, the timing control unit 84 causes the determination unit 82 to perform the determination process, and the determination unit 82 performs the determination process. The determination unit 82 performs the determination process by determining the air conditioner that sent the start notification 121 as the first air conditioner A1 and the room to be air-conditioned by the first air conditioner A1 as the first room R1.

[0143] In the following step S205, the timing control unit 84 causes the instruction unit 83 to perform the instruction process, and the instruction unit 83 performs the instruction process. The instruction unit 83 determines the content of the instruction process based on the determination result of the determination process.

[0144] By steps S203 to S205, the determination process and the instruction process are performed immediately after the start operation 101 is performed on the operation unit 54 of the management server MS.

[0145] Regardless of whether the current time falls within a time period in which a unit price of electric energy higher than the unit price of electric energy set for the time period in which downward demand response was initiated or another time period, the determination process and the instruction process may be performed in conjunction with a start operation 101 being performed on the operation unit 54 of the management server MS. The determination process and the instruction process may also be performed at a timing other than immediately after the start operation 101 is performed on the operation unit 54 of the management server MS.

[0146] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be replaced with a configuration that is substantially the same as the configuration shown in the above-described embodiments, a configuration that has the same effect, or a configuration that can achieve the same purpose. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Air conditioning system 21 Air Conditioning Section 22 Control section 23 Room temperature sensor 24 Communications Department 25 Control Unit 31 Compressor 32 Condenser 33 Expansion valve 34 Evaporator 35 Refrigerant 41 Motor 51 processors 52 memory 53 Storage 54 Operation section 55 Communications Department 61 Programs 71 Control device 81 Management Department 82 Judgment section 83 Instruction section 84 Timing control section 85 Storage section 101 Start operation 102 Termination operation 103 Air conditioning type setting operation 104 Temperature setting operation 111 Air conditioning type 112 Set temperature 113 Target temperature 121 Start notification 122 Termination Notice 123 Room temperature notification 124 Air conditioning type notification 125 Set temperature notification 131 Energy Conservation Instructions 141 Management Table 151 Start instruction 152 End instruction 153 Air conditioning type setting instruction 154 Temperature setting instructions Building B R, R11, R12, R13, R14, R21, R22, R23, R24, R31, R32, R33, R34, R41, R42, R43, R44 Room R1 Room 1 R2A, R2B, R2C, R2D, R2X Second Room S common area A,A11,A12,A13,A14,A21,A22,A23,A24,A31,A32,A33,A34,A41,A42,A43,A44 Air conditioner A1 First air conditioner A2A, A2B, A2C, A2D, A2X Second air conditioner MS Management Server

Claims

1. a determination unit that determines whether a room temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room is closer to a target temperature than the room temperature of the first room; an instruction unit that instructs the air conditioning to be performed in the first room to be first air conditioning when the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and that instructs the air conditioning to be performed in the first room to be second air conditioning having higher energy saving properties than the first air conditioning when the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room; A control device comprising:

2. the determination unit determines whether or not a room temperature of each of a plurality of second rooms adjacent to the first room and including the second room is closer to the target temperature than a room temperature of the first room; The instruction unit increases the energy saving performance of the air conditioning as the number of rooms included in the plurality of second rooms and having room temperatures determined by the determination unit to be closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room increases. The control device according to claim 1 .

3. When the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, the instruction unit increases the energy saving performance of the air conditioning as the room temperature of the second room becomes farther from the room temperature of the first room. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first room and the second room are included in a plurality of rooms that are connected to a common area but are separated from each other. The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. In response to an instruction to start the air conditioning, causing the determination unit to determine whether or not a room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than a room temperature of the first room; When the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, the instruction unit instructs the air conditioning to be the first air conditioning, and when the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, the instruction unit instructs the air conditioning to be the second air conditioning. Equipped with a timing control unit The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. During the time period when the downward demand response was activated, causing the determination unit to determine whether or not a room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than a room temperature of the first room; When the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, the instruction unit instructs the air conditioning to be the first air conditioning, and when the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, the instruction unit instructs the air conditioning to be the second air conditioning. Equipped with a timing control unit The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. During a time period when a higher unit price for electricity is set than the unit price for electricity set for other time periods, causing the determination unit to determine whether or not a room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than a room temperature of the first room; When the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, the instruction unit instructs the air conditioning to be the first air conditioning, and when the determination unit determines that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, the instruction unit instructs the air conditioning to be the second air conditioning. Equipped with a timing control unit The control device according to claim 1 or 2.

8. determining whether a room temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room is closer to a target temperature than the room temperature of the first room; instructing that the air conditioning to be performed in the first room be first air conditioning when it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and instructing that the air conditioning be second air conditioning having higher energy saving properties than the first air conditioning when it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room; A control method comprising:

9. determining whether a room temperature of a second room adjacent to the first room is closer to a target temperature than the room temperature of the first room; instructing that the air conditioning to be performed in the first room be first air conditioning when it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is not closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room, and instructing that the air conditioning be second air conditioning having higher energy saving properties than the first air conditioning when it is determined that the room temperature of the second room is closer to the target temperature than the room temperature of the first room; A control program that causes a computer to execute the above.

10. The control device according to claim 1 or 2; an air conditioner that performs the air conditioning; An air conditioning system equipped with:

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