Air-conditioning monitoring system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning monitoring system capable of monitoring a state of an air conditioner in detail, and suppressing a communication load when remotely monitoring the air conditioner.SOLUTION: The air conditioning monitoring system includes an air conditioner and a communication device that acquires operation data of the air conditioner from the air conditioner and transmits the operation data to a server, and includes, as monitoring modes of the air conditioner, a first monitoring mode in which the operation data acquired every first time is transmitted from the communication device to the server and an operation state of the air conditioner is determined by the server, and a second monitoring mode that is executed based on an operation of a user during execution of the first monitoring mode, in which the operation data acquired every second time shorter than the first time is transmitted from the communication device to the server and the operation state of the air conditioner is determined by the server.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning monitoring system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system in which test run data of an air conditioner is transmitted to a server, and the server determines whether there is an abnormality in the air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2018 / 083710 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning monitoring system that can monitor the state of an air conditioning apparatus in detail and reduce the communication load when remotely monitoring an air conditioning apparatus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The air conditioning monitoring system of the present disclosure comprises an air conditioning device and a communication device that acquires operating data of the air conditioning device from the air conditioning device and transmits the operating data to a server, and has monitoring modes for the air conditioning device: a first monitoring mode in which the operating data acquired every first hour is transmitted from the communication device to the server and the operating status of the air conditioning device is determined by the server; and a second monitoring mode that is executed based on user operation while the first monitoring mode is being executed, and in which the operating data acquired every second hour, which is shorter than the first hour, is transmitted from the communication device to the server and the operating status of the air conditioning device is determined by the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] When monitoring the operating state of an air conditioning unit, the air conditioning monitoring system of the present disclosure executes a first monitoring mode in which operating data of the air conditioning unit is sent to a server to determine the operating state, and a second monitoring mode in which operating data of the air conditioning unit is sent to the server at shorter intervals than in the first monitoring mode to determine the operating state. Therefore, by using the first monitoring mode, the operating state of the air conditioning unit can be monitored with reduced communication load, and, for example, depending on the situation or as needed, the second monitoring mode can be used to perform detailed monitoring of the air conditioning unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning monitoring system [Figure 2] Block diagram of the devices that make up the air conditioning monitoring system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device [Figure 4] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning device [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a determination rule. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the operation of the server [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of the server [Figure 8] Sequence diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning monitoring system [Figure 9] Sequence diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning monitoring system [Figure 10] A transition diagram showing the transition of screens displayed on a terminal device [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed confirmation setting screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of a 2D graph display screen displayed on a terminal device. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance setting screen displayed on a terminal device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the idea of ​​the present disclosure, there was technology available for monitoring and controlling an air conditioning system equipped with multiple air conditioners using a monitoring and control system, which made it possible to determine whether the operating data of the air conditioning system was normal or abnormal. However, the more frequently the operating data of the air conditioner is acquired, the greater the communication load for sending and receiving the operating data becomes, so it is necessary to lengthen the time interval between acquisitions of the operating data of the air conditioner. The inventors discovered that this constraint makes it difficult to shorten the time interval between acquisitions of the operating data and to determine the state of the air conditioning system in detail, and have come to constitute the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning monitoring system that can monitor the state of an air conditioning apparatus in detail while reducing the communication load when remotely monitoring the air conditioning apparatus.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, unnecessary detailed descriptions may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] [1. Air conditioning monitoring system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning monitoring system 1000. The air conditioning monitoring system 1000 is a system that includes a server 2 communicatively connected to multiple air conditioners 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, and monitors the operating states of the air conditioners 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D by the server 2. The server 2 corresponds to an example of a monitoring device.

[0011] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the air conditioners 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, they will be referred to as air conditioner 1. The same applies to communication devices 4A and 4B, terminal devices 5A and 5B, etc., which will be described later.

[0012] The air conditioning monitoring system 1000 includes a server 2 and a communication device 4. The air conditioning monitoring system 1000 also includes at least one of a terminal device 3 and a terminal device 5 as terminal devices that make up a GUI (Graphical User Interface), as will be described later. The server 2, terminal device 3, communication device 4, and terminal device 5 are connected to each other so that they can communicate data with each other via a communication network N. A user who operates terminal device 3 and an administrator who operates terminal device 5, as will be described later, correspond to examples of users of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000.

[0013] The communication network N is a communication line including a dedicated line, a public line network, the Internet, etc. The communication network N may include network devices (not shown) such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router, a switch, a router, a gateway, various server devices, etc. The communication network N may also include wireless base stations installed by a telecommunications carrier.

[0014] The terminal device 3 is a device used by a user who operates the server 2, and can be called a server management terminal. The terminal device 3 is connected to the server 2 via a communication network N or directly, and has the function of communicating with the server 2. The specific configuration of the terminal device 3 is not limited, and it may be a PC (Personal Computer), a smartphone, a tablet computer, or a wearable terminal such as a smartwatch.

[0015] The terminal device 3 includes a display 35 and an input device 36. The display 35 has a display panel such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel. The input device 36 is a device that allows a user to input to the terminal device 3. The input device 36 includes, for example, a keyboard. The input device 36 includes a pointing device. Examples of the pointing device include a mouse, a touch sensor superimposed on the display 35, or other devices. The display 35 can be referred to as a terminal display unit. When the terminal device 3 constitutes a GUI, the input device 36 corresponds to an example of a terminal input unit.

[0016] The terminal device 3 displays various screens on the display 35 based on the data transmitted by the server 2. The screens displayed on the display 35 constitute a GUI for operating the server 2. With the GUI displayed on the display 35, the terminal device 3 accepts input via the input device 36 and transmits the input content to the server 2. In this way, the terminal device 3 functions as a remote console device that allows a user to operate the server 2 from a remote location.

[0017] The terminal device 5 is a device used by a manager who belongs to a maintenance company that performs maintenance management of the air conditioner 1, and can be called a manager terminal.

[0018] The air conditioning monitoring system 1000 may include multiple terminal devices 5. Each terminal device 5 is associated with one or more air conditioning devices 1, or one or more air conditioning systems 10. As specific configuration examples of the terminal devices 5, Fig. 1 shows terminal device 5A used by a manager who maintains and manages air conditioning system 10A, and terminal device 5B used by a manager who maintains and manages air conditioning system 10B. The terminal devices 5 are not limited to the examples of terminal devices 5A and 5B, and may also be tablet computers or wearable devices such as smartwatches.

[0019] The terminal device 5A is, for example, a smartphone, and has a touch panel 59 including a display screen and a touch sensor. The terminal device 5A displays the content of a notification sent from the server 2 on the touch panel 59 using a notification function. The terminal device 5B is, for example, a laptop PC, and has a display 55 and an input device 56. The display 55 is a display device having an LCD panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The input device 56 is a device through which the administrator using the terminal device 5B inputs information to the terminal device 5. The input device 56 includes, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device. Examples of pointing devices include a mouse, a touch sensor superimposed on the display 55, or other devices. The touch panel 59 corresponds to a configuration that combines the functions of both a display unit and an input unit. The display 55 can be referred to as a terminal display unit. When the terminal device 5 constitutes a GUI, the input device 56 corresponds to an example of a terminal input unit.

[0020] In the following description, a configuration in which the display 55 and the input device 56 are provided independently of each other, as in terminal device 5B, will be exemplified as the configuration of terminal device 5. Both terminal device 5A and terminal device 5B can operate as terminal devices that configure a GUI. Therefore, the operations of terminal device 5 in the following description can be performed by either terminal device 5A or terminal device 5B. Furthermore, the specific form of terminal device 5 is not limited to the configurations of terminal device 5A and terminal device 5B, and may be any device that includes configurations corresponding to a communication device that communicates with server 2, a display unit, and an input unit.

[0021] The terminal device 5 has a communication function for communicating with the server 2 via the communication network N, and a notification function for sending notifications to the administrator who uses the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 is connected to the communication network N via a wired or wireless communication line, and performs data communication with the server 2. The terminal device 5 uses the notification function to display the content of the notification sent from the server 2 on the display 55. The configuration of the terminal device 5 will be described in detail later.

[0022] The server 2 may be configured as one server computer, or multiple server computers may function as the server 2. The server 2 may be a so-called cloud server. Furthermore, there is no limit to the number of terminal devices 3 and terminal devices 5 included in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000. For example, multiple terminal devices 3 and terminal devices 5 may be configured to connect to the server 2 simultaneously or alternately. Furthermore, there is no limit to the location where the terminal device 3 is installed, as long as the terminal device 3 can be connected to the communication network N. The same applies to the location where the terminal device 5 is installed.

[0023] There are no restrictions on the number or installation locations of air conditioners 1 that are monitored by the air conditioning monitoring system 1000. While FIG. 1 shows air conditioners 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D as targets of monitoring by the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, this is just one example. There are also no restrictions on the specific configuration of the air conditioners 1. In this embodiment, as an example, the air conditioner 1A will be described as a VRF (Variable Refrigerant Flow) type device. The air conditioner 1B will be described as a PAC (packaged air conditioner). Note that the air conditioners 1 that are monitored by the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 are not limited to configurations that run on electricity. For example, they may also be GHP (gas heat pump) type air conditioners that run on gas energy.

[0024] The communication device 4 is connected to one or more air conditioning devices 1 to be monitored. The air conditioning monitoring system 1000 shown in FIG. 1 includes communication device 4A and communication device 4B. Communication device 4A is connected to air conditioning device 1A and air conditioning device 1B, and communication device 4B is connected to air conditioning device 1C and air conditioning device 1D. A communication device 4 is provided, for example, in each area where an air conditioning device 1 is installed. One or more air conditioning devices 1 connected to one communication device 4 make up an air conditioning system 10. For example, air conditioning devices 1A and 1B connected to communication device 4A make up air conditioning system 10A. Air conditioning devices 1A and 1B are connected so that they can communicate with communication device 4A, but air conditioning device 1A and air conditioning device 1B may not communicate with each other. There are no restrictions on the number or types of air conditioning devices 1 connected to one communication device 4, or the air conditioning devices 1 included in air conditioning system 10.

[0025] The communication device 4 receives control data D1 from the server 2 by communicating with the server 2 via the communication network N. The control data D1 includes instructions to the communication device 4 to acquire data indicating the operating status of the air conditioning device 1, information specifying the data acquisition period, information specifying the period for transmitting data to the server 2, etc.

[0026] The communication device 4 communicates with the air conditioner 1 and acquires data related to the operating state of the air conditioner 1 at a period instructed by the control data D1. The data related to the operating state of the air conditioner 1 is data indicating the detected values ​​of various sensors installed in the air conditioner 1, the operating state of the compressor equipped in the air conditioner 1, the switching state of the four-way valve equipped in the air conditioner 1, the opening degree of the expansion valve, the air volume of the fan, etc. Specifically, the communication device 4A communicates with the control device 11A equipped in the air conditioner 1A and acquires data related to the operating state from the control device 11A. Similarly, the communication device 4A communicates with the control device 11B equipped in the air conditioner 1B and acquires data related to the operating state of the air conditioner 1B from the control device 11B. Similarly, the communication device 4B communicates with the air conditioners 1C and 1D and acquires data related to the operating states of the air conditioners 1C and 1D, etc. The data related to the operating state acquired by the communication device 4 from the air conditioner 1 can be called operating data. This operating data may be the same as the operating data 44 and the operating data D2, or may be different data.

[0027] The communication device 4 transmits operating data D2, including data related to the operating state acquired from the air conditioning device 1, to the server 2. The operating data D2 can be said to be data indicating the operating state of the air conditioning device 1. The operating data D2 includes data related to the operating state, the time the data was acquired, information indicating the air conditioning device 1 from which the data was acquired, and the like. The operating data D2 may also include information indicating the sensor from which the detection value was acquired, the outdoor unit 12, or the indoor unit 13. Furthermore, the types and items of data included in the operating data D2 transmitted by the communication device 4 to the server 2 may differ between the periodic execution mode and the detailed confirmation mode, which will be described later. For example, the operating data D2 transmitted by the communication device 4 in the detailed confirmation mode may include more types of data than the operating data D2 transmitted by the communication device 4 in the periodic execution mode. Specifically, the operating data D2 in the detailed confirmation mode may include more sensor detection values, data calculated from sensor detection values, and the like, than in the periodic execution mode.

[0028] The air conditioner 1A includes a control device 11A, multiple outdoor units 12, and multiple indoor units 13. The outdoor units 12 included in the air conditioner 1A include outdoor units 12A and 12B. The indoor units 13 included in the air conditioner 1A include indoor units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D. The outdoor units 12A and 12B and the indoor units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D are connected to the control device 11A via a communication line 20A. The control device 11A controls the outdoor units 12A and 12B and the indoor units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D in accordance with a target temperature and the like set by operating a remote control (not shown), thereby performing air conditioning of the room to be conditioned. Air conditioning of the room to be conditioned includes, for example, at least one of heating, cooling, dehumidification, ventilation, and the like.

[0029] Various sensors are installed in the outdoor units 12A and 12B, the indoor units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D of the air conditioner 1A, and in the refrigerant piping connecting these. The control device 11A transmits detected values ​​and the like of each sensor to the communication device 4A.

[0030] Air conditioner 1B includes control device 11B, outdoor unit 12F, and indoor unit 13F. Outdoor unit 12F and indoor unit 13F are connected to control device 11B via communication line 20B. Control device 11B controls outdoor unit 12F and indoor unit 13F in accordance with a target temperature and the like set by operating a remote control (not shown), and performs air conditioning of the conditioned room in which indoor unit 13F is installed.

[0031] Various sensors are installed in the outdoor unit 12F, the indoor unit 13F of the air conditioner 1B, and the refrigerant piping connecting these. The control device 11B transmits detected values ​​and the like of each sensor to the communication device 4A.

[0032] The server 2 receives the operating data D2 transmitted from the communication device 4. Based on the operating data D2, the server 2 determines the operating state of the air conditioning device 1. The server 2 determines whether the operating state of each air conditioning device 1 that is the monitoring target of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 is normal or abnormal.

[0033] In the following explanation, an abnormality refers to an abnormal operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Here, abnormality does not necessarily mean that an abnormality in the air conditioning apparatus 1 is a breakdown or malfunction of the air conditioning apparatus 1. For example, an "abnormality" determined by the server 2 includes a situation in which the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 temporarily deviates from the normal range. In other words, even if the air conditioning apparatus 1 is in a normal state and an external factor causes it to temporarily deviate from the normal range, the server 2 may determine that the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is "abnormal." In addition, the server 2 may determine that the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is indeterminable. The server 2 notifies the terminal device 5 of the operating state of the air conditioner 1 in accordance with settings described below.

[0034] [2. Server configuration] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the devices that make up the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, and shows the functional configuration of the server 2, terminal device 3, communication device 4, and terminal device 5.

[0035] The server 2 includes a processor 201. The server 2 includes a storage unit 210. The storage unit 210 has a non-volatile storage medium. The storage unit 210 includes a volatile storage area, and may configure a work area for the processor 201.

[0036] The storage unit 210 stores programs executed by the processor 201 and various data processed by the processor 201. The storage unit 210 stores a control program 211, setting data 212, a first stability determination rule 213, a first normality determination rule 214, a second stability determination rule 215, a second normality determination rule 216, determination result data 217, and diagnosis result data 218.

[0037] The processor 201 controls each unit of the server 2 by executing a control program 211. The processor 201 includes, as functional units, a user interface control unit 202, a monitoring unit 203, and a setting unit 204. The user interface control unit 202 will be referred to as a UI control unit 202 hereinafter. These functional units are realized by the processor 201 executing the control program 211, through cooperation between software and hardware.

[0038] The server 2 includes a communication unit 220. The communication unit 220 is a communication device connected to the communication network N. The communication unit 220 includes, for example, a connector for connecting a communication cable and an interface circuit for inputting and outputting signals through the connector. Furthermore, for example, the communication unit 220 may be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and connects to the communication network N via a wireless communication line.

[0039] The UI control unit 202 transmits data to and acquires data from devices that function as terminal devices that constitute the GUI. The terminal devices that constitute the GUI are either the terminal device 3 or the terminal device 5. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the terminal device 5 operates as the terminal device that constitutes the GUI. In the following description, the operations of the server 2 that are targeted at the terminal device 5 are also executed in the same way when the terminal device 3 is targeted.

[0040] The UI control unit 202 generates GUI data for operating and configuring the server 2 and transmits it to the terminal device 5 via the communication unit 220. The UI control unit 202 acquires data input by the input device 56 while the terminal device 5 is displaying a screen that constitutes the GUI on the display 55.

[0041] Furthermore, the UI control unit 202 generates GUI data for making settings related to the operation of the monitoring unit 203 and transmits the GUI data to the terminal device 5 . Furthermore, the UI control unit 202 generates GUI data for confirming the determination results of the periodic execution mode and the detailed confirmation mode executed by the monitoring unit 203, and transmits the GUI data to the terminal device 5.

[0042] The monitoring unit 203 executes a periodic execution mode and a detailed check mode as operations for determining the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1. The periodic execution mode corresponds to an example of a first monitoring mode, and the detailed check mode corresponds to an example of a second monitoring mode.

[0043] The periodic execution mode is an operation mode that the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 normally executes to monitor the operating status of the air conditioner 1. In the periodic execution mode, the communication device 4 acquires data relating to the operating status of the air conditioner 1 every first hour, and transmits operating data D2 based on the acquired data to the server 2. In the periodic execution mode, the operation of the air conditioner 1 and the communication device 4 is steadily executed even without instructions from the monitoring unit 203.

[0044] The detailed confirmation mode is an operating mode in which the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 monitors the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 based on more detailed data than in the periodic execution mode. Specifically, the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operation of the air conditioning apparatus 1 at a time interval of every second hour, which is shorter than the first hour. For example, in the periodic execution mode, the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 at 15-minute intervals, whereas in the detailed confirmation mode, the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 at 30-second or 1-minute intervals. The communication device 4 then transmits operating data D2 based on the data acquired every second hour to the server 2. This allows the server 2 to check the status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in detail. The detailed confirmation mode can also be called a manual execution mode, as the administrator manually sets and starts the mode by operating the terminal device 5, as described below.

[0045] The monitoring unit 203 can select an air conditioning device 1 to be monitored from all air conditioning devices 1 managed by the communication device 4 connected to the server 2 and execute the detailed check mode. In the detailed check mode, the communication load of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 is greater than in the periodic execution mode. This is because the second time period is shorter than the first time period, so communication between the air conditioning device 1 and the communication device 4 occurs more frequently than in the periodic execution mode, and the amount of data sent per unit time by the communication device 4 to the server 2 is greater than in the periodic execution mode. In other words, in the detailed check mode, the communication load between the air conditioning device 1 and the communication device 4 and the communication load between the communication device 4 and the server 2 are both higher than in the periodic execution mode. For this reason, the monitoring unit 203 executes the detailed check mode for the air conditioning device 1 specified by the administrator using the terminal device 5 from among the air conditioning devices 1A and 1B connected to the communication device 4A and the air conditioning devices 1C and 1D connected to the communication device 4B.

[0046] The monitoring unit 203 switches between a periodic execution mode and a detailed check mode for the air conditioning apparatus 1. For example, while the monitoring unit 203 is executing the detailed check mode for the air conditioning apparatus 1A, it does not execute the periodic execution mode for the air conditioning apparatus 1A.

[0047] Meanwhile, the monitoring unit 203 executes the detailed check mode for some of the multiple air conditioners 1, and executes the periodic execution mode for the other air conditioners 1. For example, while the detailed check mode is being executed for air conditioner 1A, the periodic execution mode is executed for air conditioners 1B, 1C, and 1D that are not the target of the detailed check mode.

[0048] In detail check mode, as described above, the communication load in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 increases, so execution of detail check mode for multiple air conditioning apparatuses 1 may be restricted. For example, in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, of multiple air conditioning apparatuses 1 connected to one communication device 4, the number of air conditioning apparatuses 1 that can simultaneously execute detail check mode may be limited. Specifically, while the monitoring unit 203 is executing detail check mode for air conditioning apparatus 1A, it may be restricted so that detail check mode is not executed for air conditioning apparatus 1B that is connected to the same communication device 4A as air conditioning apparatus 1A. In other words, of multiple air conditioning apparatuses 1 belonging to the same air conditioning system 10, an upper limit may be set on the number of air conditioning apparatuses 1 that can simultaneously execute detail check mode.

[0049] The monitoring unit 203 executes the detail check mode by sending control data D1 to the communication device 4. The control data D1 includes information specifying the air conditioning device 1 that is the target of the detail check mode, an instruction to execute the detail check mode, and conditions related to the execution of the detail check mode. Examples of information specifying the target air conditioning device 1 include unique identification information assigned to each air conditioning device 1 in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, the address of the air conditioning device 1, the device name, and the serial number of the air conditioning device 1 at the time of manufacture. Examples of conditions related to the execution of the detail check mode include the start timing of the detail check mode, the time interval at which the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating status of the air conditioning device 1 in the detail check mode, the execution time of the detail check mode, and whether or not to perform a trial run of the air conditioning device 1 that is the target of the detail check mode.

[0050] In the periodic execution mode, the monitoring unit 203 acquires the operating data D2 transmitted by the communication device 4 at a predetermined time interval and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 210. The monitoring unit 203 analyzes the operating data D2 stored in the storage unit 210 at a preset interval for the periodic execution mode and determines whether the operating data D2 contains data indicating an abnormal state. The monitoring unit 203 determines a judgment result for the air conditioning apparatus 1 being analyzed, either normal, abnormal, or impossible to judge, and stores the judgment result in the storage unit 210 as judgment result data 217.

[0051] In the detailed check mode, the monitoring unit 203 acquires the operating data D2 transmitted by the communication device 4 after the execution of the detailed check mode is completed. The monitoring unit 203 analyzes the acquired operating data D2 and determines whether the operating data D2 contains data indicating an abnormal state. The monitoring unit 203 determines a judgment result for the air conditioning apparatus 1 being analyzed—normal, abnormal, or impossible to judge—and stores the judgment result in the storage unit 210 as judgment result data 217. Furthermore, if the monitoring unit 203 determines that the air conditioning apparatus 1 is abnormal based on the operating data D2, it performs a fault diagnosis of the air conditioning apparatus 1. In the fault diagnosis, the monitoring unit 203 identifies components that may be experiencing an abnormality among the outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 13, and other devices that make up the air conditioning apparatus 1, and estimates the type and cause of the abnormality. When the monitoring unit 203 executes the fault diagnosis, it stores the diagnosis result in the storage unit 210 as diagnosis result data 218.

[0052] For example, in the periodic execution mode of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operation of the air conditioning device 1, for example, every 15 minutes, and transmits the operating data D2 every hour to the server 2. The monitoring unit 203 analyzes the operating data D2 for 24 hours starting from midnight at a preset time. Also, in the detailed check mode of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, the monitoring unit 203 analyzes all of the operating data D2 during one execution of the detailed check mode, promptly after the communication device 4 finishes the detailed check mode. The time at which the communication device 4 operates and the time included in the operating data D2 are, for example, the time of the time zone to which the location where the air conditioning system 10 is installed belongs, and can be local time.

[0053] In the process of determining whether the operating data D2 contains data indicating an abnormal state, the monitoring unit 203 uses a first stability determination rule 213, a first normality determination rule 214, a second stability determination rule 215, and a second normality determination rule 216 stored in the storage unit 210. The first stability determination rule 213 includes a condition for determining whether the operating data D2 is stable in the periodic execution mode. The first normality determination rule 214 includes a condition for determining whether the operating data D2 is normal in the periodic execution mode. The second stability determination rule 215 includes a condition for determining whether the operating data D2 is stable in the detailed confirmation mode. The second normality determination rule 216 includes a condition for determining whether the operating data D2 is normal in the detailed confirmation mode.

[0054] The setting unit 204 performs settings related to the operation of the monitoring unit 203. With the terminal device 5 displaying a setting GUI on the display 55, the setting unit 204 performs settings based on data input via the input device 56 using the setting GUI. The setting unit 204 sets, for example, execution conditions related to the execution of the detail check mode based on the data input via the input device 56. These conditions include, for example, the start timing of the detail check mode, the time interval at which the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the detail check mode, the execution time of the detail check mode, and whether or not to perform a trial run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 that is the target of the detail check mode. The setting unit 204 stores the setting contents in the memory unit 210 as setting data 212, or updates the setting data 212.

[0055] [3. Terminal Device Configuration] The terminal device 3 includes a processor 31. The terminal device 3 includes a storage unit 32. The storage unit 32 has a non-volatile storage medium. The storage unit 32 includes a volatile storage area and may constitute a work area for the processor 31.

[0056] The storage unit 32 stores programs executed by the processor 31 and various data processed by the processor 31. For example, the storage unit 32 stores a control program 33 and GUI data .

[0057] The terminal device 3 includes a communication unit 37. The communication unit 37 is a communication device connected to a communication network N. The communication unit 37 includes, for example, a connector for connecting a communication cable and an interface circuit for inputting and outputting signals through the connector. Furthermore, for example, the communication unit 37 may be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and connects to the communication network N via a wireless communication line. When the terminal device 3 constitutes a GUI, the communication unit 37 corresponds to an example of a terminal communication unit.

[0058] The processor 31 executes the control program 33 to control each part of the terminal device 3 . The processor 31 receives GUI data transmitted by the server 2 via the communication unit 37 and stores it in the storage unit 32 as GUI data 34. The processor 31 provides the GUI to the user by displaying various screens on the display 35 based on the GUI data 34. The processor 31 acquires the content input by the user via the input device 36 using the GUI, and transmits data indicating the input content to the server 2 via the communication unit 37.

[0059] The terminal device 5 includes a processor 51. The terminal device 5 includes a storage unit 52. The storage unit 52 has a non-volatile storage medium. The storage unit 52 includes a volatile storage area and may constitute a work area for the processor 51.

[0060] The storage unit 52 stores programs executed by the processor 51 and various data processed by the processor 51. For example, the storage unit 52 stores a control program 53 and GUI data .

[0061] The terminal device 5 includes a communication unit 57. The communication unit 57 is a communication device connected to a communication network N. The communication unit 57 includes, for example, a connector for connecting a communication cable and an interface circuit for inputting and outputting signals through the connector. Furthermore, for example, the communication unit 57 may be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and connects to the communication network N via a wireless communication line. When the terminal device 5 constitutes a GUI, the communication unit 57 corresponds to an example of a terminal communication unit.

[0062] The processor 51 controls each part of the terminal device 5 by executing the control program 53 . The processor 51 receives GUI data transmitted by the server 2 via the communication unit 57 and stores it in the storage unit 52 as GUI data 54. The processor 51 provides the GUI to the administrator by displaying various screens on the display 55 based on the GUI data 54. The processor 51 acquires the content input by the administrator via the input device 56 using the GUI, and transmits data indicating the input content to the server 2 via the communication unit 57.

[0063] [4. Configuration of communication device] 2 is common to communication devices 4A and 4B. Communication device 4 includes a processor 41. Communication device 4 includes a storage unit 42. Storage unit 42 has a non-volatile storage medium. Storage unit 42 may include a volatile storage area and may configure a work area for processor 41.

[0064] The storage unit 42 stores programs executed by the processor 41 and various data processed by the processor 41. For example, the storage unit 42 stores a control program 43 and operating data 44.

[0065] The communication device 4 includes a communication unit 45. The communication unit 45 is a communication device connected to a communication network N. The communication unit 45 includes, for example, a connector for connecting a communication cable and an interface circuit for inputting and outputting signals through the connector. Alternatively, for example, the communication unit 45 may be a wireless communication device that includes an antenna and a wireless circuit and connects to the communication network N via a wireless communication line. The communication unit 45 is connected to the air conditioning device 1 and performs data communication with the air conditioning device 1. For example, the communication unit 45 transmits, under the control of the processor 41, instructions to the air conditioning device 1 to perform a trial run and instructions to transmit detection values ​​of various sensors included in the air conditioning device 1. In response to the instructions transmitted by the communication unit 45, the air conditioning device 1 performs the trial run. Furthermore, when the air conditioning device 1 acquires and transmits detection values ​​of the sensors in response to the instructions transmitted by the communication unit 45, the communication unit 45 acquires the detection values ​​transmitted by the air conditioning device 1.

[0066] The processor 41 controls each part of the communication device 4 by executing the control program 43 . The processor 41 communicates with the air conditioning apparatus 1 via the communication unit 45 and acquires data relating to the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1. The processor 41 normally executes periodic execution mode and acquires data relating to the operating state from the air conditioning apparatus 1 to be monitored at time intervals set as the periodic execution mode cycle. The processor 41 stores the acquired detection values, etc. in the memory unit 42 as operating data 44. The operating data 44 includes data relating to the operating state of each air conditioning apparatus 1 connected to the communication device 4.

[0067] The processor 41 generates operating data D2 to be transmitted based on the operating data 44 at a preset cycle and transmits it to the server 2. The cycle in which the processor 41 transmits the operating data D2 is the same as or longer than the cycle in which the processor 41 acquires data related to the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1. For example, in the periodic execution mode, the processor 41 acquires data related to the operating status at 15-minute intervals and transmits the operating data D2 to the server 2 at 1-hour intervals.

[0068] When the processor 41 receives control data D1 from the server 2, it executes a detail check mode for the air conditioning apparatus 1 specified by the control data D1. In the detail check mode, the processor 41 acquires data related to the operating state at the time interval specified by the control data D1. The time during which the processor 41 executes the detail check mode is specified by the control data D1. The processor 41 accumulates the data related to the operating state acquired from the air conditioning apparatus 1 as operating data 44 in the memory unit 42 until the execution time of the detail check mode has elapsed. After the execution time of the detail check mode has elapsed, the processor 41 compiles the operating data 44 accumulated in the memory unit 42 to generate operating data D2 and transmits it to the server 2.

[0069] [5. Example of sensor placement in air conditioning equipment] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of air conditioner 1A, and shows an example of the arrangement of sensors in air conditioner 1A. As shown in Figure 1, air conditioner 1A is equipped with multiple outdoor units 12A and 12B and multiple indoor units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, but for ease of understanding, Figure 3 will show and explain system 101 formed by connecting one outdoor unit 12A and one indoor unit 13A.

[0070] The outdoor unit 12A includes two compressors 102 connected in parallel, two outdoor heat exchangers 103, two expansion valves 104 connected to each of the outdoor heat exchangers 103, and a four-way valve 121. The four-way valve 121 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 102 and switches the direction of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 102 between the outdoor heat exchanger 103 and the indoor unit 13A. A refrigerant pipe 120 is connected to the four-way valve 121. A subcooling expansion valve 106 is installed in the refrigerant pipe 120, and forms a subcooling heat exchanger 107.

[0071] The four-way valve 121 switches the flow of refrigerant between heating operation and cooling operation. In Fig. 3, the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation of the air conditioner 1A is indicated by arrows labeled C, and the flow of refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by arrows labeled H.

[0072] The indoor unit 13A includes an indoor heat exchanger 111 and an expansion valve 112, and is connected to the outdoor unit 12A by a refrigerant pipe.

[0073] The outdoor unit 12A and the indoor unit 13A are provided with temperature sensors 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15F, 15G, 15H, 15I, 15J, 15K, 15L, and 15M, as well as pressure sensors 16A and 16B.

[0074] Temperature sensor 15A is installed on a refrigerant pipe on the suction side of compressor 102, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant drawn into compressor 102. The detected value of temperature sensor 15A indicates the compressor suction temperature. Temperature sensors 15B and 15C are installed on the refrigerant pipe on the discharge side of compressor 102, and detect the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 102. The detected values ​​of temperature sensors 15B and 15C indicate the compressor discharge temperature. Temperature sensors 15D and 15E detect the temperature of the refrigerant, and are installed in refrigerant pipes through which liquid refrigerant flows in outdoor heat exchanger 103. The detected values ​​of temperature sensors 15D and 15E indicate the outdoor heat exchange liquid side temperature. Temperature sensors 15F and 15G detect the temperature of the refrigerant, and are installed in a refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant vaporized in outdoor heat exchanger 103 flows. The detected values ​​of temperature sensors 15F and 15G indicate the outdoor heat exchange gas side temperature.

[0075] The temperature sensor 15H is disposed in the refrigerant pipe 120 between the four-way valve 121 and the subcooling expansion valve 106, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant. The detected value of the temperature sensor 15H indicates the subcooling circuit gas temperature. The temperature sensor 15I is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 103 and detects the temperature of air sent by an outdoor fan (not shown) toward the outdoor heat exchanger 103. The detected value of the temperature sensor 15I indicates the outdoor air temperature.

[0076] The temperature sensor 15J is installed in a refrigerant pipe through which the vaporized refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger 111, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant. The detected value of the temperature sensor 15J indicates the indoor heat exchange gas side temperature. The temperature sensor 15K is installed in a refrigerant pipe through which the liquid refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger 111, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant. The detected value of the temperature sensor 15K indicates the indoor heat exchanger liquid side temperature.

[0077] Temperature sensor 15M detects the temperature of air that an indoor fan (not shown) blows into the room to be conditioned through indoor heat exchanger 111. The detected value of temperature sensor 15M indicates the indoor outlet temperature. The temperature sensor 15L detects the temperature of air drawn in from the room to be conditioned by an indoor fan (not shown). The detected value of the temperature sensor 15L indicates the room temperature.

[0078] Pressure sensor 16A detects the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping on the suction side of compressor 102. Pressure sensor 16B detects the pressure of the refrigerant in the refrigerant piping on the discharge side of compressor 102. Pressure sensor 16A can be called a low-pressure sensor, and pressure sensor 16B can be called a high-pressure sensor.

[0079] 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner 1B, and shows an example of the arrangement of sensors in the air conditioner 1B. The air conditioner 1B has a system 151 that connects one outdoor unit 12F and one indoor unit 13F.

[0080] The outdoor unit 12F includes a compressor 152, an outdoor heat exchanger 153, an expansion valve 154, and a four-way valve 161. The four-way valve 161 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 152 and switches the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 152 between the outdoor heat exchanger 153 and the indoor unit 13F. A refrigerant pipe 160 is connected to the four-way valve 161. The four-way valve 161 switches the flow of refrigerant between heating operation and cooling operation. In FIG. 4, the flow of refrigerant during cooling operation of the air conditioner 1B is indicated by an arrow with symbol C, and the flow of refrigerant during heating operation is indicated by an arrow with symbol H.

[0081] The indoor unit 13F includes an indoor heat exchanger 156 and is connected to the outdoor unit 12F by a refrigerant pipe. Temperature sensors 17A, 17B, 17C, 17D, 17F, 17G, 17H, and 17I are disposed in the outdoor unit 12F and the indoor unit 13F.

[0082] Temperature sensor 17A is installed on a refrigerant pipe on the suction side of compressor 152, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant sucked into compressor 152. The detected value of temperature sensor 17A indicates the compressor suction temperature. Temperature sensor 17B is installed on a refrigerant pipe on the discharge side of compressor 152, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from compressor 152. The detected value of temperature sensor 17B indicates the compressor discharge temperature. Temperature sensor 17C is installed in a refrigerant pipe through which liquid refrigerant flows in outdoor heat exchanger 153, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant. The detected value of temperature sensor 17C indicates the outdoor heat exchanger liquid side temperature. Temperature sensor 17D is installed in outdoor heat exchanger 153. The detected value of temperature sensor 17D indicates the outdoor heat exchange temperature.

[0083] Temperature sensor 17E is provided near outdoor heat exchanger 153 and detects the temperature of air sent by an outdoor fan (not shown) toward outdoor heat exchanger 153. The detected value of temperature sensor 17E indicates the outdoor air temperature.

[0084] The temperature sensor 17F is installed in a refrigerant pipe through which the liquid refrigerant flows in the indoor heat exchanger 111, and detects the temperature of the refrigerant. The detected value of the temperature sensor 17F indicates the indoor heat exchanger liquid side temperature.

[0085] The temperature sensor 17G is installed in the indoor heat exchanger 156. The detected value of the temperature sensor 17G indicates the indoor heat exchanger temperature. Temperature sensor 17H detects the temperature of air that an indoor fan (not shown) blows into the room to be conditioned through indoor heat exchanger 156. The detected value of temperature sensor 17H indicates the indoor outlet temperature. The temperature sensor 17I detects the temperature of air drawn in from the room to be conditioned by an indoor fan (not shown). The detected value of the temperature sensor 17I indicates the room temperature.

[0086] The communication device 4 acquires detection values ​​from the temperature sensors 15A-15M, temperature sensors 17A-17I, and pressure sensors 16A and 16B provided in the air conditioning apparatus 1A. The detection values ​​acquired by the communication device 4 are, for example, instantaneous values ​​at the time when the control device 11 acquires the detection values ​​from the temperature sensors 15A-15M, temperature sensors 17A-17I, and pressure sensors 16A and 16B provided in the air conditioning apparatus 1A.

[0087] The communication device 4 may transmit operating data D2 including the detection values ​​of each sensor to the server 2. Alternatively, the communication device 4 may generate operating data D2 including the type and name of data indicated by the detection values ​​of each sensor and the value of the data, and transmit the generated operating data D2 to the server 2. Examples of the type and name of the data include compressor suction temperature, compressor discharge temperature, outdoor heat exchanger liquid-side temperature, outdoor heat exchanger gas-side temperature, subcooling circuit gas temperature, outdoor air temperature, indoor heat exchanger gas-side temperature, indoor heat exchanger liquid-side temperature, indoor blow-out temperature, indoor temperature, outdoor heat exchanger temperature, indoor heat exchanger temperature, low-pressure side pressure, and high-pressure side pressure. The communication device 4 calculates the value of the data from the detection values ​​of each of the above-mentioned sensors and generates the operating data D2.

[0088] The communication device 4 may also generate data by performing arithmetic processing using the detected values ​​of each sensor. For example, the communication device 4 may calculate a saturation temperature (HP_TEMP) from the high-pressure side pressure, calculate a saturation temperature (LP_TEMP) from the low-pressure side pressure, and determine the compressor suction superheat from the difference between the compressor suction temperature and the saturation temperature (LP_TEMP). The communication device 4 may determine the condenser outlet subcooling from the difference between the saturation temperature (HP_TEMP) and the outdoor heat exchanger liquid side temperature. The communication device 4 may determine the room temperature heat exchanger temperature difference from the difference between the indoor temperature and the indoor heat exchanger temperature. The communication device 4 may determine the condensation temperature and the evaporation temperature from the saturation temperature (HP_TEMP) and the saturation temperature (LP_TEMP). The communication device 4 may determine the compressor discharge superheat from the difference between the compressor discharge temperature and the saturation temperature (HP_TEMP). The communication device 4 may determine the subcooling circuit gas superheat from the difference between the subcooling circuit gas temperature and the saturation temperature (LP_TEMP).

[0089] The communication device 4 may generate operating data D2 including the compressor intake superheat, condenser outlet subcooling, room temperature heat exchange temperature difference, condensation temperature, compressor discharge superheat, and subcooling circuit gas superheat calculated as described above.

[0090] Furthermore, if the compressors 102, 152 have variable rotation speeds, the operating data D2 may include the rotation speeds of the compressors 102, 152. If the compressors 102, 152 are constant-speed compressors with constant rotation speeds, the operating data D2 may include the ON / OFF states of the compressors 102, 152. The operating data D2 may include data indicating the switching states of the four-way valves 121, 161. The operating data D2 may include data indicating the opening degrees of the expansion valves 104, 106, 112, 154.

[0091] [6. Judgment regarding air conditioning equipment] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a determination rule referenced by the monitoring unit 203. For example, the determination rule in Fig. 5 is part of the first stability determination rule 213, and is part of the rule that is applied when the air conditioning apparatus 1 is a PAC.

[0092] The monitoring unit 203 arranges the data of each item included in the operation data D2 in chronological order and divides the data into sections at preset time intervals. The monitoring unit 203 makes a determination for each section based on whether or not a first stability determination rule 213, a first normality determination rule 214, a second stability determination rule 215, and a second normality determination rule 216 are satisfied.

[0093] For example, the determination rule shown in Fig. 5 is a rule for determining whether or not the operation of the air conditioner 1 is stable in the periodic execution mode. This determination rule includes a determination item, a stability condition, and a duration.

[0094] The judgment rule in Figure 5 includes the compressor rotation speed, the fluctuation range of the condensation temperature and evaporation temperature, the fluctuation range of the indoor heat exchanger liquid side temperature, the fluctuation range of the outdoor heat exchanger liquid side temperature, the fluctuation range of the compressor inlet temperature, the fluctuation range of the compressor discharge temperature, and the fluctuation range of the expansion valve opening as judgment items for determining whether the operating state of the air conditioner 1 is stable.Here, the condensation temperature is the outdoor heat exchanger temperature during cooling operation and the indoor heat exchanger temperature during heating operation.The evaporation temperature is the indoor heat exchanger temperature during cooling operation and the outdoor heat exchanger temperature during heating operation.In addition, the "fluctuation range" of each sensor is the difference between the maximum and minimum detected values ​​of each sensor over a duration described below.

[0095] The stability conditions are thresholds used to determine whether the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is stable. A threshold and range for determining whether the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is stable is defined for each of the above-mentioned determination items. The duration is a time threshold. When the state in which the value of each determination item satisfies the stability condition continues for a set duration or longer, the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be stable.

[0096] In this way, the first stability determination rule 213 includes a threshold for determining whether the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is stable for each determination item. The threshold may include a quantitative threshold that is compared with the data value and a time threshold. The second stability determination rule 215, which is applied in the detailed check mode, is similar, but may include determination items different from the determination items of the first stability determination rule 213. Furthermore, the first normality determination rule 214 and the second normality determination rule 216 include a threshold for determining whether the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is normal for each determination item. The threshold includes a quantitative threshold that is compared with the data value, but may also include a time threshold. Furthermore, the first normality determination rule 214 and the second normality determination rule may include different determination items. The type of data included in the operating data D2 may correspond to the determination items of the first stability determination rule 213, the first normality determination rule 214, the second stability determination rule 215, and the second normality determination rule 216, for example. For example, the type of data contained in the driving data D2 sent to the server 2 in the periodic execution mode corresponds to the first stability determination rule 213 and the first normality determination rule 214, and the type of data contained in the driving data D2 sent to the server 2 in the detailed confirmation mode corresponds to the second stability determination rule 215 and the second normality determination rule 216.

[0097] There may be multiple first stability determination rules 213, first normality determination rules 214, second stability determination rules 215, and second normality determination rules 216 corresponding to the configuration, type, and application of the air conditioning apparatus 1. For example, the storage unit 210 may store the first stability determination rule 213, first normality determination rule 214, second stability determination rule 215, and second normality determination rule 216 corresponding to the case where the air conditioning apparatus 1 is a VRF-type apparatus and the case where the air conditioning apparatus 1 is a PAC. Furthermore, these rules may include multiple thresholds according to the specifications of the compressor, heat exchanger, expansion valve, etc. Furthermore, for example, the storage unit 210 may store the first stability determination rule 213, first normality determination rule 214, second stability determination rule 215, and second normality determination rule 216 corresponding to the air conditioning apparatus 1 used to air-condition a server room and the air conditioning apparatus 1 used to air-condition a general office space where office work, etc. is performed. In this case, the server 2 selects a rule in accordance with the configuration, type, and use of the air conditioner 1, and uses the selected rule to make the determinations and factor estimations described below.

[0098] [7. Operation of the air conditioning monitoring system] [7-1. Determining the operating status of air conditioning equipment] 6 and 7 are flowcharts showing the operation of the server 2, and show the processing for determining whether the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is normal. The processing shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is executed by the monitoring unit 203 of the server 2.

[0099] The server 2 selects an air conditioner 1 to be judged from among the air conditioners 1 connected to the server 2 via the communication device 4 (step S11). The server 2 identifies the outdoor units 12 and indoor units 13 included in the selected air conditioner 1, and selects a combination of one outdoor unit 12 and one indoor unit 13 (step S12).

[0100] In step S12, a virtual combination of one outdoor unit 12 and one indoor unit 13 is created, and one combination is selected as the processing target. For example, the air conditioner 1A shown in FIG. 1 is equipped with two outdoor units 12A and 12B and four indoor units 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D. There are eight possible combinations of one outdoor unit 12 and one indoor unit 13 in the air conditioner 1A. If the air conditioner 1A is selected as the determination target in step S11, the server 2 selects one combination from the eight possible combinations that exist for the air conditioner 1A in step S12.

[0101] The server 2 acquires the operation data D2 of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 13 that make up the combination selected in step S12 (step S13). The server 2 divides the operation data D2 acquired in step S13 into sections at predetermined time intervals as described above, and determines whether or not each section is in a stable state based on whether or not the operation data D2 for each section satisfies the threshold value included in the first stability determination rule 213 (step S14). The determination in step S14 is made for each determination item included in the operation data D2 for the combination of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 13. That is, the server 2 determines whether or not a determination item is stable based on whether or not the data for one determination item included in the operation data D2 satisfies the threshold value for that determination item in the first stability determination rule 213. The server 2 performs this determination for each of all determination items. Then, if all determination items are determined to be stable, the section is determined to be in a stable state. On the other hand, if one or more determination items are determined to be unstable, the section is determined to be not in a stable state.

[0102] The server 2 determines whether or not there is a section in which the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be in a stable state for all sections of the operating data D2 acquired in step S13 (step S15). If there is no section in which the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be in a stable state (step S15; NO), the server 2 determines that the determination is impossible for the combination selected in step S12 (step S16).

[0103] If there is a section in which the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be in a stable state (step S15; YES), the server 2 makes a judgment based on the first normality judgment rule 214 for the section determined to be in a stable state (step S17). In step S17, the server 2 judges whether the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is normal based on whether the operating data D2 for the section determined to be in a stable state satisfies the threshold included in the first normality judgment rule 214. Here, a section in which the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is not normal is called an abnormal section. The server 2 makes the judgment of step S17 for all sections determined to be in a stable state in step S14.

[0104] The determination in step S17 is performed for each determination item included in the operation data D2 for the combination of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 13, as in step S14. That is, the server 2 determines whether or not a determination item is normal based on whether or not the data for one determination item included in the operation data D2 corresponds to the threshold value of the first normality determination rule 214 for that determination item. The server 2 performs this determination for each of all determination items. Then, if all determination items are determined to be normal, the section is determined to be normal. Furthermore, if one or more determination items are determined to be abnormal, the section is determined to be abnormal.

[0105] The server 2 determines whether or not there is an abnormal section as a result of the determination in step S17 (step S18). If there is at least one section determined to be an abnormal section in step S17 (step S18; YES), the server 2 determines that the operating state of the combination selected in step S12 is abnormal (step S19).

[0106] If there is no section determined to be an abnormal section in step S17 (step S18; NO), the server 2 determines that the operating state of the combination selected in step S12 is normal (step S20).

[0107] After determining the judgment results in steps S16, S19, and S20, the server 2 judges whether or not judgment has been completed for all combinations of the air conditioning apparatus 1 selected in step S11 (step S21). If judgment has not been completed for all combinations (step S21; NO), the server 2 returns to step S12. If judgment has been completed for all combinations (step S21; YES), the server 2 proceeds to step S22 in FIG. 7.

[0108] The server 2 selects a unit to be determined in the air conditioner 1 selected in step S11 (step S22). The unit to be determined is either the outdoor unit 12 or the indoor unit 13 provided in the air conditioner 1 selected in step S11.

[0109] The server 2 acquires the determination results for all combinations including the unit selected in step S22 (step S23). Here, the determination results are the determination results of steps S16, S19, and S20.

[0110] The server 2 determines whether or not the determination results acquired in step S23 include a result that is determined to be abnormal (step S24). If there is no determination result that is determined to be abnormal (step S24; NO), the server 2 determines whether or not there is a determination result that is determined to be normal (step S25). If there is a determination result that is determined to be normal (step S25; YES), the server 2 determines that the operating status of the unit selected in step S22 is normal (step S26).

[0111] If there is no determination result that the target unit is normal (step S25; NO), the server 2 determines that the operating state of the unit selected in step S22 cannot be determined (step S27). If there is at least one determination result indicating that the target unit is abnormal (step S24; YES), the server 2 determines that the operating state of the unit selected in step S22 is abnormal (step S28).

[0112] The server 2 stores the determination results of steps S26, S27, and S28 in the storage unit 210 as determination result data 217 (step S29). The server 2 determines whether or not determination has been completed for all units included in the air conditioning apparatus 1 to be determined (step S30). If determination has not been completed for all units (step S30; NO), the server 2 returns to step S22. If determination has been completed for all units (step S30; YES), the server 2 ends this process.

[0113] The server 2 performs the operations shown in Figures 6 and 7 for each air conditioning apparatus 1. Furthermore, the server 2 can make a determination using the procedures shown in Figures 6 and 7 in both the periodic execution mode and the detailed confirmation mode. In the above description, an example has been described in which the operation of the server 2 in the periodic execution mode is to make a determination based on the first stability determination rule 213 in step S13 and a determination based on the first normality determination rule 214 in step S17. When executing the detailed check mode, the server 2 may make a determination based on the second stability determination rule 215 in step S13 and a determination based on the second normality determination rule 216 in step S17.

[0114] When the server 2 makes the determination in the periodic execution mode, it acquires, for example, one day's worth of driving data D2 in step S13. When the server 2 makes the determination in the detailed confirmation mode, it acquires all driving data D2 while the detailed confirmation mode is being executed in step S13.

[0115] In this way, in the periodic execution mode and the detailed check mode, the server 2 determines whether the operating status of the air conditioner 1 is normal based on the operating data D2. 7, an example has been described in which the server 2 virtually constructs a combination of one outdoor unit 12 and one indoor unit 13, and determines whether the operations of the outdoor unit 12 and the indoor unit 13 are stable. This is just one example, and the numbers of outdoor units 12 and indoor units 13 that make up the combination can be changed as appropriate.

[0116] [7-2. Operation of the air conditioning monitoring system in periodic execution mode] Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, and shows the operation in periodic execution mode. In Fig. 8, steps SA11-SA16 show the operation of the monitoring unit 203 of the server 2. Steps SB11-SB13 show the operation of the processor 41 of the communication device 4.

[0117] The communication device 4 acquires data relating to the operating status of one or more air conditioners 1 connected to the communication device 4 at the time interval set in the periodic execution mode (step SB11). The communication device 4 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 42 and determines whether the transmission period to the server 2 has elapsed (step SB12). If the transmission period to the server 2 has not been reached (step SB12; NO), the communication device 4 repeats the operation of step SB11.

[0118] If the transmission period to the server 2 has elapsed (step SB12; YES), the communication device 4 generates driving data D2 from the data accumulated in the storage unit 42 and transmits the driving data D2 to the server 2 (step SB13). Although Fig. 8 shows the communication device 4 ending its operation, in reality, the communication device 4 repeatedly performs the operations of steps SB11 to SB13 while executing the periodic execution mode.

[0119] The server 2 receives the driving data D2 from the communication device 4 (step SA11) and temporarily stores it in the storage unit 210 (step SA12). The server 2 determines whether the period for making a determination in the periodic execution mode has elapsed (step SA13). If the period for making a determination in the periodic execution mode has not elapsed (step SA13; NO), the server 2 returns to step SA11 and waits.

[0120] If the period for making a determination in the periodic execution mode has elapsed (step SA13; YES), the server 2 makes a determination based on the operating data D2 for the determination period (step SA14). In step SA14, the server 2 performs the operations described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, for example.

[0121] The server 2 determines whether or not there is any air conditioner 1 determined to be abnormal in step SA14 (step SA15). If there is no air conditioner 1 determined to be abnormal (step SA15; NO), the server 2 ends this processing.

[0122] Although Figure 8 shows that the server 2 terminates the operation, in reality, the server 2 repeatedly performs steps SA11-SB16 for all air conditioning devices 1 that are managed by the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 while the periodic execution mode is running.

[0123] If there is an air conditioning apparatus 1 determined to be abnormal (step SA15; YES), the server 2 references the setting data 212, executes a notification in accordance with the notification settings (step SA16), and ends this processing. The notification settings are settings for the notification destination and notification method to be sent from the server 2 when the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be abnormal. The notification destination can be, for example, the terminal device 5 associated with the air conditioning apparatus 1 determined to be abnormal. Notification methods can include email addressed to the terminal device 5 and push notification to an application program installed in the terminal device 5 and executed by the processor 51, but a GUI displayed on the display 55 of the terminal device 5 can also be used. In other words, the content of the notification of step SA16 can be displayed on the display 55.

[0124] The notification in step SA16 may be a notification including content recommending that the detailed check mode be executed for the air conditioner 1 whose operating status has been determined to be abnormal in the regular execution mode. Furthermore, the notification in step SA16 may be a notification including content recommending that the air conditioner 1 be caused to perform a trial run in the detailed check mode. In this case, the administrator using the terminal device 5 can be caused to execute the detailed check mode and monitor the operating status of the air conditioner 1 in detail. Furthermore, the server 2 may determine whether or not to recommend execution of the detailed check mode for the air conditioning apparatus 1 whose operating state has been determined to be abnormal in step SA15, based on the determination result of step SA14. Then, if it is determined that execution of the detailed check mode is recommended, the server 2 may notify the air conditioning apparatus 1 in step SA16 that execution of the detailed check mode is recommended.

[0125] [7-3. Operation of the air conditioning monitoring system in detailed check mode] 9 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, and shows the operation in the detailed check mode. In Fig. 9, steps SA21-SA28 show the operation of the monitoring unit 203 of the server 2. Steps SB21-SB26 show the operation of the processor 41 of the communication device 4.

[0126] When execution of the detail check mode is instructed via the GUI as described below, the server 2 generates control data D1 including execution conditions for the detail check mode (step SA21). The execution conditions include the air conditioning apparatus 1 that is the target of the detail check mode, the start timing of the detail check mode, the time interval at which the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the detail check mode, the execution time of the detail check mode, and whether or not to perform a trial run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 that is the target of the detail check mode. As described above, the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 normally executes the periodic execution mode, and an instruction to execute the detail check mode is issued based on an operation of the terminal device 3 or 5 while the periodic execution mode is being executed. In other words, an instruction to execute the detail check mode is issued based on an operation of a user or administrator while the periodic execution mode is being executed, and the detail check mode is executed. Here, "executing the periodic execution mode" includes both a period when the server 2 is executing the operations of steps SA11 to SA13 and a period when the server 2 is executing steps SA14 to SA16.

[0127] The server 2 transmits control data D1 to the communication device 4 to which the air conditioner 1 that is the target of the detailed check mode is connected (step SA22). The communication device 4 receives the control data D1 from the server 2 (step SB21). At the timing specified in the control data D1, the communication device 4 stops the periodic execution mode for the air conditioner 1 that is the target of the detailed check mode, and starts the detailed check mode (step SB22).

[0128] The communication device 4 acquires data relating to the operating state of the air conditioner 1 that is the target of the detail check mode at specified time intervals in accordance with the execution conditions of the control data D1 (step SB23). The communication device 4 stores the acquired data in the storage unit 42 and determines whether it is time to end the detail check mode (step SB24). If it is not time to end the detail check mode (step SB24; NO), the communication device 4 repeats the operation of step SB23.

[0129] When it is time to end the detail check mode (step SB24; YES), the communication device 4 generates operating data D2 based on the data accumulated in the memory unit 42 and transmits the operating data D2 to the server 2 (step SB25).The communication device 4 then resumes the periodic execution mode for the air conditioner 1 that is the target of the detail check mode (step SB26).

[0130] The server 2 receives the driving data D2 from the communication device 4 (step SA23) and temporarily stores the driving data D2 in the storage unit 210 (step SA24). The server 2 performs a determination based on the received driving data D2 (step SA25). In step SA25, the server 2 performs, for example, the operations described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 using the second stability determination rule 215 and the second normality determination rule 216.

[0131] The server 2 determines whether or not any unit in the air conditioner 1 that is the target of the detailed check mode has been determined to be abnormal in step SA25 (step SA26). Here, a unit refers to either the outdoor unit 12 or the indoor unit 13. If any unit has been determined to be abnormal (step SA26; YES), the server 2 executes a fault diagnosis process (step SA27).

[0132] The fault diagnosis process of step SA27 is a process for identifying the cause of the abnormality in a unit determined to be abnormal. In the fault diagnosis process, the server 2 identifies a judgment item that does not satisfy the threshold of the second normality judgment rule 216 among the operation data D2 of the unit determined to be abnormal. The server 2 estimates the cause of the abnormality in the identified judgment item as the abnormality cause. The server 2 may store a database that associates abnormalities in judgment items with the abnormality causes in the storage unit 210. For example, when the difference between the outdoor heat exchanger gas-side temperature obtained from the detection values ​​of temperature sensors 15F and 15G and the outdoor heat exchanger liquid-side temperature obtained from the detection values ​​of temperature sensors 15D and 15E is an abnormal value that exceeds a threshold for only some of the multiple outdoor heat exchangers 103 provided in the outdoor unit 12, the server 2 estimates a fault in some of the outdoor heat exchangers 103 or some of the expansion valves 104. Also, for example, when the difference between the indoor temperature obtained from the detection value of temperature sensor 15L and the indoor outlet temperature obtained from the detection value of temperature sensor 15M for indoor heat exchanger 111 is below a threshold value, server 2 estimates that a clogged filter in indoor unit 13A is the cause of the abnormality.

[0133] In the fault diagnosis process of step SA27, the server 2 may not only identify faults or abnormality factors that are estimated to have already occurred, but may also perform fault prediction to estimate faults or abnormalities that are likely to occur.

[0134] The server 2 stores the determination result of step SA25 in the storage unit 210 as determination result data 217, stores the result of the diagnostic process of step SA27 in the storage unit 210 as diagnosis result data 218 (step SA28), and ends this process. Also, if there is no unit determined to be abnormal in step SA25 (step SA26; NO), the server 2 stores the determination result of step SA25 in the storage unit 210 as determination result data 217 (step SA28), and ends this process.

[0135] After the process of step SA28, the server 2 may refer to the setting data 212 and execute notification in accordance with the notification setting, similar to step SA16.

[0136] In the operation shown in FIG. 9 , the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 may perform processing to reduce the amount of operating data D2 that the communication device 4 sends to the server 2 in step SB25. For example, when the server 2 executes detailed check mode for an air conditioning apparatus 1 that has been determined to be abnormal in periodic execution mode, the server 2 may select the data items to acquire in the detailed check mode. In this case, the server 2 includes information specifying the selected data items in the control data D1. The communication device 4 acquires data for the items specified in the control data D1 from the air conditioning apparatus 1 in step SB23. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of data exchanged between the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the communication device 4, as well as the amount of operating data D2, thereby further reducing the communication load in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000.

[0137] Furthermore, the communication device 4 may change the timing at which it transmits the operating data D2 to the server 2 in steps SB13 and SB25 depending on the communication load. For example, the communication device 4A may wait without transmitting the operating data D2 while the communication device 4B is transmitting the operating data D2 to the server 2. Furthermore, for example, when transmitting operating data D2 for multiple air conditioning devices 1 to the server 2, the communication device 4 may transmit the operating data D2 to the server 2 for each air conditioning device 1. When these operations are performed, the communication load in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 can be reduced.

[0138] [8. User Interface Configuration] 10 is a transition diagram showing the transition of screens displayed on the terminal device 5. The terminal device 5 provides a user interface to a user of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 by displaying a screen on the display 55 based on data sent by the UI control unit 202. FIG. 10 corresponds to a diagram showing the transition of the user interface. The user of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 includes the administrator who uses the terminal device 5.

[0139] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a home screen 302 displayed on the terminal device 5, and Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a detail confirmation setting screen 305 displayed on the terminal device 5. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a 2D graph display screen 306 displayed on the terminal device 5, and Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a maintenance setting screen 307 displayed on the terminal device 5.

[0140] The user interface of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0141] The terminal device 5 accesses the server 2 in accordance with the administrator's operation and displays a login screen 301 on the display 55. When the administrator performs a login operation SC1 while the login screen 301 is displayed, the terminal device 5 displays a home screen 302.

[0142] 11 includes tabs 311, 312, 313, and 314. Tabs 311, 312, 313, and 314 are operation units for displaying home screen 302, 2D graph display screen 306, maintenance setting screen 307, and system setting screen 308. In the state shown in FIG. 11, home screen 302 is being displayed, and therefore tab 311 corresponding to home screen 302 is highlighted. While home screen 302, 2D graph display screen 306, maintenance setting screen 307, and system setting screen 308 are being displayed, operations can be performed using tabs 311, 312, 313, and 314.

[0143] 10 , when an operation SC5 for selecting tab 312 is performed using the input device 56, the terminal device 5 switches the display on the display 55 to a 2D graph display screen 306. Furthermore, when an operation SC6 for selecting tab 313 is performed using the input device 56, the terminal device 5 switches the display on the display 55 to a maintenance setting screen 307. When an operation SC7 for selecting tab 314 is performed using the input device 56, the terminal device 5 switches the display on the display 55 to a system setting screen 308. In this way, by operating the tabs 311, 312, 313, and 314, the administrator can arbitrarily switch the display among the home screen 302, the 2D graph display screen 306, the maintenance setting screen 307, and the system setting screen 308.

[0144] The home screen 302 has an information display section 321 and a map display section 330. The information display section 321 displays information about the air conditioning apparatus 1 associated with the administrator who has logged in using the terminal device 5, out of the air conditioning apparatuses 1 that are subject to management by the air conditioning monitoring system 1000.

[0145] The information display unit 321 displays information on the communication status, warnings, operating time confirmation, and abnormal value detection in association with the property name indicating the name of the air conditioning device 1. The communication status indicates the communication status between the server 2 and the air conditioning device 1. In detail, if there is a problem with either the communication between the server 2 and the communication device 4 or the communication between the air conditioning device 1 and the communication device 4, the information display unit 321 will display that the communication status is offline.

[0146] The map display section 330 displays a map including the location where the air conditioning apparatus 1 is installed. The map display section 330 may display a location icon 331 indicating the location where the air conditioning apparatus 1 is installed, superimposed on the map.

[0147] The "Alarm" column displayed in the information display unit 321 displays alarm information (error code) issued by the air conditioning apparatus 1. In the example of FIG. 11, an alarm icon 322 is displayed in the "Alarm" column. The "Operating Time Check" column displays whether or not the operating time of the air conditioning apparatus 1 needs to be checked, and the "Abnormal Value Detection (Periodic)" column displays the results of the determination performed by the server 2 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In the example of FIG. 11, nothing is displayed in the "Abnormal Value Detection (Periodic)" column for air conditioning apparatuses 1 that are determined to be normal or impossible to determine in the periodic execution mode, and an abnormal value detection icon 323 is displayed in the "Abnormal Value Detection (Periodic)" column for air conditioning apparatuses 1 that are determined to be abnormal in the periodic execution mode. The "Abnormal Value Detection (Details)" display is the determination result of the detailed confirmation mode that has already been executed, and is generated by the UI control unit 202 based on the determination result data 217. In the example of Figure 11, nothing is displayed in the "Abnormal Value Detection (Details)" column for air conditioning apparatuses 1 that are determined to be normal or impossible to determine in the detailed confirmation mode, and an abnormal value detection icon 324 is displayed for air conditioning apparatuses 1 that are determined to be abnormal in the detailed confirmation mode. In this way, the information display unit 321 displays whether or not there is an abnormality in the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 detected in the periodic execution mode.

[0148] When an operation SC2 for selecting the abnormal value detection icon 323 is performed using the input device 56, the terminal device 5 switches the display on the display 55 to a detailed display screen 303. The detailed display screen 303 displays, for example, the air conditioning device 1 in which data that does not conform to the threshold of the first normality determination rule 214 was detected in the periodic execution mode, the determination item for the data that does not conform to the threshold, the value of the data that does not conform to the threshold, and the time when the data that does not conform to the threshold was detected. Furthermore, when an operation for selecting the abnormal value detection icon 324 is performed, although not shown, the terminal device 5 switches the display on the display 55 to a detailed display screen that shows the results of the detailed confirmation mode. The detailed display screen displayed in this case displays the presence or absence of an abnormality in the operating state of the air conditioning device 1 detected in the detailed confirmation mode and the results of the diagnosis performed in step SA27. Specifically, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the operating state of the air conditioning device 1 and the estimated causes of the abnormality in the air conditioning device 1 are displayed.

[0149] When the administrator performs operation SC4 to instruct execution of the detail confirmation mode while the detail display screen 303 is displayed, the terminal device 5 switches the display on the display 55 to the detail confirmation setting screen 305. Operation SC4 is, for example, an operation to select a "detail confirmation button" (not shown) arranged on the detail display screen 303.

[0150] 12 is displayed as a pop-up overlaid on the home screen 302. While the detail confirmation setting screen 305 is displayed, the terminal device 5 may display the home screen 302 in a display mode that reduces the visibility of the home screen 302. The detail confirmation setting screen 305 corresponds to an example of a setting screen.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 12 , the detail confirmation setting screen 305 includes a detection cycle designation unit 342, a measurement period designation unit 343, a start time designation unit 344, and a trial run designation unit 345. The detection cycle designation unit 342 is an input operation unit that designates the cycle at which the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the detail confirmation mode. The measurement period designation unit 343 is an input operation unit that designates the execution time of the detail confirmation mode. The start time designation unit 344 is an input operation unit that designates the start time of the detail confirmation mode. In the example of FIG. 12 , it is configured to designate the time until the start time of the detail confirmation mode. The trial run designation unit 345 is an input operation unit that designates whether or not to perform a trial run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in the detail confirmation mode. Note that a trial run is an operation in which the air conditioning apparatus operates under specified conditions regardless of the indoor temperature. For example, during normal operation, the air conditioning apparatus 1 performs air conditioning of the conditioned room based on settings such as a target temperature, and during trial operation, the air conditioning apparatus 1 operates compressors and other devices at a higher output than during normal operation regardless of settings such as a target temperature.

[0152] The detection cycle designation unit 342, the measurement period designation unit 343, the start time designation unit 344, and the trial run designation unit 345 are all input operation units that use radio buttons to select one of the candidates displayed on the detailed confirmation setting screen 305. The administrator operates the input device 56 to make an input by selecting a radio button.

[0153] A confirmation instruction button 346 is arranged on the detail confirmation setting screen 305. When an operation to select the confirmation instruction button 346 is performed using the input device 56, the terminal device 5 transmits data indicating the operation of the confirmation instruction button 346 and the input contents in the detection cycle designation unit 342, the measurement period designation unit 343, the start time designation unit 344, and the trial run designation unit 345 to the server 2. The setting unit 204 receives the data transmitted by the terminal device 5 and sets the execution conditions of the detail confirmation mode. The execution conditions of the detail confirmation mode are, for example, included in the setting data 212 and stored in the storage unit 210. The monitoring unit 203 generates control data D1 in accordance with the setting by the setting unit 204, and executes the operation shown in FIG. 9 .

[0154] The UI control unit 202 may generate data for the detail confirmation setting screen 305 that includes only selectable candidates in the process of generating data for the detail confirmation setting screen 305. For example, the candidates displayed in the measurement period designation unit 343 can be limited to candidates within a time period that will not interfere with the execution of the periodic execution mode.

[0155] For example, when the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 executes the periodic execution mode on a 24-hour cycle, the communication device 4 acquires data relating to the operating state of the air conditioner 1 for 17 hours, and the server 2 analyzes the operating data D2 relating to the operating state of the air conditioner 1 for 17 hours over a period of 7 hours. In this case, if the execution time of the detailed check mode is within 7 hours, the communication device 4 can execute the detailed check mode during a time period when data for the periodic execution mode is not being collected. In this example, the UI control unit 202 can generate data for the detailed check setting screen 305 so that candidates for more than 7 hours are not displayed in the measurement period designation unit 343.

[0156] Furthermore, the UI control unit 202 may limit the candidates displayed in the detection cycle designation unit 342, the measurement period designation unit 343, and the trial operation designation unit 345 so that the communication load in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 falls within an acceptable range. For example, the shorter the cycle (corresponding to the second time) designated by the detection cycle designation unit 342, the greater the communication load between the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the communication device 4. Also, for example, the shorter the cycle designated by the detection cycle designation unit 342 and the longer the execution time designated by the measurement period designation unit 343, the greater the communication load between the communication device 4 and the server 2. Therefore, by the UI control unit 202 limiting the candidates displayed in the detection cycle designation unit 342 and the measurement period designation unit 343, the communication load can be kept within an acceptable range. Furthermore, the UI control unit 202 may limit the range of time designated by the start time designation unit 344 to prevent the detailed confirmation mode for multiple air conditioning apparatuses 1 from being executed overlappingly. In this case, for example, the display of the details confirmation setting screen 305 may be changed at the time when the confirmation instruction button 346 is operated.

[0157] Furthermore, if the air conditioning apparatus 1 is in a state where the detail check mode cannot be executed when the confirm instruction button 346 is operated, the detail check setting screen 305 may display the fact that the detail check mode cannot be executed and the reason for this. One example of a reason why the detail check mode cannot be executed is that an air conditioning apparatus 1 other than the air conditioning apparatus 1 that is the target of input via the detail check setting screen 305 is currently executing the detail check mode. As described above, in order to reduce the load on the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, restrictions may be placed on multiple air conditioning apparatuses 1 connected to a single communication device 4 from simultaneously executing the detail check mode. In this case, a message may be displayed on the detail check setting screen 305 informing the administrator to change the timing of execution of the detail check mode. The detail check setting screen 305 may also display the fact that another air conditioning apparatus 1 is currently executing the detail check mode.

[0158] Furthermore, the UI control unit 202 may generate data for the detail confirmation setting screen 305 so that when a test run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is specified in the test run specification unit 345, the candidates displayed in the measurement period specification unit 343 are limited. A test run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is an operating state in which the compressor and other components operate at high output, regardless of the air conditioning set temperature of the conditioned room, etc. For this reason, it is often inappropriate to continue the test run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 for a long period of time. If a test run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is specified in the test run specification unit 345, and the candidates displayed in the measurement period specification unit 343 are limited to candidates within an allowable time, the time for the test run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be kept within an appropriate range.

[0159] Furthermore, when the trial run designation unit 345 designates that a trial run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 be performed, the setting unit 204 may perform settings so that the trial run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is performed only for a preset time, and then normal operation is performed until the end of the detail check mode. For example, in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, the upper limit of the time for performing a trial run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is set to one hour. Here, when an execution time of more than one hour is designated by the measurement period designation unit 343, the setting unit 204 may set the execution conditions for the detail check mode so that the air conditioning apparatus 1 is performed in trial run for only one hour, and then normal operation is performed, and the detail check mode is executed. Furthermore, the UI control unit 202 may accept an input that does not specify the execution time of the detailed confirmation mode in the measurement period specification unit 343. In this case, the setting unit 204 may automatically set the execution time of the detailed confirmation mode to be shorter than the execution time of the periodic execution mode.

[0160] Returning to FIG. 10, when the confirmation instruction button 346 is operated while the details confirmation setting screen 305 is displayed, the terminal device 5 transitions the display on the display 55 to the home screen 302. Furthermore, when an operation SC3 is performed to display detailed information about the air conditioning apparatus 1 while the detailed display screen 303 is being displayed, the terminal device 5 switches the display on the display 55 from the detailed display screen 303 to the device information screen 304. The device information screen 304 displays data related to the specifications and structure of the air conditioning apparatus 1 displayed on the detailed display screen 303.

[0161] 13 includes an equipment information display section 351 and a graph display section 352. The graph display section 352 displays a 2D graph with the time axis as the horizontal axis and the value of the data included in the operating data D2 as the vertical axis. The graph in the graph display section 352 may display the threshold value set in the first normality determination rule 214 or the second normality determination rule 216 together with the value of the data included in the operating data D2. The equipment information display section 351 displays information identifying the air conditioning apparatus 1, the type of data, the determination items, etc. for the graph displayed in the graph display section 352.

[0162] 14 includes an information display section 361 and a setting section 362. The setting section 362 includes a rule name display section 363, an operation type display section 364, a threshold type 365, an initial value display section 366, a valid setting section 367, a setting value input section 368, and an email transmission setting section 369. The setting section 362 is an input operation section that receives input to change the thresholds included in the first stability determination rule 213, the first normality determination rule 214, the second stability determination rule 215, and the second normality determination rule 216.

[0163] The information display unit 361 displays information specifying the air conditioning apparatus 1 for which the threshold will be changed. In this example, it is possible to deal with cases where the first stability determination rule 213, first normality determination rule 214, second stability determination rule 215, and second normality determination rule 216 applied to the air conditioning apparatus 1 differ for each air conditioning apparatus 1. The server 2 may be configured to apply the first stability determination rule 213, first normality determination rule 214, second stability determination rule 215, and second normality determination rule 216 that are common to all air conditioning apparatus 1, or may apply different rules depending on the specifications and structure of the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0164] The rule name display unit 363 displays the name of the rule whose threshold is to be changed. The rule name is the data judgment item judged by the threshold. The operation type display unit 364 displays whether the threshold to be changed is the threshold for cooling operation or the threshold for heating operation. The threshold type 365 displays whether the threshold to be changed is the upper limit value, the lower limit value, or the duration. The initial value display unit 366 displays the initial value set in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000. The air conditioning monitoring system 1000 is configured so that the first stability judgment rule 213, the first normality judgment rule 214, the second stability judgment rule 215, and the second normality judgment rule 216 can be operated with their initial values ​​set without any problems. The maintenance setting screen 307 is used when the administrator requests that the thresholds be changed to values ​​different from the initial values.

[0165] The validity setting unit 367 is an input operation unit for selecting and inputting whether the threshold is valid or invalid. The setting value input unit 368 is an input operation unit for inputting a threshold. The setting value input unit 368 may be an input box into which any numerical value can be input, but it is preferable that the setting value input unit 368 be in a form in which a value is selected from candidates prepared in advance, as exemplified in FIG. 14, because this can prevent erroneous input of an inappropriate value.

[0166] The email transmission setting unit 369 is an input operation unit for setting whether or not to send a notification when an abnormality is determined in the air conditioning apparatus 1. When sending an email is set by the email transmission setting unit 369, if the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be abnormal using the rule set in the setting unit 362, the server 2 sends an email to the terminal device 5 to notify the abnormality. This notification is executed, for example, in step SA16 (FIG. 8).

[0167] The terminal device 5 transmits data indicating the content input by the input device 56 while the maintenance setting screen 307 is displayed to the server 2. The setting unit 204 receives the data transmitted by the terminal device 5. The setting unit 204 updates the first stability determination rule 213, the first normality determination rule 214, the second stability determination rule 215, and the second normality determination rule 216 based on the data input to the validity setting unit 367 and the setting value input unit 368. In addition, the setting unit 204 changes the settings related to notification by email based on the data input to the email transmission setting unit 369, and updates the setting data 212.

[0168] [9. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 comprises an air conditioning device 1 and a communication device 4 that acquires operating data of the air conditioning device 1 from the air conditioning device 1 and transmits the operating data to the server 2, and the monitoring modes of the air conditioning device 1 include a periodic execution mode in which operating data acquired every first hour is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the server 2 and the operating status of the air conditioning device 1 is determined by the server 2, and a detailed confirmation mode that is executed based on the operation of an administrator while the periodic execution mode is being executed, and in which operating data acquired every second hour, which is shorter than the first hour, is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the server 2 and the operating status of the air conditioning device 1 is determined by the server 2. This makes it possible to use a periodic execution mode in which the communication device 4 monitors the air conditioner 1 by transmitting operating data acquired every first hour to the server 2, and a detailed check mode in which the air conditioner 1 is monitored by transmitting operating data acquired every shorter time than in the periodic execution mode to the server 2. For example, in the periodic execution mode, the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating state every first hour from the air conditioner 1, stores the acquired data in the memory unit 42 as operating data 44, and transmits operating data D2 based on the operating data 44 to the server 2. Furthermore, in the detailed check mode, the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating state every second hour from the air conditioner 1, stores the acquired data in the memory unit 42 as operating data 44, and transmits operating data D2 based on the operating data 44 to the server 2. Therefore, by using the periodic execution mode, the operating state of the air conditioner 1 can be monitored while reducing the communication load between the air conditioner 1 and the communication device 4, and detailed monitoring can be performed, for example, by using the detailed check mode to acquire data related to the operating state of the air conditioner 1 every second hour depending on the situation or as needed.

[0169] As in this embodiment, in the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, the periodic execution mode and the detailed check mode may be switched between for execution. This makes it possible to switch between the periodic execution mode and the detailed check mode and monitor the operating state of the air conditioner 1 in detail so as not to cause an excessive communication load.

[0170] As in this embodiment, the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 may be configured such that the operating data transmitted from the communication device 4 to the server 2 contains more types of data in the detailed check mode than in the periodic execution mode. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of operating data D2 sent from the communication device 4 to the server 2 while the periodic execution mode is being executed compared to the detailed check mode. Therefore, the communication load between the communication device 4 and the server 2 in the periodic execution mode can be reduced more than in the detailed check mode. Furthermore, by reducing the amount of data sent and received between the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the communication device 4 in the periodic execution mode more than in the detailed check mode, the communication load can be reduced. Therefore, the periodic execution mode can be used to monitor the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 while reducing the communication load of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, and the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be monitored in more detail while the detailed check mode is being executed.

[0171] As in this embodiment, the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 may further include a terminal device 5 having a communication unit 57 that communicates with the server 2 and an input device 56 that inputs various information, and the detailed confirmation mode may be executed based on operations using the input device 56. This makes it possible for the administrator to execute the detailed check mode by operating the input device 56. Therefore, when it is necessary to monitor the operating state of the air conditioner 1 in detail, the detailed check mode can be easily executed. Here, the detailed check mode is not limited to the example in which it is executed based on an operation using the input device 56, but may be executed based on an operation using the input device 36, and in this case, the same effect can be obtained.

[0172] As in this embodiment, when the periodic execution mode is executed, the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 may display on the terminal device 5 whether or not there is an abnormality in the operating status of the air conditioning device 1, and when the detailed confirmation mode is executed, the terminal device 5 may display whether or not there is an abnormality in the operating status of the air conditioning device 1 and the estimated results of the abnormality causes of the air conditioning device 1. As a result, the periodic execution mode, which has a light communication load, can determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the operating state of the air conditioner 1, and the detailed confirmation mode can determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the operating state of the air conditioner 1 and estimate the cause of the abnormality. As a result, the state of the air conditioner 1 can be monitored more appropriately.

[0173] As in this embodiment, the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 may determine whether to recommend execution of the detailed check mode based on the determination result of the periodic execution mode, and if it is determined that execution of the detailed check mode is recommended, may display this fact on the terminal device 5. This makes it possible to prompt the administrator to execute the detailed check mode when the periodic execution mode determination result indicates that detailed monitoring of the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 1 is required. Therefore, the detailed check mode can be executed promptly as necessary, and the air conditioning apparatus 1 can be managed appropriately.

[0174] As in the present embodiment, the second time period in the detail confirmation mode and the execution time period of the detail confirmation mode may be set based on an input from the input device 56. This allows the administrator to set the second time period in the detailed confirmation mode and the execution time of the detailed confirmation mode by operating the input device 56. Therefore, it becomes possible to execute the detailed confirmation mode under conditions that meet the administrator's wishes.

[0175] As in this embodiment, the start time of the detailed confirmation mode may be set based on an input from the input device 56. This allows the administrator to set the start time of the detail confirmation mode by operating the input device 56. Therefore, it is possible to execute the detail confirmation mode at a timing that suits the administrator's wishes.

[0176] As in this embodiment, the operating contents of the air conditioning device 1 in the detailed confirmation mode are set based on input from the input device 56, and the operating contents can be set to a trial operation mode in which a trial run of the air conditioning device 1 is performed, and a normal operation mode in which air conditioning operation is performed based on the settings instructed to the air conditioning device 1. This allows the administrator to set whether or not to perform a test run of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in detailed confirmation mode by operating the input device 56. Therefore, it becomes possible to execute detailed confirmation mode while operating the air conditioning apparatus 1 under conditions desired by the administrator.

[0177] As in the present embodiment, the execution time of the detail confirmation mode may be shorter when the test run mode is selected as the operation mode than when the normal operation mode is selected. This reduces the time spent in test operation mode, which places a high load on the air conditioner 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 1 in detailed check mode, and it is possible to monitor the operating status of the air conditioner 1 in detail without placing an excessive load on the air conditioner 1.

[0178] As in this embodiment, the execution time of the detailed confirmation mode can be set based on input from the input device 56, and the execution time of the detailed confirmation mode that can be set by the input device 56 may be shorter when the trial operation mode is selected as the operation content than when the normal operation mode is selected. This makes it possible to reduce the time spent in test operation mode, which places a high load on the air conditioning apparatus 1, when the administrator operates the input device 56 to set the execution time for detailed confirmation mode. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating efficiency of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in detailed confirmation mode, and it is possible to monitor the operating status of the air conditioning apparatus 1 in detail without placing an excessive load on the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0179] As in this embodiment, when the trial operation mode is set as the operation content of the air conditioning device 1 in the detailed check mode, the air conditioning device 1 may execute the trial operation mode from the start of execution of the detailed check mode until a pre-specified upper limit time, and then execute the normal operation mode after the upper limit time has elapsed. This reduces the time spent in test run mode, which places a high load on the air conditioner 1, and makes it possible to run the detailed check mode without test running the air conditioner 1. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 1 in the detailed check mode, reduce the load on the air conditioner 1, and run the detailed check mode for a longer period of time.

[0180] As in this embodiment, the communication device 4 is provided with a memory unit 42, and the terminal device 5 stores the operating data 44 acquired from the air conditioning device 1 in the memory unit 42 while executing the detailed confirmation mode, and after the execution of the detailed confirmation mode is completed, transmits the operating data D2 stored in the memory unit 42 to the server 2. This reduces the frequency with which the operating data D2 is transmitted from the communication device 4 to the server 2. This reduces the communication load on the air conditioning monitoring system 1000 when the detailed check mode is being executed.

[0181] As in this embodiment, the air conditioning device 1 is equipped with a memory unit, and the air conditioning device 1 stores the operating data of the air conditioning device 1 in the memory unit while the detailed check mode is being executed. After the execution of the detailed check mode is completed, the operating data stored in the memory unit is transmitted to the communication device 4, and the communication device 4 transmits the received operating data to the server 2. This reduces the frequency with which operating data is transmitted from the air conditioning apparatus 1 to the communication device 4. Therefore, the communication load between the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the communication device 4 when the detailed check mode is being executed can be reduced.

[0182] As in the present embodiment, the air conditioning apparatus 1 may be configured to include a first air conditioning apparatus 1 and a second air conditioning apparatus 1. For example, the first air conditioning apparatus 1 may be air conditioning apparatus 1A, and the second air conditioning apparatus 1 may be air conditioning apparatus 1B. The communication device 4 may be configured, for example, to be connected to air conditioning apparatus 1A and air conditioning apparatus 1B, to acquire data from each of air conditioning apparatus 1A and air conditioning apparatus 1B, and to prevent air conditioning apparatus 1B from executing the detailed confirmation mode while air conditioning apparatus 1A is executing the detailed confirmation mode. This allows the air conditioning apparatus 1 to be appropriately monitored while preventing the communication load between the air conditioning apparatus 1 and the communication apparatus 4, and the communication load between the communication apparatus 4 and the server 2, from becoming excessive.

[0183] As in the present embodiment, when the first air conditioning apparatus 1 is executing the detail confirmation mode, the terminal device 5 may display that the second air conditioning apparatus 1 is able to execute the detail confirmation mode at the time when execution of the detail confirmation mode by the first air conditioning apparatus 1 ends. For example, when the air conditioning apparatus 1A is executing the detail confirmation mode, the terminal device 5 may display that the air conditioning apparatus 1B is able to execute the detail confirmation mode at the time when execution of the detail confirmation mode by the air conditioning apparatus 1A ends. This allows the administrator to be notified that the restriction has been lifted when the detailed confirmation mode of air conditioner 1B is restricted because air conditioner 1A is running the detailed confirmation mode. This allows the administrator to efficiently manage multiple air conditioners 1.

[0184] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-described embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-described embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0185] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration was exemplified in which the air conditioning device 1 was connected to a communication device 4, and the communication device 4 was connected to the server 2 via a communication network N, but a configuration in which one or more communication devices 4 are connected to the server 2 via another relay device may also be used. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the communication device 4 acquires data related to the operating state from the air conditioning device 1, stores it in the memory 42 as operating data 44, and transmits operating data D2 based on the operating data 44 to the server 2. In this configuration, for example, the control device 11 of the air conditioning device 1 may also be provided with a memory, and data related to the operating state of the air conditioning device 1 may be temporarily stored in the memory of the control device 11, and the data related to the operating state may be transmitted to the communication device 4 at a timing or period corresponding to the first or second time. This operation may be performed while the detailed confirmation mode is being executed. In this case, concentration of communication between the communication device 4 and the air conditioning device 1 can be avoided, and further load reduction can be expected. Therefore, for example, in the air conditioning system 10A, while the detailed confirmation mode of the air conditioning device 1A is being executed, the load on the communication device 4A is light, making it easier to execute the periodic execution mode of the air conditioning device 1B in parallel.

[0186] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the terminal device 5 connected to the server 2 is configured to have a display 55 as a display unit and an input device 56 as an input unit, but it is also possible to configure the server 2 to have a display unit and an input unit. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the execution of the detail confirmation mode is instructed by the user or administrator operating the input device 56 or the input device 36 using the detail confirmation setting screen 305 displayed on the terminal device 5 or the terminal device 3. This is one example, and the configuration may also be such that the execution of the detail confirmation mode can be instructed by operating a remote control device (not shown) connected to the control device 11. In other words, the terminal device that instructs the execution of the detail confirmation mode is not limited to the terminal device 3 or the terminal device 5, but may be a remote control device for the air conditioning device 1, a wearable terminal, a mobile terminal, or the like.

[0187] Each processor in the present disclosure may be any processor capable of controlling the device in the present disclosure. When describing the subject matter of the invention, the device in the present disclosure may be referred to as a control means, a control unit, or similar terms in addition to a processor. The processor can be implemented in various ways. Examples of processors 21, 31, 41, and 51 include a central processing unit (CPU) and a microprocessing unit (MPU). Examples of storage media included in memory units 210, 32, 42, and 52 include a hard disk, a flash memory, and an optical disk. A wired logic controller, whose program cannot be rewritten, may also be used as the controller. Using wired logic as the controller is effective in improving processing speed. Examples of wired logic include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0188] In this embodiment, processors 21, 31, 41, and 51 are configured to execute programs, enabling various processes to be performed. Therefore, the processing content can be changed by modifying the program stored in a storage medium, thereby increasing the flexibility of control content changes. Furthermore, the controllers of the server 2, terminal device 3, communication device 4, and terminal device 5 may be realized by combining processors 21, 31, 41, and 51 with wired logic. Combining a processor with wired logic to realize a controller increases the flexibility of software design while improving processing speed. Furthermore, the controller and a circuit having a function other than the controller may be configured with a single semiconductor element. An example of a circuit having a different function is an A / D / D / A conversion circuit. Furthermore, the controller may be configured with a single semiconductor element or multiple semiconductor elements. When configured with multiple semiconductor elements, each control described in the claims may be realized with a different semiconductor element. Furthermore, the controller may be configured with a semiconductor element and a passive component such as a resistor or capacitor.

[0189] The configuration of the communication unit in the present disclosure may be any configuration that enables communication between the device of the present disclosure and an external device. When describing the subject matter of the invention, the term "communicator" may be used to refer to a communication means, a communication unit, a transmission / reception means, a transmission / reception unit, or similar terms that enable communication between the device of the present disclosure and an external device. The communicators constituting communication units 220, 37, 45, and 57 can be implemented in various forms. For example, the communicators may be configured to connect to external devices via a wired connection or may be configured to connect to external devices wirelessly. A communicator that connects the device of the present disclosure to an external device via a wired connection is effective in terms of communication security and stability. Examples of wired communicators include a wired LAN based on the Ethernet (registered trademark) standard or a wired connection using an optical fiber cable. Examples of wireless communicators include a wireless connection to an external device via a base station or a direct wireless connection to an external device. Examples of wireless connections with external devices via base stations include IEEE 802.11-compatible wireless LANs that communicate wirelessly with Wi-Fi routers, third-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 3G), fourth-generation mobile communication systems (commonly known as 4G), IEEE 802.16-compatible WiMax (registered trademark), and LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Using a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the device disclosed herein to an external device is effective in improving communication security and allows the device disclosed herein to communicate with external devices even in locations where there is no relay device such as a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) router. Examples of communicators that directly wirelessly connect the device disclosed herein to an external device include Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication via a loop antenna, and infrared communication.

[0190] The units shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, and 4 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is of course possible to configure the units so that the functions of each unit are realized by a single processor executing a program. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiments may be implemented as hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software. In addition, the specific detailed configurations of the other units of the air conditioning apparatus 1, server 2, terminal device 3, communication device 4, and terminal device 5 may also be changed as desired within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0191] Furthermore, for example, the step units of operation shown in Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9 are divided according to the main processing content in order to make it easier to understand the operation of each part of the air conditioning monitoring system 1000, and the present disclosure is not limited by the way in which the processing units are divided or their names.

[0192] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial Applicability]

[0193] As described above, the air conditioning monitoring system according to the present disclosure can be used for managing and maintaining air conditioners. [Explanation of symbols]

[0194] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D Air conditioning equipment 2 Server 3 Terminal Devices 4, 4A, 4B Communication equipment 5, 5A, 5B Terminal Equipment 10, 10A, 10B Air conditioning system 11, 11A, 11B Control device 12, 12A, 12B, 12F outdoor unit 13, 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D, 13F Indoor unit 20A, 20B communication lines 31 processors 32 Storage section 33 Control Program 34 GUI Data 35 Display (display unit) 36 Input device (terminal input section) 37 Communication unit (terminal communication unit) 41 processors 42 Storage section 43 Control Program 44 Operational Data 45 Communications Department 51 processors 52 Storage section 53 Control Program 54 GUI Data 55 Display (display unit) 56 Input device (terminal input section) 57 Communication unit (terminal communication unit) 59 Touch Panel 201 processor 202 UI control section 203 Monitoring Department 204 Settings 210 Storage section 211 Control Program 212 Setting data 213 First stability determination rule 214 First normality judgment rule 215 Second stability determination rule 216 Second normality judgment rule 217 Judgment result data 218 Diagnostic result data 220 Communications Department 302 Home screen 305 Detailed confirmation setting screen (setting screen) 306 2D graph display screen 307 Maintenance settings screen 1000 Air Conditioning Monitoring System

Claims

1. An air conditioning device; a communication device that acquires operating data of the air conditioning device from the air conditioning device and transmits the operating data to a server; As a monitoring mode of the air conditioning apparatus, a first monitoring mode in which the operating data acquired every first hour is transmitted from the communication device to the server, and the server determines the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus; an air conditioning monitoring system comprising: a second monitoring mode that is executed based on user operation while the first monitoring mode is being executed, that transmits the operating data acquired every second time period that is shorter than the first time period from the communication device to the server, and that determines the operating status of the air conditioning device at the server.

2. The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the first monitoring mode and the second monitoring mode are switched between.

3. 3. The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the operating data transmitted from the communication device to the server includes a greater variety of data in the second monitoring mode than in the first monitoring mode.

4. A terminal device including a terminal communication unit that communicates with the server and a terminal input unit that inputs various information, The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the second monitoring mode is executed based on an operation performed by the terminal input unit.

5. When the first monitoring mode is executed, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus is displayed on the terminal device, The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein when the second monitoring mode is executed, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the operating state of the air conditioning device and the estimated cause of the abnormality in the air conditioning device are displayed on the terminal device.

6. 6. The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 4, wherein a determination is made as to whether or not execution of the second monitoring mode is recommended based on the determination result of the first monitoring mode, and if it is determined that execution of the second monitoring mode is recommended, a message to that effect is displayed on the terminal device.

7. The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 4 , wherein the second time period in the second monitoring mode and an execution time period of the second monitoring mode are set based on an input via the terminal input unit.

8. The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 4 , wherein a start time for the second monitoring mode is set based on an input via the terminal input unit.

9. The operation details of the air conditioning apparatus in the second monitoring mode are set based on the input via the terminal input unit, An air conditioning monitoring system as described in at least one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the operation content can be set to a trial operation mode in which a trial operation of the air conditioning device is performed, and a normal operation mode in which air conditioning operation is performed based on settings instructed to the air conditioning device.

10. The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 9 , wherein the execution time of the second monitoring mode is shorter when the test operation mode is selected as the operation mode than when the normal operation mode is selected.

11. The execution time of the second monitoring mode can be set based on an input from the terminal input unit, The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein the execution time of the second monitoring mode that can be set by the terminal input unit is shorter when the trial operation mode is selected as the operation content than when the normal operation mode is selected.

12. An air conditioning monitoring system as described in at least one of claims 9 to 11, wherein when the trial operation mode is set as the operation content of the air conditioning device in the second monitoring mode, the air conditioning device executes the trial operation mode from the start of execution of the second monitoring mode until a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed, and executes the normal operation mode after the upper limit time has elapsed.

13. the communication device includes a storage unit; An air conditioning monitoring system as described in at least one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the terminal device stores the operating data acquired from the air conditioning apparatus in the memory unit while executing the second monitoring mode, and after execution of the second monitoring mode has ended, transmits the operating data stored in the memory unit to the server.

14. The air conditioning device includes a memory unit, the air conditioning device stores operating data of the air conditioning device in the storage unit while the second monitoring mode is being executed, and after the execution of the second monitoring mode has ended, transmits the operating data stored in the storage unit to the communication device; The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication device transmits the received operating data to the server.

15. the air conditioning device includes a first air conditioning device and a second air conditioning device; the communication device is connected to the first air conditioning device and the second air conditioning device, and acquires data from each of the first air conditioning device and the second air conditioning device; The air conditioning monitoring system according to claim 4 , wherein the second air conditioning apparatus cannot execute the second monitoring mode while the first air conditioning apparatus is executing the second monitoring mode.

16. The air conditioning monitoring system of claim 15, wherein when the first air conditioning apparatus is executing the second monitoring mode, the terminal device displays a message indicating that the second air conditioning apparatus is capable of executing the second monitoring mode when the execution of the second monitoring mode by the first air conditioning apparatus ends.

Images