Central air conditioning diagnostic system, central air conditioning diagnostic method and program

Abstract

A central air conditioning diagnostic system, a central air conditioning diagnostic method, and a program are provided that can diagnose a central air conditioning system based not only on log information of the air conditioning equipment but also on user sensory information. [Solution] A central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 diagnoses a central air conditioning system that has air conditioning equipment 2 and air-conditions multiple rooms 18. The central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 includes an information acquisition unit 32, a hypothesis setting unit 33, and a work output unit 34. The information acquisition unit 32 acquires sensory information based on the user's sensory sensation and log information of the air conditioning equipment 2. The hypothesis setting unit 33 selects and sets the cause of the sensory sensation in the sensory information as a hypothesis from a group of causes prepared in advance, based on the sensory information and log information acquired by the information acquisition unit 32. The work output unit 34 selects and sets the work to be performed by a maintenance worker from a group of works prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set by the hypothesis setting unit 33.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a central air-conditioning diagnostic system, a central air-conditioning diagnostic method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional air conditioner fault diagnosis system. This air conditioner fault diagnosis system is connected to multiple air conditioners via data transmission lines, and includes at least one equipment monitoring device that controls the operation of each air conditioner and monitors their operating status. When a fault in an air conditioner is detected by a monitoring terminal connected to the equipment monitoring device via a communication line, the system performs a fault diagnosis on the air conditioner.

[0003] The equipment monitoring device is provided with a mail receiving means for receiving a program for diagnosing an air conditioner fault as mail data, and a means for executing the received program. When a monitoring terminal detects an occurrence of a fault in an air conditioner from the equipment monitoring device via a communication line, the equipment monitoring device is configured to execute a fault diagnosis of the air conditioner based on the mail data sent from the monitoring terminal to the equipment monitoring device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-263442 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment to condition multiple rooms, if a malfunction occurs in one of the rooms, the cause of the malfunction may not only be a malfunction of the air conditioning equipment, but may also be a malfunction of the ducts or dampers leading from the air conditioning equipment to each room. However, the air conditioner fault diagnosis system disclosed in Patent Document 1 only diagnoses malfunctions in the air conditioner, and is insufficient to diagnose malfunctions in the central air conditioning system when the air conditioner is used in the central air conditioning system.

[0006] Furthermore, even if a user senses that there is a problem with the central air conditioning system, no countermeasures can be taken unless the air conditioner fault diagnosis system detects the occurrence of a fault in the air conditioner.

[0007] The present disclosure was invented in consideration of the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide a whole-building air conditioning diagnostic system, a whole-building air conditioning diagnostic method, and a program that can diagnose a whole-building air conditioning system based not only on log information from the air conditioning equipment but also on user sensory information. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A central air conditioning diagnostic system according to one aspect of the present disclosure diagnoses a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment and that provides air conditioning for multiple rooms. The central air conditioning diagnostic system includes an information acquisition unit, a hypothesis setting unit, and a work output unit. The information acquisition unit acquires sensory information based on a user's sensory sensation and log information about the air conditioning equipment. The hypothesis setting unit selects and sets a cause of the sensory sensation in the sensory information as a hypothesis from a group of causes prepared in advance, based on the sensory information and the log information acquired by the information acquisition unit. The work output unit selects and sets a work to be performed by a maintenance worker from a group of works prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set by the hypothesis setting unit.

[0009] A central air conditioning diagnostic method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for diagnosing a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment and that provides air conditioning for multiple rooms. The central air conditioning diagnostic method includes an information acquisition step, a hypothesis setting step, and an operation output step. The information acquisition step is a step of acquiring sensory information based on a user's sensory sensation and log information of the air conditioning equipment. The hypothesis setting step is a step of selecting and setting a cause of the sensory sensation in the sensory information as a hypothesis from a group of causes prepared in advance, based on the sensory information and the log information acquired in the information acquisition step. The operation output step is a step of selecting and setting an operation to be performed by a maintenance worker from a group of operations prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set in the hypothesis setting step.

[0010] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the central air conditioning diagnostic method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the central air conditioning diagnostic system, central air conditioning diagnostic method, and program of one embodiment of the present disclosure, a central air conditioning system can be diagnosed based not only on log information from the air conditioning equipment but also on user sensory information. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cross section of a building to be determined in one embodiment, seen from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioning system in a building according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the central air-conditioning diagnostic system in the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a central air-conditioning diagnostic method in the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the first half of Diagnostic Example 1 in the embodiment. [Figure 6]FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the second half of Diagnostic Example 1 in the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the first half of Diagnostic Example 2 in the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the second half of Diagnostic Example 2 in the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] (1) Overview The present disclosure relates to a central air conditioning diagnostic system, a central air conditioning diagnostic method, and a program. The central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 diagnoses a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment 2 and air-conditions multiple rooms 18. The central air conditioning diagnostic method is a method for diagnosing a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment 2 and air-conditions multiple rooms 18. In this disclosure, air conditioning will be referred to as "air conditioning."

[0014] In a whole-building air conditioning system, diagnosis can be made based not only on the log information of the air conditioning equipment but also on the user's subjective experience.

[0015] (2)Details A central building air conditioning diagnostic system 3, a central building air conditioning diagnostic method, and a program according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 4. First, an example of a building to be diagnosed by the central building air conditioning diagnostic system and central building air conditioning diagnostic method of the present disclosure will be described.

[0016] (2.1) Buildings As shown in FIG. 1, a building 1 has a roof 11 (or ceiling 12), exterior walls 13, floors 14 (or foundations 15), and openings 16, which are parts related to the thermal insulation performance of the outer envelope. The building 1 has a two-story structure, and each floor has a plurality of rooms 18 separated by partitions 17. In the example shown in FIG. 2, rooms 181, 182, and 183 are formed on the first floor, and rooms 184, 185, and 186 are formed on the second floor. The building 1 also has a crawl space 19 below the floor 14 on the first floor. An intake 191 is formed in the exterior walls 13 or foundations 15 to take in fresh air from outside the building 1 into the crawl space 19.

[0017] The upper surface of the outer skin, which forms the thermal boundary between the inside and outside of building 1, is made up of roof 11 (or ceiling 12). The side surface of the outer skin, which forms the thermal boundary between the inside and outside of building 1, is made up of exterior wall 13. The lower surface of the outer skin, which forms the thermal boundary between the inside and outside of building 1, is made up of floor 14 (or foundation 15).

[0018] (2.2) Air conditioning equipment As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a building 1 has an air conditioning system 2. The air conditioning system 2 has a heat source unit 21, a plurality of transport paths 22, a plurality of opening degree adjustment units 23, an air conditioning control unit 24, and an air conditioning input unit 25.

[0019] The heat source unit 21 can generate hot air that is hotter than the outside air temperature or cold air that is colder than the outside air temperature. In this embodiment, the air conditioning equipment 2 is equipped with a so-called heat pump system, and the heat source unit 21 has a so-called indoor unit in the heat pump system. The so-called outdoor unit in the heat pump system is installed outside the building 1, although not shown. The air conditioning equipment 2 is not limited to being equipped with a heat pump system. For example, the air conditioning equipment 2 may be one that generates hot air using gas as fuel.

[0020] One or a few heat source units 21 are provided in the air conditioning equipment 2, but are not provided for each room 18 in the building 1. In other words, the air conditioning equipment 2 in the present disclosure constitutes a so-called whole-building air conditioning system (whole-building air conditioning system) that has only one or a few heat source units 21 and performs air conditioning for all necessary rooms 18 in the building 1.

[0021] The transport path 22 transports hot air or cold air from the heat source unit 21. In this embodiment, the transport path 22 is configured by a duct or pipe (hereinafter simply referred to as a duct). A plurality of transport paths 22 are provided to transport hot air or cold air from one or a small number of heat source units 21 to a large number of rooms 18 that require air conditioning. The upstream end of the transport path 22, which is connected to the heat source unit 21, is configured by one or a small number of ducts (one in this embodiment), and branches out as it goes downstream, with the end portions becoming transport paths 22 connected to each room 18. The downstream end of the transport path 22 is connected to the room 18 so as to lead into the room 18, and the opening at the downstream end becomes an air outlet 26.

[0022] In this embodiment, a filter 27 is provided in the duct immediately downstream of the heat source 21. Furthermore, the duct branches into a duct for the first floor and a duct for the second floor immediately downstream of the filter 27, and the duct for the first floor is provided with a first floor fan 281 as a blower 28, while the duct for the second floor is provided with a second floor fan 282. The transport paths 22 branch off from the duct for the first floor downstream of the first floor fan 281, and the transport paths 22 branch off from the duct for the first floor downstream of the second floor fan 282, toward the rooms 18 on the second floor.

[0023] An underfloor fan 283 is also provided in the underfloor space 19 as the air blower 28. An outside air intake path 20 is formed that leads to the heat source unit 21 via the intake port 191 and the underfloor space 19. The underfloor fan 283 makes it possible to adjust the amount of outside air taken into the heat source unit 21 via the intake port 191 and the underfloor space 19, and to switch between taking in and stopping the outside air intake.

[0024] An opening degree adjustment unit 23 is basically provided for each conveying path 22 to adjust the opening degree of the corresponding conveying path 22. The opening degree adjustment unit 23 includes opening degree adjustment units 231 to 236 provided for each conveying path 22 leading to the rooms 181 to 186. In this embodiment, the opening degree adjustment unit 23 is configured by a so-called VAV (Variable Air Volume) damper. The opening degree adjustment unit 23 can fully open or fully close the opening degree of the conveying path 22. Furthermore, the opening degree adjustment unit 23 can continuously change the opening degree of the conveying path 22 between fully open and fully closed.

[0025] It is not necessary to provide the opening degree adjustment unit 23 for all of the conveying paths 22. Furthermore, the opening degree adjustment unit 23 does not have to be configured with a VAV damper. For example, the opening degree adjustment unit 23 may adjust the opening degree of the conveying path 22 to a predetermined single-stage opening degree between fully open and fully closed, or may change the opening degree in stages among a plurality of stages.

[0026] The air conditioning control unit 24 controls the heat source unit 21, the opening degree adjustment unit 23, and the blower 28. In this embodiment, the air conditioning control unit 24 is configured, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. The air conditioning control unit 24 transmits control signals to the heat source unit 21, the opening degree adjustment unit 23, and the blower 28 via wired or wireless communication. One air conditioning control unit 24 is provided per building 1.

[0027] The air conditioning control unit 24 is not limited to being configured by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. Furthermore, one air conditioning control unit 24 may be provided per building 1, not just one, but multiple units.

[0028] The air conditioning input unit 25 inputs commands to the air conditioning control unit 24. In this embodiment, the air conditioning input unit 25 is made up of a so-called touch panel input device, and transmits input command data to the air conditioning control unit 24 via wired or wireless connection. The installer must input, via the air conditioning input unit 25, which of the actually installed opening degree adjustment units 231 to 236 corresponds to the six opening degree adjustment units controlled by the air conditioning control unit 24 on a program. The installer can also input, as appropriate, via the air conditioning input unit 25, the set temperature of each room 18 and settings for controlling the heat source unit 21 and the air blower 28.

[0029] The air conditioning equipment 2 also has a room temperature measuring unit 29. A room temperature measuring unit 29 is installed in each room 18 that requires air conditioning. The room temperature measuring unit 29 has a temperature detection element such as a thermistor, and transmits the acquired data on the temperature of the room 18 to the air conditioning control unit 24 via wired or wireless communication.

[0030] (2.3) Whole-building air conditioning diagnostic system Next, we will explain the central air conditioning diagnostic system 3. In a central air conditioning system, a malfunction in air conditioning occurring in any of the rooms 18 can be caused not only by a malfunction of the air conditioning equipment 2, but also by various other factors, such as a malfunction of the transport path 22 leading from the air conditioning equipment 2 to each room 18 or a malfunction of the opening adjustment unit 23.

[0031] Furthermore, even if there are no abnormalities in the various log information related to the operation of the air conditioning equipment 2 and the whole-building air conditioning system does not detect any abnormalities, a user (i.e., a person in the room 18 into which air is sent from the air conditioning equipment 2) may complain of some kind of air conditioning malfunction.

[0032] In such cases, the Whole-Building Air Conditioning Diagnostic System 3 was developed as a system that diagnoses the whole-building air conditioning system based on abnormalities in the log information of the whole-building air conditioning system and subjective information based on the user's physical sensations, ultimately reaching a conclusion about the diagnosis (the cause of the malfunction, etc.), and also properly instructing the work required to reach a conclusion.

[0033] Specifically, the central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 diagnoses a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment 2 and air-conditions a plurality of rooms 18. As shown in FIG. 3 , the central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 includes a storage unit 31, an information acquisition unit 32, a hypothesis setting unit 33, and an operation output unit 34. In this embodiment, the central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 further includes a confirmation result acquisition unit 35 and a conclusion output unit 36. The central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 can be realized, for example, by a computer system including one or more processors (microprocessors) and one or more memories. In other words, the one or more processors execute one or more (computer) programs (applications) stored in the one or more memories to function as the central air conditioning diagnostic system 3.

[0034] (2.3.1) Storage section The storage unit 31 can store various necessary data, such as programs, information about the building 1, and information (data) acquired by the information acquisition unit 32. The storage unit 31 is configured, for example, by an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), but is not particularly limited to an EEPROM.

[0035] (2.3.2) Information acquisition section The information acquisition unit 32 acquires sensory information based on the user's sensory sensation and log information of the air conditioning equipment 2. The information acquisition unit 32 has an interface 321 with an external storage device 37, and can acquire information from the external storage device 37. The information acquisition unit 32 can acquire information by an operator such as a maintenance worker inputting information via an input device 38 such as a mouse or keyboard.

[0036] For example, when a central air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode, the sensory information based on the user's sensory sensation is information such as "not cold," "hot," "too cold," or "cold" felt by a user in room 18 that is the target of air conditioning by the central air conditioning system, and is information that mainly complains of malfunctioning of the air conditioning. In addition, for each of the sensory information such as "hot" and "cold," degree information such as "slightly" or "quite" may be added.

[0037] The sensory information also includes information about which room 18 is experiencing sensory information complaining of air conditioning malfunction. That is, the sensory information may include, for example, all of the information about each of the multiple rooms 18, such as "hot," "cold," "slightly," and "very much."

[0038] Similarly, for example, when a central air conditioning system is operating in heating mode, the sensory information may include all of the information such as "hot," "cold," "slightly," and "very much" for each of the multiple rooms 18.

[0039] The log information of the air conditioning equipment 2 is, for example, information on the start and stop times of the heat pump of the air conditioning equipment 2, and the operating conditions (such as the temperature of the conditioned air to be generated) of the heat source unit 21 (heat pump).The log information of the air conditioning equipment 2 may also include information on the airflow rates of the first-floor fan 281 and the second-floor fan 282, information on the opening of the opening adjustment unit 23 (opening adjustment units 231 to 236), and temperature information in each room 18.

[0040] (2.3.3) Hypothesis setting section The hypothesis setting unit 33 selects and sets the cause of the bodily sensation in the bodily sensation information as a hypothesis from a group of causes prepared in advance, based on the bodily sensation information and log information acquired by the information acquisition unit 32.

[0041] One of the multiple causes constituting the cause group is determined in advance based on the designer's experience, know-how, and other knowledge, based on the combination of sensory information and log information. Multiple causes are prepared so that one cause applies to all combinations of sensory information and log information. This will be explained in detail in Diagnostic Example 1 and Diagnostic Example 2, which will be described later.

[0042] (2.3.4) Work Output Section The work output unit 34 selects and sets the work to be performed by the maintenance worker from a group of work tasks prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set by the hypothesis setting unit 33 .

[0043] One of the tasks constituting the task group is the task that the maintenance worker should perform when one cause from the group of causes is selected, and is determined in advance based on the designer's knowledge, such as experience and know-how. Multiple tasks are prepared so that one task is applicable to all causes. This will be explained in detail in Diagnosis Example 1 and Diagnosis Example 2 below.

[0044] (2.3.5) Confirmation result acquisition part The confirmation result acquisition unit 35 acquires the confirmation results of the work performed by the maintenance worker and set in the work output unit 34. The maintenance worker inputs the confirmation results of the work performed by the maintenance worker through the input device 38. As confirmation results, a plurality of confirmation results are prepared in advance as options, and the maintenance worker selects the relevant confirmation result from among the plurality of confirmation results.

[0045] (2.3.6) Conclusion output section The conclusion output unit 36 ​​selects a conclusion about the diagnosis of the central air-conditioning system from a group of prepared conclusions based on the confirmation results acquired by the confirmation result acquisition unit 35, and outputs the selected conclusion.

[0046] One of the multiple conclusions that make up the conclusion group is determined in advance based on the designer's experience, know-how, and other knowledge, based on hypotheses, work, and verification results. Multiple conclusions are prepared so that one conclusion applies to all combinations of hypotheses, work, and verification results. This will be explained in detail in Diagnostic Example 1 and Diagnostic Example 2, which will be described later.

[0047] The conclusion output unit 36 ​​has an interface 361 with an output device 39 such as a display, and can output the pass / fail judgment result to the output device 39.

[0048] (2.4) Whole-building air conditioning diagnostic method Next, the central air-conditioning diagnostic method will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The central air-conditioning diagnostic method includes an information acquisition step S1, a hypothesis setting step S2, and an action output step S3. In this embodiment, the central air-conditioning diagnostic method further includes a confirmation result acquisition step S4 and a conclusion output step S5.

[0049] (2.4.1) Information Acquisition Step The information acquisition step S1 is a step of acquiring sensory information based on the user's sensory sensation and log information of the air conditioning equipment 2. The information acquisition step S1 is executed by the information acquisition unit 32.

[0050] (2.4.2) Hypothesis setting step The hypothesis setting step S2 is a step of selecting and setting a cause of the bodily sensation in the bodily sensation information from a group of causes prepared in advance as a hypothesis based on the bodily sensation information and log information acquired in the information acquisition step S1. The hypothesis setting step S2 is executed by the hypothesis setting unit 33.

[0051] (2.4.3) Work setting step The work output step S3 is a step of selecting and setting the work to be performed by the maintenance worker from a group of pre-prepared works based on the hypothesis set in the hypothesis setting step S2. The work output step S3 is executed by the work output unit 34.

[0052] (2.4.4) Confirmation result acquisition step The confirmation result acquisition step S4 is a step of acquiring the confirmation result of the work performed by the maintenance worker and set in the work output step S3. The confirmation result acquisition step S4 is executed by the confirmation result acquisition unit .

[0053] (2.4.5) Conclusion output step The conclusion output step S5 is a step of selecting and outputting a conclusion about the diagnosis of the central air-conditioning system from a group of conclusions prepared in advance, based on the confirmation results acquired in the confirmation result acquisition step S4. The conclusion output step S5 is executed by the conclusion output unit 36.

[0054] (2.4.6) Summary of embodiments In the central air conditioning system described above, diagnosis can be performed based not only on the log information of the air conditioning equipment 2 but also on the user's subjective sensation information, making it possible to perform an appropriate diagnosis and present the work that the maintenance worker should perform. In particular, even an inexperienced maintenance worker can make the same judgment as an experienced maintenance worker and perform the appropriate work, thereby reducing variation in the work performed by the maintenance worker.

[0055] In addition, it becomes possible to present the final conclusion of the diagnosis of the whole-building air conditioning system, and either identify the cause or, even if the cause cannot be identified, present the next steps to be taken. This allows appropriate work to be carried out, and reduces variation in work performed by maintenance workers.

[0056] (3) Diagnostic examples A specific example of diagnosis will be described.

[0057] (3.1) Diagnostic Case 1 Diagnosis Example 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0058] Diagnosis example 1 is an example of diagnosing a central air conditioning system in summer.

[0059] Whole-building air conditioning diagnosis will begin using Whole-building Air Conditioning Diagnostic System 3.

[0060] (3.1.1) Information Acquisition Step In information acquisition step S1, sensory information and log information are acquired. In diagnostic example 1, sensory information is acquired first. Here, from various pieces of information provided by users, information is acquired as to which of the users of which rooms 18 have the sensory sensation of "not cold." As a result, if there is no error message in the air conditioning equipment 2 and sensory information of "not cold" is provided in any one room 18, the process proceeds to step S01. If sensory information of "not cold" is provided in multiple rooms 18 or all rooms 18, the process proceeds to step S02. Furthermore, if there is an error message in the air conditioning equipment 2, the process proceeds to step S03.

[0061] Next, log information is acquired, which indicates whether the room temperature measured by room temperature measuring unit 29 is equal to or higher than the set temperature + 5°C, or is lower than the set temperature + 5°C.

[0062] If the process has proceeded to step S01, and the room temperature measured by room temperature measuring unit 29 is equal to or higher than the set temperature + 5°C, the process proceeds to step S11, and if it is lower than the set temperature + 5°C, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0063] If the process has proceeded to step S02, and the room temperature measured by room temperature measuring unit 29 is equal to or higher than the set temperature +5°C, the process proceeds to step S13, and if the room temperature is lower than the set temperature +5°C, the process proceeds to step S12.

[0064] The case where the process proceeds to step S03 will be described later.

[0065] Furthermore, log information is acquired, which indicates whether the air conditioning equipment 2 is operating at full capacity, whether automatic cleaning by the air conditioning equipment 2 was performed immediately before, and whether any log information indicating an abnormality has been generated.

[0066] If the process has proceeded to step S11, and the air conditioning equipment 2 is not operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S21, and if the air conditioning equipment 2 is operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S22.

[0067] Also, if the process proceeds to step S12, and the air conditioning equipment 2 is not operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S23; if the air conditioning equipment 2 is operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S22; and if automatic cleaning by the air conditioning equipment 2 was performed immediately before, regardless of whether the air conditioning equipment 2 is operating at full capacity or not, the process proceeds to step S24.

[0068] Furthermore, if the process has proceeded to step S13, and automatic cleaning by the air conditioning equipment 2 has been executed immediately before, the process proceeds to step S24, and if there is no abnormality in the log information, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0069] (3.1.2) Hypothesis setting step In the hypothesis setting step S2, hypotheses are set for each of the cases in which the process proceeds to steps S21 to S25 and step S03.

[0070] If the process has proceeded to step S21, the process proceeds to step S31, where a hypothesis is set that the air conditioning equipment 2 was not operating at full capacity due to energy-saving operation.

[0071] If the process has proceeded to step S22, the process proceeds to step S32, where it is determined that it is difficult to identify the location of the malfunction in the central air-conditioning system, and this is formally set as a hypothesis.

[0072] If the process proceeds to step S23, the process proceeds to step S33, where it is determined that the user's physical sensation is not normal, i.e., that it is a human factor, such as being sensitive to heat or being different from the physical sensation of an average person, and this is formally set as a hypothesis.

[0073] If the process has proceeded to step S24, the process proceeds to step S34, where a hypothesis is set that the time period for automatic cleaning of the air conditioning equipment 2 has been changed from the default setting of midnight to daytime.

[0074] If the process has proceeded to step S25, the process proceeds to step S35, where a hypothesis is set that there is a high possibility that the air conditioning equipment 2 is malfunctioning (there is a malfunction in the air conditioning equipment 2).

[0075] If the process has proceeded to step S03, no hypothesis is set and the process proceeds to step S46, which will be described later.

[0076] (3.1.3) Work output step In the work output step S3, a work is selected and output for each of the cases in which the process proceeds to steps S31 to S35.

[0077] If the process has proceeded to step S31, the process proceeds to step S41, where an operation of operating the air conditioning equipment 2 at full capacity and checking the air volume is selected and output.

[0078] If the process has proceeded to step S32, the process proceeds to step S42, where the task of checking the air volume and temperature of the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output.

[0079] If the process has proceeded to step S33, the process proceeds to step S43, where an operation of checking the temperature sensor (room temperature measuring unit 29) is selected and output.

[0080] If the process has proceeded to step S34, the process proceeds to step S44, where the operation of checking the time period for automatic cleaning of the air conditioning equipment 2 and returning it to the default setting of midnight is selected and output.

[0081] If the process has proceeded to step S35, the process proceeds to step S45, where the task of checking the air volume and temperature of the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output.

[0082] If the process has proceeded to step S03, the process proceeds to step S46, where the action of following the error message issued by the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output, and the flow ends.

[0083] (3.1.4) Work execution step Next, the maintenance worker performs the work output in the work output step S3. This step is performed manually by the maintenance worker.

[0084] (3.1.5) Confirmation result acquisition step Central building air conditioning diagnostic system 3 acquires the confirmation result in confirmation result acquisition step S4.

[0085] (3.1.6) Conclusion output step In conclusion output step S5, central building air-conditioning diagnostic system 3 outputs a conclusion of the diagnosis of central building air-conditioning diagnostic system 3 based on the confirmation result acquired in confirmation result acquisition step S4.

[0086] If the process proceeds to step S41, and if sufficient air volume is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S51, and a conclusion is output that the air conditioning equipment 2 was not operating at full capacity due to energy-saving operation; if sufficient air volume is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S52, and the following work is selected and output as a formal conclusion: check the duct (conveying path 22) and the first floor fan 281 or the second floor fan 282.

[0087] If the process proceeds to step S42 and sufficient air volume and temperature are not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S53 and a conclusion is output that the capacity of the air conditioning equipment 2 is insufficient, and if sufficient air volume and temperature are confirmed, the process proceeds to step S54 and the status of the air conditioning equipment 2 is checked. This task is selected as a formal conclusion and output.

[0088] If the process proceeds to step S43, and there is no abnormality in the temperature sensor (room temperature measuring unit 29), the process proceeds to step S55, and a conclusion is output that the cause is human-related; if there is an abnormality in the temperature sensor (room temperature measuring unit 29), the process proceeds to step S56, and the task of checking the status of the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output as a formal conclusion.

[0089] If the process proceeds to step S44, and the automatic cleaning time period for air conditioning equipment 2 has been changed from the default setting of midnight, the process proceeds to step S57, where a conclusion is output that the cause is that the automatic cleaning time period for air conditioning equipment 2 has been changed from the default setting of midnight; if the automatic cleaning time period for air conditioning equipment 2 has not been changed from the default setting of midnight, the process proceeds to step S58, where the task of checking the status of air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output as a formal conclusion.

[0090] If the process proceeds to step S45 and sufficient air volume and temperature are not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S59, where the status of the duct (conveying path 22), the first floor fan 281, and the second floor fan 282 is checked, which is selected and output as a formal conclusion, and if sufficient air volume and temperature are confirmed, the process proceeds to step S60, where the conclusion that the capacity of the air conditioning equipment 2 is insufficient is output.

[0091] This allows the whole-building air-conditioning diagnostic system 3 to diagnose common summertime malfunctions.

[0092] (3.2) Diagnostic Case 2 Diagnosis Example 2 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Diagnosis Example 2 is an example of diagnosing a central air-conditioning system in winter.

[0093] Whole-building air conditioning diagnosis will begin using Whole-building Air Conditioning Diagnostic System 3.

[0094] (3.2.1) Information Acquisition Step In information acquisition step S1, sensory information and log information are acquired. In diagnostic example 1, sensory information is acquired first. Here, from various pieces of information provided by users, information is acquired as to which of the users of which rooms 18 have the sensory sensation of "not warm." As a result, if there is no error message for the air conditioning equipment 2 and sensory information of "not warm" is provided in any one room 18, the process proceeds to step S101. If sensory information of "not warm" is provided in multiple rooms 18 or all rooms 18, the process proceeds to step S102. Furthermore, if there is an error message for the air conditioning equipment 2, the process proceeds to step S103.

[0095] Next, log information is acquired, which indicates whether the air conditioning equipment 2 is operating at full capacity.

[0096] If the process has proceeded to step S101, and the air conditioning equipment 2 is not operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S111, and if the air conditioning equipment 2 is operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S112.

[0097] Furthermore, if the process has proceeded to step S102 and the air conditioning equipment 2 is not operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S113, and if the air conditioning equipment 2 is operating at full capacity, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0098] If the process has proceeded to step S103, the process proceeds to step S146, which will be described later.

[0099] Furthermore, log information is acquired, which indicates whether the temperatures in the void space and living / dining / kitchen area are as set or higher.

[0100] If the process has proceeded to step S111, and the temperature in the open void space or living / dining / kitchen area is as set, the process proceeds to step S121, and if the temperature in the open void space or living / dining / kitchen area is higher than the set temperature, the process proceeds to step S122.

[0101] (3.2.2) Hypothesis setting step In the hypothesis setting step S2, hypotheses are set for each of the cases in which the process proceeds to steps S112 to S114, S121, and S122.

[0102] If the process has proceeded to step S121, the process proceeds to step S131, where a hypothesis is set that the air conditioning equipment 2 was not operating at full capacity due to energy-saving operation.

[0103] If the process proceeds to step S122, it is determined that the cause is a human factor, and formally this is set as a hypothesis.

[0104] If the process has proceeded to step S112, the process proceeds to step S133, where it is determined that it is difficult to identify the location of the malfunction in the central air-conditioning system, and this is formally set as a hypothesis.

[0105] If the process has proceeded to step S113, the process proceeds to step S134, where it is determined that it is difficult to identify the location of the malfunction in the central air-conditioning system, and this is formally set as a hypothesis.

[0106] If the process has proceeded to step S114, the process proceeds to step S135, where it is determined that it is difficult to identify the location of the malfunction in the central air-conditioning system, and this is formally set as a hypothesis.

[0107] If the process has proceeded to step S103, no hypothesis is set and the process proceeds to step S146, which will be described later.

[0108] (3.2.3) Work output step In the work output step S3, a work is selected and output for each of the cases in which the process proceeds to steps S131 to S135.

[0109] If the process has proceeded to step S131, the process proceeds to step S141, where an operation to operate the air conditioning equipment 2 at full capacity and check the air volume is selected and output.

[0110] If the process has proceeded to step S132, the process proceeds to step S142, where the task of checking the air volume and temperature of the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output.

[0111] If the process has proceeded to step S133, the process proceeds to step S143, where the task of checking the air volume and temperature of the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output.

[0112] If the process has proceeded to step S134, the process proceeds to step S144, where an action of providing a detailed explanation of the central air-conditioning system to the user is selected and output, and the flow ends.

[0113] If the process has proceeded to step S135, the process proceeds to step S145, where the task of checking the air volume and temperature of the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output.

[0114] If the process has proceeded to step S103, the process proceeds to step S146, where the action of following the error message issued by the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output, and the flow ends.

[0115] (3.2.4) Work execution step Next, the maintenance worker performs the work output in the work output step S3. This step is performed manually by the maintenance worker.

[0116] (3.2.5) Confirmation result acquisition step Central building air conditioning diagnostic system 3 acquires the confirmation result in confirmation result acquisition step S4.

[0117] (3.2.6) Conclusion output step In conclusion output step S5, central building air-conditioning diagnostic system 3 outputs a conclusion of the diagnosis of central building air-conditioning diagnostic system 3 based on the confirmation result acquired in confirmation result acquisition step S4.

[0118] If the process proceeds to step S141, and if sufficient air volume is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S151, and a conclusion is output that the air conditioning equipment 2 was not operating at full capacity due to energy-saving operation; if sufficient air volume is not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S152, and the following work is selected and output as a formal conclusion: check the duct (conveying path 22) and the first floor fan 281 or the second floor fan 282.

[0119] If the process proceeds to step S142, and if sufficient air volume and temperature are confirmed, the process proceeds to step S153, where a conclusion is output that the air conditioning equipment 2 was not operating at full capacity due to energy-saving operation, and if sufficient air volume and temperature are not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S154, where the following work is selected and output as a formal conclusion: check the duct (conveying path 22) and the first floor fan 281 or the second floor fan 282.

[0120] If the process proceeds to step S143, and if sufficient air volume and temperature are confirmed, the process proceeds to step S155, and a conclusion is output that the capacity of the air conditioning equipment 2 is insufficient; if sufficient air volume and temperature are not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S156, and the status of the air conditioning equipment 2 is checked. This is selected as a formal conclusion and output.

[0121] If the process proceeds to step S145 and sufficient air volume and temperature are not confirmed, the process proceeds to step S157, where the task of checking the duct (conveying path 22) and the first floor fan 281 or the second floor fan 282 is selected and output as a formal conclusion, and if sufficient air volume and temperature are confirmed, the process proceeds to step S158, where the task of checking the status of the air conditioning equipment 2 is selected and output as a formal conclusion.

[0122] This allows the central air conditioning diagnostic system 3 to diagnose common winter malfunctions.

[0123] (4) Aspects As is apparent from the above embodiments, the present disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0124] A central air-conditioning diagnostic system (3) of a first aspect diagnoses a central air-conditioning system that has one or a small number of air-conditioning equipment (2) and air-conditions a plurality of rooms (18). The central air-conditioning diagnostic system (3) includes an information acquisition unit (32), a hypothesis setting unit (33), and an operation output unit (34). The information acquisition unit (32) acquires sensory information based on a user's sensory sensation and log information of the air-conditioning equipment (2). The hypothesis setting unit (33) selects and sets a cause of the sensory sensation in the sensory information as a hypothesis from a group of causes prepared in advance, based on the sensory information and the log information acquired by the information acquisition unit (32). The operation output unit (34) selects and sets an operation to be performed by a maintenance worker from a group of operations prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set by the hypothesis setting unit (33).

[0125] In the first aspect, in a whole-building air conditioning system, a diagnosis can be made based not only on the log information of the air conditioning equipment (2) but also on the user's subjective information, and an appropriate diagnosis is made and the work that should be performed by the maintenance worker is presented.

[0126] The second aspect is a central air-conditioning diagnostic system (3) based on the first aspect. In the second aspect, the central air-conditioning diagnostic system (3) further includes a confirmation result acquisition unit (35) and a conclusion output unit (36). The confirmation result acquisition unit (35) acquires confirmation results of the work performed by the maintenance worker and set in the work output unit (34). The conclusion output unit (36) selects and outputs a conclusion about the diagnosis of the central air-conditioning system from a group of conclusions prepared in advance, based on the confirmation results acquired by the confirmation result acquisition unit (35).

[0127] In the second mode, the final conclusion of the diagnosis of the central building air-conditioning diagnostic system (3) (the cause and the work to be done if the cause is unknown) is presented.

[0128] A central air conditioning diagnostic method of a third aspect is a method for diagnosing a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment (2) and air-conditions a plurality of rooms (18). The central air conditioning diagnostic method includes an information acquisition step (S1), a hypothesis setting step (S2), and an operation output step (S3). The information acquisition step (S1) is a step of acquiring sensory information based on a user's sensory sensation and log information of the air conditioning equipment (2). The hypothesis setting step (S2) is a step of selecting and setting a cause of the sensory sensation in the sensory information as a hypothesis from a group of causes prepared in advance, based on the sensory information and log information acquired in the information acquisition step (S1). The operation output step (S3) is a step of selecting and setting an operation to be performed by a maintenance worker from a group of operations prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set in the hypothesis setting step (S2).

[0129] In the third aspect, a diagnosis can be made based not only on the log information of the air conditioning equipment (2) but also on the user's bodily sensation information, and an appropriate diagnosis is made, and the work that the maintenance worker should perform is presented.

[0130] A fourth aspect is a central building air conditioning diagnostic method based on the third aspect. The central building air conditioning diagnostic method of the fourth aspect further includes a confirmation result acquisition step (S4) and a conclusion output step (S5). The confirmation result acquisition step (S4) is a step of acquiring confirmation results of the work set in the work output step (S3) performed by the maintenance worker. The conclusion output step (S5) is a step of selecting and outputting a conclusion about the diagnosis of the central building air conditioning system from a group of conclusions prepared in advance, based on the confirmation results acquired in the confirmation result acquisition step (S4).

[0131] In the fourth mode, the final conclusion of the diagnosis of the central building air-conditioning diagnostic system (3) (the cause and the work to be done if the cause is unknown) is presented.

[0132] In a fifth aspect, a program causes one or more processors to execute the central air conditioning diagnostic method of the third or fourth aspect.

[0133] In the fifth aspect, a diagnosis can be made based not only on the log information of the air conditioning equipment (2) but also on the user's bodily sensation information, and an appropriate diagnosis is made, and the work that the maintenance worker should perform is presented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0134] 1. Building 11 Roof 12 Ceiling 13 Exterior wall 14 Floor 15 Foundation 16 Opening 17 Partition 18 rooms Rooms 181-186 19 Underfloor space 191 Intake 2 Air conditioning equipment 20 Fresh air intake 21 Heat source part 22 Transport path 23 Opening adjustment section 231~236 Opening adjustment part 24 Air conditioning control unit 25 Air conditioning input section 26 Air outlet 27 filters 28 Blower 281 First floor fan 282 Fan for second floor 283 Underfloor fan 29 Room temperature measurement unit 3 Whole-building air conditioning diagnostic system 31 Storage section 32 Information Acquisition Department 321 Interface 33 Hypothesis Setting Section 34 Work Output Unit 35 Confirmation result acquisition unit 36 Conclusion output section 361 Interface 37 External storage device 38 Input Devices 39 Output Devices

Claims

1. A central air conditioning diagnostic system for diagnosing a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment and air-conditions multiple rooms, The system includes an information acquisition unit, a hypothesis setting unit, and an operation output unit, the information acquisition unit acquires sensory information based on a user's sensory sensation and log information of the air conditioning equipment, the hypothesis setting unit selects and sets a cause of the bodily sensation in the bodily sensation information from a group of causes prepared in advance as a hypothesis, based on the bodily sensation information and the log information acquired by the information acquisition unit, the work output unit selects and sets a work to be performed by a maintenance worker from a group of works prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set by the hypothesis setting unit. Whole-building air conditioning diagnostic system.

2. Further comprising a confirmation result acquisition unit and a conclusion output unit, the confirmation result acquisition unit acquires a confirmation result of the work performed by the maintenance worker and set in the work output unit, the conclusion output unit selects a conclusion about the diagnosis of the central air-conditioning system from a group of prepared conclusions based on the confirmation result acquired by the confirmation result acquisition unit, and outputs the selected conclusion. The central air conditioning diagnostic system according to claim 1 .

3. A central air conditioning diagnostic method for diagnosing a central air conditioning system that has one or a small number of air conditioning equipment and air-conditions a plurality of rooms, comprising: The method includes an information acquisition step, a hypothesis setting step, and an operation output step, the information acquiring step is a step of acquiring sensory information based on a user's sensory sensation and log information of the air conditioning equipment, the hypothesis setting step is a step of selecting and setting a cause of the bodily sensation in the bodily sensation information from a group of causes prepared in advance as a hypothesis, based on the bodily sensation information and the log information acquired in the information acquisition step; The work output step is a step of selecting and setting a work to be performed by a maintenance worker from a group of works prepared in advance, based on the hypothesis set in the hypothesis setting step. How to diagnose whole-building air conditioning.

4. Further comprising a confirmation result acquisition step and a conclusion output step, the confirmation result acquisition step is a step of acquiring a confirmation result of the work set in the work output step, which has been performed by the maintenance worker; The conclusion output step is a step of selecting a conclusion about the diagnosis of the central air-conditioning system from a group of prepared conclusions based on the confirmation result acquired in the confirmation result acquisition step, and outputting the selected conclusion. The central air conditioning diagnostic method according to claim 3.

5. one or more processors, Executing the central air conditioning diagnostic method according to claim 3 or 4, program.

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