Air conditioning system and air conditioning method

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioning system and air conditioning method that can present or provide users with a sense of temperature, depending on the thermal environment achievable by the air conditioning device. [Solution] The air conditioning system 1 comprises an air conditioning device 2 and a control device 3 that controls the air conditioning device 2. The control device 3 generates an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the thermal environment, and uses the user's thermal evaluation model of the air conditioning device 2 to control the air conditioning device 2 within the range of thermal environment that can be achieved by the air conditioning device 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and an air conditioning method.

Background Art

[0002] From past operation data, there are known products that can automatically set an optimal startup time to reach a set temperature by the start time of facility use, operate an air conditioner from outside a building using a smartphone, and realize a comfortable temperature environment at the time of returning home. On the other hand, in the case of a lodging facility or a telework space that is rarely used repeatedly by the same visitor, in a method of reaching a temperature designated in advance by the visitor, there is a possibility of becoming too hot or too cold due to factors such as humidity or solar radiation from a window. PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) is known as an evaluation index for a thermal environment, but since this index does not reflect individual characteristics such as hot or cold feelings and sensitivity to air flow, it is not necessarily optimal for evaluating a room environment with a small number of users.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for generating an individual thermal sensation model from housing environment information and thermal actual sensation information, and estimating the thermal sensation of a resident using the individual thermal sensation model.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The air conditioning system of this disclosure comprises an air conditioning device and a control device for controlling the air conditioning device. The control device generates an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the thermal environment, and controls the air conditioning device within the range of thermal environment that can be achieved by the air conditioning device using the user's thermal evaluation model of the air conditioning device.

[0008] The air conditioning system disclosed herein comprises an air conditioning device and a control device for controlling the air conditioning device. The control device generates an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the thermal environment. Using the user's thermal evaluation model of the air conditioning device, the control device predicts the evaluation value of thermal comfort when the air conditioning device is operated within the range of thermal environments that can be achieved by the air conditioning device and notifies the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to this disclosure, it becomes possible to present or provide users with a sense of temperature, depending on the thermal environment that can be achieved by the air conditioning system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of air conditioning system 1. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 3. [Figure 3] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the air conditioning method in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart showing the details of step S101. [Figure 5] This table shows the correspondence between thermal environment conditions and individual evaluation values. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S102. [Figure 7] This is a diagram illustrating an example of control in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This diagram shows a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the air conditioning method in the second embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S402. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of control in Embodiment 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] Embodiment 1.

[0013] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 comprises an air conditioning device 2 and a control device 3 that controls the air conditioning device 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 3. The control device 3 comprises a memory 11, a processor 12, a display device 13, a communication device 14, and an input device 15. The communication device 14 is configured to communicate with the air conditioning device 2 and a smartphone 4. The processor 12 executes a program stored in the memory 11. The memory 11 is configured to store programs and data. The input device 15 consists of a keyboard, tablet, or mouse, and is configured to accept input from the administrator of the air conditioning device 2. The display device 13 is configured to display a screen for controlling and managing the status of the air conditioning device 2.

[0014] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the air conditioning method in the first embodiment.

[0015] In step S101, the control device 3 generates a thermal evaluation model for each individual.

[0016] In step S102, the control device 3 controls the air conditioner 2 by using the user's thermal evaluation model.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the details of the procedure of step S101.

[0018] In step S201, the processor 12 acquires the thermal environment conditions of the location where the air conditioner 2 is installed. For example, the processor 12 acquires the indoor temperature from the temperature sensor of the air conditioner 2 and the indoor humidity from the humidity sensor of the air conditioner 2. The processor 12 acquires the radiant heat and air flow of the location where the air conditioner 2 is set from the memory 11. The radiant heat and air flow may be fixed values determined monthly. The processor 12 acquires the activity amount and clothing amount that change according to the individual's motion state through input from the individual's smartphone 4.

[0019] In step S202, the processor 12 acquires, through input from the individual's smartphone 4, the evaluation value of the warmth or cold feeling of the individual for the thermal environment of the location where the air conditioner 2 is installed.

[0020] In step S203, the processor 12 generates an individual's thermal evaluation model that determines the evaluation value of the individual for the thermal environment conditions, and stores it in the memory 11. FIG. 5 is a table showing the correspondence between the thermal environment conditions and the individual's evaluation values. Although FIG. 5 shows that the thermal environment conditions consist of six elements: temperature, humidity, radiant heat, air flow, activity amount, and clothing amount, it is not limited to this, and any combination including at least one of these elements may be used. For example, it may be assumed that the simplest individual's thermal evaluation model that determines the evaluation value of the individual for temperature is generated. The processor 12 may create an individual's thermal evaluation model by using such a table as the learning data of a neural network.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the details of the procedure of step S102.

[0022] In step S301, if individual air conditioning can be controlled to meet the user's requirements, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0023] In step S302, the processor 12 obtains the user's thermal evaluation model from the memory 11.

[0024] In step S303, the processor 12 refers to the user's thermal environment evaluation model and operates the air conditioner 2 under conditions that maximize the evaluation value within the range of thermal environments that can be achieved by the air conditioner 2. If the location where the air conditioner 2 is installed is a facility such as a hotel, the timing of operation of the air conditioner 2 can be uniform throughout the entire building (e.g., 15:00), at the start time of use when making a reservation, or at the time of online check-in.

[0025] This type of control will be explained with a concrete example using Figure 7.

[0026] Here, we assume that the thermal evaluation model is a two-dimensional model of room temperature and thermal comfort (evaluation value). The thermal comfort evaluation value is such that 0 is considered comfortable, a higher value indicates it is hotter, and a lower value indicates it is colder.

[0027] Figure 7 shows the thermal evaluation models for user A and user B. It is assumed that a linear model is generated by inputting evaluation values ​​from user A and user B. User A evaluates the room temperature as most comfortable at 26°C, while user B evaluates it as most comfortable at 20°C.

[0028] On the other hand, in the case of summer, for example, there is a lower limit to the temperature that can be achieved by the air conditioning system 2, due to factors such as the capacity of the air conditioning system 2, the thermal insulation of the building structure, and the outside air load. Here, we will assume that the lower limit of the achievable room temperature is 22°C.

[0029] When user A uses the air conditioner 2, the most comfortable room temperature of 26°C is within the range of the achievable thermal environment, so the processor 12 operates the air conditioner 2 with a target temperature of 26°C. When user B uses the air conditioner 2, the most comfortable room temperature of 20°C is outside the range of the achievable thermal environment, so the processor 12 operates the air conditioner 2 with a target temperature of 22°C, which is the most comfortable room temperature within the achievable range.

[0030] According to this embodiment, even for a facility visited for the first time, a thermal environment tailored to the user's characteristics can be provided upon entry. This can enhance the added value of accommodation or teleworking spaces.

[0031] Embodiment 2.

[0032] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of the air conditioning method in the second embodiment.

[0033] In step S101, the control device 3 generates a thermal evaluation model for each individual, similar to the first embodiment.

[0034] In step S402, the control device 3 uses the user's thermal evaluation model to predict the temperature sensation when using the air conditioning system 2 and presents it to the user.

[0035] Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating the details of step S402.

[0036] In step S501, if it is impossible to control individual air conditioning to meet the needs of individual users due to reasons such as the facility employing a whole-house air conditioning system, the process proceeds to step S502.

[0037] In step S502, the processor 12 obtains the user's thermal evaluation model from the memory 11.

[0038] In step S503, the processor 12 obtains seasonal thermal environment data or air conditioning setting information for the location where the air conditioning unit 2 is installed from the memory 11.

[0039] In step S504, the processor 12 predicts the user's thermal comfort at the location where the air conditioner 2 is installed, based on the user's thermal environment evaluation model, seasonal thermal environment data for the location where the air conditioner 2 is installed, or the range of thermal environments that can be achieved by the air conditioner 2 based on the air conditioning setting information. The processor 12 notifies the user of the predicted result of the user's thermal comfort at their smartphone 4 or the like. Based on the prediction result, the user can decide whether or not to go to the location where the air conditioner 2 is installed. For example, if the location where the air conditioner 2 is installed is a ryokan (Japanese inn), the user can decide whether or not to make a reservation at the ryokan.

[0040] A concrete example will be explained using Figure 10.

[0041] The thermal environment data for the facilities will be expressed in the form of a lower limit and upper limit for room temperature. The thermal environments of facilities X, Y, and Z will be 25°C to 27°C, 21°C to 23°C, and 23°C to 25°C, respectively.

[0042] The thermal environment evaluation model is assumed to be a linear model of room temperature and thermal sensation, similar to the example described in the first embodiment. The processor 12 calculates evaluation values ​​for each user and facility by substituting the thermal environment data of each facility into the evaluation model for each user. The processor 12 can calculate the evaluation value PA for user A using equation (1) and the evaluation value PB for user B using equation (2), with variable T being room temperature.

[0043] PA = (T - 26) × 0.6 ···(1)

[0044] PB = (T - 2²) × 0.6 ···(2)

[0045] For user A, the range of evaluation values ​​when using facilities X, Y, and Z is -0.6 to +0.6, -3.0 to -1.8, and -1.8 to -0.6, respectively. Processor 12 predicts that facility X will bring user A's temperature perception closest to 0 (comfortable).

[0046] For user B, the range of evaluation values ​​when using facilities X, Y, and Z is +1.8 to +3.0, -0.6 to +0.6, and +0.6 to +1.8, respectively. Processor 12 predicts that facility Y will bring user B closest to a temperature sensation of 0 (comfortable).

[0047] According to this embodiment, before entering the facility, it is possible to predict the user's temperature sensation at the time of entry and notify the user. This allows the user to decide whether or not to use the accommodation or telework space.

[0048] The embodiments described above are specific examples of the following appendix. (Note 1) Air conditioning system, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned air conditioning system, An air conditioning system comprising: a control device that generates an individual thermal evaluation model defining the correspondence between the thermal environment and an individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the thermal environment; and an air conditioning system that uses the user's thermal evaluation model of the air conditioning system to control the air conditioning system within the range of thermal environments that can be realized by the air conditioning system.

[0049] (Note 2) The air conditioning system according to Appendix 1, wherein the control device refers to the thermal evaluation model and operates the air conditioning system under conditions that maximize the thermal comfort evaluation value within the range of thermal environments achievable by the air conditioning system.

[0050] (Note 3) Air conditioning system, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned air conditioning system, The control device generates an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the thermal environment, and uses the user's thermal evaluation model of the air conditioner to predict the evaluation value of thermal comfort when the air conditioner is operated within the range of thermal environments that can be realized by the air conditioner, and notifies the user of this prediction, in an air conditioning system.

[0051] (Note 4) The air conditioning system according to Appendix 3, wherein the control device acquires the thermal evaluation model and thermal environment data or air conditioning setting information of the facility in which the air conditioning system is installed, and predicts the thermal comfort evaluation value based on the range of thermal environment that can be realized by the air conditioning system based on the acquired thermal environment data or air conditioning setting information.

[0052] (Note 5) The thermal environment includes at least one of temperature, humidity, radiation, airflow, activity level, and clothing level, as described in Appendix 1.

[0053] (Note 6) The control device is an air conditioning system as described in Appendix 1, which acquires the evaluation value of the individual input by the individual.

[0054] (Note 7) A step of generating an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the said thermal environment, An air conditioning method comprising the step of controlling the air conditioning system within the range of a thermal environment achievable by the air conditioning system, using a thermal evaluation model of the user of the air conditioning system.

[0055] (Note 8) A step of generating an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the said thermal environment, An air conditioning method comprising the steps of: predicting an evaluation value of the thermal sensation when the air conditioning system is operated within the range of thermal environments that can be achieved by the air conditioning system, using a thermal evaluation model of the user of the air conditioning system, and notifying the user of the evaluation value.

[0056] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended to be included. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1. Air conditioning system, 2. Air conditioning device, 3. Control device, 4. Smartphone, 11. Memory, 12. Processor, 13. Display device, 14. Communication device, 15. Input device.

Claims

1. Air conditioning system, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned air conditioning system, An air conditioning system comprising: a control device that generates an individual thermal evaluation model defining the correspondence between the thermal environment and an individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the thermal environment; and an air conditioning system that uses the user's thermal evaluation model of the air conditioning system to control the air conditioning system within the range of thermal environments that can be realized by the air conditioning system.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control device refers to the thermal evaluation model and operates the air conditioning system under conditions that maximize the thermal comfort evaluation value within the range of thermal environments achievable by the air conditioning system.

3. Air conditioning system, The system includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned air conditioning system, The control device generates an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the thermal environment, and uses the user's thermal evaluation model of the air conditioner to predict the evaluation value of thermal comfort when the air conditioner is operated within the range of thermal environments that can be realized by the air conditioner, and notifies the user of this prediction, in an air conditioning system.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the control device acquires the thermal evaluation model and thermal environment data or air conditioning setting information of the facility in which the air conditioning system is installed, and predicts the thermal comfort evaluation value based on the range of thermal environment that can be realized by the air conditioning system based on the acquired thermal environment data or air conditioning setting information.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal environment includes at least one of temperature, humidity, radiation, airflow, activity level, and clothing level.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control device acquires the evaluation value of the individual input by the individual.

7. A step of generating an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the said thermal environment, An air conditioning method comprising the step of controlling the air conditioning system within the range of a thermal environment achievable by the air conditioning system, using a thermal evaluation model of the user of the air conditioning system.

8. A step of generating an individual thermal evaluation model that defines the correspondence between the thermal environment and the individual's evaluation value of thermal comfort in relation to the said thermal environment, An air conditioning method comprising the steps of: predicting an evaluation value of the thermal sensation when the air conditioning system is operated within the range of thermal environments that can be achieved by the air conditioning system, using a thermal evaluation model of the user of the air conditioning system, and notifying the user of the evaluation value.

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