Air conditioning control system, control method, and program

Abstract

This invention provides an air conditioning control system that can bring the comfort index in an indoor space closer to a target value. [Solution] The air conditioning control system 10 includes an acquisition unit 44 that acquires first temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space 90 measured by a temperature and humidity sensor 24 installed in the indoor space 90; a calculation unit 46 that calculates the current value of the comfort index based on the acquired first temperature and humidity information and determines a first set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21 to bring the calculated current value closer to the target value; and a control unit 47 that operates the air conditioning equipment 21 at the determined first set temperature and performs comfort control to operate the ventilation equipment 22 installed in the indoor space 90.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning control system, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a determination method for determining the operation mode of an air conditioner so as to provide a comfortable environment for a user in consideration of humidity control.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an air conditioning control system or the like that can bring a comfort index in an indoor space closer to a target value.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An air conditioning control system according to an aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning control system that controls air conditioning equipment installed in an indoor space, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires first temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space measured by a sensor installed in the indoor space, a calculation unit that calculates a current value of a comfort index based on the acquired first temperature and humidity information and determines a first set temperature of the air conditioning equipment for bringing the calculated current value closer to a target value of the comfort index, and a control unit that executes comfort control to operate the air conditioning equipment at the determined first set temperature and to operate blowing equipment installed in the indoor space.

[0006] A control method according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for air conditioning equipment installed in an indoor space, performed by a computer, and includes the steps of: acquiring first temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space measured by a sensor installed in the indoor space; calculating the current value of the comfort index based on the acquired first temperature and humidity information, determining a first set temperature of the air conditioning equipment to bring the calculated current value closer to the target value of the comfort index; and performing comfort control to operate the air conditioning equipment at the determined first set temperature and to operate a ventilation equipment installed in the indoor space.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing the computer to execute the control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] An air conditioning control system, etc., according to one aspect of the present invention can bring the comfort index in an indoor space closer to a target value. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the information necessary for comfort control. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of the comfort control settings screen. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of equipment management information. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a list screen for multiple indoor spaces. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the comfort control system. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the conversion of the calculated temperature to the set temperature. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart of comfort control based on the temperature of the indoor space immediately after check-in. [Figure 9]Figure 9 shows a modified example of a flowchart for comfort control based on the temperature of the indoor space immediately after check-in. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an example of a dashboard screen. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of an equipment management screen. [Figure 12] Figure 12 shows an example of the scene settings screen. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of the display screen of a neighborhood management application. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection configurations of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the following embodiments are examples only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, components in the following embodiments that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0011] Please note that each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified.

[0012] (Embodiment) [composition] First, the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system according to the embodiment.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the air-conditioning control system 10 is a system that controls air-conditioning equipment 21, air supply equipment 22, and ventilation equipment 23 (hereinafter also referred to as air-conditioning equipment 21, etc.) in an indoor space 90 within a facility 80 such as a detached house. The air-conditioning control system 10 includes the air-conditioning equipment 21, the air supply equipment 22, the ventilation equipment 23, a temperature and humidity sensor 24, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) router 25, a signal conversion device 26, a gateway device 27, a facility controller 28, a remote controller 30, a server device 40, and a management terminal 50.

[0014] The air-conditioning equipment 21, the air supply equipment 22, the ventilation equipment 23, the temperature and humidity sensor 24, the signal conversion device 26, the facility controller 28, and the remote controller 30 are located in one indoor space 90 (room) within the facility 80. In FIG. 1, only one indoor space 90 is shown, but the facility 80 may include a plurality of indoor spaces 90. In this case, the air-conditioning control system 10 includes a plurality of sets of the air-conditioning equipment 21, the air supply equipment 22, the ventilation equipment 23, the temperature and humidity sensor 24, the signal conversion device 26, and the facility controller 28.

[0015] The air-conditioning equipment 21 is equipment capable of heating operation and cooling operation. The heating operation means an operation mode in which air in the indoor space 90 is taken in, the taken-in air is heated, and then blown out into the indoor space 90, and the cooling operation means an operation mode in which air in the indoor space 90 is taken in, the taken-in air is cooled, and then blown out into the indoor space 90. Hereinafter, assuming that the air-conditioning control system 10 is used in a warm region such as Southeast Asia, the case where the cooling operation (cooling operation) of the air-conditioning equipment 21 is performed will be described.

[0016] The air supply equipment 22 is equipment that performs air supply in the indoor space 90. Specifically, the air supply equipment 22 is a circulator or a ceiling fan, etc. In the case where the air supply equipment 22 is not installed in the indoor space 90, the air supply equipment 22 is excluded from the control target.

[0017] The ventilation system 23 is a system that takes in air from outside the facility 80 into the indoor space 90 inside the facility 80 and discharges the air from the indoor space 90 to the outside of the facility 80. The ventilation system 23 is realized by supply fans and exhaust fans. The ventilation system 23 may also be an energy recovery ventilation system (ERV). If the ventilation system 23 is not installed in the indoor space 90, the ventilation system 23 is excluded from the control system.

[0018] The temperature and humidity sensor 24 measures the temperature and humidity in the indoor space 90. The temperature and humidity sensor 24 is implemented by a temperature measuring element and a humidity measuring element. The temperature measuring element is, for example, a thermistor, thermocouple, or infrared detection element, and the humidity measuring element is a capacitive humidity sensor or a resistive humidity sensor. The temperature and humidity sensor 24 may also be divided into a temperature sensor that measures temperature and a humidity sensor that measures humidity.

[0019] The wireless LAN router 25, signal converter 26, gateway device 27, and equipment controller 28 are a group of communication devices for the server device 40 to control the air conditioning equipment 21, etc.

[0020] The wireless LAN router 25 receives control signals transmitted by the server device 40 via a wide-area communication network 70 such as the internet, and wirelessly transmits the received control signals according to a wireless LAN communication standard (for example, Wi-Fi®). The wireless LAN router 25 is also wired to the gateway device 27 and transmits the received control signals to the gateway device 27.

[0021] The signal converter 26 converts the control signal transmitted wirelessly by the wireless LAN router 25 into an infrared control signal and transmits the infrared control signal to the air conditioning equipment 21.

[0022] The gateway device 27 wirelessly transmits the control signals transmitted via wire by the wireless LAN router 25 according to a communication standard other than wireless LAN (for example, Zigbee®). The control signals wirelessly transmitted by the gateway device 27 are received by the equipment controller 28.

[0023] The equipment controller 28 receives control signals wirelessly transmitted by the gateway device 27 and controls the blower equipment 22 and ventilation equipment 23, which are wired to the equipment controller 28, based on the received control signals. The equipment controller 28 can also accept user operations and control the blower equipment 22 and ventilation equipment 23 according to the accepted operations. Specifically, the equipment controller 28 can perform ON and OFF control of the blower equipment 22 and ventilation equipment 23.

[0024] Furthermore, the gateway device 27 and the wireless LAN router 25 are also a group of communication devices for transmitting temperature and humidity information, which indicates the temperature and humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 24, to the server device 40. The gateway device 27 receives the temperature and humidity information transmitted wirelessly by the temperature and humidity sensor 24 according to the other communication standards mentioned above, and transmits the received temperature and humidity information to the wireless LAN router 25 via a wired connection. The wireless LAN router 25 transmits the temperature and humidity information received from the gateway device 27 to the server device 40 via the wide-area communication network 70.

[0025] The above-described configuration of the communication device group is merely one example of a configuration in which the server device 40 receives temperature and humidity information from the temperature and humidity sensor 24 and controls the air conditioning equipment 21, etc., based on the received temperature and humidity information. The configuration of the communication device group is not particularly limited. The communication standard is also not particularly limited.

[0026] The remote controller 30 is a terminal that the user manually operates to instruct the server device 40 to control the air conditioning equipment 21, etc. The user is, for example, a resident of the facility 80. The remote controller 30 is implemented by installing a dedicated application program (hereinafter also simply referred to as the comfort app) on a general-purpose mobile terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, but it may also be a dedicated terminal for the air conditioning control system 10.

[0027] In Figure 1, the remote controller 30 is located inside the facility 80, but it may also be located outside the facility 80. In other words, the user can instruct the control of the air conditioning equipment 21 etc. from inside the facility 80, or from outside the facility 80. Specifically, the remote controller 30 comprises a reception unit 31, a display unit 32, an information processing unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a communication unit 35.

[0028] The reception unit 31 accepts user input (manual operation). The reception unit 31 can be implemented, for example, by a touch panel or push buttons.

[0029] The display unit 32 displays an image. The display unit 32 is implemented by a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) panel.

[0030] The information processing unit 33 performs information processing related to the transmission of information to the server device 40 and the display of images on the display unit 32. The information processing unit 33 is implemented by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be implemented by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 33 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 33 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 34.

[0031] The memory unit 34 is a storage device that stores computer programs executed by the information processing unit 33, as well as various information necessary for the information processing unit 33 to perform the above-mentioned information processing. The computer programs stored in the memory unit 34 include the aforementioned comfort applications. The memory unit 34 is implemented, for example, by semiconductor memory.

[0032] The communication unit 35 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the remote controller 30 to communicate with the server device 40 via a mobile communication network and a wide-area communication network 70 such as the Internet. The communication performed by the communication unit 35 is, for example, wireless communication. The communication standard used for communication is not particularly limited. The communication unit 35 can also communicate with the server device 40 without going through the mobile communication network by connecting to the wireless LAN router 25.

[0033] The server device 40 is a cloud server that receives temperature and humidity information from the temperature and humidity sensor 24 and controls the air conditioning equipment 21, etc., based on the received temperature and humidity information. Specifically, the server device 40 comprises a communication unit 41, an information processing unit 42, and a storage unit 43.

[0034] The communication unit 41 is a communication module (communication circuit) that enables the server device 40 to communicate with the air conditioning equipment 21, the blower equipment 22, the ventilation equipment 23, the temperature and humidity sensor 24, the remote controller 30, and the management terminal 50 via a wide-area communication network. The communication performed by the communication unit 41 may be, for example, wired communication, but it may also be wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standards used for communication.

[0035] The information processing unit 42 performs information processing for controlling the air conditioning equipment 21, etc. The information processing unit 42 has an acquisition unit 44, a setting unit 45, a calculation unit 46, and a control unit 47 as functional components. The functions of the acquisition unit 44, the setting unit 45, the calculation unit 46, and the control unit 47 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 42 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 43. The detailed functions of the acquisition unit 44, the setting unit 45, the calculation unit 46, and the control unit 47 will be described later.

[0036] The memory unit 43 is a storage device that stores information necessary for controlling the air conditioning equipment 21, etc., and computer programs executed by the information processing unit 42. The memory unit 43 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory, but may also be implemented by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0037] The management terminal 50 is an information terminal used by the administrator of the air conditioning control system 10. The management terminal 50 may be a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or tablet, but it may also be a stationary information terminal such as a personal computer.

[0038] [Information necessary for comfort control] The air conditioning control system 10 can perform comfort control by controlling the air conditioning equipment 21, etc., so that the current value of PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) approaches the target value. PMV is an example of a comfort index. First, the information necessary for comfort control will be explained. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the information necessary for comfort control.

[0039] For comfort control, temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, wind speed, amount of clothing worn, activity level, metabolic rate, and external work are required to calculate PMV. Of these, temperature and humidity are measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 24, and the radiant temperature is calculated by the calculation unit 46 of the server device 40 from the temperature measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 24 based on a predetermined calculation formula.

[0040] Clothing load, activity level, and metabolic rate are set by the user. For example, the remote controller 30 sends a setting request for clothing load, activity level, and metabolic rate to the server device 40 based on the user's setting operation. The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the setting request, the acquisition unit 44 acquires the clothing load, activity level, and metabolic rate included in the received setting request, and the setting unit 45 stores (sets) the acquired clothing load, activity level, and metabolic rate in the storage unit 43.

[0041] When a setting operation is performed, the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30 displays a setting screen for clothing amount, activity level, and metabolic rate. This setting screen displays options for clothing worn in the room (related to clothing amount), options for activities commonly performed in the room (related to activity level), and options for gender, age, and race (related to metabolic rate). Depending on the selection results on the setting screen, the corresponding clothing amount, activity level, and metabolic rate are set in the memory unit 43, allowing the user to easily set clothing amount, activity level, and metabolic rate.

[0042] Wind speed and external work are set by the administrator. For example, the management terminal 50 sends a setting request for wind speed and external work to the server device 40 based on the administrator's setting operation. The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the setting request, the acquisition unit 44 acquires the wind speed and external work included in the received setting request, and the setting unit 45 stores (sets) the acquired wind speed and external work in the storage unit 43. In a normal office environment or daily life, it is assumed that there is almost no external work, so the default value for external work is, for example, 0 W / m 2 It will be set to this.

[0043] During comfort control, the wind speed obtained by the operation of the air conditioning equipment 21, etc., will be approximately equal to the set wind speed. In other words, the control unit 47 of the server device 40 operates the air conditioning equipment 21, etc., in accordance with the set wind speed during comfort control. In order to satisfy the set wind speed, the administrator sets the wind direction (up, down, left, or right, etc.) and the type of air conditioning equipment 21 in addition to the wind speed by operating the management terminal 50 (not shown).

[0044] The wind speed, clothing load, activity level, metabolic rate, and external work described above are stored in the memory unit 43 as registration information for calculating PMV. Clothing load, activity level, and metabolic rate correspond to user information related to the user, and it can be said that the registration information includes user information.

[0045] Thus, in the air conditioning control system 10, parameters that are difficult to sense, such as clothing load, activity level, and metabolic rate, are set to fixed values ​​that can be changed, and only temperature and humidity are sensed. As a result, the air conditioning control system 10 can be implemented at a low cost.

[0046] Furthermore, for comfort control, a target value for PMV is also required. The target value for PMV is set by the user. For example, the remote controller 30 sends a request to the server device 40 to set the target value based on the user's setting operation. The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives the setting request, the acquisition unit 44 acquires the target value for PMV specified by the user included in the received setting request, and the setting unit 45 stores (sets) the acquired target value for PMV in the storage unit 43. In other words, the setting unit 45 changes the target value for PMV stored in the storage unit 43 to the target value specified by the user based on the acquired setting request.

[0047] When a setting operation is performed, the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30 displays a comfort control setting screen that allows setting the target value of PMV. Figure 3 shows an example of the comfort control setting screen.

[0048] A comfort control settings screen is provided for each of the 90 indoor spaces (rooms), and Figure 3 shows the comfort control settings screen for the living / dining room. The user can set (change) the target value of PMV by sliding the knob on the slider bar located in the comfort settings section of the settings screen left or right. In other words, the target value of PMV is specified by the user's operation on an object (a slider bar in the example in Figure 3) displayed on the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30.

[0049] In addition to what is shown in Figure 2, the memory unit 43 also stores (sets) equipment management information. Figure 4 shows an example of equipment management information. As shown in Figure 4, the equipment management information associates the equipment ID, facility ID, room name (ID of the indoor space 90), and equipment type. In other words, the equipment management information specifies which equipment is installed in which room of which facility.

[0050] The ID of the remote controller 30 (the ID of the comfort application) is linked to, for example, the facility ID. Therefore, when the server device 40 receives a request to execute comfort control from the remote controller 30, it can identify the equipment to be controlled by comparing the facility ID linked to the ID of the remote controller 30 included in the execution request with the equipment management information, and then send a control signal to the identified equipment (control the identified equipment).

[0051] To elaborate on the procedure leading up to the submission of an execution request, the user first selects the indoor space 90 to be controlled for comfort from a list of multiple indoor spaces 90 displayed on the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30. Figure 5 shows an example of a list of multiple indoor spaces 90.

[0052] As shown in Figure 5, enabling or disabling comfort control can be set for each indoor space 90 by operating a toggle button. Specifically, when the list screen in Figure 5 is displayed, the user operates the toggle button for the indoor space 90 (for example, the living room / dining room) on which they want to perform comfort control, setting it to "check in" (enabling comfort control). When the information processing unit 33 receives this operation from the reception unit 31, it sends an execution request to the server device 40 requesting that comfort control be performed on the air conditioning equipment 21 etc. installed in the living room / dining room. The execution request includes the ID of the remote controller 30.

[0053] Furthermore, when an icon for an indoor space 90 (for example, living room / dining room) is selected in the list screen shown in Figure 5, a comfort control settings screen for the selected indoor space 90 will be displayed, as shown in Figure 3.

[0054] [Comfort Control] Next, we will explain the specific processes performed in comfort control, referring to the flowchart. Figure 6 is a flowchart of comfort control.

[0055] The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives temperature and humidity information indicating the most recent temperature and humidity in the indoor space 90 transmitted by the temperature and humidity sensor 24, and the acquisition unit 44 acquires the temperature and humidity information (S11). The calculation unit 46 calculates the current value of PMV based on the registration information for calculating PMV stored in the storage unit 43 and the acquired temperature and humidity information (S12). In calculating the current value of PMV, the current value of PMV can be calculated by substituting the temperature and humidity indicated by the temperature and humidity information acquired in step S11 and the parameters included in the registration information into the calculation formula standardized in ASHRAE 55-2020.

[0056] Next, the acquisition unit 44 acquires the target PMV value from the storage unit 43 (S13). The calculation unit 46 determines the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21 in order to bring the current PMV value closer to the target value (in other words, to achieve the target value) (S14). Specifically, the calculation unit 46 calculates the temperature of the indoor space 90 in order to achieve the target PMV value based on the target PMV value, the registration information for calculating the PMV stored in the storage unit 43, and the humidity indicated by the temperature and humidity information acquired in step S11, and converts the calculated temperature to the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the conversion of the calculated temperature to the set temperature.

[0057] The set temperature of the air conditioning system 21 is changed in increments of 1°C or 0.5°C. Therefore, the calculated temperature is converted to a set temperature with a minimum unit of 1°C or 0.5°C. Figure 7 shows an example of converting the calculated temperature to a set temperature with a minimum unit of 0.5°C.

[0058] Next, the control unit 47 controls the air conditioning equipment 21, etc. (S15). Specifically, the control unit 47 operates the air conditioning equipment 21 at the determined set temperature by transmitting a control signal to the air conditioning equipment 21 using the communication unit 41. In addition, if a blower equipment 22 and a ventilation equipment 23 are installed in the target indoor space 90, the control unit 47 operates the blower equipment 22 and the ventilation equipment 23 by transmitting a control signal to the blower equipment 22 and the ventilation equipment 23 using the communication unit 41. In step S15, equipment management information is referenced as needed.

[0059] Furthermore, in step S15, when the air conditioning equipment 21, the blower equipment 22, and the ventilation equipment 23 are operating, the wind speed in the indoor space 90 will be approximately the same as the wind speed set in the registration information. For example, the wind speed during the comfort control of each of the air conditioning equipment 21, the blower equipment 22, and the ventilation equipment 23 will be constant at a predetermined wind speed.

[0060] The processes in steps S11 to S15 are repeated periodically at predetermined time intervals while comfort control is enabled. Here, from the second time onward, unless the humidity indicated by the temperature and humidity information acquired in step S11 fluctuates significantly, it is assumed that the PMV will approach the target value without changing the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21.

[0061] Therefore, if the calculation unit 46 determines that the humidity indicated by the temperature and humidity information acquired this time (hereinafter also referred to as the second temperature and humidity information) has changed by a predetermined value or more from the humidity indicated by the temperature and humidity information acquired last time (hereinafter also referred to as the first temperature and humidity information), it determines the second set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21 based on the registered information and the second temperature and humidity information, and the control unit 47 may change the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21. In other words, if the calculation unit 46 determines that the change in the humidity indicated by the second temperature and humidity information from the humidity indicated by the first temperature and humidity information is less than a predetermined value, it may omit the processing in steps S13 and S14, and the control unit 47 may maintain the previous set temperature in step S15 and control the air conditioning equipment 21.

[0062] As explained above, the air conditioning control system 10 can achieve comfortable control by controlling (adjusting) the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21 based on registered information, temperature and humidity information, and the target value of PMV, thereby bringing the current value of PMV closer to the target value. In other words, the air conditioning control system 10 can keep the PMV constant.

[0063] Furthermore, in comfort control, the air conditioning control system 10 operates at least one of the air blower 22 and the ventilation 23 in addition to the air conditioning equipment 21 to increase the airflow velocity in the indoor space 90. As a result, the temperature of the indoor space 90 required to achieve the target PMV value is raised, allowing the set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21 to be higher than when at least one of the air blower 22 and the ventilation 23 is not operated, and consequently reducing the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment 21 (energy saving). In other words, the air conditioning control system 10 can achieve both comfort and energy saving by linking the air conditioning equipment 21 with at least one of the air blower 22 and the ventilation 23.

[0064] Incidentally, the settings screen in Figure 3 displays the comfort level (90% in the example in Figure 3). Here, the comfort level means 100% - PPD (Predicted Percentage of Dissatisfied), and PPD is calculated based on the current PMV value calculated in step S12. In other words, the comfort level is calculated by the calculation unit 46 based on the current PMV value calculated in step S12, and is notified from the server device 40 to the remote controller 30, whereupon it is displayed on the display unit 32.

[0065] [Comfort control based on the temperature of the indoor space immediately after check-in] The server device 40 may, immediately after comfort control is enabled (immediately after check-in), determine whether the temperature of the indoor space 90 is within a predetermined range of a first temperature or higher and less than a second temperature, and may execute comfort control on the condition that the temperature of the indoor space 90 is within a predetermined range that is higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. Figure 8 is a flowchart of comfort control according to the temperature of the indoor space 90 immediately after check-in.

[0066] The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives temperature and humidity information indicating the most recent temperature and humidity in the indoor space 90 transmitted by the temperature and humidity sensor 24, and the acquisition unit 44 acquires the temperature and humidity information (S21). The control unit 47 determines whether the temperature indicated by the temperature and humidity information acquired in step S21 is within a predetermined range that is higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature (S22a). The specific numerical values ​​of the first temperature and the second temperature are determined empirically or experimentally as appropriate by the designer of the air conditioning control system 10 or the like.

[0067] When the control unit 47 determines that the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information is within a predetermined range that is higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature (Yes in S22a), it executes comfort control (S23). In other words, the processes in steps S11 to S15 are repeated at predetermined time intervals.

[0068] When the control unit 47 determines that the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information is below the first temperature and that the indoor space 90 is in a cool state (below the first temperature in S22a), it performs standby control to stop the air conditioning equipment 21 (S24). During standby control, the process of acquiring temperature and humidity information and determining whether the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information is higher than the first temperature is repeated at predetermined time intervals, and comfort control is executed on the condition that the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information is higher than the first temperature.

[0069] If the control unit 47 determines that the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information is at or above the second temperature and that the indoor space 90 is hot (at or above the second temperature in S22a), it executes boost control to operate the air conditioning equipment at a wind speed greater than the wind speed used in comfort control (for example, the maximum wind speed) (S25). The boost control is performed for a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes), after which comfort control is executed. Alternatively, during boost control, temperature and humidity information may be acquired, and a process to determine whether the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information is lower than the second temperature may be repeated at predetermined time intervals. Comfort control may then be executed only if the temperature indicated by the acquired temperature and humidity information is lower than the second temperature.

[0070] Based on the comfort control of the indoor space 90 as described above, the air conditioning control system 10 can reduce power consumption by stopping the air conditioning equipment 21 when the temperature of the indoor space 90 is low, and can shorten the time required for the indoor space 90 to reach a comfortable state by increasing the airflow speed of the air conditioning equipment 21 when the temperature of the indoor space 90 is high.

[0071] Whether or not to execute boost control immediately after check-in can be set by the user's operation on the remote controller 30. For example, if boost control immediately after check-in is disabled, the flowchart in Figure 8 is transformed as shown in Figure 9. Figure 9 is a modified example of the flowchart for comfort control according to the temperature of the indoor space 90 immediately after check-in. In Figure 9, the only difference is that in step S22b, it is determined whether or not the temperature indicated by the temperature and humidity information is higher than the first temperature; the other processes are the same, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0072] [Boost control] The boost control in step S25 can also be performed at any time while comfort control is in operation by the user via the remote controller 30.

[0073] The user performs an operation to enable boost control in the "Boost Mode" field at the bottom of the settings screen in Figure 3. Based on the user's operation, the remote controller 30 sends a boost control execution command to the server device 40. Thus, the boost control execution command is sent by the user's operation on the object displayed on the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30.

[0074] The communication unit 41 of the server device 40 receives an execution command, and the acquisition unit 44 acquires the received execution command. Based on the acquired execution command, the control unit 47 performs boost control, which operates the air conditioning equipment 21 at a wind speed greater than the wind speed in comfort control for a certain period of time (for example, 10 seconds). After the certain period has elapsed, comfort control is performed.

[0075] Furthermore, when enabling boost control, the user can select one of three options: "High," "Middle," or "Low." These three options differ in the set temperature for the air conditioning system 21: "High" has the lowest set temperature, "Low" has the highest set temperature, and "Middle" is in between.

[0076] As described above, the boost control allows the air conditioning control system 10 to temporarily lower the temperature of the indoor space 90, which is useful, for example, when a user feels hot immediately after returning to the facility 80.

[0077] [Differentiation] In the above embodiment, the server device 40 was described as a cloud server located outside the facility 80. However, the air conditioning control system 10 may instead include a controller located inside the facility 80 that has similar functions to the server device 40. Such a controller includes functional components similar to the acquisition unit 44, setting unit 45, calculation unit 46, and control unit 47.

[0078] Furthermore, some or all of the processing performed by the server device 40 (or a controller located within the facility 80) may be performed by the remote controller 30. If all of the processing performed by the server device 40 (or a controller located within the facility 80) is performed by the remote controller 30, the remote controller 30 includes functional components similar to the acquisition unit 44, setting unit 45, calculation unit 46, and control unit 47.

[0079] In the above embodiment, comfort control when the air conditioning system 21 is performing cooling operation was described, assuming use in warm regions such as Southeast Asia. However, the air conditioning system 21 may also perform heating operation.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the target value of PMV could be changed by the user, but it is also possible to have a predetermined fixed value (for example, 0) and not allow the user to change the setting.

[0081] In the above embodiment, PMV was used as the comfort index, but other comfort indexes may be used.

[0082] [Other features of the comfort app] With the controller 30 having the aforementioned comfort app installed, users can easily manage and control not only the air conditioning equipment 21 but also various IoT devices installed within the facility 80. In addition to the comfort control settings screen (Figure 3), the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30 running the comfort app displays a dashboard screen, an equipment management screen, and a scene setting screen. These screens will be described below.

[0083] Figure 10 shows an example of a dashboard screen. According to the dashboard screen, users can see the overall status of facility 80 (temperature, humidity, energy consumption, etc.) at a glance. The dashboard screen also functions as a notification screen, displaying alerts if any abnormalities occur in the equipment installed within facility 80. The items displayed on the dashboard screen can be freely customized by the user.

[0084] Figure 11 shows an example of a facility management screen, specifically the lighting equipment management screen. On the facility management screen, selecting a tab representing a room within facility 80 (see top of Figure 11) displays the status of the equipment installed in the room corresponding to that tab. In the example in Figure 11, one icon is displayed for each piece of equipment, showing the communication connection status (online or offline) and the on / off status. The on / off status is indicated by a toggle switch, and the user can control the on / off status of the equipment by operating the toggle switch.

[0085] Figure 12 shows an example of the scene settings screen. Scene settings are used to control multiple pieces of equipment at once. For example, by setting a "Go Out" scene to turn off both the lighting equipment and the air conditioning equipment, the user can turn off both the lighting equipment and the air conditioning equipment with a single touch by instructing the user to execute the "Go Out" scene. Users can configure (create and edit) scenes and execute scenes through the scene settings screen.

[0086] Each screen described above employs an intuitive user interface, allowing users to easily manage and control IoT equipment installed within Facility 80. Furthermore, extensive customization options enable users to create a comfortable living environment tailored to their preferences.

[0087] Furthermore, equipment registration can be easily performed by scanning a QR code (registered trademark) or by using short-range wireless communication via Bluetooth (registered trademark).

[0088] [Neighborhood Management App] It is conceivable that facility 80 is a housing development, and that many facilities 80 with the same specifications are constructed in a particular block. In such a case, the functions of a block management application program (hereinafter also simply referred to as the block management app) used by the construction company or management company for the purpose of efficiently managing the housing development in one place will be described. Note that the block management app is, for example, a web application, and information terminals such as the management terminal 50 can use the block management app from a browser. Figure 13 shows an example of the display screen of the block management app.

[0089] Through an information terminal running the block management application, the construction company or management company (hereinafter also referred to as "construction company, etc.") can set (register) the block name, country name, developer name, and project name of the block to which a large number of facilities 80 belong to the server device 40. The set blocks are displayed in a list.

[0090] Furthermore, the contractors set up the facilities 80 belonging to the block in association with the block. In other words, the contractors link the block ID and the facility ID. The contractors can set the name of facility 80, the residential model of facility 80, and the owner of facility 80. The contractors can also set (register) the floor plan information within facility 80. Setting the floor plan information may include setting the room names of each room within facility 80 and setting the installation locations of equipment. Here, it is possible to set the floor plan information for multiple facilities 80 with the same floor plan at once. Therefore, if there are many facilities 80 with the same floor plan, efficient setting can be achieved.

[0091] Furthermore, contractors and other relevant parties can collectively configure settings related to equipment for all 80 facilities belonging to the same block, either for each residential model or for each room. For example, if the equipment is an air conditioning system 21, settings such as the algorithm type (comfort algorithm or energy-saving algorithm, etc.), the airflow direction (up / down, left / right), wind speed, and the type of air conditioning system 21 can be configured. The wind speed settings include the wind speed settings required to calculate the PMV mentioned above.

[0092] With the block management app described above, construction companies and others can easily manage facility 80. Furthermore, they can respond to inquiries from facility 80 owners (users) in the event of trouble and provide necessary information. In addition, construction companies and others can create maintenance schedules and manage the progress of maintenance work based on operational log information of equipment installed within facility 80.

[0093] Furthermore, the block management app has an owner change function. After the construction company or other relevant parties complete the setup, the set information can be handed over to the owner of facility 89. The owner can then download the comfort app to their own information terminal (controller 30) and use the information set by the construction company or other relevant parties through the block management app.

[0094] [Effects, etc.] The inventions derived from the disclosures in this specification include, for example, the following. The inventions derived from the disclosures in this specification will be described below, along with the effects obtained by such inventions.

[0095] Invention 1 is an air conditioning control system 10 for controlling an air conditioning system 21 installed in an indoor space 90, comprising: an acquisition unit 44 that acquires first temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space 90 measured by a temperature and humidity sensor 24 installed in the indoor space 90; a calculation unit 46 that calculates the current value of a comfort index based on the acquired first temperature and humidity information and determines a first set temperature of the air conditioning system 21 to bring the calculated current value closer to the target value of the comfort index; and a control unit 47 that operates the air conditioning system 21 at the determined first set temperature and performs comfort control to operate a blower system 22 installed in the indoor space 90.

[0096] Such an air conditioning control system 10 can bring the comfort index in the indoor space 90 closer to the target value.

[0097] Invention 2 is an air conditioning control system 10 of Invention 1, wherein a ventilation system 23 is further installed in the indoor space 90, and the control unit 47 further operates the ventilation system 23 in comfort control.

[0098] Such an air conditioning control system 10 can bring the comfort index in the indoor space 90 closer to the target value by operating the air conditioning equipment 21, the ventilation equipment 22, and the ventilation equipment 23.

[0099] Invention 3 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to Invention 1 or 2, wherein the acquisition unit 44 acquires second temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 24 after the current value has been calculated, the calculation unit 46 determines a second set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21 based on the second temperature and humidity information when it determines that the humidity indicated by the acquired second temperature and humidity information has changed from the humidity indicated by the first temperature and humidity information, and the control unit 47 changes the first set temperature of the air conditioning equipment 21 to the determined second set temperature in comfort control.

[0100] Such an air conditioning control system 10 is Invention 4 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 3, wherein the control unit 47 performs comfort control when the temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature and humidity information is higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature, stops the air conditioning equipment 21 when the temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature and humidity information is less than or equal to the first temperature, and performs boost control to operate the air conditioning equipment 21 at a wind speed greater than the wind speed in comfort control when the temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature and humidity information is greater than or equal to the second temperature.

[0101] Such an air conditioning control system 10 can reduce power consumption by stopping the air conditioning equipment 21 when the temperature of the indoor space 90 is low, and can shorten the time required for the indoor space 90 to reach a comfortable state by increasing the airflow speed of the air conditioning equipment 21 when the temperature of the indoor space 90 is high.

[0102] Invention 5 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 4, wherein the acquisition unit 44 further acquires a target value setting request transmitted by the remote controller 30, and the air conditioning control system 10 further includes a setting unit 45 that changes the target value stored in the storage unit 43 to a target value specified by the user based on the acquired setting request, and the specification of the target value is performed by the user's operation on an object displayed in the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30.

[0103] Such an air conditioning control system 10 allows the user to change the target value of the comfort index by interacting with an object displayed on the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30.

[0104] Invention 6 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 5, wherein the acquisition unit 44 further acquires an execution command for boost control transmitted by the remote controller 30, and the control unit 47, based on the acquired execution command, executes boost control to operate the air conditioning equipment 21 at a wind speed greater than the wind speed in comfort control for a certain period of time, and the execution command for boost control is transmitted by user operation on an object displayed on the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30.

[0105] Such an air conditioning control system 10 can perform boost control by user interaction with an object displayed on the display unit 32 of the remote controller 30.

[0106] Invention 7 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 6, further comprising a storage unit 43 which stores registration information for calculating a comfort index, including user information related to the user, and a target value for the comfort index, wherein the user information is set by the user's operation of the remote controller 30, and at least a portion of the registration information is set by the administrator of the air conditioning control system 10's management terminal 50.

[0107] Such an air conditioning control system 10 can allow users to set user information, and allow administrators, rather than users, to set at least some of the registered information.

[0108] Invention 8 is an air conditioning control system 10 according to any of Inventions 1 to 7, further comprising an air conditioning unit 21, a temperature and humidity sensor 24, and a ventilation unit 22.

[0109] Such an air conditioning control system 10 can be implemented as a system including air conditioning equipment 21, a temperature and humidity sensor 24, and a ventilation system 22.

[0110] Invention 9 is a control method for an air conditioning system 21 installed in an indoor space 90, which is executed by a computer, and includes the steps of: S11 acquiring first temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space 90 measured by a temperature and humidity sensor 24 installed in the indoor space 90; S14 calculating the current value of a comfort index based on the acquired first temperature and humidity information and determining a first set temperature for the air conditioning system 21 to bring the calculated current value closer to a target value of the comfort index; and S15 performing comfort control by operating the air conditioning system 21 at the determined first set temperature and operating a ventilation system 22 installed in the indoor space 90.

[0111] This control method can bring the comfort index in the indoor space 90 closer to the target value.

[0112] Invention 10 is a program for causing a computer to execute the control method of Invention 9.

[0113] According to such a program, the computer can bring the comfort index in the indoor space 90 closer to the target value.

[0114] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, the air conditioning control system was implemented by multiple devices. When the air conditioning control system is implemented by multiple devices in this way, the components of the air conditioning control system (especially the functional components) may be distributed among the multiple devices in any manner.

[0116] Furthermore, the air conditioning control system may be implemented as a single device. For example, the air conditioning control system may be implemented as a single device equivalent to a server device, or as a single device equivalent to a remote controller.

[0117] Furthermore, the communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In addition, a relay device (not shown) may be interposed in the communication between devices.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a process executed by a specific processing unit may be executed by another processing unit. Also, the order of multiple processes may be changed, or multiple processes may be executed in parallel.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may also be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0120] Furthermore, each component may be implemented by hardware. For example, each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or they may be separate circuits. Also, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0121] Furthermore, general or specific embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or recording medium such as a computer-readable CD-ROM. Alternatively, they may be implemented as any combination of a system, apparatus, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

[0122] For example, the present invention may be implemented as a server device or remote controller as described in the above embodiment. Alternatively, the present invention may be implemented as a control method for air conditioning equipment executed by a computer, such as the server device or remote controller described in the above embodiment, or as a program (in other words, a computer program product) for causing a computer to execute the control method for air conditioning equipment. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0123] Furthermore, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art could conceive, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 10. Air Conditioning Control System 21 Air conditioning equipment 22. Ventilation equipment 23 Ventilation equipment 24 Temperature and Humidity Sensors 25 Wireless LAN Router 26 Signal conversion device 27 Gateway device 28 Equipment Controller 30 Remote Controllers 31 Reception Department 32 Display section 33, 42 Information Processing Unit 34, 43 Storage section 35, 41 Communications Department 40 Server Devices 44 Acquisition Department 45 Settings section 46 Arithmetic section 47 Control Unit 50 Management terminals

Claims

1. An air conditioning control system that controls air conditioning equipment installed in an indoor space, An acquisition unit that acquires first temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space measured by a sensor installed in the indoor space, A calculation unit calculates the current value of the comfort index based on the acquired first temperature and humidity information, and determines a first set temperature of the air conditioning equipment to bring the calculated current value closer to the target value of the comfort index. The system includes a control unit that operates the air conditioning equipment at the determined first set temperature and performs comfort control to operate the ventilation equipment installed in the indoor space, Air conditioning control system.

2. Furthermore, ventilation equipment is installed in the aforementioned indoor space. The control unit further operates the ventilation equipment in the comfort control. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1.

3. After the current value is calculated, the acquisition unit acquires second temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space measured by the sensor. When the calculation unit determines that the humidity indicated by the acquired second temperature and humidity information has changed from the humidity indicated by the first temperature and humidity information, it determines the second set temperature of the air conditioning equipment based on the second temperature and humidity information. The control unit, in the comfort control, changes the first set temperature of the air conditioning equipment to the determined second set temperature. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The control unit, The comfort control is executed when the temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature and humidity information is higher than the first temperature and lower than the second temperature. If the temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature and humidity information is less than or equal to the first temperature, the air conditioning equipment is stopped. If the temperature indicated by the acquired first temperature and humidity information is equal to or greater than the second temperature, a boost control is performed to operate the air conditioning equipment at a wind speed greater than the wind speed in the comfort control. Air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2

5. The acquisition unit further acquires the target value setting request transmitted by the remote controller, The air conditioning control system further includes a setting unit that changes the target value stored in the storage unit to the target value specified by the user based on the acquired setting request. The specification of the target value is performed by the user's operation on an object displayed on the display unit of the remote controller. Air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2

6. The acquisition unit further acquires the boost control execution command transmitted by the remote controller, Based on the acquired execution command, the control unit executes the boost control, which operates the air conditioning equipment at a wind speed greater than the wind speed in the comfort control for a certain period of time. The command to execute the boost control is transmitted by the user's operation on an object displayed on the display unit of the remote controller. Air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2

7. Furthermore, it includes a storage unit that stores registration information for calculating the comfort index, including user information related to the user, and the target value of the comfort index. The user information is set by the user's operation on the remote controller. At least a portion of the aforementioned registration information is set by an operation on the management terminal of the administrator of the air conditioning control system. Air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2

8. moreover, The aforementioned air conditioning equipment, The aforementioned sensor and, The system includes the aforementioned ventilation equipment, Air conditioning control system according to claim 1 or 2

9. A method for controlling air conditioning equipment installed in an indoor space, which is performed by a computer, The steps include: acquiring first temperature and humidity information indicating the temperature and humidity of the indoor space measured by a sensor installed in the indoor space; The steps include: calculating the current value of the comfort index based on the acquired first temperature and humidity information, and determining a first set temperature of the air conditioning equipment to bring the calculated current value closer to the target value of the comfort index; The process includes the step of operating the air conditioning equipment at the determined first set temperature and performing comfort control to operate the ventilation equipment installed in the indoor space, Control method.

10. A program for causing the computer to execute the control method described in claim 9.

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