Air conditioning system, method for controlling the air conditioning system, and program

Abstract

This disclosure provides an air conditioning system that suppresses the increase in energy consumption of an air conditioning system due to changes in the set temperature, and also suppresses the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the air-conditioned space. [Solution] The air conditioning system in this disclosure is an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, comprising: a determination unit that determines a set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device; a specification unit that identifies a service related to the air conditioning device that the user has contracted for; and an energy-saving control unit that, if the service identified by the specification unit is a first service, causes the air conditioning device to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the space to be air-conditioned, and does not cause the air conditioning device to perform the energy-saving control if the service identified by the specification unit is a second service different from the first service.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a system that determines an appropriate set temperature based on the outside air temperature and the history of changes in the past set temperature, and sets the set temperature in an air conditioner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method for an air conditioning system, and a program that can suppress an increase in energy consumption of an air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature and suppress energy consumption of other devices arranged in the air-conditioned space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The air conditioning system in the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that air-conditions an air-conditioned space by an air conditioner, and includes a determination unit that determines a set temperature to be set in the air conditioner, an identification unit that identifies a service related to the air conditioner with which the user has contracted, and an energy-saving control unit that causes the air conditioner to execute energy-saving control for suppressing energy consumption of other devices arranged in the air-conditioned space when the service identified by the identification unit is a first service, and does not cause the air conditioner to execute the energy-saving control when the service identified by the identification unit is a second service different from the first service.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioning system in this disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, wherein the user identifies the service related to the air conditioning device that is under contract, and if the identified service is a first service, the air conditioning device is made to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the space to be air-conditioned, and if the identified service is a second service different from the first service, the air conditioning device is not made to perform the energy-saving control.

[0007] Furthermore, the program in this disclosure causes the computer of an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device to function as a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device, an identification unit that identifies the service related to the air conditioning device that the user has contracted for, and an energy-saving control unit that, if the service identified by the identification unit is a first service, causes the air conditioning device to execute energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the space to be air-conditioned, and if the service identified by the identification unit is a second service different from the first service, does not cause the air conditioning device to execute the energy-saving control. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The air conditioning system, control method for the air conditioning system, and program described herein can suppress the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature, and can also suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the air-conditioned space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Diagram showing the configuration of the management server in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the first management data in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the processing of the decision unit in Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Diagram showing the airflow direction of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the processing of the energy-saving control unit in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 2 [Figure 8] Diagram showing the configuration of the management server in Embodiment 2 [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the processing of the energy-saving control unit in Embodiment 2 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, a system was known, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, that determined an appropriate set temperature based on the outside air temperature and the history of past set temperature changes, and then set that temperature in an air conditioning system. This system makes it possible to maintain comfort in the conditioned space and reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioning system. However, when other equipment (for example, refrigeration equipment) is placed in the air-conditioned space, there is absolutely no mention of reducing the energy consumed by that equipment, for example, in Patent Document 1. In other words, the inventors have identified a problem: reducing the energy consumption of other equipment when it is placed in the air-conditioned space. Furthermore, to address this issue, we discovered that when other equipment is placed in the air-conditioned space, the air conditioning system can be controlled to suppress the energy consumption of the other equipment. Therefore, this disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method for the air conditioning system, and a program that can suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the air-conditioned space.

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the air conditioning system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 100. The air conditioning system 100 is a system that air-conditions the conditioned space S by the air conditioner 1. The air-conditioning of the conditioned space S includes cooling, heating, dehumidification, air supply, ventilation, etc. In this embodiment, the case where the conditioned space S is cooled and heated by the air conditioner 1 will be described. The conditioned space S is a space possessed by the facility H and is a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 1. The facility H includes, for example, a convenience store, a supermarket, etc.

[0013] The air conditioning system 100 includes the air conditioner 1. In FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 100 includes four or more air conditioners 1. The number of air conditioners 1 included in the air conditioning system 100 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12, performs air-conditioning operation by the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12, and air-conditions the conditioned space S where the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioner 1 is connected to the network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network composed of a public line network, a dedicated line, the Internet, or other communication networks.

[0014] The air conditioning system 100 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by an administrator P who manages the facility H. Note that the administrator P is not limited to a person and may be a subject having the management authority of the facility H (for example, a company operating the facility H). The terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a laptop computer, but it may also be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. The terminal device 2 is connected to the network NW. The terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioner 1, such as the power consumption, for each facility H.

[0015] The air conditioning system 100 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioner 1. The management server 3 is connected to the network NW and performs information processing with the air conditioner 1 and the terminal device 2 as clients. Note that the management server 3 may be a server device owned by the administrator P or may not be a server device owned by the administrator P.

[0016] The air conditioning system 100 includes a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service for providing weather data. The weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes at least a predicted value of the outside air temperature of the facility H. The predicted value of the outside air temperature of the facility H is, for example, a predicted value of the outside air temperature of the region where the facility H is located or the region corresponding to the postal code of the facility H. Note that the predicted value of the outside air temperature of the facility H may be a predicted value of the pinpoint outside air temperature of the facility H.

[0017] In each figure, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are each represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are constituted by a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may include a plurality of server devices with different processing contents or may be constituted by the same server device.

[0018] [1-1-2. Configuration of Air Conditioner] Referring to FIG. 1, the configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described. The air conditioning system 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. The number of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12 in the air conditioning system 1 may be multiple.

[0019] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. Thus, in the air conditioning system 1, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 constitute a refrigerant cycle.

[0020] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall or the like in the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has multiple operation buttons for the user of the air conditioner 1 to start or stop operation, operate menus, use cursor keys, etc. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 and the operating status of the indoor unit 11.

[0021] The communication device 14 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 also controls various parts of the air conditioning unit 1. Whenever the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 is changed, the communication device 14 sends operation data RD to the management server 3.

[0022] Operation data RD is data indicating that an operation to change the set temperature has been accepted. Operation data RD includes the air conditioner ID (Identification), date and time of change, type of air conditioner, set temperature before change, and set temperature after change. The air conditioner ID is the identification information for air conditioning unit 1. The change date and time is the date and time when the set temperature of air conditioning unit 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning performed by air conditioning unit 1, and in this embodiment, it indicates cooling or heating. The set temperature before change is the set temperature of air conditioning unit 1 before the change. The set temperature after change is the set temperature of air conditioning unit 1 after the change.

[0023] The communication device 14 receives configuration data SD from the management server 3. The configuration data SD is data that instructs the setting of the set temperature for the air conditioner 1, and the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 is recorded. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioner 1 at the set temperature contained in the received configuration data SD.

[0024] [1-1-3. Management Server Configuration] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 comprises a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31. The server control device 30 corresponds to an example of a "computer".

[0025] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), server memory 310, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0026] Server memory 310 is memory that stores programs and data. Server memory 310 stores control program 311, management DB (database) 312, and data processed by server processor 300. Server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of ​​server processor 300. Server memory 310 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory). Control program 311 corresponds to an example of a "program".

[0027] Management DB312 is a database that manages data related to air conditioning unit 1. Management DB312 has one record R for each air conditioning unit 1. Each record R includes the air conditioner ID, communication information, location of facility H, air conditioning type, current set temperature, first management data MD1, and second management data MD2. The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning device 1, and is, for example, the address information of the communication device 14. The location of facility H is the location of facility H where the air conditioning system 1 is installed, and is, for example, the address of facility H. The currently set temperature is the temperature set in air conditioning unit 1. The first management data, MD1, is data that manages information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 during cooling. The second management data, MD2, is data that manages information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 during heating. In the following explanation, when the first management data MD1 and the second management data MD2 are not distinguished, the designation "MD" is added, and they are referred to as "management data MD". Management DB312 corresponds to an example of a "storage unit".

[0028] Figure 3 shows an example of the first management data MD1. The first management data MD1 records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the first management data MD1 records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 time periods, where N is an integer between 0 and 23.

[0029] Furthermore, the first management data MD1 contains multiple outdoor temperatures recorded in 1°C increments. The range of outdoor temperatures recorded in the first management data MD includes at least the range of temperatures that the outside air at facility H can reach. Note that the range of outdoor temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 may be the same regardless of the location of facility H, or it may be a different range depending on the location of facility H.

[0030] The first management data MD1 records one collection data AD for each pair of time period and outside temperature. The collection data AD contains information related to the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The collection data AD collects various data within a predetermined range of the set temperature. The set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 is determined from the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collection data AD by the processing of the flowchart described later. The collected data AD shown in Figure 3 is an example of collected data AD for a group where the time period is from 2:00 to 2:59 and the outside temperature is 31°C.

[0031] The collected data AD records the set temperatures of multiple air conditioners 1 in 1°C increments within a predetermined range. In the example in Figure 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. In other words, in the example in Figure 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures shown in the collected data AD is 23°C to 27°C.

[0032] The collected data AD includes the number of actual temperatures, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each of the recorded set temperatures. In the example in Figure 3, the collected data AD includes "number of actual temperatures," "number of changes," and "probability of change" for each of the following temperatures: 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. "Number of successful occurrences" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set in air conditioner 1. "Number of changes" indicates the number of times the temperature setting has been changed from one setting to another. "Change probability" refers to the probability that the temperature was changed from a corresponding set temperature to another set temperature. The change probability is calculated by dividing the number of corresponding changes by the number of actual changes.

[0033] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the server communication device 31 is equipped with hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning device 1, the terminal device 2, and the weather server 4 according to the control of the server control device 30.

[0034] The server processor 300 functions as a communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, identification unit 306, judgment unit 307, notification unit 308, and energy saving control unit 309 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

[0035] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning unit 1, the terminal unit 2, and the weather server 4 via the server communication device 31.

[0036] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R and acquires the outside temperature based on the record R being processed. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R being processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information requesting a forecast value of the outside temperature for a time period including the current time, and it records the location of the facility H recorded in the record R being processed and the time period for which the request is made. For example, if the current time is H hours and M minutes, the forecast value request information records the time period from H hours and 0 minutes to (H+1) hours and 0 minutes. Note that H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59. When the communication control unit 301 receives forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​corresponding to the location and time period of facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature. In this embodiment, when the acquisition unit 302 calculates the average value of the forecast values, it either truncates the decimal part or rounds it to the nearest whole number.

[0037] The update unit 303 updates the management DB 312. The update unit 303 updates the actual count recorded in the collected data AD at L minutes past every hour. The update unit 303 updates the actual count for each record R. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. To elaborate on the updating of the actual count, at L minutes past every hour, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R to be processed. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the management data MD of the record R to be processed and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the set of outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. More specifically, if the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is cooling, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD from the first management data MD1, and if the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is heating, it identifies the collected data AD from the second management data MD2. Then, the update unit 303 increments the actual count corresponding to the currently set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed from the actual count recorded in the identified collected data AD. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented actual count to a change probability that reflects the actual count after the increment.

[0038] The determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1. The determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 based on the number of changes stored in the management DB 312. If the air conditioning type of the record R2 to be processed indicates cooling, the determination unit 304 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the outside temperature temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0039] Furthermore, the determination unit 304 determines whether the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD to be processed satisfies the following first condition. Condition 1: There must be a first set temperature and a second set temperature. The "first set temperature" is a set temperature where the corresponding change probability is above a predetermined threshold. An example of this predetermined threshold is 0.1 (10%). The "second set temperature" is a set temperature that is the second lowest after the first set temperature within a predetermined range, and whose corresponding change probability is below a predetermined threshold.

[0040] Here, we will explain the first set temperature and the second set temperature using Figure 3. The collected data AD shown in Figure 3 shows that a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "0 / 1" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "3 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0041] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C correspond to the first set temperature, and 24°C corresponds to the second set temperature. The collected data AD shown in Figure 3 satisfies the first condition described above. For convenience, the following explanation will describe the case where the first condition is met.

[0042] If the determination unit 304 determines that the first condition is met, it determines whether there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed. If the determination unit 304 determines that there are no multiple second set temperatures, it determines the second set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0043] On the other hand, if the determination unit 304 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures, it determines the second set temperature that best maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning unit 1.

[0044] The setting temperature that maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD is the lowest setting temperature among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD, when the air conditioning system 1 is performing cooling.

[0045] The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the air conditioner 1. The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature to the air conditioner 1 based on the record R to be processed. More specifically, the setting unit 305 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and the communication information recorded in the record R to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The generated setting data SD contains the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304. Based on the communication information received from the setting unit 305, the communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the setting unit 305 to the air conditioner 1.

[0046] The energy-saving control unit 309 causes the air conditioning system 1 to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 5 located in the air-conditioned space S. The energy-saving control unit 309 increases the airflow rate of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 and directs the airflow direction of the indoor unit 11 towards the refrigeration equipment 5 when the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is above a threshold. The threshold is, for example, "33°C". The threshold may also be "30°C" or "35°C". The refrigeration and freezing equipment 5 is, for example, a display case installed in a convenience store, supermarket, etc., where refrigerated foods, frozen foods, etc., are stored. Refrigeration equipment 5 corresponds to an example of "other equipment".

[0047] If the air conditioning system 1 is equipped with multiple indoor units 11, the energy-saving control unit 309 increases the airflow of the indoor unit 11 located closest to the refrigeration equipment 5 and directs the airflow of the indoor unit 11 toward the refrigeration equipment 5 when the outside air temperature is above a threshold.

[0048] The energy-saving control unit 309 may, for example, increase the airflow to the indoor unit 11 to the maximum airflow. Alternatively, the energy-saving control unit 309 may increase the airflow to the indoor unit 11 according to the outside air temperature. For example, the energy-saving control unit 309 may increase the airflow to the indoor unit 11 as the outside air temperature increases.

[0049] The energy-saving control unit 309, for example, directs the airflow of the indoor unit 11 toward the refrigeration equipment 5. If the indoor unit 11 has multiple air outlets, for example, it directs the airflow of the air outlet located closest to the refrigeration equipment 5 toward the refrigeration equipment 5.

[0050] Here, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the processing of the energy-saving control unit 309 will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the airflow direction of the air conditioner 1 in Embodiment 1. Note that the outside air temperature is above a threshold, and the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation. Figure 5 is a side view of a facility H that constitutes the air-conditioned space S. Facility H is, for example, a convenience store or a supermarket. As shown in Figure 5, three indoor units 11 are arranged horizontally along the ceiling of facility H. The three indoor units 11 are indoor unit 11A, indoor unit 11B, and indoor unit 11C. Furthermore, five refrigeration and freezing units 5 are arranged in the left-right direction within facility H. These five refrigeration and freezing units 5 are refrigeration and freezing unit 51, refrigeration and freezing unit 52, refrigeration and freezing unit 53, refrigeration and freezing unit 54, and refrigeration and freezing unit 55. Additionally, an entrance / exit ET is located at the far left of facility H.

[0051] The refrigeration and freezing equipment 51, located closest to the entrance / exit ET, is most susceptible to the influence of outside air flowing in from the entrance / exit ET. Therefore, Figure 5 illustrates a case where the energy-saving control unit 309 instructs the air conditioning system 1 to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of the refrigeration and freezing equipment 51. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the indoor unit 11 located closest to the refrigeration equipment 51 is indoor unit 11A.

[0052] The energy-saving control unit 309 increases the airflow of the indoor unit 11A and directs the airflow of the indoor unit 11A toward the refrigeration equipment 51 when the outside air temperature is above a threshold. The airflow direction FDA shows an example of the airflow direction of the indoor unit 11A. The energy-saving control unit 309 directs the airflow direction FDA of the left outlet of the indoor unit 11A toward the refrigeration equipment 51, as shown by the airflow direction FDA. The airflow direction FDA is diagonally downward.

[0053] In this way, by increasing the airflow of the indoor unit 11A and directing the airflow direction FDA of the indoor unit 11A toward the refrigeration equipment 51, the influence of outside air on the refrigeration equipment 51 can be suppressed, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 51. For example, as shown by the dashed arrow, when the inlet / outlet ET is open, the cold air blown from the indoor unit 11A flows towards the inlet / outlet ET, thereby suppressing the inflow of outside air from the inlet / outlet ET into the air-conditioned space S.

[0054] Furthermore, the airflow direction FDB of indoor unit 11B and the airflow direction FDC of indoor unit 11C are approximately horizontal. In this way, the airflow directions of indoor units 11A, 11B, and 11C are set, so that in the air-conditioned space S of facility H, the air flows as shown by the airflow direction FD, and the air in the air-conditioned space S can be cooled efficiently.

[0055] In Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 5, the case in which the energy-saving control unit 309 controls the indoor unit 11A to suppress the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 51 is described, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the energy-saving control unit 309 may control the indoor unit 11A, indoor unit 11B, and indoor unit 11C to suppress the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 51 and the refrigeration equipment 51.

[0056] Returning to Figure 2, we will now describe the configuration of the server processor 300. The specific unit 306 identifies the services related to the air conditioning system 1 that the user has contracted for. The services related to the air conditioning system 1 include a first service and a second service that is different from the first service. The identification unit 306 identifies whether the service related to the air conditioning system 1 that the user has contracted for is the first service or the second service. In the first service, the air conditioning system 1 is instructed to perform energy-saving control to reduce the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 51 located in the air-conditioned space S. In the second service, the air conditioning system 1 is not instructed to perform energy-saving control.

[0057] Both Service 1 and Service 2 are subscription-based services. That is, each of Service 1 and Service 2 is a service that is used by paying a fee regularly on a monthly or yearly basis. As described above, in the first service, the air conditioning system 1 is instructed to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 51 located in the air-conditioned space S. In the second service, the air conditioning system 1 is not instructed to perform energy-saving control. Therefore, the fee for the first service is set higher than the fee for the second service.

[0058] Here, the user is, for example, the owner of air conditioning unit 1. The user communicates with the management server 3 using, for example, a smartphone (not shown in the diagram). If the identification unit 306 identifies that the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is the first service, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning system 1, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 on the air conditioning system 1, and the energy saving control unit 309 causes the air conditioning system 1 to perform energy saving control to suppress the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 5 located in the air-conditioned space S. If the identification unit 306 identifies that the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is the second service, the determination unit 304 and the setting unit 305 perform the same processing as when the identification unit 306 identifies it as the first service, and the energy saving control unit 309 does not allow the air conditioning system 1 to perform energy saving control.

[0059] The determination unit 307 determines whether or not the air conditioning system 1 is registered if the service identified by the identification unit 306 is the first service. If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioner 1 is not registered, the notification unit 308 notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioner 1. If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioner 1 is not registered, the notification unit 308 notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioner 1, for example, via the communication control unit 301 to the user's smartphone or other device.

[0060] Furthermore, if the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioner 1 is not registered, the notification unit 308 accepts registration of the air conditioner 1 from the user's smartphone or the like. For example, the notification unit 308 accepts the identification information of the air conditioner 1 and the wind direction information indicating the wind direction of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 as registration information for the air conditioner 1. When the notification unit 308 accepts the identification information of the air conditioner 1 and the wind direction information indicating the wind direction of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1, it stores the identification information of the air conditioner 1 and the wind direction information indicating the wind direction of the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioner 1 in the management DB.

[0061] The user registers the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioning system 1 in which energy-saving control will be performed, taking into account the positional relationship between the entrance / exit ET of facility H, the refrigeration equipment 5, and the indoor unit 11 of the air conditioning system 1. The user also registers the airflow direction of the indoor unit 11 when energy-saving control is performed, taking into account the positional relationship between this indoor unit 11 and the refrigeration equipment 5. The statement that air conditioning system 1 is registered means, for example, that the identification information of air conditioning system 1 and the airflow direction information indicating the airflow direction of the indoor unit 11 of air conditioning system 1 are stored in the management database.

[0062] [1-2. Operation] Next, the processing of the determination unit 304 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the processing of the determination unit in Embodiment 1. The processing shown in Figure 4 is performed when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates cooling. For convenience, Figure 4 will explain the case where the first condition is met.

[0063] In step S101, the determination unit 304 determines that the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD to be processed satisfies the following first condition. Condition 1: There must be a first set temperature and a second set temperature. The "first set temperature" is a set temperature where the corresponding change probability is above a predetermined threshold. An example of this predetermined threshold is 0.1 (10%). The "second set temperature" is a set temperature that is the second lowest after the first set temperature within a predetermined range, and whose corresponding change probability is below a predetermined threshold.

[0064] Next, in step S103, it is determined whether there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed. If the determination unit 304 determines that there are no multiple second set temperatures (step S103: NO), the process proceeds to step S105. Then, in step S105, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1.

[0065] Now, we will use Figure 3 to explain step S105 in detail. When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, 24°C is the second set temperature, and the other set temperatures do not correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, the determination unit 304 determines in step 33 that 24°C is the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0066] If the determination unit 304 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures (step S103: YES), the process proceeds to step S107. Then, in step S107, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature, which provides the highest comfort level for the air-conditioned space S, from among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed, as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning unit 1.

[0067] The setting temperature that maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD is the lowest setting temperature among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD, when the air conditioning system 1 is performing cooling.

[0068] Next, the processing of the energy-saving control unit 309 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the energy-saving control unit 309 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 6, first, in step S201, the identification unit 306 determines whether the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is the first service. If the identification unit 306 determines that the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is not the first service (step S201; NO), the process ends thereafter. If the identification unit 306 determines that the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is the first service (step S201; YES), the process proceeds to step S203. Then, in step S203, the determination unit 307 determines whether or not the air conditioning system 1 is registered.

[0069] If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioning unit 1 is not registered (step S203; NO), the process proceeds to step S205. Then, in step S205, the notification unit 308 notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioning unit 1. After that, the process returns to step S201. If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioning system 1 is registered (step S203; YES), the process proceeds to step S207. Then, in step S207, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. Next, in step S209, the energy-saving control unit 309 determines whether the outside air temperature is above a threshold. The threshold is, for example, "33°C".

[0070] If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the outside air temperature is not above the threshold (step S209; NO), the process returns to step S207. If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the outside air temperature is above the threshold (step S209; YES), the process proceeds to step S211.

[0071] Next, in step S211, the energy-saving control unit 309 increases the airflow of the indoor unit 11A. The energy-saving control unit 309 sets the airflow of the indoor unit 11A to, for example, the maximum airflow. Next, in step S213, the energy-saving control unit 309 directs the airflow of the indoor unit 11A towards the refrigeration equipment 51. After that, the process returns to step S201.

[0072] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning system 100, which air-conditions a space S using an air conditioning device 1, comprises: a determination unit 304 that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device 1; a specification unit 306 that identifies the service related to the air conditioning device 1 that the user has contracted for; and an energy-saving control unit 309 that, if the service identified by the specification unit 306 is a first service, causes the air conditioning device 1 to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment (in this case, refrigeration equipment 5) located in the space S, and does not cause the air conditioning device 1 to perform energy-saving control if the service identified by the specification unit 306 is a second service different from the first service.

[0073] According to this, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1. Therefore, by having the determination unit 304 determine an appropriate set temperature, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the service identified by the identification unit 306 is the first service, the air conditioner 1 is made to perform energy-saving control that suppresses the energy consumption of other equipment (in this case, the refrigeration equipment 5) located in the air-conditioned space S, thereby suppressing the energy consumption of other equipment (in this case, the refrigeration equipment 5). Furthermore, if the service identified by the identification unit 306 is the second service, which is different from the first service, the air conditioner 1 is not made to perform energy-saving control. Therefore, the user can prevent the air conditioner 1 from performing energy-saving control by subscribing to the second service. In other words, by subscribing to the first service, the air conditioner 1 can perform energy-saving control, and by subscribing to the second service, the air conditioner 1 can not perform energy-saving control. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0074] The air conditioning system 100 is, as mentioned above, a refrigeration and freezing equipment 5.

[0075] According to this, if the service identified by the specific unit 306 is the first service, the air conditioning system 1 is instructed to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 5 located in the air-conditioned space S, thereby suppressing the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 5.

[0076] The air conditioning system 100 includes a determination unit 307 that determines whether the air conditioning unit 1 is registered when the other equipment is a refrigeration and freezing equipment 5 and the service identified by the identification unit 306 is the first service, and a notification unit 308 that notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioning unit 1 when the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioning unit 1 is not registered. If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioning unit 1 is registered, the energy saving control unit 309 causes the air conditioning unit 1 to perform energy saving control.

[0077] According to this, if the identified service is the first service, it is determined whether or not the air conditioner 1 is registered, and if it is determined that the air conditioner 1 is not registered, a message prompting the user to register the air conditioner 1 is sent. Therefore, by having the user register the air conditioner 1, energy-saving control can be properly executed. For example, by having the user define the conditions for energy-saving control when registering the air conditioner 1, energy-saving control can be properly executed.

[0078] The air conditioning system 100, specifically the energy-saving control unit 309, increases the airflow of the air conditioner 1 and directs the airflow direction of the air conditioner 1 toward the refrigeration equipment 5 when the outside air temperature is above a threshold, as part of its energy-saving control.

[0079] According to this, when the outside air temperature is above a threshold, the airflow of the indoor unit 11 is increased, and the airflow direction of the indoor unit 11 is directed towards the refrigeration equipment 5. Therefore, the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment 5 can be effectively suppressed.

[0080] The air conditioning system 100 includes a management DB 312 that stores the number of times the set temperature has been set and the number of times the set temperature has been changed for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1. The determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning unit 1 based on at least the number of times it has been set and the number of times it has been changed.

[0081] According to this, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined based on the number of setting cycles and the number of changes, so that the set temperature can be set to an appropriate temperature. Therefore, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0082] The air conditioning system 100 has a management DB 312 that stores the number of times the setting has been performed and the number of times it has been changed for each set of time period and outside temperature. The determination unit 304 identifies the number of times the setting has been performed and the number of times it has been changed based on the set of the target time for determining the set temperature and the set of the outside temperature for that target time. Based on the identified number of times the setting has been performed and the number of times it has been changed, the system determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0083] According to this, the number of times the setting temperature is determined and the number of times it is changed are identified based on the set time and the ambient temperature at that time. Based on the identified number of times the setting temperature is determined and the number of times it is changed, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined. Therefore, the set temperature can be set to a more appropriate temperature. Consequently, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0084] The air conditioning system 100, specifically the determination unit 304, determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device 1 based on the probability that the set temperature will be changed.

[0085] According to this method, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined based on the probability that the set temperature will be changed, thus allowing the set temperature to be set to a more appropriate temperature. Therefore, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0086] The control method for the air conditioning system 100 is a control method for the air conditioning system 100 that air-conditions a space S using an air conditioning device 1, and identifies the service related to the air conditioning device 1 that the user has contracted for, and if the identified service is a first service, causes the air conditioning device 1 to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment (for example, refrigeration equipment 5) located in the space S, and does not cause the air conditioning device 1 to perform energy-saving control if the identified service is a second service different from the first service.

[0087] According to this, it produces the same effect as the air conditioning system 100 described above.

[0088] The control program 311 causes the server control device 30 of the air conditioning system 100, which air-conditions the air-conditioned space S using the air conditioning device 1, to function as a determination unit 304 that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device 1, an identification unit 306 that identifies the service related to the air conditioning device 1 that the user has contracted for, and an energy-saving control unit 309 that, if the service identified by the identification unit 306 is a first service, causes the air conditioning device 1 to execute energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment (e.g., refrigeration equipment 5) located in the air-conditioned space S, and if the service identified by the identification unit 306 is a second service different from the first service, does not cause the air conditioning device 1 to execute energy-saving control.

[0089] According to this, it produces the same effect as the air conditioning system 100 described above.

[0090] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. [2-1. Structure] [2-1-1. Air Conditioning System Configuration] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the air conditioning system 100 in Embodiment 2. The configuration of the air conditioning system 100 is the same as that of the air conditioning system 100 described with reference to Figure 1. Therefore, among the configurations of the air conditioning system 100 shown in Figure 7, those that are the same as those of the air conditioning device 1 in Embodiment 1 described with reference to Figure 1 are given the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0091] [2-1-2. Configuration of the air conditioning system] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 in Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Figure 7. In the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 in Embodiment 2, components identical to those in the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 in Embodiment 1, as described with reference to Figure 1, are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0092] As shown in Figure 7, the air conditioning system 100 in Embodiment 2 differs from the air conditioning system 100 in Embodiment 1, which was described with reference to Figure 1, in that the communication device 14 of the air conditioning device 1 is connected to the ventilation device 15 in a communicative manner. The ventilation device 15 is installed in facility H and ventilates the air-conditioned space S of facility H. Examples of facilities H include residences, offices, shops, medical facilities, and public facilities. The ventilation device 15 corresponds to an example of "other equipment".

[0093] [2-1-3. Management Server Configuration] Next, we will describe the configuration of the management server 3 with reference to Figure 8. In the configuration of the management server 3 in Embodiment 2, components identical to those in the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 in Embodiment 1, as described with reference to Figure 1, are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0094] The server processor 300 functions as a communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, identification unit 306, judgment unit 307, notification unit 308, and energy saving control unit 309 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

[0095] However, the functions of the notification unit 308 and the energy-saving control unit 309, shown by the thick lines in Figure 8, differ from the functions of the notification unit 308 and the energy-saving control unit 309, shown in Figure 3. The functions of the notification unit 308 and the energy-saving control unit 309 in Embodiment 2 will be described below.

[0096] The energy-saving control unit 309 controls the operation of the ventilation device 15 according to the operating status of the air conditioning device 1. The energy-saving control unit 309 receives, for example, the operating status of the air conditioner 1 from the communication device 14 of the air conditioner 1. Then, the energy-saving control unit 309 controls the operation of the ventilation device 15 in accordance with the change in the operating status of the air conditioner 1.

[0097] Furthermore, the energy-saving control unit 309 controls the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to the operating status of the ventilation system 15. The energy-saving control unit 309 receives, for example, the operating status of the ventilation device 15 from the communication device 14 of the air conditioning system 1. Then, the energy-saving control unit 309 controls the operation of the air conditioning system 1 in accordance with the change in the operating status of the ventilation device 15.

[0098] For example, if the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 is changed to improve the comfort of users in the air-conditioned space S, the energy-saving control unit 309 reduces the airflow of the ventilation unit 15. "When modified to enhance user comfort" means that when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is lowered. Also, "when modified to enhance user comfort" means that when the air conditioner 1 is performing heating operation, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is raised.

[0099] By controlling the ventilation device 15 in this way, the temperature of the air-conditioned space S can more easily reach the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning device 1.

[0100] Furthermore, for example, if the ventilation device 15 starts operating while the air conditioning device 1 is stopped, the energy-saving control unit 309 will start the fan operation of the air conditioning device 1. By controlling the air conditioning device 1 in this manner, ventilation of the air-conditioned space S can be efficiently performed. As a result, the energy consumption of the ventilation device 15 can be reduced.

[0101] Furthermore, for example, if the air conditioning system 1 changes from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation, the energy-saving control unit 309 will stop the ventilation system 15. "Scheduled operation" means starting the operation of the air conditioning system 1 at a predetermined date and time, and stopping the operation of the air conditioning system 1 at a predetermined date and time.

[0102] Thus, when the air conditioning system 1 changes from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation, the energy-saving control unit 309 stops the ventilation system 15, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the ventilation system 15.

[0103] If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioner 1 is not registered, the notification unit 308 notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioner 1. If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioner 1 is not registered, the notification unit 308 notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioner 1, for example, via the communication control unit 301 to the user's smartphone or other device.

[0104] Furthermore, if the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioner 1 is not registered, the notification unit 308 accepts registration of the air conditioner 1 from the user's smartphone or other device. For example, the notification unit 308 accepts identification information of the air conditioner 1 as registration information for the air conditioner 1. When the notification unit 308 accepts identification information of the air conditioner 1, it stores the identification information of the air conditioner 1 in the management database. The statement that air conditioning unit 1 is registered means, for example, that the identification information for air conditioning unit 1 is stored in the management database.

[0105] [2-2. Operation] Next, the processing of the energy-saving control unit 309 in Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the processing of the energy-saving control unit 309 in Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 9, first, in step S301, the identification unit 306 determines whether the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is the first service. If the identification unit 306 determines that the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is not the first service (step S301; NO), the process then ends. If the identification unit 306 determines that the service related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by the user is the first service (step S301; YES), the process proceeds to step S303. Then, in step S303, the determination unit 307 determines whether or not the air conditioning system 1 is registered.

[0106] If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioning unit 1 is not registered (step S303; NO), the process proceeds to step S305. Then, in step S305, the notification unit 308 notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioning unit 1. After that, the process returns to step S301. If the determination unit 307 determines that the air conditioning system 1 is registered (step S303; YES), the process proceeds to step S307.

[0107] Next, in step S307, the energy-saving control unit 309 determines whether or not the air conditioning system 1 is in operation. If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the air conditioning system 1 is in operation (step S307; YES), the process proceeds to step S307. If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the air conditioning system 1 is not in operation (step S307; NO), the process proceeds to step S309.

[0108] Then, in step S309, the energy-saving control unit 309 determines whether or not the ventilation device 15 has started operating. If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the ventilation device 15 has not started operating (step S309; ​​NO), the process returns to step S301. If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the ventilation device 15 has started operating (step S309; ​​YES), the process proceeds to step S311. Then, in step S311, the energy-saving control unit 309 starts the fan operation of the air conditioner 1. After that, the process returns to step S301.

[0109] If the answer in step S307 is YES, then in step S313, the energy-saving control unit 309 determines whether the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 has been changed to improve the comfort of the users in the air-conditioned space S. If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 has been changed to improve the comfort of users in the air-conditioned space S (step S313; YES), the process proceeds to step S319. Then, in step S319, the energy-saving control unit 309 reduces the airflow of the ventilation device 15. After that, the process returns to step S301.

[0110] If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 has not been changed to improve the comfort of users in the air-conditioned space S (step S313; NO), the process proceeds to step S315. Then, in step S315, the energy-saving control unit 309 determines whether the air conditioner 1 has changed from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation.

[0111] If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the air conditioner 1 has not changed from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation (step S315; NO), the process then returns to step S301. If the energy-saving control unit 309 determines that the air conditioner 1 has changed from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation (step S315; YES), the process proceeds to step S317. Then, in step S317, the energy-saving control unit 309 stops the ventilation device 15. After that, the process returns to step S301.

[0112] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As explained above, if the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 is changed to improve the comfort of users in the air-conditioned space S, the energy-saving control unit 309 reduces the airflow of the ventilation unit 15.

[0113] According to this, the temperature of the air-conditioned space S can more easily reach the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0114] Furthermore, if the ventilation device 15 starts operating while the air conditioning device 1 is stopped, the energy-saving control unit 309 will start the fan operation of the air conditioning device 1.

[0115] According to this, ventilation of the air-conditioned space S can be performed efficiently. As a result, the energy consumption of the ventilation device 15 can be reduced.

[0116] Furthermore, if the air conditioning system 1 changes from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation, the energy-saving control unit 309 will stop the ventilation system 15.

[0117] According to this, the energy consumption of the ventilation device 15 can be reduced.

[0118] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been explained as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiments 1 and 2 to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0119] In the embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the outside air temperature is included as a parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system 1. In other embodiments, the parameter may include, instead of or in conjunction with the outside air temperature, outside air humidity, solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc.

[0120] In the embodiment described above, the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD is the range from 23°C to 27°C. However, this predetermined range is merely an example and may be the range of settable temperatures that the air conditioner 1 can set, or it may be the range within the settable temperature range that the air conditioner 1 can set that is expected to be set by the user.

[0121] In the embodiment described above, the multiple set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set temperatures in 1°C increments. In other embodiments, the increment of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range is not limited to 1°C, but may be, for example, 0.5°C increments.

[0122] In other embodiments, at least one of the acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, identification unit 306, determination unit 307, notification unit 308, and energy saving control unit 309 may be executed not by the server control device 30, but by a control device that controls each part of the terminal device 2, or a control device that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1 (for example, a communication device 14). In these other embodiments, the control devices that control each part of the terminal device 2 and the control devices that control each part of the air conditioner 1 correspond to the "computer". Also in these other embodiments, the "program" corresponds to a program that implements at least one of the acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, identification unit 306, determination unit 307, notification unit 308, and energy saving control unit 309, and is executed by the control devices that control each part of the terminal device 2 and the control devices that control each part of the air conditioner 1. Also in these other embodiments, the memory of the terminal device 2 or the air conditioner 1 may store the management data MD. Furthermore, if the control device that controls each part of the air conditioning unit 1 functions as the setting unit 305, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature for the air conditioning unit 1 by controlling each part of the air conditioning unit 1. In other words, in this case, the setting unit 305 does not generate setting data SD.

[0123] The server processor 300 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0124] The configuration of the management server 3 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes programs to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or vice versa.

[0125] The operational step units shown in Figures 4, 6, and 9 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the intent of this disclosure.

[0126] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0127] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0128] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, comprising: a determination unit that determines a set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device; a specification unit that identifies a service related to the air conditioning device that the user has contracted for; and an energy-saving control unit that, if the service identified by the specification unit is a first service, causes the air conditioning device to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the space to be air-conditioned, and if the service identified by the specification unit is a second service different from the first service, does not cause the air conditioning device to perform the energy-saving control. According to this, by appropriately determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner, the set temperature of the air conditioner can be set appropriately. Therefore, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed. Furthermore, if the service specified by the specific unit is the first service, the air conditioner is controlled in such a way that the energy consumption of other equipment is suppressed. Furthermore, if the service specified by the specific unit is the second service, which is different from the first service, the air conditioner will not be made to perform energy-saving control. Therefore, the user can prevent the air conditioner from performing energy-saving control by subscribing to the second service. In other words, by subscribing to the first service, the air conditioner can perform energy-saving control, and by subscribing to the second service, the air conditioner can not perform energy-saving control. Therefore, user convenience can be improved.

[0129] (Technology 2) The aforementioned other equipment is a refrigeration or freezing device, or a ventilation device, in the air conditioning system described in Technical 1. According to this, since the other equipment is a refrigeration or freezing system or a ventilation system, the energy consumption of the refrigeration or freezing system or ventilation system placed in the air-conditioned space can be reduced.

[0130] (Technology 3) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1 or Technology 2, wherein the other equipment is a refrigeration and freezing equipment, and when the service identified by the specific unit is the first service, the system includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the air conditioning unit is registered, and when the determination unit determines that the air conditioning unit is not registered, the determination unit notifies the user of a message prompting the user to register the air conditioning unit, and when the determination unit determines that the air conditioning unit is registered, the energy saving control unit causes the air conditioning unit to perform the energy saving control. According to this, if the identified service is the first service, it is determined whether or not the air conditioning system is registered, and if it is determined that the air conditioning system is not registered, a message prompting the user to register the air conditioning system is sent. Therefore, by having the user register the air conditioning system, energy-saving control can be properly implemented. For example, by having the user specify the conditions for energy-saving control when registering the air conditioning system, energy-saving control can be properly implemented.

[0131] (Technology 4) The air conditioning system according to Technology 3, wherein the energy-saving control unit, as part of the energy-saving control, increases the airflow rate of the air conditioner and directs the airflow direction of the air conditioner toward the refrigeration equipment when the outside air temperature is above a threshold. According to this, when the outside air temperature is above a threshold, the airflow of the indoor unit is increased and the airflow direction of the indoor unit is directed towards the refrigeration equipment. Therefore, the energy consumption of the refrigeration equipment can be effectively suppressed.

[0132] (Technology 5) The air conditioning system according to any one of the technologies 1 to 4, wherein the other equipment is a ventilation device, and the energy-saving control unit stops the ventilation device when the air conditioning device changes from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation. According to this, when the air conditioning system changes from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation, the ventilation system is stopped, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the ventilation system.

[0133] (Technology 6) The air conditioning system according to Technical Reference 5, wherein the energy-saving control unit reduces the airflow of the ventilation device when the set temperature of the air conditioning device is changed to enhance the comfort of users in the air-conditioned space, and starts the air-blowing operation of the air conditioning device when the ventilation device starts operating while the air conditioning device is stopped. According to this system, if the set temperature of the air conditioning system is changed to improve the comfort of users in the conditioned space, the airflow of the ventilation system is reduced. By controlling the ventilation system in this way, the temperature of the conditioned space can reach the set temperature of the air conditioning system more easily, thus reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioning system. Furthermore, if the ventilation system starts operating while the air conditioning system is stopped, the air conditioning system will start its fan operation. By controlling the air conditioning system in this way, ventilation of the conditioned space can be performed efficiently. As a result, the energy consumption of the ventilation system can be reduced.

[0134] (Technology 7) An air conditioning system according to any one of the technologies 1 to 6, comprising a storage unit that stores the number of times the set temperature has been set and the number of times the set temperature has been changed for the set temperature of the air conditioning system, wherein the determination unit determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning system based on at least the number of times it has been set and the number of times it has been changed. According to this, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined based on the number of setting cycles and the number of changes, so that the set temperature can be set to an appropriate temperature. Therefore, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0135] (Technology 8) The air conditioning system according to Technical Reference 7, wherein the storage unit stores the number of setting times and the number of changes for each set of time period and outside temperature, the determination unit identifies the number of setting times and the number of changes to refer to based on the set of the target time for determining the set temperature and the outside temperature for that target time, and determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit based on the identified number of setting times and the number of changes. According to this method, the number of times the setting temperature is determined and the number of times it is changed are identified based on the set time and the ambient temperature at that time. Based on the identified number of times the setting temperature is determined and the number of times it is changed, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined. Therefore, the set temperature can be set to a more appropriate temperature. Consequently, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0136] (Technology 9) The air conditioning system according to any one of the technologies 1 to 6, wherein the determination unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device based on the probability that the set temperature will be changed. According to this method, the set temperature for the air conditioner is determined based on the probability of the set temperature being changed, allowing for a more appropriate temperature setting. Therefore, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0137] (Technology 10) A method for controlling an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device, wherein the method involves identifying a service related to the air conditioning device that the user has contracted for, and if the identified service is a first service, causing the air conditioning device to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the space to be air-conditioned, and if the identified service is a second service different from the first service, not causing the air conditioning device to perform the energy-saving control. According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0138] (Technology 11) A program that causes a computer in an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device to function as a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device, an identification unit that identifies the service related to the air conditioning device that the user has contracted for, and an energy-saving control unit that, if the service identified by the identification unit is a first service, causes the air conditioning device to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the space to be air-conditioned, and if the service identified by the identification unit is a second service different from the first service, does not cause the air conditioning device to perform the energy-saving control. According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0139] As described above, the air conditioning system, control method for the air conditioning system, and program according to the present invention can be used to suppress the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature, as well as to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the air-conditioned space. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0140] 1. Air conditioning system 2 Terminal devices 3. Management Server 4 Weather Server 5, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55 Refrigeration and freezing equipment (other equipment) 11, 11A, 11B, 11C indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote control 14. Communication equipment 15. Ventilation equipment (other equipment) 30 Server control unit (computer) 31 Server communication device 300 server processors 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Acquisition Department 303 Update Department 304 Decision Section 305 Settings Section 306 Energy Saving Control Unit 307 Selection Section 308 Billing Control Unit 310 Server Memory 311 Control program (program) 312 Management DB (storage unit) 100 Air Conditioning Systems FDA, FDB, FDC Wind direction H Facility MD Management Data NW Network S Air conditioned space

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that uses an air conditioning device to air-condition a space to be air-conditioned, A determination unit for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system, A special unit that identifies the service related to the air conditioning system that the user has contracted for, If the service identified by the specified unit is a first service, the energy-saving control unit causes the air conditioning system to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the air-conditioned space, and if the service identified by the specified unit is a second service different from the first service, the energy-saving control unit does not cause the air conditioning system to perform the energy-saving control. An air conditioning system equipped with [specific features / equipment].

2. The aforementioned other equipment is a refrigeration or freezing system, or a ventilation system. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned other equipment is a refrigeration and freezing system. If the service identified by the identification unit is the first service, a determination unit determines whether or not the air conditioning system is registered, The system includes a notification unit that, if the determination unit determines that the air conditioning system is not registered, notifies the user of a message prompting them to register the air conditioning system. If the determination unit determines that the air conditioning system is registered, the energy-saving control unit causes the air conditioning system to execute the energy-saving control. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The energy-saving control unit, as part of the energy-saving control, increases the airflow rate of the air conditioner and directs the airflow direction of the air conditioner toward the refrigeration equipment when the outside air temperature is above a threshold. The air conditioning system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned other equipment is a ventilation device. The energy-saving control unit stops the ventilation system when the air conditioning system changes from an operating state to a stopped state due to user operation or scheduled operation. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. The energy-saving control unit, If the set temperature of the air conditioning system is changed to enhance the comfort of users in the conditioned space, the airflow of the ventilation system will be reduced. If the ventilation device starts operating while the air conditioning device is stopped, the fan operation of the air conditioning device will be started. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. The air conditioner includes a storage unit that stores the number of times the set temperature has been set and the number of times the set temperature has been changed. The determination unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on at least the number of setting cycles and the number of change cycles. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The memory unit stores the number of times the setting was performed and the number of times the setting was changed for each set of time period and outside temperature. The determination unit identifies the number of setting cycles and the number of change cycles to refer to based on the target time for determining the set temperature and the ambient temperature at that target time, and determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system based on the identified number of setting cycles and the number of change cycles. The air conditioning system according to claim 7.

9. The determination unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system based on the probability that the set temperature will be changed. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. A control method for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, Identify the services related to the aforementioned air conditioning system that the user has contracted for, If the identified service is the first service, the air conditioning system is instructed to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment located in the air-conditioned space. If the identified service is a second service different from the first service, the energy-saving control will not be performed by the air conditioning system. A method for controlling an air conditioning system.

11. The computer in an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space using an air conditioning device, A determination unit for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system, A special unit that identifies the service related to the air conditioning system that the user has contracted for, and If the service identified by the specified unit is a first service, the energy-saving control unit causes the air conditioning system to perform energy-saving control to suppress the energy consumption of other equipment placed in the air-conditioned space, and if the service identified by the specified unit is a second service different from the first service, the energy-saving control unit does not cause the air conditioning system to perform the energy-saving control. A program that makes something function as such.

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