Energy-saving proposal system and program for air conditioning systems

Abstract

This system and program provides an energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning systems that can propose air conditioning operation that balances energy efficiency and comfort. [Solution] The energy-saving proposal system for air conditioners includes: an energy-saving operation information acquisition unit that acquires energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in an energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature of the air conditioner based on predetermined energy-saving operation conditions; a manual operation information acquisition unit that acquires manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in a manual mode that determines the set temperature of the air conditioner according to manual operation; and a mode comparison information output unit that compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode and the manual mode and the comfort provided by the operation of the air conditioner based on the energy-saving operation information and the manual operation information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy-saving proposal system and a program for an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying an expected reduction amount of power consumption by changing an operation setting and proposing a change in the operation setting. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for comparing and displaying energy costs before and after energy-saving measures.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an energy-saving proposal system and a program for an air conditioner that can propose an operation of the air conditioner that achieves both energy-saving performance and comfort.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system in this disclosure includes: an energy-saving operation information acquisition unit that acquires energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioning system when the air conditioning system is operated in an energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature of the air conditioning system based on predetermined energy-saving operation conditions; a manual operation information acquisition unit that acquires manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioning system when the air conditioning system is operated in a manual mode that determines the set temperature of the air conditioning system according to manual operation; and a mode comparison information output unit that compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioning system in the energy-saving mode and the manual mode and the comfort provided by the operation of the air conditioning system, based on the energy-saving operation information and the manual operation information.

[0006] The program in this disclosure causes the computer to function as: an energy-saving operation information acquisition unit that acquires energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in an energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature of the air conditioner based on predetermined energy-saving operation conditions; a manual operation information acquisition unit that acquires manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in a manual mode that determines the set temperature of the air conditioner according to manual operation; and a mode comparison information output unit that compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode and the manual mode and the comfort provided by the operation of the air conditioner, based on the energy-saving operation information and the manual operation information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The energy-saving proposal system and program for air conditioning systems disclosed herein can propose air conditioning system operation that balances energy efficiency and comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning equipment in an embodiment [Figure 2] Flowchart of the display control process for the display in the embodiment [Figure 3]Diagram illustrating the mode comparison display 1 in the embodiment. [Figure 4] Diagram illustrating the mode comparison display 2 in the embodiment. [Figure 5] Diagram illustrating the energy-saving matrix display in the embodiment. [Figure 6] Explanatory diagram of the annual effect display in the embodiment [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology that proposed energy-saving operation by displaying predicted values ​​of power consumption and energy costs by changing the operating settings of air conditioning systems in order to save energy. This made it possible to appeal to customers about the effect of improving energy efficiency by changing the operating settings and propose energy saving for air conditioning systems.

[0010] However, when the operating settings of an air conditioning system are changed in order to save energy, there is a risk that the comfort level of users may decrease. Therefore, this disclosure provides an air conditioning system operation proposal system and program that can provide users with information on how comfort levels change when the operating settings of an air conditioning system are changed, and propose air conditioning system operation that balances energy saving and comfort.

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

[0012] (Embodiment) The embodiments will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. [1. Configuration of the energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning equipment] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the energy-saving suggestion system 1 for the air conditioning system in this disclosure will be described. Hereinafter, the energy-saving suggestion system 1 for the air conditioning system will be abbreviated as energy-saving suggestion system 1. The energy-saving suggestion system 1 is configured as part of the functions of a communication terminal 50 used by user U, and displays information suggesting energy-saving operation of the air conditioning system 110 on the display 51 of the communication terminal 50. The communication terminal 50 is a smartphone, tablet terminal, mobile phone, etc. The display 51 of the communication terminal 50 corresponds to the display device in this disclosure.

[0013] The air conditioning unit 110 is installed in the target space 100 of the building and provides air conditioning (cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidification, etc.) for the target space 100. The air conditioning unit 110 includes an indoor temperature sensor 111 for detecting the temperature inside the target space 100, an outdoor temperature sensor 112 for detecting the outdoor temperature, and a remote control 120. The remote control 120 includes buttons for selecting the air conditioning operation course, temperature setting buttons, a display unit, etc., and the user U can operate the remote control 120 to switch air conditioning operation courses, change the set temperature, etc.

[0014] The communication terminal 50 and the air conditioning unit 110 communicate with each other via the router 130. The communication terminal 50 also communicates with the printer 60 via the router 130. Furthermore, the communication terminal 50 and the air conditioning unit 110 communicate with the management server 310 via the communication network 300 connected to the router 130.

[0015] The management server 310 is a computer system including a processor, a memory, a communication interface, etc. The management server 310 communicates with a plurality of air conditioners including the air conditioner 110 to acquire the operation history information of each air conditioner, and records the acquired operation history information in the operation history DB (Database) 311. Further, the management server 310 has a set temperature table 312 that associates the set temperature of the air conditioner as an output element with input elements such as the capacity of the air conditioner, the conditions of the target space where the air conditioner is used (size, structure of the building such as wooden or reinforced), and the outside air temperature. The set temperature table 312 is generated based on experiments and computer simulations. The setting by the set temperature table 312 corresponds to the prepared determination rule of the present disclosure.

[0016] Furthermore, the management server 310 includes a learned model 313. The learned model 313 is generated by performing machine learning on the platform of the AI (Artificial Intelligence) model (pre-learning model) using, as learning data, measurement information such as the operation capacity of the air conditioner, the conditions of the target space where the air conditioner is used, the outside air temperature, the set temperature, and the power consumption in the situation where the air conditioner is operating, and using, as correct answers, the evaluation (evaluation of power saving performance and comfort) levels of each measurement information as teacher data.

[0017] The evaluation of comfort is performed based on the situation of the setting operation by the user of the air conditioner, for example, by the following operation elements. Number of changes... The number of changes in the set temperature during the sample period. Change probability... The probability that the target set temperature is changed to another set temperature during the sample period. The change probability is calculated by dividing the number of times the target set temperature is changed to another set temperature by the number of times the corresponding set temperature has been set (the actual number of settings). Change width... The width of the set temperature changed during the sample period.

[0018] The communication terminal 50 includes a processor 10, memory 20, and communication circuits (not shown). The memory 20 stores the application program 21 of the energy-saving proposal system 1. The program 21 may be downloaded to the communication terminal 50 from an external system of the management server 310 and stored in the memory 20, or it may be read from a recording medium (flash memory, optical recording medium, magnetic recording medium, etc.) to the communication terminal 50 and stored in the memory 20.

[0019] The processor 10 reads and executes the program 21 and functions as an energy-saving operation information acquisition unit 11, a manual operation information acquisition unit 12, a mode comparison information output unit 13, an energy-saving operation proposal unit 14, and an energy-saving information output unit 15.

[0020] The energy-saving operation information acquisition unit 11 accesses the management server 310 to acquire energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner 110 when the air conditioner 110 is operated in energy-saving mode. The energy-saving mode includes a first energy-saving mode and a second energy-saving mode. The first energy-saving mode is a mode in which the set temperature obtained by inputting the conditions of the target space 100, the outside air temperature, the capacity of the air conditioner 110, etc. into the learned model 313 is automatically determined as the set temperature of the air conditioner 110. The second energy-saving mode is a mode in which the set temperature obtained by inputting the conditions of the target space 100, the outside air temperature, the capacity of the air conditioner 110, etc. into the set temperature table 312 is automatically set as the set temperature of the air conditioner 110.

[0021] The manual operation information acquisition unit 12 accesses the management server 310 and refers to the operation history DB 311 to acquire manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioning unit 110 that was operated according to the set temperature set by the remote control 120. The processing by the mode comparison information output unit 13, the energy-saving operation proposal unit 14, and the energy-saving information output unit 15 will be described later.

[0022] [2. Display control processing] The procedure for controlling the display of the display 51, performed by the mode comparison information output unit 13 and the energy saving information output unit 15, will be explained according to the flowchart shown in Figure 2.

[0023] In the loop processing of steps S1, S10, S20, and S30 in Figure 2, the mode comparison information output unit 13 determines in step S1 whether user U has performed the display operation for "mode comparison display 1" and in step S10 whether user U has performed the display operation for "mode comparison display 2". In addition, the energy saving information output unit 15 determines in step S20 whether user U has performed the display operation for "energy saving matrix display" and in step S30 whether user U has performed the display operation for "annual effect display".

[0024] When the mode comparison information output unit 13 recognizes the user U's operation to display "mode comparison display 1" in step S1, it proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the mode comparison information output unit 13 accesses the management server 310 to obtain manual operation information of the air conditioner 110 recorded in the operation history DB 311. In the following step S3, the mode comparison information output unit 13 accesses the management server 310 to obtain energy-saving operation information for the air conditioner 110 using the first energy-saving mode. The energy-saving operation information for the first energy-saving mode is operation information calculated assuming that the set temperature of the air conditioner 110 is automatically determined using the learned model 313 and the air conditioner 110 is operated.

[0025] In the next step S4, the mode comparison information output unit 13 displays the "mode comparison display 1" shown in Figure 3 on the display 51 of the communication terminal 50. As shown in Figure 3, the "mode comparison display 1" sets the left vertical axis to the daily power consumption of the air conditioner 110, the right vertical axis to the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner 110 is changed by the remote control 120, and the horizontal axis to the daily time axis, and displays a comparison between the usage graph N for past manual mode operation periods and the usage graph E1 for operation periods assuming use in the first energy-saving mode.

[0026] Graph N, showing usage in manual mode, displays the actual power consumption as a bar graph and the number of times the set temperature was changed as a line graph for the period from April 1st to April 3rd. Graph E1, showing usage in the first energy-saving mode, displays the power consumption as a bar graph and the number of times the set temperature was changed as a line graph for the period from April 28th to April 30th, assuming that the air conditioning unit 110 was operated in the first energy-saving mode.

[0027] Here, the number of times the set temperature is changed is an indicator of comfort, and it is assumed that the fewer the number of changes, the higher the comfort level of user U. Comparing the usage graph N in manual mode with the usage graph E1 in the first energy-saving mode, the usage graph E1 in the first energy-saving mode shows lower power consumption and fewer changes in the set temperature. Therefore, by appealing to user U, who has checked "Mode Comparison Display 1," that operating the air conditioner 110 in the first energy-saving mode will reduce power consumption and improve the comfort level of the air conditioner, it is possible to encourage the adoption of the first energy-saving mode.

[0028] When the mode comparison information output unit 13 recognizes the user U's operation to display "mode comparison display 2" in step S10, it proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the mode comparison information output unit 13 accesses the management server 310 to obtain the manual operation information of the air conditioner 110 recorded in the operation history DB 311. In the following step S12, the mode comparison information output unit 13 accesses the management server 310 to obtain energy-saving operation information for the air conditioner 110 using the first energy-saving mode. In the following step S13, the mode comparison information output unit 13 accesses the management server 310 to obtain energy-saving operation information for the air conditioner 110 using the second energy-saving mode. The energy-saving operation information for the second energy-saving mode is operation information calculated assuming that the set temperature of the air conditioner 110 is automatically determined using the set temperature table 312.

[0029] In the next step S14, the mode comparison information output unit 13 displays the "mode comparison display 2" shown in Figure 4 on the display 51 of the communication terminal 50. As shown in Figure 4, the "mode comparison display 2" sets the left vertical axis to the daily power consumption of the air conditioner 110, the right vertical axis to the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner 110 is changed by the remote control 120, and the horizontal axis to the daily time axis, and displays a comparison of the usage graph N for past manual mode operation periods, the usage graph E1 for operation periods assuming use in the first energy-saving mode, and the usage graph E2 for operation periods assuming use in the second energy-saving mode.

[0030] The usage graph N in manual mode and the usage graph E1 in the first energy-saving mode are the same as "Mode Comparison Display 1" shown in Figure 3. The usage graph E2 in the second energy-saving mode shows the power consumption as a bar graph and the number of times the set temperature was changed as a line graph, assuming that the air conditioner 110 was operated in the second energy-saving mode for the period from April 28 to April 29.

[0031] Comparing the usage graph E1 for the first energy-saving mode and the usage graph E2 for the second energy-saving mode, power consumption is lower in the second energy-saving mode (E2), while the number of temperature setting changes (an indicator of comfort) is lower in the first energy-saving mode (E1). Therefore, it is possible to support user U, who has checked "Mode Comparison Display 2," in deciding whether to operate the air conditioner 110 in the second energy-saving mode to prioritize power consumption reduction, or in the first energy-saving mode to prioritize comfort.

[0032] When the energy-saving information output unit 15 recognizes the user U's operation to display the "energy-saving matrix display" in step S20, it proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the energy-saving information output unit 15 accesses the management server 310 to obtain manual operation information. In the following step S22, the energy-saving information output unit 15 obtains energy-saving operation information based on a first energy-saving mode, which assumes multiple operation patterns with weightings set for energy efficiency and comfort.

[0033] In the next step, S23, the energy-saving information output unit 15 displays the "energy-saving matrix display" shown in Figure 5 on the display 51 of the communication terminal 50. As shown in Figure 5, the "energy-saving matrix display" shows the relationship between comfort and energy saving, with the vertical axis set to comfort and the horizontal axis set to energy saving.

[0034] The first quadrant, G1, represents an operation that balances energy efficiency and comfort, while the second quadrant, G2, represents an operation that prioritizes comfort at the expense of energy efficiency. The third quadrant, G3, represents an operation that sacrifices both comfort and energy efficiency, and the fourth quadrant, G4, represents an operation that prioritizes energy efficiency at the expense of comfort. Figure 5's "Energy Saving Matrix Display" plots the current button 200, comfort button 201, energy saving button 202, and balance button 203, which represent multiple operating conditions for the air conditioning unit 110. By touching each of the buttons 200 to 203, the corresponding electricity cost and the number of times the set temperature has been changed are displayed, as exemplified for outlets B1 and B2.

[0035] User U can check the "Energy Saving Matrix Display" and select operating conditions for the air conditioning unit 110 in a way that balances comfort and energy saving.

[0036] In step S30, when the energy-saving information output unit 15 recognizes the user U's operation to display the "annual effect display," it proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the energy-saving information output unit 15 accesses the management server 310 to obtain manual operation information. In the following step S32, the energy-saving information output unit 15 accesses the management server 310 to obtain energy-saving operation information under the first energy-saving mode.

[0037] In the next step S33, the energy-saving information output unit 15 displays the "Annual Effect Display" shown in Figure 6 on the display 51 of the communication terminal 50. The "Annual Effect Display" sets the vertical axis to power consumption and the horizontal axis to the date and time in one-year units, and shows the power consumption for each year after the start of operation (1 year, 2 years, 3 years, ...) when the air conditioner 110 is operated in manual mode and when the air conditioner 110 is operated in first energy-saving mode, using a bar graph, the total power consumption since the start of operation is shown in a line graph, and the number of times the set temperature is changed (for example, the average number of times the set temperature is changed in one day) is shown in a line graph for comparison.

[0038] The "annual effect display" allows us to appeal to user U by highlighting the advantages of using the first energy-saving mode over manual mode in terms of energy efficiency and comfort, based on annual effects, thereby encouraging the adoption of the first energy-saving mode.

[0039] [3. Processing of proposals for energy-saving operations] The energy-saving operation proposal unit 14 accesses the management server 310 and recognizes the frequency of temperature setting changes when the air conditioner 110 is operated in manual mode, as recorded in the operation history DB. When the energy-saving operation proposal unit 14 recognizes that the frequency of temperature setting changes during a second predetermined period (for example, several days) is above a predetermined level, it displays a notification on the display 51 of the communication terminal 50 proposing the introduction of operation of the air conditioner 110 in first energy-saving mode.

[0040] This makes it possible to propose to user U the operation of the air conditioning unit 110 in the first energy-saving mode, which is expected to improve comfort.

[0041] [4. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, by showing the user U either "Mode Comparison Display 1" shown in Figure 3 or "Mode Comparison Display 2" shown in Figure 4, the superiority of the first energy-saving mode over the manual mode can be emphasized, and an air conditioning system operation that achieves both energy efficiency and comfort can be proposed.

[0042] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Therefore, other embodiments will be illustrated below.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the energy-saving suggestion system for the air conditioning system of this disclosure is configured as part of the functions of the communication terminal 50. In other embodiments, the energy-saving suggestion system for the air conditioning system of this disclosure may be configured as part of the functions of the air conditioning system 110 or the management server 310. When the suggestion system for the air conditioning system of this disclosure is configured as part of the functions of the management server 310, the management server 310 transmits screen data for "Mode Comparison Display 1," "Mode Comparison Display 2," "Energy Saving Matrix Display," and "Annual Effect Display" shown in Figures 3 to 6 to the communication terminal 50, and each display is shown on the display 51. Similarly, when the suggestion system for the air conditioning system of this disclosure is configured as part of the functions of the air conditioning system 110, the air conditioning system 110 transmits screen data for "Mode Comparison Display 1," "Mode Comparison Display 2," "Energy Saving Matrix Display," and "Annual Effect Display" shown in Figures 3 to 6 to the communication terminal 50, and each display is shown on the display 51.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the "Mode Comparison Display 1," "Mode Comparison Display 2," "Energy Saving Matrix Display," and "Annual Effect Display" shown in Figures 3 to 6 were displayed on the display 51 of the communication terminal 50. However, this display data may also be transmitted to a printer 60 and printed out by the printer 60.

[0045] Furthermore, the contents of "Mode Comparison Display 1," "Mode Comparison Display 2," "Energy Saving Matrix Display," and "Annual Effect Display" shown in Figures 3 to 6 may be output as audio from the speaker provided in the communication terminal 50.

[0046] The control board provided in the energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning equipment in this disclosure may be any controller capable of controlling the operation of the energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning equipment in this disclosure. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, in addition to the control board, other similar terms such as control means, control unit, or controller may be used to describe the device that controls the operation of the subject equipment in this disclosure. The control board can be realized in various forms. For example, the control board may use a processor as the control entity. If a processor is used as the control entity, it becomes possible to perform various processes by having the processor read a program from a storage medium containing the program and executing the program by the processor. Therefore, since the processing content can be changed by changing the program stored in the storage medium, the degree of freedom in changing the control content can be increased. Examples of processors include CPUs (Central Processing Units) and MPUs (Micro-Processing Units). Examples of storage mediums include hard disks, flash memory, and optical discs. Furthermore, wired logic, which cannot be rewritten, may be used as the control entity of the control board. Using wired logic as the control entity of the control board is effective in improving processing speed. Examples of wired logic include ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits). Alternatively, a controller may be implemented by combining a processor and wired logic. Implementing the control entity of a control board by combining a processor and wired logic increases the flexibility of software design while improving processing speed. Furthermore, the control entity of a control board and a circuit with a different function may be constructed from a single semiconductor element. An example of a circuit with a different function is an A / D / D / A conversion circuit. The control entity may also be constructed from a single semiconductor element or from multiple semiconductor elements. When constructed from multiple semiconductor elements, each control described in the claims may be implemented from different semiconductor elements. Additionally, the control board may be constructed from a configuration including semiconductor elements and passive components such as resistors or capacitors.

[0047] The communication circuit (communication interface) as a communicator provided in the energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning equipment in this disclosure only needs to enable communication between the equipment subject to this disclosure and the remote control. When expressing the subject matter of the invention, in addition to the communicator, communication means, communication unit, transmitting and receiving means, transmitting and receiving unit, or similar terms may be used to describe something that enables communication between the equipment subject to this disclosure and the elements constituting the remote control. The communicator can be realized in various forms. Examples of a communicator include wireless connection to external equipment via a base station, etc., or direct wireless connection to external equipment. Examples of wireless connection to external equipment via a base station, etc. include IEEE 802.11 compliant wireless LAN that wirelessly communicates with a WiFi® router, third-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 3G), fourth-generation mobile communication system (commonly known as 4G), IEEE 802.16 compliant WiMax (registered trademark), or LPWA (Low Power Wide Area). Using a communicator that directly wirelessly connects the device disclosed herein with external devices is effective in improving the security of communications, and the device disclosed herein can communicate with external devices even in locations where relay devices such as Wi-Fi routers are not present. Examples of communicators that directly wirelessly connect the device disclosed herein with external devices include Bluetooth communication, NFC (Near Field Communication) communication via a loop antenna, or infrared communication.

[0048] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

[0049] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0050] (Technology 1) An energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioner, comprising: an energy-saving operation information acquisition unit that acquires energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in an energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature of the air conditioner based on predetermined energy-saving operating conditions; a manual operation information acquisition unit that acquires manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in a manual mode that determines the set temperature of the air conditioner according to manual operation; and a mode comparison information output unit that compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode and the manual mode and the comfort provided by the operation of the air conditioner, based on the energy-saving operation information and the manual operation information.

[0051] This configuration allows us to propose to users an air conditioning system operation that balances energy efficiency and comfort.

[0052] (Technology 2) The energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system as described in Technology 1, wherein the information relating to comfort is information relating to the user's operation of the set temperature while the air conditioning system is in operation.

[0053] With this configuration, it is assumed that users will adjust the set temperature if the air conditioning conditions are uncomfortable for them. Therefore, information regarding the adjustment of the set temperature can be treated as information regarding comfort.

[0054] (Technology 3) The energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system according to Technology 2, wherein the information relating to comfort is the average value of observed values ​​relating to the operation of the set temperature over a first predetermined period.

[0055] This configuration allows for the output of stable information regarding comfort by using the average value of observed values ​​related to the operation of the set temperature.

[0056] (Technology 4) The energy-saving operation information includes information regarding the usage status when the air conditioner is operated in a first energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature based on at least one of the target space in which the air conditioner is used and the past operating history of the air conditioner, and information regarding the usage status when the air conditioner is operated in a second energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature without being based on the target space in which the air conditioner is used and the past operating history of the air conditioner, and the mode comparison information output unit compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the manual mode, the first energy-saving mode, and the second energy-saving mode and the comfort provided by the operation of the air conditioner, the energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioner according to any one of the technologies 1 to 3.

[0057] This configuration allows us to highlight the benefits of adopting a first energy-saving mode, which automatically determines the set temperature based on either the target space where the air conditioner is used or the past operating history of the air conditioner, compared to adopting a second energy-saving mode, which automatically determines the set temperature without considering the target space where the air conditioner is used or the past operating history of the air conditioner, and also to adopting a manual mode.

[0058] (Technology 5) The energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioner as described in Technology 4, wherein the first energy-saving mode is a mode in which the set temperature is automatically determined using a trained model that is generated by machine learning using the past operating history of the air conditioner in the target space as training data and determines the set temperature based on at least the outside air temperature, and the second energy-saving mode is a mode in which the set temperature is automatically determined based on pre-prepared determination rules.

[0059] This configuration allows us to highlight the benefits of adopting the first energy-saving mode, which automatically determines the set temperature using a trained model, compared to the case where the second energy-saving mode, which automatically determines the set temperature based on pre-defined decision rules, is adopted.

[0060] (Technology 6) An energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioner according to any one of the technologies from Technology 1 to Technology 6, comprising an energy-saving operation proposal unit that acquires the past operating history of the air conditioner and, based on the operating history, recognizes that the frequency of changes in the set temperature when the manual mode is operated during a second predetermined period is at or above a predetermined level, outputs energy-saving proposal information that proposes the introduction of operation in the energy-saving mode.

[0061] With this configuration, if the frequency of temperature setting changes during manual operation exceeds a predetermined level, and it is estimated that the air conditioning conditions provided by the air conditioning system do not meet the user's requirements, energy-saving suggestion information can be output, thereby proposing the operation of the air conditioning system in energy-saving mode.

[0062] (Technology 7) An energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system according to any one of the technologies from Technology 1 to Technology 6, comprising an energy-saving information output unit that displays on a display device a matrix diagram showing the correlation between the set temperature and comfort in the energy-saving mode using orthogonal energy-saving axes and comfort axes.

[0063] This configuration allows us to provide users with information to adjust the set temperature in energy-saving mode.

[0064] (Technical 8) A program that causes a computer to function as: an energy-saving operation information acquisition unit that acquires energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in an energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature of the air conditioner based on predetermined energy-saving operating conditions; a manual operation information acquisition unit that acquires manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in a manual mode that determines the set temperature of the air conditioner according to manual operation; and a mode comparison information output unit that compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode and the manual mode and the comfort provided by the operation of the air conditioner, based on the energy-saving operation information and the manual operation information.

[0065] By executing a program with this configuration on a computer, the configuration of the energy-saving proposed system for air conditioning equipment described in Technology 1 can be realized. [Industrial applicability]

[0066] This disclosure is applicable to applications that propose the operation of air conditioning systems that achieve both energy efficiency and comfort. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning equipment 10 processors 11. Energy Saving Operation Information Acquisition Department 12 Manual operation information acquisition section 13. Mode Comparison Information Output Section 14 Energy-Saving Operation Proposal Department 15 Energy-saving information output unit 20 memory 21 Programs 50 Communication terminals 100 target spaces 110 Air conditioning equipment 111 Indoor temperature sensor 112 Outdoor temperature sensor 130 Routers 200 Current Button 201 Comfort Button 202 Energy-saving button 203 Balance button 300 Communication Networks 310 Management Server 311 Driving History Database 312 Pre-trained Models U User N Usage graph in manual mode E1 Usage graph in first energy-saving mode E2 Usage graph for second energy saving mode M Energy Saving Matrix Display Y Annual Effect Display

Claims

1. An energy-saving operation information acquisition unit acquires energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in an energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature of the air conditioner based on predetermined energy-saving operation conditions, A manual operation information acquisition unit acquires manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in a manual mode that determines the set temperature of the air conditioner according to manual operation, The system includes a mode comparison information output unit that compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode and the manual mode, and the comfort level provided by the operation of the air conditioner, based on the energy-saving operation information and the manual operation information. Energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning systems.

2. The aforementioned comfort information is information regarding the user's operation of the set temperature while the air conditioning system is in operation. The energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

3. The aforementioned comfort information is the average value of observed values ​​related to the operation of the set temperature over a first predetermined period. The energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned energy-saving operation information includes: Information regarding the usage status when the air conditioner is operated in a first energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature based on at least one of the target space in which the air conditioner is used and the past operating history of the air conditioner, This includes information regarding the target space in which the air conditioning unit is used, and information regarding the usage status when the air conditioning unit is operated using a second energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature without relying on the air conditioning unit's past operating history. The mode comparison information output unit compares and outputs information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the manual mode, the first energy-saving mode, and the second energy-saving mode, and the comfort level due to the operation of the air conditioner. An energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first energy-saving mode is a mode in which the set temperature is automatically determined using a trained model that is generated by machine learning using the past operating history of the air conditioning unit in the target space as training data, and which determines the set temperature based on at least the outside air temperature. The aforementioned second energy-saving mode is a mode that automatically determines the set temperature based on pre-defined decision rules. The energy-saving proposal system for air conditioning equipment according to claim 4.

6. The system includes an energy-saving operation proposal unit that acquires the past operating history of the air conditioning unit and, based on the operating history, recognizes that the frequency of changes in the set temperature during operation in manual mode during a second predetermined period is above a predetermined level, and outputs energy-saving proposal information that proposes the introduction of operation in energy-saving mode. An energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The system includes an energy-saving information output unit that displays a matrix diagram on a display device showing the correlation between the set temperature and comfort in the energy-saving mode, using orthogonal energy-saving axes and comfort axes. An energy-saving proposal system for an air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. Computers, An energy-saving operation information acquisition unit acquires energy-saving operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in an energy-saving mode that automatically determines the set temperature of the air conditioner based on predetermined energy-saving operation conditions, A manual operation information acquisition unit acquires manual operation information regarding the usage status of the air conditioner when the air conditioner is operated in a manual mode that determines the set temperature of the air conditioner according to manual operation, Based on the energy-saving operation information and the manual operation information, the mode comparison information output unit is configured to compare and output information regarding the power consumption of the air conditioner in the energy-saving mode and the manual mode, and the comfort level due to the operation of the air conditioner. program.

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