Air conditioning system, control method, and program

Abstract

It assists in adjusting settings to meet user requirements for energy efficiency or comfort. [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 whether at least one of the performance of the air conditioning device and the comfort of the space to be air-conditioned has reached a predetermined target based on the performance of the air conditioning device; a presentation unit that, if the predetermined target has not been reached, presents a review of the settings for determining the set temperature of the air conditioning device; and a setting change unit that changes the settings for determining the set temperature based on the adjustment content received when the review of the settings was presented.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , , ,

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for generating a screen for showing the operating status of an air conditioner in a predetermined period based on a state value including any one of the air conditioning load factor, COP (Coefficient of Performance), power consumption, and frequency of the air conditioner, which is specified using the operating data of the air conditioner, and providing information on measures for improving the operating efficiency.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for extracting an indoor unit having a power consumption in a predetermined situation from a plurality of indoor units based on information on power consumption and information on operating time obtained from the air conditioner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program that can assist in setting adjustments that satisfy user requirements for energy saving performance or comfort.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] 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 whether at least one of the performance of the air conditioning device and the comfort of the space to be air-conditioned has reached a predetermined target based on the performance of the air conditioning device; a presentation unit that, if the predetermined target has not been reached, presents a review of the settings for determining the set temperature of the air conditioning device; and a setting change unit that changes the settings for determining the set temperature based on the adjustments received when the review of the settings was presented.

[0007] Furthermore, the control method in this disclosure involves a computer determining, based on the performance of the air conditioning system that air-conditions a space, whether at least one of the performance of the air conditioning system's energy-saving performance and the comfort of the space has reached a predetermined target. If the predetermined target has not been reached, the computer suggests a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioning system, and then performs a process to change the settings used to determine the set temperature based on the adjustments received when the review of the settings was suggested.

[0008] Furthermore, the program in this disclosure causes a computer to determine, based on the performance of the air conditioning system that air-conditions a space, whether at least one of the performance metrics of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the space has reached a predetermined target. If the predetermined target has not been reached, the program will suggest a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioning system, and based on the adjustments received when the review was suggested, the program will execute a process to change the settings used to determine the set temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The air conditioning system, control method, and program described herein can assist in adjusting settings to meet user requirements for energy efficiency or comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This figure shows an example of the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A diagram showing an example configuration of the management server in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of management data in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] A diagram illustrating the updating of the number of actual results in Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the update of the number of changes in Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] A flowchart illustrating an example of the operation involved in reviewing the settings in Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] A diagram illustrating an example of setting adjustment in Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] A diagram illustrating an example of setting adjustment in Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] A diagram illustrating periodic and short-term setting changes. [Figure 11] A diagram illustrating an example of setting adjustment targets. [Figure 12] A diagram illustrating an example of setting adjustment targets. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) When the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology for generating a screen showing the operating status of an air conditioner during a predetermined period and providing information on measures to improve the operating efficiency. Generally, in air conditioning, there is a trade-off relationship between energy-saving performance (hereinafter, energy-saving may be abbreviated as "energy-saving") and comfort. However, with the conventional technology, it was not possible to grasp the dissatisfaction of users with respect to the energy-saving or comfort of air conditioning. For this reason, the inventors discovered a problem that the conventional technology could not appropriately respond when the air conditioning settings did not meet the user's requirements for energy-saving or comfort. To solve this problem, the inventors came to constitute the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0012] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program that can assist in setting adjustments to meet the user's requirements for energy-saving performance or comfort.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, there may be cases where more detailed explanations than necessary are omitted. For example, there may be cases where detailed explanations of well-known matters or duplicate explanations for substantially the same configurations are omitted.

[0014] Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Air Conditioning System] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 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 blowing, 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 where air conditioning is performed by the air conditioner 1. Note that examples of the facility H include a house, an office, a store (including a backyard), a medical facility, a public facility, etc.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1000 includes the air conditioner 1. In the example of FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioners 1. Note that the number of air conditioners 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 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. The air conditioner 1 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.

[0017] The air conditioning system 1000 includes the terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by the 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). This administrator P is an example of a user.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, the terminal device 2 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. Further, the terminal device 2 performs various setting inputs to the management server 3 based on the operation of the administrator P.

[0019] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning unit 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW and processes information with the air conditioning unit 1 and terminal device 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by administrator P, or it may be a server device not owned by administrator P.

[0020] The air conditioning system 1000 is equipped with a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service of providing weather data. The weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes at least the forecast value of the outside temperature of facility H. For example, the weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes actual measured values ​​of the outside temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and weather conditions from the past (several hours ago) to the present, and predicted values ​​for the future (several hours later), for a predetermined area associated with the location information of facility H, such as the address and postal code of facility H. The weather server 4 may also calculate and provide pinpoint weather data for facility H from the location information of facility H.

[0021] In each diagram, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are represented by a single block. However, this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are composed of a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may consist of multiple server devices with different processing functions, or they may be composed of the same server device.

[0022] [1-1-2. Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the air conditioning system 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. Note that the number of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12 in the air conditioning system 1 may be multiple.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] Operation data RD is data indicating that an operation to change the set temperature has been received. Operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), date and time of change, type of air conditioner, set temperature before change, and set temperature after change.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Furthermore, the operation data RD also includes information showing the operating history of the air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling until the set temperature is changed. Specifically, the operation data RD includes the operating time of heating and cooling at the set temperature before the change, and the amount of energy (power consumption) consumed by the indoor unit 11 and outdoor unit 12, etc., during that operating time.

[0029] The communication device 14 receives configuration data SD from the management server 3. The configuration data SD contains configuration information related to the air conditioning of the air conditioning unit 1. For example, the configuration data SD is data that instructs the setting of the temperature of the air conditioning unit 1, and the temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 is recorded. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 based on the received configuration data SD. For example, the communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 at the temperature recorded in the configuration data SD.

[0030] [1-1-3. Configuration of Management Server 3] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 2, the management server 3 comprises a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores the control program 311, the management DB (database) 312, the target information 313, and the data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area that constitutes the work area of ​​the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0033] 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 contains the air conditioner ID, communication information, location of facility H, air conditioning type, current set temperature, management data, and adjustment data.

[0034] The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning unit 1, 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 unit 1 is installed, for example, the address of facility H. The type of air conditioning is the type of air conditioning performed by the air conditioning unit 1, and in this embodiment, it indicates cooling or heating. The current set temperature is the set temperature set on the air conditioning unit 1.

[0035] The management data is data used to manage the operating performance of the air conditioning unit 1 during heating and cooling. Specifically, the management data includes information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0036] Figure 3 shows an example of management data in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 3, the management data MD records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the management data MD records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 time periods. Here, N is an integer from 0 to 23.

[0037] Furthermore, the management data MD records multiple ambient temperatures in 1°C increments. The range of ambient temperatures recorded in the management data MD includes at least the range of temperatures that the ambient air at facility H can reach. Note that the range of ambient temperatures recorded in the management data MD 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.

[0038] The management data MD 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The collected data AD records the number of actual settings, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each recorded set temperature. In other words, the collected data AD is an example of the set temperature change history. In the example in Figure 3, the collected data AD records the number of actual settings, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each of the following temperatures: 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C.

[0041] The "actual count" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set to air conditioner 1. The "number of changes" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was changed to another set temperature. The "probability of changes" indicates the probability that the corresponding set temperature was changed to another set temperature. The probability of changes is calculated, for example, by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding actual count.

[0042] Furthermore, the management data MD also includes information on the amount of energy consumed by the air conditioning unit 1 during heating and cooling, based on the information contained in the operation data RD. Specifically, the management data MD includes the date and time when the set temperature was changed, the operating time of heating and cooling at the previous set temperature, and the amount of energy consumed (power consumption) during that operating time.

[0043] Returning to Figure 2, the adjustment data is data indicating setting changes (adjustments) when the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined by the flowchart process described later. This adjustment data describes the adjustments made by the user when changing settings using the setting change unit 308.

[0044] Target information 313 is information about the energy-saving performance or comfort level of the air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling, which is the user's target, and is entered by administrator P via terminal device 2. Note that energy-saving performance and comfort are in a trade-off relationship. Therefore, as targets for energy-saving performance and comfort during heating and cooling of the air conditioning system 1, target information 313 includes the user's target for at least one of energy-saving performance and comfort.

[0045] For example, if the target energy efficiency is high, the comfort level, which is in a trade-off relationship with energy efficiency, will be lower. Conversely, if the target energy efficiency is low, the comfort level, which is in a trade-off relationship with energy efficiency, will be higher.

[0046] The energy-saving performance target for air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling indicates the extent to which energy consumption is reduced compared to the standard amount of energy consumed during conventional heating and cooling operation. For example, an energy-saving performance target could be the energy saving rate, which is expressed as a percentage (%) of the energy saved compared to the standard energy consumption during heating and cooling.

[0047] The comfort level target for the air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling is the target value of the level of comfort felt by users in the conditioned space S when the system is operated at the temperature set by the management server 3. For example, if users in the conditioned space S feel comfortable, they will not have any complaints about the set temperature and will therefore not change the set temperature. Conversely, if users in the conditioned space S feel uncomfortable, they will change the set temperature due to their dissatisfaction with it. Therefore, the target value of the level of comfort felt by users in the conditioned space S is the number of times the user changes the temperature set by the management server 3. As an example of this target value, a higher number of temperature setting changes indicates discomfort, while a lower number of temperature setting changes indicates comfort.

[0048] The server communication device 31 is equipped with hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. The server communication device 31 communicates with the air conditioner 1, the terminal device 2, and the weather server 4 in accordance with the control of the server control device 30.

[0049] The server processor 300 functions as a communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, judgment unit 306, presentation unit 307, and setting change unit 308 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R and acquires the outside air 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 air 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The update unit 303 updates the management DB 312. Every hour at L minutes, the update unit 303 updates the actual count recorded in the collected data AD. 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 update of the actual count, every hour at L minutes, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside 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 temperature and degree acquired by the acquisition unit 302. 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.

[0054] Now, with reference to Figure 4, we will explain how to update the actual count. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating how to update the actual count in Embodiment 1.

[0055] The explanation in Figure 4 illustrates a case where the current time when updating the actual count is in the 2 PM hour, and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation in Figure 4 also illustrates a case where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 4, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period in the 2 PM hour and the outside air temperature of 34°C from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0056] In the explanation of Figure 4, we illustrate the case where the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed is 25°C. That is, in the explanation of Figure 4, we illustrate the case where the set temperature set in the air conditioner 1 is 25°C. In the case of Figure 4, the update unit 303 increments the number of actual occurrences corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the actual occurrences recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Figure 4, along with the update of the actual occurrences, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5".

[0057] Next, the update of the update unit 303 will be explained. When the communication control unit 301 receives operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies the record R containing the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD from the management DB 312. Then, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the air conditioner type of the identified record R to the air conditioner type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0058] Furthermore, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R identified by the received operation data RD. Next, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature / degrees acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the management data MD of the identified record R.

[0059] Next, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD and increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0060] Furthermore, the update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to reflect the change probability after the increment.

[0061] Furthermore, the update unit 303 stores information regarding the amount of energy consumed by the air conditioning unit 1 during heating and cooling, which is included in the operation data RD, in the record R identified from the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD. Specifically, the update unit 303 stores in the record R the date and time when the set temperature was changed, the operating time of heating and cooling at the previous set temperature, and the amount of energy consumed (power consumption) during that operating time.

[0062] Now, with reference to Figure 5, we will explain how to update the number of changes. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating how to update the number of changes in Embodiment 1.

[0063] Figure 5 illustrates a case where the current time when updating the number of changes is in the 2 PM hour, and the outside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. Figure 5 also illustrates a case where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In Figure 5, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the 2 PM hour and the outside temperature of 34°C from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0064] In the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C. Also in the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the post-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24°C. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25°C from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. In addition, in the case of Figure 5, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" along with the update of the number of changes.

[0065] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1. Details of the determination method of the determination unit 304 will be described later.

[0066] 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.

[0067] Based on the performance of the air conditioning system 1 shown in the management DB 312, the determination unit 306 determines whether at least one of the performances of the air conditioning system 1, either the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system 1 or the comfort level of the air-conditioned space S provided by the air conditioning system 1, has reached the target indicated by the target information 313.

[0068] For example, suppose that the target information 313 indicates the energy-saving performance target for the air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling. In this case, the determination unit 306 determines whether the actual energy consumption of the air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling, as included in the management DB 312, has reached the energy-saving performance target indicated in the target information 313.

[0069] Furthermore, the target information 313 indicates a target value for the number of times the user changes the set temperature as a target for comfort during heating and cooling of the air conditioner 1. In this case, the determination unit 306 determines whether the actual number of changes during heating and cooling of the air conditioner 1, as contained in the management DB 312, is less than the target value for the number of changes indicated in the target information 313. For example, if the actual number of changes is less than the target value for the number of changes, the determination unit 306 determines that the comfort level of the air-conditioned space S has reached its target. Conversely, if the actual number of changes is equal to or greater than the target value for the number of changes, the determination unit 306 determines that the comfort level of the air-conditioned space S has not reached its target.

[0070] If the determination unit 306 determines that the target has not been reached, the presentation unit 307 suggests to the administrator P that they revise the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the presentation unit 307, via the communication control unit 301, displays a screen on the administrator P's terminal device 2 prompting them to revise the settings.

[0071] The setting change unit 308 modifies the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 based on the adjustments received when the presentation unit 307 presented a review of the settings. Specifically, the setting change unit 308 acquires the adjustments related to the review of settings (setting changes) based on the input operations of administrator P on the presentation screen by the presentation unit 307. The setting change unit 308 updates the record R corresponding to the air conditioner 1 in the management data MD using the acquired adjustments for the air conditioner 1 as adjustment data. Based on the adjustment data recorded in the record R corresponding to the air conditioner 1 in the management data MD, the setting used by the determination unit 304 to determine the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is changed (details will be described later).

[0072] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0073] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. The flowchart in Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of the management server 3 performed for each air conditioning unit 1. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 6 shows the operation performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed (S1). The process for acquiring the outside temperature (S1) will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, if the current time is 10:00, the forecast value request information will contain time periods such as 10:00 to 11:00, 11:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 1:00, etc. Note that the time periods included in the forecast value request information are, as an example, up to 8 hours ahead of the current time. When the communication control unit 301 receives the 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 ​​(for example, a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time 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 for each time period and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature. For example, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature for the time period from 10:00 to 11:00 by averaging the forecast value for 10:00 and the forecast value for 11:00.

[0075] Next, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD to be processed from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed (S2). The process for identifying the collection data AD (S2) will be described in detail. If the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates cooling, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to each time period and the set of outside temperature and temperature acquired in S1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed. If the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates heating, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to each time period and the set of outside temperature and temperature acquired in step S1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0076] Next, the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (S3). The determination process is the process of determining the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 for each time period. In the determination process, the collected data AD identified in S2 is the target of processing.

[0077] The decision process (S3) will be described in detail. In the decision process, the decision unit 304 reads the change probability for the set temperature from the collected data AD corresponding to the set temperature pair. Then, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the change probability satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the user has made few changes, i.e., a set temperature below a predetermined threshold.

[0078] Next, the determination unit 304 acquires the adjustment data recorded in the record R to be processed. The determination unit 304 then narrows down the identified set temperature according to the setting changes indicated in the acquired adjustment data.

[0079] For example, suppose the adjustment data includes a setting change that specifies an upper limit or lower limit setting temperature. In this case, the determination unit 304 excludes setting temperatures that are above the upper limit setting temperature from among the specified setting temperatures. The determination unit 304 also excludes setting temperatures that are below the lower limit setting temperature from among the specified setting temperatures.

[0080] For example, suppose the adjustment data includes a condition for changing the setting temperature of the air conditioner 1, which is the number of times the user is allowed to change the setting temperature (e.g., the number of changes per day). In this case, if the actual number of changes for the air conditioner 1 based on the collected data AD is less than the allowed number, the determination unit 304 will use the specified setting temperature as is. If the actual number of changes for the air conditioner 1 based on the collected data AD is greater than or equal to the allowed number, the determination unit 304 will stop determining the setting temperature using the specified setting temperature. In this case, the determination unit 304 will not determine the setting temperature, and the air conditioner 1 will not be controlled at the setting temperature set by the management server 3.

[0081] Furthermore, the adjustment data includes a setting change that specifies the target setting temperature. In this case, the determination unit 304 excludes setting temperatures from the identified setting temperatures that are not close to the target setting temperature. Specifically, the determination unit 304 excludes setting temperatures that are not included in a predetermined temperature range centered on the target setting temperature. In addition, the determination unit 304 excludes setting temperatures from a predetermined rank onward when the identified setting temperatures are arranged in order of proximity to the target setting temperature.

[0082] Next, the determination unit 304 identifies the setting temperature among the identified setting temperatures that will result in the lowest energy consumption (energy saving) during operation of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the determination unit 304 sets the highest temperature among the identified setting temperatures as the setting temperature during cooling, and conversely, sets the lowest temperature among the identified setting temperatures as the setting temperature during heating. In the determination process (S3), the above process is performed for each time period to determine the setting temperature for each time period.

[0083] Next, the setting unit 305 sets the determined set temperature for each time period to the air conditioner 1 (S4). Specifically, the setting unit 305 notifies the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301 of the set data SD, which is a set of the outside air temperature and the set temperature for each time period.

[0084] Furthermore, at the beginning of the day (for example, at midnight), the management server 3 may obtain the setting data SD for a full day's worth of time periods (midnight to 4 AM, 4 AM to 8 AM, 8 AM to 12 PM, etc.) through the operations described above, and then notify the air conditioning unit 1 of the average of all the time period settings as the full day's setting. This full day's setting is used as the setting data for offline mode, for example, when the setting by the management server 3 is delayed due to communication problems or other issues.

[0085] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation involved in reviewing the settings in Embodiment 1. The flowchart in Figure 7 operates in parallel with the operation in the flowchart in Figure 6.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7, first, the communication control unit 301 communicates with the terminal device 2 and sets the target entered by the administrator P via the terminal device 2 as target information 313 (S11). Specifically, the communication control unit 301 receives the user's target for at least one of the energy-saving performance and comfort levels of the air conditioning system 1 during heating and cooling via the settings screen of the terminal device 2. The communication control unit 301 stores the received target as target information 313 in the server memory 310.

[0087] Next, the determination unit 306 refers to the management DB 312 to obtain the performance data of the air conditioning unit 1 (number of changes, amount of energy consumed, etc.) (S12).

[0088] Next, the determination unit 306 determines whether the comfort level of the air-conditioned space S provided by the air conditioning system 1 has reached the target indicated by the target information 313 (S13). In addition, in S13, the determination unit 306 may also determine whether the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system 1 has reached the target indicated by the target information 313. If the target has been reached (S13: No), the determination unit 306 returns to processing in S12.

[0089] If the target is not achieved (S13: Yes), the display unit 307 displays a screen to the administrator P's terminal device 2 prompting it to review the settings and suggesting a review of the settings when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 (S14).

[0090] For example, the determination unit 306 determines whether the number of times the user has changed the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 has reached the target indicated by the target information 313. If the number of changes is greater than or equal to the target value, the determination unit 306 determines that the user has not achieved their comfort goal, such as by changing the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 many times. In such cases, the presentation unit 307 displays a presentation screen suggesting a review regarding the relaxation of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the presentation unit 307 displays a presentation screen suggesting setting an upper or lower limit for the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 so as not to impair comfort.

[0091] Next, the setting change unit 308 receives input from administrator P on the terminal device 2's display screen via the communication control unit 301 and accepts setting adjustments (adjustment details) for reviewing the settings of the air conditioner 1 (S15). Next, the setting change unit 308 updates the adjustment data included in the record R corresponding to the air conditioner 1 in the management data MD based on the accepted adjustment details (S16). Next, the setting change unit 308 returns to S12 to repeat the processes described in S12 to S16.

[0092] Here, we will explain how to adjust the settings using the display screen of the display unit 307. Figures 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an example of setting adjustment in Embodiment 1.

[0093] As shown in Figure 8, the display unit 307 displays a display screen G1 for reviewing at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the display unit 307 displays a display screen G1 that includes a slider G11 indicating the upper limit of the set temperature and a slider G12 indicating the lower limit of the set temperature.

[0094] As a result, the setting change unit 308 can accept the configurable temperature range (lower and upper limits of the set temperature) as adjustment content based on the operation of sliders G11 and G12 on the display screen G1. Then, the setting change unit 308 records the configurable temperature range (lower and upper limits of the set temperature) as adjustment data.

[0095] For example, suppose that by operating sliders G11 and G12 on the display screen G1, the settable temperature range is recorded as 18°C ​​to 26°C as adjustment data. In this case, when the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, it adjusts so that the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is determined to be between 18°C ​​and 26°C.

[0096] Furthermore, if the upper and lower limits of the current set temperature are included in the adjustment data, the display unit 307 may display the upper and lower limits of the current set temperature on the display screen G1 using signs or the like, along with sliders G11 and G12.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the presentation unit 307 may also present a presentation screen G2 for reviewing the number of times the user can change the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 (for example, the number of changes per day) as a condition for changing the setting when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. This allows the setting change unit 308 to accept the accepted number of changes G21 entered on the presentation screen G2 as adjustment content. Then, the setting change unit 308 records the accepted number of changes G21 as adjustment data.

[0098] For example, suppose that the allowable number of changes G21 for the display screen G2 is recorded as 3 in the adjustment data. In this case, when the determination unit 304 reaches 3 actual changes (number of changes) for the air conditioner 1 based on the collected data AD, it will not determine the set temperature any further. Therefore, after the user has changed the set temperature 3 times, the control of the air conditioner 1 at the set temperature set by the management server 3 will not be performed, and control will continue at the set temperature set by the user.

[0099] As an example, suppose the management server 3 sets the air conditioner 1 to 28°C at time t11, and the user changes it to 18°C ​​at time t12. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the management server 3 sets the air conditioner 1 to 25°C at time t13, and the user changes it to 18°C ​​at time t14. Then, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the management server 3 sets the air conditioner 1 to 24°C at time t15, and the user changes it to 18°C ​​at time t16. At this point, the user has changed the set temperature three times, so the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 will remain at the user's set temperature from now on. At this point, the display unit 307 may display a display screen G3 indicating that the air conditioner 1 will not be controlled at the set temperature set by the management server 3 from now on.

[0100] Furthermore, the display unit 307 may calculate a set value based on at least one of the targets of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning unit 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S, and display the calculated set value on the display screens G1 and G2 described above.

[0101] For example, the display unit 307 estimates and calculates upper and lower limit values ​​for the set temperature corresponding to at least one of the targets of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning unit 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S, using known simulations or the like. Then, on the display screen G1, the display unit 307 displays the calculated upper and lower limit values ​​for the set temperature along with sliders G11 and G12 using signs or the like.

[0102] Furthermore, the display unit 307 estimates and calculates the average number of setting changes per day corresponding to at least one of the targets of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning unit 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S, using known simulations or the like. Then, the display unit 307 displays the calculated average number on the display screen G2.

[0103] As an example, suppose the user has set a target of a 40% reduction in power consumption for the energy-saving performance of the air conditioner 1. In this case, the display unit 307 calculates the average set temperature and identifies the temperature required to achieve a 40% reduction in power consumption. For example, if the current temperature is 18°C ​​during cooling, and assuming a 10% reduction for every 1°C increase in the set temperature, then 22°C would be the temperature required to achieve a 40% reduction in power consumption. The display unit 307 also calculates the average number of actual temperature changes (e.g., 8 times) when the temperature required for a 40% reduction in power consumption is 22°C.

[0104] Furthermore, the setting change unit 308 may change the setting for determining the set temperature based on the patterns in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the setting change unit 308 identifies patterns in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 based on the actual performance of the air conditioner 1 shown in the management DB 312. Then, the setting change unit 308 changes the setting for determining the set temperature by generating adjustment data based on the identified patterns and recording it in the management DB 312.

[0105] Figure 10 illustrates periodic setting changes and short-term setting changes. As shown in Figure 10, one pattern in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is a periodic change, such as changing the set temperature at time t31 during predetermined time periods in the morning, noon, and evening. Another pattern in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is a pattern in which multiple changes are made in a short period of time at times t32, t33, and t34.

[0106] The setting change unit 308 generates adjustment data that relaxes the upper and lower limits of the set temperature during periods when setting changes are frequent, based on patterns of periodic changes, for example. As an example, it generates adjustment data that widens the settable temperature range (lower and upper limits of the set temperature). In addition, the setting change unit 308 generates adjustment data that widens the settable temperature range in proportion to the number of changes during periods when multiple changes are made in a short period, based on patterns of multiple changes in a short period. As a result, the determination unit 304 can adjust the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 according to the patterns in which the user changes the setting, based on the adjustment data.

[0107] Furthermore, the display unit 307 may display a screen that allows users to review the balance between the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting adjustment targets.

[0108] As shown in Figure 11, the display unit 307 displays a display screen G4 with the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning unit 1 on one horizontal axis and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S on the other horizontal axis. Since energy-saving performance and comfort are in a trade-off relationship, the horizontal axis of the display screen G4 shows the degree of balance between energy-saving performance and comfort.

[0109] The display unit 307 displays markers G41 to G43 on the horizontal axis of the display screen G4. Marker G41 indicates the ideal setting value corresponding to the target set in the target information 313. Specifically, the display unit 307 calculates the average value of the set temperature using a known simulation based on the target set in the target information 313, and uses this as the ideal setting value. The display unit 307 displays marker G41 at the position on the horizontal axis corresponding to the calculated ideal value.

[0110] The indicator G42 shows the actual values ​​of the air conditioner 1 as indicated in the management data MD. Specifically, the display unit 307 calculates the average value of the actual set temperature of the air conditioner 1 as indicated in the management data MD and uses this as the actual value of the air conditioner 1. The display unit 307 displays the indicator G42 at the position on the horizontal axis corresponding to the calculated actual value.

[0111] The indicator G43 is the target value for adjustment received from the setting change unit 308. The setting change unit 308 receives the target set temperature for adjustment based on the operation of indicator G43 on the horizontal axis of the display screen G4.

[0112] Furthermore, the display unit 307 displays the actual set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The setting change unit 308 accepts the user's evaluation of the displayed set temperature and may change the setting when determining the set temperature. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting an adjustment target.

[0113] As shown in Figure 12, the display unit 307 displays a display screen G5 showing the actual performance (average set temperature) of the air conditioner 1 as displayed information G56, as shown in the management data MD. On this display screen G5, the user's evaluation of their thermal comfort (e.g., too cold to too hot) in relation to the displayed information G56 is accepted as stages G51 to G55. Specifically, the setting change unit 308 accepts the user's selection of stages G51 to G55. Then, the setting change unit 308 generates adjustment data based on the received evaluations of stages G51 to G55 in relation to the actual performance (average set temperature) of the air conditioner 1.

[0114] For example, the setting change unit 308 calculates the target value of the adjustment temperature by converting each evaluation step relative to the average set temperature of 28°C, as indicated by the presented information G56, to 1°C. As an example, if step G52 is received as the user's evaluation of thermal comfort, adjustment data is generated with a target adjustment temperature of +2°C relative to 28°C. This allows the determination unit 304 to perform setting adjustments according to the user's evaluation.

[0115] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the air conditioning system 1000, the determination unit 306 determines, based on the performance of the air conditioning unit 1, whether at least one of the performance aspects of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning unit 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S provided by the air conditioning unit 1 has reached a predetermined target. If the predetermined target has not been reached, the presentation unit 307 presents a suggestion to revise the settings used when determining the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1. The setting change unit 308 changes the settings used when determining the set temperature based on the adjustments received when the setting revision was presented.

[0116] According to this, if the air conditioning system 1000 fails to meet a predetermined target in terms of energy-saving performance or comfort, it can suggest a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature and prompt the user to change the settings. Then, based on the adjustments received when the review of settings was suggested, the air conditioning system 1000 can change the settings used to determine the set temperature. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1000 can support setting adjustments that meet the user's requirements for either energy-saving performance or comfort.

[0117] Furthermore, the comfort level of the air-conditioned space S is measured by the number of times the user has changed the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. If the number of changes exceeds the target value, the display unit 307 will suggest a review regarding the relaxation of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioner 1.

[0118] According to this, if the user has not achieved their goal of comfort, such as by repeatedly changing the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, the air conditioner 1 can be relaxed to assist in adjusting the settings to meet the user's comfort requirements.

[0119] Furthermore, the adjustment item is the number of times the user is allowed to change the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The setting change unit 308 stops determining the set temperature if the number of times the user changes the determined set temperature exceeds the allowed number.

[0120] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can stop the management server 3 from determining the set temperature if the number of user changes to the set temperature exceeds the allowable number. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1000 can prevent situations where users who are dissatisfied with their comfort level repeatedly change the set temperature.

[0121] Furthermore, the presentation unit 307 presents a revision of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The setting change unit 308 changes the setting based on at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature that has been received.

[0122] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can adjust the upper and lower limits of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1000 can assist in adjusting the settings so that the range of set temperatures meets the user's requirements.

[0123] The display unit 307 displays the current set value of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0124] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can easily check the current setting value of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. This allows the air conditioning system 1000 to refer to the current setting value when adjusting, for example, the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature.

[0125] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1000 repeatedly performs the following steps: determination by the determination unit 306 to determine whether or not a predetermined target has been reached; suggestion by the suggestion unit 307 to review the settings if the predetermined target has not been reached; and setting change unit 308 to change the settings based on the adjustments made.

[0126] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can support setting adjustments that more closely match user requirements by repeatedly reviewing and changing settings when the predetermined target has not been reached.

[0127] Furthermore, the display unit 307 displays at least one of the upper and lower limits of the set temperature, based on at least one of the goals of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning unit 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S.

[0128] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can easily confirm the upper and lower limits of the set temperature that correspond to the targets of energy-saving performance of the air conditioning device 1 and comfort of the air-conditioned space S. As a result, the air conditioning system 1000 can, for example, refer to the upper and lower limits of the set temperature that correspond to the targets when adjusting the upper and lower limits of the set temperature.

[0129] Furthermore, the presentation section 307 presents a review of the balance between the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S.

[0130] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 allows for a reassessment of the balance between the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning device 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S.

[0131] Furthermore, the display unit 307 presents the degree of balance based on at least one of the following objectives: the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S.

[0132] According to this, the degree of balance between the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning device 1 and the comfort of the air-conditioned space S can be easily confirmed in the air conditioning system 1000, based on at least one of these objectives.

[0133] The determination unit 306 determines that the comfort level of the air-conditioned space S has not been reached if the number of times the user has changed the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 exceeds a predetermined target value.

[0134] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can suggest a review of the settings if a user who is dissatisfied with their comfort level repeatedly changes the set temperature. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1000 can support setting adjustments so that the user does not feel dissatisfied with their comfort level.

[0135] Furthermore, the setting change unit 308 changes the setting for determining the set temperature based on the pattern in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0136] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can assist in adjusting the settings according to the pattern in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1.

[0137] Furthermore, the display unit 307 displays the actual set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The setting change unit 308 changes the setting used to determine the set temperature based on the user's evaluation of the actual set temperature.

[0138] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can support setting adjustments in accordance with the user's evaluation of the actual set temperature.

[0139] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been presented as an example disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiment 1 to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0140] In the first embodiment described above, the user input that the display unit 307 displays and receives via the server communication device 31 was exemplified as input from administrator P from terminal device 2. In other embodiments, the user input that the display unit 307 receives via the server communication device 31 may be from the remote control 13 of the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the display unit 307 may be configured to display the user input on the operation screen of the remote control 13 and then receive the user input via the communication device 14 and the server communication device 31.

[0141] In the first embodiment described above, the parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system 1 includes the outside air temperature. In other embodiments, the parameter may include, instead of or in conjunction with the outside air temperature, the outside air humidity, the amount of solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, the amount of precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc.

[0142] In other embodiments, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of actual changes or the number of modifications. In these other embodiments, the change probability may be calculated with priority given to updates with more recent update dates and times.

[0143] In the embodiment 1 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.

[0144] In Embodiment 1 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.

[0145] In other embodiments, the terminal device 2 may be configured to perform operations related to the management server 3. Specifically, the terminal device 2 comprises a control device corresponding to the server control device 30, a storage device corresponding to the server memory 310, and a communication device corresponding to the server communication device 31. The control device of the terminal device 2 provides the functions of the communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, setting unit 305, judgment unit 306, presentation unit 307, and setting change unit 308 described above. In this case, the control device of the terminal device 2 corresponds to a "computer," and the program executed by the control device of the terminal device 2 corresponds to a "program." Furthermore, regarding the control of the air conditioning system 1, instead of the communication device 14, one of the indoor unit 11, outdoor unit 12, or remote control 13 may be configured to have the functions of the communication device 14 described above.

[0146] In the first embodiment described above, the management data MD stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0147] In the first embodiment described above, the management data MD stores the number of changes for each pair of time zone and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each pair of time zone and ambient temperature, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for the ambient temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0148] In Embodiment 1 described above, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. In other words, in Embodiments 1 to 3 described above, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may also be determined by considering the number of changes that are close to the current conditions (for example, the number of changes of ±1°C relative to the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0149] The program executed by the management server 3, etc., in this embodiment is provided as an installable or executable file recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as an optical recording medium like a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), a USB memory, or a semiconductor memory device like an SSD (Solid State Disk). Alternatively, the program may be stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and provided or distributed by downloading it via the network. Furthermore, the program may be pre-installed in ROM or the like.

[0150] 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 claims or their equivalents.

[0151] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0152] (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 whether at least one of the performance of the air conditioning device and the comfort of the space to be air-conditioned has reached a predetermined target based on the performance of the air conditioning device; a suggestion unit that suggests a review of the settings when determining the set temperature of the air conditioning device if the predetermined target has not been reached; and a setting change unit that changes the setting when determining the set temperature based on the adjustment content received when the review of the settings was suggested. According to this, if at least one of the performance metrics, energy efficiency or comfort, does not meet the predetermined target, the system will suggest a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature and change the settings accordingly. This helps to adjust the settings to meet the user's requirements for either energy efficiency or comfort.

[0153] (Technology 2) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1, wherein the comfort level of the air-conditioned space is the number of times the user has changed the set temperature of the air conditioning system, and the presenting unit presents a review regarding the relaxation of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system when the number of changes is equal to or greater than the target value. According to this, if the number of times the user has changed the set temperature exceeds the target value, a review regarding the relaxation of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system can be proposed, thereby supporting adjustments to the settings that meet the user's demands for comfort.

[0154] (Technical 3) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the adjustment content is the number of times the user can change the set temperature of the air conditioning device, and the setting change unit stops determining the set temperature when the number of changes made by the user to the determined set temperature exceeds the number of times the user can change it. According to this, if the number of user changes to the set temperature exceeds the allowable number, the system can be adjusted to stop determining the set temperature.

[0155] (Technical 4) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the presentation unit presents a revision of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioning device, and the setting change unit changes the setting based on at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature that has been received. According to this, it is possible to review at least one of the upper and lower limits of the set temperature and to support the modification of those settings.

[0156] (Technical 5) The air conditioning system according to Technical 4, wherein the display unit displays the current set value of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioning device. According to this, when determining the set temperature of an air conditioning system, it is possible to easily check the current set value of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature.

[0157] (Technology 6) An air conditioning system according to any one of Technologies 1 to 5, wherein the determination unit determines whether or not the predetermined target has been reached, the presentation unit presents a review of the settings if the predetermined target has not been reached, and the setting change unit changes the settings based on the adjustment content, and these processes are repeated. This allows for adjustments to settings that more closely match user requirements for energy efficiency or comfort.

[0158] (Technical 7) The air conditioning system according to Technical 4 or 5, wherein the display unit presents at least one of the set values ​​for the upper limit of the set temperature and the lower limit of the set temperature, based on at least one of the goals of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning device and the comfort of the air-conditioned space. According to this, it is possible to easily confirm at least one of the set values ​​for the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature, based on at least one of the goals of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the air-conditioned space.

[0159] (Technical 8) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the presenting section presents a review of the degree of balance between the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning device and the comfort of the air-conditioned space. According to this, it is possible to support adjustments to settings so as to review the degree of balance between the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the air-conditioned space.

[0160] (Technical 9) The air conditioning system according to Technical 8, wherein the display unit displays the degree of balance based on at least one of the goals of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning device and the comfort of the air-conditioned space. According to this, the degree of balance based on at least one of the goals of energy-saving performance of air conditioning systems and comfort of the air-conditioned space can be easily confirmed.

[0161] (Technical 10) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the determination unit determines that the target for comfort of the air-conditioned space has not been reached if the number of times the user has changed the set temperature of the air conditioning device is equal to or greater than a predetermined target value. According to this, the number of times the user changes the set temperature can be used to determine whether or not the target level of comfort in the air-conditioned space has been achieved.

[0162] (Technical 11) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the setting change unit changes the setting for determining the set temperature based on a pattern in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning device. According to this, the settings of the air conditioning system can be adjusted to match the patterns in which the user changes the set temperature.

[0163] (Technical 12) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the display unit displays the actual set temperature of the air conditioning device, and the setting change unit changes the setting for determining the set temperature based on the user's evaluation of the actual set temperature. According to this, settings can be adjusted to match the user's evaluation of the actual performance of the set temperature.

[0164] (Technical 13) A control method in which a computer determines, based on the performance of an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space, whether at least one of the performance of the air conditioning system's energy-saving performance and the comfort of the space has reached a predetermined target, and if the predetermined target has not been reached, it suggests a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioning system, and then changes the settings used to determine the set temperature based on the adjustments received when the review of the settings was suggested. According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0165] (Technical 14) A program that causes a computer to determine whether at least one of the performance of an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space has reached a predetermined target, based on the performance of the air conditioning system that air-conditions a space, and if the predetermined target has not been reached, to suggest a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioning system, and to change the settings used to determine the set temperature based on the adjustments received when the review of the settings was suggested. According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0166] As described above, the air conditioning system, control method, and program according to the present invention can be used for determining the set temperature to be set in an air conditioning device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0167] 1. Air conditioning system 2 Terminal devices 3. Management Server 4 Weather Server 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote control 14. Communication equipment 30 Server Control Units 31 Server communication device 300 server processors 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Acquisition Department 303 Update Department 304 Decision Section 305 Settings Section 306 Judgment section 307 Presentation section 308 Settings Change Section 310 Server Memory 311 Control Program 312 Management DB 313 Target information 1000 Air Conditioning Systems AD collected data G1~G5 presentation screen G11 Slider G12 Slider G21 Allowable number of cycles G41~G43 signs Stages G51-G55 G56 Presentation information H Facility MD Management Data NW Network P Administrator R Records RD operation data S Air conditioned space SD card configuration data t1~t34 time

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to a space using an air conditioning device, A determination unit that determines whether at least one of the performance metrics of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the air-conditioned space has reached a predetermined target, based on the performance metrics of the air conditioning system, If the predetermined target has not been reached, the presenting unit presents a suggestion to revise the settings when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner, The system includes a setting change unit that changes the setting for determining the set temperature based on the adjustments received when the aforementioned setting revision was presented. Air conditioning system.

2. The comfort level of the air-conditioned space is measured by the number of times the user changed the set temperature of the air conditioning system. The aforementioned display unit, when the number of changes exceeds the target value, presents a review regarding the relaxation of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The adjustment details refer to the number of times the user is allowed to change the set temperature of the air conditioning system. The setting change unit stops determining the setting temperature if the number of user changes to the determined setting temperature exceeds the allowable number of changes. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned display unit presents a revision of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner. The setting change unit changes the setting based on at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature that it has received. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

5. The display unit displays the current set value of at least one of the upper limit and lower limit of the set temperature when determining the set temperature of the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 4.

6. The determination unit determines whether or not the predetermined target has been reached, the presentation unit suggests a review of the settings if the predetermined target has not been reached, and the setting change unit changes the settings based on the adjustment details, and this process is repeated. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

7. The display unit presents at least one of the upper and lower limits of the set temperature, based on at least one of the goals of the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the air-conditioned space. The air conditioning system according to claim 4.

8. The aforementioned presentation unit presents a review of the balance between the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the air-conditioned space. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

9. The display unit presents the degree of balance based on at least one of the following objectives: the energy-saving performance of the air conditioning system and the comfort of the air-conditioned space. The air conditioning system according to claim 8.

10. The determination unit determines that the target comfort level of the air-conditioned space has not been reached if the number of times the user has changed the set temperature of the air conditioning system exceeds a predetermined target value. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

11. The setting change unit modifies the setting for determining the set temperature based on the pattern in which the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

12. The display unit displays the actual set temperature of the air conditioning system. The setting change unit modifies the setting used to determine the set temperature based on the user's evaluation of the actual performance of the set temperature. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

13. Computers Based on the performance of the air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to the conditioned space, it is determined whether at least one of the performance aspects of the air conditioning system's energy-saving performance and the comfort of the conditioned space has reached a predetermined target. If the predetermined target has not been reached, the system will suggest a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioning system. Based on the adjustments received when the aforementioned setting revision was presented, the process is executed to change the setting used to determine the aforementioned set temperature. Control method.

14. On the computer, Based on the performance of the air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to the conditioned space, it is determined whether at least one of the performance aspects of the air conditioning system's energy-saving performance and the comfort of the conditioned space has reached a predetermined target. If the predetermined target has not been reached, the system will suggest a review of the settings used to determine the set temperature of the air conditioning system. Based on the adjustments received when the aforementioned setting revision was presented, the process of changing the setting used to determine the aforementioned set temperature is executed. program.

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