Air conditioning system, air conditioning control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention provides an air conditioning system, a control method for the air conditioning system, and a program that suppresses the change in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit due to other functions of the air conditioning unit. [Solution] An air conditioning system for controlling an air conditioning device, comprising: an operation control unit that determines a set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device based on a history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning device and operates the air conditioning device at the determined set temperature; a function limiting unit that restricts the air conditioning device from performing at least one of four functions: a first function that returns the set temperature of the air conditioning device to the set temperature before the change after a preset time has elapsed; a second function that limits the range of set temperatures that can be set on the air conditioning device; a third function that operates the air conditioning device at the set temperature for a set time; and a fourth function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioning device so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioning device does not exceed a preset reference value.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management system that determines a set temperature corresponding to a change in outside air temperature and sets the determined set temperature in an air conditioner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning control method, and a program that suppress a set temperature set in an air conditioner from being changed by other functions provided in the air conditioner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that controls an air conditioner that air conditions an air-conditioned space, and includes an operation control unit that determines a set temperature to be set in the air conditioner and operates the air conditioner at the determined set temperature, and among the functions provided in the air conditioner, when a preset time elapses, a first function that returns the set temperature of the air conditioner to the set temperature before the change, a second function that restricts the range of set temperatures that can be set in the air conditioner, a third function that operates the air conditioner at the set temperature at the set time, and a fourth function that restricts the power consumption of the air conditioner so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioner does not exceed a preset reference value, and a function restriction unit that restricts the air conditioner from executing at least one of the four functions.

[0006] The air conditioning control method of this disclosure is an air conditioning control method for controlling an air conditioning device that air conditions a space to be air-conditioned using a control device, and the method includes: an operation control process that determines a set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device and operates the air conditioning device at the determined set temperature; and a restriction process that restricts the air conditioning device from performing at least one of four functions of the air conditioning device: a first function that returns the set temperature of the air conditioning device to the set temperature before the change after a preset time has elapsed; a second function that limits the range of set temperatures that can be set on the air conditioning device; a third function that operates the air conditioning device at the set temperature for a set time; and a fourth function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioning device so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioning device does not exceed a preset reference value.

[0007] The program of this disclosure is a program that causes a processor to execute an operation control unit which determines a set temperature to be set for the air conditioner and operates the air conditioner at the determined set temperature, and a restriction process which causes the air conditioner to restrict the execution of at least one of four functions of the air conditioner which, among the functions of the air conditioner which, after a preset time has elapsed, returns the set temperature of the air conditioner to the set temperature before the change, a second function which limits the range of set temperatures that can be set for the air conditioner, a third function which operates the air conditioner at the set temperature for a set time, and a fourth function which limits the power consumption of the air conditioner so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioner does not exceed a preset reference value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In this disclosure, the air conditioning system, air conditioning control method, and program are configured such that when a set temperature determined based on a change history is set on the air conditioning unit and the air conditioning unit is in operation, the execution of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth functions of the air conditioning unit is restricted. This prevents the set temperature set on the air conditioning unit from being changed by other functions of the air conditioning unit. Consequently, the air conditioning unit is operated at the set temperature determined based on the set temperature change history, and the power consumption of the air conditioning unit can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] Diagram showing the configuration of the management server in the embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of a setting table in the embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of management data in the embodiment. [Figure 5] A diagram illustrating the updating of the number of actual results in the embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram illustrating the update of the number of changes in the embodiment. [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the embodiment [Figure 8] A flowchart illustrating the operation of the decision unit in the decision processing in the embodiment. [Figure 9] A diagram showing an example of the data collected in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology that used weather forecasts for outside temperature and time to predict the appropriate set temperature and control the set temperature of an air conditioner. However, the inventors discovered a problem: even when the set temperature of the air conditioner was controlled, the set temperature may be changed by other functions of the air conditioner. To solve this problem, the subject matter of this disclosure was established. Therefore, this disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method for the air conditioning system, and a program that suppress the change of the set temperature set in the air conditioning system by other functions of the air conditioning system.

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

[0012] (Embodiment) [1. Configuration of the Embodiment] [1-1. Air Conditioning System Configuration] Figure 1 shows the system configuration of the air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that air-conditions a space S using an air conditioning device 100. The operating modes of the air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioning device 100 include cooling operation, heating operation, dehumidification operation, fan operation, and ventilation, but in this embodiment, the case in which the air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioning device 100 is cooling operation and heating operation will be described. The space S is a space owned by a facility H and is the space that the air conditioning device 100 air-conditions. Examples of facilities H include houses, offices, shops, medical facilities, and public facilities.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioner 100. Although FIG. 1 shows a case where the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioners 100, the number of air conditioners 100 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more and may be less than four. The air conditioner 100 includes an indoor unit 120 and an outdoor unit 160, performs air conditioning operation by the indoor unit 120 and the outdoor unit 160, and conditions the air-conditioned space S where the indoor unit 120 is installed. The air conditioner 100 is connected to the network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network composed of a public line network, a dedicated line, the Internet, or other communication networks.

[0014] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 300 corresponding to a control device. The management server 300 is a server device that manages the air conditioner 100. The management server 300 is connected to the network NW and performs information processing using the air conditioner 100 as a client. Note that the management server 300 may be a server device owned by the administrator P or a server device not owned by the administrator P.

[0015] The management server 300 performs mutual data communication with the weather server 400 via the network NW. The weather server 400 is a server device that provides a service for providing weather data. The weather data provided by the server may be a forecast value of the outside air temperature of the facility H or a predicted value of the outside air temperature of the area based on the address or postal code of the facility H.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an administrator terminal 500. The administrator terminal 500 is a terminal owned by the system administrator. For example, a tablet-type, notebook-type, desktop-type personal computer, or smartphone is used. An application program is installed on the administrator terminal 500, and by executing this application program on the administrator terminal 500, it can access the management server 300 via the network NW and, for example, change the settings of the management server 300.

[0017] In each diagram, the management server 300 and the weather server 400 are represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the management server 300 and the weather server 400 are composed of a single device. For example, the management server 300 and the weather server 400 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing functions, or they may be composed of the same server device.

[0018] [1-2. Configuration of the air conditioning system] The configuration of the air conditioning system 100 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioning communication device 110, an indoor unit 120, an outdoor unit 160, and a remote control 170. A single air conditioning system 100 may be configured to include multiple indoor units 120 and outdoor units 160.

[0019] The air conditioning communication device 110 is a device that connects to the network NW and communicates with the management server 300. Whenever there is a change in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 100, the air conditioning communication device 110 sends change data RD to the management server 300.

[0020] The change data RD indicates that a change in the set temperature has been accepted. The change data RD includes the air conditioner ID, the date and time of the change, the operating mode information, the set temperature before the change, and the set temperature after the change. The air conditioner ID is information that identifies the air conditioning system 100. The change date and time is the date and time when the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 100 was changed. The operating mode information indicates the operating mode of the air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioning system 100, and in this embodiment, it indicates either cooling or heating. The pre-change setting temperature is the pre-change setting temperature of the air conditioning system 100. The post-change setting temperature is the post-change setting temperature of the air conditioning system 100.

[0021] The indoor unit 120 and the outdoor unit 160 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. Thus, in the air conditioning system 100, the indoor unit 120 and the outdoor unit 160 constitute a refrigerant cycle.

[0022] The indoor unit 120 includes an indoor unit control unit 130. The indoor unit control unit 130 is a computer device that includes an air conditioning memory 140 and an air conditioning processor 150.

[0023] The air conditioning memory 140 is a memory that stores programs and data, and is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The air conditioning memory 140 stores control programs executed by the air conditioning processor 150, passwords 145, and other setting data. Passwords 145 correspond to the first authentication information.

[0024] The air conditioning processor 150 is an arithmetic processing unit equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit). The air conditioning processor 150 may be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. Furthermore, the air conditioning processor 150 may be composed of part or all of the air conditioning memory 140, or an SoC integrated with other circuits. Also, the air conditioning processor 150 may be composed of a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that performs predetermined arithmetic processing. Moreover, all the functions of the air conditioning processor 150 may be implemented in hardware, or they may be configured using programmable devices.

[0025] The indoor unit control unit 130 includes an air conditioning control unit 155 as a functional unit. This air conditioning control unit 155 is a function realized by the air conditioning processor 150 executing a control program stored in the air conditioning memory 140.

[0026] The air conditioning unit 100 receives setting data SD from the management server 300. This setting data SD contains the set temperature determined by the management server 300 based on the history of changes to the set temperature. When the air conditioning control unit 155 receives the setting data SD, it obtains the set temperature contained in the received setting data SD and sets the target temperature of the air conditioning unit 100 to the obtained set temperature.

[0027] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 receives restriction instructions from the management server 300. Restriction instructions are instructions that restrict the execution of functions provided by the air conditioning system 100, and include designation information that specifies the function whose execution should be restricted. The functions of the air conditioning system 100 whose execution is restricted by the restriction information will be described later.

[0028] The operation pattern of the air conditioning unit 100, which has received a restriction instruction from the management server 300, includes multiple operation patterns. For example, when the air conditioning control unit 155 receives a restriction instruction from the management server 300, it disables the function specified by the instruction information. In other words, the air conditioning control unit 155 controls each part of the air conditioning system 100 so that the function specified by the restriction instruction cannot be executed.

[0029] Furthermore, when the air conditioning control unit 155 receives a restriction instruction from the management server 300, it may refuse to accept changes to the settings of the function specified by the instruction information. For example, the setting screen for the function specified by the restriction instruction may be displayed on the remote control 170, but all setting items for this function may be grayed out, and the remote control 170 may not be accepted for operation.

[0030] Furthermore, after receiving a restriction instruction from the management server 300, the air conditioning control unit 155 may display a password input request on the remote control 170 when it receives an operation request related to a function specified by the specified information. When the air conditioning control unit 155 receives a password from the remote control 170, it determines whether the received password matches the password 145 stored in the air conditioning memory 140. The password received by the remote control 179 corresponds to the second authentication information. If the password received by the remote control 170 matches the password 145 stored in the air conditioning memory 140, the air conditioning control unit 155 accepts an operation to enable a function that was disabled by the restriction instruction, or an operation to change the setting of a function that has been set to prohibit setting changes by the second instruction.

[0031] The outdoor unit 160 includes an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the outside air, and a fan that draws outside air into the outdoor unit 160 and blows out the outside air to the outside after heat exchange with the outdoor heat exchanger. The illustration of the outdoor heat exchanger and fan is omitted.

[0032] The remote control 170 corresponds to the control unit that receives user input and is installed on the wall of the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 170 has multiple operation buttons for the user of the air conditioner 100 to perform operations such as starting or stopping operation, menu operation, and cursor key operation. The remote control 170 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 and the operating status of the indoor unit 120.

[0033] [1-3. Configuration of the Management Server] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the management server 300. The management server 300 comprises a server communication device 310, which corresponds to the communication unit, and a server control device 330.

[0034] The server communication device 310 is equipped with hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning unit 100 and the weather server 400 in accordance with the control of the server control device 330.

[0035] The server control device 330 is a computer device comprising a server memory 350, a server processor 370, and an interface circuit for inputting and outputting data. The interface circuit is not shown in the diagram.

[0036] The server memory 350 is memory that stores programs and data, and is composed of, for example, ROM and RAM. The server memory 350 stores the control program 351, administrator authentication information 353, configuration table 355, and management database 357. Hereinafter, the management database 357 will be referred to as management DB357.

[0037] Administrator authentication information 353 is information used to authenticate the system administrator and is set by the administrator. Administrator authentication information 353 includes, for example, an ID and password.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an example of a setting table 355. The setting table 355 is a table for enabling or disabling the first, second, third, and fourth functions of the air conditioning system 100.

[0039] The first function is an automatic set temperature return function. This first function allows the air conditioner 100 to return to a predetermined set temperature after a preset time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed, even if the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 using the remote control 170. For example, let's assume this predetermined set temperature is 28°C. Let's also assume that one user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 from 28°C to 26°C, and then another user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 from 26°C to 24°C. In this case, after the preset time has elapsed, the air conditioner 100 will return its set temperature to the predetermined set temperature of 28°C. When this first function is enabled, even if the management server 300 changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 100, the temperature may revert to the previous set temperature after a preset time has elapsed.

[0040] The second function is a temperature range limiting function. This second function is a function that limits the temperature range that can be set on the air conditioner 100. When this second function is enabled, even if the management server 300 determines a set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 100, if this determined set temperature is outside the temperature range that can be set on the air conditioner 100, the determined set temperature cannot be set on the air conditioner 100.

[0041] The third function is a timer scheduling function. This third function allows the air conditioner 100 to operate at a reserved temperature at a time reserved by the user. The management server 300 determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100 and sets the determined set temperature to the air conditioner 100, and when the reserved time arrives, the air conditioner 100 will start operating at the reserved set temperature.

[0042] The fourth function is the power demand function. This fourth function monitors the demand value and reduces the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 based on this demand value. The demand value is the average power consumption over a preset period, such as 30 minutes. When this fourth function is enabled, the management server 300 determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 100, and even if the determined set temperature is set on the air conditioner 100, the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 may be changed in order to reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner 100.

[0043] Management DB357 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning system 100. Management DB357 has one record R for each air conditioning system 100. Each record R includes the organization ID, group ID, air conditioner ID, communication information, facility location information, operating mode information, current set temperature, and management data MD. The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning device 100, and is, for example, the address information of the air conditioning communication device 110. The facility location information is information indicating the location of facility H where the air conditioning system 100 is installed, and is, for example, the address of facility H. The operating mode information indicates the operating mode of the air conditioning operation performed by the air conditioning system 100, and in this embodiment, it indicates either cooling or heating. The currently set temperature is the temperature set in the air conditioning unit 100. Management data MD is data that manages information regarding changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning system 100 during cooling and heating.

[0044] Figure 4 shows an example of management data (MD). The management data MD records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, for each of the time periods from 0:00 to 23:00, the management data MD records time periods from N:00 to N:59, where N is an integer between 0 and 23.

[0045] 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. 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.

[0046] The management data MD records one collected data AD, which is a pair of one time period and one outside air temperature. The collected data AD is data that contains information about the history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioner 100. The collected data AD includes the set temperature, the number of actual changes, the number of changes, and the probability of change. Based on the data contained in the collected data AD, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100 is determined.

[0047] The collected data AD records the set temperatures of multiple air conditioning units 100 in 1°C increments. Figure 4 shows an example where 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C are recorded as collected data AD, but the range of set temperatures included in the collected data AD is arbitrary.

[0048] The collected data AD records the number of actual sessions, the number of changes, and the probability of changes for each recorded set temperature. In the example in Figure 4, the collected data AD records the number of actual sessions, the number of changes, and the probability of changes for each set temperature of 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. The "actual count" refers to the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set in the air conditioning unit 100. The number of changes indicates the number of times the temperature setting has been changed from one setting to another. The change probability indicates the probability that the temperature was changed from a corresponding set temperature to another set temperature. The change probability is calculated by dividing the number of corresponding changes by the number of actual changes.

[0049] The server processor 370 is a processing unit equipped with a CPU, MPU, etc. The server processor 370 may be composed of a single processor or multiple processors. Alternatively, the server processor 370 may be composed of part or all of the server memory 350 or an SoC integrated with other circuits. Furthermore, the server processor 370 may be composed of a combination of a CPU that executes programs and a DSP that performs predetermined arithmetic processing. In addition, all the functions of the server processor 370 may be implemented in hardware, or they may be configured using programmable devices.

[0050] The server control device 330 comprises, as functional blocks, a communication control unit 371, an acquisition unit 372, an update unit 373, an operation control unit 374, and a function limiting unit 377. These functional blocks are realized when the server processor 370 executes the control program 351.

[0051] The communication control unit 371 controls the server communication unit 310 to communicate data with the management server 300, the weather server 400, and the air conditioning unit 100.

[0052] The acquisition unit 372 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 372 processes one record R and acquires the outside temperature based on the record R being processed. More specifically, the acquisition unit 372 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 371. The forecast value request information is a request to acquire a forecast value of the outside temperature for a time period including the current time, and includes 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 will record the time period from H hours and 0 minutes to H+1 hours and 0 minutes. H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59. When the communication control unit 371 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 372, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 400. The communication control unit 371 then receives multiple forecast values ​​from the weather server 400 that correspond to the location of the facility H and the time period recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 372 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 371 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside air temperature. In this embodiment, when calculating the average of the forecast values, the acquisition unit 372 either truncates the decimal part or rounds it to the nearest whole number.

[0053] The update unit 373 updates the management DB 357. The update unit 373 updates the actual count recorded in the collected data AD at L minutes past every hour. The update unit 373 updates the actual count for each record R. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. To elaborate on the updating of the actual count, at L minutes past every hour, the update unit 373 first causes the acquisition unit 372 to acquire the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed. Next, the update unit 373 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 pair of outside temperature and degree acquired by the acquisition unit 372.

[0054] In detail, the update unit 373 identifies one of the collected data ADs included in the management data MD. Next, the update unit 373 increments by 1 the number of actual values ​​recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed. The update unit 373 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of actual values ​​to reflect the change probability after the increment.

[0055] Now, referring to Figure 5, we will explain how to update the actual figures. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the update of the performance figures. The explanation in Figure 5 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 372 is 34°C. The explanation in Figure 5 also illustrates a case where the air conditioning system 100 is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 5, the update unit 373 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 5, the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed is 25°C, which is an example. In other words, in the explanation of Figure 5, the set temperature set in the air conditioner 100 is 25°C, which is an example. In the case of Figure 5, the update unit 373 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 5, the update unit 373 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5" along with the update of the actual occurrences.

[0057] Next, the update operation of the update unit 373 based on the change data RD received by the communication control unit 371 will be described. The communication control unit 371 receives the change data RD and outputs the received change data RD to the update unit 373. The update unit 373 updates the management DB 357 based on the change data RD input from the communication control unit 371. The update unit 373 identifies the record R in the management DB 357 that contains the organization ID, group ID, and air conditioner ID of the input change data RD. Next, the update unit 373 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R to the changed set temperature recorded in the input change data RD.

[0058] Next, the update unit 373 instructs the acquisition unit 372 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R identified by the input change data RD. Then, the update unit 373 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 372 from the management data MD of the identified record R.

[0059] Next, the update unit 373 refers to the input change data RD, and if the changed set temperature is lower than the pre-change set temperature, it increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the pre-change set temperature recorded in the input change data RD by 1. Furthermore, the update unit 373 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to a change probability that reflects the number of changes after the increment.

[0060] Now, with reference to Figure 6, we will explain how to update the number of changes. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the update of the number of changes. The explanation in Figure 6 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 372 is 34°C. The explanation in Figure 6 also illustrates a case where the air conditioning system 100 is operating in cooling mode. The update unit 373 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period in the 2 PM hour and the outside temperature of 34°C from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 6, the case where the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the input change data RD is 25°C is illustrated. In the explanation of Figure 6, the case where the post-change setting temperature recorded in the input change data RD is 24°C is also illustrated. In this example, the update unit 373 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. Also, in the case of Figure 5, the update unit 373 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" along with the update of the number of changes.

[0062] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, we will now describe the operation control unit 374. The operation control unit 374 is a functional unit that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 100 based on the history of changes to the set temperature of the air conditioner 100, and operates the air conditioner 100 at the determined set temperature. The control performed by the operation control unit 374 is called temperature control. The operation control unit 374 comprises a determination unit 375 and a setting unit 376.

[0063] The determination unit 375 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 100 and the operating mode for air conditioning operation based on the number of times each temperature has been set, the number of times this set temperature has been changed, the probability that the set temperature will be changed, etc. Details of the determination method of the determination unit 375 will be described later.

[0064] The setting unit 376 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 375 to the air conditioner 100. The setting unit 376 sets the set temperature to the air conditioner 100 based on the record R to be processed. More specifically, the setting unit 376 generates setting data SD including the set temperature determined by the determination unit 375, and outputs the generated setting data SD and the communication information recorded in the record R to be processed to the communication control unit 371. Based on the communication information received from the setting unit 376, the communication control unit 371 transmits the setting data SD received from the setting unit 376 to the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 receives the setting data SD via the air conditioning communication device 110. The air conditioner 100 retrieves the set temperature included in the setting data SD and changes the target temperature of the air conditioner 100 to the retrieved set temperature.

[0065] The function limiting unit 377 restricts the air conditioning system 100 to perform at least one of the four functions described above. When the management server 300 starts the process of controlling the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 based on the change history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 100, it refers to the setting table 355 and selects a function to enable or disable. This section describes the case where a function to be disabled is selected. The function restriction unit 377 selects a function to be disabled according to the settings in the setting table 355.

[0066] When the function restriction unit 377 selects a function to be disabled, it generates instruction information indicating the selected function. The function restriction unit 377 transmits the restriction instruction, including the instruction information, to the air conditioning system 100 via the server communication device 310.

[0067] Next, we will explain what happens when the management server 300 receives administrator authentication information. For example, an administrator terminal 500 owned by the administrator has an application program installed that modifies the settings of the management server 300. Hereafter, the application program will be abbreviated as APP. When this APP is selected, the administrator terminal 500 executes the selected APP and displays a screen prompting the user to enter the administrator ID and password. After the administrator terminal 500 executes the APP and receives the administrator ID and password, it sends a login request containing the received administrator ID and password to the management server 300.

[0068] The function restriction unit 377 of the management server 300 determines whether the administrator ID and password received from the administrator terminal 500 match the administrator authentication information 353. If the administrator ID and password received from the administrator terminal 500 do not match the administrator authentication information 353, the function restriction unit 377 does not accept the login request. In this case, the function restriction unit 377 requests that the administrator ID and password be resent. Furthermore, if the administrator ID and password received from the administrator terminal 500 do not match the administrator authentication information 353 more than a predetermined number of times, the function restriction unit 377 does not accept the login request.

[0069] The function restriction unit 377 receives operation information from the administrator terminal 500 if the administrator ID and password received from the administrator terminal 500 match the administrator authentication information 353. This operation information includes information about an operation to change the settings of the settings table 355 shown in Figure 3. If the operation information received from the administrator terminal 500 includes information about an operation to change the settings of the settings table 355, the function restriction unit 377 changes the settings of the settings table 355 according to this operation information.

[0070] [2. Operation of the Embodiment] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to this embodiment will be described. Figures 7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the operation of the management server 300.

[0071] First, the operation control unit 374 determines whether a trigger has occurred to start temperature control of the air conditioning unit 100 (step SA1). For example, let's assume that the trigger time is set to 0 minutes past every hour. The operation control unit 374 starts temperature control at 0 minutes past every hour. For example, if the operation control unit 374 starts temperature control at 8:00 AM, it determines the optimal set temperature to be set for the air conditioner during the period from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and sets the determined set temperature to the air conditioning unit 100. The operation control unit 374 sets the determined set temperature to the air conditioning unit 100 and ends temperature control. Another example of a trigger is that the operation control unit 374 may start temperature control when the remote control 170 receives an operation to instruct the start of temperature control, and the management server 300 receives a signal from the air conditioner 100 to instruct the start of temperature control.

[0072] If no trigger has been generated to start temperature control of the air conditioner 100 (step SA1 / NO), the operation control unit 374 waits to start temperature control of the air conditioner 100 until a trigger is generated.

[0073] When the operation control unit 374 detects a trigger to start temperature control of the air conditioner 100 (step SA1 / YES), it instructs the function limiting unit 377 to start temperature control of the air conditioner 100.

[0074] First, the function restriction unit 377 selects a function to be disabled by referring to the setting table 355 (step SA2). Next, the function restriction unit 377 generates instruction information indicating the selected function and transmits a restriction instruction containing the generated instruction information to the air conditioner 100 via the server communication device 310 (step SA3). The transmission of the restriction instruction to the air conditioner 100 may also occur, for example, at the beginning of the day when setting data is transmitted to the air conditioner 100 in step SA7.

[0075] Next, the air conditioning unit 100 starts the process of determining the set temperature to be set based on the history of changes to the set temperature. The process from steps SA4 to SA7 is a flowchart that starts at K minutes past every hour. Here, K is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. Furthermore, the process from steps SA4 to SA7 shown in Figure 7, and the process shown in the flowchart in Figure 8, are flowcharts that are performed for each air conditioning unit 100. In other words, these are operations performed for each record R stored in the management DB 357.

[0076] The acquisition unit 372 acquires the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed (step SA4). Step SA4 is described in detail below. The acquisition unit 372 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 371. For example, if the current time is 10:00, the forecast value request information records the time period from 10:00 to 11:00. When the communication control unit 371 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 372, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 400. The communication control unit 371 then receives from the weather server 400 multiple forecast values ​​(for example, the forecast value for 10:00 and the forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time period of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 372 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 371 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature.

[0077] Next, the determination unit 375 identifies the collection data AD to be processed from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed (step SA5).

[0078] Step SA5 will be described in detail. The determination unit 375 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the outside temperature temperature obtained in step SA4, from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0079] Next, the determination unit 375 performs a determination process to determine the set temperature based on the identified collected data AD (step SA6). The determination process is the process for determining the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100. In the determination process, the collected data AD identified in step SA5 is the target of processing. For details of the determination process, refer to the flowchart shown in Figure 8.

[0080] Next, the setting unit 376 generates setting data SD, which includes the determined set temperature, and transmits the generated setting data SD to the air conditioning unit 100 (step SA7).

[0081] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the decision unit 375 in the decision process. The determination unit 375 determines whether the set temperature included in the collected data AD to be processed satisfies the following first condition (step SA601). Condition 1: There must be a first set temperature and a second set temperature.

[0082] The first set temperature is a set temperature where the corresponding change probability is above a predetermined threshold. An example of a predetermined threshold is 0.1 (10%). The second set temperature is a temperature that is lower than the first set temperature included in the collected data AD, and is registered as one temperature below the first set temperature, and whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0083] Here, we will explain the first set temperature and the second set temperature using Figure 3. The collected data AD shown in Figure 3 shows that a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "0 / 1" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "3 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0084] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the example of collected data AD shown in Figure 3, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C correspond to the first set temperature, and 24°C, which is registered as one temperature lower than the first set temperature, corresponds to the second set temperature. Note that the collected data AD shown in Figure 3 satisfies the first condition described above.

[0085] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in Figure 7, if the decision unit 375 determines that the first condition is met (step SA601 / YES), it determines whether there are multiple second set temperatures in the set temperature data AD to be processed (step SA602).

[0086] If the determination unit 375 determines that there are no multiple second set temperatures (step SA602 / NO), it determines the second set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100 (step SA703).

[0087] Now, we will explain step SA603 in detail using Figure 4. When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 4, 24°C is the second set temperature, and the other set temperatures do not correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, the determination unit 375 determines 24°C, which is the second set temperature, as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100 (step SA603).

[0088] On the other hand, if the determination unit 375 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures (step SA602 / YES), it determines the second set temperature that best maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device 100 (step SA604).

[0089] The setting temperature that maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD is the lowest setting temperature among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD, when the air conditioning system 100 is performing cooling.

[0090] Now, with reference to Figure 9, step SA604 will be explained in detail. Figure 9 shows an example of collected data (AD). The collected data AD shown in Figure 9 records a change probability of "0 / 3" for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0091] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 8, 24°C, 26°C, and 27°C correspond to the first set temperature. Furthermore, since 24°C and 26°C correspond to the first set temperature, 23°C and 25°C, which are 1°C lower than these first set temperatures and have a change probability less than the predetermined threshold, correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Figure 9, the determination unit 375 determines that 23°C is the second set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100, assuming that the air conditioning system 100 is performing cooling.

[0092] Returning to the explanation of step SA601, if the determination unit 375 determines that the first condition is not met (step SA601 / NO), it determines whether all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are first set temperatures or third set temperatures (step SA605). A third set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold. For example, in the example of collected data AD shown in Figure 3, 23°C and 24°C are third set temperatures, and 24°C is the third set temperature. Since a temperature one level lower than the first set temperature of 25°C and whose change probability is less than a predetermined threshold is determined to be a second set temperature, 24°C is determined to be both a second and third set temperature, and 23°C is determined to be a third set temperature.

[0093] If the determination unit 375 determines that all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are the first set temperature (step SA605 / first set temperature), it determines the set temperature that provides the highest comfort level for the air-conditioned space S among the set temperatures included in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device 100 (step SA606).

[0094] Returning to the explanation of step SA605, if the determination unit 375 determines that all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are third set temperatures (step SA605 / third set temperature), it determines the set temperature that results in the smallest energy savings for the air conditioner 100 from among the set temperatures included in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100 (step SA607).

[0095] The setting temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner 100 among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD is the highest setting temperature among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the operating mode of the air conditioner 100, as indicated by the operating mode information, is cooling. Conversely, when the operating mode of the air conditioner 100, as indicated by the operating mode information, is heating, it is the lowest setting temperature among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD.

[0096] [3. Effects of the Embodiments, etc.] As described above, this embodiment is an air conditioning system 1000 that air-conditions a space S using an air conditioning device 100. This air conditioning system 1000 includes an operation control unit 374 and a function limiting unit 377. The operation control unit 374 includes a determination unit 375 that determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100, and a setting unit 376 that transmits the determined set temperature to the air conditioner 100 and causes the air conditioner 100 to operate at the determined set temperature. The function limiting unit 377 restricts the air conditioner 100 from executing at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth functions. The first function is an automatic temperature return function that resets the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 to the previous set temperature after a preset time has elapsed. The second function is a temperature range limiting function that restricts the range of settable temperatures that can be set in the air conditioning unit 100. The third function is a timer scheduling function that operates the air conditioner 100 at a set temperature at a set time. The fourth function is a power demand function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioner 100 does not exceed a preset standard value.

[0097] Thus, according to the air conditioning system 1000 of this embodiment, the execution of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth functions is restricted by the function limiting unit 377. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the set temperature set in the air conditioning device 100 from being changed by other functions of the air conditioning device 100.

[0098] The function limiting unit 377 transmits a limiting instruction to the air conditioner 100 that includes designation information specifying at least one function. The air conditioner 100 disables the function specified by the designation information. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the set temperature set on the air conditioner 100 from being changed by other functions of the air conditioner 100.

[0099] The operation control unit 374 determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100 based on the probability of changing the set temperature. Therefore, a decrease in the comfort level of users of the air conditioner 100 can be suppressed.

[0100] The air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioning memory 140 that stores a pre-set password 145, a remote control 170 that accepts operations, and an air conditioning control unit 155 that, after receiving a restriction instruction and receiving an operation related to the function indicated by the specified information, performs password authentication to determine whether the password received by the remote control 170 matches the password 145 stored in the air conditioning memory 140, and if the passwords match, accepts an operation to change the setting of the function specified by the specified information. Therefore, only users who know the password 145 are permitted to change the setting of the function restricted by the restriction instruction.

[0101] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 300 comprising a server communication device 310, a server memory 350 that stores administrator authentication information 353 for authenticating the administrator, an operation control unit 374, and a function restriction unit 377. The function restriction unit 377 authenticates the administrator based on the administrator authentication information 353, and once the administrator is authenticated, accepts an operation to change the function whose execution is restricted. Therefore, only the administrator can change the function whose execution is restricted.

[0102] [4. Other Embodiments] As described above, the above embodiments have been explained as examples 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. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0103] In the embodiment described above, the parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system 100 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.

[0104] In other embodiments, the management server 300 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.

[0105] In the embodiment described above, the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD is the range from 23°C to 27°C. However, this predetermined range is merely an example and may be the range of settable temperatures that the air conditioner 100 can set, or it may be the range within the settable temperature range that the air conditioner 100 can set that is expected to be set by the user.

[0106] In the embodiment described above, the multiple set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set temperatures in 1°C increments. In other embodiments, the increment of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range is not limited to 1°C, but may be, for example, 0.5°C increments.

[0107] In other embodiments, at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 372, update unit 373, determination unit 375, and setting unit 376 may be performed by the indoor unit control unit 130, which controls each part of the air conditioner 100, instead of the server control device 330. In this other embodiment, the memory of the air conditioner 100 may store the management data MD. When the indoor unit control unit 130 functions as the setting unit 376, the setting unit 376 sets the set temperature in the air conditioner 100 by controlling each part of the air conditioner 100. In other words, in this case, the setting unit 376 does not generate setting data SD. Similarly, the function restriction unit 377 does not transmit at least one of the first instruction and the second instruction to the air conditioner 100, thereby restricting the execution of the selected function.

[0108] In the 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 350 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 375 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, the management data MD is configured to store 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 350 may be configured to store the number of changes for each set temperature for the ambient temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 375 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0110] In the embodiment 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 372. In other words, in the embodiment 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 372).

[0111] In the embodiment described above, when there are multiple second and third set temperatures, the setting temperature that maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S is determined as the set temperature to be set. However, the setting temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning device 100 may also be determined as the set temperature to be set.

[0112] In the above-described embodiment, the case in which the determination unit 375 determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 100 was explained, but the configuration of the determination unit 375 is not limited thereto. For example, the first function is a function that returns the set temperature of the air conditioner 100 to a predetermined set temperature after a predetermined set time has elapsed, and the determination unit 375 may determine this predetermined set temperature. In this case, the function restriction unit 377 may not disable the first function, but rather enable the first function itself while preventing the setting screen related to the first function from being displayed on the remote control 170.

[0113] Furthermore, even if the settings screen for the first function is displayed on the remote control 170, the individual setting items, such as the item for setting the return temperature for the first function, may be grayed out to prevent the user from changing the settings. Also, even if the settings screen for the first function is displayed on the remote control 170, the user may be required to authenticate a password when changing various setting items.

[0114] The configuration of the management server 300 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes programs to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or vice versa.

[0115] The step units in the flowcharts shown in Figures 7 and 8 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit contains even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not hinder the intent of this disclosure.

[0116] 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.

[0117] [5. Addendum] Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0118] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system for controlling an air conditioning device that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned, comprising: an operation control unit that determines a set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device and operates the air conditioning device at the determined set temperature; and a function limiting unit that restricts the air conditioning device from performing at least one of four functions: a first function that returns the set temperature of the air conditioning device to the set temperature before the change after a preset time has elapsed; a second function that limits the range of set temperatures that can be set on the air conditioning device; a third function that operates the air conditioning device at the set temperature for a set time; and a fourth function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioning device so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioning device does not exceed a preset reference value.

[0119] According to the air conditioning system described in Technology 1, the execution of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth functions is restricted. This prevents the set temperature set in the air conditioning unit from being altered by other functions of the air conditioning unit.

[0120] (Technology 2) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the function limiting unit transmits a limiting instruction to the air conditioning device, which includes designation information specifying the at least one function, and the air conditioning device disables the function specified by the designation information.

[0121] According to the air conditioning system described in Technology 2, a restriction instruction containing designation information specifying at least one function is transmitted to the air conditioning unit, and the air conditioning unit disables the function specified by the designation information. This prevents the set temperature set on the air conditioning unit from being changed by other functions of the air conditioning unit.

[0122] (Technology 3) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the operation control unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device based on the history of changes in the set temperature.

[0123] According to the air conditioning system described in Technology 3, the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner is determined based on the history of changes to the set temperature. Therefore, a decrease in the comfort level of users of the air conditioner can be suppressed.

[0124] (Technology 4) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the operation control unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device based on the probability of the set temperature change.

[0125] According to the air conditioning system described in Technology 4, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system is determined based on the probability of the set temperature changing. Therefore, a decrease in the comfort of users of the air conditioning system can be suppressed.

[0126] (Technology 5) The air conditioning system according to Technical Reference 2, comprising: a storage unit that stores a preset first authentication information; an operation unit that accepts operations; and an air conditioning control unit that, after receiving the restriction instruction, receives an operation relating to a function indicated by the specified information, authenticates the second authentication information received by the operation unit and the first authentication information stored in the storage unit, and accepts an operation to enable the function specified by the specified information, or an operation to change the setting of the function specified by the specified information, if the second authentication information matches the first authentication information.

[0127] (Technology 5) The aforementioned air conditioning system, after receiving a restriction instruction, accepts an operation related to the function indicated by the specified information, and only if authentication using the first authentication information is successful, will accept an operation to enable the function specified by the specified information, or an operation to enable the function specified by the specified information. Therefore, only users who know the first authentication information can be permitted to change the settings of the function restricted by the restriction instruction.

[0128] (Technology 6) The air conditioning system comprises a control device comprising a communication unit, a storage unit for storing administrator authentication information for authenticating an administrator, an operation control unit, and a function restriction unit, wherein the function restriction unit authenticates the administrator based on the administrator authentication information, and, upon authentication of the administrator, accepts an operation to change the function to be restricted, as described in any one of Technical Claims 1 to 5.

[0129] According to the air conditioning system described in Technology 6, the administrator is authenticated based on administrator authentication information, and once the administrator is authenticated, it becomes possible to change the functions that restrict the air conditioning system. Therefore, only the administrator can change the functions that restrict execution.

[0130] (Technology 7) An air conditioning control method for controlling an air conditioning system that air-conditions an air-conditioning space using a control device, wherein the control device performs an operation control process to determine a set temperature to be set on the air conditioning system and to operate the air conditioning system at the determined set temperature; and a restriction process to restrict the air conditioning system from performing at least one of four functions of the air conditioning system: a first function that returns the set temperature of the air conditioning system to the set temperature before the change after a preset time has elapsed; a second function that limits the range of set temperatures that can be set on the air conditioning system; a third function that operates the air conditioning system at the set temperature for a set time; and a fourth function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioning system so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioning system does not exceed a preset reference value.

[0131] According to the air conditioning system described in Technical 7, the execution of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth functions is restricted. This prevents the set temperature of the air conditioning unit from being altered by other functions of the air conditioning unit.

[0132] (Technology 8) A program that causes a processor to execute an operation control unit which determines a set temperature to be set for an air conditioner and operates the air conditioner at the determined set temperature, and a restriction process which restricts the air conditioner to perform at least one of four functions which are among the functions of the air conditioner: a first function which returns the set temperature of the air conditioner to the set temperature before the change after a preset time has elapsed, a second function which limits the range of set temperatures that can be set for the air conditioner, a third function which operates the air conditioner at the set temperature for a set time, and a fourth function which limits the power consumption of the air conditioner so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioner does not exceed a preset reference value.

[0133] According to the air conditioning system described in Technical 8, the execution of at least one of the first, second, third, and fourth functions is restricted. This prevents the set temperature set in the air conditioning unit from being altered by other functions of the air conditioning unit. [Industrial applicability]

[0134] As described above, the air conditioning system, air conditioning 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]

[0135] 100 Air conditioning system 110 Air conditioning communication equipment 120 Indoor unit 130 Indoor Unit Control Unit 140 Air Conditioning Memory 145 Password 150 Air Conditioning Processors 155 Air Conditioning Control Unit 160 Outdoor unit 170 Remote Control 300 weather servers 310 Server communication device 330 Server Control Unit 350 Server Memory 351 Control Program 353 Administrator Authentication Information 355 Configuration Table 357 Management Database 370 Server Processors 371 Communication Control Unit 372 Acquisition Department 373 Update Department 374 Operation Control Unit 375 Decision Section 376 Settings Section 377 Function Limitation Section 400 weather servers 500 Administrator terminals 1000 Air Conditioning Systems

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that controls an air conditioning device that provides air conditioning to an air-conditioned space, An operation control unit that determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning system and operates the air conditioning system at the determined set temperature, Among the functions provided by the aforementioned air conditioning system, A first function that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, returns the set temperature of the air conditioner to the set temperature before the change, A second function that limits the range of settable temperatures that can be set in the aforementioned air conditioning system, A third function that operates the air conditioning system at a set temperature at a set time, A fourth function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioner so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioner does not exceed a preset standard value, A function limiting unit that restricts the air conditioning system to perform at least one of the four functions, An air conditioning system equipped with [specific features / equipment].

2. The function limiting unit transmits a limiting instruction to the air conditioning device, which includes designation information specifying the execution of at least one function. The aforementioned air conditioning device disables the function specified by the specified information. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device based on the history of changes to the set temperature.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device based on the probability of the set temperature being changed.

5. The aforementioned air conditioning system, A storage unit that stores pre-configured first authentication information, An operating unit that accepts commands, After receiving the restriction instruction, if an operation for the function indicated by the specified information is received, the operation unit authenticates the second authentication information received by the operation unit and the first authentication information stored in the storage unit, and if the second authentication information matches the first authentication information, the air conditioning control unit activates the function specified by the specified information, or accepts a change in the setting of the function specified by the specified information. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, comprising:

6. The aforementioned air conditioning system is Communications Department and, A storage unit that stores administrator authentication information for authenticating the administrator, The aforementioned operation control unit, The aforementioned function limiting unit, A control device equipped with, The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the function restriction unit authenticates the administrator based on the administrator authentication information, and, upon authentication of the administrator, accepts an operation to change the function to be restricted.

7. An air conditioning control method in which an air conditioning system that air-conditions an air-conditioned space is controlled by a control device, The control device, Operation control process to determine the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning system and to operate the air conditioning system at the determined set temperature, Among the functions provided by the aforementioned air conditioning system, A first function that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, returns the set temperature of the air conditioner to the set temperature before the change, A second function that limits the range of settable temperatures that can be set in the aforementioned air conditioning system, A third function that operates the air conditioning system at a set temperature at a set time, A fourth function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioner so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioner does not exceed a preset standard value, A restriction process that restricts the air conditioning system to perform at least one of the four functions, An air conditioning control method that performs this action.

8. In the processor, An operation control unit that determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning system and operates the air conditioning system at the determined set temperature, Among the functions provided by the aforementioned air conditioning system, A first function that, after a predetermined time has elapsed, returns the set temperature of the air conditioner to the set temperature before the change, A second function that limits the range of settable temperatures that can be set in the aforementioned air conditioning system, A third function that operates the air conditioning system at a set temperature at a set time, A fourth function that limits the power consumption of the air conditioner so that the maximum demand value of the air conditioner does not exceed a preset standard value, A restriction process that restricts the air conditioning system to perform at least one of the four functions, A program that executes something.

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