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

Abstract

This disclosure provides an air conditioning system that can automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioning unit according to the plan. [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: an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device; and a management unit that manages the service plan related to the air conditioning device contracted by the user, wherein the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, and generates a first period that is longer than the first plan when the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling such that the set temperature of an air conditioner changes stepwise according to a change in the outside air temperature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] <0   000025>The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method of the air conditioning system, and a program that can automatically control the set temperature of an air conditioner according to a plan.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The air conditioning system in the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that air-conditions an air-conditioned space by an air conditioner, and includes an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioner, and a management unit that manages a plan of a service related to the air conditioner with which a user has contracted. When the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed. When the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan, the automatic control unit generates the first period having a longer period than the first plan.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioning system in this disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, wherein the computer of the air conditioning system generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning device is automatically controlled and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when the service plan related to the air conditioning device contracted by the user is a first plan, and generates a first period that is longer than the first plan when the plan contracted by the user is a second plan which is different from the first plan.

[0007] Furthermore, the program in this disclosure causes the computer of an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device to function as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device, and if the service plan related to the air conditioning device that the user has contracted is Plan 1, the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed, and if the plan that the user has contracted is Plan 2 which is different from Plan 1, it generates a first period that is longer than Plan 1. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The air conditioning system, control method for the air conditioning system, and program described in this disclosure can automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioning system in a shorter period than under Plan 2 if the user is subscribed to Plan 1, and can automatically control the set temperature of the air conditioning system in a longer period than under Plan 1 if the user is subscribed to Plan 2, which is different from Plan 1. Therefore, the set temperature of the air conditioning system can be automatically controlled according to the plan. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Diagram showing the configuration of the management server in Embodiment 1 [Figure 3] A diagram showing an example of the first management data in Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] Figure showing an example of the second management data in Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Figure for explaining the update of the actual achievement number in Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Figure for explaining the update of the number of changes in Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1 <000006I>Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1 [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1 [Figure 10] Figure showing an example of the collected data in Embodiment 1 [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1 [Figure 12] Figure showing an example of the collected data in Embodiment 1 [Figure 13] Figure showing an example of the collected data in Embodiment 1 [Figure 14] Figure showing an example of the collected data in Embodiment 1 [Figure 15] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 2 [Figure 16] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 2 [Figure 17] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 2 [Figure 18] Figure showing an example of the collected data in Embodiment 2 [Figure 19] Flowchart showing the operation of the management server in Embodiment 2

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] (Knowledge, etc. on which the present disclosure is based) When the inventors arrived at the idea of the present disclosure, there was a technology for automatically controlling the set temperature of an air conditioner in response to changes in the outside air temperature. By the way, in recent years, services related to air conditioners have been under consideration. However, when automatic control of the set temperature is incorporated into this service, a mechanism that can perform automatic control of the set temperature may be required according to the plan. Conventionally, the inventors have discovered the problem that there is no such mechanism, and in order to solve this problem, they have come to constitute the subject of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method for the air conditioning system, and a program that can automatically control the set temperature of an air conditioner according to a plan.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, there may be cases where a more detailed description than necessary is omitted. For example, there may be cases where a detailed description of well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration is omitted. 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.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the air conditioning system] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. 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 supply, ventilation, etc. In the present 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 that is air-conditioned by the air conditioner 1. Note that the facility H includes, for example, a house, an office, a store, a medical facility, a public facility, etc.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioning unit 1. In Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioning units 1. However, the number of air conditioning units 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioning unit 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12, and the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 perform air conditioning operation to air condition the air-conditioned space S in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioning unit 1 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network consisting of a public telephone network, a dedicated line, the internet, or other communication networks.

[0014] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by user P. In this embodiment, user P is a user of the services related to the air conditioning system 1, which will be described later. An example of user P is the administrator who manages facility H. Note that user P is not limited to a person, but may also be an entity that has management authority over facility H (for example, a company that operates facility H). The terminal device 2 shown in Figure 1 is a laptop computer, but it may also be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. The terminal device 2 is connected to a network NW. The terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioning system 1 for each facility H.

[0015] 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 the terminal device 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by user P, or it may be a server device not owned by user P.

[0016] The management server 3 provides services related to the air conditioning system 1. In the following description, services related to the air conditioning system 1 will be abbreviated as "services" as appropriate. In this embodiment, the service offers a first plan and a second plan which is more expensive than the first plan.

[0017] Plan 1 is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, Plan 1 is a plan that costs 500 yen per month and per system. The services that can be received under Plan 1 include setting the functions of air conditioner 1 for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of air conditioner 1, and a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of air conditioner 1. In the following explanation, the automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 will be abbreviated as "automatic control" as appropriate.

[0018] An automatic control trial is conducted when user P requests an automatic control trial. In this embodiment, the duration of the automatic control trial is a maximum of one year from the date user P requests the trial. This trial period is merely an example and may be less than one year, or more than one year, and may be changed. During the automatic control trial, a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed alternate. How the first and second periods are switched can be decided as appropriate, but in the following explanation, it will be explained as switching every week as an example. During the second period, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 is set by the remote control 13. One week is an example of a "specified period."

[0019] The second plan has a monthly fee of β (β>α) yen. For example, the second plan costs 1000 yen per month and per system. The services available under the second plan include setting the functions of air conditioner 1 for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of air conditioner 1, and automatic control of the set temperature of air conditioner 1.

[0020] In Plan 2, automatic control is implemented. That is, in Plan 2, only the first period occurs and the second period does not. In other words, as long as user P continues to subscribe to Plan 2, the air conditioner 1 will continue to have its set temperature automatically controlled. Therefore, assuming that the contract is concluded for a period longer than one week, Plan 2 will have a longer first period than Plan 1.

[0021] By offering these two plans, user P can choose the second plan if they are attracted to automated control, or they can try automated control by choosing the first plan if they are hesitant about it.

[0022] The air conditioning system 1000 is equipped with a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides weather data. The weather data provided by the server includes at least the forecast value of the outside temperature of facility H.

[0023] 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.

[0024] [1-1-2. Configuration of the air conditioning system] 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. The number of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12 in the air conditioning system 1 may be multiple.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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. 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.

[0029] The communication device 14 receives configuration data SD from the management server 3. The configuration data SD is data that instructs the air conditioner 1 to set a temperature, and the temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is recorded therein. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioner 1 at the temperature recorded in the received configuration data SD.

[0030] [1-1-3. Management Server Configuration] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 comprises a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31. The server control device 30 is an example of a "computer".

[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 first management DB (database) 312, the second management DB 313, and 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). Control program 311 is an example of a "program".

[0033] The first management DB 312 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning unit 1. The management DB 312 has one record R1 for each air conditioning unit 1. Each record R1 contains the air conditioner ID, communication information, location of facility H, type of air conditioning, current set temperature, first management data MD1, and second management data MD2. The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning device 1, and is, for example, the address information of the communication device 14. The location of facility H is the location of facility H where the air conditioning system 1 is installed, and is, for example, the address of facility H. The currently set temperature is the temperature set in air conditioning unit 1. The first management data, MD1, is data that manages information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 during cooling. The second management data, MD2, is data that manages information related to changes in the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 during heating. Hereafter, when the first management data MD1 and the second management data MD2 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "management data MD" with the designation "MD".

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of the first management data MD1. The first management data MD1 records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the first management data MD1 records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 time periods, where N is an integer between 0 and 23.

[0035] Furthermore, the first management data MD1 contains multiple outdoor temperatures recorded in 1°C increments. The range of outdoor temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 includes at least the range of temperatures that the outside air at facility H can reach. Note that the range of outdoor temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 may be the same regardless of the location of facility H, or it may be a different range depending on the location of facility H.

[0036] The first management data MD1 records one collection data AD for each pair of time period and outside temperature. The collection data AD contains information related to the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The collection data AD collects various data within a predetermined range of the set temperature. The set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 is determined from the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collection data AD by the processing of the flowchart described later.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 3, the collected data AD records the number of actual sessions, the number of changes, and the probability of changes for each of the following temperatures: 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. The "actual count" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set in air conditioner 1. 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.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example of the second management data MD2. The second management data MD2 differs from the first management data MD1 in that the recorded collected data AD shows a different predetermined range of set temperature. The collected data AD recorded in the first management data MD1 has a predetermined set temperature range of 23°C to 27°C. In contrast, the collected data AD recorded in the second management data MD2 has a predetermined set temperature range of 18°C ​​to 23°C.

[0040] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the second management DB 313 is a database that manages data related to the service plan contracted by user P. The second management DB 313 has one record R2 for each facility H. Each record R2 records the facility ID, one or more air conditioner IDs, contract plan, trial execution status, trial start date, switchover date, and automatic control execution status. The facility ID is the identification information for facility H. The contract plan refers to the plan that user P has contracted for, and in this embodiment, it refers to either the first plan or the second plan. The trial execution status is data recorded when the corresponding contract plan indicates Plan 1, and it indicates whether or not an automated control trial is currently underway. The trial start date is data recorded when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that the trial is in progress, and it indicates the start date of the automated control trial. The "Switching Date" is data stored when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that the trial is being executed, and it indicates the date on which the switch occurred from the first period to the second period, or from the second period to the first period. The automatic control execution status is data recorded when the corresponding trial execution status indicates that the trial is in progress, and it indicates whether or not automatic control is being executed.

[0041] The server communication device 31 is equipped with hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning unit 1, the terminal device 2, and the weather server 4 in accordance with the control of the server control device 30.

[0042] The server processor 300 functions as a communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, automatic control unit 304, and management unit 305 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

[0043] 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.

[0044] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R1 and acquires the outside temperature based on the record R1 being processed. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R1 being processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information requesting a forecast value of the outside temperature for a time period including the current time, and it records the location of the facility H recorded in the record R1 being processed and the time period for which the request is made. For example, if the current time is H:M, the forecast value request information records the time period from H:00 to H+1:00. H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59. 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 multiple forecast values ​​from the weather server 4 that correspond to the location of the facility H and the time period 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 air temperature. In this embodiment, when calculating the average of the forecast values, the acquisition unit 302 either truncates the decimal part or rounds it to the nearest whole number.

[0045] The update unit 303 updates the first management DB 312. The update unit 303 updates the actual count recorded in the collected data AD at L minutes past every hour. The update unit 303 updates the actual count for each record R1. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. To elaborate on the update of the actual count, at L minutes past every hour, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside temperature based on the record R1 to be processed. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the management data MD of the record R1 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. Next, the update unit 303 increments the actual count corresponding to the currently set temperature recorded in the record R1 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] In the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given 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. Furthermore, in the explanation of Figure 5, an example is given where the air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 5, 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 first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0048] In the explanation of Figure 5, the current set temperature recorded in the record R1 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 1 is 25°C, which is an example. In the case of Figure 5, 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 5, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5" along with the update of the actual occurrences.

[0049] Furthermore, 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 first management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies record R1, which has the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD, from the first management DB 312. Next, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R1 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 R1 to the air conditioner type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0050] Furthermore, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R1 identified by the received operation data RD. Next, if the received operation data RD contains information about the type of air conditioning (cooling), the update unit 303 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the set of outside air temperature and temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302, from the first management data MD1 of the identified record R1. If the received operation data RD contains information about the type of air conditioning (heating), the update unit 303 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the set of outside air temperature and temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302, from the second management data MD2 of the identified record R1. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates cooling and the changed set temperature is lower than the changed set temperature, it increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. Furthermore, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates heating and the changed set temperature is higher than the changed set temperature, it increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. Furthermore, the update unit 303 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] In the explanation of Figure 6, an example is given 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. Furthermore, in the explanation of Figure 6, an example is given where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 6, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period in the 2 PM hour and the outside temperature of 34°C from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0053] The explanation in Figure 6 illustrates the case where the type of air conditioning recorded in the received operation data RD indicates cooling. The explanation in Figure 6 also illustrates the case where the pre-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C. The explanation in Figure 6 also illustrates the case where the post-change set 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 6, 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.

[0054] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the automatic control unit 304 automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. In the automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 and sets the determined set temperature on the air conditioner 1. The automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature on the air conditioner 1 based on the record R1 to be processed. More specifically, the automatic control unit 304 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and the communication information recorded in the record R1 to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The generated setting data SD contains the determined set temperature. Based on the communication information received from the automatic control unit 304, the communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the automatic control unit 304 to the air conditioner 1.

[0055] The management unit 305 manages the service plan related to the air conditioning system 1 contracted by user P. As part of this management, the management unit 305 records and updates data in the second management database 313.

[0056] When user P switches their contracted plan from Plan 1 to Plan 2, Management Unit 305 switches the contracted plan recorded in record R2 corresponding to user P from Plan 1 to Plan 2. Also, when user P switches their contracted plan from Plan 2 to Plan 1, Management Unit 305 switches the contracted plan recorded in record R2 corresponding to user P from Plan 2 to Plan 1. To explain in more detail, terminal device 2 can display a screen for switching contract plans, and accepts contract plan switching operations from user P on this screen. When terminal device 2 receives a contract plan switching operation from user P, it sends switching request information requesting a contract plan switch to management server 3. This switching request information records the facility ID of facility H managed by user P and the plan to which the switch will be made. When communication control unit 301 receives the switching request information, management unit 305 identifies record R2, which has the facility ID of the received switching request information, from the second management DB 313, and changes the contract plan of the identified record R2 to the plan recorded in the received switching request information.

[0057] If user P has contracted for Plan 1 and user P requests to run an automated control trial, management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 corresponding to user P to indicate that the trial is in progress. Furthermore, if management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 to indicate that the trial is in progress, it updates the trial start date recorded in record R2 to the date the trial execution status was updated. Specifically, terminal device 2 can display a screen for inputting instructions to execute an automated control trial, and receives instructions to execute an automated control trial from user P on this screen. When terminal device 2 receives instructions to execute an automated control trial from user P, it sends execution request information requesting the execution of the automated control trial to management server 3. This execution request information contains the facility ID of facility H managed by user P. When communication control unit 301 receives the execution request information, management unit 305 identifies record R2, which has the facility ID of the received execution request information, from the second management DB 313, updates the trial execution status of the identified record R2 to "Trial Execution in Progress," and also updates the trial start date of the identified record R2.

[0058] If user P's contracted plan is Plan 1 and user P has requested to run an automated control trial, management unit 305 updates the switchover date and automated control execution status recorded in record R2 corresponding to user P every week. To explain in more detail, the management unit 305 processes record R2, which indicates that the contract plan is Plan 1, and performs the following operations. Specifically, if the current date and time is one week after the switch date recorded in the record R2 being processed, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status recorded in the record R2 being processed. If the automatic control execution status before the update indicates that it is running, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status to indicate that it is not running. On the other hand, if the automatic control status before the update indicates that it is not running, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status to indicate that it is running.

[0059] Management Unit 305 will terminate the automated control trial one year after it has started, if the plan contracted by User P is Plan 1 and User P has requested to run an automated control trial. Specifically, the management unit 305 processes record R2, which indicates that the contract plan is Plan 1, and performs the following operations: If the current date and time is one year after the trial start date recorded in record R2, the management unit 305 updates the trial execution status recorded in record R2 to "Trial completed". In addition, the management unit 305 updates the automatic control execution status recorded in record R2 to indicate that it is not currently running.

[0060] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3.

[0061] The flowchart in Figure 7 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 flowchart in Figure 7 is a flowchart performed for each facility H. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 7 is an operation performed for each record R2 stored in the second management DB 313.

[0062] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan or the second plan (step SA1).

[0063] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SA1: first plan), it determines whether user P has requested the execution of automatic control (step SA2).

[0064] In step SA2, the automatic control unit 304 makes an affirmative determination if the trial execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that it is in progress. In step SA2, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination if the trial execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that it is not in progress.

[0065] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that user P, who corresponds to the record R2 to be processed, has not requested a trial (step SA2: NO), it will not perform automatic control (step SA3). Note that not performing automatic control means that the setting data SD will not be generated.

[0066] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that user P has requested the execution of automatic control (step SA2: YES), it determines whether the current time is within the first period or the second period (step SA4).

[0067] In step SA4, the automatic control unit 304 determines that it is currently within the first period if the automatic control execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that it is in progress, and determines that it is currently within the second period if the automatic control execution status recorded in the record R2 to be processed indicates that it is not in progress.

[0068] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that it is currently within the second period (step SA4: within the second period), it does not perform automatic control (step SA3).

[0069] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that it is currently within the first period (step SA4: within the first period), it executes automatic control (step SA5).

[0070] Returning to the explanation of step SA1, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SA1: second plan), it executes automatic control (step SA5).

[0071] Step SA5 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 to 18. The process in step SA5 is performed for each air conditioning unit 1 installed in facility H. That is, the process in step SA5 is executed for each record R1 that has the air conditioner ID of record R2, which was the target of processing in Figure 7.

[0072] The following explains the process of step SA5 separately for cases where the air conditioning type of the record R1 to be processed is cooling and cases where it is heating.

[0073] [1-2-1. Automatic control when using air conditioning] First, let's explain the operation when the air conditioning type of the record R1 to be processed is cooling. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in automatic control.

[0074] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature based on the record R1 to be processed (step SB1). Step SB1 is described in detail below. 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 records the time period from 10:00 to 11:00. 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, the forecast value for 10:00 and the forecast value for 11:00) 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.

[0075] Next, the automatic control unit 304 identifies the collection data AD to be processed from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed (step SB2).

[0076] Step SB2 will be described in detail. The automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the outside temperature temperature acquired in step SB1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0077] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the set temperature, which falls within a predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SB2, satisfies the following first condition (step SB3). Condition 1: There must be a first set temperature and a second set temperature.

[0078] 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 the second lowest set temperature within a predetermined range, and the corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0079] 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.

[0080] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C correspond to the first set temperature, and 24°C corresponds to the second set temperature. Furthermore, the collected data AD shown in Figure 3 satisfies the first condition described above.

[0081] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in Figure 8, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the first condition is met (step SB3: YES), it executes the first decision process (step SB4). The first decision process is the process of determining the appropriate set temperature. In the first decision process, the collected data AD identified in step SB2 is the target of processing.

[0082] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the first decision process.

[0083] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB41).

[0084] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are no multiple second set temperatures (step SB41: NO), it determines the second set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SB42).

[0085] Here, we will explain step SB42 in detail using Figure 3. When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, 24°C is the second set temperature, and the other set temperatures do not correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Figure 3, the automatic control unit 304 determines in step 33 that 24°C is the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0086] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures (step SB41: 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 on the air conditioning unit 1 (step SB43).

[0087] The setting temperature that maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD is the lowest setting temperature among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD, when the air conditioning system 1 is performing cooling.

[0088] Now, with reference to Figure 10, step SB43 will be explained in detail. Figure 10 shows an example of collected data (AD). The collected data AD shown in Figure 10 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.

[0089] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 10, 24°C, 26°C, and 27°C correspond to the first set temperature, and 23°C and 25°C 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 10, the automatic control unit 304 determines that the air conditioning system 1 is performing cooling and sets the second set temperature of 23°C as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning system 1.

[0090] Returning to the explanation of step SB3 in Figure 8, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the first condition is not met (step SB3: NO), it performs the process to confirm that the first condition is met (step SB5).

[0091] The processing for fulfilling the first condition is a process to ensure that the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD can satisfy the first condition described above. In the processing for fulfilling the first condition, the collected data AD identified in step SB2 is the target of processing.

[0092] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 during the process for fulfilling the first condition.

[0093] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether all of the actual counts recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are zero or not (step SB51).

[0094] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that all actual values ​​are zero (step SB51: YES), it determines the median value of the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SB52). In this embodiment, when calculating the median value of the set temperatures, the decimal part is either truncated or rounded to the nearest whole number.

[0095] Note that the set temperature determined in step SB52 is not limited to the median value. For example, the set temperature determined in step SB52 may be the lowest set temperature among the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed, or it may be the highest set temperature, or it may be the second highest set temperature after the median value, or it may be the second lowest set temperature after the median value.

[0096] Returning to the explanation of step SB51, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the number of actual results is not all zero (step SB51: NO), it determines whether the probability of changing to the third setting temperature that consumes the least energy among the setting temperatures with one or more actual results (hereinafter referred to as the "third setting temperature") is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53). This predetermined threshold is, for example, 0.1 (10% in percentage terms). Furthermore, the set temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 within the predetermined range of set temperatures refers to the highest set temperature within the predetermined range of set temperatures when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling.

[0097] Now, with reference to Figure 12, we will explain the third energy-saving setting temperature. Figure 12 shows an example of collected data (AD).

[0098] The collected data AD shown in Figure 12 records the number of actual occurrences ("4"), the number of changes ("0"), and the change probability ("0 / 4") for each set temperature between 23°C and 24°C. Furthermore, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 12, the number of actual occurrences ("0") and the number of changes ("0") are recorded for each set temperature from 25°C to 27°C. However, since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded.

[0099] If the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is cooling, then in the collected data AD shown in Figure 12, 24°C corresponds to the third energy-saving setting temperature.

[0100] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving third setting temperature is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: YES), it determines whether the added temperature obtained by adding 1°C to the energy-saving third setting temperature exceeds the highest setting temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54).

[0101] Here, we will use Figure 12 to specifically explain the process of step SB54. As mentioned above, in Figure 12, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, 24°C is the third energy-saving setting temperature. Therefore, in the case of Figure 12, the added temperature when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling is 25°C. Also, among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD in Figure 12, 27°C is the highest setting temperature. Therefore, in the case of Figure 12, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SB54.

[0102] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the added temperature does not exceed the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54: NO), it determines the added temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 (step SB55).

[0103] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the added temperature exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB54: YES), it determines the set temperature with the smallest actual count in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SB56). If there are multiple setting temperatures with the lowest number of actual usages, the automatic control unit 304 will determine the setting temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 among the setting temperatures with the lowest number of actual usages as the setting temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0104] Now, with reference to Figure 13, step SB56 will be explained. Figure 13 shows an example of collected AD data.

[0105] The collected data AD shown in Figure 13 records the number of actual occurrences ("0") and the number of changes ("0") for each set temperature from 23°C to 26°C. However, since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded. Furthermore, the collected data AD shown in Figure 13 records the number of actual occurrences ("3"), the number of changes ("4"), and the probability of change ("3 / 4") for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0106] In Figure 13, 27°C is the third energy-saving setting temperature. Therefore, the added temperature becomes 28°C, which exceeds the highest setting temperature recorded in the collected data AD. For this reason, in the case of Figure 13, the automatic control unit 304 determines 26°C as the setting temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling.

[0107] Returning to the explanation of step SB53 in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving third setting temperature is not less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: NO), it determines whether there is a fourth setting temperature with zero actual occurrences between the lowest setting temperature and the energy-saving third setting temperature within a predetermined range of setting temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SB57).

[0108] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that a fourth set temperature exists between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature (step SB57: YES), it determines the fourth set temperature as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 (step SB58). If multiple fourth set temperatures exist, the automatic control unit 304 determines the fourth set temperature that results in the smallest energy savings for the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0109] Now, with reference to Figure 14, step SB58 will be explained. Figure 14 shows an example of collected data (AD).

[0110] The collected data AD shown in Figure 14 records the number of actual occurrences ("0") and the number of changes ("0") for each of the set temperatures of 23°C, 24°C, and 27°C. However, since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded. Furthermore, the collected data AD shown in Figure 14 records the number of actual occurrences ("3"), the number of changes ("2"), and the probability of change ("2 / 3") for a set temperature of 25°C. Furthermore, the collected data AD shown in Figure 14 records the number of actual occurrences of "4", the number of changes of "4", and the change probability of "4 / 4" for a set temperature of 26°C.

[0111] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is cooling, then in the collected data AD shown in Figure 14, 26°C corresponds to the third energy-saving setting temperature.

[0112] In the collected data AD in Figure 14, 23°C is the lowest set temperature. In other words, in the collected data AD in Figure 15, there are two fourth set temperatures between 23°C and the energy-saving third set temperature: 23°C and 24°C. Therefore, in the case of Figure 15, in step SB58, the automatic control unit 304 determines 24°C as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0113] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 11, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there is no fourth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature (step SB57: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest actual count between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature within the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 (step SB59). If there are multiple setting temperatures with the lowest number of actual usages, the automatic control unit 304 will determine the setting temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 among the setting temperatures with the lowest number of actual usages as the setting temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0114] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 8, the automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SB4 or step SB5 (step SB6).

[0115] [1-2-2. Automatic control in the case of heating] First, let's explain the operation when the air conditioning type of the record R1 to be processed is heating. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in automatic control. In the explanation of Figure 15, the same reference numerals are used for the same steps as in Figure 8, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0116] The automatic control unit 304 identifies the collection data AD to be processed from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed (step SC1).

[0117] Step SC1 will be described in detail. The automatic control unit 304 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period including the current time and the outside temperature temperature acquired in step SB1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R1 to be processed.

[0118] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the set temperature, which falls within a predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SC1, satisfies the following second condition (step SC2). Second condition: There must be a fifth set temperature and a sixth set temperature.

[0119] The fifth set temperature is a set temperature where the corresponding change probability is below a predetermined threshold. An example of a predetermined threshold is 0.1 (10%). The sixth set temperature is the second lowest set temperature within a predetermined range, after the fifth set temperature, and the corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0120] Here, we will explain the fifth and sixth set temperatures using Figure 4. The collected data AD shown in Figure 4 records a change probability of "4 / 4" for a set temperature of 18°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" for a set temperature of 19°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" for a set temperature of 20°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" for a set temperature of 21°C, a change probability of "0 / 3" for a set temperature of 22°C, and a change probability of "0 / 2" for a set temperature of 23°C.

[0121] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 4, 21°C, 22°C, and 23°C correspond to the fifth set temperature, and 20°C corresponds to the sixth set temperature. Furthermore, the collected data AD shown in Figure 4 satisfies the second condition described above.

[0122] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in Figure 15, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the second condition is met (step SC2: YES), it executes the second decision process (step SC3). The second decision process is the process of determining the appropriate set temperature. In the second decision process, the collected data AD identified in step SC1 is the target of processing.

[0123] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the second decision process.

[0124] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether there are multiple fifth set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC31).

[0125] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are no multiple fifth set temperatures (step SC31: NO), it determines the fifth set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SC32).

[0126] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that there are multiple fifth set temperatures (step SC31: YES), it determines the fifth set temperature that best maximizes the comfort of the air-conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning unit 1 (step SC33).

[0127] 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 highest setting temperature among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning system 1 is performing heating.

[0128] Returning to the explanation of step SC2 in Figure 15, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the second condition is not met (step SC2: NO), it performs the process to confirm that the second condition is met (step SC4).

[0129] The processing for fulfilling the second condition is a process to ensure that the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD can satisfy the second condition described above. In the processing for fulfilling the second condition, the collected data AD identified in step SC1 is the target of processing.

[0130] Figure 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in the process for fulfilling the second condition. In the explanation of Figure 17, steps similar to those in Figure 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the explanation of those processes is omitted as appropriate.

[0131] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving third setting temperature is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: YES), it determines whether the subtracted temperature obtained by reducing the energy-saving third setting temperature by 1°C is lower than the lowest setting temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41).

[0132] Now, referring to Figure 18, we will explain the third energy-saving setting temperature during heating. Figure 18 shows an example of collected data (AD).

[0133] The collected data AD shown in Figure 18 records the number of actual occurrences ("2"), the number of changes ("1"), and the probability of change ("1 / 2") for each set temperature between 19°C and 20°C. Furthermore, in the collected data AD shown in Figure 18, the number of actual occurrences ("0") and the number of changes ("0") are recorded for each set temperature of 18°C ​​and 21°C-23°C. However, since the number of actual occurrences is zero, the probability of change is not recorded.

[0134] If the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R1 to be processed is heating, then in the collected data AD shown in Figure 18, 19°C corresponds to the third constant temperature on the energy-saving side.

[0135] Here, we will use Figure 18 to specifically explain the process of step SC41. As mentioned above, in Figure 18, 19°C is the third energy-saving setting temperature. Therefore, in the case of Figure 18, the subtracted temperature is 18°C. Also, among the setting temperatures recorded in the collected data AD in Figure 18, 18°C ​​is the lowest setting temperature. Therefore, in the case of Figure 18, the automatic control unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SC41.

[0136] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the subtracted temperature does not fall below the lowest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it determines the subtracted temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SC42). On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the subtracted temperature falls below the lowest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it performs the process in step SB56.

[0137] Returning to the explanation of step SB53 in Figure 17, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving third set temperature is not less than a predetermined threshold (step SB53: NO), it determines whether there is a fourth set temperature with zero actual occurrences between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature within a predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SC43).

[0138] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that a fourth set temperature exists between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature (step SC43: YES), it determines the fourth set temperature as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 (step SB58). If multiple fourth set temperatures exist, the automatic control unit 304 determines the fourth set temperature that results in the smallest energy savings for the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0139] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that there is no fourth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature (step SC43: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest actual count between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving third set temperature within the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 (step SC44). If there are multiple setting temperatures with the lowest number of actual usages, the automatic control unit 304 will determine the setting temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 among the setting temperatures with the lowest number of actual usages as the setting temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0140] Returning to the flowchart in Figure 15, the automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SC3 or step SC4 (step SC5).

[0141] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As explained above, the air conditioning system 1000 air-conditions the air-conditioned space S using the air conditioning device 1. The air conditioning system 1000 includes an automatic control unit 304 that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and a management unit 305 that manages the service plan related to the air conditioning device 1 that user P has contracted. If the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates both a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed. If the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the second plan, which is more expensive than the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates a first period that is longer than the first plan.

[0142] According to this, if user P is subscribed to Plan 1, which is less expensive than Plan 2, the automatic temperature control of the air conditioner 1 can be performed over a shorter period than with Plan 2. If user P is subscribed to Plan 2, which is more expensive than Plan 1, the automatic temperature control of the air conditioner 1 can be performed over a longer period than with Plan 1. Therefore, the automatic temperature control of the air conditioner 1 can be appropriately performed according to the different plans with varying prices.

[0143] If the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, the automatic control unit 304 will alternate between the first period and the second period every week.

[0144] According to this, by alternating between the first and second periods, it is possible to increase the likelihood that user P will be able to experience the effects of automatic control.

[0145] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether user P has requested the execution of automatic control when the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the first plan, and if it determines that user P has requested the execution of automatic control, it generates both the first period and the second period.

[0146] According to this, when user P requests the execution of automatic control, both the first and second periods are generated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a period from occurring where automatic control is performed even though user P has not requested it.

[0147] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that it has not requested the execution of automatic control, it will not generate the first period but will generate the second period.

[0148] According to this, if user P does not request the execution of automatic control, no period for automatic control will be generated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a period of automatic control from being generated even though user P has not requested it.

[0149] If the plan managed by the management unit 305 is the second plan, the automatic control unit 304 generates the first period but does not generate the second period.

[0150] According to this, if user P has a high-priced plan, it is possible to prevent periods when automatic control is not performed, and no difference in comfort occurs in the air-conditioned space S due to the occurrence of the first and second periods. Therefore, if user P has a high-priced plan, the comfort level of the air-conditioned space S can be maintained.

[0151] The control method for the air conditioning system 1000 is such that if the service plan for the air conditioning unit 1 contracted by user P is Plan 1, both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 is automatically controlled and a second period in which it is not automatically controlled are generated. If the plan contracted by user P is Plan 2, which is more expensive than Plan 1, a first period longer than that of Plan 1 is generated.

[0152] According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0153] The control program 311 causes the server control device 30 of the air conditioning system 1000, which air-conditions the air-conditioned space S using the air conditioning device 1, to function as an automatic control unit 304 that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. The automatic control unit 304 generates both a first period of automatic control and a second period of no automatic control if the service plan for the air conditioning device 1 contracted by user P is the first plan, and generates a first period that is longer than the first plan if the plan contracted by user P is the second plan, which is more expensive than the first plan.

[0154] According to this, it will produce the same effect as the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0155] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 2, compared to Embodiment 1, the service offers a first plan, a second plan, and a third plan. The third plan is one in which automatic control of the set temperature is not performed. In Embodiment 2, the first plan is one in which an automatic control trial is performed regardless of whether a request for an automatic control trial has been made.

[0156] In this embodiment, Plan 1 is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, Plan 1 is a plan costing 500 yen per month and per system. The services available under Plan 1 include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0157] In this embodiment, the second plan is a plan with a monthly fee of β (β>α) yen. For example, the second plan is a plan costing 1000 yen per month and per system. The services available under the second plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. In this embodiment as well, automatic control is performed under the second plan.

[0158] In this embodiment, the third plan is a plan with a monthly usage fee of α yen. For example, the third plan is a plan costing 500 yen per month and per system. The services available under the third plan include setting the functions of the air conditioner 1 for the purpose of reducing energy consumption, and checking the history of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, but do not include a trial of automatic control of the set temperature of the air conditioner 1.

[0159] By offering these three plans, User P can choose Plan 2 if they are attracted to automated control, choose Plan 1 to try automated control if they are hesitant, or choose Plan 3 if they are not attracted to or interested in automated control. Furthermore, even if User P has chosen Plan 3, they can choose Plan 1 to try automated control if they become interested in or attracted to it. If User P has chosen Plan 1 and the trial period has expired, they will have to choose either Plan 2 or Plan 3.

[0160] [2-1. Structure] The configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 1, and a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0161] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in Embodiment 2 will be described. Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in the operation related to determining whether or not to perform automatic control.

[0162] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3. Note that the flowchart in Figure 19, like that in Figure 7, is a flowchart performed for each facility H. In other words, the flowchart in Figure 19 represents the operations performed for each record R2 stored in the second management DB 313.

[0163] The automatic control unit 304 determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SD1).

[0164] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the second plan (step SD1: YES), it executes the process in step SA5.

[0165] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is not the second plan (step SD1: NO), it determines whether the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2).

[0166] If the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2: YES), it executes the processing from step SA4 onwards.

[0167] On the other hand, if the automatic control unit 304 determines that the contract plan recorded in the record R2 to be processed is the first plan (step SD2: NO), it executes the process in step SA3.

[0168] [2-3. Effects, etc.] According to Embodiment 2, the same effects as in Embodiment 1 are achieved.

[0169] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiments 1 and 2 have been explained as examples disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to combine the components described in Embodiments 1 and 2 to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0170] In other embodiments, the algorithm for automatic control of the set temperature is not limited to the algorithm of Embodiment 1 described above.

[0171] In the 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.

[0172] 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.

[0173] In the embodiment described above, the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collected data AD is from 23°C to 27°C. However, this predetermined range is merely an example and may be the range of set temperatures that the air conditioner 1 can set, or it may be the range within the range of set temperatures that the air conditioner 1 can set that is expected to be set by the user.

[0174] 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.

[0175] In the embodiment described above, the first plan is a plan in which an automatic control trial is executed when an automatic control trial is requested. In other embodiments, the first plan may be a plan in which an automatic control trial is executed regardless of whether an automatic control trial is requested.

[0176] In the embodiment described above, the second plan is a plan in which no second period occurs. In other embodiments, the second plan may be a plan in which a second period occurs. In these other embodiments, it is preferable that the second period occurring in the second plan is shorter than the second period occurring in the first plan.

[0177] In the embodiment described above, both Plan 1 and Plan 2 are paid plans, but in other embodiments, Plan 1 may be a free plan and Plan 2 may be a paid plan.

[0178] In the embodiment described above, in the first plan, the first period and the second period occur alternately every week. However, this cycle is merely an example and may be longer or shorter than one week.

[0179] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 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 automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0180] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 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 set temperature, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for the ambient temperature. In this other embodiment, the automatic control unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0181] 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 302. 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 302).

[0182] In the embodiment described above, when there are multiple second and fifth 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 1 may also be determined as the set temperature to be set.

[0183] In the embodiment described above, the temperature compared in step SB54 is the sum of the third energy-saving setting temperature plus 1°C. In other embodiments, the temperature compared in step SB54 is not limited to the sum of the third energy-saving setting temperature plus 1°C, but may be the third energy-saving setting temperature plus a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2°C), or multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.1). When multiplying, the decimal part may be rounded up or rounded down.

[0184] In the embodiment described above, the temperature compared in step SC41 is the subtracted temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy-saving third set temperature. In other embodiments, the temperature compared in step SC41 is not limited to the subtracted temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy-saving third set temperature, but may be the temperature obtained by subtracting a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2°C) from the energy-saving third set temperature, or the temperature obtained by multiplying by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 0.1). When multiplying, the decimal part may be rounded up or rounded down.

[0185] In the embodiment described above, the plans differ in price, but the differences between the plans are not limited to price; they may also be differences in service content.

[0186] In other embodiments, at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, and the automatic control unit 304 may be executed not by the server control device 30, but by a control device that controls each part of the terminal device 2 or a control device that controls each part of the air conditioner 1 (for example, a communication device 14). In these other embodiments, the control devices that control each part of the terminal device 2 or the control devices that control each part of the air conditioner 1 correspond to a "computer". Also in these other embodiments, a program for realizing at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, and the automatic control unit 304, which is executed by a control device that controls each part of the terminal device 2 or the control device that controls each part of the air conditioner 1, corresponds to a "program". Also in these other embodiments, the memory of the terminal device 2 or the air conditioner 1 may store the management data MD. Furthermore, when the control device that controls each part of the air conditioning unit 1 functions as an automatic control unit 304, the automatic control unit 304 sets the set temperature for the air conditioning unit 1 by controlling each part of the air conditioning unit 1. In other words, in this case, the automatic control unit 304 does not generate setting data SD.

[0187] The server processor 300 may consist of a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may also be hardware programmed to implement the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may consist of, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0188] The configuration of the management server 3 shown in Figure 2 is merely an example, and the specific implementation is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily required that hardware corresponding to each part be implemented individually; it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes programs to realize the functions of each part. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or vice versa.

[0189] The operational step units shown in Figures 7, 8, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, and 19 are divided according to the main processing content to facilitate understanding of the operation, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Alternatively, it may be divided so that one step unit includes even more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate, as long as it does not impede the intent of this disclosure.

[0190] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0191] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0192] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, comprising: an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device; and a management unit that manages the service plan related to the air conditioning device contracted by the user, wherein the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when the plan managed by the management unit is a first plan, and generates a first period that is longer than the first plan when the plan managed by the management unit is a second plan different from the first plan. According to this, if the user is subscribed to Plan 1, the automatic temperature control of the air conditioning system can be performed over a shorter period than with Plan 2. If the user is subscribed to Plan 2, which is different from Plan 1, the automatic temperature control of the air conditioning system can be performed over a longer period than with Plan 1. Therefore, the automatic temperature control of the air conditioning system can be performed according to the plan.

[0193] (Technical 2) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the automatic control unit, when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, alternately generates the first period and the second period at predetermined intervals. According to this approach, by alternating between the first and second periods, it becomes possible to increase the likelihood that users will be able to experience the effects of automated control.

[0194] (Technical 3) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1 or Technical 2, wherein the automatic control unit determines whether the user has requested the execution of the automatic control when the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, and if it determines that the user has requested the execution of the automatic control, it generates both the first period and the second period. According to this, both the first and second periods are generated when the user requests the execution of automatic control. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a period from occurring where automatic control is performed even when the user has not requested it.

[0195] (Technical 4) The air conditioning system according to Technical 3, wherein the automatic control unit determines that it has not requested the execution of the automatic control, and does not generate the first period, but generates the second period. According to this, if the user has not requested automatic control to be performed, no period for automatic control will be generated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a period of automatic control from occurring even when the user has not requested it.

[0196] (Technology 5) The second plan is an air conditioning system described in any one of the technologies 1 to 4, which is a more expensive plan than the first plan. According to this, the air conditioning system's set temperature can be appropriately controlled automatically according to the different price plans.

[0197] (Technical 6) The air conditioning system according to any one of Technical 5, wherein the automatic control unit generates the first period while not generating the second period when the plan managed by the management unit is the second plan. According to this, if the user has a high-priced plan, it is possible to prevent periods when automatic control is not performed, and the difference in comfort level between the first and second periods will not occur in the air-conditioned space. Therefore, if the user has a high-priced plan, the comfort level of the air-conditioned space can be maintained.

[0198] (Technical 7) A control method for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space using an air conditioning device, wherein the computer of the air conditioning system generates both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning device is automatically controlled and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when the service plan related to the air conditioning device contracted by the user is a first plan, and generates a first period that is longer than the first plan when the plan contracted by the user is a second plan which is different from the first plan. According to this, it produces the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0199] (Technology 8) A program in which the computer of an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioning device functions as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning device, and the automatic control unit generates both a first period in which the automatic control is performed and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed when the service plan related to the air conditioning device contracted by the user is the first plan, and generates the first period which is longer than the first plan when the plan contracted by the user is the second plan which is different from the first plan. According to this, it produces the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1. [Industrial applicability]

[0200] As described above, the air conditioning system, control method for the air conditioning system, and program according to the present invention can be used for the purpose of automatically controlling the set temperature of an air conditioning device. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0201] 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 unit (computer) 31 Server communication device 300 server processors 301 Communication Control Unit 302 Acquisition Department 303 Update Department 304 Automatic Control Unit 305 Management Department 310 Server Memory 311 Control program (program) 312 1st management DB 313 2nd management DB 1000 Air Conditioning Systems AD collected data H Facility MD Management Data NW Network RD operation data S Air conditioned space SD card configuration data

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to a space using an air conditioning device, An automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the air conditioning system, It comprises a management unit that manages the service plan related to the air conditioning system contracted by the user, The automatic control unit, If the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, then both the first period during which automatic control is performed and the second period during which automatic control is not performed are generated. If the plan managed by the management department is a second plan different from the first plan, then the first period, which is longer than the first plan, is generated. Air conditioning system.

2. The automatic control unit, If the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, the first period and the second period are to occur alternately at predetermined intervals. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The automatic control unit, If the plan managed by the management unit is the first plan, the system determines whether the user has requested the execution of the automatic control. If it is determined that the execution of the aforementioned automatic control is requested, both the first period and the second period are generated. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The automatic control unit, If it is determined that the execution of the aforementioned automatic control is not requested, the first period is not generated, while the second period is generated. The air conditioning system according to claim 3.

5. The second plan is more expensive than the first plan. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. The automatic control unit, If the plan managed by the management department is the second plan, the first period is generated while the second period is not generated. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. A control method for an air conditioning system that air-conditions a space using an air conditioning device, The computer of the aforementioned air conditioning system If the service plan for the air conditioning system that the user has contracted is Plan 1, then both a first period in which the set temperature of the air conditioning system is automatically controlled and a second period in which the automatic control is not performed will occur. If the plan the user is subscribed to is a second plan different from the first plan, then the first period, which is longer than the first plan, is generated. A method for controlling an air conditioning system.

8. The computer of the air conditioning system that air-conditions the space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device, It functions as an automatic control unit that automatically controls the set temperature of the aforementioned air conditioning system. The automatic control unit, If the service plan for the air conditioning system that the user has contracted is Plan 1, then both a first period in which automatic control is performed and a second period in which automatic control is not performed will occur. If the plan the user is subscribed to is a second plan different from the first plan, then the first period, which is longer than the first plan, is generated. program.

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