Simple temperature and humidity control method, control device and control program

Abstract

To provide a simple temperature / humidity control method which can efficiently control an outside-air treatment machine of an individual dispersion air-conditioning system by a simple constitution, and can function independently from the individual dispersion air-conditioning system, a control device and a control program.SOLUTION: A control method of an outside-air treatment machine of an air-conditioning system which can individually operate one or more sets of indoor machines by a single outdoor machine comprises a measuring step for measuring a temperature and humidity at least at one point in a room being an air-conditioning object, and a control step for switching or maintaining a limit stage number so that an operation time at the limit stage number which is higher in energy consumption efficiency is elongated out of a preset limit stage number on the basis of the measured temperature and the humidity. The control step comprises an effect waiting step having an effect waiting time up until a succeeding control determination is performed after the switching of the limit stage number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for improving the energy-saving performance of a unit that processes outdoor air, among air conditioners that can operate one or more indoor units individually with one outdoor unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in the outdoor air treatment unit of a multi-air conditioner for buildings, which can operate one or more indoor units individually with one outdoor unit, there has been a problem of energy being wasted due to over-operation. Therefore, an air conditioning system that aims to save energy by controlling the outdoor air treatment unit of the multi-air conditioner for buildings is known (see Patent Document 1). The air conditioning system disclosed in the above Patent Document 1 switches the outdoor air treatment machine to normal ventilation mode when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor falls below the minimum set temperature among the set temperatures set in multiple temperature setting units, thereby having the effect of preventing excessive operation.

[0003] However, the above air conditioning system is premised on the air conditioning system being equipped with a function to prevent excessive operation in the outdoor air processing device of the air conditioning system, and there is a problem that the installation cost is high if it is applied to an air conditioning device that does not have this function.In addition, there is also a problem that appropriate control is not sufficiently performed because only temperature is considered and humidity is not considered. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-3793 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In view of this situation, the present invention aims to provide a simple temperature and humidity control method, control device, and control program that can perform efficient control of the outdoor air treatment unit of an individual distributed air conditioning system with a simple configuration, and that can function independently of the individual distributed air conditioning system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the simplified temperature and humidity control method of the present invention is a control method for an outdoor air treatment unit in an air conditioning system in which one outdoor unit can operate one or more indoor units individually, and includes a measurement step of measuring temperature and humidity at at least one location in the room to be air-conditioned, and a control step of switching or maintaining a preset limiting step number based on the measured temperature and humidity values, and the control step includes an effect waiting step of setting an effect waiting time before making the next control decision after switching the limiting step number. In the measurement step, the temperature and humidity of the room to be air-conditioned are measured, thereby enabling more appropriate control of the outside air processing device. By providing the control step, fine-tuned control according to the temperature and humidity of the room is possible. In addition, in order for the effect of switching the limiting step number to occur, it is necessary to wait for a certain period of time to elapse. Therefore, by providing an effect waiting step, the switching of the limiting step number in the control step can be made more effective. The effect waiting time in the effect waiting step may be determined based on the measured values ​​of temperature and humidity.

[0007] In the simple temperature and humidity control method of the present invention, the control step may be to switch to a limiting step number that more restricts output when, during cooling operation, operation has been continued for a certain period of time with all of the temperature measurement values ​​below the lower threshold of a predetermined temperature range, or when, during heating operation, operation has been continued for a certain period of time with all of the temperature measurement values ​​above the upper threshold of a predetermined temperature range. If the above conditions are met, there is a high possibility that the outdoor air treatment unit of the multi-air conditioner for a building is over-operating, so energy savings can be achieved by switching to a limiting stage that further restricts output. In this specification, the "predetermined temperature range" refers to a temperature range, for example, 26 to 28°C during cooling operation and 20 to 22°C during heating operation, which is appropriately set from the viewpoint of comfort and energy saving. In the above example, the "upper limit threshold" during cooling operation is 28°C and the "lower limit threshold" is 26°C, and the "upper limit threshold" during heating operation is 22°C and the "lower limit threshold" is 20°C.

[0008] In the simple temperature and humidity control method of the present invention, the control step is performed when, during cooling operation, all of the temperature measurement values ​​are below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​remains above the upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time, or when, during heating operation, all of the temperature measurement values ​​are above the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​remains below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time, and if the current limiting step is one step less strict than the maximum step that maximizes output limiting, it is preferable to set a longer effect waiting time in the effect waiting step. When conflicting conditions arise, such as when temperature conditions dictate "restriction" and humidity conditions dictate "removal," the restriction will be immediately removed even if it is imposed, resulting in a situation in which restriction and removal are repeated frequently. To avoid this, a longer waiting time is set for such cases only, reducing the frequency of repetition.

[0009] In the simple temperature and humidity control method of the present invention, the control step may be to switch to a limiting step number that more restricts the output when, during cooling operation, not all of the temperature measurement values ​​are below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​is not above the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and all of the humidity measurement values ​​remain below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time, or when, during heating operation, not all of the temperature measurement values ​​exceed the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​is not below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and all of the humidity measurement values ​​remain above the upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time. If the above conditions are met, there is a high possibility that the outdoor air treatment unit of the multi-air conditioner for a building is over-operating, so energy savings can be achieved by switching to a limiting stage that further restricts output.

[0010] In the simple temperature and humidity control method of the present invention, when switching to a limiting step that further restricts output in the control step, if the current limiting step is the maximum step that maximizes output restriction, it is preferable not to switch the limiting step. If the current limiting step number is the maximum step number that limits the output to the maximum extent, it is not possible to switch to a limiting step number that limits the output more, so the limiting step number is not switched and is maintained.

[0011] In the simplified temperature and humidity control method of the present invention, the control step may be to switch to a limiting step number that relaxes the output limit when, during cooling operation, not all of the temperature measurement values ​​are below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​does not exceed the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​remains above the upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time, or when, during heating operation, not all of the temperature measurement values ​​exceed the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​does not fall below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​remains below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time. When the above conditions are met, the outdoor air treatment unit of the multi-air conditioner for a building is unlikely to be over-operating, so a comfortable indoor space can be maintained by switching to a limiting stage that relaxes the output limit more.

[0012] In the simplified temperature and humidity control method of the present invention, the control step may be to switch to a limiting step number that relaxes the output limit when, during cooling operation, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​exceeds the upper threshold of a predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​remains above the upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time, or when, during heating operation, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​falls below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​remains below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time. When the above conditions are met, the outdoor air treatment unit of the multi-air conditioner for a building is unlikely to be over-operating, so a comfortable indoor space can be maintained by switching to a limiting stage that relaxes the output limit more.

[0013] In the simple temperature and humidity control method of the present invention, when switching to a limiting step number that relaxes the output limit in the control step, if the current limiting step number is the minimum step number that keeps the output limit to a minimum, it is preferable not to switch the limiting step number. If the current limit stage number is the minimum stage number that keeps the output limit to a minimum, it is not possible to switch to a limit stage number that relaxes the output limit, so the limit stage number is maintained without switching.

[0014] It is preferable that the simple temperature and humidity control method of the present invention further includes a comparison step of comparing the output upper limit of the limiting step number switched or maintained in the control step with the output upper limit based on the target demand value, and selecting the limiting step number corresponding to the lower output upper limit. The demand value is the average power usage over a 30-minute period, and since the contracted power is determined based on the maximum demand value over a month, it is necessary to lower the demand value in order to reduce electricity bills. Therefore, in air conditioning systems, a target demand value is set, and control is performed so that the demand value does not exceed this value. Therefore, when demand control is performed, the output upper limit of the limit step switched or maintained in the control step is compared with the output upper limit based on the target demand value, and the limit step corresponding to the lower output upper limit is selected, thereby enabling energy-efficient control without exceeding the target demand value. Here, a "lower output upper limit" means selecting a step that "limits the output more." Note that, in order to make it easy to compare the limit steps, it is preferable that the limit steps for the simple temperature and humidity control and the limit steps for the demand control set in the outdoor unit are the same number and have the same output upper limit.

[0015] The simple temperature and humidity control device of the present invention is a control device for an outdoor air treatment unit in an air conditioning system in which one outdoor unit can operate one or more indoor units individually, and is equipped with a temperature and humidity measuring means having a temperature measuring unit and a humidity measuring unit for measuring temperature and humidity at at least one location in the room to be air-conditioned, and a control means having a control unit that switches a preset limiting step number based on the measured temperature and humidity values, and the control means is equipped with a setting means that can set an effective waiting time before making the next control decision after switching the limiting step number. Here, a known thermometer is preferably used as the temperature measuring unit, and a known hygrometer is preferably used as the humidity measuring unit. The setting means sets the control means in addition to setting the effect waiting time, and is preferably capable of setting a wide range of items, such as setting the upper and lower limit thresholds for each limit step number that serves as the control standard, setting the time until control based on temperature and humidity begins after operation has started, setting the judgment waiting time, and effect waiting time.

[0016] In the simplified temperature and humidity control device of the present invention, it is preferable that the temperature and humidity measuring means includes a transmitting means for transmitting measured values ​​to the control means by wireless communication, and the control means includes a receiving means for receiving measured values ​​by wireless communication. Transmission of data from the temperature and humidity measuring means to the control means by wireless communication makes installation easier. It is preferable that power is supplied to the temperature and humidity measuring means by a small solar panel provided on the temperature and humidity measuring means. Also, different from the above configuration, it is also possible to connect the temperature and humidity measuring means and the control means by a communication cable and transmit and receive data by wired communication.

[0017] It is preferable that the simple temperature and humidity control device of the present invention further comprises a comparison means for comparing the output upper limit of the limiting step number switched or maintained by the control means with the output upper limit based on the target demand value, and selecting the limiting step number corresponding to the lower output upper limit.

[0018] The simplified temperature and humidity control program of the present invention is for causing a computer to execute each step of any of the simplified temperature and humidity control methods described above. Effect of the Invention

[0019] The simplified temperature and humidity control method, control device, and control program of the present invention have the advantage that they enable energy-efficient control with a simple configuration. In addition, they can function independently of an existing air conditioning system, so they can be retrofitted at low cost. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] Function block diagram of simple temperature and humidity control device [Diagram 2] System configuration diagram of simple temperature and humidity control device [Diagram 3] Control flow diagram of the simplified temperature and humidity control method of the first embodiment [Figure 4] Control flow diagram for the first control [Diagram 5] Control flow diagram for the second control [Figure 6] Control flow diagram for the third control [Figure 7] Demand control and priority decision flow chart [Figure 8] Control flow diagram of the simplified temperature and humidity control method of the second embodiment BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples and illustrated examples, and many modifications and variations are possible. Example 1

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a functional block diagram of the simple temperature and humidity control device. As shown in Fig. 1, the simple temperature and humidity control device 1 is composed of a temperature and humidity measuring means 20 and a control means 30. The temperature and humidity measuring means 20 includes a temperature measuring unit 21, a humidity measuring unit 22, and a transmission means 23, and the control means 30 includes a control unit 31, a setting means 32, a comparison means 33, and a reception means 34. The temperature and humidity measuring means 20 measures the temperature and humidity of the indoor space to be air-conditioned and transmits the measured values ​​to the control means 30. Specifically, the temperature measuring unit 21 measures the temperature, and the humidity measuring unit 22 measures the humidity. Furthermore, the transmission means 23 transmits the measured values ​​of temperature and humidity to the control means 30 by wireless communication.

[0023] The control means 30 controls the outdoor unit 5 of the outdoor air processing device 6 based on the measured temperature and humidity values ​​received from the temperature and humidity measuring means 20. Specifically, the control unit 31 controls the outdoor unit 5, and the setting means 32 sets the control means 30, and can set, for example, upper and lower limit thresholds for each limit step number that is the control standard, set the time until control based on temperature and humidity starts after operation starts, and set a judgment waiting time and an effect waiting time. The comparison means 33 compares the output upper limit of the switched or maintained limit step number with the output upper limit based on the target demand value, and selects the limit step number that corresponds to the lower output upper limit. The reception means 34 receives the measured temperature and humidity values ​​from the temperature and humidity measuring means 20 by wireless communication. The outdoor air treatment unit 6 is equipped with an indoor unit 4 and an outdoor unit 5, and constitutes part of a multi-air conditioner for buildings that can operate multiple indoor units individually with one outdoor unit (not shown). The demand control means 7 performs control based on a target demand value. The outdoor unit 5, the control means 30, and the demand control means 7 are each connected by wires, and are structured to be able to control the outdoor unit 5.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a system configuration diagram of the simple temperature and humidity control device. As shown in Fig. 2, the simple temperature and humidity control device 1 is composed of a temperature and humidity measuring device 2 and a control device 3, and the temperature and humidity measuring device 2 is installed in an indoor space 10 to be air-conditioned. The number of temperature and humidity measuring devices 2 to be installed is not limited to the number shown in Fig. 2, and may be two or less, or four or more. The temperature and humidity measuring device 2 is preferably installed in a location that is less susceptible to the effects of external light and changes in temperature and humidity caused by people entering and leaving the room. Data relating to the measured temperature and humidity values ​​is wirelessly transmitted from the temperature and humidity measuring device 2 to the control device 3 as shown by radio waves 8. As shown in FIG. 2, power is supplied to the temperature and humidity measuring device 2 by a small solar panel 2a provided on the temperature and humidity measuring device 2. The control device 3 and the outdoor unit 5 are connected by a wired connection cable 9. The number of outdoor units 5 to be connected is not limited to the number shown in FIG. 2, and may be two or less, or four or more.

[0025] (Simple temperature and humidity control flow) Next, the control flow of the simple temperature and humidity control method will be described. First, as a premise, the control of the outdoor unit 5 by the control device 3 described above will be described. The control of the outdoor unit 5 by the control device 3 described above is performed by the on / off operation of the contact signal in the outdoor unit 5. The contact signal is switched for each limit step, but when multiple limit steps are provided, the contact signal corresponding to the model is turned on. The limit step setting is set for each outdoor unit because it needs to be set according to the needs of the user. Therefore, when using the simple temperature and humidity control device, it is first necessary to set the limit step for simple temperature and humidity control in the outdoor unit 5. The following Table 1 shows the limit step setting for simple temperature and humidity control in the outdoor unit 5. Note that the limit step setting shown in the following Table 1 is merely an example, and in reality it differs depending on the specifications of each manufacturer.

[0026] [Table 1]

[0027] As shown in Table 1 above, step number 1 is set to bit 1, and the load factor is 0 to 70%. Step number 2 is set to bit 2, and the load factor is 0 to 40%. Step number 3 is set to bit 3, and the load factor is 0%. That is, when step number 3 is applied and bit 3 is turned on, operation of the outdoor unit 5 is stopped. When steps 1 to 3 are not applied, it is possible to operate at a load factor of 0 to 100%. Furthermore, it is not necessary to set the stages to bits with the same numbers, such as stage 1 being bit 1 and stage 2 being bit 2. It is also possible to set the stages to bits with different numbers, such as stage 1 being bit 3 and stage 2 being bit 1.

[0028] 3 shows a control flow diagram of the simplified temperature and humidity control method of Example 1. Note that the simplified temperature and humidity control method of Example 1 is premised on cooling operation. As shown in Fig. 3, first, the operation of the multi-air conditioner for buildings is started (step S01). After starting operation, the outdoor unit is operated for a certain period of time at the output upper limit value in order to quickly adjust the room temperature to an appropriate level (step S02). After the certain period of operation, the simplified temperature and humidity control device starts to judge the operating state (step S03). At the start of the judgment, which limit step number should be the initial step number can be arbitrarily set using the setting means 32 according to the needs of the user.

[0029] To determine the operating state, first, it is determined whether all the temperature measurements made by the temperature measuring unit 21 are below a predetermined lower threshold (step S04), and if all the temperature measurements are below the predetermined lower threshold, it is determined whether at least one of the humidity measurements made by the humidity measuring unit 22 is above an upper threshold of a predetermined humidity range (step S05). If at least one of the humidity measurements is above an upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range, it is determined whether the limit step number is "maximum step number -1" (step S06), and if it is "maximum step number -1", a first control is performed (step S07). Here, "maximum step number -1" refers to "step number 3-1", that is, "step number 2" when applied to the limit step number setting described above.

[0030] It is determined whether all the temperature measurements made by the temperature measuring unit 21 are below a predetermined lower threshold (step S04), and if not all the temperature measurements are below the predetermined lower threshold, it is determined whether at least one of the temperature measurements exceeds an upper threshold of a predetermined temperature range (step S08). Here, if the condition that at least one of the temperature measurements exceeds the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range is not met, it is determined whether all the humidity measurements are below a predetermined lower threshold (step S09), and if this condition is met, a second control is performed (step S10). In addition, if at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​cannot be said to exceed the upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range in step S05, or if the limited number of steps is not "maximum number of steps - 1" in step S06, the second control is also performed (step S10).

[0031] In step S08, if it is determined that at least one of the temperature measurements exceeds the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range, it is determined whether at least one of the humidity measurements exceeds the upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range (step S11), and if this condition is met, the third control is performed (step S12).On the other hand, if this condition is not met, the operating state is determined again (step S03).

[0032] (Regarding the first control) Next, the first to third controls will be specifically described. FIG. 4 shows a control flow diagram for the first control. As shown in FIG. 4, first, after waiting for the judgment waiting time to elapse (step S21), the limit step number is increased by one step (step S22). As shown in step S06 in FIG. 3, in the first control, since the limit step number corresponds to "maximum step number - 1" in the above-mentioned limit step number setting, i.e., "step number 2", the limit step number is switched from "step number 2" to "step number 3". After that, after waiting for the elapse of a relatively long effect waiting time (step S23), the driving state is re-determined (step S24). Note that the re-determination of the driving state in step S24 refers to the determination of the driving state in step S03. In this way, in the first control, the effect waiting time is set long. This is because, in a state where all the temperature measurement values ​​are below the predetermined lower threshold (step S04), but at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​exceeds the upper threshold of the predetermined humidity range (step S05), and thus a contradictory state occurs in which the temperature condition is "restricted" and the humidity condition is "released," even if the restriction is imposed, the restriction is immediately released, resulting in a situation in which the restriction and release are frequently repeated, so that the effect waiting time is set long only in that case, reducing the frequency of repetition.

[0033] (Regarding the second control) Fig. 5 shows a control flow diagram for the second control. As shown in Fig. 5, first, a judgment waiting time is awaited (step S31), and then it is judged whether the limit step number is the maximum step number (step S32). If the limit step number is not the maximum step number, that is, if it is other than "step number 3" in the above-mentioned limit step number setting, the limit step number is increased by one step, for example, from "step number 1" to "step number 2" (step S33). Then, a relatively short effect waiting time is awaited (step S34), and the operating state is judged again (step S35). On the other hand, if the step limit number is the maximum step number (step S32), that is, if it corresponds to "step number 3" in the step limit number setting described above, the step limit number is maintained (step S36), and the driving state is re-determined (step S35). Note that the re-determination of the driving state in step S35 refers to the determination of the driving state in step S03. In this way, in the second control, when the limit number of stages is maintained (step S36), no effect waiting time is set, but when the limit number of stages is increased by one stage (step S33), an effect waiting time is set. This is because when the limit number of stages is switched, a certain amount of time must pass before the effect of the switch occurs, so an effect waiting time is set. Also, in the second control, the effect waiting time is set shorter than in the first control. This is because, based on the flow shown in FIG. 3, it is considered that there is a lower possibility of a situation in which restrictions and releases are repeated more frequently than in the first control.

[0034] (Regarding the third control) Fig. 6 shows a control flow diagram for the third control. As shown in Fig. 6, first, a judgment waiting time is awaited (step S41), and then it is judged whether the limit step number is the minimum step number (step S42). If the limit step number is not the minimum step number, that is, if it is other than "no step number" in the limit step number setting described above, the limit step number is lowered by one step, for example, from "step number 2" to "step number 1" (step S43). Then, a relatively short effect waiting time is awaited (step S44), and the operating state is re-evaluated (step S45). On the other hand, if the step limit number is the minimum step number (step S42), that is, if it corresponds to "no step number" in the step limit number setting described above, the step limit number is maintained (step S46), and the driving state is re-determined (step S45). Note that the re-determination of the driving state in step S45 refers to the determination of the driving state in step S03. In this way, in the third control, when the limit number of stages is maintained (step S46), no effect waiting time is provided, but when the limit number of stages is lowered by one stage (step S43), an effect waiting time is provided. This is because, like the second control, when the limit number of stages is switched, a certain amount of time must pass before the effect of the switch occurs, and therefore an effect waiting time is provided.

[0035] (Regarding priority determination with demand control) When demand control is performed by the demand control means 7 shown in Fig. 1, the priority order between the demand control and the simple temperature and humidity control becomes an issue. Fig. 7 shows a priority order determination flow diagram for the demand control. 7, first, the limit step number based on the simple temperature and humidity control is determined (step S51). Note that the flow of the simple temperature and humidity control is as shown in FIGS. Here, when demand control is not being performed (step S52), the limiting step number based on temperature and humidity control is applied (step S53). On the other hand, when demand control is being performed (step S52), it is determined whether the limiting step number based on demand control limits the output more (step S54), and when the limiting step number based on demand control limits the output more, the limiting step number based on demand control is applied (step S55). On the other hand, when it cannot be said that the limiting step number based on demand control limits the output more, the limiting step number based on temperature and humidity control is applied (step S53). In this manner, the priority order between the demand control and the simple temperature and humidity control is such that the level that achieves greater energy conservation is selected preferentially. Example 2

[0036] In the second embodiment, a simplified temperature and humidity control method will be described assuming heating operation. The setting of the limit step number for simplified temperature and humidity control in the outdoor unit 5 is the same as in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 shows a control flow diagram of the simplified temperature and humidity control method of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, first, the operation of the multi-air conditioner for a building is started (step S61). After starting the operation, the outdoor unit is operated for a fixed period of time at the output upper limit value in order to quickly adjust the room temperature to an appropriate value (step S62). After the fixed period of operation, the simplified temperature and humidity control device starts to judge the operating state (step S63). At the start of the judgment, which limit step number is to be the initial step number can be arbitrarily set using the setting means 32 according to the needs of the user.

[0037] To determine the operating state, first, it is determined whether all the temperature measurements made by the temperature measuring unit 21 exceed a predetermined upper threshold (step S64), and if all the temperature measurements exceed the predetermined upper threshold, it is determined whether at least one of the humidity measurements made by the humidity measuring unit 22 falls below the lower threshold of a predetermined humidity range (step S65). If at least one of the humidity measurements falls below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range, it is determined whether the limit step number is "maximum step number -1" (step S66), and if it is "maximum step number -1", a first control is performed (step S67). Here, "maximum step number -1" refers to "step number 3-1", that is, "step number 2" when applied to the limit step number setting described above.

[0038] It is determined whether all the temperature measurements made by the temperature measuring unit 21 exceed a predetermined upper threshold (step S64), and if not all the temperature measurements exceed the predetermined upper threshold, it is determined whether at least one of the temperature measurements is below the lower threshold of a predetermined temperature range (step S68). Here, if the condition that at least one of the temperature measurements is below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range is not met, it is determined whether all the humidity measurements exceed the predetermined upper threshold (step S69), and if this condition is met, a second control is performed (step S70). In addition, if at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is not below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range in step S65, or if the limited number of steps is not "maximum number of steps -1" in step S66, the second control is also performed (step S70).

[0039] In step S68, if it is determined that at least one of the temperature measurements is below the lower threshold of the predetermined temperature range, it is determined whether at least one of the humidity measurements is below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range (step S71), and if this condition is met, the third control is performed (step S72).On the other hand, if this condition is not met, the operating state is determined again (step S63).

[0040] (Regarding the first control) Next, the first to third controls will be specifically described. The first to third controls are the same as those in the first embodiment, and will be described using the control flow diagrams of FIGS. 4 to 6. As shown in FIG. 4, the first control first waits for the determination waiting time to elapse (step S21) and then increases the limit step number by one step (step S22). As shown in step S66 of FIG. 8, in the first control, the limit step number corresponds to "maximum step number - 1" in the above-mentioned limit step number setting, that is, "step number 2", so the limit step number is switched from "step number 2" to "step number 3". After that, the driving state is re-determined after a relatively long effect waiting time has elapsed (step S23). Note that the re-determination of the driving state in step S24 refers to the determination of the driving state in step S63. In this way, in the first control, the effect waiting time is set long. This is because, when a contradictory situation occurs in which all temperature measurement values ​​exceed the predetermined upper threshold (step S64) but at least one humidity measurement value falls below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range (step S65), such as "restriction" in temperature conditions and "release" in humidity conditions, even if a restriction is imposed, it is immediately released, resulting in a situation in which restriction and release are frequently repeated, so that the effect waiting time is set long only in that case, reducing the frequency of repetition.

[0041] (Regarding the second control) As for the second control, as shown in Fig. 5, first, a judgment waiting time elapses (step S31), and then it is judged whether the limit step number is the maximum step number (step S32). If the limit step number is not the maximum step number, that is, if it is other than "step number 3" in the limit step number setting described above, the limit step number is increased by one step, for example, from "step number 1" to "step number 2" (step S33). Then, a relatively short effect waiting time elapses (step S34), and the operating state is judged again (step S35). On the other hand, if the step limit number is the maximum step number (step S32), that is, if it corresponds to "step number 3" in the step limit number setting described above, the step limit number is maintained (step S36), and the driving state is re-determined (step S35). Note that the re-determination of the driving state in step S35 refers to the determination of the driving state in step S63. In this way, in the second control, when the limit number is maintained (step S36), no effect waiting time is set, but when the limit number is increased by one step (step S33), an effect waiting time is set. This is because when the limit number is switched, a certain amount of time must pass before the effect of the switch occurs, so an effect waiting time is set. Also, in the second control, the effect waiting time is set shorter than in the first control. This is because, based on the flow shown in FIG. 8, it is considered that there is a lower possibility of a situation in which restrictions and releases are repeated more frequently than in the first control.

[0042] (Regarding the third control) As for the third control, as shown in Fig. 6, first, a judgment waiting time elapses (step S41), and then it is judged whether the limit step number is the minimum step number (step S42). If the limit step number is not the minimum step number, that is, if it is other than "no step number" in the limit step number setting described above, the limit step number is lowered by one step, for example, from "step number 2" to "step number 1" (step S43). Then, a relatively short effect waiting time elapses (step S44), and the operating state is judged again (step S45). On the other hand, if the step limit number is the minimum step number (step S42), that is, if it corresponds to "no step number" in the step limit number setting described above, the step limit number is maintained (step S46), and the driving state is re-determined (step S45). Note that the re-determination of the driving state in step S45 refers to the determination of the driving state in step S63. In this way, in the third control, when the limit number of stages is maintained (step S46), no effect waiting time is provided, but when the limit number of stages is lowered by one stage (step S43), an effect waiting time is provided. This is because, like the second control, when the limit number of stages is switched, a certain amount of time must pass before the effect of the switch occurs, and therefore an effect waiting time is provided.

[0043] (Regarding priority determination with demand control) The priority determination with respect to the demand control is the same as in the first embodiment, and therefore the description will be omitted. [Industrial Applicability]

[0044] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is useful as a technology for improving energy-saving performance in multi-air conditioners for buildings. [Explanation of symbols]

[0045] 1. Simple temperature and humidity control device 2. Temperature and humidity measuring device 2a Solar Panel 3. Control Device 4 Indoor unit 5 Outdoor unit 6. Outdoor air treatment machine 7 Demand Control Means 8. Radio Waves 9 Connection Cable 10 Indoor space 20 Temperature and humidity measuring means 21 Temperature measurement section 22 Humidity measurement section 23 Transmission means 30 Control Means 31 Control Unit 32 Setting methods 33 Means of comparison 34 Receiving means

Claims

1. A method for controlling an outdoor air processing unit in an air conditioning system in which one outdoor unit can operate one or more indoor units individually, comprising: a measuring step in which a computer measures temperature and humidity at at least one location in a room to be air-conditioned; a control step in which the computer switches or maintains a preset limiting step number for performing stepwise output control by limiting at least an upper limit of the output of the outdoor unit based on the measured values ​​of temperature and humidity; Equipped with The control step includes an effect waiting step in which, after the limit stage number is switched, the computer sets an effect waiting time until the computer makes a next control determination; Equipped with During cooling operation, when the air conditioner is operated for a certain period of time in a state where the following two conditions are satisfied: all of the temperature measurement values ​​are below the lower limit threshold of a predetermined temperature range, and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is above the upper limit threshold of a predetermined humidity range; and the current limit step number is one step lower than the maximum step number that maximizes the output limit. Or, In the case where the heating operation is performed for a certain period of time in a state where the two conditions that all of the temperature measurement values ​​are above the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range are satisfied, and the current limit step number is one step less strict than the maximum step number that maximizes the output limit, A simplified temperature and humidity control method comprising: providing a longer effect waiting time in an effect waiting step.

2. The control step includes: During cooling operation, if the air conditioner is operated for a certain period of time while all of the temperature measurement values ​​are not below the lower limit threshold of a predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​is not above the upper limit threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and all of the humidity measurement values ​​are below the lower limit threshold of the predetermined humidity range, Or, During heating operation, when the air conditioner is operated for a certain period of time while not all of the temperature measurement values ​​exceed the upper limit threshold of the predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​does not fall below the lower limit threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and all of the humidity measurement values ​​remain above the upper limit threshold of the predetermined humidity range, 2. The simplified temperature and humidity control method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of switching to a limiting step number which further limits the output.

3. 3. The simplified temperature and humidity control method according to claim 1, wherein in the control step, if the current limiting step number is a maximum step number which maximizes the output limiting step number, the limiting step number is not changed.

4. The control step includes: During cooling operation, if the air conditioner is operated for a certain period of time while not all of the temperature measurement values ​​are below the lower limit threshold of a predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​is not above the upper limit threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is above the upper limit threshold of the predetermined humidity range, Or, During heating operation, when the air conditioner is operated for a certain period of time while not all of the temperature measurement values ​​exceed the upper limit threshold of the predetermined temperature range, at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​does not fall below the lower limit threshold of the predetermined temperature range, and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is below the lower limit threshold of the predetermined humidity range, 2. The simplified temperature and humidity control method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of switching to a limiting step which relaxes the output limit.

5. The control step includes: During cooling operation, when at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​exceeds an upper limit threshold of a predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​exceeds an upper limit threshold of a predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time, Or, During heating operation, when at least one of the temperature measurement values ​​is below a lower limit threshold of a predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is below a lower limit threshold of a predetermined humidity range for a certain period of time, 2. The simplified temperature and humidity control method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of switching to a limiting step which relaxes the output limit.

6. 6. The simplified temperature and humidity control method according to claim 4, wherein in the control step, if the current limit step number is the minimum step number that keeps the output limit to a minimum, the limit step number is not changed.

7. A simple temperature and humidity control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a comparison step of comparing the output upper limit of the limiting step number switched or maintained in the control step with an output upper limit based on a target demand value, and selecting the limiting step number corresponding to the lower output upper limit.

8. A control device for an outdoor air treatment unit in an air conditioning system in which one outdoor unit can operate one or more indoor units individually, A temperature and humidity measuring means including a temperature measuring unit and a humidity measuring unit for measuring temperature and humidity at at least one location in a room to be air-conditioned; a control means including a control unit for switching preset limiting step numbers for performing stepwise output control by limiting at least the upper limit of the output of the outdoor unit based on measured values ​​of temperature and humidity; Equipped with the control means includes a setting means for setting an effective waiting time until the next control determination is made after the limit stage number is switched; Equipped with During cooling operation, when the air conditioner is operated for a certain period of time in a state where the following two conditions are satisfied: all of the temperature measurement values ​​are below the lower limit threshold of a predetermined temperature range, and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is above the upper limit threshold of a predetermined humidity range; and the current limit step number is one step lower than the maximum step number that maximizes the output limit. Or, In the case where the heating operation is performed for a certain period of time in a state where the two conditions that all of the temperature measurement values ​​are above the upper threshold of the predetermined temperature range and at least one of the humidity measurement values ​​is below the lower threshold of the predetermined humidity range are satisfied, and the current limit step number is one step less strict than the maximum step number that maximizes the output limit, A simplified temperature and humidity control device, characterized in that a longer waiting time for the effect is set in the setting means.

9. The temperature and humidity measuring means includes a transmitting means for transmitting the measurement values ​​to the control means by wireless communication, The control means includes a receiving means for receiving the measurement value via wireless communication, 9. The simplified temperature and humidity control device according to claim 8,

10. A simple temperature and humidity control device as described in either claim 8 or 9, further comprising a comparison means for comparing the output upper limit of the limiting step number switched or maintained by the control means with an output upper limit based on a target demand value, and selecting the limiting step number corresponding to the lower output upper limit.

11. A simplified temperature and humidity control program for causing a computer to execute each step of the simplified temperature and humidity control method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images