Air conditioner, air conditioning system, and control method

Abstract

This air conditioner has a demand response function and comprises: a receiving unit for receiving a demand signal transmitted from a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company; an operation control unit for controlling operation of the air conditioner in accordance with a power reduction request from the demand signal received by the receiving unit; and a transmission unit for transmitting, to the cloud server, information indicating an operating state under the control of the operation control unit. A power company-side terminal and a terminal of a user of the air conditioner can each be notified about demand information pertaining to the demand signal and the information indicating the operating state.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Air conditioners are used all over the world, and interest in energy conservation is growing. Recently, there are air conditioners with a demand response function that operates at reduced power consumption based on a demand signal from a power company requesting the air conditioner to operate at reduced power consumption. This demand response is performed, for example, to cut peak power consumption in the summer.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for formulating a plan for a demand response to be executed when a request for reducing power is received, and determining whether reduction has been achieved for each planning period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-110698 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when an excessive power reduction request is received due to the demand response function, the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner and the actual air outlet temperature may become large, resulting in a loss of comfort, or the excessive power reduction request may not be accepted because protective control is activated on the air conditioner side. In such cases, there is a concern that the loss of comfort for users may lead to complaints. On the other hand, from the power company's perspective, since power reduction requests are not always met, there is a desire to monitor the achievement status.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an air conditioner and an air conditioning system that enable both the power company and the user to check the status in response to a power reduction request from the power company. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioner of the present disclosure is an air conditioner with a demand response function, and comprises a receiving unit that receives a demand signal transmitted from a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company, an operation control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner in response to a power reduction request due to the demand signal received by the receiving unit, and a transmitting unit that transmits information indicating the operating state as controlled by the operation control unit to the cloud server, and the demand information regarding the demand signal and the information indicating the operating state can be notified to each of the electric power company's terminal and the terminal of a user of the air conditioner.

[0008] In addition, the air conditioning system disclosed herein is an air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner having a demand response function, and a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company and transmits it to the air conditioner, wherein the air conditioner comprises a receiving unit that receives the demand signal transmitted from the cloud server, an operation control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner in response to a power reduction request based on the demand signal received by the receiving unit, and a transmitting unit that transmits information indicating the operation state under the control of the operation control unit to the cloud server, and the cloud server notifies each of the electric power company's terminal and the terminal of a user of the air conditioner of information based on the demand information related to the demand signal and the information indicating the operation state.

[0009] In addition, the control method for an air conditioner with a demand response function disclosed herein includes a step in which a receiving unit receives a demand signal transmitted from a cloud server which receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company, a step in which an operation control unit controls the operation of the air conditioner in response to a power reduction request due to the demand signal received by the receiving unit, and a step in which a transmitting unit transmits information indicating the operation state as controlled by the operation control unit to the cloud server, and the demand information regarding the demand signal and the information indicating the operation state can be notified to each of the electric power company's terminal and the terminal of a user of the air conditioner.

[0010] Furthermore, a control method in an air conditioning system including an air conditioner with a demand response function and a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company and transmits it to the air conditioner, according to the present disclosure, includes a receiving step in which the air conditioner receives the demand signal transmitted from the cloud server, an operation control step in which the operation of the air conditioner is controlled in accordance with a power reduction request based on the demand signal received in the receiving step, a transmitting step in which information indicating the operation state as a result of the control in the operation control step is transmitted to the cloud server, and a step in which the cloud server notifies each of the electric power company's terminal and the terminal of a user of the air conditioner of information based on the demand information related to the demand signal and the information indicating the operation state. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible for both the power company and the user to confirm the status in response to a power reduction request from the power company. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a system diagram showing an overview of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of control in a normal mode according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of control in an intermittent operation mode according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a demand response process according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S1 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S3 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S4 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S9 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of details of step S8 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S11 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information to be uploaded to a cloud server according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of notifications that a user can check on a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a view showing a first example of display information that a user can view on a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S15 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a second example of display information that can be viewed by a user on a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S16 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of details of step S18 in FIG. 5 according to the embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a view showing a third example of display information that a user can view on a terminal according to the embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a first example of display information viewable by both a user and an electric power company according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second example of display information viewable by both a user and an electric power company according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of an air conditioning system that regulates the power of an air conditioner based on a demand signal from a power company will be described.

[0014] (Overview of air conditioning system) FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an overview of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system SYS shown in the figure includes an air conditioner 30 having a demand response function, an electric power company server 40 which is a server corresponding to an electric power company, a cloud server 50 on the cloud, a terminal 60, and a terminal 70.

[0015] The electric power company server 40 and the cloud server 50 are capable of communicating with the cloud server 50 via a communication network. In addition, the air conditioner 30 and the cloud server 50 are capable of communicating with the cloud server 50 via a communication network. The communication network includes the Internet, a mobile phone communication network, a LAN (Local Area Network), and the like.

[0016] The terminals 60 and 70 are also capable of communicating with the cloud server 50 via the communication network. The terminals 60 and 70 are devices such as personal computers, tablet terminals, and smartphones. The terminal 60 is a device used by a user of the air conditioner 30. On the other hand, the terminal 70 is a device used by the electric power company.

[0017] Although one air conditioner 30 is shown as an example here, in reality, multiple air conditioners 30 installed in homes and facilities to which electricity is transmitted by a power company are the targets of the air conditioning system SYS. Each user of the multiple air conditioners 30 uses a respective terminal 60.

[0018] The electric power company server 40 may be a server operated by the electric power company itself, or may be a server commissioned by the electric power company (a server operated by a party other than the electric power company). The electric power company server 40 transmits a demand signal requesting a reduction in the amount of power consumed (for example, peak cuts in summer) to the air conditioner 30 via the cloud server 50.

[0019] The cloud server 50 receives a demand signal transmitted from the power company server 40 , and transmits the received demand signal to the air conditioner 30 .

[0020] The air conditioner 30 is a multi-type air conditioner in which multiple indoor units Y are connected to one outdoor unit X. In the air conditioner 30, the outdoor unit X and the indoor units Y are connected by refrigerant piping, and the air conditioner performs heating or cooling operation by circulating the refrigerant.

[0021] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 30 receives a demand signal transmitted from the power company server 40 via the cloud server 50, it controls the operation of the air conditioner 30 in response to the power reduction request by the received demand signal. For example, each of the multiple indoor units Y has a communication unit 35 inside or outside. The communication unit 35 functions as a receiving unit that receives the demand signal transmitted from the cloud server 50. The communication unit 35 also functions as a transmitting unit that transmits information to be uploaded to the cloud server 50. The indoor unit Y transmits the demand signal received by the communication unit 35 to the outdoor unit X. The outdoor unit X controls the frequency of the compressor in response to the power reduction request by the demand signal.

[0022] Furthermore, the indoor unit Y transmits information indicating the operating state of the air conditioner 30 to the cloud server 50 via the communication unit 35. The information indicating the operating state includes information regarding power consumption (electric energy, current value, etc.) or information indicating the air outlet temperature, information indicating whether or not a protection control operation is in progress, etc.

[0023] The cloud server 50 stores demand information based on a demand signal transmitted from the power company server 40. The demand information includes at least one or both of information indicating whether a demand signal is being received and information indicating the contents of a power reduction request. For example, the cloud server 50 stores the demand information in association with date and time information. In other words, the cloud server 50 records the current demand information and the history of the demand information (changes over time), etc.

[0024] Furthermore, the cloud server 50 receives and stores information indicating the operating state transmitted from the air conditioner 30. For example, the cloud server 50 stores the information indicating the operating state in association with date and time information. In other words, the cloud server 50 records the current operating state and the history of the operating states up to now (changes over time), etc.

[0025] The cloud server 50 notifies the terminal 60 of the user of the air conditioner 30 and the terminal 70 of the electric power company of information based on the demand information and information indicating the operating state. This makes it possible for both the electric power company and the user to check the status in response to the power reduction request from the electric power company. The configuration related to this demand response function will be described in detail below.

[0026] (Air conditioner configuration) 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an air conditioner according to this embodiment. In the example shown, four indoor units Y are connected to one outdoor unit X.

[0027] The outdoor unit X includes a compressor 1 that compresses the refrigerant, a four-way valve 2 that switches the flow direction of the refrigerant, an outdoor heat exchanger 3 which is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the outside air and the refrigerant, an outdoor fan 4 which is a blower that blows air to the outdoor heat exchanger 3, an outdoor fan motor 5 that drives the outdoor fan 4 to rotate, an expansion valve 6 that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, a liquid side valve 10, a gas side valve 11, a discharge temperature detection unit 12 that detects the discharge temperature of the compressor 1, an outdoor heat exchanger refrigerant saturation temperature detection unit 13 that detects the refrigerant saturation temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3, an outdoor air temperature detection unit 14 that detects the temperature of the outside air, an outdoor heat exchanger refrigerant temperature detection unit 15 that detects the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 3, a liquid reservoir 19 for holding surplus refrigerant, and an outdoor unit control unit 21 that controls the outdoor unit X.

[0028] The indoor unit Y is equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 7 which is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between indoor air and refrigerant, an indoor fan 8 which is a blower that blows air to the indoor heat exchanger 7, an indoor fan motor 9 which drives and rotates the indoor fan 8, an indoor heat exchanger refrigerant saturation temperature detection unit 16 which detects the refrigerant saturation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 7, an indoor heat exchanger refrigerant temperature detection unit 17 which detects the refrigerant temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 7, an indoor air temperature detection unit 18 which detects the air temperature inside the room, and an indoor unit control unit 20 which controls the indoor unit Y.

[0029] In this diagram, the four indoor units Y are represented as indoor unit Ya, indoor unit Yb, indoor unit Yc, and indoor unit Yd, with ya, yb, yc, and yd added after the reference numerals of the components of each of the four indoor units Y. For example, the indoor heat exchangers 7 of the indoor units Ya, indoor unit Yb, indoor unit Yc, and indoor unit Yd are represented as indoor heat exchanger 7ya, indoor heat exchanger 7yb, indoor heat exchanger 7yc, and indoor heat exchanger 7yd, respectively.

[0030] The indoor unit control unit 20 and the outdoor unit control unit 21 are an example of an operation control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner 30, and cooperate to perform various controls. The compressor 1 of the outdoor unit X is a compressor that can be operated by changing the frequency according to a power reduction request by a demand signal (hereinafter referred to as a "demand request") under the control of the outdoor unit control unit 21. The expansion valves 6 are provided with an expansion valve 6a, an expansion valve 6b, an expansion valve 6c, and an expansion valve 6d corresponding to the indoor unit Ya, the indoor unit Yb, the indoor unit Yc, and the indoor unit Yd, respectively. Each expansion valve 6 is structured so that the opening degree can be variably controlled according to the operating state of each indoor unit Y.

[0031] The indoor unit Y is connected to the outdoor unit X by refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates. Next, an operation when performing cooling operation in the air conditioner 30 with such a configuration will be described.

[0032] In the air conditioner 30, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows toward the four-way valve 2. The flow path of the four-way valve 2 during cooling operation is set in the direction of the solid line in FIG. 2. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant passes through the four-way valve 2 and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3. The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 3 is condensed and liquefied while releasing heat to the outdoor air blown by the outdoor fan 4, becoming a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant is then decompressed by the expansion valve 6, becomes a low-pressure two-phase state, and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7. The liquid refrigerant that flows into the indoor heat exchanger 7 absorbs heat from the indoor air blown to the indoor heat exchanger 7 by the indoor fan 8, and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant. This low-pressure gas refrigerant then passes through the four-way valve 2, passes through the liquid reservoir 19, and returns to the compressor 1. The compressor 1 compresses the low-pressure gas refrigerant to high pressure and discharges it. This cooling operation can lower the indoor air temperature.

[0033] An example of control when the air conditioner 30 receives a demand signal from a power company during this cooling operation will be described. When the indoor unit control unit 20 receives an operation start command by a user operating a remote control (remote controller), it transmits an operation start command including information such as the set temperature set by the user on the indoor unit Y side to the outdoor unit control unit 21. The outdoor unit control unit 21 determines the operating frequency of the compressor 1 based on the information received from the indoor unit control unit 20 between a predetermined upper limit frequency (f_max) and a lower limit frequency (f_min), and operates the compressor 1. The outdoor unit control unit 21 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 1 so as not to exceed a predetermined current limit value (A_lim). For example, f_max is 120Hz, and f_min is 10Hz. Also, for example, A_lim is 20A.

[0034] At this time, when the communication unit 35 (see FIG. 1) receives a demand signal from the cloud server 50, the indoor unit control unit 20 acquires the demand signal and transmits demand request information indicating the contents of the demand request by the demand signal to the outdoor unit control unit 21. When the outdoor unit control unit 21 receives the demand request information, it updates the current limit value in accordance with this demand request information. For example, if the requested value of the current limit by the demand request is 50%, the outdoor unit control unit 21 updates the current limit value (A_lim) to 10A, which is 50% of 20A.

[0035] Furthermore, when the outdoor unit control unit 21 receives demand request information, if the air conditioner 30 is in protective control operation for operating within the product warranty range, it stores the fact that protective control operation is in progress and determines whether or not it is possible to change the operating frequency of the compressor 1 to achieve the demand request. If the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines that it is impossible to change the operating frequency of the compressor 1 based on the contents of the current protective control, it sets a demand operation prohibition flag indicating that operation in response to the demand request is prohibited, and transmits information to the indoor unit control unit 20 indicating that protective control operation in which the current value cannot be reduced any further is in progress. The indoor unit control unit 20 transmits information indicating the current operating state of the air conditioner 30 to the cloud server 50 and feeds it back.

[0036] For example, the outdoor unit control unit 21 calculates the change width of the operating frequency of the compressor 1 from the relationship between the current current value (A) and the required value of the current limit due to the demand request, and controls the operating frequency to reduce the difference between the current current value (A) and the required value of the current limit. At this time, if the required value of the current limit is a low value such as 10%, the outdoor unit control unit 21 changes the operating frequency so that the current value becomes 10%, but the operating frequency of the compressor 1 does not fall below the lower limit frequency (f_min). In addition, there are cases where the required value of the current limit is not reached due to protective control for protecting the operating state of the air conditioner 30, but the protective control has priority.

[0037] The indoor unit control unit 20 uploads, from among the information communicated with the outdoor unit control unit 21, information that can be confirmed by applications executed on the user's terminal 60 and the power company's terminal 70, such as the current operating state and the presence or absence of protective control, and notification settings, to the cloud server 50. The application executed on the cloud server 50 provides notifications (e.g., push notifications) based on the information and notification settings uploaded to the cloud server 50 so that the applications executed on the terminals 60 and 70 can confirm the information.

[0038] (Operation mode when a demand is requested) In addition, after a demand signal is transmitted from the power company server 40, there are cases where power reduction in the target area is not achieved. In such cases, the current limit request value by the demand signal transmitted from the power company server 40 may be updated to a value lower than the current current limit request value. If the current limit request value continues to be limited to a low value, it may become impossible to maintain the comfort desired by the user. Therefore, the air conditioner 30 allows the user to select whether or not to change the setting of the operation mode based on the updated information of the current limit request value.

[0039] Here, the operation modes will be described. The outdoor unit control unit 21 has an operation mode for performing demand response control in response to a demand request, which includes a normal mode in which control is performed in response to a demand request, and an intermittent operation mode (ON / OFF mode) in which intermittent operation is performed. The normal mode is an operation mode in which the operation frequency of the compressor 1 is controlled in response to a demand request so as to reach the required value of the current limit. The intermittent operation mode is an operation mode in which the operation frequency of the compressor 1 is not changed in response to a demand request, and the compressor 1 is controlled to alternate between an operation state in which the compressor 1 is operated and a stop state in which the compressor 1 is stopped.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of control in the normal mode according to this embodiment. This diagram shows the behavior of the operating frequency and current value of the compressor 1 over time in the normal mode. The outdoor unit control unit 21 gradually increases the operating frequency of the compressor 1 from the start of operation, and the current value also gradually increases accordingly. At time t1, the operating frequency of the compressor 1 reaches the upper limit frequency (f_max), so the outdoor unit control unit 21 maintains the operating frequency of the compressor 1 without increasing it thereafter. The current value at this time corresponds to the current limit value (A_lim).

[0041] After that, at time t2, when a demand signal with a current limit request value of 50% is received, the outdoor unit control unit 21 updates the current limit value to 50% in response to this demand request. As a result, the outdoor unit control unit 21 lowers the operation frequency so that the current value of the compressor 1 becomes 50% (A_50%) of the current limit value (A_lim).

[0042] Furthermore, at time t3, when a demand signal with a current limit request value of 20% is received, the outdoor unit control unit 21 updates the current limit value to 20% in response to this demand request. As a result, the outdoor unit control unit 21 lowers the operation frequency so that the current value of the compressor 1 becomes 20% (A_20%) of the current limit value (A_lim). In the illustrated example, the operation frequency at this time is the lower limit frequency (f_min). As an example, the outdoor unit control unit 21 sets the operation frequency at 55 Hz when the current value of the compressor 1 is lowered to 50% in response to the demand request at time t2, and lowers it from 55 Hz to the lower limit frequency of 22 Hz.

[0043] FIG. 4 shows an example of control performed when the operation mode is changed to the intermittent operation mode upon receiving a demand signal at time t3.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of control of the intermittent operation mode according to this embodiment. When the intermittent operation mode is selected at time t3 when a demand signal with a current limit requirement of 20% is received, the outdoor unit control unit 21 performs control to repeat an operating state in which the compressor 1 operates at the operating frequency without changing the operating frequency and a stopped state by stopping the operation. As an example, the outdoor unit control unit 21 performs cycle operation with an intermittent operation in which the compressor 1 operates at 55 Hz for 10 minutes and is stopped for 25 minutes. This makes it possible to reduce the integrated power consumption per unit time, and therefore allows operation equivalent to satisfying the current limit requirement.

[0045] For example, when the required current limit value continues to be limited to a low value and there is a possibility that the user will not be able to maintain the comfort desired, the user can change the operating mode setting from normal mode to intermittent operating mode.

[0046] (Additional operation of indoor units upon demand request) Next, an example will be described of a state specific to a multi-type air conditioner 30 where the number of operating indoor units Y is increased by the user operating another indoor unit Y that is stopped.

[0047] For example, when at least one of the multiple indoor units Y (e.g., indoor units Ya to Yd) is stopped other than the indoor unit Y in cooling operation, there may be a situation in which the user attempts to start cooling operation of the stopped indoor unit Y by operating the remote control. When an operating indoor unit Y is added, the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not the addition of the operating indoor unit Y will change the air outlet temperature of the currently operating indoor unit Y, based on the operation addition information from the indoor unit control unit 20, the current demand information, the current operating state, and the presence or absence of protection control, etc.

[0048] When the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines that the blowing temperature will change (for example, the blowing temperature in cooling operation will increase), it transmits information indicating that the blowing temperature will change (for example, the blowing temperature in cooling operation will increase) to the indoor unit control unit 20. The indoor unit control unit 20 transmits the above information transmitted from the outdoor unit control unit 21 to the cloud server 50 and uploads it. An application executed on the cloud server 50 notifies the terminal 60 used by the user of the indoor unit Y in operation that the blowing temperature will change (for example, the blowing temperature in cooling operation will increase).

[0049] In this way, if the discharge temperature of the operating indoor unit Y changes when the number of operating indoor units Y is increased by the user, the user is notified of this. This notification allows the user to know the reason for the change in the discharge temperature of the operating indoor unit Y. Furthermore, this notification allows the user to consider whether or not to increase the number of operating indoor units Y while a demand signal is being received.

[0050] Next, the operation of the demand response process executed by the air conditioner 30 in response to a power request from the power company will be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a demand response process according to the present embodiment.

[0051] First, the air conditioner 30 starts operation (for example, cooling operation) in response to a user's remote control operation or the like (step S1). Details of step S1 will now be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S1 in Fig. 5.

[0052] The indoor unit control unit 20 receives an operation start command by a user operating a remote control or the like (step S1-1). Upon receiving the operation start command, the indoor unit control unit 20 starts the operation of the indoor fan motor 9 (step S1-2). The indoor unit control unit 20 also transmits the operation start command to the outdoor unit control unit 21.

[0053] The outdoor unit control unit 21 receives an operation start command from the indoor unit control unit 20 (step S1-3). In response to this, the outdoor unit control unit 21 performs switching control of the four-way valve 2 and starts the operation of the outdoor fan motor 5 (step S1-4). The outdoor unit control unit 21 also sets the expansion valve 6 corresponding to the indoor unit Y to be operated to a predetermined opening degree (step S1-5).

[0054] Next, the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines the operating frequency of the compressor 1 between a predetermined upper limit frequency (f_max) and a predetermined lower limit frequency (f_min) based on the information received from the indoor unit control unit 20, and operates the compressor 1 (step S1-6). At this time, the outdoor unit control unit 21 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 1 so as not to exceed a predetermined current limit value (A_lim). Then, the process proceeds to step S2 in FIG. 5.

[0055] In step S2, the indoor unit control unit 20 determines whether or not a demand request has been received from the power company. If the indoor unit control unit 20 receives a demand signal transmitted from the power company server 40, it determines that a demand request has been received, and if it does not receive a demand signal, it determines that a demand request has not been received. If the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that a demand request has not been received from the power company (NO), it performs the process of step S2 again. On the other hand, if the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that a demand request has been received from the power company (YES), it recognizes the content of the demand request, i.e., the requested value for current limiting (step S3).

[0056] Details of step S3 will now be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing a detailed example of step S3 in Fig. 5. When the indoor unit control unit 20 receives a demand request, it transmits demand request information to the outdoor unit control unit 21 (step S3-1). The outdoor unit control unit 21 stores a requested value for current limiting based on the demand request information received from the indoor unit control unit 20 (step S3-2). Then, the process proceeds to step S4 in Fig. 5.

[0057] In step S4, the outdoor unit control unit 21 performs a protection determination process to determine whether or not a protection control operation is in progress. Details of step S4 will now be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S4 in FIG. 5. The outdoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not a protection control operation is in progress based on the operation information of the indoor unit Y received from the indoor unit control unit 20 at any time and the current operation information of the outdoor unit X. At this time, when the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines that a protection control operation is in progress, it stores the fact that a protection control operation is in progress (step S4-1). In addition, the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation frequency of the compressor 1 can be changed to achieve the demand request (step S4-2).

[0058] Next, when the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines from the contents of the current protection control that it is impossible to change the operating frequency of the compressor 1, it sets and stores a demand operation prohibition flag (step S4-3). Then, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 5.

[0059] In step S5, the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not the operation in response to the demand request is prohibited. If the demand operation prohibition flag is not set (NO), the outdoor unit control unit 21 proceeds to step S6. On the other hand, if the demand operation prohibition flag is set (YES), the outdoor unit control unit 21 proceeds to step S8.

[0060] In step S6, the outdoor unit control unit 21 starts control in the normal mode. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 21 changes and stores the current limit value based on the current limit request value information and the demand operation availability information. Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

[0061] In step S7, the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not the current value (A) exceeds the current limit value (A_lim) and the operating frequency (f) of the compressor 1 exceeds the lower limit frequency (f_min). If the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines YES in step S7, it determines that the protection state is the cause and proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines NO in step S7, it proceeds to step S9.

[0062] In step S9, the outdoor unit control unit 21 corrects the operation frequency of the compressor 1 in response to the demand request. Details of step S9 will now be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S9 in Fig. 5.

[0063] The outdoor unit control unit 21 calculates the frequency change width of the compressor 1 from the relationship between the current value (A) and the required current limit value (step S9-1). Then, based on the frequency change width of the compressor 1 calculated by the outdoor unit control unit 21, the operation frequency is changed and control is performed so as to reduce the difference between the current value (A) and the required current limit value (step S9-2). Then, the process proceeds to step S10 in FIG. 5.

[0064] In step S10, the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not the current current value (A) has reached the required value for current limiting. If the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines that the current current value (A) has not reached the required value for current limiting (NO), the process returns to step S3. On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 21 determines that the current current value (A) has reached the required value for current limiting (YES), the process proceeds to step S11.

[0065] When the process proceeds to step S8, the outdoor unit control unit 21 judges whether or not the protection control is in operation (protected state). Details of step S8 will now be described with reference to Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S8 in Fig. 5.

[0066] The outdoor unit control unit 21 determines whether the demand operation is prohibited or the operating frequency of the compressor 1 cannot be changed by a demand request, and if either of these is true, stores information indicating that the protection control is active (step S8-1). The outdoor unit control unit 21 also transmits information indicating that the outdoor unit X is in a protection state to the indoor unit control unit 20 (step S8-2). Then, the process proceeds to step S11 in FIG. 5.

[0067] In step S11, the indoor unit control unit 20 uploads information to the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 notifies the user and the power company. Details of step S11 will now be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S11 in Fig. 5.

[0068] The indoor unit control unit 20 uploads the current operating state, the presence or absence of protective control, notification settings that can be confirmed by applications executed on the user's terminal 60 and the power company's terminal 70, and the like to the cloud server 50 (step S11-1). Furthermore, the application on the cloud server 50 issues notifications that can be confirmed by applications executed on the user's terminal 60 and the power company's terminal 70 based on the notification settings uploaded to the cloud server 50 (step S11-2). Then, the process proceeds to step S12 in FIG. 5.

[0069] Here, an example of information uploaded by the indoor unit control unit 20 to the cloud server 50 will be described. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of information uploaded to the cloud server 50 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the information to be uploaded includes the unit number information of the indoor unit Y, operation mode information (cooling, heating, stopped, etc.), speed setting information (fan speed setting information) of the indoor fan 8, set temperature information, etc. The information to be uploaded may also include protection information indicating the presence or absence of protection control, power consumption information, demand signal information indicating the presence or absence of a demand request, current limit value information, information on the presence or absence of intermittent operation mode (ON / OFF mode) selection, etc.

[0070] 13 is a diagram showing an example of a notification (e.g., a push notification) that the user can confirm on the terminal 60. For example, the terminal 60 displays a message that a demand signal has been received, a message recommending that the user view information related to the use of the air conditioner 30, and the like.

[0071] 14 is a diagram showing a first example of display information that the user can view on the terminal 60. For example, the terminal 60 displays, as information that the user can check, the operation mode (Mode), the set temperature (Setting), the speed of the indoor fan 8 (Fan speed), protection information (Protection), the operation mode at the time of a demand request (Demand), and the like. Here, it is displayed that the operation mode at the time of a demand request is the normal mode. The terminal 60 also displays, as information that the user can check, information such as the amount of energy consumed in one day (Energy consumption), the amount of energy consumed in one week, and the amount of energy consumed in one month.

[0072] Furthermore, the terminal 60 displays, as information (Tips) to notify the user, that because a demand signal has been received, adding an indoor unit Y that is in operation may cause the air outlet temperature of the indoor unit Y to rise.

[0073] This notifies the user that adding more indoor units Y in operation will cause the air outlet temperature of indoor units Y in cooling operation to change upward. This allows the user to choose whether or not to add indoor units Y while receiving a demand signal, taking into consideration changes in the air outlet temperature, which leads to a reduction in user complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0074] Returning to Fig. 5, the indoor unit control unit 20 determines whether or not the requested value for current limiting has been updated based on the demand request information of the demand signal transmitted from the power company server 40 (step S12). If the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that the requested value for current limiting has not been updated (NO), it proceeds to step S18. On the other hand, if the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that the requested value for current limiting has been updated (YES), it proceeds to step S13.

[0075] In step S13, the indoor unit control unit 20 determines whether or not a change in the operation mode setting (from normal mode to intermittent operation mode) has been selected based on the user's remote control operation, etc. If the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that a change in the operation mode setting has been selected, it proceeds to step S15.

[0076] On the other hand, if the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that the user has not selected to change the operation mode setting (NO), it proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the indoor unit control unit 20 determines whether or not the user has not selected to change the operation mode setting even after a certain period of time has elapsed. If the certain period of time has elapsed without the user selecting to change the operation mode setting (YES), the indoor unit control unit 20 returns to step S2. On the other hand, if the user has selected to change the operation mode setting before the certain period of time has elapsed (NO), the indoor unit control unit 20 proceeds to step S15.

[0077] In step S15, the indoor unit control unit 20 uploads the information to the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 notifies the user and the electric power company. Details of step S15 will now be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S15 in Fig. 5.

[0078] The indoor unit control unit 20 uploads to the cloud server 50 information on the current operating state, the presence or absence of protective control, the operation mode (normal mode or intermittent operation mode) selected by the user in response to a demand update request from the power company, notification settings that can be confirmed by applications executed on the user's terminal 60 and the power company's terminal 70, etc. (S15-1). Furthermore, the application on the cloud server 50 issues notifications that can be confirmed by applications executed on the user's terminal 60 and the power company's terminal 70 based on the notification settings uploaded to the cloud server 50 (S15-2). Then, the process proceeds to step S16 in FIG. 5.

[0079] An example of the notification (for example, push notification) that the user can confirm on the terminal 60 at this time is, for example, the example shown in Fig. 13. Also, an example of display information that the user can view on the terminal 60 at this time is shown in Fig. 16.

[0080] Fig. 16 is a diagram showing a second example of display information that the user can view on the terminal 60. The display example shown in this figure basically has the same display items as Fig. 14, but some of the content is different. For example, it is displayed that the operation mode (Demand) at the time of the demand request is the intermittent operation mode (ON / OFF mode).

[0081] Furthermore, the information (Tips) notified to the user displays, as in the display example shown in Fig. 14, that since a demand signal is being received, adding an operating indoor unit Y may cause the air outlet temperature of indoor unit Y to rise. This notifies the user that adding an operating indoor unit Y will cause the air outlet temperature of indoor unit Y in cooling operation to change upward. This allows the user to select whether or not to add indoor unit Y while a demand signal is being received, taking into consideration changes in the air outlet temperature, which leads to a reduction in user complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0082] Furthermore, the information (Tips) notified to the user indicates that normal mode can be selected. This allows the user to consider and select whether to return from intermittent operation mode to normal mode while receiving a demand signal, which leads to a reduction in user complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0083] Returning to Fig. 5, the air conditioner 30 performs control according to the operation mode selected by the user (for example, the intermittent operation mode) (step S16). Details of step S16 will now be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S16 in Fig. 5.

[0084] The indoor unit control unit 20 transmits information on the operation mode (e.g., intermittent operation mode) selected by the user in response to a demand update request from the power company to the outdoor unit control unit 21 (S16-1). The outdoor unit control unit 21 controls the operation frequency of the compressor 1 in accordance with the operation mode (e.g., intermittent operation mode) selected by the user (S16-2). The outdoor unit control unit 21 also transmits information indicating the current operation state to the indoor unit control unit 20 (S16-3). Then, the process proceeds to step S17 in FIG. 5.

[0085] In step S17, the indoor unit control unit 20 determines whether the intermittent operation mode continues. For example, if the user performs an operation to select normal mode, the indoor unit control unit 20 ends the intermittent operation mode, and continues the intermittent operation mode until then. If the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that the intermittent operation mode continues (YES), it returns to step S15. On the other hand, if the indoor unit control unit 20 determines that the intermittent operation mode has ended (NO), it proceeds to step S18.

[0086] In step S18, the indoor unit control unit 20 uploads the information to the cloud server 50, and the cloud server 50 notifies the user and the power company. Details of step S18 will now be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a flowchart showing a detailed example of step S18 in Fig. 5.

[0087] The indoor unit control unit 20 uploads to the cloud server 50 information on the current operating state, the presence or absence of protective control, the operation mode (normal mode or intermittent operation mode) selected by the user in response to a demand update request from the power company, notification settings that can be confirmed by applications executed on the user's terminal 60 and the power company's terminal 70, etc. (S18-1). Furthermore, the application on the cloud server 50 issues notifications that can be confirmed by applications executed on the user's terminal 60 and the power company's terminal 70 based on the notification settings uploaded to the cloud server 50 (S18-2). Then, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. 5.

[0088] An example of the notification (for example, push notification) that the user can check on the terminal 60 at this time is, for example, the example shown in Fig. 13. Also, an example of the display of information that the user can check on the terminal 60 at this time is shown in Fig. 19.

[0089] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a third example of display information that a user can view on terminal 60. The display example shown in this figure basically has the same display items as Figs. 14 and 16, but some of the contents are different. For example, because the intermittent operation mode has been switched to the normal mode, the operation mode (Demand) at the time of the demand request is different from that in Fig. 16, and it is displayed that the normal mode has been selected, as in Fig. 14.

[0090] In addition, the information (Tips) notified to the user indicates that the intermittent operation mode (ON / OFF mode) can be selected. This allows the user to consider and select whether to switch back to intermittent operation mode from normal mode while receiving a demand signal, which leads to a reduction in user complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0091] Returning to Fig. 5, in step S19, the indoor unit control unit 20 determines whether or not to perform operation stop processing. For example, when the indoor unit control unit 20 receives an operation to stop operation by operating the remote control by the user, the indoor unit control unit 20 performs operation stop processing. If the indoor unit control unit 20 does not perform operation stop processing (NO), it returns to step S2 and continues this processing, and if the indoor unit control unit 20 performs operation stop processing (YES), it ends this processing.

[0092] Here, the display information viewable by both the user and the electric power company will be described with reference to Fig. 20 and Fig. 21. The timing at which this display information can be displayed on the user terminal 60 and the electric power company terminal 70 may correspond to any of the information uploads in steps S11, S15, and S18 in Fig. 5.

[0093] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a first example of display information that can be viewed by both the user and the electric power company. In the example shown in the figure, the percentage of power consumption for each operation mode (cooling, heating, automatic, etc.) is displayed in a pie chart. Note that the pie chart is only an example, and may be displayed in other forms such as a bar graph. For example, the percentage of power consumption for each operation mode of the air conditioner 30 used by the user is displayed on the user's terminal 60. On the other hand, the power company's terminal 70 may selectively display the percentage of power consumption for each operation mode of the air conditioner 30 of each user, or may display the percentage of power consumption for each operation mode of the air conditioner 30 used in the entire area where the electric power company transmits electricity.

[0094] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing a second example of display information viewable by both the user and the electric power company. In the example shown, a graph showing the change in power consumption in one day is displayed, with the horizontal axis representing time (hours) and the vertical axis representing power consumption. For example, a graph showing the change in power consumption in one day of the air conditioner 30 used by the user is displayed on the user's terminal 60. On the other hand, on the electric power company's terminal 70, a graph showing the change in power consumption in one day of the air conditioner 30 of each user may be selectively displayed, or a graph showing the change in power consumption in one day of the air conditioner 30 used in the entire area where the electric power company transmits electricity may be displayed.

[0095] This allows the user to easily check the change in the amount of power consumption in a day, the change in the amount of power consumption before and after a demand request, etc. Also, the power company can easily check the change in the amount of power consumption in a day, the change in the amount of power consumption before and after a demand request, and whether the amount of power consumption after the demand request satisfies the request, etc.

[0096] Note that the example shown in FIG. 21 is a graph showing the change in power consumption in one day, but this is not limited to one day, and it may be a graph showing the change in power consumption in one week, or the change in power consumption in one month, for example.

[0097] As described above, the air conditioner 30 with a demand response function according to this embodiment receives a demand signal transmitted from the cloud server 50 which receives a demand signal transmitted from the electric power company server 40. The air conditioner 30 also controls the operation of the air conditioner 30 in response to a demand request (power reduction request) due to the received demand signal, and transmits information indicating the operating state as a result of this control to the cloud server 50. The demand information related to the demand signal and information indicating the operating state can be notified to each of the electric power company's terminal 70 and the terminal 60 of the user of the air conditioner 30.

[0098] This allows the air conditioner 30 to allow both the power company and the user to check the status according to a demand request (power reduction request) from the power company. Therefore, the air conditioner 30 controls the operating state of the air conditioner 30 after sharing both the requests from the power company and the user and the operating state and other status, thereby reducing the occurrence of complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0099] For example, the demand information includes information indicating whether a demand signal is being received or information indicating the contents of a demand request. The information indicating the operating state includes information regarding power consumption or information indicating the blowing temperature.

[0100] This allows the air conditioner 30 to make information indicating whether a demand signal is being received, information indicating the content of the demand request, information regarding power consumption, or information indicating the air outlet temperature viewable by both the power company and the user.

[0101] The air conditioner 30 also includes an outdoor unit X having a compressor 1, and an indoor unit Y connected to the outdoor unit X. The air conditioner 30 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 1 in response to a demand request, and when the operating frequency of the compressor 1 in response to the demand request deviates from a guaranteed operation range, performs protective control to control the operating frequency of the compressor 1 so that it falls within the guaranteed operation range.

[0102] This allows the air conditioner 30 to avoid exceeding the usage limit of the air conditioner 30 when controlling the operating frequency of the compressor 1 in response to a demand request.

[0103] The information indicating the operating state also includes information indicating whether or not the operating frequency of the compressor 1 is being protected and controlled so as to fall within the guaranteed operation range.

[0104] As a result, when control in accordance with a demand request is not satisfied by protective control, the air conditioner 30 allows the user to easily confirm that protective control is working.

[0105] In addition, when a demand signal is received, the air conditioner 30 allows the user to select between a normal mode (first mode) in which the operating frequency of the compressor 1 is controlled in accordance with the demand request, and an intermittent operation mode (second mode) in which the compressor 1 is controlled to an intermittent operation that repeats an operating state in which the compressor 1 operates without changing its operating frequency and a stopped state.

[0106] This allows the air conditioner 30 to reduce the integrated power consumption per unit time without changing the air outlet temperature, and allows the air conditioner 30 to operate in a manner equivalent to satisfying the power limit requirement set by the demand request. This reduces the occurrence of complaints from users about the air conditioner not being cool or warm enough.

[0107] Furthermore, when an intermittent operation mode is selected by the user, the air conditioner 30 operates the compressor 1 intermittently so that the integrated power amount per unit time satisfies the demand request.

[0108] This makes it possible for the air conditioner 30 to perform an operation equivalent to satisfying the requested value of the power limit based on the demand request, without changing the peak of the operating frequency of the compressor 1.

[0109] For example, the information indicating the operating state includes information indicating the selected operation mode between the normal mode and the intermittent operation mode.

[0110] This makes it possible to easily check whether the air conditioner 30 is operating in the normal mode or the intermittent operation mode.

[0111] The air conditioner 30 is a multi-type air conditioner in which multiple indoor units Y are connected to one outdoor unit X. The air conditioner 30 transmits information to the cloud server 50 as information indicating the operating state, to notify the user that the air outlet temperature of the indoor units Y will change if the number of operating indoor units Y is increased while the air conditioner 30 is receiving a demand signal.

[0112] As a result, the air conditioner 30 notifies the user that the discharge temperature of the operating indoor unit Y will change if the number of operating indoor units Y is increased while a demand signal is being received, allowing the user to choose whether or not to add an indoor unit Y while a demand signal is being received, which leads to a reduction in user complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0113] By notifying the user of the above-mentioned various types of information in a viewable manner, it becomes possible for the user to select how to use the air conditioner 30 during demand response, in which power consumption must be reduced.

[0114] The air conditioning system SYS according to this embodiment also includes an air conditioner 30 with a demand response function, and a cloud server 50 that receives a demand signal transmitted from the power company server 40 and transmits it to the air conditioner 30. The air conditioner 30 receives the demand signal transmitted from the cloud server 50. The air conditioner 30 also controls the operation of the air conditioner 30 in response to a demand request (power reduction request) based on the received demand signal, and transmits information indicating the operating state as a result of this control to the cloud server 50. The cloud server 50 notifies each of a terminal 70 on the power company side and a terminal 60 of a user of the air conditioner 30 of information based on the demand information related to the demand signal and information indicating the operating state.

[0115] This allows the air conditioning system SYS to allow both the power company and the user to check the status according to the demand request (power reduction request) from the power company. Therefore, the air conditioning system SYS controls the operating state of the air conditioner 30 after sharing both the requests from the power company and the user and the operating state and other status, thereby reducing the occurrence of complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0116] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioner 30 with a demand response function according to this embodiment includes the steps of the air conditioner 30 receiving a demand signal transmitted from a cloud server 50 which receives a demand signal transmitted from an electric power company server 40, controlling the operation of the air conditioner 30 in response to a demand request (power reduction request) based on the received demand signal, and transmitting information indicating the operating state as a result of the controlled operation to the cloud server 50. The demand information related to the demand signal and the information indicating the operating state can be notified to each of a terminal 70 on the electric power company side and a terminal 60 of a user of the air conditioner 30.

[0117] This allows the air conditioner 30 to allow both the power company and the user to check the status according to a demand request (power reduction request) from the power company. Therefore, the air conditioner 30 controls the operating state of the air conditioner 30 after sharing both the requests from the power company and the user and the operating state and other status, thereby reducing the occurrence of complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0118] Furthermore, the control method in the air conditioning system SYS of this embodiment includes the steps of: the air conditioner 30 receiving a demand signal transmitted from a cloud server 50 which receives a demand signal transmitted from the electric power company server 40; controlling the operation of the air conditioner 30 in accordance with a demand request (power reduction request) based on the received demand signal; transmitting information indicating the operating state as a result of the controlled operation to the cloud server 50; and the cloud server 30 notifying each of the electric power company's terminal 70 and the terminal 60 of the user of the air conditioner 30 of information based on the demand information related to the demand signal and the information indicating the operating state.

[0119] This allows the air conditioning system SYS to allow both the power company and the user to check the status according to the demand request (power reduction request) from the power company. Therefore, the air conditioning system SYS controls the operating state of the air conditioner 30 after sharing both the requests from the power company and the user and the operating state and other status, thereby reducing the occurrence of complaints about insufficient cooling or heating.

[0120] Although the embodiments have been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and the embodiments can be modified or omitted as appropriate.

[0121] In the above embodiment, as shown in Fig. 2, an example of a multi-type air conditioner 30 in which the number of indoor units Y connected to one outdoor unit X is four has been shown, but the number is not limited to four, and two, three, or five or more indoor units Y may be connected. Furthermore, except for the aspect relating to the addition of the number of indoor units Y in operation, the demand-response processing described in the above embodiment can be similarly applied even if the number of indoor units Y connected to one outdoor unit X is one.

[0122] Further, in the above embodiment, the operation when the demand signal is received during cooling operation is exemplified, but the present invention can be similarly applied to the case where the demand signal is received during heating operation.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, if the air conditioner 30 continues to operate in a state that meets the demand request from the power company, the user may not be satisfied with the air outlet temperature of the air conditioner 30, but the current operating state is notified to both the power company and the user. This allows the user to select whether to continue operation in the current operating state, or to temporarily stop operation to meet the demand request and then operate again in a state where the air outlet temperature is satisfactory.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, for example, protective control may be activated to prevent the air conditioner 30 from deviating from the allowable operating range, but if operation is continued while protective control is in operation, it will not be able to meet demand requests from the power company. For this reason, the air conditioner 30 can operate in an intermittent cycle of temporarily stopping and then restarting operation, and the operating state is notified to both the power company and the user. This makes it possible to set the operating state with the mutual agreement of the power company and the user.

[0125] Note that a program for implementing the functions of the control units of each device (e.g., indoor unit control unit 20, outdoor unit control unit 21) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on the recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to perform processing of the control units of each device. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as an OS and peripheral devices.

[0126] In addition, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, the term "computer-readable recording medium" refers to those that dynamically hold a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory inside a computer system that is a server or client in such a case. The above program may be for realizing part of the above-mentioned functions, or may be capable of realizing the above-mentioned functions in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. The above program may be stored in a specified server, and the program may be distributed (downloaded, etc.) via a communication line in response to a request from another device.

[0127] In addition, some or all of the functions of the control units of each device (for example, the indoor unit control unit 20, the outdoor unit control unit 21) may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processed, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] SYS Air Conditioning System X Outdoor unit Y Indoor unit 1 Compressor 2 Four-way valve 3 Outdoor heat exchanger 4 Outdoor fan 5. Outdoor fan motor 6 Expansion valve 7 Indoor heat exchanger 8 Indoor Fan 9 Indoor fan motor 20 Indoor unit control section 21 Outdoor unit control section 30 Air conditioner 35 Communications Department 40 Power company server 50 Cloud Servers 60 terminals 70 Terminals

Claims

1. An air conditioner having a demand response function, a receiving unit that receives a demand signal transmitted from a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company; an operation control unit that controls operation of the air conditioner in response to a power reduction request by the demand signal received by the receiving unit; A transmission unit that transmits information indicating an operating state under the control of the operation control unit to the cloud server; Equipped with The demand information regarding the demand signal and the information indicating the operating state can be notified to each of the terminal of the electric power company and the terminal of the user of the air conditioner. Air conditioner.

2. The demand information includes information indicating whether the demand signal is being received or information indicating the content of the power reduction request, The information indicating the operating state includes information regarding power consumption or information indicating a blowing temperature. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, The operation control unit is controlling an operation frequency of the compressor in response to the power reduction request, and when the operation frequency of the compressor in response to the power reduction request deviates from a guaranteed operation range, controlling the operation frequency of the compressor so as to fall within the guaranteed operation range. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

4. The information indicating the operating state includes information indicating whether the operating frequency of the compressor is being controlled so as to fall within the operation guarantee range. The air conditioner according to claim 3.

5. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, The operation control unit is When the demand signal is received by the receiving unit, a user is prompted to select between a first mode in which an operating frequency of the compressor is controlled in response to the power reduction request and a second mode in which the compressor is controlled to an intermittent operation in which an operating state in which the compressor is operated without changing the operating frequency and a stopped state are repeated. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

6. The operation control unit is When the second mode is selected by the user, the compressor is intermittently operated so that an integrated amount of power per unit time satisfies the power reduction request. The air conditioner according to claim 5.

7. The information indicating the operating state includes information indicating a mode selected from the first mode and the second mode. The air conditioner according to claim 5 or 6.

8. The air conditioner is a multi-type air conditioner in which a plurality of indoor units are connected to one outdoor unit, The transmission unit is transmitting information for notifying a user that the air outlet temperature of the indoor units will change if the number of operating indoor units is increased while the demand signal is being received, to the cloud server as information indicating the operating state; The air conditioner according to claim 1.

9. An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner having a demand response function and a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company and transmits the demand signal to the air conditioner, The air conditioner includes: A receiving unit that receives the demand signal transmitted from the cloud server; an operation control unit that controls operation of the air conditioner in response to a power reduction request by the demand signal received by the receiving unit; A transmission unit that transmits information indicating an operating state under the control of the operation control unit to the cloud server; Equipped with The cloud server includes: notifying the power company terminal and the user terminal of the air conditioner of information based on the demand information related to the demand signal and the information indicating the operating state; Air conditioning system.

10. A control method for an air conditioner having a demand response function, comprising: A receiving unit receives a demand signal transmitted from a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company; An operation control unit controls the operation of the air conditioner in response to a power reduction request by the demand signal received by the receiving unit; A transmission unit transmits information indicating an operating state controlled by the operation control unit to the cloud server; Including, The demand information regarding the demand signal and the information indicating the operating state can be notified to each of the terminal of the electric power company and the terminal of the user of the air conditioner. Control methods.

11. A control method for an air conditioning system including an air conditioner having a demand response function and a cloud server that receives a demand signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company and transmits the demand signal to the air conditioner, comprising: The air conditioner, A receiving step of receiving the demand signal transmitted from the cloud server; an operation control step of controlling operation of the air conditioner in response to a power reduction request by the demand signal received in the receiving step; A transmission step of transmitting information indicating an operating state under control in the operation control step to the cloud server; The cloud server, notifying a terminal of the electric power company and a terminal of a user of the air conditioner of information based on demand information related to the demand signal and information indicating the operating state; A control method comprising:

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