Air conditioners and air conditioning systems

Abstract

This air conditioner comprises an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit. The air conditioner comprises: a wireless device that receives a power restriction signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company; and a control unit that restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor on the basis of the power restriction signal received by the wireless device, and releases the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure has occurred on a communication path from the server to the wireless device.

Description

Air conditioners and air conditioning systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and an air conditioning system.

[0002] A technology has been disclosed in which, when an electronic device such as an air conditioner that is remotely controlled from a server via wireless communication experiences a communication failure in the communication path to the server, the device switches to a mode with limited functionality to ensure as much safety as possible (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-169969

[0004] In an air conditioner that operates under regulated power restriction based on a received power restriction signal from a power company when the air conditioner receives such a signal, if a communication path failure occurs and communication becomes impossible, the regulated operation continues even when the restriction is no longer necessary, which raises concerns that the user will not be able to operate comfortably. For example, even if the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is applied, if a communication failure occurs, the air conditioner's functions will be limited to ensure safety, which also raises concerns that the user will not be able to operate comfortably.

[0005] 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 appropriately controls operation in the event of a communication failure in the communication path from the electric power company, in an air conditioner that controls operation based on a power regulation signal from an electric power company.

[0006] The air conditioner according to the present disclosure is an air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, and is equipped with a wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company, and a control unit that regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and that lifts the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device.

[0007] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning system including an air conditioner having an outdoor unit with a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, a cloud, and a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the cloud, wherein the air conditioner includes a wireless device that receives a power restriction signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company via a repeater via the cloud, and a control unit that regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the power restriction signal received by the wireless device, and lifts the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device, and the cloud monitors the communication in which the power restriction signal is transmitted from the server to the wireless device, and when the wireless device receives the power restriction signal, notifies the mobile terminal that the air conditioner is in regulated operation.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in an air conditioner that controls operation based on a power regulation signal from an electric power company, control can be performed appropriately when a communication failure occurs in the communication path from the electric power company.

[0009] 1 is a system diagram showing an overview of a power regulation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the basic operation of air conditioning in an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a time chart showing an example of regulated operation control when a communication failure occurs according to an embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing executed by an indoor unit control unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of regulated value selection processing for selecting a regulated value when regulation is restored according to an embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing executed by an outdoor unit control unit according to an embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification displayed on a mobile device during regulated operation according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification displayed on a mobile device during regulation release according to an embodiment.

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, an overview of an air conditioning system that regulates the power of an air conditioner based on a power regulation signal from a power company will be described with reference to FIG.

[0011] 1 is a system diagram showing an overview of the power regulation system according to this embodiment. The illustrated air conditioning system SYS includes an air conditioner 1, a router 2, a server 4 corresponding to an electric power company, a cloud 6, and a mobile terminal 7.

[0012] The server 4 corresponding to the electric power company 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 company other than the electric power company). Hereinafter, it will be simply referred to as the "electric power company's server 4." The mobile terminal 7 is a mobile device carried by a user, such as a smartphone or laptop computer, and is capable of communicating with the cloud 6 via the Internet or a mobile phone communication network.

[0013] The air conditioner 1 includes an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a remote control 30, and a wireless device 40. The indoor unit 20, the remote control 30, and the wireless device 40 are installed in the room 3. The outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors outside the room 3. The air conditioner 1 performs heating or cooling operation by circulating a refrigerant in the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20, as shown in FIG. 2 .

[0014] 2 is an explanatory diagram of the basic operation of air conditioning in the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by refrigerant pipes 51 and 52. The four-way valve 15 provided in the outdoor unit 10 is switched to change the direction of refrigerant circulation, thereby switching between heating operation and cooling operation.

[0015] In heating operation, the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 13 flows through the four-way valve 15 and refrigerant pipe 51 to the indoor unit heat exchanger 25. The refrigerant in the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to warm it. The refrigerant that has become liquid through the heat exchange passes through the refrigerant pipe 52 and the expansion valve 16 and flows into the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant in the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become gaseous through the heat exchange passes through the four-way valve 15 and returns to the compressor 13.

[0016] During cooling operation, the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 13 flows through the four-way valve 15 into the outdoor heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become liquid through heat exchange passes through the expansion valve 16 and refrigerant piping 52 and flows into the indoor heat exchanger 25. The refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the surrounding air, cooling it. The refrigerant that has become gaseous through heat exchange returns to the compressor 13 through the four-way valve 15 via refrigerant piping 51.

[0017] 1 , the indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit control unit 21 incorporating a timer 212. The outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor unit control unit 11. The indoor unit control unit 21 is connected to both the wireless device 40 and the outdoor unit control unit 11 via wired communication or the like.

[0018] The wireless device 40 is connected to the router 2 and the remote control 30 provided in the room 3 via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The router 2 is an example of a repeater that relays communication between a public line such as the Internet or a mobile phone communication network and a LAN (Local Area Network) in the room 3, and is a wireless LAN router in this case.

[0019] The remote control 30 is a remote controller that receives user operations to start / stop operation of the air conditioner 1, the operation mode, the set temperature, etc. The wireless device 40 receives signals transmitted from the remote control 30 in response to user operations and sends the received signals to the indoor unit control unit 21. The indoor unit control unit 21 controls heating operation or cooling operation based on the signals transmitted from the remote control 30.

[0020] Furthermore, the wireless device 40 is communicatively connected to the cloud 6 via the Internet or the like via the router 2. For example, the wireless device 40 receives a power restriction signal transmitted from a power company's server 4 or the like via the cloud 6 and the router 2. When the wireless device 40 receives the power restriction signal, it transmits the received power restriction signal to the indoor unit control unit 21. When the indoor unit control unit 21 receives the power restriction signal transmitted from the wireless device 40, it transmits the received power restriction signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. The outdoor unit control unit 11 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on this power restriction signal. The reason for regulating the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is that the power consumption of the compressor 13 accounts for the majority of the power consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0021] The power regulation signal is a regulation signal for restricting power usage, and is a signal that includes a regulation value indicating an upper limit on power usage. For example, the regulation value is set to a value indicating an upper limit on power usage, such as "50%." When there is no regulation, for example, a power regulation signal with a regulation value of "100%" is transmitted. Note that when there is no regulation, a power regulation signal indicating that there is no regulation value may also be transmitted. This power regulation signal is transmitted, for example, from the power company's server 4 at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 minutes).

[0022] For example, when the outdoor unit control unit 11 receives a power restriction signal with a restriction value of "50%," it controls operation by restricting the frequency of the compressor 13 so that it does not exceed 50% of the maximum value in the control specifications. Note that the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 in response to a power restriction signal with a restriction value of "50%" is not limited to 50%, but may be a value obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined percentage based on 50%. In the following description, operation in which the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is restricted based on the power restriction signal will be referred to as "regulated operation."

[0023] Here, if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, preventing communication, the air conditioner 1 will not be able to receive the power regulation signal. A communication failure may occur between the wireless device 40 and the router 2. A communication failure may also occur between the cloud 6 and the router 2. Note that if a communication failure occurs between the power company's server 4 and the cloud 6, or if an abnormality occurs in the cloud 6, this will similarly result in a communication failure on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40.

[0024] If a communication failure occurs during regulated operation, the air conditioner 1 will not be able to receive that information even if the restriction is no longer necessary. As a result, there is a concern that if regulated operation continues, it will be difficult for users to operate in a comfortable manner. Therefore, if a communication failure occurs, the air conditioner 1 releases the restriction on the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency.

[0025] The operation of regulated operation when a communication failure occurs during regulated operation will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a time chart showing an example of regulated operation control when a communication failure occurs according to this embodiment. In this figure, the upper time chart shows the communication state ("communication failure" and "no communication failure"). The lower time chart shows whether or not the frequency of the compressor 13 is regulated. "Regulated" indicates a case where the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is regulated based on the power regulation signal, i.e., when regulated operation is in progress, and "unregulated" indicates a case where the regulation is released.

[0026] First, we will explain the operation when a communication failure occurs. Assume that there is no communication failure and the indoor unit control unit 21 is in a regulated operation state (regulated) based on the power regulation signal, and then a communication failure occurs at time t1. When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that a communication failure has occurred, it starts counting using the timer 212 and measures the elapsed time since the communication failure. If the communication failure continues at time t2, when a "standby time A" has elapsed since the communication failure occurred, the indoor unit control unit 21 sends a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. Upon receiving the restriction release signal, the outdoor unit control unit 11 releases the restriction on the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency (no restriction). Here, the "standby time A" is a preset time (e.g., 10 minutes) that serves as a buffer between the occurrence of the communication failure and the lifting of the restriction.

[0027] If a signal is received from the remote control 30 during the occurrence of a communication failure, the indoor unit control unit 21 controls the operation based on the signal (command) from the remote control 30 .

[0028] Next, the operation when the communication failure is recovered will be described. Assume that the communication failure is recovered at time t3. When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that the communication failure has been recovered, it starts counting using the timer 212 and measures the elapsed time since the communication failure was recovered. At time t4, when a "standby time B" has elapsed since the communication failure was recovered, the indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a regulation recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. Upon receiving the regulation recovery signal, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes regulation of the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency and performs regulated operation based on the power regulation signal (with regulation). Here, the "standby time B" is a preset time (e.g., 10 minutes) that serves as a buffer between the recovery from the communication failure and the resumption of regulation.

[0029] The "standby time A" and the "standby time B" may be set to the same time or different times. For example, when controlling to comply with the regulations of the power company as much as possible, the "standby time B" may be set to a time shorter than the "standby time A."

[0030] Next, the configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. This figure shows the main components of the air conditioner 1, and some of the components are omitted. In this figure, components corresponding to those in Figs. 1 and 2 are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0031] The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit control unit 21, an indoor unit fan 22, a flap 23, an indoor unit sensor 24, an indoor unit heat exchanger 25, and an indoor unit communication unit 28. The indoor unit control unit 21 controls each unit of the indoor unit 20. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 controls the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 22 and the orientation of the flap 23 to control the airflow volume and direction based on a signal (command) from a remote control 30. The indoor unit control unit 21 also acquires the output of the indoor unit sensor 24 and detects the refrigerant temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger 25, the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, etc. The indoor unit sensor 24 includes a temperature sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger 25, a temperature sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the indoor temperature, a humidity sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the indoor humidity, etc.

[0032] The indoor unit control unit 21 also includes a communication status determination unit 211, a timer 212, and a restriction instruction unit 213. The indoor unit control unit 21 communicates with the wireless device 40 via the indoor unit communication unit 28. The communication status determination unit 211 determines whether or not a communication failure has occurred on the communication path to the power company's server 4.

[0033] For example, the communication status determination unit 211 periodically transmits a communication confirmation signal (e.g., a heartbeat signal) for determining whether communication is possible normally from the wireless device 40 to the electric power company's server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28. When the electric power company's server 4 receives the communication confirmation signal, it transmits a response signal to the sender of the communication confirmation signal.

[0034] If the communication status determination unit 211 can obtain the response signal sent from the power company's server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 within a specified time after sending the communication confirmation signal, it determines that no communication failure has occurred on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40.

[0035] On the other hand, if the communication status determination unit 211 cannot obtain the response signal sent from the power company's server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 within a specified time after sending the communication confirmation signal, it determines that a communication failure has occurred somewhere on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40.

[0036] The cloud 6 may periodically transmit a signal received from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40 via the router 2, and the communication status determination unit 211 may determine whether communication is possible normally based on whether the indoor unit control unit 21 receives this signal via the wireless device 40. For example, the communication status determination unit 211 may determine that a communication failure has not occurred when the indoor unit control unit 21 receives a signal received from the power company's server 4 by the cloud 6 via the wireless device 40. The communication status determination unit 211 may also determine that a communication failure has occurred when the indoor unit control unit 21 does not receive a signal received from the power company's server 4 by the cloud 6 via the wireless device 40.

[0037] When the restriction instruction unit 213 receives a power restriction signal transmitted from the power company's server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 and does not have a communication failure, the restriction instruction unit 213 transmits the received power restriction signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28.

[0038] Furthermore, when the communication status determination unit 211 determines that a communication failure has occurred, the restriction instruction unit 213 starts counting using the timer 212, and if the communication failure continues even after the waiting time A (see FIG. 3) has elapsed, the restriction instruction unit 213 transmits a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28, instructing the outdoor unit control unit 11 to release the restriction.

[0039] Furthermore, when the communication status determination unit 211 determines that the communication failure has been restored, the restriction instruction unit 213 starts counting using the timer 212, and after the waiting time B (see Figure 3) has elapsed, transmits a restriction recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28, instructing the resumption of the restriction.

[0040] Here, when transmitting a regulation restoration signal, the regulation instruction unit 213 may set the regulation value as follows. For example, when the regulation instruction unit 213 receives a power regulation signal during standby time B, it sets the regulation value included in the received power regulation signal as the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the regulation value of the power regulation signal received during standby time B.

[0041] Furthermore, if the restriction instruction unit 213 does not receive a power restriction signal during the standby time B, it sets the restriction value before the restriction was released as the restriction value of the restriction restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes the restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the original restriction value before the restriction was released.

[0042] Furthermore, if the restriction instruction unit 213 has not received a power restriction signal during the standby time B, it may inquire of the cloud 6 about the latest power restriction signal. By acquiring the latest power restriction signal from the cloud 6, the restriction instruction unit 213 may set the restriction value included in the acquired power restriction signal as the restriction value of the restriction restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the restriction value of the power restriction signal acquired from the cloud 6.

[0043] The outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor unit control unit 11, an outdoor unit fan 12, a compressor 13, an outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, a four-way valve 15, an expansion valve 16, an outdoor unit sensor 17, and an outdoor unit communication unit 18. The outdoor unit control unit 11 controls each part of the outdoor unit 10. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 acquires the output of the outdoor unit sensor 17 and detects the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, the outdoor air temperature, etc. The outdoor unit sensor 17 includes a temperature sensor that outputs a signal according to the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, a humidity sensor that outputs a signal according to the outdoor air temperature, etc. The outdoor unit control unit 11 controls the frequency of the compressor 13, the direction of refrigerant flow in the four-way valve 15, the opening of the expansion valve 16, etc. based on the operating mode, the state of the refrigerant, the outdoor air temperature, etc.

[0044] The outdoor unit control unit 11 also includes a regulation control unit 111. The regulation control unit 111 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on a power regulation signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21. The regulation control unit 111 also releases the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on a regulation release signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21. The regulation control unit 111 also resumes regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on a regulation recovery signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21.

[0045] Next, the operation of the power regulation process executed by the air conditioner 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

[0046] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the power regulation process executed by the indoor unit control unit 21 according to this embodiment.

[0047] The indoor unit control unit 21 determines the communication state with the power company's server 4. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 determines whether a communication failure has occurred on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40 (step S101).

[0048] If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that no communication failure has occurred and receives a power restriction signal transmitted from the power company's server 4, it transmits the received power restriction signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 (step S103). Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0049] If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that a communication failure has occurred, it transmits a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. For example, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that a communication failure has occurred, it starts counting using the timer 212, and if the communication failure continues even after the waiting time A (see FIG. 3) has elapsed, it transmits a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 (step S105). Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0050] If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that the communication failure has been resolved, it transmits a restriction recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. For example, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that the communication failure has been resolved, it starts counting using the timer 212, and after the waiting time B (see FIG. 3) has elapsed, it transmits a restriction recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 (step S107). Then, the process returns to step S101.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a regulation value selection process in which the indoor unit control unit 21 according to this embodiment selects a regulation value when regulation is restored.

[0052] When it is determined in step S101 (FIG. 5) that the communication failure has been restored, the indoor unit control unit 21 determines whether or not a power regulation signal has been received during the standby time B (step S151).

[0053] If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S151 that it has received a power regulation signal during standby time B (YES), it sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal based on the received power regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the regulation value included in the power regulation signal received during standby time B (step S153).

[0054] If the indoor unit control unit 21 receives multiple types of power regulation signals during the standby time B, it sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the regulation value included in the latest power regulation signal.

[0055] Furthermore, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S151 that it has not received a power restriction signal during the standby time B (NO), it queries the cloud 6 about the latest power restriction signal (step S155). Then, the indoor unit control unit 21 determines whether it has acquired the latest power restriction signal from the cloud 6 (step S157).

[0056] If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S157 that it has acquired the latest power regulation signal from the cloud 6 (YES), it sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal based on the acquired latest power regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the regulation value included in the power regulation signal acquired from the cloud 6 (step S159).

[0057] On the other hand, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S157 that it has not acquired the latest power regulation signal from the cloud 6 (NO), it sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal based on the power regulation signal before the regulation was released. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the original regulation value before the regulation was released (step S161).

[0058] In addition, the indoor unit control unit 21 may set the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal to the original regulation value before the regulation was lifted, without determining whether or not a power regulation signal has been received during the standby time B, and without determining whether or not the latest power regulation signal has been obtained from the cloud 6.

[0059] In addition, if the indoor unit control unit 21 does not receive a power regulation signal during the waiting time B, it may set the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal to the original regulation value before the regulation was released, without determining whether the latest power regulation signal has been obtained from the cloud 6.

[0060] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the power regulation process executed by the outdoor unit control unit 11 according to this embodiment.

[0061] The outdoor unit control unit 11 determines whether or not a power restriction signal has been received from the indoor unit control unit 21 (step S201).

[0062] If the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S201 that it has received a power restriction signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), it restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the received power restriction signal. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 using the restriction value included in the received power restriction signal (step S203). Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0063] On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S201 that it has not received a power restriction signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), it determines whether or not it has received a restriction release signal (step S205).

[0064] If the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S205 that it has received a restriction release signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), it releases the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 (step S207), and then returns to step S201.

[0065] On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S205 that it has not received a restriction release signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), it determines whether or not it has received a restriction recovery signal (step S209).

[0066] If the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S209 that it has received a regulation recovery signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), it resumes regulating the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the received regulation recovery signal. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes regulating the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 using the regulation value included in the received regulation recovery signal (step S211). Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0067] On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S209 that it has not received a regulation recovery signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), the process returns to step S201.

[0068] As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment comprises the outdoor unit 110 having the compressor 13, the indoor unit 20 connected to the outdoor unit 10, and the wireless device 40 that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from the power company's server 4. The air conditioner 1 also regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device 40. If a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is lifted.

[0069] As a result, if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the electric power company and the air conditioner 1 is unable to receive the power regulation signal, the air conditioner 1 will cancel the regulation, so that regulated operation will not continue even if the regulation is no longer necessary, and user comfort will not be impaired. Thus, the air conditioner 1 can perform appropriate control when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the electric power company.

[0070] For example, if a communication failure occurs and the communication failure continues even after a predetermined time (e.g., standby time A) has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure, the air conditioner 1 releases the restriction on the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13.

[0071] As a result, the air conditioner 1 provides a waiting time A as a buffer between when a communication failure occurs and when the restriction is lifted, so that if a communication failure occurs instantaneously (for example, within 3 to 4 minutes), the restriction can be continued.

[0072] Furthermore, if the communication failure is resolved after the air conditioner 1 releases the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13, the air conditioner 1 resumes restricting the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 after a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) has elapsed since the communication failure was resolved.

[0073] As a result, when the communication failure is restored, the air conditioner 1 can correctly perform regulated operation based on the power regulation signal from the power company. Furthermore, because the air conditioner 1 provides a waiting time B as a buffer between the recovery from the communication failure and the resumption of regulated operation, it is possible to prevent the frequency of the compressor 13 from fluctuating due to repeated regulated operation and deregulation within a short period of time when the communication state is unstable. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can prevent a loss of comfort for the user.

[0074] For example, if the wireless device 40 receives a power regulation signal between the time when a communication failure is restored and a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) has elapsed, the air conditioner 1 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the received power regulation signal.

[0075] As a result, when the communication failure is restored and regulation is resumed, the air conditioner 1 can resume regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the latest power regulation signal.

[0076] On the other hand, if the wireless device 40 does not receive a power regulation signal within a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) after the communication failure is restored, the air conditioner 1 returns to the regulation before the upper frequency limit regulation of the compressor 13 was lifted.

[0077] As a result, even if the air conditioner 1 is unable to receive the power regulation signal after the communication failure is restored, it can resume regulating the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 at the original regulation before the regulation was lifted.

[0078] In addition, if the wireless device 40 does not receive a power regulation signal between the time when the communication failure is restored and a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) has elapsed, the air conditioner 1 may obtain the latest power regulation signal from the cloud 6 via the wireless device 40 and regulate the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the obtained power regulation signal.

[0079] As a result, when the communication failure is restored and regulation is resumed, the air conditioner 1 can resume regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the latest power regulation signal.

[0080] In addition, if the wireless device 40 receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a specified time period (for example, within 10 minutes), the air conditioner 1 may regulate the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 to the regulation value of the lowest frequency among the received power regulation signals.

[0081] For example, the power regulation signal received by the wireless device 40 may be transmitted not only from the power company's server 4 but also from other devices such as the mobile terminal 7. If multiple types of power regulation signals are received within a predetermined time period (e.g., within 10 minutes), changing the regulation value each time a signal is received could cause the frequency of the compressor 13 to fluctuate, potentially resulting in a loss of comfort. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can comply with the regulation request from the power company without a loss of comfort by fixing the regulation value to the lowest frequency of the multiple types of power regulation signals.

[0082] In addition, if the wireless device 40 receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a specified time period (for example, within 10 minutes), the air conditioner 1 may regulate the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 to the regulation value of the highest frequency among the received power regulation signals.

[0083] In this case, the air conditioner 1 can prioritize air conditioning performance and prevent user comfort from being impaired by fixing the regulation value at the highest frequency among multiple types of power regulation signals.

[0084] Furthermore, the wireless device 40 receives a power regulation signal transmitted from the server 4 of the power company via the cloud 6 and the router 2 (an example of a repeater).

[0085] This allows the air conditioner 1 to receive a power regulation signal from the power company's server 4 using a general LAN installed in the home without requiring any special equipment and to perform regulated operation.

[0086] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system SYS according to this embodiment, the cloud 6 monitors communications in which a power restriction signal is sent from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, and when the wireless device 40 receives the power restriction signal, it may notify the mobile terminal 7 that the air conditioner 1 is in restricted operation.

[0087] When the mobile device 7 receives a notification from the cloud 6, it displays the notification content. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification during regulated driving displayed on the mobile device 7 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the display unit of the mobile device 7 displays information indicating that regulated driving is in progress, such as "Regulated to 50%" or "Regulated driving in progress." Note that the example of the notification shown in this figure is just one example, and the notification content can be determined arbitrarily.

[0088] As a result, the air conditioning system SYS can easily notify the user that the air conditioner 1 is in regulated operation by displaying the information on the mobile terminal 7 .

[0089] In addition, if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, the cloud 6 may notify the mobile terminal 7 that a communication failure has occurred or that the upper frequency limit regulation of the compressor 13 in the air conditioner 1 has been lifted.

[0090] When the mobile device 7 receives a notification from the cloud 6, it displays the notification content. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification displayed on the mobile device 7 during restriction release according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the display unit of the mobile device 7 displays information such as "A communication failure has occurred," "The power restriction signal has been interrupted. Please check the router," "Restoration is expected in 10 minutes," "Power restriction has been lifted," and "Restoration is expected in 10 minutes." The expected recovery time is displayed, for example, according to the remaining time of waiting time B when the communication failure is restored. Note that the example notification shown in this figure is just an example, and the notification content can be determined arbitrarily.

[0091] As a result, the mobile terminal 7 can easily inform the user that the air conditioning system SYS has experienced a communication failure or that the upper frequency limit regulation of the compressor 13 in the air conditioner 1 has been lifted by displaying this on the mobile terminal 7.

[0092] Each embodiment has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and it is possible to combine the embodiments, or to modify or omit the embodiments as appropriate.

[0093] Furthermore, although the air conditioner 1 according to the above embodiment has been shown as an example of a configuration in which one indoor unit 20 is connected to one outdoor unit 10, it may also be configured such that multiple indoor units 20 are connected to one outdoor unit 10. In this case, one of the multiple indoor units 20 performs control to transmit a power restriction signal, restriction release signal, and restriction recovery signal to the outdoor unit 10.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a communication failure occurs, the indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 after the waiting time A has elapsed, but the length of the waiting time A may be set arbitrarily, or the restriction release signal may be transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 in response to the occurrence of a communication failure without waiting for the waiting time A to elapse.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, when a communication failure is restored, the indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a regulation recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 after the waiting time B has elapsed, but the length of the waiting time B may be set arbitrarily, or the regulation recovery signal may be transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 in response to the occurrence of communication recovery without waiting for the waiting time B.

[0096] It is also possible to record a program for realizing the functions of the control unit of each device (for example, the outdoor unit control unit 11, the indoor unit control unit 21) on a computer-readable recording medium, and have the computer system load and execute the program to perform the processing of the control unit of each device. Note that the term "computer system" here includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices.

[0097] Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" also includes devices that dynamically store programs for a short period of time, such as communication lines used when transmitting programs over networks like the Internet or communication lines like telephone lines, and devices that store programs for a fixed period of time, such as volatile memory within computer systems that serve as servers or clients. The programs may also be programs that implement some of the aforementioned functions, or may be programs that can achieve the aforementioned functions in combination with programs already stored in the computer system. The programs may also be stored on a designated server and distributed (e.g., downloaded) over communication lines in response to requests from other devices.

[0098] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control units of each device (for example, the outdoor unit control unit 11, the indoor unit control unit 21) may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually implemented as a processor, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. Furthermore, the integrated circuit implementation method is not limited to LSI, and may be implemented using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit implementation technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

[0099] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioner 2 Router 3 Indoor 4 Power company server 6 Cloud 7 Mobile terminal 10 Outdoor unit 11 Outdoor unit control unit 111 Regulation control unit 12 Outdoor unit fan 13 Compressor 14 Outdoor unit heat exchanger 15 Four-way valve 16 Expansion valve 17 Outdoor unit sensor 18 Outdoor unit communication unit 20 Indoor unit 21 Indoor unit control unit 211 Communication status determination unit 212 Timer 213 Regulation instruction unit 22 Indoor unit fan 23 Flap 24 Indoor unit sensor 25 Indoor unit heat exchanger 28 Indoor unit communication unit 30 Remote control 40 Wireless device 51 Refrigerant piping 52 Refrigerant piping

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit with a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, comprising: a wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company; and a control unit that regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and that cancels the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device.

2. The air conditioner of claim 1, wherein the control unit, when the communication failure occurs, releases the restriction on the upper limit of the compressor frequency if the communication failure continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure.

3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein, if the communication failure is resolved after the control unit releases the restriction on the upper limit of the compressor frequency, the control unit resumes restricting the upper limit of the compressor frequency after a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication failure was resolved.

4. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein if the wireless device receives the power restriction signal between the recovery of the communication failure and the elapse of a predetermined time, the control unit restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the received power restriction signal.

5. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein the control unit restores the regulation before lifting the upper limit regulation on the compressor frequency if the wireless device does not receive the power regulation signal until a preset time has elapsed after the communication failure is restored.

6. The air conditioner of claim 3, wherein if the wireless device does not receive the power regulation signal within a predetermined time period after the communication failure is restored, the control unit acquires the latest power regulation signal from the cloud via the wireless device and regulates the upper limit of the compressor frequency based on the acquired power regulation signal.

7. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when the wireless device receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a predetermined time, the control unit regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor to the regulation value of the lowest frequency of the received power regulation signals.

8. An air conditioner as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, when the wireless device receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a predetermined time, the control unit regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor to the regulation value of the highest frequency of the received power regulation signals.

9. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wireless device receives the power regulation signal transmitted from the server via a repeater via the cloud.

10. An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner having an outdoor unit with a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, a cloud, and a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the cloud, wherein the air conditioner comprises: a wireless device that receives a power restriction signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company via a repeater via the cloud; and a control unit that regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the power restriction signal received by the wireless device, and releases the regulation of the upper limit of the compressor's frequency if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device; and the cloud monitors the communication in which the power restriction signal is transmitted from the server to the wireless device, and when the wireless device receives the power restriction signal, notifies the mobile terminal that the air conditioner is in regulated operation.

11. The air conditioning system of claim 10, wherein, when the communication failure occurs, the cloud notifies the mobile terminal that the communication failure has occurred or that the upper limit regulation of the compressor frequency in the air conditioner has been lifted.

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