Air conditioning system, air conditioning control device, and air conditioning control method

Abstract

An air conditioning system (100) comprises: a plurality of air conditioners (20); and an air conditioning control device (10) that controls the plurality of air conditioners. The air conditioning control device includes a data collection unit (12) that collects, from each of the plurality of air conditioners, control data including air conditioner setting information and environment information indicative of the state of a space in which air conditioning is to be performed, an operational condition generation unit (14) that, on the basis of the control data, generates an operational condition for each of the plurality of air conditioners individually, and an air conditioner control unit (15) that instructs each of the plurality of air conditioners to operate according to the operational condition generated by the operational condition generation unit.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, an air conditioning control device, and an air conditioning control method that remotely monitor and control a plurality of air conditioners. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a remote monitoring system that remotely monitors and controls multiple air conditioners. In the remote monitoring system described in Patent Document 1, the air conditioners collect operation data during normal operation and abnormality data when an abnormality is detected, and transmit them to a remote monitoring terminal at a predetermined timing, and the remote monitoring terminal controls the air conditioners based on the operation data and abnormality data received from the air conditioners. In addition, the air conditioners perform test runs using a predetermined operation pattern during intermediate periods when they are not used by users, and if they detect an abnormality or predict a failure, they display this on the remote control and notify the remote monitoring terminal, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of abnormalities during periods of peak usage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-89751 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The environment that users of air conditioners find comfortable varies from user to user. Therefore, in order to realize user comfort, it is desirable to have a configuration that allows the operation of the air conditioner to be flexibly changed according to the preferences (requirements) of each individual user.

[0005] The remote monitoring terminal of the remote monitoring system described in Patent Document 1 is capable of controlling the air conditioner by issuing operation instructions and reset instructions in the event of an abnormality based on data collected from the air conditioner, but is unable to realize control tailored to the individual needs of each user.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide an air conditioning system that is configured to remotely control multiple air conditioners and is capable of achieving air conditioning under conditions that meet the individual requirements of each user. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the air conditioning system of the present disclosure includes a plurality of air conditioners and an air conditioning control device that controls the plurality of air conditioners, and the air conditioning control device includes a data collection unit that collects control data from each of the plurality of air conditioners, the control data including air conditioner setting information and environmental information indicating the state of the target space for air conditioning, an operating condition generation unit that generates operating conditions for each of the plurality of air conditioners individually based on the control data, and an air conditioner control unit that instructs each of the plurality of air conditioners to operate in accordance with the operating conditions generated by the operating condition generation unit. Based on the control data collected by the data collection unit, a time period during which a user is present in the target space is estimated for each air conditioner; For each of the multiple air conditioners During times when the user is absent Diagnostic operation of implementation To and a diagnostic result notification unit that notifies the outside of the result of the diagnostic operation. When the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of an abnormality in the air conditioner, the air conditioner diagnostic unit confirms whether the detected abnormality is reversible or not, and if the abnormality is reversible, determines settings of the air conditioner for reversing the abnormality and transmits them to the corresponding air conditioner, and when the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of a sign of failure in the air conditioner, the air conditioner diagnostic unit confirms whether the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, and if the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, determines settings of the air conditioner for reversing the state in which the sign of failure is detected and transmits them to the corresponding air conditioner. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure, in a configuration in which a plurality of air conditioners are remotely controlled, has the effect of being able to realize air conditioning under conditions that meet the requirements of individual users. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an application example of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning control device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of hardware for implementing an air conditioning control device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an indoor unit of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation of the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] A flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning system according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] An air conditioning system, an air conditioning control device, and an air conditioning control method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. The air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 20 and an air conditioning control device 10 that remotely controls the air conditioner 20. The air conditioning control device 10 is provided in, for example, a cloud 9. Note that the air conditioning system 100 may include multiple air conditioners 20.

[0012] The main body of the air conditioner 20 is made up of an outdoor unit 1 and an indoor unit 2. The outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 2 are connected by a communication cable 5.

[0013] A remote control 3 for operating the main body of the air conditioner 20 is connected to the indoor unit 2 via a communication cable 6. In addition, a wireless communication adapter 4 for performing wireless communication, for example, via Wi-Fi (registered trademark), is connected to the indoor unit 2 via a communication cable 7.

[0014] The air conditioning system 100 has a function for collecting data related to LCS (Life Cycle Solution), and the air conditioning control device 10 collects the data via wireless communication 8 between the wireless communication adapter 4 and the cloud 9. Note that the entire communication between the wireless communication adapter 4 and the cloud 9 does not need to be wireless communication, and may include a section where wired communication is used. Also, a device separate from the air conditioning control device 10 may collect and manage the above data, and provide the managed data to the air conditioning control device 10 as necessary.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an application example of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 shows an example in which a plurality of indoor units 2 are installed in an office 101 in a building. In this example, a wireless communication adapter 4 is connected to each of the indoor units 2 via a communication cable 7, and data collection for each of the indoor units 2 is performed by wireless communication 8 between the wireless communication adapter 4 and a cloud 9.

[0016] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioning control device 10 according to the embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning control device 10 includes a wireless communication unit 11, a data collection unit 12, a data analysis unit 13, an air conditioner control unit 15, a storage unit 16, and a display unit 17.

[0017] The wireless communication unit 11 performs wireless communication with other devices having wireless communication functions. The data collection unit 12 collects air conditioning control information including various information necessary for controlling the air conditioner 20 from the air conditioner 20 to be controlled. The data analysis unit 13 includes an operating condition generation unit 14, which analyzes the air conditioning control information collected by the data collection unit 12 and generates operating conditions for the air conditioner 20. The air conditioner control unit 15 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the air conditioner 20 operates in accordance with the operating conditions generated by the operating condition generation unit 14. The storage unit 16 holds information related to the air conditioner 20 to be controlled, the air conditioning control information collected by the data collection unit 12, the operating conditions generated by the operating condition generation unit 14, and the like. The display unit 17 performs display for notifying the outside of the state of the air conditioner 20 to be controlled.

[0018] In addition, the function of the wireless communication unit 11 shown in Figure 3 may be provided externally, that is, another device having wireless communication function may be connected to the air conditioning control device 10 via a communication cable or the like, and the air conditioning control device 10 may communicate with the air conditioner 20 via this device.

[0019] Here, we will explain the hardware configuration of the air conditioning control device 10. The air conditioning control device 10 is realized, for example, by hardware having the configuration shown in Fig. 4. Note that Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of hardware that realizes the air conditioning control device 10.

[0020] That is, the air conditioning control device 10 can be realized by a processor 201, memory 202, communication device 203, and display device 204 shown in Fig. 4. An example of the processor 201 is a CPU (Central Processing Unit, also called a central processing unit, processing device, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) or a system LSI (Large Scale Integration). An example of the memory 202 is a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), or a flash memory, a magnetic disk, etc. An example of the communication device 203 is a wireless communication module, a wireless LAN adapter, etc. An example of the display device 204 is a liquid crystal monitor, a display, etc.

[0021] The data collection unit 12, data analysis unit 13, and air conditioner control unit 15 of the air conditioning control device 10 are realized by the processor 201 executing programs for operating these units. The programs for operating the data collection unit 12, data analysis unit 13, and air conditioner control unit 15 are stored in advance in the memory 202. The processor 201 operates as the data collection unit 12, data analysis unit 13, and air conditioner control unit 15 by reading out and executing these programs from the memory 202.

[0022] Moreover, the wireless communication unit 11 of the air conditioning control device 10 is realized by the communication device 203. The storage unit 16 of the air conditioning control device 10 is realized by the memory 202. The display unit 17 is realized by the display device 204.

[0023] The processor 201, memory 202, communication device 203, and display device 204 shown in Fig. 4 may be hardware constituting an electronic computer. That is, the air conditioning control device 10 may be realized by an electronic computer and a program executed by the electronic computer. Each function of the air conditioning control device 10 may be realized by multiple electronic computers operating in cooperation with each other.

[0024] 5 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of the indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner 20 according to the embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the indoor unit 2 includes a communication unit 21, an air conditioning control unit 22, an air conditioning unit 23, a data transmission unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

[0025] The communication unit 21 communicates with the outdoor unit 1, the remote control 3, and the wireless communication adapter 4. The air conditioning control unit 22 controls the overall processing of the air conditioner 20. For example, the air conditioning control unit 22 controls the operation of the air conditioner 20 by controlling the operation of the air conditioning unit 23. The air conditioning unit 23 performs air conditioning of the space in which the air conditioner 20 is installed, and realizes the environment required by the user. The data transmission unit 24 transmits various data necessary for the air conditioning control device 10 to control the air conditioner 20, such as information such as the target temperature and wind speed setting value of the air conditioning, and detection values ​​detected by various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors) not shown in the figure, to the air conditioning control device 10. The memory unit 25 holds various data. For example, the memory unit 25 holds setting values ​​such as the target temperature, target humidity, and operation mode of the air conditioning.

[0026] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 100 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 6. Note that Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, and specifically shows the operation of the air conditioning control device 10 controlling the air conditioner 20.

[0027] The air conditioning control device 10 collects control data for each air conditioner 20 in an environment where multiple indoor units 2 are installed (step S11). The control data here includes the set temperature, the air speed set value, and the temperature detected by a temperature sensor attached to the indoor unit 2. The set temperature and the air speed set value are examples of setting information for the air conditioner 20. The detected temperature value is an example of environmental information that indicates the state of the target space for air conditioning. That is, in step S11, the data collection unit 12 of the air conditioning control device 10 collects control data from each of the multiple air conditioners 20, including the setting information for the air conditioner 20 and environmental information that indicates the state of the target space for air conditioning.

[0028] The air conditioning control device 10 then judges, based on the control data collected in step S11, whether the air conditioning state is comfortable for the user, i.e., whether the comfort conditions that make the user feel comfortable are met (step S12). The air conditioning control device 10 judges that it is comfortable, for example, when the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner 20 and the detected temperature value of the target space for air conditioning is equal to or less than a specified threshold. The air conditioning control device 10 judges individually for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 whether the comfort conditions are met. This judgment is made by the operating condition generating unit 14.

[0029] If the comfort conditions are met (step S12: Yes), the air conditioning control device 10 decides not to change the settings of the operating conditions of the air conditioner 20 (step S13) and transmits control information to the air conditioner 20 (step S15). When transmitting control information after deciding not to change the settings of the operating conditions, the air conditioning control device 10 transmits, for example, the same control information as the control information transmitted previously in step S15. When it is decided not to change the settings of the operating conditions, the air conditioning control device 10 may transmit control information indicating that the operating conditions will not be changed, or may not transmit control information. The transmission of the control information in step S15 is performed by the air conditioner control unit 15.

[0030] Furthermore, if the comfort conditions are not satisfied (step S12: No), the air conditioning control device 10 determines the operating conditions for the air conditioner 20 (step S14) and transmits control information indicating the determined operating conditions to the air conditioner 20 (step S15). In step S14, the air conditioning control device 10 determines the operating conditions based on the control data collected in step S11. That is, the air conditioning control device 10 determines the operating conditions such that the difference between the set temperature of the air conditioner 20 and the temperature detection value is less than the threshold value. For example, the air conditioning control device 10 determines the operating conditions for the air conditioner 20 such that the air conditioning output and the wind speed are temporarily increased. As a specific example, the air conditioning control device 10 determines the operating conditions such as "air conditioning is performed with the target temperature set to -A°C and the wind speed set to B". The adjustment amount (=A) of the target temperature in this condition may be a fixed value, or may be a value according to the magnitude of the difference between the set temperature and the temperature detection value. That is, when the difference between the set temperature and the temperature detection value is large, the adjustment amount A is set to a large value. Instead of adjusting the target temperature, the operating condition may be to increase the air conditioning output from the current value. If the user has previously set the air speed by operating the remote control 3, the previously set air speed is set as the operating condition air speed B.

[0031] In step S15, which is executed following step S14, the air conditioning control device 10 transmits the operating conditions determined in step S14 as control information to the air conditioner 20 and instructs the air conditioner 20 to operate in accordance with the control information. The operating conditions are determined in step S14 by the operating condition generating unit 14.

[0032] After executing step S15, the air conditioning control device 10 returns to step S11 and repeats the above-mentioned operations.

[0033] The user can select whether or not to perform the operation according to the flowchart in FIG. 6. That is, the remote control 3 is configured to be able to receive a selection from the user as to whether or not to have the air conditioning control device 10 perform the operation according to the flowchart in FIG. 6, and notifies the indoor unit 2 of the selection result. The indoor unit 2 notifies the air conditioning control device 10 of the selection result notified from the remote control 3. When the user selects to perform the operation according to the flowchart in FIG. 6, the air conditioning control device 10 executes the above-mentioned steps S11 to S15. Note that even if the user does not select to perform the operation according to the flowchart in FIG. 6, the air conditioning control device 10 periodically executes step S11 to collect data. Also, when the user does not select to perform the operation according to the flowchart in FIG. 6, the air conditioner 20 performs air conditioning according to the settings (setting values ​​such as temperature and wind speed) received by the user from the remote control 3.

[0034] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, the air conditioning control device 10 that remotely controls the multiple air conditioners 20 collects control data from each of the multiple air conditioners 20, and determines whether the target space for air conditioning of each of the multiple air conditioners 20 satisfies the comfort conditions based on the collected control data, and if there is an air conditioner 20 that does not satisfy the comfort conditions, determines the operating conditions for the air conditioner 20 that does not satisfy the comfort conditions, and controls the air conditioner 20 to perform air conditioning according to the determined operating conditions. According to the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, each of the multiple air conditioners 20 can perform air conditioning under conditions that meet the requirements of each individual user, and as a result, an environment in which the user feels comfortable can be realized.

[0035] Embodiment 2 Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. The configuration of the air conditioning system according to embodiment 2 is similar to that of embodiment 1, and the configurations of the air conditioning control device 10 and the air conditioner 20 are also similar to those of embodiment 1.

[0036] The air conditioning system 100 according to the second embodiment has, in addition to the functions of the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, a function in which the air conditioning control device 10 controls the air conditioner 20 to perform a diagnostic operation. In the diagnostic operation, the air conditioner 20 performs air conditioning under specified conditions, and detects abnormalities and predicts failures from the results. The specified conditions include wind direction, wind speed, and operation mode. The method of detecting abnormalities and predicting failures is a method that is also used in conventional general air conditioners. For example, during the diagnostic operation, the current value flowing through a specific circuit or component, the temperature of a specific component, the generated vibration, noise, and the like are measured by sensors, and it is determined whether there is an abnormality and whether there is a sign of failure based on the measured sensor values. This determination is made by the air conditioning control unit 22. The air conditioning control unit 22 transmits the presence or absence of an abnormality and the presence or absence of a sign of failure to the air conditioning control device 10 as the result of the diagnostic operation.

[0037] The air conditioning control device 10 instructs the air conditioners 20 to perform diagnostic operation at a set timing. This instruction is given by the air conditioner control unit 15. The timing of giving the instruction is determined for each of the multiple air conditioners 20 individually, for example, by the administrator of the air conditioning system 100, and registered in the memory unit 16 of the air conditioning control device 10. When the air conditioning control device 10 receives from the administrator an operation to instruct the start of diagnostic operation and an operation to specify the air conditioner 20 that is to perform diagnostic operation, it may instruct the specified air conditioner 20 to perform diagnostic operation.

[0038] In this way, the air conditioning system 100 of embodiment 2 controls each of the multiple air conditioners 200 from a remote air conditioning control device 10 to perform diagnostic operation, allowing the air conditioning control device 10 to determine whether there are any abnormalities or signs of failure in the air conditioners 20.

[0039] Embodiment 3 Next, a third embodiment will be described. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an air conditioning system 100a according to the third embodiment. In Fig. 7, the same components as those in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, a description of the same components as those in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioning system 100a according to the third embodiment includes an air conditioner 20, an air conditioning control device 10a, and a communication terminal 30. As in the first embodiment, the air conditioning control device 10a is provided, for example, in a cloud (not shown). The air conditioning system 100a may include multiple air conditioners 20. The communication terminal 30 is used by a worker of a maintenance company in charge of maintaining the air conditioning system 100a.

[0041] 7 also shows the configuration of an air conditioning control device 10a. The air conditioning control device 10a has a configuration in which the data analysis unit 13 of the air conditioning control device 10 according to the first embodiment is replaced with a data analysis unit 13a, and a diagnosis result notification unit 19 is added. The data analysis unit 13a has a configuration in which an air conditioner diagnosis unit 18 is added to the data analysis unit 13 of the air conditioning control device 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0042] 7, the air conditioner 20 has a function of performing diagnostic operation and transmitting the result to the air conditioning control device 10a, similar to the air conditioner 20 according to the second embodiment. The air conditioning control device 10a has a function of notifying the communication terminal 30 of the result of the diagnostic operation received from the air conditioner 20.

[0043] If the diagnostic operation detects an abnormality in the air conditioner 20 or detects a sign of a failure, the air conditioner diagnostic unit 18 of the air conditioning control device 10a determines whether or not it is possible to restore the air conditioner 20, and if it is possible to restore it, implements control for restoring the air conditioner 20. The diagnostic result notification unit 19 of the air conditioning control device 10a notifies the communication terminal 30 of the results of the diagnostic operation.

[0044] Next, the operation of the air conditioning control device 10a controlling the air conditioner 20 to perform diagnostic operation will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning system 100a according to the third embodiment, showing the operation of the air conditioning control device 10a causing the air conditioner 20 to perform diagnostic operation and notifying the communication terminal 30 of the result. The air conditioning control device 10a starts the operation shown in the flowchart in Fig. 8 at a predetermined timing. The air conditioning control device 10a starts, for example, at a timing set by the administrator of the air conditioning system 100a.

[0045] The air conditioning control device 10a first instructs the air conditioner 20 to be controlled to perform a diagnostic operation (step S21). After that, the air conditioning control device 10a waits for the diagnostic operation by the air conditioner 20 to end and for the diagnostic result to be transmitted, and obtains the result of the diagnostic operation (step S22). The processes of steps S22 and S23 are performed by the air conditioner control unit 15.

[0046] The air conditioning control device 10a then checks whether there is an abnormality in the air conditioner 20, that is, whether an abnormality has been detected in the diagnostic operation (step S23). If an abnormality is detected in the diagnostic operation (step S23: Yes), the air conditioning control device 10a checks whether the abnormality can be cleared (step S24). For example, if the abnormality corresponds to an abnormality that can be cleared by sending setting information such as the set temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and operation mode to the air conditioner 20 and operating it, the air conditioning control device 10a judges that the abnormality can be cleared. If the abnormality can be cleared (step S24: Yes), the air conditioning control device 10a takes action to clear the abnormality (step S25). Specifically, the air conditioning control device 10a determines the set temperature, wind direction, wind speed, operation mode, and the like for clearing the abnormality, generates setting information indicating the determined contents, and transmits it to the air conditioner 20. The processing of these steps S23 to S25 is performed by the air conditioner diagnostic unit 18.

[0047] After executing step S25, the air conditioning control device 10a notifies the communication terminal 30 of the diagnosis result (step S29). The communication terminal 30 that has received the notification of the diagnosis result notifies the user, who is a maintenance worker, of the diagnosis result by, for example, displaying the diagnosis result on the display unit 17. The process of this step S29 is performed by the diagnosis result notifying unit 19. When executing step S29 following step S25, the diagnosis result notifying unit 19 notifies the communication terminal 30 of the content of the abnormality detected in the diagnostic operation and the content of the response taken by the air conditioner diagnosis unit 18 in step S25.

[0048] If the abnormality cannot be cleared (step S24: No), the air conditioning control device 10a executes step S29. In this case, in step S29, the diagnosis result notification unit 19 notifies the communication terminal 30 of the contents of the abnormality detected in the diagnostic operation. At this time, the diagnosis result notification unit 19 may also notify that the abnormality cannot be cleared.

[0049] Furthermore, if no abnormality is detected during the diagnostic operation (step S23: No), the air conditioning control device 10a checks whether there is a sign of failure, i.e., whether a sign of failure has been detected during the diagnostic operation (step S26). If no sign of failure is detected during the diagnostic operation (step S26: No), the air conditioning control device 10a notifies the communication terminal 30 of the diagnosis result (step S29). In this case, the diagnosis result notifying unit 19 of the air conditioning control device 10a notifies the communication terminal 30 that neither an abnormality nor a sign of failure was detected during the diagnostic operation, i.e., that the air conditioner 20 is operating normally.

[0050] If a sign of a malfunction is detected in the diagnostic operation (step S26: Yes), the air conditioning control device 10a checks whether it is possible to deal with the malfunction, that is, whether it is possible to cancel the state in which the detected sign of a malfunction is detected (step S27). That is, the air conditioning control device 10a checks whether it is possible to cancel the state in which the sign of a malfunction is detected by sending setting information such as the set temperature, wind direction, wind speed, and operation mode to the air conditioner 20 and operating it. If it is possible to deal with the malfunction (step S27: Yes), the air conditioning control device 10a takes action to cancel the malfunction (step S28). Specifically, the air conditioning control device 10a determines the set temperature, wind direction, wind speed, operation mode, etc. for canceling the state in which the sign of a malfunction is detected, generates setting information indicating the determined contents, and transmits it to the air conditioner 20. If it is impossible to deal with the malfunction (step S27: No), the air conditioning control device 10a executes step S29. In this case, in step S29, the diagnosis result notification unit 19 notifies the communication terminal 30 of the signs of a malfunction detected in the diagnostic operation. At this time, the diagnosis result notification unit 19 may also notify that it is impossible to deal with the malfunction. The processes of these steps S26 to S28 are performed by the air conditioner diagnosis unit 18.

[0051] After executing step S28, the air conditioning control device 10a notifies the communication terminal 30 of the diagnosis result (step S29). In this case, in step S29, the diagnosis result notification unit 19 notifies the communication terminal 30 of the contents of the failure sign detected in the diagnostic operation and the contents of the response taken by the air conditioner diagnosis unit 18 in step S28.

[0052] When the air conditioning system 100a is made up of multiple air conditioners 20, the air conditioning control device 10a executes the processes of steps S21 to S29 shown in FIG.

[0053] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100a according to the third embodiment, when the air conditioning control device 10a acquires the result of the diagnostic operation from the air conditioner 20, it notifies the communication terminal 30 of the result of the diagnostic operation. Furthermore, when an abnormality is detected during the diagnostic operation, the air conditioning control device 10a checks whether the abnormality is reversible, and if so, generates setting information for reversing the abnormality and transmits it to the air conditioner 20. Furthermore, when a sign of a failure is detected during the diagnostic operation, the air conditioning control device 10a checks whether the sign is reversible, and if so, generates setting information for reversing the state in which the sign of failure is detected and transmits it to the air conditioner 20. This makes it possible to prevent the abnormality from expanding or the state from worsening, which could lead to a failure.

[0054] Embodiment 4 Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. The configuration of the air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment is the same as that of the second embodiment, and the configurations of the air conditioning control device 10 and the air conditioner 20 are also the same as those of the second embodiment. In this embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be described.

[0055] In the air conditioning system 100 according to the second embodiment, a diagnostic operation is performed at a predetermined timing. In the diagnostic operation, air conditioning is performed under predetermined conditions without considering the state of the space to be air-conditioned. Therefore, for example, it may happen that cooling operation is performed even if the actual temperature is lower than the set temperature. Therefore, if the timing to perform the diagnostic operation is included in a time period when a user is present in the space to be air-conditioned, air conditioning is performed to adjust the temperature different from the user's request, and there is a concern that the user may feel uncomfortable.

[0056] For this reason, in the air conditioning system 100 of embodiment 4, the air conditioning control device 10 estimates the time periods during which users will be present in the space to be air-conditioned based on the control data collected from the air conditioner 20 during normal operation, and controls the air conditioner 20 to perform diagnostic operation during the time periods when users are absent.

[0057] The time period during which a user is present in the space subject to air conditioning can be estimated based on the operation history of the remote control 3. For example, the period from when an operation to stop the air conditioner is performed until the next operation to start the operation can be estimated as a time period during which a user is not present.

[0058] The air conditioning control device 10 determines the timing for causing the air conditioner 20 to carry out a diagnostic operation so that the time period during which a user is present in the space to be air-conditioned does not overlap with the time period during which the diagnostic operation is carried out.

[0059] Although the explanation has been given on the premise of the air conditioning system 100 according to the second embodiment, the timing at which the air conditioner 20 performs the diagnostic operation in the air conditioning system 100a according to the third embodiment may be determined in a similar manner.

[0060] As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, it is possible to cause the air conditioner 20 to perform diagnostic operation without impairing the comfort desired by the user.

[0061] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and may be combined with other known technologies, or the embodiments may be combined with each other. Also, parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 outdoor unit, 2 indoor unit, 3 remote control, 4 wireless communication adapter, 5, 6, 7 communication cable, 8 wireless communication, 9 cloud, 10, 10a air conditioning control device, 11 wireless communication section, 12 data collection section, 13, 13a data analysis section, 14 operating condition generation section, 15 air conditioner control section, 16, 25 memory section, 17 display section, 18 air conditioner diagnosis section, 19 diagnosis result notification section, 20 air conditioner, 21 communication section, 22 air conditioning control section, 23 air conditioning section, 24 data transmission section, 30 communication terminal, 100, 100a air conditioning system, 101 office.

Claims

1. A plurality of air conditioners; An air conditioning control device that controls the plurality of air conditioners; Including, The air conditioning control device is A data collection unit that collects control data from each of the plurality of air conditioners, the control data including setting information of the air conditioner and environmental information indicating a state of a target space of air conditioning; an operating condition generating unit that generates operating conditions for each of the plurality of air conditioners individually based on the control data; an air conditioner control unit that instructs each of the plurality of air conditioners to operate in accordance with the operating conditions generated by the operating condition generation unit; an air conditioner diagnostic unit that estimates, for each of the air conditioners, a time period during which a user will be present in the target space based on the control data collected by the data collection unit, and instructs each of the multiple air conditioners to perform a diagnostic operation during a time period during which a user will not be present, and acquires a result of the diagnostic operation; A diagnostic result notification unit that notifies an external party of a result of the diagnostic operation; Equipped with If the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of an abnormality in the air conditioner, the air conditioner diagnostic unit confirms whether the detected abnormality is a reversible abnormality, and if the abnormality is a reversible abnormality, determines settings of the air conditioner for reversing the abnormality and transmits them to the corresponding air conditioner; if the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of a sign of failure in the air conditioner, the air conditioner diagnostic unit confirms whether the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, and if the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, determines settings of the air conditioner for reversing the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, and transmits them to the corresponding air conditioner. Air conditioning system.

2. The operating condition generation unit determines whether or not a change to a set operating condition is required for each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the control data, and generates an operating condition for the air conditioner for which it has been determined that a change to the operating condition is required. The air conditioning system of claim 1 .

3. The operating condition generation unit determines whether or not the space in which the air conditioner performs air conditioning is in a state that satisfies a comfort condition that a user feels comfortable, based on the control data, and determines that it is necessary to change the operating conditions of the air conditioner that performs air conditioning of the space that does not satisfy the comfort condition.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The air conditioning control device is provided in a cloud, A plurality of the air conditioners are connected to the cloud via wireless communication. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. An air conditioning control device that controls a plurality of air conditioners, A data collection unit that collects control data from each of the plurality of air conditioners, the control data including setting information of the air conditioner and environmental information indicating a state of a target space of air conditioning; an operating condition generating unit that generates operating conditions for each of the plurality of air conditioners individually based on the control data; an air conditioner control unit that instructs each of the plurality of air conditioners to operate in accordance with the operating conditions generated by the operating condition generation unit; an air conditioner diagnostic unit that estimates, for each of the air conditioners, a time period during which a user will be present in the target space based on the control data collected by the data collection unit, and instructs each of the multiple air conditioners to perform a diagnostic operation during a time period during which a user will not be present, and acquires a result of the diagnostic operation; A diagnostic result notification unit that notifies an external party of a result of the diagnostic operation; Equipped with If the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of an abnormality in the air conditioner, the air conditioner diagnostic unit confirms whether the detected abnormality is a reversible abnormality, and if the abnormality is a reversible abnormality, determines settings of the air conditioner for reversing the abnormality and transmits them to the corresponding air conditioner; if the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of a sign of failure in the air conditioner, the air conditioner diagnostic unit confirms whether the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, and if the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, determines settings of the air conditioner for reversing the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, and transmits them to the corresponding air conditioner. Air conditioning control device.

6. An air conditioning control method in which an air conditioning control device that constitutes an air conditioning system together with a plurality of air conditioners controls the air conditioners, a control data collection step of collecting control data including setting information of the air conditioner and environmental information indicating a state of a target space of air conditioning from each of the plurality of air conditioners; an operating condition generating step of individually generating operating conditions for each of the plurality of air conditioners based on the control data; an air conditioner control step of instructing each of the plurality of air conditioners to operate in accordance with the operating conditions generated in the operating condition generating step; an air conditioner diagnosis step of estimating, for each air conditioner, a time period during which a user will be present in the target space based on the control data collected in the control data collection step, instructing each of the plurality of air conditioners to perform a diagnostic operation during a time period during which a user will not be present, and acquiring results of the diagnostic operation; a diagnostic result notifying step of notifying an external party of a result of the diagnostic operation; Including, In the air conditioner diagnostic step, if the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of an abnormality in the air conditioner, it is confirmed whether the detected abnormality is a reversible abnormality, and if it is a reversible abnormality, settings of the air conditioner for reversing the abnormality are determined and sent to the corresponding air conditioner; if the result of the diagnostic operation indicates the detection of a sign of failure in the air conditioner, it is confirmed whether the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, and if the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, settings of the air conditioner for reversing the state in which the sign of failure is detected can be reversed, and sent to the corresponding air conditioner. Air conditioning control method.

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