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

Abstract

This air conditioning control method includes a first acquisition step (ST1) and a control step (ST2). In the first acquisition step (ST1), a first temperature is acquired that is the temperature of a target space where an indoor unit of an air conditioner that comprises the indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed. In the control step (ST2), operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit is controlled on the basis of the first temperature acquired in the first acquisition step (ST1). In the control step (ST2): if the first temperature exceeds a threshold value while the compressor is operating, the compressor is stopped; and if the first temperature exceeds a threshold value while the compressor is stopped, the compressor is activated. The threshold value for when the compressor is stopped and the threshold value for when the compressor is operating are mutually different.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning control method and program for controlling an air conditioner, as well as an air-conditioning control system and an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner. After the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature reaches a predetermined value and the compressor stops, that is, when the thermo-off state occurs, until the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature reaches a predetermined value and the compressor starts operating, that is, when the thermo-on state occurs, the air direction variable means is controlled to change the blown air flow direction by a predetermined value in the horizontal direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air-conditioning control method and the like that can easily suppress the change range of the temperature in the target space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] An air conditioning control method according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition step and a control step. In the first acquisition step, a first temperature, which is the temperature of a target space where an indoor unit of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed, is acquired. In the control step, based on the first temperature acquired in the first acquisition step, the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit is controlled. In the control step, when the first temperature exceeds a threshold value during the operation of the compressor, the compressor is stopped, and when the first temperature exceeds the threshold value during the stop of the compressor, the compressor is operated. The threshold value during the stop of the compressor and the threshold value during the operation of the compressor are different from each other.

[0006] A program according to an aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method.

[0007] An air conditioning control system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first acquisition unit and a control unit. The first acquisition unit acquires a first temperature, which is the temperature of a target space where an indoor unit of an air conditioning device having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed. The control unit controls the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit based on the first temperature acquired by the first acquisition unit. The control unit stops the compressor when the first temperature exceeds a threshold value during the operation of the compressor, and operates the compressor when the first temperature exceeds the threshold value during the stop of the compressor. The threshold value during the stop of the compressor and the threshold value during the operation of the compressor are different from each other.

[0008] An air conditioner according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes the air conditioning control system, the indoor unit installed in the target space, and the outdoor unit installed outside the target space.

Advantages of the Invention

[0009] According to the air conditioning control method and the like in the present disclosure, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to suppress the variation range of the temperature of the target space.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

[0011] (Knowledge underlying the present disclosure) First, the inventor's focus is described below.

[0012] Conventionally, among air conditioners having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, the indoor unit is installed in the target space, the outdoor unit is installed outdoors, and then the operation of the compressor of the outdoor unit is controlled to adjust the temperature of the target space. In such an air conditioner, the compressor is operated or stopped according to the comparison result between the suction temperature in the indoor unit and a threshold value corresponding to the set temperature. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, when simply referring to the "suction temperature", it means the "suction temperature of the indoor unit".

[0013] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a control example of a compressor by an air conditioner of a comparative example. In the example shown in FIG. 1, it is assumed that the air conditioner of the comparative example is performing a heating operation. As shown in FIG. 1, in the air conditioner of the comparative example, when the suction temperature falls below a threshold value Th0 during the stop of the compressor, the compressor is operated to supply the warmed air to the target space. As a result, the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space rises. Further, in the air conditioner of the comparative example, when the suction temperature exceeds the threshold value Th0 during the operation of the compressor, the supply of the warmed air to the target space is stopped by stopping the compressor. As a result, the temperature of the target space drops. In the air conditioner of the comparative example, by repeating the above control, the temperature of the target space is generally adjusted to the set temperature.

[0014] Here, when the compressor is operated during the stop of the compressor, the warmed air is not immediately supplied to the target space. For this reason, as in the period T1 shown in FIG. 1, a delay occurs from the time when the compressor is operated until the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space rises. Similarly, when the compressor is stopped during the operation of the compressor, the supply of the warmed air to the target space is not immediately stopped. For this reason, as in the period T2 shown in FIG. 1, a delay occurs from the time when the compressor is stopped until the temperature of the target space drops.

[0015] For this reason, in the air conditioner of the comparative example, as shown in FIG. 1, the change width W1 of the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space becomes relatively large, specifically, it can be several degrees Celsius or more. The change width W1 is represented by, for example, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the temperature of the target space in a certain period, or a representative value (for example, an average value, etc.) of the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value. The phenomenon that the change width W1 becomes large occurs not only when an air conditioner having an excessive operating performance (heating and cooling capacity) with respect to the size of the target space is installed, but also when an air conditioner having an operating performance adaptable to the size of the target space is installed.

[0016] In view of the above, the inventor has come up with the present disclosure.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, a more detailed description may be omitted as necessary. For example, a detailed description of well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid making the following description unnecessarily redundant and to facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art.

[0018] Also, hereinafter, a predetermined value (for example, the first temperature described later, etc.) is compared with a threshold value. In the comparison, the threshold value may be included in one branch condition or the other branch condition. For example, one branch condition, "the predetermined value exceeds (or is less than) the threshold value," may be read as "the predetermined value is greater than or equal to (or less than or equal to) the threshold value."

[0019] Note that the inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description for those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims thereby.

[0020] (Embodiment) [1-1. Overall Configuration] First, the overall configuration including the air-conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the air-conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment. The air-conditioning control system 100 is a system for controlling an air conditioner 2 installed to adjust the temperature of a target space 4.

[0021] Here, the target space 4 is, for example, a room, and refers to a region having a relatively large area whose temperature is adjusted by the air conditioner 2 within a facility 5. That is, the target space 4 is basically an enclosed space within the facility 5. Note that the target space 4 does not have to be a completely closed space with respect to the space outside the facility 5, and may be connected to the space outside the facility 5 through, for example, one or more doors provided at the entrance and exit of the facility 5 and one or more windows provided on the outer wall of the facility 5.

[0022] The facility 5 includes, for example, housing facilities such as detached houses or apartment houses. Note that the facility 5 is not limited to housing facilities, and may be, for example, a store such as a convenience store or a supermarket, or may also include non-housing facilities such as offices, schools, welfare facilities, hospitals, and factories.

[0023] The air conditioner 2 has an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 32, and the indoor unit 31 is installed in the target space 4. The indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 are connected to each other by a refrigerant pipe P1. In the embodiment, the air conditioner 2 can perform both cooling operation and heating operation. Note that the air conditioner 2 may be a cooling-only machine or a heating-only machine.

[0024] The indoor unit 31 is, for example, a ceiling-embedded type and is installed on the ceiling of the target space 4. Note that the indoor unit 31 is not limited to the ceiling-embedded type, and may be a ceiling-suspended type, a wall-mounted type, or a floor-standing type, etc. The indoor unit 31 has a fan 311 that blows cold air or warm air into the target space 4 and a heat exchanger 312. The heat exchanger 312 functions as an evaporator that absorbs the surrounding heat and evaporates the liquid refrigerant during cooling operation, and functions as a condenser that releases the heat of the gas refrigerant and liquefies the refrigerant during heating operation.

[0025] The outdoor unit 32 is installed outside the facility 5. The outdoor unit 32 has a fan 321, a heat exchanger 322, a compressor 323, a four-way valve 324, and an expansion valve 325. The fan 321 blows air into the heat exchanger 322. The heat exchanger 322 functions as a condenser during cooling operation and functions as an evaporator during heating operation. The compressor 323 sucks in and compresses the gas refrigerant to increase the pressure. The four-way valve 324 is used to reverse the flow of the refrigerant during cooling operation and heating operation. The expansion valve 325 expands the liquid refrigerant to lower the pressure.

[0026] [1-2. Air Conditioning Control System] Next, the details of the air conditioning control system 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the air conditioning control system 100 includes a first acquisition unit 11, a second acquisition unit 12, a communication unit 13, a control unit 14, and a storage unit 15. In the embodiment, the air conditioning control system 100 only needs to include at least the first acquisition unit 11 and the control unit 14, and may not include other components. For example, the above other components can be realized by a system different from the air conditioning control system 100, etc.

[0027] In the embodiment, the air conditioning control system 100 is realized by a controller 101 installed in the facility 5. The controller 101 may be installed in the target space 4 or outside the target space 4. The controller 101 is connected to the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 of the air conditioner 2 by signal lines. Then, the controller 101 communicates with the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 2 via the signal line. Also, the controller 101 communicates with the outdoor unit 32 of the air conditioner 2 via the signal line.

[0028] The controller 101 has a processor and a memory, and realizes various functions by executing a computer program stored in the memory by the processor. In the embodiment, the memory is the storage unit 15.

[0029] The first acquisition unit 11 (in the first acquisition step ST1) acquires a first temperature, which is the temperature of the target space 4 where the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 2 is installed. In the embodiment, the first temperature is the suction temperature in the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 2. The suction temperature can be detected, for example, by a temperature sensor provided in the indoor unit 31. The first acquisition unit 11 communicates with the temperature sensor via, for example, the communication unit 13 and receives the detection result from the temperature sensor to acquire the first temperature. Note that the first temperature is not limited to the suction temperature in the indoor unit 31, and may be, for example, the temperature acquired from a temperature sensor installed inside the target space 4.

[0030] The second acquisition unit 12 (in the second acquisition step ST3) acquires the second temperature, which is the outside air temperature. In the embodiment, the second temperature is the suction temperature in the outdoor unit 32 of the air conditioner 2. The suction temperature can be detected by, for example, a temperature sensor installed outside the facility 5 including the target space 4. The second acquisition unit 12 acquires the second temperature by, for example, communicating with the temperature sensor via the communication unit 13 and receiving the detection result from the temperature sensor. Note that the second temperature is not limited to the outside air temperature of the facility 5. For example, the second acquisition unit 12 may communicate with a server that provides weather information via the communication unit 13, and acquire the temperature of the region where the facility 5 is located as the second temperature by acquiring the weather information of the region.

[0031] The communication unit 13 has a communication interface that communicates with the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 of the air conditioner 2 via a signal line. The communication unit 13 transmits a signal including a command to the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 via the signal line. The indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 operate according to the content of the command. Note that the communication unit 13 may have a wireless communication interface that performs wireless communication with an information terminal held by the user or a remote controller for the air conditioner 2. The information terminal is, for example, a portable terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. In this case, the communication unit 13 may relay a command transmitted from the information terminal (or the remote controller) to the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 when the user operates the information terminal (or the remote controller). In this case, the user can remotely control the air conditioner 2 using the information terminal or the remote controller.

[0032] The control unit 14 adjusts the temperature of the target space 4 by controlling the air conditioner 2. In the embodiment, the air conditioner 2 is controlled by transmitting a signal including a command to the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 of the air conditioner 2 via a signal line. More specifically, the control unit 14 (in control step ST2) controls the operation of the compressor 323 included in the outdoor unit 32 based on the first temperature (suction temperature) acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 (first acquisition step ST1). Thereby, the control unit 14 adjusts the temperature of the target space 4 so that the temperature of the target space 4 is maintained at the set temperature. The set temperature can be appropriately set by the user using, for example, an information terminal or a remote controller.

[0033] In the embodiment, the control unit 14 can execute both control for causing the air conditioner 2 to perform a cooling operation and control for causing the air conditioner 2 to perform a heating operation, and can execute the following two operation modes (first operation mode and second operation mode) in each of the cooling operation and the heating operation. Which of the first operation mode and the second operation mode the control unit 14 operates in can be appropriately set by the user using, for example, an information terminal or a remote controller.

[0034] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a control example of the compressor 323 by the air conditioning control system 100 in the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a control example when the air conditioner 2 is performing a heating operation. In FIG. 3, the broken line graph represents the transition of the first temperature (suction temperature) when the control unit 14 is operating in the first operation mode, and the solid line graph represents the transition of the first temperature when the control unit 14 is operating in the second operation mode.

[0035] Note that in FIG. 3, in order to make it easier to visually recognize the control of the compressor 323 in the second operation mode, the solid line graph is enlarged and shown. Therefore, the change width W1 of the temperature (first temperature) of the target space 4 shown in FIG. 3 is larger than the actual change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4. The actual change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4 is, for example, about a few tenths of a degree Celsius.

[0036] In the first operation mode, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 14 compares the first temperature (suction temperature) with the threshold value Th0, and switches the operation of the compressor 323 according to the comparison result. That is, in the first operation mode, the control unit 14 controls the operation of the compressor 323 in the same manner as the air conditioner of the comparative example. The threshold value Th0 is determined according to the set temperature. For example, the storage unit 15 stores data associating the set temperature with the threshold value Th0. Then, the control unit 14 determines the threshold value Th0 used in the first operation mode by reading out the threshold value Th0 corresponding to the set temperature from the storage unit 15.

[0037] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, when the air conditioner 2 is performing a heating operation, the control unit 14 stops the compressor 323 when the first temperature (suction temperature) exceeds the threshold value Th0 during the operation of the compressor 323, and operates the compressor 323 when the first temperature is lower than the threshold value Th0 during the stop of the compressor 323. When the air conditioner 2 is performing a cooling operation, the control unit 14 stops the compressor 323 when the first temperature is lower than the threshold value Th0 during the operation of the compressor 323, and operates the compressor 323 when the first temperature exceeds the threshold value Th0 during the stop of the compressor 323.

[0038] In the second operation mode, the control unit 14 compares the first temperature (suction temperature) with the threshold value in the same manner as in the first operation mode, and switches the operation of the compressor 323 according to the comparison result. That is, in the second operation mode, For example, when the air conditioner 2 is performing a heating operation, the control unit 14 (in control step ST2) stops the compressor 323 when the first temperature exceeds the threshold value during the operation of the compressor 323, and operates the compressor 323 when the first temperature is lower than the threshold value during the stop of the compressor 323. On the other hand, in the second operation mode, unlike the first operation mode, the threshold value during the stop of the compressor 323 and the threshold value during the operation of the compressor 323 are different from each other. Hereinafter, the threshold value during the stop of the compressor 323 will be referred to as "first threshold value Th1", and the threshold value during the operation of the compressor 323 will be referred to as "second threshold value Th2" for explanation.

[0039] Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, when the air conditioner 2 is in the heating operation, the control unit 14 stops the compressor 323 when the first temperature exceeds the second threshold Th2 during the operation of the compressor 323, and operates the compressor 323 when the first 1 temperature is lower than the first threshold Th1 during the stop of the compressor 323. And when the air conditioner 2 is in the heating operation, the threshold value (the first threshold Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323 is higher than the threshold value (the second threshold Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323.

[0040] Also, when the air conditioner 2 is in the cooling operation, the control unit 14 stops the compressor 323 when the first temperature is lower than the second threshold Th2 during the operation of the compressor 323, and operates the compressor 323 when the first 1 temperature is higher than the first threshold Th1 during the stop of the compressor 323. And when the air conditioner 2 is in the cooling operation, the threshold value (the first threshold Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323 is lower than the threshold value (the second threshold Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323.

[0041] In the embodiment, the threshold values (the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2) are determined based on the change amount of the first temperature (the suction temperature) per unit time. That is, in the embodiment, the larger the inclination of the change of the first temperature is, the earlier the threshold value is determined so as to execute the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 at an earlier timing. For example, when the air conditioner 2 is in the heating operation, the larger the change amount of the first temperature per unit time is, the higher the first threshold Th1 is set, and the lower the second threshold Th2 is set.

[0042] In the embodiment, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined based on the delay time until the sign of the change amount per unit time of the first temperature (suction temperature) is reversed from the time when the operation of the compressor 323 is switched. Here, an increase in the first temperature is defined as a positive change, and a decrease in the first temperature is defined as a negative change. Then, the delay time corresponds to, for example, the time required for the first temperature to change from a decrease to an increase (from negative to positive) from the time when the air conditioner 2 switches from the stopped state to the operating state when the air conditioner 2 is performing heating operation (see the period T12 in FIG. 3). Similarly, the delay time corresponds to, for example, the time required for the first temperature to change from an increase to a decrease (from positive to negative) from the time when the air conditioner 2 switches from the operating state to the stopped state when the air conditioner 2 is performing heating operation (see the period T11 in FIG. 3).

[0043] That is, in the embodiment, the longer the time until the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 is reflected in the first temperature (suction temperature), the higher the threshold values are determined so as to execute the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 at an earlier timing. For example, when the air conditioner 2 is performing heating operation, the longer the delay time is, the higher the first threshold value Th1 is set, and the lower the second threshold value Th2 is set.

[0044] In the embodiment, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined based on the second temperature (outside air temperature) acquired by the second acquisition unit 12 (second acquisition step ST3). Here, the correlation between the outside air temperature and the first temperature (suction temperature) will be described with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

[0045] FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of the correlation between the suction temperature of the indoor unit 31 and the outside air temperature when the compressor 323 is operating during the heating operation of the air conditioner 2. In FIG. 4A, since the compressor 323 is operating, the suction temperature is increasing with the passage of time. Also, in FIG. 4A, the outside air temperature in the graph indicated by the dashed-dotted line is lower than that in the graph indicated by the solid line. Suction temperature As shown in FIG. 4A, the lower the outside air temperature is, the more difficult it is for the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4 to increase.

[0046] 4B is an explanatory diagram of the correlation between the suction temperature of the indoor unit 31 and the outside air temperature when the compressor 323 is stopped during heating operation of the air conditioner 2. In FIG. 4B, since the compressor 323 is stopped, the suction temperature drops over time. Also, in FIG. 4B, the outside air temperature in the graph shown by the dashed dotted line is lower than that in the graph shown by the solid line. Suction temperature As shown in FIG. 4B, the lower the outside air temperature, the easier it is for the temperature in target space 4 (suction temperature) to drop.

[0047] In this way, the amount of change per unit time of the first temperature (suction temperature) changes depending on the outside air temperature. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example, when the air conditioner 2 is in heating operation, the lower the outside air temperature, the higher the second threshold value Th2 and the higher the first threshold value Th1 are made.

[0048] In the embodiment, the control unit 14 periodically updates the thresholds (first threshold Th1 and second threshold Th2) based on the second temperature (outdoor air temperature) acquired by the second acquisition unit 12. In this manner, in the embodiment, the control unit 14 uses an appropriate threshold in accordance with the change in the outdoor air temperature while operating in the second operation mode, thereby suppressing the change width W1 of the temperature (suction temperature) in the target space 4.

[0049] Similar to the operation in the first operation mode, the control unit 14 determines the thresholds to be used in the second operation mode by reading out the thresholds (the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2) from the storage unit 15. Here, the thresholds to be stored in the storage unit 15 are prepared, for example, as follows.

[0050] That is, before starting the operation of the air conditioning control system 100, the outside air temperature, the change amount per unit time of the first temperature (suction temperature) during operation in the first operation mode, and the delay time are actually measured, and a combination of these measured values is used as one data set to prepare a large number of data sets. Then, using these large number of data sets, thresholds (first threshold Th1 and second threshold Th2) are determined by machine learning or the like so that the change width W1 of the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4 during operation in the second operation mode falls within a predetermined range. As a result, data associating the outside air temperature, the change amount per unit time of the first temperature, and the delay time with the thresholds is created. The created data is stored in the storage unit 15.

[0051] Note that instead of data, a learned model obtained by machine learning may be stored in the storage unit 15. In this case, the control unit 14 can determine thresholds (first threshold Th1 and second threshold Th2) by, for example, inputting the first temperature and the like acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 into the learned model.

[0052] As described above, the control unit 14 controls the operation of the compressor 323 to be switched in consideration of the fact that it takes time for the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 to be reflected in the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4 during operation in the second operation mode. For this reason, when the control unit 14 is operating in the second operation mode, the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4 is suppressed as compared with the case where the control unit 14 is operating in the first operation mode (see FIG. 3).

[0053] Note that in the embodiment, the control unit 14 uses two thresholds, i.e., the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2, during operation in the second operation mode, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the control unit 14 may realize the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2 by variably setting one threshold according to the operation state of the compressor 323 during operation in the second operation mode.

[0054] The storage unit 15 is a storage device that stores information (such as computer programs) necessary for the processor of the controller 101 to perform various controls. The storage unit 15 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but without particular limitation, known means for storing electronic information can be used. The storage unit 15 stores data related to thresholds in each of the first operation mode and the second operation mode, etc.

[0055] [2. Operation] The operation of the air conditioning control system 100 configured as described above (that is, the air conditioning control method) will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of the air conditioning control system 100 in the embodiment. Hereinafter, it will be described on the assumption that the air conditioner 2 is performing heating operation and the control unit 14 is operating in the second operation mode. In FIG. 5, operating the compressor 323 is represented as "compressor: ON", and stopping the compressor 323 is represented as "compressor: OFF".

[0056] First, when starting the operation in the second operation mode, the control unit 14 operates the compressor 323 (S1). As a result, the air warmed in the target space 4 is supplied, and the first temperature (suction temperature) rises. Process S1 corresponds to a part of the control step ST2 of the air conditioning control method. Also, the first acquisition unit 11 periodically acquires the first temperature (S2). Process S2 corresponds to the first acquisition step ST1 of the air conditioning control method.

[0057] During the operation of the compressor 323, the control unit 14 compares the first temperature (suction temperature) acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 with the second threshold Th2, and while the first temperature does not exceed the second threshold Th2 (S3: No), continues the operation of the compressor 323. On the other hand, when the first temperature exceeds the second threshold Th2 (S3: Yes), the control unit 14 stops the compressor 323 (S4). As a result, the supply of the warmed air to the target space 4 is stopped, the rise of the first temperature becomes gentle, and eventually it turns to a decrease in the first temperature. Processes S3 and S4 correspond to a part of the control step ST2 of the air conditioning control method.

[0058] Even when the compressor 323 is stopped, the first acquisition unit 11 periodically acquires the first temperature (suction temperature) in the same manner as described above (S5). Process S5 corresponds to the first acquisition step ST1 of the air conditioning control method.

[0059] During the stop of the compressor 323, the control unit 14 compares the first temperature (suction temperature) acquired by the first acquisition unit 11 with the first threshold Th1, and while the first temperature does not fall below the first threshold Th1 (S6: No), the control unit 14 continues to stop the compressor 323. On the other hand, when the first temperature falls below the first threshold Th1 Lower (S6: Yes), the control unit 14 operates the compressor 323 (S7). As a result, the air warmed to the target space 4 is supplied, the decrease in the first temperature becomes gentle, and eventually it turns to an increase in the first temperature. Processes S6 and S7 correspond to a part of the control step ST2 of the air conditioning control method.

[0060] Here, every time a predetermined time (for example, 10 minutes) elapses after the control unit 14 starts operating in the second operation mode (S8: Yes), the second acquisition unit 12 acquires the second temperature (outside air temperature) (S9). Process S9 corresponds to the second acquisition step ST3 of the air conditioning control method. Then, the control unit 14 updates the threshold values (the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2) based on the second temperature acquired by the second acquisition unit 12 (S10). Note that, for example, when there is no change in the second temperature before and after the elapse of the predetermined time, the control unit 14 may maintain the current value without updating the threshold values.

[0061] Hereinafter, while the power of the controller 101 is on, that is, while the operation in the second operation mode by the control unit 14 continues (S11: No), the above series of processes is repeated. And when the power of the controller 101 is turned off (S11: Yes), the operation in the second operation mode by the control unit 14 ends.

[0062] [3. Advantages, etc.] Hereinafter, the advantages of the air conditioning control system 100 (air conditioning control method) according to the embodiment will be described.

[0063] As described above, in the air conditioner of the comparative example, the operation of the compressor is switched according to the comparison result between a single threshold value and the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space. For this reason, in the air conditioner of the comparative example, a delay is likely to occur before the switching of the operation of the compressor is reflected in the temperature of the target space, and there is a problem that the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space is likely to become relatively large.

[0064] On the other hand, in the air conditioning control system 100 (air conditioning control method) according to the embodiment, the threshold value during the stop of the compressor 323 is made different from the threshold value during the operation of the compressor 323. For this reason, in the air conditioning control system 100 (air conditioning control method) according to the embodiment, compared with the air conditioner of the comparative example, a delay until the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 is reflected in the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4 is less likely to occur, so there is an advantage that it is easy to suppress the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4.

[0065] Specifically, in the air conditioner of the comparative example, the change width W1 of the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4 can be several degrees Celsius or more, whereas in the air conditioning control system 100 (air conditioning control method) according to the embodiment, the change width W1 can be suppressed to about a few tenths of a degree Celsius. Thereby, in the air conditioning control system 100 (air conditioning control method) according to the embodiment, compared with the air conditioner of the comparative example, there is an advantage that it is difficult for the user to notice the change in the temperature of the target space 4 and it is difficult to feel discomfort.

[0066] In particular, in the embodiment, the target space 4 is a bedroom where the user goes to bed, and the operation in the second operation mode by the control unit 14 (control step ST2) is preferably executed when the user goes to bed. Here, the user can adjust the set temperature according to the high or low of the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4 when awake, but cannot adjust the set temperature when sleeping (unconscious). For this reason, if the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4 becomes large during sleep, the user may feel discomfort unconsciously. Although there are individual differences in the change of the perceived temperature during sleep, the more dissatisfied the user is with the sleep environment, the more sensitive the user tends to be to the change of the perceived temperature.

[0067] Therefore, if the control unit 14 operates in the second operation mode when the user goes to bed, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to provide a comfortable sleeping environment for the user by suppressing the change width W1 of the temperature in the target space 4.

[0068] Note that the control unit 14 may operate in the second operation mode regardless of whether the user is sleeping, that is, the control step ST2 may be constantly executed during the operation of the air conditioner 2, or the control step ST2 may be executed only when the user is sleeping. In this case, the control unit 14 may start the operation (control step ST2) in the second operation mode, for example, when the user performs an operation to instruct the start of control during sleep by operating an information terminal or the like. Further, the control unit 14 monitors, for example, the detection result of a human sensor that detects whether the user is in bed, and may automatically start the operation (control step ST2) in the second operation mode when it is detected that the user is in bed.

[0069] (Modification example) As described above, embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and is also applicable to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are appropriately made. Further, it is also possible to form a new embodiment by combining the respective components described in the above embodiments.

[0070] Therefore, modification examples of the embodiment will be exemplified below.

[0071] [First Modification Example] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the air-conditioning control system 100A according to the first modification of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, in the first modification, the air-conditioning control system 100A is built in the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 2. That is, the air conditioner 2 includes the air-conditioning control system 100A, the indoor unit 31 installed in the target space 4, and the outdoor unit 32 installed outside the target space 4. Although not shown in FIG. 6, the controller 101 is installed in the facility 5. Thus, the air-conditioning control system 100A may be not only in a mode built in the controller 101 but also in a mode built in the air conditioner 2.

[0072] [Second Modification Example] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including the air-conditioning control system 100B according to the second modification of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, in the second modification, the air-conditioning control system 100B is built in the server 102 installed in a remote location away from the facility 5. Also, in the second modification, the air-conditioning control system 100B individually controls one or more air conditioners 2 installed in each of the plurality of facilities 5. That is, the air-conditioning control system 100B individually controls a plurality of air conditioners 2. Communication between the server 102 and each air conditioner 2 is performed via an external network such as the Internet. Thus, the air-conditioning control system 100B may be not only in a mode built in the controller 101 but also in a mode built in the server 102.

[0073] [Other Modification Examples] In the embodiment, when the control unit 14 operates in the second operation mode during the day, the threshold values (the first threshold Th1 and the second threshold Th2) may be determined based on, for example, the solar radiation amount to the target space 4 or the opening / closing of the curtain installed in the target space 4. This is because these parameters can also contribute to the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4 during the day.

[0074] In the embodiment, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) may be determined in consideration of the size of the target space 4 or the heating and cooling capacity of the air conditioner 2. This is because these parameters can also contribute to the temperature (suction temperature) of the target space 4.

[0075] In the embodiment, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined by machine learning or the like before the operation of the air conditioning control system 100, but are not limited thereto. For example, the threshold values may be re-learned during the operation of the air conditioning control system 100 using measured values of the outside air temperature, the amount of change per unit time of the first temperature (suction temperature) during operation in the first operation mode, and the delay time.

[0076] In the embodiment, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined based on the second temperature (outside air temperature), but may not be determined based on the second temperature. In this case, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) may not be updated regularly. Also, in this case, the air conditioning control system 100 may not include the second acquisition unit 12. In other words, the air conditioning control method may not execute the second acquisition step ST3.

[0077] In the embodiment, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined based on the second temperature (outside air temperature), the amount of change per unit time of the first temperature (suction temperature), and the delay time, but are not limited thereto. For example, the threshold values may be determined based on one or more of these three parameters.

[0078] In the embodiment, the communication between the air conditioning control system 100 and the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 of the air conditioner 2 is wired communication using signal lines, but may be wireless communication. For example, the communication standard for the communication between the air conditioning control system 100 and the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), etc.

[0079] Further, for example, in the above embodiment, the air conditioning control system 100 is realized as a single device, but it may also be realized by a plurality of devices. When the air conditioning control system 100 is realized by a plurality of devices, the components included in the air conditioning control system 100 may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. For example, a part of the components included in the air conditioning control system 100 in the above embodiment may be provided in the server. That is, the present disclosure may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

[0080] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, all or part of the components of the air conditioning control system 100 in the present disclosure may be configured by dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or a semiconductor memory.

[0081] Also, the components of the air conditioning control system 100 in the present disclosure may be configured by one or more electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0082] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated into one chip or into multiple chips. Here, the IC or LSI is referred to as an IC or LSI, but the name may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may be called a system LSI, a very large scale integration (VLSI), or an ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that is programmed after the LSI is manufactured can be used for the same purpose.

[0083] In addition, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, or a computer program. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as an optical disk, a HDD, or a semiconductor memory in which the computer program is stored. For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning control method in the above-described embodiment. In addition, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be distributed via a communication channel such as the Internet.

[0084] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure. For this purpose, the attached drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0085] Therefore, among the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description, not only are there components essential for solving the problem, but there may also be components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that such non-essential components are described in the attached drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that such non-essential components are essential.

[0086] In addition, since the above-described embodiments are for exemplifying the technology in the present disclosure, various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or the equivalent scope thereof.

[0087] (Summary) As described above, the air conditioning control method in the embodiment includes a first acquisition step ST1 and a control step ST2. In the first acquisition step ST1, a first temperature, which is the temperature of the target space 4 where the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 2 having the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 is installed, is acquired. In the control step ST2, based on the first temperature acquired in the first acquisition step ST1, the operation of the compressor 323 included in the outdoor unit 32 is controlled. In the control step ST2, when the first temperature exceeds a threshold value (second threshold value Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323, the compressor 323 is stopped, and when the first temperature exceeds a threshold value (first threshold value Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323, the compressor 323 is operated. The threshold value (first threshold value Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323 and the threshold value (second threshold value Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323 are different from each other.

[0088] According to this, since a delay until the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 is reflected in the temperature of the target space 4 is less likely to occur, there is an advantage that it is easy to suppress the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4.

[0089] Also, for example, in the air conditioning control method, when the air conditioner 2 is performing a heating operation, the threshold value (first threshold value Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323 is higher than the threshold value (second threshold value Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323.

[0090] According to this, there is an advantage that it is easy to suppress the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4 during the heating operation of the air conditioner 2.

[0091] Also, for example, in the air conditioning control method, when the air conditioner 2 is performing a cooling operation, the threshold value (first threshold value Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323 is lower than the threshold value (second threshold value Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323.

[0092] According to this, during the cooling operation of the air conditioner 2, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to suppress the change width W1 of the temperature in the target space 4.

[0093] Also, for example, in the air conditioning control method, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined based on the amount of change per unit time of the first temperature.

[0094] According to this, by determining the threshold value in consideration of the amount of change per unit time of the first temperature, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to further suppress the change width W1 of the temperature in the target space 4.

[0095] Also, for example, in the air conditioning control method, the threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined based on the delay time from the time when the operation of the compressor 323 is switched until the sign of the amount of change per unit time of the first temperature is reversed.

[0096] According to this, by determining the threshold value in consideration of the delay time, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to further suppress the change width W1 of the temperature in the target space 4.

[0097] Also, for example, the air conditioning control method further includes a second acquisition step ST3 of acquiring a second temperature which is the outside air temperature. The threshold values (the first threshold value Th1 and the second threshold value Th2) are determined based on the second temperature acquired by the second acquisition step ST3.

[0098] According to this, by determining the threshold value in consideration of the second temperature, there is an advantage that it becomes easier to further suppress the change width W1 of the temperature in the target space 4.

[0099] Also, for example, in the air conditioning control method, the target space 4 is a bedroom where the user goes to bed. The control step ST2 is executed when the user goes to bed.

[0100] According to this, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to provide a comfortable sleeping environment for the user.

[0101] In addition, the program in the embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the above air conditioning control method.

[0102] According to this, since it is difficult for a delay to occur until the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 is reflected in the temperature of the target space 4, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to suppress the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4.

[0103] In addition, the air conditioning control systems 100, 100A, and 100B in the embodiment include a first acquisition unit 11 and a control unit 14. The first acquisition unit 11 acquires a first temperature, which is the temperature of the target space 4 in which the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 2 having the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 is installed. The control unit 14 controls the operation of the compressor 323 included in the outdoor unit 32 based on the first temperature acquired by the first acquisition unit 11. When the first temperature exceeds a threshold value (second threshold value Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323, the control unit 14 stops the compressor 323, and when the first temperature exceeds a threshold value (first threshold value Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323, the control unit 14 operates the compressor 323. The threshold value (first threshold value Th1) during the stop of the compressor 323 and the threshold value (second threshold value Th2) during the operation of the compressor 323 are different from each other.

[0104] According to this, since it is difficult for a delay to occur until the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 is reflected in the temperature of the target space 4, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to suppress the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4.

[0105] In addition, the air conditioner 2 in the embodiment includes the above air conditioning control system 100A, an indoor unit 31 installed in the target space 4, and an outdoor unit 32 installed outside the target space 4.

[0106] According to this, since it is difficult for a delay to occur until the switching of the operation of the compressor 323 is reflected in the temperature of the target space 4, there is an advantage that it becomes easy to suppress the change width W1 of the temperature of the target space 4.

Industrial Applicability

[0107] The present disclosure is applicable to an air-conditioning control method and the like for controlling an air conditioner.

Explanation of Signs

[0108] 11 First acquisition unit 12 Second acquisition unit 14 Control unit 2 Air conditioner 31 Indoor unit 32 Outdoor unit 323 Compressor 4 Target space 100, 100A, 100B Air-conditioning control system ST1 First acquisition step ST2 Control step ST3 Second acquisition step Th1 First threshold value (threshold value) Th2 Second threshold value (threshold value) W1 Variation range

Claims

1. A first acquisition step of acquiring a first temperature, which is the temperature of a target space in which the indoor unit of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed; A control step of controlling the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit based on the first temperature acquired in the first acquisition step, In the control step, when the first temperature exceeds a second threshold during operation of the compressor, the compressor is stopped, and when the first temperature exceeds a first threshold during stoppage of the compressor, the compressor is operated. The first threshold during stoppage of the compressor and the second threshold during operation of the compressor are different from each other. When the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the first threshold during stoppage of the compressor is higher than the second threshold during operation of the compressor. Air conditioning control method.

2. A first acquisition step of acquiring a first temperature, which is the temperature of a target space in which the indoor unit of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed; A control step of controlling the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit based on the first temperature acquired in the first acquisition step, In the control step, when the first temperature exceeds a second threshold during operation of the compressor, the compressor is stopped, and when the first temperature exceeds a first threshold during stoppage of the compressor, the compressor is operated. The first threshold during stoppage of the compressor and the second threshold during operation of the compressor are different from each other. When the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation, the first threshold during stoppage of the compressor is lower than the second threshold during operation of the compressor. Air conditioning control method.

3. The first threshold and the second threshold are determined based on the amount of change per unit time of the first temperature. The air conditioning control method according to any one of Claims 1 to 2.

4. A first acquisition step of acquiring a first temperature, which is the temperature of a target space in which the indoor unit of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed; A control step of controlling the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit based on the first temperature acquired in the first acquisition step, In the control step, when the first temperature exceeds a second threshold during operation of the compressor, the compressor is stopped, and when the first temperature exceeds a first threshold during stoppage of the compressor, the compressor is operated. The first threshold value during the stop of the compressor and the second threshold value during the operation of the compressor are different from each other. The first threshold value and the second threshold value are determined based on a delay time from the time when the operation of the compressor is switched until the sign of the change amount per unit time of the first temperature is reversed. Air conditioning control method.

5. Further including a second acquisition step of acquiring a second temperature which is an outside air temperature. The first threshold value and the second threshold value are determined based on the second temperature acquired in the second acquisition step. The air conditioning control method according to claim 3.

6. Causing one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method according to claim 1. Program.

7. Causing one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method according to claim 2. Program.

8. A first acquisition unit that acquires a first temperature which is the temperature of a target space where the indoor unit of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed; A control unit that controls the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit based on the first temperature acquired by the first acquisition unit. During the operation of the compressor, when the first temperature exceeds the second threshold value, the control unit stops the compressor, and during the stop of the compressor, when the first temperature exceeds the first threshold value, the control unit operates the compressor. The first threshold value during the stop of the compressor and the second threshold value during the operation of the compressor are different from each other. When the air conditioner is performing a heating operation, the first threshold value during the stop of the compressor is higher than the second threshold value during the operation of the compressor. Air conditioning control system.

9. A first acquisition unit that acquires a first temperature which is the temperature of a target space where the indoor unit of an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit is installed; A control unit that controls the operation of a compressor included in the outdoor unit based on the first temperature acquired by the first acquisition unit. During the operation of the compressor, when the first temperature exceeds the second threshold value, the control unit stops the compressor, and during the stop of the compressor, when the first temperature exceeds the first threshold value, the control unit operates the compressor. The first threshold value during the stop of the compressor and the second threshold value during the operation of the compressor are different from each other. When the air conditioner is performing a cooling operation, the first threshold value during the stop of the compressor is lower than the second threshold value during the operation of the compressor. Air conditioning control system.

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