Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of grasping increase / decrease of persons and a timing of the increase / decrease in at least one of a dwelling house and a living room to enhance energy-saving of the air-conditioning system.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system includes: an air conditioner 9 installed in an air-conditioned room 18 in a dwelling house 1 for conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room 18; a plurality of delivery fans 3 for delivering the air of the air-conditioned room 18 to a plurality of living rooms 2 independent from the air-conditioned room 18; and a system controller 10. The system controller 10 includes: an entrance and exit determination portion 111 for determining entrance and exist in each living room; a count portion 112 for counting the number of times of determination of entrance and the number of times of determination of exit; a data generation portion 113 for totalizing and recording counted value by the count portion 112 in each predetermined period; and an increase / decrease determination portion 114 for determining increase / decrease of persons in at least one of the dwelling house 1 and the living room 2 in the plurality of predetermined periods, and a timing when the increase / decrease is generated on the basis of the data.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in a highly insulated and airtight house with multiple rooms, an air conditioning system has been known in which at least one independent air-conditioned room is provided to control the air conditioning within the air-conditioned room, and air supply ducts connect the air-conditioned room to each room, with controllers located in each room individually distributing and supplying conditioned room air (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-127845 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning by transporting conditioned air by an air conditioner to each room through ducts, it is desirable to be able to grasp the increase or decrease in the number of people in at least one of the house and the rooms, and the timing of such increase or decrease. This is because people are a heat source that emits heat, and if the set temperature of the air conditioner and the airflow rate of the transport fan that transports conditioned air by the air conditioner to each room could be controlled in response to the increase or decrease in the number of people, it would be possible, for example, to save energy in the air conditioning system and prevent a decrease in occupant comfort.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system that can grasp the increase or decrease in the number of people in at least one of the house and the living room, and the timing when such increase or decrease occurs, in order to promote energy conservation in the air conditioning system, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention Air conditioning systems related to The system includes an air conditioner that is installed in an air-conditioning room in a house and conditions the air in the air-conditioning room, a plurality of transport fans that transport the air in the air-conditioning room to a plurality of living rooms that are independent of the air-conditioning room, and a system controller that controls the air conditioner and the transport fans. do. The system controller includes an entry / exit determination unit that determines entry and exit from each room, a counting unit that counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations determined by the entry / exit determination unit, a data generating unit that tallys up and records the count values ​​by the counting unit for each predetermined period, and an increase / decrease determination unit that determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in at least one of the house and the rooms and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred for each of a plurality of predetermined periods based on the data generated by the data generating unit. The system includes a room temperature sensor that acquires the indoor temperature of each of the plurality of rooms and transmits the acquired temperature to the system controller, and a room occupancy sensor that detects human movement at the entrances and exits of each of the plurality of rooms and transmits the detected temperature to the system controller. The entry / exit determination unit performs an entry determination for the detected room when the room occupancy sensor detects human movement and the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room increases by more than an entry threshold within a predetermined time after the detection, and performs an exit determination for the detected room when the room occupancy sensor detects human movement and the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room decreases by more than an exit threshold within a predetermined time after the detection. This will achieve the intended purpose. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an air conditioning system can be provided that can grasp the increase or decrease in the number of people in at least one of a house and a room, and the timing when such increase or decrease occurs, in order to promote energy conservation in the air conditioning system, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a system schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of a system controller and its peripherals according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a control according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a first calculation process. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing a first air conditioning control content determination process. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic functional block diagram of a system controller and its peripherals according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a control according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing a second calculation process. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a second air conditioning control content determination process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that each of the embodiments described below represents a preferred specific example of the present invention. Therefore, the components, the arrangement and connection of the components, the steps (processes) and the order of the steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Therefore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not recited in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention will be described as optional components. Furthermore, in each drawing, substantially identical components are assigned the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted or simplified.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) First, the air conditioning system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a system schematic diagram of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0011] The air conditioning system includes transport fans 3a to 3d collectively referred to as transport fans 3, air outlets 7a to 7d collectively referred to as air outlets 7, room temperature sensors 11a to 11d collectively referred to as room temperature sensors 11, room occupancy sensors 12a to 12d collectively referred to as room occupancy sensors 12, air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14, air conditioner 9, system controller 10, and transport ducts 56a to 56d collectively referred to as transport ducts 56.

[0012] The air conditioning system is installed in a house 1. The house 1 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) living rooms 2a to 2d collectively referred to as living rooms 2, as well as at least one air-conditioned room 18 that is independent of the living rooms 2. Here, a house is a dwelling provided as a place for residents to live private lives, and the living rooms 2 generally include a living room, dining room, bedroom, private room, children's room, etc. The living rooms provided by the air-conditioning system may also include a toilet, bathroom, washroom, dressing room, etc.

[0013] The temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 is controlled by an air conditioner 9 provided in the air-conditioned room 18. The air conditioned in the air-conditioned room 18 is transported to the rooms 2a to 2d by transport fans 3a to 3d.

[0014] Transport fan 3 transports air from air-conditioned room 18 to living room 2, which is independent from air-conditioned room 18. Transport fans 3a to 3d are provided in air-conditioned room 18 corresponding to living rooms 2a to 2d. The air from air-conditioned room 18 is transported by transport fan 3a to living room 2a via transport duct 56a, by transport fan 3b to living room 2b via transport duct 56b, by transport fan 3c to living room 2c via transport duct 56c, and by transport fan 3d to living room 2d via transport duct 56d. The numbers and combinations of each transport fan, each transport duct, and each living room are not limited to those described above, and different combinations may also be used.

[0015] Air outlet 7a is provided in living room 2a, air outlet 7b in living room 2b, air outlet 7c in living room 2c, and air outlet 7d in living room 2d. The combination of an air outlet 7 and a living room 2 does not necessarily have to be a pair, and multiple air outlets 7 may be provided for one living room 2.

[0016] Living room temperature sensor 11a is provided in living room 2a, living room temperature sensor 11b in living room 2b, living room temperature sensor 11c in living room 2c, and living room temperature sensor 11d in living room 2d. Living room temperature sensor 11 is a sensor that acquires the indoor temperature (living room temperature) of each corresponding living room 2a to 2d and transmits it to system controller 10. The combination of living room temperature sensor 11 and living room 2 does not necessarily have to be a pair, and multiple living room temperature sensors 11 may be installed for one living room 2.

[0017] Room motion sensor 12a is provided in room 2a, room motion sensor 12b in room 2b, room motion sensor 12c in room 2c, and room motion sensor 12d in room 2d. Room motion sensors 12 are sensors that detect the movement of people at the entrances and exits of the corresponding rooms 2a to 2d and transmit the results to system controller 10.

[0018] The air conditioner 9 conditions the air in the air-conditioned room 18 in the house 1. The air conditioner 9 cools or heats the air in the air-conditioned room 18 so that the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 reaches a set target temperature (air-conditioned room target temperature).

[0019] The air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that acquires the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 18 and transmits the temperature to the system controller 10. The air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14 may be built into the air conditioner 9, but if it is built into the air conditioner 9, it can only obtain information about the area around the air conditioner 9. It is desirable to provide the sensor independently of the air conditioner 9 so that information about the air-conditioned room 18 as a whole can be obtained.

[0020] The system controller 10 is a controller that controls the entire air conditioning system. The system controller 10 is connected to the transport fans 3a to 3d, the room temperature sensors 11a to 11d, the room occupancy sensors 12a to 12d, the air-conditioned room temperature sensor 14, and the air conditioners 9 so that they can communicate with each other via wireless communication. Connecting them via wireless communication eliminates the need for complicated wiring work. However, at least some of these may be connected so that they can communicate with each other via wired communication.

[0021] The system controller 10 controls the airflow rates of the transport fans 3a to 3b and the air conditioner 9. As a result, the air conditioned in the air-conditioned room 18 is transported to the rooms 2a to 2d at the airflow rates set by the transport fans 3a to 3d. As a result, the indoor temperatures of the rooms 2a to 2d approach the target temperatures of the respective rooms.

[0022] Each function of the system controller 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic functional block diagram of the system controller 10 according to the first embodiment and its periphery.

[0023] The system controller 10 includes a number of people acquisition unit 118 and a control unit 110 .

[0024] The number of occupants acquisition unit 118 acquires information about the number of occupants of residence 1. To explain one example of a method for acquiring the number of occupants information, for example, an input unit is provided in residence 1. The input unit has a user interface that can be operated by the residents of residence 1, and accepts the number of occupants information from the residents. The number of occupants acquisition unit 118 is communicatively connected to the input unit via wired or wireless communication, and acquires the number of occupants information input by the residents to the input unit. As another example of a method for acquiring the number of occupants information, the system controller 10 may have a storage unit that is a memory, and the number of occupants information may be stored in advance in the storage unit, and the number of occupants acquisition unit 118 may acquire the number of occupants information stored in the storage unit.

[0025] The control unit 110 includes an entry / exit determination unit 111 , a count unit 112 , a data generation unit 113 , an increase / decrease determination unit 114 , and a set temperature change unit 115 .

[0026] The entry / exit determination unit 111 determines whether a person has entered or left each of the living rooms 2a to 2d. Specifically, when a room human presence sensor 12 detects human movement and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11 corresponding to the detected living room 2 increases by an entry threshold or more within a predetermined time after the detection, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an entry determination for the detected living room 2.

[0027] In this embodiment, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an entry determination for the room 2a when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12a and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11a increases by more than the entry threshold within a predetermined time after the detection.

[0028] Similarly, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an entry determination for room 2b when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12b and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11b increases by more than the entry threshold within a predetermined time after the detection.

[0029] Similarly, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an entry determination for room 2c when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12c and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11c increases by more than the entry threshold within a predetermined time after the detection.

[0030] Similarly, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an entry determination for room 2d when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12d and the room temperature of the room temperature sensor 11b increases by more than the entry threshold within a predetermined time after the detection.

[0031] First, the detection and determination of human movement by the entry / exit determination unit 111 will be described. The room human presence sensor 12 outputs an output signal based on human movement. For example, the greater the human movement, the larger the output signal the room human presence sensor 12 outputs. The entry / exit determination unit 111 determines that human movement has been detected if the output signal from the room human presence sensor 12 is equal to or greater than a predetermined detection threshold. The detection threshold can be determined appropriately through experiments or simulations for each type of room human presence sensor so that human movement can be detected. This allows the entry / exit determination unit 111 to detect human movement. However, this alone does not determine whether a person has entered or left the room.

[0032] Therefore, when human movement is detected and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11 corresponding to the detected room 2 increases by more than the entry threshold within a predetermined time after the detection, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an entry determination for the detected room 2. When a person enters a room, the indoor temperature of the room 2 corresponding to the person's entry increases due to the heat emitted by the person. In other words, when the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room 2 within a predetermined time after the detection of human movement increases by more than the entry threshold, it can be determined that a person has entered the detected room 2. The entry threshold and the predetermined time can be determined as appropriate through experiments or simulations so that human entry can be determined.

[0033] In addition, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an exit determination for the detected room 2 when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12 and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11 corresponding to the detected room 2 decreases by more than the exit threshold within a predetermined time after detection.

[0034] In this embodiment, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an exit determination for the room 2a when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12a and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11a decreases by more than the exit threshold within a predetermined time after detection.

[0035] Similarly, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an exit determination for room 2b when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12b and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11b decreases by more than the exit threshold within a predetermined time after the detection.

[0036] Similarly, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an exit determination for room 2c when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12c and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11c decreases by more than the exit threshold within a predetermined time after the detection.

[0037] Similarly, the entry / exit determination unit 111 performs an exit determination for room 2d when human movement is detected by the room human presence sensor 12d and the indoor temperature of the room temperature sensor 11d decreases by more than the exit threshold within a predetermined time after the detection.

[0038] When a person leaves a room, the indoor temperature of the room 2 corresponding to the person's departure decreases due to a decrease in the amount of heat emitted by the person. When a person leaves a room, the indoor temperature of the room 2 corresponding to the person's departure decreases due to a decrease in the amount of heat emitted by the person. In other words, if the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room 2 within a predetermined time after human movement is detected decreases by more than the exit threshold, it can be determined that a person has left the detected room 2. The exit threshold and the predetermined time can be determined appropriately through experiments or simulations so that it can be determined whether a person has left the room. The entry / exit determination unit 111 may install cameras in each of the rooms 2a to 2d and determine entry / exit from camera images.

[0039] Counting unit 112 counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations determined by entry / exit determination unit 111. Counting unit 112 counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations for each of rooms 2a to 2d.

[0040] The data generating unit 113 tally and records the count values ​​from the counting unit 112 for each predetermined period.

[0041] For example, the predetermined period is one period when a day is divided into multiple periods. In this embodiment, as an example, a day is divided into 96 15-minute periods. That is, the first period is from 0:00:00 to 0:14:59, and the second period is from 0:15:00 to 0:29:59. The third to ninety-sixth periods are similarly set every 15 minutes, with the ninety-fifth period being from 23:30:00 to 23:44:59, and the ninety-sixth period being from 23:45:00 to 23:59:59. In this embodiment, as an example, each divided period is 15 minutes, but each divided period does not have to be 15 minutes. The data generation unit 113 tallies and records the count values ​​by the counting unit 112 for each of the first to ninety-sixth periods.

[0042] The data generation unit 113 tallies and records the count values ​​for each of the rooms 2a to 2d. In this embodiment, there are four rooms 2, rooms 2a to 2d. That is, the data generation unit 113 tallies the count values ​​for each of the first to ninety-sixth periods for the four rooms 2a to 2d. That is, the data generation unit 113 tallies the count values ​​for room 2a for each of the first to ninety-sixth periods, the count values ​​for room 2b for each of the first to ninety-sixth periods, the count values ​​for room 2c for each of the first to ninety-sixth periods, and the count values ​​for room 2d for each of the first to ninety-sixth periods. The data generation unit 113 stores the tallied data in a memory unit.

[0043] Furthermore, the data generation unit 113 accumulates the count values ​​for each of the first to ninety-sixth periods every day. For example, suppose the number of entry determinations for room 2a during the first period on the first day is 2. The data generation unit 113 calculates the number of entry determinations for room 2a during the first period at the end of the first day as 2. Then, suppose the number of entry determinations for room 2a during the first period on the second day as 3. The data generation unit 113 accumulates the number of entry determinations for room 2a during the first period on the first and second days, and calculates the number of entry determinations for room 2a during the first period at the end of the second day as 5. The data generation unit 113 similarly accumulates the number of entry determinations for room 2a during the first period from the third day onwards. The accumulation by the data generation unit 113 is similarly performed for the second to ninety-sixth periods. The accumulation by the data generation unit 113 is similarly performed for rooms 2b, 2c, and 2d. The accumulation by the data generation unit 113 is similarly performed for the number of exit determinations.

[0044] The increase / decrease determination unit 114 determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in at least one of the house 1 and the living room 2 during each of a plurality of predetermined periods and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, based on the data generated by the data generation unit 113. In the first embodiment, the increase / decrease determination unit 114 determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in the house 1 and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, and includes a residential movement determination unit 201.

[0045] The residential movement determination unit 201 determines the increase or decrease in the number of people in the residence 1 for each of a plurality of predetermined periods and the timing at which the increase or decrease occurred, based on the data generated by the data generation unit 113. The determination method by the residential movement determination unit 201 will be described in detail below.

[0046] First, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates a total room difference value for each of a plurality of specified periods using the total number of room entries, which is the sum of the number of entry determinations for all rooms during the specified period, and the total number of room exits, which is the sum of the number of exit determinations for all rooms during the specified period.

[0047] Specifically, in this embodiment, first, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total number of room entries in the first period, which is the total number of entry determinations for all rooms in the first period. The calculation formula for the total number of room entries in the first period is Number of times entering all rooms during the first period = Number of entry judgments for room 2a in the first period + Number of entry judgments for room 2b in the first period + Number of entry judgments for room 2c in the first period + Number of entry judgments for room 2d in the first period is.

[0048] Next, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total number of room entries for the second period, which is the total number of entry determinations for all rooms in the second period. The calculation formula for the total number of room entries for the second period is Number of times entering all rooms during the second period = Number of entry judgments for room 2a during the second period + Number of entry judgments for room 2b during the second period + Number of entry judgments for room 2c during the second period + Number of entry judgments for room 2d during the second period is.

[0049] Similarly, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total number of room entries in the third period to the total number of room entries in the ninety-sixth period, which are the sum of the number of entry determinations for all rooms in the third period to the ninety-sixth period.

[0050] Next, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total number of room exits in the first period, which is the total number of exit determinations for all rooms in the first period. The calculation formula for the total number of room exits in the first period is Number of times that students left their rooms during the first period = Number of departure decisions for room 2a in the first period + Number of departure decisions for room 2b in the first period + Number of departure decisions for room 2c in the first period + Number of departure decisions for room 2d in the first period is.

[0051] Next, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total number of room exits in the second period, which is the total number of exits determined for all rooms in the second period. The calculation formula for the total number of room exits in the second period is Number of times of leaving all rooms during the second period = Number of departure decisions for room 2a during the second period + Number of departure decisions for room 2b during the second period + Number of departure decisions for room 2c during the second period + Number of departure decisions for room 2d during the second period is.

[0052] Similarly, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total number of room exits in the third period to the total number of room exits in the ninety-sixth period, which are the sum of the number of exit determinations for all rooms in the third period to the ninety-sixth period.

[0053] Next, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total room difference value. Specifically, the residential movement determination unit 201 first calculates the first period total room difference value, which is the total room difference value for the first period. The calculation formula for the first period total room difference value is First period all room difference value = Total number of room entries in the first period - Total number of room exits in the first period is.

[0054] Then, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates a second period total room difference value, which is a total room difference value for the second period. The calculation formula for the second period total room difference value is Second period all room difference value = Total number of room entries during the second period - Total number of room exits during the second period is.

[0055] Similarly, the residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the third period total room difference value to the ninety-sixth period total room difference value, which are the total room difference values ​​for the third period to the ninety-sixth period.

[0056] Next, the residential movement determination unit 201 determines all of the multiple predetermined periods, in descending order of the total room difference value, up to the number of the top occupants, as an increase in the number of people in residence 1 and the timings at which the increase occurred. Specifically, the residential movement determination unit 201 sorts the first period total room difference value to the ninety-sixth period total room difference value in descending order of the total room difference value. The residential movement determination unit 201 acquires the number of people in residence 1 acquired by the number of people acquisition unit 118. The residential movement determination unit 201 determines all of the predetermined periods, in descending order of the total room difference value, up to the number of the top occupants, as an increase in the number of people in residence 1 and the timings at which the increase occurred.

[0057] For example, if the number of residents is four, the residential movement determination unit 201 determines that all of the specified periods that are in the top four in order of largest all-room difference value are the increase in the number of people in House 1 and the timing at which the increase occurred. If the 73rd all-room difference value is one of the top four in order of largest all-room difference value, the residential movement determination unit 201 determines that the increase in the number of people in House 1 and the timing at which the increase occurred are between 18:00:00 and 18:14:59, which is the 73rd period. The increase in the number of people in House 1 means that people have returned home to House 1, and the timing at which the increase occurred means the timing at which people have returned home to House 1.

[0058] Next, the residential movement determination unit 201 determines all of the multiple predetermined periods, in order of smallest total room difference value, up to the number of the top occupants, as times when the occupancy decrease in residence 1 occurred. Specifically, the residential movement determination unit 201 first sorts the first period total room difference value to the 96th period total room difference value in order of smallest total room difference value. The residential movement determination unit 201 determines all of the predetermined periods, in order of smallest total room difference value, up to the number of the top occupants, as times when the occupancy decrease in residence 1 occurred.

[0059] For example, if the number of residents is four, the residential movement determination unit 201 determines all of the specified periods that are ranked in the top four in order of smallest total room difference value as a decrease in the number of people in House 1 and the timing at which the decrease occurred. If the 29th total room difference value is one of the top four in order of smallest total room difference value, the residential movement determination unit 201 determines that the decrease in the number of people in House 1 and the timing at which the decrease occurred are between 7:00:00 and 7:14:59, which is the 29th period. A decrease in the number of people in House 1 means that people have left House 1, and the timing at which the decrease occurred means that people have left House 1.

[0060] The set temperature change unit 115 changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 based on the determination result of the residential movement determination unit 201 (increase / decrease determination unit 114).

[0061] Specifically, the set temperature change unit 115 increases the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 by the increased temperature before the time to prepare to go out during a predetermined period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 to be the time when the number of people in the residence 1 decreases and the decrease occurs. The time to prepare to go out and the increased temperature can be determined appropriately through experiments or simulations.

[0062] Here, we will explain a case where the air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode during the Japanese summer, and the set temperature change unit 115 does not increase the set temperature before the time to get ready to go out. Suppose that a decrease in the number of people in house 1 occurs while the air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode. Then, at the time the decrease in the number of people in house 1 occurs, the amount of heat emitted by people inside house 1 decreases, causing the temperature of the entire house 1 to decrease. In order to prevent the temperature of the entire house 1 from decreasing, the air conditioner 9 increases the set temperature after the decrease in the number of people in house 1 occurs. However, because the set temperature is increased after the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to decrease, the reduction in air conditioning energy occurs after the temperature of house 1 starts to increase.

[0063] Therefore, the set temperature change unit 115 increases the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 by the increased temperature when there is a decrease in the number of people in the house 1 and before the time to get ready to go out during the predetermined period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 as the timing when the decrease occurred. In other words, it is possible to increase the set temperature before the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to decrease, thereby expanding the reduction in air conditioning energy that accompanies a decrease in the number of people in the house 1. In other words, it is possible to save energy in the air conditioning system.

[0064] Next, for example, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation during the winter in Japan and the set temperature change unit 115 does not increase the set temperature before the time to get ready to go out. Suppose that a decrease in the number of people in house 1 occurs while the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation. Then, at the time the decrease in the number of people in house 1 occurs, the amount of heat emitted by people inside house 1 decreases, causing the temperature of the entire house 1 to decrease. In order to prevent the temperature of the entire house 1 from decreasing, the air conditioner 9 increases the set temperature after the decrease in the number of people in house 1 occurs. However, because the set temperature is increased after the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to decrease, a sudden increase in air conditioning energy occurs.

[0065] Therefore, the set temperature change unit 115 increases the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 by an increased temperature before the time to prepare to go out during the predetermined period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 to be the time when the number of people in the house 1 decreases and the decrease occurred. The increased temperature before the time to prepare to go out can be smaller than the increased temperature that would be obtained if the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 were not changed before the time to prepare to go out and instead was increased after the time when the number of people in the house 1 decreased. In other words, it is possible to increase the set temperature before the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to decrease, which prevents a sudden increase in air conditioning energy. In other words, it is possible to save energy in the air conditioning system.

[0066] Furthermore, to save energy, the set temperature change unit 115 changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 to a lower temperature by a reduction temperature before the time to prepare for returning home during a predetermined period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 to be the time when an increase in the number of people in the house 1 and the increase in the number of people occurred. The time to prepare for returning home and the temperature to reduce can be determined appropriately by experiment or simulation.

[0067] Here, we will explain a case where the air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode during the Japanese summer, and the set temperature change unit 115 does not change the set temperature downward before the time to prepare to go home. Suppose that an increase in the number of people in house 1 occurs while the air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode. Then, at the time the increase in the number of people in house 1 occurs, the heat emitted by the people inside house 1 increases, causing the temperature of the entire house 1 to tend to increase. In order to prevent the temperature of the entire house 1 from tending to increase, the air conditioner 9 changes the set temperature downward after the increase in the number of people in house 1 occurs. However, because the set temperature is changed downward after the temperature of the entire house 1 tends to increase, a sudden increase in air conditioning energy occurs.

[0068] Therefore, the set temperature change unit 115 lowers the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 by the decrement temperature before the time to prepare for homecoming during the predetermined period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 as the time when the number of people in the house 1 increases and the increase occurred. The decrement temperature before the time to prepare for homecoming can be smaller than the decrement temperature that would be achieved if the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 were not changed before the time to prepare for homecoming and instead was decreased after the time when the number of people in the house 1 increased. In other words, it is possible to decrease the set temperature before the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to increase, which makes it possible to suppress a sudden increase in air conditioning energy. In other words, it is possible to save energy in the air conditioning system.

[0069] Next, for example, a case will be described in which the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation during the winter in Japan and the set temperature change unit 115 does not change the set temperature downward before the time to prepare to go home. Suppose that an increase in the number of people in house 1 occurs while the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation. Then, at the time the increase in the number of people in house 1 occurs, the amount of heat emitted by the people in house 1 increases, causing the temperature of the entire house 1 to tend to increase. In order to prevent the temperature of the entire house 1 from tending to increase, the air conditioner 9 changes the set temperature downward after the increase in the number of people in house 1 occurs. However, because the set temperature is changed downward after the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to tend to increase, the reduction in air conditioning energy occurs after the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to tend to increase.

[0070] Therefore, the set temperature change unit 115 changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 lower by the decrease temperature before the increase in the number of people in the house 1 and the time when people are preparing to go home during the predetermined period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 as the timing of the increase. In other words, it becomes possible to decrease the set temperature before the temperature of the entire house 1 starts to increase, thereby expanding the reduction in air conditioning energy that accompanies an increase in the number of people in the house 1. In other words, it is possible to save energy in the air conditioning system.

[0071] The functional blocks of the system controller 10 and the control unit 110 can be realized as hardware by elements or mechanical devices such as a computer CPU (Central Processing Unit), or as software by computer programs, but here they are functional blocks realized by the cooperation of these. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by combining hardware and software.

[0072] In the above configuration, the control flow according to the first embodiment will be explained using the flowchart shown in Fig. 3. In the flowchart, numbers are assigned starting with the initial letter S. For example, S11 indicates a processing step. However, the magnitude of the numerical value indicating the processing step has no relation to the processing order.

[0073] The number of people acquisition unit 118 acquires information about the number of people living in house 1 (S11). The control unit 110 resets the elapsed time (S12). The control unit 110 starts measuring the elapsed time (S13). The data generation unit 113 tally and record the count values ​​by the counting unit 112 for each predetermined period (S14).

[0074] If the elapsed time is not 24 hours, the data generation unit 113 continues generating data (No in S15 → S14). If the elapsed time is 24 hours, the control unit 110 increments the number of operating days by 1 (Yes in S15 → S16). The initial value of the number of operating days is 0. That is, the control unit 110 increments the number of operating days from 0 to 1.

[0075] The control unit 110 performs a first arithmetic process (S17). The first arithmetic process will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the first arithmetic process.

[0076] The residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total number of times each room entered during a predetermined period and the total number of times each room left during that predetermined period (S21) based on the data generated by the data generation unit 113. The residential movement determination unit 201 calculates the total room difference value during each of the plurality of predetermined periods (S22).

[0077] The residential movement determination unit 201 sorts all the predetermined periods in descending order of the total room difference value (S23). The residential movement determination unit 201 acquires the number of residents of house 1 acquired by the number of people acquisition unit 118. The residential movement determination unit 201 determines all the predetermined periods positioned up to the top in the total room difference value in descending order as an increase in the number of people in house 1 and the timing when the increase occurred (S24).

[0078] The residential movement determination unit 201 sorts all the predetermined periods in ascending order of all room difference values ​​(S25). The residential movement determination unit 201 determines all the predetermined periods located up to the top in the number of occupants in ascending order of all room difference values ​​as a decrease in the number of people in House 1 and the timing when the decrease occurred (S26). This completes the first calculation process.

[0079] This makes it possible to grasp the increase or decrease in the number of people in residence 1 and the timing of the increase or decrease. It is also possible to grasp in which predetermined period the increase or decrease in the number of people in residence 1 occurs most frequently.

[0080] After performing the first calculation process, the control unit 110 performs a first air conditioning control content determination process (S18). The first air conditioning control content determination process will be described in detail using the flowchart shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the first air conditioning control content determination process.

[0081] The set temperature change unit 115 decides to change the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 to be higher by the increased temperature before the time to prepare to go out during the specified period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 to be the time when the number of people in the house 1 decreased and the decrease occurred (S31).

[0082] The set temperature change unit 115 determines to lower the set temperature of the air conditioner 9 by the decrease temperature just before the time to prepare for home during the predetermined period determined by the residential movement determination unit 201 as the time when an increase in the number of people in the house 1 occurred (S32). This completes the first air conditioning control content determination process.

[0083] The set temperature change unit 115 changes the set temperature in accordance with the content determined in the first air conditioning control content determination process. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden increase in air conditioning energy. It also makes it possible to increase the reduction in air conditioning energy. In other words, it is possible to achieve energy savings in the air conditioning system. Furthermore, since it is possible to suppress sudden temperature changes throughout the house 1, it is possible to suppress a decrease in comfort for the residents of the house 1. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the residents to manually change the set temperature, which improves convenience for the residents.

[0084] After performing the first air conditioning control content determination process, control unit 110 returns to step S12. Control unit 110 repeats the processes of steps S12 to S18. In other words, data generation unit 113 accumulates the count values ​​for each of multiple predetermined periods every day, and performs the first calculation process and the first air conditioning control content determination process for each day. This allows for improved accuracy in determining an increase or decrease in the number of people in house 1 and the timing at which this increase or decrease occurred, as the number of operating days increases, i.e., as operating time passes.

[0085] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment relates to determining the increase or decrease in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing at which the increase or decrease occurs, and controlling the transport fan 3. The second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. The system schematic diagram of the air conditioning system in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. The schematic functional block diagram of the system controller 10 and the control unit 110 in the second embodiment is partially different from that in the first embodiment.

[0086] Each function of the system controller 10 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a schematic functional block diagram of the system controller 10 according to the second embodiment and its periphery.

[0087] The system controller 10 includes a control unit 110. The control unit 110 includes an entry / exit determination unit 111, a count unit 112, a data generation unit 113, an increase / decrease determination unit 114, and an airflow amount change unit .

[0088] The entry / exit determination unit 111, count unit 112, and data generation unit 113 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted. In the second embodiment as well, the first period to the ninety-sixth period are used as examples of the plurality of predetermined periods.

[0089] The increase / decrease determination unit 114 determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in at least one of the house 1 and the living room 2 and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred for each of a plurality of predetermined periods based on the data generated by the data generation unit 113. In the second embodiment, the increase / decrease determination unit 114 determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in the living room 2 and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, and includes a room movement determination unit 202.

[0090] The room change determination unit 202 determines the increase or decrease in the number of people in each of the rooms 2a to 2d during each of a plurality of predetermined periods and the timing at which the increase or decrease occurred, based on the data generated by the data generation unit 113. The determination method used by the room change determination unit 202 will now be described in detail.

[0091] First, the room movement determination unit 202 performs a process for each of the rooms 2a to 2d to calculate a room difference value using the total number of entries, which is the sum of the number of entry determinations during each of the predetermined periods, and the total number of exits, which is the sum of the number of exit determinations during each of the predetermined periods.

[0092] Here, in the data generated by the data generation unit 113, the total number of entry determinations for room 2a in the first period is referred to as the total number of entry attempts for room 2a in the first period. Similarly, the total number of entry determinations for room 2a in the second period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of entry attempts for room 2a in the second period through the 96th period. Similarly, the total number of entry determinations for room 2b in the first period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of entry attempts for room 2b in the first period through the 96th period. Similarly, the total number of entry determinations for room 2c in the first period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of entry attempts for room 2c in the first period through the 96th period. Similarly, the total number of entry determinations for room 2d in the first period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of entry attempts for room 2d in the first period through the 96th period.

[0093] Furthermore, in the data generated by the data generation unit 113, the total number of exit determinations for room 2a in the first period is referred to as the total number of exits for room 2a in the first period. Similarly, the total number of exit determinations for room 2a in the second period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of exits for room 2a in the second period through the 96th period. Similarly, the total number of exit determinations for room 2b in the first period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of exits for room 2b in the first period through the 96th period. Similarly, the total number of exit determinations for room 2c in the first period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of exits for room 2c in the first period through the 96th period. Similarly, the total number of exit determinations for room 2d in the first period through the 96th period is referred to as the total number of exits for room 2d in the first period through the 96th period.

[0094] First, the room change determination unit 202 performs a process of calculating a room difference value for room 2a for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. The room change determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2a difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2a in a first period. The calculation formula for the first period room 2a difference value is First period room 2a difference value = Total number of entries into Room 2a during the first period - Total number of exits from Room 2a during the first period is.

[0095] Next, the room change determination unit 202 calculates a second period room 2a difference value, which is the room difference value for the room 2a in the second period. The calculation formula for the second period room 2a difference value is Second period room 2a difference value = Total number of entries into Room 2a during the second period - Total number of exits from Room 2a during the second period is.

[0096] Similarly, the room change determination unit 202 calculates the third period room 2a difference value to the 96th period room 2a difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for the room 2a in the third period to the 96th period.

[0097] Next, the room change determination unit 202 performs a process of calculating a room difference value for room 2b for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. The room change determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2b difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2b in the first period. The calculation formula for the first period room 2b difference value is First period room 2b difference value = Total number of entries into Room 2b during the first period - Total number of exits into Room 2b during the first period is.

[0098] Next, the room change determination unit 202 calculates a second period room 2b difference value, which is the room difference value for the room 2b in the second period. The calculation formula for the second period room 2b difference value is Second period room 2b difference value = Total number of entries into Room 2b during the second period - Total number of exits into Room 2b during the second period is.

[0099] Similarly, the room change determination unit 202 calculates the third period room 2b difference value to the 96th period room 2b difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for the room 2b in the third period to the 96th period.

[0100] Next, the room change determination unit 202 performs a process of calculating a room difference value for room 2c for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. The room change determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2c difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2c in the first period. The calculation formula for the first period room 2c difference value is First period room 2c difference value = Total number of entries into Room 2c during the first period - Total number of exits from Room 2c during the first period is.

[0101] Similarly, the room change determination unit 202 calculates the second period room 2c difference value to the 96th period room 2c difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for the room 2c in the second period to the 96th period.

[0102] Next, the room change determination unit 202 performs a process of calculating a room difference value for room 2d for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. The room change determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2d difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2d in the first period. The calculation formula for the first period room 2d difference value is First period room 2d differential value = Total number of entries into room 2d during the first period - Total number of exits into room 2d during the first period is.

[0103] Similarly, the room change determination unit 202 calculates the second period room 2d difference value to the 96th period room 2d difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for the room 2d in the second period to the 96th period.

[0104] Next, the room movement determination unit 202 determines the increase or decrease in the number of people in each of the rooms 2a to 2d during each of a plurality of predetermined periods and the timing at which the increase or decrease occurred, based on the room difference value of each of the rooms 2a to 2d and the number of operating days.

[0105] Specifically, first, the room change determination unit 202 performs a process for each of the rooms 2a to 2d to calculate a divided value by dividing the room difference value by the number of days of operation for each of a plurality of predetermined periods.

[0106] First, the room change determination unit 202 performs a process for calculating a divided value by dividing the room difference value by the number of days of operation for each of a plurality of predetermined periods in the room 2a.

[0107] The room movement determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2a division value by dividing the first period room 2a difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2a in the first period, by the number of operating days. The number of operating days is the number of operating days of the air conditioning system. The control unit 110 counts the number of operating days of the air conditioning system, which is the number of operating days.

[0108] Similarly, the room movement determination unit 202 calculates the second period room 2a division value to the 96th period room 2a division value by dividing the second period room 2a difference value to the 96th period room 2a difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for room 2a in the second period to the 96th period, by the number of operating days.

[0109] Next, the room transfer determination unit 202 performs a process for calculating a divided value for room 2b by the number of operation days for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. The room transfer determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2b divided value by dividing the first period room 2b difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2b in the first period, by the number of operation days. Similarly, the room transfer determination unit 202 calculates second period room 2b divided values ​​through 96th period room 2b divided values ​​by dividing the second period room 2b difference value through 96th period room 2b difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for room 2b in the second period through 96th periods, by the number of operation days.

[0110] Next, the room transfer determination unit 202 performs a process for calculating a divided value for room 2c by dividing the room difference value by the number of operation days for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. The room transfer determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2c divided value by dividing the first period room 2c difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2c in the first period, by the number of operation days. Similarly, the room transfer determination unit 202 calculates second period room 2c divided values ​​through 96th period room 2c divided values ​​by dividing the second period room 2c difference value through 96th period room 2c difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for room 2c in the second period through 96th periods, by the number of operation days.

[0111] Next, the room movement determination unit 202 performs a process for calculating a division value for room 2d by dividing the room difference value by the number of operation days for each of a plurality of predetermined periods. The room movement determination unit 202 calculates a first period room 2d division value by dividing the first period room 2d difference value, which is the room difference value for room 2d in the first period, by the number of operation days. Similarly, the room movement determination unit 202 calculates second period room 2d division values ​​through 96th period room 2d division values ​​by dividing the second period room 2d difference value through 96th period room 2d difference value, which are the room difference values ​​for room 2d in the second period through 96th periods, by the number of operation days.

[0112] Next, the room movement determination unit 202 performs an entry determination process for each of the rooms 2a to 2d, determining that a predetermined period during which the divided value is equal to or greater than an entry determination threshold greater than zero is an increase in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing at which the increase occurred. The entry determination threshold can be determined as appropriate through experiments or simulations.

[0113] The entry determination process will be described in detail. Specifically, if the first period room 2a division value is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2a increased and that this increase occurred. If the second period room 2a division value is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the second period is the time when the number of people in room 2a increased and that this increase occurred. Similarly, if any of the third period room 2a division values ​​through the ninety-sixth period room 2a division values ​​is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2a increased and that this increase occurred.

[0114] Next, if the first period room 2b division value is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2b increased and that this increase occurred. Similarly, if any of the second period room 2b division values ​​to the 96th period room 2b division values ​​is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2b increased and that this increase occurred.

[0115] Next, if the first period room 2c division value is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2c increased and that this increase occurred. Similarly, if any of the second period room 2c division values ​​to the 96th period room 2c division values ​​is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2c increased and that this increase occurred.

[0116] Next, if the first period room 2d division value is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2d increased and that this increase occurred. Similarly, if any of the second period room 2d division values ​​through the 96th period room 2d division values ​​is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2d increased and that this increase occurred. This completes the entry determination process.

[0117] Here, if the number of entry determinations into room 2 in a specified period is greater than the number of exit determinations from room 2 in the specified period, the divisor value will be greater than zero. Furthermore, the greater the number of entry determinations into room 2 in a specified period, the greater the divisor value. Furthermore, the fewer the number of exit determinations from room 2 in a specified period, the greater the divisor value. Therefore, the room movement determination unit 202 determines a specified period in which the divisor value is equal to or greater than an entry determination threshold value greater than zero as an increase in people in room 2 and the timing at which this increase occurred. An increase in people in room 2 means that people have entered room 2, and the timing at which the increase occurred means the timing at which people entered room 2.

[0118] Next, the room movement determination unit 202 performs an exit determination process for each of the rooms 2a to 2d, determining that a predetermined period during which the divided value is equal to or less than an exit determination threshold that is smaller than zero is a decrease in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing at which the decrease occurred. The exit determination threshold can be determined as appropriate through experiments or simulations.

[0119] The exit determination process will be described in detail. Specifically, if the first period room 2a division value is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2a decreased and the decrease occurred. If the second period room 2a division value is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the second period is the time when the number of people in room 2a decreased and the decrease occurred. Similarly, if any of the third period room 2a division values ​​to the 96th period room 2a division values ​​is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or less than the exit determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2a decreased and the decrease occurred.

[0120] Next, if the first period room 2b division value is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2b decreased and that the decrease occurred. Similarly, if any of the second period room 2b division values ​​to the 96th period room 2b division values ​​is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or less than the exit determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2b decreased and that the decrease occurred.

[0121] Next, if the first period room 2c division value is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2c decreased and that the decrease occurred. Similarly, if any of the second period room 2c division values ​​to the 96th period room 2c division values ​​is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or less than the exit determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2c decreased and that the decrease occurred.

[0122] Next, if the first period room 2d division value is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the first period is the time when the number of people in room 2d decreased and that the decrease occurred. Similarly, if there is a division value equal to or less than the exit determination threshold among the second period room 2d division value to the 96th period room 2d division value, the room movement determination unit 202 determines that the predetermined period corresponding to the division value equal to or less than the exit determination threshold is the time when the number of people in room 2d decreased and that the decrease occurred. This completes the exit determination process. Here, if the number of exit determinations from room 2 in a specified period is greater than the number of entry determinations into room 2 in the specified period, the divisor value will be less than zero. Furthermore, the more exit determinations from room 2 in a specified period, the smaller the divisor value. Furthermore, the fewer entry determinations into room 2 in a specified period, the smaller the divisor value. Therefore, the room movement determination unit 202 determines a specified period in which the divisor value is less than zero and equal to or less than the exit determination threshold as a decrease in the number of people in room 2 and the timing at which this decrease occurred. A decrease in the number of people in room 2 means that people have left room 2, and the timing at which the decrease occurred means the timing at which people left room 2.

[0123] The airflow rate change unit 116 changes the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 based on the determination result of the room movement determination unit 202 (increase / decrease determination unit 114).

[0124] Specifically, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 increases the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 that transports air to the room 2 corresponding to the determined result of the increase in people in the room 2 and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred. The entry preparation time can be determined as appropriate through experiments or simulations.

[0125] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 increases the airflow volume of the transport fan 3a that transports air to the room 2a that corresponds to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2a and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred, in order to suppress a sudden increase in the transport fan energy due to an increase in the number of people in the room 2a.

[0126] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 increases the airflow rate of the transport fan 3b that transports air to the room 2b corresponding to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2b and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred.

[0127] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 increases the airflow rate of the transport fan 3c that transports air to the room 2c corresponding to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2c and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred.

[0128] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 increases the airflow rate of the transport fan 3d that transports air to the room 2d that corresponds to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2d and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred.

[0129] Here, we will explain a case where, for example, air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode during the Japanese summer and airflow rate change unit 116 does not increase the airflow rate before the entry preparation time. Suppose that people enter room 2 while air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode. Then, when the number of people in room 2 increases, the heat generated by the people is added to room 2, causing the temperature of room 2 to tend to increase. In order to prevent the temperature of room 2 from increasing, transport fan 3 increases the airflow rate after the number of people in room 2 increases. However, because the airflow rate is increased after the temperature of room 2 starts to increase, a sudden increase in transport fan energy occurs.

[0130] Therefore, the airflow volume change unit 116 increases the airflow volume of the transport fan 3 before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined by the room movement determination unit 202 as the timing of an increase in the number of people in room 2 and the occurrence of this increase. The increase in the airflow volume of the transport fan 3 before the entry preparation time can be smaller than the increase if the airflow volume were not increased before the entry preparation time and instead was increased after the timing of an increase in the number of people in room 2. In other words, it is possible to increase the airflow volume before the temperature in room 2 starts to increase, thereby suppressing a sudden increase in the energy required by the transport fan. In other words, energy savings can be achieved in the air conditioning system.

[0131] Furthermore, in order to increase the reduction in transport fan energy due to a decrease in the number of people in room 2, when air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, airflow rate change unit 116 reduces the airflow rate of transport fan 3 that transports air to room 2 corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in room 2 and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the room exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred. The room exit preparation time can be determined as appropriate through experiments or simulations.

[0132] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 reduces the airflow volume of the transport fan 3a that transports air to the room 2a corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2a and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0133] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 reduces the airflow volume of the transport fan 3b that transports air to the room 2b corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2b and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0134] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 reduces the airflow volume of the transport fan 3c that transports air to the room 2c corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2c and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0135] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 reduces the airflow volume of the transport fan 3d that transports air to the room 2d that corresponds to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2d and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0136] Here, we will explain a case where, for example, air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode during the Japanese summer and airflow rate change unit 116 does not reduce the airflow rate before the room exit preparation time. Suppose that people leave room 2 while air conditioner 9 is operating in cooling mode. Then, at the time the number of people in room 2 decreases, the amount of heat emitted by the people in room 2 decreases, causing the temperature of room 2 to decrease. In order to prevent the temperature in room 2 from decreasing, transport fan 3 reduces the airflow rate of transport fan 3 after the number of people in room 2 decreases. However, because the airflow rate is reduced after the temperature in room 2 starts to decrease, the decrease in transport fan energy occurs after the temperature in room 2 starts to decrease.

[0137] Therefore, the airflow rate change unit 116 reduces the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 before the number of people in room 2 decreases and before the room exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined by the room movement determination unit 202 as the timing when the decrease occurred. In other words, it is possible to reduce the airflow rate before the temperature in room 2 starts to decrease, thereby expanding the reduction in transport fan energy that accompanies a decrease in people in room 2. In other words, it is possible to save energy in the air conditioning system.

[0138] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 reduces the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 that transports air to the room 2 corresponding to the determined result of an increase in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred, in order to increase the reduction in transport fan energy due to a decrease in the number of people in the room 2. The entry preparation time can be determined as appropriate through experiments or simulations.

[0139] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 reduces the airflow volume of the transport fan 3a that transports air to the room 2a corresponding to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2a and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time within the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred.

[0140] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 reduces the airflow rate of the transport fan 3b that transports air to the room 2b corresponding to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2b and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred.

[0141] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 reduces the airflow volume of the transport fan 3c that transports air to the room 2c that corresponds to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2c and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred.

[0142] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 reduces the airflow rate of the transport fan 3d that transports air to the room 2d that corresponds to the determined result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2d and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred.

[0143] Here, we will explain a case where, for example, in the winter in Japan, the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation and the airflow rate change unit 116 does not reduce the airflow rate before the entry preparation time. Suppose that someone enters room 2 while the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation. Then, when the number of people in room 2 increases, the heat generated by the people is added to room 2, causing the temperature of room 2 to increase. In order to prevent the temperature in room 2 from increasing, the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 is reduced after the number of people in room 2 increases. However, because the airflow rate is reduced after the temperature in room 2 starts to increase, the reduction in transport fan energy occurs after the temperature in room 2 starts to increase.

[0144] Therefore, the airflow rate change unit 116 reduces the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 before the increase in the number of people in room 2 and the entry preparation time within the predetermined period determined by the room movement determination unit 202 as the timing of the increase. In other words, it is possible to reduce the airflow rate before the temperature in room 2 starts to increase, thereby expanding the reduction in transport fan energy associated with the increase in the number of people in room 2. In other words, it is possible to save energy in the air conditioning system.

[0145] Furthermore, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 increases the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 that transports air to the room 2 corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the room exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred, in order to suppress a sudden increase in transport fan energy due to a decrease in the number of people in the room 2. The room exit preparation time can be determined as appropriate through experiments or simulations.

[0146] In this embodiment, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 increases the airflow volume of the transport fan 3a that transports air to the room 2a corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2a and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0147] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 increases the airflow volume of the transport fan 3b that transports air to the room 2b corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2b and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0148] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 increases the airflow volume of the transport fan 3c that transports air to the room 2c that corresponds to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2c and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0149] Similarly, when the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, the airflow volume change unit 116 increases the airflow volume of the transport fan 3d that transports air to the room 2d that corresponds to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2d and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred.

[0150] Here, we will explain a case where, for example, in winter in Japan, the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation and the airflow rate change unit 116 does not increase the airflow rate before the room exit preparation time. Suppose that people leave room 2 while the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation. Then, when the number of people in room 2 decreases, the amount of heat emitted by the people in room 2 decreases, causing the temperature of room 2 to decrease. In order to prevent the temperature of room 2 from decreasing, the airflow rate of the transport fan 3 is increased after the number of people in room 2 decreases. However, because the airflow rate is increased after the temperature of room 2 starts to decrease, a sudden increase in the transport fan energy occurs.

[0151] Therefore, the airflow volume change unit 116 increases the airflow volume of the transport fan 3 before the room exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined by the room movement determination unit 202 as the time when the number of people in room 2 decreases and when this decrease occurs. The increase in the airflow volume of the transport fan 3 before the room exit preparation time can be smaller than the increase if the airflow volume were not increased before the room exit preparation time and instead increased after the time when the number of people in room 2 decreases. In other words, it is possible to increase the airflow volume before the temperature in room 2 starts to decrease, and a sudden increase in the energy required by the transport fan can be suppressed. In other words, energy savings can be achieved in the air conditioning system.

[0152] In the above configuration, the flow of control according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0153] The control unit 110 resets the elapsed time (S41). The control unit 110 starts measuring the elapsed time (S42). The data generation unit 113 tally and records the count values ​​by the counting unit 112 for each predetermined period (S43).

[0154] If the elapsed time is not 24 hours, the data generation unit 113 continues generating data (No in S44 → S43). If the elapsed time is 24 hours, the control unit 110 increments the number of operating days by 1 (Yes in S44 → S45). The initial value of the number of operating days is 0. That is, the control unit 110 increments the number of operating days from 0 to 1.

[0155] The control unit 110 performs the second arithmetic processing (S46). The second arithmetic processing will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the second arithmetic processing.

[0156] The room movement determination unit 202 performs a process of calculating a room difference value for each of multiple predetermined periods using the total number of entries, which is the sum of the number of entry determinations during the predetermined period, and the total number of exits, which is the sum of the number of exit determinations during the predetermined period (S51).

[0157] The room movement determination unit 202 performs a process for each of the rooms 2a to 2d to calculate a divided value by dividing the room difference value by the number of days of operation for each of a plurality of predetermined periods (S52). The room movement determination unit 202 performs an entry determination process for each of the rooms 2a to 2d to determine that a predetermined period in which the divided value is equal to or greater than the entry determination threshold is an increase in people in the room 2 and the timing at which this increase occurred (S53). The room movement determination unit 202 performs an exit determination process for each of the rooms 2a to 2d to determine that a predetermined period in which the divided value is equal to or less than the exit determination threshold is a decrease in people in the room 2 and the timing at which this decrease occurred (S54). This completes the second calculation process.

[0158] This makes it possible to grasp the increase or decrease in the number of people in each of the living rooms 2a to 2d and the timing of the increase or decrease. It is also possible to grasp in which predetermined period the increase or decrease in the number of people in each of the living rooms 2a to 2d has occurred most frequently.

[0159] After performing the second calculation process, the control unit 110 performs a second air conditioning control content determination process (S47). The second air conditioning control content determination process will be described in detail using the flowchart shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of the second air conditioning control content determination process.

[0160] The control unit 110 checks whether the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation (S61). If the air conditioner 9 is in cooling operation, the airflow rate change unit 116 performs cooling conveyance fan determination processing (Yes in S61 → S62). As the cooling conveyance fan determination processing, the airflow rate change unit 116 performs the following. The airflow rate change unit 116 determines to increase the airflow rate of the conveyance fan 3 that conveys air to the room 2 corresponding to the determination result of the increase in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing of the increase, before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing when the increase occurred. Furthermore, the airflow rate change unit 116 determines to decrease the airflow rate of the conveyance fan 3 that conveys air to the room 2 corresponding to the determination result of the decrease in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing of the decrease, before the exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing when the decrease occurred.

[0161] If the air conditioner 9 is not in cooling operation, the control unit 110 determines that the air conditioner 9 is in heating operation, and the airflow rate change unit 116 performs the heating conveyance fan determination process (No in S61 → S63). As the heating conveyance fan determination process, the airflow rate change unit 116 performs the following. In order to amplify the reduction in conveyance fan energy due to a decrease in the number of people in the room 2, the airflow rate change unit 116 determines to reduce the airflow rate of the conveyance fan 3 that conveys air to the room 2 corresponding to the determination result of an increase in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing of the increase, before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing when the increase occurred. Furthermore, the airflow rate change unit 116 determines to increase the airflow rate of the conveyance fan 3 that conveys air to the room 2 corresponding to the determination result of a decrease in the number of people in the room 2 and the timing of the decrease, before the exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing when the decrease occurred. This completes the second air conditioning control content determination process.

[0162] The airflow rate change unit 116 changes the airflow rate in accordance with the content determined in the second air conditioning control content determination process. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden increase in transport fan energy. It also makes it possible to increase the reduction in transport fan energy. In other words, it is possible to achieve energy savings in the air conditioning system. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress a sudden change in temperature in room 2, thereby suppressing a decrease in comfort for the occupants in room 2. Furthermore, it is not necessary for the occupants to manually change the airflow rate, improving convenience for the occupants.

[0163] After performing the second air conditioning control content determination process, the control unit 110 returns to step S41. The control unit 110 repeats the processes of steps S41 to S47. In other words, the data generation unit 113 accumulates the count values ​​for each of multiple predetermined periods every day, and performs the second calculation process and the second air conditioning control content determination process for each day. This allows for improved accuracy in determining an increase or decrease in the number of occupants in room 2 and the timing at which this increase or decrease occurred, as the number of operating days increases, i.e., as operating time passes.

[0164] The present invention has been described above based on the embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and it can be easily inferred that various improvements and modifications are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0165] For example, although the control contents of the system controller 10 are described independently for the first and second embodiments, the system controller 10 may perform a control that combines the control contents of the first and second embodiments. This can further reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioning system. It can also further prevent a decrease in occupant comfort. It can also further improve occupant convenience.

[0166] Furthermore, the number of occupants information stored in the storage unit may be preset to a value obtained by multiplying the number of predetermined periods by a predetermined ratio. In this embodiment, the predetermined ratio is set to 5%, and the following is given: Number of residents information = number of specified periods x specified percentage =96×0.05 =4.8 This becomes: For example, this number is rounded off and set in advance as 5. The number of people information acquisition unit 118 acquires 5 as the number of people information from the storage unit.

[0167] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of transport fans 3 is set to correspond to the number of rooms 2, but the number may be less than the number of rooms 2. For example, one transport fan 3 may transport air to both rooms 2a and 2b, and a second transport fan may transport air to both rooms 2c and 2d. In this case, the sum of the room 2a difference value and the room 2b difference value is set as the room 2ab difference value, and the room movement determination unit 202 determines the increase or decrease in the number of people in rooms 2a and 2b and the timing of the increase or decrease based on the room 2ab difference value and the number of days of operation. The airflow volume change unit 116 changes the airflow volume of the first transport fan 3 based on the increase or decrease in the number of people in rooms 2a and 2b and the timing of the increase or decrease. Similarly, the sum of the room 2c difference value and the room 2d difference value is set to the room 2cd difference value, and the room movement determination unit 202 determines the increase or decrease in the number of people in rooms 2c and 2d and the timing of this increase or decrease based on the room 2cd difference value and the number of operation days. The airflow volume change unit 116 changes the airflow volume of the second transfer fan 3 based on the increase or decrease in the number of people in rooms 2c and 2d and the timing of this increase or decrease. This simplifies the configuration.

[0168] Furthermore, instead of the set temperature change unit 115 that changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 9, a set air volume change unit that changes the air volume of the air conditioner 9 may be provided. During heating operation, the set air volume change unit increases the air volume instead of increasing the set temperature, and decreases the air volume instead of decreasing the set temperature. Furthermore, during cooling operation, the set air volume change unit decreases the air volume instead of increasing the set temperature, and increases the air volume instead of decreasing the set temperature. This makes it possible to control using the air volume of the air conditioner 9.

[0169] (Summary of the Invention) The air conditioning system of the present invention includes an air conditioner installed in an air-conditioned room in a home and conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room, multiple transport fans that transport the air from the air-conditioned room to multiple living rooms independent of the air-conditioned room, and a system controller that controls the air conditioner and the transport fans. The system controller also includes an entry / exit determination unit that determines entry and exit from each living room, a counting unit that counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations determined by the entry / exit determination unit, a data generation unit that tally and records the count values ​​generated by the counting unit for each predetermined period, and an increase / decrease determination unit that determines an increase / decrease in the number of occupants in at least one of the home and the living rooms and the timing of the increase / decrease for each of the predetermined periods based on the data generated by the data generation unit. This makes it possible to grasp the increase / decrease in the number of occupants in at least one of the home and the living rooms and the timing of the increase / decrease, in order to promote energy conservation of the air conditioning system.

[0170] The predetermined period may be one of the periods when a day is divided into multiple parts, thereby making it possible to grasp at what point in a day the number of people in the house or in the room increases or decreases.

[0171] The system may also include a room temperature sensor that acquires the indoor temperature of each of the multiple rooms and transmits the temperature to the system controller, and a room occupancy sensor that detects human movement at the entrances and exits of each of the multiple rooms and transmits the temperature to the system controller, and the entry / exit determination unit may perform an entry determination for the detected room if the room occupancy sensor detects human movement and the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room increases by more than an entry threshold within a predetermined time after the detection, and may perform an exit determination for the detected room if the room occupancy sensor detects human movement and the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room decreases by more than an exit threshold within a predetermined time after the detection. This makes it possible to determine whether a resident has entered a room. Also, it is possible to determine whether a resident has left a room. The increase / decrease determination unit may determine an increase / decrease in the number of people in the residence and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, and the increase / decrease determination unit may include a residential movement determination unit that determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in the residence and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred for each of a plurality of predetermined periods based on the data generated by the data generation unit. This makes it possible to grasp an increase / decrease in the number of people in the residence and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred.

[0172] The system may also include a resident count acquisition unit that acquires information about the number of residents in the residence, and the residential movement determination unit may calculate, for each of a plurality of predetermined periods, a total room entry count, which is the sum of the entry determination counts for all rooms in the predetermined period, and a total room exit count, which is the sum of the exit determination counts for all rooms in the predetermined period. The system may then determine, among the plurality of predetermined periods, all of the predetermined periods ranked in descending order of total room difference values ​​as times when an increase in the number of residents in the residence and when the increase occurred, and determine, among the plurality of predetermined periods ranked in descending order of total room difference values ​​as times when the decrease in the number of residents in the residence and when the decrease occurred. This allows the system to grasp the increase or decrease in the number of residents in the residence and the timing of the increase or decrease. It may also be possible to grasp which predetermined periods are experiencing the most increases or decreases in the number of residents in the residence.

[0173] The increase / decrease determination unit may determine an increase / decrease in the number of people in the home and the timing of the increase / decrease, and may include a set temperature change unit that changes the set temperature of the air conditioner based on the determination result of the increase / decrease determination unit. This makes it possible to grasp the increase / decrease in the number of people in the home and the timing of the increase / decrease, and to set the set temperature of the air conditioner according to the increase / decrease in the home.

[0174] Furthermore, to save energy, the set temperature change unit may increase the set temperature of the air conditioner by the increase temperature before the time to prepare to go out during the predetermined period determined by the increase / decrease determination unit as the time when the number of occupants in the home decreases and the decrease occurs, and may decrease the set temperature of the air conditioner by the decrease temperature before the time to prepare to go home during the predetermined period determined by the increase / decrease determination unit as the time when the number of occupants in the home increases and the increase occurs. This prevents a sudden increase in air conditioning energy. In other words, it saves energy in the air conditioning system. Furthermore, since a sudden temperature change in the home can be suppressed, a decrease in comfort for the occupants can be suppressed. Furthermore, the occupants do not need to manually change the set temperature, improving convenience for the occupants.

[0175] The increase / decrease determination unit may determine an increase / decrease in the number of people in a room and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, and the increase / decrease determination unit may include a room movement determination unit that determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in each room for each of a plurality of predetermined periods and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred based on the data generated by the data generation unit. This makes it possible to grasp the increase / decrease in the number of people in a room and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred.

[0176] The room movement determination unit may perform a process for calculating a room difference value for each room for each of a plurality of predetermined periods using a total number of entries, which is the sum of the number of entry determinations during the predetermined period, and a total number of exits, which is the sum of the number of exit determinations during the predetermined period, and may determine an increase or decrease in the number of people in each room for each of the plurality of predetermined periods and the timing at which the increase or decrease occurred based on the room difference value for each room and the number of operating days. This makes it possible to grasp the increase or decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase or decrease occurred.

[0177] The room movement determination unit also performs, for each room, a process of calculating a divided value by dividing the room difference value by the number of operating days for each of a plurality of predetermined periods, and performs an entry determination process for each room to determine, for each room, a predetermined period in which the divided value is equal to or greater than an entry determination threshold greater than zero as an increase in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase occurred, and performs an exit determination process for each room to determine, for each room, a predetermined period in which the divided value is equal to or less than an exit determination threshold less than zero as a decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the decrease occurred. This makes it possible to determine the increase or decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase or decrease occurred. It is also possible to determine which predetermined periods are experiencing the most increases or decreases in the number of people in the room.

[0178] The increase / decrease determination unit may determine an increase / decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, and may include an airflow volume change unit that changes the airflow volume of the transport fan based on the determination result of the increase / decrease determination unit. This makes it possible to grasp the increase / decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, and to adjust the airflow volume of the transport fan to correspond to the increase / decrease in the number of people in the room.

[0179] Furthermore, when the air conditioner is in cooling operation, the airflow rate change unit increases the airflow rate of the transport fan that transports air to the room corresponding to the determination result of an increase in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase occurred, before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing at which the increase occurred, in order to suppress a sudden increase in transport fan energy due to an increase in the number of people in the room, and decreases the airflow rate of the transport fan that transports air to the room corresponding to the determination result of a decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined to be the timing at which the decrease occurred, in order to increase a decrease in transport fan energy due to a decrease in the number of people in the room. In addition, when the air conditioner is in heating operation, the airflow rate of the transport fan that delivers air to the room corresponding to the determined result of the increase in occupancy and the timing of the increase may be reduced before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined as the timing of the increase in occupancy in the room, in order to increase the reduction in transport fan energy associated with an increase in occupancy in the room. Furthermore, the airflow rate of the transport fan that delivers air to the room corresponding to the determined result of the decrease in occupancy and the timing of the decrease may be increased before the exit preparation time of the predetermined period determined as the timing of the decrease in occupancy in the room, in order to suppress a sudden increase in transport fan energy associated with a decrease in occupancy in the room. This suppresses a sudden increase in transport fan energy. It also increases the reduction in transport fan energy. This results in energy savings for the air conditioning system. Furthermore, it suppresses sudden temperature changes in the room, thereby suppressing a decrease in comfort for the occupants in the room. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for the occupants to manually adjust the airflow rate, improving occupant convenience. [Industrial Applicability]

[0180] The present invention is useful as an air conditioning system or the like that includes an air conditioner and a transport fan. [Explanation of symbols]

[0181] 1. Housing 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d living room 3, 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d conveyor fan 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d outlet 9 Air conditioner 10 System Controller 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Room temperature sensors 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Room motion sensors 14 Air conditioning room temperature sensor 18 Air conditioned room 56, 56a, 56b, 56c, 56d Conveying duct 110 control section 111 Entry / Exit Judgment Unit 112 Counting section 113 Data Generation Unit 114 Increase / decrease determination unit 115 Temperature setting change section 116 Airflow volume change unit 118 Number of people acquisition part 201 Residential Mobility Determination Department 202 Room movement determination department

Claims

1. an air conditioner that is installed in an air-conditioned room in the house and conditions the air in the air-conditioned room; a plurality of conveying fans that convey air from the air-conditioned room to a plurality of rooms independent of the air-conditioned room; and a system controller that controls the air conditioners and the conveying fans; The system controller an entry / exit determination unit that determines entry and exit from each room; a counting unit that counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations determined by the entry / exit determination unit; a data generating unit that aggregates and records the count values ​​generated by the counting unit for each predetermined period; an increase / decrease determination unit that determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in at least one of the house and the living room during each of the plurality of predetermined periods and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred, based on the data generated by the data generation unit; a room temperature sensor that acquires the room temperature of each of the plurality of rooms and transmits the acquired room temperature to the system controller; a room motion sensor that detects human movement at an entrance or exit of each of the plurality of rooms and transmits the detected movement to the system controller; The entry / exit determination unit When the room motion sensor detects the human movement and the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room increases by more than an entry threshold within the predetermined time after the detection, an entry determination is made for the detected room; An air conditioning system in which human movement is detected by the room occupancy sensor, and if the indoor temperature corresponding to the detected room within the specified time after detection decreases by more than an exit threshold, an exit determination is made for the detected room.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined period is one of the periods obtained by dividing a day into the plurality of periods.

3. An air conditioner installed in an air-conditioned room in a house for conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room; a plurality of conveying fans that convey air from the air-conditioned room to a plurality of rooms independent of the air-conditioned room; and a system controller that controls the air conditioners and the conveying fans; a number of people acquisition unit that acquires information about the number of people in the house, The system controller an entry / exit determination unit that determines entry and exit from each room; a counting unit that counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations determined by the entry / exit determination unit; a data generating unit that aggregates and records the count values ​​generated by the counting unit for each predetermined period; a residential movement determination unit that determines an increase or decrease in the number of people in the residence and the timing of the increase or decrease for each of the plurality of predetermined periods based on the data generated by the data generation unit, The residential move determination unit For each of the plurality of predetermined periods, a total room difference value is calculated based on the total number of entry times of all living rooms, which is the sum of the number of entry determination times of all living rooms during the predetermined period, and the total number of exit times of all living rooms, which is the sum of the number of exit determination times of all living rooms during the predetermined period; determining all of the predetermined periods located up to the number of occupants in the top order of the total room difference value as times when an increase in the number of people in the residence occurred, and An air conditioning system that determines all of the multiple specified periods that are located up to the number of occupants in the top occupancy numbers in order of smallest total room difference value as a decrease in the number of people in the home and the time when that decrease occurred.

4. An air conditioner installed in an air-conditioned room in a house for conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room; a plurality of conveying fans that convey air from the air-conditioned room to a plurality of rooms independent of the air-conditioned room; and a system controller that controls the air conditioners and the conveying fans; The system controller an entry / exit determination unit that determines entry and exit from each room; a counting unit that counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations determined by the entry / exit determination unit; a data generating unit that aggregates and records the count values ​​generated by the counting unit for each predetermined period; an increase / decrease determination unit that determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in the residence and the timing of the increase / decrease for each of the plurality of predetermined periods based on the data generated by the data generation unit; a set temperature change unit that changes the set temperature of the air conditioner based on the determination result of the increase / decrease determination unit, In order to save energy, the set temperature changing unit changing the set temperature of the air conditioner to be higher by an increased temperature before the time for getting ready to go out during the predetermined period determined by the increase / decrease determination unit as the time when the number of people in the house has decreased and the decrease has occurred; An air conditioning system that lowers the set temperature of the air conditioner by a decrease temperature before the time for preparing to return home during the specified period, when the increase / decrease determination unit determines that the number of people in the house has increased and that this increase has occurred.

5. An air conditioner installed in an air-conditioned room in a house for conditioning the air in the air-conditioned room; a plurality of conveying fans that convey air from the air-conditioned room to a plurality of rooms independent of the air-conditioned room; and a system controller that controls the air conditioners and the conveying fans; The system controller an entry / exit determination unit that determines entry and exit from each room; a counting unit that counts the number of entry determinations and the number of exit determinations determined by the entry / exit determination unit; a data generating unit that aggregates and records the count values ​​generated by the counting unit for each predetermined period; an increase / decrease determination unit that determines an increase / decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase / decrease occurred for each of the plurality of predetermined periods based on the data generated by the data generation unit; An airflow rate change unit that changes the airflow rate of the transport fan based on the determination result of the increase / decrease determination unit. a section; The airflow rate change unit is When the air conditioner is in cooling operation, In order to suppress a sudden increase in the transport fan energy due to an increase in the number of people in the room, before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined as the time when the increase in the number of people in the room occurred, the airflow rate of the transport fan that transports the air to the room corresponding to the determination result of the increase in the number of people in the room and the time when the increase occurred is increased, In order to increase the reduction in the energy consumption of the transport fan associated with the reduction in the number of people in the room, the airflow rate of the transport fan that transports the air to the room corresponding to the determination result of the reduction in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the reduction occurred is reduced before the room exit preparation time of the predetermined period at which the reduction in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the reduction occurred are determined, When the air conditioner is in heating operation, In order to increase the reduction in the energy consumption of the transport fan associated with an increase in the number of people in the room, the airflow rate of the transport fan that transports the air to the room corresponding to the determination result of the increase in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the increase occurred is reduced before the entry preparation time of the predetermined period determined as the timing at which the increase occurred; In order to suppress a sudden increase in transport fan energy due to a decrease in the number of people in the room, an air conditioning system increases the airflow volume of the transport fan that transports air to the room corresponding to the determined result of the decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the decrease occurred, before the exit preparation time of the specified period at which the decrease in the number of people in the room and the timing at which the decrease occurred.

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