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

Abstract

To easily reduce waste electric power consumption.SOLUTION: An air conditioning control system 100 includes a control section 11, an acquisition section 12 and a determination section 13. The control section 11 controls a plurality of air conditioners 2. Each of the plurality of air conditioners 2 has an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 32, and the indoor unit 31 is installed in an object space 4. The acquisition section 12 acquires a parameter related on operation of the compressor 323 provided in the outdoor unit 32 from each of the plurality of air conditioners 2. The determination section 13 determines the number of air conditioners 2 to be operated out of the plurality of air conditioners 2 on the basis of the parameter of each of the plurality of air conditioners 2 acquired by the acquisition section 12. The control section 11 operates only the air conditioners 2 of which number is determined by the determination section 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning control system, an air conditioning system, an air conditioning control method, and a program for controlling a plurality of air conditioners. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system. This air conditioning system includes multiple air conditioners and a control calculation unit. The air conditioners have indoor and outdoor units, which form a complete refrigeration cycle. Multiple indoor units are placed in one air-conditioned area. The control calculation unit then communicates between the air conditioners to equalize the air conditioning capacity of each air conditioner according to the air conditioning load detected by each air conditioner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-121798 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning control system and the like that can easily reduce wasteful power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An air conditioning control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning control system for controlling an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and is equipped with an acquisition unit that acquires information and a control unit that controls the operation of the air conditioner based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit.When a ventilation fan, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit are installed in a target space, and the first indoor unit is installed closer to the ventilation fan than the second indoor unit, the control unit stops the first indoor unit on the condition that both the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are operating and the acquisition unit determines that the ventilation fan is operating based on the information acquired from the ventilation fan. A controller according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a controller that controls an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires information, and a control unit that controls operation of the air conditioner based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit.When a ventilation fan, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit are installed in a target space, and the first indoor unit is installed closer to the ventilation fan than the second indoor unit, the control unit stops the first indoor unit on the condition that both the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are operating and the acquisition unit determines that the ventilation fan is operating based on information acquired from the ventilation fan. An air conditioning control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an air conditioning control method executed by an air conditioning control system that controls an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and includes an acquisition step of acquiring information, and a control step of controlling operation of the air conditioner based on the information acquired in the acquisition step, wherein, in a target space, a ventilation fan, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit are installed, and the first indoor unit is installed in a position closer to the ventilation fan than the second indoor unit, both the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are operating, and In steps In the control step, the first indoor unit is stopped on the condition that it is determined that the ventilation fan is operating based on the information acquired from the ventilation fan. An air conditioning control system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control unit, an acquisition unit, and a determination unit. The control unit controls a plurality of air conditioners. Each of the plurality of air conditioners has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and the indoor unit is installed in a target space. The acquisition unit acquires parameters related to the operation of a compressor of the outdoor unit from each of the plurality of air conditioners. The determination unit The unit determines the number of air conditioners to be operated from among the plurality of air conditioners based on the parameters of each of the plurality of air conditioners acquired by the acquisition unit. The control unit operates the number of air conditioners from among the plurality of air conditioners determined by the determination unit.

[0006] An air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the air conditioning control system and the plurality of air conditioners controlled by the air conditioning control system.

[0007] An air conditioning control method according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a control step, an acquisition step, and a determination step. In the control step, a plurality of air conditioners are controlled. Each of the plurality of air conditioners has an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, and the indoor unit is installed in a target space. In the acquisition step, parameters related to the operation of a compressor of the outdoor unit are acquired from each of the plurality of air conditioners. In the determination step, the number of air conditioners to be operated among the plurality of air conditioners is determined based on the parameters of each of the plurality of air conditioners acquired in the acquisition step. In the control step, the number of air conditioners determined in the determination step is operated among the plurality of air conditioners.

[0008] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The air conditioning control system and the like according to the present disclosure has the advantage of easily reducing unnecessary power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency and the processing load of the air conditioner during normal operation. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency and the processing load of the air conditioners during linked operation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency and the processing load of the air conditioner during switching operation. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency and the processing load of the air conditioner for each outside air temperature. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing data relating to threshold values ​​when the air conditioner is in heating operation. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing data relating to threshold values ​​when the air conditioner is in cooling operation. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram showing a first switching example of the number of operating air conditioners in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram showing a first switching example of the number of operating air conditioners in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second example of switching the number of operating air conditioners in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of operation in the second switching example in the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) First, the inventor's point of view will be explained below.

[0012] Conventionally, multiple air conditioners may be installed to condition the air in a target space having a relatively large area. Each air conditioner includes an indoor unit installed in the target space and an outdoor unit installed outside the target space. In such cases, a controller controlling the multiple air conditioners may operate the multiple air conditioners simultaneously, for example, so that the required load is equally distributed.

[0013] Here, when the required load is relatively large, for example, when the difference between the target temperature of the target space and the outdoor temperature is large, the load processed by each air conditioner is also relatively large, and therefore the operating efficiency of each air conditioner is unlikely to decrease. On the other hand, when the required load is relatively small, for example, when the difference between the target temperature of the target space and the outdoor temperature is small, the load processed by each air conditioner is also relatively small, and therefore the operating efficiency of at least one air conditioner may decrease. Furthermore, when the operating efficiency of one or more air conditioners decreases, power consumption may increase along with the decrease in operating efficiency.

[0014] In other words, when multiple air conditioners are operating simultaneously in a target space, if the required load becomes relatively small, the systems will operate inefficiently overall, resulting in unnecessary power consumption. A situation in which the required load becomes small as described above can occur, for example, when multiple air conditioners are operating in cooling mode and the outside air temperature is not very high compared to the target temperature of the target space.

[0015] In view of the above, the inventors have come up with the present disclosure.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0017] In the following, a predetermined value (for example, the sum of the operating frequencies described below) is compared with a threshold value, but in the comparison, one branching condition may include a threshold value, or the other branching condition may include a threshold value. For example, one branching condition may be that "the predetermined value is equal to or greater than (or less than) the threshold value," or that "the predetermined value exceeds (or falls below) the threshold value."

[0018] The inventors have provided the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and do not intend for them to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0019] (Embodiment) [1-1. Overall structure] First, the overall configuration including an air conditioning control system 100 according to an embodiment will be described using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration including an air conditioning control system 100 according to an embodiment. The air conditioning control system 100 is a system for controlling multiple air conditioners 2 installed to condition the air in a target space 4. In the embodiment, the air conditioning control system 100 controls two air conditioners 2. Hereinafter, one of the two air conditioners 2 will be referred to as a first air conditioner 21, and the other air conditioner 2 will be referred to as a second air conditioner 22.

[0020] Here, the target space 4 refers to an area having a relatively large area in which air is conditioned by a plurality of air conditioners 2 within the facility 5. In other words, the target space 4 is basically a closed space within the facility 5. Note that the target space 4 does not have to be a space that is completely closed off from the space outside the facility 5, and may be connected to the space outside the facility 5, for example, through one or more doors provided at the entrances and exits of the facility 5 and one or more windows provided on the exterior walls of the facility 5.

[0021] The facility 5 includes, for example, a store such as a convenience store or a supermarket. Note that the facility 5 is not limited to a store, and may be, for example, a residential facility such as a detached house or an apartment building, or may include non-residential facilities such as an office, a school, a welfare facility, a hospital, and a factory.

[0022] Each of the multiple air conditioners 2 has an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 32, and the indoor unit 31 is installed in the target space 4. The indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 are provided for each air conditioner 2 and are connected to each other by refrigerant piping P1. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 2 is capable of both cooling and heating operation. Note that the air conditioner 2 may be a dedicated cooling unit or a dedicated heating unit.

[0023] The indoor unit 31 is, for example, a ceiling-embedded type and is installed on the ceiling of the target space 4. Note that the indoor unit 31 is not limited to a ceiling-embedded type, and may be a ceiling-suspended type, a wall-mounted type, or a floor-standing type. The indoor unit 31 has a fan 311 that blows cool air or warm air into the target space 4, and a heat exchanger 312. During cooling operation, the heat exchanger 312 functions as an evaporator that absorbs ambient heat to evaporate liquid refrigerant, and during heating operation, it functions as a condenser that releases heat from the gas refrigerant to liquefy the refrigerant.

[0024] The outdoor unit 32 is installed outside the facility 5. The outdoor unit 32 has a fan 321, a heat exchanger 322, a compressor 323, a four-way valve 324, and an expansion valve 325. The fan 321 blows air to the heat exchanger 322. The heat exchanger 322 functions as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation. The compressor 323 draws in and compresses gas refrigerant, increasing its pressure. The four-way valve 324 is used to reverse the flow of the refrigerant between cooling operation and heating operation. The expansion valve 325 expands the liquid refrigerant, decreasing its pressure.

[0025] [1-2. Air conditioning control system] Next, details of the air conditioning control system 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning control system 100 includes a control unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, a determination unit 13, a transmission unit 14, and a storage unit 15. In the embodiment, the air conditioning control system 100 is only required to include at least the control unit 11, the acquisition unit 12, and the determination unit 13, and may not include other components. For example, the above other components may be realized by a system separate from the air conditioning control system 100.

[0026] In this embodiment, the air conditioning control system 100 is realized by a controller 101 installed in the facility 5. The controller 101 may be installed in the target space 4 or outside the target space 4. The controller 101 is connected to the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 of each air conditioner 2 via a signal line. The controller 101 communicates with the indoor unit 31 of each air conditioner 2 via the signal line. The controller 101 also communicates with the outdoor unit 32 of each air conditioner 2 via the signal line.

[0027] The controller 101 has a processor and a memory, and realizes various functions by executing a computer program stored in the memory with the processor. In this embodiment, the memory is the storage unit 15.

[0028] The control unit 11 controls multiple air conditioners 2. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 controls each air conditioner 2 by sending signals containing commands to the indoor unit 31 and the outdoor unit 32 of each air conditioner 2 via signal lines. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 causes the multiple air conditioners 2 to operate normally or in coordinated operation according to instructions from a user. The user here is, for example, a user of the target space 4 who has the authority to operate the air conditioning control system 100. Switching between normal operation and coordinated operation is performed, for example, by the user directly operating the controller 101 or by the user operating a remote controller installed in the target space 4.

[0029] Normal operation refers to the independent operation of each of the multiple air conditioners 2. During normal operation, each air conditioner 2 performs cooling or heating operation so that the temperature of the target space 4 (i.e., the intake temperature of the indoor unit 31) becomes the set temperature. Here, in the target space 4, there are places where cooling (or heating) is effective and places where cooling (or heating) is not effective. Therefore, during normal operation, the processing load of each air conditioner 2 tends to differ from one another.

[0030] Coordinated operation refers to the operation of multiple air conditioners 2 in coordination. During coordinated operation, each air conditioner 2 performs cooling or heating operation so that the temperature of the target space 4 (i.e., the intake temperature of the indoor unit 31) becomes the set temperature, just as in normal operation. Furthermore, during coordinated operation, each air conditioner 2 performs cooling or heating operation in coordination so that the processing load is divided equally. Therefore, during coordinated operation, the processing load of each air conditioner 2 is almost the same.

[0031] Furthermore, the control unit 11 controls each air conditioner 2 so as to operate the number of air conditioners 2 determined by the determination unit 13 from among the plurality of air conditioners 2. In the embodiment, if the number determined by the determination unit 13 is two, the control unit 11 operates both the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22. On the other hand, if the number determined by the determination unit 13 is one, the control unit 11 stops one of the air conditioners 2 of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 and operates only the other air conditioner 2. Which air conditioner 2 to operate when reducing the number of air conditioners 2 to operate will be described in detail below in [3. Example of switching the number of air conditioners in operation].

[0032] The acquisition unit 12 acquires parameters related to the operation of the compressor 323 of the outdoor unit 32 from each of the multiple air conditioners 2. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 12 acquires the parameters related to the operation of the compressor 323 by receiving a signal transmitted via a signal line from the outdoor unit 32 of each air conditioner 2. In this embodiment, the parameter related to the operation of the compressor 323 is the operating frequency of the compressor 323, that is, the rotation speed of the motor of the compressor 323.

[0033] The determination unit 13 determines the number of air conditioners 2 to operate from among the plurality of air conditioners 2, based on the parameters (parameters related to the operation of the compressors 323) of each of the plurality of air conditioners 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 12. In the embodiment, the determination unit 13 determines the number of air conditioners 2 to operate based on the operating frequency of the compressors 323 of each air conditioner 2.

[0034] The reason for determining the number of air conditioners 2 to be operated based on parameters related to the operation of the compressor 323 will be explained below.

[0035] First, the correlation between the operating efficiency of the air conditioner 2 and the processing load of the air conditioner 2 will be explained using Figs. 2 to 4. Fig. 2 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency during normal operation and the processing load of the air conditioner 2. Fig. 3 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency during linked operation and the processing load of the air conditioner 2. Fig. 4 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency during switchover operation and the processing load of the air conditioner 2. The switchover operation here refers to reducing the number of air conditioners 2 to be operated and operating only one of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22.

[0036] 2 to 4, the vertical axis represents the coefficient of performance (COP) and the horizontal axis represents the processing load (unit: kW) of the air conditioner 2. The COP is the energy consumption efficiency (in other words, the operating efficiency) of the air conditioner 2, and is an index of the effectiveness of cooling or heating operation per kW. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the COP (operating efficiency) is expressed as a nonlinear function that uses the processing load of the air conditioner 2 as a variable and shows a maximum value at a predetermined load.

[0037] In the example shown in Fig. 2, the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 are performing cooling or heating operations to process different loads, and the processing load of the second air conditioner 22 is greater than the processing load of the first air conditioner 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the second air conditioner 22 exhibits a coefficient of performance close to the maximum value, while the first air conditioner 21 has a low coefficient of performance due to its small processing load. In other words, during normal operation, the operating efficiency of the first air conditioner 21 is low, and the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 are operating inefficiently overall.

[0038] In the example shown in Fig. 3, the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 are performing cooling or heating operations to process the same load. As shown in Fig. 3, the processing load for the first air conditioner 21 has increased compared to normal operation, resulting in an increase in the coefficient of performance. On the other hand, the processing load for the second air conditioner 22 has decreased compared to normal operation, resulting in a decrease in the coefficient of performance. In other words, even during linked operation, the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 are still operating inefficiently overall.

[0039] In the example shown in Fig. 4, the first air conditioner 21 is not operating, and only the second air conditioner 22 is operating in cooling or heating mode. As shown in Fig. 4, the processing load of the second air conditioner 22 has increased by the amount of the load that the first air conditioner 21 had been processing, compared to when the system was in linked operation. As a result, the coefficient of performance of the second air conditioner 22 is almost at its maximum, and is higher than when the system was in normal operation or linked operation. In other words, when the system was in switched operation, the first air conditioner 21 was not operating, but the second air conditioner 22 was operating efficiently.

[0040] Here, an example of the comparison results between power consumption during linked operation and power consumption during switchover operation will be described. In the following, it is assumed that the total processing load of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 is 6 kW. It is also assumed that the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 both have operating performance such that the coefficient of performance is "3" when the processing load is 3 kW, and the coefficient of performance is "4" when the processing load is 6 kW.

[0041] During linked operation, the processing load is divided equally between the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22, so the processing load of each of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 is 3 kW. Here, the power consumption can be calculated by dividing the processing load of the air conditioner 2 by the coefficient of performance. As described above, since the coefficient of performance is "3" when the processing load is 3 kW, the power consumption of each of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 is 3 kW / 3 = 1 kW. In other words, the power consumption during linked operation is 2 kW, which is the sum of the power consumption of the first air conditioner 21 and the power consumption of the second air conditioner 22.

[0042] On the other hand, during switching operation, only the second air conditioner 22 processes the load, so the processing load of the second air conditioner 22 is 6 kW. As described above, since the coefficient of performance when the load to be processed is 6 kW is "4", the power consumption of the second air conditioner 22 is 6 kW / 4 = 1.5 kW. In other words, the power consumption during switching operation is 1.5 kW, which is the power consumption of the second air conditioner 22, because the first air conditioner 21 is not operating.

[0043] In this way, even if the overall processing load is the same, it is possible to reduce power consumption by switching the number of air conditioners 2 to operate (number of operating units) in consideration of operational efficiency. Therefore, it is conceivable to estimate the processing load of the air conditioners 2 and determine the number of operating air conditioners 2 to operate in order to maximize operational efficiency based on the estimated processing load.

[0044] Here, the processing load of the air conditioner 2 can be calculated, for example, by multiplying the enthalpy difference between the air drawn in and the air blown out by the indoor unit 31 of the air conditioner 2 by the air volume and air density of the air conditioner 2. However, with this calculation method, it is necessary to acquire the humidity in the target space 4 to find the enthalpy difference, which necessitates the installation of a humidity sensor in the target space 4, resulting in a costly problem. Furthermore, with this calculation method, the humidity measured varies depending on the installation location of the humidity sensor, making it difficult to accurately calculate the load.

[0045] To solve the above problem, the inventors focused on the fact that there is a correlation between the processing load of the air conditioner 2 and the operating frequency of the compressor 323 of the outdoor unit 32 equipped in the air conditioner 2. Specifically, the processing load of the air conditioner 2 is almost directly proportional to the operating frequency of the compressor 323. Therefore, in this embodiment, the operating frequency of the compressor 323 is acquired, and the number of operating air conditioners 2 is determined based on the acquired operating frequency. This technique is essentially equivalent to a method of estimating the processing load of the air conditioner 2 and determining the number of operating air conditioners 2 based on the estimated processing load.

[0046] In the embodiment, the determination unit 13 compares the sum of the operating frequencies of the compressors 323 of each air conditioner 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 12 with a threshold value, and if the sum of the operating frequencies is below the threshold value, determines the number of air conditioners 2 to operate to be one. Furthermore, if the sum of the operating frequencies is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the determination unit 13 determines the number of air conditioners 2 to operate to be two. Here, the operating frequency of the compressors 323 of each air conditioner 2 used for comparison with the threshold value is, for example, a representative value of the operating frequencies acquired multiple times by the acquisition unit 12 over a certain period (for example, several minutes). In the embodiment, the representative value is an average value, but it may also be a median, a mode, or the like.

[0047] In this embodiment, the total value of the operating frequencies at which operating one air conditioner 2 consumes less power than operating two air conditioners 2 (in other words, operating one air conditioner 2 can be operated more efficiently than operating two air conditioners 2) is stored in memory unit 15 as a threshold value.

[0048] As already mentioned, the coefficient of performance (operating efficiency) is expressed as a nonlinear function that takes the processing load of the air conditioner 2 as a variable and shows a maximum value at a predetermined load, but it can also change depending on the environment of the target space 4. Specifically, the coefficient of performance (operating efficiency) can change depending on the suction temperature of the outdoor unit 32 (i.e., the outside air temperature), the air volume of the air conditioner 2, etc.

[0049] An example of how the coefficient of performance (operating efficiency) varies depending on the environment will be described using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a correlation diagram between the operating efficiency for each outdoor temperature and the processing load of the air conditioner 2. In the example shown in Figure 5, the solid line represents the coefficient of performance (operating efficiency) when the outdoor temperature is 0°C, the dotted line represents the coefficient of performance (operating efficiency) when the outdoor temperature is 7°C, and the dash-dot line represents the coefficient of performance (operating efficiency) when the outdoor temperature is -10°C. As shown in Figure 5, the higher the outdoor temperature, the higher the coefficient of performance (operating efficiency), and the maximum value shifts toward a higher processing load on the air conditioner 2.

[0050] 6 and 7, the threshold value is not a single value, but is set according to the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the intake temperature of the outdoor unit 32 (i.e., the outside air temperature), and the air volume of the air conditioner 2. In other words, in the embodiment, the determination unit 13 determines the number of units by further referring to at least one of the intake temperature of the outdoor unit 32 and the air volume of the air conditioner 2.

[0051] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing data related to thresholds when the air conditioner 2 is in heating operation. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing data related to thresholds when the air conditioner 2 is in cooling operation. In each of FIGS. 6 and 7, the "outdoor unit suction temperature" is the average value of the suction temperatures (outdoor air temperatures) of the multiple outdoor units 32. In each of FIGS. 6 and 7, the "air volume" is the smallest air volume among the multiple air conditioners 2. Note that if the multiple air conditioners 2 have the same air volume, the "air volume" is the air volume of any one of the air conditioners 2. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the thresholds are expressed as percentages, with the total value of the operating frequencies under rated conditions being 100%. Of course, the thresholds may also be expressed as the total value of the operating frequencies themselves. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the thresholds are set so that they increase as the suction temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the outdoor unit 32 increases during heating operation, and decrease as the suction temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the outdoor unit 32 increases during cooling operation. Furthermore, the threshold value is set to be higher as the air volume of the air conditioner 2 increases. The threshold value is set appropriately according to the characteristics of the air conditioner 2.

[0052] The transmitter 14 transmits signals including instructions via signal lines to the indoor unit 31 and outdoor unit 32 of each air conditioner 2. Here, the instructions may include commands to instruct each air conditioner 2 to operate normally, or commands to instruct each air conditioner 2 to operate in conjunction with each other, etc. The instructions may also include commands to instruct each air conditioner 2 to stop operation, or commands to instruct each air conditioner 2 to start operation, etc.

[0053] The memory unit 15 is a storage device that stores information (computer programs, etc.) necessary for the processor of the controller 101 to perform various controls. The memory unit 15 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory, but is not particularly limited and any known electronic information storage means can be used. The memory unit 15 stores data related to thresholds for cooling operation of the air conditioner 2 and data related to thresholds for heating operation of the air conditioner 2.

[0054] [2. Operation] The operation of the air conditioning control system 100 configured as above will be explained below using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment. In the following, the explanation will be given assuming that the operation starts when multiple air conditioners 2 (here, two air conditioners, the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22) are already operating in coordination.

[0055] First, the acquisition unit 12 periodically acquires data on the operating state, the suction temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the outdoor unit 32, the air volume, and the operating frequency of the compressor 323 from each of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 (S1). Process S1 corresponds to acquisition step ST2 of the air conditioning control method. Next, the determination unit 13 sets a threshold by referencing the data on the operating state, the suction temperature of the outdoor unit 32, and the air volume acquired by the acquisition unit 12 (S2). Then, the determination unit 13 calculates the sum of the operating frequencies of the compressors 323 of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 acquired by the acquisition unit 12, and compares the calculated sum of the operating frequencies with the threshold (S3).

[0056] If the total value of the operating frequencies is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S3: No), the determination unit 13 determines the number of operating air conditioners 2 to be two (S4). Therefore, in this case, the number of operating air conditioners 2 does not change, and the operating states of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 are maintained (S5). On the other hand, if the total value of the operating frequencies is below the threshold value (S3: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines the number of operating air conditioners 2 to be one (S6). Then, the control unit 11 switches the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one by stopping the operation of either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, depending on the number determined by the determination unit 13 (S7). Processes S2 to S4 and S6 correspond to determination step ST3 of the air conditioning control method. Processes S5 and S7 correspond to control step ST1 of the air conditioning control method.

[0057] Until a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes) has elapsed since the number of operating air conditioners 2 was switched from two to one (S8: No), the state in which only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, is operated is maintained. On the other hand, once the predetermined time has elapsed since the number of operating air conditioners 2 was switched from two to one (S8: Yes), the determination unit 13 compares the total value of the operating frequencies with a threshold value based on the latest data acquired by the acquisition unit 12 at that time (S9).

[0058] If the total value of the operating frequencies is below the threshold value (S9: No), the determination unit 13 determines the number of operating air conditioners 2 to be one (S10). Therefore, in this case, the state in which only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, is operated is maintained (S11). On the other hand, if the total value of the operating frequencies is equal to or greater than the threshold value (S9: Yes), the determination unit 13 determines the number of operating air conditioners 2 to be two (S12). Then, the control unit 11 switches the number of operating air conditioners 2 from one to two by restarting the operation of the air conditioners 2 that were stopped, in accordance with the number determined by the determination unit 13 (S13). Processes S9, S10, and S12 correspond to determination step ST3 of the air conditioning control method. Processes S11 and S13 correspond to control step ST1 of the air conditioning control method. Thereafter, the above series of processes are repeated.

[0059] [3. Example of changing the number of operating vehicles] Here, examples of switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 will be listed. In the embodiment, the control unit 11 switches the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one in accordance with one of the switching examples listed below in process S7 shown in Fig. 8 so that only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, is operated. Note that the switching examples listed below are merely examples, and the control unit 11 may switch the number of operating air conditioners 2 in accordance with rules other than the switching examples listed here.

[0060] In the first and second switching examples listed below, the acquisition unit 12 further acquires exhaust information indicating the exhaust status in the target space 4. Then, the control unit 11 determines the air conditioner 2 to operate based on the exhaust information acquired by the acquisition unit 12.

[0061] [3.1. First switching example] First, a first switching example will be described using Figures 9A and 9B. Figure 9A is a schematic diagram showing a first switching example of the number of operating air conditioners 2 in an air conditioning control system 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing a first switching example of the number of operating air conditioners 2 in an air conditioning control system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0062] In the first switching example, it is assumed that the target space 4 is a space inside a store such as a convenience store. As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the target space 4 includes a product sales floor, a cash register counter, a kitchen, an office, an eat-in space (shown as "eat-in"), a back-of-house area, and a restroom. The target space 4 is also a closed space surrounded by the exterior walls of the store. Note that the target space 4 does not have to be completely closed off from the space outside the store, and may be connected to the space outside the store through an automatic door installed at the store entrance and one or more windows installed in the exterior walls of the store.

[0063] In the first switching example, the indoor unit 31 of the first air conditioner 21 and the indoor unit 31 of the second air conditioner 22 are both installed on the ceiling of the sales floor of the store. Furthermore, the indoor unit 31 of the first air conditioner 21 is installed in the space on the entrance side of the store when the store is divided into two longitudinally, and the indoor unit 31 of the second air conditioner 22 is installed in the space at the back of the store. Furthermore, in the first switching example, a ventilation fan 60 for a fryer is installed on the ceiling or wall in the kitchen.

[0064] In a first switching example, the control unit 11 switches the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one so as to operate only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, depending on the exhaust status of the target space 4. Specifically, in the first switching example, the control unit 11 refers to the operating state of the ventilation fan 60 for the fryer as exhaust information.

[0065] That is, in the first switching example, one or more ventilation fans 6 (here, ventilation fans 60 for fryers) are installed in the target space 4. Then, the acquisition unit 12 acquires operation information of the one or more ventilation fans 6 (here, the operating state of ventilation fans 60 for fryers) as exhaust information by communicating with the ventilation fans 60 for fryers, for example, via a signal line. Then, based on the exhaust information acquired by the acquisition unit 12, when the ventilation fans 60 for fryers are operating, the control unit 11 switches the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one so that only the second air conditioner 22 is operating, as shown in FIG. 9B.

[0066] Here, because the fryer ventilation fan 60 has a relatively large exhaust volume, it not only draws in and exhausts air from the kitchen, but can also draw in and exhaust air from a portion of the sales floor space adjacent to the kitchen. If only the first air conditioner 21 is operated while the fryer ventilation fan 60 is in operation, as shown in FIG. 9A, the air blown out from the first air conditioner 21 onto the sales floor is likely to be exhausted by the fryer ventilation fan 60 without circulating through the sales floor (see the open arrow in the figure), resulting in unnecessary operation of the first air conditioner 21. In contrast, if only the second air conditioner 22 is operated as shown in FIG. 9B, the air blown out from the second air conditioner 22 onto the sales floor passes through the sales floor and is then exhausted by the fryer ventilation fan 60 (see the open arrow in the figure), preventing unnecessary operation of the second air conditioner 22.

[0067] In the first switching example, when the fryer ventilation fan 60 is not operating, the control unit 11 may operate only the first air conditioner 21 or only the second air conditioner 22. In this case, the control unit 11 may determine which air conditioner 2, the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, to operate, depending on, for example, whether the store is in a busy season as described below.

[0068] [3.2. Second switching example] Next, a second switching example will be described using Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a second switching example of the number of operating air conditioners 2 in an air conditioning control system 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation example in the second switching example in an air conditioning control system 100 according to an embodiment.

[0069] In the second switching example, the target space 4 is, as in the first switching example, a space inside a store such as a convenience store. In the second switching example, a plurality of ventilation fans 6 (here, six ventilation fans, first ventilation fan 61 to sixth ventilation fan 66) are installed in the target space 4. The first ventilation fan 61 is a ventilation fan for a fryer, as in the first switching example, and is installed in the kitchen. The second ventilation fan 62 is installed on the ceiling of the eat-in space. The third ventilation fan 63 is installed on the ceiling of the cash register counter. The fourth ventilation fan 64 is installed on the ceiling near the entrance to the back room. The fifth ventilation fan 65 is installed on the ceiling near the entrance to the restroom. The sixth ventilation fan 66 is installed on the ceiling in the back room.

[0070] In the second switching example, the multiple ventilation fans 6 are divided into two groups, a first group and a second group. When the store is divided into two longitudinal sections, the first group is a group to which the ventilation fans 6 installed in the space on the entrance side of the store belong, and the second group is a group to which the ventilation fans 6 installed in the space at the back of the store belong. The first group includes the first ventilation fan 61 to the third ventilation fan 63, and the second group includes the fourth ventilation fan 64 to the sixth ventilation fan 66. The first group includes the first air conditioner 21, and the second group includes the second air conditioner 22.

[0071] In the second switching example, the control unit 11 switches the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one, so as to operate only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, depending on the operating status of the multiple ventilation fans 6. Specifically, in the second switching example, the acquisition unit 12 acquires operating information (here, the operating state of each ventilation fan 6) from each ventilation fan 6 as exhaust information by communicating with each of the multiple ventilation fans 6, for example, via a signal line. Next, the control unit 11 calculates the exhaust volume for the first group and the exhaust volume for the second group based on the exhaust information acquired by the acquisition unit 12. Here, it is assumed that the control unit 11 knows in advance the exhaust volume of each ventilation fan 6 when it is operating.

[0072] If the exhaust volume of the first group is lower than that of the second group, the control unit 11 operates only the first air conditioner 21, and if the exhaust volume of the first group is higher than that of the second group, the control unit 11 operates only the second air conditioner 22. In other words, the control unit 11 stops operation of the air conditioner 2 that belongs to the group with the larger exhaust volume out of the first and second groups. This makes it easier for the air blown out from the air conditioner 2 to circulate around the sales floor before being exhausted, eliminating the need for unnecessary operation of the air conditioner 2.

[0073] Here, in the second switching example, the control unit 11 further switches the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one, so that only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, is operated depending on whether the store is in a busy season or not. In other words, when the store is in a busy season, the automatic doors at the store entrance open and close frequently, which tends to exhaust air from the store entrance to the space outside the store. For this reason, whether the store is in a busy season or not can have a significant impact on the exhaust status of the target space 4, and therefore corresponds to exhaust information. This control takes priority over the control based on the operating status of the multiple ventilation fans 6 described above.

[0074] For example, the control unit 11 determines whether the store is in a busy season based on a preset schedule. The schedule includes time periods when a relatively large number of customers are expected to come and go, or time periods when product sales are relatively high. Furthermore, for example, the control unit 11 determines whether the store is in a busy season based on the number of times the automatic doors at the store entrance open and close per unit time. In this case, the number of times the automatic doors open and close can be obtained by communicating with a counter that counts the number of times the automatic doors open and close. In other words, the schedule or the number of times the automatic doors open and close, which are used to determine whether the store is in a busy season, can be said to correspond to the exhaust information obtained by the obtaining unit 12.

[0075] An example of operation in the second switching example of the air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. As shown in Fig. 11, if the store is in a busy season (S14: Yes), the control unit 11 operates only the air conditioner 2 (here, the second air conditioner 22) that is farthest from the store entrance out of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 (S15). On the other hand, if the store is not in a busy season (S14: No), the control unit 11 causes the acquisition unit 12 to acquire data on the operating state of each ventilation fan 6 (S16). Then, the control unit 11 compares the exhaust volume of the first group with the exhaust volume of the second group (S17).

[0076] If the exhaust volume of the first group is greater than the exhaust volume of the second group (S17: Yes), the control unit 11 stops the operation of the first air conditioner 21 and operates only the second air conditioner 22 (S18). On the other hand, if the exhaust volume of the first group is equal to or less than the exhaust volume of the second group (S17: No), the control unit 11 stops the operation of the second air conditioner 22 and operates only the first air conditioner 21 (S19).

[0077] [3.3. Other switching examples] Alternatively, the control unit 11 may determine which air conditioner 2 to operate based on the processing load of multiple air conditioners 2. Specifically, the control unit 11 may switch the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one so that only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, operates, depending on the processing load of the air conditioner 2 that is originally to be processed. For example, when each air conditioner 2 is performing heating operation, the control unit 11 compares the suction temperature of the outdoor unit 32 of the first air conditioner 21 (or the suction temperature of the indoor unit 31) with the suction temperature of the outdoor unit 32 of the second air conditioner 22 (or the suction temperature of the indoor unit 31), and operates only the air conditioner 2 with the lower suction temperature (in other words, the lower processing load). Also, for example, when each air conditioner 2 is performing cooling operation, the control unit 11 compares the suction temperature of the outdoor unit 32 of the first air conditioner 21 (or the suction temperature of the indoor unit 31) with the suction temperature of the outdoor unit 32 of the second air conditioner 22 (or the suction temperature of the indoor unit 31), and operates only the air conditioner 2 with the higher suction temperature (in other words, the smaller processing load).

[0078] Furthermore, when a showcase for freezing or refrigerating products is installed in the sales floor, the control unit 11 may switch the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one, so that only one of the first air conditioner 21 and the second air conditioner 22 operates depending on the operating state of the showcase. Such showcases may be equipped with a compressor inside. In this case, the ambient temperature of the showcase tends to rise due to the exhaust heat of the compressor. Therefore, when the air conditioners 2 are operating in cooling mode, the control unit 11 operates only the air conditioner 2 of the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22 that is closer to the showcase. On the other hand, when the air conditioners 2 are operating in heating mode, the control unit 11 operates only the air conditioner 2 of the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22 that is farther from the showcase.

[0079] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may switch the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one so as to operate only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, depending on whether the store is in a busy season or not, regardless of the exhaust status of the target space 4. The control unit 11 determines whether the store is in a busy season or not using the same method as in the second switching example described above.

[0080] When the store is busy, the staff tend to stay near the entrance of the store (in other words, near the cash register) to attend to customers. In this case, the control unit 11 operates only the air conditioner 2 of the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22 that is closer to the entrance of the store. On the other hand, when the store is not busy, the staff tend to stay near the back of the store to perform tasks such as arranging merchandise displays or cleaning the store. In this case, the control unit 11 operates only the air conditioner 2 of the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22 that is closer to the back of the store. In other words, the control unit 11 operates only one of the air conditioners 2 of the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, taking into consideration the comfort of the staff.

[0081] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may switch the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one, so as to operate only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, depending on the display status of products in the store. For example, when daily necessities are displayed as products, the control unit 11 operates only the air conditioner 2 of the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22 that is farther from the display area of ​​the daily necessities. Furthermore, for example, when products that are sold mainly during a particular season, such as chocolate, are displayed as products, the control unit 11 operates only the air conditioner 2 of the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22 that is closer to the display area of ​​the products.

[0082] Furthermore, the control unit 11 may switch the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one, so that only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, is operated, in accordance with a user's selection. The user here refers to a store clerk or a manager such as the store manager. In other words, the control unit 11 operates only one of the air conditioners 2, either the first air conditioner 21 or the second air conditioner 22, in accordance with rules set in advance by the user.

[0083] [4. Advantages, etc.] The advantages of the air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described below.

[0084] As already mentioned, when multiple air conditioners 2 are operating simultaneously in the target space 4, if the required load becomes relatively small, the air conditioners will operate inefficiently overall, which can lead to unnecessary power consumption.

[0085] In contrast, in the air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment, the processing load of the air conditioners 2 is estimated by referencing parameters related to the operation of the compressor 323, and the number of operating air conditioners 2 is determined to maximize operating efficiency based on the estimated processing load. Therefore, the air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment has the advantage that even if the overall processing load is the same, by switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 taking operating efficiency into consideration, it is easy to reduce wasteful power consumption.

[0086] (Variation) As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above embodiments to create new embodiments.

[0087] Therefore, modifications of the embodiment will be exemplified below.

[0088] In the embodiment, multiple thresholds are set according to the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the suction temperature (outdoor air temperature) of the outdoor unit 32, and the air volume of the air conditioner 2, but this is not limited to this. For example, multiple thresholds may be set using the suction temperature of the indoor unit 31 (i.e., the indoor temperature) as an additional parameter. Also, for example, multiple thresholds may be set according to at least one parameter of the operating state of the air conditioner 2, the suction temperature of the outdoor unit 32, and the air volume of the air conditioner 2. Also, for example, the threshold may be set to a single value regardless of these parameters.

[0089] In the embodiment, the parameter related to the operation of the compressor 323 is the operating frequency of the compressor 323, but is not limited to this. For example, the parameter related to the operation of the compressor 323 may be the input current or input power of the compressor 323. In other words, the parameter related to the operation of the compressor 323 may be correlated with the processing load of the air conditioner 2.

[0090] In the embodiment, when there are three or more air conditioners 2, the threshold value may be set in stages. For example, when three air conditioners 2 are operating in tandem, if the sum of the operating frequencies of the compressors 323 of the air conditioners 2 falls below a first threshold value, the operation of one air conditioner 2 is stopped, thereby switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 from three to two. Furthermore, when two air conditioners 2 are operating in tandem, if the sum of the operating frequencies of the compressors 323 of the air conditioners 2 falls below a second threshold value, the operation of one more air conditioner 2 is stopped, thereby switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 from two to one. Which air conditioner 2 to stop may be determined, for example, according to any of the switching examples listed in the embodiment.

[0091] In the embodiment, communication between the air conditioning control system 100 and the indoor unit 31 and outdoor unit 32 of each air conditioner 2 is wired communication using a signal line, but wireless communication is also possible. For example, the communication standard for communication between the air conditioning control system 100 and the indoor unit 31 and outdoor unit 32 of each air conditioner 2 may be Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy), etc. Similarly, communication between the air conditioning control system 100 and each ventilation fan 6 may also be wireless communication instead of wired communication.

[0092] 1, the air conditioning control system 100 may be configured together with a plurality of air conditioners 2 to form an air conditioning system 200. That is, the air conditioning system 200 includes the air conditioning control system 100 and a plurality of air conditioners 2 controlled by the air conditioning control system 100.

[0093] Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, the air conditioning control system 100 is realized as a single device, but it may also be realized by multiple devices. When the air conditioning control system 100 is realized by multiple devices, the components of the air conditioning control system 100 may be distributed in any way among the multiple devices. For example, some of the components of the air conditioning control system 100 in the above embodiment may be provided in a server. In other words, the present disclosure may be realized by cloud computing or edge computing.

[0094] Also, for example, in the above embodiment, all or some of the components of the air conditioning control system 100 of the present disclosure may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or semiconductor memory.

[0095] Furthermore, the components of the air conditioning control system 100 in the present disclosure may be configured with one or more electronic circuits. Each of the one or more electronic circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0096] The one or more electronic circuits may include, for example, a semiconductor device, an integrated circuit (IC), or a large scale integration (LSI). The IC or LSI may be integrated on a single chip or on multiple chips. Although the IC or LSI is referred to here as an IC or LSI, the name may vary depending on the degree of integration, and may be called a system LSI, a very large scale integration (VLSI), or an ultra large scale integration (ULSI). Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which is programmed after the LSI is manufactured, can be used for the same purpose.

[0097] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized as a system, device, method, integrated circuit, or computer program. Alternatively, the present disclosure may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as an optical disc, HDD, or semiconductor memory, on which the computer program is stored. For example, the present disclosure may be realized as a program for causing a computer to execute the air conditioning control method of the above-described embodiment. Furthermore, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium, such as a CD-ROM, or may be distributed via a communication channel, such as the Internet.

[0098] As described above, the embodiments have been described as examples of the technology in the present disclosure, and for that purpose, the accompanying drawings and detailed description have been provided.

[0099] Therefore, the components shown in the accompanying drawings and detailed description may include not only essential components for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem in order to illustrate the above technology. Therefore, the fact that these non-essential components are shown in the accompanying drawings or detailed description should not be interpreted as immediately indicating that these non-essential components are essential.

[0100] Furthermore, since the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0101] (summary) As described above, the air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment includes a control unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, and a determination unit 13. The control unit 11 controls multiple air conditioners 2. Each of the multiple air conditioners 2 has an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 32, and the indoor unit 31 is installed in the target space 4. The acquisition unit 12 acquires parameters related to the operation of the compressor 323 of the outdoor unit 32 from each of the multiple air conditioners 2. The determination unit 13 determines the number of air conditioners 2 to operate from among the multiple air conditioners 2, based on the parameters of each of the multiple air conditioners 2 acquired by the acquisition unit 12. The control unit 11 operates the number of air conditioners 2 determined by the determination unit 13 from among the multiple air conditioners 2.

[0102] This has the advantage that even if the overall processing load is the same, by switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 in consideration of operation efficiency, it is easy to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0103] Also, for example, the parameter is the operating frequency of the compressor 323.

[0104] This has the advantage that it becomes easier to estimate the processing load of the air conditioner 2, making it easier to maximize the operating efficiency.

[0105] Furthermore, for example, the determination unit 13 further refers to at least one of the intake temperature of the outdoor unit 32 and the air volume of the air conditioner 2 to determine the number of units.

[0106] This has the advantage that by taking the environment of the target space 4 into consideration, it is easy to maximize the operating efficiency.

[0107] Furthermore, for example, the acquisition unit 12 further acquires exhaust information that indicates the exhaust status in the target space 4. Based on the exhaust information acquired by the acquisition unit 12, the control unit 11 determines the air conditioner 2 to operate.

[0108] This has the advantage that the air conditioner 2 can be operated in a way that makes it easier to avoid the air being blown into the target space 4 being exhausted without circulating in the target space 4, and that the air conditioner 2 does not need to be operated unnecessarily.

[0109] Furthermore, for example, one or more ventilation fans 6 are installed in the target space 4. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the operation information of the one or more ventilation fans 6 as exhaust information.

[0110] This has the advantage that the exhaust status of the target space 4 can be easily grasped with high accuracy.

[0111] Furthermore, for example, the control unit 11 determines which air conditioners 2 to operate based on the processing loads of the multiple air conditioners 2.

[0112] This has the advantage that, for example, by operating an air conditioner 2 with a relatively large processing load, it is easy to maximize the operating efficiency.

[0113] Moreover, for example, an air conditioning system 200 according to the embodiment includes the above-described air conditioning control system 100 and a plurality of air conditioners 2 controlled by the air conditioning control system 100.

[0114] This has the advantage that even if the overall processing load is the same, by switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 in consideration of operation efficiency, it is easy to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0115] Also, for example, an air conditioning control method according to the embodiment includes a control step ST1, an acquisition step ST2, and a determination step ST3. In the control step ST1, a plurality of air conditioners 2 are controlled. Each of the plurality of air conditioners 2 has an indoor unit 31 and an outdoor unit 32, and the indoor unit 31 is installed in the target space 4. In the acquisition step ST2, parameters related to the operation of the compressor 323 of the outdoor unit 32 are acquired from each of the plurality of air conditioners 2. In the determination step ST3, the number of air conditioners 2 to be operated among the plurality of air conditioners 2 is determined based on the parameters of each of the plurality of air conditioners 2 acquired in the acquisition step ST2. In the control step ST1, the number of air conditioners 2 determined in the determination step ST3 is operated among the plurality of air conditioners 2.

[0116] This has the advantage that even if the overall processing load is the same, by switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 in consideration of operation efficiency, it is easy to reduce unnecessary power consumption.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, a program according to the embodiment causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method described above.

[0118] This has the advantage that even if the overall processing load is the same, by switching the number of operating air conditioners 2 in consideration of operation efficiency, it is easy to reduce unnecessary power consumption. [Industrial Applicability]

[0119] The present disclosure is applicable to an air conditioning control system that controls a plurality of air conditioners in a store such as a convenience store, for example. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 11 Control section 12 Acquisition Department 13 Decision Section 2 Air conditioner 31 Indoor unit 32 Outdoor unit 323 Compressor 4 Target Space 6. Ventilation fan 100 Air conditioning control system 200 Air Conditioning System ST1 control step ST2 Acquisition Step ST3 Decision Step

Claims

1. An air conditioning control system for controlling an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an acquisition unit that acquires information; a control unit that controls operation of the air conditioner based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, In a case where a ventilation fan, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit are installed in a target space, and the first indoor unit is installed in a position closer to the ventilation fan than the second indoor unit, the control unit stops the first indoor unit on the condition that both the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are operating and that it is determined that the ventilation fan is operating based on information acquired by the acquisition unit from the ventilation fan; Air conditioning control system.

2. A controller for controlling an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an acquisition unit that acquires information; a control unit that controls operation of the air conditioner based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, In a case where a ventilation fan, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit are installed in a target space, and the first indoor unit is installed in a position closer to the ventilation fan than the second indoor unit, the control unit stops the first indoor unit on the condition that both the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are operating and that it is determined that the ventilation fan is operating based on information acquired by the acquisition unit from the ventilation fan; controller.

3. An air conditioning control method executed by an air conditioning control system that controls an air conditioner having an indoor unit and an outdoor unit, an acquisition step of acquiring information; a control step of controlling operation of the air conditioner based on the information acquired in the acquisition step, In a case where a ventilation fan, a first indoor unit, and a second indoor unit are installed in a target space, and the first indoor unit is installed in a position closer to the ventilation fan than the second indoor unit, In the control step, the first indoor unit is stopped on the condition that both the first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are operating and it is determined that the ventilation fan is operating based on the information acquired from the ventilation fan in the acquisition step. Air conditioning control method.

4. one or more processors, Executing the air conditioning control method according to claim 3, program.

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