Design method, program, and design system

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to select an operating condition and a placement condition combining comfort and energy conservation. In a selection step, a plurality of device parameters that satisfy both a first condition and a second condition are determined on the basis of a plurality of sets of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters, which are determined in relation to each of a plurality of samples. The first condition is that the comfort parameters be of a value greater than a threshold. The second condition is that the air conditioning energy parameters be minimised within the ranges of the plurality of device parameters in which the first condition is satisfied.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a design method, a program, and a design system, and more particularly to a design method, a program, and a design system for designing a plurality of equipment parameters related to the layout conditions and operating conditions of air conditioning equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] A conventional example of a system for designing the operating conditions of air conditioning equipment is the comfort value management system described in Patent Document 1. The comfort value management system includes a calculation processing means. The calculation processing means calculates a comfort value at each indoor point using a predetermined calculation formula and measurements from measuring devices installed at multiple indoor points and preset element values. The calculation processing means also calculates an adjustment value for the air conditioning temperature required to change this comfort value to a preset target comfort value, and calculates an energy reduction rate equivalent to the adjustment value using a preset energy reduction rate per temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-162093 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide a design method, program, and design system that can select layout conditions and operating conditions that achieve both comfort and energy conservation.

[0005] A design method according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a design method for multiple equipment parameters related to the placement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning device. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. In the acquisition step, information regarding the settable ranges of each of the multiple equipment parameters is acquired. The multiple equipment parameters include the air volume, outlet temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning device. In the sampling step, multiple samples of sets of the multiple equipment parameters within the settable ranges are determined. In the set calculation step, a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step are performed for all of the multiple samples to calculate multiple sets of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters. In the simulation step, a simulation of heat and fluid distribution in a target space is performed using one of the multiple samples as an input condition. The target space is at least a portion of the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. In the first calculation step, the air conditioning energy parameter is calculated for the one sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature of the target space and the discharge temperature by the airflow rate. In the second calculation step, a distribution of predicted average thermal sensation declarations for the target space is calculated based on the results of the simulation. In the third calculation step, the comfort parameter is calculated. The comfort parameter is a value obtained by dividing the volume occupied by parts of the target space where the predicted average thermal sensation declarations have values ​​within a predetermined range by the volume of the entire target space. The design method further includes a selection step. In the selection step, the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy both a first condition and a second condition are determined based on the plurality of pairs of the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter determined for each of the plurality of samples. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is greater than a threshold value. The second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfies the first condition.

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method.

[0007] A design system according to one aspect of the present disclosure designs multiple equipment parameters related to the placement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning device. The design system includes an acquisition unit, a sampling unit, a simulation unit, a first calculation unit, a second calculation unit, and a third calculation unit. The acquisition unit acquires information regarding the settable ranges of each of the multiple equipment parameters, including the air volume, outlet temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning device. The sampling unit determines multiple samples of sets of the multiple equipment parameters within the settable ranges. The simulation unit executes a simulation step of simulating thermal fluid distribution in a target space using one of the multiple samples as an input condition. The target space is at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. The first calculation unit executes a first calculation step of calculating an air-conditioning energy parameter for the one sample. The air-conditioning energy parameter is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature of the target space and the outlet temperature by the air volume. The second calculation unit executes a second calculation step of calculating a distribution of predicted average thermal sensation declarations of the target space based on the results of the simulation. The third calculation unit executes a third calculation step of calculating a comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is a value obtained by dividing the volume occupied by portions of the target space where the predicted average thermal sensation declarations fall within a predetermined range by the volume of the entire target space. The simulation unit, the first calculation unit, the second calculation unit, and the third calculation unit execute the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step, respectively, for all of the plurality of samples to calculate a plurality of pairs of the air-conditioning energy parameters and the comfort parameters. The design system further includes a selection unit and a result output unit. The selection unit determines the plurality of device parameters that satisfy both a first condition and a second condition based on the plurality of pairs of the air-conditioning energy parameters and the comfort parameters determined for each of the plurality of samples. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is greater than a threshold value.The second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the plurality of device parameters that satisfies the first condition. The result output unit outputs the plurality of device parameters determined by the selection unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a design system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the processing of the design system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the design system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Embodiment) A design method, a program, and a design system 1 according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiment described below is merely one of various embodiments of the present disclosure. The embodiment described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0010] (1) Overview The design system 1 is a system that designs multiple equipment parameters related to the placement conditions and operating conditions of air conditioning equipment. The design system 1 is used, for example, before construction to install air conditioning equipment in a facility, and determines multiple equipment parameters that satisfy predetermined conditions.

[0011] More specifically, the design system 1 determines multiple equipment parameters that ensure spatial comfort using the predicted mean thermal sensation vote (PMV) as an index. Also, the design system 1 determines multiple equipment parameters that achieve energy conservation using air conditioning energy parameters (described later) as an index.

[0012] The design system 1 of this embodiment designs multiple equipment parameters related to the placement conditions and operating conditions of air conditioning equipment. As shown in FIG. 1, the design system 1 includes an acquisition unit 21, a sampling unit 22, a simulation unit 23, a first calculation unit 24, a second calculation unit 25, and a third calculation unit 26. The acquisition unit 21 acquires information related to the settable ranges of multiple equipment parameters, including the air volume, blowing temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning equipment. The installation position is an equipment parameter related to the placement conditions of the air conditioning equipment. The air volume, blowing temperature, and air direction are each equipment parameters related to the operating conditions of the air conditioning equipment.

[0013] The sampling unit 22 determines multiple samples of sets of multiple device parameters within a settable range. The simulation unit 23 executes a simulation step in which a simulation of thermal fluid distribution in a target space is executed using one of the multiple samples as an input condition. The target space is at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by an air conditioner. The first calculation unit 24 executes a first calculation step in which an air-conditioning energy parameter is calculated for one sample. The air-conditioning energy parameter is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the discharge temperature of the target space by the air volume. The second calculation unit 25 executes a second calculation step in which a distribution of predicted mean thermal sensation votes (PMV) for the target space is calculated based on the simulation results. The third calculation unit 26 executes a third calculation step in which a comfort parameter is calculated. The comfort parameter is a value obtained by dividing the volume occupied by a portion of the target space where the predicted mean thermal sensation votes (PMV) are within a predetermined range by the volume of the entire target space. The simulation unit 23, the first calculation unit 24, the second calculation unit 25, and the third calculation unit 26 respectively perform the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step for all of the multiple samples to calculate multiple pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters. The design system 1 further includes a selection unit 27 and a result output unit 28. The selection unit 27 determines multiple equipment parameters that satisfy both a first condition and a second condition based on the multiple pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters determined for each of the multiple samples. The first condition is that the comfort parameter is greater than a threshold value. The second condition is that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the multiple equipment parameters that satisfies the first condition. The result output unit 28 outputs the multiple equipment parameters determined by the selection unit 27.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the design system 1 can select (multiple equipment parameters related to) placement conditions and operating conditions that achieve both PMV-based comfort and energy conservation. The user, for example, selects air conditioning equipment with specifications that can achieve the multiple equipment parameters selected by the design system 1. Then, based on the selected multiple equipment parameters, the user adjusts the installation position of the air conditioning equipment and sets the air volume, outlet temperature, air direction, etc. of the air conditioning equipment. This makes it possible to achieve both comfort and energy conservation in a real space.

[0015] Furthermore, functions similar to those of the design system 1 can be realized by a design method. The design method of this embodiment is a design method for multiple equipment parameters related to the placement conditions and operating conditions of air conditioning equipment. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. In the acquisition step, information regarding the settable ranges of each of the multiple equipment parameters is acquired. The multiple equipment parameters include the air volume, outlet temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning equipment. In the sampling step, multiple samples of sets of the multiple equipment parameters within the settable ranges are determined. In the set calculation step, the simulation step, first calculation step, second calculation step, and third calculation step are performed for all of the multiple samples to calculate multiple sets of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters. In the simulation step, a simulation of heat and fluid distribution in a target space is performed using one of the multiple samples as an input condition. The target space is at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment. In the first calculation step, an air conditioning energy parameter is calculated for one sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the discharge temperature of the target space by the air volume. In a second calculation step, a distribution of predicted mean thermal sensation votes (PMV) for the target space is calculated based on the results of the simulation. In a third calculation step, a comfort parameter is calculated. The comfort parameter is a value obtained by dividing the volume occupied by parts of the target space where the predicted mean thermal sensation votes (PMV) fall within a predetermined range by the volume of the entire target space. The design method further includes a selection step. In the selection step, multiple equipment parameters that satisfy both the first and second conditions are determined based on multiple pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters determined for each of multiple samples. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is greater than a threshold value. The second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the multiple equipment parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0016] The design method can also be embodied in a program. The program of this embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method. The program may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system.

[0017] (2)Details The design system 1 of this embodiment will be described in more detail below.

[0018] The space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner is, for example, an indoor room of a facility. The facility in which the air conditioner is installed is, for example, a house, an office building, a factory, a commercial complex, a library, an art gallery, a museum, an amusement facility, an airport, a train station, a hotel, a nursing home, or a hospital. The facility may also be a mobile object such as a ship, a railroad car, or an aircraft.

[0019] In this embodiment, as an example, the air conditioning equipment is an air conditioner. More specifically, in this embodiment, the air conditioning equipment is an air conditioner that is installed on a wall.

[0020] In this embodiment, the number of device parameters is seven. The seven device parameters are air volume, outlet temperature, X-, Y-, and Z-coordinates of the installation position, vertical airflow direction, and horizontal airflow direction. Here, the X-, Y-, and Z-axes are orthogonal to each other. The X- and Y-axes are parallel to the horizontal plane, and the Z-axis is perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0021] In this embodiment, the number of air conditioning devices for which the placement conditions and operating conditions (multiple equipment parameters) are designed by the design system 1 is one. However, the design system 1 may also design the placement conditions and operating conditions for each of multiple air conditioning devices. When the number of air conditioning devices is N and the number of equipment parameters designed per air conditioning device is M, the number of equipment parameters designed by the design system 1 is N x M, and one sample will have these N x M equipment parameters. In this embodiment, N = 1 and M = 7.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the design system 1 includes a processing device 2, a storage device 3, an input device 4, and an output device 5.

[0023] The storage device 3 is configured with a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or the like. The storage device 3 stores information. For example, the storage device 3 stores information necessary for designing the placement conditions and operating conditions of the air conditioning equipment, such as specifications of the air conditioning equipment, three-dimensional data of the facility, and the thermal conductivity of the walls, floor, ceiling, etc. of the facility.

[0024] The input device 4 receives input of information transmitted from outside the design system 1. The input device 4 includes, for example, at least one of an operation device 41 and a receiving device .

[0025] The operation device 41 has, for example, at least one of a button, a key switch, a touch panel, and a touch panel display. The operation device 41 accepts user operations. By operating the operation device 41, the user can input information necessary for designing the placement conditions and operating conditions of air conditioning equipment into the design system 1, or can cause the design system 1 to start designing the placement conditions and operating conditions. By operating the operation device 41, the user can, for example, determine the target temperature of the target space, thresholds to be compared with comfort parameters, and settable ranges of equipment parameters.

[0026] The receiving device 42 receives information from other devices. The receiving device 42 receives information directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater, for example, by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication. The receiving device 42 receives, for example, information on the specifications of air conditioning equipment, three-dimensional data on the facility, and information on the temperature of the area where the facility is located.

[0027] The output device 5 outputs information. The output device 5 includes at least one of a display 51, a speaker 52, and a transmission device 53, for example.

[0028] The output device 5 displays information on the display 51. The output device 5 displays, for example, at least one of the layout conditions and the operation conditions determined by the design system 1 on the display 51.

[0029] The output device 5 outputs information by sound (which may include voice) using the speaker 52. The output device 5 outputs, for example, at least one of the layout conditions and the operation conditions determined by the design system 1 from the speaker 52.

[0030] The transmitting device 53 transmits information to other devices. The transmitting device 53 transmits information directly or indirectly via a network or a repeater, for example, by an appropriate communication method such as wired communication or wireless communication. The transmitting device 53 transmits, for example, the placement conditions and operation conditions determined by the design system 1.

[0031] The processing device 2 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. At least some of the functions of the processing device 2 are realized by the processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system. The program may be recorded in the memory, or may be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet, or may be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided.

[0032] The processing device 2 has an acquisition unit 21, a sampling unit 22, a simulation unit 23, a first calculation unit 24, a second calculation unit 25, a third calculation unit 26, a selection unit 27, and a result output unit 28. Note that these merely indicate functions realized by the processing device 2, and do not necessarily indicate a substantial configuration.

[0033] The acquisition unit 21 acquires information about the settable ranges of each of the multiple device parameters. The information about the settable ranges is pre-stored in, for example, the storage device 3, and the acquisition unit 21 reads the information about the settable ranges from the storage device 3. Alternatively, the user inputs information about the settable ranges to the operation device 41 of the input device 4, and the acquisition unit 21 acquires, from the operation device 41, the information about the settable ranges input to the operation device 41. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 21 acquires, from the receiving device 42, information about the settable ranges input to the receiving device 42 from another device.

[0034] The information about the settable range of the air conditioner's outlet temperature includes, for example, information about all settable air temperature values. For example, if the air temperature can be set to 10°C, 11°C, 12°C, ..., 30°C, each of the values ​​10°C, 11°C, 12°C, ..., 30°C corresponds to the information about the settable range of the air conditioner's outlet temperature.

[0035] Alternatively, the information regarding the settable range of the blowing temperature of the air conditioning equipment includes, for example, information regarding the minimum value of the blowing temperature, the maximum value of the blowing temperature, and the minimum amount of change when changing the blowing temperature between the minimum and maximum values.

[0036] The information about the settable range of the airflow rate of the air conditioner includes, for example, information about all settable airflow rates. Alternatively, the information about the settable range of the airflow rate of the air conditioner includes, for example, information about the minimum airflow rate, the maximum airflow rate, and the minimum amount of change when changing the airflow rate between the minimum and maximum values. The minimum airflow rate is greater than 0.

[0037] Information about the possible range of air conditioner installation positions can be obtained, for example, based on three-dimensional data of the facility. The information about the possible range of air conditioner installation positions represents the range of possible values ​​for the X, Y, and Z coordinates of the installation position.

[0038] The airflow direction of an air conditioner is expressed, for example, by an angle corresponding to the airflow direction. Information about the settable range of the airflow direction in the vertical direction of the air conditioner includes, for example, information about the angle when the airflow direction is most upward, the angle when the airflow direction is most downward, and the minimum amount of change in angle when the airflow direction is changed vertically. Information about the settable range of the airflow direction in the horizontal direction of the air conditioner includes, for example, information about the angle when the airflow direction is most leftward, the angle when the airflow direction is most rightward, and the minimum amount of change in angle when the airflow direction is changed horizontally.

[0039] The sampling unit 22 determines a plurality of samples of sets of a plurality of (seven in this case) device parameters within the settable range acquired by the acquisition unit 21. Specifically, to determine one sample, the sampling unit 22 determines one value for each of the seven device parameters (air volume, blowout temperature, X coordinate, Y coordinate, Z coordinate of the installation position, vertical wind direction, and horizontal wind direction). A set of the seven device parameters determined here is one sample.

[0040] The processing by the sampling unit 22 corresponds to the sampling step. In the sampling step, a plurality of samples are determined by an experimental design. As the experimental design, for example, the Latin Hypercube method or the Monte Carlo method can be adopted. Table 1 shows an example of a plurality of samples determined by the experimental design.

[0041] [Table 1]

[0042] The seven factors A to G correspond to the seven instrument parameters. That is, in this embodiment, the number of factors is 7. In addition, in [Table 1], the number of tests (number of samples) is 8, and the number of levels is 2.

[0043] The simulation unit 23 executes a simulation step. That is, the simulation unit 23 executes a simulation of the thermal fluid distribution in the target space using one of the multiple samples as an input condition. Here, the target space does not have to be the entire space partitioned by the walls, floor, ceiling, etc. of a room, but may be a part of the entire space. For example, only an area where a person stays, such as around a desk, may be the target space. In other words, the target space does not have to be a space partitioned from other spaces.

[0044] In this embodiment, the number of air conditioning devices for which the layout conditions and operating conditions (relevant equipment parameters) are designed by the design system 1 is one, and the simulation unit 23 simulates the thermal fluid distribution achieved by one air conditioning device. However, if there are multiple air conditioning devices, the simulation unit 23 will simulate the thermal fluid distribution achieved by multiple air conditioning devices.

[0045] The parameters referenced for the simulation are not limited to the samples determined by the sampling unit 22, but may also refer to, for example, the temperature of the area where the facility is located, three-dimensional data of the facility, and the thermal conductivity of the facility's walls, floor, ceiling, etc. The simulation unit 23 executes the simulation based on these parameters.

[0046] Furthermore, the simulation unit 23 executes simulations for all of the multiple samples. As a result, the simulation unit 23 outputs simulation results corresponding to each sample. For example, when eight samples numbered I to VIII are determined as shown in Table 1, the simulation unit 23 outputs the result of a simulation in which the sample numbered I is used as an input condition, the result of a simulation in which the sample numbered II is used as an input condition, ..., the result of a simulation in which the sample numbered VIII is used as an input condition.

[0047] The first calculation unit 24 calculates an air conditioning energy parameter for one sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the blow-out temperature of the target space by the air volume. The blow-out temperature and the air volume are values ​​included in the one sample. The target temperature is, for example, a value input to the input device 4.

[0048] When the air conditioning energy parameter is W, the air volume is F, the target temperature is Ta, and the blowout temperature is Tb, [Equation 1] holds.

[0049] [Equation 1] W = F × |Ta-Tb|

[0050] Furthermore, first calculation unit 24 calculates air conditioning energy parameters for all of the multiple samples. As a result, first calculation unit 24 calculates multiple air conditioning energy parameters that correspond one-to-one to the multiple samples. For example, when eight samples numbered I to VIII are determined as shown in Table 1, first calculation unit 24 calculates a first air conditioning energy parameter based on the blowing temperature and air volume included in sample numbered I, calculates a second air conditioning energy parameter based on the blowing temperature and air volume included in sample numbered II, ..., calculates an eighth air conditioning energy parameter based on the blowing temperature and air volume included in sample numbered VIII.

[0051] The second calculation unit 25 calculates the distribution of PMV in the target space based on the results of the simulation by the simulation unit 23. Here, the simulation unit 23 outputs eight simulation results that correspond one-to-one to the eight samples numbered I to VIII. The second calculation unit 25 calculates eight PMV distributions that correspond one-to-one to the eight simulation results. In other words, the second calculation unit 25 calculates one PMV distribution for each simulation result. The PMV distribution may be a two-dimensional distribution or a three-dimensional distribution.

[0052] The second calculation unit 25 calculates the PMV based on the PMV calculation formula defined in ISO 7730. Parameters that determine the PMV include the air temperature of the target space, the radiant temperature of the target space, the average wind speed of the target space, the relative humidity of the target space, the human metabolic rate, and the amount of clothing worn by the human. The second calculation unit 25 extracts the air temperature at the target point for which the PMV is to be calculated from the results of the simulation by the simulation unit 23. When calculating the PMV, values ​​of the radiant temperature, the average wind speed, and the relative humidity at representative points in the target space may be used. The radiant temperature may be measured, for example, by a sensor installed in the target space, or may be assumed to be equal to the air temperature. The average wind speed and the relative humidity may be measured, for example, by a sensor installed in the target space, or may be preset values, or may be calculated by the simulation unit 23 through simulation. The human metabolic rate and the amount of clothing may be preset values ​​or values ​​input by the user via the operation device 41.

[0053] The third calculation unit 26 calculates a comfort parameter based on the PMV distribution calculated by the second calculation unit 25. The comfort parameter is a value obtained by dividing the volume of the target space occupied by the portion of the target space where the PMV falls within a predetermined range by the volume of the entire target space. Here, the second calculation unit 25 outputs eight PMV distributions that correspond one-to-one to the eight samples numbered I to VIII. The third calculation unit 26 calculates eight comfort parameters that correspond one-to-one to the eight PMV distributions. The predetermined range preferably includes 0. As an example, the predetermined range is between -0.5 and 0.5. The predetermined range may be, for example, a range set in advance or a range input by the user via the operation device 41.

[0054] If the comfort parameter is C, the volume of the entire target space is V, and the volume of the part of the target space where the PMV is within a predetermined range is Vp, then [Equation 2] holds true.

[0055] [Math 2]C=Vp / V

[0056] The first calculation unit 24 calculates a plurality (eight) of air conditioning energy parameters that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of samples, and the third calculation unit 26 calculates a plurality (eight) of comfort parameters that correspond one-to-one with the plurality of samples. That is, the design system 1 executes the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step for all of the plurality of samples, and calculates a plurality (eight) of pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters.

[0057] The selection unit 27 executes a selection step. That is, the selection unit 27 determines a plurality of (seven) equipment parameters that satisfy both the first condition and the second condition based on a plurality of pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters. The first condition is that the comfort parameter is set to a value greater than a threshold. The second condition is that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0058] As an example, the threshold value is a value between 0.9 and 1.0. The threshold value is preferably a value between 0.9 and 0.91. The threshold value may be, for example, 0.9, 0.901, or 0.902. The threshold value may be, for example, a preset value, or a value input by the user to the operation device 41.

[0059] In the selection step, interpolated data is generated by interpolating data between a plurality of samples. Also, in the selection step, a plurality of device parameters that satisfy both the first condition and the second condition are determined based on the interpolated data. This will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0060] In the selection step, for example, an output data approximation function f(x) is found based on N points of input / output data (x1, f(x1)) ... (xN, f(xN)). Here, the input data x1 ... xN are each samples. The output data f(x1) ... f(xN) are each air conditioning energy parameters. The approximation function f(x) is a function with seven equipment parameters as variables. x represents the seven equipment parameters. However, for convenience of illustration, x is represented on one axis (horizontal axis) in Figure 2. Note that, above, the number of samples was explained as 8 as per [Table 1], but Figure 2 shows a different case from the case explained above, and in Figure 2 the number of samples N is greater than 8.

[0061] The approximation function f(x) is the interpolated data described above. That is, as shown in Fig. 2, the selection unit 27 calculates the approximation function f(x), thereby interpolating data between multiple samples. For example, the air conditioning energy parameters when the values ​​of multiple device parameters are between sample II and sample IV are represented by the approximation function f(x).

[0062] Based on the approximation function f(x), the selection unit 27 determines that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimum when the values ​​of the multiple device parameters are between Sample II and Sample IV (the location indicated by the arrow in FIG. 2). If the comfort parameter calculated from the multiple device parameters at this time (hereinafter referred to as "multiple first device parameters") is greater than the threshold value, the multiple first device parameters satisfy both the first and second conditions.

[0063] That is, a simulation unit 23 simulates the thermal fluid distribution using a plurality of first equipment parameters as input conditions, a second calculation unit 25 calculates the PMV distribution based on the simulation, and a third calculation unit 26 calculates a comfort parameter. If the comfort parameter is greater than a threshold, the plurality of first equipment parameters satisfy both the first and second conditions. If the comfort parameter is less than the threshold, a selection unit 27 determines whether another plurality of equipment parameters satisfy both the first and second conditions.

[0064] In this way, the selection unit 27 determines a plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy both the first condition and the second condition. Note that the selection unit 27 may use, for example, simulated annealing, Bayesian optimization, a genetic algorithm, or a parametric study to determine the plurality of equipment parameters that minimize the air conditioning energy parameter.

[0065] The result output unit 28 controls the output device 5. As a result, the result output unit 28 outputs the plurality of device parameters determined by the selection unit 27 via the output device 5.

[0066] The result output unit 28 may, for example, display a plurality of device parameters on the display 51. The user may then refer to the information displayed on the display 51 to set a plurality of device parameters for the air conditioning device.

[0067] The result output unit 28 may, for example, transmit a plurality of device parameters to the air conditioner via the transmission device 53, thereby setting the air volume, blowout temperature, and air direction of the air conditioner.

[0068] (3) Example of operation Fig. 3 shows an example of a series of operations of the design system 1. However, the flowchart shown in Fig. 3 is merely one example of operations of the design system 1, and the order of processes may be changed as appropriate, and processes may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0069] First, the design system 1 initializes a plurality of (seven) device parameters stored in the storage device 3 (step ST1). Next, the acquisition unit 21 acquires the settable range of each of the plurality of device parameters (step ST2). Furthermore, the sampling unit 22 determines a plurality of samples (step ST3). Each sample is a set of a plurality of device parameters, and each device parameter of the sample falls within a value within the settable range acquired by the acquisition unit 21. The number of samples is preferably, for example, 20 or more.

[0070] Next, the design system 1 selects one sample from the multiple samples determined by the sampling unit 22 (step ST4). In steps ST5 to ST7, the design system 1 performs processing on the sample selected in step ST4. More specifically, the simulation unit 23 executes a simulation of the thermal fluid distribution in the target space using the sample as an input condition (step ST5). The first calculation unit 24 multiplies the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the blowout temperature of the target space by the air volume to calculate an air conditioning energy parameter (step ST6), where the blowout temperature and air volume used in the calculation are included in the sample. The second calculation unit 25 calculates the PMV distribution in the target space based on the results of the simulation by the simulation unit 23, and the third calculation unit 26 calculates a comfort parameter based on the PMV distribution (step ST7).

[0071] In step ST8, which follows steps ST5 to ST7, it is determined whether all of the multiple samples determined by the sampling unit 22 have been selected in step ST4. If there is one or more unselected samples (step ST8: No), the process returns to step ST4, and the design system 1 selects one unselected sample and executes steps ST5 to ST7 for the selected sample. By repeating steps ST4 to ST7 the same number of times as the number of samples, pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters corresponding to each sample are obtained.

[0072] Next, the selection unit 27 determines a plurality of device parameters that satisfy both the first and second conditions based on a plurality of pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters (step ST9). Finally, the result output unit 28 outputs the plurality of device parameters determined by the selection unit 27 (step ST10).

[0073] (Modification of the embodiment) Modifications of the embodiment are listed below. The following modifications may be implemented in appropriate combination.

[0074] The type of air conditioning equipment is not limited to an air conditioner, and may be, for example, a heater or a refrigerator, or a combination of one of these with an air conditioning duct, a blower, or a ventilation system.

[0075] Some of the multiple equipment parameters may be fixed values. For example, when the design system 1 is used for an existing air conditioning device, the installation position of the air conditioning device among the multiple equipment parameters may be a fixed value. Also, for example, the left-right airflow direction among the multiple equipment parameters may be fixed.

[0076] For example, if the air conditioning equipment is a ceiling-mounted air conditioner, the multiple equipment parameters may include the front-to-rear air direction instead of the up-to-down air direction. In other words, the multiple equipment parameters may include the front-to-rear air direction and the left-to-right air direction.

[0077] The selection unit 27 is only required to determine a plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy at least both the first condition and the second condition. In addition, the selection unit 27 may determine a plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy both the first condition and the third condition. That is, the selection unit 27 may determine two or more arrangement conditions. The selection unit 27 may also determine two or more operating conditions. The second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized (minimum value) within the range of the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy the first condition. The third condition is a condition that the difference between the air conditioning energy parameter and the minimum value is equal to or less than a predetermined value within the range of the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0078] The entity that executes the design system 1 or design method in the present disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system is primarily composed of a processor and memory as hardware. At least a portion of the functions of the entity that executes the design system 1 or design method in the present disclosure are realized by the processor executing a program stored in the memory of the computer system. The program may be pre-stored in the memory of the computer system, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided in a non-transitory recording medium readable by the computer system, such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The processor of the computer system is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integrated circuit (LSI). The integrated circuits, such as ICs and LSIs, are referred to by different names depending on the degree of integration, and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, very large-scale integrations (VLSIs), or ultra-large-scale integrations (ULSIs). Furthermore, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), which are programmable after the LSI is manufactured, or logic devices that allow the reconfiguration of internal connections or circuit partitions within the LSI, can also be used as processors. The electronic circuits may be integrated into one chip or distributed across multiple chips. The chips may be integrated into one device or distributed across multiple devices. The computer system referred to here includes a microcontroller having one or more processors and one or more memories. Therefore, the microcontroller is also composed of one or more electronic circuits including a semiconductor integrated circuit or a large-scale integrated circuit.

[0079] Furthermore, it is not essential for the design system 1 that multiple functions in the design system 1 are integrated into one device, and multiple components of the design system 1 may be distributed across multiple devices. Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the design system 1, for example, at least some of the functions of the processing device 2, may be realized by a server or the cloud (cloud computing), etc.

[0080] (summary) The above-described embodiments and the like disclose the following aspects.

[0081] A design method according to a first aspect is a design method for multiple equipment parameters related to the placement conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioning device. The design method includes an acquisition step, a sampling step, and a set calculation step. In the acquisition step, information regarding the settable range of each of the multiple equipment parameters is acquired. The multiple equipment parameters include the air volume, outlet temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning device. In the sampling step, multiple samples of sets of the multiple equipment parameters within the settable range are determined. In the set calculation step, a simulation step, a first calculation step, a second calculation step, and a third calculation step are performed for all of the multiple samples to calculate multiple sets of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters. In the simulation step, a simulation of heat and fluid distribution in a target space is performed using one of the multiple samples as an input condition. The target space is at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning device. In the first calculation step, an air conditioning energy parameter is calculated for one sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the discharge temperature of the target space by the air volume. In the second calculation step, the distribution of the predicted average thermal sensation declarations of the target space is calculated based on the results of the simulation. In the third calculation step, a comfort parameter is calculated. The comfort parameter is a value obtained by dividing the volume occupied by the portion of the target space where the predicted average thermal sensation declarations have values ​​within a predetermined range by the volume of the entire target space. The design method further includes a selection step. In the selection step, multiple equipment parameters that satisfy both the first and second conditions are determined based on multiple pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters determined for each of multiple samples. The first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is greater than a threshold value. The second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within the range of the multiple equipment parameters that satisfy the first condition.

[0082] According to the above configuration, it is possible to select the layout conditions and operating conditions (or the related multiple device parameters) that achieve both comfort based on the predicted average thermal sensation declarations and energy conservation.

[0083] In addition, in the design method according to the second aspect, in the first aspect, in the sampling step, a plurality of samples are determined by an experimental design method.

[0084] According to the above configuration, the number of samples can be reduced, and the time required to select the arrangement conditions and the operating conditions can be reduced.

[0085] In addition, in the design method according to the third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the predetermined range is a range of not less than −0.5 and not more than 0.5.

[0086] According to the above configuration, a comfortable space can be realized.

[0087] In addition, in the design method according to a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the threshold value is a value not less than 0.9 and not more than 1.0.

[0088] According to the above configuration, a comfortable space can be realized.

[0089] In addition, in a design method according to a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the selecting step generates interpolated data by interpolating data between a plurality of samples, and the selecting step determines a plurality of device parameters that satisfy both the first condition and the second condition based on the interpolated data.

[0090] According to the above configuration, the comfort parameter can be set to a value greater than the threshold value, and the air conditioning energy parameter can be made smaller than when multiple equipment parameters for minimizing the air conditioning energy parameter are selected from multiple samples.

[0091] The configurations other than those of the first aspect are not essential to the design method and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0092] A program according to a sixth aspect is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects.

[0093] According to the above configuration, it is possible to select arrangement conditions and operating conditions (plurality of device parameters) that achieve both comfort based on the predicted average thermal sensation declarations and energy conservation.

[0094] A design system (1) according to a seventh aspect designs a plurality of equipment parameters related to the layout conditions and operating conditions of an air conditioner. The design system (1) includes an acquisition unit (21), a sampling unit (22), a simulation unit (23), a first calculation unit (24), a second calculation unit (25), and a third calculation unit (26). The acquisition unit (21) acquires information on the settable ranges of each of the plurality of equipment parameters, including the air volume, blowout temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioner. The sampling unit (22) determines a plurality of samples of sets of the plurality of equipment parameters within the settable ranges. The simulation unit (23) executes a simulation step of executing a simulation of heat and fluid distribution in a target space using one of the plurality of samples as an input condition. The target space is at least a portion of a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner. The first calculation unit (24) executes a first calculation step of calculating an air-conditioning energy parameter for one sample. The air conditioning energy parameter is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature and the discharge temperature of the target space by the airflow rate. The second calculation unit (25) executes a second calculation step of calculating a distribution of predicted average thermal sensation declarations of the target space based on the results of the simulation. The third calculation unit (26) executes a third calculation step of calculating a comfort parameter. The comfort parameter is a value obtained by dividing the volume occupied by parts of the target space where the predicted average thermal sensation declarations have values ​​within a predetermined range by the volume of the entire target space. The simulation unit (23), the first calculation unit (24), the second calculation unit (25), and the third calculation unit (26) execute the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step, respectively, for all of the multiple samples, and calculate multiple pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters. The design system (1) further includes a selection unit (27) and a result output unit (28). The selection unit (27) determines a plurality of device parameters that satisfy both the first condition and the second condition, based on a plurality of pairs of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters determined for each of the plurality of samples. The first condition is that the comfort parameter must be greater than a threshold value.The second condition is that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the plurality of device parameters that satisfies the first condition. The result output unit (28) outputs the plurality of device parameters determined by the selection unit (27).

[0095] According to the above configuration, it is possible to select the layout conditions and operating conditions (or the related multiple device parameters) that achieve both comfort based on the predicted average thermal sensation declarations and energy conservation.

[0096] Not limited to the above aspects, various configurations (including modified examples) of the design system (1) according to the embodiment can be embodied as a design method, a (computer) program, or a non-transitory recording medium on which a program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Design System 21 Acquisition Department 22 Sampling section 23 Simulation Department 24 1st calculation section 25 2nd calculation section 26 Third calculation section 27 Selection Department 28 Result output section

Claims

1. A method for designing a plurality of equipment parameters related to layout conditions and operating conditions of air conditioning equipment, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring information about the settable ranges of each of the plurality of device parameters, including the air volume, blowout temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning device; a sampling step of determining a plurality of samples of the set of the plurality of device parameters within the settable range; a set calculation step of calculating a plurality of sets of air conditioning energy parameters and comfort parameters by executing the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step for all of the plurality of samples, In the simulation step, a simulation of a thermal fluid distribution in a target space, which is at least a part of a space to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning equipment, is executed using one sample of the plurality of samples as an input condition; In the first calculation step, the air conditioning energy parameter is calculated as a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature of the target space and the blow-out temperature by the air volume for the one sample; In the second calculation step, a distribution of predicted average thermal sensation reports in the target space is calculated based on the results of the simulation, In the third calculation step, the comfort parameter is calculated as a value obtained by dividing a volume of a portion of the target space where the predicted average thermal sensation declaration falls within a predetermined range by a volume of the entire target space; a selection step of determining the plurality of equipment parameters that satisfy both a first condition and a second condition based on the plurality of sets of the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter determined for each of the plurality of samples; the first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is set to a value greater than a threshold value, the second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the plurality of device parameters that satisfies the first condition; Design method.

2. In the sampling step, the plurality of samples is determined by an experimental design method. The design method according to claim 1 .

3. The predetermined range is a range of −0.5 or more and 0.5 or less. The design method according to claim 1 .

4. The threshold value is a value of 0.9 or more and 1.0 or less. The design method according to claim 1 .

5. In the selection step, generating interpolated data by interpolating data between the plurality of samples; determining the plurality of device parameters that satisfy both the first condition and the second condition based on the interpolated data; The design method according to claim 1 .

6. 10. A method for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method according to claim 1, program.

7. A design system for designing a plurality of equipment parameters related to the layout conditions and operating conditions of air conditioning equipment, an acquisition unit that acquires information about the settable ranges of each of the plurality of device parameters, including the air volume, blowout temperature, installation position, and air direction of the air conditioning device; a sampling unit that determines a plurality of samples of the set of the plurality of device parameters within the settable range; a simulation unit that executes a simulation step of simulating a thermal fluid distribution in a target space, which is at least a part of a space to be air-conditioned by the air-conditioning equipment, using one sample of the plurality of samples as an input condition; a first calculation unit that executes a first calculation step of calculating, for the one sample, an air conditioning energy parameter that is a value obtained by multiplying the absolute value of the difference between the target temperature of the target space and the blow-out temperature by the air volume; a second calculation unit that executes a second calculation step of calculating a distribution of predicted average thermal sensation reports in the target space based on the results of the simulation; a third calculation unit that executes a third calculation step of calculating a comfort parameter that is a value obtained by dividing a volume occupied by a portion of the target space where the predicted average thermal sensation declaration falls within a predetermined range by a volume of the entire target space, the simulation unit, the first calculation unit, the second calculation unit, and the third calculation unit respectively execute the simulation step, the first calculation step, the second calculation step, and the third calculation step for all samples among the plurality of samples, and calculate a plurality of pairs of the air conditioning energy parameters and the comfort parameters; a selection unit that determines the plurality of device parameters that satisfy both a first condition and a second condition based on the plurality of pairs of the air conditioning energy parameter and the comfort parameter determined for each of the plurality of samples; a result output unit that outputs the plurality of device parameters determined by the selection unit, the first condition is a condition that the comfort parameter is set to a value greater than a threshold value, the second condition is a condition that the air conditioning energy parameter is minimized within a range of the plurality of device parameters that satisfies the first condition; Design system.

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