Spatial state control method, spatial state prediction method, and spatial state control system

Abstract

To control a state quantity of a space in a building where a device is installed.SOLUTION: A space state control method comprises: a first step for performing simulation of a space 10 using a state quantity of the space 10 in a building and an operation condition for a device 600 installed in a building in a first period of time and outputting the state quantity of the space 10 in a second period of time; a second step for correcting the state quantity of the space 10 by performing data assimilation using the state quantity of the space 10 in the second period of time and detection information on a sensor 200 installed in the building, and outputting the state quantity of the space 10 after correction; a third step for performing the simulation using the state quantity of the space 10 after correction and the operation condition for the device 600 when performing new simulation, and outputting the state quantity of the space 10 predicted by the simulation; and a fourth step for controlling operation of the device 600 on the basis of a predicted state quantity of the space 10 and a target state quantity of the space 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a space state control method for controlling a state quantity of a space in a building, a space state prediction method for predicting a state quantity of a space, and a space state control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a system for predicting weather by numerical analysis is known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a weather numerical analysis system including a system that re-analyzes input data to generate weather numerical analysis data and a system that post-processes the weather numerical analysis data to generate prediction data.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in a conventional analysis system, it is difficult to control or predict a state quantity such as temperature in a space in a building provided with devices such as air-conditioning equipment.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a space state control method for controlling a state quantity of a space in a building, a space state prediction method for predicting a state quantity of a space in a building, and a space state control system.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A spatial state control method in one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first step of simulating the space using the state quantities of the space within the building at a first time and the operating conditions of equipment installed in the building, and outputting the state quantities of the space at a second time which is later than the first time; a second step of correcting the state quantities of the space by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of the space at the second time and detection information from sensors installed in the building, and outputting the corrected state quantities of the space; a third step of performing a simulation using the corrected state quantities of the space and the operating conditions of the equipment when performing a new simulation, and outputting the state quantities of the space predicted by the simulation; and a fourth step of controlling the operation of the equipment based on the predicted state quantities of the space and the target state quantities of the space.

[0007] A spatial state prediction method in one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first step of simulating the space using the state quantities of the space inside the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment installed in the building, and outputting the state quantities of the space at a second time which is after the first time; a second step of correcting the state quantities of the space by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of the space at the second time and detection information from sensors installed in the building, and outputting the corrected state quantities of the space; and a third step of performing a simulation using the corrected state quantities of the space and the operating conditions of the equipment when performing a new simulation, and outputting the state quantities of the space predicted by the simulation.

[0008] A spatial state control system in one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a first simulation execution unit that simulates the space using the state quantities of the space within a building at a first time and the operating conditions of equipment installed in the building, and outputs the state quantities of the space at a second time which is later than the first time; an assimilation unit that modifies the state quantities of the space by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of the space at the second time and detection information from sensors installed in the building, and outputs the modified state quantities of the space; a second simulation execution unit that simulates the space using the modified state quantities of the space and the operating conditions of the equipment when performing a new simulation, and outputs the state quantities of the space predicted by the simulation; and a control unit that controls the operation of the equipment based on the predicted state quantities of the space and the target state quantities of the space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the spatial state control method of this disclosure, the state quantities of space within a building can be controlled. According to the spatial state prediction method of this disclosure, the state quantities of space within a building can be predicted. According to the spatial state control system of this disclosure, the state quantities of space within a building can be controlled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the spatial state control system in the embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a space within a building to which control by a spatial state control system is applied. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the computer that constitutes the spatial state control device included in the spatial state control system. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a spatial state control device. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the operation of the assimilation processing unit included in the spatial state control device. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the operation of the predictive control unit included in the spatial state control device. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the spatial state control method in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of components, steps, and the order of steps shown in the embodiments below are examples and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Furthermore, components in the embodiments below that are not described in an independent claim will be described as optional components.

[0012] Furthermore, each figure is a schematic diagram and not necessarily a strictly accurate representation. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for substantially identical components in each figure, and redundant explanations may be omitted or simplified. Also, even when the same object is shown in each figure, the scale may be changed for convenience.

[0013] (Embodiment) [Configuration of the spatial state control system] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the spatial state control system 1 in an embodiment.

[0014] The spatial state control system 1 in this embodiment is a system for controlling the state quantities of a space within a building. The space to be controlled is, for example, a space partitioned by walls in a building such as a house, office, shop, public facility, entertainment facility, art museum, museum, factory, or warehouse. The state quantities of a space are physical quantities that indicate the state of the space, such as the temperature distribution, humidity distribution, wind speed (including wind direction) distribution, gas concentration distribution, and PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) distribution.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the space state control system 1 includes a space state control device 500, a plurality of sensors 200, and a plurality of devices 600. The space state control device 500 is communicatively connected to the plurality of sensors 200 and the plurality of devices 600 via a network.

[0016] Each sensor 200 is a device that detects state quantities and boundary conditions at a predetermined position within a building. The state quantities at the predetermined position are, for example, temperature, humidity, wind speed, gas concentration, and amount of PM2.5 at the predetermined position. The boundary conditions at the predetermined position are physical quantities indicating an external environment that affects the state quantity of the space or the state of a boundary region between the space and the outside. The external environment that affects the state quantity of the space is, for example, outside air temperature, outer wall temperature, outside air humidity, outside wind speed, outside gas concentration, outside amount of PM2.5, and solar radiation amount. The state of the boundary region between the space and the outside is, for example, the opening area (or opening angle) of a door or window provided in the building. The sensor 200 is, for example, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an anemometer, a concentration meter, a PM2.5 measuring instrument, a pyrheliometer, a door sensor, and a window sensor, and is provided inside the space, outside the space, or in the boundary region between the space and the outside. The detection information detected by the sensor 200 is transmitted to the space state control device 500 via the network. When the sensor 200 is an image sensor, information regarding the position of a person within the space may be transmitted to the space state control device 500.

[0017] Each device 600 is a device that forms the environment of a space within a building, and is, for example, an air conditioning device, a ventilation fan, an air purifier, and a circulator. The device 600 is provided inside the space of the building or in the boundary region between the space and the outside. The device 600 operates based on a control command transmitted from the space state control device 500. Also, the device 600 transmits operation information including current operation conditions and past operation history to the space state control device 500. The operation conditions of the device 600 include physical quantities such as the temperature, humidity, air volume, and wind direction of the air sent out from the device 600. When the device 600 is an air conditioning device, information regarding the set temperature of the air, the blowing air volume, the suction air volume, the rotational speed of the fan, and the power supply amount to the heat exchanger may be included.

[0018] Further, the space state control device 500 is communicatively connected to the information terminal 310 and the external information source 320 via a network.

[0019] The information terminal 310 is a terminal device owned by a user who uses the space in the building. The information terminal 310 transmits the state quantity of the target space to the space state control system 1. The state quantity of the target space is the state quantity of the space desired by the user or the state quantity of the space recommended to the user. Further, the state quantity of the space predicted by the space state control device 500 and the operating conditions of the device 600 for realizing the state quantity of the space are transmitted to the information terminal 310.

[0020] The external information source 320 is IoT (Internet of Things) data existing on the Internet. For example, the IoT data includes weather data.

[0021] The space state control device 500 is provided in the computer 100 described later. Note that the space state control device 500 may be provided in a computer on the cloud. The space state control device 500 has a storage unit 105 in which various types of information for performing simulations are stored.

[0022] In the storage unit 105, the layout information of the space is stored in advance. The layout information includes information on the shape and size of the space, and information on the objects arranged in the space, such as desks and partitions, and the positions of the objects. For example, the information on the shape of the space is data obtained by converting a 3D model of the space to be analyzed into a point cloud by the finite volume method.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the space 10 in the building to which the control by the space state control system 1 is applied. FIG. 2 shows a view of the space 10 from above.

[0024] The figure shows an example in which sensors 200 for detecting state quantities within space 10 include a thermometer, a hygrometer, and an anemometer, and equipment 600 for creating the environment of space 10 includes an air conditioner, a circulator, a ventilation fan, and an air purifier. The figure also shows sensors 200 for detecting boundary conditions, including a door sensor for detecting the open / closed state of a door and a window sensor for detecting the open / closed state of a window. Both the door sensor and the window sensor can detect not only whether they are open or closed, but also the amount of opening or closing. The detection information detected by the sensors 200 and the operating information of the equipment 600 are transmitted to the space state control device 500 via the network.

[0025] Furthermore, the memory unit 105 stores ensemble information, which is a set of initial conditions necessary for the simulation. Ensemble information represents the state variables that space 10 can take before the system is put into operation, and consists of multiple patterns in which the temperature, humidity, wind speed, etc., of space 10 differ slightly. For example, the memory unit 105 stores ensemble information consisting of 20 patterns. The initial temperature distribution, humidity distribution, or wind speed distribution may be uniform. The initial temperature may be appropriately selected from 0°C to 40°C. The initial wind speed may be 0 m / s.

[0026] The spatial state control device 500 simulates the space 10 based on various information stored in the memory unit 105, detection information acquired from the sensor 200, and IoT data acquired from the external information source 320, and predicts the state quantities of the space 10. Furthermore, the spatial state control device 500 evaluates the predicted state quantities of the space 10 based on the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by the simulation and the target state quantities of the space 10 acquired from the information terminal 310, and then controls the operation of the equipment 600.

[0027] Figure 3 shows the computer 100 that constitutes the spatial state control device 500 included in the spatial state control system 1.

[0028] The computer 100 includes an input unit 101, an arithmetic circuit 102, a memory 103, an output unit 104, a storage unit 105, a database 106, and a communication unit 107.

[0029] The communication unit 107 communicates wirelessly or via wired connection with the sensor 200, device 600, information terminal 310, and external information source 320 via the network. The wireless communication method may be Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, or ZigBee®, or any other method.

[0030] The input unit 101 functions as a Human Machine Interface (HMI) that accepts user input operations, and includes, for example, a keyboard, mouse, touch sensor, and touchpad. Some of the layout information of space 10 may be input to the computer 100 via the input unit 101.

[0031] The output unit 104 has a display that shows images or characters, and the display may be, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display. The output unit 104 may also have a printer for printing images or characters, and may have a function for storing data output from the arithmetic circuit 102 in file format in the storage unit 105.

[0032] The memory unit 105 stores a program (i.e., a computer program) 105a that describes each instruction to the arithmetic circuit 102. The program 105a is stored in the memory unit 105, for example, via removable media or a network. Removable media include, for example, a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) or flash memory. For this reason, the communication unit 107 may be provided with an interface for reading the program 105a from the removable media.

[0033] Furthermore, the memory unit 105 stores simulation software for performing numerical analysis. Examples of simulation software include CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) or BIM (Building Information Modeling).

[0034] Furthermore, the memory unit 105 stores each temporary data 105b that is temporarily generated by the processing of the arithmetic circuit 102. Such a memory unit 105 is a non-volatile recording medium, such as a magnetic storage device like a hard disk, an optical disk, or a semiconductor memory. In this embodiment, the memory unit 105 stores layout information and ensemble information of space 10. In addition, during the calculation process, the memory unit 105 stores information such as boundary conditions, state variables of space 10, and operating conditions of the equipment.

[0035] The program 105a, read and expanded by the arithmetic circuit 102, is temporarily stored in memory 103. Such memory 103 is, for example, volatile RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0036] The arithmetic circuit 102 is a circuit that executes the program 105a loaded into the memory 103, and is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). When executing the program 105a, the arithmetic circuit 102 may use the temporary data 105b stored in the memory unit 105.

[0037] The arithmetic circuit 102 is a circuit for realizing the functions of the spatial state control device 500. The arithmetic circuit 102 uses simulation software to simulate space 10 and predicts the state quantities of space 10. Furthermore, the arithmetic circuit 102 generates control commands for controlling the equipment 600 based on the predicted state quantities of space 10 and the target state quantities of space 10. The configuration and operation of the spatial state control device 500 will be described below.

[0038] [Configuration and Operation of Spatial State Control Device] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the spatial state control device 500.

[0039] As shown in Figure 4, the spatial state control device 500 includes an assimilation processing unit 501 that performs data assimilation to improve simulation accuracy, and a prediction control unit 502 that predicts the state quantities of the space 10 and performs optimal control of the equipment 600.

[0040] The assimilation processing unit 501 is composed of a first simulation execution unit 510 and an assimilation unit 520. The prediction control unit 502 is composed of a second simulation execution unit 530 and a control unit 540. The first simulation execution unit 510 and the second simulation execution unit 530 may be composed of a simulator consisting of a single simulation execution unit. These functional configurations of the spatial state control device 500 are realized by executing a program 105a stored in the memory 103.

[0041] Figure 5 shows the operation of the assimilation processing unit 501 included in the spatial state control device 500.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5(a), the first simulation execution unit 510 receives information regarding the layout of space 10, boundary conditions, ensemble information indicating the state quantities of space 10, the initial operating conditions of the equipment 600, and meteorological data. The layout information and ensemble information of space 10 are information pre-stored in the storage unit 105. The boundary conditions are obtained based on detection information detected by the sensor 200. The initial operating conditions of the equipment 600 are operating information transmitted from the equipment 600. The meteorological data is information obtained from the external information source 320. If boundary conditions, initial operating conditions of the equipment 600, and meteorological data cannot be obtained, temporary information pre-stored in the storage unit 105 may be used.

[0043] The first simulation execution unit 510 performs a simulation of space 10 based on the state variables of space 10 at a first time, the operating conditions of the equipment 600, the layout information of space 10, boundary conditions, and meteorological data, and outputs the state variables of space 10 at a second time. The first time is the time when the simulation starts in the first simulation execution unit 510. The second time is the processing time of the first simulation execution unit 510, and is a time later than the first time. For example, the second time is 0.1 seconds later than the first time. The state variables of space 10 are, for example, the temperature distribution, humidity distribution, and wind speed distribution of space 10. The simulation is performed by analysis (unsteady-state analysis) utilizing CFD, etc., as described above.

[0044] The first simulation execution unit 510 performs multiple simulation patterns based on ensemble information. That is, the first simulation execution unit 510 performs multiple simulation patterns using multiple state quantities of space 10 in the first time, and outputs multiple state quantities of space 10 in the second time. In this example, a simulation is performed for each of the 20 patterns of ensemble information. This process may be sequential or parallel.

[0045] The processing by the first simulation execution unit 510 continues until detection information from the sensor 200 necessary for data assimilation is acquired. The detection information from the sensor 200 is information from thermometers, hygrometers, anemometers, etc., installed in the space 10. For example, if the sampling time of the sensor 200 is 1 second, and the processing continuously executed by the first simulation execution unit 510 is 0.1 seconds × 10 times, the second time will be 1 second after the first time. If the simulation is a steady-state analysis rather than a transient analysis, the second time will be when the steady state is reached.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5(b), once the state quantities of space 10 in the second time period are acquired and the detection information from the sensor 200 is acquired, the assimilation unit 520 performs data assimilation related to the simulation.

[0047] The assimilation unit 520 modifies the state quantities of space 10 by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of space 10 in the second time period and the detection information from the sensor 200, and outputs the modified state quantities of space 10. Since the first simulation execution unit 510 outputs multiple state quantities of space 10, the data assimilation process is also performed for each of the multiple state quantities of space 10. This process may be sequential or parallel. Through this data assimilation, the state quantities of space 10 output from the first simulation execution unit 510 are modified and output to be closer to reality.

[0048] Furthermore, the detection information from sensor 200 is not limited to information from thermometers, hygrometers, anemometers, etc., installed in space 10; detection information from sensor 200 used to indicate boundary conditions may also be used. In addition, information detected by device 600 may also be used.

[0049] The corrected state variables of space 10 are output to the first simulation execution unit 510 or the second simulation execution unit 530 of the prediction control unit 502.

[0050] As shown in Figures 5(c) and 5(d), the processing by the first simulation execution unit 510 and the assimilation unit 520 is repeatedly performed in this order.

[0051] In the processing of the first simulation execution unit 510, which is executed from the second time onward, the corrected state quantity of space 10 output from the assimilation unit 520 is used as the state quantity of space 10 in the first time period from the second time onward. That is, the first simulation execution unit 510 uses the corrected state quantity of space 10, etc., as the state quantity of space 10 in the first time period, performs a simulation of space 10, and outputs a new state quantity of space 10 in the second time period. The assimilation unit 520 then corrects the state quantity of space 10 by performing data assimilation using the new state quantity of space 10 in the second time period and the detection information from the sensor 200, and outputs the corrected state quantity of space 10.

[0052] The iterative processing by the first simulation execution unit 510 and the assimilation unit 520 is performed until the accuracy of the simulation reaches a sufficient level. Specifically, this iterative processing is performed for a predetermined period of time or until a predetermined number of iterations are reached. After this iterative processing is performed, the corrected state quantities of space 10 output from the assimilation unit 520 are output to the second simulation execution unit 530 of the prediction control unit 502. The second simulation execution unit 530 performs a new simulation based on the corrected state quantities of space 10 output from the assimilation unit 520.

[0053] Figure 6 shows the operation of the prediction control unit 502 included in the spatial state control device 500.

[0054] As shown in Figure 6(a), the second simulation execution unit 530 receives information regarding the layout of space 10, boundary conditions, the modified state variables of space 10, the operating conditions of the equipment 600, and meteorological data. The layout information of space 10 is information pre-stored in the storage unit 105. The boundary conditions are obtained based on detection information detected by the sensor 200 when processing is performed by the second simulation execution unit 530. The meteorological data is information obtained from the external information source 320.

[0055] The modified state variables of the space 10 input to the second simulation execution unit 530 are the average of multiple state variables output from the assimilation unit 520. In this case, the multiple state variables are averaged for each temperature distribution, humidity distribution, and wind speed distribution. Furthermore, the operating conditions of the equipment 600 in the first processing of the second simulation execution unit 530 are the operating conditions prepared for performing a new simulation.

[0056] The second simulation execution unit 530 performs a new simulation of space 10 using the modified state variables of space 10, the operating conditions of the equipment 600 for the new simulation, the layout information of space 10, boundary conditions, and meteorological data. The second simulation execution unit 530 then outputs the time-series state variables of space 10 predicted by the simulation. The time-series state variables of space 10 are the state variables of space 10 consisting of time-series data from the start of the simulation to a predetermined time in advance. For example, the state variables of space 10 are output in time series for temperature distribution, humidity distribution, and wind speed distribution. These time-series state variables of space 10 become the state variables of space 10 predicted by the space state control device 500.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6(b), the control unit 540 determines the quality of the predicted state of space 10 based on the state of space 10 in the time series and the state of space 10 as a target. The state of space 10 as a target is, for example, a state where space 10 is zoned and each zone has a different temperature, or a state where the temperature is set according to the location where people are located, or a state with some kind of temperature distribution. The state of space 10 as a target is transmitted from the information terminal 310. The control unit 540 may determine the quality of the predicted state of space 10 by comparing the state of space 10 at the final time, which is the end of the time series, with the target state. The control unit 540 may also determine the quality of the predicted state of space 10 by comparing the state of space 10 at a predetermined time in the middle of the time series with the target state.

[0058] If the predicted state quantity of space 10 is not within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of space 10, the control unit 540 modifies the operating conditions of the device 600 so that the next predicted state quantity of space 10 approaches the target state quantity of space 10. The control unit 540 then outputs the modified operating conditions of the device 600 to the second simulation execution unit 530.

[0059] As shown in Figures 6(c) and 6(d), the processing by the second simulation execution unit 530 and the control unit 540 is repeatedly executed in this order.

[0060] In the processing of the second simulation execution unit 530, which is executed from the second time onward, the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600 output from the control unit 540 are used as the operating conditions of the equipment 600 from the second time onward. That is, the second simulation execution unit 530 performs a simulation of space 10 using the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600 and the modified state variables of space 10, and outputs a new time-series of state variables of space 10. These new time-series of state variables of space 10 become the newly predicted state variables of space 10. The control unit 540 compares the newly predicted state variables of space 10 with the target state variables of space 10.

[0061] The control unit 540 controls the operation of the equipment 600 based on the operating conditions of the equipment 600 corresponding to the predicted state quantity of space 10, if the predicted state quantity of space 10 falls within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of space 10. The iterative processing by the second simulation execution unit 530 and the control unit 540 is performed until the predicted state quantity of space 10 falls within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of space 10. The iterative processing by the second simulation execution unit 530 and the control unit 540 may be performed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed, until a predetermined number of iterations have been reached, or until the time rate of change of the predicted state quantity of space 10 falls below a predetermined value.

[0062] In this way, by performing simulation and data assimilation of the space 10 using the state quantities of the space 10 within the building and the operating conditions of the equipment 600, and further controlling the operation of the equipment 600 based on the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by the simulation after data assimilation, the state quantities of the space 10 within the building where the equipment 600 is installed can be controlled.

[0063] [Spatial State Control Method] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a spatial state control method in an embodiment.

[0064] First, initial data for the simulation is set in the spatial state control device 500 (step S10). The initial data includes layout information of space 10, boundary conditions, ensemble information indicating the state variables of space 10, initial operating conditions of the equipment 600, and information regarding meteorological data.

[0065] Next, the first simulation execution unit 510 performs a simulation of space 10 (step S11). The first simulation execution unit 510 performs a simulation of space 10 using the state variables of space 10 inside the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 installed in the building, and outputs the state variables of space 10 at a second time, which is a time later than the first time.

[0066] Next, data assimilation is performed in the assimilation unit 520 (step S12). The assimilation unit 520 corrects the state quantities of space 10 by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of space 10 in the second time period and the detection information from the sensors 200 installed in the building, and outputs the corrected state quantities of space 10. Note that data assimilation by the assimilation unit 520 is performed only when detection information from the sensors 200 has been acquired. If detection information from the sensors 200 has not been acquired, the simulation in step S11 continues to be performed.

[0067] Steps S11 and S12 are executed repeatedly in this order. In step S11 executed from the second time onward, the modified state quantity of space 10 is used as the state quantity of space 10 in the first time step.

[0068] Next, the assimilation processing unit 501 determines whether the assimilation process has been sufficiently performed (step S13). Whether the assimilation process has been sufficiently performed is determined, for example, by whether the processing by the first simulation execution unit 510 and the assimilation unit 520 has been performed for a predetermined period of time, or whether it has been performed for a predetermined number of repetitions.

[0069] If it is determined that data assimilation has not been sufficiently performed (No in S13), the process returns to step S11, and the first simulation execution unit 510 performs processing using the corrected state variables of space 10. If it is determined that data assimilation has been sufficiently performed (Yes in S13), the process proceeds to the next step.

[0070] In the next step, the second simulation execution unit 530 performs a simulation of space 10 (step S14). The second simulation execution unit 530 performs the simulation using the modified state variables of space 10 and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 when performing the new simulation, and outputs the time-series state variables of space 10 predicted by the simulation. Through these steps S10 to S14, the spatial state inside the building is predicted.

[0071] Next, the control unit 540 determines whether the predicted state quantities of space 10 are good or bad based on the time-series state quantities of space 10 and the target state quantities of space 10 (step S15). The quality of the predicted state quantities of space 10 is determined by whether or not the predicted state quantities of space 10 fall within the acceptable range of the target state quantities of space 10.

[0072] If the predicted state quantity of space 10 is not within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of space 10 (No in step S15), the control unit 540 modifies the operating conditions of the equipment 600 so that the next predicted state quantity of space 10 approaches the target state quantity of space 10 (step S16). The modified operating conditions of the equipment 600 are output to the second simulation execution unit 530. In this case, the process returns to step S14, and the processing by the second simulation execution unit 530 is performed using the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600. In other words, in step S14 executed from the second time onward, the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600 are used as the operating conditions of the equipment 600.

[0073] If the predicted state quantity of space 10 falls within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of space 10 (Yes in step S15), the control unit 540 controls the operation of the equipment 600 based on the operating conditions of the equipment 600 corresponding to the predicted state quantity of space 10 (step S17). These steps S10 to S17 control the state quantity of space 10 within the building.

[0074] (summary) The spatial state control method in this embodiment includes: a first step of simulating the space 10 using the state quantities of the space 10 inside the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 installed in the building, and outputting the state quantities of the space 10 at a second time, which is a time later than the first time; a second step of correcting the state quantities of the space 10 by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of the space 10 at the second time and the detection information of the sensor 200 installed in the building, and outputting the corrected state quantities of the space 10; a third step of performing the simulation using the corrected state quantities of the space 10 and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 when performing the new simulation, and outputting the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by the simulation; and a fourth step of controlling the operation of the equipment 600 based on the predicted state quantities of the space 10 and the target state quantities of the space 10.

[0075] In this way, by performing simulation and data assimilation of the space 10 using the state quantities of the space 10 within the building and the operating conditions of the equipment 600, and by controlling the operation of the equipment 600 based on the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by the simulation after data assimilation, the state quantities of the space 10 within the building where the equipment 600 is installed can be controlled.

[0076] Furthermore, the first and second steps are repeated in this order. In the first step performed from the second time onward, the modified state quantity of space 10 may be used as the state quantity of space 10 at the first time.

[0077] In this way, by repeatedly performing the first and second steps, the accuracy of the simulation can be improved. This makes it possible to accurately predict and control the state quantities of the space 10 within the building where the equipment 600 is installed.

[0078] Furthermore, in the fourth step, if the predicted state quantities of space 10 fall within the acceptable range of the target state quantities of space 10, the operation of the equipment 600 may be controlled based on the operating conditions of the equipment 600 corresponding to the predicted state quantities of space 10.

[0079] According to this, the state quantities of space 10 within the building can be controlled so that they become the target state quantities of space 10.

[0080] Furthermore, in the fourth step, if the predicted state quantities of space 10 are not within the acceptable range of the target state quantities of space 10, the operating conditions of the equipment 600 are modified, and the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600 are output. The third step and the fourth step described above are repeated in this order. In the third step, which is executed for the second time or later, the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600 may be used as the operating conditions of the equipment 600.

[0081] In this way, by repeatedly performing the third step and the fourth step described above, the operating conditions of the equipment 600 can be optimized. This makes it possible to accurately predict and control the state quantities of the space 10 within the building where the equipment 600 is installed.

[0082] Furthermore, the state variables of space 10 may include at least one of the temperature distribution, humidity distribution, and wind speed distribution of space 10.

[0083] According to this, it is possible to control at least one of the temperature distribution, humidity distribution, and wind speed distribution of the space 10 inside the building.

[0084] Furthermore, the operating conditions of the equipment 600 may include at least one of the temperature, humidity, airflow rate, and airflow direction of the air supplied from the air conditioning equipment.

[0085] According to this, it is possible to accurately predict and control the state of the space 10 inside the building using at least one of the air temperature, humidity, airflow rate, and airflow direction of the air conditioning equipment.

[0086] Furthermore, in the first step, a simulation of space 10 is performed using boundary conditions that include at least one of the open / closed state of doors and the open / closed state of windows installed in the building, and in the third step, the simulation may be performed using new boundary conditions for the simulation.

[0087] According to this, the state quantities of the space 10 within the building can be accurately predicted and controlled using the boundary conditions described above.

[0088] Furthermore, in the first step, a simulation of space 10 may be performed using meteorological data, and in the third step, the simulation may be performed again using the meteorological data used for the new simulation.

[0089] According to this, weather data can be used to accurately predict and control the state quantities of the space 10 within a building.

[0090] The spatial state prediction method in this embodiment includes: a first step of simulating the space 10 using the state quantities of the space 10 inside the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 installed in the building, and outputting the state quantities of the space 10 at a second time, which is later than the first time; a second step of correcting the state quantities of the space 10 by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of the space 10 at the second time and the detection information of the sensor 200 installed in the building, and outputting the corrected state quantities of the space 10; and a third step of performing the simulation using the corrected state quantities of the space 10 and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 when performing the new simulation, and outputting the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by the simulation.

[0091] In this way, by performing simulation and data assimilation of the space 10 using the state quantities of the space 10 within the building and the operating conditions of the equipment 600, and by obtaining the predicted state quantities of the space 10 from the simulation after data assimilation, it is possible to predict the state quantities of the space 10 within the building where the equipment 600 is installed.

[0092] The spatial state control system 1 in this embodiment includes: a first simulation execution unit 510 that simulates the space 10 using the state quantities of the space 10 inside the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 installed in the building, and outputs the state quantities of the space 10 at a second time, which is a time later than the first time; an assimilation unit 520 that modifies the state quantities of the space 10 by performing data assimilation using the state quantities of the space 10 at the second time and detection information from the sensor 200 installed in the building, and outputs the modified state quantities of the space 10; a second simulation execution unit 530 that simulates the space 10 using the modified state quantities of the space 10 and the operating conditions of the equipment 600 when performing a new simulation, and outputs the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by the simulation; and a control unit 540 that controls the operation of the equipment 600 based on the predicted state quantities of the space 10 and the target state quantities of the space 10.

[0093] In this way, by performing simulation and data assimilation of the space 10 using the state quantities of the space 10 within the building and the operating conditions of the equipment 600, and by controlling the operation of the equipment 600 based on the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by the simulation after data assimilation, the state quantities of the space 10 within the building where the equipment 600 is installed can be controlled.

[0094] Furthermore, if the predicted state quantity of space 10 falls within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of space 10, the control unit 540 may control the operation of the equipment 600 based on the operating conditions of the equipment 600 corresponding to the predicted state quantity of space 10.

[0095] According to this, the state quantities of space 10 within the building can be controlled so that they become the target state quantities of space 10.

[0096] Furthermore, if the predicted state quantities of space 10 are not within the acceptable range of the target state quantities of space 10, the control unit 540 modifies the operating conditions of the equipment 600 and outputs the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600. The second simulation execution unit 530 may use the modified state quantities of space 10 and the modified operating conditions of the equipment 600 to output the state quantities of space 10 predicted by the simulation.

[0097] According to this, the state quantities of the space 10 predicted by simulation can be output with high accuracy using the operating conditions of the modified equipment 600. This makes it possible to accurately control the state quantities of the space 10 within the building where the equipment 600 is installed.

[0098] (Other embodiments) The spatial state control systems and the like described above have been explained based on each embodiment, but this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. As long as they do not deviate from the spirit of this disclosure, various modifications that a person skilled in the art could conceive of will be applied to each embodiment, and other forms constructed by combining some of the components of each embodiment are also included within the scope of this disclosure. [Industrial applicability]

[0099] The spatial state control method and the like described herein can be applied to controlling spatial state quantities such as temperature within a building by controlling the operating conditions of equipment installed in the building. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1. Spatial State Control System 10 Space 100 Computers 101 Input Section 102 Arithmetic circuit 103 memory 104 Output section 105 Storage section 105a Program 105b Temporary data 106 Databases 107 Communications Department 200 sensors 310 Information terminal 320 External sources 500 Spatial State Control Device 501 Assimilation Processing Unit 502 Prediction Control Unit 510 First Simulation Execution Unit 520 Assimilation section 530 Second Simulation Execution Unit 540 Control Unit 600 equipment

Claims

1. A first step involves simulating the space using the state quantities of the space within the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment installed in the building, and outputting the state quantities of the space at a second time, which is a time later than the first time. The second step involves performing data assimilation using the state quantity of the space at the second time and the detection information from sensors installed in the building, thereby correcting the state quantity of the space and outputting the corrected state quantity of the space. A third step involves performing the simulation using the modified spatial state variables and the operating conditions of the equipment when performing the new simulation, and outputting the spatial state variables predicted by the simulation. A fourth step of controlling the operation of the equipment based on the predicted state quantities of the space and the target state quantities of the space, A spatial state control method including the following.

2. The first and second steps are repeated in this order. In the first step, which is performed a second time or later, the modified spatial state quantity is used as the spatial state quantity in the first time. The spatial state control method according to claim 1.

3. In the fourth step, if the predicted state quantity of the space falls within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of the space, the operation of the equipment is controlled based on the operating conditions of the equipment corresponding to the predicted state quantity of the space. The spatial state control method according to claim 1.

4. In the fourth step, if the predicted state quantity of the space is not within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of the space, the operating conditions of the equipment are modified, and the modified operating conditions of the equipment are output. The third and fourth steps described above are repeated in this order. In the third step, which is performed for the second time or later, the modified operating conditions of the equipment are used as the operating conditions of the equipment. A method for controlling spatial states according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The state quantity of the space includes at least one of the temperature distribution, humidity distribution, and wind speed distribution of the space. A method for controlling spatial states according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The operating conditions of the aforementioned equipment include at least one of the temperature, humidity, airflow rate, and airflow direction of the air supplied from the air conditioning equipment. A method for controlling spatial states according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. In the first step, the space is further simulated using boundary conditions that include at least one of the open / closed state of doors and the open / closed state of windows provided in the building. In the third step, the simulation is further performed using the new boundary conditions for the simulation. A method for controlling spatial states according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. In the first step described above, a simulation of the space is further performed using meteorological data. In the third step, the simulation is further performed using the weather data used when conducting the new simulation. A method for controlling spatial states according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A first step involves simulating the space using the state quantities of the space within the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment installed in the building, and outputting the state quantities of the space at a second time, which is a time later than the first time. The second step involves performing data assimilation using the state quantity of the space at the second time and the detection information from sensors installed in the building, thereby correcting the state quantity of the space and outputting the corrected state quantity of the space. A third step involves performing the simulation using the modified spatial state variables and the operating conditions of the equipment when performing the new simulation, and outputting the spatial state variables predicted by the simulation. A spatial state prediction method that includes [specific details].

10. A first simulation execution unit performs a simulation of the space using the state quantities of the space inside the building at a first time and the operating conditions of the equipment installed in the building, and outputs the state quantities of the space at a second time, which is a time later than the first time. The assimilation unit performs data assimilation using the state quantity of the space at the second time and the detection information from sensors installed in the building, thereby correcting the state quantity of the space and outputting the corrected state quantity of the space. A second simulation execution unit performs a simulation of the space using the modified spatial state variables and the operating conditions of the equipment when performing the new simulation, and outputs the spatial state variables predicted by the simulation. A control unit controls the operation of the equipment based on the predicted state quantities of the space and the target state quantities of the space, A spatial state control system equipped with the following features.

11. The control unit controls the operation of the equipment based on the operating conditions of the equipment corresponding to the predicted state quantity of the space, if the predicted state quantity of the space falls within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of the space. The spatial state control system according to claim 10.

12. If the predicted state quantity of the space does not fall within the acceptable range of the target state quantity of the space, the control unit modifies the operating conditions of the equipment and outputs the modified operating conditions of the equipment. The second simulation execution unit outputs the predicted spatial state quantities from the simulation, using the modified spatial state quantities and the modified equipment operating conditions. The spatial state control system according to claim 10 or 11.

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