Design method and program

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to improve the comfortableness of a space. In the present invention, in a first acquisition step, model data of a space is acquired. In a second acquisition step, user information is acquired. The user information refers to information relating to a predicted average warm / cold feeling statement of a user in the space. In a third acquisition step, candidate information indicating a candidate for an installation position is acquired. In an analysis step, on the basis of the model data and the user information, a distribution of the user's predicted average warm-cold feeling statements is analyzed, with respect to the space if air-conditioning equipment is installed at the candidate, In a determination step, if the distribution of the user's predicted average warm-cold feeling statements when in the space satisfies a predetermined condition, the candidate is determined as the installation position.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a design method and a program, and more particularly, to a design method and a program for determining an installation position of air conditioning equipment.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for proposing an installation position of an air conditioner (air conditioning equipment) to a user. That is, the air conditioner purchase support system described in Patent Document 1 includes a search means, a data output means, a desired position input means, and an appropriateness information transmission means. The search means searches for installation suitability position information for the installation room information of the user regarding the installation of the air conditioner. The data output means sends the installation suitability position information data searched by the search means to the user. The desired position input means prompts the user to input the installation position desired by the user when the user is not satisfied with the result of the installation suitability position data of the air conditioner presented to the user. The appropriateness information transmission means transmits, to the user, the installation suitability position data held in a database in advance and the appropriateness information data at that installation position held in the database in advance, based on the installation position data desired by the user input by the desired position input means.

[0003] In the air conditioner purchase support system described in Patent Document 1, with the above configuration, it is possible to improve the comfort of the space.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a design method and a program capable of further improving the comfort of a space.

[0006] A design method according to one aspect of this disclosure is a design method for determining an installation location in a space. The installation location is the location where the air conditioning equipment will be installed. The design method comprises a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, a third acquisition step, an analysis step, and a determination step. In the first acquisition step, model data of the space is acquired. In the second acquisition step, user information is acquired. The user information is information relating to the user's expected average thermal comfort report in the space. In the third acquisition step, candidate information indicating candidate installation locations is acquired. In the analysis step, the distribution of the user's expected average thermal comfort report in the space when the air conditioning equipment is installed at the candidate location is analyzed based on the model data and the user information. In the determination step, if the distribution of the user's expected average thermal comfort report in the space satisfies predetermined conditions, the candidate location is determined as the installation location. The candidate information includes area information indicating one or more areas included in the space. In the design method, multiple locations within the one or more areas are each designated as candidates.

[0007] A program according to one aspect of this disclosure is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing a design method according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating the details of the process for determining the installation location in the design method described above. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a design system that embodies the design method described above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows model data representing the space to which the above design method is applied. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the PMV distribution obtained by the design method described above. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph showing the comfort rate obtained using the same design method as described above. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows model data representing the space to which the above design method is applied. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows model data representing the space to which the design method related to Modification Example 1 is applied. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The design method according to the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments described below are only one of many embodiments of this disclosure. The embodiments described below can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure are achieved. In addition, the figures described in the embodiments below are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in the figures do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios.

[0010] (Embodiment) (overview) The design method of this embodiment is a method for determining the installation location of air conditioning equipment. In particular, the above design method is a method for determining the installation location of air conditioning equipment in order to improve the comfort of space 4 (see Figure 4) that will be air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment, using the predicted mean vote (PMV) of space 4 as an indicator.

[0011] In this embodiment, as an example, we will describe the case where the air conditioning equipment is an air conditioner.

[0012] Space 4 is at least a part of the facility, and examples of facilities include residences, office buildings, factories, mixed-use commercial facilities, libraries, art galleries, museums, amusement facilities, airports, train stations, hotels, nursing homes, and hospitals. The facility may also be a mobile entity such as a ship, train car, or aircraft.

[0013] The design method of this embodiment is a design method for determining the installation location in space 4. The installation location is the location where the air conditioning equipment will be installed. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the design method has a first acquisition step (step ST1), a second acquisition step (step ST2), a third acquisition step (step ST4), an analysis step (step ST23), and a determination step (step ST25). In the first acquisition step (step ST1), model data M1 of space 4 (see Figure 3) is acquired. Figure 4 is an example of model data M1 of space 4. In the second acquisition step (step ST2), user information is acquired. The user information is information related to the user's expected average thermal comfort report in space 4. In the third acquisition step (step ST4), candidate information indicating candidate installation locations is acquired. In the analysis step (step ST23), the distribution of the user's expected average thermal comfort report in space 4 when air conditioning equipment is installed at the candidate location is analyzed based on the model data M1 and user information. In the decision step (step ST25), if the distribution of the user's expected average thermal sensation report in space 4 satisfies the predetermined conditions, the candidate is selected as the installation location.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the installation location of the air conditioning equipment can be determined according to the distribution of PMV (Predicted Mean Thermal Comfort Report). This makes it possible to improve the comfort of the space 4. By referring to the PMV distribution (hereinafter referred to as the PMV distribution), an installation location suitable for the characteristics of each user can be determined. In this disclosure, "user" refers to the person who is referenced as an indicator when PMV is calculated.

[0015] The flowcharts shown in Figures 1 and 2 are merely examples of the design method relating to this disclosure, and the order of processing may be changed as appropriate, or processing may be added or omitted as appropriate.

[0016] Further, the design method can be implemented by a program. The program according to this embodiment is a program for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method according to this embodiment. The program may be recorded on a non-temporary recording medium readable by the computer system.

[0017] (Details) (1) Overall Configuration Hereinafter, the design method of this embodiment will be described in more detail. The design method of this embodiment is executed by the design system 1 shown in FIG. 3. The design system 1 includes a computer system having one or more processors and a memory. By a processor of the computer system executing a program recorded in the memory of the computer system, at least some functions as the execution entity of the design system 1 and the design method are realized. The program may be recorded in the memory, may be provided through an electric communication line such as the Internet, or may be provided recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card.

[0018] The computer system of the design system 1 is, for example, a personal computer, a server computer, or a tablet terminal.

[0019] The design system 1 includes a processing unit 2, an input IF (interface) 31, an output IF (interface) 32, and a storage unit 33. The processing unit 2 includes the above-mentioned processor.

[0020] The processing unit 2 has a first acquisition unit 21, a second acquisition unit 22, a third acquisition unit 23, a fourth acquisition unit 24, a fifth acquisition unit 25, an analysis unit 26, a determination unit 27, and a setting unit 28. These only indicate the functions realized by the processing unit 2 and do not necessarily indicate a physical configuration.

[0021] The input IF31 includes, for example, a pointing device such as a mouse or touch panel. The input IF31 accepts human input. The person operating the input IF31 may be the user or another person. In this embodiment, the explanation will assume that the user operates the input IF31.

[0022] Output IF32 includes, for example, a display. Output IF32 presents information. More specifically, Output IF32 presents information visually. In other words, Output IF32 displays information. Furthermore, Output IF32 may also present information by sound (which may include speech).

[0023] The memory unit 33 stores information. For example, the memory unit 33 stores model data M1 of space 4.

[0024] (2) Model data The first acquisition unit 21 acquires model data M1 of space 4. For example, the first acquisition unit 21 acquires model data M1 stored in the storage unit 33. For another example, the first acquisition unit 21 acquires model data M1 from an external device (such as a data server) of the design system 1. The model data M1 is, for example, 3D model data such as BIM (Building Information Modeling) data.

[0025] (3) User information The second acquisition unit 22 acquires user information. User information is information related to the user's PMV (Expected Mean Thermal Value) in space 4. User information is used when the design system 1 calculates the PMV. For example, user information is input to input IF31 through user operations on input IF31, and the second acquisition unit 22 acquires user information from input IF31.

[0026] User information includes, for example, information about the user's metabolic equivalent and information about the user's clothing load.

[0027] A user's metabolic equivalent is determined by their activity level, etc. In other words, a user's metabolic equivalent is determined by the activities they perform in space 4. These activities include, for example, sitting, walking, sleeping, and various sports. Therefore, input IF31 receives, for example, the activities the user performs in space 4. As a more detailed example, output IF32 displays a list of activities, and the user selects an activity from the list. The memory unit 33 stores information showing the relationship between the activity and the metabolic equivalent. This information is, for example, a data table. The design system 1 calculates the metabolic equivalent from the activity selected by the user by referring to the information showing the relationship between the activity and the metabolic equivalent.

[0028] The amount of clothing a user is wearing (clo value) is determined by the type of clothing the user is wearing, etc. Furthermore, if the user is sleeping, the amount of clothing the user is wearing is determined by the type of clothing the user is wearing and the type of bedding the user is using, etc. Therefore, input IF31 is input, for example, the type of clothing the user is wearing and the type of bedding the user is using. As a more detailed example, output IF32 displays a list of clothing types and bedding types, and the user selects the clothing to wear and the bedding to use from the list. In addition, storage unit 33 stores information showing the relationship between each type of clothing and bedding and the amount of clothing worn. This information showing the relationship between each type of clothing and bedding and the amount of clothing worn is, for example, a data table and a calculation formula. Design system 1 refers to the information showing the relationship between each type of clothing and bedding and the amount of clothing worn, and calculates the amount of clothing worn from the types of clothing and bedding selected by the user.

[0029] The user selects clothing for each part of their body. For example, for upper body clothing, options might include long-sleeved shirt, short-sleeved shirt, tank top, and no clothing. For lower body clothing, options might include long pants, shorts, and no clothing.

[0030] Furthermore, users select the bedding they will use, for example, within each major category of bedding. For instance, for bedding that covers the body from above (duvets), options are presented such as towel blankets, thin blankets, down comforters, regular blankets, other bedding, and no bedding. For bedding placed beneath the body, options are presented such as futons, mattresses, and other bedding.

[0031] Furthermore, when the user is asleep, the amount of clothing the user is wearing is determined not only by the type of clothes the user is wearing and the type of bedding the user is using, but also by the parts of the body covered by the bedding and the user's sleeping position. The user also selects the parts of the body covered by the bedding and their sleeping position. For example, as options for the parts of the body covered by the bedding (duvet) that covers the body from above, options are presented as below the face, below the chest, and only the abdomen. As options for sleeping position, options are presented as lying on your back, lying on your side, and lying on your stomach.

[0032] For each answer to the choices regarding clothing and bedding, the amount of clothing and bedding worn is stored in the memory unit 33. The amount of clothing and bedding worn is determined in advance, for example, by measuring the amount of heat generated using a thermal mannequin.

[0033] Regarding the selection of body parts covered by the bedding (quilt) that covers the body from above, a first coefficient multiplied by the amount of clothing worn by the bedding is stored in the memory unit 33. The larger the area of ​​the body covered by the bedding, the larger the first coefficient. Regarding the selection of sleeping positions, a second coefficient multiplied by the amount of clothing worn by the bedding placed beneath the body is stored in the memory unit 33. The larger the contact area between the bedding and the user in a sleeping position, the larger the second coefficient.

[0034] Design System 1 calculates the user's clothing amount by summing the amounts of clothing from each response. Specifically, Design System 1 calculates the user's clothing amount at bedtime (CLO_TTL1) using [Equation 1]. [Mathematics 1] CLO_TTL1= CLO_TOP +CLO_DWN + CLO_UND + (BED_TOP × BED_HTW) + (BED_DWN × BED_POS) Here, CLO_TOP is the amount of clothing covering the upper body, and CLO_DWN is the amount of clothing covering the lower body. CLO_UND is the amount of underwear worn, which is a constant value regardless of user input, for example. BED_TOP is the amount of bedding covering the body from above, BED_HTW is the first coefficient mentioned above, BED_DWN is the amount of bedding placed under the body, and BED_POS is the second coefficient mentioned above.

[0035] As a specific example, design system 1 calculates the amount of clothing (CLO_TTL2) the user is wearing when awake (other than when sleeping) using [Equation 2]. [Math 2] CLO_TTL2= CLO_TOP +CLO_DWN + CLO_UND +CLO_AIR Here, CLO_AIR is the thermal resistance between the skin and the air. CLO_AIR is a constant value, for example, regardless of user input.

[0036] Furthermore, for bedding that covers the body from above, it is possible to select multiple bedding items as the answer. If multiple bedding items are selected as the answer, design system 1 will determine the user's clothing amount based on the amount of clothing in each piece of bedding. For example, in [Equation 1] and [Equation 2], BED_TOP (amount of clothing in bedding that covers the body from above) can be set to the sum of the clothing amounts in each piece of bedding.

[0037] (4) Candidate information The third acquisition unit 23 acquires candidate information. Candidate information is information indicating candidate installation locations. For example, candidate information is input to input IF31 through user operation on input IF31, and the third acquisition unit 23 acquires candidate information from input IF31.

[0038] Candidate information may include area information. Area information is information that indicates one or more areas contained in space 4. Design system 1 may consider multiple locations within one or more areas as candidates. In such cases, the user specifying one or more areas by operating input IF31 corresponds to inputting candidate information. As an example, the user inputs candidate information by setting the boundaries of one or more areas.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 4, two areas 51 and 52, indicated by area information, are illustrated. Area 51 contains three candidate installation locations 511, 512, and 513. Area 52 contains two candidate installation locations 521 and 522. Candidates 511, 512, and 513 are aligned along the first axis direction (X-axis direction) along the horizontal plane. Candidates 521 and 522 are aligned along the second axis direction (Y-axis direction) along the horizontal plane.

[0040] The positions of candidates 511, 512, and 513 are determined based on predetermined rules. For example, the positions of candidates 511, 512, and 513 are determined such that there is a fixed distance (e.g., 1 meter) between any two adjacent candidates. Similarly, the positions of candidates 521 and 522 are determined based on predetermined rules.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 7, one area 53 is illustrated, indicated by area information. Area 53 contains nine candidate installation locations 531 to 539. Candidates 531 to 539 are arranged on a single plane along the horizontal plane.

[0042] The position of each candidate 531 to 539 is determined based on a predetermined rule. For example, the position of each candidate 531 to 539 is determined such that the distance between two adjacent candidates in the X-axis direction is a constant distance (e.g., 1 meter), and the distance between two adjacent candidates in the Y-axis direction is a constant distance (e.g., 1 meter).

[0043] The number of candidates in each area 51, 52, and 53 is not limited to the numbers mentioned above. Each area may contain at least one candidate. Preferably, each area contains two or more candidates.

[0044] When determining the installation location for the air conditioning equipment, first, the PMV distribution of space 4 is calculated using one of the candidate locations as the installation location for the air conditioning equipment. Then, the PMV distribution of space 4 is calculated using another candidate location as the installation location for the air conditioning equipment. This process is performed for all candidates.

[0045] In the examples shown in Figure 4 and Figure 7, the multiple candidates within a single area are at discontinuous coordinates, but these multiple candidates may also be at consecutive coordinates. In other words, when determining the installation location of the air conditioning equipment, one may first determine the PMV distribution of space 4 by selecting one of the candidates within the area as the installation location for the air conditioning equipment, and then repeat the process of moving the installation location within the area by a unit distance (minimum distance) and determining the PMV distribution of space 4.

[0046] (5) Type information The fourth acquisition unit 24 acquires type information. The type information is information relating to the type of air conditioning equipment. For example, the type information is input to input IF31 by a user operation on input IF31, and the fourth acquisition unit 24 acquires the type information from input IF31. That is, in this embodiment Design method The system includes a type setting step that accepts user input for type information. The type information may include the model number of the air conditioning equipment, or it may include a broader classification than the model number, such as whether the air conditioning equipment is ceiling-mounted or wall-mounted.

[0047] The type information includes, for example, information for determining whether the air conditioning equipment is a wall-mounted type. Wall-mounted air conditioning equipment refers to air conditioning equipment installed on or near a wall, such as wall-mounted air conditioning equipment. As a more detailed example, output IF32 displays a list of air conditioning equipment types, and the user selects the type of air conditioning equipment to be installed from the list. In addition, storage unit 33 stores information indicating whether each type of air conditioning equipment corresponds to a wall-mounted type. The design system 1 determines whether the type of air conditioning equipment entered in input IF31 corresponds to a wall-mounted type by referring to the information stored in storage unit 33.

[0048] In this disclosure, "wall surface" refers to a surface that intersects with a horizontal plane. A vertical surface provided in a stepped portion of the recessed ceiling also falls under the category of "wall surface." Furthermore, air conditioning equipment embedded in the stepped portion of the recessed ceiling falls under the category of wall-mounted type.

[0049] Furthermore, air conditioning equipment that is embedded in the ceiling and can be installed away from or near a wall does not fall under the category of wall-mounted types.

[0050] (6) Target spatial information The fifth acquisition unit 25 acquires target space information. The target space information is information that defines the range of the target space 40 (see Figure 4). The target space 40 is the space on which the PMV is controlled. The target space 40 is a part of space 4. Space 4 is, for example, a room. For example, the shortest distance between each point in the target space 40 and the wall of the room is a predetermined distance (for example, 1 meter). Also, for example, the vertical distance between each point in the target space 40 and the floor of the room is within a predetermined range (for example, between 0.1 meters and 1.7 meters).

[0051] As an example, the target space information is input to input IF31 through user operations on input IF31, and the fifth acquisition unit 25 acquires the target space information from input IF31. As a more detailed example, the user inputs the target space information by setting the boundaries of the target space 40.

[0052] (7) Analysis section The analysis unit 26 analyzes the PMV distribution in space 4 when air conditioning equipment is installed at the candidate installation location, based on the model data M1 and user information.

[0053] More specifically, the analysis unit 26 first performs a spatial analysis of space 4 based on the model data M1, assuming that the air conditioning equipment is installed at the candidate installation location. The spatial analysis performed by the analysis unit 26 is a simulation using experimental design methods such as the Latin hypersquare method or the Monte Carlo method. As a result of the spatial analysis, environmental information is generated. The environmental information includes information on the temperature distribution, relative humidity, wind speed, and thermal radiation temperature of space 4. The wind speed information is, for example, the average wind speed or wind speed distribution in space 4. The thermal radiation temperature information is, for example, the average thermal radiation temperature or thermal radiation temperature distribution in space 4.

[0054] Next, the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution based on environmental information and user information. Here, since the environmental information includes information about the temperature distribution of space 4, the PMV values ​​for multiple locations within the same space 4 may be calculated as different values ​​due to differences in temperature, etc.

[0055] Preferably, the output IF32 displays the PMV distribution calculated by the analysis unit 26. The output IF32 displays the PMV distribution by color-coding each point in the 3D image representing space 4 according to the magnitude of the PMV, as shown in Figure 5, for example. Although Figure 5 is a black and white image, it is preferable to display the PMV distribution using a color image in practice.

[0056] (8) Decision Section The determination unit 27 refers to the PMV distribution obtained by the analysis unit 26. The determination unit 27 determines whether the PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions. The determination unit 27 confirms and outputs the installation location of the air conditioning equipment when the PMV distribution satisfies the predetermined conditions as the installation location determined by the determination unit 27.

[0057] As an example, the predetermined conditions include the condition that the proportion of the area within the predetermined target space 40 of space 4 where the PMV is within a predetermined range is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1 (see Figure 6). Generally, the closer the PMV is to 0, the more comfortable the user can be. Therefore, it is preferable that the predetermined range includes the point where PMV = 0. In this embodiment, the predetermined range is the range in which the absolute value of the PMV is less than or equal to a predetermined value. In this embodiment, the predetermined value is 0.5. That is, the predetermined range is the range of -0.5 or more and 0.5 or less.

[0058] The specified value is not limited to 0.5 and can be changed as appropriate; for example, it may be 1.0.

[0059] In the following, the proportion of the area in the target space 40 where the PMV is within a predetermined range will be referred to as the "comfort ratio." The comfort ratio may be calculated on a volume basis or on an area basis. When the comfort ratio is calculated on a volume basis, (comfort ratio) = 100 × (volume of the area where the PMV is within the predetermined range) / (volume of the target space 40).

[0060] Figure 6 shows the comfort rates corresponding to each candidate installation location for the air conditioning equipment. Baseline is the comfort rate calculated from the PMV distribution when the air conditioning equipment is not installed. Optimizations 1-5 are the comfort rates calculated from the PMV distribution when the air conditioning equipment is installed. Optimizations 1-5 correspond to different installation locations for the air conditioning equipment. For example, the analysis unit 26 calculates the first PMV distribution when the air conditioning equipment is installed at the first installation location, and the comfort rate calculated from the first PMV distribution is approximately 90% (see Optimization 1). Similarly, the analysis unit 26 calculates the second PMV distribution when the air conditioning equipment is installed at the second installation location, and the comfort rate calculated from the second PMV distribution is approximately 45% (see Optimization 2).

[0061] The threshold Th1 is, for example, 85%. In Figure 6, the comfort rate exceeds the threshold Th1 in each of the three optimizations: Optimization 1, 4, and 5. Therefore, for example, if the predetermined conditions include only the condition that the comfort rate is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1, the determination unit 27 confirms and outputs the three installation positions corresponding to Optimization 1, 4, and 5 as the installation positions determined by the determination unit 27.

[0062] Furthermore, the predetermined conditions may also include the condition that the installation location has the highest comfort rate among multiple candidate locations. In this case, the determination unit 27 confirms and outputs the installation location corresponding to Optimization 5 as the installation location determined by the determination unit 27.

[0063] (9) Settings section The setting unit 28 performs a user setting step in which it receives input regarding the range of space 4, user information, candidate information, and at least one of the predetermined conditions. More specifically, the range of space 4, user information, candidate information, and at least one of the predetermined conditions are input to input IF31 by the user's operation on input IF31, and the setting unit 28 sets the range of space 4, user information, candidate information, and at least one of the predetermined conditions in response to the input to input IF31.

[0064] Input regarding the range of space 4 includes, for example, specifying the entire range of space 4.

[0065] The inputs related to predetermined conditions include, for example, setting a threshold Th1 and specifying the range of the target space 40, at least one of these.

[0066] (10) Flowchart for determining the installation location Next, an example of a design procedure for determining the installation location of air conditioning equipment will be explained with reference to Figures 1 and 2. In the following explanation, we will assume that the predetermined conditions for determining the installation location are that "the comfort level is equal to or greater than the threshold Th1, and the installation location has the highest comfort level among multiple candidate locations."

[0067] (10.1) Various Inputs The first acquisition unit 21 acquires the model data M1 of space 4 (step ST1). As an example, the first acquisition unit 21 acquires the model data M1 stored in the storage unit 33.

[0068] The second acquisition unit 22 acquires user information (step ST2). For example, the user enters user information into input IF31, and the second acquisition unit 22 acquires the user information entered into input IF31.

[0069] The fourth acquisition unit 24 acquires type information (step ST3). For example, the user inputs type information into input IF31, and the fourth acquisition unit 24 acquires the type information entered into input IF31.

[0070] The third acquisition unit 23 acquires candidate information (step ST4). For example, the user inputs candidate information into input IF31, and the third acquisition unit 23 acquires the candidate information input into input IF31. Specifically, the user specifies one or more areas where the air conditioning equipment will be installed. The user specifies one or more areas, taking into consideration, for example, the aesthetics of space 4, design limitations, and the type of air conditioning equipment. Taking into consideration design limitations means, for example, that air conditioning equipment cannot be installed in locations where other components (piping, etc.) unrelated to the air conditioning equipment to be installed are installed or already installed, so the user specifies one or more areas avoiding such locations. Taking into consideration the type of air conditioning equipment means, for example, that if the air conditioning equipment is wall-mounted, the user specifies one or more areas along the wall, and if the air conditioning equipment is the type that is embedded in the stepped portion of the recessed ceiling, the user specifies one or more areas in the stepped portion.

[0071] Next, the design system 1 refers to the type information and determines whether the air conditioning equipment is a wall-mounted type (step ST5). As described above, the memory unit 33 stores information indicating whether each type of air conditioning equipment corresponds to a wall-mounted type. The design system 1 refers to the information stored in the memory unit 33 and determines whether the type of air conditioning equipment entered in input IF31 is a wall-mounted type.

[0072] First, let's explain the case where the type of air conditioning equipment is a wall-mounted type (when the determination in step ST5 is Yes).

[0073] The user enters whether wall optimization is required in input IF31 (step ST6). If the user indicates that wall optimization is required (if the determination in step ST7 is Yes), the process proceeds to step ST8. On the other hand, if the user indicates that wall optimization is not required (if the determination in step ST7 is No), area optimization is performed as described later (step ST12).

[0074] In step ST8, the user enters whether or not area optimization is required in input IF31. If the user indicates that area optimization is required (i.e., the determination in step ST9 is Yes), then wall optimization and area optimization are performed as described later (step ST11). On the other hand, if the user indicates that area optimization is not required (i.e., the determination in step ST9 is No), then wall optimization is performed as described later (step ST10).

[0075] Steps ST10, ST11, and ST12 are steps for determining the installation location. In steps ST10, ST11, and ST12, one or more candidate installation locations differ from each other, but other processes are common. The processes common to steps ST10, ST11, and ST12 will be explained with reference to Figure 2.

[0076] First, the design system 1 selects one candidate from one or more candidates (step ST21). Assuming that air conditioning equipment is installed in the selected candidate, the analysis unit 26 performs a spatial analysis (step ST22) and generates environmental information regarding the temperature distribution of space 4. Furthermore, the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution based on the environmental information and user information (step ST23).

[0077] Step ST24 determines whether the PMV distribution calculation for all candidates has been completed. If the number of candidates with one or more of the above characteristics is one, the calculation of the PMV distribution for all candidates is completed (Step ST24: No), and the process proceeds to Step ST25. If the number of candidates with one or more of the above characteristics is two or more, the determination in Step ST24 is Yes, and the process returns to Step ST21, where Design System 1 selects a candidate from the two or more candidates that has not yet been selected. Steps ST21 to ST24 are repeated until the calculation of the PMV distribution for all candidates is completed.

[0078] In step ST25, a candidate whose PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions is selected from among several candidates and determined as the installation location. Output IF32 displays the installation location determined in step ST25.

[0079] (10.2) Determining the installation location of wall-mounted air conditioning equipment As mentioned above, if the air conditioning equipment is a wall-mounted type (if the determination in step ST5 is Yes), one of steps ST10, ST11, or ST12 is performed. This determines the installation location of the air conditioning equipment. Below, we will explain assuming that, as shown in Figure 4, information specifying areas 51 and 52 is entered as candidate information in step ST4.

[0080] In step ST10 (Wall Surface Optimization), the wall surface whose PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions is selected as the installation location for the air conditioning equipment from among multiple wall surfaces. Specifically, the installation location for the air conditioning equipment is selected from the wall surfaces corresponding to area 51 and the wall surfaces corresponding to area 52. For example, the determination unit 27 selects candidate 512 as a representative location within area 51 and candidate 521 as a representative location within area 52. The analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution when the air conditioning equipment is installed at candidate 512 and the PMV distribution when the air conditioning equipment is installed at candidate 521. The determination unit 27 determines the installation location based on the PMV distributions of candidates 512 and 521, respectively. That is, the determination unit 27 selects the candidate from candidates 512 and 521 whose PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions as the installation location.

[0081] In other words, in wall optimization, the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution corresponding to each of the multiple areas, which are considered as candidate locations for installing the air conditioning equipment. The decision unit 27 refers to the PMV distribution corresponding to each candidate and selects the candidate that satisfies predetermined conditions as the installation location.

[0082] In step ST11 (Wall surface optimization and area optimization), the optimal wall surface for installing the air conditioning equipment is selected from among multiple wall surfaces, and within this wall surface, a location where the PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions is determined as the installation location for the air conditioning equipment. Specifically, the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution when the air conditioning equipment is installed for multiple candidates 511, 512, and 513 included in area 51, and multiple candidates 521 and 522 included in area 52. The determination unit 27 determines the installation location based on the PMV distribution of each candidate 511, 512, 513, 521, and 522. That is, the determination unit 27 selects the candidate from among candidates 511, 512, 513, 521, and 522 whose PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions as the installation location.

[0083] In other words, the combination of wall surface optimization and area optimization is performed as follows: Each of the multiple areas contains multiple candidates, and the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution corresponding to each candidate. The decision unit 27 refers to the PMV distribution corresponding to each candidate and selects the candidate that satisfies predetermined conditions as the installation location.

[0084] In step ST12 (Area Optimization), the installation location for the air conditioning equipment is determined within a specific wall surface (area) where the PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions. Specifically, first, the user selects one of areas 51 or 52 by operating input IF31. As a result, the design system 1 excludes one or more areas from the candidates according to the user's operation. Here, let's assume that area 51 is selected and area 52 is excluded from the candidates. Next, the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution for each of the multiple candidates 511, 512, and 513 included in area 51, assuming that the air conditioning equipment is installed there. The decision unit 27 determines the installation location based on the PMV distribution of each of the candidates 511, 512, and 513. That is, the decision unit 27 selects the candidate from among candidates 511, 512, and 513 whose PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions as the installation location.

[0085] In other words, in area optimization, the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution corresponding to each of the multiple locations included in a given area, which are candidates for the installation location of the air conditioning equipment. The decision unit 27 refers to the PMV distribution corresponding to each candidate and selects the candidate that satisfies the predetermined conditions as the installation location.

[0086] Furthermore, if the user inputs only one area in step ST4, in step ST12 the determination unit 27 may select from among multiple candidates included in that area the installation location if the PMV distribution satisfies the predetermined conditions.

[0087] (10.3) Determining the installation location of air conditioning equipment that is not wall-mounted. If the air conditioning equipment is not a wall-mounted type (the determination in step ST5 is No), step ST12 (area optimization) is performed. This determines the installation location of the air conditioning equipment. As shown in Figure 7, unlike the case where the air conditioning equipment is a wall-mounted type, within one area 53, the multiple candidates 531 to 539 are not aligned in one direction, but are aligned on a single plane along the horizontal plane.

[0088] In step ST12 (Area Optimization), the location within a specific area 53 where the PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions is determined as the installation location for the air conditioning equipment. Specifically, the analysis unit 26 calculates the PMV distribution for each of the multiple candidates 531 to 539 included in area 53, assuming that the air conditioning equipment is installed. The determination unit 27 determines the installation location based on the PMV distribution of each of the candidates 531 to 539. That is, the determination unit 27 selects the candidate from among the candidates 531 to 539 whose PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions as the installation location.

[0089] Candidates 531-539 may be distributed across multiple areas.

[0090] (10.4) Method 1 and Method 2 As explained above, in the design method of this embodiment, candidates are determined in different ways depending on whether the air conditioning equipment is a wall-mounted type or not. In the former case, candidates are determined using the first method, and in the latter case, candidates are determined using the second method.

[0091] More specifically, the design method includes a fourth acquisition step of acquiring type information regarding the type of air conditioning equipment. Depending on the type information, the design method determines the candidate selection method to be either the first method or the second method.

[0092] In the first method, within each of the one or more areas, multiple positions with different coordinates in the first axis direction along the horizontal plane are designated as candidates. In area 51, the first axis direction is the X-axis direction. For example, in area 51, three positions with different coordinates in the X-axis direction are designated as candidates 511, 512, and 513. In area 52, the first axis direction is the Y-axis direction. For example, in area 52, two positions with different coordinates in the Y-axis direction are designated as candidates 521 and 522.

[0093] In the second method, within each of the one or more areas, multiple positions are considered candidates where at least one of the coordinates in the first axis direction and the coordinates in the second axis direction along the horizontal plane are different. In area 53, the first axis direction is the X-axis direction, and the second axis direction in area 53 is the Y-axis direction. For example, for area 53, nine positions where at least one of the coordinates in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction is different are designated as candidates 531 to 539.

[0094] (11) Advantages According to the design method of this embodiment, the installation location of the air conditioning equipment can be determined according to the PMV distribution. This makes it possible to improve the comfort level of the space 4.

[0095] In particular, when performing area optimization, the installation location can be adjusted to a more optimal position within the area. For example, if shifting the location of the air conditioning equipment slightly from its current position within the area would result in a higher comfort level, area optimization can improve the comfort level.

[0096] (Variation 1) The design method for Modification Example 1 will be described below with reference to Figure 8. Components similar to those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0097] This modified example 1 differs from the embodiment in terms of the method for selecting multiple candidates in the first method. In the first method of this modified example 1, within each of one or more areas, multiple positions are selected as candidates, each having at least one of the coordinates in the first axis direction and the coordinates in the third axis direction along the vertical direction being different.

[0098] In Figure 8, area 54 has length in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. The first axis direction in area 54 is the X-axis direction. The third axis direction in area 54 is the Z-axis direction.

[0099] Area 55 has length in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. The first axis direction in area 55 is the Y-axis direction. The third axis direction in area 55 is the Z-axis direction.

[0100] Area 54 includes candidates 541-546. Candidates 541-543 are aligned along the X-axis. Candidates 544-546 are aligned along the X-axis. Candidates 541-543 are opposite candidates 544-546 in the Z-axis direction.

[0101] Area 55 includes candidates 551-554. Candidates 551 and 552 are aligned along the Y-axis. Candidates 553 and 554 are aligned along the Y-axis. Candidates 551 and 552 are opposite candidates 553 and 554 along the Z-axis.

[0102] According to this modified example 1, the installation position of the air conditioning equipment can be adjusted not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction to optimize the PMV distribution.

[0103] (Other modifications of the embodiment) The following lists other modifications of the embodiment. These modifications may be implemented in appropriate combinations. Furthermore, these modifications may be implemented in appropriate combinations with Modification 1 described above.

[0104] In one embodiment, the determination unit 27 may, for example, determine a single installation location that satisfies predetermined conditions based on the PMV distribution. Alternatively, the determination unit 27 may determine multiple installation locations that satisfy predetermined conditions based on the PMV distribution.

[0105] In this embodiment, the determination unit 27 determines the installation location of the air conditioning equipment so that the PMV distribution for one user satisfies predetermined conditions. Alternatively, the analysis unit 26 may determine the PMV distribution for each of multiple users, and the determination unit 27 may determine the installation location of the air conditioning equipment so that the PMV distribution for each user satisfies predetermined conditions.

[0106] In the embodiment, the case in which the installation position of one air conditioning unit to be installed in space 4 is determined by the design method was described. In contrast, the installation positions of multiple air conditioning units to be installed in space 4 may also be determined by the design method. For example, the process of calculating the PMV distribution may be repeated while changing the installation positions of multiple air conditioning units each time, and the installation positions of multiple air conditioning units when the PMV distribution satisfies predetermined conditions may be determined.

[0107] The user may choose between a first method and a second method for determining the candidate installation location. In other words, the user may select either the first method or the second method by operating input IF31.

[0108] The method for determining candidate installation locations may be fixed to either the first method or the second method.

[0109] Multiple candidate installation locations may be aligned along a third axis that runs vertically.

[0110] The type of air conditioning equipment is not limited to air conditioners. Air conditioning equipment may also include, for example, heaters, refrigerators, air conditioning ducts, blowers, or ventilation equipment.

[0111] The entity executing the design system 1 or design method in this disclosure includes a computer system. The computer system mainly consists of a processor and memory as hardware. At least a part of the functions of the entity executing the design system 1 or design method in this disclosure is realized by the processor executing a program recorded in the computer system's memory. The program may be pre-recorded in the computer system's memory, provided via a telecommunications line, or provided on a non-temporary recording medium such as a memory card, optical disk, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer system. The processor of the computer system consists of one or more electronic circuits including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or large-scale integrated circuits (LSIs). The integrated circuits referred to here, such as ICs or LSIs, are named differently depending on the degree of integration and include integrated circuits called system LSIs, VLSIs (Very Large Scale Integration), or ULSIs (Ultra Large Scale Integration). Furthermore, FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) that are programmed after the manufacture of the LSI, or logic devices that allow for the reconfiguration of junction relationships or circuit compartments within the LSI, can also be used as processors. Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated onto a single chip or distributed across multiple chips. Multiple chips may be integrated onto a single 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 also consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits or large-scale integrated circuits.

[0112] Furthermore, it is not essential for the design system 1 to have multiple functions integrated into a single device; the components of the design system 1 may be distributed across multiple devices. For example, the input IF31 may be provided separately from the processing unit 2. Moreover, at least some of the functions of the design system 1, such as at least some of the functions of the analysis unit 26, may be implemented by a server or cloud (cloud computing), etc.

[0113] (summary) Based on the embodiments described above, the following aspects are disclosed.

[0114] The design method relating to the first embodiment is a design method for determining the installation location in space (4). The installation location is the location where the air conditioning equipment will be installed. The design method comprises a first acquisition step, a second acquisition step, a third acquisition step, an analysis step, and a decision step. In the first acquisition step, model data (M1) of space (4) is acquired. In the second acquisition step, user information is acquired. The user information is information relating to the user's expected average thermal comfort report in space (4). In the third acquisition step, candidate information indicating candidate installation locations is acquired. In the analysis step, the distribution of the user's expected average thermal comfort report in space (4) when the air conditioning equipment is installed at the candidate location is analyzed based on the model data (M1) and user information. In the decision step, if the distribution of the user's expected average thermal comfort report in space (4) satisfies predetermined conditions, the candidate is determined as the installation location.

[0115] According to the above configuration, the installation location of the air conditioning equipment can be determined according to the distribution of the expected average thermal comfort report. This makes it possible to improve the comfort level of the space (4).

[0116] Furthermore, in the design method relating to the second embodiment, the candidate information in the first embodiment includes area information indicating one or more areas included in space (4). In the above design method, multiple locations within one or more areas are each designated as candidates.

[0117] According to the above configuration, the installation location of the air conditioning equipment can be adjusted within a range that does not deviate from the area.

[0118] Furthermore, the design method relating to the third embodiment further includes a fourth acquisition step of acquiring type information relating to the type of air conditioning equipment in the second embodiment. In the above design method, the candidate determination method is determined to be either the first method or the second method depending on the type information. In the first method, within each of one or more areas, multiple positions with different coordinates in the first axis direction along the horizontal plane are designated as candidates. In the second method, within each of one or more areas, multiple positions with different coordinates in the first axis direction and coordinates in the second axis direction along the horizontal plane are designated as candidates.

[0119] According to the above configuration, the installation location of the air conditioning equipment can be adjusted according to the type of air conditioning equipment.

[0120] Furthermore, in the design method relating to the fourth embodiment, in the third embodiment, in the first method, within each of one or more areas, multiple positions are selected as candidates where at least one of the coordinates in the first axis direction and the coordinates in the third axis direction along the vertical direction are different.

[0121] According to the above configuration, the installation height of the air conditioning equipment can be adjusted.

[0122] Furthermore, in the design method relating to the fifth embodiment, in any one of the first to fourth embodiments, the predetermined condition includes the condition that the proportion of the area in the predetermined target space (40) of the space (4) in which the expected average thermal comfort report falls within a predetermined range is equal to or greater than the threshold (Th1).

[0123] According to the above configuration, comfort can be ensured over a relatively wide area of ​​the target space (40).

[0124] Furthermore, the design method relating to the sixth embodiment further includes a user setting step in any one of the first to fifth embodiments that accepts input regarding at least one of the following: the range of space (4), user information, candidate information, and predetermined conditions.

[0125] According to the above configuration, the installation location of the air conditioning equipment can be determined according to the user's preferences and characteristics (e.g., metabolic equivalent and amount of clothing worn).

[0126] Configurations other than those in the first embodiment are not essential to the design method and can be omitted as appropriate.

[0127] Furthermore, the program relating to the seventh aspect is a program that causes one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method relating to any one of the first to sixth aspects.

[0128] According to the above configuration, the comfort level of space (4) can be improved.

[0129] Not limited to the above embodiments, various configurations (including modifications) of the design system (1) according to the embodiment can be realized in a design method, a (computer) program, or a non-temporary recording medium on which the program is recorded. [Explanation of symbols]

[0130] 4 Space 40 Target space M1 Model Data Th1 threshold

Claims

1. A design method for determining the installation location of air conditioning equipment in a space, A first acquisition step involves acquiring model data of the aforementioned space, A second acquisition step involves acquiring user information related to the user's expected average thermal sensation report in the aforementioned space, A third acquisition step involves obtaining candidate information indicating the candidate installation location, An analysis step of analyzing the distribution of the user’s expected average thermal comfort report in the space when the air conditioning equipment is installed in the candidate location, based on the model data and the user information. The system includes a determination step of determining the candidate as the installation location if the distribution of the user's expected average thermal sensation report in the space satisfies predetermined conditions, The candidate information includes area information indicating one or more areas included in the space, Each of the multiple locations within the aforementioned one or more areas is designated as a candidate. Design method.

2. The fourth acquisition step further comprises acquiring type information relating to the type of air conditioning equipment, Depending on the type information, the candidate determination method is determined to be either the first method or the second method. In the first method, within each of the one or more areas, multiple positions with different coordinates in the first axial direction along the horizontal plane are designated as candidates. In the second method, within each of the one or more areas, multiple positions where at least one of the coordinates in the first axial direction and the coordinates in the second axial direction along the horizontal plane are different are designated as candidates. The design method according to claim 1.

3. In the first method, within each of the one or more areas, a plurality of positions in which at least one of the coordinates in the first axial direction and the coordinates in the third axial direction along the vertical direction is different are designated as candidates. The design method according to claim 2.

4. The predetermined condition includes the condition that, within the predetermined target space, the proportion of the area in which the expected average thermal sensation report falls within a predetermined range is equal to or greater than a threshold, The design method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The user setting step further includes receiving input relating to at least one of the range of the space, the user information, the candidate information, and the predetermined conditions, The design method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A method for causing one or more processors of a computer system to execute the design method described in any one of claims 1 to 3. program.

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