air conditioner

Abstract

To reduce a starting / stopping frequency of a compressor at a time corresponding to an adjustment request of power consumption.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 1 includes a control part 8, an indoor temperature sensor 47, and a communication part 8a. The control part 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on a difference between a first temperature for stopping a compressor 21 and an indoor temperature Tr at a time not corresponding to an adjustment request of power consumption during a cooling operation, and when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the first temperature, and also when a first condition is satisfied for continuing for a first time T1 in a state where a difference between the first temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range, the compressor 21 is stopped. The control part 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on a difference between a second temperature for stopping the compressor 21 and the indoor temperature Tr at a time corresponding to the adjustment request of power consumption, and when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the second temperature, and also when a second condition is satisfied for continuing for a second time T2 longer than the first time T1 in a state where a difference between the second temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range, the compressor 21 is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] It relates to an air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a management device that manages an air conditioner based on a consumption power adjustment request for a management target predicts the amount of reduction possible in the consumption power of the air conditioner to be managed and responds to the consumption power adjustment request (Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-217598)).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the conventional response to the consumption power adjustment request, there is a problem that the number of start / stop times of the compressor of the air conditioner becomes larger than when it does not correspond to the consumption power adjustment request, and the consumption power may increase.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The first aspect of the air conditioner is an air conditioner having a refrigeration cycle consisting of an outdoor unit including a compressor and an indoor unit connected together. This air conditioner comprises a control unit, an indoor temperature detection unit, and a communication unit. The indoor temperature detection unit detects the indoor temperature. The communication unit receives a request to adjust the power consumption. During cooling operation, when the power consumption adjustment request is not met, the control unit controls the capacity of the air conditioner based on the difference between a first temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user and the current indoor temperature, and stops the compressor when the first condition is met. The first condition is that the indoor temperature reaches the first temperature, and the difference between the first temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a first hour. During cooling operation, when the power consumption adjustment request is met, the control unit controls the capacity of the air conditioner based on the difference between a second temperature determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user and the current indoor temperature, and stops the compressor when the second condition is met. The second condition is that the indoor temperature reaches the second temperature, and the difference between the second temperature and the current indoor temperature remains within a predetermined range for a period longer than the first hour (2 hours). The second temperature is higher than the first temperature.

[0005] This air conditioner reduces the frequency of starting and stopping the compressor by delaying the timing of stopping when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during cooling operation, thereby achieving both reduced power consumption and improved comfort.

[0006] The air conditioner in the second perspective is the same as the air conditioner in the first perspective, and the control unit, during heating operation and when there is no request to adjust the amount of electricity consumed, controls the capacity of the air conditioner based on the difference between the room temperature and a third temperature determined based on the target room temperature set by the user, and stops the compressor when the third condition is met. The third condition is that the room temperature reaches the third temperature, and the difference between the third temperature and the current room temperature remains within a predetermined range for three hours. During heating operation and when there is a request to adjust the amount of electricity consumed, the control unit controls the capacity of the air conditioner based on the difference between the room temperature and a fourth temperature determined based on the target room temperature set by the user, and stops the compressor when the fourth condition is met. The fourth condition is that the room temperature reaches the fourth temperature, and the difference between the fourth temperature and the current room temperature remains within a predetermined range for four hours, which is longer than three hours. The fourth temperature is lower than the third temperature.

[0007] This air conditioner reduces the frequency of starting and stopping the compressor by delaying the timing of compressor shutdown when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during heating operation, thereby achieving both reduced power consumption and improved comfort.

[0008] The air conditioner in the third category is an air conditioner in the first or second category, which operates at its minimum capacity while the second or fourth period is ongoing.

[0009] This air conditioner can maintain user comfort by operating at its minimum capacity for the second or fourth consecutive hours.

[0010] The fourth-perspective air conditioner is the first or third-perspective air conditioner, and the fifth temperature is the target indoor temperature set by the user. The control unit determines the second time such that the lower the fifth temperature, the longer the second time becomes.

[0011] This air conditioner can optimally determine the second time interval according to the indoor environment when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during cooling operation.

[0012] The fifth-perspective air conditioner is the second-perspective air conditioner, and the fifth temperature is the target indoor temperature set by the user. The control unit determines the fourth time such that the higher the fifth temperature, the longer the fourth time becomes.

[0013] This air conditioner can optimally determine the fourth time interval according to the indoor environment when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during heating operation.

[0014] The sixth air conditioner is an air conditioner according to the first or third view, further comprising an outdoor temperature detection unit for detecting the outdoor temperature. The control unit determines the second time such that the higher the outdoor temperature, the longer the second time becomes.

[0015] This air conditioner can optimally determine the second time during cooling operation, depending on the outdoor environment at the start of the power consumption adjustment request.

[0016] The seventh aspect air conditioner is the second aspect air conditioner, further comprising an outdoor temperature detection unit for detecting the outdoor temperature. The control unit determines the fourth time such that the lower the outdoor temperature, the longer the fourth time becomes.

[0017] In this air conditioner, during heating operation, the fourth time interval can be optimally determined according to the outdoor environment at the start of the power consumption adjustment request.

[0018] The air conditioner in the eighth perspective is the air conditioner in the sixth perspective, with the user-set target indoor temperature being the fifth temperature. The control unit determines the second time such that the lower the fifth temperature and the higher the outdoor temperature, the longer the second time becomes.

[0019] This air conditioner allows for a more accurate determination of the second time.

[0020] The air conditioner according to the ninth aspect is the air conditioner according to the seventh aspect, and sets the target indoor temperature set by the user as the fifth temperature. The control unit determines the fourth time such that the higher the fifth temperature and the lower the outdoor temperature, the longer the fourth time becomes.

[0021] In this air conditioner, the fourth time can be obtained more appropriately.

[0022] The air conditioner according to the tenth aspect is the air conditioner according to the eighth or ninth aspect, and the control unit determines the second time or the fourth time according to the level related to the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature determined in advance based on the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature.

[0023] In this air conditioner, it is not necessary to perform the calculation each time to obtain the second time or the fourth time time, and the calculation load can be reduced.

[0024] The air conditioner according to the eleventh aspect is the air conditioner according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, and the control unit determines the second time or the fourth time time based on the indoor temperature that changes according to the heat load on the building in which the air conditioner is installed.

[0025] In this air conditioner, the second time or the fourth time considering the characteristics of the building and the influence from the outside can be set.

[0026] The air conditioner according to the twelfth aspect is the air conditioner according to the eleventh aspect, and the control unit measures data related to the rising time or the falling time of the indoor temperature after stopping the compressor when the adjustment requirement of the power consumption amount is not met during the cooling operation or the heating operation, and determines the second time or the fourth time based on the data.

[0027] In this air conditioner, during cooling operation or heating operation, when it is not possible to respond to the adjustment requirement of power consumption, by using the data on the rise time or fall time of the indoor temperature after stopping the compressor, the second time or the fourth time is determined, so that the second time or the fourth time suitable for the usage environment of the air conditioner can be determined.

[0028] The air conditioner according to the 13th aspect is the air conditioner according to the 12th aspect, and the control unit has a data storage unit. The control unit stores the data in the data storage unit and determines the second time or the fourth time based on the data stored in the data storage unit.

[0029] In this air conditioner, data on the rise time or fall time of the room temperature after stopping the compressor is accumulated, and by using the data accumulated in the data storage unit to determine the second time or the fourth time, the second time or the fourth time suitable for the usage environment of the air conditioner can be determined.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an operation control system. [Figure 2] It is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a control block diagram of an air conditioner. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the change in indoor temperature during control of thermo-off and thermo-on during cooling operation. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing the change in indoor temperature during control of thermo-off and thermo-on during heating operation. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the delay time when responding to the adjustment requirement of power consumption during cooling operation. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the delay time when responding to the adjustment requirement of power consumption during heating operation. [Figure 8A] It is a flowchart of thermo timing change control during cooling operation. [Figure 8B]This is a flowchart for controlling the thermo-timing change during cooling operation. [Figure 9A] This is a flowchart of the thermo-timing change control during heating operation. [Figure 9B] This is a flowchart of the thermo-timing change control during heating operation. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of compressor operation when the power consumption adjustment request during cooling operation is not met. [Figure 11] This figure shows an example of the compressor's operation when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during cooling operation. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram of the operation control system. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature during air conditioning operation. [Figure 14] This figure shows an example of a room temperature rise table. [Figure 15A] This is a flowchart for learning the delay time during air conditioning operation. [Figure 15B] This is a flowchart for learning the delay time during air conditioning operation. [Figure 16] This figure shows an example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature and the indoor temperature during heating operation. [Figure 17] This figure shows an example of a room temperature decrease table. [Figure 18A] This is a flowchart for learning the delay time during heating operation. [Figure 18B] This is a flowchart for learning the delay time during heating operation. [Figure 19] This figure shows the change in indoor temperature when the thermostat is controlled to be off and on during conventional cooling operation. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] <First Embodiment> Hereinafter, an air conditioner according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the specific configuration of the embodiment of the air conditioner according to the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment described below and can be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0032] (1) Overview of the operation control system The operation control system 100 shown in Figure 1 is a system that controls the operation of the air conditioner 1 in this embodiment. The operation control system 100 is used as a system for controlling requests for adjustment of power consumption. Control of requests for adjustment of power consumption is a control that adjusts the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 so that the power demand of the air conditioner 1 does not exceed a predetermined supply power. The operation control system 100 adjusts the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 based on an external request regarding power demand adjustment in a direction that suppresses the power consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0033] The operation control system 100 comprises an air conditioner 1, a power company 200, and a management device 300.

[0034] The air conditioner 1 is connected to an external control device 300 for communication. The control device 300 is also connected to a power company 200 for communication. The power company 200 sends a request to the control device 300 to adjust the power consumption of the air conditioner 1. The air conditioner 1 receives the request to adjust the power consumption from the power company 200 via the control device 300.

[0035] (2) Basic configuration of an air conditioner Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioner 1 is a device used for indoor air conditioning in buildings, etc., by operating a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner 1 is mainly composed of an outdoor unit 2 and an indoor unit 4 connected to each other. Here, the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4 are connected via a liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 6 and a gas refrigerant connecting pipe 7. That is, the vapor compression type refrigerant circuit 10 of the air conditioner 1 is composed of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4 being connected via refrigerant connecting pipes 6 and 7.

[0036] (2-1) Indoor Unit The indoor unit 4 is installed indoors. The indoor unit 4 is connected to the outdoor unit 2 via refrigerant connecting pipes 6 and 7, and forms part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0037] Next, we will explain the configuration of the indoor unit 4.

[0038] The indoor unit 4 mainly has an indoor refrigerant circuit 10a which constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 10. The indoor refrigerant circuit 10a mainly has an indoor heat exchanger 42.

[0039] The indoor heat exchanger 42 consists of, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An indoor fan 43 is provided near the indoor heat exchanger 42 to supply indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 42. By blowing indoor air to the indoor heat exchanger 42 with the indoor fan 43, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant and the indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger 42. The indoor fan 43 is rotationally driven by an indoor fan motor 44. As a result, the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a refrigerant radiator and a refrigerant evaporator.

[0040] Furthermore, the indoor unit 4 is equipped with a sensor. An indoor temperature sensor (indoor temperature detection unit) 47 is provided on the indoor air intake side of the indoor unit 4 to detect the temperature of the indoor air in the indoor unit 4 (in other words, the indoor temperature Tr). The indoor unit 4 also has an indoor control unit 48 that controls the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor unit 4. The indoor control unit 48 has a microcomputer and memory provided for controlling the indoor unit 4, and is capable of exchanging control signals with the remote control 49 for operating the indoor unit 4, and with the outdoor unit 2.

[0041] The remote control 49 is a device that allows the user to make various settings and issue start / stop commands related to the operation of the air conditioning system.

[0042] (2-2) Outdoor unit The outdoor unit 2 is installed outdoors. The outdoor unit 2 is connected to the indoor unit 4 via refrigerant connecting pipes 6 and 7 and constitutes part of the refrigerant circuit 10.

[0043] Next, we will explain the configuration of the outdoor unit 2.

[0044] The outdoor unit 2 mainly comprises an outdoor refrigerant circuit 10d which forms part of the refrigerant circuit 10. This outdoor refrigerant circuit 10d mainly includes a compressor 21, a four-way switching valve 22, an outdoor heat exchanger 23, an accumulator 24, an outdoor expansion valve 25, a liquid-side shut-off valve 26, and a gas-side shut-off valve 27.

[0045] The compressor 21 is a sealed compressor in which a compression element (not shown) and a compressor motor 21a that rotates the compression element are housed within a casing. Power is supplied to the compressor motor 21a via an inverter device (not shown), and the operating capacity can be varied by changing the output frequency (in other words, rotational speed) of the inverter device.

[0046] The four-way switching valve 22 is a valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow. During cooling operation, which is one of the air conditioning operations, the discharge side of the compressor 21 is connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, and the suction side of the compressor 21 is connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 7, so that the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a heat radiator for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 21, and the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant that has been heated in the outdoor heat exchanger 23. (Four-way switching valve in Figure 2) (See the solid line of valve 22) During heating operation as one of the air conditioning operations, the discharge side of the compressor 21 can be connected to the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 7, and the suction side of the compressor 21 can be connected to the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23, so that the indoor heat exchanger 42 functions as a heat radiator for the refrigerant compressed in the compressor 21, and the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as an evaporator for the refrigerant that has been released heat in the indoor heat exchanger 42 (see the dashed line of the four-way switching valve 22 in Figure 2).

[0047] The outdoor heat exchanger 23 consists of, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An outdoor fan 28 is provided near the outdoor heat exchanger 23 to supply outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. By blowing outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 with the outdoor fan 28, heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant and the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The outdoor fan 28 is rotationally driven by an outdoor fan motor 28a. As a result, the outdoor heat exchanger 23 functions as a refrigerant radiator and a refrigerant evaporator.

[0048] The accumulator 24 is a sealed container connected between the four-way switching valve 22 and the suction side of the compressor 21.

[0049] The outdoor expansion valve 25 is a valve that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor refrigerant circuit 10d. The outdoor expansion valve 25 is an electrically operated expansion valve connected to the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 23.

[0050] The liquid-side shut-off valve 26 and the gas-side shut-off valve 27 are valves installed at connection ports to external equipment and piping (specifically, the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 6 and the gas refrigerant connecting pipe 7). The liquid-side shut-off valve 26 is connected to the outdoor expansion valve 25. The gas-side shut-off valve 27 is connected to the four-way switching valve 22.

[0051] Furthermore, the outdoor unit 2 is equipped with various sensors. The outdoor unit 2 is equipped with an intake pressure sensor 29 for detecting the intake pressure Ps of the compressor 21, a discharge pressure sensor 30 for detecting the discharge pressure Pd of the compressor 21, an intake temperature sensor 31 for detecting the intake temperature Ts of the compressor 21, and a discharge temperature sensor 32 for detecting the discharge temperature Td of the compressor 21. The intake temperature sensor 31 is located on the inlet side of the accumulator 24. On the outdoor air intake side of the outdoor unit 2, there is an outdoor air temperature sensor (outdoor temperature detection unit) 34 for detecting the temperature of the outdoor air in the outdoor unit 2 (in other words, the outside air temperature Ta). The outdoor unit 2 also has an outdoor control unit 35 that controls the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 2. The outdoor control unit 35 has a microcomputer, memory, and an inverter circuit for controlling the compressor motor 21a, and is equipped to exchange control signals with the indoor control unit 48 of the indoor unit 4.

[0052] (2-3) Refrigerant connecting pipe Refrigerant connecting pipes 6 and 7 are refrigerant pipes that are installed on-site when the air conditioner 1 is installed, and various lengths and diameters of pipes are used depending on the installation conditions of the outdoor unit 2 and the indoor unit 4.

[0053] (2-4) Control Unit The air conditioner 1 has a control unit 8 connected via transmission lines and communication lines to an indoor control unit 48 of the indoor unit 4 and an outdoor control unit 35 of the outdoor unit 2, in order to control the operation of its components.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 8 is connected to the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the outdoor expansion valve 25, the outdoor fan 28, the indoor fan 44, and the remote control 49, enabling it to send and receive control signals. The control unit 8 is also connected to the intake pressure sensor 29, the discharge pressure sensor 30, the intake temperature sensor 31, the discharge temperature sensor 32, the outside air temperature sensor 34, and the indoor temperature sensor 47, as needed, enabling it to receive detection signals.

[0055] The control unit 8 controls the refrigerant circuit 10 by controlling the operation of the compressor 21, the four-way switching valve 22, the outdoor expansion valve 25, the outdoor fan 28, and the indoor fan 44, respectively.

[0056] The control unit 8 is typically a computer primarily comprising a control arithmetic unit and a memory device. The control arithmetic unit is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The control arithmetic unit reads a control program stored in the memory device and performs operational control according to this control program. The control arithmetic unit can write calculation results to the memory device or read information stored in the memory device according to the control program.

[0057] The control unit 8 comprises a communication unit 8a and a timer unit 8b (see Figure 1).

[0058] The communication unit 8a receives a request from the power company 200 to adjust the amount of power consumption via the management device 300 and issues control commands to the indoor control unit 48.

[0059] The timer unit 8b includes a monitoring timer, a thermo-off timer, and a thermo-off delay timer (not shown). The monitoring timer measures the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr detected by the indoor temperature sensor 47. The thermo-off timer measures the waiting time when the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed and waits for the timing to perform a thermo-off when there is no request to adjust the power consumption. The thermo-off delay timer measures the sum of the waiting time when there is no request to adjust the power consumption and the delay time tdr when the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed and performs a thermo-off, which is later than when there is no request to adjust the power consumption. Alternatively, the thermo-off timer may measure the waiting time when there is no request to adjust the power consumption, and further measure the sum of the waiting time when there is no request to adjust the power consumption and the delay time tdr when there is a request to adjust the power consumption.

[0060] As described later, the air conditioner 1 operates to ensure that the indoor temperature Tr in the indoor unit 4 becomes the set indoor temperature Trs set by the user. The set indoor temperature Trs in the indoor unit 4 is set using the remote control 49.

[0061] (2-5) Remote control The remote control 49 is installed indoors and mainly consists of a remote control communication unit 49a, a remote control operation unit 49b, and a remote control display unit 49c. The remote control communication unit 49a transmits and receives control data, etc., with the indoor control unit 48. The remote control operation unit 49b receives input such as control commands from the user. The remote control display unit 49c displays the operation status, etc. The remote control 49 receives input such as operation commands and control commands via the remote control operation unit 49b, displays the operation status and control status on the remote control display unit 49c, and sends control commands etc. to the indoor control unit 48 via the remote control communication unit 49a.

[0062] (3) Basic operation of air conditioners Next, the basic operation of the air conditioning unit 1 (cooling and heating) will be explained using Figure 2.

[0063] (3-1) Cooling operation When a cooling operation command is issued from the remote control 49, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the cooling operation state (the state shown by the solid line on the four-way switching valve 22 in Figure 2), and the compressor 21, outdoor fan 28, and indoor fan 43 are started.

[0064] Then, the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is drawn into the compressor 21 and compressed into high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 via the four-way switching valve 22.

[0065] The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23 is cooled by heat exchange with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 28 in the outdoor heat exchanger 21, which functions as a refrigerant radiator, and condenses into high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant is then sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25.

[0066] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25 is reduced in pressure by the outdoor expansion valve 25 to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle, becoming a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant reduced in pressure by the outdoor expansion valve 25 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42 via the liquid side shut-off valve 26 and the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 6.

[0067] The low-pressure refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42 is heated by heat exchange with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 43 in the utilization heat exchanger 42, which functions as a refrigerant evaporator, and evaporates, becoming a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent from the indoor unit 4 to the outdoor unit 2 via the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 7.

[0068] The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent to the outdoor unit 2 is sent to the accumulator 24 via the gas-side shut-off valve 27 and the four-way switching valve 22. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent to the accumulator 24 is then drawn back into the compressor 21.

[0069] During cooling operation, the control unit 8 performs capacity control, which controls the capacity of the compressor 21 so that the evaporation temperature Te of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 approaches a predetermined target evaporation temperature Teds. The capacity control of the compressor 21 is performed by controlling the rotational speed (frequency) of the compressor motor 21a.

[0070] The predetermined target evaporation temperature Teds is determined, for example, by the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Tr detected by the indoor temperature sensor 47 and the set temperature Trs set by the user via the remote control operation unit 49b of the remote control 49.

[0071] The refrigerant evaporation temperature Te is obtained by converting the suction pressure detected by the suction pressure sensor 29 to the refrigerant saturation temperature. The refrigerant evaporation temperature Te is the temperature obtained by converting the pressure representing the low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle (refrigerant evaporation pressure in the refrigerant circuit 10) that flows from the outlet of the outdoor expansion valve 25 through the utilization heat exchanger 42 to the suction side of the compressor 21 during cooling operation to the refrigerant saturation temperature, or the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 42 which functions as a refrigerant evaporator. For this reason, if a temperature sensor is provided in the utilization heat exchanger 42, the temperature of the refrigerant detected by this temperature sensor may be used as the refrigerant evaporation temperature Te.

[0072] (3-2) Heating operation When a command for heating operation is issued from the remote control 49, the four-way switching valve 22 is switched to the heating operation state (the state shown by the dashed line on the four-way switching valve 22 in Figure 2), and the compressor 21, outdoor fan 28, and indoor fan 43 are started.

[0073] Then, the low-pressure gaseous refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 is drawn into the compressor 21 and compressed into high-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This high-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent from the outdoor unit 2 to the indoor unit 4 via the four-way switching valve 22, the gas-side shut-off valve 27, and the gaseous refrigerant connecting pipe 7.

[0074] The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent to the indoor unit 4 is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42. The high-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent to the indoor heat exchanger 42, which functions as a refrigerant radiator, is cooled by heat exchange with the indoor air supplied by the indoor fan 43, and condenses to become a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. This high-pressure liquid refrigerant is sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25 via the liquid refrigerant connecting pipe 6 and the liquid side shut-off valve 26.

[0075] The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the outdoor expansion valve 25 is reduced in pressure by the outdoor expansion valve 25 to the low pressure of the refrigeration cycle, becoming a low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant. This low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23. The low-pressure gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 23, which functions as a refrigerant evaporator, is heated by heat exchange with the outdoor air supplied by the outdoor fan 28, and evaporates, becoming a low-pressure gaseous refrigerant. This low-pressure gaseous refrigerant is sent to the accumulator 24 via the four-way switching valve 22. The low-pressure gaseous refrigerant sent to the accumulator 24 is then drawn back into the compressor 21.

[0076] During heating operation, the control unit 8 performs capacity control, which controls the capacity of the compressor 21 so that the condensation temperature Tc of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 10 approaches a predetermined target condensation temperature Tcs. The capacity control of the compressor 21 is performed by controlling the rotational speed (frequency) of the compressor motor.

[0077] The predetermined target condensation temperature is determined, for example, by the temperature difference between the indoor temperature Tr detected by the indoor temperature sensor 47 and the set temperature Trs, which is set by the user inputting it from the operation unit 49b of the remote control 49.

[0078] The refrigerant condensation temperature Tc is obtained by converting the discharge pressure detected by the discharge pressure sensor 30 to the refrigerant saturation temperature. The refrigerant condensation temperature Tc is the temperature obtained by converting the pressure (refrigerant condensation pressure in the refrigerant circuit 10) that represents the high-pressure refrigerant flowing from the discharge side of the compressor 21 through the utilization heat exchanger 42 to the outdoor expansion valve 25 during heating operation to the refrigerant saturation temperature, or the saturation temperature of the refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger 42 which functions as a refrigerant heat radiator. For this reason, if a temperature sensor is provided in the utilization heat exchanger 42, the temperature of the refrigerant detected by this temperature sensor may be used as the refrigerant condensation temperature Tc.

[0079] (4) Thermo control The control unit 8 performs thermo control when the indoor temperature Tr in the indoor unit 4 reaches the set indoor temperature Trs in the indoor unit 4. Thermo control involves turning the thermo on and off.

[0080] The control unit 8 performs a thermo-off, which temporarily stops the compressor 21, when it satisfies the first to fourth temperature conditions for the space to be cooled or heated.

[0081] Furthermore, when the fifth to eighth temperature-related conditions are met, the control unit 8 performs a thermo-on operation to restart the compressor 21 from the thermo-off state.

[0082] (4-1) When the power consumption adjustment request is not supported (4-1-1) During cooling operation Figure 4 shows the change in indoor temperature Tr during thermo-off and thermo-on control in cooling operation. The graph in Figure 4 shows the change in indoor temperature Tr of the target space around the set temperature, with the horizontal axis being the time axis. Line A1 in the graph in Figure 4 shows the indoor temperature Tr when the power consumption adjustment request is not met, and line A2 in the graph in Figure 4 shows the indoor temperature Tr when the power consumption adjustment request is met.

[0083] During cooling operation, when there is no request to adjust the power consumption, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between a first temperature determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature Tr. The capacity of the air conditioner 1 refers to the rotational speed of the compressor motor 21a, the rotational speed of the outdoor fan motor 48a, the actuators, etc.

[0084] The control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 when the first condition is met, provided that there is no request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation. The first condition is that, when there is no request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation, the indoor temperature Tr reaches a first temperature, and the difference between the first temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of one hour. The state in which the difference between the first temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range is, for example, when the current indoor temperature Tr is within the range of the first temperature plus or minus 0.5°C.

[0085] In this embodiment, the first temperature is the thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped, and is set to the temperature Trs. The first time is the time t1 during which the compressor motor 21a is operated at its minimum rotational speed. In this embodiment, the minimum rotational speed of the compressor motor 28a includes a range of the minimum rotational speed of the compressor motor 28a + 10%.

[0086] The first condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met during cooling operation when there is no request to adjust the power consumption, and the indoor temperature Tr remains at or below the set temperature Trs for a period of time t1.

[0087] Furthermore, the fifth condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the indoor temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the fifth condition is met when, during cooling operation, there is no request to adjust the power consumption, and the indoor temperature Tr is 2°C or more higher than the set temperature Trs.

[0088] For example, during cooling operation, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the first condition for thermo-off is satisfied when time t1 has elapsed while the indoor temperature Tr remains at 25°C. Also, during cooling operation, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the fifth condition for thermo-on is satisfied when the indoor temperature Tr exceeds 27°C due to thermo-off.

[0089] The set temperature Trs is the target indoor temperature (set temperature Trs) set on the remote control 49. The indoor temperature is the temperature (indoor temperature Tr) measured by the indoor temperature sensor 34.

[0090] (4-1-2) During heating operation Figure 5 shows the change in indoor temperature Tr during thermo-off and thermo-on control in heating operation. The graph in Figure 5 shows the change in indoor temperature Tr of the target space around the set temperature, with the horizontal axis being the time axis. Line B1 in the graph in Figure 5 shows the indoor temperature Tr when the power consumption adjustment request is not met, and line B2 in the graph in Figure 5 shows the indoor temperature Tr when the power consumption adjustment request is met.

[0091] During heating operation, when there is no request to adjust the power consumption, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between a third temperature determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature Tr.

[0092] The control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 when the third condition is met, provided that there is no request to adjust the power consumption during heating operation. The third condition is met when, during heating operation, there is no request to adjust the power consumption, the indoor temperature Tr reaches the third temperature, and the difference between the third temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of three hours. The state in which the difference between the third temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range is, for example, when the current indoor temperature Tr is within the range of the third temperature plus or minus 0.5°C.

[0093] In this embodiment, the third temperature is the thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped, and is set to the temperature Trs. The third time is the time t3 during which the compressor 21 is operated at the minimum rotational speed. The third condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met during heating operation when there is no request to adjust the amount of power consumed, and the indoor temperature Tr remains at or above the set temperature Trs for a period of time t3.

[0094] Furthermore, the seventh condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the indoor temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the seventh condition is met during heating operation when there is no request to adjust the power consumption, and the indoor temperature Tr is 2°C or more lower than the set temperature Trs.

[0095] For example, during heating operation, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the third condition for thermo-off is satisfied when time t3 has elapsed with the indoor temperature Tr remaining at 22°C. Also, during heating operation, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, and the indoor temperature Tr falls below 20°C due to thermo-off, the seventh condition for thermo-on is satisfied.

[0096] (4-2) When responding to a request to adjust power consumption If the number of times the thermostat is turned off increases, a problem arises in that the increase in power consumption associated with starting and stopping the compressor 21 cannot be sufficiently suppressed.

[0097] Therefore, in the air conditioner 1, during air conditioning operation involving thermo-off and thermo-on as described above, the control unit 8 performs thermo-timing change control when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption. Here, thermo-timing change control is a control that delays the timing of thermo-off by changing the time during which the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotational speed when responding to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption.

[0098] (4-2-1) During cooling operation During cooling operation, when a power consumption adjustment request is received, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between a second temperature determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature Tr.

[0099] When the control unit 8 responds to a request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation, it stops the compressor 1 if the second condition is met. The second condition is met when, during cooling operation, a request to adjust the power consumption is made, the indoor temperature Tr reaches the second temperature, and the difference between the second temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of time longer than the first hour (2 hours). The state in which the difference between the second temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range is, for example, when the current indoor temperature Tr is within the range of the second temperature plus or minus 0.5°C.

[0100] When the communication unit 8a receives a request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation, the target temperature Trsd at the time of responding to the power consumption adjustment request (hereinafter also referred to as the adjustment request set temperature) is set higher than the set temperature Trs during normal operation (when no power consumption adjustment request is responded to). In this embodiment, the second temperature is the thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped when a power consumption adjustment request is responded to, and is set to a temperature at least 1°C higher than the set temperature Trs. The second time is the time t2 at which the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotational speed when a power consumption adjustment request is made.

[0101] The control unit 8 operates the air conditioner 1 at its minimum capacity while time t2 continues. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the compressor motor 21a to operate at its minimum rotational speed.

[0102] During cooling operation, the second temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped when a power consumption adjustment request is made is higher than the first temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped when the power consumption adjustment request is not made.

[0103] Furthermore, during cooling operation, the time t2 during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed when a power consumption adjustment request is made is longer than the time t1 during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed when a power consumption adjustment request is not made. Time T2 is the sum of time t1 and the delay time tdr (time t1 + tdr).

[0104] The second condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met during cooling operation when, at the time of responding to a request to adjust the power consumption, the indoor temperature Tr reaches the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trs + 1°C) or falls below the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd for a period of time t2 (time t1 + tdr).

[0105] Furthermore, the sixth condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the indoor temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the sixth condition is met when, during cooling operation, a power consumption adjustment request is made and the indoor temperature Tr is 2°C or more above the set temperature Trs.

[0106] In this embodiment, during cooling operation, the sixth condition when responding to a request to adjust power consumption is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the room temperature Tr is the same as the fifth condition when not responding to a request to adjust power consumption.

[0107] For example, during cooling operation, when responding to a power consumption adjustment request, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd will become "set temperature Trs + 1°C", which is 26°C. When the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd is 26°C, and time t2 (time t1 + tdr) has elapsed with the indoor temperature Tr at 26°C, the second condition for thermo-off is satisfied. Also, during cooling operation, when responding to a power consumption adjustment request, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C, and the indoor temperature Tr exceeds 27°C due to thermo-off, the sixth condition for thermo-on is satisfied.

[0108] The control unit 8 determines time t2 (time t1 + tdr) based on the fifth temperature set by the user and the outdoor temperature Ta, according to a predetermined level relating the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta. In this embodiment, the fifth temperature is the set temperature Trs.

[0109] During cooling operation, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr at the time of the thermo-off start determination. In other words, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature (second temperature) at which the compressor 21 stops.

[0110] Figure 6 shows an example of the delay time (TDR) when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during cooling operation (temperature table).

[0111] In Figure 6, a high user-set temperature Trs is defined as 28°C or higher, a moderate user-set temperature Trs is defined as 24°C or higher but less than 28°C, and a low user-set temperature Trs is defined as less than 24°C.

[0112] Furthermore, a small temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is defined as less than 1°C, a moderate temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is defined as 1°C or more but less than 3°C, and a large temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is defined as 3°C or more.

[0113] For example, if the set temperature Trs is high and the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is small, the delay time tdr is set to 5 minutes.

[0114] If the set temperature Trs is high and the temperature difference Δt between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is moderate, or if the set temperature Trs is moderate and the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is small or moderate, the delay time tdr shall be 10 minutes.

[0115] If the set temperature Trs is high or moderate and the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is large, or if the set temperature Trs is low regardless of the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs, the delay time tdr shall be 15 minutes.

[0116] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 26°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 28.5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 2.5°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 10 minutes. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 23°C and the outdoor temperature is 28.5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 5.5°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 15 minutes. In this way, during cooling operation, the control unit 8 determines time T2 such that the time t2 (time t1 + tdr) becomes longer as the user-set fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) decreases, by increasing the delay time tdr.

[0117] Furthermore, for example, if the set temperature Trs is 28°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 28.5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 0.5°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 5 minutes. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 28°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 32°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 4°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 15 minutes. In this way, during cooling operation, the control unit 8 determines time T2 such that the time t2(t1+tdr) becomes longer as the outdoor temperature Ta increases.

[0118] Note that the set temperature Tr, the temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Tr, and the delay time tdr are not limited to the values ​​shown in Figure 6.

[0119] (4-2-2) During heating operation During heating operation, when a power consumption adjustment request is received, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the fourth temperature, which is determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user, and the indoor temperature threshold (Tr).

[0120] During heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 if the fourth condition is met. The fourth condition is met during heating operation when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, if the indoor temperature Tr reaches the fourth temperature, and the difference between the fourth temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period longer than the third time (fourth time). The state in which the difference between the fourth temperature and the current indoor temperature Tr is within a predetermined range is, for example, when the current indoor temperature Tr is within the range of the fourth temperature plus or minus 0.5°C.

[0121] During heating operation, when the communication unit 8a receives a request to adjust the power consumption, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is set below the set temperature Trs. In this embodiment, the fourth temperature is the thermo-off temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped when responding to a power consumption adjustment request, and is set to a temperature at least 1°C lower than the set temperature Trs. The fourth time is the time t4 during which the compressor 21 is operated at the minimum rotational speed. The control unit 8 operates the air conditioner 1 at its minimum capacity while time t4 is ongoing. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 controls the compressor motor 21a to operate at the minimum rotational speed.

[0122] During heating operation, the fourth temperature, which is the temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped when a power consumption adjustment request is made, is lower than the third temperature, which is the temperature at which the compressor 21 is stopped when a power consumption adjustment request is not made.

[0123] Furthermore, during heating operation, the time t4 during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed when a power consumption adjustment request is made is longer than the time t3 during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed when a power consumption adjustment request is not made. Time t4 is the sum of time t3 and the delay time tdr, which is t3 + tdr.

[0124] The fourth condition in this embodiment is a condition that is met during heating operation when, in response to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the indoor temperature Tr reaches the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trs + 1°C) or exceeds the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd for a period of time t4 (time t3 + tdr).

[0125] Furthermore, the eighth condition is that the difference between the set temperature Trsd and the indoor temperature Tr falls within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, the eighth condition is met during heating operation when a power consumption adjustment request is made, and the indoor temperature Tr is 2°C or more lower than the set temperature Trs.

[0126] In this embodiment, during heating operation, the eighth condition when responding to a request to adjust power consumption is that the difference between the set temperature Trs and the room temperature Tr is the same as the seventh condition when not responding to a request to adjust power consumption.

[0127] For example, during heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd becomes "set temperature Trsd - 1°C," which is 21°C. When the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd is 21°C, and time t4 (time t3 + tdr) has elapsed with the indoor temperature Tr at 21°C, the fourth condition for thermo-off is satisfied. Also, during heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, and the indoor temperature Tr falls below 20°C due to thermo-off, the eighth condition for thermo-on is satisfied.

[0128] The control unit 8 determines time t4 (time t3 + tdr) based on the fifth temperature set by the user and the outdoor temperature Ta, according to a predetermined level relating the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta. In this embodiment, the fifth temperature is the set temperature Trs.

[0129] During heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr at the time of the thermo-off start determination. In other words, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature (fourth temperature) at which the compressor 21 stops.

[0130] Figure 7 shows an example of the delay time (TDR) when responding to power consumption adjustment requests during heating operation (temperature table).

[0131] In Figure 7, a low user-set temperature Trs is defined as less than 20°C, a moderate user-set temperature Trs is defined as 20°C or more and less than 24°C, and a high user-set temperature Trs is defined as 24°C or higher.

[0132] Furthermore, a small temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is defined as less than 5°C, a moderate temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is defined as 5°C or more and less than 15°C, and a large temperature difference ΔT between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is defined as 15°C or more.

[0133] Furthermore, if the set temperature Trs is low and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is small, the delay time tdr will be 5 minutes.

[0134] If the set temperature Trs is low and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is moderate, or if the set temperature Trs is moderate and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is small or moderate, the delay time tdr shall be 10 minutes.

[0135] If the set temperature Trs is low or moderate and the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is large, or if the set temperature Trs is high regardless of the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta, the delay time tdr shall be 15 minutes.

[0136] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 9°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 13°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 10 minutes. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 24°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 9°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 15°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 15 minutes. In this way, during heating operation, the control unit 8 determines time t4 such that the time t4 (time t3 + tdr) becomes longer as the user-set fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) increases, by increasing the delay time tdr.

[0137] Furthermore, for example, if the set temperature Trs is 20°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 16°C, the difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 4°C, so the delay time tdr is set to 5 minutes. Also, if the set temperature Trs is 20°C and the outdoor temperature Ta is 5°C, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta is 15°C, so tdr is set to 15 minutes. In this way, during heating operation, the control unit 8 determines time T4 such that the time t4 (time t3 + tdr) becomes longer as the outdoor temperature Ta decreases by increasing the delay time tdr.

[0138] Note that the set temperature Tr, the temperature difference ΔT between the set temperature Tr and the outdoor temperature Ta, and the delay time tdr are not limited to the values ​​shown in Figure 7.

[0139] (5) Thermo-timing change control (5-1) During cooling operation The flowcharts for thermo-timing change control during cooling operation are shown in Figures 8A and 8B. During thermo-timing change control in cooling operation, the control unit 8, in response to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, controls the time during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed from time t1 to time t2 (time t1 + tdr).

[0140] In step S1, the control unit 8 starts air conditioning operation based on the air conditioning operation command set by the user on the remote control 49. Once air conditioning operation starts, the normal operation described in (3) above continues. In this embodiment, cooling operation starts when the set temperature Trs is 25°C, and the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0141] In step S2, the control unit 8 determines whether it has received a request to adjust the power consumption. If the communication unit 8a has not received a request to adjust the power consumption (Yes in step S2), proceed to step S3. If it has received a request to adjust the power consumption (No in step S2), proceed to step S8.

[0142] In step S3, the control unit 8 determines whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-off temperature is set to 25°C. In step S3, it is determined whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 25°C.

[0143] If it is determined in step S3 that the indoor temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-off temperature, the air conditioning operation continues (step S1). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0144] In step S4, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed for time t1, and proceeds to step S5. In this embodiment, the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotational speed for time t1 when the room temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature of 25°C.

[0145] In step S5, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 and proceeds to step S6. In this embodiment, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off) after time t1 has elapsed.

[0146] In step S6, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 2°C". In step S6, it is determined whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature of 27°C.

[0147] If it is determined in step S6 that the indoor temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state will continue. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process will proceed to step S7.

[0148] In step S7, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo-on). By performing step S7 to restart the compressor 21, normal air conditioning operation is performed. In this embodiment, when the indoor temperature Tr reaches 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 2°C", the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0149] If the control unit 8 has received a request to adjust the power consumption (No in step S2), proceed to step S8.

[0150] In step S8, it is determined whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, when a power consumption adjustment request is received during cooling operation, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is set to 26°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 1°C". If the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-off temperature is set to 26°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 1°C". In step S8, it is determined whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 26°C.

[0151] In step S9, the delay time tdr is determined from the temperature table. In this embodiment, the set temperature Trs is 25°C, so the set temperature Trs is moderate in the temperature table shown in Figure 6. Also, if the outdoor temperature Ta is 32°C, the difference between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 7°C, so the delay time tdr is 15 minutes.

[0152] In step S10, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed for time t2 (time t1 + tdr) and proceeds to step S11. In this embodiment, when the adjustment request setting temperature Trsd is 26°C, and the room temperature Tr becomes 26°C, the control unit 8 controls the compressor motor 21a to operate at the minimum rotational speed for time t2 (time t1 + 15 minutes).

[0153] In step S11, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 and proceeds to step S12. In this embodiment, the control unit 8 stops the compressor 21 (thermo-off) when the compressor motor 21 has been operating at the minimum rotational speed for time t2 (time t1 + 15 minutes).

[0154] In step S12, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, if the set temperature Trs is 25°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 2°C". In step S12, it is determined whether the room temperature has reached the thermo-on temperature of 27°C.

[0155] If it is determined in step S12 that the indoor temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state will continue. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process will proceed to step S13.

[0156] In step S13, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo-on). By performing step S13 to restart the compressor 21, normal air conditioning operation is performed. In this embodiment, when the indoor temperature Tr reaches 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 2°C", the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0157] (5-2) During heating operation The flowchart for thermo-timing change control during heating operation is shown in Figures 9A and 9B. During thermo-timing change control in heating operation, the control unit 8, in response to a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, controls the time during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotational speed from time t3 to time t4 (time t3 + tdr).

[0158] Step S2, which determines whether or not there is a request to adjust the amount of power consumption; steps S5 and S11, which stop the operation of the compressor 21; and steps S7 and S13, which restart the compressor 21 are the same as the processes during cooling operation shown in Figures 8A and 8B for air conditioning operation, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0159] In step S21, the control unit 8 starts air conditioning operation based on the air conditioning operation command set by the user on the remote control 49. In this embodiment, heating operation starts when the set temperature Trs is 22°C, and the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased.

[0160] In step S22, the control unit 8 determines whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the thermo-off temperature is set to 22°C. In step S22, it is determined whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 22°C. If it is determined in step S22 that the indoor temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-off temperature, the air conditioning operation continues (step S21). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S22 that the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature, the process proceeds to step S23.

[0161] In step S23, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed for time t3, and proceeds to step S5. In this embodiment, the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotational speed for time t3 when the room temperature Tr reaches the thermo-off temperature of 22°C.

[0162] In step S24, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 20°C, which is "set temperature Trs - 2°C". In step S24, it is determined whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature of 20°C.

[0163] If it is determined in step S24 that the indoor temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state will continue. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process will proceed to step S7.

[0164] Furthermore, if the control unit 8 has received a request to adjust the power consumption (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S25.

[0165] In step S25, it is determined whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature. In this embodiment, when a power consumption adjustment request is received during heating operation, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is set to 21°C, which is "set temperature Trs - 1°C". If the set temperature Trs is 21°C, the thermo-off temperature is set to 21°C, which is "set temperature Trs - 1°C". In step S25, it is determined whether the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-off temperature of 21°C.

[0166] In step S26, the delay time tdr is determined from the temperature table. In this embodiment, the set temperature Trs is 22°C, so the set temperature Trs is moderate in the temperature table shown in Figure 7. Also, if the outdoor temperature Ta is 16°C, the difference between the outdoor temperature Ta and the set temperature Trs is 6°C, so the delay time tdr is 10 minutes.

[0167] In step S27, the control unit 8 operates the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed for time t4 (time t3 + tdr) and proceeds to step S11. In this embodiment, when the adjustment request setting temperature Trsd is 21°C, and the room temperature Tr becomes 21°C, the control unit 8 controls the compressor motor 21a to operate at the minimum rotational speed for time t4 (time t3 + 15 minutes).

[0168] In step S28, the control unit 8 determines whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature. In this embodiment, if the set temperature Trs is 22°C, the thermo-on temperature is set to 20°C, which is "set temperature Trs - 2°C". In step S28, it is determined whether the room temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature of 20°C.

[0169] If it is determined in step S28 that the indoor temperature Tr has not reached the thermo-on temperature, the thermo-off state will continue. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the indoor temperature Tr has reached the thermo-on temperature, the process will proceed to step S13.

[0170] (6) Compressor operation (6-1) When the power consumption adjustment request is not met Figure 10 shows an example of the operation of the compressor 21 when there is no request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation.

[0171] During cooling operation, the user-set temperature Trs is 26°C. By gradually increasing the rotational speed of the compressor motor 21a, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is changed from minimum capacity (MIN) to intermediate capacity, and then from intermediate capacity to rated capacity, causing the indoor temperature Tr to drop from 25°C to 23°C. When the compressor motor 21a is operating at the minimum rotational speed, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is at minimum capacity (MIN).

[0172] Next, the rotational speed of the compressor motor 21a is gradually reduced to change the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 from rated capacity to intermediate capacity, and then from intermediate capacity to minimum capacity, causing the indoor temperature Tr to rise from 23°C to 25°C. The control unit 8 controls the rotational speed of the compressor motor 21a to the minimum rotational speed to operate the compressor 21, and when the indoor temperature Tr remains at 24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off).

[0173] When the compressor 21 is stopped, the room temperature Tr gradually rises to 26°C.

[0174] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo-on), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is set to its rated capacity. The indoor temperature Tr gradually decreases, falling from 26°C to 25°C and then to 24°C. After that, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21 is gradually decreased, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is set from rated capacity to intermediate capacity, and then from intermediate capacity to minimum capacity. When the compressor motor 21a operates at minimum rotation speed and the indoor temperature Tr remains at 23-24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off).

[0175] When the compressor 21 is stopped, the room temperature Tr rises to 25°C.

[0176] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermostat on), the rotational speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is changed from minimum capacity to intermediate capacity, and then from intermediate capacity to rated capacity, resulting in an indoor temperature Tr of 24°C. Subsequently, when the compressor motor 21a is operated at minimum rotational speed, the indoor temperature Tr becomes 25°C.

[0177] In the example shown in Figure 10, when the set temperature Trs is 26°C, the thermostat turns on when the room temperature Tr is 25°C. Furthermore, when the compressor motor 21a is operated at its minimum speed and the room temperature Tr remains below 24°C, the thermostat turns off.

[0178] (6-2) When responding to a request to adjust power consumption Figure 11 shows an example of the operation of the compressor 21 when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during cooling operation.

[0179] During cooling operation, the user-set temperature Trs is 26°C. When the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is increased, changing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 from minimum capacity (MIN) to intermediate capacity, the indoor temperature Tr drops from 25°C to 23°C.

[0180] Next, when the compressor motor 21a is controlled to its minimum rotational speed and the compressor 21 is operated, the room temperature Tr rises from 23°C to 25°C. When the compressor motor 21a continues to operate at its minimum rotational speed and the room temperature Tr remains at 24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off). When the compressor 21 is stopped, the room temperature rises from 24°C to 25°C and then to 26°C.

[0181] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo-on), the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21 is increased, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is set to intermediate capacity. While the air conditioner 1 is operating at intermediate capacity, the communication unit 8a receives a shift instruction to raise the set temperature Trs by 1°C as a power consumption adjustment request. In other words, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd becomes 27°C, which is "set temperature Trs + 1°C".

[0182] When the indoor temperature Tr drops from 26°C to 25°C, the compressor motor 21a is set to its minimum rotation speed, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is changed from intermediate capacity to minimum capacity. While the air conditioner 1 is operating at minimum capacity, the indoor temperature Tr drops from 25°C to 24°C. When the compressor motor 21a continues to operate at minimum rotation speed and the indoor temperature Tr remains at 24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off).

[0183] When the compressor 21 is stopped, the room temperature Tr rises to 26°C.

[0184] Next, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo-on), the compressor motor 21 is controlled to its minimum rotational speed, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 is set to its minimum capacity. As a result, the indoor temperature Tr becomes 26°C, and then drops from 26°C to 25°C and then to 24°C. When the compressor motor 21a operates at its minimum rotational speed and the indoor temperature Tr remains at 24°C, the compressor 21 is stopped (thermo-off). When the indoor temperature Tr reaches 26°C, the compressor 21 is restarted (thermo-on), and the same operation is repeated thereafter.

[0185] In the example shown in Figure 11, when a power consumption adjustment request is received during cooling operation, the adjustment request set temperature Trsd becomes "set temperature Trs26℃+1℃". When the adjustment request set temperature Trsd is "26℃+1℃", the indoor temperature Tr is 25℃, the same as when there is no power consumption adjustment request (during normal cooling operation), and the thermostat turns on. Also, the compressor 21 is operated at the minimum rotation speed, and the thermostat turns off when the indoor temperature Tr remains below 25℃ for a certain period of time.

[0186] Thus, when responding to a power consumption adjustment request, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1, which changes depending on the rotational speed of the compressor motor 21a, is replaced from the rated capacity and intermediate capacity to the minimum capacity, and the time spent at the rated capacity and intermediate capacity is shortened, thus achieving the power reduction effect of the power consumption adjustment request. For example, if the power consumption of the air conditioner 1 at the intermediate capacity is 50% of the rated power consumption, then the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 1 will also be 50%, and the time it takes for the indoor temperature Tr to reach the set temperature of 26°C will be longer when there is a temperature shift due to the power consumption adjustment request.

[0187] (7) Characteristics (7-1) The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment is an air conditioner having a refrigeration cycle in which an outdoor unit 2 including a compressor 21 and an indoor unit 4 are connected. This air conditioner 1 includes a control unit 8, an indoor temperature sensor 47, and a communication unit 8a. The indoor temperature sensor 47 detects the indoor temperature Tr. The communication unit 8a receives a request to adjust the amount of power consumption. When the control unit 8 is not responding to the request to adjust the amount of power consumption during cooling operation, it controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the indoor temperature Tr and a first temperature (set temperature Trs) determined based on a target indoor temperature set by the user, and stops the compressor 21 when the first condition is met. The first condition is that the indoor temperature Tr has reached the set temperature Trs, and the difference between the set temperature Trs and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a period of time t1. During cooling operation, when responding to a power consumption adjustment request, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between the indoor temperature Tr and a second temperature (adjustment request setting temperature Trsd) determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user, and when the second condition is met, the compressor 21 is stopped. The second condition is that the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request setting temperature Trsd, and the difference between the adjustment request setting temperature Trsd and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a time t2 (time t1 + tdr) longer than time t1. The adjustment request setting temperature Trsd at the time of responding to a power consumption adjustment request is higher than the set temperature Trs.

[0188] For example, in the control system that responds to power consumption adjustment requests during cooling operation of an air conditioner or when the power supply is tight, it is possible to reduce power consumption by raising the target temperature Trsd (set temperature) when responding to a power consumption adjustment request from the normal temperature Trs (set temperature Trs). However, although power consumption decreases by raising the adjustment request set temperature Trsd when responding to a power consumption adjustment request from the normal temperature Trs, the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd before reaching the normal temperature Trs, causing the air conditioner to stop operating (thermo-off).

[0189] Furthermore, when responding to requests to adjust power consumption, the temperature shift that raises the set temperature can increase the thermo-on temperature at which the air conditioner restarts. This can accelerate the deterioration of the indoor environment (temperature), potentially causing discomfort to users and increasing the risk of heatstroke.

[0190] Therefore, in order to reduce user discomfort and risks such as heatstroke, if the thermo-on temperature when responding to a power consumption adjustment request is returned to the normal thermo-on temperature (temperature shift release), the discrepancy between the thermo-on temperature and the room temperature will increase, and the air conditioner will meet the thermo-on conditions in a short time. As a result, the difference between the thermo-off temperature and the thermo-on temperature will decrease, and the frequency of thermo-off and thermo-on repetitions (number of thermo-on / off cycles) will increase compared to normal. Since the compressor 21 consumes a large amount of power when starting up, an increase in the frequency of thermo-off and thermo-on repetitions may lead to increased power consumption.

[0191] Figure 19 shows the change in indoor temperature Tr during thermo-off and thermo-on control in a conventional air conditioner during cooling operation. Line C1 in the graph of Figure 19 represents the indoor temperature Tr when there is no request to adjust power consumption, and line C2 in the graph of Figure 19 represents the indoor temperature Tr when there is a request to adjust power consumption. As shown in Figure 19, during cooling operation, the time the compressor motor operates at the minimum rotational speed when there is no request to adjust power consumption is time t, and the time the compressor motor operates at the minimum rotational speed when there is a request to adjust power consumption is also time t. Thus, conventionally, in both cases, whether there is no request to adjust power consumption or there is a request to adjust power consumption, the time from when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature until the compressor motor operates at the minimum rotational speed is the same.

[0192] In this air conditioner 1, when a request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation is made to operate the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed for a period of time t2, the delay time tdr is set to be longer than the delay time t1 when the compressor motor 21a is operated at the minimum rotational speed when no request to adjust the power consumption is made to operate.

[0193] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is minimized after the indoor temperature Tr reaches the requested adjustment set temperature Trsd, and the time during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed is extended, thereby delaying the timing of stopping the compressor 21. This reduces the frequency of starting and stopping, achieving both suppression of the increase in power consumption due to thermostat starting and stopping and maintaining comfort.

[0194] (7-2) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, during heating operation, when there is no request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between a third temperature (set temperature Trs) determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature Tr, and stops the compressor 21 when the third condition is met. The third condition is that the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs, and the difference between the set temperature Trs and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a time t3. During heating operation, when there is a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 controls the capacity of the air conditioner 1 based on the difference between a fourth temperature (adjustment request set temperature Trsd) determined based on the target indoor temperature set by the user and the indoor temperature Tr, and stops the compressor 21 when the fourth condition is met. The fourth condition is that the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd, and the difference between the adjustment request set temperature Trsd and the current indoor temperature Tr remains within a predetermined range for a time t4 (time t3 + tdr) longer than time t3. When responding to a power consumption adjustment request, the requested temperature Trsd is lower than the set temperature Trs when no power consumption adjustment request is made.

[0195] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during heating operation, the rotation speed of the compressor motor 21a is minimized after the indoor temperature Tr reaches the requested adjustment set temperature Trs, and the time during which the compressor motor 21a operates at the minimum rotation speed is extended, thereby delaying the timing of stopping the compressor 21. This reduces the frequency of starting and stopping, achieving both power consumption reduction and comfort.

[0196] (7-3) In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 operates at its minimum capacity while time t2 or time t4 is ongoing.

[0197] In this air conditioner 1, user comfort can be maintained by minimizing the rotational speed of the compressor motor 21a and operating the air conditioner 1 at its lowest capacity during the continuation of time t2 or time t4.

[0198] (7-4) The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment further includes an outdoor temperature sensor 34 for detecting the outdoor temperature Ta. The control unit 8 determines time t2 such that the higher the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t2 becomes.

[0199] In this air conditioner 1, during cooling operation, the second minimum capacity duration T2 can be optimally determined according to the outdoor environment at the start of the power consumption adjustment request.

[0200] (7-5) The air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment further includes an outdoor temperature sensor 34 for detecting the outdoor temperature Ta. The control unit 8 determines time t4 such that the lower the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t4 becomes.

[0201] In this air conditioner 1, during heating operation, time t4 can be optimally determined according to the outdoor environment at the start of the request to adjust the power consumption.

[0202] (7-6) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the target indoor temperature set by the user is set as the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs). During cooling operation, when the control unit 8 responds to a request to adjust the power consumption, it determines the time t2 such that the lower the set temperature Trs, the longer the time t2 becomes.

[0203] In this air conditioner 1, when a request to adjust the power consumption is made during cooling operation, the time t2 can be optimally set according to the indoor environment.

[0204] (7-7) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the target indoor temperature set by the user is set as the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs). The control unit 8 determines the time t4 such that the higher the set temperature Trs, the longer the time t4 becomes.

[0205] In this air conditioner 1, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during heating operation, time t4 can be optimally set according to the indoor environment.

[0206] (7-8) In the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 8 determines time t2 or time t4 based on the set temperature Trs and the outdoor temperature Ta, according to a predetermined level relating to the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) and the outdoor temperature Ta.

[0207] This air conditioner 1 eliminates the need to perform calculations each time to determine time t2 or time t4, thereby reducing the computational load.

[0208] (8) Variations (8-1) Variation 1A In this embodiment, the case in which the air conditioner 1 performs cooling or heating operation has been described, but an air conditioner that is only for cooling may also be used.

[0209] (8-2) Variation 1B In this embodiment, the air conditioner 1 has been described as being connected to an external control device 300 in a communicative manner, but it is not limited to this case.

[0210] Figure 12 shows an operating control system 100a equipped with an air conditioner 1a as in the modified example 1B.

[0211] As shown in Figure 12, the air conditioner 1a has a control device 300a. In modified example 1B, the control device 300a of the air conditioner 1a is also connected to the power company 200 in a way that allows communication. The air conditioner 1a receives power consumption adjustment requests from the power company 200 via the control device 300a.

[0212] (8-3) Modification 1C In this embodiment of the air conditioner 1, during cooling operation, when there is no request to adjust the power consumption, the compressor 21 is restarted when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the thermo-on temperature. However, the compressor 21 may also be restarted if the indoor temperature Tr remains at the thermo-on temperature for a predetermined period of time.

[0213] (8-4) Modification 1D In this embodiment of the air conditioner 1, the case described is when the thermo-on temperature when there is no request to adjust the power consumption is the same as the thermo-on temperature when there is a request to adjust the power consumption during cooling operation, but it is not limited to this. In cooling operation, the thermo-on temperature when there is a request to adjust the power consumption may be higher than the thermo-on temperature when there is no request to adjust the power consumption.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the air conditioner 1, the case described is that the thermo-on temperature when there is no request to adjust the power consumption and the thermo-on temperature when there is a request to adjust the power consumption are the same during heating operation, but this is not the only case. During heating operation, the thermo-on temperature when there is a request to adjust the power consumption may be lower than the thermo-on temperature when there is no request to adjust the power consumption.

[0215] (8-5) Modification 1E The control unit 8 may, during cooling operation, determine the time t2 for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed in order to respond to a request to adjust the power consumption, such that the lower the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) set by the user and the higher the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t2 for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed.

[0216] Furthermore, during heating operation, when responding to a request to adjust power consumption, the control unit 8 may determine the time t4 such that the higher the fifth temperature (set temperature Trs) set by the user and the lower the outdoor temperature Ta, the longer the time t4 for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed.

[0217] In Modification 1E, time t2 can be determined more appropriately when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during cooling operation. Also, in Modification 1E, time t4 can be determined more appropriately when responding to a request to adjust power consumption during heating operation.

[0218] <Second Embodiment> In this embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is that the delay time TDR is learned in the thermo control. In the second embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment will be described, and other explanations will be omitted as appropriate unless necessary.

[0219] (1) Thermo control In this embodiment, the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 determines the time t2 (time t1 + tdr) or time t4 (time t3 + tdr) for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed based on the indoor temperature Tr, which changes according to the heat load on the building in which the air conditioner 1 is installed. In addition, in this embodiment, during cooling or heating operation, when there is no request to adjust the amount of power consumption, the control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 measures data on the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr after stopping the compressor 21 (thermo off), and determines the time t2 (time t1 + tdr) or time t4 (time t3 + tdr) based on the data on the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr. The control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 may have a data storage unit (not shown), and may store data on the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr after stopping the compressor 21 when there is no request to adjust the amount of power consumption during cooling or heating operation as a database in the data storage unit. The control unit 8 of the air conditioner 1 determines time t2 (time t1 + tdr) or time t4 (time t3 + tdr) based on data regarding the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr stored in the data storage unit. The rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr includes either the rise time only, the fall time only, or both the rise and fall times.

[0220] (1-1) During cooling operation (1-1-1) Learning Table This section explains how to learn the delay time tdr during air conditioning operation. An example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature Ta and the indoor temperature Tr is shown in Figure 13, and an example of a room temperature rise table (learning table) is shown in Figure 14.

[0221] First, when a thermo-off occurs during normal operation (cooling operation) (indicated by ◆ in Figure 13), the control unit 8 determines the room temperature rise table to be recorded from the outside air temperature (outdoor temperature) Ta and indoor temperature Tr at the time of the thermo-off. The control unit 8 also sets the current indoor temperature Tr to the indoor temperature that will be used as the reference temperature when learning the delay time tdr (hereinafter also referred to as the indoor reference temperature Trb).

[0222] In this embodiment, during normal operation, a thermo-off occurs when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs.

[0223] Each time the indoor temperature Tr rises by 0.5°C (indicated by ● in Figure 13), the elapsed time is recorded in the room temperature rise table. Recording of the elapsed time in the room temperature rise table continues until the learning completion condition is met. The learning completion conditions are: a thermo-on event occurs, the outdoor temperature Ta deviates by 1°C or more during the elapsed time measurement, or no further increase in indoor temperature Tr occurs for 30 minutes.

[0224] For example, as shown in Figure 13, when the thermostat shuts off during cooling operation when the set temperature Trs is 26°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 34.5°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C, it is decided to record the outdoor temperature Ta at 34.5°C and the indoor temperature Tr at 26.0°C in the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 26.0°C.

[0225] Let t11 ​​be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 26.0°C to 26.5°C. Let t12 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 26.5°C to 27.0°C. Let t13 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 27.0°C to 27.5°C. Let t14 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 27.5°C to 28.0°C. Let t15 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 28.0°C to 28.5°C. Let t16 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 28.5°C to 29.0°C. When the learning success condition is met at indoor temperature Tr 29.0°C, the recording of elapsed time in the room temperature rise table is stopped. Therefore, in the indoor temperature rise table shown in Figure 14, record the elapsed times t11, t12, t13, t14, t15, and t16 in the column where the outdoor temperature Ta is 34.5°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C.

[0226] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, when a thermo-off occurs during cooling operation when the set temperature Trs is 26.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 33.5°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.5°C, it is decided to record this in the column for outdoor temperature Ta = 33.5°C and indoor temperature Tr = 26.5°C in the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 26.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 26.5°C.

[0227] Let t21 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 26.5°C to 27.0°C. Let t22 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 27.0°C to 27.5°C. Let t23 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 27.5°C to 28.0°C. When the learning condition is met at an indoor temperature Tr of 28.0°C, the recording of elapsed time in the room temperature rise table is stopped. Therefore, elapsed times t21, t22, and t23 are recorded in the column for an outdoor temperature Ta of 33.5°C and an indoor temperature Tr of 26.5°C in the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14.

[0228] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13, when the thermostat shuts off during cooling operation when the set temperature Trs is 27.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 33.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 27.5°C, it is decided to record this in the column for outdoor temperature Ta = 33.0°C and indoor temperature Tr = 27.5°C in the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 27.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 27.5°C.

[0229] Let t31 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 27.5°C to 28.0°C. Let t32 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 28.0°C to 28.5°C. Let t33 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 28.5°C to 29.0°C. Let t34 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises from 29.0°C to 29.5°C. When the learning condition is met when the indoor temperature Tr is 29.5°C, the recording of elapsed time in the room temperature rise table is stopped. Therefore, in the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14, the elapsed times t31, t32, t33, and t34 are recorded in the column where the outdoor temperature Ta is 33.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 27.5°C.

[0230] During cooling operation, the room temperature rise table is referenced from the indoor temperature Tr and outdoor temperature Ta when the thermo-off condition for responding to a power consumption adjustment request is met, and the delay time tdr is determined by referencing the time corresponding to the shift amount from the set temperature Trs to the set temperature Trsd when responding to a power consumption adjustment request. In this embodiment, the thermo-off condition is met when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trs + 1°C) when responding to a power consumption adjustment request.

[0231] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 26.0°C, the indoor temperature at the time of thermo-off is 26.0°C, the outdoor temperature is 34.5°C, and the set temperature shift due to the power consumption adjustment request is 1.5°C, then the target temperature for the power consumption adjustment request, which is the adjustment request set temperature Trsd, will be 27.5°C (set temperature Trs 26.5°C + 1.5°C). Therefore, the delay time tdr is determined to be the sum of the elapsed time t11 + t12 + t13, which is the time it takes for the indoor temperature Tr to rise from 26.0°C to 27.5°C.

[0232] During cooling operation, if the indoor temperature Tr and outdoor temperature Ta at the time the thermo-off condition is met when responding to a power consumption adjustment request does not have corresponding elapsed time data in the room temperature rise table, new elapsed time data may be acquired. Alternatively, as described in the first embodiment, a fixed value such as that shown in Figure 6 may be adopted as the delay time tdr.

[0233] If elapsed time data already exists in the room temperature rise table, the average value is calculated using the newly acquired elapsed time data and the previously recorded elapsed time data in the room temperature rise table, and the previously recorded data in the room temperature rise table is updated with the average of the new and old values.

[0234] (1-1-2) Processing Figures 15A and 15B show an example flowchart for learning the delay time TDR during cooling operation. While cooling operation is in progress, the control unit 8 controls the air conditioner 1 according to the control cycle shown in Figures 15A and 15B.

[0235] First, we will explain the process of learning the delay time TDR during normal operation (cooling operation). In step S101, the control unit 8 determines whether it has received a power consumption adjustment request during normal operation (cooling operation). If the communication unit 8a has not received a power consumption adjustment request (Yes in step S101), the process proceeds to step S102.

[0236] In step S102, the control unit 8 determines whether or not a thermo-off has occurred. In this embodiment, it is determined that a thermo-off has occurred when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs and time t1 has elapsed. If a thermo-off has occurred (Yes in step S102), the process proceeds to step S103.

[0237] In step S103, the control unit 8 stores the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. Then, the process proceeds to step S104. In this embodiment, the outdoor temperature sensor 34 detects the current outdoor temperature Ta, and the control unit 8 stores the outdoor temperature Ta. In addition, the indoor temperature sensor 47 detects the current indoor temperature Tr, and the control unit 8 stores the indoor temperature Tr. In this embodiment, the current outdoor temperature Ta is assumed to be 34.5°C and the current indoor temperature Tr is assumed to be 26.0°C.

[0238] In step S104, the control unit 8 sets the current indoor temperature Tr to the indoor reference temperature Trb. In this embodiment, if the current indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 26.0°C.

[0239] In step S105, the control unit 8 starts the monitoring timer of the timer unit 8b. Then, the process proceeds to step S106.

[0240] In step S106, the control unit 8 determines whether the monitoring timer is counting. In this embodiment, the monitoring timer measures the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr rises by 0.5°C. The rise in indoor temperature Tr is not limited to 0.5°C.

[0241] If the monitoring timer is counting (Yes in step S106), proceed to step S107.

[0242] In step S107, the control unit 8 determines whether the monitoring timer can continue counting. If the monitoring timer can continue counting, the delay time TDR can be learned.

[0243] In step S107, the conditions under which the monitoring timer can continue counting are: no thermo-on event has occurred, the outdoor temperature Ta has not deviated by 1°C or more during the elapsed time measurement, or the monitoring timer's count value is within a predetermined time. The monitoring timer's count value being within a predetermined time means, for example, that the next rise in room temperature occurs before 30 minutes have elapsed.

[0244] If the monitoring timer can continue counting (Yes in step S107), proceed to step S108.

[0245] In step S108, the control unit 8 determines whether the indoor temperature Tr has risen by 0.5°C from the indoor reference temperature Trb. If the indoor temperature Tr has risen by 0.5°C from the indoor reference temperature Trb (Yes in step S108), the process proceeds to step S109. In this embodiment, when the indoor temperature Tr rises by 0.5°C from the indoor reference temperature Trb of 26.0°C, the process proceeds to step S109.

[0246] In step S109, the control unit 8 records the difference between the monitoring timer's previous timer value and the current value in the learning table. In step S109, the learning table refers to, for example, the room temperature rise table shown in Figure 14. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14, the elapsed time t11, which is the difference between the monitoring timer's previous timer value and the current value, is recorded in the learning table where the outdoor temperature Ta is 34.5°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 26.0°C. The process then proceeds to step S110.

[0247] In step S110, the indoor reference temperature Trb is increased by 0.5°C, and one control cycle is completed. In this embodiment, 0.5°C is added to the indoor reference temperature Trb of 26.0°C set in step S104.

[0248] If the monitoring timer is not able to continue counting (No in step S107), proceed to step S111.

[0249] In step S111, the control unit 8 stops the count by the monitoring timer, and one control cycle ends.

[0250] Thus, if the communication unit 8a does not receive a power consumption adjustment request during cooling operation (step S101), the control unit 8 acquires operating data of the air conditioner 1 for each control cycle from step S101 to step S110 during cooling operation and records the difference with the previous timer value of the monitoring timer in the learning table (step S109).

[0251] Next, we will explain the process for determining the delay time (tdr) when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during cooling operation.

[0252] If the communication unit 8a has received a request to adjust the power consumption (No in step S101), proceed to step S112.

[0253] In step S112, the control unit 8 determines whether the thermo-off condition has been met or whether the thermo-off function is currently active. In this embodiment, the thermo-off condition is determined to have been met when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the adjustment request set temperature Trsd (set temperature Trd + 1°C). In this embodiment, the thermo-off condition is determined not to have been met when the thermo-off function is active.

[0254] If the thermo-off condition is not met (No in step S112), one control cycle ends.

[0255] If the thermo-off condition is met (Yes in step S112), proceed to step S113.

[0256] In step S113, the control unit 8 determines whether or not the delay time tdr has been determined.

[0257] If the delay time TDR has not been determined (No in step S113), proceed to step S117. For example, in the first control cycle after starting cooling operation, the delay time TDR has not been determined. Therefore, in the first control cycle, it is determined in step S113 that the delay time TDR has not been determined, and the process proceeds to step S117.

[0258] In step S117, the control unit 8 refers to a learning table (room temperature rise table) for determining the delay time tdr based on the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. In step S117, it refers to the learning table created in the process of learning the delay time tdr in steps S101 to S110. After that, it proceeds to step S118.

[0259] In step S118, the control unit 8 determines whether the learning table contains data on the elapsed time of room temperature rise at the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. If there is data in the learning table (Yes in step S118), the unit proceeds to step S119.

[0260] In step S119, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr from the learning table. Then, the process proceeds to step S121.

[0261] If there is no data in the learning table (No in step S118), proceed to step S120. In step S121, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr from the temperature table. In step S120, the temperature table refers to, for example, the table of delay time TDRs when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during cooling operation, as shown in Figure 6. Then, the process proceeds to step S121. If there is no data in the learning table, the process may be modified to acquire data, determine the delay time TDR, and then proceed to step S121 (not shown).

[0262] In step S121, the delay time TDR determined in step S119 or step S120 is set as the delay time TDR in the thermo-off delay timer (thermo-off delay timer setting start). In step S121, the thermo-off delay timer is maintained with the delay time TDR determined in step S119 or step S120 set as the delay time TDR, starts counting, and one control cycle ends. Therefore, in the next air conditioning control cycle, the thermo-off delay timer will be in the counting state.

[0263] If the delay time TDR has already been determined (Yes in step S113), proceed to step S114. For example, after starting cooling operation, in the second control cycle, the delay time TDR has already been determined in the first control cycle (steps S119, S120), and the delay time TDR is set in the thermo-off delay timer (step S121). At this point, since the delay time TDR has already been determined (Yes in step S113), proceed to step S114.

[0264] In step S114, the control unit 8 determines whether the total time of the time corresponding to the standby time when the thermo-off delay timer does not respond to the power consumption adjustment request and the delay time tdr has elapsed (thermo-off delay timer tdr count-over).

[0265] If the total time of the time corresponding to the standby time when the thermo-off delay timer does not respond to the power consumption adjustment request and the delay time tdr has not elapsed (No in step S114), one control cycle ends. If the total time of the time corresponding to the standby time when the thermo-off delay timer does not respond to the power consumption adjustment request and the delay time tdr has elapsed (Yes in step S114), the process proceeds to step S115.

[0266] In step S115, the control unit 8 resets the delay time tdr set in the thermo-off delay timer (thermo-off delay timer tdr reset). In other words, in step S115, the value of the delay time tdr determined in the first control cycle and set in the thermo-off delay timer is canceled. Then, the process proceeds to step S116.

[0267] In step S116, thermo-off is performed and one control cycle ends.

[0268] In the next control cycle, since thermo-off is being performed, in step S112, it is determined that the thermo-off condition is not satisfied during thermo-off (No in step S112), and one control cycle ends.

[0269] In subsequent control cycles, when thermo-off ends and the thermo-off condition is satisfied (Yes in step S112), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0270] In step S115, the value of the delay time tdr set in the thermo-off delay timer is canceled during the previous thermo-off. Therefore, the predetermined delay time tdr determined in step S119 or step S120 is used only once in step S114. In other words, when a request to adjust power consumption is made, if the thermo-off is performed in step S116 during a certain control cycle, a new delay time tdr will be determined for the next thermo-off. This allows for delaying the timing of the thermo-off by determining an appropriate delay time tdr based on the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr each time the thermo-off condition is met in a different control cycle.

[0271] (1-2) During heating operation (1-2-1) Learning Table This section explains how to learn the delay time tdr during heating operation. An example of the relationship between the outdoor temperature Ta and the indoor temperature Tr is shown in Figure 16, and an example of a room temperature decrease table (learning table) is shown in Figure 17.

[0272] First, when a thermostat off occurs during normal operation (heating operation) (indicated by ◆ in Figure 16), the control unit 8 determines the room temperature decrease table to be recorded based on the outside air temperature (outdoor temperature) Ta and indoor temperature Tr at the time of the thermostat off. The control unit 8 also sets the current indoor temperature Tr to the indoor reference temperature Trb.

[0273] In this embodiment, during normal operation (heating operation), a thermo-off occurs when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Trs.

[0274] Each time the indoor temperature Tr drops by 0.5°C (indicated by ● in Figure 16), the elapsed time is recorded in the temperature drop table. Recording of the elapsed time in the temperature drop table continues until the learning completion condition is met. The learning completion conditions are: a thermo-on event occurs, the outdoor temperature Ta deviates by 1°C or more during the elapsed time measurement, or the next indoor temperature Tr drop does not occur until 30 minutes have passed.

[0275] For example, as shown in Figure 16, when a thermostat shuts off during heating operation when the set temperature Tr is 23.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 12.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 23.5°C, it is decided to record the outdoor temperature Ta at 12.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr at 23.5°C in the room temperature drop table shown in Figure 17. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 23.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 23.5°C.

[0276] Let t41 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 23.5°C to 23.0°C. Let t42 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 23.0°C to 22.5°C. Let t43 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 22.5°C to 22.0°C. Let t44 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 22.0°C to 21.5°C. Let t45 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 21.5°C to 21.0°C. Let t46 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 21.0°C to 20.5°C. When the learning success condition is met at an indoor temperature Tr of 20.5°C, the recording of elapsed time in the room temperature decrease table is stopped. Therefore, in the room temperature decrease table shown in Figure 17, record the elapsed times t41, t42, t43, t44, t45, and t46 in the column where the outdoor temperature Ta is 12.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr is 23.5°C.

[0277] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, when a thermo-off occurs during heating operation when the set temperature Trs is 22.5°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 11.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.5°C, it is decided to record this in the column for outdoor temperature Ta = 11.0°C and indoor temperature Tr = 22.5°C in the room temperature drop table shown in Figure 17. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 22.5°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 22.5°C.

[0278] Let t51 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 22.5°C to 22.0°C. Let t52 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 22.0°C to 21.5°C. Let t53 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 21.5°C to 21.0°C. When the learning condition is met when the indoor temperature Tr is 21.0°C, the recording of elapsed time in the room temperature decrease table is stopped. Therefore, elapsed times t51, t52, and t53 are recorded in the column for the outdoor temperature Ta of 11.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr of 22.5°C in the room temperature decrease table shown in Figure 17.

[0279] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, when a thermo-off occurs during heating operation when the set temperature Trs is 22.0°C, the outdoor temperature Ta is 9.0°C, and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C, it is decided to record this in the column for outdoor temperature Ta = 9.0°C and indoor temperature Tr = 22.0°C in the room temperature drop table shown in Figure 17. Also, when the indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 22.0°C.

[0280] Let t61 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 22.0°C to 21.5°C. Let t62 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 21.5°C to 21.0°C. Let t63 be the elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr decreases from 21.0°C to 20.5°C. When the learning condition is met when the indoor temperature Tr is 20.5°C, the recording of elapsed time in the room temperature decrease table is stopped. Therefore, elapsed times t61, t62, and t63 are recorded in the column for the outdoor temperature Ta of 9.0°C and the indoor temperature Tr of 22.0°C in the room temperature decrease table shown in Figure 17.

[0281] During heating operation, the system determines the delay time tdr by referring to the room temperature drop table based on the indoor and outdoor temperatures when the thermo-off condition is met during a power consumption adjustment request, and by referring to the time corresponding to the shift amount from the set temperature Trs to the set temperature Trsd when responding to the power consumption adjustment request.

[0282] For example, if the set temperature Trs is 22.0°C, the indoor temperature at the time of thermo-off is 22.0 degrees, the outdoor temperature is 9.0°C, and the set temperature shift amount due to the adjustment requirement for power consumption is 1.5°C, then the adjusted requirement set temperature Trsd, which is the target temperature at the time of adjustment requirement for power consumption, becomes 20.5°C (set temperature Trs 22.0°C - 1.5°C). Therefore, the value of t61 + t62 + t63, which is the total elapsed time until the indoor temperature Tr drops from 22.0°C to 20.5°C, is set as the delay time tdr.

[0283] During heating operation, when there is no data on the elapsed time in the room temperature drop table for the indoor temperature Tr and the outdoor temperature Ta at the time when the thermo-off condition for the adjustment requirement of power consumption is satisfied, new data on the elapsed time may be acquired, or, as described in the first embodiment, for example, a fixed value as shown in FIG. 7 may be adopted as the delay time tdr.

[0284] If there is already data on the elapsed time in the room temperature drop table, an average value is obtained using the newly acquired data on the elapsed time and the data on the elapsed time previously recorded in the room temperature drop table, and it is updated as the average of the old and new values.

[0285] (1-2-2) Processing An example of a flowchart for learning the delay time tdr during heating operation is shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

[0286] Steps S101 to S106, which determine whether there is a power consumption adjustment request, which determine whether the monitoring timer is counting, which stop the monitoring timer from counting, which stop the monitoring timer from counting, which stop the thermo-off condition, which determines whether the thermo-off condition has been met, which determine whether the delay time TDR has been determined, which stop the total time of the waiting time when there is no power consumption adjustment request and the delay time TDR from S114 to S116, which turns off the thermo-off, and which set the delay time TDR in the thermo-off delay timer, are the same as the processing during cooling operation shown in Figures 15A and 15B, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0287] First, we will explain the process of learning the delay time tdr during normal operation (heating operation). In this embodiment, during heating operation, the current outdoor temperature Ta is assumed to be 9.0°C and the current indoor temperature Tr is assumed to be 22.0°C. When the current indoor temperature Tr is 22.0°C, the indoor reference temperature Trb is set to 22.0°C.

[0288] In step S131, the control unit 8 determines whether the monitoring timer can continue counting. The conditions under which the monitoring timer can continue counting are that no thermo-on event has occurred, the outdoor temperature Ta has not deviated by 1°C or more during the elapsed time measurement, or the count value is within a predetermined time. The count value being within a predetermined time means that the next drop in room temperature occurs before 30 minutes have elapsed. If the monitoring timer can continue counting (Yes in step S131), the process proceeds to step S132.

[0289] In step S132, the control unit 8 determines whether the indoor temperature Tr has decreased by 0.5°C from the indoor reference temperature Trb. If the indoor temperature Tr has decreased by 0.5°C (Yes in step S132), the process proceeds to step S133. In this embodiment, when the indoor temperature Tr decreases by 0.5°C from the indoor reference temperature Trb of 22.0°C, the process proceeds to step S133.

[0290] In step S133, the control unit 8 records the difference from the previous timer value in the learning table. In step S133, the learning table refers to, for example, the room temperature decrease table shown in Figure 17. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the elapsed time t61, which is the difference from the previous timer value of the monitoring timer, is recorded in the column where the outdoor temperature Ta is 9.0℃ and the indoor temperature Tr is 22.0℃ in the learning table. Then, the process proceeds to step S134.

[0291] In step S134, the control unit 8 subtracts 0.5°C from the indoor reference temperature Trb, and one control cycle ends. In this embodiment, 0.5°C is subtracted from the indoor reference temperature Trb of 22.0°C.

[0292] Next, we will explain the process for determining the delay time (tdr) when responding to requests to adjust power consumption during heating operation.

[0293] In step S135, the control unit 8 refers to a learning table (room temperature decrease table) for determining the delay time tdr based on the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. In step S135, it refers to the learning table created in the process of learning the delay time tdr in steps S101 to S106 and steps S131 to S134. Then, it proceeds to step S136.

[0294] In step S136, the control unit 8 determines whether the learning table (room temperature decrease table) contains data on the elapsed time of room temperature decrease at the current outdoor temperature Ta and indoor temperature Tr. If there is data in the learning table (Yes in step S136), the unit proceeds to step S137.

[0295] In step S137, the control unit 8 determines the delay time tdr from the learning table. Then, the process proceeds to step S121.

[0296] If there is no data in the learning table (No in step S136), the process proceeds to step S138. In step S138, the control unit 8 determines the delay time TDR from the temperature table. In step S138, the temperature table refers to, for example, the table of delay time TDR when responding to a request to adjust the power consumption during heating operation, as shown in Figure 7. After that, the process proceeds to step S121. Note that if there is no data in the learning table, the system may acquire data first, then determine the delay time TDR, and proceed to step S121 (not shown).

[0297] In this embodiment, the control unit 8 determines the time t2 or time t4 for operating the compressor motor 21a at the minimum rotational speed based on the indoor temperature Tr, which changes according to the heat load on the building in which the air conditioner 1 is installed. This allows for setting a time t2 or time t4 that takes into account the characteristics of the building and the influence from outside. Furthermore, by determining the time t2 or time t4 using data on the rise or fall time of the indoor temperature Tr during normal operation, it is possible to determine a time t2 or time t4 that is suitable for the operating environment of the air conditioner.

[0298] (2) While embodiments of this disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0299] 1. 1a Air conditioner 2 Outdoor Units 4 Indoor Units 8 Control Unit 8a Communications Department 8b Timer section 21 Compressor 21a Compressor motor [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0300] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-217598

Claims

1. An air conditioner (1, 1a) having a refrigeration cycle comprising an outdoor unit (2) including a compressor (21) and an indoor unit (4) connected together, Control unit (8) and An indoor temperature detection unit (47) for detecting the indoor temperature, A communication unit (8a) that receives a request to adjust the amount of power consumption, Equipped with, The control unit, during cooling operation, When the aforementioned power consumption adjustment request is not met, The capacity of the air conditioner is controlled based on the difference between a first temperature determined based on a target room temperature set by the user and the actual room temperature. When the room temperature reaches the first temperature, and the difference between the first temperature and the current room temperature remains within a predetermined range for a first time (T1), the first condition is met, the compressor is stopped. When responding to the aforementioned request to adjust power consumption, The capacity of the air conditioner is controlled based on the difference between a second temperature, which is determined based on a target room temperature set by the user, and the aforementioned room temperature. When the room temperature reaches the second temperature, and the difference between the second temperature and the current room temperature remains within a predetermined range for a second time (T2) that is longer than the first time, the compressor is stopped. The second temperature is higher than the first temperature. Air conditioner.

2. The control unit, during heating operation, When the aforementioned power consumption adjustment request is not met, The capacity of the air conditioner is controlled based on the difference between a third temperature, which is determined based on a target room temperature set by the user, and the room temperature. When the room temperature reaches the third temperature, and the difference between the third temperature and the current room temperature remains within a predetermined range for a third time (T3), the third condition is met, the compressor is stopped. When responding to the aforementioned request to adjust power consumption, The capacity of the air conditioner is controlled based on the difference between a fourth temperature, which is determined based on a target room temperature set by the user, and the aforementioned room temperature. When the room temperature reaches the fourth temperature, and the difference between the fourth temperature and the current room temperature remains within a predetermined range for a fourth time (T4) that is longer than the third time, the compressor is stopped. The fourth temperature is lower than the third temperature. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

3. During the duration of the second or fourth period, the air conditioner shall be operated at its minimum capacity. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

4. The target indoor temperature set by the user will be designated as the fifth temperature. The control unit determines the second time such that the lower the fifth temperature, the longer the second time becomes. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

5. The target indoor temperature set by the user will be designated as the fifth temperature. The control unit determines the fourth time such that the higher the fifth temperature, the longer the fourth time becomes. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

6. Outdoor temperature detection unit that detects the outdoor temperature, Furthermore, The control unit determines the second time such that the higher the outdoor temperature, the longer the second time becomes. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

7. Outdoor temperature detection unit (34) for detecting the outdoor temperature, Furthermore, The control unit determines the fourth time such that the lower the outdoor temperature, the longer the fourth time becomes. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

8. The target indoor temperature set by the user will be designated as the fifth temperature. The control unit determines the second time such that the lower the fifth temperature and the higher the outdoor temperature, the longer the second time becomes. The air conditioner according to claim 6.

9. The target indoor temperature set by the user will be designated as the fifth temperature. The control unit determines the fourth time such that the higher the fifth temperature and the lower the outdoor temperature, the longer the fourth time becomes. The air conditioner according to claim 7.

10. The control unit determines the second or fourth time based on the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature, according to predetermined levels relating the fifth temperature and the outdoor temperature. The air conditioner according to claim 9.

11. The control unit determines the second or fourth time based on the indoor temperature, which changes according to the heat load on the building in which the air conditioner is installed. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

12. The control unit, during cooling or heating operation, when the power consumption adjustment request is not met, measures data relating to the rise or fall time of the room temperature after the compressor has been stopped, and determines the second or fourth time based on the data. The air conditioner according to claim 11.

13. The control unit has a data storage unit, The control unit stores the data in the data storage unit and determines the second or fourth time based on the data stored in the data storage unit. The air conditioner according to claim 12.

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