Air conditioning control device, air conditioning control method, and air conditioning control system utilizing comfortable temperature

Abstract

A cooling / heating unit control device and method capable of preventing unnecessary operation of a cooling / heating unit, and a system including the device are provided. [Solution] The air conditioner control device is a device for controlling an air conditioner installed in an indoor zone, and includes a communication unit that receives the indoor temperature of the zone measured by a temperature sensor and weather information of the zone provided from a weather server, and a control unit that sets a comfort temperature of the zone based on the weather information and generates a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the comfort temperature. In this case, the comfort temperature includes an off comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user located in the zone when the air conditioner is turned off, and an on comfort temperature, which is a comfortable temperature felt by a user when the air conditioner is turned on.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an air conditioner control device and method for controlling the driving of an air conditioner so as to comfortably maintain the temperature of an indoor area for all seasons and minimize the power consumption of the air conditioner, and a system including the device.

Background Art

[0002] An air conditioner (or air conditioner) is a device that comfortably maintains the indoor temperature suitable for human activities using a refrigeration cycle. The air conditioner cools the room by sucking in the hot air in the room, exchanging heat with a low-temperature refrigerant, and then discharging it into the room, or warms the room by the opposite action.

[0003] Generally, the driving of an air conditioner is controlled by a direct operation of a person. As an example, in summer, when the indoor temperature is high, the user turns on the air conditioner and sets the desired temperature of the turned-on air conditioner low to quickly reduce the high indoor temperature. On the other hand, many users are located in spaces such as cafeterias, cafes, and offices, and generally the administrator of the space directly controls the driving of the air conditioner. However, due to the ignorance or indifference of the administrator, there is a problem that the air conditioner is not driven efficiently.

[0004] As an example, in summer, when the administrator sets the desired temperature of the air conditioner high, the user may feel hot, and when the administrator sets the desired temperature of the air conditioner low, the user may feel cold. As a result, the user feels inconvenience. Furthermore, when the desired temperature of the air conditioner is set low in summer, the power consumption of the air conditioner increases, and thus there is a problem that the electricity cost of the space increases. Therefore, a technology for efficiently driving an air conditioner without the administrator directly operating the air conditioner is required.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a control device and method for an air conditioner that can prevent unnecessary operation of an air conditioner, and a system including the said device. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a control device and method for an air conditioner and a system including the device, which can minimize the power consumption of the air conditioner and air conditioning system. Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a heating and cooling device control device and method, and a system including the device, that can efficiently set a comfortable temperature based on weather information for an indoor area. The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An apparatus for controlling an air conditioner installed in an indoor area according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit that receives the indoor temperature of the area measured by a temperature sensor and weather information for the area provided by a weather server, and a control unit that sets a comfortable temperature for the area based on the weather information and generates a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the comfortable temperature. In this case, the comfortable temperature includes the off-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfortable temperature for a user located in the area when the air conditioner is turned off, and the on-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfortable temperature for the user when the air conditioner is turned on.

[0007] A system for controlling an air conditioner installed in an indoor area according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature sensor for measuring the indoor temperature of the area, a gateway for receiving the indoor temperature from the temperature sensor, a management server for receiving weather information for the area provided by a weather server and the indoor temperature transferred from the gateway, and for setting an off-comfort temperature, which is the comfortable temperature perceived by a user located in the area when the air conditioner is turned off, and an on-comfort temperature, which is the comfortable temperature perceived by the user when the air conditioner is turned on, based on the weather information, and for generating a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature, the off- and on-comfort temperatures, and a control module for receiving the drive control signal transferred from the management server via the gateway and transferring the drive control signal to the air conditioner.

[0008] A method for controlling an air conditioner installed in an indoor area according to one embodiment of the present invention is performed on a processor-based device and includes the steps of: receiving weather information for the area provided by a weather server; setting an off-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfortable temperature for a user located in the area when the air conditioner is turned off, and an on-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfortable temperature for the user when the air conditioner is turned on, based on the weather information; receiving the indoor temperature measured in the area; and generating a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature, the off-comfort temperature and the on-comfort temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, by using the off-comfort temperature to determine whether or not to turn on or off the air conditioner or heater, it is possible to prevent unnecessary operation of the air conditioner or heater while providing the user with a comfortable indoor environment.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the present invention, when an air conditioner is turned on, or when it is decided that an air conditioner that has been turned off will be turned on, the desired temperature of the air conditioner can be set using the on-comfort temperature. This makes it possible to minimize the power consumption of the air conditioner while providing the user with a comfortable indoor environment.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the present invention, by using outdoor weather information to set comfortable temperatures on a monthly and period-by-period basis, it is possible to prevent discomfort from indoor temperatures felt by users located in indoor areas. Furthermore, the effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, but should be understood to include all effects that can be inferred from the configuration of the invention as described in the detailed description or claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This figure shows a schematic configuration of space according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a heating and cooling system control system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows a schematic configuration of a management server according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This figure shows a graph of the first temperature change function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows a graph of the second temperature change function according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] While the present invention can be modified in various ways and has many embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the drawings. However, this should not be understood as limiting the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather as including all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing.

[0014] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but such components should not be limited by such terms. Such terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. The term "and / or" includes combinations of multiple related items or any one of multiple related items.

[0015] When it is stated that one component is “connected” or “linked” to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or linked to the other component, but there may also be another component in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is “directly connected” or “directly linked” to another component, it should be understood that there is no other component in between.

[0016] The terms used herein are used solely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as “includes” or “having” are intended to specify the presence of features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof as described in the specification, and should not be understood to preemptively exclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, figures, stages, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having the meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as ideal or overly formal unless expressly defined herein.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a space 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the space 1 includes a plurality of areas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d. The plurality of areas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d can be separated from each other by an inner wall. By being separated by the inner wall, the indoor temperature and humidity of each of the plurality of areas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d can be different from each other.

[0019] In each of the plurality of areas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, an air conditioner 20, a temperature and humidity sensor 30, and a control module 40 can be installed respectively. Also, a gateway 50 can be installed in at least a part of the plurality of areas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, i.e., in area 10b. On the other hand, although not shown in FIG. 1, an access point 60 (see FIG. 2) can be further installed in a specific area among the plurality of areas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d.

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described by assuming that the area 10b where the gateway 50 is installed is the target area 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the content of the present invention described below can be applied to all of the plurality of areas 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioner control system 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the air conditioner control system 2 includes a temperature and humidity sensor 30, a control module 40, a gateway 50, an access point 60, and a management server 70.

[0022] The temperature and humidity sensor 30 can measure the indoor temperature and humidity of the target area 10. For this purpose, the temperature and humidity sensor 30 can include a temperature sensor module and a humidity sensor module. The temperature and humidity sensor 30 can be installed in a location where it can measure the temperature and humidity of the area where people primarily spend their time, but is not limited to this; the temperature and humidity sensor 30 can also be built into the air conditioner 20.

[0023] The temperature and humidity sensor 30 can communicate with other electronic devices within the target area 10. For this purpose, the temperature and humidity sensor 30 may include a short-range communication module. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor 30 may include a Bluetooth® communication module, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0024] The control module 40 may be a device that transfers drive control signals to the air conditioner 20 for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 20. The control module 40 can be installed in a specific part of the target area 10 adjacent to the air conditioner 20. As will be described later, the drive control signals can be generated by the management server 70 and transferred from the management server 70 to the control module 40 via the access point 60 and gateway 50.

[0025] For this purpose, the control module 40 may include a short-range communication module and an infrared data association (IrDA) module. For example, the control module 40 may include a Bluetooth communication module, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0026] The gateway 50 can communicate with the temperature and humidity sensor 30, the control module 40, and the access point 60, respectively. To this end, the gateway 50 may include a first short-range communication module for communication with the temperature and humidity sensor 30 and the control module 40, and a second short-range communication module for communication with the access point 60. For example, the first short-range communication module may be a Bluetooth communication module, and the second short-range communication module may be a Wi-Fi® (Wireless fidelity) communication module, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0027] The gateway 50 can receive indoor temperature and humidity information from the temperature and humidity sensor 30 and then transfer it to the access point 60. The gateway 50 can also receive drive control signals for the air conditioner 20 (described later) from the access point 60 and then transfer them to the control module 40. Furthermore, the gateway 50 can receive drive-related data for the air conditioner 20 from the control module 40.

[0028] The access point 60 can relay communication between the gateway 50 and the management server 70. For this purpose, the access point 60 may include a second short-range communication module and a long-range communication module.

[0029] The management server 70 may be a device that actually controls the air conditioner 20. The management server 70 can communicate with the access point 60 and the weather server 80. The management server 70 can receive indoor temperature and humidity information for the target area 10 from the access point 60 and weather information for the target area 10 from the weather server 80. The management server 70 can generate a drive control signal for the air conditioner 20 using the indoor temperature and humidity information and the weather information for the target area 10, and can transfer the drive control signal to the access point 60.

[0030] The weather server 80 may be a server that provides weather information (weather information) for each administrative area. The weather information may be predicted information. The weather information may include weather information for each time of day and average weather information for each day. The weather information for each time of day may include outdoor temperature, cloud cover, probability of precipitation, humidity, etc., and the average weather information for each day may include minimum outdoor temperature, maximum outdoor temperature, average cloud cover, average probability of precipitation, average humidity, etc. The weather information may include all of the current weather information for the day and all of the past weather information for each day. On the other hand, cloud cover may correspond to solar radiation.

[0031] The management server 70 will be described in more detail below. Figure 3 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a management server 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 3, the management server 70 can control the operation of the air conditioner 20 on a daily basis and may include a communication unit 710, a control unit 720, and a storage unit 730. The functions of each component will be described in detail below.

[0032] The communication unit 710 may be a module that communicates with the access point 60 and the weather server 80. For example, the communication unit 710 may include a long-distance communication module that is implemented wirelessly, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, the communication unit 710 can receive indoor temperature and humidity information measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 30, and can receive weather information for the target area 10 provided by the weather server 80.

[0033] The control unit 720 may include memory and a processor. The memory may be volatile and / or non-volatile memory and may store commands or data related to at least one other component of the management server 70. The processor may include one or more of a central processing unit (CPU), an application processor, or a communication processor.

[0034] The control unit 720 can control the communication unit 710 and generate a drive control signal for the air conditioner 20. As described above, the control unit 720 can receive indoor temperature information, indoor humidity information, and weather information for the target area 10 via the communication unit 710, and the control unit 720 can generate a drive control signal based on the received information. In order to generate the drive control signal, the control unit 720 can use the information to calculate processing information.

[0035] On the other hand, the control unit 720 can generate processing information in real time at the time it attempts to control the air conditioner 20 (the control time), or it can generate processing information in advance before the control time.

[0036] The storage unit 730 can store control commands for the air conditioner 20 and status information for the control module 40, etc.

[0037] On the other hand, the control unit 720 can generate drive control signals for the air conditioner 20 using a variety of information. Here, the variety of information can include the comfort temperature, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10, and the first and second temperature changes of the target area 10. In this case, the comfort temperature and the first and second temperature changes of the target area 10 can be calculated by the control unit 720 based on weather information for the target area 10.

[0038] The information mentioned above will be explained in more detail below. 1. Comfortable temperature Comfortable temperature can be defined as the perceived temperature at which users located in the target area 10 feel comfortable. Comfortable temperatures can be set differently depending on the season. For example, the comfortable temperature in summer may be higher than the comfortable temperature in winter. The comfort temperature can also be set differently for each period included in the target day for which the air conditioner 20 is to be controlled. Here, multiple periods can mean sequential time intervals included in the target day.

[0039] Multiple time periods can be set based on the operating schedule for Space 1 or Target Area 10. For example, if Space 1 is a cafe and the cafe's operating hours are "8:00 to 20:00", the operating schedule can be set to "7:00 to 21:00".

[0040] The length of the period, or the unit time for that period, can be set in various ways. For example, the unit time defining the period can be set to 1 hour. Therefore, the comfortable temperature for the period "7:00-7:59" and the comfortable temperature for the period "8:00-8:59" can be set individually. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the unit time can be set in various ways.

[0041] On the other hand, the comfortable temperature can include the off-comfort temperature and the on-comfort temperature. The off-comfort temperature can be defined as the perceived temperature at which a user located in the target area 10 feels comfortable when the air conditioner 20 is turned off. The on-comfort temperature can be defined as the perceived temperature at which a user located in the target area 10 feels comfortable when the air conditioner 20 is turned on.

[0042] Specifically, the user's perceived temperature may differ depending on the operation of the air conditioner 20, for example, the output of cool / warm air from the air conditioner 20. In other words, the user's perceived temperature changes due to external stimuli. For example, when cool air comes into contact with the user's skin, the perceived temperature may be lower, and when warm air comes into contact with the user's skin, the perceived temperature may be higher. Therefore, the management server 70 can apply the change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli to classify the comfortable temperature into "off-comfort temperature" and "on-comfort temperature," and control the operation of the air conditioner 20 using both the off-comfort temperature and the on-comfort temperature.

[0043] According to the embodiment, the off-comfort temperature can be used when switching the state of the air conditioner 20. In this case, the state switching of the air conditioner 20 can include a first state switching that switches the state of the air conditioner 20 from turn-off to turn-on, and a second state switching that switches the state of the air conditioner 20 from turn-on to turn-off. That is, the off-comfort temperature can be used when deciding whether or not to turn on an air conditioner 20 that has been turned off, or when deciding whether or not to turn off an air conditioner 20 that has been turned on. By using the off-comfort temperature, the management server 70 can provide users with a comfortable indoor environment while preventing unnecessary operation of the air conditioner 20. This will be described later.

[0044] According to the embodiment, when the air conditioner 20 is turned on, or when it is decided that the turned-off air conditioner 20 will be turned on, the "on comfort temperature" can be used to set the desired temperature for the air conditioner 20. By using the "on comfort temperature," the management server 70 can minimize the power consumption of the air conditioner 20 while providing users with a comfortable environment. This will be explained later.

[0045] On the other hand, the off-comfort temperature and on-comfort temperature can be set individually for each of the multiple periods. In this case, the off-comfort temperature and on-comfort temperature may differ from period to period. According to the examples, the on-comfort temperature can be set higher or lower than the off-comfort temperature by a predetermined critical temperature. This is based on the "change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli" mentioned above.

[0046] In other words, an "off" comfort temperature can be set, and the "on" comfort temperature can be set by adding or subtracting a critical temperature from the "off" comfort temperature. This simplifies the setting of both the "off" and "on" comfort temperatures.

[0047] For example, when the air conditioner 20 is operated in cooling mode, the user's perceived temperature may be lower due to the cool air, so the on-comfort temperature can be set higher by a critical temperature than the off-comfort temperature. Also, when the air conditioner 20 is operated in heating mode, the user's perceived temperature may be higher due to the warm air, so the on-comfort temperature can be set lower by a critical temperature than the off-comfort temperature.

[0048] On the other hand, the critical temperature can also be a fixed temperature value. For example, the critical temperature may be 1°C, but the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the critical temperature can be defined based on the driving characteristics of the air conditioner 20. The driving characteristics of the air conditioner 20 may include the driving efficiency of the air conditioner 20, the installation position of the air conditioner 20, the year of manufacture of the air conditioner 20, the installation height of the air conditioner 20, etc. The driving efficiency of the air conditioner 20 can be defined as the driving efficiency of the air conditioner 20 at a specific desired temperature.

[0049] According to the embodiment, the off-comfort temperature and the on-comfort temperature can be set in the form of temperature intervals. That is, the off-comfort temperature can be set as an off-comfort temperature interval, and the on-comfort temperature can be set as an on-comfort temperature interval. For example, the off-comfort temperature interval can be set to "22.5°C to 23.5°C", and the on-comfort temperature interval can be set to "23.5°C to 24.5°C".

[0050] According to the embodiment, a standard comfort temperature for a reference day is set in advance, and the comfort temperature for a target day can be set by reflecting the weather information for the target day in addition to the standard comfort temperature. In other words, the comfort temperature for the target day can be set by adjusting the standard comfort temperature for the reference day based on the weather information for the target day in the target area 10. Here, the reference date can be defined as a specific day in the target month that includes the target day. The reference date can correspond to a sunny day without clouds or precipitation, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0051] The standard comfort temperature can be set for each sequential period of the target day. Furthermore, an off-comfort temperature can be set for each period based on the standard comfort temperature, and the on-comfort temperature can be set by adding or subtracting a critical temperature from the off-comfort temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to these provisions.

[0052] According to the embodiment, a representative standard comfort temperature, which is the standard comfort temperature for the standard period included in the reference day, can be set in advance. For example, the reference day may be a sunny day with no clouds or precipitation, and the reference period may be "3:00 to 3:59". The standard comfort temperature can be set in advance based on the weather information for the reference time on the reference day received from the weather server 80.

[0053] According to the embodiment, a standard comfort temperature for a specific period can be set by applying a predefined period correction parameter to a representative standard comfort temperature. Here, the period correction parameter can be defined based on at least one of the sunrise / sunset times on the reference day and the average outdoor temperature on the reference day.

[0054] For example, in the case of a specific day in a reference month that includes a reference date, the sunrise / sunset times on the reference date could be the average sunrise / sunset times for multiple days included in the reference month, and the average outdoor temperature on the reference date could be the average outdoor temperature for multiple days included in the reference month. The average sunrise / sunset times and average outdoor temperature for multiple days in the reference month can be calculated based on the weather information for the reference month provided by the weather server 80.

[0055] The operation of the control unit 720 of the management server 70, which sets the comfort temperature by reflecting the weather information for the target day in the standard comfort temperature, will be explained in more detail below. In this case, the operation of the control unit 720 described later can be performed similarly for each period and can be applied similarly to both the off comfort temperature and the on comfort temperature.

[0056] 1.1. Setting a comfortable temperature considering the outdoor temperature. According to the embodiment, the control unit 720 can calculate the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature on the target day and the outdoor temperature on the reference day, and adjust the reference comfort temperature based on the temperature difference between the target day and the reference day to set the comfort temperature for the target day.

[0057] Here, the outdoor temperature for the target day and the reference day may be the outdoor temperature for each period of the target day and the reference day, or it may be the average outdoor temperature for the target day and the reference day. In this case, the average outdoor temperature for the target day and the average outdoor temperature for the reference day can be provided by the weather server 80. Alternatively, the control unit 720 can receive the minimum and maximum outdoor temperatures for the target day and the reference day from the weather server 80 and calculate the average outdoor temperature for the target day and the reference day based on the minimum and maximum outdoor temperatures.

[0058] In detail, if the outdoor temperature on the reference day and the target day are the same, the comfortable temperature on the target day may be the same as the comfortable temperature on the reference day. However, if the outdoor temperature on the target day is higher than the outdoor temperature on the reference day, the comfortable temperature on the target day must be lower than the comfortable temperature on the reference day in accordance with the change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli (temperature). Also, if the outdoor temperature on the target day is lower than the outdoor temperature on the reference day, the comfortable temperature on the target day must be higher than the comfortable temperature on the reference day in accordance with the change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli (temperature). Therefore, the control unit 720 can set the comfortable temperature on the target day by comparing the outdoor temperature on the reference day and the outdoor temperature on the target day and adjusting the reference comfortable temperature.

[0059] As an example, the control unit 720 can set the comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 1]. [Mathematics 1] Comfortable temperature for the target day = Standard comfort temperature - α△Ta Here, △Ta represents the temperature difference between the target day and the reference day, and α represents the temperature control parameter. The temperature control parameter can have different values ​​depending on whether the air conditioner 20 is in cooling mode or heating mode.

[0060] Tables 1 and 2 below illustrate the concept of calculating the comfortable temperature for a given day based on the outdoor temperature using [Equation 1]. In this case, the comfortable temperature is defined as the comfortable temperature interval. [Table 1] [Table 2]

[0061] 1.2 Setting a comfortable temperature considering cloud cover According to the embodiment, the control unit 720 calculates the difference in cloud cover between the target day and the reference day, and can set the comfort temperature for the target day by adjusting the reference comfort temperature based on the difference in cloud cover between the target day and the reference day. Cloud cover can correspond to solar radiation. Here, the cloud cover for the target day and the reference day may be the cloud cover for each period of the target day and the reference day, or it may be the average cloud cover for the target day and the reference day. In this case, the cloud cover for each period or the average cloud cover for each of the target day and the reference day can be provided by the weather server 80.

[0062] In detail, if the cloud cover on the reference day and the target day are the same, the comfortable temperature on the target day may be the same as the comfortable temperature on the reference day. If the cloud cover on the target day is higher than that of the reference day, the solar radiation on the target day is lower than that of the reference day, and therefore, in response to the change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli (solar radiation), the comfortable temperature on the target day must be higher than that of the reference day. Also, if the cloud cover on the target day is lower than that of the reference day, the solar radiation on the target day is higher than that of the reference day, and therefore, in response to the change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli (solar radiation), the comfortable temperature on the target day must be lower than that of the reference day. Therefore, the control unit 720 can set the comfortable temperature on the target day by comparing the cloud cover on the reference day and the cloud cover on the target day and adjusting the reference comfortable temperature.

[0063] As an example, the control unit 720 can set the comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 2]. [Math 2] Comfortable temperature for the target day = Standard comfort temperature + β△C Here, △C represents the difference in cloud cover between the target day and the reference day, and β represents the cloud cover adjustment parameter. The cloud cover adjustment parameter can have different values ​​depending on whether the air conditioner 20 is in cooling mode or heating mode.

[0064] On the other hand, cloud cover can be defined in levels. For example, cloud cover levels can be five in number, with cloud cover increasing from lower levels to higher levels.

[0065] Table 3 below illustrates the concept of calculating the comfortable temperature for a given day based on cloud cover using [Equation 2]. In this case, the comfortable temperature is defined within a comfortable temperature range. Cloud cover is defined as a level, with the reference day set to level 1 (no clouds). [Table 3]

[0066] 1.3 Setting the Comfortable Temperature Based on Precipitation According to the embodiment, the control unit 720 can calculate the difference in precipitation between the target day and the reference day, and adjust the reference comfort temperature based on the difference in precipitation between the target day and the reference day to set the comfort temperature for the target day. Here, the precipitation for the target day and the reference day may be the precipitation for each period of the target day and the reference day, or it may be the average precipitation for the target day and the reference day. In this case, the precipitation for each period or the average precipitation for the target day and the reference day can be provided by the weather server 80.

[0067] In detail, the precipitation information for a day (target day and reference day) may include the probability of precipitation and the type of precipitation for that day. The probability of precipitation can be expressed as a percentage, and the type of precipitation may include snow, rain, etc. In this case, the control unit 720 can determine that precipitation has occurred if the probability of precipitation is equal to or greater than a preset critical probability, and can determine that no precipitation has occurred if the probability of precipitation is less than the critical probability. The critical probability can be set experimentally or empirically, and as an example, it may be 80%. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0068] As mentioned above, the reference day can be a day without precipitation. Furthermore, if it rains in the summer, users may feel colder than on a day without rain. Also, if it snows in the winter, users may feel warmer than on a day without snow.

[0069] Therefore, assuming no precipitation occurs on the reference day, if no precipitation occurs on the target day, the comfortable temperature on the target day may be the same as the comfortable temperature on the reference day. If it rains on the target day, the comfortable temperature on the target day must be higher than the comfortable temperature on the reference day, in accordance with the change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli. Also, if it snows on the target day, the comfortable temperature on the target day must be lower than the comfortable temperature on the reference day, in accordance with the change in the user's perceived temperature due to external stimuli. Therefore, the control unit 720 can set the comfortable temperature on the target day by comparing the precipitation on the reference day and the precipitation on the target day and adjusting the reference comfortable temperature.

[0070] As an example, the control unit 720 can set the comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 3]. [Math 3] Comfortable temperature for the target day = Standard comfort temperature + γ△R - δ△S Here, △R represents the first precipitation difference for rain, △S represents the second precipitation difference for snow, γ represents the rain adjustment parameter, and δ represents the snow adjustment parameter. The rain adjustment parameter and the snow adjustment parameter can have different values ​​depending on whether the air conditioner 20 is in cooling mode or heating mode.

[0071] Table 4 below illustrates the concept of calculating the comfortable temperature for a given day based on precipitation using [Equation 3]. In this case, the comfortable temperature is defined as a comfortable temperature interval. When it rains or snows, R and S have a value of "1", and when it does not rain or snow, R and S have a value of "0". The reference day is a day when no precipitation occurs, so R and S are set to "0". [Table 4]

[0072] 1.4 Setting a comfortable temperature that takes into account outdoor temperature, cloud cover, and precipitation. According to the embodiment, the control unit 720 can set the comfort temperature for the target day by adjusting the reference comfort temperature based on the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature on the target day and the outdoor temperature on the reference day, the cloud cover difference between the cloud cover on the target day and the cloud cover on the reference day, and the precipitation difference between the precipitation on the target day and the precipitation on the reference day. This is similar to what was described earlier.

[0073] As an example, the control unit 720 can set the comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following [Equation 4]. [Math 4] Comfortable temperature for the target day = Standard comfort temperature - α△Ta + β△C + γ△R - δ△S Here, the temperature adjustment parameter α, cloud cover adjustment parameter β, rain adjustment parameter γ, and snow adjustment parameter δ may differ from the values ​​obtained when indoor temperature, cloud cover, and precipitation are considered individually.

[0074] In short, the management server 70 sets the comfortable temperature on a daily and periodic basis, and at the same time adjusts the comfortable temperature using weather information for the target area 10. This allows it to create a comfortable indoor temperature in the indoor area that is suitable for the weather outside, thereby preventing discomfort from the indoor temperature felt by users located in the target area 10.

[0075] 2. First temperature change The first temperature change can be defined as the temperature change per unit time in the target area 10 when the air conditioner 20 is turned off. The first temperature change can be set based on the thermal characteristics of the target area 10. In this case, the thermal characteristics of each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may differ, and therefore the first temperature change can be set individually for each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. Here, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 may be related to "the influence that external environmental changes have on the indoor temperature changes in the target area 10."

[0076] For example, indoor temperature changes in a specific area may be more influenced by the indoor-outdoor temperature difference compared to indoor temperature changes in other areas, and therefore the amount of indoor temperature change in that specific area may be even greater than in other areas.

[0077] According to the examples, the thermal properties may have a relationship proportional to the influence of the indoor-outdoor temperature difference. That is, the lower the influence of the indoor-outdoor temperature difference, the lower the thermal properties of the target area 10 can be set, and the higher the influence of the indoor-outdoor temperature difference, the higher the thermal properties of the target area 10 can be set. In other words, the lower the thermal properties of the target area 10, the more the temperature of the target area 10 can be maintained or changed less even if the indoor-outdoor temperature difference is large.

[0078] According to the embodiment, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 can be predetermined based on at least one of the following: the separation distance between the target area 10 and the outside of space 1, and the thermal insulation efficiency of the target area 10. As an example, the thermal insulation efficiency of the target area 10 may include the material of the interior wall finishing material of the target area 10, the number of doors and / or windows provided in the target area 10, the installation direction of the doors and / or windows, whether or not the windows are treated with a thermal coating film, the degree of sunting of the windows, etc.

[0079] For example, the larger the separation distance, and the higher the thermal insulation efficiency of the interior wall finishing material in the target area 10, the lower the thermal properties can be. When the thermal properties are low, even if the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the room is large, the amount of change in the indoor temperature in the target area 10 may be relatively lower compared to other areas with high thermal properties.

[0080] Furthermore, the first temperature change can be set based on the first temperature difference, which is the difference between the indoor temperature of the target area 10 and the outdoor temperature of the target area 10. Here, the first temperature difference can be defined as the value obtained by subtracting the outdoor temperature from the indoor temperature. The larger the first temperature difference, the larger the temperature change per unit time in the target area 10 when the air conditioner 20 is turned off. In short, the first temperature change can be set based on the first temperature difference and the thermal characteristics of the target area 10.

[0081] According to the embodiment, the first temperature change can be defined by a predefined function, i.e., the first temperature change function. The first temperature change can take the form of a quadratic function. In this case, the variable of the first temperature change function may be the indoor-outdoor temperature difference, the constant of the first temperature change function may be predefined based on the thermal characteristics of the target area 10, and the output of the first temperature change function may be the first temperature change. In this case, the first temperature difference can be substituted into the variable of the first temperature change function (i.e., the indoor-outdoor temperature difference) to calculate the first temperature change due to the first temperature difference. The first temperature change function can be expressed as shown in [Equation 5] below.

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[0082] Figure 4 shows a graph of the first temperature change function according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 4, the output value of the first temperature change function can increase non-linearly as the indoor-outdoor temperature difference increases.

[0083] 3. Second temperature change The second temperature change can be defined as the temperature change per unit time in the target area 10 when the air conditioner 20 is turned on. The second temperature change can be set based on the thermal characteristics of the target area 10. In this case, the thermal characteristics of each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may differ, and therefore the second temperature change can be set individually for each of the multiple areas 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

[0084] The thermal characteristics of the target area 10 for setting the second temperature change can be predetermined based on at least one of the following: the separation distance between the target area 10 and the outside of space 1, the thermal insulation efficiency of the interior wall finishing material of the target area 10, and the driving characteristics of the air conditioner 20. That is, since the second temperature change assumes the turn-on of the air conditioner 20, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 for setting the second temperature change must take into account the driving characteristics of the air conditioner 20. As described above, the driving characteristics of the air conditioner 20 may include the driving efficiency of the air conditioner 20, the installation location of the air conditioner 20, and the year of manufacture of the air conditioner 20.

[0085] Furthermore, the second temperature change can be set based on the first temperature difference, which is the difference between the indoor temperature of the target area 10 and the outdoor temperature of the target area 10. The explanation of the first temperature difference is given above.

[0086] Furthermore, the second temperature change amount can be set based on the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20 (i.e., the set temperature when the air conditioner 20 is operated). For example, when the air conditioner 20 is operated in heating mode, the higher the desired temperature at which the air conditioner 20 is operated, the faster the indoor temperature in the target area 10 can increase. Conversely, when the air conditioner 20 is operated in cooling mode, the lower the desired temperature at which the air conditioner 20 is operated, the faster the indoor temperature in the target area 10 can decrease. Therefore, the second temperature change amount must take into account the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20.

[0087] In short, the second temperature change can be set based on the first temperature difference, the thermal characteristics of the target area 10, and the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20. According to the embodiment, the second temperature change can be defined as a predefined function, i.e., a second temperature change function for a desired temperature. The second temperature change function for a desired temperature can take the form of a quadratic function. In this case, the variable of the second temperature change function for a desired temperature may be the indoor-outdoor temperature difference, the constant of the first temperature change function may be predefined based on the thermal characteristics of the target area 10 and the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20, and the output of the second temperature change function may be the second temperature change. In this case, the first temperature difference can be substituted into the variable of the second temperature change function (i.e., the indoor-outdoor temperature difference) to calculate the second temperature change due to the first temperature difference. The second temperature change function can be expressed similarly to [Equation 5] described above.

[0088] Figure 5 shows a graph of the second temperature change function according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 5, the graph can be represented for each desired temperature of the air conditioner 20. In this case, the output value of the first temperature change function may increase non-linearly as the indoor-outdoor temperature difference increases. Also, the amount of the second temperature change may increase as the desired temperature of the air conditioner 20 increases.

[0089] In short, the management server 70 can control the operation of the air conditioner 20 using various algorithms based on the off-comfort temperature, on-comfort temperature, first temperature change amount, and second temperature change amount.

[0090] Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., individually or in combination. The program instructions recorded on the medium may be specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or may be publicly disclosed and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes; optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory. Examples of program instructions include not only machine code, such as that produced by a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware devices described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operation of one embodiment of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0091] As described above, the present invention has been explained with specific details such as concrete components, and with limited embodiments and drawings. However, these are provided only to aid in the general understanding of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. A person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications and variations from this description. Therefore, the concept of the present invention should not be limited to the embodiments described above, and it can be said that not only the claims described later, but also everything that is equivalent to or has an equivalent variation to the claims, falls within the scope of the concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0092] 1 space 2. Air conditioning control system 10 Target Area 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d area 20 Air conditioners 30 Temperature and Humidity Sensors 40 Control Modules 50 Gateways 60 access points 70 Management Server 80 Weather Servers 710 Communications Department 720 Control Unit 730 Preservation Department

Claims

1. In a device for controlling heating and cooling systems installed in an indoor area, A communication unit that receives the indoor temperature of the area measured by a temperature sensor and weather information for the area provided by a weather server, and Includes a control unit that sets a comfortable temperature for the area based on the weather information and generates a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the comfortable temperature, The aforementioned comfort temperature includes the off-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfort temperature of a user located in the area when the air conditioner is turned off, and the on-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfort temperature of the user when the air conditioner is turned on. The control unit is characterized by setting the comfort temperature for the target day by adjusting the standard comfort temperature for a predefined reference day based on the weather information for the target day in the area.

2. The aforementioned "off" comfort temperature is used when switching the state of the air conditioner / heater. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the state switching of the air conditioning unit includes a first state change that switches the state of the air conditioning unit from turn-off to turn-on, and a second state change that switches the state of the air conditioning unit from turn-on to turn-off.

3. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned "on-comfort temperature" is used when setting the desired temperature of the air conditioning unit.

4. When the air conditioner is in cooling mode, the on-comfort temperature is set higher than the off-comfort temperature by a predetermined critical temperature through the operation of the air conditioner. The air conditioner control device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the air conditioner is in heating mode, the on-comfort temperature is set lower than the off-comfort temperature by a predetermined critical temperature due to the operation of the air conditioner.

5. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned reference date corresponds to a clear day without clouds or precipitation.

6. The aforementioned weather information includes the average outdoor temperature for the day. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit calculates the temperature difference between the outdoor temperature of the area on the target day and the outdoor temperature of the area on the reference day, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the temperature difference to set the comfort temperature for the target day.

7. The air conditioning control device according to claim 6, characterized in that the control unit sets the comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following mathematical formula. Comfortable temperature for the target day = Standard comfort temperature - α△Ta Here, △Ta represents the temperature difference, and α represents the temperature control parameter.

8. The aforementioned weather information includes the amount of cloud cover for the day. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit calculates the difference in cloud cover between the cloud cover on the target day in the area and the cloud cover on the reference day in the area, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the difference in cloud cover to set the comfort temperature for the target day.

9. The air conditioning control device according to claim 8, characterized in that the control unit sets the comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following mathematical formula. Comfortable temperature for the target day = Standard comfort temperature + β△C Here, △C represents the cloud cover difference, and β represents the cloud cover adjustment parameter.

10. The aforementioned weather information includes precipitation information for the day. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit calculates the difference in precipitation between the precipitation on the target day in the area and the precipitation on the reference day in the area, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the difference in precipitation to set the comfort temperature for the target day.

11. The aforementioned daily precipitation information includes the daily probability of precipitation and the daily precipitation type. The control unit determines that precipitation has occurred if the probability of precipitation is equal to or greater than a preset critical probability, and determines that precipitation has not occurred if the probability of precipitation is less than the critical probability. The air conditioning control device according to claim 10, characterized in that the control unit sets the comfortable temperature for the target day based on the following formula. Comfortable temperature for the target day = Standard comfort temperature + γ△R - δ△S Here, △R represents the first precipitation difference for rain, △S represents the second precipitation difference for snow, γ represents the rain adjustment parameter, and δ represents the snow adjustment parameter.

12. The aforementioned weather information includes the average outdoor temperature for the day, the average cloud cover for the day, and precipitation information for the day. The control unit calculates the temperature difference between the average outdoor temperature of the area on the target day and the average outdoor temperature of the area on the reference day, the cloud cover difference between the average cloud cover of the area on the target day and the average cloud cover of the area on the reference day, and the precipitation difference between the precipitation of the area on the target day and the precipitation of the area on the reference day, and adjusts the reference comfort temperature based on the temperature difference, the cloud cover difference, and the precipitation difference to set the comfort temperature for the target day, as described in claim 1.

13. The aforementioned standard comfortable temperature and the comfortable temperature for the target day are set for each sequential period included in the day. Period-specific standard comfort temperatures are set by applying a predefined period correction parameter to the representative standard comfort temperature, which is the standard comfort temperature for the standard period included in the aforementioned reference date. The air conditioning control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the period correction parameter is defined based on at least one of the sunrise / sunset times of the reference day and the average outdoor temperature of the reference day.

14. A system for controlling an air conditioner installed in an indoor area using the air conditioner control device described in Claim 1, A temperature sensor for measuring the indoor temperature of the aforementioned area. A gateway that receives the room temperature from the temperature sensor. A management server that receives weather information for the area provided by a weather server and indoor temperature transmitted from the gateway, sets the off-comfort temperature, which is the comfortable temperature perceived by users located in the area when the air conditioner is turned off, and the on-comfort temperature, which is the comfortable temperature perceived by users when the air conditioner is turned on, based on the weather information, and generates a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature, the off-comfort temperature and the on-comfort temperature, and A heating and cooling system control system characterized by including a control module that receives the drive control signal transferred from the management server via the gateway and transfers the drive control signal to the heating and cooling unit.

15. A method for controlling an air conditioner installed in an indoor area using a processor-based device and the air conditioner control device described in claim 1, The step of receiving weather information for the area provided by the weather server, A step of setting the off-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfortable temperature for a user located in the area when the air conditioner is turned off, and the on-comfort temperature, which is the perceived comfortable temperature for a user when the air conditioner is turned on, based on the weather information. The steps include receiving the indoor temperature measured in the aforementioned area, and A method for controlling an air conditioner, characterized by including the step of generating a drive control signal for the air conditioner based on the indoor temperature and the off and on comfort temperatures.

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