Air-conditioning system, control method, and program

Abstract

This air-conditioning system (1) comprises a temperature adjustment unit (11) that adjusts the temperature of an air-conditioned region, a humidity adjustment unit (12) that adjusts the humidity of the air-conditioned region, a sensor that acquires environmental information including the temperature or the humidity of the air-conditioned region, and a control unit (13). The control unit (13) includes: an estimation unit (31) that estimates a change over time in the temperature and the humidity of the air-conditioned region on the basis of the environmental information acquired by the sensor, target values of the temperature and the humidity, and a control schedule indicating a change over time in the outputs of the temperature adjustment unit (11) and the humidity adjustment unit (12); a control determination unit (32) that determines an optimum control schedule by optimally calculating the control schedule on the basis of the change over time in the temperature and the humidity estimated by the estimation unit (31) and the target values; and an adjustment unit control unit (36) that controls the temperature adjustment unit (11) and the humidity adjustment unit (12) on the basis of the optimum control schedule determined by the control determination unit (32).

Description

Air conditioning system, control method and program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program.

[0002] Air conditioners, including home air conditioners, automatically control the temperature and humidity of the indoor environment to ensure the comfort of those in the room.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioning control device that includes an acquisition unit, an operation mode determination unit, a temperature setting calculation unit, and a setting transmission unit, and the operation mode determination unit performs at least one of the following processes: determining the operation mode of the air conditioner to be cooling when the indoor temperature value and indoor humidity value acquired by the acquisition unit are not included in the temperature and humidity range corresponding to the comfort range and the indoor temperature value is higher than the range; and determining the operation mode of the air conditioner to be heating when the indoor temperature value and indoor humidity value acquired by the acquisition unit are not included in the temperature and humidity range corresponding to the comfort range and the indoor temperature value is lower than the range; and the setting transmission unit transmits the operation mode determined by the operation mode determination unit.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-17656

[0005] According to the air conditioning control device described in Patent Document 1, when the indoor temperature and indoor humidity values ​​are not within the comfort range, cooling or heating operation is performed to make the indoor temperature reach a target value. However, because the process leading up to the target value, i.e., transient response, is not taken into consideration, there is a problem that occupants may feel a decrease in comfort during the process of making the indoor temperature reach the target value.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system, control method, and program that can maintain user comfort by adjusting the temperature and humidity taking into account the transient response until the temperature or humidity in the air-conditioned area reaches the target value.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of a region to be air-conditioned, a humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the region to be air-conditioned, a sensor that acquires environmental information including the temperature or humidity of the region to be air-conditioned, and a control unit. The control unit includes an estimation unit that estimates changes in temperature and humidity over time in the region to be air-conditioned based on the environmental information acquired by the sensor, target values ​​for temperature and humidity, and a control schedule that indicates changes in output of the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit over time, a control determination unit that optimally calculates the control schedule based on the changes in temperature and humidity over time estimated by the estimation unit and the target values, and an adjustment unit control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, an air conditioning system, control method, and program can be provided that can maintain user comfort by adjusting the temperature and humidity in the air-conditioned area taking into account the transient response until the temperature or humidity reaches the target value.

[0009] Schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. Block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. Schematic diagram showing the heat load balance of a room in which the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1 is installed. Diagram showing an example of indoor environment control performed by the air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. Diagram showing the temperature and absolute humidity of the area to be air-conditioned in embodiment 1. Flowchart showing air conditioning processing in embodiment 1. Block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to embodiment 2. Block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to embodiment 3. Flowchart showing air conditioning processing in embodiment 4.

[0010] An air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Identical or corresponding parts in the figures are designated by the same reference numerals. The air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment is an air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature or humidity of air in a conditioned area.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 1 is installed in a room 100 and includes an air conditioner 10 that adjusts the temperature and humidity inside the room 100, i.e., the area to be air-conditioned. The air conditioner 10 includes a temperature adjustment unit 11 that adjusts the temperature inside the room, a humidity adjustment unit 12 that adjusts the humidity inside the room, a control unit 13 that controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 and the humidity adjustment unit 12, and an input unit 14 that receives user operations.

[0012] The air conditioning system 1 includes an indoor temperature sensor 21 that detects the temperature inside the room, an indoor humidity sensor 22 that detects the humidity inside the room, a blow-out temperature sensor 23 that detects the temperature of the air blown out from the air conditioner, a blow-out humidity sensor 24 that detects the humidity of the air blown out from the air conditioner, an outdoor temperature sensor 25 that detects the temperature outside the room, and an outdoor humidity sensor 26 that detects the humidity outside the room.

[0013] The temperature control unit 11 of the air conditioner 10 controls the indoor temperature by transporting heat to raise or lower the indoor temperature. The temperature control unit 11 may be a heat pump type heating / cooling device that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. In other words, the temperature control unit 11 may be provided with a refrigerant circuit (not shown) that circulates a refrigerant to perform the refrigeration cycle.

[0014] The humidity control unit 12 adjusts the humidity inside the room by absorbing or releasing moisture in the air to increase or decrease the humidity inside the room. The humidity control unit 12 may be equipped with a solid moisture absorbent to adjust the humidity inside the room. The humidity inside the room may also be adjusted by absorbing moisture from the air either inside or outside the room and releasing moisture to the other side.

[0015] The control unit 13 controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 and the humidity adjustment unit 12 to bring the indoor temperature or humidity closer to the target temperature or target humidity, respectively. The control unit 13 may include, but is not limited to, a processor including a central control unit and a storage device. The process by which the control unit 13 controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 and the humidity adjustment unit 12 will be described later.

[0016] The input unit 14 receives user operations to turn the power of the air conditioning system 1 on and off, set target values ​​for temperature or humidity, and start and end indoor environment control, and transmits these to the control unit 13. The input unit 14 is connected to the control unit 13 via a wired or wireless connection. The input unit 14 may be, but is not limited to, a remote controller, a smartphone or a tablet on which an app is installed.

[0017] The indoor temperature sensor 21, the outlet temperature sensor 23, and the outdoor temperature sensor 25 are temperature sensors that are respectively placed indoors, at the air outlet of the air conditioner 10, and outdoors, and measure the ambient temperature. The indoor temperature sensor 21, the outlet temperature sensor 23, and the outdoor temperature sensor 25 are each connected to the control unit 13.

[0018] The indoor humidity sensor 22, the outlet humidity sensor 24, and the outdoor humidity sensor 26 are humidity sensors that are respectively arranged indoors, at the air outlet of the air conditioner 10, and outdoors, and measure the ambient humidity. The indoor humidity sensor 22, the outlet humidity sensor 24, and the outdoor humidity sensor 26 are each connected to the control unit 13. The indoor temperature sensor 21, the indoor humidity sensor 22, the outlet temperature sensor 23, the outlet humidity sensor 24, the outdoor temperature sensor 25, and the outdoor humidity sensor 26 are also collectively referred to as a sensor group.

[0019] The following describes the process by which the control unit 13 controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 and the humidity adjustment unit 12. The control unit 13 creates an optimal control schedule that represents the output of the temperature adjustment unit 11 or the humidity adjustment unit 12 from the start to the end of control, and controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 or the humidity adjustment unit 12 based on the optimal control schedule, thereby performing indoor environment control.

[0020] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 1. As shown in Fig. 2, the control unit 13 is connected to the temperature adjustment unit 11, the humidity adjustment unit 12, the input unit 14, the indoor temperature sensor 21, the indoor humidity sensor 22, the blow-out temperature sensor 23, the blow-out humidity sensor 24, the outdoor temperature sensor 25, and the outdoor humidity sensor 26 via a bus.

[0021] The control unit 13 includes an estimation unit 31 that estimates the changes in indoor temperature and indoor humidity over time, a control determination unit 32 that determines an optimal control schedule, a memory unit 33 that stores model information 34, a model correction unit 35 that corrects the model information 34, and an adjustment unit control unit 36 ​​that controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 and the humidity adjustment unit 12 to adjust the temperature and humidity.

[0022] The estimation unit 31 estimates the changes over time in the indoor temperature and the indoor humidity when indoor environment control is performed based on the control schedule.

[0023] The estimation unit 31 acquires a value indicating a target value of temperature or humidity from the input unit 14 operated by the user, and sets the target value of temperature or humidity based on the acquired value.

[0024] The estimation unit 31 acquires environmental information indicating the indoor and outdoor temperatures or humidity from the indoor temperature sensor 21 , the indoor humidity sensor 22 , the outdoor temperature sensor 25 , and the outdoor humidity sensor 26 .

[0025] The estimation unit 31 creates a control schedule that indicates the time change in the outputs of the temperature adjustment unit 11 and the humidity adjustment unit 12 from the start to the end of control. The process by which the estimation unit 31 creates the control schedule will be described below.

[0026] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the heat load balance of a room 100 in which an air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1 is installed. For the sake of explanation, the temperature adjustment unit 11 is assumed to be a room air conditioner including an air conditioner indoor unit 15 and an air conditioner outdoor unit 16 connected to each other by refrigerant piping 17, and to perform heating operation. The humidity adjustment unit 12 is assumed to be a humidifier 18. That is, the air conditioning system 1 is equipped with the air conditioner indoor unit 15, which is a heater, and the humidifier 18, and performs heating and humidifying operation.

[0027] In FIG. 3, Q is the sensible heat radiated from the air conditioner indoor unit 15, i.e., the heater output. H is the latent heat radiated from the humidifier 18, i.e., the humidifier output or humidification amount. q is the amount of outside air, which may include ventilation or drafts. C is the heat capacity of the conditioned area, R is the thermal resistance between the indoor air and the outdoor air, and T ｉｎ is the indoor temperature, X ｉｎ is the indoor absolute humidity, T ｏｕｔ is the outdoor temperature, Xｏｕｔ is the outdoor absolute humidity. In reality, other heat balances occur, including solar radiation heat, heat load due to the occupants 40, and heat load due to lighting or other equipment, but for simplicity, these are not taken into consideration here.

[0028] The sensible heat load balance and the latent heat load balance can be expressed by the following differential equations (1) and (2), respectively.

[0029]

[0030] Here, L ｗ denotes the latent heat of vaporization of water.

[0031] The heat capacity C of the area to be air-conditioned can be expressed by the following formula (3) using the air density ρ, the air specific heat Cp, and the volume V of the area to be air-conditioned: C=ρ×Cp×V (3)

[0032] The information represented by equations (1) to (3) is stored in the storage unit 33 as model information 34 .

[0033] The estimation unit 31 substitutes the indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity at the start of control, which are acquired from the sensor group, i.e., environmental information at the start of control, into an equation included in the model information 34 acquired from the storage unit 33. In other words, the environmental information at the start of control is input into the model information 34. The estimation unit 31 substitutes the time-varying heating capacity Q(t) and humidification capacity H(t) into an equation included in the model information 34. In other words, the estimation unit 31 inputs a heating and humidification control schedule into the model information 34. The estimation unit 31 estimates the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity, i.e., the transient response, when the input control schedule is executed by approximating the numerical solution of the differential equation included in the model information 34 with discrete values. In other words, the estimation unit 31 outputs information indicating the transient response of the indoor temperature and indoor humidity from the model information 34 to which the environmental information at the start of control and the control schedule have been input.

[0034] The control determination unit 32 determines an optimal control schedule, which is one of the control schedules, based on the target values ​​of the indoor temperature and indoor humidity and the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity output by the estimation unit 31. The method by which the control determination unit 32 determines the optimal control schedule may include, but is not limited to, optimal calculation.

[0035] The optimal control schedule will now be described. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of indoor environment control executed by the air conditioning system 1. The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 is assumed to be the same as the example shown in Fig. 3. The horizontal axis of Fig. 4 represents time, and the vertical axis represents the output (W) from the air conditioner indoor unit 15, which is a heater, i.e., heating capacity, the output (mLh) from the humidifier 18, i.e., the amount of humidification, the change in indoor temperature (°C), and the change in indoor humidity (%) over time.

[0036] T ｓｅｔ °C is the target value of the room temperature set by the user via the input unit 14, and RH ｓｅｔ % is the target value of indoor humidity, (T ｓｅｔ -α) °C is the indoor temperature at 0 min, which is the start of control. Assume that the indoor humidity at the start of control is close to the target value. In this case, the optimal control schedule is the output of air conditioner indoor unit 15 and humidifier 18 that quickly brings the indoor temperature up to the target value while maintaining the indoor humidity close to the target value.

[0037] Before 0 min, which is the start time of control, the control unit 13 determines an optimal control schedule that will provide indoor temperature and humidity responses that are comfortable for the occupants 40. In Figure 4, a solid line 41 indicates the heater output according to the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit 32 of the control unit 13, a dotted line 43 indicates the humidifier output, a solid line 44 indicates the change in indoor temperature over time, and a dotted line 46 indicates the change in indoor humidity over time.

[0038] According to the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit 32, as shown by the solid line 41, the heater is started and the indoor air is heated by the heater from 0 min to 20 min, and the indoor temperature (T ｓｅｔ -α) ° C to T ｓｅｔ° C. As the room temperature approaches the target value, the heating capacity decreases as shown by the solid line 41, and after 20 minutes the heater output balances with the sensible heat load and the room temperature stabilizes.

[0039] According to the optimal control schedule, the heater increases its output to bring the indoor temperature closer to the target value, as shown by the solid line 41, and the humidifier also increases its output, as shown by the dotted line 43. This allows the indoor temperature to approach the target value, as shown by the solid line 44, while the indoor humidity can be maintained at the target value, as shown by the dotted line 46.

[0040] As an example of conventional control that reduces the comfort of occupants 40, a case where indoor temperature and humidity are controlled separately will be described. In Fig. 4, solid line 41 indicates the heater output, solid line 42 indicates the humidifier output, solid line 44 indicates the time progression of indoor temperature, and solid line 45 indicates the time progression of indoor humidity. For comparison, it is assumed that the time progression of heater output and indoor temperature is the same as that according to the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit 32.

[0041] According to the conventional control example, the indoor temperature approaches the target value as shown by the solid line 44, while the indoor humidity (RH) decreases as shown by the solid line 45. ｓｅｔ After the indoor temperature reaches the target value at 20 minutes, the humidifier increases its output to bring the indoor humidity closer to the target value, as shown by the solid line 42, and the indoor humidity approaches the target value, as shown by the solid line 45. In other words, according to the conventional control example, the indoor temperature approaches the target value while the indoor humidity deviates from the target value.

[0042] The indoor environment when indoor environment control is performed according to the optimal control schedule will be described. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the temperature and absolute humidity of the area to be air-conditioned. Point 47 in Figure 5 indicates the temperature and humidity of the area to be air-conditioned at the start of control, point 48 indicates the target values ​​of the temperature and humidity of the area to be air-conditioned, and dotted line 51 indicates the time progression of temperature and humidity when indoor environment control is performed according to the optimal control schedule.

[0043] As shown by dotted line 51 in Figure 5, the change in sensible heat due to heater control and the change in latent heat and humidity due to humidifier control occur simultaneously, and the lines indicating the indoor temperature and humidity form a trajectory that follows the isohumidity contours from point 47 to point 48. In other words, one optimal control schedule is a control schedule that changes the indoor temperature and humidity along the isohumidity contours. However, the optimal control schedule is not limited to this.

[0044] The indoor environment when indoor environment control is performed according to the conventional control example will be described below. Solid lines 49 and 50 in Fig. 5 show the time progression of temperature and humidity when indoor environment control is performed according to the conventional control example.

[0045] As shown by the solid line 49 in Figure 5, a change in sensible heat due to heater control appears from the start of control. If there is no amount of outside air including ventilation, the absolute humidity remains constant, but as the indoor temperature rises, the amount of saturated water vapor increases, and the amount of water vapor contained in the air per unit volume decreases relatively. Therefore, when the indoor temperature is T ｓｅｔ When the temperature reaches ℃, the relative humidity of the room is (RH ｓｅｔ In order to make the indoor humidity reach the target value, the relative humidity needs to be increased by β%, and as shown by the solid line 50, a change in latent heat due to the control of the humidifier appears.

[0046] When indoor environment control is performed according to conventional control examples, a temporary drop in humidity occurs before the indoor environment reaches the target value from the initial state, which can lead to discomfort for the occupants 40, including dry throat or dry skin.

[0047] The storage unit 33 stores information related to the heat capacity of the area to be air-conditioned, i.e., the air density ρ, the air specific heat Cp, and the volume V of the area to be air-conditioned. The storage unit 33 stores the information shown in equations (1)-(3) as model information 34.

[0048] The adjustment unit control unit 36 ​​controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 and humidity adjustment unit 12 based on the optimal control schedule created by the control decision unit 32 to adjust the temperature and humidity, that is, to control the indoor environment.

[0049] The model correction unit 35 corrects the model information 34 stored in the memory unit 33 at every correction interval Δt using the time series data of the indoor temperature and indoor humidity, i.e., the response data of the indoor temperature and indoor humidity, obtained by the adjustment unit control unit 36 ​​performing indoor environment control based on the optimal control schedule, and updates the model information 34 to the latest information.

[0050] The model correction unit 35 calculates the time series data T of the indoor temperature obtained by performing the indoor environment control. ｉｎ (t), time series data of indoor humidity X ｉｎ (t), time series data of outdoor temperature T ｏｕｔ (t), and the time series data of the outdoor absolute humidity X ｏｕｔ Response data including (t) is obtained.

[0051] The model correction unit 35 acquires the time series data Q(t) of the sensible heat load and the time series data H(t) of the latent heat load output from the air conditioner 10 when the control unit 13 executes indoor environment control, and estimates them from the data output by the outlet temperature sensor 23 and the outlet humidity sensor 24, respectively.

[0052] The model correction unit (35) corrects each acquired time series data T ｉｎ (t), X ｉｎ (t), T ｏｕｔ (t), X ｏｕｔ (t), Q(t), and H(t) are used to modify the model information 34. Specifically, model parameters are calculated so that the indoor temperature and humidity responses calculated from equations (1) and (2) match the acquired actual responses, and the parameters included in the model information 34 are replaced with the calculated model parameters, thereby updating the model information 34. The calculated model parameters may include, but are not limited to, the thermal resistance R between the indoor air and the outdoor air and / or the outdoor air volume q.

[0053] The smaller the correction interval Δt of the model information 34, the more precisely it can follow changes in the indoor heat load environment. For example, if the control cycle of the temperature adjustment unit 11 or humidity adjustment unit 12 and the correction interval Δt of the model information are the same, a control schedule corresponding to the indoor heat load environment can be determined each time, making it easier to obtain accurate indoor temperature and humidity responses. On the other hand, the smaller Δt is, the greater the calculation load. In other words, Δt is determined based on the trade-off between control performance and calculation load. Δt may be changed by user input via the input unit 14.

[0054] When the estimation unit 31 estimates the transient response of the indoor temperature and humidity using the model information 34, a discrepancy may occur between the estimated value and the actual response. One of the reasons for this is a change in the indoor heat load environment, including a change in the number of occupants 40, the opening and closing of windows by the occupants 40 for ventilation purposes, and the generation of heat load due to cooking. However, the causes of changes in the indoor heat load environment are not limited to these. There may also be causes other than changes in the indoor heat load environment, including errors in the heater or output.

[0055] If a discrepancy occurs between the estimated value and the actual response, even if the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit 32 is executed, the indoor temperature and humidity response may not be as expected, which may lead to a decrease in comfort for the occupants 40. The model correction unit 35 corrects the model information 34, thereby eliminating the discrepancy between the estimated value and the actual response.

[0056] 6 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning process executed by the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The air conditioning process executed by the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0057] When the air conditioning process is started, the estimation unit 31 of the control unit 13 of the air conditioning system 1 acquires values ​​indicating the target values ​​of temperature and humidity from the input unit 14 operated by the user, and sets the target values ​​of temperature and humidity based on the acquired values ​​(step S101).

[0058] Once the target value is set, the estimation unit 31 acquires environmental information including the indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity at the start of control from the group of sensors (step S102).

[0059] When the environmental information is acquired, the estimation unit 31 inputs the acquired environmental information and the heating and humidification control schedule into the model information 34, and estimates the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity (step S103).

[0060] When the estimation unit 31 estimates the changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity over time, the control decision unit 32 determines the optimal control schedule for heating and humidification based on the target values ​​of the indoor temperature and indoor humidity and the changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity over time output by the estimation unit 31 (step S104).

[0061] When the control determination unit 32 determines the optimal control schedule, the adjustment unit control unit 36 ​​controls the temperature adjustment unit 11 and the humidity adjustment unit 12 based on the optimal control schedule, and performs environmental control (step S105).

[0062] When the environmental control is executed, the model corrector 35 determines whether the correction interval Δt has elapsed (step S106).

[0063] If it is determined that the time has not elapsed (step S106: NO), the process returns to step S105 and the environmental control continues.

[0064] If it is determined that the time has elapsed (step S106: YES), the model correction unit 35 acquires time series data of the indoor temperature, indoor humidity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity at the start of control from the sensor group, as well as time series data of the sensible heat load and latent heat load, and corrects the model information 34 based on the acquired data (step S107).

[0065] When the model correction unit 35 corrects the model information 34, the control unit 13 determines whether or not the user has input an instruction to stop the control of the indoor temperature and indoor humidity via the input unit 14 (step S108). If it is determined that an instruction has not been input (step S108: NO), the process returns to step S102.

[0066] If it is determined that the input has been made (step S108: YES), the air conditioning process ends.

[0067] By having the above configuration and performing air conditioning processing, the air conditioning system 1 of embodiment 1 can adjust the temperature and humidity taking into account the transient response until the temperature or humidity in the conditioned area reaches the target value, thereby maintaining user comfort.

[0068] The characteristics of the air-conditioned area may change due to frequently changing factors, including the number of occupants 40 or the number of ventilations. By correcting the model information 34 at each correction interval Δt, the air-conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment can create an optimal control schedule that follows changes in the characteristics of the air-conditioned area and adjust the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned area.

[0069] If the sensible heat load or latent heat load output from air conditioner 10 is estimated from only the voltage or frequency, the error between the actual sensible heat load or latent heat load in the controlled area and the estimated value may become large if the piping between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is long. By estimating the sensible heat load and latent heat load from the data output by outlet temperature sensor 23 and outlet humidity sensor 24, respectively, air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 1 can reduce the error between the actual value and the estimated value in the controlled area and perform accurate control.

[0070] Second Embodiment An air conditioning system 1 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 7. The air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment includes a server 2 having the functions of a control unit 13.

[0071] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 2 includes a server 2. The server 2 has the functions of a control unit 13. That is, the server 2 includes an estimation unit 31, a control determination unit 32, a storage unit 33, a model correction unit 35, and an adjustment unit control unit 36.

[0072] Server 2 may be a server installed in the same building as the building in which air conditioning system 1 is installed, and which controls multiple air conditioning systems including air conditioning system 1, or it may be a cloud server connected to multiple air conditioning systems including air conditioning system 1 via the Internet.

[0073] If the server 2 is a cloud server connected to the air conditioning system 1 via the Internet, the environmental information detected by the sensors and the information input by the user via the input unit 14 are transmitted to the server 2 via the Internet. The server 2 determines an optimal control schedule based on the transmitted information, similar to the control unit 13 of the first embodiment. The determined optimal control schedule is transmitted from the server 2 via the Internet to the temperature adjustment unit 11 or the humidity adjustment unit 12, and the temperature adjustment unit 11 or the humidity adjustment unit 12 is controlled according to the optimal control schedule.

[0074] By being configured as described above and performing air conditioning processing, the air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0075] The air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment is equipped with a server 2, which enables it to acquire data or model information 34 from multiple air conditioning systems and utilize a large amount of data, thereby generating an optimal control schedule that leads to greater user comfort and adjusting the temperature and humidity.

[0076] Third Embodiment An air conditioning system 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment includes a server 2 that includes artificial intelligence.

[0077] Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 8, the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 3 includes a server 2, and the server 2 includes a learning device 61 that generates a trained model and an inference device 62 that generates an optimal control schedule using the trained model.

[0078] The learning device 61 generates a learned model that infers an optimal control schedule from the environmental information and target values ​​based on the environmental information obtained from the group of sensors given as input, the target values ​​obtained from the input unit 14, and the time series data of the sensible heat load and latent heat load given as output.

[0079] The inference device 62 receives environmental information acquired from the sensor group and target values ​​acquired from the input unit 14, and infers an optimal control schedule using the learned model generated by the learning device 61.

[0080] By being configured as described above and performing air conditioning processing, the air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0081] The air conditioning system 1 of embodiment 3 can generate a trained model and infer an optimal control schedule, thereby making it possible to utilize trained models created by other air conditioning systems, thereby making it possible to further improve user comfort even with short operating times.

[0082] (Fourth Embodiment) An air conditioning system 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment is similar to that of the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment determines a correction interval Δt for the model information 34 after correcting the model information 34.

[0083] After correcting the model information 34, the model correction unit 35 in the fourth embodiment calculates the time average value of the difference between the time changes in the estimated indoor temperature and indoor humidity and the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity acquired from the environmental information, and stores the calculated time average value in the storage unit 33. Each time the model correction unit 35 corrects the model information 34, the model correction unit 35 compares the time average value of the difference calculated after the previous correction of the model information 34 stored in the storage unit 33 with the time average value of the difference calculated after the current correction of the model information 34, and determines the correction interval Δt until the next correction of the model information 34 based on the comparison result. The model correction unit 35 may set at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit for the correction interval Δt of the model information 34. The model correction unit 35 may compare the time average value of the difference calculated after the current correction of the model information 34 with the time average value of the difference calculated after the previous correction of the model information 34.

[0084] If the time average value of the difference calculated after the current revision of the model information 34 is greater than the time average value of the difference calculated after the previous revision of the model information 34, the estimation accuracy of the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity by the estimation unit 31 may be low. In this case, the model correction unit 35 may reduce the correction interval Δt. By reducing the correction interval Δt by the model correction unit 35, the accuracy of the model information 34 can be improved.

[0085] If the time average value of the difference calculated after the current revision of the model information 34 is smaller than the time average value of the difference calculated after the previous revision of the model information 34, it can be considered that the estimation unit 31 is estimating the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity with sufficient accuracy. In this case, the model correction unit 35 may increase the correction interval Δt. By increasing the correction interval Δt by the model correction unit 35, the calculation load can be reduced. The accuracy of the model information 34 can be improved.

[0086] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning process executed by the air conditioning system 1 according to embodiment 4. The air conditioning process executed by the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 9. Steps S101 to S108 in the flowchart in Fig. 9 are the same as steps S101 to S108 in the flowchart in Fig. 6 according to embodiment 1.

[0087] In step S107, when the model correction unit 35 corrects the model information 34, the model correction unit 35 calculates the time average value of the difference between the time changes in the estimated indoor temperature and indoor humidity and the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity obtained from the environmental information, compares the time average value of the difference calculated after the previous correction of the model information 34 with the time average value of the difference calculated after the current correction of the model information 34, and determines the correction interval Δt until the next correction of the model information 34 based on the result of the comparison (step S109), and proceeds to step S108.

[0088] By being configured as described above and performing air conditioning processing, the air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0089] The air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment determines the correction interval Δt of the model information 34 based on the time average value of the difference between the time changes in the estimated indoor temperature and indoor humidity and the time changes in the indoor temperature and indoor humidity acquired from the environmental information, thereby improving the accuracy of the model information 34 or reducing the calculation load.

[0090] An example of a case in which the correction interval Δt of the model information 34 should be reduced is when the heat load of the room 100 in which the air conditioning system 1 is installed fluctuates while the air conditioner 10 is operating. This can occur when ventilation starts or stops, or when the number of people in the room 100 increases or decreases.

[0091] Another example of a case in which the correction interval Δt of the model information 34 should be reduced is when humidity return occurs during cooling operation of the air conditioner 10. When the air conditioner 10 is stopped during cooling operation or the compressor frequency is reduced, a phenomenon known as humidity return, in which humidity increases, can occur. Moisture condensed on the heat exchanger of the air conditioner indoor unit 15 during cooling operation of the air conditioner 10 flows down the heat exchanger to the inner bottom surface of the air conditioner indoor unit 15 and is then discharged outdoors via a drain hose. Because it takes time to discharge moisture, when the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger rises, including when the air conditioner 10 is stopped during cooling operation or the compressor frequency is reduced, the amount of saturated water vapor increases, causing the moisture adhering to the heat exchanger to evaporate, resulting in humidity return, in which high-humidity air is blown into the room.

[0092] If humidity re-elevation occurs in the dehumidified room 100 during cooling operation of the air conditioner 10, this may cause discomfort to the occupants 40 and may lead to a deterioration in energy-saving performance. Therefore, if humidity re-elevation occurs during cooling operation of the air conditioner 10, it is desirable to increase the dehumidifying capacity of the humidity adjustment unit 12.

[0093] In order to estimate the time-dependent changes in indoor temperature and humidity that take humidity return into account, it is necessary to estimate the amount of moisture held in air conditioner indoor unit 15. The amount of moisture held in air conditioner indoor unit 15 is the sum of the amount of moisture attached at the start of operation and the amount of moisture condensed on the heat exchanger, minus the amount of moisture discharged outdoors via the drain hose. While the amount of moisture condensing on the heat exchanger can be calculated from environmental information, it is difficult to calculate from environmental information the amount of moisture attached at the start of operation and the amount of moisture discharged outdoors.

[0094] The air conditioning system 1 according to the fourth embodiment determines the correction interval Δt of the model information 34 based on the time average value of the difference between the estimated changes in indoor temperature and humidity over time and the changes in indoor temperature and humidity over time obtained from environmental information. This makes it possible to reduce the correction interval Δt of the model information 34 and improve the accuracy of the model information 34 without having to estimate the amount of moisture held in the air conditioner indoor unit 15 and estimate the changes in indoor temperature and humidity over time taking humidity return into account.

[0095] (Modifications) The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above and can be modified. For example, although the air conditioning system 1 is described as including the humidity adjustment unit 12, the present disclosure is not limited to this. Instead of the humidity adjustment unit 12, at least one of a humidifier including an ultrasonic type or an evaporative type, and a dehumidifier including an adsorption type may be provided.

[0096] Although the control unit 13 is described as including the model correction unit 35, the present invention is not limited to this. The model correction unit 35 may not be included, and the model information 34 may not be corrected.

[0097] Although the storage unit 33 is described as storing information related to the heat capacity of the area to be air-conditioned, i.e., the air density ρ, the air specific heat Cp, and the volume V of the area to be air-conditioned, it is not limited to this. Multiple candidates for the volume V of the area to be air-conditioned that correspond to the capacity range of the air conditioner 10 may be stored, and correction or selection may be made by the user's input via the input unit 14.

[0098] The response of the indoor humidity may be estimated in units of relative humidity rather than absolute humidity. The transient response of the indoor relative humidity RH(t) is expressed as ｉｎ(T) and indoor absolute humidity X ｉｎ Specifically, it can be derived using a psychrometric chart or an approximate formula that simulates the information of the psychrometric chart shown in formula (4). The storage unit 33 stores the psychrometric chart or formula (4) as model information 34. RH ｉｎ (t) = f(T ｉｎ (t), X ｉｎ (t)) (4)

[0099] The model information represented by equations (1)-(4) may be stored as a model discretized by a control period in the storage unit 33. The control period is, for example, one second, but is not limited to this.

[0100] Although the description has been given assuming that the user is present in a room that is the air-conditioned area and operates the input unit 14, this is not limited to this. The user operating the input unit 14 does not have to be present in the room, and a person 40 other than the user operating the input unit 14 may be present in the room.

[0101] In embodiment 1, the air conditioning system 1 is described as performing heating and humidifying operation using a heater and a humidifier, but this is not limited to this, and the same effect can be obtained in heating and dehumidifying operation, cooling and humidifying operation, cooling and dehumidifying operation, or any combination thereof.

[0102] Although the air conditioning system 1 according to the second embodiment includes the server 2 having the functions of the control unit 13, this is not limitative. The air conditioning system 1 may include the control unit 13 and the server 2.

[0103] Although the air conditioning system 1 according to the third embodiment is described as including the server 2 that includes artificial intelligence, this is not limited to this. The air conditioning system 1 may also include a control unit 13 that includes artificial intelligence. That is, the control unit 13 may include a learning device 61 and an inference device 62. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 may also include a control unit 13 that does not include artificial intelligence and a server 2 that does include artificial intelligence, or a control unit 13 that includes artificial intelligence and a server 2 that does not include artificial intelligence.

[0104] In the third embodiment, the server 2 may perform learning based on learning data transmitted from a plurality of air conditioning systems operating in air-conditioned areas different from the room in which the air conditioning system 1 is installed. Also, the server 2 may infer an optimal control schedule using trained models transmitted from other air conditioning systems.

[0105] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0106] (Supplementary Note 1) An air conditioning system comprising: a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of an area to be air-conditioned; a humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the area to be air-conditioned; a sensor that acquires environmental information including the temperature or humidity of the area to be air-conditioned; and a control unit, wherein the control unit includes: an estimation unit that estimates changes in temperature and humidity over time in the area to be air-conditioned based on the environmental information acquired by the sensor, target values ​​for temperature and humidity, and a control schedule that indicates changes in output of the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit over time; a control determination unit that optimally calculates the control schedule based on the changes in temperature and humidity over time estimated by the estimation unit and the target values, and determines an optimal control schedule; and an adjustment unit control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit. (Supplementary Note 2) The air conditioning system of Supplementary Note 1, wherein the estimation unit inputs the environmental information, the target values, and the control schedule into model information that indicates the relationship between the environmental information, the target values, and the control schedule to estimate changes in temperature and humidity over time in the air-conditioned area, and the control unit further includes: a memory unit that stores the model information, and a model correction unit that corrects the model information stored in the memory unit. (Supplementary Note 3) The air conditioning system of Supplementary Note 2, wherein the model correction unit corrects the model information stored in the memory unit at each correction interval using time-series data of the environmental information acquired by the sensors. (Supplementary Note 4) The air conditioning system of any one of Supplements 1 to 3, wherein the environmental information further includes at least one of the temperature of air blown out from the temperature adjustment unit, the humidity of air blown out from the humidity adjustment unit, the temperature outside the air-conditioned area, and the humidity outside the air-conditioned area. (Supplementary Note 5) The air conditioning system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, further comprising a server including the control unit, wherein the server is connected to the temperature adjustment unit, the humidity adjustment unit, and the sensor. (Supplementary Note 6) The air conditioning system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the control unit generates a trained model from the environmental information, the target values, and the control schedule, and generates the optimal control schedule using the trained model.(Supplementary Note 7) The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 6, wherein the control unit includes: a learning device that receives the environmental information and the target value as input, receives the control schedule as output, and generates the trained model that infers the optimal control schedule from the environmental information and the target value, and an inference device that infers the optimal control schedule based on the trained model generated by the learning device, the environmental information, and the target value. (Supplementary Note 8) The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 3, wherein the model correction unit, after correcting the model information, calculates a time average value of the difference between the time change in temperature or humidity of the air-conditioned area estimated by the estimating unit and the time change in temperature or humidity of the air-conditioned area acquired from the environmental information acquired by the sensor, and stores the calculated time average value in the memory unit, and compares the time average value calculated after correcting the model information immediately before with the time average value calculated after correcting the model information before the immediately preceding correction of the model information, and determines a correction interval for the model information based on the comparison result. (Supplementary Note 9) A control method comprising: acquiring environmental information including the temperature or humidity of an area to be air-conditioned; estimating the changes in temperature and humidity over time of the area to be air-conditioned based on the environmental information, target values ​​for temperature and humidity, and a control schedule indicating changes over time in the output of a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the area to be air-conditioned and a humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the area to be air-conditioned; optimally calculating the control schedule based on the estimated changes over time in temperature and humidity and the target values ​​to determine an optimal control schedule; and controlling the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule. (Supplementary Note 10) A program that causes a computer to: acquire environmental information including the temperature or humidity of an area to be air-conditioned; estimate changes in temperature and humidity over time in the area to be air-conditioned based on the environmental information, target values ​​for temperature and humidity, and a control schedule indicating changes over time in the output of a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the area to be air-conditioned and a humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the area to be air-conditioned; optimally calculate the control schedule based on the estimated changes over time in temperature and humidity and the target values ​​to determine an optimal control schedule; and control the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule.

[0107] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0108] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-182120 filed on November 14, 2022. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-182120 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0109] The present disclosure can be suitably used as an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program.

[0110] 1 Air conditioning system, 10 Air conditioner, 11 Temperature adjustment unit, 12 Humidity adjustment unit, 13 Control unit, 14 Input unit, 15 Air conditioner indoor unit, 16 Air conditioner outdoor unit, 17 Refrigerant connection pipe, 18 Humidifier, 21 Indoor temperature sensor, 22 Indoor humidity sensor, 23 Outlet temperature sensor, 24 Outlet humidity sensor, 25 Outdoor temperature sensor, 26 Outdoor humidity sensor, 31 Estimation unit, 32 Control decision unit, 33 Memory unit, 34 Model information, 35 Model correction unit, 36 Adjustment unit control unit, 40 Occupant, 41 Heater output, 42, 43 Humidifier output, 44 Time transition of indoor temperature, 45, 46 Time transition of indoor humidity, 47 Temperature and humidity at start of control, 48 Target values ​​of temperature and humidity, 49-51 Time transition of temperature and humidity, 61 Learning device, 62 Inference device, 100 Room, C Heat capacity, H Humidifier output, Q Heater output, q Outside air volume, R Thermal resistance, T ｉｎ Indoor temperature, T ｏｕｔ Outdoor temperature, X ｉｎ Indoor absolute humidity, X ｏｕｔ Outdoor absolute humidity.

Claims

1. A temperature control unit that controls the temperature of the conditioned area; A humidity adjusting unit that adjusts the humidity of the conditioned area; A sensor for acquiring environmental information including a temperature or humidity of the air-conditioned area; A control unit, The control unit is an estimation unit that estimates the time changes in temperature and humidity of the conditioned area based on the environmental information acquired by the sensor, the target values ​​of temperature and humidity, and a control schedule that indicates the time changes in the outputs of the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit from the start of control to the end of control; a control determination unit that optimally calculates the control schedule based on the time variations in temperature and humidity estimated by the estimation unit and the target values, and determines an optimal control schedule; An adjustment unit control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit. Air conditioning system.

2. the estimation unit inputs the environmental information, the target value, and the control schedule into model information indicating a relationship between the environmental information, the target value, and the control schedule to estimate a time change in temperature and humidity in the conditioned area; The control unit is A storage unit that stores the model information; A model correction unit that corrects the model information stored in the storage unit.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1.

3. the model correction unit corrects the model information stored in the storage unit at each correction interval by using time-series data of the environmental information acquired by the sensor.

3. An air conditioning system according to claim 2.

4. The environmental information further includes at least one of the temperature of the air blown out from the temperature adjustment unit, the humidity of the air blown out from the humidity adjustment unit, the temperature outside the air-conditioned area, and the humidity outside the air-conditioned area. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. A server including the control unit, The server is connected to the temperature adjustment unit, the humidity adjustment unit, and the sensor. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The control unit generates a trained model from the environmental information, the target value, and the control schedule, and generates the optimal control schedule using the trained model. An air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The control unit is a learning device that receives the environmental information and the target value as inputs, receives the control schedule as an output, and generates the trained model that infers the optimal control schedule from the environmental information and the target value; an inference device that infers the optimal control schedule based on the trained model generated by the learning device, the environmental information, and the target value; 7. An air conditioning system according to claim 6.

8. A temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the conditioned area; A humidity adjusting unit that adjusts the humidity of the conditioned area; A sensor for acquiring environmental information including a temperature or humidity of the air-conditioned area; A control unit, The control unit is an estimation unit that estimates the time changes in temperature and humidity of the conditioned area based on the environmental information acquired by the sensor, target values ​​of temperature and humidity, and a control schedule indicating the time changes in the output of the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit; a control determination unit that optimally calculates the control schedule based on the time variations in temperature and humidity estimated by the estimation unit and the target values, and determines an optimal control schedule; an adjustment unit control unit that controls the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule determined by the control determination unit; a storage unit that stores model information indicating a relationship between the environmental information, the target value, and the control schedule; a model correction unit that corrects the model information stored in the storage unit, the estimation unit inputs the environmental information, the target value, and the control schedule into the model information to estimate changes in temperature and humidity over time in the conditioned area; The model correction unit corrects the model information stored in the memory unit at each correction interval using time series data of the environmental information acquired by the sensor, and after correcting the model information, calculates a time average value of the difference between the time change in temperature or humidity of the air-conditioned area estimated by the estimation unit and the time change in temperature or humidity of the air-conditioned area acquired from the environmental information acquired by the sensor, and stores the time average value in the memory unit. comparing the time average value calculated after the immediately preceding modification of the model information with the time average value calculated after the modification of the model information prior to the immediately preceding modification of the model information, and determining a modification interval for the model information based on a result of the comparison; Air conditioning system.

9. The optimal control schedule is determined by optimally calculating the control schedule by making the temperature follow the target value and making the humidity follow the target value.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1.

10. When the humidity of the conditioned area at the start of control is close to the target value, one of the optimal control schedules is a control schedule that changes the temperature and humidity of the conditioned area along a humidity contour line.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1.

11. Acquire environmental information including temperature or humidity of the area to be air-conditioned; Based on the environmental information, the target values ​​of temperature and humidity, and a control schedule showing time changes in the output of a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the air-conditioned area and a humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the air-conditioned area from the start of control to the end of control, a time change in the temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned area is estimated; determining an optimal control schedule by optimally calculating the control schedule based on the estimated time changes of temperature and humidity and the target values; Controlling the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule. Control methods.

12. On the computer, Acquire environmental information including temperature or humidity of the area to be air-conditioned; Based on the environmental information, the target values ​​of temperature and humidity, and a control schedule showing time changes in the output of a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the air-conditioned area and a humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the air-conditioned area from the start of control to the end of control, the time changes in temperature and humidity of the air-conditioned area are estimated, determining an optimal control schedule by optimally calculating the control schedule based on the estimated time changes of temperature and humidity and the target values; controlling the temperature adjustment unit and the humidity adjustment unit based on the optimal control schedule; program.