Air conditioning facility integrated control method

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for integrated control of air conditioning facilities, which maintains a more comfortable indoor environment by operating each device of the air conditioning facility based on the level of satisfaction felt by a person in the indoor space.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an integrated control method for air conditioning facilities, and more specifically, to a technology for maintaining a more comfortable indoor environment by controlling the operation of each device of the air conditioning facility based on the level of satisfaction felt by a person in an indoor space. Background Technology

[0003] HVAC facilities are installed in buildings to regulate indoor environmental conditions, such as indoor temperature and humidity. For instance, a comfortable indoor environment can be maintained by controlling indoor temperature and humidity through the operation of air conditioners and heaters.

[0004] For example, a desired indoor temperature, such as cooling or heating, is set, and the air conditioner or heater operates based on the set temperature. For instance, if the measured temperature is lower than the set temperature, the air conditioner stops operating and the heater operates; if the measured temperature is higher than the set temperature, the air conditioner operates and the heater stops operating.

[0005] However, there is a significant difference between the set temperature of air conditioners and heaters and the perceived temperature felt by people in an indoor space. For example, when a system air conditioner installed on the ceiling is set to a specific temperature and operated, people inside may feel colder or hotter than the set temperature depending on various conditions. In other words, even if air conditioners and heaters are set to maintain a specific temperature and operated, there is a difference in the actual perceived temperature felt by people due to various factors such as the degree of air circulation, humidity, and human density in the indoor space.

[0006] Due to these various factors, energy consumption increases with the operation of each device in the air conditioning system, and the actual satisfaction felt by people may decrease in comparison to the energy consumption.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to propose a control method for air conditioning facilities that can faithfully reflect the satisfaction felt by people in the indoor space. Prior art literature

[0009] Patent Document (001): Korean Registered Patent No. 2212663 The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and aims to provide a method for maintaining a more comfortable indoor environment by operating each device of an air conditioning system based on the level of satisfaction felt by people in an indoor space.

[0011] In particular, there is a significant difference between the set temperature of air conditioners and heaters and the perceived temperature felt by people in indoor spaces. This study aims to resolve the problem where, depending on various conditions, the perceived temperature felt by people indoors is either lower or higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner.

[0012] Furthermore, this study proposes a method to increase energy efficiency by operating each device of the air conditioning system according to the situation, based on actual human satisfaction.

[0013] The objectives of the present invention are not limited to those foregoing, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned may be understood from the following description. means of solving the problem

[0015] An embodiment of an integrated control method for an air conditioning facility according to the present invention for solving the above problem may include: a comfort level determination step in which a central control device determines a comfort level value of a target space; a set temperature determination step in which the central control device determines a set temperature of a heating and cooling device for the target space; an adjustment temperature determination step in which the central control device determines an adjustment temperature for the set temperature of the heating and cooling device based on the comfort level value of the target space; a set temperature adjustment step in which the central control device adjusts the set temperature of the heating and cooling device based on the adjustment temperature; and a heating and cooling device control step in which the central control device controls the heating and cooling device for the target space to follow a set comfort range.

[0016] For example, the above comfort level determination step may calculate the PMV value for the target space and calculate the comfort level based thereon.

[0017] Furthermore, the above adjustment temperature determination step can determine the adjustment temperature for the set temperature so that the comfort level follows the comfort range.

[0018] For example, the heating and cooling device control step may determine the operating temperature of the heating and cooling device and determine the degree of proximity of the operating temperature to the threshold range of the adjusted set temperature, and may repeat the set temperature determination step and the set temperature adjustment step according to the degree of proximity of the operating temperature to the threshold range.

[0019] Furthermore, the central control device may individually perform the comfort level judgment step or the heating and cooling device control step for each of the plurality of target spaces.

[0020] For example, the central control device may include: a target space selection step in which the central control device selects a target space with substandard comfort and a target space with stable comfort by comparing the comfort level of each of a plurality of target spaces with a comfort range; an air circulation step in which the central control device opens the airflow between the selected target space with substandard comfort and the target space with stable comfort; and a space comfort control step in which the central control device controls the heating and cooling devices for the target space with substandard comfort and the target space with stable comfort to follow a set comfort range. Effects of the invention

[0022] According to the present invention, a more comfortable indoor environment can be maintained by operating each device of the air conditioning system based on the level of satisfaction felt by a person in the indoor space.

[0023] In particular, since there is a significant difference between the set temperature of air conditioners and heaters and the perceived temperature felt by people in an indoor space, this can resolve the problem where the perceived temperature felt by people indoors is lower or higher than the set temperature of the air conditioner depending on various situational conditions.

[0024] Furthermore, energy efficiency can be increased by operating each device of the air conditioning system according to the situation, based on the actual satisfaction felt by people.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an integrated control system for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a central control device of an integrated air conditioning facility control system according to the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of controlling a heating and cooling unit based on the set temperature and comfort level of the heating and cooling unit in the air conditioning facility integrated control system of the present invention. FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the UI of an integrated control system for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention. FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of an integrated control method for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention. FIG. 6 illustrates an example of power consumption when applying the air conditioning facility integrated control method according to the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration diagram of another embodiment of an integrated control system for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention. FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of another embodiment of the air conditioning facility integrated control method according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, but the present invention is not limited or restricted by the embodiments.

[0029] In order to explain the present invention, the operational advantages of the present invention, and the objectives achieved by the implementation of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated below and examined with reference thereto.

[0030] First, the terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention; singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, in this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0031] In describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0033] The present invention presents an integrated control technology for air conditioning facilities that maintains a more comfortable indoor environment by controlling the operation of each device of the air conditioning facility based on the satisfaction felt by people in the indoor space.

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a configuration diagram of an embodiment of an integrated control system for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention.

[0036] The embodiment of FIG. 1 above is an example of an integrated control system for air conditioning facilities for a single target space.

[0037] Air conditioning facilities such as a cooling unit (10), a heating unit (30), and a ventilation fan (50) may be provided to control the environment, such as temperature and humidity, of the target space. A controller (15, 35, 55) may be provided for each of the cooling unit (10), the heating unit (30), and the ventilation fan (50) to control each device. For example, a set temperature for the cooling unit (10) can be set through controller 1 (15), and controller 1 (15) can control the operation of the cooling unit (10) according to the set temperature. Additionally, a set temperature for the heating unit (30) can be set through controller 2 (35), and controller 2 (35) can control the operation of the heating unit (30) according to the set temperature.

[0038] The central control unit (100) can control air conditioning facilities such as a cooling unit (10), a heating unit (30), and a ventilation fan (50) to control the environment of the target space.

[0039] Preferably, the central control unit (100) can individually control each device, such as a cooling unit (10), a heating unit (30), and a ventilation fan (50), taking into account the comfort level of the target space.

[0040] Regarding the comfort level of a target space, the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) is applied as one of the indicators representing comfort by quantitatively processing thermal sensation. PMV represents human thermal sensation regarding heat and cold on a scale of 7, expressed as a value ranging from +3 to -3. A PMV of 0 indicates an optimal level of comfort, statistically signifying a state where 95% of the general population is satisfied. Furthermore, within a PMV range of -0.5 to +0.5, 9 out of 10 people can feel comfortable. By utilizing such quantitative PMV values, it becomes possible to satisfy a large number of people during air conditioning. Not only temperature, but also humidity, radiant temperature, and airflow velocity all influence the PMV value. For example, when humidity or radiant temperature is low, the PMV value decreases. In other words, the sensation of coolness increases, so comfort is maintained even if the air temperature is raised slightly.

[0041] In the present invention, the central control device (100) can estimate the PMV value by considering various factors such as temperature and humidity sensors installed in the indoor space, radiation, airflow, activity level, and clothing amount, and calculate the comfort level of the indoor space based on this. Here, the comfort level for the target space may be calculated using the estimated PMV value itself, or the comfort level may be calculated by reflecting a correction value set by considering various factors such as the season and the current time of day to the estimated PMV value.

[0042] The central control unit (100) can control the set temperature of the air conditioner and heater based on the comfort level so that the PMV value of the target space is maintained within a set comfort range. Here, the comfort range can be set to a certain level range based on the PMV value being 0. Preferably, the comfort range can be set by a user or manager based on simulation or actual measurement data for the target space.

[0043] For example, the central control unit (100) can determine the adjustment temperature for the set temperature of the heating and cooling device based on the comfort level and adjust the set temperature of the heating and cooling device based on the adjustment temperature.

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a configuration diagram of an embodiment of a central control unit (100) of an integrated air conditioning facility control system according to the present invention.

[0045] The central control unit (100) may include an environmental measurement collection unit (110), a comfort control unit (130), an air conditioning control unit (150), etc.

[0046] The environmental measurement collection unit (110) can collect data on various factors affecting the environment of the target space, such as temperature, humidity, human density, and air flow. For example, each device, such as a cooling unit (10), a heating unit (30), and a ventilation fan (50), is equipped with various sensors, and the environmental measurement collection unit (110) can receive and acquire measurements from the sensors equipped in each device. Alternatively, the target space may be equipped with individual sensors for measuring each factor, and the environmental measurement collection unit (110) may receive and acquire measurements from the sensors equipped in the target space.

[0047] The comfort level control unit (130) can calculate a comfort level value for a target space and, based on this, determine an adjustment temperature for controlling an air conditioning device such as a cooling device or a heating device. Here, the adjustment temperature can be a temperature that adjusts the setting temperature set by the user for the air conditioning device such as a cooling device or a heating device so as to follow the comfort level value.

[0048] As an example, the comfort level control unit (130) can calculate the PMV value for the target space according to the following [Equation 1] and calculate the comfort level for the target space by reflecting the PMV value.

[0049] [Equation 1]

[0050]

[0051]

[0052] The comfort level control unit (130) can calculate a comfort level by reflecting a correction value to the calculated PMV value. Here, the correction value can be prepared based on data obtained through simulation or actual measurement by considering various factors such as the season and the current time of day for the target space.

[0053] The air conditioning control unit (150) can control each device, such as a cooling unit (10), a heating unit (30), and a ventilation fan (50), based on the adjustment temperature determined by the comfort control unit (130).

[0054] For example, the air conditioning control unit (150) can adjust and reset the set temperature of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. according to the adjusted temperature.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of controlling a heating and cooling unit based on the set temperature and comfort level of the heating and cooling unit in the air conditioning facility integrated control system of the present invention.

[0057] In Figure 2 above, area A represents operation data for a cooling unit, a heating unit, etc., and A1 represents an operation identification code for a cooling unit, a heating unit, a ventilation fan, etc.

[0058] In Figure 2 above, area B represents control data for air conditioners, heaters, etc. based on the comfort level of the target space, and B1 represents the PMV level of the target space.

[0059] In the present invention, while monitoring operation data for each device such as a cooling unit or a heating unit, a PMV value for a target space is calculated, and the adjustment temperature for the set temperature of the cooling and heating unit is determined and controlled based on the comfort level value so that the PMV value is maintained within a set comfort range.

[0060] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the UI of an integrated control system for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention.

[0061] The integrated air conditioning control system can provide data regarding the environmental status of the target space and the operating status of the air conditioning unit to users or administrators through a UI, and users or administrators can check the environmental status of the target space and the operating status of the air conditioning unit through the UI and adjust the settings of the integrated air conditioning control system as needed.

[0063] Furthermore, the present invention presents a method for integrated control of air conditioning facilities for a target space through the air conditioning facility integrated control system discussed above, which will be examined through an example.

[0064] Since the air conditioning facility integrated control method according to the present invention is implemented through the air conditioning facility integrated control system according to the present invention described above, we will refer to the embodiment of the air conditioning facility integrated control system described above.

[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of an embodiment of an integrated control method for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention.

[0066] The central control unit (100) can determine the comfort level (S110) of the target space.

[0067] The central control unit (100) can estimate PMV values ​​by considering various factors such as temperature, humidity, radiation, airflow, activity level, and clothing level for the indoor space.

[0068] Based on this, the comfort level of the indoor space can be calculated. Here, the comfort level for the target space can be calculated using the estimated PMV value itself, or it can be calculated by reflecting a correction value set by considering various factors such as the season and the current time of day to the estimated PMV value.

[0069] The central control unit (100) can determine the set temperature of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. (S120) and determine the operating status of the ventilation fan (50), etc.

[0070] The central control unit (100) can determine (S130) an adjustment temperature for controlling air conditioning devices such as a cooling unit (10) and a heating unit (30) based on the calculated comfort level. Additionally, the central control unit (100) can determine the operation control of a ventilation fan (50) for air flow in the target space.

[0071] For example, the adjustment temperature may be a temperature that adjusts the set temperature set by the user for air conditioning devices, such as cooling and heating devices, so as to follow a comfortable range.

[0072] The central control unit (100) can adjust the set temperature (S140) of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. based on the adjusted temperature.

[0073] The central control unit (100) can continuously monitor the operating status of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), ventilation fan (50), etc. and the environmental status of the target space, and determine the current operating temperature of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. according to the set temperature (S150).

[0074] The central control unit (100) can determine (S160) whether the operating temperature of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc., reaches a critical range that deviates from the set temperature. As an example, the critical range may be set based on the upper and lower limits of the comfort range for the target space.

[0075] When the operating temperature reaches a critical range, the central control unit (100) can calculate the comfort level for the target space again and readjust the set temperature of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. accordingly.

[0076] Conversely, if the operating temperature does not reach a critical range, the central control unit (100) can continuously maintain the operation of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. (S170) to increase the comfort of the target space.

[0077] That is, if the comfort level of the target space does not reach the set comfort range, the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. are continuously operated so that the environmental condition of the target space reaches the comfort range, and if the comfort level of the target space reaches the set comfort range, the operation of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. may be unnecessary, so the set temperature of the air conditioner (10), heater (30), etc. is adjusted again.

[0078] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of power consumption when applying the air conditioning facility integrated control method according to the present invention.

[0079] As shown in Figure 6 above, when comparing the case where a cooling unit, heater, etc. operates according to a set temperature without applying the present invention with the case where the cooling unit, heater, etc. is operated by adjusting the set temperature according to comfort level by applying the present invention, a 15% reduction in power consumption is observed.

[0080] As such, the present invention can increase energy efficiency by reducing power consumption while maintaining a more comfortable indoor environment by controlling the operation of each device of the air conditioning system based on the satisfaction felt by people in the indoor space.

[0082] Furthermore, while the previously described embodiment of the present invention controlled an air conditioning facility for a single target space, the present invention proposes a method to further increase energy efficiency by controlling air conditioning facilities for each of multiple target spaces. This will be examined through an embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 7 illustrates a configuration diagram of another embodiment of an integrated control system for air conditioning facilities according to the present invention.

[0084] The present invention can maintain a more comfortable indoor environment by controlling the operation of each device of the air conditioning facility based on the satisfaction felt by a person in each indoor space for a plurality of target spaces (200, 300, 400).

[0085] Each of the multiple target spaces (200, 300, 400) may be equipped with air conditioning devices such as a cooling unit (210, 310, 410), a heating unit (not shown), and a ventilation fan (250, 350, 450).

[0086] For example, a cooling unit 1 (210) and a ventilation fan 1 (250) may be provided in the target space 1 (200), and a cooling unit 2 (210) and a cooling unit 3 (310), a ventilation fan 2 (250) and a ventilation fan 3 (450) may be provided in the target space 2 (300) and target space 3 (400).

[0087] Each ventilation fan (250, 350, 450) is connected to an exhaust line (261, 361, 461), and the ventilation line (261, 361, 461) may be equipped with a ventilation control valve (265, 365, 465). Additionally, each ventilation fan (250, 350, 450) is connected to an integration line (500), and the integration line (500) may be equipped with an integration control valve (275, 375, 475) that integrates the exhaust of each ventilation fan (250, 350, 450).

[0088] The central control unit (100) can individually control each device according to the comfort level for each target space (200, 300, 400).

[0089] For example, the central control unit (100) can control each ventilation fan (250, 350, 450) and each ventilation control valve (265, 365, 465) according to the comfort level of each target space (200, 300, 400) to exhaust air from each target space (200, 300, 400) through the ventilation line (261, 361, 461).

[0090] Furthermore, the central control unit (100) can control the integrated control valve (275, 375, 475) by taking into account the difference in comfort between each target space (200, 300, 400) to circulate air between specific target spaces through the integrated line (500).

[0091] For example, when the environmental condition of target space 1 (200) reaches and is maintained within a comfortable range, and the environmental condition of target space 3 (400) deviates from the comfortable range, the air circulation between target space 1 (200) and target space 3 (400) is connected through the integrated line (500), thereby allowing the environmental condition of target space 3 (400) to reach the comfortable range in a shorter time while reducing energy consumption.

[0092] FIG. 8 illustrates a flowchart of another embodiment of the air conditioning facility integrated control method according to the present invention.

[0093] The central control unit (100) can determine the comfort level (S210) for each of the multiple target spaces (200, 300, 400).

[0094] The central control unit (100) can estimate PMV values ​​for each target space (200, 300, 400) by considering various factors such as temperature, humidity, radiation, airflow, activity level, and clothing level. And it can calculate comfort levels for each target space (200, 300, 400).

[0095] The central control unit (100) can determine whether each target space (200, 300, 400) maintains a comfort level within the comfort range or falls short.

[0096] The central control unit (100) can select a first target space (S220) in which the comfort level value falls short of the comfort range. Here, the degree of falling short of the comfort range can be set in advance.

[0097] The central control unit (100) can select a second target space (S230) that maintains a stable comfort level by maintaining a comfort level value within a comfort range. Here, whether a stable comfort level is maintained can be determined by whether the comfort level value maintains a comfort range during a set period of time.

[0098] The central control unit (100) can control each ventilation fan of the selected first target space and second target space, close the ventilation control valve, and open the integrated control valve to open the airflow between the first target space and the second target space through the integrated line (S240).

[0099] And the central control unit (100) can control the comfort level (S250) for each of the first target space and the second target space while the air flow between the first target space and the second target space is open.

[0100] For example, the central control unit (100) can set the set temperature of a cooling unit, heater, etc., to an adjustment temperature for each of the first target space and the second target space, as in the embodiment described above, and control the operation of the cooling unit, heater, etc., for each of the first target space and the second target space so that the adjustment temperature can follow the comfort level value. Since this can be inferred from the embodiment described above, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0101] As such, the present invention allows for controlling the comfort level of a target space with insufficient comfort to reach the comfort range in a shorter time by opening the airflow between the target space with low comfort and the target space with stably maintained comfort and distributing energy between the two spaces. In particular, when controlling the comfort levels of multiple target spaces, energy can be consumed more effectively by distributing energy between a target space with excess energy and a target space with insufficient energy.

[0103] The foregoing description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in the present invention are intended to explain, not limit, the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0105] 10 : Air conditioner, 30 : Heater, 50 : Ventilation fan, 100 : Central control unit, 110 : Environmental measurement data collection unit, 130 : Comfort control unit, 150 : Air conditioning control unit.

Claims

Claim 1 A central control unit, a comfort determination step for determining a comfort level of a target space; a set temperature determination step for determining a set temperature of a heating and cooling device for the target space; an adjustment temperature determination step for determining an adjustment temperature for a set temperature of the heating and cooling device so that the comfort level of the target space follows a comfort range; and a set temperature adjustment step for adjusting the set temperature of the heating and cooling device based on the adjustment temperature. The central control device comprises a heating and cooling device control step for controlling a heating and cooling device for a target space to follow a set comfort range, wherein the heating and cooling device control step comprises determining the current operating temperature of the heating and cooling device and determining the degree of proximity of the current operating temperature to a threshold range for the adjusted set temperature, and repeating the set temperature determination step to the set temperature adjustment step according to the degree of proximity of the current operating temperature to the threshold range, wherein the central control device performs the comfort level determination step to the heating and cooling device control step individually for each of a plurality of target spaces, wherein the central control device comprises a target space selection step for selecting a substandard comfort target space and a stable comfort target space by comparing the comfort level value for each of the plurality of target spaces with a comfort range; and an air circulation step for opening the air flow between the selected substandard comfort target space and the stable comfort target space. An integrated air conditioning facility control method characterized by including a space comfort control step in which the central control device performs the comfort level judgment step to the heating and cooling device control step for each of the substandard comfort target space and the stable comfort target space, and controls the heating and cooling devices for the substandard comfort target space and the stable comfort target space to follow a set comfort range. Claim 2 A method for integrated control of an air conditioning facility according to claim 1, wherein the comfort level determination step calculates a PMV value for the target space and calculates a comfort level value based thereon. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete

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