Air conditioner, learning apparatus, and inference apparatus

Abstract

An air conditioner includes a first power feed unit that converts a smoothed voltage into a direct-current first voltage, a second power feed unit that obtains a direct-current second voltage, a main microcomputer that controls an operation of air conditioning using the direct-current second voltage, a third power feed unit that obtains a direct-current third voltage, a storage medium that stores data related to air conditioning using the direct-current third voltage, a sub-microcomputer that causes the storage medium to store the data using the direct-current third voltage, a power supply synchronization signal unit that outputs a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer in the event of a power failure using the direct-current second voltage, and a level shift unit that converts the signal into a signal of a direct-current third voltage and outputs the signal of the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a U.S. national stage application of PCT / JP2023 / 002469 filed on Jan. 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a learning apparatus, and an inference apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] A conventional air conditioner writes a log of the air conditioner into a storage medium, for maintenance in a case where an error has occurred during operation. The conventional air conditioner includes a diode bridge that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage into a pulsating-current power supply voltage, an electrolytic capacitor that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage, power feed units that each feed a corresponding one of power supply voltages, a main microcomputer that controls an actuator, a storage medium that stores a log of an air conditioning operation and the like, a sub-microcomputer that causes the storage medium to store the log via a level shift unit, and a power supply synchronization signal unit that stops processing of the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer in the event of a power failure.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses an air conditioning controller including a low-voltage detection unit that sets a low-voltage detection flag upon detecting that a power supply voltage has dropped below a threshold, and a control unit that performs overwriting on condition that the low-voltage detection flag is in a reset state.PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2021-55875

[0006] The conventional air conditioner writes data such as a log from the sub-microcomputer into the storage medium via the level shift unit. Thus, the conventional air conditioner has problems of occurrence of a delay in communication due to the data being transmitted via the level shift unit and occurrence of an influence of noise on the communication.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of reducing a delay in communication between a sub-microcomputer and a storage medium and an influence of noise on the communication.

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problem and achieve the object, an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes: a diode bridge that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage into a pulsating-current power supply voltage; an electrolytic capacitor that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge; a first power feed unit that converts a voltage smoothed by the electrolytic capacitor into a direct-current first voltage; a second power feed unit that lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit to obtain a direct-current second voltage; and a main microcomputer that controls an air conditioning operation using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit. The air conditioner according to the present disclosure further includes: a third power feed unit that lowers the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit to obtain a direct-current third voltage; a storage medium that stores data related to air conditioning using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feed unit; a sub-microcomputer that causes the storage medium to store the data using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feed unit; a power supply synchronization signal unit that outputs a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer in an event of a power failure using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit; and a level shift unit that converts the signal output by the power supply synchronization signal unit into a signal of the direct-current third voltage and to output the signal of the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer.

[0009] The air conditioner according to the present disclosure has an effect of being able to reduce the delay in communication between the sub-microcomputer and the storage medium and the influence of noise on the communication.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power-feeding protection circuit included in the air conditioner according to the second embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a level shift unit included in the air conditioner according to the third embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply synchronization signal unit included in an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of control performed by the power supply synchronization signal unit included in the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a waveform of a voltage at a photocoupler included in the power supply synchronization signal unit of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a learning apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of learning processing performed by the learning apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inference apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation of the inference apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a processor in a case where the processor implements at least part of functions of a first power feed unit, an actuator drive unit, a second power feed unit, an actuator control unit, a third power feed unit, a power supply synchronization signal unit, and a level shift unit, which are included in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating processing circuitry in a case where the processing circuitry implements at least part of the first power feed unit, the actuator drive unit, the second power feed unit, the actuator control unit, the third power feed unit, the power supply synchronization signal unit, and the level shift unit, which are included in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given in detail of an air conditioner, a learning apparatus, and an inference apparatus according to embodiments.First Embodiment

[0025] A description will now be given of a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 is a refrigeration cycle apparatus. The air conditioner 1 includes a board 101. FIG. 1 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 101. The board 101 includes an alternating-current power supply 102 that supplies an alternating-current power supply voltage. For example, the alternating-current power supply voltage is any voltage in a range from 200 V to 240 V. The board 101 further includes a diode bridge 103 that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 into a pulsating-current power supply voltage.

[0026] The board 101 further includes an electrolytic capacitor 104 that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge 103. The electrolytic capacitor 104 is also used to protect all the components included in the board 101 at the time of occurrence of an instantaneous voltage drop due to an instantaneous power failure. The electrolytic capacitor 104 has a relatively large capacitance. For example, the electrolytic capacitor 104 is a supercapacitor.

[0027] The board 101 further includes a first power feed unit 105 that converts a voltage smoothed by the electrolytic capacitor 104 into a direct-current first voltage. For example, the first voltage is 12 V. For example, the first power feed unit 105 is implemented by a circuit. The board 101 further includes an actuator drive unit 106 for driving an actuator which is not illustrated. The first power feed unit 105 feeds the direct-current first voltage to the actuator drive unit 106. The board 101 further includes a second power feed unit 107 that lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current second voltage. For example, the second voltage is 5 V. For example, the second power feed unit 107 is implemented by a circuit.

[0028] The board 101 further includes a main microcomputer 108 that controls an air conditioning operation, and an actuator control unit 109 that controls the actuator drive unit 106. For example, the actuator control unit 109 is implemented by a circuit. The board 101 further includes a third power feed unit 110 that lowers the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit 107 to obtain a direct-current third voltage. For example, the third voltage is 3.3 V. For example, the third power feed unit 110 is implemented by a circuit.

[0029] The board 101 further includes a storage medium 111 that stores data related to air conditioning, and a sub-microcomputer 112 that causes the storage medium 111 to store the data. For example, the storage medium 111 is implemented by a semiconductor memory. For example, the storage medium 111 is implemented by an SD card. The storage medium 111 is used to record data such as an operation log of the air conditioner 1 and settings for air conditioning. The board 101 further includes a power supply synchronization signal unit 113 that outputs a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 in the event of a power failure. For example, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 is implemented by a circuit.

[0030] The second power feed unit 107 feeds the direct-current second voltage to the main microcomputer 108, the actuator control unit 109, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113. Each of the main microcomputer 108, the actuator control unit 109, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 operates using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit 107. The signal output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 is a signal of the direct-current second voltage. The third power feed unit 110 feeds the direct-current third voltage to the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112. Each of the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112 operates using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feed unit 110.

[0031] The board 101 further includes a level shift unit 114 that converts, in order to stop the processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 in the event of a power failure, a signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into a signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. For example, the level shift unit 114 is implemented by a circuit. The level shift unit 114 outputs, to the sub-microcomputer 112, the signal of the direct-current third voltage obtained through the conversion.

[0032] Next, the operation of the air conditioner 1 will be described. The diode bridge 103 rectifies the alternating-current power supply voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 into a pulsating-current power supply voltage, and the electrolytic capacitor 104 smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge 103. The first power feed unit 105 converts the voltage smoothed by the electrolytic capacitor 104 into a direct-current first voltage, and feeds the direct-current first voltage to the actuator drive unit 106. The actuator drive unit 106 operates based on the direct-current first voltage.

[0033] The second power feed unit 107 lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current second voltage, and feeds the direct-current second voltage to the main microcomputer 108, the actuator control unit 109, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113. The third power feed unit 110 lowers the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit 107 to obtain a direct-current third voltage, and feeds the direct-current third voltage to the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112.

[0034] The sub-microcomputer 112 outputs, to the storage medium 111, data related to air conditioning such as an operation log of the air conditioner 1 and settings for air conditioning. The storage medium 111 receives and stores the data output from the sub-microcomputer 112. Upon the completion of the data storage, the storage medium 111 outputs, to the sub-microcomputer 112, a signal indicating the completion of the data storage. The board 101 includes the electrolytic capacitor 104 in order to maintain the feeding voltage until the storage medium 111 completes storing data in the event of occurrence of a power failure while the storage medium 111 stores the data.

[0035] When the alternating-current power supply 102 is cut off, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 outputs a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112. The processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 is stopped by the signal, and accordingly, the operations of the actuator control unit 109 and the storage medium 111 are stopped. As a result, all the components included in the board 101 are protected.

[0036] Incidentally, the sub-microcomputer 112 and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 have different power supply systems. Thus, when the alternating-current power supply 102 is cut off, the level shift unit 114 converts, in order to stop the processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112, the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into a signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. The level shift unit 114 outputs, to the sub-microcomputer 112, the signal of the direct-current third voltage obtained through the conversion.

[0037] As described above, in the air conditioner 1, the power supply system of the storage medium 111 and the power supply system of the sub-microcomputer 112 are the same. This eliminates the necessity for the air conditioner 1 to include, between the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112, a level shifter circuit for converting a voltage. That is, the sub-microcomputer 112 can communicate with the storage medium 111 without via the level shifter circuit. That is, the air conditioner 1 can improve the communication speed and can reduce the influence of noise from a power supply system different from the power supply systems of the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112. Thus, the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the delay in communication between the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 and the influence of noise on the communication.Second Embodiment

[0038] The air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment can improve the speed of the communication between the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111, and can reduce the influence of noise on the communication from a power supply system different from the power supply systems of the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. The air conditioner 1 requires the electrolytic capacitor 104 having a relatively large capacitance, which is an electrostatic capacitance of several tens of millifarads, in order to enable the electrolytic capacitor 104 to be involved in all the consumption currents of the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage and the electrolytic capacitor 104 to supply a voltage for a time until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. For example, the first voltage is 12 V, the second voltage is 5 V, and the third voltage is 3.3 V.

[0039] Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment that aims to temporarily maintain only the feeding of power to the third voltage system in the event of a power failure. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment. The air conditioner 2 includes a board 201. FIG. 2 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 201. The board 201 includes all the components included in the board 101 of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment except for the electrolytic capacitor 104 and the third power feed unit 110.

[0040] The board 201 includes, instead of the electrolytic capacitor 104, an electrolytic capacitor 204 having an electrostatic capacitance smaller than the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 104, and includes, instead of the third power feed unit 110, a third power feed unit 210 that lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current third voltage. For example, the third power feed unit 210 is implemented by a circuit.

[0041] The board 201 further includes a power-feeding protection circuit 215 located between the first power feed unit 105 and the third power feed unit 210 and connected to the first power feed unit 105 and the third power feed unit 210. The direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 is fed to the third power feed unit 210 via the power-feeding protection circuit 215, and the third power feed unit 210 lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current third voltage, and feeds the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. The power-feeding protection circuit 215 has a function of performing charging using the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105. The power-feeding protection circuit 215 performs discharging in the event of a power failure to enable the third power feed unit 210 to feed the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. In the second embodiment, the second power feed unit 107 is not connected to the third power feed unit 210.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power-feeding protection circuit 215 included in the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment. The power-feeding protection circuit 215 includes an electrolytic capacitor 305 that performs charging using a direct-current first voltage 301. The electrolytic capacitor 305 has an electrostatic capacitance determined in consideration of the consumption current of the third voltage and the time until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. For example, the third voltage is 3.3 V, and the electrolytic capacitor 305 has an electrostatic capacitance of several thousand microfarads.

[0043] The power-feeding protection circuit 215 has mounted thereon diodes 302, 303, and 306 in order to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the electrolytic capacitor 305, and has mounted thereon a resistor 304 in order to prevent an inrush current at the time of power supply activation from flowing through the electrolytic capacitor 305. When the power supply is cut off, the electrolytic capacitor 305 starts discharging, and the discharging allows the direct-current first voltage to be fed to the third power feed unit 210 via an output unit 307.

[0044] The air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215, and thus, can maintain the feeding of the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. That is, even if a power failure occurs, the air conditioner 2 can continue to feed the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 until the storage medium 111 completes storing data.

[0045] As described above, since the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215 that enables the direct-current first voltage to be fed to the third power feed unit 210 in the event of a power failure, the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 can be reduced to the electrostatic capacitance necessary for protecting the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 in the event of the instantaneous power failure, for example, the electrostatic capacitance of several tens of microfarads. That is, the air conditioner 2 eliminates the need to adopt a supercapacitor, which is relatively high in cost, and can have mounted thereon a normal electrolytic capacitor, which keeps the cost low, as the electrolytic capacitor 204. That is, the air conditioner 2 can make the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 for feeding power to the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112 smaller than the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 104 according to the first embodiment, and consequently, can achieve a reduction in manufacturing cost.Third Embodiment

[0046] As described above, since the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215, the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 can be made smaller, and consequently, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. Since the power supply system of the sub-microcomputer 112 is different from the power supply system of the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, the air conditioner 2 includes the level shift unit 114 that converts the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into the signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. In a third embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration including a level shift unit including a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-Specification effect transistor. In the third embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment. The air conditioner 3 includes a board 401. FIG. 4 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 401. The board 401 includes all the components included in the board 201 of the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment except for the level shift unit 114. The board 401 includes, instead of the level shift unit 114, a level shift unit 414 that converts, in order to stop the processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 in the event of a power failure, the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into the signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. The level shift unit 414 includes a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor for converting a voltage.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the level shift unit 414 included in the air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5 also illustrates the alternating-current power supply 102, the main microcomputer 108, the sub-microcomputer 112, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113. The power supply synchronization signal unit 113 includes a photocoupler 500. A Hi signal or a Lo signal of the direct-current second voltage from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 is output to the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112. The level shift unit 414 is disposed between the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 and the sub-microcomputer 112. The level shift unit 414 is a circuit that has mounted thereon a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, a pull-up resistor 503 for outputting a direct-current third voltage 502, and a diode 504.

[0049] When the Hi signal of the second voltage is output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, since the drain of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 is in a pulled-up state, a voltage between the gate and the source of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 falls below a threshold to turn off the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, and the Hi signal of the direct-current third voltage 502 via the pull-up resistor 503 is input to the port of the sub-microcomputer 112.

[0050] On the other hand, when the Lo signal of the direct-current second voltage is output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, a slight voltage drop in the diode 504 brings the source of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 into a partially pulled-down state. Thus, a voltage between the gate and the source of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 rises above the threshold of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 to turn on the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, the drain and the source are electrically connected, and the Lo signal of the direct-current third voltage 502 is input to the port of the sub-microcomputer 112.

[0051] As described above, since the air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment includes the level shift unit 414 including the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, the pull-up resistor 503, and the diode 504, the air conditioner 3 eliminates the need to adopt the level shift unit 114, which is a relatively high in unit price of a component, and can achieve a reduction in component cost.Fourth Embodiment

[0052] As described above, the air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment includes the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 including the photocoupler 500. In the photocoupler 500, one photodiode is disposed on the input side. In a fourth embodiment, the power supply synchronization signal unit includes a photocoupler including two photodiodes connected in anti-parallel.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply synchronization signal unit 413 included in an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 also illustrates the alternating-current power supply 102, the main microcomputer 108, the sub-microcomputer 112, and the level shift unit 414. The power supply synchronization signal unit 413 includes a photocoupler 601 including two photodiodes connected in anti-parallel and a pull-up resistor 602.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of control performed by the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 included in the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. The power supply synchronization signal unit 413 determines whether the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 each have received the power supply synchronization signal (S1). The power supply synchronization signal is a signal of a direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 or a signal obtained by converting the signal of the direct-current second voltage into a signal of a direct-current third voltage. When determining that the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 each have received the power supply synchronization signal (Yes in S1), the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 ends the control.

[0055] When determining that the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 each have not received the power supply synchronization signal (No in S1), the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 stops the control of the actuator performed by the main microcomputer 108 and the writing of data into the storage medium 111 performed by the sub-microcomputer 112 (S2).

[0056] The transistor inside the photocoupler 601 is turned on or off by the alternating-current voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102. When the transistor is turned on, a current flows from the pull-up resistor 602 to the emitter of the transistor based on the direct-current second voltage, the collector voltage decreases, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 outputs the Lo signal of the direct-current second voltage. The Lo signal is transmitted to the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112, and the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 operate based on the Lo signal. When the Lo signal is transmitted to the sub-microcomputer 112, the Lo signal is transmitted to the sub-microcomputer 112 via the level shift unit 414.

[0057] Since the two photodiodes included in the photocoupler 601 are connected in anti-parallel, the alternating-current voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 is rectified into a pulsating-current voltage as illustrated in the upper graph of FIG. 8. The voltage on the input side of the microcomputer is a voltage of a rectangular wave formed by the Hi signal and the Lo signal. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a waveform of a voltage at the photocoupler 601 included in the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. The upper graph of FIG. 8 illustrates a voltage waveform 801 of the pulsating-current voltage on the photodiode side of the photocoupler 601. The lower graph of FIG. 8 illustrates a rectangular voltage waveform 802 on the input side of the microcomputer.

[0058] Since the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 included in the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment includes the photocoupler 601 including the two photodiodes connected in anti-parallel, the periods of the Hi and Lo voltages of the power supply synchronization signals are halved as compared with the case where the photocoupler 500 including only the photodiode in the forward direction is used. Thus, the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment can shorten the detection time in the event of a power failure.Fifth Embodiment

[0059] In the first to fourth embodiments, for example, the storage medium 111 is implemented by an SD card. In a fifth embodiment, the storage medium 111 is implemented by a micro SD card or a flash memory. With the storage medium 111 being implemented by the micro SD card or the flash memory, the occupancy of the storage medium 111 with respect to the boards 101, 201, and 401 is reduced, and the boards 101, 201, and 401 can be reduced in size.Sixth Embodiment

[0060] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a learning apparatus 6 according to a sixth embodiment. The learning apparatus 6 uses learning data including an operation state of the air conditioner and a time history at the time of the power supply cutoff of the air conditioner to generate a learned model for inferring a power failure time period in which the air conditioner experiences a power failure, and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure. Although an inference apparatus 7 paired with the learning apparatus 6 will be described later, the learning apparatus 6 is an apparatus for a learning phase. For example, the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment may be the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0061] The learning apparatus 6 includes a data acquisition unit 61 that acquires learning data including an operation state of the air conditioner and a time history at the time of the power supply cutoff of the air conditioner. For example, the operation state is data regarding, for example, an ambient temperature, a target set temperature, a temperature of a refrigerant circuit, a temperature of each water circuit, a pump flow rate, an external input signal, and a state of a heater, and the like, and is recorded in a storage medium 611 inside the data acquisition unit 61 every minute. For example, the storage medium 611 is implemented by a semiconductor memory. The time history at the time of the power supply cutoff is described as a “power supply cutoff history” in FIG. 9, and is hereinafter referred to as the “power supply cutoff history”. With respect to the power supply cutoff history, when the determination is made that the power supply voltage decreases and the power supply synchronization signals in the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer included in the air conditioner are lost, a time period in which the power supply is cut off is recorded in the storage medium 611.

[0062] The learning apparatus 6 further includes a model generation unit 62 that generates a learned model for inferring, using the learning data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61, a power failure time period in which the air conditioner experiences a power failure and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure. The model generation unit 62 learns the power failure time period, based on the learning data including the operation state and the power supply cutoff history. More specifically, the model generation unit 62 generates a learned model for inferring the power failure time period, using the power supply cutoff history of the air conditioner.

[0063] As a learning algorithm used by the model generation unit 62, a known algorithm can be used such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, or the like. As an example, a description will be given of a case where the model generation unit 62 uses reinforcement learning. In the reinforcement learning, an agent in a certain environment observes a current state and determines an action to be taken. The agent is an action subject, and the current state is indicated by environmental parameters. The action of the agent dynamically changes the environment, and the agent is given a reward according to the change in the environment. The change in action of the agent is repeated, and the model generation unit 62 learns an action policy that obtains the most reward through a series of actions of the agent. As representative methods of reinforcement learning, Q-learning and TD-learning are known. For example, in the case of Q-learning, a typical update formula of an action-value function Q(s, a) is expressed by Formula (1) below.Formula⁢ 1Q⁡(st,at)←Q⁡(st,at)+α⁡(rt+1+γmaxaQ⁡(st+1,a)-Q⁡(st,at))(1)

[0064] In Formula (1), St represents an environment state at time t, and at represents an action at the time t. The action at changes the state to st+1. Here, rt+1 represents a reward given by a change in the state, γ represents a discount factor, and α represents a learning rate. Note that γ is in a range of 0<γ≤1, and α is in a range of 0<α≤1. The operation is the action at, the power supply cutoff history is the state st, and model generation unit 62 learns the best action at in the state st at the time t.

[0065] In the update formula expressed by Formula (1), an action value Q is increased when an action value Q of an action a having the highest Q value at the time t+1 is greater than an action value Q of an action a performed at the time t, and the action value Q is reduced in the opposite case. In other words, the action-value function Q(s, a) is updated such that the action value Q of the action a at the time t approaches the best action value at the time t+1. Thus, the best action value in a certain environment is sequentially propagated to the action values in the previous environments.

[0066] The model generation unit 62 that generates a learned model by reinforcement learning includes a reward calculation unit 621 and a function update unit 622.

[0067] The reward calculation unit 621 calculates a reward based on the operation state and the power supply cutoff history. The reward calculation unit 621 calculates a reward r based on the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature in the power supply cutoff history. For example, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature is small, the reward r is increased, for example, a reward of “1” is given. On the other hand, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature is large, the reward r is reduced, for example, a reward of “−1” is given.

[0068] In accordance with the reward calculated by the reward calculation unit 621, the function update unit 622 updates the function for determining the power failure time period and the operation setting required in the event of the power failure, and outputs the learned model to a learned model storage unit 63. The learned model storage unit 63 is located outside the learning apparatus 6. For example, the learned model storage unit 63 is implemented by a semiconductor memory. For example, in Q-learning, the function update unit 622 uses the action-value function Q(st, at) expressed by Formula (1) as a function for calculating the power failure time period and the operation setting.

[0069] The learning apparatus 6 repeatedly executes learning as described above.

[0070] The learned model storage unit 63 stores the action-value function Q(st, at) updated by the function update unit 622, that is, the learned model.

[0071] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of processing in which the learning apparatus 6 learns. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of learning processing performed by the learning apparatus 6 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0072] In step S11, the data acquisition unit 61 acquires, as learning data, the operation state and the power supply cutoff history.

[0073] In step S12, the model generation unit 62 calculates a reward based on the operation state and the power supply cutoff history. Specifically, the reward calculation unit 621 acquires the operation state and the power supply cutoff history, and determines whether to increase the reward or to reduce the reward based on the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature or a hot water supply temperature in the inferred power failure time period.

[0074] The reward calculation unit 621 increases the reward in step S13 when determining to increase the reward, for example, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature or the hot water supply temperature is less than the reference value. The reward calculation unit 621 reduces the reward in step S14 when determining to reduce the reward, for example, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature or the hot water supply temperature is greater than the reference value.

[0075] In step S15, the function update unit 622 updates the action-value function Q(st, at) expressed by Formula (1) stored in the learned model storage unit 63, based on the reward calculated by the reward calculation unit 621.

[0076] The learning apparatus 6 repeatedly executes each operation from step S11 to step S15 described above, and stores the generated action-value function Q(st, at) as a learned model.

[0077] The learning apparatus 6 according to the sixth embodiment stores the learned model in the learned model storage unit 63 located outside the learning apparatus 6, but may include the learned model storage unit 63 therein.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the inference apparatus 7 according to the sixth embodiment. The inference apparatus 7 is an inference apparatus related to an air conditioner 5. More specifically, the inference apparatus 7 is an apparatus for a utilization phase that utilizes the learned model generated by the learning apparatus 6, and is paired with the learning apparatus 6. For example, the air conditioner 5 is an apparatus that performs air conditioning or hot water supply. FIG. 11 also illustrates the air conditioner 5.

[0079] The inference apparatus 7 includes a data acquisition unit 71 that acquires an operation state of the air conditioner 5. More specifically, the data acquisition unit 71 acquires the current operation state of the air conditioner 5. The operation state is a state of a set temperature or the like in an air-conditioning mode or a hot water supply mode, which is set by a user.

[0080] The inference apparatus 7 further includes an inference unit 72 that infers, using a learned model for inferring a power failure time period in which the air conditioner 5 experiences a power failure and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure, a power failure time period and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure, based on the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71. Through inputting of the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71 to the learned model, the inference unit 72 can infer settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches a target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. The inference unit 72 outputs, to the air conditioner 5, the settings for controlling the operation.

[0081] For example, the inference unit 72 outputs, using the learned model for inferring the power failure time period in which the air conditioner 5 experiences a power failure and the operation setting required in the event of the power failure and based on the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71, a signal for controlling the operation such that the temperature of a space to be subjected to air-conditioning performed by the air conditioner 5 reaches the set temperature before the power failure time period, to the main microcomputer included in the air conditioner 5. Based on the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71, the inference unit 72 outputs, to the main microcomputer, a signal for temporarily controlling a heater and a pump included in the air conditioner 5 so as not to cause a sudden current cut-off in the power failure time period.

[0082] Note that in the sixth embodiment, the inference apparatus 7 outputs the settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the power failure time period inferred using the learned model learned by the model generation unit 62 of the learning apparatus 6. However, the inference apparatus 7 may acquire a learned model from a device other than the model generation unit 62 of the learning apparatus 6, and output settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the power failure time period inferred using the learned model.

[0083] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of processing for obtaining settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the power failure time period inferred by the inference apparatus 7. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation of the inference apparatus 7 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 also illustrates a procedure of the operation of the air conditioner 5 performed corresponding to the settings output by the inference apparatus 7.

[0084] In step S21, the data acquisition unit 71 acquires the current operation state.

[0085] In step S22, the inference unit 72 inputs the current operation state to the learned model stored in the learned model storage unit 63, and obtains settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. In step S23, the inference unit 72 outputs, to the air conditioner 5, the settings for controlling the operation in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period.

[0086] In step S24, the main microcomputer of the air conditioner 5 controls a fan rotation speed, a pump flow rate, and heater driving by using the settings, output from the inference unit 72, for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. This can achieve the necessary construction of an air conditioning or hot water supply environment before the inferred power failure time period.

[0087] Note that the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be, for example, apparatuses connected to the air conditioner 5 via a communication network. That is, the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be apparatuses separate from the air conditioner 5. The learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be built in the air conditioner 5. Furthermore, the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be located on a cloud server.

[0088] Using learning data acquired from a plurality of air conditioners, the model generation unit 62 may learn settings for controlling an operation of an air conditioner to be controlled in advance such that the state of the air conditioner to be controlled reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. The model generation unit 62 may acquire learning data from a plurality of air conditioners used in the same area, or may learn settings for controlling an operation of an air conditioner to be controlled in advance such that the state of the air conditioner to be controlled reaches the target operation state before a power failure time period inferred using learning data collected from a plurality of air conditioners independently operating in different areas. Additionally, an air conditioner from which learning data is to be collected may also be added to or removed from, in the middle of operation, the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7. Furthermore, a learning apparatus having learned settings for controlling the operation in advance such that the state of a certain air conditioner reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period may be applied to an air conditioner different from the certain air conditioner. In this case, the learning apparatus may relearn and update the settings for controlling the operation in advance such that the state of the air conditioner different from the certain air conditioner reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a processor 97 in a case where the processor 97 implements at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, which are included in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the processor 97 that executes a program stored in a memory 98 may implement at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114. The processor 97 is a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing system, an arithmetic system, a microprocessor, or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). FIG. 13 also illustrates the memory 98.

[0090] In the case where the processor 97 implements at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, the part of the functions is implemented by the processor 97 and software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 98. The processor 97 reads and executes the program stored in the memory 98 to implement at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114.

[0091] In the case where the processor 97 implements at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, the air conditioner 1 includes the memory 98 for storing a program with which at least part of the steps executed by the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 are executed as a result. It can also be said that the program stored in the memory 98 causes a computer to execute at least part of a procedure or a method executed by the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114.

[0092] The memory 98 corresponds to, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM, registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), or the like.

[0093] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating processing circuitry 99 in a case where the processing circuitry 99 implements at least part of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, which are included in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, at least part of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 may be implemented by the processing circuitry 99.

[0094] The processing circuitry 99 is dedicated hardware. The processing circuitry 99 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a combined circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

[0095] Part of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 may be implemented by dedicated hardware separate from the other remaining components.

[0096] Part of the plurality of functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 may be implemented by software or firmware, while the remaining part of the plurality of functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware. As described above, the plurality of functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 are implementable by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0097] The respective functions of the third power feed unit 210 according to the second embodiment and the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 according to the fourth embodiment may be implemented by a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The memory is a memory similar to the memory 98.

[0098] The processor is a processor similar to the processor 97. Each of the third power feed unit 210 and the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 may be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is processing circuitry similar to the processing circuitry 99.

[0099] At least part of the functions of the data acquisition unit 61 and the model generation unit 62 included in the learning apparatus 6 according to the sixth embodiment may be implemented by a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The memory is a memory similar to the memory 98. The processor is a processor similar to the processor 97. At least part of the data acquisition unit 61 and the model generation unit 62 may be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is processing circuitry similar to the processing circuitry 99.

[0100] At least part of the functions of the data acquisition unit 71 and the inference unit 72 included in the inference apparatus 7 according to the sixth embodiment may be implemented by a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The memory is a memory similar to the memory 98. The processor is a processor similar to the processor 97. At least part of the data acquisition unit 71 and the inference unit 72 may be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is processing circuitry similar to the processing circuitry 99.

[0101] The features illustrated in connection with the above embodiments are illustrative only and may be combined with the other known techniques. The embodiments may be combined with each other. The features may partially be omitted or changed without departing from the gist.

Examples

first embodiment

[0025]A description will now be given of a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 is a refrigeration cycle apparatus. The air conditioner 1 includes a board 101. FIG. 1 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 101. The board 101 includes an alternating-current power supply 102 that supplies an alternating-current power supply voltage. For example, the alternating-current power supply voltage is any voltage in a range from 200 V to 240 V. The board 101 further includes a diode bridge 103 that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 into a pulsating-current power supply voltage.

[0026]The board 101 further includes an electrolytic capacitor 104 that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge 103. The electrol...

second embodiment

[0038]The air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment can improve the speed of the communication between the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111, and can reduce the influence of noise on the communication from a power supply system different from the power supply systems of the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. The air conditioner 1 requires the electrolytic capacitor 104 having a relatively large capacitance, which is an electrostatic capacitance of several tens of millifarads, in order to enable the electrolytic capacitor 104 to be involved in all the consumption currents of the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage and the electrolytic capacitor 104 to supply a voltage for a time until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. For example, the first voltage is 12 V, the second voltage is 5 V, and the third voltage is 3.3 V.

[0039]Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment that aims to temporarily maintain o...

third embodiment

[0046]As described above, since the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215, the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 can be made smaller, and consequently, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. Since the power supply system of the sub-microcomputer 112 is different from the power supply system of the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, the air conditioner 2 includes the level shift unit 114 that converts the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into the signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. In a third embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration including a level shift unit including a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-Specification e...

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a U.S. national stage application of PCT / JP2023 / 002469 filed on Jan. 26, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a learning apparatus, and an inference apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] A conventional air conditioner writes a log of the air conditioner into a storage medium, for maintenance in a case where an error has occurred during operation. The conventional air conditioner includes a diode bridge that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage into a pulsating-current power supply voltage, an electrolytic capacitor that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage, power feed units that each feed a corresponding one of power supply voltages, a main microcomputer that controls an actuator, a storage medium that stores a log of an air conditioning operation and the like, a sub-microcomputer that causes the storage medium to store the log via a level shift unit, and a power supply synchronization signal unit that stops processing of the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer in the event of a power failure.

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses an air conditioning controller including a low-voltage detection unit that sets a low-voltage detection flag upon detecting that a power supply voltage has dropped below a threshold, and a control unit that performs overwriting on condition that the low-voltage detection flag is in a reset state.PATENT LITERATURE

[0005] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2021-55875

[0006] The conventional air conditioner writes data such as a log from the sub-microcomputer into the storage medium via the level shift unit. Thus, the conventional air conditioner has problems of occurrence of a delay in communication due to the data being transmitted via the level shift unit and occurrence of an influence of noise on the communication.SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner capable of reducing a delay in communication between a sub-microcomputer and a storage medium and an influence of noise on the communication.

[0008] In order to solve the above-described problem and achieve the object, an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes: a diode bridge that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage into a pulsating-current power supply voltage; an electrolytic capacitor that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge; a first power feed unit that converts a voltage smoothed by the electrolytic capacitor into a direct-current first voltage; a second power feed unit that lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit to obtain a direct-current second voltage; and a main microcomputer that controls an air conditioning operation using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit. The air conditioner according to the present disclosure further includes: a third power feed unit that lowers the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit to obtain a direct-current third voltage; a storage medium that stores data related to air conditioning using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feed unit; a sub-microcomputer that causes the storage medium to store the data using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feed unit; a power supply synchronization signal unit that outputs a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer in an event of a power failure using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit; and a level shift unit that converts the signal output by the power supply synchronization signal unit into a signal of the direct-current third voltage and to output the signal of the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer.

[0009] The air conditioner according to the present disclosure has an effect of being able to reduce the delay in communication between the sub-microcomputer and the storage medium and the influence of noise on the communication.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power-feeding protection circuit included in the air conditioner according to the second embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a level shift unit included in the air conditioner according to the third embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply synchronization signal unit included in an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of control performed by the power supply synchronization signal unit included in the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a waveform of a voltage at a photocoupler included in the power supply synchronization signal unit of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a learning apparatus according to a sixth embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of learning processing performed by the learning apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an inference apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation of the inference apparatus according to the sixth embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a processor in a case where the processor implements at least part of functions of a first power feed unit, an actuator drive unit, a second power feed unit, an actuator control unit, a third power feed unit, a power supply synchronization signal unit, and a level shift unit, which are included in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating processing circuitry in a case where the processing circuitry implements at least part of the first power feed unit, the actuator drive unit, the second power feed unit, the actuator control unit, the third power feed unit, the power supply synchronization signal unit, and the level shift unit, which are included in the air conditioner according to the first embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given in detail of an air conditioner, a learning apparatus, and an inference apparatus according to embodiments.First Embodiment

[0025] A description will now be given of a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 is a refrigeration cycle apparatus. The air conditioner 1 includes a board 101. FIG. 1 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 101. The board 101 includes an alternating-current power supply 102 that supplies an alternating-current power supply voltage. For example, the alternating-current power supply voltage is any voltage in a range from 200 V to 240 V. The board 101 further includes a diode bridge 103 that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 into a pulsating-current power supply voltage.

[0026] The board 101 further includes an electrolytic capacitor 104 that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge 103. The electrolytic capacitor 104 is also used to protect all the components included in the board 101 at the time of occurrence of an instantaneous voltage drop due to an instantaneous power failure. The electrolytic capacitor 104 has a relatively large capacitance. For example, the electrolytic capacitor 104 is a supercapacitor.

[0027] The board 101 further includes a first power feed unit 105 that converts a voltage smoothed by the electrolytic capacitor 104 into a direct-current first voltage. For example, the first voltage is 12 V. For example, the first power feed unit 105 is implemented by a circuit. The board 101 further includes an actuator drive unit 106 for driving an actuator which is not illustrated. The first power feed unit 105 feeds the direct-current first voltage to the actuator drive unit 106. The board 101 further includes a second power feed unit 107 that lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current second voltage. For example, the second voltage is 5 V. For example, the second power feed unit 107 is implemented by a circuit.

[0028] The board 101 further includes a main microcomputer 108 that controls an air conditioning operation, and an actuator control unit 109 that controls the actuator drive unit 106. For example, the actuator control unit 109 is implemented by a circuit. The board 101 further includes a third power feed unit 110 that lowers the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit 107 to obtain a direct-current third voltage. For example, the third voltage is 3.3 V. For example, the third power feed unit 110 is implemented by a circuit.

[0029] The board 101 further includes a storage medium 111 that stores data related to air conditioning, and a sub-microcomputer 112 that causes the storage medium 111 to store the data. For example, the storage medium 111 is implemented by a semiconductor memory. For example, the storage medium 111 is implemented by an SD card. The storage medium 111 is used to record data such as an operation log of the air conditioner 1 and settings for air conditioning. The board 101 further includes a power supply synchronization signal unit 113 that outputs a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 in the event of a power failure. For example, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 is implemented by a circuit.

[0030] The second power feed unit 107 feeds the direct-current second voltage to the main microcomputer 108, the actuator control unit 109, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113. Each of the main microcomputer 108, the actuator control unit 109, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 operates using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit 107. The signal output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 is a signal of the direct-current second voltage. The third power feed unit 110 feeds the direct-current third voltage to the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112. Each of the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112 operates using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feed unit 110.

[0031] The board 101 further includes a level shift unit 114 that converts, in order to stop the processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 in the event of a power failure, a signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into a signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. For example, the level shift unit 114 is implemented by a circuit. The level shift unit 114 outputs, to the sub-microcomputer 112, the signal of the direct-current third voltage obtained through the conversion.

[0032] Next, the operation of the air conditioner 1 will be described. The diode bridge 103 rectifies the alternating-current power supply voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 into a pulsating-current power supply voltage, and the electrolytic capacitor 104 smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge 103. The first power feed unit 105 converts the voltage smoothed by the electrolytic capacitor 104 into a direct-current first voltage, and feeds the direct-current first voltage to the actuator drive unit 106. The actuator drive unit 106 operates based on the direct-current first voltage.

[0033] The second power feed unit 107 lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current second voltage, and feeds the direct-current second voltage to the main microcomputer 108, the actuator control unit 109, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113. The third power feed unit 110 lowers the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feed unit 107 to obtain a direct-current third voltage, and feeds the direct-current third voltage to the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112.

[0034] The sub-microcomputer 112 outputs, to the storage medium 111, data related to air conditioning such as an operation log of the air conditioner 1 and settings for air conditioning. The storage medium 111 receives and stores the data output from the sub-microcomputer 112. Upon the completion of the data storage, the storage medium 111 outputs, to the sub-microcomputer 112, a signal indicating the completion of the data storage. The board 101 includes the electrolytic capacitor 104 in order to maintain the feeding voltage until the storage medium 111 completes storing data in the event of occurrence of a power failure while the storage medium 111 stores the data.

[0035] When the alternating-current power supply 102 is cut off, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 outputs a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112. The processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 is stopped by the signal, and accordingly, the operations of the actuator control unit 109 and the storage medium 111 are stopped. As a result, all the components included in the board 101 are protected.

[0036] Incidentally, the sub-microcomputer 112 and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 have different power supply systems. Thus, when the alternating-current power supply 102 is cut off, the level shift unit 114 converts, in order to stop the processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112, the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into a signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. The level shift unit 114 outputs, to the sub-microcomputer 112, the signal of the direct-current third voltage obtained through the conversion.

[0037] As described above, in the air conditioner 1, the power supply system of the storage medium 111 and the power supply system of the sub-microcomputer 112 are the same. This eliminates the necessity for the air conditioner 1 to include, between the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112, a level shifter circuit for converting a voltage. That is, the sub-microcomputer 112 can communicate with the storage medium 111 without via the level shifter circuit. That is, the air conditioner 1 can improve the communication speed and can reduce the influence of noise from a power supply system different from the power supply systems of the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112. Thus, the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment can reduce the delay in communication between the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 and the influence of noise on the communication.Second Embodiment

[0038] The air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment can improve the speed of the communication between the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111, and can reduce the influence of noise on the communication from a power supply system different from the power supply systems of the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. The air conditioner 1 requires the electrolytic capacitor 104 having a relatively large capacitance, which is an electrostatic capacitance of several tens of millifarads, in order to enable the electrolytic capacitor 104 to be involved in all the consumption currents of the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage and the electrolytic capacitor 104 to supply a voltage for a time until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. For example, the first voltage is 12 V, the second voltage is 5 V, and the third voltage is 3.3 V.

[0039] Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment that aims to temporarily maintain only the feeding of power to the third voltage system in the event of a power failure. In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment. The air conditioner 2 includes a board 201. FIG. 2 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 201. The board 201 includes all the components included in the board 101 of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment except for the electrolytic capacitor 104 and the third power feed unit 110.

[0040] The board 201 includes, instead of the electrolytic capacitor 104, an electrolytic capacitor 204 having an electrostatic capacitance smaller than the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 104, and includes, instead of the third power feed unit 110, a third power feed unit 210 that lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current third voltage. For example, the third power feed unit 210 is implemented by a circuit.

[0041] The board 201 further includes a power-feeding protection circuit 215 located between the first power feed unit 105 and the third power feed unit 210 and connected to the first power feed unit 105 and the third power feed unit 210. The direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 is fed to the third power feed unit 210 via the power-feeding protection circuit 215, and the third power feed unit 210 lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105 to obtain a direct-current third voltage, and feeds the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. The power-feeding protection circuit 215 has a function of performing charging using the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feed unit 105. The power-feeding protection circuit 215 performs discharging in the event of a power failure to enable the third power feed unit 210 to feed the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. In the second embodiment, the second power feed unit 107 is not connected to the third power feed unit 210.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the power-feeding protection circuit 215 included in the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment. The power-feeding protection circuit 215 includes an electrolytic capacitor 305 that performs charging using a direct-current first voltage 301. The electrolytic capacitor 305 has an electrostatic capacitance determined in consideration of the consumption current of the third voltage and the time until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. For example, the third voltage is 3.3 V, and the electrolytic capacitor 305 has an electrostatic capacitance of several thousand microfarads.

[0043] The power-feeding protection circuit 215 has mounted thereon diodes 302, 303, and 306 in order to prevent a reverse voltage from being applied to the electrolytic capacitor 305, and has mounted thereon a resistor 304 in order to prevent an inrush current at the time of power supply activation from flowing through the electrolytic capacitor 305. When the power supply is cut off, the electrolytic capacitor 305 starts discharging, and the discharging allows the direct-current first voltage to be fed to the third power feed unit 210 via an output unit 307.

[0044] The air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215, and thus, can maintain the feeding of the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. That is, even if a power failure occurs, the air conditioner 2 can continue to feed the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 until the storage medium 111 completes storing data.

[0045] As described above, since the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215 that enables the direct-current first voltage to be fed to the third power feed unit 210 in the event of a power failure, the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 can be reduced to the electrostatic capacitance necessary for protecting the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111 in the event of the instantaneous power failure, for example, the electrostatic capacitance of several tens of microfarads. That is, the air conditioner 2 eliminates the need to adopt a supercapacitor, which is relatively high in cost, and can have mounted thereon a normal electrolytic capacitor, which keeps the cost low, as the electrolytic capacitor 204. That is, the air conditioner 2 can make the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 for feeding power to the storage medium 111 and the sub-microcomputer 112 smaller than the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 104 according to the first embodiment, and consequently, can achieve a reduction in manufacturing cost.Third Embodiment

[0046] As described above, since the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215, the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 can be made smaller, and consequently, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. Since the power supply system of the sub-microcomputer 112 is different from the power supply system of the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, the air conditioner 2 includes the level shift unit 114 that converts the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into the signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. In a third embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration including a level shift unit including a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-Specification effect transistor. In the third embodiment, differences from the second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment. The air conditioner 3 includes a board 401. FIG. 4 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 401. The board 401 includes all the components included in the board 201 of the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment except for the level shift unit 114. The board 401 includes, instead of the level shift unit 114, a level shift unit 414 that converts, in order to stop the processing of the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 in the event of a power failure, the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into the signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. The level shift unit 414 includes a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor for converting a voltage.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the level shift unit 414 included in the air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 5 also illustrates the alternating-current power supply 102, the main microcomputer 108, the sub-microcomputer 112, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 113. The power supply synchronization signal unit 113 includes a photocoupler 500. A Hi signal or a Lo signal of the direct-current second voltage from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 is output to the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112. The level shift unit 414 is disposed between the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 and the sub-microcomputer 112. The level shift unit 414 is a circuit that has mounted thereon a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, a pull-up resistor 503 for outputting a direct-current third voltage 502, and a diode 504.

[0049] When the Hi signal of the second voltage is output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, since the drain of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 is in a pulled-up state, a voltage between the gate and the source of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 falls below a threshold to turn off the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, and the Hi signal of the direct-current third voltage 502 via the pull-up resistor 503 is input to the port of the sub-microcomputer 112.

[0050] On the other hand, when the Lo signal of the direct-current second voltage is output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, a slight voltage drop in the diode 504 brings the source of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 into a partially pulled-down state. Thus, a voltage between the gate and the source of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 rises above the threshold of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501 to turn on the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, the drain and the source are electrically connected, and the Lo signal of the direct-current third voltage 502 is input to the port of the sub-microcomputer 112.

[0051] As described above, since the air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment includes the level shift unit 414 including the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor 501, the pull-up resistor 503, and the diode 504, the air conditioner 3 eliminates the need to adopt the level shift unit 114, which is a relatively high in unit price of a component, and can achieve a reduction in component cost.Fourth Embodiment

[0052] As described above, the air conditioner 3 according to the third embodiment includes the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 including the photocoupler 500. In the photocoupler 500, one photodiode is disposed on the input side. In a fourth embodiment, the power supply synchronization signal unit includes a photocoupler including two photodiodes connected in anti-parallel.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply synchronization signal unit 413 included in an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 6 also illustrates the alternating-current power supply 102, the main microcomputer 108, the sub-microcomputer 112, and the level shift unit 414. The power supply synchronization signal unit 413 includes a photocoupler 601 including two photodiodes connected in anti-parallel and a pull-up resistor 602.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of control performed by the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 included in the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. The power supply synchronization signal unit 413 determines whether the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 each have received the power supply synchronization signal (S1). The power supply synchronization signal is a signal of a direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 or a signal obtained by converting the signal of the direct-current second voltage into a signal of a direct-current third voltage. When determining that the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 each have received the power supply synchronization signal (Yes in S1), the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 ends the control.

[0055] When determining that the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 each have not received the power supply synchronization signal (No in S1), the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 stops the control of the actuator performed by the main microcomputer 108 and the writing of data into the storage medium 111 performed by the sub-microcomputer 112 (S2).

[0056] The transistor inside the photocoupler 601 is turned on or off by the alternating-current voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102. When the transistor is turned on, a current flows from the pull-up resistor 602 to the emitter of the transistor based on the direct-current second voltage, the collector voltage decreases, and the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 outputs the Lo signal of the direct-current second voltage. The Lo signal is transmitted to the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112, and the main microcomputer 108 and the sub-microcomputer 112 operate based on the Lo signal. When the Lo signal is transmitted to the sub-microcomputer 112, the Lo signal is transmitted to the sub-microcomputer 112 via the level shift unit 414.

[0057] Since the two photodiodes included in the photocoupler 601 are connected in anti-parallel, the alternating-current voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 is rectified into a pulsating-current voltage as illustrated in the upper graph of FIG. 8. The voltage on the input side of the microcomputer is a voltage of a rectangular wave formed by the Hi signal and the Lo signal. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a waveform of a voltage at the photocoupler 601 included in the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 of the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. The upper graph of FIG. 8 illustrates a voltage waveform 801 of the pulsating-current voltage on the photodiode side of the photocoupler 601. The lower graph of FIG. 8 illustrates a rectangular voltage waveform 802 on the input side of the microcomputer.

[0058] Since the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 included in the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment includes the photocoupler 601 including the two photodiodes connected in anti-parallel, the periods of the Hi and Lo voltages of the power supply synchronization signals are halved as compared with the case where the photocoupler 500 including only the photodiode in the forward direction is used. Thus, the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment can shorten the detection time in the event of a power failure.Fifth Embodiment

[0059] In the first to fourth embodiments, for example, the storage medium 111 is implemented by an SD card. In a fifth embodiment, the storage medium 111 is implemented by a micro SD card or a flash memory. With the storage medium 111 being implemented by the micro SD card or the flash memory, the occupancy of the storage medium 111 with respect to the boards 101, 201, and 401 is reduced, and the boards 101, 201, and 401 can be reduced in size.Sixth Embodiment

[0060] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a learning apparatus 6 according to a sixth embodiment. The learning apparatus 6 uses learning data including an operation state of the air conditioner and a time history at the time of the power supply cutoff of the air conditioner to generate a learned model for inferring a power failure time period in which the air conditioner experiences a power failure, and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure. Although an inference apparatus 7 paired with the learning apparatus 6 will be described later, the learning apparatus 6 is an apparatus for a learning phase. For example, the air conditioner according to the sixth embodiment may be the air conditioner according to any one of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0061] The learning apparatus 6 includes a data acquisition unit 61 that acquires learning data including an operation state of the air conditioner and a time history at the time of the power supply cutoff of the air conditioner. For example, the operation state is data regarding, for example, an ambient temperature, a target set temperature, a temperature of a refrigerant circuit, a temperature of each water circuit, a pump flow rate, an external input signal, and a state of a heater, and the like, and is recorded in a storage medium 611 inside the data acquisition unit 61 every minute. For example, the storage medium 611 is implemented by a semiconductor memory. The time history at the time of the power supply cutoff is described as a “power supply cutoff history” in FIG. 9, and is hereinafter referred to as the “power supply cutoff history”. With respect to the power supply cutoff history, when the determination is made that the power supply voltage decreases and the power supply synchronization signals in the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer included in the air conditioner are lost, a time period in which the power supply is cut off is recorded in the storage medium 611.

[0062] The learning apparatus 6 further includes a model generation unit 62 that generates a learned model for inferring, using the learning data acquired by the data acquisition unit 61, a power failure time period in which the air conditioner experiences a power failure and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure. The model generation unit 62 learns the power failure time period, based on the learning data including the operation state and the power supply cutoff history. More specifically, the model generation unit 62 generates a learned model for inferring the power failure time period, using the power supply cutoff history of the air conditioner.

[0063] As a learning algorithm used by the model generation unit 62, a known algorithm can be used such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforcement learning, or the like. As an example, a description will be given of a case where the model generation unit 62 uses reinforcement learning. In the reinforcement learning, an agent in a certain environment observes a current state and determines an action to be taken. The agent is an action subject, and the current state is indicated by environmental parameters. The action of the agent dynamically changes the environment, and the agent is given a reward according to the change in the environment. The change in action of the agent is repeated, and the model generation unit 62 learns an action policy that obtains the most reward through a series of actions of the agent. As representative methods of reinforcement learning, Q-learning and TD-learning are known. For example, in the case of Q-learning, a typical update formula of an action-value function Q(s, a) is expressed by Formula (1) below.Formula⁢ 1Q⁡(st,at)←Q⁡(st,at)+α⁡(rt+1+γmaxaQ⁡(st+1,a)-Q⁡(st,at))(1)

[0064] In Formula (1), St represents an environment state at time t, and at represents an action at the time t. The action at changes the state to st+1. Here, rt+1 represents a reward given by a change in the state, γ represents a discount factor, and α represents a learning rate. Note that γ is in a range of 0<γ≤1, and α is in a range of 0<α≤1. The operation is the action at, the power supply cutoff history is the state st, and model generation unit 62 learns the best action at in the state st at the time t.

[0065] In the update formula expressed by Formula (1), an action value Q is increased when an action value Q of an action a having the highest Q value at the time t+1 is greater than an action value Q of an action a performed at the time t, and the action value Q is reduced in the opposite case. In other words, the action-value function Q(s, a) is updated such that the action value Q of the action a at the time t approaches the best action value at the time t+1. Thus, the best action value in a certain environment is sequentially propagated to the action values in the previous environments.

[0066] The model generation unit 62 that generates a learned model by reinforcement learning includes a reward calculation unit 621 and a function update unit 622.

[0067] The reward calculation unit 621 calculates a reward based on the operation state and the power supply cutoff history. The reward calculation unit 621 calculates a reward r based on the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature in the power supply cutoff history. For example, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature is small, the reward r is increased, for example, a reward of “1” is given. On the other hand, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature is large, the reward r is reduced, for example, a reward of “−1” is given.

[0068] In accordance with the reward calculated by the reward calculation unit 621, the function update unit 622 updates the function for determining the power failure time period and the operation setting required in the event of the power failure, and outputs the learned model to a learned model storage unit 63. The learned model storage unit 63 is located outside the learning apparatus 6. For example, the learned model storage unit 63 is implemented by a semiconductor memory. For example, in Q-learning, the function update unit 622 uses the action-value function Q(st, at) expressed by Formula (1) as a function for calculating the power failure time period and the operation setting.

[0069] The learning apparatus 6 repeatedly executes learning as described above.

[0070] The learned model storage unit 63 stores the action-value function Q(st, at) updated by the function update unit 622, that is, the learned model.

[0071] Next, with reference to FIG. 10, a description will be given of processing in which the learning apparatus 6 learns. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of learning processing performed by the learning apparatus 6 according to the sixth embodiment.

[0072] In step S11, the data acquisition unit 61 acquires, as learning data, the operation state and the power supply cutoff history.

[0073] In step S12, the model generation unit 62 calculates a reward based on the operation state and the power supply cutoff history. Specifically, the reward calculation unit 621 acquires the operation state and the power supply cutoff history, and determines whether to increase the reward or to reduce the reward based on the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature or a hot water supply temperature in the inferred power failure time period.

[0074] The reward calculation unit 621 increases the reward in step S13 when determining to increase the reward, for example, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature or the hot water supply temperature is less than the reference value. The reward calculation unit 621 reduces the reward in step S14 when determining to reduce the reward, for example, when the difference between the set temperature and the ambient temperature or the hot water supply temperature is greater than the reference value.

[0075] In step S15, the function update unit 622 updates the action-value function Q(st, at) expressed by Formula (1) stored in the learned model storage unit 63, based on the reward calculated by the reward calculation unit 621.

[0076] The learning apparatus 6 repeatedly executes each operation from step S11 to step S15 described above, and stores the generated action-value function Q(st, at) as a learned model.

[0077] The learning apparatus 6 according to the sixth embodiment stores the learned model in the learned model storage unit 63 located outside the learning apparatus 6, but may include the learned model storage unit 63 therein.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the inference apparatus 7 according to the sixth embodiment. The inference apparatus 7 is an inference apparatus related to an air conditioner 5. More specifically, the inference apparatus 7 is an apparatus for a utilization phase that utilizes the learned model generated by the learning apparatus 6, and is paired with the learning apparatus 6. For example, the air conditioner 5 is an apparatus that performs air conditioning or hot water supply. FIG. 11 also illustrates the air conditioner 5.

[0079] The inference apparatus 7 includes a data acquisition unit 71 that acquires an operation state of the air conditioner 5. More specifically, the data acquisition unit 71 acquires the current operation state of the air conditioner 5. The operation state is a state of a set temperature or the like in an air-conditioning mode or a hot water supply mode, which is set by a user.

[0080] The inference apparatus 7 further includes an inference unit 72 that infers, using a learned model for inferring a power failure time period in which the air conditioner 5 experiences a power failure and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure, a power failure time period and an operation setting required in the event of the power failure, based on the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71. Through inputting of the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71 to the learned model, the inference unit 72 can infer settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches a target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. The inference unit 72 outputs, to the air conditioner 5, the settings for controlling the operation.

[0081] For example, the inference unit 72 outputs, using the learned model for inferring the power failure time period in which the air conditioner 5 experiences a power failure and the operation setting required in the event of the power failure and based on the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71, a signal for controlling the operation such that the temperature of a space to be subjected to air-conditioning performed by the air conditioner 5 reaches the set temperature before the power failure time period, to the main microcomputer included in the air conditioner 5. Based on the operation state acquired by the data acquisition unit 71, the inference unit 72 outputs, to the main microcomputer, a signal for temporarily controlling a heater and a pump included in the air conditioner 5 so as not to cause a sudden current cut-off in the power failure time period.

[0082] Note that in the sixth embodiment, the inference apparatus 7 outputs the settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the power failure time period inferred using the learned model learned by the model generation unit 62 of the learning apparatus 6. However, the inference apparatus 7 may acquire a learned model from a device other than the model generation unit 62 of the learning apparatus 6, and output settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the power failure time period inferred using the learned model.

[0083] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a description will be given of processing for obtaining settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the power failure time period inferred by the inference apparatus 7. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of an operation of the inference apparatus 7 according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 12 also illustrates a procedure of the operation of the air conditioner 5 performed corresponding to the settings output by the inference apparatus 7.

[0084] In step S21, the data acquisition unit 71 acquires the current operation state.

[0085] In step S22, the inference unit 72 inputs the current operation state to the learned model stored in the learned model storage unit 63, and obtains settings for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. In step S23, the inference unit 72 outputs, to the air conditioner 5, the settings for controlling the operation in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period.

[0086] In step S24, the main microcomputer of the air conditioner 5 controls a fan rotation speed, a pump flow rate, and heater driving by using the settings, output from the inference unit 72, for controlling the operation of the air conditioner 5 in advance such that the state of the air conditioner 5 reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. This can achieve the necessary construction of an air conditioning or hot water supply environment before the inferred power failure time period.

[0087] Note that the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be, for example, apparatuses connected to the air conditioner 5 via a communication network. That is, the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be apparatuses separate from the air conditioner 5. The learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be built in the air conditioner 5. Furthermore, the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7 may be located on a cloud server.

[0088] Using learning data acquired from a plurality of air conditioners, the model generation unit 62 may learn settings for controlling an operation of an air conditioner to be controlled in advance such that the state of the air conditioner to be controlled reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period. The model generation unit 62 may acquire learning data from a plurality of air conditioners used in the same area, or may learn settings for controlling an operation of an air conditioner to be controlled in advance such that the state of the air conditioner to be controlled reaches the target operation state before a power failure time period inferred using learning data collected from a plurality of air conditioners independently operating in different areas. Additionally, an air conditioner from which learning data is to be collected may also be added to or removed from, in the middle of operation, the learning apparatus 6 and the inference apparatus 7. Furthermore, a learning apparatus having learned settings for controlling the operation in advance such that the state of a certain air conditioner reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period may be applied to an air conditioner different from the certain air conditioner. In this case, the learning apparatus may relearn and update the settings for controlling the operation in advance such that the state of the air conditioner different from the certain air conditioner reaches the target operation state before the inferred power failure time period.

[0089] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a processor 97 in a case where the processor 97 implements at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, which are included in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, the processor 97 that executes a program stored in a memory 98 may implement at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114. The processor 97 is a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a processing system, an arithmetic system, a microprocessor, or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). FIG. 13 also illustrates the memory 98.

[0090] In the case where the processor 97 implements at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, the part of the functions is implemented by the processor 97 and software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is described as a program and stored in the memory 98. The processor 97 reads and executes the program stored in the memory 98 to implement at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114.

[0091] In the case where the processor 97 implements at least part of the functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, the air conditioner 1 includes the memory 98 for storing a program with which at least part of the steps executed by the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 are executed as a result. It can also be said that the program stored in the memory 98 causes a computer to execute at least part of a procedure or a method executed by the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114.

[0092] The memory 98 corresponds to, for example, a nonvolatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a flash memory, an Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), or an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM, registered trademark), a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a Digital Versatile Disk (DVD), or the like.

[0093] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating processing circuitry 99 in a case where the processing circuitry 99 implements at least part of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114, which are included in the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. That is, at least part of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 may be implemented by the processing circuitry 99.

[0094] The processing circuitry 99 is dedicated hardware. The processing circuitry 99 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a combined circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or a combination thereof.

[0095] Part of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 may be implemented by dedicated hardware separate from the other remaining components.

[0096] Part of the plurality of functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 may be implemented by software or firmware, while the remaining part of the plurality of functions may be implemented by dedicated hardware. As described above, the plurality of functions of the first power feed unit 105, the actuator drive unit 106, the second power feed unit 107, the actuator control unit 109, the third power feed unit 110, the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, and the level shift unit 114 are implementable by hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0097] The respective functions of the third power feed unit 210 according to the second embodiment and the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 according to the fourth embodiment may be implemented by a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The memory is a memory similar to the memory 98.

[0098] The processor is a processor similar to the processor 97. Each of the third power feed unit 210 and the power supply synchronization signal unit 413 may be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is processing circuitry similar to the processing circuitry 99.

[0099] At least part of the functions of the data acquisition unit 61 and the model generation unit 62 included in the learning apparatus 6 according to the sixth embodiment may be implemented by a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The memory is a memory similar to the memory 98. The processor is a processor similar to the processor 97. At least part of the data acquisition unit 61 and the model generation unit 62 may be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is processing circuitry similar to the processing circuitry 99.

[0100] At least part of the functions of the data acquisition unit 71 and the inference unit 72 included in the inference apparatus 7 according to the sixth embodiment may be implemented by a processor that executes a program stored in a memory. The memory is a memory similar to the memory 98. The processor is a processor similar to the processor 97. At least part of the data acquisition unit 71 and the inference unit 72 may be implemented by processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is processing circuitry similar to the processing circuitry 99.

[0101] The features illustrated in connection with the above embodiments are illustrative only and may be combined with the other known techniques. The embodiments may be combined with each other. The features may partially be omitted or changed without departing from the gist.

Examples

first embodiment

[0025]A description will now be given of a configuration of an air conditioner 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioner 1 is a refrigeration cycle apparatus. The air conditioner 1 includes a board 101. FIG. 1 illustrates an internal configuration of the board 101. The board 101 includes an alternating-current power supply 102 that supplies an alternating-current power supply voltage. For example, the alternating-current power supply voltage is any voltage in a range from 200 V to 240 V. The board 101 further includes a diode bridge 103 that rectifies an alternating-current power supply voltage supplied from the alternating-current power supply 102 into a pulsating-current power supply voltage.

[0026]The board 101 further includes an electrolytic capacitor 104 that smooths the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge 103. The electrol...

second embodiment

[0038]The air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment can improve the speed of the communication between the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111, and can reduce the influence of noise on the communication from a power supply system different from the power supply systems of the sub-microcomputer 112 and the storage medium 111. The air conditioner 1 requires the electrolytic capacitor 104 having a relatively large capacitance, which is an electrostatic capacitance of several tens of millifarads, in order to enable the electrolytic capacitor 104 to be involved in all the consumption currents of the first voltage, the second voltage, and the third voltage and the electrolytic capacitor 104 to supply a voltage for a time until the storage medium 111 completes storing data. For example, the first voltage is 12 V, the second voltage is 5 V, and the third voltage is 3.3 V.

[0039]Next, a description will be given of a second embodiment that aims to temporarily maintain o...

third embodiment

[0046]As described above, since the air conditioner 2 according to the second embodiment includes the power-feeding protection circuit 215, the electrostatic capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor 204 can be made smaller, and consequently, the manufacturing cost can be reduced as compared with the air conditioner 1 according to the first embodiment. Since the power supply system of the sub-microcomputer 112 is different from the power supply system of the power supply synchronization signal unit 113, the air conditioner 2 includes the level shift unit 114 that converts the signal of the direct-current second voltage output from the power supply synchronization signal unit 113 into the signal of the direct-current third voltage corresponding to the sub-microcomputer 112 to which the direct-current third voltage is to be fed. In a third embodiment, a description will be given of a configuration including a level shift unit including a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-Specification e...

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising:a diode bridge to rectify an alternating-current power supply voltage into a pulsating-current power supply voltage;an electrolytic capacitor to smooth the pulsating-current power supply voltage rectified by the diode bridge;a first power feeding circuitry to convert a voltage smoothed by the electrolytic capacitor into a direct-current first voltage;a second power feeding circuitry to lower the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feeding circuitry to obtain a direct-current second voltage;a main microcomputer to control an air conditioning operation using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feeding circuitry;a third power feeding circuitry to lower the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feeding circuitry to obtain a direct-current third voltage;a storage medium to store data related to air conditioning using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feeding circuitry;a sub-microcomputer to cause the storage medium to store the data using the direct-current third voltage obtained by the third power feeding circuitry;a power supply synchronization signal circuitry to output a signal for stopping processing of the main microcomputer and the sub-microcomputer in an event of a power failure using the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feeding circuitry; anda level shifting circuitry to convert the signal output by the power supply synchronization signal circuitry into a signal of the direct-current third voltage and to output the signal of the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprisinga power-feeding protection circuit located between the first power feeding circuitry and the third power feeding circuitry, having a function of performing charging using the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feeding circuitry, and to perform discharging in the event of the power failure to enable the third power feeding circuitry to feed the direct-current third voltage to the sub-microcomputer and the storage medium, whereinthe third power feeding circuitry lowers the direct-current first voltage obtained by the first power feeding circuitry to obtain the direct-current third voltage instead of lowering the direct-current second voltage obtained by the second power feeding circuitry to obtain the direct-current third voltage.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, whereinthe level shifting circuitry includes a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor to convert a voltage.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 3, whereinthe power supply synchronization signal circuitry includes a photocoupler including two photodiodes connected in anti-parallel.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, whereinthe storage medium is implemented by a micro SD card or a flash memory.

6. A learning apparatus comprising:a data acquiring circuitry to acquire learning data including a time history at a time of a power supply cutoff of the air conditioner according to claim 5 and an operation state of the air conditioner; anda model generating circuitry to generate a learned model for inferring, using the learning data acquired by the data acquiring circuitry, a power failure time period in which the air conditioner experiences a power failure and an operation setting required in an event of the power failure.

7. An inference apparatus comprising:a data acquiring circuitry to acquire an operation state of the air conditioner according to claim 5; andan inferring circuitry to output, using a learned model for inferring a power failure time period in which the air conditioner experiences a power failure and an operation setting required in an event of the power failure and based on the operation state acquired by the data acquiring circuitry, a signal for controlling an operation such that a set temperature is reached before the power failure time period, to the main microcomputer included in the air conditioner, whereinbased on the operation state acquired by the data acquiring circuitry, the inferring circuitry outputs, to the main microcomputer, a signal for temporarily controlling a heater and a pump included in the air conditioner so as not to cause a sudden current cut-off in the power failure time period.

Images