Air conditioning systems, control methods used for air conditioning systems, and programming.

Abstract

The invention relates to an air conditioning system capable of limiting the increase in energy consumption of an air conditioning unit due to changes in the set temperature. The air conditioning system under the invention is an air conditioning system that conditioned the space being air-conditioned using an air conditioning unit. The air conditioning system comprises: a storage unit which stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit, the number of changes which is the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed; and a decision unit which determines the set temperature set on the air conditioning unit, based on the number of changes stored in the storage unit.

Description

Air conditioning system, air conditioning system control method, and program

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for controlling an air conditioner so that the set temperature of the air conditioner changes in stages in response to changes in the outside air temperature.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-061716

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning system control method, and a program that can suppress an increase in energy consumption of an air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature.

[0005] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, and includes: a memory unit that stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed; and a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed stored in the memory unit.

[0006] In addition, the control method for an air conditioning system in the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, and for each set temperature of the air conditioning device, stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed, and determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device based on the stored number of changes.

[0007] Furthermore, the program in the present disclosure causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed, stored in a memory unit that stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit. This specification includes the entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-170023, filed on September 29, 2023.

[0008] The air conditioning system, air conditioning system control method, and program disclosed herein determine the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed, making it possible to set the set temperature of the air conditioning device to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user, thereby reducing the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning device, and thereby suppressing an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system in embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a management server in embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of first management data in embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of second management data in embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of achievements in embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of changes in embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server in embodiment 1. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of a determination unit in a determination process in embodiment 1. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in embodiment 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server in the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit in the processing for satisfaction of the first condition in the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of collected data in the second embodiment.

[0010] (Knowledge, etc., that Forms the Basis of the Present Disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived the present disclosure, technology existed that changed the set temperature of an air conditioner in response to changes in outdoor temperature. However, changing the set temperature of an air conditioner based on the outdoor temperature does not necessarily ensure comfort in the conditioned space. As a result, users may change the set temperature of an air conditioner to improve the comfort of the conditioned space. The inventors discovered a problem in that, when the set temperature of an air conditioner is changed, users generally tend to seek excessive comfort, which can easily increase the energy consumption of the air conditioner. The present disclosure was conceived to solve this problem. Seeking excessive comfort refers, for example, to setting the set temperature lower than necessary during cooling operation and setting the set temperature higher than necessary during heating operation. Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, an air conditioning system control method, and a program that can suppress increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. Note that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of Air Conditioning System] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 is a system that conditions a conditioned space S using an air conditioner 1. Air conditioning of the conditioned space S can include cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, etc., and this embodiment describes a case where the conditioned space S is cooled and heated by the air conditioner 1. The conditioned space S is a space owned by a facility H, and is a space that is air-conditioned by the air conditioner 1. Examples of facility H include homes, offices, stores, medical facilities, and public facilities.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioner 1. In FIG. 1 , the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioners 1. Note that the number of air conditioners 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioner 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12, and performs air conditioning operation using the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to air-condition the conditioned space S in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioner 1 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network composed of a public line network, a dedicated line, the Internet, other communication networks, etc.

[0014] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by an administrator P who manages the facility H. Note that the administrator P is not limited to a person, but may also be an entity with management authority over the facility H (for example, a company that operates the facility H). The terminal device 2 shown in FIG. 1 is a laptop computer, but may also be a tablet computer, desktop computer, or smartphone. The terminal device 2 is connected to a network NW. The terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioning apparatus 1, such as power consumption, for each facility H.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning devices 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW and performs information processing with the air conditioning devices 1 and terminal devices 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by the administrator P, or may be a server device not owned by the administrator P.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service of providing weather data. The weather data provided by the server includes at least a forecast value of the outside air temperature of the facility H.

[0017] In each figure, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are each represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are configured as a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may be configured to include multiple server devices with different processing contents, or may be configured as the same server device.

[0018] 1, the configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described. The air conditioner 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. Note that the air conditioner 1 may be equipped with a plurality of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12.

[0019] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. As a result, in the air conditioner 1, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 form a refrigerant cycle.

[0020] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall or the like of the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has a plurality of operation buttons that allow the user of the air conditioner 1 to start or stop operation, operate menus, operate cursor keys, etc. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 and the operating status of the indoor unit 11.

[0021] The communication device 14 is a device that connects to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 is also a device that controls each part of the air conditioning device 1. The communication device 14 transmits operation data RD to the management server 3 every time the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 is changed.

[0022] The operation data RD is data indicating that an operation to change the set temperature has been accepted. The operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), the date and time of change, the air conditioning type, the set temperature before the change, and the set temperature after the change. The air conditioner ID is identification information for the air conditioning device 1. The date and time of change is the date and time when the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning being performed by the air conditioning device 1, and in this embodiment indicates cooling or heating. The set temperature before the change is the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 before the change. The set temperature after the change is the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 after the change.

[0023] The communication device 14 receives setting data SD from the management server 3. The setting data SD is data that instructs the setting of the temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and records the setting temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioning device 1 at the setting temperature recorded in the received setting data SD.

[0024] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the management server 3. The management server 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31. The server control device 30 is an example of a "computer."

[0025] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a server memory 310, and an interface circuit to which other devices and sensors are connected. The server memory 310 is an example of a "storage unit."

[0026] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores a control program 311, a management database (DB) 312, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is configured, for example, by a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM). The control program 311 is an example of a "program."

[0027] The management DB 312 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning apparatus 1. The management DB 312 has one record R for each air conditioning apparatus 1. Each record R records the air conditioner ID, communication information, the location of the facility H, the air conditioning type, the current set temperature, first management data MD1, and second management data MD2. The communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning apparatus 1, such as address information for the communication device 14. The location of the facility H is the location of the facility H where the air conditioning apparatus 1 is installed, such as the address of the facility H. The current set temperature is the set temperature set in the air conditioning apparatus 1. The first management data MD1 is data that manages information related to changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1 when cooling. The second management data MD2 is data that manages information related to changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1 when heating. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first management data MD1 and the second management data MD2, the data will be referred to as "management data MD" by adding the symbol "MD".

[0028] 3 is a diagram showing an example of the first management data MD. The first management data MD1 records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the first management data MD1 records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the midnight to 23:00 hours. N is an integer between 0 and 23.

[0029] The first management data MD1 also records multiple outside air temperatures in 1°C increments. The range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD includes at least the range of temperatures that the outside air can reach at the facility H. Note that the range of outside air temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 may be the same regardless of the location of the facility H, or may be different depending on the location of the facility H.

[0030] The first management data MD1 records one piece of collected data AD for each combination of one time period and one outside air temperature. The collected data AD is data containing information related to the actual changes to the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. The collected data AD is data that collects various data within a predetermined range of set temperatures. From the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined by processing in the flowchart described below.

[0031] The collected data AD records a plurality of set temperatures of the air conditioner 1 in 1°C increments within a predetermined range. In the example of Fig. 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. In other words, in the example of Fig. 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD is the range from 23°C to 27°C. 1°C is an example of a "predetermined temperature."

[0032] The collected data AD records the number of actual values, the number of changes, and the change probability for each recorded set temperature. In the example of FIG. 3 , the collected data AD records the number of actual values, the number of changes, and the change probability for each of 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. The number of actual values ​​indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set in the air conditioning device 1. The number of changes indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was changed to another set temperature. The change probability indicates the probability of changing the corresponding set temperature to another set temperature. The change probability is a probability calculated by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding number of actual values.

[0033] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the second management data MD2. The second management data MD2 is different from the first management data MD1 in the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the recorded collected data AD. The collected data AD recorded in the first management data MD1 has a predetermined range of the set temperature between 23°C and 27°C. In contrast, the collected data AD recorded in the second management data MD2 has a predetermined range of the set temperature between 18°C ​​and 23°C.

[0034] Returning to the explanation of FIG. 2, the server communication device 31 comprises hardware such as a communication circuit that complies with a predetermined communication standard, and communicates with the air conditioning device 1, the terminal device 2, and the weather server 4 under the control of the server control device 30.

[0035] The server processor 300 reads and executes a control program 311 stored in the server memory 310 , thereby functioning as a communication control unit 301 , an acquisition unit 302 , an update unit 303 , a determination unit 304 , and a setting unit 305 .

[0036] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning apparatus 1 , the terminal device 2 , and the weather server 4 via the server communication device 31 .

[0037] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R and acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R being processed. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R being processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information requesting a forecast value of the outside air temperature for a time period including the current time, and records the location of the facility H recorded in the record R being processed and the requested time period. For example, if the current time is H:M, the forecast value request information records the time period from H:00 to H+1:00. Note that H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 a plurality of forecast values ​​corresponding to the location and time period of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside air temperature. Note that in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 302 truncates or rounds off decimal points when calculating the average forecast value.

[0038] The update unit 303 updates the management DB 312. At L minutes past each hour, the update unit 303 updates the number of performance records recorded in the collected data AD. The update unit 303 updates the number of performance records for each record R. Here, L is an integer between 0 and 59, e.g., 0. More specifically, when L minutes past each hour, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R being processed. Next, the update unit 303 references the management data MD of the record R being processed and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature that the acquisition unit 302 has acquired. More specifically, if the air conditioning type of the record R being processed is cooling, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD from the first management data MD1. If the air conditioning type of the record R being processed is heating, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD from the second management data MD2. Then, the update unit 303 increments the number of achievements recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed. The update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of achievements to a change probability that reflects the incremented number of achievements.

[0039] Here, updating of the number of achievements will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of achievements.

[0040] The explanation of Fig. 5 will be given by way of example of a case where the current time when updating the performance count is between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outdoor air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation of Fig. 5 will also be given by way of example of a case where the air conditioning device 1 is performing cooling operation. In the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outdoor air temperature of 34°C, from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0041] The explanation of Fig. 5 will be given by way of example when the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed is 25°C. That is, the explanation of Fig. 5 will be given by way of example when the set temperature set in the air conditioning apparatus 1 is 25°C. In the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 increments the number of achievements corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the number of achievements recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Fig. 5, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5" in conjunction with the update of the number of achievements.

[0042] Next, the update performed by the update unit 303 will be described. When the communication control unit 301 receives operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the management DB 312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 identifies a record R having the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD from the management DB 312. Next, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the identified record R to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 also updates the air conditioning type of the identified record R to the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0043] Furthermore, the updating unit 303 causes the acquiring unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R identified by the received operation data RD. Next, if the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD is cooling, the updating unit 303 identifies, from the first management data MD1 of the identified record R, the collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature that the acquiring unit 302 has acquired. Furthermore, if the air conditioning type recorded in the received operation data RD is heating, the updating unit 303 identifies, from the second management data MD2 of the identified record R, the collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature that the acquiring unit 302 has acquired. Next, the updating unit 303 references the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates cooling and the changed set temperature is lower than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. Furthermore, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates heating and the changed set temperature is higher than the set temperature before the change, increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD. Note that the update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to a change probability that reflects the incremented number of changes.

[0044] Here, updating of the number of changes will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a diagram for explaining updating of the number of changes.

[0045] The explanation of Fig. 6 will be given by way of example of a case where the current time when the number of changes is updated is between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outdoor air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. The explanation of Fig. 6 will also be given by way of example of a case where the air conditioning apparatus 1 is performing cooling operation. In the case of Fig. 6, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time period between 14:00 and 15:00, and the outdoor air temperature of 34°C, from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0046] 6 illustrates an example in which the pre-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C. Also, in the example in which the post-change set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24°C. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25°C from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the example in FIG. 6, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" in conjunction with the update of the number of changes.

[0047] Returning to the explanation of Fig. 2, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning apparatus 1. The determination method of the determination unit 304 will be described in detail below.

[0048] The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the air conditioner 1. The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature to the air conditioner 1 based on the record R to be processed. In detail, the setting unit 305 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and the communication information recorded in the record R to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 is recorded in the generated setting data SD. The communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the setting unit 305 to the air conditioner 1 based on the communication information received from the setting unit 305.

[0049] 1-2. Operation Next, a description will be given of the operation of each unit of the air conditioning system 1000 according to the first embodiment. FIG.

[0050] The flowchart in Fig. 7 is a flowchart that starts at K minutes past the hour. Here, K is an integer between 0 and 59, for example, 0. The flowchart in Fig. 7 is a flowchart that is performed for each air conditioning apparatus 1. In other words, the flowchart in Fig. 7 is an operation that is performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0051] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R to be processed (step SA1). Step SA1 will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, if the current time is 10:00, the forecast value request information records a time period from 10:00 to 11:00. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​(e.g., a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time period of the facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average as the outside air temperature.

[0052] Next, the determining unit 304 identifies the collected data AD to be processed from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed (step SA2).

[0053] Step SA2 will be described in detail. When the air conditioning type in the record R2 to be processed indicates cooling, the determination unit 304 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SA1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed. Furthermore, when the air conditioning type in the record R2 to be processed indicates heating, the determination unit 304 identifies collected data AD corresponding to the set of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired in step SA1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0054] Next, the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (step SA3). The determination process is a process for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. In the determination process, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0055] 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the determination process. The operation shown in Fig. 8 is performed when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates cooling.

[0056] The determination unit 304 determines whether the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD to be processed satisfies the following first condition (step SA31): First condition: A first set temperature and a second set temperature exist.

[0057] The first set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, such as 0.1 (10% as a percentage). The second set temperature is a set temperature that is next lowest in the predetermined range after the first set temperature and whose corresponding change probability is less than the predetermined threshold.

[0058] The first and second set temperatures will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "0 / 1" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "3 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0059] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C correspond to the first set temperature, and 24°C corresponds to the second set temperature. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3 satisfies the first condition.

[0060] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in Figure 8, if the determination unit 304 determines that the first condition is met (step SA31: YES), it determines whether there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SA32).

[0061] If the determination unit 304 determines that there are not multiple second set temperatures (step SA32: NO), it determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SA33).

[0062] Here, step SA33 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24°C is the second set temperature in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, and other set temperatures do not correspond to the second set temperature. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Fig. 3, the determination unit 304 determines 24°C as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 in step SA33.

[0063] On the other hand, if the determination unit 304 determines that there are multiple second set temperatures (step SA33: YES), it determines the second set temperature that most increases the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SA34).

[0064] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is cooling.

[0065] Step SA34 will now be described in detail with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD. In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 9, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 24°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 25°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 26°C, and a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 27°C.

[0066] When the predetermined threshold is 0.1, 24° C., 26° C., and 27° C. correspond to the first set temperatures, and 23° C. and 25° C. correspond to the second set temperatures in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, when the predetermined threshold is 0.1 and the collected data AD to be processed is the collected data AD shown in Fig. 9, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature of 23° C. as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioner 1 is cooling.

[0067] Returning to the explanation of step SA31, if the determination unit 304 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (step SA31: NO), the determination unit 304 determines whether all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are the first set temperature or the third set temperature (step SA35). The third set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0068] If the determination unit 304 determines that all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are the first set temperature (step SA35: first set temperature), it determines the set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed that will maximize the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SA36).

[0069] Returning to the explanation of step SA35, if the determination unit 304 determines that all of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are the third set temperature (step SA35: third set temperature), it determines the set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed that will result in the least energy saving for the air conditioning device 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device 1 (step SA37).

[0070] The set temperature recorded in the collected data AD that results in the least energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 refers to the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is cooling.

[0071] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the determination process. The operation shown in Fig. 10 is performed when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates heating. In the explanation of Fig. 10, the same steps as in Fig. 8 are assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted.

[0072] The determination unit 304 determines whether the set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD to be processed satisfy the following second condition (step SA41): Second condition: A third set temperature and a fourth set temperature exist.

[0073] The third set temperature is a set temperature whose corresponding change probability is less than a predetermined threshold, and the fourth set temperature is a set temperature that is next lowest in the predetermined range after the third set temperature and whose corresponding change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0074] The fourth set temperature will now be described with reference to Fig. 4. In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4, a change probability of "4 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 18°C, a change probability of "2 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 19°C, a change probability of "1 / 4" is recorded for a set temperature of 20°C, a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 21°C, a change probability of "0 / 3" is recorded for a set temperature of 22°C, and a change probability of "0 / 2" is recorded for a set temperature of 23°C.

[0075] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4, 21°C, 22°C, and 23°C correspond to the third set temperature, and 20°C corresponds to the fourth set temperature. Note that the collected data AD shown in Fig. 4 satisfies the second condition above.

[0076] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart shown in Figure 10, if the determination unit 304 determines that the second condition is met (step SA41: YES), it determines whether there are multiple third set temperatures among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SA42).

[0077] If the determination unit 304 determines that there are not multiple third set temperatures (step SA32: NO), it determines the third set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SA43).

[0078] On the other hand, if the determination unit 304 determines that there are multiple third set temperatures (step SA43: YES), it determines the third set temperature that most increases the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SA44).

[0079] The set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD refers to the highest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is heating.

[0080] Returning to the explanation of step SA41, if the determining unit 304 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (step SA41: NO), it performs the processes from step SB35 onwards.

[0081] In addition, the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD that results in the least energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 refers to the lowest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD when the air conditioning performed by the air conditioning device 1 is heating.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 7, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature of the air conditioning apparatus 1 to the set temperature determined in the determination process of step SA3 (step SA4).

[0083] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As explained above, the air conditioning system 1000 conditions the conditioned space S using the air conditioning device 1. The air conditioning system 1000 includes a server memory 310 that stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 has been changed, and a determination unit 304 that determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device 1 based on the number of times the set temperature has been changed stored in the server memory 310.

[0084] According to this, by determining the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 has been changed, it is possible to set the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. This reduces the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. This makes it possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0085] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an acquisition unit 302 that acquires the outside air temperature. The server memory 310 stores the number of changes for each set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 for each combination of time period and outside air temperature. The determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 based on the number of changes stored in the server memory 310 that corresponds to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302.

[0086] Generally, the comfort of the conditioned space S desired by the user varies depending on the time of day and the outdoor temperature. Therefore, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined based on the number of changes corresponding to the time of day and the outdoor temperature. As a result, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 can be set to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user depending on the time of day and the outdoor temperature, and the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 can be further reduced. Therefore, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0087] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the forecast value of the outside air temperature for the time period including the current time from a weather data providing service, and acquires the outside air temperature based on the acquired forecast value.

[0088] This makes it possible to determine the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 based on the number of changes that corresponds to an accurate outside air temperature. This reduces the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. This makes it possible to further suppress increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0089] The server memory 310 stores, for each set temperature included in a predetermined range of set temperatures for the air conditioning device 1, the number of achievements, which is the number of times the set temperature was set for the air conditioning device 1, the number of changes, and a change probability, which is the probability that the set temperature was changed and is calculated from the number of achievements and the number of changes. When the air conditioning device 1 is performing cooling, if the set temperatures included in the predetermined range satisfy a first condition that there exists a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and a second set temperature which is the next lowest after the first set temperature in the predetermined range and whose change probability is less than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device 1.

[0090] According to this, when the set temperature included in the predetermined range includes a first set temperature and a second set temperature, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be the set temperature with a low probability of change and the next lowest set temperature after the set temperature with a high probability of change. Therefore, during cooling, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, during cooling, an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0091] If the set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the first condition and there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the second set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0092] According to this, when there are multiple second set temperatures, the second set temperature that increases the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined, so a more appropriate set temperature can be determined for the air conditioning device 1. Therefore, during cooling, an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0093] When the air conditioning device 1 is performing heating, the determination unit 304 determines the third set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 if the set temperatures included in the specified range satisfy the second condition that there is a third set temperature whose change probability is less than a specified threshold and a fourth set temperature which is the next lowest temperature after the third set temperature in the specified range and whose change probability is equal to or greater than the specified threshold.

[0094] According to this, when the third set temperature and the fourth set temperature are included in the predetermined range, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be the set temperature with the lowest probability of change and the second highest set temperature after the set temperature with the highest probability of change. Therefore, when heating, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 can be determined to be an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, when heating, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0095] If the set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the second condition and there are multiple third set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the third set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0096] According to this, when there are multiple third set temperatures, the third set temperature that increases the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined, and therefore a more appropriate set temperature can be determined for the air conditioning device 1. Therefore, during heating, an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0097] If all the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to the first set temperature, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature within the specified range that will maximize the comfort of the conditioned space S as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0098] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from set temperatures included in a predetermined range and the probability of change is high for both set temperatures, a set temperature that can prevent an increase in the number of set temperature changes is determined as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1. Therefore, even if the set temperature is changed frequently and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, it is possible to prevent an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0099] If all the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to the third set temperature whose change probability is less than a specified threshold, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature within the specified range that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioning unit 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning unit 1.

[0100] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from set temperatures included in a predetermined range and the probability of change for any of the set temperatures is low, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be a set temperature that will reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioning apparatus 1. Therefore, even if the set temperature is not changed often and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, it is possible to suppress an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioning apparatus 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0101] The control method of the air conditioning system 1000 stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 has been changed for each set temperature of the air conditioning device 1, and determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 based on the stored number of changes.

[0102] This provides the same effects as those of the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0103] The control program 311 causes the server control device 30 of the air conditioning system 1000 to function as a determination unit 304 that determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device 1 based on the number of changes stored in the server memory 310, which stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1 has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device 1.

[0104] This provides the same effects as those of the air conditioning system 1000 described above.

[0105] (Embodiment 2) Next, a description will be given of embodiment 2. [2-1. Configuration] The configuration of each part of air conditioning system 1000 in embodiment 2 is the same as the configuration of each part of air conditioning system 1000 in embodiment 1, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0106] [2-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 in embodiment 2 will be described. Compared to embodiment 1, embodiment 2 differs in the operation of the management server 3 related to setting the set temperature of the air conditioning device 1. Note that in this embodiment as well, operations related to setting the set temperature are performed for each air conditioning device 1. That is, in this embodiment as well, operations related to setting the set temperature are performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0107] First, the operation when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is cooling will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in embodiment 2. In the description of Fig. 11, steps that are the same as those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0108] 11 is a flowchart that starts at P minutes past the hour, where P is an integer between 0 and 59, for example, 0.

[0109] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11, the determination unit 304 determines whether the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SA2 satisfies the first condition described above (step SB1).

[0110] If the determination unit 304 determines that the first condition is satisfied (step SB1: YES), it performs a determination process (step SB2). Step SB2 is a process for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1, and only steps SA32, SA34, and SA35 of the determination process performed in embodiment 1 are performed. In the determination process of step SB2, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0111] Returning to the explanation of step SB1, if the determining unit 304 determines that the first condition is not satisfied (step SB1: NO), it performs a process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied (step SB3).

[0112] The first condition satisfaction process is a process for ensuring that the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfies the first condition described above. In the first condition satisfaction process, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0113] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the first condition satisfaction process.

[0114] The determining unit 304 determines whether all of the performance numbers recorded in the collected data AD to be processed are zero (step SB31).

[0115] If the determination unit 304 determines that all of the actual numbers are zero (step SB31: YES), it determines the median of the multiple set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 (step SB32). Note that in this embodiment, when calculating the median set temperature, digits after the decimal point are discarded or rounded off to the nearest integer.

[0116] The set temperature determined in step SB32 is not limited to the median value. For example, the set temperature determined in step SB32 may be the lowest set temperature, the highest set temperature, the next highest set temperature after the median value, or the next lowest set temperature after the median value among the plurality of set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD to be processed.

[0117] Returning to the explanation of step SB31, if the determination unit 304 determines that all of the past records are not zero (step SB31: NO), it determines whether the probability of changing the fifth set temperature (hereinafter referred to as the "energy-saving fifth set temperature") that consumes the least energy among the set temperatures (hereinafter referred to as the "fifth set temperature") with a past record of one or more is less than a predetermined threshold (step SB33). This predetermined threshold is, for example, 0.1 (10% as a percentage).

[0118] The fifth energy saving set temperature will now be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0119] 13 records the number of achievements of "4", the number of changes of "0", and the change probability of "0 / 4" for each set temperature from 23° C. to 24° C. In addition, the collected data AD shown in FIG. 13 records the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" for each set temperature from 25° C. to 27° C., but since the number of achievements is zero, the change probability is not recorded.

[0120] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R to be processed is cooling, 24° C. corresponds to the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0121] 12 , if the determination unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving fifth set temperature is less than the predetermined threshold (step SB33: YES), it determines whether the added temperature obtained by adding 1°C to the energy-saving fifth set temperature exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB34). The added temperature corresponds to an example of the “first calculated temperature.”

[0122] Here, the processing of step SB34 will be explained in detail with reference to Figure 13. As described above, in Figure 13, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, 24°C is the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side. Therefore, in the case of Figure 13, the added temperature when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling is 25°C. Furthermore, of the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of Figure 13, 27°C is the highest set temperature. Therefore, in the case of Figure 13, the decision unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SB34.

[0123] If the determination unit 304 determines that the added temperature does not exceed the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB34: NO), it determines the added temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SB35).

[0124] On the other hand, if the determination unit 304 determines that the added temperature exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SB34: YES), it determines (step SB36) the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results in the collected data AD to be processed as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1. Note that if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the determination unit 304 determines, as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1, the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0125] Step SB36 will now be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0126] In the collected data AD shown in Fig. 14, for each set temperature from 23°C to 26°C, the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" are recorded, but since the number of achievements is zero, the change probability is not recorded. Also, in the collected data AD shown in Fig. 14, for the set temperature of 27°C, the number of achievements of "3", the number of changes of "4", and the change probability of "3 / 4" are recorded.

[0127] In Figure 14, 27°C is the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side. Therefore, the added temperature is 28°C, which exceeds the highest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD. Therefore, in the case of Figure 14, when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling, the determination unit 304 determines 26°C as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0128] Returning to the explanation of step SB33 in Figure 12, if the decision unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is not less than a predetermined threshold (step SB33: NO), it determines whether or not a sixth set temperature with an actual number of zero exists between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature within the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SB37).

[0129] If the determination unit 304 determines that a sixth set temperature exists between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving fifth set temperature (step SB37: YES), it determines (step SB38) the sixth set temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1. Note that if there are multiple sixth set temperatures, the determination unit 304 determines the sixth set temperature that results in the least energy saving of the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0130] Step SB38 will now be described with reference to Fig. 15. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0131] The collected data AD shown in Figure 15 records the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" for each of the set temperatures of 23°C, 24°C, and 27°C, but does not record the change probability because the number of achievements is zero. The collected data AD shown in Figure 15 also records the number of achievements of "3", the number of changes of "2", and the change probability of "2 / 3" for the set temperature of 25°C. The collected data AD shown in Figure 15 also records the number of achievements of "4", the number of changes of "4", and the change probability of "4 / 4" for the set temperature of 26°C.

[0132] When the predetermined threshold value is 0.1 and the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R to be processed is cooling, 26° C. corresponds to the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0133] In the collected data AD of Fig. 15, 23°C is the lowest set temperature. That is, in the collected data AD of Fig. 15, between 26°C and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature, there are a sixth set temperature of 23°C and a sixth set temperature of 24°C. Therefore, in the case of Fig. 15, in step SB38, the determination unit 304 determines 24°C as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 when the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling.

[0134] 12 , if the determination unit 304 determines that there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the fifth energy-saving set temperature (step SB37: NO), it determines (step SB39) the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the lowest set temperature and the fifth energy-saving set temperature within the specified range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1. Note that if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the determination unit 304 determines, as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1, the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0135] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 11, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SB2 or step SB3 (step SB4).

[0136] Next, an operation will be described when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is heating. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation of the management server 3 in embodiment 2. In the explanation of Fig. 16, steps that are the same as those in Fig. 7 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed explanations thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0137] The flowchart in FIG. 16 is a flowchart that starts at P minutes past the hour.

[0138] As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 16, the determining unit 304 determines whether the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD identified in step SA2 satisfies the second condition described above (step SC1).

[0139] If the determination unit 304 determines that the second condition is satisfied (step SC1: YES), it performs a determination process (step SC2). Step SC2 is a process for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1, and only steps SA42, SA44, and SA45 of the determination process performed in embodiment 1 are performed. In the determination process of step SC2, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0140] Returning to the explanation of step SC1, if the determining unit 304 determines that the second condition is not satisfied (step SC1: NO), it performs processing for the second condition being satisfied (step SC3).

[0141] The process for satisfying the second condition is a process for ensuring that the set temperature recorded in the collected data AD satisfies the second condition described above. In the process for satisfying the second condition, the collected data AD identified in step SA2 is processed.

[0142] 17 is a flowchart showing the operation of the determination unit 304 in the second condition satisfaction process. In the description of FIG. 17, the same steps as those in FIG. 12 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0143] If the determination unit 304 determines that the probability of changing the energy-saving fifth set temperature is less than the predetermined threshold (step SB33: YES), it determines whether the subtraction temperature obtained by subtracting 1°C from the energy-saving fifth set temperature is lower than the lowest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC31). The subtraction temperature corresponds to an example of the "second calculated temperature."

[0144] The fifth energy saving set temperature during heating will now be described with reference to Fig. 18. Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of collected data AD.

[0145] The collected data AD shown in Fig. 18 records the number of achievements of "2", the number of changes of "1", and the change probability of "1 / 2" for each set temperature between 19°C and 20°C. Also, the collected data AD shown in Fig. 18 records the number of achievements of "0" and the number of changes of "0" for each set temperature between 18°C ​​and 21°C to 23°C, but since the number of achievements is zero, the change probability is not recorded.

[0146] When the type of air conditioning recorded in the record R to be processed is heating, 19° C. corresponds to the fifth set temperature on the energy saving side in the collected data AD shown in FIG.

[0147] Here, the processing of step SC31 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 18. As described above, in FIG. 18, 19°C is the fifth energy saving set temperature. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 18, the subtraction temperature is 18°C. Furthermore, 18°C ​​is the lowest set temperature among the set temperatures recorded in the collected data AD of FIG. 18. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 18, the determination unit 304 makes a negative determination in step SC41.

[0148] If the determination unit 304 determines that the subtraction temperature is not lower than the lowest set temperature recorded in the collected data AD to be processed (step SC41: NO), it determines the subtraction temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 (step SC42).

[0149] Returning to the explanation of step SB33 in Figure 17, if the decision unit 304 determines that the probability of change of the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is not less than a predetermined threshold (step SB33: NO), it determines whether or not a sixth set temperature with an actual number of zero exists between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature within the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD to be processed (step SC33).

[0150] If the determination unit 304 determines that a sixth set temperature exists between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving fifth set temperature (step SC33: YES), it determines (step SB38) the sixth set temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1. Note that if there are multiple sixth set temperatures, the determination unit 304 determines the sixth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0151] If the determination unit 304 determines that there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the fifth energy-saving set temperature (step SC33: NO), it determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the highest set temperature and the fifth energy-saving set temperature within the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 (step SC34). Note that if there are multiple set temperatures with the smallest number of actual results, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results that will result in the least energy consumption by the air conditioner 1 as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1.

[0152] Returning to the explanation of the flowchart in FIG. 16, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 to the set temperature determined in step SC2 or step SC3 (step SC4).

[0153] [2-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, when the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD does not satisfy the first condition, the determination unit 304 executes the first condition satisfaction process to enable the set temperature included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD to satisfy the first condition.

[0154] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during cooling, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0155] The predetermined range includes multiple set temperatures in increments of 1° C. In the process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied when the set temperatures included in the predetermined range include a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results, if the probability of changing the energy-saving fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold and the added temperature obtained by adding 1° C. to the energy-saving fifth set temperature does not exceed the highest set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the added temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0156] According to this, in the processing for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined to be a set temperature for which the number of actual results is zero and which will reduce the comfort of the conditioned space S. This increases the likelihood that the set temperature for which the number of actual results is zero will be changed to another set temperature. This makes it possible to further reduce the occurrence of situations during cooling where an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0157] If the probability of changing the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold and the added temperature exceeds the highest set temperature within a predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0158] According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined to be the set temperature with the fewest actual results. This increases the likelihood that the set temperature with the fewest actual results will be changed to another set temperature. This reduces the occurrence of situations during cooling where an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0159] In the process for determining whether the first condition is satisfied when there is a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the probability of changing the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is greater than or equal to a specified threshold and there is a sixth set temperature with zero actual results between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the sixth set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

[0160] According to this, in the processing for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning apparatus 1 is determined to be the sixth set temperature, which has zero actual results and is lower than the fifth energy-saving set temperature. This increases the likelihood that the actual number of set temperatures lower than the fifth energy-saving set temperature will be one or more. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD will satisfy the first condition during cooling, effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning apparatus 1.

[0161] If the probability of change of the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the lowest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature in the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0162] According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device 1 is determined to be lower than the fifth energy-saving set temperature and the set temperature with the lowest number of actual results. This increases the likelihood that the number of actual results for set temperatures lower than the fifth energy-saving set temperature will increase. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD will satisfy the first condition, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0163] If the set temperature included in the specified range indicated by the collected data AD does not satisfy the second condition, the determination unit 304 executes processing for satisfying the second condition so that the set temperature included in the specified range indicated by the collected data AD can satisfy the second condition.

[0164] According to this, if an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, the process for determining whether the second condition is satisfied is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of situations in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD during heating, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0165] The predetermined range includes multiple set temperatures in increments of 1° C. In the process for satisfying the second condition when the set temperatures included in the predetermined range include a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results, if the probability of changing the energy-saving fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold and the subtraction temperature obtained by subtracting 1° C. from the energy-saving fifth set temperature is not below the lowest set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the subtraction temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1.

[0166] According to this, in the processing for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined to be a set temperature for which the number of actual results is zero and which will reduce the comfort of the conditioned space S. This increases the likelihood that the set temperature for which the number of actual results is zero will be changed to another set temperature. This makes it possible to further reduce the occurrence of situations during heating where an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0167] If the probability of changing the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is less than a predetermined threshold and the subtracted temperature is lower than the lowest set temperature within a predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0168] According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined to be the set temperature with the fewest actual results. This increases the likelihood that the set temperature with the fewest actual results will be changed to another set temperature. This reduces the occurrence of situations during heating where an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0169] In the process for determining whether the second condition is satisfied when there is a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the probability of changing the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is greater than or equal to a specified threshold and there is a sixth set temperature with zero actual results between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature in the specified range, the determination unit 304 determines the sixth set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

[0170] According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1 is determined to be the sixth set temperature, which has zero actual results and is higher than the fifth energy-saving set temperature. This increases the likelihood that the actual number of set temperatures higher than the fifth energy-saving set temperature will be one or more. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD will satisfy the second condition during heating, effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption by the air conditioner 1.

[0171] If the probability of change of the energy-saving side fifth set temperature is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold and there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the highest set temperature and the energy-saving side fifth set temperature in the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1.

[0172] According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device 1 is determined to be higher than the fifth energy-saving set temperature and the set temperature with the lowest number of actual results. This increases the likelihood that the number of actual results for set temperatures higher than the fifth energy-saving set temperature will increase. This increases the likelihood that the specified range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD will satisfy the second condition, and effectively suppresses increases in energy consumption by the air conditioning device 1.

[0173] (Other Embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first and second embodiments have been described as examples disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can also be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first and second embodiments to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be described below as examples.

[0174] In the first and second embodiments described above, the outdoor air temperature is included as a parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning apparatus 1. In other embodiments, the parameters may include outdoor air humidity, the amount of solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, the amount of precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc., instead of or in addition to the outdoor air temperature.

[0175] In another embodiment, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of achievements or the number of changes. In this other embodiment, the configuration may be such that the more recent the update date and time, the higher the priority in calculating the change probability.

[0176] In the above-described embodiment, the specified range indicated by the collected data AD is a range from 23°C to 27°C, but this specified range is merely an example and may be the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning device 1, or may be a range that a user is expected to set within the range of set temperatures that can be set by the air conditioning device 1.

[0177] In the above-described embodiment, the plurality of set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set temperatures in increments of 1° C. In other embodiments, the increments of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range are not limited to 1° C. and may be, for example, in increments of 0.5° C.

[0178] In other embodiments, at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, the determination unit 304, and the setting unit 305 may be executed not by the server control unit 30, but by a control unit controlling each unit of the terminal device 2 or a control unit (e.g., the communication device 14) controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1. In this other embodiment, the control unit controlling each unit of the terminal device 2 or the control unit controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1 corresponds to the "computer." In addition, in this other embodiment, a program for realizing at least one of the functions of the acquisition unit 302, the update unit 303, the determination unit 304, and the setting unit 305, which is executed by the control unit controlling each unit of the terminal device 2 or the control unit controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1, corresponds to the "program." In addition, in this other embodiment, the memory of the terminal device 2 or the air conditioning apparatus 1 may store the management data MD. Note that when a control unit controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1 functions as the setting unit 305, the setting unit 305 sets the set temperature for the air conditioning apparatus 1 by controlling each unit of the air conditioning apparatus 1. That is, in this case, the setting unit 305 does not generate the setting data SD.

[0179] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period, rather than for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0180] In the above-described embodiment, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In another embodiment, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each outside temperature, rather than for each pair of time period and outside temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the outside temperature.

[0181] In the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. That is, in the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may be determined taking into consideration the number of changes that are close to the current conditions (for example, the number of changes within ±1°C of the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0182] In the above-described embodiment, when there are multiple second set temperatures and multiple third set temperatures, the set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space S is determined as the set temperature to be set, but the set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning device 1 may also be determined as the set temperature to be set.

[0183] In the above-described embodiment, the calculation rule for the "first calculated temperature" is a rule to add 1°C. In other embodiments, the calculation rule for the "first calculated temperature" may be a rule to add a predetermined temperature (e.g., 2°C) or a rule to multiply by a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.1). In the case of a rule to multiply, decimals may be rounded up or down. The same rule applies to the "second calculated temperature," and is not limited to a rule to subtract 1°C.

[0184] The server processor 300 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to implement corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0185] The configuration of the management server 3 shown in Figure 2 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to configure the system so that a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0186] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 16, and 17 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operations easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operations may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0187] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0188] (Additional Notes) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0189] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, the air conditioning system comprising: a memory unit that stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed; and a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed stored in the memory unit. According to this, by determining the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed, it is possible to set the set temperature of the air conditioning device to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. This reduces the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning device. This therefore suppresses an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature.

[0190] (Technology 2) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1 includes an acquisition unit that acquires an outdoor air temperature, the storage unit stores the number of changes for each set temperature of the air conditioning device for a combination of a time period and an outdoor air temperature, and the determination unit determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device based on the number of changes stored in the storage unit that corresponds to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outdoor air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit. According to this, the comfort of the conditioned space desired by a user generally varies depending on the time period and the outdoor air temperature. Therefore, the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device is determined based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period and the outdoor air temperature. Therefore, the set temperature of the air conditioning device can be set to a temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user depending on the time period and the outdoor air temperature, further reducing the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning device. This further reduces the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature.

[0191] (Technology 3) The air conditioning system according to Technology 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a forecast value of the outside air temperature for the time period including the current time from a weather data service and acquires the outside air temperature based on the acquired forecast value. This allows the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the number of changes corresponding to the accurate outside air temperature. This further reduces the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner. This further reduces the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature.

[0192] (Technology 4) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit stores, for each set temperature included in a predetermined range of set temperatures of the air conditioner, a number of achievements, which is the number of times the set temperature was set to the air conditioner, the number of changes, and a change probability, which is a probability calculated from the number of achievements and the number of changes, and which is the probability that the set temperature was changed, and the determination unit, when the air conditioner is performing cooling, satisfies a first condition that there exists a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, and a second set temperature in the predetermined range that is the next lowest after the first set temperature and whose change probability is less than the predetermined threshold. According to this, when the set temperatures included in the predetermined range include a first set temperature and a second set temperature, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to be the set temperature with the lowest change probability and the next lowest after the set temperature with the highest change probability. Therefore, when cooling, the set temperature to be set on the air conditioner can be determined to an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user, and thus, when cooling, an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0193] (Technology 5) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 4, when a set temperature included in the predetermined range satisfies the first condition and there are multiple second set temperatures included in the predetermined range, the determination unit determines the second set temperature that maximizes comfort in the conditioned space or minimizes energy consumption of the air conditioning device as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device. According to this, when there are multiple second set temperatures, the second set temperature that maximizes comfort in the conditioned space or minimizes energy consumption of the air conditioning device is determined, so the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device can be determined to be a more appropriate set temperature. Therefore, during cooling, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0194] (Technology 6) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 3, wherein the storage unit stores, for each set temperature included in a predetermined range of set temperatures of the air conditioner, a number of achievements, which is the number of times the set temperature was set to the air conditioner, the number of changes, and a change probability, which is the probability that the set temperature was changed and is calculated from the number of achievements and the number of changes, and the determination unit, when the air conditioner is performing heating, determines the third set temperature as the set temperature to be set to the air conditioner if the set temperatures included in the predetermined range satisfy a second condition that there is a third set temperature whose change probability is less than a predetermined threshold and a fourth set temperature in the predetermined range that is the next lowest after the third set temperature and whose change probability is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. According to this, when the third set temperature and a fourth set temperature are included in the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, the set temperature to be set to the air conditioner can be determined to be the set temperature with the lowest change probability and the next highest temperature after the set temperature with the highest change probability. Therefore, when heating, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner can be determined to an appropriate set temperature that is unlikely to cause discomfort to the user. Therefore, when heating, an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioner due to a change in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0195] (Technology 7) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 6, when a set temperature included in the predetermined range satisfies the second condition and there are multiple third set temperatures included in the predetermined range, the determination unit determines the third set temperature that maximizes comfort in the conditioned space or minimizes energy consumption of the air conditioning device as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device. According to this, when there are multiple third set temperatures, the determination unit determines the third set temperature that maximizes comfort in the conditioned space or minimizes energy consumption of the air conditioning device, thereby making it possible to determine a more appropriate set temperature for the air conditioning device. Therefore, during heating, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature can be further suppressed.

[0196] (Technology 8) The air conditioning system according to any one of Technology 4 to Technology 7, wherein, when all of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range correspond to a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the determination unit determines the set temperature within the predetermined range that will most effectively increase the comfort of the conditioned space as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner. According to this, when an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the set temperatures included in the predetermined range and all of the set temperatures have a high probability of change, the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner is determined to be a set temperature that can prevent an increase in the number of set temperature changes. Therefore, even when the set temperature is changed frequently and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, it is possible to prevent an increase in energy consumption by the air conditioner due to changes in the set temperature.

[0197] (Technology 9) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 4 to 7, wherein, when all of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range correspond to a third set temperature whose change probability is less than the predetermined threshold, the determination unit determines the set temperature within the predetermined range that will result in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioning device as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device. According to this, when an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the set temperatures included in the predetermined range and all of the set temperatures have a low change probability, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device is determined to be the set temperature that will result in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioning device. Therefore, even when the set temperature is not changed often and an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined, an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0198] (Technology 10) In the air conditioning system according to Technology 4, when a set temperature included in the predetermined range does not satisfy the first condition, the determination unit executes a first-condition satisfaction process to make the set temperature included in the predetermined range satisfy the first condition. According to this, when an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures, the first-condition satisfaction process is executed. Therefore, during cooling, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation where an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device.

[0199] (Technology 11) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 10, in the first condition satisfaction process when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results exists among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, if the change probability of the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range is less than the predetermined threshold, and if a first calculated temperature higher than the fifth set temperature calculated using a predetermined rule does not exceed the highest set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit determines the first calculated temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner. According to this, in the first condition satisfaction process, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner is determined to be a set temperature with zero actual results that reduces the comfort of the conditioned space. This increases the likelihood of changing from a set temperature with zero actual results to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of situations in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures during cooling, effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0200] (Technology 12) The air conditioning system described in Technology 11, wherein the determination unit determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the specified range as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device when the change probability of the fifth set temperature, which results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range, is less than the specified threshold and the first calculated temperature is higher than the highest set temperature within the specified range. According to this, in the first condition satisfaction process, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device is determined to be the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results. This increases the likelihood of changing from the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of situations in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined within the specified range of set temperatures during cooling, thereby effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioning device.

[0201] (Technology 13) The air conditioning system according to any one of Techniques 10 to 12, wherein, in the process for satisfying the first condition when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results exists among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, if the change probability of the fifth set temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and if a sixth set temperature with zero actual results exists between the lowest set temperature and the fifth set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit determines the sixth set temperature as the set temperature to be set to the air conditioner. According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set to the air conditioner is determined to be the sixth set temperature with zero actual results and lower than the fifth set temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner. This increases the likelihood that the number of actual results for a set temperature lower than the fifth set temperature will be one or more. This increases the likelihood that the predetermined range of set temperatures will satisfy the first condition during cooling, thereby effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0202] (Technology 14) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 13, when the change probability of the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature and the fifth set temperature within the predetermined range, the determination unit determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the predetermined range from the lowest set temperature to the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner. According to this, in the process for satisfying the first condition, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 is determined to be lower than the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner and has the smallest number of actual results. This increases the likelihood that the number of actual results for set temperatures lower than the fifth set temperature will increase. This increases the likelihood that the predetermined range of set temperatures will satisfy the first condition during cooling, thereby effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0203] (Technology 15) In the air conditioning system according to Technology 6, when a set temperature included in the predetermined range does not satisfy the second condition, the determination unit executes a second condition satisfaction process to make the set temperature included in the predetermined range satisfy the second condition. According to this, when an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures, the second condition satisfaction process is executed. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of a situation in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined range of set temperatures during heating, and to suppress an increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning device.

[0204] (Technology 16) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 15, the determination unit determines the second calculated temperature as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner when, in the second condition satisfaction process when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results is included among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, the change probability of the fifth set temperature that results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range is less than the predetermined threshold, and a second calculated temperature lower than the fifth set temperature calculated according to a predetermined rule is not lower than the lowest set temperature within the predetermined range. According to this, in the second condition satisfaction process, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner is determined to be a set temperature with zero actual results that reduces the comfort of the conditioned space. This increases the likelihood of changing from a set temperature with zero actual results to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of situations in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined from the predetermined set temperature range during heating, effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0205] (Technology 17) The air conditioning system described in Technology 16, wherein the determination unit determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the specified range as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device when the change probability of the fifth set temperature, which results in the lowest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range, is less than the specified threshold and the second calculated temperature is lower than the lowest set temperature within the specified range. According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device is determined to be the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results. This increases the likelihood of changing from the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results to another set temperature. This further reduces the occurrence of situations in which an appropriate set temperature cannot be determined within the specified range of set temperatures during heating, thereby effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioning device.

[0206] (Technology 18) The air conditioning system according to any one of Technology 15 to Technology 17, wherein, in the process for satisfying the second condition when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results exists among the set temperatures included in the predetermined range, if the change probability of the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, and if a sixth set temperature with zero actual results exists between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature in the predetermined range, the determination unit determines the sixth set temperature as the set temperature to be set to the air conditioner. According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set to the air conditioner is determined to be the sixth set temperature with zero actual results and higher than the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner. This increases the likelihood that the number of actual results for a set temperature higher than the fifth set temperature will be one or more. Therefore, during heating, the likelihood that the predetermined range of set temperatures will satisfy the second condition can be increased, effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner.

[0207] (Technology 19) In the air conditioning system described in Technology 18, when the change probability of the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold and there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature within the predetermined range, the determination unit determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner within the predetermined range as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner. According to this, in the process for satisfying the second condition, the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner is determined to be higher than the fifth set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioner and has the smallest number of actual results. This increases the likelihood that the number of actual results for set temperatures higher than the fifth set temperature will increase. This increases the likelihood that the predetermined range of set temperatures will satisfy the second condition during heating, effectively suppressing increases in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1.

[0208] (Technology 20) A control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioner, the method storing the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner has been changed for each set temperature of the air conditioner, and determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the stored number of times. This achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0209] (Technology 21) A program that causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioner to function as a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioner, stored in a storage unit that stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner has been changed. This achieves the same effects as the air conditioning system described in Technology 1.

[0210] As described above, the air conditioning system, the control method for an air conditioning system, and the program according to the present invention can be used to determine the set temperature to be set in an air conditioner.

[0211] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioning device 2 Terminal device 3 Management server 4 Weather server 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote control 14 Communication device 30 Server control device (computer) 31 Server communication device 300 Server processor 301 Communication control unit 302 Acquisition unit 303 Update unit 304 Decision unit 305 Setting unit 310 Server memory (storage unit) 311 Control program (program) 312 Management DB 1000 Air conditioning system AD Performance data H Facility MD Management data NW Network P Administrator RD Operation data S Air-conditioned space SD Setting data

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit, comprising: a memory unit that stores, for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit, the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed; and a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed stored in the memory unit.

2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1, further comprising an acquisition unit that acquires an outside air temperature, wherein the memory unit stores the number of changes for each set temperature of the air conditioning device for a combination of a time period and an outside air temperature, and the determination unit determines the set temperature to be set on the air conditioning device based on the number of changes stored in the memory unit that corresponds to the combination of the time period including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires a forecast value of the outside air temperature for the time period including the current time from a service that provides weather data, and acquires the outside air temperature based on the acquired forecast value.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the memory unit stores, for each set temperature included in a specified range of set temperatures of the air conditioning unit, an actual number of times that the set temperature was set in the air conditioning unit, the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and a change probability calculated from the actual number and the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and the determination unit determines the second set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit when the set temperatures included in the specified range satisfy a first condition that when the air conditioning unit is performing cooling, there exists a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or greater than a specified threshold, and a second set temperature which is the next lowest in the specified range after the first set temperature and whose change probability is less than the specified threshold.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 4, wherein, when a set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the first condition and there are multiple second set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit determines the second set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space or the second set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning unit as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the memory unit stores, for each set temperature included in a specified range of set temperatures of the air conditioning device, an actual number of times that the set temperature was set in the air conditioning device, the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and a change probability calculated from the actual number and the number of times that the set temperature was changed, and the determination unit determines the third set temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device when the set temperatures included in the specified range satisfy a second condition that when the air conditioning device is performing heating, there exists a third set temperature whose change probability is less than a specified threshold, and a fourth set temperature which is the next lowest after the third set temperature in the specified range and whose change probability is equal to or greater than the specified threshold.

7. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein, when a set temperature included in the specified range satisfies the second condition and there are multiple third set temperatures among the set temperatures included in the specified range, the determination unit determines the third set temperature that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space or the third set temperature that minimizes the energy consumption of the air conditioning unit as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit.

8. The air conditioning system of claim 4 or 6, wherein the determination unit determines, when all of the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to a first set temperature whose change probability is equal to or greater than a specified threshold, the set temperature within the specified range that maximizes the comfort of the conditioned space as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

9. The air conditioning system of claim 4 or 6, wherein the determination unit determines, when all of the set temperatures included in the specified range correspond to a third set temperature whose change probability is less than the specified threshold value, the set temperature within the specified range that results in the least energy consumption by the air conditioning unit, as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit.

10. The air conditioning system of claim 4, wherein the determination unit, when a set temperature included in the specified range does not satisfy the first condition, executes a process for satisfying a first condition so that the set temperature included in the specified range can satisfy the first condition.

11. The air conditioning system of claim 10, wherein in the process for satisfying the first condition when a fifth set temperature with an actual number of 1 or more exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the probability of changing the fifth set temperature which results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is less than the specified threshold value, and if a first calculated temperature higher than the fifth set temperature calculated according to a specified rule does not exceed the highest set temperature within the specified range, the determination unit determines the first calculated temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

12. The air conditioning system of claim 11, wherein the determination unit determines the set temperature within the specified range having the smallest actual number as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning unit when the probability of changing the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning unit within the specified range is less than the specified threshold value and the first calculated temperature is higher than the highest set temperature within the specified range.

13. The air conditioning system of claim 10, wherein in the process for satisfying the first condition when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the change probability of the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value, and if a sixth set temperature with zero actual results exists between the lowest set temperature in the specified range and the fifth set temperature, the determination unit determines the sixth set temperature to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

14. The air conditioning system of claim 13, wherein, when the probability of change of the fifth set temperature at which the air conditioning apparatus consumes the least amount of energy within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value and there is no sixth set temperature between the lowest set temperature in the specified range and this fifth set temperature, the determination unit determines the set temperature with the smallest number of actual results within the specified range from the lowest set temperature to the fifth set temperature at which the air conditioning apparatus consumes the least amount of energy, as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning apparatus.

15. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein the determination unit, when a set temperature included in the specified range does not satisfy the second condition, executes a process for satisfying a second condition so that the set temperature included in the specified range can satisfy the second condition.

16. The air conditioning system of claim 15, wherein in the process for satisfying the second condition when a fifth set temperature with an actual number of 1 or more exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the probability of changing the fifth set temperature which results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is less than the specified threshold value, and if a second calculated temperature lower than the fifth set temperature calculated according to a specified rule is not below the lowest set temperature within the specified range, the determination unit determines the second calculated temperature as the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

17. The air conditioning system of claim 16, wherein the determination unit determines the set temperature within the specified range with the smallest actual number as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning unit when the probability of changing the fifth set temperature that results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning unit within the specified range is less than the specified threshold value and the second calculated temperature is below the lowest set temperature within the specified range.

18. The air conditioning system of claim 15, wherein in the process for satisfying the second condition when a fifth set temperature with one or more actual results exists among the set temperatures included in the specified range, if the change probability of the fifth set temperature which results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value, and if a sixth set temperature with zero actual results exists between the highest set temperature in the specified range and the fifth set temperature, the determination unit determines the sixth set temperature to be the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device.

19. The air conditioning system of claim 18, wherein the determination unit determines, when the probability of change of the fifth set temperature which results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device within the specified range is equal to or greater than the specified threshold value and when there is no sixth set temperature between the highest set temperature in the specified range and this fifth set temperature, the set temperature which has the smallest number of actual results within the specified range between the highest set temperature and the fifth set temperature which results in the smallest energy consumption of the air conditioning device, as the set temperature to be set for the air conditioning device.

20. A control method for an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning device, comprising: storing, for each set temperature of the air conditioning device, the number of times that the set temperature of the air conditioning device has been changed; and determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning device based on the stored number of changes.

21. A program that causes a computer of an air conditioning system that conditions a conditioned space using an air conditioning unit to function as a determination unit that determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioning unit, stored in a memory unit that stores the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning unit has been changed.

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