Temperature output device, air conditioning system, temperature output method, and air conditioning system control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a temperature output device that makes it possible to know the temperature of each virtual area in a single air-conditioned space. [Solution] A temperature output device 10 comprises: a temperature acquisition unit 11 that acquires an area temperature that is the temperature of each of a plurality of areas into which a single air-conditioned space 50 is divided; and an output unit 12 that outputs the area temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 11. Thus, each person present in the air-conditioned space 50 can know the area temperature of each area, and can move to an area having a temperature at which the person feels comfortable.

Description

Temperature output device, air conditioning system, temperature output method, and air conditioning system control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature output device that outputs the temperature of each virtual area in an air-conditioned space, and an air-conditioning system that performs air conditioning in the air-conditioned space.

[0002] A single air-conditioned space is usually air-conditioned to maintain a uniform temperature. To promote energy conservation in such air-conditioning, air curtains are installed in the open area to the outdoors, and the air-conditioning system is controlled to reduce the amount of air entering from the open area (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-115053

[0004] The temperature that people find comfortable varies from person to person. Therefore, even if an air-conditioned space is adjusted to a uniform temperature, it may be comfortable for one person but not for another. On the other hand, even if there are areas with different temperatures in the air-conditioned space, if the people in the air-conditioned space are not aware of this, they will not be able to move to an area with a temperature that they find comfortable.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a temperature output device or the like that enables the temperature of each virtual area in a single air-conditioned space to be known.

[0006] To achieve the above object, one aspect of the present invention provides a temperature output device that includes a temperature acquisition unit that acquires area temperatures, which are the temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) that are virtually divided into a single air-conditioned space, and an output unit that outputs the area temperatures. This configuration makes it possible to know the temperature of each virtual area in the air-conditioned space. This allows people in the air-conditioned space to move to an area with a temperature that they find comfortable.

[0007] In the temperature output device according to one aspect of the present invention, the output unit may output the area temperature by the color of the lighting in the area corresponding to the area temperature. With this configuration, people in the air-conditioned space can know the temperature of each area by the color of the lighting.

[0008] In the temperature output device according to one aspect of the present invention, the output unit may output the area temperature by sound in the area corresponding to the area temperature, allowing people in the air-conditioned space to know the temperature of each area by the output sound.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, an air conditioning system includes a temperature output device, an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of air, a supply unit that supplies the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to an air-conditioned space, and a control unit that controls the supply unit using the area temperature so that the air-conditioned space reaches a desired temperature. With this configuration, for example, if the temperature differs between areas due to air conditioning using the air conditioner, it becomes possible to know the temperature of each area.

[0010] In an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the air-conditioned space is virtually divided into N compartments (N is an integer equal to or greater than M), each area is made up of one or more compartments, the supply unit includes a plurality of compartment supply units that independently supply air whose temperature has been adjusted by an air conditioner to each of the N compartments, and the control unit may control the plurality of compartment supply units so that the M area temperatures are different from each other. With this configuration, air conditioning can be performed so that each area has a different temperature.

[0011] In the air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the control unit may set the target temperature for each area so as to minimize heat transfer between adjacent areas. This configuration enables efficient air conditioning, i.e., energy-saving air conditioning.

[0012] In an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention, the temperature acquisition unit may also acquire a perimeter temperature, which is the temperature of the perimeter of the air-conditioned space, and the control unit may set the target temperature for each area so that the temperature difference between the target temperature of the area having the perimeter and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter is smaller. This configuration allows the target temperature to be set taking the perimeter temperature into consideration. For example, by setting the target temperature for areas facing the western perimeter to be higher in the evening and the target temperature for areas facing the eastern perimeter to be lower, energy conservation can be promoted.

[0013] In addition, the air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a number-of-people acquisition unit that acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space, and the control unit may reduce the area with the target temperature that has the highest air-conditioning load when the number of people acquired by the number-of-people acquisition unit is less than a threshold value. With this configuration, air conditioning with a lower load, i.e., energy-saving air conditioning, can be performed when there are few people present in the air-conditioned space.

[0014] In addition, an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a number of people acquisition unit that acquires the number of people present in each area of ​​the air-conditioned space, and a population density acquisition unit that acquires the population density for each area using the number of people present in each area acquired by the number of people acquisition unit, and the control unit may expand the area where the population density acquired by the population density acquisition unit is greater than a threshold. This configuration can prevent the population density from becoming high in an area with a certain target temperature. As a result, the comfort of the air-conditioned space can be improved.

[0015] Furthermore, a temperature output method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a step of acquiring area temperatures, which are the temperatures of each of M areas (M is an integer greater than or equal to 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided, and a step of outputting the area temperatures.

[0016] Furthermore, a control method for an air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention is a control method for an air conditioning system that includes an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of air and a supply unit that supplies the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to an air-conditioned space, and includes the steps of acquiring area temperatures, which are the temperatures of each of M areas (M is an integer of 2 or more) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided, outputting the area temperatures, and controlling the supply unit so that the air-conditioned space reaches the desired temperature.

[0017] According to the temperature output device and the like according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the temperature of each virtual area in a single air-conditioned space.

[0018] Schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Block diagram showing the function of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. Plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. Plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. Plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. Plan view showing an example of divisions and areas of an air-conditioned space in the embodiment. Flowchart showing the operation of the air-conditioning system according to the embodiment.

[0019] The air conditioning system, temperature output device, air conditioning system control method, and temperature output method according to the present invention will be described below using embodiments. In the following embodiments, components and steps denoted by the same reference numerals are identical or equivalent, and repeated description may be omitted. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment outputs the respective temperatures of a plurality of areas into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided, and controls the areas so that each area has a different temperature.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an air-conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functions of the air-conditioning system 1. FIGS. 3A to 3D are each a plan view of an air-conditioned space 50. Note that FIG. 1 mainly shows the configuration related to the flow of conditioned air, while FIG. 2 mainly shows the configuration related to control. The air-conditioned space 50 is a space that is the target of air conditioning by the air-conditioning system 1. There are no particular limitations on the single air-conditioned space 50, and it may be, for example, a large space such as a waiting room at an airport or hospital.

[0021] A single air-conditioned space 50 is virtually divided into N sections. Furthermore, one or more sections constitute one area. Therefore, a single air-conditioned space 50 may be virtually divided into M areas. As described below, when the target temperature is controlled to be different for each area, one area may be considered to be a region corresponding to one target temperature. M is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and N is an integer equal to or greater than M (N≧M). Note that, when the area is expanded or reduced, N may be an integer greater than M (N>M). While the number of sections and the number of areas are not particularly limited, this embodiment will mainly describe a case where the air-conditioned space 50 has five sections 51a-51e and three areas 53a-53c, i.e., N=5 and M=3, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A-3D. Note that when the sections 51a-51e are not particularly distinguished, they may also be referred to as sections 51. The same applies to areas 53a-53c and other configurations. The sections 51 and the areas 53 are virtual, but as an example, the numbers thereof, that is, N and M, may be fixed.

[0022] In Figures 1 and 3A to 3D, the boundaries of the sections 51 are indicated by dashed lines. Also, in Figures 3A to 3D, the areas 53 are indicated by dashed lines. Note that because the boundaries of the sections 51 and the areas 53 are virtual, it is assumed that there are no structures separating the spaces, such as walls or partitions, at positions in real space that correspond to the boundaries of the sections 51 and the areas 53 in the air-conditioned space 50. It is assumed that multiple sections 51 and multiple areas 53 are usually adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction. Also, the temperatures shown in Figures 3A to 3D are the target temperatures for each area 53.

[0023] A perimeter may be present in a portion of the air-conditioned space 50 that is in contact with the outside air. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A to 3D, a case will be mainly described in which perimeters 52a, 52b are present on two opposing walls of the air-conditioned space 50. Note that in this embodiment, as an example, a case will be described in which the perimeters 52a, 52b are present on the east and west sides of the air-conditioned space 50, respectively, but the number and location of the perimeters 52 are not important. As an example, the perimeter 52 may be a window, etc. The area of ​​the air-conditioned space 50 that is in contact with the perimeter 52 is susceptible to the effects of outside air and sunlight.

[0024] The air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment includes a temperature output device 10, an air conditioner 21, a supply unit 22, a number of people acquisition unit 24, a people density acquisition unit 25, and a control unit 26. The temperature output device 10 includes a temperature acquisition unit 11 and an output unit 12. The supply unit 22 includes a plurality of section supply units 23a to 23e.

[0025] The temperature acquisition unit 11 acquires area temperatures, which are the temperatures of each of the multiple areas 53. Note that the temperature acquisition unit 11 may acquire the temperature of each section 51 to acquire the area temperature of each area 53. The temperature of each section 51 may be acquired by temperature sensors 61a to 61e arranged in each of the multiple sections 51 and passed to the temperature acquisition unit 11. Note that the temperature of each section 51 may be a representative value of temperatures at multiple positions in each section 51. Furthermore, the area temperature of a certain area 53 may be a representative value of temperatures of one or more sections 51 included in that area 53. The representative value may be, for example, an average value or a median value.

[0026] The temperature acquisition unit 11 may also acquire a perimeter temperature, which is the temperature of the perimeter 52 of the air-conditioned space 50. The perimeter temperature may be a temperature measured by temperature sensors 62a, 62b in a perimeter zone near the perimeter 52. The temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 61, 62 may be transmitted to the temperature acquisition unit 11 via a wired or wireless connection. Note that the temperature acquisition unit 11 may or may not include the temperature sensors 61, 62, for example.

[0027] As will be described later, when the area 53 is expanded or reduced, the temperature acquisition unit 11 may change the temperature of the section used to acquire the area temperature in accordance with the expansion or reduction of the area 53. For example, when the area 53a is composed of the sections 51a and 51b, the area temperature of the area 53a may be a representative value of the temperatures of the sections 51a and 51b. Furthermore, when the area 53a is reduced to include only the section 51a, the area temperature of the area 53a may be the temperature of the section 51a. The temperature acquisition unit 11 may acquire the area temperature of each area 53 using, for example, an area-section correspondence indicated by correspondence information that associates an area identifier that identifies an area with a section identifier that identifies a section included in the area. The correspondence information may be managed, for example, by the control unit 26.

[0028] The output unit 12 outputs the area temperature. For example, the output unit 12 may output the area temperature of a certain area 53 in that area 53. Specifically, the output unit 12 may output the area temperature by the color of lighting in the area 53 corresponding to that area temperature, by sound in the area 53 corresponding to that area temperature, or by display in the area 53 corresponding to that area temperature. The area 53 corresponding to the area temperature refers to the area 53 where measurement related to that area temperature was performed. When the area temperature is output in the area 53 in this way, an output device (e.g., lighting, speakers, display devices, etc.) may be provided in each section 51, and the area temperature may be output via that output device. Furthermore, for example, if one area 53 includes two or more sections 51, the same area temperature may be output in those two or more sections 51. When the area temperature is indicated by the color of lighting, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, color-changeable lights 63a to 63e may be provided in each section 51. Note that the lighting that indicates the area temperature by color may, for example, also serve as lighting for brightening the area 53, or may be lighting that is used to indicate the area temperature separately from the lighting for brightening the area 53. Furthermore, if the area temperature is indicated by sound, for example, a speaker or the like that can output sound may be arranged in each section 51. Furthermore, if the area temperature is displayed, for example, a display device such as a display may be arranged in each section 51.

[0029] When the area temperature is output by the color of lighting, for example, a lower area temperature may be output by a color that is perceived as cooler, i.e., a lighting color with a higher color temperature (e.g., a cool color), and a higher area temperature may be output by a color that is perceived as warmer, i.e., a lighting color with a lower color temperature (e.g., a warm color). When such output is performed, people who feel comfortable at lower temperatures can move to area 53 with a lighting color that is perceived as cooler, and people who feel comfortable at higher temperatures can move to area 53 with a lighting color that is perceived as warmer.

[0030] When the area temperature is output by sound, for example, a lower area temperature may be output by a sound that makes you feel cool, such as the sound of a babbling river, the sound of waves, or the sound of wind chimes, and a higher area temperature may be output by a sound that makes you feel warm, such as the sound of a bonfire. When such output is performed, people who feel comfortable at lower temperatures can move to area 53 with sounds that make them feel cool, and people who feel comfortable at higher temperatures can move to area 53 with sounds that make them feel warm. Note that the area temperature may also be output by voice, for example, reading out the area temperature.

[0031] When displaying the area temperature, the area temperature, for example, "26°C", may be displayed on a display device such as digital signage arranged in each area 53. When such a display is performed, people who feel comfortable at a lower temperature can move to the area 53 displaying the lower temperature, and people who feel comfortable at a higher temperature can move to the area 53 displaying the higher temperature.

[0032] The output unit 12 may, for example, transmit a display showing the area temperature for each area 53 to an information processing terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.) of a person present in the air-conditioned space 50. The area temperature for each area 53 may then be displayed on the information processing terminal. As a result, the area temperature may be output in any manner as long as the person present in each area 53 is able to know the area temperature of that area. As described below, if the area 53 is expanded or reduced, the output unit 12 may accordingly change the area 53 to which the area temperature is output. For example, if the area 53a is composed of sections 51a and 51b, the area temperature for the area 53a may be output to the sections 51a and 51b. For example, if the area 53a is reduced to include only the section 51a, the area temperature for the area 53a may be output only to the section 51a. The output unit 12 may output the area temperature in the area 53 corresponding to the area temperature by using the correspondence relationship between the area and the partition indicated by the correspondence information that associates, for example, an area identifier that identifies an area with a partition identifier that identifies a partition included in the area. The correspondence information may be managed, for example, by the control unit 26.

[0033] Furthermore, the output unit 12 may perform output to indicate, for example, the value of the area temperature. For example, when the area temperature of a certain area 53 is 26°C, the output unit 12 may control the lighting 63 of that area 53 to have a color corresponding to 26°C, may output a voice reading 26°C from a speaker of that area 53, or may display the text "26°C" on a display device arranged in that area 53. When lighting according to temperature is performed in this way, for example, a correspondence between the area temperature and the corresponding color may be determined in advance, and the output unit 12 may determine the color of the lighting 63 accordingly.

[0034] Furthermore, the output unit 12 may perform output that allows the relative temperatures of the multiple areas 53 to be known, for example. For example, if the area temperature of area 53a is 24°C, the area temperature of area 53b is 26°C, and the area temperature of area 53c is 28°C, output unit 12 may control the lighting 63 of area 53a to be blue corresponding to the lower temperature, control the lighting 63 of area 53b to be white corresponding to the intermediate temperature, and control the lighting 63 of area 53c to be red corresponding to the higher temperature. Alternatively, the speaker of area 53a may output the sound of a babbling brook corresponding to the lower temperature, the speaker of area 53b may output the sound of birds chirping corresponding to the intermediate temperature, and the speaker of area 53c may output the sound of a bonfire corresponding to the higher temperature. Alternatively, the display device of area 53a may display an image of drifting ice corresponding to the lower temperature, the display device of area 53b may display an image of a park corresponding to the intermediate temperature, and the display device of area 53c may display an image of a desert corresponding to the higher temperature.

[0035] When outputting information to indicate relative temperatures for multiple areas 53, the output unit 12 may, for example, convert the area temperatures of each area 53 into relative temperatures and output information corresponding to the relative temperatures for each area 53. The relative temperatures may be, for example, high, medium, or low. For example, if there are M areas 53, the output unit 12 may convert the area temperatures into relative temperatures such as high, medium, etc. in descending order of area temperature. Alternatively, the relative temperatures may be associated with output contents in advance for the M relative temperatures, and the output unit 12 may use this association to output information corresponding to the relative area temperatures of a certain area 53.

[0036] Here, the output by the output unit 12 may be, for example, illumination by a lighting device, sound output by a speaker, display on a display device (e.g., a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display), or transmission to a predetermined device via a communication line. The output unit 12 may or may not include a device that performs the output (e.g., a speaker or a display device). The output unit 12 may be realized by hardware, or may be realized by software such as a driver that drives such a device.

[0037] The air conditioner 21 adjusts the temperature of the air. This air conditioning may use cold water or hot water supplied from a heat source device 20 having a boiler or a refrigerator. The air conditioner 21 may also, for example, adjust humidity, ventilate, or purify the air. The air conditioned by the air conditioner 21 is supplied to the supply unit 22 via a duct. In this embodiment, a case where air conditioning is performed by a central air supply system will be mainly described, but it goes without saying that air conditioning may also be performed by other systems, such as a central water / air combined supply system or a water supply system, or a decentralized refrigerant supply system.

[0038] The supply unit 22 supplies air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 21 to the air-conditioned space 50. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , a case will be mainly described in which the supply unit 22 has multiple section supply units 23a to 23e that independently supply the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 21 to each of the multiple sections 51. The section supply unit 23 may supply the temperature-adjusted air supplied from the air conditioner 21 via a duct to each section 51 at a variable air volume. The section supply unit 23 may be, for example, a variable air volume device (VAV), a blower whose air volume can be adjusted by inverter control, or a combination of both, or another configuration capable of adjusting the air volume. In this embodiment, a case will mainly be described in which the section supply unit 23 is a variable air volume device. The air supply port (air outlet) from the section supply unit 23 may be provided, for example, in the ceiling of the air-conditioned space 50 as shown in FIG. 1 , or may be provided in another location. Furthermore, it is preferable that the supply port of each compartment 51 is located at a position where conditioned air is supplied to the entirety of each compartment 51. For example, the supply port may be provided at or near the center or center of gravity of each compartment 51 in a plan view.

[0039] Although not shown in Fig. 1 , a configuration for exhausting or circulating air in the air-conditioned space 50 may be present. For example, air may be drawn in through an inlet provided in the air-conditioned space 50 and then exhausted or returned to the air conditioner 21. For example, an inlet may or may not be provided for each compartment 51. As an example, part of the air from the inlet may be exhausted and part may be returned.

[0040] The number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50. The number of people acquisition unit 24 may, for example, acquire the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 for each area 53. When the person density acquisition unit 25 acquires the person density for each area 53, it is preferable that the number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people for each area 53. Note that, in order to acquire the total number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 or the number of people for each area 53, the number of people acquisition unit 24 may, for example, acquire the number of people for each section 51 and use that to acquire the number of people for each area 53 or the total number of people in the air-conditioned space 50. More specifically, the number of people acquisition unit 24 may acquire the number of people in the area 53 by summing up the number of people in the sections 51 that make up the area 53, or may acquire the total number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 by summing up the number of people in all sections 51. This case will be mainly described in the present embodiment.

[0041] The method by which the number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people for each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51 is not limited. For example, the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people present in each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51 may be acquired using images captured by a camera 64. While only one camera 64 is shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people for each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51 may be acquired using one or more cameras 64. When acquiring the number of people using captured images, for example, people may be detected in the captured images and the detected people may be counted to acquire the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, the number of people for each area 53, or the number of people for each section 51.

[0042] The number of people acquiring unit 24 may acquire the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 by other methods. For example, the number of people acquiring unit 24 may acquire the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, or the number of people for each area 53 or each section 51, by using a media access control (MAC) address included in a wireless signal transmitted from a mobile terminal such as a smartphone.

[0043] The people density acquisition unit 25 acquires the people density for each area 53 using the number of people for each area 53 acquired by the number-of-people acquisition unit 24. The people density acquisition unit 25 may, for example, hold the area of ​​each section 51 and use this to calculate the area of ​​each area 53. Then, the people density acquisition unit 25 may, for example, calculate the people density for each area 53 by dividing the number of people for each area 53 acquired by the number-of-people acquisition unit 24 by the area of ​​each area 53.

[0044] The control unit 26 controls the supply unit 22 using the area temperatures acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 11 so that the air-conditioned space 50 reaches a desired temperature. More specifically, the control unit 26 may control the multiple section supply units 23 so that the multiple area temperatures are different from one another. For example, the control unit 26 may control the section supply units 23 that supply conditioned air to each area 53 so that the area temperature of each area 53 reaches a target temperature. The target temperatures for each area 53 may be different, for example. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3A , if the target temperatures of areas 53a to 53c are set to 28°C, 26°C, and 24°C, respectively, the control unit 26 may control the section supply units 23a and 23b of sections 51a and 51b that make up area 53a so that the area temperature of area 53a reaches the target temperature of 28°C. Similar control may be performed for the other areas 53b and 53c. Furthermore, when the area 53 is changed or the target temperature of the area 53 is changed, the air conditioning is controlled accordingly using the changed area 53 and target temperature. This control may be, for example, feedback control.

[0045] The control unit 26 may also set a target temperature for each area 53, for example. The control unit 26 may set the target temperature for each area 53, for example, so as to minimize heat transfer between adjacent areas 53. This can achieve more energy-efficient air conditioning. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A , when the boundary areas of multiple areas 53 are the same, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature for each area 53 so as to minimize the sum of the area temperature differences between adjacent areas 53. On the other hand, when the boundary areas of multiple areas 53 are not the same, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature for each area 53 so as to minimize the sum of the results obtained by multiplying the area temperature differences between adjacent areas 53 by a value corresponding to the boundary area. The value corresponding to the boundary area may be, for example, a value obtained by multiplying the boundary area by a predetermined positive coefficient. Note that the temperature difference between areas 53 may be a real number greater than or equal to zero. In other words, when calculating the temperature difference, the absolute value of the result of subtracting one temperature from the other may be calculated.

[0046] The M target temperatures assigned to the M areas 53 may be determined in advance. For example, when cooling is performed and three areas 53 exist in the air-conditioned space 50, the three target temperatures assigned to the three areas 53 may be determined in advance as 28° C., 26° C., and 24° C. Then, the control unit 26 may set the target temperatures for each area 53 by assigning the M predetermined target temperatures to the M areas 53, respectively.

[0047] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A , when multiple areas 53 are arranged in a row, the control unit 26 may set the target temperatures so that the target temperatures increase or decrease along the row. As an example, as shown in FIG. 3A , the control unit 26 may set the target temperatures of areas 53a to 53c to 28°C, 26°C, and 24°C, respectively. Doing so reduces the total difference in area temperatures between adjacent areas 53, and reduces heat transfer between adjacent areas 53 compared to, for example, when the target temperatures of areas 53a to 53c are set to 28°C, 24°C, and 26°C, respectively. On the other hand, when multiple areas 53 are arranged in a more complex manner, the control unit 26 may, for each target temperature assignment result assigned to each area 53, calculate the sum of the results obtained by multiplying the temperature difference between the area temperatures of adjacent areas 53 by a value corresponding to the area of ​​their boundaries, and set the target temperature of each area 53 so that the target temperature corresponding to the smallest sum is assigned. If there are M areas 53, it is possible to assign M factorial (M!) target temperatures. Therefore, the control unit 26 may, for example, calculate the sum of M! areas and set the target temperature for each area 53 so that the target temperature corresponding to the smallest sum is assigned.

[0048] Note that, when there are multiple target temperature allocations that reduce heat transfer between adjacent areas 53, the control unit 26 may, for example, set the target temperature according to one randomly selected allocation, or may select one of the multiple target temperature allocations taking into account the perimeter temperature, etc., and set the target temperature according to the selected allocation. Setting the target temperature taking into account the perimeter temperature will be described later.

[0049] Furthermore, the control unit 26 may reduce the area 53 of the target temperature with the highest air conditioning load when, for example, the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 acquired by the number-of-people acquisition unit 24 is less than a threshold value. By doing so, the overall air-conditioning load can be reduced, thereby promoting energy conservation. Note that the target temperature with the highest air-conditioning load may be, for example, the lowest target temperature when cooling is performed, and the highest target temperature when heating is performed. The threshold value may be determined in advance. For example, this threshold value may be set to a small value that is considered to be such that only a sparse number of people are present in the air-conditioned space 50.

[0050] Note that if only one section 51 is included in the area 53 with the target temperature having the highest air conditioning load, the area 53 may not be reduced. Furthermore, if three or more sections 51 are included in the area 53 with the area temperature having the highest air conditioning load, the area 53 may be reduced, for example, so that the reduced area 53 contains only one section 51, or so that the number of sections 51 included in the area 53 is reduced by one. Furthermore, if the area 53 with the target temperature having the highest air conditioning load is reduced, for example, the adjacent area 53 may be expanded accordingly, or the area 53 with the target temperature having the lowest air conditioning load may be expanded. The target temperature with the lowest air conditioning load may be, for example, the highest target temperature when cooling is performed, or the lowest target temperature when heating is performed. As an example, in a situation where the target temperature is set as shown in Figure 3A, if the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 acquired by the number of people acquisition unit 24 is less than a threshold value, the control unit 26 may reduce the area 53c with the target temperature of 24°C, which has the greatest air-conditioning load, as shown in Figure 3B, and accordingly expand the area 53b adjacent to area 53c with the target temperature of 26°C.

[0051] Furthermore, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature for each area 53 so as to reduce the temperature difference between the target temperature of the area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of that perimeter 52. The perimeter temperature may be acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 11. In this way, more energy-efficient air conditioning can be achieved. For example, due to the influence of solar radiation, the perimeter temperature of the eastern perimeter 52a may be higher in the morning and the perimeter temperature of the western perimeter 52b may be higher in the evening. Therefore, more energy-efficient air conditioning can be achieved by setting the target temperature for the eastern area 53 higher in the morning and the target temperature for the western area 53 higher in the evening, depending on the perimeter temperature.

[0052] The control unit 26 may set the target temperature for each area 53, for example, so as to reduce heat transfer between adjacent areas 53 and reduce the temperature difference between the target temperature of an area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of that perimeter 52. For example, as shown in FIG. 3A , if multiple areas 53 are arranged in a row, the control unit 26 may use the perimeter temperature to determine whether the target temperatures should be increased or decreased along the row, descending or ascending from the eastern area 53 to the western area 53. More specifically, the control unit 26 may set the target temperatures for each area 53 so that the target temperatures are arranged in order according to the smaller sum of the following values: the sum of the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62a and the area temperature of the area 53a and the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62b and the area temperature of the area 53c, when the target temperatures are arranged in descending order from the east side area 53 to the west side area 53; and the sum of the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62a and the area temperature of the area 53a and the temperature difference between the perimeter temperature measured by the temperature sensor 62b and the area temperature of the area 53c, when the target temperatures are arranged in ascending order from the east side area 53 to the west side area 53. For example, the control unit 26 may set the target temperature for the area 53a having the east side perimeter 52a to be higher in the morning as shown in FIG. 3A , and may set the target temperature for the area 53c having the west side perimeter 52b to be higher in the evening as shown in FIG. 3C .

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 26 may, for example, enlarge an area 53 where the occupancy density acquired by the occupancy density acquisition unit 25 is greater than a threshold value. This threshold value is different from the threshold value used to reduce an area 53 where the target temperature has the highest air-conditioning load. This can prevent people from congregating in a specific area 53, thereby improving comfort in the air-conditioned space 50, for example. When an area 53 where the occupancy density is greater than a threshold value is enlarged, for example, adjacent areas 53 may be reduced accordingly. Furthermore, when an area 53 adjacent to the enlarged area 53 includes only one section 51, for example, the area 53 adjacent to the enlarged area 53 may be moved, and the area 53 including two or more sections 51 may be reduced. As an example, in a situation where the target temperature is set as shown in FIG. 3A , if the occupancy density of an area 53b acquired by the occupancy density acquisition unit 25 exceeds a threshold value, the control unit 26 may enlarge the area 53b where the occupancy density is greater than the threshold value and accordingly reduce the areas 53a and 53c adjacent to the area 53b, as shown in FIG. 3D . In addition, if each area 53 other than the area 53 where the occupancy density is greater than the threshold value includes only one section 51, the area 53 where the occupancy density is greater than the threshold value does not need to be enlarged.

[0054] Setting the target temperature according to the perimeter temperature and expanding or reducing the area 53 may be performed while air conditioning is in progress. This makes it possible to achieve optimal air conditioning according to changes in the perimeter temperature, changes in the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50, and changes in the population density in each area 53.

[0055] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 will be described using the flowchart in Fig. 4. (Step S101) The control unit 26 sets a target temperature for each area 53. Note that, for example, the number of areas 53 in the air-conditioned space 50 may be determined in advance. The target temperature for each area 53 may be set to, for example, a predetermined initial value, or may be set so as to minimize heat transfer between adjacent areas 53.

[0056] (Step S102) The temperature acquisition unit 11 determines whether to acquire the area temperature, etc. If the area temperature, etc. is to be acquired, the process proceeds to step S103; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S106. Note that the temperature acquisition unit 11 may periodically determine whether to acquire the area temperature, etc., for example.

[0057] (Step S103) The temperature acquisition unit 11 acquires the area temperature and the perimeter temperature using the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 61 a to 61 e and the temperature sensors 62 a and 62 b. The acquired area temperatures and the like may be stored in a recording medium (not shown).

[0058] (Step S104) The output unit 12 outputs the acquired area temperature.

[0059] (Step S105) The control unit 26 controls the partition supply unit 23 of each area 53 so that the area temperature of each area 53 becomes the target temperature. Then, the process returns to step S102.

[0060] (Step S106) The control unit 26 determines whether to enlarge or reduce the area or change the target temperature. If the area is to be enlarged or reduced or the target temperature is to be changed, the process proceeds to step S107; otherwise, the process returns to step S102. The control unit 26 may periodically determine whether to enlarge or reduce the area or change the target temperature. For example, the frequency at which the control unit 26 determines to acquire the area temperature or the like in step S102 may be higher than the frequency at which the control unit 26 determines to enlarge or reduce the area in step S106. For example, the control unit 26 may determine "Yes" every minute or every 10 minutes in step S102, and the control unit 26 may determine "Yes" every 30 minutes or every hour in step S106.

[0061] (Step S107) The number of people obtaining unit 24 obtains the number of people in each area 53 of the air-conditioned space 50. The number of people obtaining unit 24 may also obtain the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 by adding up the number of people in each area 53.

[0062] (Step S108 ) The crowd density acquisition unit 25 acquires the crowd density of each area 53 using the number of people in each area 53 .

[0063] (Step S109) The control unit 26 determines whether the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 is less than a predetermined threshold. If the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 is less than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to step S110; if not, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0064] (Step S110) The control unit 26 reduces the area 53 of the target temperature with the highest air conditioning load, and then returns to step S102.

[0065] (Step S111) The control unit 26 determines whether or not there is an area 53 in which the pedestrian density is greater than a predetermined threshold. If there is an area 53 in which the pedestrian density is greater than the predetermined threshold, the control unit 26 proceeds to step S112; otherwise, the control unit 26 proceeds to step S113.

[0066] (Step S112) The control unit 26 expands the area 53 where the human density is greater than a predetermined threshold value, and then returns to step S102.

[0067] (Step S113) The control unit 26 determines whether it is necessary to change the target temperature settings for the multiple areas 53. If it is necessary to change the target temperature settings, the process proceeds to step S114; if not, the process returns to step S102. Note that the control unit 26 may determine to change the target temperature settings, for example, when there is another target temperature setting that can reduce the temperature difference between the target temperature of the area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of that perimeter 52, compared to the current target temperature setting. The perimeter temperature may be the last perimeter temperature obtained, i.e., the latest perimeter temperature.

[0068] (Step S114) The control unit 26 sets the target temperature for each area 53 so as to reduce the temperature difference between the target temperature of the area 53 having the perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter 52. Then, the process returns to step S102.

[0069] Although not included in the flowchart of FIG. 4 , the heat source device 20 may supply chilled water or hot water to the air conditioner 21, and the air conditioner 21 may use the chilled water or hot water to provide air at a predetermined temperature. The processing order in the flowchart of FIG. 4 is merely an example, and the order of the steps may be changed as long as similar results are obtained. For example, the occupancy density acquisition process in step S108 may be performed immediately before the determination process in step S111. In the flowchart of FIG. 4 , when it is determined in step S106 that the area needs to be enlarged or reduced, only one of steps S110, S112, and S114 is performed. However, this is not required. Two or more of steps S110, S112, and S114 may be performed. In this case, for example, the process may proceed from step S110 to step S111, and from step S112 to step S113. In the flowchart of FIG. 4 , the process ends when the power is turned off or an interrupt occurs to end the process.

[0070] Next, the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment will be described using a specific example. First, when control of the air conditioning system 1 is started, the control unit 26 sets a predetermined target temperature for each area 53 (step S101). In this specific example, it is assumed that the target temperature for each area 53 is set as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0071] Next, when it is time to acquire the temperatures, the temperature acquisition unit 11 acquires the temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 61a to 61e, acquires the area temperatures using those temperatures, and passes them to the output unit 12 and the control unit 26. The temperature acquisition unit 11 also acquires the perimeter temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 62a and 62b and passes them to the control unit 26 (steps S102 and S103). Upon receiving the area temperatures, the output unit 12 outputs the area temperatures to each area 53 (step S104). For example, the area temperatures may be output using the color of the lighting 63. By outputting the area temperatures, people in the air-conditioned space 50 can know the current temperature of each area 53 and move to an area 53 where they feel comfortable. Furthermore, upon receiving the area temperatures, the control unit 26 controls the section supply unit 23 for each area 53 so that the area temperature becomes the target temperature for that area 53 (step S105). By acquiring this area temperature and controlling the partition supply unit 23 for each area 53, the area temperature of each area 53 approaches the target temperature.

[0072] Furthermore, when it is time to expand or reduce the area or change the target temperature, the number of people acquisition unit 24 acquires the number of people in each area 53 of the air-conditioned space 50 and the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50, and passes the number of people in each area 53 to the person density acquisition unit 25, and passes the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 to the control unit 26 (steps S106 and S107). Upon receiving the number of people in each area 53, the person density acquisition unit 25 uses it to acquire the person density in each area 53 and passes it to the control unit 26 (step S108).

[0073] Upon receiving the number of people and the occupancy density in the space 50, the control unit 26 determines whether the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 is less than a predetermined threshold (step S109). In this case, it is assumed that the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 is not less than the predetermined threshold. The control unit 26 then determines whether there is an area 53 where the occupancy density is greater than the predetermined threshold (step S111). In this case, it is assumed that there is no area 53 where the occupancy density is greater than the predetermined threshold. The control unit 26 then determines whether it is necessary to change the target temperature settings of the multiple areas 53 (step S113). For example, the control unit 26 may compare the sum of the temperature differences between the current perimeter temperature and the target temperatures of the areas 53 that include the perimeter 52 with the sum of the temperature differences when the target temperatures of the areas 53 are changed, and if the latter sum of the temperature differences is smaller, it may determine that it is necessary to change the target temperature settings of the multiple areas 53. In this case, it is assumed that the latter sum of the temperature differences is smaller. Then, the control unit 26 changes the target temperature so that the target temperature decreases from the area 53c on the perimeter 52b side toward the area 53a on the perimeter 52a side (step S114). As a result, the target temperature may be changed, for example, as shown in FIG. 3C. This change makes it possible to select an appropriate target temperature depending on, for example, the influence of solar radiation, thereby promoting energy conservation.

[0074] In addition, when the target temperature is set as shown in Figure 3A, if the number of people present in the air-conditioned space 50 falls below a predetermined threshold, the control unit 26 may, for example, reduce the area 53c with the highest air-conditioning load, i.e., the area 53c with the lowest target temperature during cooling, as shown in Figure 3B (step S110).

[0075] Furthermore, when the target temperature is set as shown in FIG. 3A, if the occupancy density in area 53b exceeds a predetermined threshold, control unit 26 may expand area 53b where the occupancy density is greater than the predetermined threshold, as shown in FIG. 3D (step S112).

[0076] As described above, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment can perform air conditioning so that the temperatures of each area 53 are different. Furthermore, by outputting the area temperatures of each area 53, people in the air-conditioned space 50 can know the temperature of each area 53. Therefore, people in the air-conditioned space 50 can move to and stay in an area 53 with a temperature that they find comfortable. Furthermore, by setting the target temperature of each area 53 so as to minimize heat transfer between adjacent areas 53, energy-saving air conditioning can be performed. Furthermore, by setting the target temperature of each area 53 so as to minimize the temperature difference between the target temperature of an area 53 having a perimeter 52 and the perimeter temperature of that perimeter 52, energy conservation can be further promoted. Furthermore, when the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 is small, more energy-saving air conditioning can be performed by reducing the area 53 with the target temperature that has the highest air-conditioning load. Furthermore, by expanding an area 53 with a population density greater than a threshold, it is possible to prevent a high population density in an area 53 with a specific target temperature, thereby making the population density in each area 53 in the air-conditioned space 50 more uniform.

[0077] In this embodiment, the case where the area 53 is expanded in accordance with the human density has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. The area 53 does not have to be expanded in accordance with the human density. In this case, the air conditioning system 1 does not have to be provided with the human density acquisition unit 25, and the number of people acquisition unit 24 does not have to acquire the number of people for each area.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the area 53 is reduced in size according to the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. The area 53 does not have to be reduced in size according to the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50. If the area 53 is not reduced in size according to the number of people in the air-conditioned space 50 and is not expanded according to the crowd density, the air-conditioning system 1 does not have to be equipped with the number of people acquisition unit 24. Furthermore, if the area 53 is not expanded or reduced, for example, the area 53 may coincide with the section 51.

[0079] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the target temperature is set taking into consideration the perimeter temperature of the perimeter 52 has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. The target temperature does not have to be set taking into consideration the perimeter temperature. In this case, the temperature acquisition unit 11 does not have to acquire the perimeter temperature.

[0080] Furthermore, although the present embodiment has been described primarily with reference to a case where control is performed to ensure that the area temperatures of the areas 53 are different, this is not necessarily the case. For example, in a case where areas 53a to 53c are arranged side by side as shown in FIG. 3A , conditioned air may be supplied only to area 53a, and exhaust or return air may be drawn only to area 53c. In this case, a natural temperature gradient exists from area 53a to area 53c. Therefore, in such a situation, a person in the air-conditioned space 50 may refer to the area temperature output by the output unit 12 and move to an area 53 where they feel comfortable. In this way, when active control is not performed to ensure that the area temperatures of the areas 53 are different, the supply unit 22 does not need to have a section supply unit 23 for each section. In this case, the supply unit 22 may, for example, supply conditioned air to at least one of the areas 53 of the air-conditioned space 50. This supply unit 22 may also, for example, have a variable air volume device, similar to the section supply unit 23. In addition, it is preferable that the plurality of areas 53 are set to have different temperatures by being supplied with conditioned air by the supply unit 22 .

[0081] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the case where the temperature output device 10 is included in the air conditioning system 1 has been mainly described, but this is not necessarily the case. The temperature output device 10 may be used independently. For example, when an air conditioning system conditions an air-conditioned space, the area temperatures of multiple areas included in the air-conditioned space may differ. For example, this situation may occur when the air-conditioning system does not have sufficient capacity for the air-conditioned space. By acquiring and outputting the area temperatures of each area using the temperature output device 10, the area temperatures of each area can be visualized or made apparent, and people in the air-conditioned space can refer to the output area temperatures and move to an area with a temperature that they feel comfortable at. Note that it is preferable that the multiple areas 53 are set to have different temperatures.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, each process or function may be realized by centralized processing by a single device or a single system, or may be realized by distributed processing by multiple devices or multiple systems.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the transfer of information between components may be performed, for example, by one component outputting information and the other component receiving information if the two components transferring the information are physically different, or, if the two components transferring the information are physically the same, by moving from a processing phase corresponding to one component to a processing phase corresponding to the other component.

[0084] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, information related to the processing performed by each component, such as information accepted, acquired, selected, generated, transmitted, or received by each component, and information such as thresholds, formulas, and addresses used in processing by each component, may be temporarily or long-term stored in a recording medium (not shown), even if not explicitly stated in the above description. Furthermore, the storage of information in the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a storage unit (not shown). Furthermore, the reading of information from the recording medium (not shown) may be performed by each component or a reading unit (not shown).

[0085] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, if the information used by each component, such as thresholds, addresses, and various setting values ​​used by each component in processing, may be changed by the user, the user may or may not be able to change the information as appropriate, even if not explicitly stated in the above description. If the information is changeable by the user, the change may be realized, for example, by a receiving unit (not shown) that receives a change instruction from the user and a changing unit (not shown) that changes the information in accordance with the change instruction. The change instruction may be received by the receiving unit (not shown), for example, from an input device, by receiving information transmitted via a communication line, or by receiving information read from a predetermined recording medium.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, when two or more components included in the air conditioning system 1 or the temperature output device 10 have a communication device, an input device, etc., the two or more components may physically have a single device, or may have separate devices.

[0087] In the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or a software-implementable component may be implemented by executing a program. For example, a software-implementable component may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory. During execution, the program execution unit may execute the program while accessing a storage unit or recording medium. The program may also be executed by being downloaded from a server or the like, or by being read from a predetermined recording medium (e.g., an optical disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, etc.). The program may also be used as a program constituting a program product. The program may be executed by a single computer or multiple computers. That is, centralized processing or distributed processing may be performed.

[0088] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are merely examples for specifically implementing the present invention, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention. The technical scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments, and is intended to include modifications within the literal scope of the claims and within the scope of equivalent meanings.

Claims

1. A temperature output device comprising: a temperature acquisition unit that acquires area temperatures, which are the temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; and an output unit that outputs the area temperatures in the color of lighting in the area corresponding to the area temperature, wherein the output unit outputs lower area temperatures in the color of lighting with a higher color temperature, and outputs higher area temperatures in the color of lighting with a lower color temperature.

2. A temperature output device comprising: a temperature acquisition unit that acquires area temperatures, which are the temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; and an output unit that outputs the area temperatures as sound in an area corresponding to the area temperatures, wherein the output unit outputs lower area temperatures as environmental sounds that are perceived as cool, and outputs higher area temperatures as environmental sounds that are perceived as warm.

3. An air-conditioning system comprising: a temperature acquisition unit that acquires area temperatures, which are the temperatures of each of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; an output unit that outputs the area temperatures; an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of the air; a supply unit that supplies air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to the air-conditioned space; and a control unit that controls the supply unit using the area temperature so that the air-conditioned space reaches a desired temperature, wherein the air-conditioned space is virtually divided into N partitions (N is an integer equal to or greater than M), each area being composed of one or more partitions, the supply unit comprises a plurality of partition supply units that independently supply air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to each of the N partitions, and the control unit controls the plurality of partition supply units so that the M area temperatures each reach a different target temperature.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit sets the target temperature of each area so that heat transfer between adjacent areas is reduced.

5. An air conditioning system as described in claim 3, wherein the temperature acquisition unit also acquires a perimeter temperature, which is the temperature of the perimeter of the air-conditioned space, and the control unit sets the target temperature for each area so that the temperature difference between the target temperature of an area having a perimeter and the perimeter temperature of the perimeter is smaller.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 3, further comprising a number of people acquisition unit that acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space, wherein the control unit reduces the area with the target temperature having the greatest air-conditioning load when the number of people acquired by the number of people acquisition unit is less than a threshold value.

7. The air conditioning system of claim 3, further comprising: a number of people acquisition unit that acquires the number of people present in the air-conditioned space for each area; and a people density acquisition unit that acquires the people density for each area using the number of people for each area acquired by the number of people acquisition unit, wherein the control unit expands the area where the people density acquired by the people density acquisition unit is greater than a threshold value.

8. A temperature output method comprising the steps of: acquiring area temperatures, which are the temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; and outputting the area temperatures by the color of lighting in the area corresponding to the area temperatures, wherein in the step of outputting the area temperatures, lower area temperatures are output by the color of lighting with a higher color temperature, and higher area temperatures are output by the color of lighting with a lower color temperature.

9. A temperature output method comprising the steps of: acquiring area temperatures, which are the temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; and outputting the area temperatures by sound in areas corresponding to the area temperatures, wherein in the step of outputting the area temperatures, lower area temperatures are output by environmental sounds that are perceived as cool, and higher area temperatures are output by environmental sounds that are perceived as warm.

10. A control method for an air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of air, and a supply unit that supplies air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to an air-conditioned space, comprising the steps of: acquiring area temperatures, which are the temperatures of M areas (M is an integer equal to or greater than 2) into which a single air-conditioned space is virtually divided; outputting the area temperatures; and controlling the supply unit using the area temperatures to control the supply unit so that the air-conditioned space becomes a desired temperature, wherein the air-conditioned space is virtually divided into N partitions (N is an integer equal to or greater than M), each area being composed of one or more partitions, the supply unit comprising a plurality of partition supply units that independently supply air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner to each of the N partitions, and in the step of controlling the supply unit, the plurality of partition supply units are controlled so that each of the M area temperatures becomes a different target temperature.

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