Air conditioner and air conditioner rental method

Abstract

An air conditioner 100 has a capacity suitable for a heat load of a room in which the air conditioner is to be actually installed. The air conditioner 100 includes at least a compressor 114 and a control unit 120. The compressor 114 can be operated at a variable rotation speed. The control unit 120 is connected to the compressor 114 and controls the operation of the compressor 114. The control unit 120 can set an operation upper limit of the compressor 114. In such a configuration, the control unit 120 operates the compressor 114 at the operation upper limit or less if the operation upper limit is set.

Description

Air conditioner and method for renting an air conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning technology, and more particularly to an air conditioner for air conditioning a living space and a method for renting an air conditioner.

[0002] Some air conditioners have a function of notifying a server of an operating state such as an operating time or power consumption. When renting such an air conditioner, the charging amount is determined according to the notified operating state (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-233714

[0004] In conventional air conditioners, manufacturers have prepared a large number of models with different capacities according to the number of tatami mats in the room where the air conditioner is installed. The user selects a model based on the number of tatami mats in the room where the air conditioner is to be installed. However, the required capacity of the air conditioner varies depending on the size and orientation of the window, the material and structure of the wall, and the climate of the area in the room where the air conditioner is actually installed. As a result, the capacity of the selected air conditioner model based on the number of tatami mats may not match the heat load of the room where it is actually installed.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of such a situation, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioner having a capacity suitable for the heat load of the room where it is actually installed.

[0006] To solve the above problems, an air conditioner according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a compressor operable at a variable rotational speed and a control unit that controls the operation of the compressor. The control unit can set an upper limit value for the operation of the compressor, and when the upper limit value for the operation is set, the compressor is operated at or below the upper limit value for the operation.

[0007] In addition, any combination of the above components, and those obtained by converting the expression of the present disclosure among a method, an apparatus, a system, a recording medium, or a computer program, etc., are also effective as aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner having a capacity suitable for the heat load of the room where it is actually installed and a method for renting an air conditioner.

[0009] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 1. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an overview of the processing by the control unit in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the data structure of a table stored in the storage unit in Figure 1. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the screen displayed on the display unit in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the setting procedure by the air conditioner in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. Figures 7(a)-(b) are diagrams showing the format of signals transmitted from the communication unit in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a diagram showing the data structure of a table stored in the server in Figure 6. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the data structure of another table stored in the server in Figure 6. Figures 10(a)-(c) are diagrams showing the screen displayed on the display of the information terminal in Figure 6. Figure 11 is a sequence diagram showing the setting procedure by the air conditioning system in Figure 6. Figure 12 is a sequence diagram showing another setting procedure by the air conditioning system in Figure 6. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the screen displayed on the display of the information terminal according to Embodiment 3.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Before specifically describing the embodiments of this disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be given. This embodiment relates to an air conditioner that can be installed in a room. As mentioned above, conventional air conditioners come in a large number of models with different cooling and heating capacities (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "air conditioning capacity"), and users select one of the models based on the number of tatami mats in the room where the air conditioner will be installed. However, depending on the structure of the room (insulation) or the surrounding environment (region), the air conditioning capacity of the selected air conditioner may not be suitable for the heat load of the room. Therefore, the air conditioner according to this embodiment can notify the user of the upper limit of the air conditioning capacity according to the heat load of the room in which it is installed, and it is possible to set an upper limit of the air conditioning capacity that is appropriate for the heat load of the room.

[0011] The embodiments described below all represent preferred specific examples of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement and connection configurations of components, as well as the steps (processes) and their order shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Accordingly, among the components in the following embodiments, those components that are not described in the independent claims representing the highest-level concepts of the present disclosure will be described as arbitrary components. In addition, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals in each figure, and redundant explanations are omitted or simplified.

[0012] Figure 1 shows the configuration of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 includes an operation unit 110, an indoor temperature sensor 112, an outdoor temperature sensor 113, a compressor 114, a memory unit 116, a display unit 118, and a control unit 120. The operation unit 110 is an interface that receives operations for the air conditioner 100 from the installer or user. The operation unit 110, memory unit 116, display unit 118, and control unit 120 may be provided on the air conditioner 100, or they may be provided on a remote controller for the air conditioner 100 or on a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). Operations for the air conditioner 100 include, for example, turning it on / off, switching between cooling and heating operation, setting the temperature, and setting the humidity. The operation unit 110 outputs the received operation instructions to the control unit 120.

[0013] The indoor temperature sensor 112 measures the temperature of the room in which the air conditioner 100 is installed (hereinafter referred to as "indoor temperature"). Since known techniques can be used for measuring the indoor temperature in the indoor temperature sensor 112, a detailed explanation is omitted here. The indoor temperature sensor 112 outputs the indoor temperature to the control unit 120.

[0014] The control unit 120 receives operation instructions from the operation unit 110 and the indoor temperature from the indoor temperature sensor 112. Based on the operation instructions received from the operation unit 110, the control unit 120 controls the operation of the air conditioner 100. For example, the control unit 120 performs cooling or heating operation by controlling the operation of the compressor 114 so that the indoor temperature received from the indoor temperature sensor 112 approaches the set temperature.

[0015] The compressor 114 is mounted inside the air conditioner 100, particularly the outdoor unit, and can be operated at a variable rotational speed. When the air conditioner 100 is in cooling operation, the refrigerant is heated by the rotation of the compressor 114 in order to release heat to the outside. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 100 is in heating operation, the refrigerant is heated by the rotation of the compressor 114 in order to release heat into the room. Here, the compressor 114 has specifications that allow it to provide cooling or heating capacity for a 38-tatami mat room, even if the room in which the air conditioner 100 is installed is 38 tatami mats or less.

[0016] The memory unit 116 is a storage medium that stores information used for control by the control unit 120 and information used in control by the control unit 120. The display unit 118 displays the information generated by the control unit 120. The display unit 118 may be provided in the air conditioner 100 or in the remote controller of the air conditioner 100.

[0017] The following describes the process for setting the upper limit of the cooling or heating capacity (hereinafter referred to as the "operating limit") of the air conditioner 100 when it is installed in a room. The air conditioner 100 will perform cooling operation with a cooling capacity that is less than or equal to the operating limit, or performing heating operation with a heating capacity that is less than or equal to the operating limit. Even if the air conditioner 100 has the specifications to provide cooling or heating capacity for a 38-tatami room, if the operating limit is set to a specification that can provide cooling or heating capacity for a 10-tatami room, it will operate within the capacity range for a 10-tatami room. Here, for clarity, we will focus on the cooling operation, but the same applies to the heating operation.

[0018] The installer installs the air conditioner 100 in the room. The installer operates the control unit 110 to start a test run of the air conditioner 100. The test run is an operation to determine the upper limit of operation, and in this case, it is a cooling operation. At that time, a target setting value is set as the set temperature. The target setting value is the temperature set during the test run. When the air conditioner 100 is in cooling operation, the target setting value is the minimum temperature that can be set when the air conditioner 100 is in cooling operation, for example, it is set to "16°C". On the other hand, when the air conditioner 100 is in heating operation, the target setting value is the maximum temperature that can be set when the air conditioner 100 is in heating operation, for example, it is set to "30°C".

[0019] The indoor temperature sensor 112 measures the indoor temperature and outputs it to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 acquires the indoor temperature at the start of the trial run as the starting temperature. The control unit 120 also acquires the relationship between the time elapsed from the start of the trial run and the indoor temperature at that time. Meanwhile, the outdoor temperature sensor 113 measures the outdoor temperature and outputs it to the control unit 120. The control unit 120 acquires the outdoor temperature at the start of the trial run as the outdoor temperature during the trial run. The control unit 120 may also acquire the humidity of the room, but this will not be explained here. Furthermore, the control unit 120 also acquires the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner 100 during the time elapsed from the starting point. Known techniques can be used to acquire the amount of power consumed, so this will not be explained here. The control unit 120 stores the starting temperature, the outdoor temperature during the trial run, and the relationship between the time elapsed from the starting point and the indoor temperature and power consumption at that time in the storage unit 116.

[0020] The control unit 120 identifies the initial state 10 and the running state 12 during the trial run based on the starting temperature stored in the memory unit 116 and its corresponding relationship. To explain this process, Figure 2 is also used here. Figure 2 shows an overview of the process performed by the control unit 120. The horizontal axis shows the time elapsed from the starting point, and the vertical axis shows the room temperature. Therefore, Figure 2 shows the change in room temperature after the start of the trial run. Time "0" indicates the starting point, and as time elapses from the starting point, the room temperature decreases from the starting temperature towards the set temperature. As more time elapses and the room temperature approaches the set temperature, the room temperature fluctuates around the set temperature.

[0021] The initial state 10 is the period when the indoor temperature decreases from the starting temperature towards the set temperature, and the running state 12 is the period when the indoor temperature fluctuates around the set temperature. The heat load of the room in the running state 12 is the running load, which is the sum of the external load (influence from outside air temperature, solar radiation, etc.) and the internal load (heat generated by people, electrical appliances, etc.). The heat load of the room in the initial state 10 is the initial load, which is the sum of the heat storage amount and the running load, and the heat storage amount is the amount of heat stored in the indoor air or the building structure, etc.

[0022] Since the initial load is handled by the cooling capacity remaining after handling the running load, if the reserve capacity is small, the initial state 10 period will be prolonged. Therefore, the control unit 120 usually shortens the initial state 10 period by operating the compressor 114 at full power from the start of operation. After that, in the running state 12, the control unit 120 reduces the operation of the compressor 114 to a level corresponding to the running load.

[0023] The control unit 120 detects the running state 12 by calculating the amount of change in room temperature over time and identifying the timing when the absolute value of the change becomes smaller than a threshold. The control unit 120 also detects the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 in the running state 12 as the operating state of the compressor 114 by obtaining the power consumption amount in the running state 12 from the storage unit 116. There is a correlation between the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 and the air conditioning capacity, and the control unit 120 can determine the air conditioning capacity from the power consumption. Return to Figure 1.

[0024] The control unit 120 calculates the unit capacity by first determining the difference between the outside air temperature during trial operation and the set temperature as the temperature difference, and then dividing the operating state by the temperature difference. The unit capacity corresponds to the capacity per 1°C difference between the inside and outside temperatures. The control unit 120 also calculates the upper limit of capacity by multiplying the difference between the expected maximum outside air temperature and an arbitrary set temperature by the unit capacity. The storage unit 116 may also store the operating state and outside air temperature during normal operation, so that, for example, the upper limit of capacity for each month can be calculated.

[0025] Figure 3 shows the data structure of the table stored in the memory unit 116. A1 to A6 are threshold values ​​to be compared with the upper capacity value, and the relationship is A1 < A2 < ... < A6. The control unit 120 refers to the table based on the upper capacity value and selects the smallest operating maximum tatami mat size among the threshold values ​​that are greater than the upper capacity value as the "operating maximum tatami mat size". For example, if the upper capacity value is between A3 and A4, the operating maximum tatami mat size of A4 is selected. In other words, the operating maximum tatami mat size is a value selected from a set of predetermined values. The operating maximum tatami mat size and the upper capacity value may be collectively referred to as the "operating maximum value". Return to Figure 1.

[0026] The control unit 120 displays the selected maximum operating area in tatami mats on the display unit 118. Figure 4 shows the screen displayed on the display unit 118. The maximum operating area in tatami mats selected by the control unit 120 is displayed as "A. Recommended". The control unit 120 also displays an area in tatami mats larger than the selected maximum operating area in tatami mats as "B. Energy Saving" on the display unit 118. The installer uses the operation unit 110 to select either "A. Recommended" or "B. Energy Saving". If neither "A. Recommended" nor "B. Energy Saving" is selected, the installer uses the operation unit 110 to select "C. To other settings", and the control unit 120 displays other areas in tatami mats on the display unit 118 accordingly. In this way, the control unit 120 notifies the user of the maximum operating area according to the operating status. Return to Figure 1.

[0027] The control unit 120 receives the maximum operating area in tatami mats selected by the operation unit 110. The control unit 120 sets the air conditioning capacity corresponding to the received maximum operating area in tatami mats as the upper limit of operation, and controls the operation of the compressor 114 to be below this limit. In other words, the display unit 118 can set the upper limit of operation for the compressor 114, and when an upper limit of operation is set, the compressor 114 is operated to be below that limit.

[0028] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a computer-readable ROM (Read Only Memory), optical disc, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0029] The operation of the air conditioner 100 with the above configuration will now be explained. Figure 5 is a sequence diagram showing the setting procedure by the air conditioner 100, and each step of the sequence will be explained below. The outside air temperature sensor 113 acquires the outside air temperature during the trial run (S100). The control unit 120 performs a calibration operation with the target set value (S102). The control unit 120 acquires the operating state and the temperature difference between the outside air temperature at the start of the trial run and the target set value (S104), determines the upper limit of the capacity (S106), and determines the upper limit of the operating area (in tatami mats) (S108). The display unit 118 displays the upper limit of the operating area (in tatami mats) (S110). The control unit 120 selects the upper limit of the operating area based on the operation on the operation unit 110 (S112). The control unit 120 sets the program (S114).

[0030] According to this embodiment, the operating limit of the compressor 114 can be set, and when an operating limit is set, the compressor 114 is operated at or below that limit, so an air conditioner 100 with a capacity that matches the heat load of the room in which it is actually installed can be provided. Furthermore, since the operating limit of the compressor 114 can be set, and when an operating limit is set, the compressor 114 is operated at or below that limit, it becomes unnecessary to prepare a large number of models for the air conditioner 100. In addition, the operating state of the compressor 114 is detected and the operating limit corresponding to the operating state is notified, so the capacity that matches the heat load of the room in which it is actually installed can be communicated.

[0031] Furthermore, since the operating state is the power consumption of the air conditioner 100, the degree of operation of the air conditioner 100 can be reflected in the operating state. In addition, the unit capacity is calculated by dividing the power consumption of the air conditioner 100 by the difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature, and the upper limit of operation is calculated by multiplying the expected temperature difference by the unit capacity, so that a capacity that matches the heat load of the room in which it is actually installed can be obtained. Moreover, since the upper limit of operation is a value selected from several predetermined values, an easy-to-understand upper limit of operation can be provided to the user.

[0032] (Embodiment 2) Next, Embodiment 2 will be described. In Embodiment 1, the operating limit is set solely by the processing of the air conditioner 100, and the compressor 114 of the air conditioner 100 is operated at or below the set operating limit. On the other hand, Embodiment 2 relates to an air conditioning system including the air conditioner 100, a server, and an information terminal, and the operating limit is set by the processing of the air conditioner 100, the server, and the information terminal, and the compressor 114 of the air conditioner 100 is operated at or below the set operating limit. Here, the differences from Embodiment 1 will be explained in detail.

[0033] Figure 6 shows the configuration of the air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioner 100, a network 200, a server 300, and an information terminal 400. Compared to Embodiment 1, the air conditioner 100 includes a communication unit 130. Also, the display unit 118 is omitted in the air conditioner 100. The communication unit 130 is capable of wireless or wired communication and can be connected to the network 200. The communication unit 130 also communicates with the server 300 via the network 200.

[0034] Network 200 consists of wireless communication, wired communication, or a combination thereof, such as the Internet. In addition to the air conditioner 100, a server 300 and an information terminal 400 can also be connected to Network 200. Server 300 is a device managed by, for example, the manufacturer of the air conditioner 100, and is used to set and manage the operating limits of the air conditioner 100. Information terminal 400 is a communication device used by the installer of the air conditioner 100 or the user of the air conditioner 100, such as a smartphone or tablet.

[0035] The following describes the process for setting the operating limit of the air conditioner 100 when it is installed in a room. For clarity, the explanation will focus on cooling operation, but the same process applies to heating operation.

[0036] The installer installs the air conditioner 100 in the room. The installer operates the control unit 110 to start a trial run of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 performs the same processing as before to detect the operating status of the compressor 114 and calculate the temperature difference. The control unit 120 generates a signal that stores the operating status and temperature difference and outputs the signal to the communication unit 130. When the communication unit 130 receives the signal from the control unit 120, it transmits the signal to the server 300 via the network 200. Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show the format of the signal transmitted from the communication unit 130. As shown in Figure 7(a), the signal includes identification information, operating status, and temperature difference. The identification information is used to identify the air conditioner 100 or the user of the air conditioner 100. Figure 7(b) will be described later, and we will return to Figure 6.

[0037] The server 300 receives a signal from the air conditioner 100 and extracts identification information, operating status, and temperature difference from the signal. Similar to the control unit 120 in Embodiment 1, the server 300 calculates the unit capacity by dividing the operating status by the temperature difference. The server 300 also stores the expected temperature difference in advance and calculates the upper limit of the capacity by multiplying the expected temperature difference by the unit capacity.

[0038] Figure 8 shows the data structure of the table stored in server 300. The conditions and maximum operating area in the table are shown in the same way as in Figure 3, and a rental plan is associated with each maximum operating area in the table. Server 300 refers to the table based on the capacity limit and selects the largest maximum operating area that satisfies the conditions as the "maximum operating area." Server 300 also selects a rental plan corresponding to the maximum operating area. For example, if the maximum operating area is "10 tatami mats," the rental plan "Program 1: for 6-10 tatami mats (3,980 yen / month)" is selected.

[0039] Figure 9 shows the data structure of another table stored in the server 300. This table displays a list of additional functions. Returning to Figure 6, the server 300 has pre-stored information of the information terminal 400 associated with the identification information, and identifies the information terminal 400 based on the identification information received from the air conditioner 100. The server 300 transmits the selected rental plan and the list of additional functions to the identified information terminal 400 via the network 200.

[0040] The information terminal 400 receives a list of rental plans and additional functions from the server 300. The information terminal 400 displays the received rental plans on its display. Figures 10(a)-(c) show the screens displayed on the information terminal 400's display. In Figure 10(a), the selected rental plan is displayed as "A. Recommended Plan". In addition, rental plans with a larger number of tatami mats than the selected rental plan are displayed as "B. Energy Saving Plan". The installer or user operates the information terminal 400 to select either "A. Recommended Plan" or "B. Energy Saving Plan".

[0041] Figure 10(b) is the next screen after Figure 10(a). This is the screen for selecting additional functions. The selectable additional functions are displayed. The installer or user operates the information terminal 400 to select the additional functions. Figure 10(c) is the next screen after Figure 10(b). This displays the rental plan and additional functions selected by the installer or user for confirmation. When the installer or user operates the information terminal 400 and selects the "Apply" button, the information terminal 400 transmits the selected result (hereinafter referred to as "selection result") to the server 300 via the network 200. Return to Figure 6.

[0042] Server 300 receives the selection result from information terminal 400. Server 300 verifies the program and additional functions of the rental plan indicated in the selection result. Server 300 transmits the program information and additional function information to air conditioner 100 via network 200. Air conditioner 100 is the air conditioner 100 associated with the identification information.

[0043] The communication unit 130 of the air conditioner 100 receives program information and additional function information from the server 300. Each program is stored in the storage unit 116, and the control unit 120 acquires a program corresponding to the received program information from the storage unit 116. The control unit 120 controls the operation of the compressor 114 by executing the acquired program. That is, the display unit 118 can set the operation upper limit value of the compressor 114, and when the operation upper limit value is set, the compressor 114 is operated below the operation upper limit value. In addition, the control unit 120 enables an additional function corresponding to the received additional function information.

[0044] FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a setting procedure by the air conditioning system 1000, and each step of the following sequence will be described. The air conditioner 100 acquires a start temperature (S10). The air conditioner 100 executes a calibration operation with a target set value (S12). The air conditioner 100 acquires the operation state and the temperature difference (S14), and transmits the operation state and the temperature difference to the server 300 (S16). The server 300 determines a capacity upper limit value based on the received operation state and temperature difference (S18), and determines an operation upper limit folding number (S20). In addition, the server 300 selects a lending plan based on the operation upper limit folding number (S22), and transmits the lending plan to the information terminal 400 (S24). The information terminal 400 displays the lending plan (S26), and determines a lending plan from the displayed lending plans (S28). The information terminal 400 transmits the selection result to the server 300 (S30). The server 300 determines a program based on the selection result (S32), and notifies the determined program to the air conditioner 100 (S34). The air conditioner 100 sets the program (S36).

[0045] The conventional air conditioner 100 has acquired the operation state and the temperature difference and transmitted them to the server 300. However, the air conditioner 100 may calculate a capacity upper limit value based on the operation state and the temperature difference. Similar to the control unit 120 in Embodiment 1, the control unit 120 calculates the unit capacity by dividing the operation state by the temperature difference. In addition, the control unit 120 stores in advance an assumed temperature difference, and calculates a capacity upper limit value by multiplying the assumed temperature difference by the unit capacity.

[0046] The control unit 120 generates a signal storing the capacity upper limit value and outputs the signal to the communication unit 130. When receiving the signal from the control unit 120, the communication unit 130 transmits the signal to the server 300 via the network 200. As shown in FIG. 7(b), the signal includes the identification information and the capacity upper limit value. Return to FIG. 6.

[0047] The server 300 receives the signal from the air conditioner 100 and extracts the capacity upper limit value from the signal. Since the subsequent processing of the server 300 is the same as before, the description is omitted here.

[0048] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing another setting procedure by the air conditioning system 1000, and each step of the following sequence will be described. The air conditioner 100 acquires the start temperature (S50). The air conditioner 100 executes a calibration operation with the target set value (S52). The air conditioner 100 acquires the operation state and the temperature difference (S54) and determines the capacity upper limit value based on the operation state and the temperature difference (S56). The air conditioner 100 transmits the capacity upper limit value to the server 300 (S58). The server 300 determines the operation upper limit number of times based on the received capacity upper limit value (S60). Further, the server 300 selects a lending plan based on the operation upper limit number of times (S62) and transmits the lending plan to the information terminal 400 (S64). The information terminal 400 displays the lending plan (S66) and determines the lending plan from the displayed lending plan (S68). The information terminal 400 transmits the selection result to the server 300 (S70). The server 300 determines a program based on the selection result (S72) and notifies the determined program to the air conditioner 100 (S74). The air conditioner 100 sets the program (S76).

[0049] According to this embodiment, the air conditioner 100 notifies the server 300 of its operating status, and the server 300 notifies the information terminal 400 of the upper limit of the operating value, so the upper limit of the operating value can be determined by operating the information terminal 400. Furthermore, since the upper limit of the operating value is determined by operating the information terminal 400, convenience can be improved. In addition, a rental plan corresponding to the upper limit of the operating value is notified, so by having the user contract a rental plan, an air conditioner 100 with a capacity that matches the heat load of the room in which it will actually be installed can be provided.

[0050] (Embodiment 3) Next, Embodiment 3 will be described. In Embodiments 1 and 2, a trial run is performed when the air conditioner 100 is installed, and the operating limit is set during the trial run. On the other hand, Embodiment 3 concerns setting the operating limit when the air conditioner 100 is actually performing cooling or heating operation. Here, with reference to Figure 6, the differences from the previous embodiments will be explained in detail.

[0051] The control unit 120 of the air conditioner 100 detects the operating state of the compressor 114 and calculates the temperature difference by performing the same processing as before when performing cooling or heating operation. The control unit 120 generates a signal that stores the operating state and temperature difference, and outputs the signal to the communication unit 130. The control unit 120 transmits the signal to the server 300 via the network 200.

[0052] Server 300 receives a signal from the air conditioner 100. Based on the received signal, Server 300 calculates the upper capacity limit and then selects a rental plan. Server 300 transmits the selected rental plan to the information terminal 400 via the network 200.

[0053] The information terminal 400 receives the loan plan from the server 300. The information terminal 400 displays the received loan plan on its display. Figure 13 shows the screen displayed on the information terminal 400's display. This screen may be displayed if the newly selected loan plan is different from the current loan plan. The subsequent processing is the same as before, so the explanation is omitted here. Also, as in the modification of Embodiment 2, the communication unit 130 of the air conditioner 100 may transmit the capacity limit value to the server 300 via the network 200. Furthermore, as in Embodiment 1, the processing may be performed only in the air conditioner 100 without using the server 300.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the operating limit is notified not only during trial operation but also during cooling or heating operation, so it is possible to provide an air conditioner 100 with a capacity that is suitable for the heat load of the room in which it is actually installed.

[0055] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows: (Item 1) An air conditioner comprising: a compressor capable of operating at a variable rotational speed; and a control unit that controls the operation of the compressor, wherein the control unit can set an upper limit to the operating value of the compressor, and when the upper limit to the operating value is set, the control unit operates the compressor at or below the upper limit to the operating value.

[0056] (Item 2) The air conditioner as described in Item 1, wherein the control unit detects the operating state of the compressor and notifies the upper limit of the operating value corresponding to the operating state.

[0057] (Item 3) The operating state is the power consumption of the air conditioner as described in Item 2.

[0058] (Item 4) The control unit calculates the unit capacity by dividing the power consumption of the air conditioner by the difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature, and calculates the upper limit of operation by multiplying the expected temperature difference by the unit capacity, as described in Item 3.

[0059] (Item 5) The above operating limit is a value selected from a set of predetermined values, as described in any one of Items 1 to 4.

[0060] (Item 6) The air conditioner according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the control unit detects the operating state of the compressor, notifies the server of the operating state, and the server notifies the information terminal of the upper limit of operation corresponding to the operating state.

[0061] (Item 7) A method for lending an air conditioner, in which a lending plan corresponding to the above operating limit is notified for the air conditioner described in Item 6.

[0062] The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments. These embodiments are illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible for each component or combination of processing processes, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0063] In Embodiment 2, a server 300 and an information terminal 400 are used. However, the server 300 and the information terminal 400 may be other devices such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a HEMS (Home Energy Management System). This modification improves the flexibility of the configuration.

[0064] In Embodiment 3, the operating limit is calculated from the operating state and temperature difference even during cooling or heating operation. However, the operating limit may be determined based on the history of past operations. This modified example simplifies the process.

[0065] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner having a capacity suitable for the heat load of the room in which it will actually be installed, and a method for leasing the air conditioner.

[0066] 100 Air conditioner, 110 Control unit, 112 Indoor temperature sensor, 113 Outdoor temperature sensor, 114 Compressor, 116 Memory unit, 118 Display unit, 120 Control unit, 130 Communication unit, 200 Network, 300 Server, 400 Information terminal, 1000 Air conditioning system.

Claims

1. An air conditioner comprising: a compressor capable of operating at a variable rotational speed; and a control unit that controls the operation of the compressor, wherein the control unit can set an upper limit for the operation of the compressor, and when the upper limit is set, the control unit operates the compressor at or below the upper limit.

2. The control unit detects the operating state of the compressor and notifies the upper limit of the operating value corresponding to the operating state, as described in claim 1.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the operating state is the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner.

4. The control unit calculates the unit capacity by dividing the amount of power consumed by the air conditioner by the difference between the outside air temperature and the set temperature, and calculates the upper limit of operation by multiplying the expected temperature difference by the unit capacity, according to claim 3.

5. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the operating upper limit is a value selected from a plurality of predetermined values.

6. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit detects the operating state of the compressor, notifies the server of the operating state, and the server notifies the information terminal of the upper limit of operation corresponding to the operating state.

7. A method for lending an air conditioner according to claim 6, comprising notifying the user of a lending plan corresponding to the operating limit value.

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