Air-conditioning system, control method, and program

Abstract

The present invention handles a case where an air-conditioning setting by a management server is delayed.　An air-conditioning system according to the present disclosure air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned by means of an air-conditioning device that operates on the basis of setting data of a management server. The air-conditioning system comprises: a determination unit that determines whether or not the system is in a state where the setting data is set in the air-conditioning device; and an air-conditioning control unit that, when the system is in a state where the setting data is not set, operates the air-conditioning device in a first operation mode corresponding to said state.

Description

Air conditioning system, control method, and program

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a management system including a management server communicably connected to a plurality of air conditioners. In the management system, the management server determines an optimal set temperature based on the outside air temperature and the history of changes in the past set temperature, and sets the set temperature in the plurality of air conditioners.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-125380

[0004] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system, a control method, and a program that can cope with a situation where the air conditioning setting by the management server is delayed.

[0005] This specification includes all the contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-190474 filed on October 30, 2024. The air conditioning system in the present disclosure is an air conditioning system that air conditions an air-conditioned space by an air conditioner that operates based on setting data of a management server, and includes a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting data is set in the air conditioner, and an air conditioning control unit that operates the air conditioner in a first operation mode corresponding to the state when the setting data is not set.

[0006] Further, the control method in the present disclosure is a process in which a computer determines whether or not the setting data is set in an air conditioner that operates based on setting data of a management server, and operates the air conditioner in a first operation mode corresponding to the state when the setting data is not set.

[0007] Further, the program in the present disclosure causes a computer to determine whether or not the setting data is set in an air conditioner that operates based on setting data of a management server, and operate the air conditioner in a first operation mode corresponding to the state when the setting data is not set.

[0008] The air conditioning system, control method, and program described in this disclosure can handle situations where the management server fails to configure the air conditioning settings.

[0009] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the air conditioning system in Embodiment 1. Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the management server in Embodiment 1. Figure 3 shows an example of the first management data in Embodiment 1. Figure 4 shows an example of the second management data in Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is for explaining the updating of the number of actual results in Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is for explaining the updating of the number of changes in Embodiment 1. Figure 7 is for explaining the updating of the number of changes in Embodiment 1. Figure 8 shows an example of the configuration of the communication device in Embodiment 1. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server in Embodiment 1. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram explaining the settings by the management server in Embodiment 1. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the setting data in Embodiment 1. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication device in Embodiment 1.

[0010] (Knowledge and other information forming the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology in which a management server determined the optimal set temperature and set that temperature in the air conditioning system. However, with the conventional technology, if the setting by the management server was delayed due to problems with the communication line, etc., the air conditioning system would remain fixed at the last set temperature. Therefore, the inventors discovered a problem in that if the setting by the management server was delayed, air conditioning management that was not in line with the current situation would not be performed. In order to solve this problem, the inventors came to form the subject matter of this disclosure.

[0011] Therefore, this disclosure provides an air conditioning system, control method, and program that can handle situations where the management server fails to configure the air conditioning settings.

[0012] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, some unnecessarily detailed explanations may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted.

[0013] The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the Air Conditioning System] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1000 is a system that air-conditions the space to be air-conditioned S using an air conditioning device 1. Air conditioning of the space to be air-conditioned S includes cooling, heating, dehumidification, ventilation, etc., but in this embodiment, we will explain the case in which the space to be air-conditioned S is cooled and heated by the air conditioning device 1. The space to be air-conditioned S is a space owned by a facility H, and is an air-conditioned space that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning device 1. Examples of facilities H include houses, offices, shops, medical facilities, and public facilities.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1000 includes an air conditioning unit 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1000 includes four or more air conditioning units 1. However, the number of air conditioning units 1 included in the air conditioning system 1000 is not limited to four or more, and may be less than four. The air conditioning unit 1 includes an indoor unit 11 and an outdoor unit 12. The air conditioning unit 1 performs air conditioning operation using the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 to air condition the air-conditioned space S in which the indoor unit 11 is installed. The air conditioning unit 1 is connected to a network NW and communicates with devices connected to the network NW. The network NW is a communication network consisting of a public telephone network, a dedicated line, the internet, or other communication networks.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a terminal device 2. The terminal device 2 is a terminal used by the administrator P who manages facility H. Note that administrator P is not limited to a person, but may be an entity with management authority over facility H (for example, a company operating facility H). In the example in Figure 1, the terminal device 2 is a laptop computer, but it may be a tablet computer, a desktop computer, or a smartphone. The terminal device 2 is connected to a network NW. The terminal device 2 displays information related to the air conditioning system 1, such as power consumption, for each facility H.

[0017] The air conditioning system 1000 includes a management server 3. The management server 3 is a server device that manages the air conditioning unit 1. The management server 3 is connected to a network NW and performs information processing with the air conditioning unit 1 and the terminal device 2 as clients. The management server 3 may be a server device owned by administrator P, or it may be a server device not owned by administrator P.

[0018] The air conditioning system 1000 is equipped with a weather server 4. The weather server 4 is a server device that provides a service for providing weather data. The weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes at least the forecast value of the outside temperature of facility H. For example, the weather data provided by the weather server 4 includes actual measured values ​​of the outside temperature, humidity, wind direction, wind speed, and weather conditions from the past (several hours ago) to the present, and predicted values ​​for the future (several hours later), for a predetermined area associated with the location information of facility H, such as the address and postal code of facility H. The weather server 4 may also calculate and provide pinpoint weather data for facility H from the location information of facility H.

[0019] In each diagram, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are represented by a single block. However, this does not necessarily mean that the management server 3 and the weather server 4 are composed of a single device. For example, the management server 3 and the weather server 4 may be composed of multiple server devices with different processing contents, or they may be composed of the same server device.

[0020] [1-1-2. Configuration of Air Conditioning System 1] The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 will be described with reference to Figure 1. The air conditioning system 1 comprises an indoor unit 11, an outdoor unit 12, a remote control 13, and a communication device 14. The number of indoor units 11 and outdoor units 12 in the air conditioning system 1 may be multiple.

[0021] The indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 are connected by refrigerant piping and control wiring. In this way, the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 constitute a refrigerant cycle in the air conditioning system 1.

[0022] The remote control 13 is installed on a wall or the like in the air-conditioned space S. The remote control 13 has multiple operation buttons for the user of the air conditioner 1 to perform operations such as starting or stopping operation, menu operation, and cursor key operation. The remote control 13 also has a display panel that displays, for example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 and the operating status of the indoor unit 11.

[0023] The communication device 14 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the management server 3. The communication device 14 also controls various parts of the air conditioning system 1. Whenever the set temperature of the air conditioning system 1 is changed, the communication device 14 sends operation data RD to the management server 3.

[0024] Operation data RD indicates that an operation to change the set temperature has been received. Operation data RD records the air conditioner ID (Identification), date and time of change, type of air conditioner, set temperature before change, and set temperature after change.

[0025] The air conditioner ID is the identification information for the air conditioning unit 1. The change date and time is the date and time when the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 was changed. The air conditioning type is the type of air conditioning performed by the air conditioning unit 1, and in this embodiment, it indicates cooling or heating. The set temperature before change is the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 before the change. The set temperature after change is the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 after the change.

[0026] The communication device 14 receives configuration data SD from the management server 3. The configuration data SD contains configuration information related to the air conditioning of the air conditioning unit 1. For example, the configuration data SD is data that instructs the setting of the temperature of the air conditioning unit 1, and the temperature to be set in the air conditioning unit 1 is recorded therein. The communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 based on the received configuration data SD. For example, the communication device 14 operates the air conditioning unit 1 at the temperature recorded in the configuration data SD. Details of the configuration of the communication device 14 will be described later.

[0027] [1-1-3. Configuration of Management Server 3] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of management server 3. As shown in Figure 2, management server 3 comprises a server control device 30 and a server communication device 31.

[0028] The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), a server memory 310, and interface circuits to which other devices and sensors are connected.

[0029] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores the control program 311, the management DB (database) 312, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. Alternatively, the server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute the work area of ​​the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is composed of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0030] The management DB 312 is a database that manages data related to the air conditioning system 1. The management DB 312 has one record R for each air conditioning system 1. Each record R contains the air conditioner ID, communication information, location of facility H, type of air conditioning, current set temperature, first management data MD1, and second management data MD2.

[0031] Communication information is information for communicating with the air conditioning unit 1, for example, the address information of the communication device 14. The location of facility H is the location of facility H where the air conditioning unit 1 is installed, for example, the address of facility H. The current set temperature is the set temperature set on the air conditioning unit 1. The first management data MD1 is data that manages information related to changing the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 during cooling. The second management data MD2 is data that manages information related to changing the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 1 during heating. Hereinafter, when the first management data MD1 and the second management data MD2 are not distinguished, they will be referred to as "management data MD" with the designation "MD".

[0032] Figure 3 shows an example of the first management data MD1. As shown in Figure 3, the first management data MD1 records time periods in one-hour increments from 0:00 to 23:59. More specifically, the first management data MD1 records time periods from N:00 to N:59 for each of the 0:00 to 23:00 time periods. Here, N is an integer from 0 to 23.

[0033] Furthermore, the first management data MD1 contains multiple outdoor temperatures recorded in 1°C increments. The range of outdoor temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 includes at least the range of temperatures that the outside air of facility H can reach. Note that the range of outdoor temperatures recorded in the first management data MD1 may be the same regardless of the location of facility H, or it may be a different range depending on the location of facility H.

[0034] The first management data MD1 records one collection data AD for each pair of time period and outside temperature. The collection data AD is data that contains information related to the history of changes in the set temperature of the air conditioner 1. The collection data AD is data that collects various data within a predetermined range of the set temperature. The set temperature to be set on the air conditioner 1 is determined from the predetermined range of the set temperature indicated by the collection data AD by processing in the flowchart described later.

[0035] The collected data AD records the set temperatures of multiple air conditioning units 1 in 1°C increments within a predetermined range. In the example shown in Figure 3, the collected data AD records 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 3, the predetermined range of set temperatures indicated by the collected data AD is from 23°C to 27°C.

[0036] The collected data AD records the number of actual sessions, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each recorded set temperature. In the example in Figure 3, the collected data AD records the number of actual sessions, the number of changes, and the probability of change for each of the following temperatures: 23°C, 24°C, 25°C, 26°C, and 27°C.

[0037] The "actual count" indicates the number of times the corresponding set temperature was set to air conditioner 1. The "number of changes" indicates the number of times the setting temperature was changed from the corresponding set temperature to another setting temperature. The "probability of changes" indicates the probability that the setting temperature was changed from the corresponding set temperature to another setting temperature. The probability of changes is calculated, for example, by dividing the corresponding number of changes by the corresponding actual count.

[0038] Figure 4 shows an example of the second management data MD2. As shown in Figure 4, the second management data MD2 differs from the first management data MD1 in that the recorded collected data AD has a different predetermined range of set temperature. The collected data AD recorded in the first management data MD1 has a predetermined set temperature range of 23°C to 27°C. In contrast, the collected data AD recorded in the second management data MD2 has a predetermined set temperature range of 18°C ​​to 23°C.

[0039] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the server communication device 31 is equipped with hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. The server communication device 31 communicates with the air conditioner 1, the terminal device 2, and the weather server 4 in accordance with the control of the server control device 30.

[0040] The server processor 300 functions as a communication control unit 301, acquisition unit 302, update unit 303, determination unit 304, and setting unit 305 by reading and executing the control program 311 stored in the server memory 310.

[0041] The communication control unit 301 communicates with the air conditioning unit 1, the terminal unit 2, and the weather server 4 via the server communication device 31.

[0042] The acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside air temperature. The acquisition unit 302 processes one record R and acquires the outside air temperature based on the record R being processed. More specifically, the acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R being processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. The forecast value request information is information requesting a forecast value of the outside air temperature for a time period including the current time, and records the location of the facility H recorded in the record R being processed and the time period for which the request is made. For example, if the current time is H hours and M minutes, the forecast value request information records the time period from H hours and 0 minutes to H+1 hours and 0 minutes. H is an integer from 0 to 24, and M is an integer from 0 to 59.

[0043] When the communication control unit 301 receives forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​corresponding to the location and time period of facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature. In this embodiment, when the acquisition unit 302 calculates the average value of the forecast values, it either truncates the decimal part or rounds it to the nearest whole number.

[0044] The update unit 303 updates the management DB 312. The update unit 303 updates the actual performance numbers recorded in the collected data AD every hour at minute L. The update unit 303 updates the actual performance numbers for each record R. Here, L is an integer from 0 to 59, for example, 0. For a detailed description of the update of the actual performance numbers, when it reaches minute L every hour, the update unit 303 first causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R to be processed. Next, the update unit 303 refers to the management data MD of the record R to be processed and identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time zone including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. More specifically, when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is cooling, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD from the first management data MD1, and when the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed is heating, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD from the second management data MD2. Then, the update unit 303 increments the actual performance number corresponding to the currently set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed among the actual performance numbers recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented actual performance number to the change probability in which the incremented actual performance number is reflected.

[0045] Here, referring to FIG. 5, the update of the actual performance numbers will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the update of the actual performance numbers.

[0046] In the description of FIG. 5, a case where the current time when updating the actual performance numbers is in the 14 o'clock hour and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C is exemplified. Also, in the description of FIG. 5, a case where the air conditioner 1 is performing cooling operation is exemplified. In the case of FIG. 5, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time zone in the 14 o'clock hour and the outside air temperature of 34°C from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0047] In the description of FIG. 5, the case where the current set temperature recorded in the record R to be processed is 25°C is exemplified. That is, in the description of FIG. 5, the case where the set temperature set in the air conditioner 1 is 25°C is exemplified. In the case of FIG. 5, the update unit 303 increments the actual number corresponding to 25°C from "4" to "5" among the actual numbers recorded in the specified collected data AD. Also, in the case of FIG. 5, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "3 / 5" along with the update of the actual number.

[0048] Furthermore, the update by the update unit 303 will be described. When the communication control unit 301 receives the operation data RD, the update unit 303 updates the management DB312 based on the received operation data RD. The update unit 303 specifies the record R having the air conditioner ID of the received operation data RD from the management DB312. Next, the update unit 303 updates the current set temperature of the specified record R to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD. Also, the update unit 303 updates the air conditioner type of the specified record R to the air conditioner type recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0049] Also, the update unit 303 causes the acquisition unit 302 to acquire the outside air temperature based on the record R specified by the received operation data RD. Next, when the received operation data RD records the air conditioner type of cooling, the update unit 303 specifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time zone including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the first management data MD1 of the specified record R. Also, when the received operation data RD records the air conditioner type of heating, the update unit 303 specifies the collected data AD corresponding to the combination of the time zone including the current time and the outside air temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 from the second management data MD2 of the specified record R.

[0050] Next, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD. When the air conditioner type indicates cooling and the changed set temperature is lower than the set temperature before the change, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to the set temperature before the change recorded in the received operation data RD among the number of changes recorded in the specified collected data AD.

[0051] Furthermore, the update unit 303 refers to the received operation data RD, and if the air conditioning type indicates heating and the changed set temperature is higher than the changed set temperature, it increments the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD that corresponds to the changed set temperature recorded in the received operation data RD.

[0052] Furthermore, the update unit 303 also updates the change probability corresponding to the incremented number of changes to a change probability that reflects the number of changes after the increment.

[0053] Now, with reference to Figure 6, we will explain how to update the number of changes. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating how to update the number of changes.

[0054] In the explanation of Figure 6, an example is given where the current time when updating the number of changes is in the 2 PM hour, and the outside temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302 is 34°C. Furthermore, in the explanation of Figure 6, an example is given where the air conditioning unit 1 is operating in cooling mode. In the case of Figure 6, the update unit 303 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the time period in the 2 PM hour and the outside temperature of 34°C from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0055] In the explanation of Figure 6, an example is given where the pre-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 25°C. Also in the explanation of Figure 6, an example is given where the post-change setting temperature recorded in the received operation data RD is 24°C. In this example, the update unit 303 increments the number of changes corresponding to 25°C from "3" to "4" among the number of changes recorded in the identified collected data AD. Also, in the case of Figure 6, the update unit 303 updates the change probability corresponding to 25°C from "3 / 4" to "4 / 4" along with the update of the number of changes.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of Figure 2, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature to be set in the air conditioner 1. Details of the determination method of the determination unit 304 will be described later.

[0057] The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304 to the air conditioner 1. The setting unit 305 sets the set temperature to the air conditioner 1 based on the record R to be processed. More specifically, the setting unit 305 generates setting data SD and outputs the generated setting data SD and the communication information recorded in the record R to be processed to the communication control unit 301. The generated setting data SD contains the set temperature determined by the determination unit 304. Based on the communication information received from the setting unit 305, the communication control unit 301 transmits the setting data SD received from the setting unit 305 to the air conditioner 1.

[0058] [1-1-4. Configuration of the Communication Device 14] Figure 7 shows an example of the configuration of the communication device 14. As shown in Figure 7, the communication device 14 comprises a control unit 20, a storage unit 21, and a communication unit 22. The communication device 14 is an example of a "computer".

[0059] The control unit 20 is a processor such as a CPU or MPU. The control unit 20 executes the program 211 stored in the memory unit 21 to realize the functions of the communication control unit 201, the determination unit 202, and the air conditioning control unit 203.

[0060] The storage unit 21 is a memory composed of, for example, ROM or RAM. The storage unit 21 stores the program 211 and management data 212.

[0061] The management data 212 includes the setting data SD notified by the management server 3 and the pre-configured SS. The pre-configured SS is data that is set in advance as the settings for the air conditioning unit 1. For example, the pre-configured SS includes air conditioning settings (such as the set temperature during heating or cooling) in case the setting of the setting data SD by the management server 3 is delayed due to communication problems or the like. This pre-configured SS may be set by the administrator P via the terminal device 2, or it may be set by notification from the management server 3.

[0062] The communication unit 22 is equipped with hardware such as a communication circuit that conforms to a predetermined communication standard. The communication unit 22 communicates with the indoor unit 11, the outdoor unit 12, the remote control 13, and external devices (such as the management server 3) via the network NW, in accordance with the control of the control unit 20.

[0063] The communication control unit 201 communicates with the indoor unit 11, the outdoor unit 12, the remote control 13, and the management server 3 via the communication unit 22. For example, when the communication control unit 201 receives setting data SD from the management server 3, it stores the received setting data SD in the storage unit 21. Also, when the communication control unit 201 receives a notification from the management server 3 regarding settings for one day (details described later), it includes the contents of the notification in the pre-set setting SS as the air conditioning setting in case the settings by the management server 3 are delayed due to communication problems, etc., and stores it in the storage unit 21. The communication control unit 201 also notifies the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12 of operation instructions related to air conditioning control by the air conditioning control unit 203. In addition, the communication control unit 201 communicates with the remote control 13 to receive operation instructions related to the air conditioning system 1 and notifies display data to be displayed on the operation screen of the remote control 13.

[0064] The determination unit 202 is a processing unit that determines whether or not the setting data SD is set to the air conditioner 1. Specifically, the determination unit 202 determines whether or not the setting data SD is set based on the update status of the setting data SD stored in the storage unit 21. For example, if the setting data SD has not been updated for a certain period of time (for example, 1 hour), the determination unit 202 determines that the setting data SD is not set due to a communication problem or the like.

[0065] Furthermore, the determination unit 202 may determine whether or not the configuration data SD is set based on the communication status with the management server 3 via the network NW in the communication unit 22. For example, if there is no communication response to the management server 3, the determination unit 202 determines that the configuration data SD is not set due to a communication problem or the like.

[0066] In the following explanation, the state in which the configuration data SD is not set will be referred to as the offline state, as this is due to communication problems, the management server 3 being down, or other reasons resulting in offline communication with the management server 3. Conversely, the state in which the configuration data SD is set will be referred to as the online state.

[0067] The air conditioning control unit 203 is a processing unit that controls the air conditioning operation of the air conditioning system 1, including cooling, heating, and dehumidification. Based on the detection values ​​of various sensors, such as indoor and outdoor temperature sensors (not shown), and target values ​​such as the set temperature, the air conditioning control unit 203 controls the cooling, heating, and dehumidification operation by operating the indoor unit 11 and the outdoor unit 12.

[0068] For example, the air conditioning control unit 203 operates the air conditioner 1 at the set temperature recorded in the setting data SD of the storage unit 21. In addition, whenever the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 via the remote control 13, the air conditioning control unit 203 sends operation data RD to the management server 3.

[0069] Furthermore, the air conditioning control unit 203 operates the air conditioner 1 in offline mode when offline and in online mode when online, based on the determination result from the determination unit 202. Here, online mode is the operating mode corresponding to the online state (second operating mode), and is an operating mode in which the air conditioner 1 is operated at the set temperature recorded in the setting data SD. Offline mode is the operating mode corresponding to the offline state (first operating mode), and is an operating mode in which the air conditioner 1 is operated based on the air conditioning settings that have been set in advance as pre-set settings SS, rather than the setting data SD from the management server 3. As a result, in the case of the air conditioner 1, when the air conditioning settings by the management server 3 are delayed in the offline state, air conditioning operation will be performed in the operating mode corresponding to the offline state.

[0070] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the air conditioning system 1000 according to Embodiment 1 will be described.

[0071] [1-2-1. Operation of Management Server 3] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. Note that the flowchart in Figure 8 shows an example of the operation of the management server 3 performed for each air conditioning unit 1. That is, the flowchart in Figure 8 shows the operation performed for each record R stored in the management DB 312.

[0072] As shown in Figure 8, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature based on the record R to be processed (S1). The process for acquiring the outside temperature (S1) will be described in detail. The acquisition unit 302 generates forecast value request information based on the record R to be processed and outputs the generated forecast value request information to the communication control unit 301. For example, if the current time is 10:00, the forecast value request information will contain time periods such as 10:00 to 11:00, 11:00 to 12:00, 12:00 to 1:00, etc. The time periods included in the forecast value request information are, as an example, up to 8 hours in the future from the current time. When the communication control unit 301 receives the forecast value request information from the acquisition unit 302, it transmits the received forecast value request information to the weather server 4. The communication control unit 301 then receives from the weather server 4 multiple forecast values ​​(for example, a forecast value for 10:00 and a forecast value for 11:00) corresponding to the location and time of facility H recorded in the transmitted forecast value request information. The acquisition unit 302 calculates the average of the forecast values ​​received by the communication control unit 301 for each time period and acquires the calculated average value as the outside temperature. For example, the acquisition unit 302 acquires the outside temperature for the time period from 10:00 to 11:00 by averaging the forecast value for 10:00 and the forecast value for 11:00.

[0073] Next, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD to be processed from the management data MD recorded in the record R to be processed (S2). The process for identifying the collection data AD (S2) will be described in detail. If the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates cooling, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to each time period and the set of outside temperature and temperature acquired in S1 from the first management data MD1 recorded in the record R to be processed. If the air conditioning type of the record R to be processed indicates heating, the determination unit 304 identifies the collection data AD corresponding to each time period and the set of outside temperature and temperature acquired in step S1 from the second management data MD2 recorded in the record R to be processed.

[0074] Next, the determination unit 304 performs a determination process (S3). The determination process is a process to determine the set temperature to be set for the air conditioner 1 for each time period. In the determination process, the collected data AD identified in S2 is the target of processing.

[0075] The decision process (S3) will be described in detail. In the decision process, the decision unit 304 reads the probability of change relative to the set temperature from the collected data AD corresponding to the set temperature set. Next, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the probability of change satisfies predetermined conditions. For example, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the user has made few changes, i.e., a set temperature below a predetermined threshold. Next, among the identified set temperatures, the decision unit 304 identifies a set temperature for which the energy consumption during operation of the air conditioner 1 is reduced (energy saving). Specifically, the decision unit 304 sets the highest temperature among the identified set temperatures as the set temperature during cooling, and conversely, sets the lowest temperature among the identified temperatures as the set temperature during heating. In the decision process (S3), the above process is performed for each time period to determine the set temperature for each time period.

[0076] Next, the setting unit 305 sets the determined set temperature for each time period to the air conditioner 1 (S4). Specifically, the setting unit 305 notifies the air conditioner 1 via the communication control unit 301 of the set data SD, which is a set combination of the outside air temperature and the set temperature for each time period.

[0077] Furthermore, the management server 3 may, at the beginning of the day (for example, at midnight), obtain setting data SD for a full day's worth of time periods (midnight to 4 AM, 4 AM to 8 AM, 8 AM to 12 PM, etc.) through the operations described above, and then notify the air conditioning unit 1 of the average of all the time period settings as the full day's setting. This full day's setting is used as setting data for offline mode, for example, when the management server 3 is unable to perform the setting due to a communication problem or other reasons.

[0078] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the settings made by the management server 3 in Embodiment 1. In the example shown in Figure 9, the management server 3 is operating in cooling mode and determines the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 every hour for every four-hour period, and sets the determined set temperature to the air conditioner 1. The outside temperature is calculated as the average of the predicted values ​​for one hour before and after the target time.

[0079] As shown in Figure 9, the management server 3 determines the setting of the time 11:00 in the time period 8:00-12:00 as follows. First, the management server 3 obtains the predicted values ​​(actual value at 10:00) for 10:00-12:00 from the weather server 4 and obtains an outside temperature of 30.5°C by averaging them. Next, the management server 3 identifies the collected data AD corresponding to the acquired outside temperature (30.5°C) set from the first management data MD1 recorded in the processing record R. Next, the management server 3 reads the change probability relative to the set temperature from the identified collected data AD.

[0080] In the example shown in Figure 9, the management server 3 reads the probability of change for the set temperature in 0.5°C increments between 25.5 and 27.5°C. Next, the management server 3 identifies the set temperature that will result in energy savings during cooling (the highest set temperature) from among the set temperatures with a change probability of a predetermined threshold (e.g., 10% or less). As an example, the management server 3 identifies 26.5°C, the highest set temperature with a change probability of 10% or less, as the set temperature. Next, the management server 3 notifies the air conditioner 1 of the identified set temperature of 26.5°C as the setting for the outside air temperature of 30.5°C during the time period of 8:00 to 12:00. The management server 3 also similarly sets the outside air temperature (forecast value) for 8:00, 10:00, and 12:00 during the 8:00 to 12:00 time period, and the set temperature corresponding to that outside air temperature.

[0081] Figure 10 shows an example of the setting data SD in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 10, the setting data SD includes combinations of outside temperature (forecast value) and set temperature for each time period. For example, the setting data SD includes, for the time period from 4:00 to 8:00, a set temperature of 27.0°C for a forecast outside temperature of 28.0°C, a set temperature of 26.5°C for a forecast value of 27.0°C, and so on.

[0082] [1-2-2. Operation of the Communication Device 14] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the communication device 14 in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 11, when processing starts, the communication control unit 201 determines whether or not it has received the configuration data SD from the management server 3 (S10). If the configuration data SD has been received from the management server 3 (S10: Yes), the communication control unit 201 stores the received configuration data SD in the management data 212 of the storage unit 21. At this time, the communication control unit 201 includes the update time of the configuration data SD in the management data 212. If the configuration data SD has not been received (S10: No), the communication control unit 201 skips S11 and proceeds to S12.

[0083] Next, the determination unit 202 determines whether or not the setting data SD is set to the air conditioner 1, that is, whether it is in an offline state or an online state (S12). This process S12 is performed at predetermined time intervals, such as every 10 minutes.

[0084] In step S12, the determination unit 202 determines that the system is offline if, for example, the configuration data SD has not been updated within a predetermined time (1 hour) from the update time of the configuration data SD. The determination unit 202 also determines that the system is offline if there is no communication response to the management server 3.

[0085] If the setting data SD is not set for the air conditioner 1 (S12: Yes), the air conditioning control unit 203 operates the air conditioner 1 in offline mode (S13) and returns to the previous state. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 203 reads the pre-configured settings SS, which contains the air conditioning settings for when the setting of the setting data SD by the management server 3 is delayed due to a communication problem or the like. Then, the air conditioning control unit 203 operates the air conditioner 1 based on the air conditioning settings in the pre-configured settings SS.

[0086] In this offline mode, the air conditioning settings are those used when the configuration data SD is not updated, and the temperature is not fixed at the last setting made by the management server 3. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1000 can prevent the air conditioning management from becoming inaccurate due to delays in settings made by the management server 3.

[0087] If the setting data SD is set for the air conditioner 1 (S12: No), the air conditioning control unit 203 operates the air conditioner 1 in online mode (S14) and returns to the previous state. Specifically, in S14, the air conditioning control unit 203 operates the air conditioner 1 at the set temperature recorded in the setting data SD.

[0088] In this online mode, the air conditioner 1 is operated at the set temperature recorded in the setting data SD notified by the management server 3, thereby reducing the likelihood of the user becoming uncomfortable and changing the set temperature. As a result, the air conditioning system 1000 can reduce the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioner 1, and suppress the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the set temperature.

[0089] Furthermore, by returning and repeating the process as described above, the air conditioning control unit 203 can switch to an online mode in which the air conditioning unit 1 operates based on the setting data SD when it becomes online while operating the air conditioning unit 1 in offline mode.

[0090] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the offline mode in Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 12, when the offline mode is started, the air conditioning control unit 203 determines whether the current time is within a predetermined time period in which the setting data SD was updated (S20).

[0091] In this context, "updated specified time period" refers to the time period that includes the update time of the setting data SD. For example, suppose that in the setting data SD, pairs of outside temperature (predicted value) and set temperature are set for 4-hour time periods such as 4am to 8am, 8am to 12pm, etc. (see Figure 10). If the update time of the setting data SD is 11:00am, then the time period from 8am to 12pm corresponds to the "updated specified time period". Therefore, for example, if the current time is 11:30am, it is considered to be within the updated specified time period. Conversely, if the current time is 12:30pm, it is considered not to be within the updated specified time period.

[0092] If the current time falls within the predetermined time period for updating the setting data SD (S20: Yes), the air conditioning control unit 203 continues air conditioning control based on the setting data SD, similar to online mode (S21), and returns processing. In other words, the air conditioner 1 continues to operate based on the setting data SD within the predetermined time period for which it started operating in offline mode. More specifically, within the predetermined time period for which it started operating in offline mode, it continues air conditioning control based on the setting data SD, assuming that the setting data SD set by the management server 3 is still useful. Note that the time for which air conditioning control based on the setting data SD is continued after starting operation in offline mode is not limited to the above time period, but may be a predetermined time interval such as 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

[0093] If the current time is not within the predetermined time period for updating the setting data SD (S20: No), the air conditioning control unit 203 performs initial settings by the administrator P included in the pre-set SS, or performs air conditioning control using the setting data for offline mode (S22), and returns to the previous state.

[0094] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the air conditioning system 1000, the determination unit 202 determines whether or not the setting data SD is set to the air conditioning device 1. If the setting data SD is not set, the air conditioning control unit 203 operates the air conditioning device 1 in the offline mode (first operating mode) corresponding to that state.

[0095] According to this, when the setting data SD is not set, i.e., when the air conditioning system 1000 is in an offline state where the air conditioning settings by the management server 3 are delayed, the air conditioning device 1 will operate in an offline mode corresponding to the offline state. Therefore, even if the settings by the management server 3 are delayed in the air conditioning system 1000, the temperature will not be fixed at the last setting set by the management server 3.

[0096] Furthermore, when the air conditioning control unit 203 is operating the air conditioning system 1 in offline mode and a state is reached where setting data SD can be set, it switches to online mode (second operating mode) to operate the air conditioning system 1 based on the setting data SD.

[0097] According to this, in the air conditioning system 1000, when the air conditioner 1 is operating in offline mode, it can be restored to online mode (second operating mode) if it becomes online.

[0098] Furthermore, the offline mode is an operating mode in which the air conditioning system 1 is operated based on a pre-set SS.

[0099] According to this, in the air conditioning system 1000, even when the management server 3 is offline and unable to perform air conditioning settings, the air conditioning device 1 can be operated based on a pre-configured setting SS set in advance by a user or the like.

[0100] Furthermore, the pre-configured settings SS are set in advance based on notifications from the management server 3.

[0101] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can perform air conditioning control of the air conditioning device 1 in offline mode based on a pre-configured setting SS based on a notification from the management server 3.

[0102] Furthermore, the air conditioning control unit 203 continues to operate the air conditioning system 1 based on the setting data SD for a predetermined period of time after starting operation in offline mode.

[0103] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can continue operating the air conditioner 1 based on the setting data SD for a predetermined period of time after starting operation in offline mode. For example, the stage at which operation in offline mode is started is immediately after the setting by the management server 3 is delayed, and not much time has passed since the setting data SD was updated by the management server 3, so the setting data SD is expected to be useful. Therefore, by continuing to operate the air conditioner 1 based on the setting data SD for a predetermined period of time after starting operation in offline mode, energy-saving operation using air conditioning control based on the predictions and settings of the management server 3 can be continued.

[0104] Furthermore, the setting data SD includes, for each set temperature of the air conditioner 1, the set temperature determined based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioner 1 has been changed.

[0105] According to this, the air conditioning system 1000 can set the temperature of the air conditioner 1 to a temperature at which the user is less likely to feel uncomfortable and change the temperature. Therefore, the number of times the user changes the temperature of the air conditioner 1 can be reduced. Thus, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioner 1 due to changes in the temperature can be suppressed.

[0106] (Other Embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1. Therefore, other embodiments are described below as examples.

[0107] In the first embodiment described above, the parameter for determining the set temperature to be set in the air conditioning system 1 includes the outside air temperature. In other embodiments, the parameter may include, instead of or in conjunction with the outside air temperature, the outside air humidity, the amount of solar radiation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, the amount of precipitation in a predetermined area including the location of facility H, etc.

[0108] In other embodiments, the management server 3 may further store the update date and time when updating the number of actual changes or the number of modifications. In these other embodiments, the change probability may be calculated with priority given to updates with more recent update dates and times.

[0109] In the embodiment described above, the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD is the range from 23°C to 27°C. However, this predetermined range is merely an example and may be the range of settable temperatures that the air conditioner 1 can set, or it may be the range within the settable temperature range that the air conditioner 1 can set that is expected to be set by the user.

[0110] In the embodiment described above, the multiple set temperatures included in the predetermined range indicated by the collected data AD are set temperatures in 1°C increments. In other embodiments, the increment of the set temperatures included in the predetermined range is not limited to 1°C, but may be, for example, 0.5°C increments.

[0111] In other embodiments, the control of the air conditioning system 1 may be performed not by the communication device 14, but by a terminal device 2 or the like. Specifically, the terminal device 2 comprises a control device corresponding to the control unit 20, a storage device corresponding to the storage unit 21, and a communication device corresponding to the communication unit 22. The control device of the terminal device 2 provides the functions of the communication control unit 201, the determination unit 202, and the air conditioning control unit 203 described above. In this case, the control device of the terminal device 2 corresponds to a "computer," and the program executed by the control device of the terminal device 2 corresponds to a "program." Similarly, regarding the control of the air conditioning system 1, instead of the communication device 14 or the terminal device 2, one of the indoor unit 11, the outdoor unit 12, or the remote control 13 may be configured to provide the functions of the communication control unit 201, the determination unit 202, and the air conditioning control unit 203 described above.

[0112] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each pair of time period and ambient temperature, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each time period. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the time period.

[0113] In the embodiment described above, the first management data MD1 stores the number of changes for each pair of time zone and ambient temperature. In other embodiments, instead of storing the number of changes for each set temperature, the server memory 310 may store the number of changes for each set temperature for each ambient temperature. In this other embodiment, the determination unit 304 determines the set temperature based on the number of changes corresponding to the ambient temperature.

[0114] In the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the time period including the current time and the number of changes that match the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302. In other words, in the above-described embodiment, the set temperature is determined based on the number of changes that match the current conditions. In other embodiments, the set temperature may also be determined by considering a number of changes close to the current conditions (for example, a number of changes of ±1°C relative to the ambient temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 302).

[0115] The programs executed by the management server 3, communication device 14, etc. in this embodiment are provided as installable or executable files recorded on computer-readable recording media such as optical recording media like DVDs (Digital Versatile Disks), USB memory sticks, or semiconductor memory devices like SSDs (Solid State Disks). Alternatively, these programs may be stored on computers connected to a network such as the Internet and provided or distributed by downloading them via the network. Furthermore, these programs may be pre-installed in ROM or the like.

[0116] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0117] (Note) The above description of embodiments discloses the following technology.

[0118] (Technology 1) An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device that operates based on setting data of a management server, comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting data is set to the air conditioning device; and an air conditioning control unit that, when the setting data is not set, operates the air conditioning device in a first operating mode corresponding to that state. With this, even if the air conditioning settings by the management server are delayed, the system can respond to the situation where the air conditioning settings by the management server are delayed by operating the air conditioning device in an operating mode corresponding to that state.

[0119] (Technology 2) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1, wherein when the air conditioning control unit is operating the air conditioning system in the first operating mode and the setting data becomes available, it switches to a second operating mode in which the air conditioning system is operated based on the setting data. With this, even if the air conditioning system is operating in the first operating mode due to a delay in air conditioning settings by the management server, once the delay in air conditioning settings is resolved, the system can be restored to the operating mode based on the setting data of the management server.

[0120] (Technical 3) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that operates the air conditioning device based on preset air conditioning settings. With this, if the air conditioning settings by the management server are delayed, the air conditioning device can be operated based on preset air conditioning settings.

[0121] (Technical 4) The air conditioning system described in Technical 3, wherein the air conditioning settings are set in advance based on notifications from the management server. With this, if the air conditioning settings by the management server are delayed, the air conditioning settings can be set in advance by notifications from the management server.

[0122] (Technical 5) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the air conditioning control unit continues to operate the air conditioning device based on the setting data for a predetermined period of time after starting operation in the first operating mode. With this, even if the air conditioning settings by the management server are delayed, operation based on the setting data of the management server can be continued for a predetermined period of time.

[0123] (Technical 6) The air conditioning system according to Technical 1, wherein the setting data includes a set temperature determined based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning system has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioning system. With this, while the air conditioning system is operating based on the setting data of the management server, the set temperature of the air conditioning system can be set to a temperature at which the user is unlikely to feel uncomfortable. As a result, the number of times the user changes the set temperature of the air conditioning system can be reduced. Thus, the increase in energy consumption of the air conditioning system due to changes in the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0124] (Technical 7) A control method in which a computer determines whether or not the setting data is set on an air conditioning system that operates based on the setting data of a management server, and if the setting data is not set, the computer executes a process to operate the air conditioning system in a first operating mode corresponding to that state. This method produces the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technical 1.

[0125] (Technical 8) A program that causes a computer to determine whether or not the setting data is set on an air conditioning system that operates based on the setting data of a management server, and, if the setting data is not set, to execute a process that operates the air conditioning system in a first operating mode corresponding to that state. This produces the same effect as the air conditioning system described in Technical 1.

[0126] As described above, the air conditioning system, control method, and program according to the present invention can be used for determining the set temperature to be set in an air conditioning device.

[0127] 1 Air conditioning system 2 Terminal device 3 Management server 4 Weather server 11 Indoor unit 12 Outdoor unit 13 Remote control 14 Communication device 20 Control unit 21 Storage unit 22 Communication unit 30 Server control device 31 Server communication device 201 Communication control unit 202 Determination unit 203 Air conditioning control unit 211 Program 212 Management data 300 Server processor 301 Communication control unit 302 Acquisition unit 303 Update unit 304 Decision unit 305 Setting unit 310 Server memory 311 Control program 312 Management DB 1000 Air conditioning system AD Acquired data H Facility MD Management data MD1 First management data MD2 Second management data NW Network P Administrator R Record RD Operation data S Air-conditioned space SD Setting data SS Pre-setting

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that air-conditions a space to be air-conditioned using an air conditioning device that operates based on setting data of a management server, comprising: a determination unit that determines whether or not the setting data is set to the air conditioning device; and an air conditioning control unit that, when the setting data is not set, operates the air conditioning device in a first operating mode corresponding to that state.

2. The air conditioning control unit, when operating the air conditioning device in the first operating mode, switches to a second operating mode in which the air conditioning device operates based on the setting data when the setting data becomes available.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first operating mode is an operating mode that operates the air conditioning device based on a preset air conditioning setting.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the air conditioning settings are pre-configured based on notifications from the management server.

5. The air conditioning control unit continues to operate the air conditioning device based on the setting data for a predetermined period of time after starting operation in the first operating mode, according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the setting data includes a set temperature determined based on the number of times the set temperature of the air conditioning system has been changed, for each set temperature of the air conditioning system.

7. A control method comprising: a computer determining whether or not the setting data is set on an air conditioning system that operates based on the setting data of a management server; and, if the setting data is not set, executing a process to operate the air conditioning system in a first operating mode corresponding to that state.

8. A program that causes a computer to determine whether or not the setting data is set on an air conditioning system that operates based on the setting data of a management server, and, if the setting data is not set, to execute a process that operates the air conditioning system in a first operating mode corresponding to that state.

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