Spatial Air-Conditioning Control for Position-Specific Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air-conditioning management apparatuses operate air-conditioning devices on a device-by-device or group basis, leading to inefficient air conditioning in specific spaces, where devices are not optimally selected to affect the intended environment, resulting in increased power consumption and reduced comfort.
Innovation Solution
An air-conditioning management apparatus that includes a storage device for arrangement plans and air-conditioning device position information, an input device for user input, and a controller to display and control air-conditioning devices based on their installation positions, allowing selection of devices affecting a specific area within an air-conditioned space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If air-conditioning devices are operated on a device-by-device basis, then each device can be controlled independently, but the user cannot select devices that significantly affect the air-conditioning environment in the intended space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional device-based control to two-dimensional spatial control by dividing the air-conditioned space into multiple control regions. Each region can be independently controlled, allowing users to select specific areas for air-conditioning based on their needs, thereby achieving both operational independence and spatial precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The air-conditioned space is segmented into multiple control regions, and air-conditioning devices are assigned to specific regions. This segmentation allows independent control of each region while maintaining the ability to operate devices based on spatial requirements rather than just device-by-device control.
2Ease of operation
If all air-conditioning devices are operated collectively or as a pre-set group, then operation is simplified, but spaces not intended by the user are subjected to air conditioning, increasing power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control regions that can be flexibly adjusted based on user needs. Rather than fixed pre-set groups, the control regions can be dynamically defined and modified, allowing users to operate only the necessary devices for specific areas while avoiding unnecessary air-conditioning in other spaces, thus reducing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Different control regions are created with different air-conditioning requirements. Each region can be independently controlled according to local needs, allowing users to apply air-conditioning only where necessary rather than uniformly across all spaces, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational simplicity through region-based control.
3Ease of manufacture
If air-conditioning devices are arranged at regular intervals, then installation is simplified, but there are places where no device is in headroom requiring operation of distant devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the air-conditioned space into multiple control regions, allowing devices to be effectively assigned to specific zones even when arranged at regular intervals. This segmentation enables the system to address areas without overhead devices by controlling the nearest appropriate devices within defined regions, maintaining installation regularity while improving air-conditioning effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
An air-conditioning management apparatus is capable of selecting an air-conditioning device that affects an air-conditioning environment at a specific position in an air-conditioned space from a plurality of air-conditioning devices.An area that is within an air-conditioned space to which a specific position P belongs in an arrangement plan and that is within a predetermined range from the specific position is obtained as a control target range. An air-conditioning device whose installation position in the arrangement plan is included in the control target range is selected as a control target air-conditioning device.