AIR CONDITIONING CONTROLLER AND AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD

Abstract

An air conditioning controller includes a control level setting unit to set an energy saving control level of an air conditioner based on an amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, and an energy saving control unit to perform energy saving control of the air conditioner based on the energy saving control level.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning controller and an air conditioning control method.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, the need for energy saving in building facilities has increased due to growing concerns about global warming and reducing environmental burden. In particular, efficient energy saving is required for air conditioning, which accounts for the majority of power consumption among building facilities. In saving energy for air conditioning, for example, the comfort of people in the room should be considered in addition to the reduction amount of electric power. In PTL 1, the control set values of air conditioning for energy saving (room temperature set value, humidity set value, air volume set value) are determined such that predicted mean vote (PMW), which is an indoor thermal comfort index, falls within a comfortable range.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

• • PTL 1: Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 09-217953

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

It is necessary to know the indoor environment for calculation of PMV, which requires a plurality of environmental measurement devices such as thermometers, average radiation thermometers, air velocity meters, and hydrometers to be installed in a room. However, few office buildings have these measurement devices installed and managed in all rooms, and accordingly, it is difficult to determine the control settings of air conditioning to achieve energy saving in consideration of PMV in all the office buildings.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioning controller and an air conditioning control method that enable energy saving control with reduced degradation in comfort even in buildings in which a plurality of environmental measurement devices are not installed.

Solution to Problem

An air conditioning controller that controls an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes a control level setting unit to set an energy saving control level of the air conditioner based on an amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, and an energy saving control unit to perform energy saving control of the air conditioner based on the energy saving control level.

An air conditioning control method of controlling an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes setting an energy saving control level of the air conditioner based on an amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, and performing energy saving control of the air conditioner based on the energy saving control level.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present disclosure, energy saving control with reduced degradation in comfort can be performed even in a building in which a plurality of environmental measurement devices are not installed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100A of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100A of Embodiment 2.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100B of Embodiment 3.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100B of Embodiment 3.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100C of Embodiment 4.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100C of Embodiment 4.

FIG. 9 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100D of Embodiment 5.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100D of Embodiment 5.

FIG. 11 shows a configuration of an air conditioning system 1000 of an embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment 1

In the present embodiment, an air conditioning controller sets an energy saving control level based on an amount of change in inlet temperature of an air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. For example, a room with a large amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner immediately after stop of the air conditioner can be determined to be a room with low heat insulating properties. Energy saving operation of the air conditioner performed in a room with low heat insulating properties is likely to cause degradation in comfort. Therefore, the air conditioning controller sets a weak energy saving control level.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1.

Air conditioning controller 100 includes an air conditioning temperature information storage unit 1, an air conditioning temperature change amount calculation unit 2, a control level setting unit 3, and an energy saving control unit 5.

Air conditioning temperature information storage unit 1 stores information indicating an hourly intake temperature of an air conditioner. The inlet temperature of the air conditioner can be collected by a temperature sensor placed at the inlet of the air conditioner.

Air conditioning temperature change amount calculation unit 2 calculates the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. For example, air conditioning temperature change amount calculation unit 2 calculates five change amounts ΔT(1), ΔT(2), ΔT(3), ΔT(4), and ΔT(5) described below.

The temperature immediately after stop of the air conditioner is TO, the inlet temperature of the air conditioner three minutes after stop of the air conditioner is T3, the inlet temperature of the air conditioner six minutes after stop of the air conditioner is T6, the inlet temperature of the air conditioner nine minutes after stop of the air conditioner is T9, the inlet temperature of the air conditioner 15 minutes after stop of the air conditioner is T15, and the inlet temperature of the air conditioner 30 minutes after stop of the air conditioner is T30.

$\begin{array}{cc}\Delta T\left(1\right)=\left(T3-T0\right)/3& \left(1\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta T\left(2\right)=\left(T6-T0\right)/6& \left(2\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta T\left(3\right)=\left(T9-T0\right)/9& \left(3\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta T\left(4\right)=\left(T15-T0\right)/15& \left(4\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta T\left(5\right)=\left(T30-T0\right)/30& \left(5\right)\end{array}$

Control level setting unit 3 sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. For example, control level setting unit 3 sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to a level L(i) when ΔT(1) to ΔT(i) are less than a threshold TH and ΔT(i+1) is greater than or equal to threshold TH.

At a level L(1), a stop time of the air conditioner in 30 minutes is zero minutes. At a level L(2), a stop time of the air conditioner in 30 minutes is three minutes. In other words, in 30 minutes, the air conditioner is operated for 27 minutes and is stopped for three minutes. At a level L(3), a stop time of the air conditioner in 30 minutes is six minutes. In other words, in 30 minutes, the air conditioner is operated for 24 minutes and is stopped for six minutes. At a level L(4), a stop time of the air conditioner in 30 minutes is nine minutes. In other words, in 30 minutes, the air conditioner is operated for 21 minutes and is stopped for nine minutes. At a level L(5), a stop time of the air conditioner in 30 minutes is 15 minutes. In other words, in 30 minutes, the air conditioner is operated for 15 minutes and is stopped for 15 minutes. At a level L(6), a stop time of the air conditioner in 30 minutes is 30 minutes. In other words, in 30 minutes, the air conditioner is operated for zero minutes and is stopped for 30 minutes.

For example, when ΔT(1)<TH, ΔT(2)<TH, and ΔT(3)≥TH, the energy saving control level of the air conditioner is set to level L(2).

Threshold TH can be set to, for example, THs in summer and THw in winter, which will be descried below. THs and THw are represented by the following equations, where the room temperature immediately after stop of the air conditioner is Tx, the temperature in the comfort range in summer is Ts (for example, 26° C.), and the temperature in the comfort range in winter is Tw (for example, 22° C.), and where |A| denotes the absolute value of A.

$\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{THs}=❘\mathrm{Tx}-\mathrm{Ts}❘& \left(6\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{THw}=❘\mathrm{Tx}-\mathrm{Tw}❘& \left(7\right)\end{array}$

The temperatures in the comfort range may be calculated based on PMV. For example, temperatures corresponding to 0.5<PMV<0.5 may be used as the temperatures in the comfort range.

Energy saving control unit 5 can perform energy saving control of the air conditioner based on the energy saving control level. For example, as the energy saving control level is higher, energy saving control unit 5 sets a longer period of time in which the air conditioner is stopped within a predetermined period of time (e.g., 30 minutes). Specifically, when the energy saving control level is level L(1), L(2), L(3), L(4), L(5), L(6), energy saving control unit 5 can set the time in which the air conditioner is stopped in 30 minutes to zero minutes, three minutes, six minutes, nine minutes, 15 minutes, and 30 minutes, respectively.

Energy saving control unit 5 may achieve energy saving according to a long-term plan based on the set energy saving control level as follows.

Energy saving control unit 5 calculates target power consumption of a target air conditioner per day when the energy saving control of the target air conditioner has been performed for a certain period at the set energy saving control level. More specifically, energy saving control unit 5 calculates target power consumption of the target air conditioner for a certain period when the energy saving control of the target air conditioner has been performed for a certain period (for example, one year) at the set energy saving control level. Energy saving control unit 5 calculates the target power consumption of the target air conditioner per day from the target power consumption of the target air conditioner for the certain period.

For example, when power consumption of the target air conditioner for the last year is Pp, the coefficient for an energy saving control level L(k) of the air conditioner is a(k), the number of operating days of the target air conditioner for one year is ND, and the set energy saving control level of the air conditioner is L(i), energy saving control unit 5 calculates target reduction power ΔPc of the target air conditioner for one year, target power consumption Pt of the target air conditioner for one year, and target power consumption Pd of the target air conditioner per day according to the following equations.

$\begin{array}{cc}a\left(k\right)<a\left(k+1\right)& \left(8\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta \mathrm{Pc}=\mathrm{Pp}\times a\left(i\right)& \left(9\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Pt}=\mathrm{Pp}-\Delta \mathrm{Pc}=\mathrm{Pp}\left\{1-a\left(i\right)\right\}& \left(10\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Pd}=\mathrm{Pt}/\mathrm{ND}& \left(11\right)\end{array}$

Energy saving control unit 5 causes the target air conditioner without energy saving control, and when power consumption of the target air conditioner on a day in question is expected to exceed or has exceeded target power consumption Pd of the target air conditioner per day, causes the target air conditioner to perform energy saving control operation at set energy saving control level L(i). Operating the air conditioner in this way for one year achieves target reduction power ΔPc of the target air conditioner for one year.

The case where power consumption of the target air conditioner on a day in question is expected to exceed target power consumption Pd of the target air conditioner per day means, for example, the case where a difference dP between the power consumption of the target air conditioner on a day in question and target power consumption Pd has fallen below a threshold. This threshold may be varied based on a current time.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1.

In step S101, when the energy saving control level needs to be set or changed, the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, air conditioning temperature information storage unit 1 accumulates inlet temperature information of the air conditioner sent from the temperature sensor placed at the inlet of the air conditioner.

In step S103, air conditioning temperature change amount calculation unit 2 calculates the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner immediately after stop of the air conditioner.

In step S104, control level setting unit 3 sets the energy saving control level.

In step S105, energy saving control unit 5 calculates target power consumption Pd of the target air conditioner per day in application of the energy saving control level set in step S104.

In step S106, energy saving control unit 5 causes the target air conditioner to operate without energy saving control, and when the power consumption of the target air conditioner on the day in question is expected to exceed target power consumption Pd of the target air conditioner per day, causes the target air conditioner to perform energy saving control operation at the energy saving control level set in step S104.

According to the present embodiment, setting the energy saving control level using information on the inlet temperature of the air conditioner can reduce degradation in comfort through energy saving control even in an office in which PWV cannot be calculated due to the lack of a plurality of environmental measurement devices.

Embodiment 2

In the present embodiment, the air conditioning controller sets the energy saving control level of an air conditioner based on information on an average room occupancy time in a room in which the air conditioner is installed, in addition to an amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner. For example, when a room occupancy time is short, it can be assumed that the influence of comfort degradation on a person caused by energy saving control will be small, and thus, setting a strong energy saving control level is considered to cause no problem. An average room occupancy time in a room can be calculated based on entry/exit history information of an entry/exit management system.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100A of Embodiment 2. Air conditioning controller 100A of Embodiment 2 is different from air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1 in the following respects.

Air conditioning controller 100A further includes an entry/exit information storage unit 6 and a room occupancy time calculation unit 7. Air conditioning controller 100A includes a control level setting unit 3A in place of control level setting unit 3 of Embodiment 1.

Entry/exit information storage unit 6 stores entry/exit information indicating the history of entry and exit of each person into and from each room in a building.

Room occupancy time calculation unit 7 calculates an average room occupancy time in a room in which a target air conditioner is installed, based on the entry/exit history information stored in entry/exit information storage unit 6. When there are three users A, B, C of a room R, for example, a time obtained by averaging a one-year average of the room occupancy time on workdays for A, a one-year average of the room occupancy time on workdays for B, and a one-year average of the room occupancy time on workdays for C can be defined as an average room occupancy time in room R. Also when a person temporarily leaves the room, for example, the room occupancy state does not end and the room occupancy time can be assumed to continue. When a person returns to the room after having left the room for more than a predetermined period of time, the total time of the room occupancy time before leaving the room and the room occupancy time after returning to the room can be defined as the room occupancy time on the workday.

Control level setting unit 3A identifies the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1. Control level setting unit 3A modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the average room occupancy time in the room in which the target air conditioner is installed.

When the average room occupancy time in the room is less than or equal to a threshold (e.g., 30 minutes), it is considered that comfort does not need to be strictly achieved, and thus, control level setting unit 3A sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to the level that is one level higher than the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is modified to L(3).

When the average room occupancy time in the room exceeds the threshold (e.g., 30 minutes), control level setting unit 3A sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. This is because it is considered that a long-hour job will be likely to be conducted and it will be necessary to achieve comfort. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is maintained at L(2).

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100A of Embodiment 2.

Steps S201 to S203, S207, S208 are similar to steps S101 to S103, S105, S106 in FIG. 2, and thus, description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S204, entry/exit information storage unit 6 stores entry/exit information indicating the history of entry and exit of each person into and from each room in the building.

In step S205, room occupancy time calculation unit 7 calculates an average room occupancy time TX in the room in which the target air conditioner is installed, based on the entry/exit information stored in entry/exit information storage unit 6.

In step S206, control level setting unit 3A determines energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1.

When average room occupancy time TX is less than or equal to a threshold, control level setting unit 3A sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, an energy saving control level L(i+1), which is one level higher than energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner. When average room occupancy time TX exceeds the threshold, control level setting unit 3A sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

According to the present embodiment, as information used in determination for setting the energy saving control level increases, determination can be made more appropriately considering the degree of influence of comfort degradation.

Embodiment 3

In the present embodiment, the air conditioning controller sets an energy saving control level of an air conditioner based on information on an annual room usage rate in addition to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner. For example, when the annual room usage rate is low, it can be assumed that the influence of comfort degradation on people due to energy saving will be small, and thus, setting a strong energy saving control level is considered to cause no problem. The annual room usage rate can be calculated based on the operation information of building facilities (air conditioner and lighting device).

FIG. 5 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100B of Embodiment 3. Air conditioning controller 100B of Embodiment 3 is different from air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1 in the following respects.

Air conditioning controller 100B further includes a facility operation information storage unit 8 and a usage rate calculation unit 9. Air conditioning controller 100B includes a control level setting unit 3B in place of control level setting unit 3 of Embodiment 1.

Facility operation information storage unit 8 stores facility operation information indicating the operation history of building facilities (air conditioner and lighting device) in each room of the building.

Usage rate calculation unit 9 calculates the usage rate of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed based on the facility operation information stored in facility operation information storage unit 8.

For example, usage rate calculation unit 9 calculates the annual usage rate of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed. The annual usage rate of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed is the value obtained by dividing an annual usage time T1 of a room in which the target air conditioner is installed by an annual usage time T2 of a building including the room. Annual usage time T1 of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed is a period of time in which the facilities (air conditioner and/or lighting device) have been operated in the room in which the target air conditioner is installed during the year. Annual usage time T2 of the building is a period of time in which the facilities (air conditioner and/or lighting device) have been operated in any of the rooms in the building during the year.

Control level setting unit 3B identifies the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1. Control level setting unit 3 modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the usage rate of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed.

When the room usage rate is less than or equal to a threshold (e.g., 50%), control level setting unit 3B sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to the level that is one level higher than the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. This is because, considering the entire building, increasing the energy saving rate has little influence on the occupants due to less usage of the room, and thus, there is no need to strictly achieve comfort. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is modified to L(3).

When the room usage rate exceeds the threshold (e.g., 50%), control level setting unit 3B sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. This is because it is considered that a long-hour job will be likely to be conducted and it will be necessary to achieve comfort. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is maintained at L(2).

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100B of Embodiment 3.

Steps S301 to S303, S307, S308 are similar to steps S101 to S103, S105, S106 in FIG. 2, and thus, description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S304, facility operation information storage unit 8 stores operation information of facilities (air conditioner and lighting device) of the building.

In step S305, usage rate calculation unit 9 calculates a usage rate R1 of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed, based on the operation information stored in facility operation information storage unit 8.

In step S306, control level setting unit 3B determines energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1.

When usage rate R1 of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed is less than or equal to the threshold, control level setting unit 3B sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, energy saving control level L(i+1) that is one level higher than energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner. When usage rate R1 of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed exceeds the threshold, control level setting unit 3B sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

According to the present embodiment, as information used in determination for setting the energy saving control level increases, determination can be made more appropriately considering the degree of influence of comfort degradation.

Embodiment 4

In the present embodiment, the air conditioning controller sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner based on information on a gender ratio of occupants in the room, in addition to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner. When the male occupancy rate is high, the air conditioning controller sets a weak energy saving control level in summer because the influence of comfort degradation can be assumed to be large due to a high amount of heat generation, and sets a strong energy saving control level in winter because the influence of comfort degradation can be assumed to be small. The gender ratio of occupants can be calculated based on attribute information of the occupants included in the entry/exit history information of the entry/exit management system.

FIG. 7 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100C of Embodiment 4. Air conditioning controller 100C of Embodiment 4 is different from air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1 in the following respects.

Air conditioning controller 100C further includes an entry/exit information storage unit 6C and a gender ratio calculation unit 10. Air conditioning controller 100C incudes a control level setting unit 3C in place of control level setting unit 3 of Embodiment 1.

Entry/exit information storage unit 6C stores entry/exit information indicating the history of entry and exit of each person and the gender of each person in each room of the building.

Gender ratio calculation unit 10 calculates a gender ratio of people who use the room in which the target air conditioner is installed, based on the entry/exit information stored in entry/exit information storage unit 6C.

Control level setting unit 3C identifies an energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1, and modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the gender ratio of people who use the room in which the target air conditioner is installed.

When the male ratio of people who use the room is higher than the female ratio of people who use the room, control level setting unit 3C sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner in summer to the level that is one level lower than the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. This is because comfort is considered to deteriorate in summer due to a large amount of heat generated from the human body. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is modified to L(1). When the male ratio of people who use the room is higher than the female ratio of people who use the room, control level setting unit 3C sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner except in summer, the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. Herein, summer can be defined as, for example, three months of June, July, and August.

When the female ratio of people who use the room is higher than the male ratio of people who use the room, control level setting unit 3C sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner in winter to the level that is one level lower than the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. This is because comfort is considered to deteriorate in winter due to a low amount of heat generated from the human body. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is modified to L(1). When the female ratio of people who use the room is higher than the male ratio of people who use the room, control level setting unit 3C sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner except in winter, the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. Herein, winter can be defined as, for example, three months of December, January, and February.

When the female ratio of people who use the room is equal to the male ratio of people who use the room, control level setting unit 3C sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner in all seasons, the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner.

In the present embodiment, energy saving control unit 5C calculates target reduction power ΔPc of the target air conditioner for one year, target power consumption Pt of the target air conditioner for one year, and target power consumption Pd of the target air conditioner per day according to the following equations, where the power consumption of the target air conditioner for the last year is Pp, the coefficient for energy saving control level L(k) of the air conditioner is a(k), the number of operating days of the target air conditioner for one year is ND, the set energy saving control level of the air conditioner except in summer and winter is L(i), the set energy saving control level of the air conditioner in summer is L(s), and the set energy saving control level of the air conditioner in winter is L(w).

$\begin{array}{cc}a\left(k\right)<a\left(k+1\right)& \left(8\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\Delta \mathrm{Pc}=\left(1/2\right)\times \mathrm{Pp}\times a\left(i\right)+\left(1/4\right)\times \mathrm{Pp}\times a\left(s\right)+\left(1/4\right)\mathrm{Pp}\times a\left(w\right)& \left(9A\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{PT}=\mathrm{Pp}-\Delta \mathrm{Pc}& \left(10\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{Pd}=\mathrm{Pt}/\mathrm{ND}& \left(11\right)\end{array}$

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100C of Embodiment 4.

Steps S401 to S403, S408 are similar to steps S101 to S103, S106 in FIG. 2, and thus, description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S404, entry/exit information storage unit 6C stores the entry/exit information indicating the history of entry and exit of each person and the gender of each person in each room of the building.

In step S405, gender ratio calculation unit 10 calculates the gender ratio of people who use the room in which the target air conditioner is installed, based on the entry/exit information stored in entry/exit information storage unit 6C.

In step S406, control level setting unit 3C determines energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1.

When the male ratio of people who use the room in which the target air conditioner is installed is higher than the female ratio of people who use the room, control level setting unit 3C sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner in summer, an energy saving control level L(i−1), which is one level lower than energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

When the female ratio of people who use the room in which the target air conditioner is installed is higher than the male ratio of people who use the room, control level setting unit 3C sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner in winter, energy saving control level L(i−1) that is one level lower than energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

Control level setting unit 3C sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner except in summer when the male ratio of people who use the room in which the target air conditioner is installed is higher than the female ratio of people who use the room, the energy saving control level of the air conditioner except in winter when the female ratio of people who use the room in which the target air conditioner is installed is higher than the male ratio of people who use the room, and the energy saving control level of the air conditioner in all seasons when the male ratio of people who use the air conditioner is equal to the female ratio of people who use the room, as energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

In step S407, energy saving control unit 5C calculates target power consumption Pd of the target air conditioner per day in application of the energy saving control level set in step S406.

According to the present embodiment, a more appropriate energy saving control level can be set in each room for each season by considering the degree of influence of comfort degradation due to differences in attributes of the occupants.

Embodiment 5

In the present embodiment, the air conditioning controller sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner based on requests of people who use the room, in addition to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner. The requests of people who use the room can be collected through periodic questionnaires.

FIG. 9 shows a configuration of an air conditioning controller 100D of Embodiment 5. Air conditioning controller 100D of Embodiment 5 is different from air conditioning controller 100 of Embodiment 1 in the following respects.

Air conditioning controller 100D further includes a request storage unit 11 and an evaluation result extraction unit 13. Air conditioning controller 100D includes a control level setting unit 3D in place of control level setting unit 3 of Embodiment 1.

Request storage unit 11 stores a comfort-related request of each person who uses the room in which the target air conditioner is installed. Request storage unit 11 stores, as requests, the results of periodic questionnaires. The questionnaire results include evaluation results at a plurality of levels regarding comfort (comfortable, somewhat comfortable, neither comfortable nor uncomfortable, somewhat uncomfortable, uncomfortable).

Evaluation result extraction unit 13 extracts evaluation results on the comfort of the room in which the air conditioner is installed, based on the questionnaire results stored in request storage unit 11. When the questionnaire results of a plurality of persons are stored in request storage unit 11, evaluation result extraction unit 13 can set a representative of evaluation results on the comfort of the plurality of persons as the evaluation regarding the comfort of the room.

The representative of evaluation results of the plurality of persons can be determined, for example, as follows. Integer values from 1 to 5 are assigned to the evaluations of five levels. “5” can be assigned to “comfortable”, “4” can be assigned to “somewhat comfortable”, “3“can be assigned to” neither comfortable nor uncomfortable”, “2” can be assigned to “somewhat uncomfortable”, and “1” can be assigned to “uncomfortable”, the average value of evaluations of the plurality of persons can then be obtained, and the evaluation result with the integer value closest to the average value can be defined as the representative of evaluation results of the plurality of persons. For example, when the average value of the evaluation results of the plurality of persons is “4.6”, “comfortable” representing the integer value “5” closest to “4.6” can be define as a representative of evaluation results of the plurality of persons. Alternatively, the evaluation result with the highest frequency can be defined as the representative of evaluation results of the plurality of persons.

Control level setting unit 3D identifies the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1. Control level setting unit 3D modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the evaluation result of comfort of the room in which the target air conditioner is installed.

When the evaluation result of comfort of the room is “comfortable”, which is highest, control level setting unit 3D sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to the level that is one level higher than the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. This is because it is considered that no problem occurs even when the energy saving control level is increased. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is modified to L(3).

When the evaluation result of comfort of the room is “uncomfortable”, which is lowest, control level setting unit 3D sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to the level that is one level lower than the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. This is because comfort is considered to be compromised by energy saving control. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is modified to L(1).

When the evaluation result of comfort of the room is “somewhat comfortable”, “neither comfortable nor uncomfortable”, or “somewhat uncomfortable, which is intermediate, control level setting unit 3D sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner. For example, when the energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner is L(2), the control level is maintained at L(2).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of air conditioning controller 100D of Embodiment 5.

Steps S501 to S503, S507, S508 are similar to steps S101 to S103, S105, S106 in FIG. 2, and thus, description thereof will not be repeated.

In step S504, request storage unit 11 stores a comfort-related request of each person who uses the room in which the target air conditioner is installed.

In step S505, evaluation result extraction unit 13 extracts an evaluation result on the comfort of the room in which the air conditioner is installed from the questionnaire results stored in request storage unit 11.

In step S506, control level setting unit 3D determines energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner immediately after stop of the air conditioner, as in Embodiment 1.

When the evaluation result on the comfort of the room indicates “comfortable”, control level setting unit 3D sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, energy saving control level L(i+1) that is one level higher than energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

When the evaluation result on the comfort of the room indicates “discomfort”, control level setting unit 3D sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, energy saving control level L(i−1) that is one level lower than energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

When the evaluation result of comfort of the room is “somewhat comfortable”, “neither comfortable nor uncomfortable”, or “somewhat uncomfortable”, control level setting unit 3D sets, as the energy saving control level of the air conditioner, energy saving control level L(i) based on the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner.

According to the present embodiment, as information used in determination for setting the energy saving control level increases, determination can be made more appropriately considering the degree of influence of comfort degradation.

(Air Conditioning System)

FIG. 11 shows a configuration of an air conditioning system 1000 of an embodiment.

Air conditioning system 1000 includes a main storage device 25, an auxiliary storage device 26, an air conditioner 21, a processor 24, a temperature sensor 22, and a communication interface 23, which are connected by a bus 27.

Main storage device 25 stores an air conditioning control program and the like.

Auxiliary storage device 26 stores, for example, data generated by the execution of processor 24.

Air conditioner 21 is subjected to energy saving control.

Processor 24 executes the functions of each of the air conditioning controllers described in Embodiments 1 to 5 by executing the air conditioning control program stored in main storage device 25.

Temperature sensor 22 is placed at the inlet of air conditioner 21 and detects the inlet temperature of air conditioner 21. Temperature sensor 22 transmits information indicating the detected inlet temperature to processor 24.

Communication interface 23 performs data communication with an external device.

It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein have been presented for the purpose of illustration and non-restrictive in every respect. It is therefore intended that the scope of the present disclosure is defined by claims, rather than the description above, and encompasses all modifications and variations equivalent in meaning and scope to the claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 air conditioning temperature information storage unit; 2 air conditioning temperature change amount calculation unit; 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D control level setting unit; 5, 5C energy saving control unit; 6, 6C entry/exit information storage unit; 7 occupancy time calculation unit; 8 facility operation information storage unit; 9 usage rate calculation unit; 10 gender ratio calculation unit; 11 request storage unit; 13 evaluation result extraction unit; 21 air conditioner; 22 temperature sensor; 23 communication interface; 24 processor; 25 main storage device; 26 auxiliary storage device; 27 bus; 100, 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D air conditioning controller; 1000 air conditioning system.

Claims

1. An air conditioning controller that controls an air conditioner, the air conditioning controller comprising: a processor configure toset an energy saving control level of the air conditioner based on an amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner; andperform energy saving control of the air conditioner based on the energy saving control level.

2. The air conditioning controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor calculates target power consumption of the air conditioner per day when the processor has performed the energy saving control of the air conditioner for a certain period at the energy saving control level, andthe processor operates the air conditioner without the energy saving control, and when power consumption on a day in question is expected to exceed or has exceeded the target power consumption of the air conditioner per day, operates the air conditioner at the energy saving control level.

3. The air conditioning controller according to claim 2, wherein t the processor calculates target power consumption of the air conditioner for the certain period when the processor has performed the energy saving control of the air conditioner at the energy saving control level, and calculates the target power consumption of the air conditioner per day from the target power consumption of the air conditioner for the certain period.

4. The air conditioning controller according to claim 1, wherein as the energy saving control level is higher, the processor increases a period of time in which the air conditioner is stopped within a certain period of time.

5. The air conditioning controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor calculates an average room occupancy time in a room in which the air conditioner is installed, wherein the processor identifies an energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, and modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the average room occupancy time in the room.

6. The air conditioning controller according to claim 5, wherein when the average room occupancy time in the room is less than or equal to a threshold, the processor sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to a level higher than the identified energy saving control level.

7. The air conditioning controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor calculates a usage rate of a room in which the air conditioner is installed, wherein the processor identifies an energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, and modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the usage rate of the room.

8. The air conditioning controller according to claim 7, wherein when the usage rate of the room is less than or equal to a threshold, the processor sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to a level higher than the identified energy saving control level.

9. The air conditioning controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor calculates a gender ratio of people who use a room in which the air conditioner is installed, wherein the processor identifies an energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time after stop of the air conditioner, and modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the gender ratio of people who use the room.

10. The air conditioning controller according to claim 9, wherein when a male ratio of people who use the room is higher than a female ratio of people who use the room, the processor sets an energy saving control level of the air conditioner in summer to a level higher than the identified energy saving control level.

11. The air conditioning controller according to claim 9, wherein when a female ratio of people who use the room is higher than a male ratio of people who use the room, the processor sets an energy saving control level of the air conditioner in winter to a level lower than the identified energy saving control level.

12. The air conditioning controller according to claim 1, wherein the processor extracts an evaluation result on comfort of a room in which the air conditioner is installed, wherein the processor identifies an energy saving control level corresponding to the amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner, and modifies the identified energy saving control level based on the evaluation result of the comfort of the room.

13. The air conditioning controller according to claim 12, wherein the processor obtains evaluation results at a plurality of levels on comfort of the room,when an evaluation of the comfort is highest, the processor sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to a level higher than the identified energy saving control level, andwhen an evaluation of the comfort is lowest, the processor sets the energy saving control level of the air conditioner to a level lower than the identified energy saving control level.

14. An air conditioning control method of controlling an air conditioner, the air conditioning control method comprising: setting an energy saving control level of the air conditioner based on an amount of change in inlet temperature of the air conditioner for a certain period of time immediately after stop of the air conditioner; andperforming energy saving control of the air conditioner based on the energy saving control level.