AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL SYSTEM, AIR CONDITIONING CONTROL METHOD, AND RECORDING MEDIUM

Abstract

An air conditioning control system includes an obtainer, a calculator, and a controller. The obtainer obtains, from each of users that use a predetermined space of a facility, user information related to an attribute of the user. The calculator calculates a target temperature of the predetermined space. The controller so controls air conditioning equipment as to bring the temperature of the predetermined space to the target temperature. For each of the users, the calculator calculates a comfortable temperature range in which the user feels comfortable, based on the user's metabolic rate based on the user information, and a PMV. The calculator determines, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from the outside air temperature of the predetermined space, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to, for example, an air conditioning control system for controlling air conditioning equipment.

BACKGROUND ART

Patent Literature (PTL) discloses an indoor temperature setting device for an air conditioner. This setting device calculates a comfort index via a comfort index calculation means from measurement values of various indoor sensors, activity amount, clothing amount, and set temperature candidates. This setting device calculates running cost via an air conditioning load calculation means and a cost calculation means from measurement values of various outdoor air sensors and indoor load sensors, characteristics of the structure, and set temperature candidates. This setting device simultaneously displays comfort indices and running costs corresponding to each of a plurality of set temperature candidates. The operator selects the indoor set temperature based on this display.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

• [PTL 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. H6-288595

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

The present invention provides an air conditioning control system and the like that can easily perform temperature control that reduces power consumption while allowing each user to feel comfortable.

Solution to Problem

An air conditioning control system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an obtainer, a calculator, and a controller. The obtainer obtains, from each of users that use a predetermined space of a facility, user information related to an attribute of the user. The calculator calculates a target temperature of the predetermined space. The controller so controls air conditioning equipment provided in the predetermined space as to bring a temperature of the predetermined space to the target temperature. The calculator: calculates a comfortable temperature range for each of the users based on a metabolic rate of the user and a predicted mean vote (PMV), the comfortable temperature range being a temperature range in which the user feels comfortable, the metabolic rate of the user being based on the user information; and determines, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from an outside air temperature of the predetermined space, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap with each other.

An air conditioning control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes obtaining, calculating, and determining. In the obtaining, user information related to an attribute of a user is obtained from each of users that use a predetermined space of a facility. In the calculating, a target temperature of the predetermined space is calculated. In the controlling, air conditioning equipment provided in the predetermined space is so controlled as to bring a temperature of the predetermined space to the target temperature. The calculating includes: calculating a comfortable temperature range for each of the users based on a metabolic rate of the user and a predicted mean vote (PMV), the comfortable temperature range being a temperature range in which the user feels comfortable, the metabolic rate of the user being based on the user information; and determining, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from an outside air temperature of the predetermined space, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap with each other.

A program according to one aspect of the present invention causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The air conditioning control system and the like according to the present invention has an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making each user feel comfortable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration including an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a predetermined space where an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is used.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of determining a target temperature in an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control example of air conditioning equipment in an air conditioning control system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration including an air conditioning control system according to a variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of determining a target temperature in an air conditioning control system according to a variation of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiment

Hereinafter, one or more embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each embodiment described below illustrates a general or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, elements, the arrangement and connection of the elements, steps, order of the steps, etc., shown in the following embodiments are mere examples, and therefore do not limit the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, among the elements in the following embodiments, those not recited in any of the independent claims are described as optional elements.

Note that the figures are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily precise illustrations. In the figures, elements that are essentially the same share the same reference signs, and repeated description may be omitted or simplified in some cases.

[1. Overall Configuration]

First, the overall configuration including the air conditioning control system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration including air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment. Air conditioning control system 100 is a system for controlling the temperature (room temperature) of predetermined space Sp1 within a facility by controlling air conditioning equipment 2 provided in predetermined space Sp1. In the embodiment, since predetermined space Sp1 includes a plurality of areas A1, air conditioning control system 100 controls the area temperature of each area A1.

FIG. 2 illustrates predetermined space Sp1 where air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment is used. As illustrated in FIG. 2, in the embodiment, predetermined space Sp1 is a space within a facility such as a large room of an office, and includes a plurality of areas A1. Each area A1 includes furniture such as a desk or a chair for users to perform office work and the like, and in this way, each area A1 is a space where one or more users can perform office work and the like. The boundaries of each area A1 are not clearly defined, but for example, by installing partitions or the like, the boundaries of each area A1 may be clearly defined. Note that in predetermined space Sp1, adjacent areas A1 may be partitioned or may not be partitioned, but even when they are partitioned, heat can be exchanged between adjacent areas A1.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 2, predetermined space Sp1 includes four areas A1: first area A11, second area A12, third area A13, and fourth area A14. First area A11 and fourth area A14 are areas that are not being used by a user. Second area A12 is an area where a user performs office work and the like while standing or moving. Third area A13 is, unlike second area A12, an area where a user performs office work and the like while sitting. Note that the example illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely one example and does not limit the application of each area A1.

Each area A1 includes one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2. In the embodiment, each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is an indoor unit of a commercial air conditioner, but it may be an indoor unit of a household air conditioner. In the embodiment, each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is a ceiling-embedded cassette unit, but this example is non-limiting. For example, air conditioning equipment 2 may be a ceiling-embedded duct unit, a ceiling-suspended unit, or a floor-standing unit. In the embodiment, each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is capable of performing both cooling and heating. Note that each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 may be configured to be capable of only performing cooling, or may be configured to be capable of only performing heating.

The area temperature is the air temperature of the corresponding area A1. In the embodiment, the area temperature is based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor included in air conditioning equipment 2 provided in corresponding area A1. For example, when one unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is provided in an arbitrary area A1, the area temperature of that area A1 is a temperature based on the temperature detected by a temperature sensor included in that air conditioning equipment 2. For example, when a plurality of units of air conditioning equipment 2 are provided in an arbitrary area A1, the area temperature of that area A1 is a temperature based on a representative value (for example, an average value) of the temperatures detected by a plurality of temperature sensors respectively included in the plurality of units of air conditioning equipment 2. Note that when a temperature sensor is provided in an arbitrary area A1, the area temperature of that area A1 may be a temperature based on the temperature detected by that temperature sensor.

In the embodiment, air conditioning control system 100 is implemented by server 10 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Server 10 is configured to be capable of communicating with each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 via network N1, one example of which is the internet. Server 10 is configured to be capable of communicating with each of a plurality of input devices 3 via network N1, one example of which is the internet. The communication between server 10 and each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 may be wireless or wired communication. The communication between server 10 and each input device 3 may be wireless or wired communication.

Each input device 3 is, for example, a controller dedicated to air conditioning control system 100, or an information terminal possessed by a user. The information terminal may include, for example, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a personal computer. Each input device 3 is configured to accept various inputs from a user and to transmit information based on the accepted inputs to air conditioning control system 100. For example, each input device 3 accepts input for selecting area A1 that the user uses or plans to use. For example, each input device 3 accepts input of user information related to an attribute of the user. The user information will be described in detail in later the section “[2. Configuration of Air Conditioning Control System]”.

[2. Configuration of Air Conditioning Control System]

Air conditioning control system 100 includes obtainer 11, calculator 12, controller 13, and storage 14. Note that it is sufficient if air conditioning control system 100 includes at least obtainer 11, calculator 12, and controller 13; air conditioning control system 100 need not include storage 14.

Obtainer 11 obtains the area temperature of each area A1. In the embodiment, obtainer 11 obtains the temperature detected by the temperature sensor included in each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 by communicating with each unit of air conditioning equipment 2. Alternatively, obtainer 11 obtains the temperature detected by each temperature sensor by communicating with temperature sensors provided in areas A1. Obtainer 11 obtains the area temperature by performing appropriate correction calculations on the obtained temperature for each area A1. Alternatively, for each area A1, obtainer 11 takes the temperature obtained for area A1 as the area temperature.

Obtainer 11 obtains, from each of users that use predetermined space Sp1 of a facility, user information related to an attribute of the user. In the embodiment, obtainer 11 obtains user information accepted at each input device 3 by communicating with each input device 3. Note that so long as obtainer 11 obtains user information of each user once, obtainer 11 does not need to obtain user information thereafter unless the user information of any user is updated. In this example, the user attributes include the user's height, weight, age, and gender. The user attributes are used when calculator 12 calculates each user's metabolic rate. Note that the user attributes need not include all of these parameters, and may include at least one or more parameters.

Calculator 12 calculates the target temperature of predetermined space Sp1. In the embodiment, as already mentioned, predetermined space Sp1 includes a plurality of areas A1. Therefore, calculator 12 calculates the target temperature for each of areas A1. Calculator 12 calculates the target temperature for each area A1 as follows.

First, calculator 12 calculates a comfortable temperature range for each of the users. Calculator 12 calculates the comfortable temperature range based on the user's metabolic rate, which is based on the user information, and a predicted mean vote (PMV). Here, the comfortable temperature range is a temperature range in which the user feels comfortable. Here, “users” refers to users who each use or plan to use area A1.

The PMV is represented by the following Equation (1). The PMV equation is standardized in International Organization for Standardization 7730 (ISO-7730).

$\begin{array}{cc}\left[\mathrm{Math}.1\right]& \\ \mathrm{PMV}=L\left(0.303e^{-0.036M}+0.028\right)& \left(1\right)\end{array}$

In Equation (1), L represents the heat load of the human body, and M represents user metabolic rate. L is represented by the following Equation (2).

$\begin{array}{cc}\left[\mathrm{Math}.2\right]& \\ L=\left(M-W\right)-E_d-E_s-E_{\mathrm{re}}-C_{\mathrm{re}}-R-C& \left(2\right)\end{array}$

In Equation (2), W represents mechanical work, E_d represents insensible perspiration, E_s represents evaporative heat loss due to sweating, E_re represents latent heat loss due to respiration, Cre represents sensible heat loss due to respiration, R represents radiative heat loss, and C represents convective heat loss. Although a detailed explanation is omitted here, L includes air temperature (the temperature of predetermined space Sp1 (here, the area temperature)) as a variable. L includes a Clo value, the radiant temperature, the humidity, and the wind speed as variables. The Clo value is a parameter that represents the thermal resistance of clothing worn by the user. Here, the Clo value, radiant temperature, humidity, and wind speed are all assumed to be constants.

The metabolic rate M can be calculated using, for example, Ganpule's equation, Harris-Benedict equation, Schofield equation, FAO/WHO/UNU, or DuBois equation. As an example, in Ganpule's equation, the basal metabolic rate for men, BMR_M, is represented by the following Equation (3), and the basal metabolic rate for women, BMR_F, is represented by the following Equation (4).

$\begin{array}{cc}\left[\mathrm{Math}.3\right]& \\ \mathrm{BMR\_M}=\frac{1000}{4.186}\left(0.0481W+0.0234H-0.0138A-0.4235\right)& \left(3\right)\end{array}$ $\begin{array}{cc}\mathrm{BMR\_F}=\frac{1000}{4.186}\left(0.0481W+0.0234H-0.0138A-0.9708\right)& \left(4\right)\end{array}$

In Equations (3) and (4), W represents the user's weight (in kilograms (kg)), H represents the user's height (in centimeters (cm)), and A represents the user's age.

Calculator 12 calculates, for each of the users, the user's metabolic rate M using either Equation (3) or (4), based on the user information obtained by obtainer 11. Calculator 12 calculates, using Equations (1) and (2), a range of air temperature (the temperature of predetermined space Sp1 (here, the area temperature)) at which the PMV is −0.5 to 0.5.

Here, as the PMV increases positively, a higher proportion of users tend to feel hot. Conversely, as the PMV value decreases negatively, a higher proportion of users tend to feel cold. According to ISO-7730, when the PMV is in the range of −0.5 to 0.5, the predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) becomes 10% or less. Stated differently, when the PMV is in the range of −0.5 to 0.5, approximately 90% of people typically find the temperature comfortable. Therefore, in the embodiment, as the comfortable temperature range, calculator 12 calculates an air temperature range at which the PMV is between −0.5 and 0.5, inclusive.

Next, calculator 12 determines, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap with each other. For example, when there are five users who use or plan to use an arbitrary area A1, calculator 12 searches for a range where the comfortable temperature ranges of all these users overlap. Note that when there is no range where the comfortable temperature ranges of all users overlap, calculator 12 searches for a range where the comfortable temperature ranges of a predetermined proportion (for example, 80%) or more of all users overlap. Calculator 12 compares the searched range with the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, and determines, as the target temperature, a temperature in that range that has a small (here, the smallest) difference from the outside air temperature.

Note that when there is only one user present in an arbitrary area A1, calculator 12 determines, as the target temperature, a temperature in the comfortable temperature range of that user that has a small difference from the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1.

In the embodiment, calculator 12 determines the control content of one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 for each of areas A1. The control content includes control for operating one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 of a target area A1 to bring the area temperature of that area A1 to the set temperature, and may include control for stopping the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 of that area A1. Specific examples of determination of control content by calculator 12 will be described in detail later in <Air Conditioning Equipment Control Example> in the section “[3. Operation]”.

Controller 13 controls each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 so as to bring the temperature of predetermined space Sp1 to the target temperature. In the embodiment, as already mentioned, predetermined space Sp1 includes a plurality of areas A1. Therefore, controller 13 controls each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 for each of areas A1 so as to bring the area temperature to the target temperature.

In the embodiment, controller 13 controls one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in each of areas A1 based on the control content determined by calculator 12. More specifically, controller 13 transmits a control signal including control content to one or more corresponding units of air conditioning equipment 2 per area A1 by communicating with each unit of air conditioning equipment 2. When each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 receives a control signal, it is controlled according to the control content included in the received control signal.

Storage 14 is a storage device in which information (computer programs, etc.) necessary for obtainer 11, calculator 12, and controller 13 to perform their respective functions is stored. Storage 14 also stores the area temperature of each area A1 and the target temperature of each area A1 obtained by obtainer 11. Storage 14 also stores the control content of each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 determined by calculator 12. Storage 14 may be implemented by a hard disk drive (HDD), and may be implemented by a semiconductor memory. Any known electronic information storage means may be used to implement storage 14 without particular limitation.

[3. Operations]

Hereinafter, operations performed by air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment will be described.

<Operation Example for Determining Target Temperature>

First, an operation example in which air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment determines the target temperature of each area A1 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of determining a target temperature in air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment. Note that the operation example of air conditioning control system 100 illustrated in FIG. 3 is an operation example for an arbitrary area A1 among areas A1. Air conditioning control system 100 executes the operations described below for each of areas A1.

First, obtainer 11 obtains user information from each user who uses area A1 or plans to use area A1 (S11).

Next, calculator 12 calculates a comfortable temperature range for each user based on the user information obtained by obtainer 11 (S12). As already mentioned, calculator 12 calculates the user's metabolic rate by referring to the user information, and calculates a range of air temperature at which the PMV is −0.5 to 0.5 (i.e., calculates the comfortable temperature range) based on the calculated metabolic rate.

Calculator 12 determines the target temperature of area A1 based on the comfortable temperature range of each user (S13). As already mentioned, calculator 12 retrieves a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of each user overlap with each other, compares the retrieved range with the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, and determines, as the target temperature, a temperature in that range that has a small (here, the smallest) difference from the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1.

In the above operation example, step S11 corresponds to the obtaining in the air conditioning control method, and steps S12 and S13 correspond to the calculating in the air conditioning control method.

<Air Conditioning Equipment Control Example>

Next, an operation example in which air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment controls each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a control example of air conditioning equipment 2 in air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment.

First, obtainer 11 obtains the area temperature and target temperature of each area A1 (S21). The target temperature of each of areas A1 is calculated by calculator 12 according to the <Operation Example for Determining Target Temperature> described above.

Next, calculator 12 determines the target area from among areas A1 (S22). More specifically, calculator 12 determines area A1 that satisfies a predetermined condition from among areas A1 as the target area based on the target temperature of each of areas A1, in other words, based on the target temperature of each of areas A1 that are being used by users or are planned to be used by users.

In this example, the predetermined condition is that the difference between the target temperature and the area temperature is the largest. Therefore, calculator 12 determines area A1 with the largest difference between the target temperature and the area temperature from among areas A1 as the target area.

Next, calculator 12 determines control content for the initial period for each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 (S23). Here, the initial period is a period from when operation of the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in the target area start until the area temperature of the target area reaches the target temperature of the target area. For example, when the target temperature of the target area is 28 degrees Celsius, the initial period is a period from when the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in the target area start cooling until the area temperature of the target area reaches 28 degrees Celsius. More specifically, calculator 12 so determines the control content of all air conditioning equipment 2 as to cause the set temperature of all air conditioning equipment 2 to be the target temperature of the target area in the initial period. Stated differently, calculator 12 so determines the control content for each area A1 as to cause the set temperature of one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 to be the target temperature of the target area. For example, when the target temperature of the target area is 28 degrees Celsius, calculator 12 so determines the control content of all units of air conditioning equipment 2 as to cause the set temperature of all units of air conditioning equipment 2 to be 28 degrees Celsius.

Next, controller 13 controls each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 based on the control content determined by calculator 12 (S24). With this, all units of air conditioning equipment 2 are controlled based on the control content for the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in the target area determined by calculator 12. For example, when the target temperature of the target area is 28 degrees Celsius, all units of air conditioning equipment 2 perform cooling with a set temperature of 28 degrees Celsius.

Thereafter, until the area temperature of the target area reaches the target temperature of the target area (that is, until the initial period elapses) (S25: No), calculator 12 does not change the control content of any air conditioning equipment 2. Stated differently, until the area temperature of the target area reaches the target temperature of the target area, the control of each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is maintained.

When the area temperature of the target area reaches the target temperature of the target area (that is, when the initial period elapses) (S25: Yes), calculator 12 determines the control content for after the initial period for each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 (S26). More specifically, after the initial period, calculator 12 maintains the same control content for the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in the target area as the control content established for the initial period. For each of areas A1 excluding the target area, after the initial period, calculator 12 returns the control content to the state before the initial period.

For example, if the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in any area A1 other than the target area were stopped before the initial period, the control content from before the initial period corresponds to stopping the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2. For example, if the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in any area A1 other than the target area were performing cooling with a set temperature of 25 degrees Celsius before the initial period, the control content from before the initial period corresponds to performing cooling with the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 with a set temperature of 25 degrees Celsius.

Next, controller 13 controls each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 based on the control content determined by calculator 12 (S27). With this, the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 provided in the target area are controlled based on the control content for the initial period. However, the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 provided in each of areas A1 excluding the target area are controlled based on the control content from before the initial period.

In the above control example, steps S24 and S27 correspond to the controlling in the air conditioning control method.

As described above, in air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment, in the initial period, all air conditioning equipment 2 in all areas A1 including the target area are controlled to cause the set temperature to be the target temperature of the target area. Thereafter, in air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment, each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 in areas A1 excluding the target area is controlled with the control content from before the initial period.

Therefore, in air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment, compared to a case where only the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in the target area are operated in the initial period, there is an advantage that the time until the area temperature of the target area reaches the target temperature can be easily shortened while reducing power consumption. In air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment, compared to a case where only the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in the target area are operated in the initial period, there is an advantage that the temperature stabilization time until the area temperature of the target area reaches the target temperature can be easily shortened, and air conditioning efficiency can be easily improved.

[4. Advantages]

Hereinafter, advantages of air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment will be described. Conventionally, as disclosed in PTL 1, a method for determining the set temperature of air conditioning equipment based on PMV is known. However, in the conventional method, for example, the user metabolic rate is set as a fixed value. This is problematic since the respective temperatures at which the users feel comfortable cannot be considered, since the PMV is calculated without considering the metabolic rates of the users, which can differ significantly from user to user. There is a temperature range of several degrees Celsius where users feel comfortable. The power consumption of the air conditioning equipment when the lower limit value of this range is set as the set temperature and the power consumption of the air conditioning equipment when the upper limit value of this range is set as the set temperature may differ by several tens of percent. Therefore, in the conventional method, there is a problem that temperature control may be performed that results in the users being unlikely to feel comfortable, and depending on the set temperature, power consumption may increase.

In contrast, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, for each of the users, a comfortable temperature range in which the user feels comfortable is calculated based on the user's metabolic rate that takes into account the user's attributes, and the PMV. In air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, a temperature at which all of the users are likely to feel comfortable is determined as the target temperature based on the comfortable temperature ranges of each of the users. Therefore, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, compared to the conventional method, temperature control that makes each of the users feel comfortable can be easily performed.

In air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, in addition to the target temperature being determined based on the plurality of comfortable temperature ranges, the target temperature is determined as a temperature that has a small difference from the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1. Accordingly, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, compared to the conventional method, the load on air conditioning equipment 2 can be reduced, making it easier to reduce power consumption.

In this way, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the embodiment, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is operated without considering the attributes of each of the users and the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making each of the users feel comfortable.

[5. Variations]

Although the embodiment has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration including air conditioning control system 100 according to a variation the embodiment. Air conditioning control system 100 according to the present variation differs from air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment in that it includes evaluator 15.

Evaluator 15 evaluates the presence or absence of a person in predetermined space Sp1. More specifically, evaluator 15 evaluates the presence or absence of a user in predetermined space Sp1 by communicating with an entry-exit management system that manages the entry and exit of people (users) in predetermined space Sp1. The entry-exit management system is configured to include a reading device that reads identification information of each user from an information terminal such as a smartphone possessed by each user, or from an identifier (ID) tag.

In air conditioning control system 100 according to the present variation, calculator 12 calculates the comfortable temperature range of people evaluated to be present in predetermined space Sp1 by evaluator 15 as the users. Stated differently, in the present variation, calculator 12 calculates the comfortable temperature range of each of users actually present in predetermined space Sp1, and determines the target temperature based on the comfortable temperature ranges of each of these users.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of determining a target temperature in air conditioning control system 100 according to a variation of the embodiment. Note that the operation example of air conditioning control system 100 illustrated in FIG. 6 is an operation example for an arbitrary area A1 among areas A1. Air conditioning control system 100 executes the operations described below for each of areas A1. Control of each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 in air conditioning control system 100 according to the present variation is the same as the control of each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 in air conditioning control system 100 according to the embodiment, so explanations will be omitted here.

First, evaluator 15 evaluates the presence or absence of a person in area A1 (S31). As already mentioned, evaluator 15 evaluates the presence or absence of a user in area A1 by communicating with an entry-exit management system.

Next, calculator 12 calculates the comfortable temperature range of each user evaluated to be present in area A1 by evaluator 15 (S32). More specifically, for each of users determined to be present in area A1, calculator 12 calculates the metabolic rate of the user by referring to the user information, and calculates a range of air temperature at which the PMV is −0.5 to 0.5 (i.e., calculates the comfortable temperature range) based on the calculated metabolic rate.

Calculator 12 determines the target temperature of area A1 based on the comfortable temperature range of each user evaluated to be present in area A1 by evaluator 15 (S33). More specifically, calculator 12 retrieves a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of each user evaluated to be present in area A1 overlap with each other, and compares the retrieved range with the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1. Calculator 12 determines, as the target temperature, a temperature in the searched range that has a small (here, the smallest) difference from the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1.

As described above, in air conditioning control system 100 and the air conditioning control method according to the present variation, there is an advantage that temperature control optimized for all users can be easily performed, because temperature control is performed taking into consideration users actually present in predetermined space Sp1.

<Other Variations>

In the embodiment, calculator 12 may calculate the comfortable temperature range for each of the users further based on the exercise intensity of the user. Here, the exercise intensity can be expressed, for example, by metabolic equivalent of task (METs) indicating the intensity of physical activity. For example, according to ISO-7730, if the activity level during rest in a seated position is 1 met, the activity level during rest in a standing position becomes 1.2 met. In the embodiment, the metabolic rate calculated for each user is the metabolic rate during rest in a seated position.

For example, if the user information includes the exercise intensity of the user, calculator 12 calculates the user's metabolic rate using either Equation (3) or (4), and calculates the metabolic rate according to the user's exercise intensity by multiplying the metabolic rate by a MET value corresponding to the user's exercise intensity. Calculator 12 then calculates, using the calculated metabolic rate and Equations (1) and (2), a comfortable temperature range at which the PMV is −0.5 to 0.5.

In such cases, compared to a case where the exercise intensity of each of the users is not referenced, there is an advantage that temperature control can be more easily performed to make each of the users feel comfortable.

As in the embodiment, when predetermined space Sp1 includes a plurality of areas A1, calculator 12 may determine, for each of the plurality of areas A1, an exercise intensity set according to area A1 as the exercise intensity for each of the users, and calculate the comfortable temperature range further based on that exercise intensity. For example, in second area A12 illustrated in FIG. 2, since each user performs work while standing, the exercise intensity of second area A12 is set to 1.2 met. For example, in third area A13 illustrated in FIG. 2, since each user performs work while sitting, the exercise intensity of third area A13 is set to 1 met. The exercise intensity of each area A1 is set, for example, by the administrator of each area A1.

In such cases, compared to a case where the exercise intensity of each of the users is not obtained, there is an advantage that temperature control can be more easily performed to make each of the users feel comfortable by referencing the exercise intensity determined according to area A1.

In the embodiment, user information may include a Clo value. Stated differently, calculator 12 may calculate the metabolic rate of each of the users by further considering the Clo value. For example, each user performs input to select the type of clothing that the user is wearing on input device 3. Upon obtainer 11 obtaining information indicating the type of clothing that the user is wearing, calculator 12 calculates the Clo value based on the obtained information.

In the embodiment, calculator 12 determines area A1 with the largest difference between the area temperature and the target temperature as the target area, but this example is non-limiting. For example, calculator 12 may determine area A1 with the lowest target temperature as the target area when each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is to perform cooling, and may determine area A1 with the highest target temperature as the target area when each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 is to perform heating. Stated differently, the predetermined condition may be that the target temperature is the lowest when the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in each of areas A1 are to perform cooling and the highest when the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 in each of areas A1 are to perform heating.

In the embodiment, air conditioning control system 100 controls each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 in coordination until the area temperature of each area A1 reaches the target temperature, but this example is non-limiting. For example, air conditioning control system 100 may simply instruct each unit of air conditioning equipment 2 to set the target temperature determined by calculator 12 as the set temperature. In such cases, obtainer 11 need not obtain the area temperature of each area A1.

In the embodiment, controller 13 is included in server 10, but this example is non-limiting. For example, controller 13 may be implemented by a module different from server 10. In such cases, the module including controller 13 may be configured to be capable of communicating with server 10, and configured to be capable of communicating with each unit of air conditioning equipment 2.

In the embodiment, controller 13 controls all air conditioning equipment 2 provided in predetermined space Sp1, but this example is non-limiting. For example, controller 13 may be provided for each area A1. In such cases, the number of controllers 13 and the number of areas A1 will be the same. Each controller 13 will control the one or more units of air conditioning equipment 2 of the corresponding area A1.

In the embodiment, predetermined space Sp1 includes a plurality of areas A1, but this example is non-limiting. For example, predetermined space Sp1 may be configured of a single area A1.

In the embodiment, the units of air conditioning equipment 2 provided in predetermined space Sp1 are not included as elements of air conditioning control system 100, but may be included as elements of air conditioning control system 100. Stated differently, air conditioning control system 100 may further include air conditioning equipment 2 provided in predetermined space Sp1.

The air conditioning control system may be implemented by a plurality of devices (for example, a plurality of servers), and, alternatively, may be implemented as a single device (for example, a single server). When the air conditioning control system is implemented by a plurality of devices, the elements (in particular, functional elements) included in the air conditioning control system may be distributed in any manner among the plurality of devices.

The communication method between devices in the above embodiment is not particularly limited. In communication between devices, a relay device (such as a broadband router) that is not shown may intervene.

In the above embodiment, processing performed by a particular processing unit may be performed by a different processing unit. The order of the plurality of processes may be changed, and the plurality of processes may be executed in parallel.

In the above embodiment, each element may be implemented by executing a software program suitable for the element. Each element may be implemented by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Each element may be implemented by hardware. For example, each element may be a circuit (or an integrated circuit). These circuits may constitute a single circuit as a whole, or may be separate circuits. These circuits may each be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

General or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus or device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM. Any given combination of a system, an apparatus or device, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium may be used to realize the aspects.

For example, the present invention may be realized as an information processing method executed by a computer of the air conditioning control system of the above embodiment. The present invention may be realized as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute these information processing methods. The present invention may be realized as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

Embodiments arrived at by a person skilled in the art making various modifications to any one of the embodiments, or embodiments realized by arbitrarily combining elements and functions in the embodiments which do not depart from the essence of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

SUMMARY

As described above, air conditioning control system 100 according to a first aspect includes obtainer 11, calculator 12, and controller 13. Obtainer 11 obtains, from each of users that use predetermined space Sp1 of a facility, user information related to an attribute of the user. Calculator 12 calculates the target temperature of predetermined space Sp1. Controller 13 controls air conditioning equipment 2 so as to bring the temperature of predetermined space Sp1 to the target temperature. For each of the users, calculator 12 calculates a comfortable temperature range in which the user feels comfortable, based on the user's metabolic rate, which is based on the user information, and a PMV. Calculator 12 determines, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap with each other.

In this air conditioning control system 100, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is operated without considering the attributes of each of the users and the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making each of the users feel comfortable.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a second aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to the first aspect, wherein calculator 12 calculates the comfortable temperature range for each of the users further based on an exercise intensity of the user.

In this air conditioning control system 100, compared to a case where the exercise intensity of each of the users is not referenced, there is an advantage that temperature control can be more easily performed to make each of the users feel comfortable.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a third aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to the first or second aspect, further including evaluator 15 that evaluates the presence or absence of a person in predetermined space Sp1. Calculator 12 calculates the comfortable temperature range of people evaluated to be present in predetermined space Sp1 by evaluator 15 as the users.

In this air conditioning control system 100, there is an advantage that temperature control optimized for all users can be easily performed, because temperature control is performed taking into consideration users actually present in predetermined space Sp1.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a fourth aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein predetermined space Sp1 includes a plurality of areas A1 in each of which air conditioning equipment 2 is provided. Calculator 12 calculates the target temperature for each of areas A1. Controller 13 controls air conditioning equipment 2 for each of areas A1 so as to bring the area temperature to the target temperature.

In this air conditioning control system 100, in each of areas A1, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making each of the users feel comfortable.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a fifth aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to the fourth aspect, wherein calculator 12 determines, for each of the plurality of areas A1, an exercise intensity set according to area A1 as the exercise intensity for each of the users, and calculates the comfortable temperature range further based on that exercise intensity.

In this air conditioning control system 100, even without obtaining the exercise intensity of each of the users, there is an advantage that temperature control can be more easily performed to make each of the users feel comfortable by referencing the exercise intensity determined according to area A1.

Air conditioning control system 100 according to a sixth aspect is air conditioning control system 100 according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further including air conditioning equipment 2 provided in predetermined space Sp1.

In this air conditioning control system 100, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is operated without considering the attributes of each of the users and the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making each of the users feel comfortable.

Air conditioning control method according to a seventh aspect includes obtaining (S11), calculating (S12, S13), and controlling (S24, S27). In the obtaining, user information related to an attribute of a user is obtained from each of users that use predetermined space Sp1 of a facility. In the calculating, the target temperature of predetermined space Sp1 is calculated. In the controlling, air conditioning equipment 2 provided in predetermined space Sp1 is controlled so as to bring the temperature of predetermined space Sp1 to the target temperature. The calculating includes: calculating a comfortable temperature range for each of the users based on a metabolic rate of the user and a PMV, the comfortable temperature range being a temperature range in which the user feels comfortable, the metabolic rate of the user being based on the user information; and determining, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from an outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap with each other.

In this air conditioning control method, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is operated without considering the attributes of each of the users and the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making each of the users feel comfortable.

A program according to an eighth aspect causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method according to the seventh aspect.

In this program, compared to a case where air conditioning equipment 2 is operated without considering the attributes of each of the users and the outside air temperature of predetermined space Sp1, there is an advantage that temperature control can be easily performed to reduce power consumption while making each of the users feel comfortable.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

• • 100 air conditioning control system
  • 11 obtainer
  • 12 calculator
  • 13 controller
  • 15 evaluator
  • 2 air conditioning equipment
  • A1 area
  • Sp1 predetermined space

Claims

1. An air conditioning control system comprising:

an obtainer that obtains, from each of users that use a predetermined space of a facility, user information related to an attribute of the user;

a calculator that calculates a target temperature of the predetermined space; and

a controller that so controls air conditioning equipment provided in the predetermined space as to bring a temperature of the predetermined space to the target temperature, wherein

the calculator: calculates a comfortable temperature range for each of the users based on a metabolic rate of the user and a predicted mean vote (PMV), the comfortable temperature range being a temperature range in which the user feels comfortable, the metabolic rate of the user being based on the user information; and determines, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from an outside air temperature of the predetermined space, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap with each other.

2. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein

the calculator calculates the comfortable temperature range for each of the users further based on an exercise intensity of the user.

3. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, further comprising:

an evaluator that evaluates presence or absence of a person in the predetermined space, wherein

the calculator calculates the comfortable temperature range of people evaluated to be present in the predetermined space by the evaluator as the users.

4. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, wherein

the predetermined space includes a plurality of areas in each of which the air conditioning equipment is provided,

the calculator calculates the target temperature for each of the plurality of areas, and

for each of the plurality of areas, the controller so controls the air conditioning equipment in the area as to bring the area temperature of the area to the target temperature.

5. The air conditioning control system according to claim 4, wherein

the calculator determines, for each of the plurality of areas, an exercise intensity set according to the area as an exercise intensity for each of the users, and calculates the comfortable temperature range further based on the exercise intensity.

6. The air conditioning control system according to claim 1, further comprising:

the air conditioning equipment provided in the predetermined space.

7. An air conditioning control method comprising:

obtaining, from each of users that use a predetermined space of a facility, user information related to an attribute of the user;

calculating a target temperature of the predetermined space; and

controlling air conditioning equipment provided in the predetermined space so as to bring a temperature of the predetermined space to the target temperature, wherein

the calculating includes: calculating a comfortable temperature range for each of the users based on a metabolic rate of the user and a predicted mean vote (PMV), the comfortable temperature range being a temperature range in which the user feels comfortable, the metabolic rate of the user being based on the user information; and determining, as the target temperature, a temperature that has a small difference from an outside air temperature of the predetermined space, within a range where at least a portion of the comfortable temperature ranges of the users overlap with each other.

8. A computer-readable non-transitory recording medium having recorded thereon a program that causes one or more processors to execute the air conditioning control method according to claim 7.