JP2012037159A - Control device for air conditioner and control device for freezer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a control device for an air conditioner and a control device for a freezer capable of reducing the sum total of power consumption while maintaining balance between an entire load in a target space and the sum total of the capability of each air conditioner or each freezer in consideration of the load state of a space for which each air conditioner or each freezer is responsible.SOLUTION: The control device 10 determines air conditioning capabilities of a plurality of air conditioners 20 on the basis of performance model data indicating a relationship between the air conditioning capability of each air conditioner 20 and power consumption, an overall air conditioning load that is a total value of the air conditioning loads of the plurality of air conditioners 20, and weight data for adjusting the distribution of the air conditioning capabilities of each of the air conditioners 20 so that the sum of the air conditioning capabilities of the plurality of air conditioners 20 may become equal to the overall air conditioning loads and that the sum of power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners 20 may be minimum. The control device sends out each of the control signal relating to the determined air conditioning capabilities to the plurality of air conditioners 20.

Description

  The present invention relates to a control device for an air conditioner that controls a plurality of air conditioners, and a control device for a refrigeration device that controls a plurality of refrigeration devices.

  The power consumption of a system including a plurality of refrigeration apparatuses (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “refrigerators”) or a system including a plurality of air conditioners (hereinafter also referred to simply as “air conditioners”) to which the refrigerators are applied. In order to reduce this, there is a technique for controlling a control element of a refrigerator or an air conditioner by obtaining cooperative operation conditions by an empirical rule and a planning method such as a mathematical plan and a metaheuristic method (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). 3).

  In the operation method of the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, an approximate expression (hereinafter also referred to as “approximate model expression”) that models the relationship between the refrigeration capacity and power consumption of a plurality of refrigerators is obtained. For each of the plurality of refrigerators, the center of gravity, which is data used as the reference for the operation result data, is compared per unit period, and the approximate expression obtained earlier is corrected based on the change in the relative value that is the difference. Then, the overall power consumption of the plurality of refrigerators is calculated based on the corrected approximate expression, and the refrigeration capacity of each refrigerator when the calculated overall power consumption is reduced is set. And the operating state of each refrigerator is controlled with the set freezing capacity.

  In the air conditioner operation control apparatus described in Patent Document 2, the optimum operation condition of the air conditioner in an apparatus in which a large number of air conditioners are combined is determined by a genetic algorithm and a mutually integrated neuron.

  In the operation control method of the air conditioning system described in Patent Literature 3, when there are a plurality of air conditioners in one air conditioning zone, for example, one room, the air conditioner should be operated with priority from the operation efficiency of each air conditioner. Priority air conditioners are set in advance. And when an air conditioner other than the priority air conditioner reaches the operation start temperature condition, it instructs the non-operating priority air conditioner to start operation without instructing the air conditioner to start operation, Alternatively, control is performed by the control computer so as to instruct the operating prioritized air conditioner to increase the output and operate. In this way, energy saving in the air conditioning zone is improved, and durability and reliability of each air conditioner are improved.

JP 2007-85601 A (page 3, line 27 to line 39, FIG. 4) JP-A-8-5126 (page 3, left column, line 49 to right column, line 33, FIG. 1) JP 2008-57818 A (3rd page, 45th line to 4th page, 5th line, FIG. 10)

  When multiple air conditioners are installed in the same space for air conditioning, if each air conditioner performs operation control independently, the air conditioning capacity of some air conditioners may become excessive or the air conditioning of some air conditioners Operation control is performed such that the capacity becomes too small, and the energy consumption of the entire system cannot be reduced.

  In addition, considering the realization of comfort by air conditioners, as is done by conventional single operation control, the heat source status of the space that each air conditioner is in charge of air conditioning, such as a personal computer (PC), etc. It is also necessary to control the operation of each air conditioner in consideration of office equipment that generates heat, solar radiation from the outside, and the number of people present. Therefore, it is desired to reduce energy consumption by performing coordinated control of a plurality of air conditioners in consideration of the heat load situation of the space in charge of each air conditioner.

  However, in the conventional technology, the efficiency of determining the appropriate air conditioning capacity to reduce the power consumption of the entire system including multiple air conditioners in consideration of the thermal load status of the space in charge of each air conditioner There is a problem that general control cannot be performed. In the case of a refrigerator, it is the same as the case of an air conditioner, and in consideration of the heat load situation of the space that each refrigerator is in charge of refrigeration, to reduce the power consumption of the entire system including multiple refrigerators There is a problem that it is not possible to perform efficient control to determine an appropriate refrigeration capacity.

  For example, in the operation method of the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1 described above, the target refrigeration capacity is allocated according to the ratio of the rated refrigeration capacity of a plurality of operated refrigerators, and the refrigeration capacity of each refrigerator is determined. The power consumption with respect to the determined refrigeration capacity is evaluated from an approximate model expression indicating the relationship between the refrigeration capacity and the power consumption. However, with allocation based on the ratio of rated refrigeration capacity, optimal distribution of refrigeration capacity cannot be obtained, and there are other distributions of refrigeration capacity that can further reduce power consumption, or refrigeration capacity that can necessarily reduce power consumption There is a problem that cannot be determined. Originally, it is necessary to determine the distribution of the freezing capacity that can reduce the power consumption from the relationship between the actual freezing capacity and the power consumption.

  In addition, since the amount of air conditioning capacity allocated to the overall air conditioning load in the air-conditioned space varies depending on the number of air conditioners to be operated, the amount of power consumption due to the allocation of air conditioning capacity is closely related to the selection of the number of operating units. Is involved. In the case of refrigerators, as with air conditioners, the amount of refrigeration capacity allocated to the entire refrigeration load in the space subject to refrigeration varies depending on the number of refrigerators being operated. Is closely related to the number of units in operation. Therefore, selection of the number of operating units is indispensable for reducing the power consumption of the entire system including the air conditioner or the refrigerator.

  However, in the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 described above, efficient control for performing integrated determination of air conditioning capacity or refrigeration capacity and selection of the number of operating units is not performed.

  Moreover, the control part or control apparatus used by the technique disclosed by the above-mentioned patent documents 1-3 may have a lot of calculation data of calculation, or there may be many reference data required for calculation, and from practical restrictions. There is a problem in that it cannot be implemented in a microcomputer having a low calculation capacity and a limited memory capacity.

  The object of the present invention is to consider the overall air conditioning load in the space to be air-conditioned and the total air conditioning capacity of each air conditioner in consideration of the load condition such as the thermal load of the space in charge of each air conditioner. An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner control device capable of reducing the total power consumption while maintaining a balance.

  Another object of the present invention is to consider the load conditions such as the thermal load of the space in charge of each refrigeration apparatus, the total refrigeration load in the space to be frozen, and the total cooling capacity of each refrigeration apparatus. It is providing the control apparatus of the freezing apparatus which can reduce the sum total of power consumption, maintaining this balance.

  An air conditioner control device according to the present invention is an air conditioner control device that controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in the same space as air conditioning targets, and the air conditioner has the air conditioning capability and power consumption. Data storage means for storing performance model data representing the relationship of each of the air conditioners, overall air conditioning load calculating means for obtaining an overall air conditioning load that is a total value of air conditioning loads of the plurality of air conditioners, and the air conditioning Weighting data setting means for setting weighting data for adjusting the distribution of the air conditioning capacity for each unit, and the sum of the air conditioning capacities of the plurality of air conditioners based on the performance model data, the overall air conditioning load, and the weighting data Is the overall air conditioning load, and the air conditioning capacity distribution for determining the air conditioning capacity of each of the plurality of air conditioners so that the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners is minimized. Calculating means, a control signal related to the air-conditioning capacity, characterized in that it comprises a control signal sending means for sending each of the plurality of air conditioners.

  Further, the control device for a refrigeration apparatus of the present invention is a control apparatus for a refrigeration apparatus that controls a plurality of refrigeration apparatuses installed in the same space as a cooling target, and has a relationship between the refrigeration capacity and power consumption of the refrigeration apparatus. Data storage means for storing performance model data for each refrigeration apparatus, total refrigeration load calculation means for obtaining an overall refrigeration load that is a total value of the refrigeration loads of the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses, and refrigeration capacity for each refrigeration apparatus Based on weighting data setting means for setting weighting data for adjusting the distribution of the performance model data, the total refrigeration load and the weighting data, the sum of the refrigeration capacities of the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses becomes the total refrigeration load, And the refrigerating capacity distribution calculating means for respectively obtaining the refrigerating capacity of the plurality of refrigerating apparatuses so as to minimize the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of refrigerating apparatuses, A control signal related to the refrigerating capacity, characterized in that it comprises a control signal sending means for sending each of the plurality of refrigerating apparatuses.

  According to the control device for an air conditioner of the present invention, the performance model data stored in the data storage means, the overall air conditioning load obtained by the overall air conditioning load calculating means, and the weighting data set by the weighting data setting means. Based on the above, the sum of the air conditioning capacities of a plurality of air conditioners installed in the same space for air conditioning becomes the aforementioned overall air conditioning load, and the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners is minimized. The air conditioning capabilities of the plurality of air conditioners are respectively determined by the air conditioning capability distribution calculating means. A control signal relating to the obtained air conditioning capability is sent to each of the plurality of air conditioners by the control signal sending means. As a result, considering the load situation of the space that each air conditioner is in charge of, the power consumption is maintained while maintaining a balance between the total air conditioning load in the air-conditioned space and the total air conditioning capacity of the operating air conditioner. Can be reduced.

  Further, according to the control device for a refrigeration apparatus of the present invention, the performance model data stored in the data storage means, the total refrigeration load calculated by the total refrigeration load calculation means, and the weighting data set by the weighting data setting means Based on the above, the sum of the refrigeration capacities of a plurality of refrigeration apparatuses installed in the same space as the object of refrigeration becomes the above-described overall refrigeration load, and the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses is minimized. Refrigerating capacities of the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses are respectively obtained by the capacity distribution calculating means. A control signal relating to the obtained refrigeration capacity is sent to the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses by the control signal sending means. In this way, considering the load situation of the space that each refrigeration unit is responsible for, the total amount of power consumption is maintained while maintaining a balance between the total refrigeration load in the space to be cooled and the total refrigeration capacity of the refrigeration unit in operation. Can be reduced.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the air conditioner system 1 provided with the control apparatus 10 of the air conditioner which is the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus 10 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows schematically the refrigerant circuit 20A of the air conditioner 20 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows an example of the relationship between an air-conditioning capability and power consumption. It is a figure which shows the data format of the performance model data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the driving information data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the air-conditioning load data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the weighting data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the user setting value of the weighting data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the measured number data in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the cooperative control process of the control apparatus 10 in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of 10 A of control apparatuses in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the cooperative control process of 10 A of control apparatuses in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the driving | operation possible information data D4 in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the driving | operation combination list | wrist of the air conditioner in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the extended performance model data in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the performance model data in the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a graph which shows the efficiency curve showing the relationship between an air conditioning capability and an operation efficiency for every air conditioning machine. It is a graph which shows the efficiency curve at the time of expressing the air-conditioning capability Q which is a horizontal axis of FIG. 18 using the intermediate variable (mu). It is a graph which shows an example of the relationship between air-conditioning capability and driving efficiency (gamma). It is a figure which shows the data format of the extended performance model data in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the driving | operation combination list | wrist of an air conditioner in the 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the driving | running state data in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the other driving | running state data in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the operation possible state data in the 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the data format of the other operation possible state data in the 6th Embodiment of this invention.

<First Embodiment>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioner system 1 including an air conditioner control device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioner control device (hereinafter simply referred to as “control device”) 10 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of air conditioners (hereinafter simply referred to as “air conditioners”) installed in the same space 5 as air conditioning targets. 20a-20d are controlled. Hereinafter, the space targeted for air conditioning by the plurality of air conditioners 20a to 20d, that is, the same space 5 as the air conditioning target space by the plurality of air conditioners 20a to 20d is referred to as “air conditioning target space”. In the present embodiment, one indoor space divided by the wall 4 is referred to as an “air conditioning target space 5”.

  An air conditioner system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as an “air conditioner system”) 1 includes a control device 10 and a plurality of air conditioners 20a to 20d. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner system 1 includes four air conditioners 20a to 20d, specifically, first to fourth air conditioners 20a to 20d. In the following description, the first air conditioner 20a is described as "air conditioner No1", the second air conditioner 20b is described as "air conditioner No2", the third air conditioner 20c is described as "air conditioner No3", The fourth air conditioner 20d may be described as “air conditioner No4”. When an unspecified air conditioner is indicated, the suffixes “a” to “d” of reference numerals may be omitted as in “air conditioner 20”.

  Each of the air conditioners 20a to 20d includes indoor units 2a to 2d and outdoor units 3a to 3d. Specifically, the first air conditioner 20a includes a first indoor unit 2a and a first outdoor unit 3a. The second air conditioner 20b includes a second indoor unit 2b and a second outdoor unit 3b. The third air conditioner 20c includes a third indoor unit 2c and a third outdoor unit 3c. The fourth air conditioner 20d includes a fourth indoor unit 2d and a fourth outdoor unit 3d. In the following description, when an unspecified indoor unit is indicated, the suffixes “a” to “d” of the reference signs may be omitted as in “indoor unit 2”. In addition, when an unspecified outdoor unit is indicated, reference characters “a” to “d” may be omitted as in “outdoor unit 3”.

  Each indoor unit 2 is arranged in the air-conditioning target space 5. Each outdoor unit 3 is arranged outside the air-conditioning target space 5. Indoor units 2a-2d and outdoor units 3a-3d are connected by corresponding refrigerant pipes 7a-7d. Specifically, the first indoor unit 2a and the first outdoor unit 3a are connected by a first refrigerant pipe 7a. The second indoor unit 2b and the second outdoor unit 3b are connected by a second refrigerant pipe 7b. The third indoor unit 2c and the third outdoor unit 3c are connected by a third refrigerant pipe 7c. The fourth indoor unit 2d and the fourth outdoor unit 3d are connected by a fourth refrigerant pipe 7d. In the following description, when an unspecified refrigerant pipe is indicated, the reference numerals “a” to “d” may be omitted as in “refrigerant pipe 7”.

  Each air conditioner 20 changes the pressure of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant pipe 7 in accordance with control from the control device 10, and performs air conditioning of the air-conditioning target space 5 by heat absorption and heat dissipation of the refrigerant. More specifically, each air conditioner 20 is mainly in charge of air conditioning in a space (hereinafter, may be referred to as “area”) in the vicinity of the air conditioner target space 5 in which the indoor unit 2 is installed. In the following, the area in charge of each air conditioner 20 may be referred to as “area in charge” or “air conditioning area”. Each air conditioner 20 performs air conditioning of the air-conditioning target space 5 including the area in charge of the other air conditioner 20 when the other air conditioners 20 are stopped.

  In the present embodiment, an air conditioner system 1 including four air conditioners 20 will be described as an example. However, the number of air conditioners 20 is not limited to four, and the air conditioners 20 are N (N is N 2 or more natural numbers).

  In the present embodiment, as an example, a case where one air conditioner 20 includes one indoor unit 2 and one outdoor unit 3 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and one air conditioner 20 includes the indoor unit 2. And the structure provided with two or more outdoor units 3 may be sufficient.

  The control device 10 is communicably connected to each indoor unit 2. In the present embodiment, communication between the control device 10 and each indoor unit 2 is wired communication, and the control device 10 is connected to each indoor unit 2 via the communication line 8. The control device 10 includes measurement data measured by measurement means such as a sensor (not shown) installed in the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3, and the operating state of the air conditioner 20, specifically, the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit. 3 is received from the indoor unit 2 as input information.

  The control device 10 sends setting information regarding the air conditioner 20 set by the user, data of results calculated inside the control device 10, and the like as control signals to the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3. A control signal sent from the control device 10 to the outdoor unit 3 is given to the outdoor unit 3 via the indoor unit 2.

  The control device 10 may be configured integrally with a normal remote controller (hereinafter referred to as “remote control”) having a normal control function when the present invention is not applied, or may be provided separately from the normal remote control. . The control device 10 may be realized by a computer. The communication between the control device 10 and each indoor unit 2 may be wireless communication.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 10 includes a data storage unit 11, a data storage unit 12, a data setting unit 13, an overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14, an air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15, a control signal sending unit 16, and weighting data. A setting unit 17 is provided.

  The data storage unit 11 corresponds to a data storage unit. The data storage unit 12 corresponds to a data storage unit. The overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 corresponds to an overall air conditioning load calculation unit. The air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 corresponds to air conditioning capacity distribution calculation means. The control signal sending unit 16 corresponds to control signal sending means. The weighting data setting unit 17 corresponds to weighting data setting means.

  The data storage unit 11 includes setting data input by the user, air conditioning load data and operation information data input through the communication line 8, intermediate data being calculated by the calculation unit, and control output obtained after the calculation is completed. Store the data. The contents of each data will be described later.

  The data storage unit 12 stores basic definition data and the like used by the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 and the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 and is referred to when necessary in the calculation. Data stored in the data storage unit 12 includes, for example, coefficient data of a function representing a performance model that defines the relationship between air conditioning capacity and power consumption, and performance model data such as maximum air conditioning capacity and minimum air conditioning capacity. . Data such as coefficient data and performance model data is stored in the data storage unit 12 for each air conditioner 20. The contents of the coefficient data and the performance model data will be described later.

  The data setting unit 13 sets, that is, sets various data necessary for the calculation. Further, the data setting unit 13 executes an initialization process.

  The overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 reads out and refers to the air conditioning load data representing the capacity value of each air conditioner 20 at the next control timing (hereinafter also referred to as “air conditioning load”) from the data storage unit 11. Then, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 calculates and obtains the overall air conditioning load that is the total value of the air conditioning loads of the respective air conditioners 20 at the next control timing. The overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 writes overall air conditioning load data representing the overall air conditioning load obtained after the execution of the arithmetic processing in the data storage unit 11.

  The weighting data setting unit 17 sets weighting data based on the measurement data obtained by measuring the air conditioning target space 5. The measurement data is acquired by using measurement means installed in advance in the indoor unit 2, for example, an indoor temperature sensor 23 shown in FIG. The measurement data may be acquired using a measurement means newly installed in the indoor unit 2, for example, a sensor, separately from the measurement means previously installed in the indoor unit 2. Moreover, the measurement means for acquiring measurement data may be a measurement means, for example, a sensor, disposed in the air-conditioning target space 5 separately from the indoor unit 2. The measurement data is a physical quantity representing a situation in the air-conditioning target space 5, such as temperature, heat quantity, humidity, load quantity, and the like. Further, the measurement data may be the number of people present in the air-conditioning target space 5. The measurement data is acquired for each air conditioner 20, and represents a physical quantity representing the situation in the area in charge of each air conditioner 20, or the number of persons existing in the area in charge.

  When the measurement data is acquired using the measurement means installed in the indoor unit 2 in advance, the weighting data setting unit 17 measures the measurement data stored in the data storage unit 11, for example, at the next control timing. The air conditioning load data representing the capacity value of each air conditioner 20 is referred to, and weighting data for each air conditioner 20 at the next control timing is calculated and obtained. Then, the weighting data setting unit 17 writes the weighting data obtained after the execution of the calculation in the data storage unit 11.

  The weighting data setting unit 17 may refer to numerical values set in the data storage unit 11 by the user through the data setting unit 13 instead of the measurement data. The data referred to by the weighting data setting unit 17 may be other data stored in the data storage unit 11.

  The air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 reads out and refers to the entire air conditioning load data and weighting data from the data storage unit 11. In addition, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 reads the performance model data from the data storage unit 12 and refers to it. Then, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 calculates the distribution amount allocated to each outdoor unit 3 of the air conditioning capacity that maintains the balance with the entire air conditioning load and reduces power consumption in consideration of the weighted data and the performance model data. Then, execute the required process. The air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 writes the air conditioning capacity value obtained after the execution of the calculation process in the data storage unit 11. Details of the processing in the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 will be described later.

  The control signal sending unit 16 reads the air conditioning capability of each air conditioner 20 obtained as a calculation result from the data storage unit 11, and sends a control signal indicating an instruction to operate with the read air conditioning capability through the communication line 8. Execute the process sent to.

  The overall air conditioning load calculating unit 14, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating unit 15, the control signal sending unit 16, and the weighting data setting unit 17 can be realized by hardware such as a circuit device having these functions, or a microcomputer ( It can also be realized as software executed on a computer which is an arithmetic device such as an abbreviation: microcomputer and CPU (Central Processing Unit).

  The data storage unit 11, the data storage unit 12, and the data setting unit 13 can be configured by a storage device such as a flash memory, for example.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a refrigerant circuit 20A of the air conditioner 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In each air conditioner 20, as shown in FIG. 3, the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected via a gas connection pipe 71 and a liquid connection pipe 72. The gas connection pipe 71 and the liquid connection pipe 72 constitute the refrigerant pipe 7.

  The indoor unit 2 includes an indoor heat exchanger 21, an indoor blower 22, and an indoor temperature sensor 23. The outdoor unit 3 includes a compressor 31, a four-way valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor blower 34, an expansion device 35, and an outdoor temperature sensor 36. The compressor 31, the outdoor heat exchanger 33, the expansion device 35, and the indoor heat exchanger 21 are connected in an annular shape to constitute a refrigerant circuit 20A.

  The indoor temperature sensor 23 corresponds to first temperature detection means, and the outdoor temperature sensor 36 corresponds to second temperature detection means.

  The indoor heat exchanger 21 is realized by, for example, a cross-fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger configured by heat transfer tubes and a large number of fins. The indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant evaporator during cooling operation to cool indoor air, that is, air in the air-conditioning target space 5. The indoor heat exchanger 21 functions as a refrigerant condenser during heating operation, and heats indoor air, that is, air in the air-conditioning target space 5.

  The indoor blower 22 is attached to the indoor heat exchanger 21, and is realized by, for example, a fan capable of changing the flow rate of air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21. The indoor blower 22 sucks indoor air into the indoor unit 2, that is, air in the air conditioning target space 5, and uses the air heat exchanged with the refrigerant by the indoor heat exchanger 21 as supply air in the air conditioning target space 5. To supply.

  The room temperature sensor 23 is realized by a thermistor, for example. The indoor temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature of the gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 21. That is, the indoor temperature sensor 23 detects the condensation temperature during the heating operation and the evaporation temperature during the cooling operation.

  The compressor 31 can have a variable operating capacity, and is realized, for example, by a positive displacement compressor driven by a motor (not shown) controlled by an inverter. The compressor 31 is controlled by the control device 10 shown in FIG.

  In the present embodiment, a case where only one compressor 31 is provided will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more compressors 31 are connected in parallel according to the number of indoor units 2 connected. It may be a configuration.

  The four-way valve 32 is a valve for switching the direction of refrigerant flow. The four-way valve 32 switches the refrigerant flow path so as to connect the discharge side of the compressor 31 and the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and connect the suction side of the compressor 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 during the cooling operation. . The four-way valve 32 connects the discharge side of the compressor 31 and the indoor heat exchanger 21 and connects the suction side of the compressor 31 and the outdoor heat exchanger 33 during the heating operation. Switch.

  The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is realized by, for example, a cross fin type fin-and-tube heat exchanger constituted by heat transfer tubes and a large number of fins. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 has a gas side connected to the four-way valve 32 and a liquid side connected to the expansion device 35. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a refrigerant condenser during the cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant evaporator during the heating operation.

  The outdoor blower 34 is attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and is realized by, for example, a fan capable of changing the flow rate of air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor blower 34 sucks outdoor air into the outdoor unit 3, that is, air outside the air-conditioning target space 5, and discharges the air heat-exchanged with the refrigerant by the outdoor heat exchanger 33 to the outside, that is, outside the air-conditioning target space 5. To do.

  The expansion device 35 is connected and disposed between the liquid connection pipe 72 and the outdoor unit 3. The throttle device 35 has a variable throttle opening and adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 20A.

  The outdoor temperature sensor 36 is realized by a thermistor, for example. The outdoor temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the gas-liquid two-phase state in the outdoor heat exchanger 33. That is, the outdoor temperature sensor 36 detects the condensation temperature during the cooling operation and the evaporation temperature during the heating operation.

  Next, various data stored in the data storage unit 11 and various data stored in the data storage unit 12 will be described.

[Performance model data]
FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between air conditioning capability and power consumption. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data format of the performance model data in the first embodiment of the present invention.

  The power consumption of the air conditioner 20 is mainly composed of compressor power consumption, electronic board input power, indoor / outdoor fan input power, and the like. The relationship between the air conditioning capability and the power consumption in the air conditioner 20 is expressed by, for example, a curve 40 shown in FIG. 4 and can be sufficiently approximated by a quadratic expression as shown in the following expression (1), for example.

In Equation (1), W _k represents the power consumption (kW) of the air conditioner k (k = 1, 2, 3...), Q _k represents the air conditioning capability (kW) of the air conditioner _k , and a _k , B _k and c _k indicate coefficient data. Of the coefficient data of the equation (1), a _k is a secondary coefficient, b _k is a primary coefficient, and c _k is a constant.

The coefficient data of the equation (1) for each air conditioner 20 and the minimum capacity value Q ^min (kW) and the maximum capacity value Q ^max (kW) of each air conditioner 20 are defined together as performance model data. The performance model data is stored in the data storage unit 12 for each air conditioner 20, for example, in the data format shown in FIG. In FIG. 5, the performance model data of each air conditioner 20 is indicated by adding the number of the air conditioner (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “air conditioner No”) as a subscript.

[Operation information data]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a data format of the driving information data in the first embodiment of the present invention. The operation information data for each air conditioner 20 represents an operation state at the next control timing. The operation state at the next control timing is based on the current operation state of each air conditioner 20, control information from the outside at the next control timing, for example, information indicating main power off (OFF) by the user, and air conditioner 20 It is set based on a control judgment, for example, a judgment that there is a forced stop time for equipment protection after the thermostat of the air conditioner 20 is turned off. Here, “thermo OFF” means that the temperature in the air-conditioning target space 5 reaches the set temperature and the compressor 31 stops, and that the compressor 31 starts operating is “thermo ON”.

  The driving information data defines, for example, “1” when driving by cooperative control described later, “0” when stopping driving by cooperative control, and “when the power of the air conditioner 20 is OFF”. −1 ”and defined as“ −2 ”when it is excluded from cooperative control, and stored in the data storage unit 11 in the data format shown in FIG.

  The driving information data is handled as follows in the cooperative control, for example. When the operation information data for an air conditioner 20 is “1”, the air conditioner 20 is in a state of being operated by cooperative control at the next control timing (hereinafter referred to as “balanced operation state”), and is controlled thereafter. The function can transition the state to thermo ON / OFF as required.

  Further, when the operation information data for an air conditioner 20 is “0”, the air conditioner 20 is in a state of stopping operation by cooperative control at the next control timing (hereinafter referred to as “balance stop state”), Thereafter, the control function can transition the state to thermo ON / OFF as necessary. In the balance stop state, only the compressor 31 may be temporarily stopped. The above two states, that is, the balance operation state and the balance stop state are states to be subjected to cooperative control.

  When the operation information data for a certain air conditioner 20 is “−1”, the air conditioner 20 is in a power-off state. The power OFF is a state in which the circuit including the main power switch is opened by the user. Unless the circuit including the main power switch is switched to the closed state by the user, the thermo ON / OFF state or the state outside the cooperative control target is set. There is no return.

  When the operation information data for an air conditioner 20 is “−2”, the air conditioner 20 has a circuit including the main power switch in a closed state and is in a thermo ON / OFF state, but is set or controlled by the user. Due to the determination by the function, the air conditioner is separated from the group of air conditioners to be cooperatively controlled, and is out of the target of cooperative control.

[Air conditioning load data]
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data format of the air conditioning load data in the first embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning load data for each air conditioner 20 represents the air conditioning capacity to be output at the next control timing, and is determined based on measurement data measured by a measuring means such as a sensor provided in each air conditioner 20. Is done. It is assumed that the air conditioning load data cannot be obtained from the air conditioner 20 that is in a power-off state and the air conditioner 20 that is not in a cooperative control target.

In the present embodiment, the air conditioning capacity of each air conditioner 20 is the air conditioning load (kW) of each air conditioner 20 at the next control timing. For example, the compressor 31 according to the difference ΔT _j between the temperature set as the temperature to be adjusted by the air conditioner 20 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “set temperature”) and the indoor temperature, that is, the temperature in the air-conditioned space 5. Is determined, the air conditioning capacity (kW) is determined according to the rotational speed, and the determined air conditioning capacity is set as the air conditioning load (kW) of the air conditioner 20.

  The air conditioning load data is transmitted to the control device 10 through the communication line 8 and stored in the data storage unit 11 in the data format shown in FIG.

The air conditioning load data shown in FIG. 7 is, for example, air conditioning load data obtained based on the operation information data shown in FIG. 6, and air conditioners other than air conditioner No 4 in the power-off state, that is, air conditioners No 1 to No. 3 are used. Represents the air conditioning load (≧ 0). In FIG. 7, the air conditioning load data of each air conditioner 20 is represented by L _k (k = 1, 2, 3,...). Here, k is a natural number and represents the air conditioner No. The air conditioning load data may be expressed as “−1” for the air conditioner 20 in the power-off state, for example, the air conditioner No 4. Moreover, what is necessary is just to express air-conditioning load data as "-2" with respect to the air conditioner 20 which is a state outside a cooperative control object.

[Weighted data]
The weighting data setting unit 17 determines weighting data for each air conditioner 20 at the next control timing. In the present embodiment, the weighting data setting unit 17 determines a positive value as the weighting data. A case where the weighting data setting unit 17 determines the weighting data with reference to the air conditioning load data of each air conditioner 20 stored in the data storage unit 11 will be described.

Weighting data setting unit 17, from the data storage unit 11, referring to read the air conditioning load data L _k of each air conditioner 20, by the following equation (2), to determine the weighting data for each air conditioner 20.

In equation (2), γ _k represents the weight of the air conditioner k (k = 1, 2, 3,...). The index j of the symbol Σ in the denominator of Expression (2) represents an air conditioner whose referenced air conditioning load data is a value other than “−1” and “−2”.

By setting the weighting data proportional to the reciprocal of the air conditioning load data L _k as shown in the equation (2), in the cooperative control process described later, the overall air conditioning load and the sum of the air conditioning capabilities of the operating air conditioners 20 are calculated. While maintaining the balance, a larger air conditioning capacity than the air conditioner 20 having a large weighting data can be assigned to the air conditioner 20 having a small weighting data. In other words, while maintaining a balance between the overall air conditioning load and the total air conditioning capacity of the operating air conditioner 20, the air conditioning load at the next control timing is greater than the air conditioner 20 with the large air conditioning load at the next control timing. A larger air conditioning capacity than the small air conditioner 20 can be assigned.

In the present embodiment, as shown in Expression (2), normalization processing is performed by normalizing the sum of the reciprocals of the air conditioning load data L _k , but the normalization processing may not be performed. For example, when the air conditioning load data L _k is “−1” representing the air conditioning load for the air conditioner 20 in the power-off state, the weighting data for the air conditioner 20 may be expressed as “0”. Further, when the air conditioning load data L _k is “−2” that represents the air conditioning load on the air conditioner 20 that is not in the cooperative control target, the weighting data for the air conditioner 20 may be expressed as “0”.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the weighting data is determined by Expression (2). However, the expression for determining weighting data may be any expression that can be set as weighting data. It is not limited to.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data format of the weighting data according to the first embodiment of this invention. The weighting data determined by the weighting data setting unit 17 is stored in the data storage unit 11 in the data format shown in FIG.

The weighting data shown in FIG. 8 is, for example, weighting data obtained under the air conditioning load data L _k shown in FIG. 7, and is an air conditioner other than the air conditioner No 4 that is in the power-off state, that is, the air conditioners No 1 to No 3. Represents a weighting (> 0).

A case will be described in which the data to be referred to when the weighting data is determined is different. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data format of the user setting value of the weighting data according to the first embodiment of this invention. For example, when the user sets weighting data by the data setting unit 13, the data setting unit 13 sets the weighting data set by the user as the user setting weighting data in the data format shown in FIG. To store. In FIG. 9, the user setting weight data of each air conditioner 20 is represented by α _k (k = 1, 2, 3,...). Here, k is a natural number and represents the air conditioner No. In the present embodiment, the user sets a positive value as the weighting data by the data setting unit 13.

  The weighting data setting unit 17 refers to the user setting weighting data stored in the data storage unit 11 and determines the weighting data of each air conditioner 20 by the following equation (3). The index i of the symbol Σ in the denominator of Expression (3) represents the air conditioner 20 whose operation information data to be referenced has a value other than “−1” and “−2”. In the equation (3), the user setting weight data for the air conditioner i is represented by α. At this time, the weighting data determined by the weighting data setting unit 17 has the data format shown in FIG. 8 and is stored in the data storage unit 11.

  Furthermore, the indoor unit 2 of each air conditioner 20 is newly equipped with a sensor as a measuring means, and the number of people existing in the area in charge of each air conditioner 20 is measured by the sensor, and the measured number of people is used as measurement data. A case where data is stored in the data storage unit 11 will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data format of the measured number data in the first embodiment of the present invention. The measurement data is stored in the data storage unit 11 in a data format as shown in FIG. The number-of-persons data shown in FIG. 10 is weighted data obtained based on the air-conditioning load data shown in FIG. 7, for example, and the number-of-persons data for the air conditioner No. 4 in the power-off state is represented as “−1”. “0” or a positive number represents the number of people measured in the area in charge of each air conditioner 20.

  The weighting data setting unit 17 refers to the measurement data representing the number of people from the data storage unit 11, and determines the weighting data of each air conditioner 20 by the equation (4). The index 1 of the denominator symbol Σ in equation (4) represents an air conditioner whose operation information data to be referenced has a value other than “−1” and “−2”. For example, when the operation information data is “−1” or “−2”, the weighting data for the air conditioner may be expressed as “0”. In Formula (4), the number of people measured by the air conditioner l is represented by H. At this time, the number “0” of the air conditioner No. 2 is handled by replacing it with a small value such as 0.01 in order to avoid indefinite calculation. In the present embodiment, the weighting data is determined by the equation (4). However, the equation for determining the weighting data is not limited to the equation (4) as long as it can be set as the weighting data. Absent.

  The weighting data determined by the weighting data setting unit 17 is stored in the data storage unit 11 in the data format shown in FIG.

  Next, the contents of the cooperative control process by the plurality of air conditioners 20 according to the first embodiment will be described. Using the relationship between the air conditioning capacity and power consumption represented by the secondary equation of the above-described equation (1) and the weighted data, the air conditioner 20 operating at the next control timing, here the air conditioners No1, No2 , No 3 and No 4 are assigned air conditioning capacity to reduce power consumption as follows.

The load of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20 while maintaining a balance between the total air conditioning load L and the total air conditioning capacity Q _k (k = 1, 2, 3,...) Consider the problem of minimizing the evaluation function f for evaluating the total power consumption when the situation is reflected.

In equation (5), Q ^min represents the minimum capacity of the air conditioner, Q ^max represents the maximum capacity of the air conditioner, and γ _k represents weighted data for the air conditioner k.

  As shown in Equation (5), the sum of the weighted power consumption of each air conditioner is a multivariable function (hereinafter referred to as “first multivariable function”) f with the air conditioning capability Q of each air conditioner as a variable. . Then, under the constraint that the sum of the air conditioning capacities Q of the air conditioners becomes the overall air conditioning load L, the air conditioning of each air conditioner in which the first multivariable function f is an extreme value, specifically, a minimum value. Each ability Q is obtained. This minimum value is the minimum value under the constraint conditions.

  The solution to the problem of equation (5) can be obtained analytically. In the present embodiment, a case where the Lagrange's undetermined multiplier method is used will be described. The method for obtaining the solution to the problem of equation (5) is not limited to the Lagrange's undetermined multiplier method, as long as the solution to the problem of equation (5) can be obtained.

  First, an intermediate variable μ having a coefficient that is a constraint condition that the sum of the air-conditioning capacities Q of the air conditioners becomes the overall air-conditioning load L is added to the expression (5), and a second multi-variable like the following expression (6) is added. Consider function F.

  Next, the following formula (7) is obtained from the extreme value condition of the formula (6).

  By rearranging equation (7), an intermediate variable μ that satisfies the condition that each variable of the second multivariable function F is an extreme value is given by the following equation (8).

That is, when the intermediate variable μ, which is a Lagrange multiplier, of the equation (5) representing the balance maintenance of the overall air conditioning load L and the sum of the air conditioning capacities Q _k of each air conditioner is used, the air conditioning capacities of the air conditioners Q _k is given as an algebraic expression as shown in the following equation (9).

As described above, by determining the air conditioning capability Q _k of each air conditioner 20 based on the intermediate variable μ, the performance model data, and the weighting data, each air conditioner 20 that is subject to cooperative control can perform each air conditioning. Considering the load situation of the space that the machine 20 is in charge of, it is possible to obtain an air conditioning capacity sufficient to meet the overall air conditioning load L with as little power consumption as possible.

  Next, the operation of the cooperative control process in the first embodiment will be specifically described. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to the cooperative control processing of the control device 10 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This Embodiment demonstrates the case where weighting data is determined with reference to the air-conditioning load data of each air conditioner 20. FIG. The cooperative control process illustrated in FIG. 11 is executed by each unit of the control device 10.

  When the main power supply is turned on (ON) by the user, the control device 10 starts processing in step a1, and proceeds to step a2.

  In step a2, the control device 10 performs processing for reading initial data. The process for reading the initial data will be specifically described below. First, the data setting unit 13 of the control device 10 reads and refers to the performance model data D1 stored in advance in the data storage unit 12. The data setting unit 13 reads and refers to the air conditioning load data D2 stored in the data storage unit 11. The air-conditioning load data D2 read out here is the air-conditioning load data D2 at the next control timing, which is an object of cooperative control and measured by each air conditioner in a measurable state, that is, in a balance operation and balance stop state. The data setting unit 13 reads and refers to the operation information data D3 of the air conditioner in the balance operation and balance stop states at the next control timing.

  Then, the data setting unit 13 sets the referenced performance model data D1, the air conditioning load data D2, and the operation information data D3 as initial data, and executes initialization of calculation.

Specifically, the data setting unit 13 sets, that is, sets the number of operating air conditioners to be controlled in a variable on the memory based on the operation information data D3, and sets performance model data for the number of operating air conditioners. For each No, a variable on the memory is set, that is, set. At this time, the variables on the memory for the entire air conditioning load L, the intermediate variable μ, the weighting data of each air conditioner 20, and the variables on the memory for the air conditioning capacity Q _k (k = 1, 2, 3,...) Are “0”. It is initialized to. Also, the overall air conditioning load L, the intermediate variable μ, the weighting data of each air conditioner 20, and the variables of the data storage unit 101 that stores the air conditioning capacity Q _k (k = 1, 2, 3,...) Are initially set to “0”. Keep it. When the process of reading the initial setting data in step a2 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step a3.

  In step a3, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 obtains the overall air conditioning load L from the air conditioning load data D2. Specifically, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 calculates the overall air conditioning load L by calculating as follows. First, based on the operation information data D3, an air conditioner 20 that is a target for cooperative control, that is, an air conditioner 20 in a balance operation and balance stop state is obtained. Then, the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 20 that is the target of cooperative control is obtained from the air conditioning load data D2, and the total value is obtained as a total air conditioning load L as a variable on the memory. The obtained overall air conditioning load L is written into a variable in the data storage unit 11.

For example, the operation information data D3 is 1, 0, 1, -1 in the order of air conditioners No1 to No. 4 as shown in FIG. 6, and the air conditioning load data D2 is as shown in FIG. Consider the case of L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ , −1 in the order of air conditioners No ₁ to 4. In this case, the air conditioners 20 that are targets of cooperative control and in which the air conditioning load can be measured are the air conditioners No1 to No3, and the total air conditioning load L obtained from these air conditioners No1 to No3 is L = L _1. + L ₂ + L ₃ . The overall air conditioning load L obtained in this way is written into a variable in the data storage unit 11. When the process of step a3 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step a4.

  In step a4, the weighting data setting unit 17 obtains weighting data γ from the air conditioning load data D2. Specifically, the weighting data setting unit 17 calculates weighting data γ by calculating as follows. First, similarly to step a3, based on the operation information data D3, the air conditioner 20 that is the target of cooperative control, that is, the air conditioner 20 in a balance operation and balance stop state is obtained. Then, the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 20 that is the object of cooperative control is obtained from the air conditioning load data D2, and the weighting data γ for each air conditioner 20 is obtained as a variable on the memory based on the above-described equation (2). The obtained weighting data γ for each air conditioner 20 is written in a variable of the data storage unit 11.

For example, the operation information data D3 is 1, 0, 1, -1 in the order of air conditioners No1 to No. 4 as shown in FIG. 6, and the air conditioning load data D2 is as shown in FIG. Consider the case of L ₁ , L ₂ , L ₃ , −1 in the order of air conditioners No ₁ to 4. In this case, the air conditioners 20 that are targets of cooperative control and in which the air conditioning load can be measured are the air conditioners No1 to No3, and the weighting data γ ₁ , γ ₂ , and γ ₃ for these air conditioners No1 to No3 are The following equation (10) is obtained.

  The weighting data γ for each air conditioner 20 obtained in this way is written into a variable in the data storage unit 11. When the process of step a4 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step a5.

  In step a5, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating unit 15 calculates the intermediate variable μ according to the above-described equation (8) from the performance model data D1, the air conditioning load data D2, the operation information data D3, and the weighted data obtained in step a4. To a variable in memory. Then, the result is stored in a variable of the data storage unit 101. When the process of step a5 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step a6.

  In step a <b> 6, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating unit 15 selects the first air conditioner 20, for example, the air conditioner having the smallest air conditioner No. among the operating air conditioners 20. When the process of step a6 is thus completed, the process proceeds to step a7.

In step a7, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 obtains the intermediate variable μ stored in the data storage unit 11, the performance model data D1, and the step a4 for the air conditioner 20 selected by the processing in step a6. From the weighted data, the air conditioning capability Q _k is _obtained as a variable on the memory according to the above-described equation (9). Then, the result is stored in a variable of the data storage unit 11. When the process of step a7 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step a8.

  In step a8, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 determines whether or not the processing has been completed for all the air conditioners 20 that are in operation. If it is determined in step a8 that the processing has been completed for all the air conditioners 20, the process proceeds to step a10, and the processing has not been completed for all the air conditioners 20, that is, the processing has not been completed. When it is determined that the air conditioner 20 exists, the process proceeds to step a9.

  In step a9, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 performs an unselected air conditioner selection process. Specifically, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 selects the next air conditioner 20 from the unselected air conditioners 20, returns to step a7, and repeats the above-described processing.

  In step a10, the control signal transmission unit 16 performs a control signal transmission process. Specifically, the control signal sending unit 16 reads out from the data storage unit 11 as output data the air conditioning capability value obtained as a result of the arithmetic processing of steps a3 to a5 and step a7 for each air conditioner 20. And the control signal which implement | achieves the read air conditioning capability value is sent to each air conditioner 20 through the communication line 8 according to the following control timing. When the process of step a10 is completed as described above, the process proceeds to step a11. In step a11, the control device 10 ends all processing procedures.

  With the cooperative control as described above, the air conditioner 20 that is the target of the cooperative control during operation has the air conditioning capacity sufficient to meet the required overall air conditioning load L in consideration of the load situation of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20. On the other hand, it can be distributed and operated to reduce power consumption. Accordingly, the air conditioner system 1 as a whole can control the air conditioner 20 by obtaining operating conditions that reduce power consumption.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, based on the performance model data, the overall air conditioning load L, and the weighting data γ, the sum of the air conditioning capabilities Q of the plurality of air conditioners 20 becomes the overall air conditioning load L, and The air conditioning capacities Q of the plurality of air conditioners 20 are respectively determined so that the evaluation function for evaluating the sum of power consumption when reflecting the load situation of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20 is minimized.

As a result, while considering the balance between the overall air conditioning load L in the air conditioning target space 5 and the total of the air conditioning capabilities Q _k of the air conditioners 20 in operation, the load status of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20 is taken into consideration. That is, it is possible to allocate a large air conditioning capacity to a space with a large air conditioning load and to allocate a small air conditioning capacity to a space with a small air conditioning load to reduce the total power consumption Wk.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as the aforementioned evaluation function, based on the performance model data and the weighting data, a multivariable function using the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners 20 and the air conditioning capability of each air conditioner 20 as a variable. The first multivariable function f expressed by the above-described equation (5) is used. And the air conditioning capability of each air conditioner 20 in which the first multivariable function has an extreme value is obtained under the constraint that the sum of the air conditioning capacities of the plurality of air conditioners 20 becomes the overall air conditioning load. Thus, by solving the problem formulated as the optimization problem under the optimum conditions, the total power consumption Wk can be more reliably reduced.

Further, in the present embodiment, the intermediate variable μ is obtained based on the above equation (8) using the overall air conditioning load L, the performance model data, and the weighting data γ, and the obtained intermediate variable μ and the performance model are obtained. Based on the data and the weighted data γ, the air conditioning capability Q _k of each air conditioner 20 is obtained by the above-described equation (9).

As a result, the total sum of the air conditioning capabilities Q _k of the air conditioners 20 becomes the overall air conditioning load L, and the evaluation for evaluating the sum of the power consumption when reflecting the thermal load status of the space to be air conditioned of the plurality of air conditioners 20. The air conditioning capacity that minimizes the function can be calculated from the overall air conditioning load L, the performance model data, and the weighting data γ.

  By solving the problem formulated as an optimization problem through intermediate variables in this way, it can be efficiently solved with a low calculation load.

  In the present embodiment, the weighting data setting unit 17 obtains the weighting data γ from the air conditioning load data D2 stored in the data storage unit 11 in step a4 of FIG. The air conditioning load data D2 stored in the data storage unit 11 is determined based on measurement data measured by a measuring unit such as a sensor provided in each air conditioner 20. The measuring means measures a physical quantity representing a situation in the air-conditioning target space 5.

  That is, the weighting data setting unit 17 obtains weighting data for the plurality of air conditioners 20 based on the measurement data measured by the measuring unit that measures the physical quantity representing the situation in the air-conditioning target space 5. By using the weighting data obtained based on the measurement data in this way, the load status of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20 can be more reliably taken into account than when using preset weighting data. The total power consumption can be reduced.

  This effect is the same when measurement data used is data obtained by measuring the number of people present in the air-conditioning target space 5, specifically, the number of people present in the area in charge of each air conditioner 20. Is obtained. That is, based on the measurement data obtained by the weighting data setting unit 17 measuring the number of people present in the air-conditioning target space 5, specifically the number of people present in the area handled by each air conditioner 20. By calculating and using weighted data, the total power consumption is reduced more reliably in consideration of the load status of the area in charge of each air conditioner 20 than when using preset weighted data. be able to.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the content of the cooperative control process by the plurality of air conditioners 20 has been described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, but this flowchart substantially executes the content of the cooperative control process. It may be realized by a program. This program is installed in a remote control microcomputer when a remote controller is used as the control device 10, for example, but when the control device 10 is configured by a computer without using the remote controller as the control device 10, for example, recording The thing stored in the hard disk etc. which are media can be considered.

  The computer-readable medium storing the program may be a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory), an MO (Magneto-Optical disk), or the like in addition to the hard disk. Furthermore, the program itself can be acquired via an electric communication line without using a recording medium.

<Second Embodiment>
FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The control device 10A according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an air conditioner in order to reduce the total power consumption of the entire air conditioner system 1 in addition to the function of the control device 10 according to the first embodiment. A selection function of the air conditioner 20 that is operated in consideration of 20 operation states, specifically, balance operation, balance stop, power OFF, and out of the cooperative control target is provided.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the control device 10 in the present embodiment is configured to include a driving unit selection calculation unit 18 in addition to the configuration of the control device 10 in the first embodiment. The operating machine selection calculating unit 18 corresponds to operating air conditioner selecting means.

  Since the functions of the data storage unit 11, the data storage unit 12, the data setting unit 13, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15, and the control signal transmission unit 16 are the same as those in the first embodiment. Corresponding portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and common description is omitted.

  The operating unit selection calculation unit 18 obtains a combination pattern of the air conditioner 20 to be operated and the air conditioner 20 to be stopped from operation among the plurality of air conditioners 20. Specifically, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 reads out and refers to data necessary for calculation from the data storage unit 11 and the data storage unit 12, and can operate at the next control timing (hereinafter “candidate air conditioning”). The process of requesting an air conditioner to be operated (hereinafter also referred to as “operating air conditioner”) and an air conditioner to be stopped (hereinafter referred to as “stopped air conditioner”) (hereinafter referred to as “air conditioner”) 20 (Sometimes referred to as “driver selection processing”). The driver selection calculation unit 18 writes the selection result of the operating air conditioner and the stop air conditioner obtained after the execution of the driver selection process in the data storage unit 11.

  FIG. 13: is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the cooperative control process of 10 A of control apparatuses in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The cooperative control process illustrated in FIG. 11 is executed by each unit of the control device 10.

  When the main power is turned on by the user, the control device 10A starts processing in step b1, and proceeds to step b2. In step b2, the control device 10A performs a process of reading initial data. The process for reading the initial data will be specifically described below. First, the data setting unit 13 of the control device 10A reads and references the performance model data D1 stored in advance in the data storage unit 12. The data setting unit 13 reads and refers to the air conditioning load data D2 stored in the data storage unit 11. The air-conditioning load data D2 read out here is the air-conditioning load data D2 at the next control timing measured by each air conditioner 20 in a measurable state, that is, in a balance operation state and a balance stop state. . Further, the data setting unit 13 reads out and refers to the operable information data D4 of the candidate air conditioner at the next control timing. The drivable information data D4 will be described later.

  Then, the data setting unit 13 sets the referenced performance model data D1, the air conditioning load data D2, and the operable information data D4 as initial data, and executes initialization of the calculation.

Specifically, the data setting unit 13 sets, that is, sets the number of operating candidate air conditioners to be controlled as variables on the memory based on the operable information data D4, and sets performance model data D1 for the number of operating units. Is set to a variable on the memory for each air conditioner No. At this time, a variable on the memory for the overall air conditioning load L, a variable on the memory for storing combination data created from the candidate air conditioners, an intermediate variable μ for each combination No, and weighting data for each air conditioner 20 The variables on the memory for the air conditioning capability Q _k , the variables on the memory for the total power consumption, and the variables on the memory for the finally selected combination No are initialized to “0”. Further, the overall air conditioning load L, the intermediate variable μ for each combination No., the weighting data of each air conditioner 20, and the variables of the data storage unit 11 that stores the air conditioning capacity Q _k (k = 1, 2, 3,...) It is initialized to “0”.

  Here, the operable information data D4 for the candidate air conditioner will be described. The operable information data D4 represents the air conditioner 20 that can be operated at the next control timing. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a data format of the drivable information data D4 in the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, the drivable information data D <b> 4 is configured with a numerical value that represents the drivable state of each air conditioner 20. The operable state of each air conditioner 20 is, for example, “1” when the air conditioner 20 is operable, more specifically, when the air conditioner 20 is capable of balance operation or balance stop at the next control timing. It is defined as The air conditioner 20 whose operational state is “1” is a candidate air conditioner. The operable state of each air conditioner 20 is defined as “0” when the air conditioner 20 cannot be operated, that is, when the air conditioner 20 does not operate at the next control timing.

  Further, when the power is OFF, the drivable state is defined as “−1”, and when the drivable state is excluded from the cooperative control, the drivable state is defined as “−2”.

  And the operation possible state of each air conditioner 20 is stored in the data storage part 11 in the data format shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 14, air conditioners No1, No2, and No3 are candidate air conditioners. Air conditioner No4 is an air conditioner that does not operate.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the process of step b2 is completed, the process proceeds to step b3. In step b3, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 obtains an overall air conditioning load L that is a total value of the air conditioning loads of the candidate air conditioners from the air conditioning load data D2. The specific processing content for obtaining the overall air conditioning load L is the same as the processing content in step a3 of the flowchart shown in FIG. When the process of step b3 is completed, the process proceeds to step b4.

  In step b4, the weighting data setting unit 17 obtains the weighting data γ of the candidate air conditioner from the air conditioning load data D2. The specific processing content for obtaining the weighting data γ is the same as the processing content of step a4 in the flowchart shown in FIG. When the process of step b4 is completed, the process proceeds to step b5.

  In step b5, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 selects the operating air conditioner that is the operating air conditioner among the candidate air conditioners, specifically, the air conditioner that is assumed to be operated at the next control timing, and the air conditioner that stops the operation. A combination pattern with a stop air conditioner that is a machine, specifically, an air conditioner that is assumed to stop operation at the next control timing is obtained. In this embodiment, all combinations that can be created using candidate air conditioners are created as a list in variables on the memory. Then, the result is stored in the data storage unit 11 in the data format shown in FIG.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a data format of an air conditioner operation combination list according to the second embodiment of the present invention. For example, the combinations created from candidate air conditioners No 1, No 2, and No 3, which are air conditioners given as candidate air conditioners having the operable state “1” in FIG. 14, are 7 in total as shown in FIG. 15. It becomes street. For example, in the combination No1 shown in FIG. 15, the air conditioners that are assumed to be operated at the next control timing are only the air conditioners No1 among the candidate air conditioners No1, No2, and No3, and the air conditioners No2 and No3 are: Indicates that the operation is supposed to be stopped. Further, for example, the combination No. 7 represents that the operation of all the candidate air conditioners is assumed.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 13, when the process of step b5 is completed, the process proceeds to step b6. In step b6, the operating unit selection calculating unit 18 selects one of the first combinations, for example, the combination having the smallest combination No., from the combination patterns created by the process of step b5. When the process of step b6 is completed, the process proceeds to step b7.

In step b7, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 calculates the sum of the air conditioning capacity Q of the air conditioners assumed to operate in the combination selected by the process in step b6 as the overall air conditioning load L of the candidate air conditioners, and The air conditioning capacity Q _k of the air conditioner that is assumed to be operated so that the evaluation function for evaluating the sum of the power consumption W of the air conditioner that assumes the operation when the load condition of the space in charge of the air conditioner 20 is reflected is minimized. Are obtained as variables in the memory. Then, the result is stored in each variable for the selected combination No in the data storage unit 11. The processing for obtaining each air conditioning capability Q _k is the same as the processing in step a7 in the flowchart shown in FIG. When the process of step b7 is completed, the process proceeds to step b8.

In step b8, the operating unit selection calculating unit 18 obtains the total power consumption W _all in the currently selected combination. Specifically, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 reads the performance model data D1 from the data storage unit 12, refers to it, and reads from the data storage unit 11 the variable in which the calculation result of the process of step b6 is stored. Refer to it. Then, according to the following equation (11), from the power consumption W _k of each air conditioner 20 calculates the total power consumption W _all the variables in the memory. Then, it is stored in a variable as the power consumption for the currently selected combination No in the data storage unit 11.

Here, a specific method for obtaining the total power consumption W _all will be described using the operation combination list of the air conditioner 20 shown in FIG. 15 as an example. Assuming that the currently selected combination is combination No. 5 in FIG. 15, the air conditioners that are assumed to be operated, that is, the operating air conditioners are air conditioners No 1 and No 3, that is, the air conditioners that are assumed to be stopped. The stop air conditioner is air conditioner No2. In this case, the air conditioning capability Q ₁ and the air conditioning capability Q ₃ are obtained for the air conditioner No 1 and the air conditioner No 3 by the calculation in the process of step b7.

In step b8, the operating unit selection calculating unit 18 obtains the total power consumption W _all from the power consumption W of the air conditioner No1 and the air conditioner No3 according to the above-described equation (11). Specifically, the total power consumption W _all is expressed by the following equation (12).

  When the process of step b8 is completed, the process proceeds to step b9. In step b9, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 determines whether or not the processing has been completed for all combinations. If it is determined in step b9 that the processing has been completed for all the combinations, the process proceeds to step b11, and there is a combination in which processing has not been completed for all combinations, that is, processing has not been completed. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step b10.

  In step b10, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 performs an unselected combination selection process. Specifically, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 selects the next combination from the unselected combinations, returns to step b7, and repeats the above-described processing.

In step b11, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 performs a combination final selection process. Specifically, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 reads out and refers to the total power consumption W _all for all combinations No. from the data storage unit 11 and selects, for example, the combination that minimizes the total power consumption W _all . The selected combination No. is written into a variable on the memory. Then, the result is stored in a variable of the data storage unit 11. When the process of step b11 is completed, the process proceeds to step b12.

  In step b12, the control signal sending unit 16 reads the air conditioner and the air conditioning capability value corresponding to the combination No selected in step b11 from the data storage unit 11. And the control signal which instruct | indicates to implement | achieve the driving | running state of balance driving | operation or balance stop, and an air-conditioning capability value is sent to each air conditioner 20 through the communication line 8 according to the following control timing. When the process of step b12 is completed, the process proceeds to step b13. In step b13, the control device 10A ends all processing procedures.

  By the cooperative control as described above, the air conditioner capacity corresponding to the necessary overall air conditioning load L is considered in each air conditioner 20 so as to reduce the power consumption in consideration of the load situation of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20. Each air conditioner can be operated by giving an operating state and an air conditioning capability during operation so as to realize the distributed air conditioning capability. Accordingly, the air conditioner system 1 as a whole can control the air conditioner 20 by obtaining operating conditions that reduce power consumption.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, for each combination pattern, the sum of the air conditioning capabilities of the air conditioners to be operated becomes the overall air conditioning load L, and the load situation of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20 is reflected. The air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 20 to be operated is obtained so that the evaluation function for evaluating the sum of the power consumption of the air conditioners to be operated is minimized, and the combination pattern that minimizes the sum of the power consumption of the air conditioners 20 to be operated is selected. To do.

Thus, the overall air conditioning load L of the air-conditioning target space 5, while maintaining the balance with the sum of air conditioning capability Q _k of air conditioners 20 to be operated, taking into account the load condition of the space charge of each of the air conditioners 20, in other words, it assigns a large air conditioning capacity to the large space of the air conditioning load, while assigning a small air conditioning capacity in a small space of air conditioning load, among the combination of the air conditioner to be operated or stopped, each in combination the total power consumption W _all is minimized The air conditioner 20 can be controlled.

  Therefore, compared with the first embodiment, an appropriate air conditioning capability and the number of operating units can be determined in an integrated manner in order to realize smaller power consumption. Thereby, the energy consumption can be reduced in consideration of the load situation of the space that each air conditioner 20 takes charge of.

  In addition, when the air conditioning load data measured by each air conditioner 20 is small and the air conditioning load represented by the air conditioning load data is smaller than the minimum capacity of the air conditioner 20, a plurality of air conditioners 20 are independent of each other. When the operation state and the air conditioning capability during operation are controlled, each air conditioner 20 individually repeats thermo-ON and thermo-OFF, resulting in inefficient energy consumption with respect to the air-conditioning load.

  On the other hand, according to the cooperative control by the plurality of air conditioners 20 of the present embodiment, the operating state and the air conditioning capability during operation according to the overall air conditioning load obtained from the sum of the air conditioning load data measured by each air conditioner 20 Therefore, each air conditioner 20 does not individually repeat thermo-ON and thermo-OFF, and only the minimum thermo-ON and thermo-OFF are necessary for the necessary overall air-conditioning load. Not done. Thereby, especially when the air conditioning load is small, the air conditioner 20 can be controlled to achieve efficient energy consumption.

  In the present embodiment, the contents of the cooperative control process by the plurality of air conditioners 20 have been described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, but this flowchart is realized by a program that substantially executes the contents of the cooperative control process. May be. This program is mounted on the microcomputer of the remote controller when the remote controller is used as the control device 10A, for example, but when the control device 10A is configured by a computer without using the remote controller as the control device 10A, for example, recording The thing stored in the hard disk etc. which are media can be considered.

  In addition to the hard disk, the computer-readable medium storing the program may be a CD-ROM, an MO, or the like. Furthermore, the program itself can be acquired via an electric communication line without using a recording medium.

<Third Embodiment>
In addition to the function of the control device 10A of the second embodiment described above, the control device of the third embodiment of the present invention further considers the power consumption when the balance is stopped, for example, when the compressor is temporarily stopped. And a function of selecting an air conditioner to be operated.

  Since the overall configuration of the air conditioner system including the control device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the air conditioner system 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are used for the common configurations. In addition, illustration and common explanation are omitted.

  The flowchart showing the contents of the cooperative control process by the plurality of air conditioners 20 according to the present embodiment is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 13 showing the contents of the cooperative control process in the second embodiment described above. The coordinated control process in the present embodiment is different from the coordinated control process in the second embodiment in that the process of step b8 in FIG. 13 is performed in consideration of the power consumption when the balance is stopped. Other processes are the same as those in the second embodiment.

Below, the difference between the cooperative control process in the present embodiment and the cooperative control process in the second embodiment based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 will be specifically described. In the second embodiment described above, as shown in the above equation (12), only the power consumption of the operating air conditioner 20 is added to obtain the total power consumption W _all , and the combination pattern is selected. Yes. However, in reality, in the air conditioner 20 at the time of balance stop by cooperative control, the indoor blower 22 of the indoor unit 2 is operating, or the control function provided at the time of restarting is operating, which consumes power. ing.

As in the second embodiment, the power consumption of the air conditioner 20 at the time of balance stop by cooperative control is set to W ^OFF [kW], and the operation combination list of the air conditioner 20 shown in FIG. A specific method for obtaining W _all will be described.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a data format of the extended performance model data according to the third embodiment of the present invention. The power consumption W ^OFF of the air conditioner 20 at the time of balance stop by cooperative control is set for each air conditioner 20, and the performance model data is expanded and stored in the data storage unit 12 in the data format shown in FIG. It shall be stored and referred to when necessary in the operation. In FIG. 16, as in FIG. 7, the performance model data of each air conditioner 20 is shown with the air conditioner number as a subscript.

If the currently selected combination is combination No. 5 in FIG. 15, the air conditioners that are assumed to be operated are air conditioners No 1 and No 3, and the air conditioners that are assumed to be stopped are air conditioners No 2. . The operating unit selection calculation unit 18 obtains the total power consumption W _all from the power consumption W of each air conditioner 20 according to the above-described equation (11). Specifically, the total power consumption W _all in the present embodiment is expressed by the following equation (13). In Expression (13), the symbol W ₂ ^OFF represents the power consumption of the air conditioner No 2 when the balance is stopped by cooperative control.

As shown in the equation (13), in the present embodiment, the total power consumption W _all taking into account the power consumption W ^OFF when the balance is stopped is used, as in the second embodiment. A comparative evaluation of the combinations is performed, and finally a combination is selected. That is, the operating unit selection calculating unit 18 has a combination in which the sum of the power consumption W of the air conditioner 20 to be operated and the power consumption W ^OFF during operation standby of the air conditioner 20 to be stopped is minimized among the combination patterns. Select a pattern.

As described above, in the present embodiment, of the combination patterns, the power consumption W of the operating air conditioner that is the air conditioner 20 to be operated and the consumption during operation standby of the stopped air conditioner that is the air conditioner 20 that is to be stopped from operating. A combination pattern that minimizes the sum of the power W ^OFF is selected. Accordingly, standby power consumption of the stopped air conditioner can also be taken into consideration, so that the air conditioner 20 can be controlled in more detail so as to achieve efficient energy consumption. Specifically, each air conditioner 20 has an air conditioning capacity sufficient to meet the required overall air conditioning load so that the total power consumption is reduced in consideration of the power consumption when the balance is stopped, for example, when the compressor 31 is temporarily stopped. It is possible to distribute and operate each air conditioner 20 by giving an operating state and an air conditioning capability during operation.

  Therefore, as a whole air conditioner system, the air conditioner 20 is controlled by obtaining an operating condition corresponding to the actual operation situation so as to reduce the power consumption in consideration of the load situation of the space in charge of each air conditioner 20. Can do.

  In the present embodiment, the content of the cooperative control process by the plurality of air conditioners 20 has been described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 described above. However, this flowchart is substantially based on a program that executes the content of the cooperative control process. It may be realized. This program is installed in a remote control microcomputer when a remote control is used as a control device, but when the control device is configured by a computer without using a remote control as the control device, for example, a hard disk as a recording medium. What is stored in the.

  In addition to the hard disk, the computer-readable medium storing the program may be a CD-ROM, an MO, or the like. Furthermore, the program itself can be acquired via an electric communication line without using a recording medium.

<Fourth embodiment>
The overall configuration of the air conditioner system including the control device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is the same as that of the air conditioner system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are attached, and illustration and common description are omitted. The control device according to the present embodiment performs air conditioning according to the temperature in the air conditioning target space 5 (hereinafter also referred to as “indoor temperature”) or the temperature outside the air conditioning target space 5 (hereinafter also referred to as “outdoor temperature”). In consideration of the change in the relationship between the capacity and the power consumption, a function for obtaining an operating condition for reducing the power consumption is provided.

  As described in the first embodiment, the relationship between the air conditioning capability and power consumption in the air conditioner 20 is approximated by a quadratic expression as shown in Expression (1). However, the power consumption for a certain air conditioning capacity varies depending on the room temperature and the outdoor temperature.

Reference temperature is the air conditioner k, air conditioning capability Q _k and power consumption W _k coefficient data relationship between a _base at e.g. _{26 ℃, k, b base,} k, c base, when a _k, a certain indoor temperature The power consumption W _k (kW) with respect to the outdoor temperature can be expressed by the following equation (14).

In equation (14), η ^q represents a capability correction coefficient for a certain indoor temperature and outdoor temperature, and η ^w represents an input correction coefficient for a certain indoor temperature and outdoor temperature. In the equation (14), coefficient data corrected in accordance with the room temperature and the outdoor temperature are a ′ _k , b ′ _k , and c ′ _k .

  Next, cooperative control processing in the present embodiment in consideration of the influence of such indoor temperature and outdoor temperature will be described.

  The flowchart showing the contents of the cooperative control process by the plurality of air conditioners 20 according to the present embodiment is the flowchart of FIG. 11 showing the contents of the cooperative control process in the first embodiment described above, and the second or second described above. 13 is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 13 showing the contents of the cooperative control process in the third embodiment. In the coordinated control process in the present embodiment, the process of step a5 and step a7 in FIG. 11 or step b8 in FIG. 13 is performed based on coefficient data corrected in consideration of the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature for each candidate air conditioner. The point which processes is different from the cooperative control processing in the first to third embodiments. Other processes are the same as those in the first to third embodiments.

  Hereinafter, the cooperative control process in the present embodiment, the cooperative control process in the first embodiment based on the flowchart of FIG. 11 described above, and the second and third embodiments based on the flowchart of FIG. 13 described above. Differences from the cooperative control process will be specifically described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a data format of performance model data according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As the coefficient data of the performance model data D1 in the present embodiment, coefficient data a _{base, k} , b _{base, k} , c _{base, k at} a predetermined reference temperature, for example, 26 ° C. _, is set for each air conditioner 20.

The air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 in the present embodiment acquires the capacity correction coefficient η ^q and the input correction coefficient η ^w based on the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature are made to correspond to the condensation temperature and the evaporation temperature. That is, in the cooling operation, the evaporation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 detected by the indoor temperature sensor 23 is detected as the indoor temperature, and the condensation temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 36 is detected outdoors. Detect as temperature.

  In the case of heating operation, the condensation temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 21 detected by the indoor temperature sensor 23 is detected as the indoor temperature, and the evaporation temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 36 is used as the outdoor temperature. Detect as temperature.

Then, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating unit 15 acquires a preset capacity correction coefficient η ^q and an input correction coefficient η ^w according to the evaporation temperature and the condensation temperature. For example, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 stores in the data storage unit 11 a table in which correction coefficient values corresponding to the evaporation temperature and the condensation temperature are set in advance, and acquires each correction coefficient by referring to the table. To do.

Next, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 corrects the coefficient of the performance model data D1 using the above-described equation (14) based on the acquired capacity correction coefficient η ^q and the input correction coefficient η ^w . Then, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 stores the modified coefficient data a ′ _k , b ′ _k , c ′ _k as new performance model data D1 in the data storage unit 12 in the data format shown in FIG. Refer to it when necessary for computation.

  Here, the case where each coefficient of the performance model data is acquired from the evaporation temperature and the condensation temperature has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a sensor or the like for detecting the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature is provided, and the room detected by the sensor is detected. You may make it acquire each coefficient of performance model data from temperature and outdoor temperature. Further, here, the case where the correction coefficient is obtained based on the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the correction coefficient is obtained based on either the indoor temperature or the outdoor temperature, and the performance model data The coefficient may be corrected.

When the relational expression between the air conditioning capability Q _k and the power consumption W _k is expressed as the above-described formula (14), as described in the first embodiment, at a certain indoor temperature and outdoor temperature, The coefficient data of the formulas (8) and (9) for allocating the capacity corresponding to the total air conditioning load with as little power consumption as possible by the plurality of air conditioners 20 are newly a ′ _k , b ′ _k , c 'Replace with _k .

Further, as described in the second and third embodiments described above, at a certain indoor temperature and outdoor temperature, an expression representing the total power consumption evaluated when selecting an air conditioner to be operated, for example, Expression (12) and In the equation (13), similarly, the coefficient data may be newly replaced with a ′ _k , b ′ _k , and c ′ _k .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the performance model data is corrected based on the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature. As a result, in the cooperative control by the plurality of air conditioners 20 according to the present embodiment, the relationship between the air conditioning capacity and the power consumption that change due to the influence of the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature is taken into consideration, and the required total air conditioning load is met. Therefore, it is possible to operate each air conditioner 20 by giving an operating state and an air conditioning capability at the time of operation so as to reduce power consumption.

  Therefore, the air conditioner system as a whole requires operating conditions corresponding to the actual indoor environment and the installation environment of the outdoor unit 3 to reduce power consumption in consideration of the load situation of the space that each air conditioner 20 is in charge of. Thus, the air conditioner 20 can be controlled. Thereby, energy consumption can be reduced.

  In the present embodiment, correction coefficients are acquired according to the evaporation temperature and the condensation temperature of the refrigerant, and each coefficient of the performance model data D1 is corrected based on the correction coefficient. Since the aging deterioration related to the air conditioning cycle is reflected by affecting the evaporation temperature or the condensation temperature, the influence of the aging deterioration of the air conditioner 20 according to the cooperative control by the plurality of air conditioners 20 of the present embodiment is It will be dynamically considered in the operating state and the air conditioning capacity of the operating air conditioner.

  Accordingly, each air conditioner 20 is reduced so as to reduce power consumption in response to a deterioration situation due to a difference in use frequency or a mixed situation of air conditioners 20 having different use start times in the configuration of a plurality of air conditioners 20. The operating state and the air conditioning capability during operation can be obtained and controlled.

<Fifth embodiment>
The overall configuration of the air conditioner system including the control device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is the same as the air conditioner system 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are attached, and illustration and common description are omitted. When the number of candidate air conditioners increases, the control device of the present embodiment reduces the number of combinations of operation states created based on the candidate air conditioners, and obtains effective operation conditions with a low calculation load.

  As described in the second embodiment, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 shown in FIG. 12 described above selects all combinations that can be created using candidate air conditioners in step b5 of FIG. Create as a list. For example, when the candidate air conditioners given in FIG. 14 are air conditioners No 1, No 2, and No 3, there are seven combinations in total, as shown in FIG. 15.

  As the number of candidate air conditioners increases, the number of combinations increases, and the calculation load increases when the calculation of total power consumption is performed for all combinations. In order to reduce the calculation load, it is necessary to reduce the number of combinations. At this time, it is preferable to reduce the number of combinations to be created by putting the combinations into a combination in order from a practically efficient operating air conditioner.

  FIG. 18 is a graph showing an efficiency curve representing the relationship between the air conditioning capability and the operating efficiency for each air conditioner. In FIG. 18, the horizontal axis indicates the air conditioning capability Q, and the vertical axis indicates the operating efficiency γ. In FIG. 18, the efficiency curve of the air conditioner No1 (may be described as “air conditioner 1”) is indicated by a curve connecting the symbols “◯”, and the air conditioner No2 (may be described as “air conditioner 2”). The efficiency curve of a certain) is indicated by a curve connecting the symbol “□”, and the efficiency curve of the air conditioner No 3 (which may be described as “air conditioner 3”) is indicated by a curve connecting the symbol “Δ”. As shown in FIG. 18, the relationship between the air conditioning capability and the operation efficiency is different for each air conditioner. Therefore, the order of the operation efficiency of each air conditioner differs depending on the air conditioning capability Q of each air conditioner set. However, in the cooperative control described in the first to fourth embodiments, the air conditioning capability of each air conditioner 20 is distributed so that the intermediate variable μ is equal.

  FIG. 19 is a graph showing an efficiency curve when the air conditioning capability Q, which is the horizontal axis of FIG. 18, is expressed using an intermediate variable μ. FIG. 19 shows the efficiency curve in FIG. 18 with the intermediate variable μ as the horizontal axis. In FIG. 19, the horizontal axis represents the intermediate variable μ, and the vertical axis represents the operating efficiency γ. In FIG. 19, as in FIG. 18, the efficiency curve of the air conditioner No 1 is indicated by a curve connecting the symbol “◯”, the efficiency curve of the air conditioner No 2 is indicated by a curve connecting the symbol “□”, and the air conditioner The efficiency curve of No. 3 is shown by a curve connecting the symbols “Δ”.

  As can be seen from FIG. 19, when the intermediate variable μ is constant by cooperative control, the order of the operating efficiency of the air conditioners 20 is considered to be the order of the air conditioners 20 having the largest maximum efficiency. This idea is not necessarily accurate when the efficiency curves cross, ie cross.

From the above results, the maximum value of the operating efficiency of each air conditioner 20 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “maximum operating efficiency γ ^max ”) is obtained, and based on the order of this maximum operating efficiency γ ^max , It can be seen that the combination pattern should be examined.

When the relationship between the air conditioning capacity and power consumption in the air conditioner 20 can be sufficiently approximated by a quadratic equation as shown in the above-described equation (1), the operating efficiency γ _k for a certain air conditioner _k is expressed by 15).

At this time, the maximum operating efficiency γ ^max is expressed by Equation (16).

FIG. 20 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the air conditioning capability and the operating efficiency γ. In FIG. 20, the symbol “x” represents the maximum operating efficiency γ ^max .

  Furthermore, as described in the fourth embodiment, the operating efficiency varies depending on the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature, and thus it is necessary to appropriately determine the operating efficiency reflecting the influence.

In the present embodiment, for example, the operation efficiency considering the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature is obtained as follows. When the influence of the room temperature and the outdoor temperature is taken into consideration, if a certain reference temperature of a certain air conditioner k, for example, the maximum operating efficiency of 26 ° C. is γ ^max _{base, k} , the above equation (16) can be expressed as 17).

  Next, cooperative control in the present embodiment in which combination patterns are reduced based on the order of driving efficiency as described above will be described. The flowchart showing the contents of the cooperative control process by a plurality of air conditioners according to this embodiment is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 13 showing the contents of the cooperative control process in the second embodiment described above. In the coordinated control process in the present embodiment, in step b5 of FIG. 13, the combination of operation states is created based on the maximum operation efficiency in consideration of the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature for each candidate air conditioner. This is different from the cooperative control process in the second to fourth embodiments. Other processes are the same as those in the second to fourth embodiments.

  The difference between the cooperative control process in the present embodiment and the cooperative control process in the second to fourth embodiments based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 will be specifically described below. FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a data format of the extended performance model data according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a data format of an operation combination list of air conditioners according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In the present embodiment, in the data storage unit 12, for example, the performance model data in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 is expanded, and the maximum operating efficiency γ ^max _base set for each air conditioner is set. Is stored in the data format shown in FIG. The expanded performance model data is read out and referred to when it is necessary for the calculation. When applied to the third embodiment described above, the performance model data shown in FIG. 16 may be similarly expanded.

In the present embodiment, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 uses the coefficients η ^w and η ^q obtained from the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature at the calculation timing according to the above-described equation (17) in step b5 shown in FIG. Based on the maximum operation efficiency γ ^max _base stored in the data storage unit 12, the maximum operation efficiency of all candidate air conditioners is calculated. Then, the operating unit selection calculation unit 18 arranges the candidate air conditioners in descending order of the maximum operating efficiency, and creates combinations in order from the first candidate air conditioner. At this time, it is preferable to reduce the combinations created when there are N candidate air conditioners, for example, in N ways. That is, the combination pattern is obtained so that the air conditioner having the maximum maximum operating efficiency is included in the air conditioner to be operated.

For example, the candidate air conditioners are air conditioners No1, No2, No3, the maximum operating efficiency γ ^max _base obtained for each candidate air conditioner, the air conditioner No1 is “2.7”, and the air conditioner No2 is It is assumed that “3.0” and the air conditioner No 3 is “2.3”. In this case, if the candidate air conditioners are arranged in descending order of the maximum operating efficiency, the order is air conditioners No2, No1, No3. Therefore, the combination list is created as shown in FIG.

  In this way, when there are N candidate air conditioners, the power consumption is calculated for N combination patterns in descending order of maximum operating efficiency. Thereafter, the operation state and the air conditioning capacity may be set by a combination pattern in which the total power consumption becomes the minimum value among the combination patterns by the same operation as in the second embodiment described above.

  When the maximum value of the operating efficiency, that is, the maximum operating efficiency is not used, the weight data may be used as follows, reflecting the load status of the space in charge of each air conditioner. Here, a case where the weighting data setting unit 17 determines weighting data with reference to the air conditioning load data of each air conditioner 20 stored in the data storage unit 11 will be described.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the candidate air conditioners are air conditioners No 1, No 2, and No 3, and as shown in FIG. 8, the size of the weighted data obtained for each candidate air conditioner is γ _{It is} assumed that ₂ (air conditioner No 2)> γ ₁ (air conditioner No 1)> γ ₃ (air conditioner No 3).

  In this case, since the load is larger when the size of the weighted data is smaller, for example, considering that the area with higher load is operated with priority, the candidate air conditioners are arranged in ascending order of the weighted data. It becomes order of air conditioner No1 and air conditioner No2. According to this order, the combination list may be created as described above.

  This can be similarly considered even when the weighting data is set based on the number of people in the area in charge of each air conditioner 20. At this time, if the operation air conditioner is not directly assigned to an area where a person exists, but the air conditioner 20 in an area where there is no person or where there are few people is to be operated with priority, the candidate air conditioner described above is used. The machines may be arranged in descending order of the weighted data.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when there are N candidate air conditioners, the power consumption is calculated for N combinations of patterns based on the weighted data. Thereafter, the operation state and the air conditioning capacity may be set by a combination pattern in which the total power consumption becomes the minimum value among the combination patterns by the same operation as in the second embodiment described above.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, among the plurality of air conditioners 20, the air conditioner 20 to be operated and the air conditioner 20 to be stopped are based on the maximum value of the operation efficiency or the order of the weighted data. The combination pattern is obtained. Thereby, when calculating | requiring the operation state of the air conditioner 20 which reduces power consumption, and the air-conditioning capability at the time of an operation | movement by calculation, the number of combinations of the operation state by a candidate air conditioner can be reduced efficiently. In addition, by reducing the number of combinations of operation states by candidate air conditioners, it is possible to reduce the computation load, so even if the microcomputer has a low calculation capacity due to practical restrictions and a memory capacity limit, A function for executing cooperative control processing can be implemented.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the above-described combination pattern is obtained so that the air conditioner 20 having the maximum operating efficiency or the air conditioner 20 having the largest or smallest weighting data is included in the operating air conditioner. Thereby, when calculating | requiring the operation state of the air conditioner 20 which reduces power consumption, and the air-conditioning capability at the time of an operation | movement, the number of combinations of the operation state by a candidate air conditioner can be reduced more efficiently. .

<Sixth Embodiment>
The control device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention has a function that allows a user to set in advance an air conditioner that can participate in cooperative control or an air conditioner that leaves the cooperative control. Since the overall configuration of the air conditioner system including the control device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the air conditioner system 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are used for the common configurations. In addition, illustration and common explanation are omitted.

  There are two types of states representing departure from the cooperative control, one is a state in which the main power is turned off, and the other is a state in which the main power is excluded. The data storage unit 11 stores information indicating whether or not each air conditioner 20 is a target of cooperative control. As in the first embodiment described above, cooperative control of a plurality of air conditioners is performed as follows.

  When the user stops the operation of a specific air conditioner 20, the user turns off the main power supply for the corresponding air conditioner 20. At this time, a signal indicating the operating state of the main power supply OFF is given to the control device 10 from the corresponding air conditioner 20 via the communication line 8. The control device 10 gives “−1” to the corresponding air conditioner 20 in the operation information data D <b> 3 and stores it in the data storage unit 11.

  FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a data format of the operation state data according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. For example, when operating air conditioners No1, No2, No3 and stopping air conditioner No4, data as shown in FIG. 23 is set.

  Moreover, when a user wants to operate a specific air conditioner 20 as a target that is not subject to cooperative control, the control device 10 sets a state that is not subject to cooperative control to the corresponding air conditioner 20 according to the setting of the user. That is, the control device 10 gives “−2” to the corresponding air conditioner 20 in the operation information data D3 according to the setting of the user, and stores it in the data storage unit 11.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a data format of other operating state data in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. For example, when air conditioners No1, No2, and No3 are operated and air conditioner No4 is excluded from the cooperative control target, data as shown in FIG. 24 is set.

  And the control apparatus 10 performs a cooperative control process according to the flowchart shown in above-mentioned FIG. In the present embodiment, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 obtains the overall air conditioning load L that is the total value of the air conditioning loads of the air conditioners 20 to be controlled among the plurality of air conditioners 20 in step a2. In step a7, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating unit 15 sets the total air conditioning load L of the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 20 to be controlled among the plurality of air conditioners 20, and the air conditioner 20 to be controlled. The air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 20 is determined so that the sum of the power consumptions of the air conditioners becomes as small as possible. Other operations are the same as the cooperative control processing in the first embodiment based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When performing the selection of the air conditioner 20 to be operated and the capacity distribution of the air conditioners 20 to the plurality of air conditioners 20 that are operating as in the second embodiment described above, the cooperative control process is It is done as follows.

  When the user stops the operation of a specific air conditioner 20, the user turns off the main power supply for the corresponding air conditioner 20. At this time, a signal indicating the operating state of the main power supply OFF is given to the control device 10 from the corresponding air conditioner 20 via the communication line 8. And the control apparatus 10 gives "-1" to the applicable air conditioner 20 in the driving | operation possible information data D4, and stores it in the data storage part 11. FIG.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a data format of the operable state data in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. For example, when the air conditioner 20 that can be operated at the next control timing is the air conditioner No 1 or No 2, the air conditioner 20 that cannot be operated is the air conditioner No 3, and the air conditioner 20 that is turned off is the air conditioner No 4. Is set with data as shown in FIG.

  In addition, when the user wants to operate a specific air conditioner outside the cooperative control target, the control device 10 sets a state outside the cooperative control target for the corresponding air conditioner 20 according to the user setting. That is, the control device 10 gives “−2” to the corresponding air conditioner 20 in the operable information data D4 and stores it in the data storage unit 11.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a data format of other operable state data in the sixth embodiment of the present invention. For example, when air conditioners No1, No2, No4 are operated and air conditioner No3 is excluded from the cooperative control target, data as shown in FIG. 26 is set. And the control apparatus 10 performs a cooperative control process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 obtains the overall air conditioning load L that is the total value of the air conditioning loads of the air conditioners 20 that are the control targets among the plurality of air conditioners 20 in step b3.

  In step b7, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating unit 15 sets the total air conditioning load L of the air conditioning capacity Q of the air conditioners 20 to be controlled among the plurality of air conditioners 20, and is responsible for each air conditioner 20. The air conditioning capability of the air conditioner 20 is obtained so that the evaluation function for evaluating the sum of the power consumption W of the air conditioner 20 assuming the operation when the load state of the space to be reflected is assumed is minimized. Other operations are the same as the cooperative control processing in the second embodiment based on the flowchart of FIG. 13 described above.

  Similarly, when applied to the above-described third to fifth embodiments, cooperative control is performed on the air conditioner 20 that is a control target participating in the cooperative control based on the information in the data storage unit 11. be able to.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the data storage unit 11 stores information indicating whether or not each air conditioner 20 is a target of cooperative control. Thereby, in the cooperative control by the plurality of air conditioners 20 of the present embodiment, the air conditioners 20 that can participate in the cooperative control can be set in advance. Moreover, the air conditioner 20 which leaves | separates from cooperative control can be preset.

  Specifically, it can be set by the user as to whether or not to be the target of cooperative control. Moreover, even if the power supply of the air conditioner 20 installed in the location where an air conditioning is unnecessary in a certain situation is turned off, the other air conditioners 20 can continue the cooperative control. In some situations, air conditioning is coordinated by other air conditioners 20 even if the air conditioners 20 installed at necessary locations are not subject to cooperative control regardless of the performance and environmental conditions of the air conditioners. Control can be continued.

  Therefore, flexible control can be realized with respect to energy saving setting and comfort realization based on the user's judgment.

<Seventh embodiment>
The control device according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention causes the air conditioner to be cooperatively controlled to operate independently by separating from the cooperative control when the difference between the sensor information and the setting information of the installation location is large. To control. Since the overall configuration of the air conditioner system including the control device of the present embodiment is the same as that of the air conditioner system 1 in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the same reference numerals are used for the common configurations. In addition, illustration and common explanation are omitted. The control device according to the present embodiment has the same configuration as that of the control device 10 according to the first embodiment except that the specific contents of the cooperative control processing are different, and thus the control device according to the first embodiment. In some cases, the same reference numeral “10” is attached. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the sensor information representing the air conditioning load is the room temperature at the installation location with respect to the air conditioner 20 to be coordinated.

  As in the first embodiment described above, when the cooperative control process is realized by distributing the air conditioning capability of the plurality of operating air conditioners 20, the cooperative control process is performed as follows. Specifically, based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 11, in the initial data reading process in step a <b> 2, the data setting unit 13 operates the operation information of the air conditioner 20 in the balance operation and balance stop states at the next control timing. Refer to data D3.

In step a1, the data setting unit 13 determines that the balance operation state, that is, the operation information data D3 is “1”, and the balance stop state, that is, the operation information data D3 is “0”. The air conditioning load data D <b> 2 of the air conditioner 20 in the state of “is referred to. At this time, when the magnitude of the air conditioning load data D2 of the air conditioner 20 that is in the balance operation or balance stop state at this stage is larger than a predetermined value, for example, the reference air conditioning load L ^TH (kW), the operation information In the data D3, the value which is “1” or “0” at the current stage is corrected to “−2” which means that it is not subject to cooperative control.

  Since the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is reflected in the air conditioning load at that time, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the air conditioning load is used as a criterion. The determination criterion is not limited to this, and for example, a deviation between the measured indoor temperature and the set temperature may be used as the determination criterion.

The processing after correcting the driving information data D3 is the same as the processing after step a3 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 except that the processing is performed based on the corrected driving information data D3. In the present embodiment, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 controls the air conditioner 20 whose air conditioning load is smaller than a predetermined value, for example, the reference air conditioning load L ^TH (kW) among the plurality of air conditioners 20 in step a3. It selects as the air conditioner 20 which is object, and calculates | requires the whole air conditioning load L which is the total value of the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 20 which is control object.

  In step a7, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 sets the total air conditioning load L of the air conditioners 20 to be controlled among the plurality of air conditioners 20 and is in charge of each air conditioner 20. The air conditioning capability of the air conditioner 20 is obtained so that the evaluation function for evaluating the sum of the power consumption W of the air conditioner assuming the operation when the load state of the space is reflected is minimized.

  When implementing cooperative control processing by performing selection of air conditioners 20 to be operated and capacity distribution of air conditioners for a plurality of operating air conditioners 20 as in the second embodiment described above. The cooperative control process is performed as follows.

  Based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, in the initial data reading process in step b2, the data setting unit 13 refers to the operable information data D4 of the candidate air conditioner at the next control timing.

  In addition, the data setting unit 13 is in the state of balance operation, that is, the air conditioner 20 in which the operable information data D4 is “1” and the balance is stopped, that is, the operable information data D4 is “0”. The air conditioning load data D2 is referred to.

At this time, if the air conditioning load data D2 of the air conditioner 20 that is currently in balance operation or balance stop is larger than a predetermined value, for example, the reference air conditioning load L ^TH (kW), operation is possible. In the information data D4, the value which is “1” or “0” at the current stage is corrected to a value “−2” which means that it is not subject to cooperative control.

  Since the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is reflected in the air conditioning load at that time, in this embodiment, the magnitude of the air conditioning load is used as a criterion. The determination criterion is not limited to this, and for example, a deviation between the measured indoor temperature and the set temperature may be used as the determination criterion.

The process after correcting the drivable information data D4 is the same as the process after step b3 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 13 except that the process is performed based on the corrected drivable information data D4. Specifically, in step b3, the overall air conditioning load calculation unit 14 selects an air conditioner whose air conditioning load is smaller than a predetermined value, for example, the reference air conditioning load L ^TH (kW) among the plurality of air conditioners 20 as a control target. An air conditioner 20 is selected and an overall air conditioning load L that is the total value of the air conditioning loads of the air conditioner 20 that is the control target is obtained.

  In step b7, the air conditioning capacity distribution calculation unit 15 sets the total air conditioning load L of the air conditioners 20 to be controlled among the plurality of air conditioners 20 and is in charge of each air conditioner 20. The air conditioning capability of the air conditioner 20 is obtained so that the evaluation function for evaluating the sum of the power consumption W of the air conditioner 20 assuming the operation when the load state of the space is reflected is minimized.

Also in the third to sixth embodiments described above, when the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 20 is larger than a predetermined value, for example, the reference air conditioning load L ^TH (kW), the operation information data D3 or the drivable information data D4. The same operation can be performed by correcting the value to “−2” which means that is not subject to cooperative control.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the air conditioning load that is larger than a predetermined value, for example, the reference air conditioning load L ^TH (kW) is excluded from the cooperative control, and the air conditioning load is a predetermined value, for example, the reference air conditioning load L. ^The air conditioner 20 smaller than ^TH (kW) is selected as the air conditioner 20 to be controlled.

  Therefore, according to the cooperative control of the plurality of air conditioners 20 by the control device of the present embodiment, when the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is large in the air conditioning area mainly responsible for a certain air conditioner, It is possible to leave the cooperative control and act exclusively on the air-conditioning area. As a result, it is possible to realize flexible control for situations in which comfort is lost beyond a certain range.

  In the first to seventh embodiments described above, the air conditioner control devices 10 and 10A for controlling the plurality of air conditioners 20 have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a plurality of the same space installed as cooling targets. The operations of the first to seventh embodiments described above can be applied even to a control device for a refrigeration apparatus that controls the refrigeration apparatus.

  For example, in a system including a plurality of refrigeration apparatuses that cool the inside of a refrigeration showcase or the like by the indoor heat exchanger 21, the refrigerating capacity and power consumption of the refrigeration apparatus, as in the first to seventh embodiments. Is stored for each refrigeration apparatus, and the total refrigeration load, which is the total value of the refrigeration loads of the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses, is obtained. Based on the performance model data, the total refrigeration load, and the weighted data, the operation when the sum of the refrigeration capacities of the plurality of refrigeration units becomes the total refrigeration load and reflects the load status of the space in charge of each refrigeration unit The refrigeration capacities of the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses are respectively determined so that the evaluation function for evaluating the sum of the power consumption W of the refrigeration apparatuses assuming the above is minimized. As a result, it is possible to perform the same cooperative control as in the first to seventh embodiments described above, so that the entire space in the space to be cooled is taken into consideration in consideration of the load status of the space in charge of each refrigeration apparatus. The total power consumption can be reduced while maintaining a balance between the refrigeration load and the total refrigerating capacity of the refrigeration apparatus in operation.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Air conditioning system, 2 Indoor unit, 3 Outdoor unit, 5 Air-conditioning object space, 7 Refrigerant piping, 10, 10A control apparatus, 11 Data storage part, 12 Data storage part, 13 Data setting part, 14 Whole air-conditioning load calculation part, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 15 Air conditioning capability distribution calculating part, 16 Control signal sending part, 17 Weighting data setting part, 18 Driver selection calculating part, 20 Air conditioner, 20A Refrigerant circuit, 21 Indoor heat exchanger, 22 Indoor air blower, 23 Indoor temperature sensor, 31 compressor, 32 four-way valve, 33 outdoor heat exchanger, 34 outdoor fan, 35 expansion device, 36 outdoor temperature sensor, 71 gas connection piping, 72 liquid connection piping.

Claims (16)

A control device for an air conditioner that controls a plurality of air conditioners installed in the same space for air conditioning,
Data storage means for storing performance model data representing the relationship between the air conditioning capacity and power consumption of the air conditioner for each air conditioner;
An overall air conditioning load calculating means for obtaining an overall air conditioning load that is a total value of the air conditioning loads of the plurality of air conditioners;
Weighting data setting means for setting weighting data for adjusting the distribution of air conditioning capacity for each air conditioner,
Based on the performance model data, the overall air conditioning load, and the weighting data, the sum of the air conditioning capabilities of the plurality of air conditioners becomes the overall air conditioning load, and the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners is minimized. Air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means for obtaining the air conditioning capacity of each of the plurality of air conditioners,
A control device for an air conditioner, comprising control signal sending means for sending a control signal related to the air conditioning capability to each of the plurality of air conditioners. The weighting data setting means includes
2. The air according to claim 1, wherein weighting data of the plurality of air conditioners is respectively determined based on measurement data measured by a measurement unit that measures a physical quantity representing a condition in the space to be air-conditioned. Harmonic machine control device. The weighting data setting means includes
2. The weight data of the plurality of air conditioners is respectively obtained based on measurement data measured by a measurement unit that measures the number of persons present in the space to be air-conditioned. Air conditioner control device. The air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means includes:
Based on the performance model data and the weighted data, find the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of air conditioners as a multivariable function with the air conditioning capacity of each air conditioner as a variable,
2. The air conditioning capacity of each air conditioner in which the multivariable function is an extreme value is obtained under a constraint that the sum of the air conditioning capacities of the plurality of air conditioners becomes the overall air conditioning load. The control apparatus of the air conditioner as described in any one of -3. The air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means includes:
In a second multivariable function obtained by adding an intermediate variable whose coefficient is the constraint condition to the multivariable function, find the intermediate variable that satisfies the condition that each variable of the second multivariable function is an extreme value;
The air conditioner control device according to claim 4, wherein the air conditioning capacity of each of the air conditioners is obtained based on the obtained intermediate variable, the performance model data, and the weighting data. Among the plurality of air conditioners, further comprising an operation air conditioner selection means for obtaining a combination pattern of an operation air conditioner that is an air conditioner to be operated and a stop air conditioner that is an air conditioner that stops the operation,
The air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means includes:
For each of the combination patterns, the air conditioning capability of the operating air conditioner is calculated so that the sum of the air conditioning capabilities of the operating air conditioner becomes the overall air conditioning load and the sum of the power consumption of the operating air conditioner is minimized. ,
The operating air conditioner selecting means is
Among the combination patterns, select the combination pattern that minimizes the sum of the power consumption of the operating air conditioner in the air conditioning capacity obtained by the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means,
The control signal sending means is
2. The control signal relating to the operating state and the air conditioning capacity is sent to the operating air conditioner and the stop air conditioner, respectively, according to the combination pattern selected by the operating air conditioner selecting means. The control apparatus of the air conditioner as described in any one of -5. The operating air conditioner selecting means is
Among the combination patterns, a combination pattern that minimizes the sum of the power consumption of the operating air conditioner at the air conditioning capacity obtained by the air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means and the power consumption during standby of the stopped air conditioner is selected. The air conditioner control device according to claim 6. The operating air conditioner selecting means is
Based on the performance model data, find the maximum value of the operating efficiency of the plurality of air conditioners,
The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the combination pattern is obtained based on the order of the maximum value of the operation efficiency. The operating air conditioner selecting means is
The air conditioner control device according to claim 8, wherein the combination pattern is obtained so that the air conditioner having the largest maximum operating efficiency is included in the operating air conditioner. The operating air conditioner selecting means is
The control device for an air conditioner according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the combination pattern is obtained based on the order of the values of the weighting data. The operating air conditioner selecting means is
The air conditioner control device according to claim 10, wherein the combination pattern is calculated so that the air conditioner having the largest or smallest weighted data value is included in the operating air conditioner. Each of the air conditioners includes a first temperature detection unit that detects a temperature in the space to be air-conditioned, and a second temperature detection unit that detects a temperature outside the space to be air-conditioned,
The air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means includes:
Based on at least one of the temperature in the air-conditioning target space detected by the first temperature detection means and the temperature outside the air-conditioning target space detected by the second temperature detection means, The air conditioner control device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the performance model data is corrected. Each of the air conditioners has a refrigerant circuit in which a compressor, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion device, and an indoor heat exchanger are connected in an annular shape,
The first temperature detection means detects the refrigerant temperature of the indoor heat exchanger as the temperature in the space to be air-conditioned,
The second temperature detection means detects the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger as a temperature outside the space to be air-conditioned,
The air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means includes:
A correction coefficient set in advance according to the refrigerant temperature of the indoor heat exchanger and the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger is acquired, and the performance model data is corrected based on the acquired correction coefficient. The control apparatus of the air conditioner of Claim 12. Data storage means for storing for each air conditioner information indicating whether or not the air conditioner is a control target;
The overall air conditioning load calculating means includes
Among the plurality of air conditioners, a total value of the air conditioning load of the air conditioner to be controlled is obtained as the overall air conditioning load,
The air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means includes:
Among the plurality of air conditioners, the sum of the air conditioning capabilities of the air conditioner that is the control target is the overall air conditioning load, and the sum of the power consumption of the air conditioner that is the control target is minimized. The air conditioner control device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the air conditioning capacity of each of the plurality of air conditioners is obtained. The overall air conditioning load calculating means includes
Among the plurality of air conditioners, an air conditioner having an air conditioning load smaller than a predetermined value is selected as an air conditioner that is a control target, and the total value of the air conditioning loads of the selected air conditioner is the above-described air conditioner As the total air conditioning load,
The air conditioning capacity distribution calculating means includes:
Among the plurality of air conditioners, the sum of the air conditioning capabilities of the air conditioner that is the control target is the overall air conditioning load, and the sum of the power consumption of the air conditioner that is the control target is minimized. The air conditioner control device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is obtained. A control device for a refrigeration apparatus that controls a plurality of refrigeration apparatuses installed in the same space as a cooling target,
Data storage means for storing performance model data representing the relationship between the refrigeration capacity and power consumption of the refrigeration apparatus for each refrigeration apparatus;
An overall refrigeration load calculating means for obtaining an overall refrigeration load that is a total value of the refrigeration loads of the plurality of refrigeration apparatuses;
Weighting data setting means for setting weighting data for adjusting the distribution of refrigeration capacity for each refrigeration device,
Based on the performance model data, the total refrigeration load, and the weighted data, the sum of the refrigeration capacities of the plurality of refrigeration devices becomes the total refrigeration load, and the sum of the power consumption of the plurality of refrigeration devices is minimized. Refrigeration capacity distribution calculating means for determining the refrigeration capacity of each of the plurality of refrigeration devices,
A control device for a refrigerating apparatus, comprising: control signal sending means for sending a control signal related to the refrigerating capacity to each of the plurality of refrigerating apparatuses.

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