JP2023172150A - Air conditioning system, control device, air conditioner, and outdoor unit number control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform air conditioning operation that satisfies both energy saving performance and user's comfort.SOLUTION: A server 9 has a unit number control permission determination section 902 for determining whether or not to permit unit number control for controlling the number of operating outdoor units on the basis of at least one of location information indicating a location of an air conditioner having the plurality of outdoor units, building information related to a building in which the air conditioner is installed, and weather information corresponding to the location. An indoor unit 2 of the air conditioner executes the unit number control when the unit number control is permitted by the server 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system, a control device, an air conditioner, and a method for controlling the number of outdoor units.

Two mutually independent refrigeration cycles are connected to a common indoor heat exchanger, a variable capacity compressor is interposed in each refrigeration cycle, and an air outlet of an indoor unit housing the indoor heat exchanger is installed. A blowout temperature sensor is installed in the air outlet, and the number of compressors in operation and the operating frequency of each compressor are controlled based on the detection signal from the blowout temperature sensor, and the air blowout temperature from the indoor unit is maintained constant. A harmonizer is known (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-314841

However, in conventional air conditioners of this type, the number of operating units was controlled without considering the magnitude of the energy saving effect, so even if the energy saving effect was small, the number of operating compressors (in other words, outdoor units) was controlled. There has been a problem in that the user's comfort is impaired as a result.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and provides an air conditioning system, a control device, an air conditioner, and a method for controlling the number of outdoor units that can perform air conditioning that achieves both energy saving and user comfort. The purpose is to provide.

In order to achieve the above objective, the air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes:
of the plurality of outdoor units based on at least one of location information indicating the location of the air conditioner including the plurality of outdoor units, building information regarding the building in which the air conditioner is installed, and weather information corresponding to the location. A unit number control possibility determining means for determining whether or not to permit number control to control the number of operating units;
A number control means for executing the number control when the number control is permitted by the number control permission determination means.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform air conditioning that achieves both energy saving and comfort.

A diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system in an embodiment A diagram showing the configuration of an indoor unit in an embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control board included in the indoor unit in the embodiment A diagram showing the configuration of an outdoor unit in an embodiment A diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation device in an embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the remote control in the embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a user terminal in an embodiment Block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a server in an embodiment A diagram showing a functional configuration of a control board included in an indoor unit in an embodiment. Flowchart showing the procedure of number control processing in the embodiment A diagram showing an example of the relationship between heat load, number of operating units, total average frequency, and COP when unit number control is executed in the embodiment. Block diagram showing the functional configuration of a server in an embodiment Sequence diagram showing the flow of processing of the air conditioning system in the embodiment Diagram for explaining number control in a modification of the embodiment (Part 1) Diagram for explaining number control in a modification of the embodiment (Part 2) Diagram for explaining determination of whether or not the number of units can be controlled in a modified example of the embodiment

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure can be applied to various properties, that is, various buildings such as single-family homes, apartment complexes, and office buildings, but in the embodiment below, the case where it is applied to a single-family home will be exemplified. Let me explain.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an air conditioning system 1 in an embodiment. Air conditioning system 1 is an example of an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure. The air conditioning system 1 is a system for air conditioning a single-family house, and includes an indoor unit 2, an outdoor unit 3, a ventilation device 4, a plurality of remote controllers 5 (5a to 5c, ...), and a plurality of dampers 6 (6a to 5c). 6c,...), a user terminal 7, a router 8, a server 9, and a weather server 10.

<Indoor unit 2>
The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 constitute a set of air conditioning units. The air conditioning unit is an example of an air conditioner according to the present disclosure, and the outdoor unit 3 is an example of an outdoor unit according to the present disclosure. The indoor unit 2 air-conditions each air-conditioned space by distributing and supplying conditioned air to each of the plurality of air-conditioned spaces (spaces A to C, . . . ) of the house through the duct D1. The indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 are connected via a communication line CL1 for mutual communication and a refrigerant pipe 11 for circulating refrigerant. The indoor unit 2 is installed in a space different from the air-conditioned space, for example, in a machine room, a hallway, a ceiling, under a floor, or the like in the house.

As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 2 includes a blower 20, heat exchangers 21a and 21b, and a control board 22. Although the details will be described later, the heat exchanger 21a and the heat exchanger 21b belong to refrigerant circuits of different systems. The blower 20 is, for example, a sirocco fan, which sucks in the indoor air RA that has circulated through the house and returned through the suction port 23, and also sucks the air sent from the ventilation device 4 through the duct D2 from another suction port 24. Inhale. The blower 20 then transfers air (hereinafter referred to as "mixed air"), which is a mixture of a portion of the indoor air RA sucked in through the suction port 23 and the air from the ventilation device 4 sucked in through the suction port 24, into a heat exchanger. 21a and 21b. Note that the remaining indoor air RA is supplied from the supply port 25 to the ventilation device 4 via the duct D2.

Further, the blower 20 sends out the air heat exchanged by the heat exchangers 21a and 21b, that is, the supply air SA, which is air after the air condition has been adjusted, from the supply port 26. A duct D1 is connected to the supply port 26, and the supply air SA sent out by the blower 20 is supplied to each air-conditioned space (spaces AC, . . . ) through the duct D1. The rotation speed of the blower 20 is adjusted according to a command from the control board 22.

The heat exchangers 21a and 21b exchange heat between the refrigerant supplied from the outdoor unit 3 and the above-mentioned mixed air. When the operation mode is heating, a high-temperature refrigerant (for example, a high-pressure refrigerant of about 45° C.) flows in the pipes of the heat exchangers 21a and 21b, and the mixed air is warmed. On the other hand, when the operation mode is cooling, a low-temperature refrigerant (for example, a low-pressure refrigerant of about 15° C.) flows and the mixed air is cooled.

The control board 22 centrally controls the air conditioning unit, the ventilation system 4, and the dampers 6a to 6c, . As shown in FIG. 3, the control board 22 has a hardware configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 220, a communication interface 221, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 222, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 223, and an auxiliary memory. and a storage device 224. These components are interconnected via bus 225. The CPU 220 centrally controls the control board 22. Details of the functions of the control board 22 realized by the CPU 220 will be described later.

The communication interface 221 communicates with hardware for communicating with the outdoor unit 3 via the communication line CL1, hardware for communicating with the ventilation device 4 via a communication line (not shown), and remote controllers 5a to 5c, . . . Hardware for communicating via the line CL2, hardware for communicating with the dampers 6a to 6c, ... via the communication line CL3, and a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). It includes a router 8, which is a router, and hardware for wireless communication. Note that the indoor unit 2 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with the outdoor unit 3, the ventilation device 4, the remote controllers 5a to 5c, . . . and the dampers 6a to 6c, .

The ROM 222 stores multiple pieces of firmware and data used when executing these firmwares. RAM 223 is used as a work area for CPU 220. The auxiliary storage device 224 is composed of a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory. Examples of the readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 224 stores various programs including a program for executing air conditioning control (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning control program"), and data used when executing these programs.

The indoor unit 2 can obtain the above air conditioning control program or an update program for updating the air conditioning control program by downloading it from the server 9 or another server via a network N such as the Internet. Additionally, these programs can be used on CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), magneto-optical discs, USB (Universal Serial Bus) memories, HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), and SSDs (Solid State Drives). It is also possible to store and distribute it in a computer-readable recording medium such as a memory card. When the indoor unit 2 can directly or indirectly attach such a recording medium to itself, the indoor unit 2 may read and acquire the air conditioning control program or update program from the attached recording medium.

<Outdoor unit 3>
As shown in FIG. 4, the outdoor unit 3 includes an outdoor unit 3a and an outdoor unit 3b to realize two refrigerant circuits (systems a and b). The outdoor unit 3a includes a compressor 30a, a four-way valve 31a, an expansion valve 32a, a heat exchanger 33a, a blower 34a, and a control board 35a. The compressor 30a, four-way valve 31a, expansion valve 32a, and heat exchanger 33a of the outdoor unit 3a and the heat exchanger 21a of the indoor unit 2 are connected in an annular manner by a refrigerant pipe 11a. Thereby, the refrigerant circuit of system a is configured.

Furthermore, the outdoor unit 3b includes a compressor 30b, a four-way valve 31b, an expansion valve 32b, a heat exchanger 33b, a blower 34b, and a control board 35b. The compressor 30b, four-way valve 31b, expansion valve 32b, and heat exchanger 33b of the outdoor unit 3b and the heat exchanger 21b of the indoor unit 2 are connected in an annular manner by a refrigerant pipe 11b. This constitutes the refrigerant circuit of system b.

Compressors 30a and 30b compress refrigerant. Specifically, the compressors 30a and 30b compress low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and discharge high-pressure and high-temperature refrigerant to the four-way valves 31a and 31b. The compressors 30a and 30b include an inverter circuit that can change the number of rotations depending on the frequency. The compressors 30a, 30b change the frequency, that is, the number of rotations, according to commands from the control boards 35a, 35b.

The four-way valves 31a and 31b are components for switching the circulation direction of the refrigerant. When the operation mode is heating, the states of the four-way valves 31a and 31b are as shown by the solid lines in FIG. 4. Thereby, in the system a, the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 30a, the four-way valve 31a, the heat exchanger 21a, the expansion valve 32a, and the heat exchanger 33a. Similarly, in system b, the refrigerant circulates in the order of compressor 30b, four-way valve 31b, heat exchanger 21b, expansion valve 32b, and heat exchanger 33b. On the other hand, when the operation mode is cooling, the states of the four-way valves 31a and 31b are as shown by the broken lines in FIG. 4. As a result, in system a, refrigerant circulates in the order of compressor 30a, four-way valve 31a, heat exchanger 33a, expansion valve 32a, and heat exchanger 21a, and similarly, in system b, refrigerant circulates in the order of compressor 30a, four-way valve 31a, , the heat exchanger 33b, the expansion valve 32b, and the heat exchanger 21b in this order.

The expansion valves 32a, 32b are installed between the heat exchangers 21a, 21b and the heat exchangers 33a, 33b, and depressurize and expand the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipes 11a, 11b. The expansion valves 32a and 32b are, for example, electronic expansion valves whose aperture openings can be adjusted by a stepping motor (not shown). The expansion valves 32a, 32b adjust the pressure of the refrigerant by changing the opening degrees according to commands from the control boards 35a, 35b.

The heat exchangers 33a, 33b exchange heat between the outdoor air (ie, outside air) sucked in by the blowers 34a, 34b and the refrigerant. The heat exchangers 33a and 33b function as a condenser when the operation mode of the indoor unit 2 is cooling, and function as an evaporator when the operation mode of the indoor unit 2 is heating.

The blowers 34a and 34b are propeller fans, for example, and suck in outside air and send out the air that has been heat exchanged by the heat exchangers 33a and 33b to the outdoors. The rotation speeds of the blowers 34a, 34b are adjusted according to commands from the control boards 35a, 35b.

The control boards 35a, 35b are connected to the control board 22 of the indoor unit 2 via communication lines CL1a, CL1b, and control each component of the outdoor units 3a, 3b according to commands from the control board 22. Although neither of the control boards 35a and 35b is shown in the drawings, each of the control boards 35a and 35b is an auxiliary storage device that includes a CPU, a communication interface, a ROM, a RAM, a readable/writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM, and a flash memory. Equipped with.

As described above, when the operation mode is heating, the outdoor units 3a and 3b supply high-pressure refrigerant at about 45° C. to the indoor unit 2, for example. On the other hand, when the operation mode is cooling, the outdoor units 3a and 3b supply low-pressure refrigerant at about 15° C. to the indoor unit 2, for example. Further, when the operation mode is dehumidification, the outdoor units 3a and 3b, for example, operate the refrigerant circuit in a cooling operation and supply the indoor unit 2 with a refrigerant at a temperature of about 7° C., which is lower than the dew point temperature of the indoor air RA. In this case, in the indoor unit 2, when the indoor air RA passes through the heat exchangers 21a, 21b, moisture in the air condenses on the surfaces of the heat exchangers 21a, 21b, thereby dehumidifying the indoor air RA.

<Ventilation device 4>
The ventilation device 4 is a device that ventilates the house, and like the indoor unit 2, it is installed in a space different from the air-conditioned space, such as a machine room, a hallway, an attic, under a floor, etc. in the house. . The ventilation system 4 is connected to the indoor unit 2 via a duct D2.

As shown in FIG. 5, the ventilation device 4 is composed of an opposing air blower box 40 and a total heat exchanger box 41, and includes a control board 400, an air blower 401, and an air blower 402 in the opposing air blower box 40, A total heat exchanger 410 is provided within the total heat exchanger box 41. The opposing air blower box 40 also includes an exhaust port 403 for discharging indoor air (that is, indoor air RA) to the outdoors via the duct D3, and an inlet port 404 for sucking in outside air via the duct D3. is provided. The total heat exchanger box 41 also includes a suction port 411 for sucking indoor air RA from the indoor unit 2 through the duct D2, and a supply port 412 for supplying air to the indoor unit 2 through the duct D2. and is provided.

The control board 400 is communicably connected to the control board 22 of the indoor unit 2, and controls the blower 401 and the blower 402 according to commands from the control board 22. The control board 400 includes a CPU, a communication interface, a ROM, a RAM, and an auxiliary storage device including a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory such as an EEPROM and a flash memory, although none of them are shown. Be prepared.

The blower 401 is, for example, a sirocco fan, sucks indoor air RA from the indoor unit 2, sends it to the total heat exchanger box 41, and discharges the air that has passed through the total heat exchanger 410 to the outdoors as exhaust air EA. The blower 402 is, for example, a sirocco fan, sucks in the same amount of outside air OA as the discharged air EA, sends it to the total heat exchanger box 41, and supplies the air that has passed through the total heat exchanger 410 to the indoor unit 2.

The total heat exchanger 410 performs total heat exchange (sensible heat exchange and latent heat exchange) between the indoor air OA sent to the total heat exchanger box 41 by the blower 401 and the outside air OA sent to the total heat exchanger box 41 by the blower 402. )I do.

<Remote controls 5a to 5c,...>
The remote controllers 5a to 5c, ... are used to individually receive operations related to the air conditioning of the corresponding air-conditioned spaces (spaces A to C, ...) from people living in the residence (hereinafter simply referred to as "users"). These are remote controllers, and are installed either embedded in the walls of spaces A to C, . . . or housed in remote control holders installed on the walls of spaces A to C, . Hereinafter, explanations common to the remote controllers 5a to 5c, . . . will be referred to as the remote controller 5 without specifying each one individually.

As shown in FIG. 6, the remote control 5 has a hardware configuration including a CPU 50, a display 51, an operation reception section 52, a communication interface 53, a temperature/humidity sensor 54, a ROM 55, a RAM 56, and an auxiliary storage device 57. Equipped with. These components are interconnected via a bus 58.

The CPU 50 centrally controls the remote control 5. The display 51 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display 51 displays various screens and the like according to user operations under the control of the CPU 50. The operation reception unit 52 is configured to include one or more input devices such as a push button, a touch panel, a touch pad, etc., receives operation input from a user, and outputs a signal related to the received operation to the CPU 50.

The communication interface 53 includes hardware for communicating with the indoor unit 2 via the communication line CL2. Note that, as described above, the configuration may be such that communication between the remote control 5 and the indoor unit 2 is performed wirelessly.

The temperature/humidity sensor 54 measures the room temperature, that is, the air temperature of the air-conditioned space in which the remote controller 5 is installed, and the humidity of the air-conditioned space.

The ROM 55 stores a plurality of firmwares and data used when executing these firmwares. The RAM 56 is used as a work area for the CPU 50. The auxiliary storage device 57 is composed of a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory. Examples of the readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include EEPROM and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 57 stores various programs including a program for functioning as a user interface (hereinafter referred to as "user interface program"), and data used when these programs are executed.

The remote control 5 transmits the user interface program or an update program for updating the user interface program through near field communication (for example, NFC) with a portable electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal owned by a maintenance person. (Near Field Communication), BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy) communication, visible light communication, infrared communication, etc.), or by downloading from the server 9 or another server via the network N. You may obtain it.

Further, these programs can also be stored and distributed in computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, magneto-optical disks, USB memories, HDDs, SSDs, and memory cards. When the remote controller 5 can directly or indirectly attach such a recording medium to itself, the remote controller 5 may read and acquire the user interface program or update program from the attached recording medium.

The remote control 5 configured as described above receives operations from the user such as switching start/stop of air conditioning, switching operation modes such as cooling, heating, and dehumidification, and changing set temperature, air volume, and air direction. The remote controller 5 sends data (hereinafter referred to as "remote control operation data") storing information that identifies the air-conditioned space that it corresponds to (hereinafter referred to as "space ID") and the received operation details (hereinafter referred to as "remote control operation data") to the indoor unit 2. Send to. Further, the remote control 5 displays information related to the current air conditioning operation (operation mode, room temperature, humidity, etc.) on the display 51. Furthermore, the remote controller 5 transmits data (hereinafter referred to as "temperature/humidity data") in which the space ID and the room temperature and humidity values measured by the temperature/humidity sensor 54 are stored to the indoor unit 2 at a predetermined timing. do. For example, the remote control 5 transmits temperature and humidity data to the indoor unit 2 every minute.

<Duct D1>
The duct D1 is arranged in the attic of the house, and one end thereof is connected to the supply port 26 of the indoor unit 2. The duct D1 branches into a plurality of branch paths in order to guide the supply air SA supplied from the indoor unit 2 to the spaces A to C,..., and the end of each branch path is connected to the ceiling of the spaces A to C,... It is connected to the air outlet provided in the.

<Dampers 6a to 6c,...>
The dampers 6a to 6c, . . . are so-called VAV (Variable Air Volume), and are arranged in each branch of the duct D1, and adjust the volume of the supply air SA supplied to the corresponding air-conditioned space. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, damper 6a is placed in a branch path corresponding to space A, damper 6b is placed in a branch path corresponding to space B, and damper 6c is placed in a branch path corresponding to space C. It is located within the branch road. The dampers 6a to 6c, . Note that, as described above, a configuration may be adopted in which the dampers 6a to 6c, . . . and the indoor unit 2 communicate wirelessly. Hereinafter, descriptions common to the dampers 6a to 6c, . . . will be referred to as damper 6 without specifically specifying each one.

<User terminal 7>
The user terminal 7 is an electronic device owned by a user, and is, for example, a smart device such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. As shown in FIG. 7, the user terminal 7 includes a CPU 70, a display 71, an operation reception section 72, a communication interface 73, a ROM 74, a RAM 75, and an auxiliary storage device 76. These components are interconnected via a bus 77.

The CPU 70 controls the user terminal 7 in an integrated manner. The display 71 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display 71 displays various screens and the like according to user operations under the control of the CPU 70. The operation reception unit 72 is configured to include one or more input devices such as push buttons, touch panels, touch pads, etc., receives operation input from the user, and outputs a signal related to the received operation to the CPU 70.

The communication interface 73 includes hardware for wireless LAN for wireless communication with the router 8 or an outdoor access point, and hardware for mobile data communication. The ROM 74 stores multiple pieces of firmware and data used when executing these firmwares. The RAM 75 is used as a work area for the CPU 70.

The auxiliary storage device 76 is composed of a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory. Examples of the readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include EEPROM and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 76 stores various programs including application programs (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning applications") for using the air conditioning services provided by the air conditioning system 1, and data used when executing these programs. is memorized.

The user terminal 7 can obtain the above air conditioning application or an update program for updating the air conditioning application by downloading it from the server 9 or another server via the network N. Further, these programs can also be stored and distributed in computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, magneto-optical disks, USB memories, HDDs, SSDs, and memory cards. When the user terminal 7 can directly or indirectly attach such a recording medium to itself, the user terminal 7 may read and acquire the air conditioning application or update program from the attached recording medium.

The air conditioning application allows the user terminal 7 to receive operations related to air conditioning control from the user. For example, the user terminal 7 accepts the designation of the air-conditioned space (spaces A to C, ...) from the user, and performs the same operations as the remote control 5 described above, such as switching the start/stop of air conditioning, cooling, heating, and dehumidification. It is possible to accept operations such as switching the operating mode, changing the set temperature, air volume, and air direction. The user terminal 7 transmits to the indoor unit 2 data (hereinafter referred to as "terminal operation data") in which a space ID indicating the air-conditioned space designated by the user and the operation details received from the user are stored.

Furthermore, the air conditioning application allows the user terminal 7 to receive input from the user of information necessary for receiving the air conditioning support service provided by the server 9. Such information includes, for example, the device ID of the indoor unit 2, location information, building information, room occupancy information, and the like. The device ID is information that identifies the indoor unit 2, and is, for example, a serial number. The location information is information indicating the location of the air conditioning unit (indoor unit 2 and outdoor unit 3), and is, for example, the name of the prefecture. The building information is information about the property, that is, the house, such as the house maker name, brand name, ZEH (Net Zero Energy House) certification, insulation performance index UA (average heat transfer coefficient ) value, floor area, etc. The room occupancy information is information indicating whether each room (that is, each air-conditioned space) is scheduled to be occupied or not.

<Server 9>
The server 9 is an example of a control device according to the present disclosure. The server 9 is a so-called cloud server installed and operated by the manufacturer, sales company, etc. of the indoor unit 2 (including the outdoor unit 3) and the ventilation device 4, and is connected to the network N. As shown in FIG. 8, the server 9 includes a CPU 90, a communication interface 91, a ROM 92, a RAM 93, and an auxiliary storage device 94. These components are interconnected via a bus 95.

The CPU 90 centrally controls the server 9 . Details of the functions of the server 9 realized by the CPU 90 will be described later. Communication interface 91 is hardware for communicating with other devices via network N. The ROM 92 stores a plurality of firmwares and data used when executing these firmwares. RAM93 is used as a work area for CPU90.

The auxiliary storage device 94 is composed of a readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory, an HDD, and the like. Examples of the readable and writable nonvolatile semiconductor memory include EEPROM and flash memory. The auxiliary storage device 94 stores various programs including a program for supporting air conditioning in each customer's residence (hereinafter referred to as "air conditioning support program") and data used when executing these programs. Ru.

<Weather server 10>
The weather server 10 is a computer installed and operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency, a weather operator, etc., and is connected to the network N. Weather server 10 provides weather information publicly available. The weather information includes forecasts of the weather, amount of solar radiation, hours of sunshine, temperature, etc. in a designated area, as well as actual results thereof.

<Functional configuration of control board 22 included in indoor unit 2>
As shown in FIG. 9, the control board 22 functionally includes a temperature/humidity acquisition section 200, a remote control operation acquisition section 201, a terminal operation acquisition section 202, an operation state notification section 203, and a control availability inquiry section 204. and an air conditioning control section 205. These functional units are realized by the CPU 220 of the control board 22 executing the above-mentioned air conditioning control program stored in the auxiliary storage device 224.

The temperature/humidity acquisition unit 200 acquires the values of the room temperature and humidity of each air-conditioned space measured by the temperature/humidity sensor 54 included in each remote controller 5. Specifically, the temperature/humidity acquisition unit 200 receives the temperature/humidity data periodically sent from each remote controller 5 as described above, and obtains the space ID, room temperature, and humidity values included in the received temperature/humidity data. get. The temperature/humidity acquisition unit 200 stores the acquired room temperature and humidity values in a temperature/humidity table. The temperature and humidity table is a data table in which space IDs and temperature and humidity values are stored in association with each other, and is stored in the auxiliary storage device 224, for example.

The remote control operation acquisition unit 201 acquires the operation details of the remote control 5 by the user. Specifically, the remote control operation acquisition unit 201 receives remote control operation data sent from the remote control 5 operated by the user as described above, and acquires the space ID and operation details included in the received remote control operation data. do. The operation details include, for example, the value of the set temperature. The remote control operation acquisition unit 201 stores the acquired operation details in a user operation table. The user operation table is a data table in which space IDs and user operation details are stored in association with each other, and is stored in the auxiliary storage device 224, for example.

The terminal operation acquisition unit 202 acquires operation details related to air conditioning control by the user via the user terminal 7. Specifically, the terminal operation acquisition unit 202 receives the terminal operation data sent from the user terminal 7 as described above, and acquires the space ID and operation details included in the received terminal operation data. The operation details include, for example, the value of the set temperature. The terminal operation acquisition unit 202 stores the acquired operation details in the user operation table described above.

The operating state notification unit 203 periodically transmits data indicating the operating states of the indoor unit 2 and the outdoor unit 3 to the server 9. For example, the driving state notification unit 203 transmits the data to the server 9 every minute. The operating state includes, for example, the air conditioning mode, the operating mode, the room temperature, humidity, set temperature, and air volume of each air-conditioned space, and the frequencies of the compressors 30a and 30b.

The control possibility inquiry unit 204 inquires of the server 9 whether or not the number of devices can be controlled. Specifically, when the operation of the indoor unit 2 is started, the controllability inquiry unit 204 transmits a controllability inquiry notification including the device ID of the indoor unit 2 to the server 9. The server 9 that has received the availability inquiry notification determines whether or not the number of units can be controlled, which will be described later, and transmits a notification indicating the determination result (hereinafter referred to as "availability result notification") to the indoor unit 2. The control permission inquiry unit 204 receives the permission result notification transmitted from the server 9, and when the received permission result notification indicates permission to control the number of units, it notifies the air conditioning control unit 205 to that effect. On the other hand, if the received propriety result notification indicates prohibition of number control, the control propriety inquiry unit 204 discards the propriety result notification.

The air conditioning control unit 205 controls the air conditioning of each air-conditioned space in the house by sending control commands to the blower 20 of the indoor unit 2, the outdoor units 3a and 3b, the ventilation system 4, and each damper 6. Control. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 205 controls the rotation speed of the blower 20 of the indoor unit 2, the frequency of the compressor 30a, and the frequency of the blower 34a based on the operation mode and the room temperature, humidity, and temperature setting of each air-conditioned space. The rotation speed, the frequency of the compressor 30b, the rotation speed of the blower 34b, the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 4 (specifically, the rotation speed of the blowers 401 and 402), and the opening degree of each damper 6 are set to appropriate values. Generates control commands to adjust to. The air conditioning control unit 205 then sends each generated control command to the blower 20 of the indoor unit 2, the control boards 35a and 35b of the outdoor units 3a and 3b, the control board 400 of the ventilation device 4, and each damper 6. Send each.

Moreover, when the air-conditioning control unit 205 receives the permission result notification indicating permission for the number control from the server 9, it executes the number control to control the number of operating outdoor units 3 (outdoor units 3a, 3b). The air conditioning control unit 205 is an example of a number control unit according to the present disclosure. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the procedure of a process related to number control (hereinafter referred to as "number control process") executed by the air conditioning control unit 205. If unit number control is permitted, the air conditioning control unit 205 periodically and repeatedly executes the following number control process from the time the operation of the indoor units 2 is started until it is stopped. Note that, when the indoor unit 2 starts operating, the air conditioning control unit 205 operates the two outdoor units 3a and 3b.

(Step S100)
The air conditioning control unit 205 determines whether or not a person is absent from the residence. For example, the air conditioning control unit 205 may determine whether a person is absent based on the detection result of a human sensor (not shown) installed in each air-conditioned space, the power usage status obtained from a wattmeter, etc. Alternatively, it may be determined whether or not someone is absent based on room occupancy information that is registered in advance in the server 9 by the user using an air conditioning application.

Alternatively, the user terminal 7 is equipped with a GPS (Global Positioning System) signal receiving circuit, receives GPS signals from GPS satellites, and periodically transmits position data in which latitude and longitude calculated based on the received GPS signals are stored. , the server 9 determines whether there is a person in the residence based on the user's current location and the location of the residence (registered in advance on the server 9 by the user). The indoor unit 2 may determine whether or not a person is absent by determining the determination result and acquiring the determination result from the server 9.

If no one is present (step S100; YES), the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S102. On the other hand, if no one is present (step S100; NO), the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S101.

(Step S101)
The air conditioning control unit 205 determines whether the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is equal to or less than T1 in all rooms (that is, all air-conditioned spaces). T1 is a predetermined threshold value. If the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is T1 or less in all rooms, the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S102. On the other hand, if the temperature difference between the room temperature and the set temperature is not less than T1 in all rooms (step S101; NO), that is, if the difference between the room temperature and the set temperature in any room is greater than T1, the air conditioning control unit 205 The process moves to step S107.

(Step S102)
The air conditioning control unit 205 acquires the heat loads of all rooms. The heat load changes depending on the temperature difference between the room temperature and the outside temperature, the amount of ventilation, the amount of solar radiation, and the amount of internal heat generation. The air conditioning control unit 205 calculates and obtains the heat load using one or more of these parameters that have a large influence on the house. After that, the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S103.

(Step S103)
The air conditioning control unit 205 determines whether the acquired heat load is less than or equal to L1. L1 is a predetermined threshold value. If the heat load is less than or equal to L1 (step S103; YES), the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S104. On the other hand, if the heat load is larger than L1 (step S103; NO), the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S106.

(Step S104)
The air conditioning control unit 205 determines whether two outdoor units 3 are in operation, that is, whether both outdoor units 3a and 3b are in operation. If two units are in operation (step S104; YES), the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S105. On the other hand, if two units are not in operation (step S104; NO), that is, if only one of the outdoor units 3a and 3b is in operation, there is no need to change the number of units in operation. The air conditioning control unit 205 ends the number control process in this cycle.

(Step S105)
The air conditioning control unit 205 stops the operation of either the outdoor unit 3a or the outdoor unit 3b (for example, the outdoor unit 3b). After that, the air conditioning control unit 205 ends the number control process in this cycle.

(Step S106)
The air conditioning control unit 205 determines whether the acquired heat load is less than or equal to L2. L2 is a predetermined threshold value greater than L1. If the heat load is less than or equal to L2 (step S106; YES), there is no need to change the current number of operating units, so the air conditioning control unit 205 ends the number control process in this cycle. On the other hand, if the heat load is larger than L2 (step S106; NO), the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S107.

(Step S107)
The air conditioning control unit 205 determines whether only one outdoor unit 3 is operating, that is, whether one of the outdoor units 3a and 3b is operating. If only one unit is in operation (step S107; YES), the process of the air conditioning control unit 205 transitions to step S108. On the other hand, if only one unit is not in operation (step S107; NO), that is, if both the outdoor unit 3a and the outdoor unit 3b are in operation, there is no need to change the number of operating units, so the air conditioning control unit 205 The number control process in this cycle ends.

(Step S108)
The air conditioning control unit 205 starts operating the outdoor unit 3 (for example, the outdoor unit 3b) that is stopped, and changes the operation to two outdoor units 3. After that, the air conditioning control unit 205 ends the number control process in this cycle.

FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the heat load, the number of operating units, the total average frequency, and COP when the number of units is controlled. (a) shows the relationship between the heat load and the number of machines in operation, and shows that when the heat load becomes L1 or less, the machine is switched to one machine, and when the heat load becomes larger than L2, the machine is switched to two machines. In order to prevent hunting when switching the number of units, it is preferable to set the values of L1 and L2 with a certain degree of difference.

(b) shows the relationship between the heat load and the sum of the average frequencies of the compressors 30a and 30b. The frequency of the compressors 30a, 30b is proportional to the heat load, and the smaller the heat load, the lower the frequency. Since the minimum frequency F _MIN (see black circle) is determined, the compressors 30a and 30b are controlled to repeat ON/OFF when the heat load is below L3 (L3>L2>L1). (See dashed line). When the heat load becomes less than L1, the compressor 30b is stopped and one of the compressors 30a is operated continuously (see the solid line). When the heat load becomes even smaller, only one compressor 30a starts and stops (see the broken line).

(c) shows the relationship between heat load and COP (Coefficient Of Performance=air conditioning capacity/power consumption). The higher the COP, the better the efficiency and energy savings. The maximum value of the COP is in the region where the compressor 30a and/or the compressor 30b is in continuous operation, and in the region where the compressor 30a and/or the compressor 30b is in continuous operation, the smaller the heat load, the lower the operating rate and the lower the COP. The COP curves for operating one unit and two units intersect at heat load L1, and below heat load L1, the COP for operating one unit is higher.

<Functional configuration of server 9>
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the server 9. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the server 9 has an information registration unit 900, an inquiry notification receiving unit 901, a number control possibility determining unit 902, and an acceptability result notification transmitting unit 903 as characteristic functions according to the present disclosure. Be prepared. These functional units are realized by the CPU 90 of the server 9 executing the above-mentioned air conditioning support program stored in the auxiliary storage device 94. In addition to this, the server 9 also has a function of periodically collecting data indicating the operating status from the indoor units 2 at each customer's home, a function of providing meaningful information to the user based on the collected data, etc. However, the explanation of these functions will be omitted.

The information registration unit 900 receives information input by the user via the user terminal 7, and registers the received information in the customer information DB 940. The customer information DB 940 is a database for managing information input by customers as customer information, and is stored in the auxiliary storage device 94. The customer information includes, for example, the customer ID given by the server 9, the device ID of the indoor unit 2, location information, building information, room occupancy information, and the like.

The inquiry notification receiving unit 901 receives the above-mentioned availability inquiry notification sent from the indoor unit 2 at the start of operation. The inquiry notification receiving unit 901 extracts the device ID included in the received permission inquiry notification, and notifies the number control possibility determining unit 902 of the extracted device ID.

The unit number control possibility determination unit 902 is an example of a unit number control possibility determination unit according to the present disclosure. The unit number control possibility determination unit 902 selects at least one of location information indicating the location of the air conditioning unit (indoor unit 2 and outdoor unit 3), building information regarding the building in which the air conditioning unit is installed, and weather information corresponding to the location. Based on this, it is determined whether or not to control the number of outdoor units 3, that is, whether or not to allow the indoor units 2 to control the number of outdoor units 3. Specifically, based on the device ID notified from the inquiry notification receiving unit 901, the unit number control possibility determining unit 902 retrieves registered information (location information, building information, and room occupancy information) corresponding to the customer from the customer information DB 940. Load. Further, the unit number control possibility determining unit 902 communicates with the weather server 10 and acquires weather information corresponding to the location indicated by the location information read from the customer information DB 940.

The unit 902 determines whether or not the number of vehicles can be controlled, using the above registration information and weather information, as described below.

<<Judgment based on location information>>
For example, if the location is in a cold region such as Hokkaido, the unit number control possibility determination unit 902 prohibits number control during heating. Further, if the location is in a subtropical region such as Okinawa, the unit number control possibility determination unit 902 prohibits number control during cooling.

<<Judgment based on building information>>
In a highly insulated house, the generation time of a small (lower than L1) heat load is longer, so if the house is ZEH certified or the UA value is less than or equal to a predetermined value, the unit number control possibility determination unit 902 permits number control.

<<Judgment based on weather information>>
On a sunny and warm day in winter, the unit number control possibility determination unit 902 permits number control during heating. Further, when it is predicted that the maximum temperature will be lower than a predetermined temperature in summer, the unit number control possibility determination unit 902 permits number control during cooling.

<<Judgment based on room occupancy information>>
Even if it is determined that number control is prohibited based on any of the above location information, building information, and weather information, it is expected that no one will be present in any room for more than a predetermined time. If it is, there is no need to maintain the user's comfort, so the unit number control possibility determination unit 902 permits the number control.

The unit number control possibility determining section 902 notifies the possibility result notification transmitting section 903 of the result determined as described above (permission or prohibition). The acceptability result notification transmitting unit 903 is an example of a determination result notifying means according to the present disclosure. When notified of the judgment result from the unit controllability judgment unit 902, the acceptability result notification transmitter 903 generates an acceptability result notification in which the determination result is stored, and transmits the generated acceptability result notification to the indoor unit 2. .

<Processing of air conditioning system 1 at the start of operation>
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing the process flow of the air conditioning system 1 when the indoor unit 2 starts operating.

(Step S200)
When the indoor unit 2 starts operating, the indoor unit 2 transmits a permission inquiry notification including its own device ID to the server 9 to inquire whether the number of devices can be controlled.

(Step S201)
The server 9 that has received the availability inquiry notification reads the registration information (location information, building information, and room occupancy information) corresponding to the device ID from the customer information DB 940.

(Step S202)
The server 9 transmits location information to the weather server 10 and acquires corresponding weather information from the weather server 10.

(Step S203)
The server 9 uses registration information and weather information to determine whether the number of vehicles can be controlled.

(Step S204)
The server 9 transmits, to the indoor unit 2, a determination result in which the determination result of whether or not the number of units can be controlled is stored.

(Step S205)
The indoor unit 2 executes the above-mentioned number control process (see FIG. 10) when the received notification of availability indicates permission for number control.

As explained above, according to the air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment, the server 9 uses location information, building information, room occupancy information, weather information, etc. It is determined whether the number of machines 3a, 3b) can be controlled. Then, the indoor units 2 installed in the house execute the number control of the outdoor units 3 (outdoor units 3a, 3b) only when the number control is permitted by the server 9. As a result, it is possible to avoid controlling the number of units under conditions where the energy saving effect is expected to be small, and air conditioning that achieves both energy saving and comfort becomes possible.

Furthermore, since the server 9 determines whether or not the number of units can be controlled, it is possible to efficiently support air conditioning of a plurality of properties.

(Modification 1)
In the indoor unit 2 number control process (see FIG. 10), the number of indoor units 2 may be switched using any of the following parameters instead of the heat load.
・Air conditioning capacity・Total air volume in the room・Frequency of compressors 30a, 30b・Number of starts and stops of compressors 30a, 30b・Operation rate of compressors 30a, 30b (ON time/(ON time + OFF time))

(Modification 2)
When the heat load decreases to L1 while operating two units, switching from two units to one unit allows operation with a high COP, but as shown in Figure 14, the heat load decreases immediately after switching to one unit operation. When the load increases from L1, one unit continues to be operated and the frequency is increased until the heat load reaches L2. As shown in Figure 11(c), when the heat load increases from L1 to L2, when operating one unit, the COP decreases, resulting in less efficient operation than when operating two units. .

Therefore, in order to obtain an energy saving effect, it is preferable to switch the number of units from two to one when the heat load is expected to be stable for a while after decreasing to L1 or less as shown in FIG. Therefore, in the number control process (see FIG. 10), when the conditions for switching from two indoor units to one indoor unit operation are met, for example, one indoor unit 2 continues to operate based on the weather information obtained from the server 9. It is also possible to predict the time and switch to one-unit operation when it is predicted that the operation will continue for a certain period of time or more.

(Modification 3)
The server 9 further includes a heat load generation time distribution generation unit (not shown) that calculates the heat load of the house from weather information and building information and generates a heat load generation time distribution in a predetermined period. You can do it like this. The thermal load generation time distribution generation unit is an example of a thermal load generation time distribution generation unit according to the present disclosure. The length of the period is an arbitrary design matter, such as one year, one month, or one week. Further, the weather information may be either actual results or forecasts. In this case, the unit 902 determines whether or not the number of units can be controlled using the same method as in the above embodiment until the generation time distribution is generated, and after the generation time distribution is generated, the unit 902 determines whether or not the number of units can be controlled by Based on the distribution, it may be determined whether or not the number of devices can be controlled.

Specifically, after generating the occurrence time distribution, the unit number control possibility determination unit 902 performs number control if the total number of occurrence times of heat loads of L1 or lower is equal to or greater than a predetermined time in the occurrence time distribution. may be allowed.

For example, as shown in FIG. 16, property X has a large heat load, and the total amount of time during which a heat load of L1 or less occurs is shorter than the total amount of time during which a heat load that exceeds L1 occurs. On the other hand, property Y has a small heat load, and the total amount of time during which a heat load of L1 or less occurs is longer than the total amount of time during which a heat load that is greater than L1 occurs. Property Y is more suitable for controlling the number of units than property You can say that. The heat load occurrence time distribution generation unit may generate the heat load occurrence time distribution based on the history of data indicating the operating state collected from the indoor unit 2.

(Modification 4)
The temperature and humidity sensor 54 may not be built into the remote controller 5, but may be separate from the remote controller 5 and installed in each air-conditioned space. In this case, the temperature/humidity sensor 54 is connected to the indoor unit 2 in a wired or wireless communication manner, and transmits the temperature/humidity data in which the measured room temperature and humidity values are stored at predetermined timing (for example, every minute). Sends to indoor unit 2. In addition, the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are separated, and the temperature sensor transmits temperature data in which the measured room temperature value is stored to the indoor unit 2 by wire or wirelessly at predetermined timings (for example, every minute). Alternatively, the humidity sensor may transmit humidity data in which measured humidity values are stored to the indoor unit 2 by wire or wirelessly at predetermined timings (for example, at one-minute intervals).

(Modification 5)
The indoor unit 2 may be an indirect indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit 3 via a water pipe, a so-called fan coil unit. In this case, the outdoor unit 3 becomes a device called a chiller that controls the temperature of cold and hot water returned from the indoor unit 2 and supplies it to the indoor unit 2.

(Modification 6)
A plurality of ducts corresponding to each air-conditioned space may be connected to the indoor unit 2, and conditioned air may be distributed and supplied to each air-conditioned space via each duct.

(Modification 7)
The indoor unit 2 is equipped with a communication interface for mobile communication, or uses an external communication adapter for mobile communication, for example, LPWA (Low Power Wide Area), LTE, etc., without going through the router 8. (Long Term Evolution) or the like may be used to communicate with the server 9.

(Modification 8)
The server 9 may have a functional configuration similar to that of the control board 22 in the above embodiment (see FIG. 9), and the server 9 may execute the number control process shown in FIG.

(Modification 9)
A control device (not shown) having the same hardware configuration (see FIG. 3) and the same functional configuration (see FIG. 9) as the control board 22 in the above embodiment is installed in the house, and the control device A configuration may be adopted in which the number control process shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

(Modification 10)
A control device (not shown) having the same hardware configuration (see FIG. 8) and the same functional configuration (see FIG. 12) as the server 9 in the above embodiment is installed in the house, and the number of servers is controlled by the control device. A configuration may also be adopted in which a determination is made as to whether or not control is possible.

(Modification 11)
The indoor unit 2 may have the same functional configuration as the server 9 (see FIG. 12), and the indoor unit 2 may determine whether or not the number of indoor units can be controlled.

(Modification 12)
All or part of the functional units (see FIG. 9) of the control board 22 included in the indoor unit 2 may be realized by dedicated hardware. Further, all or part of the functional units of the server 9 (see FIG. 12) may be realized by dedicated hardware. The dedicated hardware is, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

The technical ideas related to each of the above-mentioned modifications may be realized individually, or may be realized in combination as appropriate.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications thereof, and various changes can of course be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

1 Air conditioning system, 2 Indoor unit, 3, 3a, 3b Outdoor unit, 4 Ventilation system, 5, 5a to 5c Remote control, 6, 6a to 6c Damper, 7 User terminal 8 Router, 9 Server, 10 Weather server, 11, 11a , 11b Refrigerant piping, 20, 34a, 34b, 401, 402 Blower, 21a, 21b, 33a, 33b Heat exchanger, 22, 35a, 35b, 400 Control board, 23, 24, 404, 411 Suction port, 25, 26 , 412 Supply port, 30a, 30b Compressor, 31a, 31b Four-way valve, 32a, 32b Expansion valve, 40 Opposite ventilation box, 41 Total heat exchanger box, 50, 70, 90, 220 CPU, 51, 71 Display, 52, 72 Operation reception unit, 53, 73, 91, 221 Communication interface, 54 Temperature and humidity sensor, 55, 74, 92, 222 ROM, 56, 75, 93, 223 RAM, 57, 76, 94, 224 Auxiliary storage device, 58 , 77, 95, 225 bus, 200 temperature/humidity acquisition unit, 201 remote control operation acquisition unit, 202 terminal operation acquisition unit, 203 operating status notification unit, 204 control availability inquiry unit, 205 air conditioning control unit, 403 exhaust port, 410 total heat Exchanger, 900 Information registration section, 901 Inquiry notification receiving section, 902 Unit number control possibility determining section, 903 Possibility result notification transmitting section, 940 Customer information DB, CL1 to 3, CL1a, CL1b Communication line, D1 to 3 Duct

Claims (8)

of the plurality of outdoor units based on at least one of location information indicating the location of the air conditioner including the plurality of outdoor units, building information regarding the building in which the air conditioner is installed, and weather information corresponding to the location. A unit number control possibility determining means for determining whether or not to permit number control to control the number of operating units;
An air conditioning system comprising: a number control unit that executes the number control when the number control is permitted by the number control permission determination unit. A heat load generation time distribution generating means for generating a heat load generation time distribution in a predetermined period of a building in which an air conditioner having a plurality of outdoor units is installed;
Number control possibility determining means for determining whether or not to permit number control for controlling the number of operating outdoor units of the plurality of outdoor units, based on the heat load generation time distribution generated by the heat load generation time distribution generation means. and,
An air conditioning system comprising: a number control unit that executes the number control when the number control is permitted by the number control permission determination unit. of the plurality of outdoor units based on at least one of location information indicating the location of the air conditioner including the plurality of outdoor units, building information regarding the building in which the air conditioner is installed, and weather information corresponding to the location. A unit number control possibility determining means for determining whether or not to permit number control to control the number of operating units;
A control device comprising: a determination result notifying means for notifying the air conditioner of a determination result by the number control possibility determining means. A heat load generation time distribution generating means for generating a heat load generation time distribution in a predetermined period of a building in which an air conditioner having a plurality of outdoor units is installed;
Number control possibility determining means for determining whether or not to permit number control for controlling the number of operating outdoor units of the plurality of outdoor units, based on the heat load generation time distribution generated by the heat load generation time distribution generation means. and,
A control device comprising: a determination result notifying means for notifying the air conditioner of a determination result by the number control possibility determining means. An air conditioner comprising multiple outdoor units,
The number of operating outdoor units is controlled based on at least one of location information indicating the location of the air conditioner, building information regarding the building where the air conditioner is installed, and weather information corresponding to the location. A unit number control possibility determining means for determining whether or not to permit number control;
An air conditioner comprising: a number control unit that executes the number control when the number control is permitted by the number control permission determination unit. An air conditioner comprising multiple outdoor units,
A heat load generation time distribution generating means for generating a heat load generation time distribution in a predetermined period of a building in which the air conditioner is installed;
Number control possibility determining means for determining whether or not to permit number control for controlling the number of operating outdoor units of the plurality of outdoor units, based on the heat load generation time distribution generated by the heat load generation time distribution generation means. and,
An air conditioner comprising: a number control unit that executes the number control when the number control is permitted by the number control permission determination unit. The unit number control possibility determining means is based on at least one of location information indicating the location of an air conditioner including a plurality of outdoor units, building information regarding a building in which the air conditioner is installed, and weather information corresponding to the location. , determining whether to permit number control for controlling the number of operating outdoor units of the plurality of outdoor units;
A method for controlling the number of outdoor units, wherein the number control means executes the number control when the number control is permitted by the number control permission determination means. The heat load generation time distribution generation means generates a heat load generation time distribution in a predetermined period of a building in which an air conditioner including a plurality of outdoor units is installed,
The number control possibility determining means determines whether or not to permit number control for controlling the number of operating outdoor units of the plurality of outdoor units, based on the heat load generation time distribution generated by the heat load generation time distribution generation means. judge,
A method for controlling the number of outdoor units, wherein the number control means executes the number control when the number control is permitted by the number control permission determination means.

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