JP2024069174A - Air conditioning system control device - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] In the conventional technology, since an air conditioner is controlled to process the current heat load of an air-conditioned space, there is a problem that it takes time to respond to a sudden change in heat load. [Solution] An air conditioning system control device 3 includes a control unit 19. One or more indoor units constituting the air conditioner are classified into one or more groups. The control unit 19 determines a second control target value of the air conditioner for processing the future heat load of the zone based on the correspondence information, a first factor that affects the heat load of the zone, and information about the indoor units. The correspondence information indicates the correspondence between a first group of the groups and a zone in which an indoor unit classified into the first group processes the heat load. The control unit 19 controls the air conditioner based on the second control target value. The first factor includes the indoor temperature of the zone. The information about the indoor units includes characteristic information of the indoor heat exchanger of the indoor unit. [Selected Figure] Fig. 4

Description

Regarding air conditioning system control devices.

As shown in Patent Document 1 (JP Patent Publication No. 2011-257126), there is a technology for controlling an air conditioner to handle the current heat load of the air-conditioned space in a building.

In Patent Document 1, the air conditioner is controlled to process the current heat load in the air-conditioned space, so there is an issue that it takes time to respond to sudden changes in heat load.

The air conditioning system control device of the first aspect controls an air conditioner. The air conditioning system control device includes a control unit. One or more indoor units constituting the air conditioner are classified into one or more groups. The control unit determines a second control target value of the air conditioner for processing a future first thermal load of the first space based on the correspondence information, a first factor that affects the thermal load of the first space, and information related to the first indoor unit. The correspondence information indicates the correspondence between a first group of the groups and a first space in which one or more first indoor units classified into the first group process the thermal load. The control unit controls the air conditioner based on the second control target value. The first factor includes the indoor temperature of the first space. The information related to the first indoor unit includes characteristic information of a heat exchanger possessed by the first indoor unit.

The air conditioning system control device of the first aspect determines a second control target value of the air conditioner for processing the future first heat load of the first space. The air conditioning system control device controls the air conditioner based on the second control target value. As a result, the air conditioning system control device can quickly respond to sudden changes in the heat load.

The air conditioning system control device of the second aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the first aspect, in which the control unit predicts a first thermal load based on the correspondence information, the first factor, and information related to the first indoor unit. The control unit determines a future first air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit based on the first thermal load. The control unit determines a second control target value based on the first air conditioning capacity.

The air conditioning system control device of the third aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the second aspect, in which the control unit determines the first air conditioning capacity so that the refrigerant saturation temperatures in the heat exchangers of each of the first indoor units are equal.

The air conditioning system control device of the fourth aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the second or third aspect, and the first air conditioning capacity is the minimum air conditioning capacity for the first indoor unit to process the heat load of the first space.

The air conditioning system control device of the fifth aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, in which the characteristic information includes a heat exchange characteristic equation that combines the characteristics of the heat exchanger.

The air conditioning system control device of the sixth aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the second aspect, in which the control unit determines the current third air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit based on the correspondence information and the information related to the first indoor unit. The control unit determines the first air conditioning capacity of each of the first indoor units in proportion to the magnitude of each of the third air conditioning capacities.

The seventh aspect of the air conditioning system control device is the sixth aspect of the air conditioning system control device, and the correspondence information includes a positional relationship of the first indoor unit. The control unit corrects the third air conditioning capacity based on the positional relationship.

The seventh aspect of the air conditioning system control device can control the air conditioner more accurately with this configuration.

The air conditioning system control device of the eighth aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the second aspect, and when the first air conditioning capacity determined for one or more second indoor units among the first indoor units is greater than the upper limit air conditioning capacity set for the second indoor units, the control unit corrects the first air conditioning capacity determined for the second indoor units to the upper limit air conditioning capacity. The control unit corrects the first air conditioning capacity determined for indoor units other than the second indoor unit among the first indoor units based on the thermal load obtained by subtracting the upper limit air conditioning capacity of each of the second indoor units from the first thermal load.

The air conditioning system control device of the eighth aspect can control the air conditioner more accurately with this configuration.

The air conditioning system control device of the ninth aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the second aspect, in which the control unit determines a first control target value for the first indoor unit based on the first air conditioning capacity. The control unit determines a second control target value based on the first control target value.

The air conditioning system control device of the tenth aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the ninth aspect, in which the control unit determines the first control target value based on the characteristic information and the difference between the first air conditioning capacity and the current third air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit.

The air conditioning system control device of an eleventh aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the ninth or tenth aspect, in which the first indoor units belong to the same refrigerant system. The control unit determines a statistical quantity calculated from the first control target value of each of the first indoor units as the second control target value.

The air conditioning system control device of the twelfth aspect is any one of the air conditioning system control devices of the ninth aspect to the eleventh aspect, in which the first control target value and the second control target value are target values for the refrigerant saturation temperature.

The air conditioning system control device of the thirteenth aspect is any one of the air conditioning system control devices of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect, in which the control unit corrects the second control target value based on the state of the refrigerant piping.

With this configuration, the air conditioning system control device of the thirteenth aspect can control the air conditioner more accurately.

The air conditioning system control device of the fourteenth aspect is any one of the air conditioning system control devices of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect, and the characteristic information is information that associates at least one or more variables among the air volume of the fan of the first indoor unit, the refrigerant state in the heat exchanger of the first indoor unit, and the state of the intake air or the blown air of the first indoor unit with the air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit.

The air conditioning system control device of the fifteenth aspect is any one of the air conditioning system control devices of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect, and the air conditioner includes an air conditioner for processing outdoor air.

The air conditioning system control device of the sixteenth aspect includes a control unit. The control unit controls an air conditioner linked to a zone, which is a part or all of the air-conditioned space in a building. The control unit predicts the future heat load of the zone using a load model. The load model represents the relationship between the heat load of the zone and data including at least one or more first factors that affect the heat load of the zone. The control unit calculates the heat load to be processed by the indoor unit linked to the zone based on the predicted future heat load of the zone and information on the indoor units that constitute the air conditioner. The control unit determines a first air conditioning capacity, which is the amount of heat exchange required in the future in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, based on the heat load to be processed by the indoor unit. The control unit determines a first control target value of the indoor unit by inputting at least the first air conditioning capacity into a heat exchange function. The heat exchange function associates at least one or more variables among the air volume of the fan of the indoor unit, the refrigerant state in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit, and the state of the intake air or the blown air of the indoor unit with the heat exchange amount in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit. The control unit determines the second control target value based on the multiple first control target values of the multiple indoor units belonging to the same refrigerant system. The control unit performs the first control based on the second control target value.

The air conditioning system control device of the sixteenth aspect determines the future required air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit and controls the air conditioner using a load model that takes into account the first factor that affects the heat load of the air-conditioned space. As a result, the air conditioning system control device can quickly respond to sudden changes in the heat load.

The air conditioning system control device of the 17th aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 16th aspect, in which the first factor includes an external environmental factor related to the environment outside the building, or an internal environmental factor related to the environment inside the building. The external environmental factor includes at least the outside air temperature of the building. The internal environmental factor includes at least the indoor temperature of the zone.

The air conditioning system control device of an 18th aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 17th aspect, in which the first factor further includes a building-related factor or a zone-related factor. The building-related factor includes at least location information of the building. The zone-related factor includes at least the size of the zone.

The air conditioning system control device of the 19th aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any one of the 16th aspect to the 18th aspect, in which the second control target value is the minimum, maximum, average, median, or mode of the multiple first control target values.

The air conditioning system control device of the 20th aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any one of the 16th aspect to the 18th aspect, in which the second control target value is determined based on the difference between the first control target value and a third control target value of the indoor unit determined by the current heat exchange amount in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit.

The air conditioning system control device of the 21st aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any of the 16th aspect to the 20th aspect, in which the control unit determines the first air conditioning capacity based on the heat load to be processed by the indoor unit at a specified time in the future, or the total amount of heat load to be processed by the indoor unit within a specified period in the future.

The air conditioning system control device of the 22nd aspect is the air conditioning system control device of any one of the 16th aspect to the 21st aspect, further comprising an input unit. The input unit manually inputs the first factor into the load model. The control unit acquires the first factor via the input unit. Alternatively, the control unit automatically acquires the first factor from a predetermined database.

The air conditioning system control device of the 23rd aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any one of the 16th aspect to the 22nd aspect, in which the information about the indoor units includes at least one of the positional relationship, characteristic values, and operating status of the indoor units.

The air conditioning system control device of the 24th aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any one of the 16th aspect to the 23rd aspect, in which the first control target value is a target value of the refrigerant saturation temperature in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit.

The air conditioning system control device of the 25th aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any one of the 16th aspect to the 24th aspect, in which the control unit corrects the second control target value based on the state of the refrigerant piping.

The air conditioning system control device of the 25th aspect can control the air conditioner more accurately with this configuration.

The air conditioning system control device of the 26th aspect is an air conditioning system control device of any one of the 16th aspect to the 25th aspect, in which the control unit corrects the first control target value based on the actual control measurement value of the indoor unit.

The air conditioning system control device of a 27th aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 26th aspect, in which the control unit determines the second air conditioning capacity based on the control actual measurement value in the same time period as the first air conditioning capacity. The second air conditioning capacity is the heat exchange amount in the heat exchanger of the indoor unit in the same time period as the first air conditioning capacity. The control unit stores the first characteristic amount and the second air conditioning capacity or the first error between the first air conditioning capacity and the second air conditioning capacity in association with each other. The control unit corrects the first control target value by correcting the first air conditioning capacity to approach the second air conditioning capacity using the first correction model. The first correction model predicts the second air conditioning capacity or the first error from the first characteristic amount. The first characteristic amount is at least one of the control actual measurement value, the first air conditioning capacity, and the first error.

The air conditioning system control device of the 27th aspect can control the air conditioner more accurately with this configuration.

The air conditioning system control device of the 28th aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 27th aspect, in which the control unit switches from the first control to the second control when the first error exceeds the first threshold value. In the first control, the air conditioner is controlled based on a predicted value. In the second control, the air conditioner is controlled based on an actual measurement value.

The air conditioning system control device of the 29th aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 26th aspect, in which the control unit determines whether the air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit is excessive or insufficient from the progress of the control actual measurement value, and corrects the first control target value based on the determination.

The air conditioning system control device of the 30th aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 26th aspect, in which the control unit associates and stores the second characteristic amount with the first control actual value or the second error between the first control target value and the first control actual value. The first control actual value is a control actual value in the same time period as the first control target value. The control unit corrects the first control target value by using a second correction model from the second characteristic amount to correct the first control target value so as to approach the first control actual value. The second correction model predicts the first control actual value or the second error. The second characteristic amount is at least one of the control actual value, the first control target value, and the second error.

With this configuration, the air conditioning system control device of the 30th aspect can control the air conditioner more accurately.

The air conditioning system control device of the 31st aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 30th aspect, in which the control unit switches from the first control to the second control when the second error exceeds the second threshold value. In the first control, the air conditioner is controlled based on the predicted value. In the second control, the air conditioner is controlled based on the actual measured value.

The air conditioning system control device of the 32nd aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 26th aspect, in which the control unit determines the second zone heat load based on the control actual measurement value in the same time period as the first zone heat load. The first zone heat load is the future heat load of the zone. The second zone heat load is the heat load of the zone in the same time period as the first zone heat load. The control unit stores the third characteristic amount and the second zone heat load or the third error between the first zone heat load and the second zone heat load in association with each other. The control unit corrects the first control target value by correcting the first zone heat load to approach the second zone heat load using the third correction model. The third correction model predicts the second zone heat load or the third error from the third characteristic amount. The third characteristic amount is at least one of the control actual measurement value, the first zone heat load, and the third error.

The air conditioning system control device of the 33rd aspect is the air conditioning system control device of the 32nd aspect, in which the control unit switches from the first control to the second control when the third error exceeds the third threshold value. In the first control, the air conditioner is controlled based on a predicted value. In the second control, the air conditioner is controlled based on an actual measurement value.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system control device and an air conditioner. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of the air conditioner. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the air conditioning system control device. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of the air conditioning system control device. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a process of the air conditioning system control device.

(1) Overall Configuration The air conditioning system control device 3 controls the air conditioner 2 installed in the building BL. Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the air conditioning system control device 3 and the air conditioner 2. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system control device 3 and the air conditioner 2 are communicatively connected via a network NW. The network NW is, for example, the Internet.

The air conditioner 2 configures a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and performs air conditioning for zones Z1 and Z2, which are part or all of the air-conditioned space in the building BL. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 2 is a so-called multi-type air conditioning system for buildings. As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner 2 has indoor units 20a to 20c and an outdoor unit 30. The indoor units 20a to 20c that configure the air conditioner 2 are classified into two groups according to the zone in which they are installed. The indoor units 20a and 20b (first indoor units) are classified into the first group. The indoor units 20a and 20b are installed in zone Z1. In other words, the indoor units 20a and 20b are indoor units associated with zone Z1. The indoor unit 20c is classified into the second group. The indoor unit 20c is installed in zone Z2. In other words, the indoor unit 20c is an indoor unit associated with zone Z2. Information indicating the correspondence between the first group and the zone Z1 (first space) where the indoor units 20a and 20b classified in the first group process the heat load, and information indicating the correspondence between the second group and the zone Z2 where the indoor unit 20c classified in the second group processes the heat load are stored as correspondence information in a storage unit 11 described later in the air conditioning system control device 3. The indoor units 20a to 20c and the outdoor unit 30 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a communication line 80. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the refrigerant circuit 50 of the air conditioner 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor units 20a to 20c and the outdoor unit 30 are connected by a liquid refrigerant communication pipe 51 and a gas refrigerant communication pipe 52 to form the refrigerant circuit 50. The indoor units 20a to 20c belong to the same refrigerant system.

As shown in FIG. 1, indoor temperature sensors 631, 632 are installed in zones Z1, Z2 to measure the indoor temperatures of zones Z1, Z2. In addition, an outdoor temperature sensor 65 is installed outside building BL to measure the outdoor air temperature of building BL. The air conditioning system control device 3, the indoor temperature sensors 631, 632, and the outdoor temperature sensor 65 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via network NW.

(2) Detailed configuration (2-1) Indoor unit In this embodiment, the indoor units 20a to 20c are ceiling-embedded units installed on the ceiling. As shown in Fig. 2, the indoor units 20a to 20c mainly have indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c, indoor fans 22a to 22c, indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c, indoor control units 29a to 29c, indoor intake temperature sensors 61a to 61c, indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors 62a to 62c, gas side temperature sensors 64a to 64c, and liquid side temperature sensors 67a to 67c. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, the indoor units 20a to 20c have liquid refrigerant pipes 53a1 to 53c1 that connect the liquid side ends of the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51. Furthermore, the indoor units 20a to 20c have gas refrigerant pipes 53a2 to 53c2 that connect the gas side ends of the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c to the gas refrigerant communication pipe 52.

(2-1-1) Indoor Heat Exchanger The indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c and the air in zones Z1 and Z2. The indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c are, for example, fin-and-tube type heat exchangers having a plurality of heat transfer fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes.

As shown in FIG. 2, one end of the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51 via the liquid refrigerant pipes 53a1 to 53c1. The other end of the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 52 via the gas refrigerant pipes 53a2 to 53c2. During cooling operation, refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c from the liquid refrigerant pipes 53a1 to 53c1, and the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c function as refrigerant evaporators. During heating operation, refrigerant flows into the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c from the gas refrigerant pipes 53a2 to 53c2, and the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c function as refrigerant condensers.

(2-1-2) Indoor Fan The indoor fans 22a to 22c draw air from zones Z1 and Z2 into the indoor units 20a to 20c, exchange heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c, and supply the air to zones Z1 and Z2. The indoor fans 22a to 22c are, for example, centrifugal fans such as turbo fans and sirocco fans. As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor fans 22a to 22c are driven by indoor fan motors 22am to 22cm consisting of DC fan motors or the like. The rotation speeds of the indoor fan motors 22am to 22cm can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-1-3) Indoor Expansion Valve The indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c are mechanisms for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipes 53a1 to 53c1. The indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c are provided in the liquid refrigerant pipes 53a1 to 53c1. In this embodiment, the indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c are electronic expansion valves whose opening degree can be adjusted.

(2-1-4) Sensors The indoor intake temperature sensors 61a to 61c measure the temperature of air taken in by the indoor units 20a to 20c (indoor intake temperature). The indoor intake temperature sensors 61a to 61c are provided near the air intake ports of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors 62a to 62c measure the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c (indoor refrigerant saturation temperature). The indoor refrigerant saturation temperature during cooling operation is the evaporation temperature (indoor evaporation temperature) of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c. The indoor refrigerant saturation temperature during heating operation is the condensation temperature (indoor condensation temperature) of the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c. The indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors 62a to 62c are provided in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c.

The gas side temperature sensors 64a to 64c measure the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the gas refrigerant pipes 53a2 to 53c2 (indoor gas side temperature). The gas side temperature sensors 64a to 64c are provided in the gas refrigerant pipes 53a2 to 53c2.

The liquid side temperature sensors 67a to 67c measure the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipes 53a1 to 53c1 (indoor liquid side temperature). The liquid side temperature sensors 67a to 67c are provided in the liquid refrigerant pipes 53a1 to 53c1.

(2-1-5) Indoor Control Unit The indoor control units 29a to 29c control the operation of each part constituting the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The indoor control units 29a to 29c are electrically connected to various devices in the indoor units 20a to 20c, including the indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c and the indoor fan motors 22am to 22cm. The indoor control units 29a to 29c are also connected to be able to communicate with various sensors provided in the indoor units 20a to 20c, including the indoor suction temperature sensors 61a to 61c, the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors 62a to 62c, the gas side temperature sensors 64a to 64c, and the liquid side temperature sensors 67a to 67c.

The indoor control units 29a to 29c have a control and arithmetic device and a storage device. The control and arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The control and arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined arithmetic process in accordance with the program, thereby controlling the operation of each part that constitutes the indoor units 20a to 20c. The control and arithmetic device can also write the results of calculations to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. The indoor control units 29a to 29c also have a timer.

The indoor control units 29a to 29c are configured to be able to receive various signals transmitted from an operating remote control (not shown). The various signals include, for example, signals instructing the start or stop of operation, and signals related to various settings. The signals related to various settings include, for example, signals related to the set temperature and air volume. The indoor control units 29a to 29c also exchange control signals, measurement signals, signals related to various settings, and the like with the outdoor control unit 39 of the outdoor unit 30 via a communication line 80. The indoor control units 29a to 29c and the outdoor control unit 39 work together to function as the controller 40. The functions of the controller 40 will be described later.

(2-2) Outdoor Unit The outdoor unit 30 is installed outside the building BL, such as on the roof of the building BL. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor unit 30 mainly includes a compressor 31, a flow path switching valve 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, an outdoor expansion valve 34, an accumulator 35, an outdoor fan 36, a liquid side shut-off valve 37, a gas side shut-off valve 38, an outdoor control unit 39, an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66, a suction pressure sensor 68, and a discharge pressure sensor 69. The outdoor unit 30 also includes a suction pipe 54a, a discharge pipe 54b, gas refrigerant pipes 54c and 54e, and a liquid refrigerant pipe 54d.

The suction pipe 54a connects the flow path switching valve 32 and the suction side of the compressor 31. The accumulator 35 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The discharge pipe 54b connects the discharge side of the compressor 31 and the flow path switching valve 32. The gas refrigerant pipe 54c connects the flow path switching valve 32 and the gas side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The liquid refrigerant pipe 54d connects the liquid side of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51. The liquid refrigerant pipe 54d is provided with an outdoor expansion valve 34. A liquid side stop valve 37 is provided at the connection between the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51. The gas refrigerant pipe 54e connects the flow path switching valve 32 and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 52. A gas side stop valve 38 is provided at the connection between the gas refrigerant pipe 54e and the gas refrigerant connection pipe 52. The liquid side shutoff valve 37 and the gas side shutoff valve 38 are valves that are manually opened and closed.

(2-2-1) Compressor As shown in FIG. 2, the compressor 31 draws in low-pressure refrigerant through a suction pipe 54a, compresses the refrigerant using a compression mechanism (not shown), and discharges the compressed refrigerant to a discharge pipe 54b.

The compressor 31 is, for example, a rotary or scroll type volumetric compressor. The compression mechanism of the compressor 31 is driven by a compressor motor 31m. The rotation speed of the compressor motor 31m can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-2-2) Flow path switching valve The flow path switching valve 32 is a mechanism that switches the refrigerant flow path between a first state and a second state. In the first state, the flow path switching valve 32 connects the suction pipe 54a to the gas refrigerant pipe 54e and the discharge pipe 54b to the gas refrigerant pipe 54c, as shown by solid lines in the flow path switching valve 32 in Fig. 2. In the second state, the flow path switching valve 32 connects the suction pipe 54a to the gas refrigerant pipe 54c and the discharge pipe 54b to the gas refrigerant pipe 53e, as shown by dashed lines in the flow path switching valve 32 in Fig. 2.

During cooling operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the first state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of the outdoor heat exchanger 33, the outdoor expansion valve 34, the indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c, and the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c, and then returns to the compressor 31. In the first state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a condenser, and the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c function as evaporators.

During heating operation, the flow path switching valve 32 sets the refrigerant flow path to the second state. At this time, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 in the order of the indoor heat exchangers 21a-21c, the indoor expansion valves 23a-23c, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor heat exchanger 33, before returning to the compressor 31. In the second state, the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as an evaporator, and the indoor heat exchangers 21a-21c function as condensers.

(2-2-3) Outdoor Heat Exchanger The outdoor heat exchanger 33 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 and the air outside the building BL. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 is, for example, a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger having a plurality of heat transfer fins and a plurality of heat transfer tubes.

As shown in FIG. 2, one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51 via the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. The other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 33 is connected to the flow path switching valve 32 via the gas refrigerant pipe 54c.

During cooling operation, refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 from the gas refrigerant pipe 54c, and the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a refrigerant condenser. During heating operation, refrigerant flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 from the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d, and the outdoor heat exchanger 33 functions as a refrigerant evaporator.

(2-2-4) Outdoor Expansion Valve The outdoor expansion valve 34 is a mechanism for adjusting the pressure and flow rate of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor expansion valve 34 is provided in the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. In this embodiment, the outdoor expansion valve 34 is an electronic expansion valve whose opening degree can be adjusted.

In this embodiment, indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c are provided in the indoor units 20a to 20c, respectively, and an outdoor expansion valve 34 is provided in the outdoor unit 30. However, this is not limited to this, and the expansion mechanism including the expansion valve may be provided in a connection unit independent of the indoor units 20a to 20c and the outdoor unit 30.

(2-2-5) Accumulator The accumulator 35 is a container having a gas-liquid separation function that separates the refrigerant that flows in into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant. As shown in Fig. 2, the accumulator 35 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The refrigerant that flows in the accumulator 35 is separated into a gas refrigerant and a liquid refrigerant, and the gas refrigerant that collects in the upper space flows into the compressor 31.

(2-2-6) Outdoor Fan The outdoor fan 36 is a fan that supplies air outside the building BL to the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor fan 36 is, for example, an axial flow fan such as a propeller fan. As shown in Fig. 2, the outdoor fan 36 is driven by an outdoor fan motor 36m formed by a DC fan motor or the like. The rotation speed of the outdoor fan motor 36m can be controlled by an inverter.

(2-2-7) Sensor The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66 measures the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66 is provided in the outdoor heat exchanger 33.

The suction pressure sensor 68 is a sensor that measures the suction pressure of the compressor 31. The suction pressure sensor 68 is provided in the suction pipe 54a. The suction pressure is the refrigerant pressure that corresponds to the evaporation pressure during cooling operation.

The discharge pressure sensor 69 is a sensor that measures the discharge pressure of the compressor 31. The discharge pressure sensor 69 is provided in the discharge pipe 54b. The discharge pressure is the refrigerant pressure that corresponds to the condensation pressure during heating operation.

(2-2-8) Outdoor Control Unit The outdoor control unit 39 controls the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 30.

The outdoor control unit 39 is electrically connected to various devices of the outdoor unit 30, including the compressor motor 31m, the flow path switching valve 32, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor fan motor 36m. The outdoor control unit 39 is also connected to be able to communicate with various sensors provided in the outdoor unit 30, including the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66, the suction pressure sensor 68, and the discharge pressure sensor 69.

The outdoor control unit 39 has a control arithmetic device and a storage device. The control arithmetic device is a processor such as a CPU or GPU. The storage device is a storage medium such as a RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The control arithmetic device reads out a program stored in the storage device and performs a predetermined arithmetic process in accordance with the program, thereby controlling the operation of each part that constitutes the outdoor unit 30. The control arithmetic device can also write the results of calculations to the storage device and read out information stored in the storage device in accordance with the program. The outdoor control unit 39 also has a timer.

The outdoor control unit 39 exchanges control signals, measurement signals, signals related to various settings, and the like with the indoor control units 29a to 29c of the indoor units 20a to 20c via a communication line 80. The outdoor control unit 39 and the indoor control units 29a to 29c work together to function as the controller 40. The functions of the controller 40 will be described later.

(2-3) Controller The controller 40 is made up of indoor control units 29a to 29c and an outdoor control unit 39. The controller 40 controls the operation of the entire air conditioner 2 by causing the control and arithmetic devices of the indoor control units 29a to 29c and the outdoor control unit 39 to execute programs stored in their respective storage devices. The air conditioner 2 may have, as the controller 40, a centralized controller (a so-called edge) that centrally controls the indoor units 20a to 20c and the outdoor unit 30.

Figure 3 is a control block diagram of the air conditioner 2. As shown in Figure 3, the controller 40 is communicatively connected to the indoor intake temperature sensors 61a to 61c, the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors 62a to 62c, the gas side temperature sensors 64a to 64c, the liquid side temperature sensors 67a to 67c, the outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 66, the suction pressure sensor 68, and the discharge pressure sensor 69. The controller 40 is also electrically connected to the indoor expansion valves 23a to 23c, the indoor fan motors 22am to 22cm, the compressor motor 31m, the flow path switching valve 32, the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the outdoor fan motor 36m. The controller 40 is also communicatively connected to the air conditioning system control device 3 via the network NW. The controller 40 controls the operation of various devices of the air conditioner 2 based on control signals received from the operation remote control via the indoor units 20a to 20c, control signals received from the air conditioning system control device 3, measurement signals from various sensors, etc.

The controller 40 mainly performs cooling and heating operations. The controller 40 also mainly has a data transmission function.

(2-3-1) Cooling Operation Here, a case where the controller 40 causes the indoor unit 20a to perform cooling operation will be described.

When the controller 40 receives an instruction to perform cooling operation via the indoor unit 20a, for example, from the operation remote control, it switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the first state. Then, the controller 40 adjusts the rotation speed of the compressor 31, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23a, etc., so that the indoor refrigerant saturation temperature becomes the target refrigerant temperature. The target refrigerant temperature is set to a temperature corresponding to the set temperature received from the operation remote control, or to a second control target value (described later) received from the air conditioning system control device 3.

As described above, the operation of various devices is controlled so that refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 during cooling operation as follows:

When the compressor 31 is started, low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 31 and compressed by the compressor 31 to become high-pressure gas refrigerant. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor heat exchanger 33 via the flow path switching valve 32, where it exchanges heat with the air outside the building BL supplied by the outdoor fan 36, condenses, and becomes high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the liquid refrigerant piping 54d and passes through the outdoor expansion valve 34. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the indoor unit 20a is decompressed to near the suction pressure of the compressor 31 in the indoor expansion valve 23a, becomes a gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant, and is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 21a. The gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in zone Z1 supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21a by the indoor fan 22a in the indoor heat exchanger 21a, evaporates, and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 30 via the gas refrigerant communication pipe 52, and flows into the accumulator 35 via the flow path switching valve 32. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 35 is again sucked into the compressor 31. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21a is lowered by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21a, and the air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 21a is blown out into zone Z1.

(2-3-2) Heating Operation Here, a case where the controller 40 causes the indoor unit 20a to perform heating operation will be described.

When the controller 40 receives an instruction to perform heating operation via the indoor unit 20a, for example, from the operation remote control, it switches the flow path switching valve 32 to the second state. Then, the controller 40 adjusts the rotation speed of the compressor 31, the opening degree of the outdoor expansion valve 34, and the opening degree of the indoor expansion valve 23a, etc., so that the indoor refrigerant saturation temperature becomes the target refrigerant temperature. The target refrigerant temperature is set to a temperature corresponding to the set temperature received from the operation remote control or to a second control target value (described later) received from the air conditioning system control device 3.

As described above, the operation of various devices is controlled so that refrigerant flows through the refrigerant circuit 50 during heating operation as follows:

When the compressor 31 is started, low-pressure gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 31 and compressed by the compressor 31 to become high-pressure gas refrigerant. The high-pressure gas refrigerant is sent to the indoor heat exchanger 21a via the flow path switching valve 32, and condenses through heat exchange with the air in zone Z1 supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21a by the indoor fan 22a, becoming high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The temperature of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 21a increases by heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 21a, and the air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 21a is blown out to zone Z1. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger 21a is depressurized in the indoor expansion valve 23a. The depressurized liquid refrigerant is sent to the outdoor unit 30 via the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 51 and flows into the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d. The refrigerant flowing through the liquid refrigerant pipe 54d is decompressed to near the suction pressure of the compressor 31 in the outdoor expansion valve 34, becomes a two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant, and flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The low-pressure two-phase gas-liquid refrigerant that flows into the outdoor heat exchanger 33 exchanges heat with the air outside the building BL that is supplied by the outdoor fan 36, evaporates, and becomes a low-pressure gas refrigerant. The low-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the accumulator 35 via the flow path switching valve 32. The low-pressure gas refrigerant that flows into the accumulator 35 is sucked back into the compressor 31.

(2-3-3) Data Transmission Function The controller 40 transmits the operation data D3 of the air conditioner 2 to the air conditioning system control device 3.

In this embodiment, the controller 40 transmits the air volume of the indoor fans 22a to 22c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the indoor refrigerant temperature state (indoor refrigerant saturation temperature and degree of superheat or subcooling in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In cooling operation, the indoor evaporating temperature and degree of superheat. In heating operation, the indoor condensing temperature and degree of subcooling.) and the indoor suction temperature of the indoor units 20a to 20c to the air conditioning system control device 3 as the operating data D3 of the air conditioner 2.

In this embodiment, the controller 40 obtains the air volume of the indoor fans 22a to 22c of the indoor units 20a to 20c from the rotation speed of the indoor fan motors 22am to 22cm. The controller 40 obtains the indoor refrigerant saturation temperatures of the indoor units 20a to 20c from the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors 62a to 62c. The controller 40 also calculates the degree of superheat by subtracting the indoor evaporation temperature from the indoor gas side temperature. The controller 40 also calculates the degree of subcooling by subtracting the indoor liquid side temperature from the indoor condensation temperature. The controller 40 obtains the indoor intake temperatures of the indoor units 20a to 20c from the indoor intake temperature sensors 61a to 61c.

The controller 40 acquires the operating data D3 of the air conditioner 2, for example, every 10 minutes, and transmits it to the air conditioning system control device 3.

(2-4) Air Conditioning System Control Device The air conditioning system control device 3 is a computer installed on the cloud. Fig. 4 is a control block diagram of the air conditioning system control device 3. As shown in Fig. 4, the air conditioning system control device 3 mainly has a storage unit 11, an input unit 12, a display unit 13, a communication unit 14, and a control unit 19.

(2-4-1) Storage Unit The storage unit 11 is a storage device such as a RAM, a ROM, and a HDD. The storage unit 11 stores programs executed by the control unit 19, data necessary for executing the programs, and the like.

The memory unit 11 particularly stores external environment data D1, internal environment data D2, and driving data D3 acquired by the acquisition unit 191 described below.

The memory unit 11 stores the above-mentioned correspondence information, as well as information about the indoor units 20a to 20c, which will be described later.

(2-4-2) Input Unit The input unit 12 is a keyboard and a mouse. Various commands and various pieces of information for the air conditioning system control device 3 can be input using the input unit 12.

(2-4-3) Display Unit The display unit 13 is a monitor. The display unit 13 can display various data stored in the memory unit 11.

(2-4-4) Communication Unit The communication unit 14 is a network interface device for communicating with the air conditioner 2 and the like via the network NW.

(2-4-5) Control Unit The control unit 19 is a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control unit 19 reads and executes programs stored in the storage unit 11 to realize various functions of the air conditioning system control device 3. The control unit 19 can also write calculation results to the storage unit 11 and read information stored in the storage unit 11 according to the programs.

The control unit 19 controls the air conditioners 2 associated with zones Z1 and Z2 based on various data acquired from the air conditioners 2 and the like. The control unit 19 performs a first control and a second control on the air conditioners 2. In the first control, the air conditioners 2 are controlled based on a target refrigerant temperature determined based on a predicted value of the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c (first air conditioning capacity described below). The first control is so-called feedforward control. In the second control, the air conditioners 2 are controlled based on a target refrigerant temperature determined based on an actual measurement value of the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. The second control is so-called feedback control. In the second control, the air conditioners 2 may be controlled based on, for example, an actual measurement value of the indoor intake temperature, etc.

As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 19 has the following functional blocks: an acquisition unit 191, a learning unit 193, a prediction unit 194, a first decision unit 195, a correction unit 196, a second decision unit 197, and an instruction unit 198.

(2-4-5-1) Acquisition Unit The acquisition unit 191 acquires data on at least one first factor that affects the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2. The first factor includes an external environmental factor related to the environment outside the building BL, or an internal environmental factor related to the environment inside the building BL. The external environmental factor includes at least the outside air temperature of the building BL. The internal environmental factor includes at least the indoor temperature of zones Z1 and Z2.

In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 191 acquires data related to external environmental factors (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as external environmental data D1) and data related to internal environmental factors (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as internal environmental data D2). The external environmental data D1 is the outside air temperature of the building BL. The acquisition unit 191 acquires the outside air temperature of the building BL from the outdoor temperature sensor 65. The internal environmental data D2 is the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2. The acquisition unit 191 acquires the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 from the indoor temperature sensors 631 and 632.

The acquisition unit 191 also acquires operation data D3 of the air conditioner 2 from the air conditioner 2. As described above, the operation data D3 is the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature in the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The acquisition unit 191 acquires the external environment data D1, the internal environment data D2, and the driving data D3 at the same time, for example, every 10 minutes.

(2-4-5-2) Learning Unit The learning unit 193 learns load models L1, L2 that predict the heat load of zones Z1, Z2 for each of zones Z1, Z2. The load models L1, L2 represent the relationship between data including at least one or more first factors that affect the heat load of zones Z1, Z2 and the heat load of zones Z1, Z2. Specifically, the learning unit 193 associates and stores the outside air temperature (external environment data D1) of the building BL, the indoor temperature (internal environment data D2) of zone Z1, and the heat load of zone Z1 at the same point in time, and uses the associated and stored data as learning data for the load model L1 that predicts the heat load of zone Z1. Furthermore, the learning unit 193 associates and stores the outside air temperature of the building BL (external environment data D1), the indoor temperature of zone Z2 (internal environment data D2), and the heat load of zone Z2 at the same point in time, and uses the associated and stored data as learning data for a load model L2 that predicts the heat load of zone Z2. In other words, the learning unit 193 learns the load models L1, L2 that predict the heat load of zones Z1, Z2 from the outside air temperature of the building BL and the indoor temperatures of zones Z1, Z2 for each of zones Z1, Z2.

The learning unit 193 calculates the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 based on the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c linked to zones Z1 and Z2. The learning unit 193 calculates the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c using a heat exchange function and the operating data D3.

The heat exchange function is a heat exchange characteristic equation that combines the characteristics of the heat exchangers. The heat exchange function is included in the characteristic information of the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c possessed by the indoor units 20a to 20c. The characteristic information of the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c possessed by the indoor units 20a to 20c is included in the information relating to the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The heat exchange function associates at least one of the variables, the air volume of the indoor fans 22a to 22c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the refrigerant state in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, and the state of the intake air or the exhaust air of the indoor units 20a to 20c, with the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c (air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c). In this embodiment, the heat exchange function is a relational expression that holds between the air volume of the indoor fans 22a to 22c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the indoor refrigerant temperature state (refrigerant state) in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the indoor intake temperature (intake air state) of the indoor units 20a to 20c, and the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The learning unit 193 inputs the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature in the indoor units 20a to 20c acquired by the acquisition unit 191 into the heat exchange function to calculate the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c. The learning unit 193 then adds up the calculated heat exchange amounts in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c for each of the zones Z1 and Z2 in which the indoor units 20a to 20c are installed, and sets these as the heat loads of the zones Z1 and Z2. For example, the heat load of zone Z1 is the sum of the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchanger 21a of the indoor unit 20a and the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchanger 21b of the indoor unit 20b. Also, for example, the heat load of zone Z2 is the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchanger 21c of the indoor unit 20c.

In addition, the learning unit 193 learns first correction models C1a to C1c that correct the first air conditioning capacity (heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c) of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 described below for each of the indoor units 20a to 20c. The learning unit 193 associates and stores, for each indoor unit 20a to 20c, the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c for the same time period determined by the first determination unit 195, the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature (controlled actual values) in the indoor units 20a to 20c acquired by the acquisition unit 191, the second air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c (the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c) determined based on the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature (controlled actual values) in the indoor units 20a to 20c, and a first error between the first air conditioning capacity and the second air conditioning capacity. At this time, the learning unit 193 inputs the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature (actual control value) in the indoor units 20a to 20c acquired by the acquisition unit 191 into the heat exchange function to determine the second air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. The learning unit 193 generates data in which the first air conditioning capacity and the first error are associated and stored in the same time period from data in which the first air conditioning capacity, the actual control value, the second air conditioning capacity, and the first error are associated and stored in the same time period, and uses the data as learning data for the first correction models C1a to C1c that correct the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In other words, the learning unit 193 learns the first correction models C1a to C1c that predict the first error from the first air conditioning capacity for each of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The learning unit 193 may exclude records including missing values or abnormal values from the learning data as preprocessing before learning the load models L1, L2, and the first correction models C1a to C1c. The learning unit 193 may also complement missing values or abnormal values included in the learning data as preprocessing before learning the load models L1, L2, and the first correction models C1a to C1c. The learning unit 193 may also process the learning data based on the operating state of the air conditioner 2 or the schedule of the air conditioner 2 as preprocessing before learning the load models L1, L2, and the first correction models C1a to C1c. The learning unit 193 may exclude data of operations (oil return operation, defrost operation, etc.) other than operations that control the indoor temperature (cooling operation, heating operation, etc.) based on the operating state of the air conditioner 2 from the learning data. Furthermore, the learning unit 193 may exclude from the learning data, for example, data on the time periods when the air conditioner 2 is stopped or when the air conditioner 2 is operating in a fan mode, based on the schedule of the air conditioner 2.

In this embodiment, the load models L1, L2, and the first correction models C1a to C1c are assumed to be deep learning models. The deep learning model is, for example, a fully connected neural network model. However, the load models L1, L2, and the first correction models C1a to C1c may be other machine learning models, statistical models, physical models, or combinations of machine learning models, statistical models, and physical models. Furthermore, the load models L1, L2, and the first correction models C1a to C1c may be ensemble models or gray box models.

In this embodiment, the learning unit 193 learns (updates) the load models L1, L2 and the first correction models C1a to C1c when new learning data for a predetermined period is accumulated. The predetermined periods of the load models L1, L2 and the first correction models C1a to C1c are generally different. The predetermined period of the load models L1, L2 is, for example, one week. The predetermined period of the first correction models C1a to C1c is, for example, several hours. In addition, in order to create learning data for the first correction models C1a to C1c, it is necessary to determine the first air conditioning capacity using the load models L1, L2, so the learning (update) timing of the load models L1, L2 and the first correction models C1a to C1c is generally different. The learning unit 193 may perform batch learning or mini-batch learning. The learning unit 193 may perform learning by weighting the records of the learning data with the newest acquisition date and time so that the records of the learning data with the newest acquisition date and time are reflected by the learning model. In addition, the learning unit 193 may perform learning (online learning) of the load models L1, L2, and the first correction models C1a to C1c each time a record of learning data is acquired.

(2-4-5-3) Prediction Unit The prediction unit 194 predicts the future heat load (first heat load) of zone Z1 and the future heat load of zone Z2 by using the load models L1 and L2.

For example, each time the prediction unit 194 acquires the external environment data D1 and the internal environment data D2, it predicts the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the time when the external environment data D1 and the internal environment data D2 are acquired (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the data acquisition time). Specifically, the prediction unit 194 inputs the outside air temperature of the building BL and the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time into the load models L1 and L2, thereby predicting the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time.

In other words, the prediction unit 194 predicts the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 based on the corresponding information, the first factor, and information about the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The outdoor air temperature 10 minutes after the data acquisition time is predicted, for example, using a model learned from data correlating previously acquired outdoor air temperatures with the outdoor air temperature 10 minutes after that. In addition, under the assumption that the outdoor air temperature of building BL does not change significantly over a 10-minute period, the most recently acquired outdoor air temperature of building BL may be used as the outdoor air temperature of building BL 10 minutes after the data acquisition time.

The indoor temperature 10 minutes after the data acquisition time is predicted, for example, using a model learned from data correlating previously acquired indoor temperatures with the indoor temperature 10 minutes after that. In addition, under the assumption that the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 do not change significantly over a 10-minute period, the most recently acquired indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 may be used as the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time.

(2-4-5-4) First Determination Unit The first determination unit 195 determines first control target values of the indoor units 20a to 20c based on the heat loads of the zones Z1 and Z2 predicted by the prediction unit 194. In this embodiment, the first control target value is a target value of the indoor refrigerant saturation temperature (target refrigerant temperature) in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c. The first control target value may include the rotation speed of the compressor 31 for achieving the target refrigerant temperature.

First, the first determination unit 195 calculates the heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c linked to zones Z1 and Z2 based on the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 predicted by the prediction unit 194 and information related to the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The first determination unit 195 calculates the heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a and 20b associated with zone Z1 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point, for example, based on the heat load predicted by the prediction unit 194 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point and information about the indoor units 20a and 20b.

The information about the indoor units 20a, 20b includes at least one of the positional relationship, characteristic values, and operating status of the indoor units 20a, 20b. The information about the indoor units 20a, 20b may be a combination of these. The positional relationship between the indoor units 20a, 20b may be included in the correspondence information.

When the information regarding the indoor units 20a, 20b is the positional relationship between the indoor units 20a, 20b, the first determination unit 195 weights the indoor units 20a, 20b depending on, for example, whether the indoor units 20a, 20b are located in the perimeter zone or the interior zone, and apportions the predicted future heat load of zone Z1 to the heat load to be processed by each of the indoor units 20a, 20b.

When the information on indoor units 20a, 20b is characteristic values of indoor units 20a, 20b, the first determination unit 195, for example, weights the indoor units 20a, 20b according to the magnitude of the rated capacity, and apportions the predicted future heat load of zone Z1 to the heat load to be processed by each of indoor units 20a, 20b.

When the information on indoor units 20a, 20b is the operating status of indoor units 20a, 20b, the first determination unit 195, for example, weights the heat exchange amount of each of indoor units 20a, 20b most recently calculated, and apportions the predicted future heat load of zone Z1 to the heat load to be processed by each of indoor units 20a, 20b.

When the information on the indoor units 20a, 20b is a combination of the operating status and characteristic values of the indoor units 20a, 20b, the first decision unit 195, for example, targets only indoor units whose on/off status on the operating remote control is ON, weights them according to the magnitude of the rated capacity, and apportions the predicted future heat load of zone Z1 to the heat load to be processed by each of the indoor units 20a, 20b.

The first determination unit 195 also calculates the heat load to be processed by the indoor unit 20c linked to zone Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point, for example, based on the heat load of zone Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point predicted by the prediction unit 194 and information related to the indoor unit 20c.

When the information about indoor unit 20c is a characteristic value of indoor unit 20c, the first determination unit 195 determines, for example, the predicted future heat load of zone Z2 as the heat load to be processed by indoor unit 20c within the range of the rated capacity of indoor unit 20c.

Next, the first determination unit 195 determines a first air conditioning capacity, which is the amount of heat exchange required in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c in the future, based on the heat load processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c. The first determination unit 195 determines the first air conditioning capacity based on the heat load processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c at a predetermined time in the future. For example, the first determination unit 195 determines the heat load processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c 10 minutes after the data acquisition time as the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In other words, the first determination unit 195 determines the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c based on the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2.

For example, the first future air conditioning capacity of indoor units 20a, 20b may be the minimum air conditioning capacity for indoor units 20a, 20b to handle the future heat load of zone Z1.

For example, the first determination unit 195 may determine the current third air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a and 20b based on the correspondence information and the heat exchange function (information on the indoor units 20a and 20b), and may determine the first air conditioning capacity of each of the indoor units 20a and 20b by apportioning the future heat load of zone Z1 in proportion to the magnitude of each of the third air conditioning capacities of the indoor units 20a and 20b. The current third air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a and 20b is determined, for example, by inputting the current air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature of the indoor units 20a and 20b into the heat exchange function. The first determination unit 195 may correct the determined third air conditioning capacity based on the positional relationship between the indoor units 20a and 20b.

For example, if the future first air conditioning capacity determined for the indoor unit 20b (second indoor unit) of the indoor units 20a and 20b is greater than the upper limit air conditioning capacity set for the indoor unit 20b, the first determination unit 195 may correct the future first air conditioning capacity determined for the indoor unit 20b to the upper limit air conditioning capacity. The upper limit air conditioning capacity is, for example, the rated capacity of the indoor unit or the capacity obtained by multiplying the rated capacity of the indoor unit by a margin coefficient. At this time, the first determination unit 195 corrects the future first air conditioning capacity determined for the indoor unit 20a of the indoor units 20a and 20b based on the heat load obtained by subtracting the upper limit air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 20b from the future heat load of zone Z1. For example, the first determination unit 195 sets the heat load obtained by subtracting the upper limit air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 20b from the future heat load of zone Z1 as the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 20a. For example, if ten indoor units are installed in a certain zone, and the future first air conditioning capacity determined for four of them is greater than the upper limit air conditioning capacity of each of them, the first determination unit 195 may determine the future first air conditioning capacity of each of the six indoor units by dividing the heat load obtained by subtracting the upper limit air conditioning capacity of each of the four indoor units from the future heat load of the zone equally among the remaining six indoor units.

Next, the first determination unit 195 determines the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c by inputting at least the first air conditioning capacity into the heat exchange function. In other words, the first determination unit 195 determines the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c based on the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. The first determination unit 195 determines the first control target value (target refrigerant temperature) of the indoor units 20a to 20c, for example, by inputting the air volume, indoor intake temperature, and first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c 10 minutes after the data acquisition time into the heat exchange function.

The air volume 10 minutes after the data acquisition is predicted, for example, using a model trained on data correlating previously acquired air volume with the air volume 10 minutes later. In addition, under the assumption that the air volume setting will not be changed within 10 minutes, the most recently acquired air volume may be used as the air volume 10 minutes after the data acquisition.

The indoor intake temperature 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point is predicted using a model learned from data correlating previously acquired indoor intake temperatures with the indoor intake temperature 10 minutes after that. Also, under the assumption that the indoor intake temperature does not change significantly over 10 minutes, the most recently acquired indoor intake temperature may be used as the indoor intake temperature 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point. Also, if the indoor units 20a to 20c are in a steady state, under the assumption that the indoor intake temperature 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point is the most recently acquired set temperature, the indoor intake temperature 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point may be used as the indoor intake temperature 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point. At this time, the acquisition unit 191 acquires the set temperatures of the indoor units 20a to 20c as the operating data D3.

For example, the first control target values of the indoor units 20a and 20b may be determined to be the same value. For example, the first determination unit 195 may determine the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a and 20b so that the first control target values (refrigerant saturation temperatures) in the indoor heat exchangers 21a and 21b of the indoor units 20a and 20b, respectively, are equal.

For example, the first determination unit 195 may determine the first control target value based on the heat exchange function (characteristic information of the indoor heat exchangers 21a, 21b of the indoor units 20a, 20b) and the difference between the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a, 20b and the current third air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a, 20b. For example, the first determination unit 195 may input the difference in air conditioning capacity, the difference in air volume, and the difference in indoor intake temperature between the future and current in the indoor units 20a, 20b into the heat exchange function to calculate the difference between the future and current indoor refrigerant temperatures in the indoor units 20a, 20b, and add the calculated difference in indoor refrigerant temperature to the current indoor refrigerant temperature in the indoor units 20a, 20b to determine the future first control target value (indoor refrigerant temperature) in the indoor units 20a, 20b.

(2-4-5-5) Correction Unit The correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value by correcting the first air conditioning capacity to approach the second air conditioning capacity using first correction models C1a to C1c learned based on the control actual values in the indoor units 20a to 20c.

Specifically, the correction unit 196 predicts the first error of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c by inputting the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 into the first correction models C1a to C1c.

In this embodiment, if all the first errors do not exceed the first threshold, the correction unit 196 corrects the first air conditioning capacity of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c by adding each of the first errors to the corresponding first air conditioning capacity. The first determination unit 195 re-determines the first control target value of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c by inputting the corrected first air conditioning capacity into the heat exchange function. If any of the first errors exceed the first threshold, the correction unit 196 does not correct the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. However, this is not limited to the above, and the correction unit 196 may not correct the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c, for example, if any of the first errors exceed the first threshold during a predetermined period.

(2-4-5-6) Second Determination Unit The second determination unit 197 determines a second control target value based on a plurality of first control target values (target refrigerant temperatures) of a plurality of indoor units 20a to 20c belonging to the same refrigerant system. In other words, the second determination unit 197 determines the second control target value based on the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In further other words, the second determination unit 197 determines the second control target value of the air conditioner 2 for processing the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 based on the correspondence information, the first factor, and information related to the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The second determination unit 197 determines, as the second control target value, a control target value (target refrigerant temperature) common to multiple indoor units 20a to 20c belonging to the same refrigerant system. The second control target value is the minimum, maximum, average, median, or mode of the multiple first control target values. In other words, the second determination unit 197 determines, as the second control target value, a statistical quantity calculated from the first control target values of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

In this embodiment, the second determination unit 197 determines the second control target value only if correction has been performed by the correction unit 196.

(2-4-5-7) Instructing Unit The instructing unit 198 instructs the air conditioner 2 on the control content.

When correction has been performed by the correction unit 196, the instruction unit 198 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to set the target refrigerant temperatures in the indoor units 20a to 20c to the second control target value. In other words, the control unit 19 performs the first control on the air conditioner 2 based on the second control target value.

If no correction is performed by the correction unit 196, the instruction unit 198 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to control the air conditioner 2 based on the target refrigerant temperature determined from the actual measured values of the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In other words, the control unit 19 performs the second control on the air conditioner 2.

The instruction unit 198 instructs the air conditioner 2 on the control content, for example, each time the prediction unit 194 predicts the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 using the load models L1 and L2. In other words, the control unit 19 switches from the first control to the second control when the first error exceeds the threshold. The air conditioner 2 maintains the control content instructed by the instruction unit 198 for 10 minutes, for example.

(3) Processing An example of the processing of the air conditioning system control device 3 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5A and 5B.

As shown in step S1, the air conditioning system control device 3 acquires the outside air temperature of the building BL (external environment data D1), the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 (internal environment data D2), and the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature (operating data D3) of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

After completing step S1, as shown in step S2, the air conditioning system control device 3 inputs the outdoor air temperature of building BL and the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time into load models L1 and L2 to predict the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time.

After completing step S2, as shown in step S3, the air conditioning system control device 3 calculates the heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c based on the predicted heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 and information about the indoor units 20a to 20c.

After completing step S3, as shown in step S4, the air conditioning system control device 3 determines the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c based on the heat load processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c.

After completing step S4, as shown in step S5, the air conditioning system control device 3 determines the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c based on the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

After completing step S5, as shown in step S6, the air conditioning system control device 3 predicts the first error of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c using the first correction models C1a to C1c, and determines whether each first error exceeds the first threshold. If none of the first errors exceed the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S7. If any of the first errors exceed the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S10.

When proceeding from step S6 to step S7, the air conditioning system control device 3 corrects the first air conditioning capacity of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c and again determines the first control target value of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

After completing step S7, as shown in step S8, the air conditioning system control device 3 determines a second control target value, which is a control target value common to the indoor units 20a to 20c, based on the first control target values of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

After completing step S8, as shown in step S9, the air conditioning system control device 3 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to set the target refrigerant temperatures in the indoor units 20a to 20c to the second control target value. In other words, the control unit 19 performs the first control on the air conditioner 2 based on the second control target value.

When proceeding from step S6 to step S10, the air conditioning system control device 3 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to control the air conditioner 2 based on the target refrigerant temperature determined from the actual measured values of the air conditioning capacities of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In other words, the air conditioning system control device 3 performs the second control on the air conditioner 2.

After completing step S9 or S10, as shown in step S11, the air conditioner 2 maintains the control content instructed by the air conditioning system control device 3 for 10 minutes.

After completing step S11, as shown in step S12, the air conditioning system control device 3 determines whether new learning data for a predetermined period has been accumulated for each of the load models L1, L2 and the first correction models C1a to C1c. If a learning model in which new learning data for a predetermined period has been accumulated exists, the process proceeds to step S13. If a learning model in which new learning data for a predetermined period has been accumulated does not exist, the process proceeds to step S14.

When proceeding from step S12 to step S13, the air conditioning system control device 3 learns (updates) the load models L1, L2 or the first correction models C1a to C1c. In other words, the air conditioning system control device 3 learns (updates) the learning model in which new learning data for a predetermined period has been accumulated.

After completing step S13, or proceeding from step S12 to step S14, the air conditioning system control device 3 waits for 10 minutes.

After completing step S14, the process returns to step S1, and the air conditioning system control device 3 again acquires the external environment data D1, the internal environment data D2, and the operating data D3. In other words, the air conditioning system control device 3 acquires the external environment data D1, the internal environment data D2, and the operating data D3 every 10 minutes.

(4) Features (4-1)
Conventionally, there is a technique for controlling an air conditioner so as to handle the current heat load of the air-conditioned space in a building.

Conventional technology has the problem that it takes time to respond to sudden changes in heat load because the air conditioner is controlled to process the current heat load in the air-conditioned space.

The air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment controls the air conditioner 2. The air conditioning system control device 3 includes a control unit 19. One or more indoor units 20a to 20c that constitute the air conditioner 2 are classified into one or more groups. The control unit 19 determines a second control target value of the air conditioner 2 for processing the future heat load of zone Z1 based on the correspondence information, a first factor that affects the heat load of zone Z1, and information on the indoor units 20a and 20b. The correspondence information indicates the correspondence between the first group of the groups and zone Z1 in which the indoor units 20a and 20b classified into the first group process the heat load. The control unit 19 controls the air conditioner 2 based on the second control target value. The first factor includes the indoor temperature of zone Z1. The information on the indoor units 20a and 20b includes characteristic information of the indoor heat exchangers 21a and 21b that the indoor units 20a and 20b have.

The air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment determines a second control target value for the air conditioner 2 to process the future heat load of zone Z1. The air conditioning system control device 3 controls the air conditioner 2 based on the second control target value. As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can quickly respond to sudden changes in the heat load.

(4-2)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 predicts the future heat load of zone Z1 based on the correspondence information, the first factor, and information on the indoor units 20a, 20b. The control unit 19 determines the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a, 20b based on the future heat load of zone Z1. The control unit 19 determines the second control target value based on the first air conditioning capacity.

(4-3)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 determines the first air conditioning capacity so that the refrigerant saturation temperatures in the indoor heat exchangers 21a, 21b of the indoor units 20a, 20b, respectively, are equal.

(4-4)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of the present embodiment, the first air conditioning capacity is the minimum air conditioning capacity for the indoor units 20a, 20b to process the heat load of zone Z1.

(4-5)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the characteristic information includes a heat exchange characteristic equation that combines the characteristics of the heat exchangers.

(4-6)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 determines the current third air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a, 20b based on the correspondence information and information related to the indoor units 20a, 20b. The control unit 19 determines the first air conditioning capacity of each of the indoor units 20a, 20b in proportion to the magnitude of each of the third air conditioning capacities.

(4-7)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of the present embodiment, the correspondence information includes the positional relationship between the indoor units 20a, 20b. The control unit 19 corrects the third air conditioning capacity based on the positional relationship.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can control the air conditioner 2 more accurately.

(4-8)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, when the first air conditioning capacity determined for the indoor unit 20b of the indoor units 20a, 20b is greater than the upper limit air conditioning capacity set for the indoor unit 20b, the control unit 19 corrects the first air conditioning capacity determined for the indoor unit 20b to the upper limit air conditioning capacity. The control unit 19 corrects the first air conditioning capacity determined for the indoor unit 20a of the indoor units 20a, 20b based on the thermal load obtained by subtracting the upper limit air conditioning capacity of the indoor unit 20b from the future thermal load of zone Z1.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can control the air conditioner 2 more accurately.

(4-9)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 determines a first control target value for the indoor units 20a, 20b based on the first air conditioning capacity. The control unit 19 determines a second control target value based on the first control target value.

(4-10)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 determines the first control target value based on the characteristic information and the difference between the future first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a, 20b and the current third air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a, 20b.

(4-11)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the indoor units 20a, 20b belong to the same refrigerant system. The control unit 19 determines a statistical amount calculated from the first control target values of the indoor units 20a, 20b as a second control target value.

(4-12)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the first control target value and the second control target value are target values of the refrigerant saturation temperature.

(4-13)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the characteristic information is information that associates at least one or more variables among the air volume of the indoor fans 22a, 22b of the indoor units 20a, 20b, the refrigerant state in the indoor heat exchangers 21a, 21b of the indoor units 20a, 20b, and the state of the intake air or blown air of the indoor units 20a, 20b, with the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a, 20b.

(4-14)
2. Description of the Related Art In order to eliminate the heat load of an air-conditioned space in a building, there is conventional technology for determining the currently required air-conditioning capacity of an indoor unit installed in the air-conditioned space and controlling an air conditioner to realize that air-conditioning capacity.

Conventional technology has the problem that it takes time to respond to sudden changes in heat load because the air conditioner is controlled to achieve the air conditioning capacity currently required by the indoor unit. Also, conventional technology has the problem that it takes time to respond to sudden changes in heat load because the air conditioner is controlled to achieve the air conditioning capacity currently required by the indoor unit.

The air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment includes a control unit 19. The control unit 19 controls the air conditioner 2 linked to zones Z1 and Z2, which are part or all of the air-conditioned space in the building BL. The control unit 19 predicts the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 using load models L1 and L2. The load models L1 and L2 represent the relationship between data including at least one or more first factors that affect the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 and the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2. The control unit 19 calculates the heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c linked to zones Z1 and Z2 based on the predicted future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 and information on the indoor units 20a to 20c that constitute the air conditioner 2. The control unit 19 determines the first air conditioning capacity, which is the amount of heat exchange required in the future in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, based on the heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c. The control unit 19 determines the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c by inputting at least the first air conditioning capacity into the heat exchange function. The heat exchange function associates at least one or more variables among the air volume of the indoor fans 22a to 22c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the refrigerant state in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, and the state of the intake air or the blown air of the indoor units 20a to 20c, with the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c. The control unit 19 determines the second control target value based on the multiple first control target values of the multiple indoor units 20a to 20c belonging to the same refrigerant system. The control unit 19 performs the first control based on the second control target value.

The air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment uses load models L1 and L2 that take into account the first factor that affects the heat load of the air-conditioned space to determine the future required air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c and controls the air conditioner 2. As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can quickly respond to sudden changes in the heat load. In addition, the air conditioning system control device 3 can suppress control hunting caused by sudden changes in the heat load.

(4-15)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the first factors include external environmental factors related to the environment outside the building BL, or internal environmental factors related to the environment inside the building BL. The external environmental factors include at least the outside air temperature of the building BL. The internal environmental factors include at least the indoor temperatures of the zones Z1 and Z2.

(4-16)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the second control target value is the minimum value, maximum value, average value, median value, or mode value of the multiple first control target values.

(4-17)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 determines the first air conditioning capacity based on the heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c at a predetermined time in the future.

(4-18)
The air conditioning system control device 3 of the present embodiment further includes an input unit 12 .

(4-19)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the information relating to the indoor units 20a to 20c includes at least one of the positional relationships, characteristic values, and operating conditions of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(4-20)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the first control target value is a target value of the refrigerant saturation temperature in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(4-21)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 corrects the first control target value based on the actual control measured values in the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(4-22)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, the control unit 19 determines the second air conditioning capacity based on the control actual measurement value in the same time period as the first air conditioning capacity. The second air conditioning capacity is the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c in the same time period as the first air conditioning capacity. The control unit 19 stores the first characteristic amount and the second air conditioning capacity or the first error between the first air conditioning capacity and the second air conditioning capacity in association with each other. The control unit 19 corrects the first control target value by correcting the first air conditioning capacity to approach the second air conditioning capacity using the first correction models C1a to C1c. The first correction models C1a to C1c predict the first error from the first characteristic amount. The first characteristic amount is at least one of the control actual measurement value, the first air conditioning capacity, and the first error.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can control the air conditioner 2 more accurately.

(4-23)
In the air conditioning system control device 3 of this embodiment, when the first error exceeds the first threshold value, the control unit 19 switches from the first control to the second control. In the first control, the air conditioner 2 is controlled based on the predicted value. In the second control, the air conditioner 2 is controlled based on the actual measured value.

(5) Modifications (5-1) Modification 1A
In this embodiment, the outside air temperature of the building BL is the measurement value of the outdoor temperature sensor 65 installed outside the building BL. However, the outside air temperature of the building BL may also be the measurement value of an outdoor intake temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the air sucked into the outdoor unit 30. In this case, the outdoor intake temperature sensor is installed near the air intake port of the outdoor unit 30. In other words, the outside air temperature of the building BL and the measurement value of the outdoor intake temperature sensor can be substituted for each other.

(5-2) Modification 1B
In this embodiment, the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 are the measured values of indoor temperature sensors 631 and 632 installed in zones Z1 and Z2. However, the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 may also be calculated from the indoor intake temperatures of the indoor units 20a to 20c. For example, the indoor temperature of zone Z1 can be the average value of the indoor intake temperatures of the indoor units 20a and 20b. In other words, the indoor temperature of zone Z1 and the indoor intake temperatures of the indoor units 20a and 20b can be substituted for each other.

(5-3) Modification 1C
In this embodiment, the air conditioning system control device 3 controlled "an air conditioner 2 that performs air conditioning of multiple zones Z1, Z2 and has a single refrigerant system." However, the air conditioning system control device 3 may also control "an air conditioner that performs air conditioning of a single zone and has a single refrigerant system,""an air conditioner that performs air conditioning of a single zone and has multiple refrigerant systems," or "an air conditioner that performs air conditioning of multiple zones and has multiple refrigerant systems."

When the air conditioning system control device 3 controls an air conditioner having multiple refrigerant systems, it determines a second control target value for each of the multiple refrigerant systems.

(5-4) Modification 1D
In this embodiment, the air conditioner 2 has the indoor units 20a to 20c and the outdoor unit 30. However, the air conditioner 2 may further have a "humidistat" or an "outdoor air processing air conditioner such as a ventilator" or the like.

At this time, the air conditioning system control device 3 treats the humidity regulator or the outdoor air processing air conditioner as the air conditioning equipment linked to zones Z1 and Z2, and performs calculations of the heat load processed by the humidity regulator or the outdoor air processing air conditioner, and determines the first control target value of the humidity regulator or the outdoor air processing air conditioner, in the same manner as the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(5-5) Modification 1E
In this embodiment, the external environment data D1 is the outside air temperature of the building BL. However, the external environment data D1 may further include the amount of solar radiation of the building BL, a weather forecast for the location of the building BL, cloud cover, wind speed, wind direction, and precipitation.

In this embodiment, the internal environment data D2 was the indoor temperature of zones Z1 and Z2. However, the internal environment data D2 may further include the humidity of zones Z1 and Z2, the CO2 concentration, the amount of solar radiation reaching windows and walls, the amount of outside air flowing in and out, the indoor temperature of zones adjacent to zones Z1 and Z2, and the amount of heat generated by office equipment, people, and lighting in zones Z1 and Z2.

(5-6) Modification 1F
In this embodiment, the first factors are the external environmental factors of the building BL and the internal environmental factors of the building BL. However, the first factors may further include factors related to the building BL or factors related to the zones Z1 and Z2.

The factors related to the building BL include at least the location information of the building BL. The location information of the building BL is, for example, the azimuth angle of the exterior wall of the building BL, the condition of the neighboring building of the building BL, the address of the building BL, and the latitude and longitude of the building BL. The azimuth angle of the exterior wall of the building BL and the condition of the neighboring building of the building BL affect, for example, the amount of solar radiation of the building BL. The condition of the neighboring building of the building BL is, for example, the distance between the building BL and the neighboring building, the positional relationship, the height, width, azimuth angle and inclination angle of the exterior wall of the neighboring building, etc. The factors related to the building BL may further include the use of the building BL, and the thermal transmittance of the exterior or interior walls, etc.

The factors related to zones Z1 and Z2 include at least the size of zones Z1 and Z2. The size of zones Z1 and Z2 is, for example, the floor area, floor height, and wall length of zones Z1 and Z2. The factors related to zones Z1 and Z2 may further include the use of zones Z1 and Z2, the window area ratio, the presence or absence of blinds, the type of ventilation, the installed equipment (e.g., the number of ventilation devices installed), the window shading coefficient, the window heat transfer coefficient, the heat capacity of furniture, etc., and the usage situation (schedule, etc.).

(5-7) Modification 1G
In this embodiment, the learning unit 193 learned the load models L1 and L2 for each of the zones Z1 and Z2. However, when the zones Z1 and Z2 are similar in terms of thermal load, the learning unit 193 may learn the load model L2 that predicts the thermal load of the zone Z2, for example, by using the learning data of the load model L1 that predicts the thermal load of the zone Z1.

In addition, in this embodiment, the prediction unit 194 predicts the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 using load models L1 and L2 for each of zones Z1 and Z2. However, if zones Z1 and Z2 are similar in terms of heat load, the prediction unit 194 may predict the future heat load of zone Z1, for example, using load model L2 instead of load model L1.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can share the learning data or load models L1 and L2 between zones that are similar in terms of thermal load.

(5-8) Modification 1H
In this embodiment, the heat exchange function is a relational expression that holds between the air volume of the indoor fans 22a to 22c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the indoor refrigerant temperature state (refrigerant state) in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the indoor intake temperature (intake air state) of the indoor units 20a to 20c, and the heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c. However, instead of or in addition to the indoor intake temperature (intake air state) of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the indoor blowing temperature (blowout air state) of the indoor units 20a to 20c may be used. The indoor blowing temperature of the indoor units 20a to 20c is obtained, for example, from an indoor blowing temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the air blown out by the indoor units 20a to 20c. The indoor blowing temperature sensor is provided near the air outlet of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The heat exchange function may also be a relational expression that further includes the indoor humidity of zones Z1 and Z2. The indoor humidity of zones Z1 and Z2 is obtained, for example, from an indoor humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the air drawn into the indoor units 20a to 20c. The indoor humidity sensor is installed near the air intakes of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can more accurately calculate the amount of heat exchange in the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(5-9) Modification 1I
In this embodiment, the learning unit 193 adds up the heat exchange amounts in the indoor units 20a to 20c for each of zones Z1 and Z2 to calculate the heat loads of zones Z1 and Z2. However, the heat loads of zones Z1 and Z2 may be calculated based on the distribution of the heat exchange amounts in the indoor units 20a to 20c or corrected values of the heat exchange amounts in the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(5-10) Modification 1J
In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 191 acquires the external environment data D1 and the internal environment data D2. However, the acquisition unit 191 may acquire only one of the external environment data D1 and the internal environment data D2.

In this case, for example, the learning unit 193 uses only one of the external environment data D1 and the internal environment data D2 as learning data for the load models L1 and L2.

(5-11) Modification 1K
In this embodiment, the air conditioner 2 acquires the indoor refrigerant saturation temperatures of the indoor units 20a to 20c from the indoor heat exchanger temperature sensors 62a to 62c as the operation data D3, and transmits these to the air conditioning system control device 3. However, the air conditioner 2 may acquire the values of the pressure sensors installed in the indoor units 20a to 20c instead of the indoor refrigerant saturation temperatures, and transmit these to the air conditioning system control device 3. At this time, the air conditioning system control device 3 calculates the indoor refrigerant saturation temperature from the acquired pressure sensor values. Also, the air conditioner 2 may acquire the suction pressure or discharge pressure instead of the indoor refrigerant saturation temperature, and transmit these to the air conditioning system control device 3. At this time, the air conditioning system control device 3 calculates the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor heat exchanger 33 (outdoor refrigerant saturation temperature) from the acquired suction pressure or discharge pressure, and uses the calculated outdoor refrigerant saturation temperature as the indoor refrigerant saturation temperature approximately. Also, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 2 calculates the degree of superheat or subcooling as the operation data D3, and transmits these to the air conditioning system control device 3. However, the air conditioner 2 may acquire the indoor gas side temperature or the indoor liquid side temperature instead of the degree of superheat or subcooling, and transmit these to the air conditioning system control device 3. The air conditioning system control device 3 calculates the degree of superheat or subcooling from the acquired indoor gas side temperature or indoor liquid side temperature.

(5-12) Modification Example 1L
In this embodiment, the learning unit 193 associates and stores the outside air temperature of the building BL, the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2, and the thermal loads of zones Z1 and Z2 at the same time, and uses the associated and stored data as learning data for the load models L1 and L2. However, the learning unit 193 may also associate and store, for example, the outside air temperature of the building BL and the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 at a certain time, and the thermal loads of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after that time, and use the associated and stored data as learning data for the load models L1 and L2.

As a result, the prediction unit 194 can predict the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point using the outdoor air temperature of building BL and the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 at the time of data acquisition, without using the outdoor air temperature of building BL and the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 10 minutes after the data acquisition time point.

(5-13) Modification 1M
In this embodiment, the first determination unit 195 determines the first air conditioning capacity based on the heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c at a predetermined time in the future. However, the first determination unit 195 may determine the first air conditioning capacity based on the total amount of heat load to be processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c within a predetermined period in the future.

The prediction unit 194 predicts the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 for each minute from 10 minutes to 19 minutes after the data acquisition time by inputting the outdoor air temperature of building BL and the indoor temperatures of zones Z1 and Z2 for each minute from 10 minutes to 19 minutes after the data acquisition time into the load models L1 and L2, for example. The first determination unit 195 calculates the heat load processed by indoor units 20a to 20c for each minute from 10 minutes to 19 minutes after the data acquisition time based on the heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 for each minute from 10 minutes to 19 minutes after the data acquisition time and information on indoor units 20a to 20c. The first determination unit 195 calculates the total amount of heat load processed by the indoor units 20a to 20c from 10 minutes to 19 minutes after the data acquisition time, and determines the total amount divided equally into each minute (here, divided by 10) as the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(5-14) Modification 1N
In this embodiment, the control unit 19 acquires data related to the first factor by the acquisition unit 191. However, the control unit 19 may acquire data related to the first factor via the input unit 12. In this case, the administrator of the air conditioning system control device 3 manually inputs the data related to the first factor into the load models L1 and L2 via the input unit 12.

In addition, in this embodiment, the acquisition unit 191 acquires data related to the first factor from the outdoor temperature sensor 65 and the indoor temperature sensors 631, 632. However, the acquisition unit 191 may automatically acquire data related to the first factor from a predetermined database. For example, if the data related to the first factor is the floor area of zones Z1 and Z2, the acquisition unit 191 automatically acquires the floor area of zones Z1 and Z2 from a drawing database of building BL. Also, for example, if the data related to the first factor is the azimuth angle of the exterior wall of building BL, the acquisition unit 191 automatically acquires the azimuth angle of the exterior wall of building BL from a map database.

(5-15) Modification 1O
The correction unit 196 may correct the second control target value determined by the second determination unit 197 based on the state of the refrigerant piping, such as the refrigerant piping length and the elevation difference of the refrigerant piping. The correction unit 196 calculates a correction amount for the refrigerant piping length by using, for example, a correction coefficient for the refrigerant piping length defined in the product specifications, and corrects the second control target value by adding the correction amount to the second control target value.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can control the air conditioner 2 more accurately.

(5-16) Modification 1P
In this embodiment, the correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value by correcting the first air conditioning capacity to approach the second air conditioning capacity using first correction models C1a to C1c learned based on the control actual measurement values of the indoor units 20a to 20c. However, the correction unit 196 may correct the first control target value by correcting the first control target value to approach the first control actual measurement value using second correction models C2a to C2c learned based on the control actual measurement values of the indoor units 20a to 20c instead of the first correction models C1a to C1c.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can control the air conditioner 2 more accurately.

The learning unit 193 associates and stores, for each indoor unit 20a to 20c, the first control target value (target refrigerant temperature) of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195, the indoor refrigerant saturation temperature (first control actual value) of the indoor units 20a to 20c acquired by the acquisition unit 191, and the second error between the first control target value and the first control actual value. The learning unit 193 generates data that associates and stores the first control target value and the second error in the same time period from the data that associates and stores the first control target value, the first control actual value, and the second error in the same time period, and uses the data as learning data for the second correction models C2a to C2c that correct the first control target values of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In other words, the learning unit 193 learns the second correction models C2a to C2c that predict the second error from the first control target value for each of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

The learning unit 193, for example, learns (updates) the second correction models C2a to C2c when new learning data for a predetermined period is accumulated, similar to the first correction models C1a to C1c.

The correction unit 196 predicts the second error of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c by inputting the first control target values of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 into the second correction models C2a to C2c.

For example, if none of the second errors exceed the second threshold, the correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c by adding each of the second errors to the respective first control target value. If any of the second errors exceed the second threshold, the correction unit 196 does not correct the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

When the correction unit 196 has performed the correction, the instruction unit 198 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to set the target refrigerant temperatures in the indoor units 20a to 20c to the second control target value. In other words, the control unit 19 performs the first control on the air conditioner 2 based on the second control target value.

If no correction is performed by the correction unit 196, the instruction unit 198 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to control the air conditioner 2 based on the target refrigerant temperature determined from the actual measured values of the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In other words, the control unit 19 performs the second control on the air conditioner 2.

The instruction unit 198 instructs the air conditioner 2 on the control content, for example, each time the prediction unit 194 predicts the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 using the load models L1 and L2. In other words, the control unit 19 switches from the first control to the second control when the second error exceeds the threshold value. The air conditioner 2 maintains the control content instructed by the instruction unit 198 for 10 minutes, for example.

The learning unit 193 may generate data in which the first control target value and the first control actual value are associated and stored for the same time period from data in which the first control target value, the first control actual value, and the second error for the same time period are associated and stored, and use this data as learning data for the second correction models C2a to C2c. At this time, the correction unit 196 predicts the first control actual value by inputting the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 into the second correction models C2a to C2c, and sets the predicted first control actual value as the corrected first control target value.

The learning unit 193 may generate data in which at least one of the control actual value, the first control target value, and the second error is associated with the first control actual value or the second error in a different time period from data in which the first control target value, the first control actual value, and the second error in the same time period are associated and stored, and use the generated data as learning data for the second correction models C2a to C2c.

For example, the learning unit 193 may generate data in which the first control actual value or the second error is associated with past control actual values and stored, and use the data as learning data for the second correction models C2a to C2c. At this time, the correction unit 196 predicts the first control actual value or the second error by inputting the past control actual values into the second correction models C2a to C2c, and corrects the first control target values of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195. The control actual values are, for example, external environment data D1, internal environment data D2, and operating data D3.

For example, the learning unit 193 may generate data that associates the first control actual value or the second error with the past first control target value or the second error and store the data as learning data for the second correction models C2a to C2c. At this time, the correction unit 196 inputs the past first control target value or the second error into the second correction models C2a to C2c to predict the first control actual value or the second error, and correct the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195.

(5-17) Variation 1Q
The correction unit 196 may determine whether the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c is excessive or insufficient from the progress of the actual control value, and correct the first control target value based on this determination.

For example, the acquisition unit 191 further acquires the set temperatures of the indoor units 20a to 20c as the operating data D3. When the first determination unit 195 determines the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c, the correction unit 196 calculates the absolute value of the change in the difference between the indoor intake temperature and the set temperature (actual control value) of the indoor units 20a to 20c acquired by the acquisition unit 191. For example, if the absolute value of the most recent change in the difference is greater than a predetermined upper limit value, the correction unit 196 determines that the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c is excessive. At this time, the correction unit 196 corrects the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 in a weakening direction. Also, the correction unit 196 determines that the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c is insufficient, for example, if the absolute value of the most recent change in the difference is smaller than a predetermined lower limit value. At this time, the correction unit 196 corrects the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 in a stronger direction. The first determination unit 195 inputs the corrected first air conditioning capacity into the heat exchange function to re-determine the first control target value.

(5-18) Modification 1R
In this embodiment, the learning unit 193 generates data in which the first air conditioning capacity and the first error are associated with each other for the same time period from data in which the first air conditioning capacity, the control actual value, the second air conditioning capacity, and the first error are associated with each other for the same time period, and uses this data as learning data for the first correction models C1a to C1c that correct the first air conditioning capacities of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

However, the learning unit 193 may generate data in which the first air conditioning capacity and the second air conditioning capacity for the same time period are associated and stored from data in which the first air conditioning capacity, the control actual value, the second air conditioning capacity, and the first error for the same time period are associated and stored, and use this data as learning data for the first correction models C1a to C1c. In this case, the correction unit 196 predicts the second air conditioning capacity by inputting the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 into the first correction models C1a to C1c, and sets the predicted second air conditioning capacity as the corrected first air conditioning capacity.

The learning unit 193 may generate data in which at least one of the control actual value, the first air conditioning capacity, and the first error is associated with the second air conditioning capacity or the first error in a different time period from data in which the first air conditioning capacity, the control actual value, the second air conditioning capacity, and the first error in the same time period are associated and stored, and use the generated data as learning data for the first correction models C1a to C1c.

For example, the learning unit 193 may generate stored data in which the second air conditioning capacity or the first error is associated with past control actual values, and use the data as learning data for the first correction models C1a to C1c. At this time, the correction unit 196 predicts the second air conditioning capacity or the first error by inputting the past control actual values into the first correction models C1a to C1c, and corrects the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195. The control actual values are, for example, external environment data D1, internal environment data D2, and operating data D3.

Also, for example, the learning unit 193 may generate data that associates the second air conditioning capacity or the first error with the past first air conditioning capacity or the first error and store the data as learning data for the first correction models C1a to C1c. At this time, the correction unit 196 predicts the second air conditioning capacity or the first error by inputting the past first air conditioning capacity or the first error into the first correction models C1a to C1c, and corrects the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195.

(5-19) Modification 1S
In this embodiment, the second determination unit 197 determined a control target value (target refrigerant temperature) common to the multiple indoor units 20a to 20c belonging to the same refrigerant system as the second control target value. The second control target value was the minimum, maximum, average, median, or mode of the multiple first control target values.

However, the second control target value may be determined based on the difference between the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c and the third control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the current heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c.

For example, after the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c is determined or corrected by the first determination unit 195 or the correction unit 196, the second determination unit 197 acquires from the air conditioner 2 the third control target value (target refrigerant temperature) of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the current heat exchange amount in the indoor heat exchangers 21a to 21c of the indoor units 20a to 20c, and the current control target value (target refrigerant temperature) common to the indoor units 20a to 20c. The second determination unit 197 calculates the difference between the first control target value and the third control target value for each of the indoor units 20a to 20c, and selects one representative difference from these three differences. The representative difference is, for example, the largest difference among the three differences. The second determination unit 197 determines the second control target value by adding the representative difference to the current control target value common to the indoor units 20a to 20c.

(5-20) Modification 1T
In this embodiment, the correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value by correcting the first air conditioning capacity to approach the second air conditioning capacity using first correction models C1a to C1c learned based on the control actual measurement values in the indoor units 20a to 20c. However, the correction unit 196 may correct the first control target value by correcting the first zone heat load to approach the second zone heat load using third correction models C3a, C3b learned based on the control actual measurement values in the indoor units 20a to 20c instead of the first correction models C1a to C1c.

As a result, the air conditioning system control device 3 can control the air conditioner 2 more accurately.

The learning unit 193 associates and stores the future heat loads (first zone heat load) of zones Z1 and Z2 during the same time period determined by the first determination unit 195, the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature (actual control values) in indoor units 20a to 20c acquired by the acquisition unit 191, the heat loads (second zone heat load) of zones Z1 and Z2 determined based on the air volume, indoor refrigerant temperature state, and indoor suction temperature (actual control values) in indoor units 20a to 20c, and a third error between the first zone heat load and the second zone heat load. The learning unit 193 generates data in which the first zone thermal load and the third error are associated and stored for the same time period from data in which the first zone thermal load, the control measured value, the second zone thermal load, and the third error are associated and stored for the same time period, and uses the generated data as learning data for the third correction models C3a and C3b that correct the first zone thermal loads of the zones Z1 and Z2. In other words, the learning unit 193 learns the third correction models C3a and C3b that predict the third error from the first zone thermal load for each of the zones Z1 and Z2.

The learning unit 193, for example, learns (updates) the third correction models C3a and C3b when new learning data for a predetermined period is accumulated, similar to the first correction models C1a to C1c.

The correction unit 196 predicts the third error for each of the zones Z1 and Z2 by inputting the first zone thermal loads for the zones Z1 and Z2 determined by the first determination unit 195 into the third correction models C3a and C3b.

For example, if all the third errors do not exceed the third threshold, the correction unit 196 corrects the first zone thermal load of each of the zones Z1 and Z2 by adding each of the third errors to the respective first zone thermal load. The first determination unit 195 re-determines the first air conditioning capacity and the first control target value of each of the indoor units 20a to 20c based on the corrected first zone thermal load. If any of the third errors exceed the third threshold, the correction unit 196 does not correct the first zone thermal load of the zones Z1 and Z2.

When the correction unit 196 has performed the correction, the instruction unit 198 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to set the target refrigerant temperatures in the indoor units 20a to 20c to the second control target value. In other words, the control unit 19 performs the first control on the air conditioner 2 based on the second control target value.

If no correction is performed by the correction unit 196, the instruction unit 198 instructs the controller 40 of the air conditioner 2 to control the air conditioner 2 based on the target refrigerant temperature determined from the actual measured values of the air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c. In other words, the control unit 19 performs the second control on the air conditioner 2.

The instruction unit 198 instructs the air conditioner 2 on the control content, for example, each time the prediction unit 194 predicts the future heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 using the load models L1 and L2. In other words, the control unit 19 switches from the first control to the second control when the third error exceeds the threshold value. The air conditioner 2 maintains the control content instructed by the instruction unit 198 for 10 minutes, for example.

The learning unit 193 may generate data in which the first zone heat load and the second zone heat load are associated with each other during the same time period from data in which the first zone heat load, the control actual value, the second zone heat load, and the third error are associated with each other during the same time period, and use the generated data as learning data for the third correction models C3a and C3b. At this time, the correction unit 196 predicts the second zone heat load by inputting the first zone heat loads of the zones Z1 and Z2 determined by the first determination unit 195 into the third correction models C3a and C3b, and sets the predicted second zone heat load as the corrected first zone heat load.

The learning unit 193 may generate data in which at least one of the control actual value, the first zone heat load, and the third error is associated with the second zone heat load or the third error in a different time period from data in which the first zone heat load, the control actual value, the second zone heat load, and the third error in the same time period are associated and stored, and use the generated data as learning data for the third correction models C3a and C3b.

For example, the learning unit 193 may generate stored data in which the second zone heat load or the third error is associated with past control actual values, and use the data as learning data for the third correction models C3a and C3b. At this time, the correction unit 196 predicts the second zone heat load or the third error by inputting the past control actual values into the third correction models C3a and C3b, and corrects the first zone heat load of zones Z1 and Z2 determined by the first determination unit 195. The control actual values are, for example, external environment data D1, internal environment data D2, and operating data D3.

For example, the learning unit 193 may generate data that associates the second zone thermal load or the third error with the past first zone thermal load or the third error and store the data as learning data for the third correction models C3a and C3b. At this time, the correction unit 196 inputs the past first zone thermal load or the third error into the third correction models C3a and C3b to predict the second zone thermal load or the third error, and corrects the first zone thermal load of zones Z1 and Z2 determined by the first determination unit 195.

(5-21) Modified Example 1U
In this embodiment, the correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value by correcting the first air conditioning capacity to approach the second air conditioning capacity using the first correction models C1a to C1c. In modification 1R, the correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value by correcting the first control target value to approach the first control actual measurement value using the second correction models C2a to C2c. In modification 1T, the correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value by correcting the first zone heat load to approach the second zone heat load using the third correction models C3a and C3b.

The correction unit 196 may correct the first control target value by using a combination of these three correction models. For example, the correction unit 196 corrects the first air conditioning capacity by inputting the first air conditioning capacity of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 into the first correction models C1a to C1c. The first determination unit 195 determines the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c by inputting the corrected first air conditioning capacity into a heat exchange function. The correction unit 196 corrects the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c by inputting the first control target value of the indoor units 20a to 20c determined by the first determination unit 195 into the second correction models C2a to C2c.

(5-22)
Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure described in the claims.

2 Air conditioner 3 Air conditioning system control device 19 Control unit 20a to 20c Indoor units 20a, 20b First indoor unit 20b Second indoor unit 21a, 21b Indoor heat exchanger (heat exchanger)
22a, 22b Indoor fan (fan)
Z1 Zone (First Space)

JP 2011-257126 A

Claims (15)

An air conditioning system control device (3) that controls an air conditioner (2),
A control unit (19),
One or more indoor units (20a to 20c) constituting the air conditioner are classified into one or more groups,
The control unit is
Correspondence information indicating a correspondence between a first group of the groups and a first space (Z1) in which one or more first indoor units (20a, 20b) classified into the first group treat a heat load; and
A first factor affecting a heat load of the first space;
Information regarding the first indoor unit;
determining a second control target value of the air conditioner for treating a future first heat load of the first space based on the
Controlling the air conditioner based on the second control target value;
The first factor includes an indoor temperature of the first space,
The information about the first indoor unit includes characteristic information of a heat exchanger (21a, 21b) of the first indoor unit.
Air conditioning system control device (3). The control unit is
predicting the first thermal load based on the correspondence information, the first factor, and information related to the first indoor unit;
determining a future first air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit based on the first thermal load;
determining the second control target value based on the first air conditioning capacity;
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 1. The control unit determines the first air conditioning capacity so that refrigerant saturation temperatures in the heat exchangers (21a, 21b) of the first indoor units are equal to each other.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 2. The first air conditioning capacity is a minimum air conditioning capacity for the first indoor unit to process the heat load of the first space.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 2 or 3. The characteristic information includes a heat exchange characteristic equation that combines the characteristics of the heat exchanger,
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 1 or 2. The control unit is
determining a current third air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit based on the correspondence information and information related to the first indoor unit;
determining the first air conditioning capacity of each of the first indoor units in proportion to the magnitude of each of the third air conditioning capacities;
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 2. The correspondence information includes a positional relationship of the first indoor unit,
The control unit corrects the third air conditioning capacity based on the positional relationship.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 6. When the first air conditioning capacity determined for one or more second indoor units (20b) among the first indoor units is greater than the upper limit air conditioning capacity set for the second indoor unit, the control unit:
The first air conditioning capacity determined for the second indoor unit is corrected to the upper limit air conditioning capacity;
correcting the first air conditioning capacity determined for the indoor units other than the second indoor unit among the first indoor units based on a thermal load obtained by subtracting the upper limit air conditioning capacity of each of the second indoor units from the first thermal load;
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 2. The control unit is
determining a first control target value for the first indoor unit based on the first air conditioning capacity;
determining the second control target value based on the first control target value;
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 2. The control unit determines the first control target value based on the characteristic information and a difference between the first air conditioning capacity and a current third air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 9. The first indoor unit belongs to the same refrigerant system,
The control unit determines a statistical amount calculated from the first control target value of each of the first indoor units as the second control target value.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 9 or 10. The first control target value and the second control target value are target values of a refrigerant saturation temperature.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 9. The control unit corrects the second control target value based on a state of the refrigerant piping.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 1 or 2. The characteristic information is information that associates at least one or more variables among an air volume of a fan (22a, 22b) of the first indoor unit, a refrigerant state in a heat exchanger (21a, 21b) of the first indoor unit, and a state of intake air or blown air of the first indoor unit with the air conditioning capacity of the first indoor unit.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 1 or 2. The air conditioner includes an outside air processing air conditioner.
An air conditioning system control device (3) according to claim 1 or 2.

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