Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning device and a control system.
Background Art
[0002] PTL 1 discloses an air-conditioning device for air-conditioning an indoor space,
the air-conditioning device controlling air-conditioning such that the indoor space
becomes a comfortable thermal environment while suppressing a load of thermal stress
applied to a person in the space.
Citation List
Patent Literature
Summary of Invention
Technical Problem
[0004] The strength of air-conditioning and the amount of clothing in a room vary among
individuals. For example, some people wear light clothing in summer and heavy clothing
in winter with weaker air-conditioning throughout the year, and some people wear an
average amount of clothing in both summer and winter with stronger air-conditioning
throughout the year. In this way, each person feels the thermal comfort of the indoor
space differently, and thus, it is preferable to perform air-conditioning according
to the person in the space. However, with the air-conditioning device described in
PTL 1, it is not possible to perform air-conditioning for each person (person in the
space). The present disclosure provides an air-conditioning device that controls air-conditioning
according to a person.
Solution to Problem
[0005] A first aspect is an air-conditioning device including: an information acquisition
unit (101) configured to acquire first information indicating environmental information
on an environment in which a target person (H) has been placed in a past or biological
information of the target person (H); and a control unit (100) configured to grasp
a habitual behavior pattern of the target person (H) in the first information, in
which the control unit (100) is configured to set a target value of a first index,
which is an index related to a thermal environment, based on the first information
acquired by the information acquisition unit (101) and the grasped behavior pattern.
[0006] In the first aspect, the control unit (100) controls air-conditioning such that the
first index becomes the target value, based on the first information and the behavior
pattern of the target person (H). The behavior pattern varies depending on the target
person (H). Accordingly, the air-conditioning device can control air-conditioning
according to the target person (H). In addition, in a case where the first information
is an outside air temperature that is an experienced temperature, since the outside
air temperature changes depending on the season, it is possible to control air-conditioning
according to the target person (H) for each season.
[0007] According to a second aspect, in the first aspect,
the control unit (100) is configured to grasp the behavior pattern, based on a report
from the target person (H), operation information on an operation performed by the
target person (H) on the air-conditioning device, environmental information of a target
space (S), a behavior of the target person (H) estimated from a camera image of the
target space (S), an amount of clothing of the target person (H) estimated from the
camera image of the target space (S), or a voice of the target person (H) in the target
space (S).
[0008] In the second aspect, the control unit (100) can grasp the behavior pattern by the
report (input) from the target person. In addition, the control unit (100) can grasp
the behavior pattern of the target person (H), based on the operation information
of the air-conditioning device, the environmental information, the camera image, or
the like. Accordingly, it is possible to save time and effort for making a report
(input).
[0009] According to a third aspect, in the first or second aspect,
the target value of the first index is in a thermal environment in which a target
person group corresponding to one behavior pattern among a plurality of classified
behavior patterns feels thermally neutral.
[0010] In the third aspect, the first index and the target value can be set based on a thermal
environment in which a plurality of target persons (H) classified into the same behavior
pattern feel thermally neutral. The thermal environment that is felt to be thermally
neutral refers to, for example, the target space (S) that the target person (H) feels
neither hot nor cold. The thermal environment includes an inside air temperature,
an inside air humidity, airflow (wind speed), a radiation temperature, and the like
in the target space (S).
[0011] According to a fourth aspect, in the first or second aspect,
the control unit (100) includes an individual recognition unit (102) configured to
recognize an individual and a storage unit (101) configured to accumulate a behavior
pattern for each recognized individual, and is configured to set the target value
of the first index, based on a past behavior pattern of the target person (H).
[0012] In the fourth aspect, the behavior pattern can be specified for each individual.
Accordingly, the target value of the first index can be set in accordance with each
individual. Since the accumulated individual behavior patterns are used, it is possible
to set the target value of the first index more suitable for the individual than in
a case where the behavior patterns are classified into a plurality of behavior patterns
in advance.
[0013] According to a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects,
the first index is an index based on a temperature in the target space (S), an index
related to a human body exergy balance, a predicted mean vote (PMV), or the thermal
environment.
[0014] In the fifth aspect, the first index can be an index based on the temperature in
the target space (S), the index related to the human body exergy balance, the predicted
mean vote (PMV), or the thermal environment.
[0015] According to a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect,
the index related to the human body exergy balance indicates a human body exergy consumption
rate.
[0016] In the sixth aspect, the first index may be the human body exergy consumption rate.
[0017] According to a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect,
the control unit (100) is configured to control, if the first index is the human body
exergy consumption rate, a temperature, a humidity, a wind speed, or a radiation temperature
of the target space (S) so as to satisfy the target value.
[0018] In the seventh aspect, the human body exergy consumption rate can be brought to the
target value by adjusting the temperature, the humidity, the wind speed, or the radiation
temperature. If the target value is a value at which the target person (H) feels most
comfortable, the target space can be made comfortable according to the target person
(H) only by adjusting the temperature, the humidity, the wind speed, or the radiation
temperature.
[0019] According to an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect,
the control unit (100) is configured to set the target value of the human body exergy
consumption rate to be lower than a predetermined value Va for the target person (H)
for whom a set temperature of the target space (S) is set to be higher than a predetermined
value Ta during a heating operation of the air-conditioning device.
[0020] In the eighth aspect, for example, if the predetermined value Ta is an average set
temperature, air-conditioning of the target space can be controlled so as to achieve
a human body exergy consumption rate suitable for a person who sets relatively strong
air-conditioning in the heating operation.
[0021] According to a ninth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the control unit (100) is configured
to set the target value of the human body exergy consumption rate to be higher than
a predetermined value Va for the target person (H) for whom a set temperature of the
target space (S) is set to be lower than a predetermined value Ta during a heating
operation of the air-conditioning device.
[0022] In the ninth aspect, for example, if the predetermined value Ta is an average set
temperature, air-conditioning of the target space can be controlled so as to achieve
a human body exergy consumption rate suitable for a person who sets relatively weak
air-conditioning in the heating operation.
[0023] According to a tenth aspect, in the seventh aspect,
the control unit (100) is configured to set the target value of the human body exergy
consumption rate to be lower than a predetermined value Vb during a cooling operation
of the air-conditioning device for the target person (H) whose amount of clothing
is lower than a predetermined value Ca during the cooling operation.
[0024] In the tenth aspect, the target value of the human body exergy consumption rate
is set based on the amount of clothing of the target person (H). Accordingly, the
human body exergy consumption rate can be controlled according to the target person
(H).
[0025] An eleventh aspect is a control system for an air-conditioning device including the
control unit (100) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0026]
Fig. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air-conditioning device according
to an embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a schematic piping diagram of the air-conditioning device according to the
embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of the air-conditioning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of graph data included in a control unit
of the air-conditioning device according to the embodiment.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart of an exergy control operation of the air-conditioning device
according to the embodiment.
Fig. 6 is a block diagram of a first control device of an air-conditioning device
according to Modification Example 5 of the embodiment.
Fig. 7 is a graph illustrating a relationship between an outside air temperature and
a human body exergy consumption rate in relation to research results.
Fig. 8 is a graph illustrating an average value ± standard deviation of an air temperature
and an amount of clothing for each week when a sense of cold and hot is "neither"
in houses in the Kanto region in relation to research results.
Fig. 9 is a table illustrating adaptive behavior patterns to environmental changes
in relation to research results.
Fig. 10 is a graph illustrating a relationship between the outside air temperature
and the human body exergy consumption rate in a condition of a report that "it is
neither hot nor cold" in relation to research results.
Fig. 11 is a graph illustrating a relationship between an indoor temperature, the
human body exergy consumption rate, and a wetting rate in relation to research results.
Description of Embodiments
[0027] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail
with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to
the embodiment described below, and various changes can be made without departing
from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Since the drawings are intended
to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may
be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for ease of understanding.
<<Embodiment>>
(1) Overall Configuration of Air-Conditioning Device
[0028] An air-conditioning device (10) of the present disclosure performs air-conditioning
of an indoor space (S), which is a target space. A person (H) is present in the indoor
space (S). The person (H) is a target person (H) of the present disclosure. The air-conditioning
device (10) of the present example has a function of adjusting the temperature of
indoor air.
[0029] As illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, the air-conditioning device (10) includes a heat
source unit (20) and a utilization unit (30). The heat source unit (20) and the utilization
unit (30) are connected to each other via two connection pipes (a liquid connection
pipe (11) and a gas connection pipe (12)). Thus, a refrigerant circuit (R) is formed
in the air-conditioning device (10). The refrigerant circuit (R) is filled with a
refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (R) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating
the refrigerant.
(1-1) Heat Source Unit
[0030] The heat source unit (20) is an outdoor unit disposed in an outdoor space (0). The
heat source unit (20) includes a heat source fan (21). The heat source unit (20) includes,
as elements connected to the refrigerant circuit (R), a compressor (22), a heat-source
heat exchanger (23), a switching mechanism (24), and an expansion mechanism (25).
[0031] The compressor (22) compresses the sucked refrigerant. The compressor (22) discharges
the compressed refrigerant. The compressor (22) is a rotary compressor such as a swing
piston type compressor. The compressor (22) is of an inverter type. The number of
revolutions (operating frequency) of a first motor (M1) of the compressor (22) is
adjusted by an inverter device.
[0032] The heat-source heat exchanger (23) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The
heat-source heat exchanger (23) is an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between
the refrigerant flowing therein and outdoor air.
[0033] The heat source fan (21) is disposed near the heat-source heat exchanger (23). The
heat source fan (21) of the present example is a propeller fan. The heat source fan
(21) conveys air that passes through the heat-source heat exchanger (23).
[0034] The switching mechanism (24) changes the flow path of the refrigerant circuit (R)
so as to switch between a first refrigeration cycle as a cooling cycle and a second
refrigeration cycle as a heating cycle. The switching mechanism (24) is a four-way
switching valve. The switching mechanism (24) has a first port (P1), a second port
(P2), a third port (P3), and a fourth port (P4). The first port (P1) of the switching
mechanism (24) is connected to a discharge portion of the compressor (22). The second
port (P2) of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to a suction portion of the
compressor (22). The third port (P3) of the switching mechanism (24) is connected
to a gas-side end of a utilization heat exchanger (33) through the gas connection
pipe (12). The fourth port (P4) of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to a
gas-side end of the heat-source heat exchanger (23).
[0035] The switching mechanism (24) is switched between a first state and a second state.
The switching mechanism (24) in the first state (the state indicated by the solid
line in Fig. 2) allows the first port (P1) and the fourth port (P4) to communicate
with each other and allows the second port (P2) and the third port (P3) to communicate
with each other. The switching mechanism (24) in the second state (the state indicated
by the broken line in Fig. 2) allows the first port (P1) and the third port (P3) to
communicate with each other and allows the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4)
to communicate with each other.
[0036] One end of the expansion mechanism (25) is connected to a liquid-side end of the
heat-source heat exchanger (23), and the other end is connected to a liquid-side end
of the utilization heat exchanger (33) via the liquid connection pipe (11). The expansion
mechanism (25) is an expansion valve. The expansion mechanism (25) is an electronic
expansion valve whose opening degree is adjustable.
(1-2) Utilization Unit
[0037] The utilization unit (30) is installed on a wall surface of the indoor space (S).
In other words, the utilization unit (30) is a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner.
The utilization unit (30) includes a casing (31) and a utilization fan (32). The utilization
unit (30) has the utilization heat exchanger (33) as an element connected to the refrigerant
circuit (R).
[0038] The casing (31) houses the utilization fan (32) and the utilization heat exchanger
(33). The casing (31) has an air inlet (30a) and an air outlet (30b). Inside the casing
(31), an air passage (30c) is formed from the air inlet (30a) to the air outlet (30b).
[0039] The utilization heat exchanger (33) is a fin-and-tube type air heat exchanger. The
utilization heat exchanger (33) is an air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between
the air flowing therein and the refrigerant.
[0040] The utilization fan (32) is a cross-flow fan. The number of revolutions of a second
motor (M2) of the utilization fan (32) is variable. In other words, the air volume
of the utilization fan (32) is variable. The utilization fan (32) is disposed on the
upstream side of the utilization heat exchanger (33) in the air passage (30c). The
utilization fan (32) conveys air passing through the utilization heat exchanger (33).
(1-3) Sensors
[0041] As illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3, the air-conditioning device (10) includes a plurality
of sensors. The air-conditioning device (10) of the present example includes an outside
air temperature sensor (41), an outside air humidity sensor (42), and an inside air
temperature sensor (43). The outside air temperature sensor (41) and the outside air
humidity sensor (42) are disposed in the outdoor space (0). The outside air temperature
sensor (41) detects the temperature of outdoor air.
[0042] The outside air humidity sensor (42) detects the humidity (strictly speaking, relative
humidity) of outdoor air. The inside air temperature sensor (43) is disposed in the
indoor space (S). The inside air temperature sensor (43) detects the temperature of
indoor air.
[0043] The air-conditioning device (10) includes various refrigerant sensors (not illustrated)
that detect high and low pressures, a condensation temperature, an evaporation temperature,
and the like of the refrigerant circuit (R).
(1-4) Remote Controller
[0044] As illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, the air-conditioning device (10) includes a remote
controller (35). Predetermined information is input to the remote controller (35),
based on an operation performed by the person (H). Specifically, the remote controller
(35) includes an operation unit (36).
[0045] The operation unit (36) is a functional unit for inputting predetermined information.
The predetermined information includes various instructions given by the person (H)
to the air-conditioning device (10), behavior patterns, and the like. The remote controller
(35) of the present example is configured to be able to select one from a plurality
of kinds of behavior patterns, based on the operation performed by the person (H).
Details of the behavior pattern will be described in (3).
[0046] The operation unit (36) includes a switch, a button, or a touch panel. By the person
operating the operation unit (36), the operation of the air-conditioning device (10)
is selected or a behavior pattern is selected. The operation of the air-conditioning
device (10) includes a cooling operation and a heating operation. The person can change
a set temperature by operating the operation unit (36). The set temperature is a target
temperature of the indoor space (S).
(1-5) Control Unit
[0047] The air-conditioning device (10) includes a control unit (100). As illustrated in
Figs. 2 and 3, the control unit (100) includes a first control device (C1), a second
control device (C2), and a third control device (C3). The first control device (C1)
is provided in the heat source unit (20). The second control device (C2) is provided
in the utilization unit (30). The third control device (C3) is provided in the remote
controller (35).
[0048] The first control device (C1) and the second control device (C2) are connected to
each other by a first communication line (W1). The first communication line (W1) is
wired or wireless. The second control device (C2) and the third control device (C3)
are connected to each other by a second communication line (W2). The second communication
line (W2) is wired or wireless.
[0049] Each of the first control device (C1), the second control device (C2), and the third
control device (C3) includes a micro control unit (MCU), an electric circuit, and
an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a central processing unit (CPU), a memory,
and a communication interface. Various programs to be executed by the CPU are stored
in the memory.
[0050] The first control device (C1) controls the compressor (22), the heat source fan (21),
the switching mechanism (24), and the expansion mechanism (25). The first control
device (C1) adjusts the number of revolutions of the first motor (M1) of the compressor
(22). The second control device (C2) controls the utilization fan (32). The second
control device (C2) adjusts the number of revolutions of the second motor (M2) of
the utilization fan (32).
[0051] The control unit (100) grasps a habitual behavior pattern of the person (H) at the
outside air temperature. Specifically, a plurality of kinds of behavior patterns are
stored in the third control device (C3) of the remote controller (35). When one behavior
pattern is selected based on a report (operation) from the person (H), the remote
controller (35) transmits the information to the first control device (C1). In this
way, the first control device (C1) grasps the behavior pattern selected by the person
(H).
[0052] The control unit (100) includes a storage unit (101). The storage unit (101) of the
present example is provided in the first control device (C1), but may be provided
in the second control device (C2) or the third control device (C3). The storage unit
(101) includes a hard disk drive (HDD), a random access memory (RAM), a solid state
drive (SSD), and the like.
[0053] The storage unit (101) appropriately stores the outside air temperature detected
by the outside air temperature sensor (41) and the outside air humidity detected by
the outside air humidity sensor (42). The storage unit (101) is an information acquisition
unit (101) of the present disclosure. The storage unit (101) acquires first information.
The first information of the present embodiment is an experienced temperature that
is environmental information on an environment in which the person (H) has been placed
in the past. The experienced temperature is the outside air temperature in the present
embodiment. In the present example, "placed in the past" refers to, for example, a
certain period of time in the past. "Placed in the past" may be a certain period of
time from the past to the present. In this way, the storage unit (101) stores the
outside air temperature in a predetermined period as history data. The storage unit
(101) stores the outside air temperature at predetermined intervals (for example,
every 30 minutes). The storage unit (101) may store the outside air humidity as history
data in the same manner as the outside air temperature. In this case, the storage
unit (101) stores the outside air humidity at predetermined intervals (for example,
every 30 minutes).
[0054] The storage unit (101) stores data in which a human body exergy consumption rate
V and an index related thereto are associated with each other. The human body exergy
consumption rate V is a first index of the present disclosure. The human body exergy
consumption rate V is an index related to the thermal environment of the indoor space
(S).
(2) Human Body Exergy Balance
[0055] The air-conditioning device (10) performs air-conditioning in consideration of the
human body exergy consumption rate. The human body exergy consumption rate is included
in the following equation for exergy balance.
[0056] [Human Body Exergy Consumption Rate] = [Human Body Exergy Input] - [Human Body Exergy
Accumulation] - [Human Body Exergy Output]
[0057] The human body exergy consumption rate is an index representing the rate of exergy
consumption per body surface 1 m
2 of a human body. The human body exergy input is an index representing the rate of
exergy generation per body surface 1 m
2 of a human body. The human body exergy accumulation is an index representing the
rate of exergy accumulation per body surface 1 m
2 of a human body. The human body exergy output is an index representing the rate of
exergy release per body surface 1 m
2 of a human body. The unit of these indices is W/m
2. Each of the human body exergy input, the human body exergy accumulation, and the
human body exergy output is an index related to the human body exergy balance of the
present disclosure. The index related to the human body exergy balance indicates the
human body exergy consumption rate. In the present example, as illustrated in the
above equation, the human body exergy consumption rate is obtained based on these
three indices related to the human body exergy balance.
[0058] The human body exergy consumption rate is exergy consumed in the body. The human
body exergy consumption rate is caused by thermal diffusion due to a temperature difference
between the inside and the outside of the human body, thermal diffusion due to a temperature
difference between the human body and clothing, and mutual diffusion of sweat and
air due to a water vapor pressure difference between the human body and clothing.
[0059] The human body exergy input consists mainly of exergy generated by metabolism, exergy
from inhalation, exergy from metabolic water, and exergy from radiant heat absorbed
by clothing. The exergy generated by metabolism is exergy generated in the body as
a result of the exergy stored in glucose taken into the human body by eating and drinking
being consumed for cellular activity. The exergy from inhalation is exergy generated
by diffusion of heat of inhalation, diffusion of water vapor contained in inhalation,
and the like. The exergy from metabolic water is exergy generated by diffusion of
heat of the metabolic water, diffusion of the metabolic water to the outside of the
body, and the like. The metabolic water is water generated by metabolism, for example,
water generated by combustion of glucose in the body.
[0060] The human body exergy accumulation is exergy accumulated in the body according to
the surrounding environment. As the temperature of the surrounding environment increases,
the human body exergy accumulation tends to increase.
[0061] The human body exergy output is exergy released from the body to the outside of the
body. The human body exergy output consists mainly of exergy from inhalation, exergy
generated by diffusion of moist air generated after evaporation of sweat, exergy from
radiant heat emitted by clothing, and exergy from convection heat emitted by clothing.
The exergy from inhalation is exergy generated by diffusion of heat of inhalation
and diffusion of water vapor and the like contained in inhalation.
[0062] The human body exergy consumption rate is correlated with the degree of expansion
and contraction of blood vessels of the human body. The lower the human body exergy
consumption rate, the smaller the degree of expansion and contraction of the blood
vessels of the human body, and the smaller the thermal stress load applied to the
human body. That is, the human body exergy consumption rate is an index representing
the thermal stress load of the human body.
[0063] The human body exergy consumption rate tends to be high in a cold environment and
a hot environment, and low in an environment that is neither cold nor hot. The environment
in which the human body exergy consumption rate is minimized is an environment in
which, among 1) the thermal diffusion due to the temperature difference between the
inside and the outside of the human body, 2) the thermal diffusion due to the temperature
difference between the human body and clothing, and 3) the mutual diffusion of sweat
and air due to the water vapor pressure difference between the human body and clothing,
the ratio of item 3) is particularly small. The environment in which the human body
exergy consumption rate is minimized is an environment in which the thermal stress
load applied to the human body is the minimum.
(3) Behavior Patterns
[0064] The behavior patterns include a behavior style in the indoor space (S) in which the
person (H) behaves based on the outside air temperature. The behavior patterns are
classified into a plurality of kinds. Specifically, as illustrated in Table 1, five
kinds of behavior patterns are set in the present example. These behavior patterns
(first to fifth behavior patterns) are stored in the remote controller (35). The inside
air temperature of the indoor space (S) and the amount of clothing are set for each
behavior pattern of the present example.
[0065] The person (H) operates the remote controller (35) to report information on his/her
own behavior pattern. For example, regarding the amount of clothing, in response to
the inquiry "How much clothing do you wear in summer?" on an input screen of the remote
controller (35), the person (H) selects one from among "A: light, B: normal, C: heavy".
Similarly, in response to the inquiry "How much clothing do you wear in winter?",
the person (H) selects one from among "A: light, B: normal, C: heavy". In addition,
regarding the inside air temperature, in response to the inquiry "How is the air-conditioning
in summer?" on the input screen of the remote controller (35), the person (H) selects
one from among "A: weaker, B: normal, C: stronger". Similarly, in response to the
inquiry "How is the air-conditioning in winter?", the person (H) selects one from
among "A: weaker, B: normal, C: stronger".
[0066] Based on these pieces of information input to the remote controller (35), the control
unit (100) grasps which behavior pattern the person (H) corresponds to. Alternatively,
the person (H) may directly select (report) a behavior pattern the person (H) corresponds
to from the first to fifth behavior patterns.
[0067]
[Table 1]
| Behavior pattern |
Assumed pattern |
Inside air temperature |
Amount of clothing |
| First behavior pattern |
Spend averagely |
TAVE. |
CAVE. |
| Second behavior pattern |
Spend on lighter clothing than average throughout year |
TAVE. |
C∼ |
| Third behavior pattern |
Spend with weaker air-conditioning while changing clothing largely |
Weaker air-conditioning |
Change largely |
| Fourth behavior pattern |
Spend with weaker air-conditioning while changing clothing averagely |
Weaker air-conditioning |
CAVE. |
| Fifth behavior pattern |
Spend with stronger air-conditioning while changing clothing averagely |
Stronger air-conditioning |
CAVE. |
[0068] The first behavior pattern is intended for a person who spends one year averagely.
In the first behavior pattern, the room temperature is an average value (T
AVE. (°C)), and the amount of clothing is an average value (C
AVE, (clo)). Here, the "average value" is obtained based on, for example, data obtained
by an experiment or data continuously accumulated from the past.
[0069] The second behavior pattern is intended for a person who spends on lighter clothing
than average throughout the year. In the second behavior pattern, the air temperature
is T
AVE. (°C) and the amount of clothing is C
- (clo) (C
- < C
AVE.).
[0070] The third behavior pattern is intended for a person who spends the year with weaker
air-conditioning while changing clothing largely. In the third behavior pattern, the
air temperature is "weaker air-conditioning", and the amount of clothing is "change
largely". In the "weaker air-conditioning", for example, the indoor temperature is
set to T
+ (°C) (T
+ > T
AVE.) when the average of the weekly maximum outside air temperatures is higher than
the indoor temperature, such as in spring and summer, and the indoor temperature is
set to T
- (°C) (T
- < T
AVE.) when the average of the weekly maximum outside air temperatures is lower than the
indoor temperature, such as in autumn and winter. In the amount of clothing "change
largely", for example, the amount of clothing is C
- (clo) when the average of the weekly maximum outside air temperatures is higher than
the indoor temperature, such as in spring and summer, and the amount of clothing is
C
+ (clo) (C
+ > C
AVE.) when the average of the weekly maximum outside air temperatures is lower than the
indoor temperature, such as in autumn and winter.
[0071] The fourth behavior pattern is intended for a person who spends the year with weaker
air-conditioning while changing clothing averagely. In the fourth behavior pattern,
the indoor temperature is "weaker air-conditioning", and the amount of clothing is
C
AVE. (clo) .
[0072] The fifth behavior pattern is intended for a person who spends the year with stronger
air-conditioning while changing clothing averagely. In the fifth behavior pattern,
the indoor temperature is "stronger air-conditioning", and the amount of clothing
is C
AVE. (clo). In the "stronger air-conditioning", for example, the indoor temperature is
set to T
- (°C) when the average of the weekly maximum outside air temperatures is higher than
the indoor temperature, such as in spring and summer, and the indoor temperature is
set to T
+ (°C) when the average of the weekly maximum outside air temperatures is lower than
the indoor temperature, such as in autumn and winter.
(4) Operations
[0073] The air-conditioning device (10) performs a normal cooling operation, a normal heating
operation, and an exergy control operation.
(4-1) Cooling Operation
[0074] During the cooling operation, the air-conditioning device (10) performs a refrigeration
cycle (cooling cycle) in which the heat-source heat exchanger (23) functions as a
radiator and the utilization heat exchanger (33) functions as an evaporator. Specifically,
the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (22) radiates heat in the heat-source
heat exchanger (23) and is decompressed by the expansion mechanism (25). The refrigerant
decompressed by the expansion mechanism (25) is evaporated in the utilization heat
exchanger (33) and sucked into the compressor (22).
[0075] In the utilization unit (30), the utilization fan (32) is in operation. The air in
the indoor space (S) is sucked into the air passage (30c) through the air inlet (30a).
The air in the air passage (30c) is cooled by the utilization heat exchanger (33)
and then supplied to the indoor space (S) from the air outlet (30b).
(4-2) Heating Operation
[0076] During the heating operation, the air-conditioning device (10) performs a refrigeration
cycle (heating cycle) in which the utilization heat exchanger (33) functions as a
radiator and the heat-source heat exchanger (23) functions as an evaporator. Specifically,
the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (22) radiates heat in the utilization
heat exchanger (33) and is decompressed by the expansion mechanism (25). The refrigerant
decompressed by the expansion mechanism (25) is evaporated in the heat-source heat
exchanger (23) and sucked into the compressor (22).
[0077] In the utilization unit (30), the utilization fan (32) is in operation. The air in
the indoor space (S) is sucked into the air passage (30c) through the air inlet (30a).
The air in the air passage (30c) is heated by the utilization heat exchanger (33)
and then supplied to the indoor space (S) from the air outlet (30b).
(4-3) Exergy Control Operation
[0078] In the exergy control operation, the control unit (100) sets a target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V, based on the outside air temperature
acquired by the outside air temperature sensor (41) and the behavior pattern selected
by the person (H). In the exergy control operation, air-conditioning of the indoor
space (S) is controlled so that the human body exergy consumption rate V becomes the
target value V
G. In the present example, the outside air temperature indicates an average outside
air temperature in a certain period (for example, 30 days).
[0079] Specifically, in the exergy control operation, the control unit (100) controls air-conditioning
based on the graph data illustrated in Fig. 4. In this graph data, the relationship
between the outside air temperature and the human body exergy consumption rate V when
the person (H) feels comfortable is illustrated for each behavior pattern.
[0080] To "feel comfortable" refers to a case where a plurality of persons (H) corresponding
to one behavior pattern among a plurality of classified behavior patterns (the first
to fifth behavior patterns in the present example) feel that the thermal environment
(inside air temperature, inside air humidity, airflow, wind speed, etc.) is thermally
neutral. The term "thermally neutral" refers to a thermal environment in which the
person (H) does not feel hot or cold. The "plurality of persons (H) corresponding
to one behavior pattern" is a target person group of the present disclosure.
[0081] Specifically, for example, the range of the thermal environment in which the person
who has selected the third behavior pattern feels thermally neutral is comfortable
for the plurality of persons (H) who have selected the third behavior pattern. This
means that the thermal environment in which the person (H) corresponding to a different
behavior pattern feels thermally neutral is different even at the same outside air
temperature. Therefore, target values V
G1 to V
G5 of the exergy consumption rate V when the person (H) feels comfortable are set for
the respective behavior patterns.
[0082] The target value V
G1 is a target value of the human body exergy consumption rate V in the first behavior
pattern. The target value V
G2 is a target value of the human body exergy consumption rate V in the second behavior
pattern. The target value V
G3 is a target value of the human body exergy consumption rate V in the third behavior
pattern. The target value V
G4 is a target value of the human body exergy consumption rate V in the fourth behavior
pattern. The target value V
G5 is a target value of the human body exergy consumption rate V in the fifth behavior
pattern. Hereinafter, the target values V
G1, V
G2, V
G3, V
G4, and V
G5 may be collectively referred to as a target value V
G.
[0083] The control unit (100) controls air-conditioning so as to satisfy the target value
V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V from the selected behavior pattern and
the outside air temperature, based on the graph data.
[0084] The human body exergy consumption rate V is obtained based on the above-described
equation related to the exergy balance. Specifically, the human body exergy consumption
rate V is obtained using the outside air temperature and outside air humidity of the
outdoor space (0), the inside air temperature and inside air humidity of the indoor
space (S) in which the person (H) is present, the wall surface temperature (radiation
temperature) of the indoor space (S) in which the person (H) is present, the flow
rate of the airflow supplied to the person (H) from the air-conditioning device (10),
the amount of clothing of the person (H), and the amount of activity of the person
(H) as parameters.
[0085] In the exergy control operation of the present example, the inside air temperature
among these parameters is set as a first parameter. The control unit (100) adjusts
the inside air temperature to set the human body exergy consumption rate V to the
target value V
G. Specifically, the control unit (100) sets the inside air temperature satisfying
the target value V
G as a target inside air temperature. In other words, by performing air-conditioning
so that the inside air temperature of the indoor space (S) becomes the target inside
air temperature, the human body exergy consumption rate V becomes the target value
V
G.
[0086] In the graph data of Fig. 4, the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V indicate specific values at the respective
outside air temperatures, but the target value does not need to be a specific value
and may be values within a predetermined range.
[0087] The exergy control operation includes a heating exergy operation corresponding to
the heating operation and a cooling exergy operation corresponding to the cooling
operation. Here, for example, an example of the heating exergy control operation performed
in winter will be described with reference to Fig. 5.
[0088] When the exergy control operation is performed, in step S11, the outside air temperature
sensor (41) acquires the outside air temperature of the outdoor space (O). The storage
unit (101) appropriately stores the outside air temperature acquired by the outside
air temperature sensor (41) as history data.
[0089] In step S12, the control unit (100) calculates an average value of the outside air
temperature (average outside air temperature Ta) based on the history data stored
in the storage unit (101). The control unit (100) calculates an average value of a
plurality of outside air temperatures acquired in a predetermined period ΔT from a
predetermined time before to the present. In the present example, the predetermined
period ΔT is set to, for example, one month (about 30 days). The plurality of outside
air temperatures are acquired every predetermined time t1 and stored in the storage
unit (101). The predetermined time t1 is set to, for example, 30 minutes. In this
way, by acquiring the outside air temperature from the past to the present in a relatively
long period of time, the indoor space (S) can be air-conditioned in consideration
of the seasonal adaptation of people.
[0090] In step S13, the control unit (100) determines which of the first to fifth behavior
patterns has been input.
[0091] In step S14, the control unit (100) obtains the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V from the outside air temperature calculated
in S12 and the behavior pattern determined in S13, based on the graph data.
[0092] In step S15, the control unit (100) acquires the outside air humidity of outdoor
air detected by the outside air humidity sensor (42). The outside air humidity acquired
here may be an average value of the outside air temperature in the predetermined period
ΔT (for example, one month (about 30 days)), similarly to the outside air temperature
acquired in steps S11 to S12.
[0093] In step S16, the control unit (100) acquires the amount of clothing of the person
(H) in the indoor space (S). Here, the amount of clothing (unit: clo) may be a set
value stored in the control unit (100) in advance. In this case, in the control unit
(100), it is preferable to set the amount of clothing for each season or period in
which the air-conditioning device (10) is operated. For example, the amount of clothing
is relatively large in a cold season, and the amount of clothing is relatively small
in a hot season. The person (H) may directly input the amount of clothing to the remote
controller (35). In this case, the control unit (100) can acquire the current amount
of clothing of the person (H) more accurately.
[0094] Here, the average outside air temperature Ta acquired in step S12 is used as the
outside air temperature, and the outside air humidity acquired in step S15 is used
as the outside air humidity.
[0095] In the present example, as the inside air humidity, a set value (for example, relative
humidity of 50%) stored in the control unit (100) in advance is used. In this case,
in the control unit (100), it is preferable to set the inside air humidity for each
season or period in which the air-conditioning device (10) is operated. The utilization
unit (30) may be provided with an inside air humidity sensor for detecting the inside
air humidity to directly acquire the current inside air humidity.
[0096] As the wall surface temperature of the indoor space (S), the same temperature as
the inside air temperature is used. In other words, the wall surface temperature is
regarded as the same temperature as the target inside air temperature.
[0097] As the wind speed, a set value (for example, 0.1 m/s) stored in the control unit
(100) in advance is used. The wind speed is preferably a set value corresponding to
the current air volume (number of revolutions) of the utilization fan (32). The control
unit (100) reads the set value corresponding to the current air volume of the utilization
fan (32) and uses the set value as a parameter for obtaining the relationship. The
current wind speed may be acquired by an anemometer or the like.
[0098] As described above, a set value (for example, 0.94 clo in a cold season) stored in
the control unit (100) in advance is used as the amount of clothing.
[0099] As the amount of activity of the person (H), a set value (for example, 1.1 met) stored
in the control unit (100) in advance is used.
[0100] In step S17, the control unit (100) obtains the target inside air temperature that
satisfies V
G obtained in step S14.
[0101] In step S18, the control unit (100) controls air-conditioning so that the inside
air temperature of the indoor space (S) becomes the target inside air temperature
obtained in step S17. Specifically, the control unit (100) adjusts the air-conditioning
capacity of the air-conditioning device (10) so that the inside air temperature detected
by the inside air temperature sensor (43) approaches the target temperature. In the
heating exergy control operation, the control unit (100) adjusts the high pressure
(condensation pressure or condensation temperature) of the utilization heat exchanger
(33) by adjusting the number of revolutions of the compressor (22). As a result, the
inside air temperature of the indoor space (S) converges to an optimal inside air
temperature.
[0102] After step S18, when a predetermined time elapses in step S19, the process proceeds
to step S11 again, and the same process is performed. Here, the predetermined time
in step S19 is set to, for example, 30 minutes.
(4) Features
(4-1) Feature 1
[0103] The control unit (100) of the air-conditioning device (10) of the present embodiment
performs setting so that the human body exergy consumption rate (first index) becomes
the target value, based on the outside air temperature (first information), which
is the air temperature of the environment in which the person (H) has been placed
in the past, and the habitual behavior pattern of the person (H) at the outside air
temperature.
[0104] As described above, the behavior pattern for each season in the indoor space (S)
varies from person to person. The target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V of the present example is set for each
behavior pattern. Accordingly, by setting the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V, based on the behavior pattern of each
person (H), it is possible to control air-conditioning according to the person (person
(H)) in the space.
[0105] In addition, the control unit (100) has graph data indicating the relationship between
the outside air temperature throughout the year and the exergy consumption rate V
when a person feels comfortable. Since the outside air temperature (strictly speaking,
the average outside air temperature in a certain period of time) differs depending
on the season, the control unit (100) can obtain the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V in consideration of the seasonal adaptation
of the person, based on the graph data. In this way, by using the human body exergy
consumption rate as an index, it is possible to control air-conditioning in consideration
of the thermal stress applied to the person (H) from the environment. Furthermore,
the thermal stress can be estimated without measuring a physiological quantity such
as an increase or a decrease in the blood flow of the person (H) .
(4-2) Feature 2
[0106] The control unit (100) of the air-conditioning device (10) of the present embodiment
grasps the behavior pattern, based on the report from the person (H). Accordingly,
the person (H) can select the behavior pattern optimal for the person (H).
(4-3) Feature 3
[0107] The target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V is in a thermal environment in which
a plurality of persons (H) corresponding to one behavior pattern of the five kinds
of behavior patterns feel thermally neutral. The thermal environment which is felt
to be thermally neutral is a thermal environment in which a person feels comfortable,
as described above. Therefore, the target value V
G is a value set for each behavior pattern so as to achieve a thermal environment in
which the person (H) feels comfortable. Accordingly, if the target value V
G is set according to the behavior pattern, the indoor space (S) can be made comfortable
according to the behavior pattern.
(4-4) Feature 4
[0108] The control unit (100) controls the inside air temperature of the indoor space (S)
so as to satisfy the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V. Since the target value V
G can be satisfied only by controlling the inside air temperature, the indoor space
(S) can be made comfortable relatively easily.
(5) Modification Examples
[0109] The above-described embodiment may have a configuration in the following modification
examples. In principle, differences from the above-described embodiment will be described
below.
(5-1) Modification Example 1 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
[0110] The storage unit (101) of the present example stores the operation information on
an operation performed by the person (H) on the air-conditioning device (10). The
operation information includes past information such as an operation history of the
air-conditioning device (10) and a setting history of the inside air temperature.
The storage unit (101) stores the operation information corresponding to a certain
period from the past to the present.
[0111] Based on the operation information stored in the storage unit (101), the control
unit (100) of the present example grasps an appropriate behavior pattern. For example,
among pieces of the operation information stored in the storage unit (101), if the
inside air temperature set by the person (H) is an average temperature throughout
the year, the control unit (100) selects the first behavior pattern or the second
behavior pattern of the above embodiment. In addition, among pieces of the operation
information stored in the storage unit (101), if the inside air temperature set by
the person (H) is lower than the average set temperature in summer and higher than
the average set temperature in winter, the control unit (100) selects the fifth behavior
pattern of the above embodiment.
[0112] In this way, in the present example, even if the person (H) does not make a report,
the control unit (100) selects a behavior pattern suitable for the person, and accordingly,
it is possible to save time and effort for making a report by an operation performed
by the person (H). In addition, since the control unit (100) selects the behavior
pattern, based on the set temperature corresponding to a certain period from the past,
the behavior pattern optimal for the person (H) can be selected, and as a result,
it is possible to control air-conditioning such that the human body exergy consumption
rate is optimal for the person (H).
(5-2) Modification Example 2 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
[0113] The storage unit (101) of the present example stores the environmental information
of the indoor space (S). The environmental information of the indoor space (S) includes
information on the thermal environment of the indoor space (S). Specifically, the
environmental information of the indoor space (S) includes the inside air temperature,
the inside air humidity, the airflow (wind speed), or the radiation temperature (wall
surface temperature) of the indoor space (S). The storage unit (101) stores the environmental
information of the indoor space (S) corresponding to a certain period from the past
to the present.
[0114] Based on the environmental information of the indoor space (S) stored in the storage
unit (101), the control unit (100) of the present example grasps the behavior pattern.
For example, if the inside air temperature in summer is substantially the same as
the average set temperature in summer and the inside air temperature in winter is
substantially the same as the average set temperature in winter, the control unit
(100) selects the first behavior pattern or the second behavior pattern of the above
embodiment. If the inside air temperature in summer is lower than the average set
temperature in summer and the inside air temperature in winter is higher than the
average set temperature in winter, the control unit (100) selects the fifth behavior
pattern of the above embodiment.
[0115] As described above, also in the present example, without the person (H) making a
report, the control unit (100) selects a behavior pattern suitable for the person
(H), and accordingly, it is possible to save time and effort for making a report.
In addition, since the control unit (100) selects the behavior pattern, based on the
environmental information of the indoor space (S) corresponding to a certain period
from the past, the behavior pattern optimal for the person (H) can be selected, and
as a result, it is possible to control air-conditioning such that the human body exergy
consumption rate is optimal for the person (H).
(5-3) Modification Example 3 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
[0116] A camera (not illustrated) is installed in the indoor space (S) of the present example.
The camera photographs the indoor space (S). Specifically, the camera photographs
the amount of clothing of the person (H) in the indoor space (S). Based on the amount
of clothing of the person (H) estimated from the camera image of the indoor space
(S), the control unit (100) of the present example grasps the behavior pattern.
[0117] The captured image data is transmitted to the control unit (100). The storage unit
(101) stores the image data transmitted to the control unit (100). The storage unit
(101) stores the image data corresponding to a certain period from the past to the
present.
[0118] Based on the image data stored in the storage unit (101), the control unit (100)
recognizes the amount of clothing of the person (H) in the indoor space (S). Here,
to "recognize the amount of clothing" includes not only simply to recognize the amount
of clothing of the person (H), but also to recognize the kind of clothing (sweater,
T-shirt, or the like) and to adjust the amount of clothing such as putting on or taking
off clothing, for example. In addition, to "recognize the amount of clothing" may
also include to determine the amount and kind of comforter during sleep. Based on
the amount of clothing of the person (H) recognized based on the image data, the control
unit (100) selects an appropriate behavior pattern from the first to fifth behavior
patterns as described in the embodiment. When the present example is combined with
Modification Example 1 or 2 described above, the behavior pattern can be selected
in consideration of the set inside air temperature and the amount of clothing, and
accordingly, the behavior pattern more suitable for the person (H) can be selected.
(5-4) Modification Example 4 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
(5-4-1) Modification Example 4-1 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
[0119] A camera (not illustrated) is installed in the indoor space (S) of the present example,
as in Modification Example 3 described above. Specifically, the camera photographs
the behavior of the person (H) in the indoor space (S). Based on the behavior of the
person (H) estimated from the camera image, the control unit (100) of the present
example grasps the behavior pattern.
[0120] The captured image data is transmitted to the control unit (100). The storage unit
(101) stores the image data transmitted to the control unit (100). The storage unit
(101) stores the image data corresponding to a certain period from the past to the
present.
[0121] Based on the image data stored in the storage unit (101), the control unit (100)
recognizes the behavior of the person (H) in the indoor space (S). Specifically, the
control unit (100) recognizes how the person (H) behaves from the image data. The
behavior includes, for example, actions such as "using a paper fan", "opening a window",
"drinking a cold beverage", "drinking a hot beverage", "giving a frown", and "wiping
sweat".
[0122] For example, it is assumed that the number of times the person (H) uses a paper fan
is relatively large in the image data stored in the storage unit (101). The control
unit (100) classifies the person (H) into a behavior pattern of "using a paper fan".
Based on the behavior pattern, the control unit (100) performs the exergy control
operation. In the behavior pattern of "using a paper fan", for example, the airflow
(wind speed) and the inside air temperature are adjusted so as to satisfy the target
value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate. Thus, the person (H) can use the paper
fan in a comfortable environment. The control unit (100) may recognize the degree
of fanning of the person (H). Thus, based on the degree of fanning, the control unit
(100) can adjust the wind speed and the inside air temperature. As a result, for the
person (H) who likes to fan, the burden of fanning can be reduced, and thus, the person
(H) can continue to fan for a long time.
[0123] In addition, for example, it is assumed that the number of times that the person
(H) opens the window is relatively large in the image data stored in the storage unit
(101). The control unit (100) classifies the person (H) into a behavior pattern of
"opening a window". Based on the behavior pattern, the control unit (100) performs
the exergy control operation. In the behavior pattern of "opening a window", for example,
the airflow (wind speed), the inside air humidity, and the inside air temperature
are adjusted so as to satisfy the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate. Thus, the window can be opened appropriately
in accordance with the person (H). The control unit (100) may recognize the degree
of opening of the window by the person (H). In the behavior pattern of "opening a
window", the information on the thermal environment when the air-conditioning device
(10) is not in operation may be acquired. In this case, the information on the thermal
environment is acquired by a sensor such as the indoor temperature sensor set separately
from the air-conditioning device (10).
[0124] In addition, for example, it is assumed that the number of times the person (H) drinks
a cold beverage is relatively large in the image data stored in the storage unit (101).
The control unit (100) classifies the person (H) into a behavior pattern of "drinking
a cold beverage". Based on the behavior pattern, the control unit (100) performs the
exergy control operation. In the behavior pattern of "drinking a cold beverage", for
example, the inside air humidity and the inside air temperature are adjusted so as
to satisfy the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate. Thus, the person (H) can appropriately
adjust the amount of water to drink.
[0125] In this way, in the present example, since the behavior pattern of the person is
grasped based on the image data instead of selection from a plurality of behavior
patterns set in advance, it is possible to control air-conditioning such that the
human body exergy consumption rate is optimal for the person (H).
(5-4-2) Modification Example 4-2 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
[0126] A microphone (not illustrated) is installed in the indoor space (S) of the present
example. Specifically, the microphone records the voice of the person (H) in the indoor
space (S). Based on the behavior of the person (H) estimated from the voice, the control
unit (100) of the present example grasps the behavior pattern.
[0127] The recorded voice data is transmitted to the control unit (100). The storage unit
(101) stores the voice data transmitted to the control unit (100). The storage unit
(101) stores the voice data corresponding to a certain period from the past to the
present.
[0128] Based on the voice data stored in the storage unit (101), the control unit (100)
recognizes the behavior of the person (H) in the indoor space (S). Specifically, the
control unit (100) recognizes what kind of voice the person (H) is uttering, conversation
details, and the like from the voice data. For example, the control unit (100) recognizes
conversation details indicating comfort or discomfort with respect to the thermal
environment, a change in the thermal environment, or adjustment of the thermal environment,
a crying voice of an infant, and the like.
[0129] In this way, in the present example, since the behavior pattern of the person is
grasped based on the voice data instead of selection from a plurality of behavior
patterns set in advance, it is possible to control air-conditioning such that the
human body exergy consumption rate is optimal for the person (H).
(5-4-3) Modification Example 4-3 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
[0130] In the present example, in Modification Examples 4-1 and 4-2 described above, the
behavior of the person (H) or the voice of the person (H) may be newly added as a
parameter for obtaining the human body exergy consumption rate. For example, in addition
to the "inside air temperature" and the "amount of clothing" of the first to fifth
behavior patterns, at least one of "using a paper fan", "opening a window", "drinking
water", "conversation details", and "crying voice" may be added as an item. By increasing
the kinds of parameters, the models of behavior patterns can be increased. As a result,
the human body exergy consumption rate can be controlled more finely, and an optimal
thermal environment for each person (H) can be made.
(5-5) Modification Example 5 of Grasping of Behavior Pattern
[0131] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the control unit (100) of the present example includes
an individual recognition unit (102). The individual recognition unit (102) may be
a device that recognizes a face of an individual from image data transmitted from
a camera, or may be a reading device that reads individual information such as fingerprint
authentication or an ID card. The storage unit (101) of the present example accumulates
data of the behavior pattern of each individual recognized by the individual recognition
unit (102).
[0132] The control unit (100) of the present example sets the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate, based on the past behavior patterns of
the individual (H) accumulated in the storage unit (101). Specifically, the "past
behavior patterns" are behavior patterns of the individual stored in the storage unit
(101) in a certain period from the past to the present. The behavior pattern may be
specified based on the image data obtained by the camera or the voice data obtained
by the microphone described in Modification Example 4, or may be based on the operation
information of the air-conditioning device (10) or the thermal information (thermal
environment) of the indoor space (S) as described in Modification Examples 1 to 3.
[0133] The storage unit (101) stores the individual behavior pattern and the thermal information
representing the thermal environment when the behavior pattern is taken. In this way,
a table or graph data in which a relationship between the individual behavior pattern
and the thermal information is constructed is constructed in the storage unit (101).
[0134] Based on the table or graph data constructed in this way, the control unit (100)
controls the human body exergy consumption rate. Since the table or graph data is
updated day by day, a table or graph data more suitable for the person (H) is generated.
Thus, the human body exergy consumption rate optimal for the person (H) can be controlled.
[0135] In addition, the control unit (100) of the present example can control the human
body exergy consumption rate according to each person (H) in a custom-made manner
by specifying the individual and recognizing the behavior pattern of the individual.
(5-6) Modification Example of First Index
[0136] The first index of the present disclosure may be the inside air temperature of the
indoor space (S). The air-conditioning device (10) may control air-conditioning according
to the behavior pattern so as to set the inside air temperature at which the person
in the space (person (H)) feels comfortable.
[0137] The first index of the present disclosure may be an index related to the human body
exergy balance. In this case, the first index may be any one of the human body exergy
input, the human body exergy accumulation, and the human body exergy output, or may
be a combination of two or more thereof.
[0138] The first index of the present disclosure may be a PMV. The PMV (predicted mean vote)
is calculated from a total of six elements including four elements on the environment
side of the room temperature, the radiation temperature, the relative humidity, and
the wind speed, and two elements on the human body side of the amount of clothing
and the amount of activity. The PMV is a parameter representing the degree of comfort
related to thermal sensation of a person. The PMV can range from -3 to +3. The PMV
is rated on seven levels of comfort: -3 (fairly cold), -2 (cold), -1 (slightly cold),
0 (neutral), +1 (slightly hot), +2 (hot), and +3 (fairly hot). In general, the PMV
when a person feels comfortable is -0.5 to +0.5.
[0139] The first index of the present disclosure may be an index based on the thermal environment.
The index based on the thermal environment includes, for example, a PPD, an SET*,
or a WBGT.
[0140] The PPD (predicted percentage of dissatisfied) indicates the percentage of people
who feel dissatisfied or uncomfortable in the thermal environment. The PPD is used
to indicate, for example, which percentage of a plurality of persons in the indoor
space (S) in a hot or cold state is dissatisfied.
[0141] The SET* (standard new effective temperature) is an index indicating a comfortable
range of the indoor space, which is obtained in consideration of the inside air temperature,
the radiation temperature, the inside air humidity, the airflow, the amount of clothing,
and the amount of activity. What is different from the PMV described above is that
the SET* is a value obtained by incorporating a new effective temperature ET* into
the PMV. The ET* (Effective Temperature, new effective temperature) is an index represented
by the inside air temperature when the inside air temperature is the same as the wall
surface temperature, the airflow is a quiet airflow, and the inside air humidity is
50 %. Note that the comfortable temperature range when the amount of clothing is 0.6
clo and the person is seated and at rest is 22.2 to 22.6 °CET*. The first index may
be ET*.
[0142] The WBGT (wet bulb globe temperature) is also referred to as heat index. The WBGT
is an index focusing on the exchange of heat (heat balance) between the human body
and the outside air, and is an index that takes into account the three of humidity,
thermal environment such as solar radiation (radiation), and air temperature, which
have a large effect on the heat balance of the human body.
(5-7) Modification Example of Target Value of First Index
[0143] The target value of the first index of the present disclosure may not be based on
the degree of comfort felt by the target person (H) in the indoor space (S). The target
value of the first index may be set based on the degree of comfort and thermal stress
load felt by the person (H) in the indoor space (S), or may be freely set by the person
(H).
(5-8) Modification Example of First Parameter
[0144] If the first index of the present disclosure is the human body exergy consumption
rate V, the first parameter may be the inside air humidity (relative humidity), the
wind speed, or the radiation temperature of the indoor space (S). In addition, the
first parameter is not limited to one kind, and two or more kinds may be combined.
(6) Modification Example of Control Unit
[0145] The control unit (100) of the present disclosure is provided in the air-conditioning
device (10). However, the control unit (100) may be a control system provided in a
portion different from the air-conditioning device (10). The control unit (100) may
be provided in a server device connected to the air-conditioning device (10) via a
network. The control unit (100) may be provided in, for example, a terminal device
owned by the person (H). The terminal device includes a smartphone, a personal computer,
a tablet, and the like.
(7) Modification Example of First Information
[0146] The first information of the present disclosure may be biological information of
the person (H). Specifically, the biological information of the person (H) may be
a body temperature (including a core body temperature), a skin temperature, an eardrum
temperature, a rectal temperature, an axillary temperature, a sublingual temperature,
a surface temperature (including clothing), a heart rate, a blood flow rate, a blood
pressure, an autonomic index, a sweat rate, or tremor. These pieces of biological
information are appropriately measured by predetermined sensors.
[0147] These pieces of biological information are also information placed in the past as
in the above embodiment. That is, the storage unit (101) acquires the biological information
of the person (H) corresponding to a certain period in the past or a certain period
from the past to the present.
(8) Other Embodiments
[0148] The above-described embodiment and the above-described modification examples may
be configured as follows.
[0149] The control unit (100) may control the human body exergy consumption rate V not based
on the first to fifth behavior patterns. In the first to fifth behavior patterns,
the behavior patterns are classified based on the relationship between the strength
of air-conditioning as the inside air temperature and the amount of clothing, but
the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Examples will be described below.
[0150] For example, for the person (H) for whom the set temperature of the indoor space
(S) during the heating operation is set to be higher than the predetermined value
Ta, the control unit (100) may set the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate during the heating operation to be lower
than the predetermined value Va. The predetermined value Ta is, for example, an average
set temperature during the heating operation. The predetermined value Ta is obtained
based on the operation history of the air-conditioning device (10) accumulated so
far. The predetermined value Va is set to any value, and may be an average value of
the target values V
G at respective outside air temperatures (experienced temperatures) of the plurality
of kinds of behavior patterns. The target values V
G may be determined in consideration of the set temperature during the cooling operation.
[0151] In addition, for example, for the person (H) for whom the set temperature of the
indoor space (S) during the heating operation is set to be lower than the predetermined
value Ta, the control unit (100) may set the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate during the heating operation to be higher
than the predetermined value Va. The target values V
G may be determined in consideration of the set temperature during the cooling operation.
[0152] In addition, for example, for the person (H) whose amount of clothing is lower than
the predetermined value C
AVE. during the cooling operation, the control unit (100) may set the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate to be lower during the cooling operation.
In this case, the target value V
G may be obtained in consideration of the amount of clothing during the heating operation.
C
AVE. is the predetermined value Ca of the present disclosure.
[0153] The person (H) of the embodiment is not limited to one person. The number of persons
(H) may be two or more. In addition, the person (H) may be any person in the indoor
space (S), and the person (H) may not be identified.
[0154] The outside air temperature (experienced temperature) in the above embodiment may
be an air temperature measured at a measurement point closest to the position indicated
by the position information of the person (H) among a plurality of measurement points
by acquiring the position information indicating the position of the person (H). Such
measurement of the air temperature may be acquired from a predetermined weather server
by communication.
[0155] The experienced temperature in the above embodiment may be the air temperature of
the environment. The environment may be the indoor space (S). In this case, the experienced
temperature is the inside air temperature of the indoor space (S) .
[0156] The information acquisition unit (101) of the present disclosure may also be the
outside air temperature sensor (41) .
[0157] The experienced temperature in the above embodiment may be acquired from a temperature
sensor (not illustrated) carried by the person (H). In this case, for example, the
temperature is acquired at predetermined time intervals for one week. When the person
(H) carries the temperature sensor, the temperature exposed to the person (H) can
be acquired both indoors and outdoors.
[0158] The environmental information (first information) on the environment in which the
target person (H) of the present disclosure has been placed in the past may be the
humidity, wind speed, radiation temperature, PMV, WBGT, SET*, discomfort index, or
PPD. In this case, the storage unit (101) acquires the humidity, wind speed, radiation
temperature, PMV, WBGT, SET*, discomfort index, or PPD. The humidity, the wind speed,
and the radiation temperature of the first information may be those of the indoor
space (S), those of the outdoor space, or those of the place where the person (H)
is present. For example, the position information indicating the position of the person
(H) is acquired, and the place where the person (H) is present is measured at the
measurement point closest to the position indicated by the position information of
the person (H) among the plurality of measurement points. Note that the discomfort
index is expressed based on the temperature and the humidity.
[0159] The environmental information (first information) on the environment in which the
target person (H) of the present disclosure has been placed in the past may be a report
on the thermal environment by the person (H). The thermal environment includes the
indoor space (S), the outdoor space, or the position where the person (H) is present.
[0160] The environmental information (first information) on the environment in which the
target person (H) of the present disclosure has been placed in the past may be the
set temperature, a set humidity, a set wind speed, or a set radiation temperature
of the air-conditioning device (10). The set temperature, the set humidity, the set
wind speed, or the set radiation temperature may be set based on an operation performed
by the person (H).
[0161] The behavior pattern of the person (H) may be grasped by any one of the first control
device (C1), the second control device (C2), or the third control device (C3).
[0162] The control unit (100) may have different kinds of graph data for each season. It
is possible to obtain the target value V
G of the human body exergy consumption rate V which is more adapted to the season.
For example, although the outside air temperature is close in spring and autumn, by
selectively using the graph data for spring and the graph data for autumn, a more
comfortable indoor space (S) corresponding to the behavior pattern can be provided.
[0163] The target value of the first index may be a target range having a predetermined
width.
[0164] The behavior pattern may be any behavior style in the indoor space (S) in which the
person (H) behaves based on the first information of the present disclosure. For example,
the behavior pattern may be a behavior style in the indoor space (S) in which the
person (H) behaves based on the thermal environment.
[0165] Although the embodiments and modification examples have been described above, it
should be understood that various changes can be made for forms or details without
departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the above-described
embodiment, modification examples, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined
or replaced as long as the functions of the object of the present disclosure are not
impaired.
[0166] The above terms "first," "second," and "third" ... are used to distinguish between
the terms to which they refer, and are not intended to limit the number or order of
the terms.
<Research Work Related to Present Disclosure>
[0167] Research work related to the present disclosure will be described below.
1. Introduction
[0168] In the last report and the second to the last report, in order to examine the necessity
of environment control in accordance with the adaptation to the fluctuation of the
outside air temperature, the difference between the subjective sense of cold and hot
and the physiological data is considered between the case where the indoor temperature
and humidity condition is set by applying the adaptive model and the case where the
conventional standard temperature and humidity condition is set. As a result, it is
confirmed that the temperature and humidity condition based on the adaptive model
is more comfortable. In addition, a model for discriminating the sense of cold and
hot by using a blood flow rate, which is one item of the physiological data is considered.
[0169] The aim of this series of reports is to provide a human-friendly space, that is,
an environment with low thermal stress. Here, the thermal stress refers to stress
applied for body temperature regulation of a human body in a hot or cold environment.
In the present research, the authors wish to develop a new air-conditioning control
method and to derive a thermal stress evaluation method in consideration of seasonal
adaptation by combining the human body exergy balance theory and the adaptive model.
[0170] The influence of the seasonal change in the outside air temperature on the comfort
can be expressed by the adaptive model, but further examination is required in order
to consider the thermal stress on the human body. Therefore, this paper reports results
of calculating the human body exergy balance in consideration of the influence of
the seasonal fluctuation in the outside air temperature on the comfortable temperature
and the amount of clothing, and particularly examining the seasonal change of the
human body exergy consumption rate.
2. Adaptive Model Theory
[0171] Since a person has a characteristic of seasonal adaptation, thermal perception is
different between summer and winter even if the environmental temperature is instantaneously
the same. In order to perform human-friendly environmental control, it is essential
to incorporate this knowledge. An adaptive model has been proposed by ASHRAE and CEN
as a formulation of a human neutral temperature (a temperature value that is perceived
as comfortable, not hot or cold), which fluctuates due to a change in environmental
temperature. According to the adaptive model, the human neutral temperature is determined
by the history of experienced temperatures for the past week.
[0172] The authors believe that such adaptation, that is, a change in the neutral temperature,
is caused by characteristics such as seasonal fluctuations in human basal metabolic
rate. In the adaptive model, the physiological and behavioral adaptation of the human
is grasped by reflecting the results of the on-site measurements, but the correspondence
with the physiological state of the human and the mechanism such as the thermal stress
applied to the human body by the thermal environment is unknown.
3. Human Body Exergy Balance Theory
3.1. Summary of Human Body Exergy Balance
[0173] Previous studies on environment control have been based on the thermal energy balance
of the human body. However, in addition to this, when the human body exergy balance
is also taken into consideration, there is a possibility that a human-friendly method
of environment control can be newly found.
[0174] The human body exergy balance theory is a model that can calculate consumption involved
in convection, radiation, and evaporation. The blood flow rate, the wetting rate,
and the like are calculated as intermediate calculations. The human body exergy consumption
rate calculated by this model can be expressed by the following equation, and it is
considered to possibly correspond to stress (fatigue) derived from a thermal environment.
[0175] [Human Body Exergy Consumption Rate] = [Warm Exergy Generated in Metabolism] + [Warm
(Cool) Wet (Dry) Exergy of Inhalation] + [Warm Wet Exergy of Metabolic Water (Lungs)]
+ [Warm (Cool) Wet (Dry) Exergy of Metabolic Water (Skin) and Dry Air] + [Warm (Cool)
Radiant Exergy Absorbed by Clothing] - [Accumulation of Warm Exergy] - [Warm Wet Exergy
of Exhalation] - [Heat/Separation Exergy of Moist Air Produced After Evaporation of
Sweat] - [Warm (Cool) Radiant Exergy from Clothing] - [Warm (Cool) Exergy Convected
out of Clothing]
[0176] In the human body exergy balance theory, different forms of heat and moisture transfer,
such as convection, radiation, and evaporation, can be uniformly expressed by a quantity
(exergy) indicating a diffusion capacity. Although there are many conditions in which
the balance between input/output and accumulation of energy is the same even if the
ratio of heat transfer of radiation, convection, and evaporation is different, a difference
in consumption appears in the case of the exergy balance.
[0177] In order to derive the human body exergy balance, the outside air temperature is
required, and therefore, unlike in the energy balance, a difference in season may
appear. Therefore, it is considered important to examine the correspondence with the
comfortable temperature of the adaptive model in which the outside air temperature
is used as a variable.
3.2. Human Body Exergy Balance at Various Outside Air Temperatures
[0178] Fig. 7 illustrates how the human body exergy consumption rate changes according to
the outside air temperature. In this graph, the air temperature and the wall surface
temperature are equally 25 °C, the relative humidity is 50%, the wind speed is 0.1
m/s, the amount of clothing is 1 clo, the amount of activity is 1.1 met, and the outside
air humidity is 50%. Even when the indoor environment is the same, if the outside
air temperature is different, the exergy consumption rate is different, and it can
be seen that the degree of diffusion with respect to the outdoor environment state
is reflected. However, the human body exergy balance does not include the thermal
environment experience (past outside air temperature history) of the human. Therefore,
this report will consider how the human body exergy consumption rate changes by fusing
the data of the adaptive model to the human body exergy balance theory.
4. Seasonal Adaptation and Human Body Exergy Consumption Rate
4.1. Human Body Exergy Consumption Rate According to Seasonal Adaptation
[0179] As the calculation conditions, the average indoor air temperature and standard deviation,
and the average amount of clothing and standard deviation for each week are used when
the report of sense of cold and hot is "neither (neither hot nor cold)" (n = 7,333)
using data of environmental measurements and subjective reports for houses in the
Kanto region as examination targets. The values are illustrated in Fig. 8. The radiation
temperature is equal to the air temperature, and the relative humidity, the wind speed,
and the amount of activity are fixed to 50%, 0.1 m/s, and 1.1 met, respectively. For
the outside air temperature and humidity, data disclosed by the Japan Meteorological
Agency in the same region at the same time as the above-described examination data
is used. Considering individual differences in the method of adjusting the indoor
air temperature and the amount of clothing according to fluctuations in the outside
air temperature, five kinds of adaptive behavior patterns are assumed as illustrated
in Fig. 9 and used as input conditions for the human body exergy balance calculation.
The details of each pattern will be described below.
[0180] As an average pattern, the average values illustrated in Fig. 8 are used for both
the air temperature and the amount of clothing on the assumption that an average adaptive
behavior to an environmental change is always performed. In pattern A, a person who
feels hot easily is assumed. On the assumption that the air temperature is average
but the clothing is always light throughout the year, the average value is used as
the air temperature, and the average value - standard deviation is used as the amount
of clothing. In pattern B, a person who does not use air-conditioning so much and
changes clothing largely is assumed. The air temperature is the average value + standard
deviation in a cooling operation period and the average value - standard deviation
in a heating operation period to express weaker air-conditioning (hereinafter referred
to as weaker air-conditioning condition). Here, the cooling operation period is the
case where the average of the weekly maximum outside air temperatures > air temperature,
and the heating operation period is the case where the average of the weekly maximum
outside air temperatures ≤ air temperature (the same applies hereinafter). On the
other hand, the amount of clothing is the average value - standard deviation in the
cooling operation period, and the average value + standard deviation in the heating
operation period. In pattern C, a person who does not use air-conditioning so much
and changes clothing averagely is assumed. For the air temperature, the same weaker
air-conditioning condition as in B is used, and for the amount of clothing, the average
value is used. In pattern D, a person who positively uses air-conditioning and changes
clothing averagely is assumed. Contrary to B and C, the air temperature is the average
value - standard deviation in the cooling operation period, and the air temperature
is the average value + standard deviation in the heating operation period to express
stronger air-conditioning. The average value is used for the amount of clothing. The
relationship between the human body exergy consumption rate and the outside air temperature
calculated using the above values is illustrated in Fig. 10.
[0181] First, looking at the whole, even if the report of sense of cold and hot is "neither",
the human body exergy consumption rate is low in summer when the outside air temperature
is high, and the human body exergy consumption rate is high in winter when the outside
air temperature is low. This indicates that the lower the outside air temperature
is, the more easily heat escapes from the human body, and it can be seen that the
environment is such that heat easily escapes from the human body in winter. In any
of the patterns, the human body exergy consumption rate is the lowest throughout the
year when the outside air temperature is around 20 °C. This corresponds to an intermediate
period around May or October, which coincides with a comfortable time without air-conditioning.
Furthermore, the variation in the human body exergy consumption rate is large in winter
and small in summer. This is due to environmental and clothing conditions. Since the
standard deviation of the air temperature and the amount of clothing tends to vary
more in winter than in summer, when the input values of each pattern are set using
the average value and the standard deviation as illustrated in Fig. 9, the fact that
the divergence of the input values is larger in winter is reflected in the calculation
results, and it is considered that the human body exergy consumption rate varies even
at the same outside air temperature. The reason why the variation in environmental
conditions is larger in winter than in summer is that there are more environment adjusting
methods in winter than in summer, such as a Kotatsu (a table covered with a comforter),
a knee rug, and electric heater, which are not reflected in input values of air temperatures
and humidities.
[0182] Next, the calculation results of patterns A, B, C, and D simulating the individual
environment adjustment will be considered. Among the four patterns, B and C have a
difference in human body exergy consumption rate particularly between summer and winter.
This is because the human body exergy consumption rate in winter is high. A common
point between B and C is to simulate a space in which the air-conditioning is weaker
in both summer and winter, the temperature is higher in summer, and the temperature
is lower in winter. That is, particularly in winter, even in a case where clothing
is changed largely to maintain a comfortable state, the human body exergy consumption
rate is high, and thermal stress is applied to the body as compared to a case where
the environmental control is actively performed as in A or D. Therefore, it is considered
that the stress on the body can be reduced more by performing the environmental control
to some extent at the same time than by controlling the temperature only with clothing.
4.2. Estimation of Optimal Set Temperature in Consideration of Seasonal Adaptation
[0183] The results of 4.1 illustrate that the target value of the human body exergy consumption
rate is not constant, and there are appropriate values depending on the environmental
conditions such as the history of the outside air temperature and the amount of clothing
of the person. Therefore, in this section, a method of setting the air temperature
using the human body exergy consumption rate when the wall surface temperature is
the same as the air temperature in a case where environmental conditions other than
the air temperature and the wall surface temperature, the amount of activity, and
the amount of clothing are given will be described. A method for determining the set
air temperature assuming specific environmental conditions will be described below.
[0184] Fig. 11 illustrates a relationship between the indoor temperature, the human body
exergy consumption rate, and the wetting rate when the outside air temperature is
5.5 °C, the outside relative humidity is 45%, the indoor relative humidity is 50%,
the wind speed is 0.1 m/s, the amount of clothing is 0.94 clo, and the amount of activity
is 1.1 met, assuming a winter environment. Note that the air temperature and the wall
surface temperature are the same, and the two are collectively referred to as the
room temperature. The human body exergy consumption rate rapidly decreases to about
2.6 w/m
2 at indoor temperatures of 14 to 21 °C, the rapid decrease stops at 21 °C, and the
human body exergy consumption rate gradually decreases while forming a mountain-like
curve. The optimal indoor temperature is around 21 °C, which is the inflection point
of the human body exergy consumption rate.
[0185] The reason why the optimal indoor temperature is set around the inflection point
will be described. It is considered that the inflection point appears because perspiration
exceeding insensible perspiration appears. In fact, the wetting rate illustrated in
Fig. 11 rises from 0.06, which indicates insensible perspiration, at 21 °C, which
is the same as the inflection point of the human body exergy consumption rate, and
indicates that sweating has started. Considering a real environment where perspiration
occurs in winter, for example, a state where heating is turned on but the air temperature
becomes too high and perspiration occurs can be cited as an example, and such a state
is obviously uncomfortable. In addition, since the human body exergy consumption rate
is proportional to the amount of heat dissipated, for the human body constantly dissipating
heat, the human body exergy consumption rate needs to be at or above a certain level.
In particular, at a room temperature of 28 °C or higher, the human body exergy consumption
rate decreases in spite of perspiration, which indicates that even if perspiration
occurs, the sweat does not evaporate and heat is not dissipated. When this state continues,
heat continues to accumulate in the body, the core temperature rises, and eventually
heatstroke occurs. From the above, it is considered that 21 °C or lower at which perspiration
does not occur is appropriate in winter as an environment when the person is seated
at home and wants to relax.
[0186] Next, at 21 °C or lower in Fig. 11, the human body exergy consumption rate is extremely
high as the temperature is low. The human body exergy consumption rate needs to be
at least a certain level for constant heat dissipation of the human body, but if it
is too high, heat that is to be in the body is also lost due to excessive heat dissipation,
that is, thermal stress is applied to the body, and the body feels cold and uncomfortable.
From the above, it is considered that indoor temperatures of 20 to 21 °C at which
the human body exergy consumption rate is not too high are optimal in the environment
assumed here.
[0187] As described above, by determining the environment other than the indoor temperature,
it is possible to derive the indoor temperature at which the thermal stress on the
person is small in the environment. In the next section, a system using the above
calculation method will be described.
5. Idea of Air Conditioner Control based on Human Body Exergy Balance
5.1. Overview
[0188] As described in the last report and the second to the last report, the present system
aims at a human-friendly environment control system. This paper will describe a system
having a function of determining a set temperature using the method of deriving an
indoor temperature with less thermal stress on a person described in Section 4.2.
[0189] By using this system, it is possible to automatically set a temperature with less
burden on the body in accordance with the condition of the person and the season.
5.2. System Configuration
[0190] In order to derive the optimal indoor temperature, the current outside air temperature
and humidity, indoor humidity, wind speed, amount of clothing, and amount of activity
are required. A main use scene of the present system is a state in which the person
is seated at home and relaxed, and it is considered that the wind speed may be 0.1
m/s and the amount of activity may be 1.1 met. However, there is a possibility that
the set value of the wind speed is changed by acquiring operation state data of an
electric fan from spring to autumn. The outside air temperature and humidity are acquired
from a temperature and humidity sensor provided in the outdoor unit, and the indoor
humidity is acquired from a temperature and humidity sensor provided in the indoor
unit. The amount of clothing is fixed in each of summer, intermediate season, and
winter. However, the amount of clothing may be directly input by the person. The present
system is an air-conditioning control system having the above configuration to apply
the indoor temperature derived using the calculation method described in Section 4
to the environment.
Industrial Applicability
[0191] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for an air-conditioning device
and a control system.
Reference Signs List
[0192]
S indoor space (target space)
H person (target person (H))
100 control unit
101 storage unit (information acquisition unit)