U.S. patent application number 12/863280 was filed with the patent office on 2011-03-10 for air conditioner managing apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Satoshi Hashimoto, Takashige Kai, Koji Mishima, Atsushi Nishino, Naotake Shimozu, Satoru Tamba.
Application Number | 20110057044 12/863280 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40901060 |
Filed Date | 2011-03-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110057044 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nishino; Atsushi ; et
al. |
March 10, 2011 |
AIR CONDITIONER MANAGING APPARATUS
Abstract
An air conditioner managing apparatus includes a storage unit
configured to accumulate operation data about numerous indoor
units, a first screen generating unit, a second screen generating
unit and a display switching unit. The first screen generating unit
is configured to generate a first screen on which a plurality of
the numerous indoor units with a problem can be visually verified
based on the operation data. The second screen generating unit is
configured to generate a second screen on which the operation data
related to a specific one of the plurality of indoor units can be
visually verified. The display switching unit is configured to
switch to the second screen relating to the specific one of the
plurality of indoor units when the specific one of the plurality of
indoor units displayed on the first screen is selected and an input
of a prescribed button is accepted.
Inventors: |
Nishino; Atsushi; ( Shiga,
JP) ; Kai; Takashige; ( Shiga, JP) ; Shimozu;
Naotake; (Shiga, JP) ; Tamba; Satoru; (Shiga,
JP) ; Hashimoto; Satoshi; (Shiga, JP) ;
Mishima; Koji; (Shiga, JP) |
Assignee: |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Osaka-shi, Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
40901060 |
Appl. No.: |
12/863280 |
Filed: |
January 20, 2009 |
PCT Filed: |
January 20, 2009 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2009/050706 |
371 Date: |
July 16, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
236/49.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/52 20180101;
F24F 11/64 20180101; F24F 11/54 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
236/49.3 |
International
Class: |
F24F 5/00 20060101
F24F005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 24, 2008 |
JP |
2008-014247 |
Feb 8, 2008 |
JP |
2008-028926 |
Claims
1. An air conditioner managing apparatus, comprising: a storage
unit configured to accumulate operation data about numerous indoor
units; a first screen generating unit configured to generate a
first screen on which a plurality of the numerous indoor units with
a problem can be visually verified based on the operation data; a
second screen generating unit configured to generate a second
screen on which the operation data related to a specific one of the
plurality of indoor units can be visually verified; and a display
switching unit configured to switch to the second screen relating
to the specific one of the plurality of indoor units when the
specific one of the plurality of indoor units displayed on the
first screen is selected and an input of a prescribed button is
accepted.
2. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 1,
further comprising: an identifying unit configured to identify the
plurality of the indoor units based on each of a plurality of
viewpoints, the first screen generating unit being further
configured such that the first screen switchably displays, by
viewpoint, the plurality of the indoor units.
3. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 2,
wherein the second screen generating unit is further configured
such that the second screen switchably displays, based on the
operation data, an operation status display screen that indicates
an operation status of the specific one of the indoor units and an
occurrence day display screen that indicates a problem occurrence
day of the specific one of the indoor units.
4. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the second screen generating unit is further configured
such that the second screen displays a graph that aggregates the
operation data in accordance with the plurality of viewpoints.
5. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the operation status includes an average operation status
of the specific one of the indoor units during a prescribed
interval and the operation status of the specific one of the indoor
units during a prescribed day within the prescribed interval; and
the second screen generating unit is further configured such that
the second screen displays, side by side, a graph that indicates
the average operation status during the interval and a graph that
indicates the operation status for the prescribed day.
6. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 3,
wherein the second screen generating unit is further configured
such that the second screen displays a method of correcting the
problem based on the operation status.
7. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 6,
wherein the first screen includes a distribution diagram that
indicates a distribution of the indoor units based on problem
severity.
8. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 7,
further comprising: an input unit configured to input an
identification condition in order to identify the plurality of the
indoor units.
9. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 4,
wherein the second screen generating unit is further configured
such that the second screen displays a method of correcting the
problem based on the operation status.
10. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 9,
wherein the first screen includes a distribution diagram that
indicates a distribution of the indoor units based on problem
severity.
11. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 10,
further comprising: an input unit configured to input an
identification condition in order to identify the plurality of the
indoor units.
12. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 5,
wherein the second screen generating unit is further configured
such that the second screen displays a method of correcting the
problem based on the operation status.
13. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 12,
wherein the first screen includes a distribution diagram that
indicates a distribution of the indoor units based on problem
severity.
14. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 13,
further comprising: an input unit configured to input an
identification condition in order to identify the plurality of the
indoor units.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioner managing
apparatus.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Conventionally, a multi-type air conditioner, which
comprises at least one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor
units, is often used in properties such as office buildings. In
addition, to facilitate the management of a plurality of indoor
units in such a property, a management system is employed (refer to
Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application
Publication No. 2003-302092) that is provided with an air
conditioner managing apparatus, which is for collecting information
from the air conditioners in the same property, and that centrally
manages the indoor units in the property.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0003] However, in such a case, an administrator of the property
must check the information collected by the air conditioner
managing apparatus about all of the indoor units so that he or she
can specify an indoor unit with some kind of problem and check the
details thereof. As a result, the information about the indoor
units with no problems and whose information does not need to be
checked is also checked, which makes the work troublesome. An
object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioner
managing apparatus that, in a property such as an office building
wherein a plurality of indoor units are installed, facilitates the
work of specifying an indoor unit with a problem and checking the
details thereof.
Solution to Problem
[0004] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to a first
aspect of the present invention comprises a storage unit, a first
screen generating unit, a second screen generating unit, and a
display switching unit. The storage unit accumulates operation data
about numerous indoor units. The first screen generating unit
generates a first screen wherein a plurality of indoor units--among
target indoor units--with a problem can be visually verified based
on the operation data. The second screen generating unit generates
a second screen wherein the operation data related to one specific
indoor unit can be visually verified. The display switching
unit--when one indoor unit of the plurality of indoor units with
the problem displayed in the first screen is selected and an input
of a prescribed button is accepted--switches to the display of the
second screen related to the selected indoor unit.
[0005] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, operation data about numerous indoor units is
accumulated, and a first screen is generated wherein a plurality of
indoor units--among target indoor units--with a problem can be
visually verified. In addition, a second screen is generated
wherein the operation data related to one specific indoor unit can
be visually verified. Furthermore, when one indoor unit of the
plurality of indoor units with the problem displayed in the first
screen is selected and an input of a prescribed button is accepted,
the display is switched to the second screen related to the single
selected indoor unit.
[0006] Thereby, it is possible to easily specify an indoor unit
with a problem based on the operation data related to a plurality
of indoor units; furthermore, detailed information can be easily
checked.
[0007] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to a second
aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention,
and further comprises an identifying unit. The identifying unit
identifies the plurality of the indoor units with the problem based
on each viewpoint of a plurality of viewpoints. The first screen
switchably displays, by viewpoint, the plurality of the indoor
units with the problem.
[0008] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, the indoor units with the problem are identified
based on each viewpoint of a plurality of viewpoints, and the
indoor units with the problem are displayed, switchably by
viewpoint, on the first screen. The plurality of viewpoints
includes excessive consumption of electric power, long-time
operation, reduced comfort, and the like.
[0009] Thereby, it is possible to easily check on, by viewpoint,
the indoor units with a problem.
[0010] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to a third
aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention,
wherein the second screen switchably displays, based on the
operation data, an operation status display screen that indicates
an operation status of one indoor unit and an occurrence day
display screen that indicates the problem occurrence day of the one
indoor unit.
[0011] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, the operation data display screen displays the
operation data of an identified indoor unit, and the occurrence day
display screen displays the problem occurrence day.
[0012] Thereby, it is possible to easily check the problem
occurrence day and the operation data for the problem occurrence
day.
[0013] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to a fourth
aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention,
wherein the second screen displays a graph that aggregates the
operation data in accordance with the plurality of viewpoints.
[0014] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, the second screen displays a graph that
aggregates the operation data of one indoor unit in accordance with
the plurality of viewpoints.
[0015] Thereby, it is possible to visually verify the operation
data simultaneously for the plurality of viewpoints; for example,
it is possible to grasp the occurrence status (e.g., time slot,
severity, etc.), the cause, the correlation, and the like for a
plurality of problems.
[0016] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to a fifth
aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention,
wherein the operation status includes an average operation status
of the one indoor unit during a prescribed interval and the
operation status of the one indoor unit during a prescribed day
within the prescribed interval; and the second screen displays,
side by side, a graph that indicates the average operation status
during the interval and a graph that indicates the operation status
for the prescribed day.
[0017] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, the second screen displays, side by side, a
graph that indicates the average operation status during the
interval and a graph that indicates the operation status for the
prescribed day.
[0018] Thereby, it is possible to easily compare the average
operation status during the interval and the operation status for
the prescribed day; for example, it is possible to grasp the
problem occurrence frequency, the problem severity for one day, and
the like.
[0019] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to a sixth
aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to any one aspect of the third through fifth
aspects of the present invention, wherein the second screen
displays a method of correcting the problem based on the operation
status.
[0020] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, the indoor unit with a problem and the method of
correcting that indoor unit's problem are displayed, which makes it
possible to effectively manage the indoor unit.
[0021] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to a seventh
aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention,
wherein the first screen includes a distribution diagram that
indicates the distribution of the indoor units based on the problem
severity.
[0022] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, the distribution of the identified indoor units
based on problem severity is displayed.
[0023] Thereby, it is possible to visually grasp the number of
indoor units with a problem and the severity of that problem.
[0024] An air conditioner managing apparatus according to an eighth
aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the seventh aspect of the present invention
and further comprises an input unit that inputs an identification
condition for identifying the plurality of the indoor units with
the problem.
[0025] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
present invention, the plurality of the indoor units with the
problem is identified based on an identification condition input by
the input unit.
[0026] Thereby, it is possible to flexibly meet the user's
needs.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION
[0027] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily
specify the indoor units with a problem based on the operation data
related to a plurality of indoor units; furthermore, detailed
information can be easily checked.
[0028] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to check on,
by viewpoint, the indoor units with a problem.
[0029] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily
check the problem occurrence day and the operation data for the
problem occurrence day.
[0030] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually
verify the operation data simultaneously for the plurality of
viewpoints; for example, it is possible to grasp the occurrence
status (e.g., time slot, severity, etc.), the cause, the
correlation, and the like for a plurality of problems.
[0031] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to easily
compare the average operation data during the interval and the
operation data for the prescribed day; for example, it is possible
to grasp the problem occurrence frequency, the problem severity for
one day, and the like.
[0032] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to
effectively manage the air conditioner.
[0033] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to visually
grasp the number of indoor units with a problem and the severity of
that problem.
[0034] In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the
eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to flexibly
meet the user's needs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an air conditioner
managing system according to the present embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 2A shows the configuration of an air conditioner
managing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 2B shows a data structure of an operation data storage
area in a local controller and a comprehensive managing
apparatus.
[0038] FIG. 2C shows a data structure of an area for storing
electric power consumption values (i.e., total electric power
consumption values) in the local controller and the comprehensive
managing apparatus.
[0039] FIG. 2D shows a data structure of an area for storing
electric power consumption values (i.e., electric power consumption
values) in the comprehensive managing apparatus.
[0040] FIG. 2E shows a data structure of an area for storing
average values.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a flowchart that shows a method of calculating a
long-time operation occurrence day count using the air conditioner
managing apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a flow chart that shows a method of calculating a
reduced comfort time using the air conditioner managing apparatus
according to the present embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 5 is an example of an identification screen related to
excessive electric power consumption displayed by the air
conditioner managing apparatus according to the present
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 6 is an example of an identification screen related to
long-time operation displayed by the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0045] FIG. 7A is an example of an identification screen related to
reduced comfort displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus
according to the present embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 7B is an example of an identification screen related to
reduced comfort displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus
according to the present embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 7C is an example of an identification screen related to
reduced comfort displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus
according to the present embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 8A is an example of a detailed screen related to
operation status displayed by the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 8B is an example of a detailed screen related to
operation status displayed by the air conditioner managing
apparatus according to the present embodiment.
[0050] FIG. 9 is an example of a detailed screen related to problem
occurrence days displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus
according to the present embodiment.
[0051] FIG. 10 is an example of a settings screen of identification
conditions displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus
according to the present embodiment.
[0052] FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the air conditioner
managing system according to a modified example (2) of the present
embodiment.
[0053] FIG. 12 shows a startup screen displayed by the air
conditioner managing apparatus according to a modified example (8)
of the present embodiment.
[0054] FIG. 13 shows a settings screen of the identification
conditions displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus
according to the modified example (8) of the present
embodiment.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
First Embodiment
[0055] The following text explains an air conditioner managing
system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present
invention, referencing the drawings.
<Overall Configuration>
[0056] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the air conditioner
managing system of the present embodiment in a property 1. The
property 1 is a building, such as an office building or a tenant
building, wherein a plurality of air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, .
. . and an air conditioner managing apparatus 40 are installed.
Each of the air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . . . is a multi-type
air conditioner that comprises one outdoor unit and a plurality of
indoor units connected to the outdoor unit.
[0057] In the air conditioner managing system according to the
present embodiment, a power supply 60 is connected to outdoor units
11a, 11b, 11c, . . . , and electric power from the power supply 60
is supplied to the air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . . . via
electric power supply lines. An electric power meter 70, which is
provided in the electric power supply line that connects the power
supply 60 and the outdoor units 11a, 11b, 11c, . . . , measures the
electric power supplied to the air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . .
. (i.e., the total electric power consumption).
[0058] The air conditioner managing apparatus 40 according to the
present embodiment identifies--among numerous indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . installed in the property
1--those indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . .
wherein prescribed problems are occurring and, furthermore,
displays the details of these problems for each of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . . The prescribed problems
are excessive consumption of electric power, long-time operation,
and reduced comfort.
[0059] The following text explains the configuration of the air
conditioner managing apparatus 40 and each of the problems the air
conditioner managing apparatus 40 manages; furthermore, the
explanation is based on an illustrative example of a management
screen that shows how the air conditioner managing apparatus 40
manages each of the problems.
<Configuration of the Air Conditioner Managing Apparatus>
[0060] The air conditioner managing apparatus 40 comprises a local
controller 20, which is connected to the outdoor units 11a, 11b,
11c, . . . , and a comprehensive managing apparatus 30, which is
connected to the local controller 20. The local controller 20
acquires operation data about the plurality of indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . via the outdoor units 11a,
11b, 11c, . . . . The comprehensive managing apparatus 30
comprehensively manages the operation data the local controller 20
acquires. Here, operation data is data related to either an
operation history or an operation state. The data related to the
operation history refers to information about a power supply ON/OFF
state, a thermostat ON/OFF state, an operation mode (i.e., a
cooling mode, a heating mode, a ventilating mode, and the like), a
set temperature, an indoor temperature (i.e., an inlet
temperature), and the like of the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . connected to the outdoor units 11a,
11b, 11c, . . . . The data related to the operation state are
values detected by various sensors attached to the air conditioners
10a, 10b, 10c, . . . . Based on the operation data, it is possible
to obtain information about operation time, a degree of opening of
an indoor expansion valve, and the like of each of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . . Furthermore, the operation
time in the present embodiment is, specifically, the thermostat ON
time of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . .
Here, the thermostat ON time is the time during which the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . supply cooling or
heat. The following text explains the configurations of the local
controller 20 and the comprehensive managing apparatus 30,
referencing FIG. 2A.
(i) Configuration of the Local Controller 20
[0061] The local controller 20 principally comprises a
communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit
23.
(Communication Unit)
[0062] The communication unit 21 is an input-output port that sends
signals to and receives signals from the air conditioners 10a, 10b,
10c, . . . and the comprehensive managing apparatus 30.
(Storage Unit)
[0063] The storage unit 22 has an operation data storage area 22a
and an electric power consumption value storage area 22b.
[0064] The operation data acquired by an information acquiring unit
23a, which is discussed below, from the air conditioners 10a, 10b,
10c, . . . is stored in the operation data storage area 22a.
Specifically, the operation data storage area 22a is a tabular
database, as shown in FIG. 2B, and is provided with fields related
to "equipment ID," "time of day," "power supply ON/OFF state,"
"thermostat ON/OFF state," "operation mode," "set temperature,"
"indoor temperature," and "humidity." In addition, although not
illustrated in FIG. 2B, fields related to the degree of opening of
an expansion valve, the values detected by various sensors are also
provided. The operation data storage area 22a has storage capacity
capable of storing operation data of a prescribed interval only (in
the present embodiment, 30 min.), and operation data outside that
interval are successively deleted with every new acquisition of
operation data.
[0065] Values related to the total electric power consumption
(i.e., total electric power consumption values) of the air
conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . . . measured by the electric power
meter 70 are stored in the electric power consumption value storage
area 22b. Specifically, the electric power consumption value
storage area 22b is also a tabular database, as shown in FIG. 2C,
and is provided with fields related to "time of day," and "total
electric power consumption."
[0066] Furthermore, in addition to the abovementioned area, the
storage unit 22 has an area that stores a management program
capable of being read and executed by the control unit 23, which is
discussed below.
(Control Unit)
[0067] The control unit 23 principally comprises the information
acquiring unit 23a and a transmission unit 23b. The information
acquiring unit 23a acquires at prescribed intervals (in the present
embodiment, every minute) operation data from the air conditioners
10a, 10b, 10c, . . . via the communication unit 21. The
transmission unit 23b transmits at prescribed intervals (in the
present embodiment, every minute) information stored in the
operation data storage area 22a and the electric power consumption
value storage area 22b to the comprehensive managing apparatus 30
via the communication unit 21.
(ii) Configuration of the Comprehensive Managing Apparatus 30
[0068] The comprehensive managing apparatus 30 principally
comprises a communication unit 31, an input unit 32, a storage unit
33, a control unit 34, and a display unit 35.
(Communication Unit)
[0069] The communication unit 31 is an input-output port that sends
signals to and receives signals from the local controller 20.
(Input Unit)
[0070] The input unit 32 accepts instructions from a user. Upon
acceptance of an instruction by the input unit 32, a process
corresponding to that instruction is executed by the comprehensive
managing apparatus 30 and/or by the local controller 20 via the
comprehensive managing apparatus 30. For example, if the input unit
32 accepts an instruction to turn ON the power supply of the air
conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . . . , then a power supply ON
instruction is transmitted to the air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, .
. . via the local controller 20. In addition, upon acceptance of an
input of a prescribed interval by the input unit 32, an aggregation
interval, which is the target interval during which a process is
performed by the comprehensive managing apparatus 30 (discussed
below), is determined. Furthermore, upon the user's inputting of an
instruction to a screen displayed by the display unit 35 (discussed
below), the instruction is accepted by the input unit 32.
(Storage Unit)
[0071] The storage unit 33 has an operation data storage area 33a,
an electric power consumption value storage area 33b, an average
value storage area 33c, a reference value storage area 33d, a
corrective action data storage area 33e, and a determined value
storage area 33f.
[0072] The operation data storage area 33a stores operation data of
the air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . . . transmitted from the
local controller 20. The operation data storage area 33a is a
tabular database, as in FIG. 2B, and is provided with fields
related to "equipment ID," "time of day," "power supply ON/OFF
state," "thermostat ON/OFF state," "operation mode," "set
temperature," "indoor temperature," and "humidity."
[0073] Information related to electric power consumption is stored
in the electric power consumption value storage area 33b.
Specifically, the information related to the electric power
consumption includes a value related to the total electric power
consumption of the air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . . .
transmitted from the local controller 20 (i.e., the total electric
power consumption value) and a value related to the electric power
consumption of each of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . calculated by an apportioning unit 34a (i.e., the
electric power consumption values), which is discussed below. The
total electric power consumption value is stored in a format
identical to that of the total electric power consumption value
stored in the electric power consumption value storage area 22b
discussed above. Namely, it is stored in a tabular database, as
shown in FIG. 2C, and the database is provided with fields related
to "time of day," and "total electric power consumption." The
values related to the electric power consumption of each of the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . (i.e., the
electric power consumption values) are also stored in a tabular
database, as shown in FIG. 2D, and the database is provided with
fields related to "equipment ID," "electric power consumption," and
"time."
[0074] An average of the electric power consumption values, which
is calculated by an average value calculating unit 34b (discussed
below), is stored in the average value storage area 33c. The
average value storage area 33c is likewise a tabular database, as
shown in FIG. 2E, and is provided with fields related to "equipment
ID," "electric power consumption," and "time."
[0075] A reference value of the electric power consumption values,
which is determined by a reference value determining unit 34c
(discussed below), is stored in the reference value storage area
33d.
[0076] Data related to a plurality of corrective actions, which is
selected by a corrective action selecting unit 34f (discussed
below), is stored in the corrective action data storage area
33e.
[0077] The prescribed value that the input unit 32 accepts from the
user is stored in the determined value storage area 33f.
(Control Unit)
[0078] The control unit 34 comprises the apportioning unit 34a, the
average value calculating unit 34b, the reference value determining
unit 34c, an identifying unit 34d, a correcting unit 34e, the
corrective action selecting unit 34f, a first screen generating
unit 34g, a second screen generating unit 34h, and a display
switching unit 34i.
[0079] The apportioning unit 34a apportions the total electric
power consumption value of the air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . .
. stored in the electric power consumption value storage area 33b
among the operation data stored in the operation data storage area
33a and calculates the electric power consumption of each of the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . . Specifically,
as shown in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
H5-157336, the total electric power consumption is apportioned in
accordance with information such as the degree of opening of the
expansion valve of each of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, and the electric power consumption of each of the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . is calculated.
Furthermore, the electric power consumption values calculated by
the apportioning unit 34a are stored in the electric power
consumption value storage area 33b discussed above.
[0080] Based on the information stored in the operation data
storage area 33a and the electric power consumption value storage
area 33b, the average value calculating unit 34b calculates the
average electric power consumption per day of all of the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . over the prescribed
interval accepted by the input unit 32 discussed above. The average
value calculated by the average value calculating unit 34b is
stored in the average value storage area 33c discussed above.
[0081] Based on the information stored in the operation data
storage area 33a and the electric power consumption value storage
area 33b, the reference value determining unit 34c determines the
reference value for determining which of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . are consuming a large amount
of electric power. This will be explained in detail using the
<Target Problem and Determination Reference> column, which is
discussed below. Furthermore, the reference value determined by the
reference value determining unit 34c is stored in the reference
value storage area 33d discussed above.
[0082] The identifying unit 34d identifies the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . whose electric power
consumption exceeds the reference value. Specifically, the
identifying unit 34d compares the average of the electric power
consumption per day of each of the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . over the prescribed interval accepted
by the input unit 32 discussed above with the reference value per
day over the prescribed interval determined by the reference value
determining unit 34c and identifies those indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . whose electric power consumption
exceeds the reference value.
[0083] In accordance with an instruction accepted by the input unit
32, the correcting unit 34e corrects the identification result
produced by the identifying unit 34d. Here, the correcting unit 34e
performs its correction on the identification results for electric
power consumption and reduced comfort. Correcting the
identification result for electric power consumption means
correcting the electric power consumption value of each of the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . , taking into
consideration the air conditioning capacity of the identified
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . . Here, the air
conditioning capacity is the horsepower or the capacity (kW), or
the like of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . .
. In accordance with the instruction, the correcting unit 34e
divides the electric power consumption value of each of the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . by the horsepower. In
the present embodiment, the correction of electric power
consumption is performed by default. Correcting the identification
result for reduced comfort involves ranking the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . taking into consideration
the rate of occurrence of reduced comfort. In accordance with an
instruction, the correcting unit 34e ranks each of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . taking into consideration
the reduced comfort occurrence rate. Specifically, the equation
reduced comfort time.times.(reduced comfort time/operation time) is
used to calculate the reduced comfort time taking into
consideration the occurrence rate.
[0084] The corrective action selecting unit 34f selects an
appropriate corrective action for each problem taking into
consideration the operation data, such as the set temperature and
the operation time, of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . identified by the identifying unit 34d.
Specifically, corrective actions include reexamining the set
temperature, reexamining the operation schedule, performing a
filter inspection, and the like.
[0085] Based on the various values stored in the storage unit 33,
the first screen generating unit 34g generates a first screen for
displaying the information about the identified indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . on the display unit 35. The
first screen is a screen capable of switching the viewpoint and the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . identified by
that viewpoint. In detail, tabs that display the identification
result of each viewpoint of the plurality of viewpoints (i.e.,
excessive electric power consumption, long-time operation, and
reduced comfort) are formed in the first screen. In each tab, the
details of the corresponding identification result are displayed
using a table and a scatter diagram. The first screen corresponds
to an identification screen, which is discussed below, and is a
screen wherein all of the identified indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . can be visually verified. The second
screen generating unit 34h generates a second screen, wherein the
operation data related to a specific indoor unit of the identified
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . can be visually
verified. In detail, the second screen is a screen capable of
switching between a tab that displays an operation status and a tab
that displays problem occurrence days, both of which are based on
the operation data related to the specific indoor unit. In the tab
that displays the operation status, a graph is displayed that
indicates the average operation status for the interval and the
operating status for one day of the specific indoor unit. In the
tab that displays the problem occurrence days, a table is displayed
that indicates the problem occurrence days related to the plurality
of viewpoints (i.e., excessive electric power consumption,
long-time operation, and reduced comfort) of the specific indoor
unit. In the second screen, a graph that aggregates operating data
by the plurality of viewpoints is displayed. The second screen
corresponds to a detailed screen, which is discussed below.
[0086] In accordance with an instruction that the input unit 32
accepts from the user, the display switching unit 34i switches the
display from the first screen, which is displayed by the display
unit 35, to the second screen, which displays the details of the
indoor unit selected on the first screen. Namely, in accordance
with an instruction from the user, the display switching unit 34i
switches the screen displayed by the display unit 35 from the
identification screen, which displays the identification results of
all of the indoor units, to the detailed screen of the single
indoor unit selected on the identification screen.
[0087] The display unit 35 is a display screen for displaying the
information received by the comprehensive managing apparatus 30,
displaying the first screen, displaying the second screen, and the
like. The information displayed by the display unit 35 will be
explained in detail in the <Illustrative Example of Management
Screen and Operation> section.
<Target Problem and Determination Reference>
[0088] The following text explains the prescribed problems, namely,
excessive electric power consumption, long-time operation, and
reduced comfort, of the indoor units identified by the air
conditioner managing apparatus 40 according to the present
embodiment.
(i) Excessive Electric Power Consumption
[0089] The excessive consumption of electric power means that the
electric power consumption value is large. The air conditioner
managing apparatus 40 determines the reference value related to
excessive electric power consumption, identifies the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . that have consumed amounts
of electric power that exceed the reference value, and furthermore
displays those identified indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . in descending order based on their electric power
consumption value. Furthermore, if their electric power consumption
value has been corrected by the correcting unit 34e discussed
above, then the order is determined based on the value corrected by
the correcting unit 34e.
[0090] In the present embodiment, the air conditioner managing
apparatus 40 uses the equation y=kax to determine the reference
value for determining which of the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . is consuming excessive electric power.
Here, y is the reference value of the electric power consumption
over the prescribed interval, x is an average operation time during
the interval, k is a prescribed value determined when
identification conditions are set, and a is the slope of the
average electric power. The average electric power is the straight
line approximation calculated using the least squares method for
the average electric power consumption during the interval and the
average operation time during the interval of each of the indoor
units. Furthermore, when the average electric power consumption
during the interval is given as y(i)<i=1, 2, . . . n (n: number
of indoor units)> and the average operation time during the
interval is given as x(i)<i=1, 2, . . . n (n: number of indoor
units)>, the approximation curve is expressed by y=ax, wherein
the slope a is derived based on the equation below in which the
squared error is minimized.
a = i = 1 n x i y i i = 1 n x i 2 ( Equation 1 ) ##EQU00001##
(ii) Long-Time Operation
[0091] Long-time operation refers to operation wherein a cumulative
operation time per day exceeds a prescribed determination value.
The prescribed determination value is a prescribed value set by the
user. In the present embodiment, the air conditioner managing
apparatus 40 identifies those indoor units whose long-time
operation occurrence day count during the target aggregation
interval is greater than or equal to one day and furthermore
displays the identified indoor units in descending order based on
their long-time operation occurrence day count. The method of
calculating the long-time operation occurrence day count, as shown
in FIG. 3, is first to calculate the one day cumulative operation
time (hrs) (i.e., a step S1), and next to determine whether the
cumulative operation time is greater than or equal to the
prescribed determination value (i.e., a step S2). Subsequently, in
step S2, if the cumulative operation time is greater than or equal
to the determination value, then one day is added to the long-time
operation occurrence day count (i.e., a step S3). In step S2, if
the cumulative operation time is less than the determination value,
then the day count is not incremented.
(iii) Reduced Comfort
[0092] Reduced comfort refers to cases wherein an inlet temperature
does not reach a temperature set in the indoor unit and to a state
wherein a value of the difference between the average inlet
temperature per hour and the average set temperature per hour is
greater than or equal to the prescribed determination value. In the
present embodiment, the air conditioner managing apparatus 40
identifies those indoor units wherein the reduced comfort state was
greater than or equal to one hour during the target aggregation
interval and furthermore displays the identified indoor units in
order of the length of time spent in the reduced comfort state.
Furthermore, if the correcting unit 34e discussed above made a
correction, then the order is determined based on the corrected
value by the correcting unit 34e. In the method of calculating the
reduced comfort time, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the method
determines whether the thermostat ON time continued for 60 min. or
longer (i.e., a step S11). If the thermostat ON time did continue
for 60 min. or longer, then it means that the state wherein the
inlet temperature did not reach the set temperature also continued
for 60 min. or longer. In the step S11, if the thermostat ON time
did continue for 60 min. or longer, then the method determines
whether the difference between the inlet temperature and the set
temperature is greater than or equal to the prescribed
determination value (i.e., a step S12). In the step S12, if the
difference between the inlet temperature and the set temperature is
greater than or equal to the determination value, then one hour is
added to the reduced comfort time (i.e., a step S13).
<Illustrative Example of Management Screen and Operation>
[0093] The following text explains the screens displayed by the
display unit 35 of the air conditioner managing apparatus 40.
Furthermore, in FIG. 5 through FIG. 10, what is explained in the
present embodiment as the electric power consumption value is
indicated as the electric power consumption.
[0094] FIG. 5 shows an identification screen wherein the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . with a problem are
identified. As indicated by a symbol 501, the identification screen
identifies those indoor units with a problem from the three
viewpoints of excessive electric power consumption, long-time
operation, and reduced comfort discussed above. In the
identification screen shown in FIG. 5, the excessive electric power
consumption tab is selected, and the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . whose electric power consumption values
are large are identified. Here, as indicated by a symbol 502,
aggregation is performed for the period beginning on Aug. 1, 2007
(Wed.) and ending on Aug. 31, 2007 (Fri.). The aggregation
interval, which is set by default to the most recent two weeks, can
be changed by the user. Furthermore, when identifying the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . , the user can select
a target group (refer to a symbol 503). Here, if the average
electric power consumption per day during the aggregation interval
of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . that
belong to the selected group exceeds the reference value, then
those indoor units that exceed the reference value are identified
by the identifying unit 34d and displayed in a table 504 and a
graph 505. In the table 504, the names of the identified indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, are displayed in descending
order of their electric power consumption values. In addition, the
electric power consumption per day and the operation time per day
corresponding to the names of the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . are displayed. In the graph 505, each
of the identified indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . .
. is plotted according to its electric power consumption and its
operation time, thereby revealing the distribution of the
identified indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . . In
addition, in the graph 505, the average values calculated by the
average value calculating unit 34b are indicated by a straight line
(in the graph, the average electric power) and the reference value
determined by the reference value determining unit 34c is indicated
by a broken line (in the graph, the determination reference). At
the location indicated by a symbol 506, there is a checkbox for
indicating whether to correct the electric power consumption value
based on the horsepower. As shown in FIG. 5, the checkbox is by
default set to ON, and therefore the correcting unit 34e performs
the correction. Accordingly, the results indicated in the table 504
are displayed based on the values wherein the electric power
consumption value was corrected based on horsepower. Furthermore,
by setting the checkbox of the symbol 506 to OFF, an instruction to
that effect is input to the input unit 32, which disables the
correction made by the correcting unit 34e. Namely, the
identification results are displayed based on electric power
consumption values that were not corrected based on the horsepower.
Furthermore, if a specific indoor unit of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . is selected in the table
504, then the corresponding indoor unit of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . in the graph 505 is color
highlighted.
[0095] In FIG. 6, the tab in the identification screen of FIG. 5
has been switched (refer to a symbol 601) and now the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . that were determined to
exhibit long-time operation are displayed. A table 602 displays the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . identified as
having exhibited long-time operation are displayed in descending
order of the long-time operation occurrence day count, wherein the
name of each of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, .
. . , the long-time operation occurrence day count, and the average
operating time per day during the aggregation interval are
displayed. In a graph 603, the identified indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . are plotted, wherein the ordinate is
the occurrence day count and the abscissa is the average operating
time per day during the aggregation interval.
[0096] In FIG. 7A, the tab in the identification screen of FIG. 5
or FIG. 6 has been switched (refer to a symbol 701), and now the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . determined to
exhibit reduced comfort are displayed. In a table 702, the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . identified as
exhibiting reduced comfort are displayed in descending order of the
average amount of time of reduced comfort per day during the
aggregation interval, wherein the name of each of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . , the average amount of time
of reduced comfort per day during the aggregation interval, and the
average operating time per day during the aggregation interval are
displayed. In a graph 703, the identified indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . are plotted, wherein the ordinate is
the average time of reduced comfort per day during the aggregation
interval and the abscissa is the average operating time per day
during the aggregation interval.
[0097] Like FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B is a screen that displays the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . determined to exhibit
reduced comfort; however, as indicated by a symbol 709 and a symbol
704A in the lower part of the screen, it is possible to correct the
identification results. Checking the checkbox of the symbol 709
makes it possible to display all of the indoor units of the target
group. In addition, checking the checkbox of the symbol 704A (refer
to a symbol 704B in FIG. 7C) displays the identification results
based on values wherein the reduced comfort is weighted by the
occurrence rate.
[0098] Furthermore, in the lower part of the identification screen,
a Display Details button (i.e., a symbol 705), a Set Identification
Conditions button (i.e., a symbol 706), a Print Screen button
(i.e., a symbol 707), and a Close button (i.e., a symbol 708) are
provided. Pressing the Print Screen button (i.e., the symbol 707)
prints the displayed screen, and pressing the Close button (i.e.,
the symbol 708) closes the identification screen. If a specific
indoor unit is selected in any of the tables 504, 602, 702 of the
identification screen and the Display Details button (i.e., the
symbol 705) is pressed, then the input unit 32 accepts an
instruction from the user, and the display switching unit 34i
switches the display from the identification screen to the details
screen, which displays the detailed information of the specific,
single indoor unit that was selected. The following text explains
the details screen that displays the detailed information,
referencing FIG. 8A, FIG. 8B, and FIG. 9.
[0099] The details screen of the single, selected indoor unit has a
tab (i.e., a symbol 801) that shows the details of the operation
status and a tab (i.e., a symbol 802) that shows the details of the
problem occurrence days. In FIG. 8A, the operation status tab is
selected; furthermore, graphs (i.e., symbols 803a, 803b) that show
the average operation status for the interval, graphs (i.e.,
symbols 804a, 804b) that show the operation status for a specific
day, the problem severity (i.e., a symbol 805), and the corrective
actions (i.e., a symbol 806) are displayed. In the graphs 803a,
804a, the ordinate indicates the operation status (i.e., the room
temperature, the set temperature, and the electric power
consumption) of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, .
. . , and the abscissa indicates the time of day. In the graphs
803b, 804b, the ordinate indicates the operation status (i.e., the
operation time) of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . , and the abscissa indicates the time of day. In
the graphs (i.e., the symbols 804a, 804b), the operation status is
displayed for the specific day the user selected (in FIG. 8A, Aug.
25, 2007 (Sat.)). The specific day selected can be changed to any
date within the aggregation interval, and the first day of the
aggregation interval is displayed by default. Furthermore, as shown
in FIG. 8B, in the diagnostic results (i.e., the symbol 805) and
the corresponding corrective actions (i.e., the symbol 806), only
the identified problems and the corrective actions corresponding
thereto are displayed; furthermore, for indicators for which there
are no problems (i.e., in FIG. 8B, long-time operation and reduced
comfort), no information is displayed.
[0100] The screen shown in FIG. 9 displays the details of the
problem occurrence days. In each of tables 901, 902, 903, the
problem occurrence days are sorted in descending order of the
problem severity. In detail, in the table 901, which lists the
problem occurrence days for excessive electric power consumption,
the occurrence days are sorted in descending order of the
cumulative electric power consumed per day. In the table 902, which
lists the long-time operation, the occurrence days are sorted in
descending order of the cumulative operation time per day. In the
table 903, which lists the reduced comfort, the occurrence days are
sorted in descending order of the cumulative time per day
determined to exhibit reduced comfort. Furthermore, in the case of
identical cumulative values, the entry with the earlier date is
prioritized in the sort. Furthermore, below each of the tables 901,
902, 903, exemplary causes of each problem are displayed.
[0101] FIG. 10 shows a settings screen for the identification
conditions. This settings screen is displayed by pressing an Set
Identification Conditions button (e.g., the symbol 706 in FIG. 7C)
provided in the lower part of the identification screen (i.e., FIG.
6 through FIG. 7C), which shows the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . identified according to the three
viewpoints of excessive electric power consumption, long-time
operation, and reduced comfort (all of which are discussed
above).
[0102] The settings screen is provided with a location (i.e., a
symbol 1001) wherein the dates of the target interval is input,
locations (i.e., symbols 1002a-1002c) wherein the target indoor
unit of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . is
selected, a location (i.e., a symbol 1003) for changing the
determination criteria for excessive electric power consumption, a
location (i.e., a symbol 1004) for changing the determination
criteria for long-time operation, and a location (i.e., a symbol
1005) for changing the determination criteria for reduced comfort.
In the locations (i.e., the symbols 1002a-1002c) wherein the target
indoor unit of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, .
. . is selected, the indoor units to be identified can be
registered as a group and the conditions for identifying the
problems can be set per group of the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd,
<Characteristics>
[0103] (1) If a plurality of multi-type air conditioners, each of
which includes the plurality of indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . , are installed in an office building and the like
as illustrated in the present embodiment, then an administrator,
who ascertains the operation status of the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . , checks the information regarding all
of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . using
the air conditioner managing apparatus 40, which collects the
information of each of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . . At this time, to check whether, for example, the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . are running
efficiently or are operating needlessly, a considerable amount of
time and labor is needed to check each and every one of the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . .
[0104] However, in the air conditioner managing system according to
the present embodiment, the air conditioner managing apparatus 40
provides determination references based on prescribed problems,
namely, on the three indicators of excessive electric power
consumption, long-time operation, and reduced comfort, identifies
which indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . exceed
the relevant determination reference, and generates the
identification screen that displays those indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . . In this identification screen, the
identification results of all target indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . are displayed, which makes it possible
to grasp the problems as a whole. Thereby, it is possible to limit
the number of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . .
. that needs to be checked. In addition, the air conditioner
managing apparatus 40 generates the details screen that displays
the detailed information of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . identified based on the three indicators. Thereby,
it is possible to check in detail the status of problems that
occurred in the target interval for a single indoor unit.
Furthermore, the display switching unit 34i switches the
identification screen displayed by the display unit 35 to the
details screen of the single indoor unit selected via the
identification screen. Accordingly, it is possible to easily
specify the information of the indoor unit to be checked and to
reduce the time and labor expended in performing that check.
[0105] (2) To estimate the amount of electric power consumed by the
plurality of indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . in
an office building and the like, as exemplified in the present
embodiment, the electric power consumption value of each of the
indoor units is calculated by apportioning the total electric power
consumption value among them. However, it is not appropriate to
conclude that energy must be conserved for every one of the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . that exhibits a large
electric power consumption value. Namely, even if the use of one of
the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . is kept to
the minimum necessary, there is still the case wherein that indoor
unit will be used all day long and the case wherein that indoor
unit will not be used all day long; in the former case, the
electric power consumption value will be large, and consequently
the above conclusion should not be made simply by comparing its
electric power consumption value.
[0106] However, the air conditioner managing apparatus 40 according
to the present invention acquires data related both to the
operation history and to the operation state of each of the indoor
units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . , and, based on this
data, identifies those indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . whose electric power consumption value per day
during the prescribed interval is higher than the reference value.
Namely, because the result of the identification takes into
consideration the set temperature, the operation time, and the
like, it is possible to easily specify the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . for which energy can be conserved.
Furthermore, when identifying those indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . that can save energy, the air
conditioner managing apparatus 40 according to the present
embodiment considers the air conditioning capacity of each of the
indoor units. Specifically, when identifying those indoor units
that can save energy or when setting the order of priority, if the
electric power consumption value of a given indoor unit is large
with respect to its rated air conditioning capacity, a
correction--in addition to the correction wherein the order of
priority of an indoor unit whose electric power consumption value
is large with respect to its operation time is increased--is made
that increases that indoor unit's order of priority. Accordingly,
it is possible to compare the electric power consumption values
taking into consideration differences in the air conditioning
capacities.
[0107] (3) In addition, the air conditioner managing apparatus 40
according to the present embodiment can display the identification
results for those indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . .
. determined to exhibit reduced comfort based on the values
corrected by the reduced comfort occurrence rate as discussed
above. For example, if we consider the case wherein the average
time determined to exhibit reduced comfort is three hours when the
average operation time per day is eight hours and the case wherein
the average time determined to exhibit reduced comfort is two hours
when the average operation time per day is four hours, then the
problem severity of the latter is greater. Accordingly, displaying
the identification results based on the values corrected for
occurrence rate makes it possible to increase the priority of an
indoor unit whose problem severity is substantially greater.
Modified Examples
[0108] (1) The air conditioner managing apparatus 40 in the present
embodiment comprises the local controller 20 and the comprehensive
managing apparatus 30, but the air conditioner managing apparatus
40 may be a single apparatus that has the functions provided to the
local controller 20 and the comprehensive managing apparatus
30.
[0109] (2) The present embodiment explained the air conditioner
managing system that uses the single air conditioner managing
apparatus 40 to manage a plurality of the air conditioners 10a,
10b, 10c, . . . in one property; however, as shown in FIG. 11, a
remote management system 1000 may be adopted wherein a plurality of
air conditioner managing apparatuses 40a, 40b, 40c, . . . installed
in a plurality of properties 1a, 1b, 1c, . . . manage air
conditioners 100a, 100b, 100c, . . . installed in the properties
1a, 1b, 1c, . . . , respectively, and the air conditioners 100a,
100b, 100c, . . . are managed remotely via a communication circuit
6.
[0110] In such a case, a remote management apparatus 50 comprises a
communication unit 51, a display unit 52, an input unit 53, and a
control unit 54. The communication unit 51 sends signals to and
receives signals from the air conditioner managing apparatuses 40a,
40b, 40c, . . . , and a screen needed for processing in the remote
management apparatus 50 is displayed by the display unit 52. The
input unit 53 accepts instructions from the user. The control unit
54 comprises an information acquiring unit 54a, an average value
calculating unit 54b, a reference value determining unit 54c, a
correcting unit 54d, and a transmitting unit 54e. The information
acquiring unit 54a acquires from the air conditioner managing
apparatuses 40a, 40b, 40c, . . . the operation data acquired by the
air conditioner managing apparatuses 40a, 40b, 40c, . . . from the
air conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c. The average value calculating unit
54b, the reference value determining unit 54c, and the correcting
unit 54d of the remote management apparatus 50 have the same
functions as the average value calculating unit 34b, the reference
value determining unit 34c, and the correcting unit 34e of the
comprehensive managing apparatus 30 in the present embodiment. The
transmitting unit 54e transmits to the air conditioner managing
apparatuses 40a, 40b, 40c, . . . the values acquired by the average
value calculating unit 54b, the reference value determining unit
54c, and the correcting unit 54d. Thereby, each of the air
conditioner managing apparatuses 40a, 40b, 40c, . . . can acquire
the reference value and the average value that takes into
consideration not only the operation data acquired from the air
conditioners 10a, 10b, 10c, . . . installed in one property, but
also the operation data acquired from other air conditioners 10a,
10b, 10c, . . . . Thereby, it is possible to compare the reference
value and the average value based on a large amount of operation
data for the electric power consumption values of each of the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . .
[0111] (3) In the present embodiment, the straight line
approximation calculated using the least squares method is used as
the average electric power and the reference value is determined
based thereon; however, the reference value may be determined using
a correction value obtained by the method of the present
embodiment.
[0112] (4) In the present embodiment, the operation time is the
thermostat ON time of each of the indoor units 12aa-12ad,
12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . , but the operation time may be the
time during which each of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . is operating. In such a case, the operation time
may be determined to be the time during which the power supply of
the given indoor unit of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . is ON; furthermore, the operation time may also be
the time when only the fan is running.
[0113] (5) The corrective action selecting unit 34f considers the
operation data, such as the set temperature and the operation time,
of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . .
identified by the identifying unit 34d and selects an appropriate
corrective action for each problem; however, a plurality of
corrective actions may be stored for each problem and, based on the
identification results, one corrective action may be selected from
among the plurality of corrective actions.
[0114] (6) In the present embodiment, the graphs (i.e., the symbols
804a, 804b) that show the operating status for a specific day
display the first day of the aggregation interval as a default;
however, the default may be set such that the day with the highest
problem severity is displayed.
[0115] (7) In the details screens shown in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the
time slots during which problems occur can be emphasized in the
graphs (i.e., the symbols 803a, 803b) that show the average
operation status during the interval and the graphs (i.e., the
symbols 804a, 804b) that show the operation status on a specific
day by, for example, distinguishing the color of the time slots
during which problems occur from the color of other time slots,
appending some kind of mark to the time slots during which problems
occur, and the like. Thereby, it is possible to much more easily
identify the time slots during which problems occur.
[0116] Furthermore, in the screen that displays the details
regarding problem occurrence days in FIG. 9, a design may be
adopted such that clicking one of the occurrence days in any of the
tables 901, 902, 903 displays graphs (i.e., the symbols 804a, 804b)
that show the operation status for that occurrence day. Thereby,
the operation data on the day on which the problem occurred can be
easily checked.
[0117] (8) By selecting the Set Identification Conditions button
(i.e., the symbol 706) provided in the lower part of the
identification screen (in FIG. 5 through FIG. 7C), the air
conditioner managing apparatus 40 according to the present
embodiment transitions to the identification conditions settings
screen shown in FIG. 10, wherein the desired identification
conditions can be set; however, a design may be adopted wherein the
identification conditions can be stored separately for each user.
Thereby, by selecting the user at the startup of the air
conditioner managing apparatus 40 as shown in FIG. 12, it is
possible to check on the indoor units identified by the
identification conditions a given user desires.
[0118] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, a design may be adopted
wherein an identification condition equation can be input directly
and a pattern of that equation can be stored. Thereby, a plurality
of the patterns can be stored in advance and the indoor units with
problems can be identified based on the desired pattern.
[0119] (9) In the air conditioner managing apparatus 40 according
to the present embodiment, when a specific indoor unit of the
indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . is selected in
the table 504 (refer to FIG. 5) displayed in the identification
screen, the corresponding indoor unit of the indoor units
12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd, 12ca-12cd, . . . in the graph 505 is color
highlighted; however, a design may be adopted wherein the
corresponding indoor unit of the indoor units 12aa-12ad, 12ba-12bd,
12ca-12cd, . . . in the graph 505 flashes on and off instead of or
in combination with the color highlighting.
Other Embodiment
[0120] The above text explained an embodiment of the present
invention based on the drawings, but the specific constitution is
not limited to these embodiments, and it is understood that
variations and modifications may be effected without departing from
the spirit and scope of the invention.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0121] The present invention is useful as an air conditioner
managing apparatus that facilitates the work of specifying and
checking the details of indoor units with problems in a property
such as an office building wherein a plurality of indoor units are
installed.
EXPLANATION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0122] 20 Local controller [0123] 30 Comprehensive managing
apparatus [0124] 40 Air conditioner managing apparatus [0125] 50
Remote management apparatus
Patent Document 1
[0126] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No.
2003-302092
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