JP7668952B2 - Air conditioners and air conditioning systems - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to air conditioners and air conditioning systems.

A technology has been disclosed in which, when an electronic device such as an air conditioner that is remotely controlled from a server via wireless communication experiences a communication failure in the communication path to the server, the device switches to a mode with restricted functionality to ensure as much safety as possible (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-169969 A

When an air conditioner receives a power regulation signal from a power company that regulates power usage, and operates in a regulated manner that limits power based on the received power regulation signal, if a failure occurs in the communication path and communication is no longer possible, the regulated operation will continue even when the regulation is no longer necessary, raising concerns that the user will not be able to operate in a comfortable manner. For example, even if the technology disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is applied, if a communication failure occurs, the air conditioner's functions will be restricted to ensure safety, and there is a similar concern that the user will not be able to operate in a comfortable manner.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and one of its objectives is to provide an air conditioner and air conditioning system that appropriately controls operation of an air conditioner that controls operation based on a power regulation signal from an electric power company when a communication failure occurs in the communication path from the electric power company.

The air conditioner according to the present disclosure is an air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, and comprising: a wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company; and a control unit that regulates an upper limit of a frequency of the compressor based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and lifts the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the server to the wireless device, wherein when the communication failure occurs, the control unit lifts the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor if the communication failure continues even after a preset time has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure, and resumes regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor after a preset time has elapsed since the communication failure is recovered from .

An air conditioning system according to the present disclosure is an air conditioning system including an air conditioner including an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, a cloud, and a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the cloud, wherein the air conditioner includes a wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to an electric power company via a repeater via the cloud, and a control unit that regulates an upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and releases the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure occurs on a communication path from the server to the wireless device, and the control unit When a communication failure occurs, if the communication failure continues even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure, the regulation of the upper limit of the compressor frequency is lifted, and when the communication failure is recovered after the regulation of the upper limit of the compressor frequency is lifted, the regulation of the upper limit of the compressor frequency is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the communication failure was recovered, and the cloud monitors the communication in which the power regulation signal is transmitted from the server to the wireless device, and when the wireless device receives the power regulation signal, notifies the mobile terminal that the air conditioner is in regulated operation.

According to the present disclosure, in an air conditioner that controls operation based on a power regulation signal from an electric power company, it is possible to appropriately control the air conditioner when a communication failure occurs in the communication path from the electric power company.

1 is a system diagram showing an overview of a power regulation system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a basic air conditioning operation in the air conditioner according to the embodiment. 5 is a time chart showing an example of a restrictive operation control when a communication failure occurs according to the embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing executed by an indoor unit control unit according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a regulation value selection process for selecting a regulation value at the time of regulation restoration according to the embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing executed by an outdoor unit control unit according to the embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing examples of notifications during restricted driving displayed on a mobile terminal according to an embodiment. 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of a notification that restriction is being released and is displayed on a mobile terminal according to an embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, with reference to FIG. 1, an overview of an air conditioning system that regulates the power of an air conditioner based on a power regulation signal from a power company will be described.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram showing an overview of the power regulation system according to this embodiment.
The air conditioning system SYS shown in the figure includes an air conditioner 1, a router 2, a server 4 corresponding to an electric power company, a cloud 6, and a mobile terminal 7.

The server 4 corresponding to the electric power company may be a server operated by the electric power company itself, or may be a server commissioned by the electric power company (a server operated by a party other than the electric power company). Hereinafter, it will be referred to simply as the "electric power company's server 4." The mobile terminal 7 is a mobile device owned by a user, such as a smartphone or a laptop computer, and is capable of communicating with the cloud 6 via the Internet or a mobile phone communication network.

The air conditioner 1 comprises an outdoor unit 10, an indoor unit 20, a remote control 30, and a wireless device 40. The indoor unit 20, the remote control 30, and the wireless device 40 are installed inside the room 3. The outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors outside the room 3. The air conditioner 1 performs heating or cooling operation by circulating a refrigerant in the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 as shown in FIG. 2.

Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram of the basic operation of air conditioning in the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 are connected by refrigerant pipes 51, 52. The four-way valve 15 provided in the outdoor unit 10 is switched to switch the refrigerant circulation direction, thereby switching between heating operation and cooling operation.

During heating operation, the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 13 flows through the four-way valve 15 and refrigerant piping 51 to the indoor unit heat exchanger 25. The refrigerant in the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to warm it. The refrigerant that has become liquid through heat exchange flows through the refrigerant piping 52 and the expansion valve 16 into the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant in the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become gaseous through heat exchange returns to the compressor 13 through the four-way valve 15.

During cooling operation, the gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 13 flows through the four-way valve 15 into the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14. The refrigerant in the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14 exchanges heat with the surrounding air. The refrigerant that has become liquid as a result of heat exchange passes through the expansion valve 16 and flows into the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 via the refrigerant piping 52. The refrigerant in the indoor unit heat exchanger 25 exchanges heat with the surrounding air to cool it. The refrigerant that has become gaseous as a result of heat exchange returns to the compressor 13 via the four-way valve 15 via the refrigerant piping 51.

Returning to FIG. 1, the indoor unit 20 is equipped with an indoor unit control unit 21 incorporating a timer 212. The outdoor unit 10 is equipped with an outdoor unit control unit 11. The indoor unit control unit 21 is connected to both the wireless device 40 and the outdoor unit control unit 11 via wired communication or the like.

The wireless device 40 is connected to the router 2 and remote control 30 installed in the room 3 via wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark). The router 2 is an example of a repeater that relays communication between a public line such as the Internet or a mobile phone communication network and a LAN (Local Area Network) in the room 3, and is a wireless LAN router in this case.

The remote control 30 is a remote controller that accepts user operations to start and stop the operation of the air conditioner 1, the operation mode, the set temperature, etc. The wireless device 40 receives signals transmitted from the remote control 30 in response to user operations and transmits the received signals to the indoor unit control unit 21. The indoor unit control unit 21 controls heating or cooling operation based on the signals transmitted from the remote control 30.

The wireless device 40 is also connected to the cloud 6 via the Internet or the like via the router 2. For example, the wireless device 40 receives a power restriction signal transmitted from a power company's server 4 or the like via the cloud 6 and the router 2. When the wireless device 40 receives the power restriction signal, it transmits the received power restriction signal to the indoor unit control unit 21. When the indoor unit control unit 21 receives the power restriction signal transmitted from the wireless device 40, it transmits the received power restriction signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. The outdoor unit control unit 11 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on this power restriction signal. The reason for regulating the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is that the power consumption of the compressor 13 accounts for the majority of the power consumption of the air conditioner 1.

The power regulation signal is a regulation signal for restricting the use of electricity, and is a signal that includes a regulation value indicating the upper limit of electricity usage. For example, the regulation value is set to a value indicating the upper limit of usage, such as "50%". When there is no regulation, for example, a power regulation signal with a regulation value of "100%" is transmitted. Note that when there is no regulation, a power regulation signal indicating that there is no regulation value may be transmitted. This power regulation signal is transmitted, for example, from the power company's server 4 at regular time intervals (for example, every 10 minutes).

For example, when the outdoor unit control unit 11 receives a power restriction signal with a restriction value of "50%", it controls operation by restricting the frequency of the compressor 13 so that it does not exceed 50% of the maximum value in the control specifications. Note that the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 for a power restriction signal with a restriction value of "50%" is not limited to 50%, but may be a value obtained by adding or subtracting a predetermined percentage based on 50%. In the following description, operation that restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the power restriction signal is referred to as "regulated operation".

Here, if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40 and communication is not possible, the air conditioner 1 will not be able to receive the power regulation signal. A communication failure may occur between the wireless device 40 and the router 2. It may also occur between the cloud 6 and the router 2. Note that if a communication failure occurs between the power company's server 4 and the cloud 6, or if the cloud 6 is experiencing an abnormality, this will similarly result in a communication failure on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40.

If a communication failure occurs during regulated operation, the air conditioner 1 will not be able to receive that information even if the restriction is no longer necessary. As a result, there is a concern that if regulated operation continues, it will no longer be possible for users to operate in a comfortable manner. Therefore, if a communication failure occurs, the air conditioner 1 releases the restriction on the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency.

With reference to Figure 3, the operation of regulated operation when a communication failure occurs during regulated operation will be described. Figure 3 is a time chart showing an example of regulated operation control when a communication failure occurs according to this embodiment. In this figure, the upper time chart shows the communication state ("communication failure", "no communication failure"). The lower time chart shows whether or not the frequency of compressor 13 is regulated. "Regulated" indicates a case where the upper limit of the frequency of compressor 13 is regulated based on the power regulation signal, i.e., during regulated operation, and "unregulated" indicates a case where the regulation is released.

First, the operation when a communication failure occurs will be described. Assume that there is no communication failure and a communication failure occurs at time t1 from a state of regulated operation (regulated) based on a power regulation signal. When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that a communication failure has occurred, it starts counting using the timer 212 and measures the elapsed time since the communication failure occurred. If the communication failure continues at time t2, when the "standby time A" has elapsed since the communication failure occurred, the indoor unit control unit 21 sends a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. When the outdoor unit control unit 11 receives the restriction release signal, it releases the restriction on the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency (no restriction). Here, the "standby time A" is a time (e.g., 10 minutes) that is preset as a buffer from the occurrence of a communication failure to the release of the restriction.

In addition, if a signal is received from the remote control 30 during a communication failure, the indoor unit control unit 21 controls operation based on the signal (command) from the remote control 30.

Next, the operation when the communication failure is recovered will be described. Assume that the communication failure is recovered at time t3. When the indoor unit control unit 21 determines that the communication failure is recovered, it starts counting using the timer 212 and measures the elapsed time since the communication failure was recovered. The indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a regulation recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 at time t4, when the "standby time B" has elapsed since the communication failure was recovered. Upon receiving the regulation recovery signal, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes regulation of the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency and performs regulated operation based on the power regulation signal (with regulation). Here, the "standby time B" is a time (e.g., 10 minutes) previously set as a buffer from the recovery from the communication failure until the resumption of regulation.

"Standby Time A" and "Standby Time B" may be set to the same time or different times. For example, if control is performed to comply with power company regulations as much as possible, "Standby Time B" may be set to a time shorter than "Standby Time A."

Next, the configuration of the air conditioner 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment. In this figure, the main components of the air conditioner 1 are shown, and some of the components are omitted. In this figure, components corresponding to the respective parts in Figs. 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals.

The indoor unit 20 includes an indoor unit control unit 21, an indoor unit fan 22, a flap 23, an indoor unit sensor 24, an indoor unit heat exchanger 25, and an indoor unit communication unit 28. The indoor unit control unit 21 controls each part of the indoor unit 20. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 controls the rotation speed of the indoor unit fan 22 and the direction of the flap 23 to control the air volume and direction based on a signal (command) from the remote control 30. The indoor unit control unit 21 also acquires the output of the indoor unit sensor 24 and detects the refrigerant temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger 25, the indoor temperature, the indoor humidity, etc. The indoor unit sensor 24 includes a temperature sensor that outputs a signal according to the temperature of the indoor unit heat exchanger 25, a temperature sensor that outputs a signal according to the indoor temperature, and a humidity sensor that outputs a signal according to the indoor humidity.

The indoor unit control unit 21 also includes a communication status determination unit 211, a timer 212, and a restriction instruction unit 213. The indoor unit control unit 21 communicates with the wireless device 40 via the indoor unit communication unit 28. The communication status determination unit 211 determines whether or not a communication failure has occurred on the communication path to the power company's server 4.

For example, the communication status determination unit 211 periodically transmits a communication confirmation signal (e.g., a heartbeat signal) to the electric power company's server 4 from the wireless device 40 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 to determine whether communication can be performed normally. When the electric power company's server 4 receives the communication confirmation signal, it transmits a response signal to the sender of the communication confirmation signal.

If the communication status determination unit 211 can obtain the response signal sent from the power company's server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 within a specified time after sending the communication confirmation signal, it determines that no communication failure has occurred on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40.

On the other hand, if the communication status determination unit 211 cannot obtain the response signal sent from the power company's server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 within a specified time after sending the communication confirmation signal, it determines that a communication failure has occurred somewhere on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40.

Note that the cloud 6 periodically transmits a signal received from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40 via the router 2, and the communication status determination unit 211 may determine whether communication can be performed normally based on whether this signal is received by the indoor unit control unit 21 via the wireless device 40. For example, the communication status determination unit 211 may determine that no communication failure has occurred when the indoor unit control unit 21 receives a signal received by the cloud 6 from the power company's server 4 via the wireless device 40. The communication status determination unit 211 may also determine that a communication failure has occurred when the indoor unit control unit 21 does not receive a signal received by the cloud 6 from the power company's server 4 via the wireless device 40.

When the restriction instruction unit 213 receives a power restriction signal transmitted from the power company's server 4 via the indoor unit communication unit 28 and transmits the received power restriction signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28, if no communication failure has occurred.

In addition, when the communication status determination unit 211 determines that a communication failure has occurred, the restriction instruction unit 213 starts counting using the timer 212, and if the communication failure continues after the waiting time A (see Figure 3) has elapsed, it sends a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28, instructing the lifting of the restriction.

In addition, when the communication status determination unit 211 determines that the communication failure has been restored, the restriction instruction unit 213 starts counting using the timer 212, and after the waiting time B (see Figure 3) has elapsed, it sends a restriction recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 via the indoor unit communication unit 28, instructing the resumption of restriction.

Here, when the restriction instruction unit 213 transmits a restriction restoration signal, the restriction value may be set as follows. For example, when the restriction instruction unit 213 receives a power restriction signal during standby time B, it sets the restriction value included in the received power restriction signal as the restriction value of the restriction restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the restriction value of the power restriction signal received during standby time B.

Furthermore, if the restriction instruction unit 213 does not receive a power restriction signal during the standby time B, it sets the restriction value before the restriction was released as the restriction value of the restriction restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes the restriction of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the original restriction value before the restriction was released.

Furthermore, if the restriction instruction unit 213 has not received a power restriction signal during the standby time B, it may inquire of the cloud 6 about the latest power restriction signal. By acquiring the latest power restriction signal from the cloud 6, the restriction instruction unit 213 may set the restriction value included in the acquired power restriction signal as the restriction value of the restriction restoration signal. In this case, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the restriction value of the power restriction signal acquired from the cloud 6.

The outdoor unit 10 includes an outdoor unit control unit 11, an outdoor unit fan 12, a compressor 13, an outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, a four-way valve 15, an expansion valve 16, an outdoor unit sensor 17, and an outdoor unit communication unit 18. The outdoor unit control unit 11 controls each part of the outdoor unit 10. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 acquires the output of the outdoor unit sensor 17 and detects the refrigerant temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, the outdoor air temperature, etc. The outdoor unit sensor 17 includes a temperature sensor that outputs a signal according to the temperature of the outdoor unit heat exchanger 14, a humidity sensor that outputs a signal according to the outdoor air temperature, etc. The outdoor unit control unit 11 controls the frequency of the compressor 13, the direction of the refrigerant flow of the four-way valve 15, the opening degree of the expansion valve 16, etc. based on the operating mode, the state of the refrigerant, the outdoor air temperature, etc.

The outdoor unit control unit 11 also has a regulation control unit 111. The regulation control unit 111 regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on a power regulation signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21. The regulation control unit 111 also releases the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on a regulation release signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21. The regulation control unit 111 also resumes regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on a regulation recovery signal transmitted from the indoor unit control unit 21.

Next, the operation of the power regulation processing performed by the air conditioner 1 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 5, 6 and 7.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing performed by the indoor unit control unit 21 in this embodiment.

The indoor unit control unit 21 determines the communication status with the power company's server 4. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 determines whether a communication failure has occurred on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40 (step S101).

If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that no communication failure has occurred, and receives a power restriction signal from the power company's server 4, it transmits the received power restriction signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 (step S103). Then, the process returns to step S101.

If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that a communication failure has occurred, it transmits a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. For example, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that a communication failure has occurred, it starts counting using the timer 212, and if the communication failure continues even after the waiting time A (see FIG. 3) has elapsed, it transmits a restriction release signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 (step S105). Then, it returns to step S101.

If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that the communication failure has been restored, it transmits a regulation restoration signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11. For example, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 that the communication failure has been restored, it starts counting using the timer 212, and after the waiting time B (see FIG. 3) has elapsed, it transmits a regulation restoration signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 (step S107). Then, it returns to step S101.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a regulation value selection process in which the indoor unit control unit 21 in this embodiment selects a regulation value when regulation is restored.

If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S101 (Figure 5) that the communication failure has been resolved, it determines whether or not a power regulation signal has been received during the standby time B (step S151).

If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S151 that a power regulation signal has been received during standby time B (YES), it sets the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal based on the received power regulation signal. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal to the regulation value included in the power regulation signal received during standby time B (step S153).

In addition, if the indoor unit control unit 21 receives multiple types of power regulation signals during the standby time B, it sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the regulation value contained in the latest power regulation signal.

If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S151 that it has not received a power restriction signal during the standby time B (NO), it queries the cloud 6 for the latest power restriction signal (step S155). Then, the indoor unit control unit 21 determines whether it has acquired the latest power restriction signal from the cloud 6 (step S157).

If the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S157 that the latest power regulation signal has been acquired from the cloud 6 (YES), the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal based on the latest power regulation signal acquired. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal to the regulation value included in the power regulation signal acquired from the cloud 6 (step S159).

On the other hand, if the indoor unit control unit 21 determines in step S157 that it has not acquired the latest power regulation signal from the cloud 6 (NO), it sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal based on the power regulation signal before the regulation was lifted. For example, the indoor unit control unit 21 sets the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the original regulation value before the regulation was lifted (step S161).

In addition, the indoor unit control unit 21 may set the regulation value of the regulation recovery signal to the original regulation value before the regulation was released, without determining whether or not a power regulation signal has been received during the standby time B, and without determining whether or not the latest power regulation signal has been obtained from the cloud 6.

In addition, if the indoor unit control unit 21 has not received a power regulation signal during the standby time B, it may set the regulation value of the regulation restoration signal to the original regulation value before the regulation was released, without determining whether the latest power regulation signal has been obtained from the cloud 6.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of power regulation processing performed by the outdoor unit control unit 11 in this embodiment.

The outdoor unit control unit 11 determines whether or not a power regulation signal has been received from the indoor unit control unit 21 (step S201).

If the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S201 that it has received a power restriction signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), it restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the received power restriction signal. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 restricts the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 with the restriction value included in the received power restriction signal (step S203). Then, the process returns to step S201.

On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S201 that it has not received a power restriction signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), it determines whether it has received a restriction release signal (step S205).

If the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S205 that it has received a deregulation signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), it deregulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 (step S207). Then, the process returns to step S201.

On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S205 that it has not received a restriction release signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), it determines whether it has received a restriction restoration signal (step S209).

If the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S209 that it has received a regulation recovery signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (YES), it resumes regulating the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the received regulation recovery signal. For example, the outdoor unit control unit 11 resumes regulating the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 with the regulation value included in the received regulation recovery signal (step S211). Then, the process returns to step S201.

On the other hand, if the outdoor unit control unit 11 determines in step S209 that it has not received a regulation recovery signal from the indoor unit control unit 21 (NO), it returns to step S201.

As described above, the air conditioner 1 according to this embodiment comprises an outdoor unit 110 having a compressor 13, an indoor unit 20 connected to the outdoor unit 10, and a wireless device 40 that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from the power company's server 4. The air conditioner 1 also regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device 40. Then, if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor 13 is lifted.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 releases the restriction when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company and the power restriction signal cannot be received, so that regulated operation does not continue even when the restriction is no longer necessary, and comfort for the user is not compromised. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can appropriately control when a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company.

For example, if a communication failure occurs and the communication failure continues even after a predetermined time (e.g., standby time A) has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure, the air conditioner 1 releases the restriction on the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13.

As a result, the air conditioner 1 provides a waiting time A as a buffer between the occurrence of a communication failure and the lifting of the restriction, so that the restriction can be continued if a communication failure occurs momentarily (for example, within 3 to 4 minutes).

In addition, if the communication failure is resolved after the air conditioner 1 releases the regulation of the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13, the air conditioner 1 resumes regulating the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13 after a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) has elapsed since the communication failure was resolved.

As a result, when the communication failure is restored, the air conditioner 1 can correctly perform regulated operation based on the power regulation signal from the power company. In addition, because the air conditioner 1 provides a waiting time B as a buffer between when the communication failure is restored and when regulated operation is resumed, it is possible to prevent the frequency of the compressor 13 from fluctuating due to repeated regulated operation and deregulation in a short period of time when the communication state is unstable. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can prevent a loss of comfort for the user.

For example, if the wireless device 40 receives a power restriction signal between the time when a communication failure is restored and a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) has elapsed, the air conditioner 1 regulates the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13 based on the received power restriction signal.

As a result, when the communication failure is resolved and regulation is resumed, the air conditioner 1 can resume regulating the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency based on the latest power regulation signal.

On the other hand, if the wireless device 40 does not receive a power restriction signal between the time when the communication failure is restored and a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) has elapsed, the air conditioner 1 reverts to the restriction before the upper frequency limit restriction of the compressor 13 was lifted.

As a result, even if the air conditioner 1 is unable to receive the power restriction signal after the communication failure is restored, it can resume regulating the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13 at the original regulation before the restriction was lifted.

In addition, if the wireless device 40 does not receive a power regulation signal between the time when the communication failure is restored and a predetermined time (e.g., standby time B) has elapsed, the air conditioner 1 may obtain the latest power regulation signal from the cloud 6 via the wireless device 40 and regulate the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13 based on the obtained power regulation signal.

As a result, when the communication failure is resolved and regulation is resumed, the air conditioner 1 can resume regulating the upper limit of the compressor 13 frequency based on the latest power regulation signal.

In addition, when the wireless device 40 receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a specified period of time (e.g., within 10 minutes), the air conditioner 1 may regulate the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13 to the regulation value of the lowest frequency among the received power regulation signals.

For example, the power regulation signal received by the wireless device 40 may be transmitted not only from the power company's server 4, but also from other devices such as a mobile terminal 7. If multiple types of power regulation signals are received within a specified time period (e.g., within 10 minutes), changing the regulation value each time a signal is received may cause the frequency of the compressor 13 to fluctuate, resulting in a loss of comfort. Therefore, the air conditioner 1 can meet the regulation request from the power company without compromising comfort by fixing the regulation value to the lowest frequency of the multiple types of power regulation signals.

In addition, if the wireless device 40 of the air conditioner 1 receives two or more types of power regulation signals within a specified period of time (e.g., within 10 minutes), the air conditioner 1 may regulate the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13 to the regulation value of the highest frequency among the received power regulation signals.

In this case, the air conditioner 1 can prioritize air conditioning performance and prevent user comfort from being compromised by fixing the regulated value at the highest frequency among multiple types of power regulation signals.

In addition, the wireless device 40 receives a power regulation signal transmitted from the power company's server 4 via the cloud 6 through router 2 (an example of a repeater).

As a result, the air conditioner 1 does not require any special equipment, but can receive a power regulation signal from the power company's server 4 using a general LAN installed in the home and perform regulated operation.

In addition, in the air conditioning system SYS of this embodiment, the cloud 6 may monitor communications in which a power restriction signal is transmitted from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, and when the wireless device 40 receives the power restriction signal, may notify the mobile terminal 7 that the air conditioner 1 is in regulated operation.

When the mobile terminal 7 receives the notification from the cloud 6, it displays the notification content.
8 is a diagram showing an example of a notification during regulated driving displayed on the mobile terminal 7 according to this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the display unit of the mobile terminal 7 displays information indicating that regulated driving is in progress, such as "Restricted to 50%" or "Regulated driving in progress." Note that the example of notification shown in this figure is just one example, and the notification content can be determined arbitrarily.

This allows the air conditioning system SYS to easily inform the user that the air conditioner 1 is in regulated operation by displaying this on the mobile terminal 7.

In addition, if a communication failure occurs on the communication path from the power company's server 4 to the wireless device 40, the cloud 6 may notify the mobile terminal 7 that a communication failure has occurred or that the regulation of the upper frequency limit of the compressor 13 in the air conditioner 1 has been lifted.

When the mobile terminal 7 receives the notification from the cloud 6, it displays the notification content.
9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification displayed on the mobile terminal 7 according to this embodiment during the lifting of the restriction. As shown in the figure, the display unit of the mobile terminal 7 displays information such as "A communication failure has occurred,""The power restriction signal has been interrupted. Please check the router,""Restoration is expected in 10 minutes,""Power restriction has been lifted," and "Restoration is expected in 10 minutes." The expected restoration time is displayed according to, for example, the remaining time of the waiting time B when the communication failure is restored. Note that the example of the notification shown in this figure is just one example, and the notification content can be determined arbitrarily.

As a result, the mobile terminal 7 can easily inform the user that the air conditioning system SYS has experienced a communication failure or that the upper frequency limit regulation of the compressor 13 in the air conditioner 1 has been lifted by displaying this on the mobile terminal 7.

Each embodiment has been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, but the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and it is possible to combine the embodiments or modify or omit the embodiments as appropriate.

Although the air conditioner 1 according to the above embodiment has been described as having one indoor unit 20 connected to one outdoor unit 10, it may also have a configuration in which multiple indoor units 20 are connected to one outdoor unit 10. In that case, one of the multiple indoor units 20 controls the transmission of a power restriction signal, a restriction release signal, and a restriction recovery signal to the outdoor unit 10.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which, when a communication failure occurs, the indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a deregulation signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 after the waiting time A has elapsed, but the length of the waiting time A may be set arbitrarily, or the deregulation signal may be transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 in response to the occurrence of a communication failure without waiting for the waiting time A.

In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the indoor unit control unit 21 transmits a regulation recovery signal to the outdoor unit control unit 11 after the waiting time B has elapsed when the communication failure is restored, but the length of the waiting time B may be set arbitrarily, or the regulation recovery signal may be transmitted to the outdoor unit control unit 11 in response to the occurrence of communication recovery without waiting for the waiting time B.

In addition, a program for realizing the functions of the control unit of each device (e.g., outdoor unit control unit 11, indoor unit control unit 21) may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the program recorded on this recording medium may be read into a computer system and executed to process the control unit of each device. Note that the "computer system" here includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices.

Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, as well as storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording media" includes those that dynamically hold a program for a short period of time, such as a communication line when transmitting a program via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, and those that hold a program for a certain period of time, such as volatile memory inside a computer system that serves as a server or client in such cases. The above program may be one that realizes part of the functions described above, or one that can realize the functions described above in combination with a program already recorded in the computer system. The above program may also be stored in a specified server, and the program may be distributed (downloaded, etc.) via a communication line in response to a request from another device.

In addition, some or all of the functions of the control units of each device (e.g., outdoor unit control unit 11, indoor unit control unit 21) may be realized as an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration). Each function may be individually processed, or some or all of the functions may be integrated into a processor. The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, and may be realized using a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology, an integrated circuit based on that technology may be used.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Air conditioner 2 Router 3 Indoor 4 Power company server 6 Cloud 7 Mobile terminal 10 Outdoor unit 11 Outdoor unit control unit 111 Regulation control unit 12 Outdoor unit fan 13 Compressor 14 Outdoor unit heat exchanger 15 Four-way valve 16 Expansion valve 17 Outdoor unit sensor 18 Outdoor unit communication unit 20 Indoor unit 21 Indoor unit control unit 211 Communication state determination unit 212 Timer 213 Regulation instruction unit 22 Indoor unit fan 23 Flap 24 Indoor unit sensor 25 Indoor unit heat exchanger 28 Indoor unit communication unit 30 Remote control 40 Wireless device 51 Refrigerant piping 52 Refrigerant piping

Claims (9)

An air conditioner comprising an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit,
A wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company;
a control unit that regulates an upper limit of a frequency of the compressor based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and releases the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure occurs on a communication path from the server to the wireless device;
Equipped with
The control unit is
When the communication failure occurs, if the communication failure continues even after a preset time has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure, the upper limit regulation of the frequency of the compressor is lifted;
when the communication failure is recovered from after the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is released, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is resumed after a preset time has elapsed since the recovery from the communication failure.
Air conditioner. The control unit is
If the wireless device receives the power regulation signal during a period from when the communication failure is restored until a preset time has elapsed, the wireless device regulates an upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the received power regulation signal.
The air conditioner according to claim 1 . The control unit is
If the wireless device does not receive the power regulation signal until a preset time has elapsed since the communication failure was recovered, the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is restored to the regulation before it was lifted.
The air conditioner according to claim 1 . The control unit is
if the wireless device does not receive the power regulation signal until a preset time has elapsed since the communication failure was restored, the wireless device acquires the latest power regulation signal from a cloud, and regulates an upper limit of the frequency of the compressor based on the acquired power regulation signal.
The air conditioner according to claim 1 . The control unit is
When the wireless device receives two or more types of the power regulation signals within a predetermined time, the wireless device regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor to the regulation value of the lowest frequency of the received power regulation signals.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The control unit is
When the wireless device receives two or more types of the power regulation signals within a predetermined time, the wireless device regulates the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor to the regulation value of the highest frequency of the received power regulation signals.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . The wireless device receives the power regulation signal transmitted from the server via a repeater via a cloud.
The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . An air conditioning system comprising an air conditioner including an outdoor unit having a compressor and an indoor unit connected to the outdoor unit, a cloud, and a mobile terminal capable of communicating with the cloud,
The air conditioner includes:
a wireless device that receives a power regulation signal transmitted from a server corresponding to a power company via a repeater via the cloud; and a control unit that regulates an upper limit of a frequency of the compressor based on the power regulation signal received by the wireless device, and releases the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor when a communication failure occurs on a communication path from the server to the wireless device,
The control unit is
When the communication failure occurs, if the communication failure continues even after a preset time has elapsed since the occurrence of the communication failure, the upper limit regulation of the frequency of the compressor is lifted;
when the communication failure is recovered after the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is released, the restriction on the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor is resumed after a preset time has elapsed since the communication failure was recovered;
The cloud includes:
monitoring communications in which the power regulation signal is transmitted from the server to the wireless device;
When the wireless device receives the power restriction signal, the wireless device notifies the mobile terminal that the air conditioner is in a regulated operation.
Air conditioning system. The cloud includes:
When the communication failure occurs, the mobile terminal is notified of the occurrence of the communication failure or that the regulation of the upper limit of the frequency of the compressor in the air conditioner has been lifted.
9. An air conditioning system according to claim 8 .

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