US20110057044A1

US20110057044A1 - Air conditioner managing apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20110057044A1
Application number: US12/863,280
Authority: US
Inventors: Atsushi Nishino; Takashige Kai; Naotake Shimozu; Satoru Tamba; Satoshi Hashimoto; Koji Mishima
Original assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Current assignee: Daikin Industries Ltd
Priority date: 2008-01-24
Filing date: 2009-01-20
Publication date: 2011-03-10
Also published as: JP4396779B2; AU2009207168B2; EP2249093A4; KR20100113128A; WO2009093552A1; BRPI0906370A2; EP2249093A1; CN101925785B; CN101925785A; AU2009207168A1; JP2009210253A

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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an air conditioner managing apparatus.

BACKGROUND ART

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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Thereby, it is possible to easily check on, by viewpoint, the indoor units with a problem.
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.
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.
Thereby, it is possible to easily check the problem occurrence day and the operation data for the problem occurrence day.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the present invention, the distribution of the identified indoor units based on problem severity is displayed.
Thereby, it is possible to visually grasp the number of indoor units with a problem and the severity of that problem.
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.
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.
Thereby, it is possible to flexibly meet the user's needs.

ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF INVENTION

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively manage the air conditioner.
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.
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

FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of an air conditioner managing system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2A shows the configuration of an air conditioner managing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 2B shows a data structure of an operation data storage area in a local controller and a comprehensive managing apparatus.

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.

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.

FIG. 2E shows a data structure of an area for storing average values.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FIG. 10 is an example of a settings screen of identification conditions displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 shows the configuration of the air conditioner managing system according to a modified example (2) of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a startup screen displayed by the air conditioner managing apparatus according to a modified example (8) of the present embodiment.

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

The following text explains an air conditioner managing system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, referencing the drawings.

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 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . and an air conditioner managing apparatus 40 are installed. Each of the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . is a multi-type air conditioner that comprises one outdoor unit and a plurality of indoor units connected to the outdoor unit.
In the air conditioner managing system according to the present embodiment, a power supply 60 is connected to outdoor units 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, . . . , and electric power from the power supply 60 is supplied to the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . 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 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, . . . , measures the electric power supplied to the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . (i.e., the total electric power consumption).
The air conditioner managing apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment identifies—among numerous indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . installed in the property 1—those indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . wherein prescribed problems are occurring and, furthermore, displays the details of these problems for each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . The prescribed problems are excessive consumption of electric power, long-time operation, and reduced comfort.
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.

The air conditioner managing apparatus 40 comprises a local controller 20, which is connected to the outdoor units 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, . . . , 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . via the outdoor units 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, . . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . connected to the outdoor units 11 a, 11 b, 11 c, . . . . The data related to the operation state are values detected by various sensors attached to the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . Furthermore, the operation time in the present embodiment is, specifically, the thermostat ON time of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . Here, the thermostat ON time is the time during which the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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

The local controller 20 principally comprises a communication unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a control unit 23.

(Communication Unit)

The communication unit 21 is an input-output port that sends signals to and receives signals from the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . and the comprehensive managing apparatus 30.

(Storage Unit)

The storage unit 22 has an operation data storage area 22 a and an electric power consumption value storage area 22 b.
The operation data acquired by an information acquiring unit 23 a, which is discussed below, from the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . is stored in the operation data storage area 22 a. Specifically, the operation data storage area 22 a 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 22 a 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.
Values related to the total electric power consumption (i.e., total electric power consumption values) of the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . measured by the electric power meter 70 are stored in the electric power consumption value storage area 22 b. Specifically, the electric power consumption value storage area 22 b 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.”
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)

The control unit 23 principally comprises the information acquiring unit 23 a and a transmission unit 23 b. The information acquiring unit 23 a acquires at prescribed intervals (in the present embodiment, every minute) operation data from the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . via the communication unit 21. The transmission unit 23 b transmits at prescribed intervals (in the present embodiment, every minute) information stored in the operation data storage area 22 a and the electric power consumption value storage area 22 b to the comprehensive managing apparatus 30 via the communication unit 21.

(ii) Configuration of the Comprehensive Managing Apparatus 30

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)

The communication unit 31 is an input-output port that sends signals to and receives signals from the local controller 20.

(Input Unit)

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 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . , then a power supply ON instruction is transmitted to the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . 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)

The storage unit 33 has an operation data storage area 33 a, an electric power consumption value storage area 33 b, an average value storage area 33 c, a reference value storage area 33 d, a corrective action data storage area 33 e, and a determined value storage area 33 f.
The operation data storage area 33 a stores operation data of the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . transmitted from the local controller 20. The operation data storage area 33 a 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.”
Information related to electric power consumption is stored in the electric power consumption value storage area 33 b. Specifically, the information related to the electric power consumption includes a value related to the total electric power consumption of the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . calculated by an apportioning unit 34 a (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 22 b 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . (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.”
An average of the electric power consumption values, which is calculated by an average value calculating unit 34 b (discussed below), is stored in the average value storage area 33 c. The average value storage area 33 c is likewise a tabular database, as shown in FIG. 2E, and is provided with fields related to “equipment ID,” “electric power consumption,” and “time.”
A reference value of the electric power consumption values, which is determined by a reference value determining unit 34 c (discussed below), is stored in the reference value storage area 33 d.
Data related to a plurality of corrective actions, which is selected by a corrective action selecting unit 34 f (discussed below), is stored in the corrective action data storage area 33 e.
The prescribed value that the input unit 32 accepts from the user is stored in the determined value storage area 33 f.

(Control Unit)

The control unit 34 comprises the apportioning unit 34 a, the average value calculating unit 34 b, the reference value determining unit 34 c, an identifying unit 34 d, a correcting unit 34 e, the corrective action selecting unit 34 f, a first screen generating unit 34 g, a second screen generating unit 34 h, and a display switching unit 34 i.
The apportioning unit 34 a apportions the total electric power consumption value of the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . stored in the electric power consumption value storage area 33 b among the operation data stored in the operation data storage area 33 a and calculates the electric power consumption of each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, and the electric power consumption of each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . is calculated. Furthermore, the electric power consumption values calculated by the apportioning unit 34 a are stored in the electric power consumption value storage area 33 b discussed above.
Based on the information stored in the operation data storage area 33 a and the electric power consumption value storage area 33 b, the average value calculating unit 34 b calculates the average electric power consumption per day of all of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . over the prescribed interval accepted by the input unit 32 discussed above. The average value calculated by the average value calculating unit 34 b is stored in the average value storage area 33 c discussed above.
Based on the information stored in the operation data storage area 33 a and the electric power consumption value storage area 33 b, the reference value determining unit 34 c determines the reference value for determining which of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 34 c is stored in the reference value storage area 33 d discussed above.
The identifying unit 34 d identifies the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . whose electric power consumption exceeds the reference value. Specifically, the identifying unit 34 d compares the average of the electric power consumption per day of each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 34 c and identifies those indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . whose electric power consumption exceeds the reference value.
In accordance with an instruction accepted by the input unit 32, the correcting unit 34 e corrects the identification result produced by the identifying unit 34 d. Here, the correcting unit 34 e 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , taking into consideration the air conditioning capacity of the identified indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . Here, the air conditioning capacity is the horsepower or the capacity (kW), or the like of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . In accordance with the instruction, the correcting unit 34 e divides the electric power consumption value of each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . taking into consideration the rate of occurrence of reduced comfort. In accordance with an instruction, the correcting unit 34 e ranks each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . taking into consideration the reduced comfort occurrence rate. Specifically, the equation reduced comfort time×(reduced comfort time÷operation time) is used to calculate the reduced comfort time taking into consideration the occurrence rate.
The corrective action selecting unit 34 f 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . identified by the identifying unit 34 d. Specifically, corrective actions include reexamining the set temperature, reexamining the operation schedule, performing a filter inspection, and the like.
Based on the various values stored in the storage unit 33, the first screen generating unit 34 g generates a first screen for displaying the information about the identified indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . on the display unit 35. The first screen is a screen capable of switching the viewpoint and the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . can be visually verified. The second screen generating unit 34 h generates a second screen, wherein the operation data related to a specific indoor unit of the identified indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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.
In accordance with an instruction that the input unit 32 accepts from the user, the display switching unit 34 i 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 34 i 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.
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.

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

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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . that have consumed amounts of electric power that exceed the reference value, and furthermore displays those identified indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . in descending order based on their electric power consumption value. Furthermore, if their electric power consumption value has been corrected by the correcting unit 34 e discussed above, then the order is determined based on the value corrected by the correcting unit 34 e.
In the present embodiment, the air conditioner managing apparatus 40 uses the equation y=k·a·x to determine the reference value for determining which of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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=a·x, wherein the slope a is derived based on the equation below in which the squared error is minimized.
$\begin{matrix} a = \frac{\sum_{i = 1}^{n} x_{i} \cdot y_{i}}{\sum_{i = 1}^{n} x_{i}^{2}} & (Equation 1) \end{matrix}$

(ii) Long-Time Operation

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
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 34 e discussed above made a correction, then the order is determined based on the corrected value by the correcting unit 34 e. 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).

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.
FIG. 5 shows an identification screen wherein the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 34 d and displayed in a table 504 and a graph 505. In the table 504, the names of the identified indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . are displayed. In the graph 505, each of the identified indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . is plotted according to its electric power consumption and its operation time, thereby revealing the distribution of the identified indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . In addition, in the graph 505, the average values calculated by the average value calculating unit 34 b are indicated by a straight line (in the graph, the average electric power) and the reference value determined by the reference value determining unit 34 c 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 34 e 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 34 e. 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . is selected in the table 504, then the corresponding indoor unit of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . in the graph 505 is color highlighted.
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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . that were determined to exhibit long-time operation are displayed. A table 602 displays the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . are plotted, wherein the ordinate is the occurrence day count and the abscissa is the average operating time per day during the aggregation interval.
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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . determined to exhibit reduced comfort are displayed. In a table 702, the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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.
Like FIG. 7A, FIG. 7B is a screen that displays the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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.
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 34 i 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.
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 803 a, 803 b) that show the average operation status for the interval, graphs (i.e., symbols 804 a, 804 b) 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 803 a, 804 a, the ordinate indicates the operation status (i.e., the room temperature, the set temperature, and the electric power consumption) of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , and the abscissa indicates the time of day. In the graphs 803 b, 804 b, the ordinate indicates the operation status (i.e., the operation time) of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , and the abscissa indicates the time of day. In the graphs (i.e., the symbols 804 a, 804 b), 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.
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.
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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . identified according to the three viewpoints of excessive electric power consumption, long-time operation, and reduced comfort (all of which are discussed above).
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 1002 a-1002 c) wherein the target indoor unit of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 1002 a-1002 c) wherein the target indoor unit of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd,

(1) If a plurality of multi-type air conditioners, each of which includes the plurality of indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , checks the information regarding all of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . using the air conditioner managing apparatus 40, which collects the information of each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . At this time, to check whether, for example, the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . .
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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . exceed the relevant determination reference, and generates the identification screen that displays those indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . . In this identification screen, the identification results of all target indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 34 i 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.
(2) To estimate the amount of electric power consumed by the plurality of indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . that exhibits a large electric power consumption value. Namely, even if the use of one of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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.
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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , and, based on this data, identifies those indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . for which energy can be conserved. Furthermore, when identifying those indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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.
(3) In addition, the air conditioner managing apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment can display the identification results for those indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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

(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.
(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 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . 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 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, . . . installed in a plurality of properties 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, . . . manage air conditioners 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, . . . installed in the properties 1 a, 1 b, 1 c, . . . , respectively, and the air conditioners 100 a, 100 b, 100 c, . . . are managed remotely via a communication circuit 6.
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 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, . . . , 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 54 a, an average value calculating unit 54 b, a reference value determining unit 54 c, a correcting unit 54 d, and a transmitting unit 54 e. The information acquiring unit 54 a acquires from the air conditioner managing apparatuses 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, . . . the operation data acquired by the air conditioner managing apparatuses 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, . . . from the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c. The average value calculating unit 54 b, the reference value determining unit 54 c, and the correcting unit 54 d of the remote management apparatus 50 have the same functions as the average value calculating unit 34 b, the reference value determining unit 34 c, and the correcting unit 34 e of the comprehensive managing apparatus 30 in the present embodiment. The transmitting unit 54 e transmits to the air conditioner managing apparatuses 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, . . . the values acquired by the average value calculating unit 54 b, the reference value determining unit 54 c, and the correcting unit 54 d. Thereby, each of the air conditioner managing apparatuses 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, . . . can acquire the reference value and the average value that takes into consideration not only the operation data acquired from the air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . installed in one property, but also the operation data acquired from other air conditioners 10 a, 10 b, 10 c, . . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . .
(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.
(4) In the present embodiment, the operation time is the thermostat ON time of each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . , but the operation time may be the time during which each of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . 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 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . is ON; furthermore, the operation time may also be the time when only the fan is running.
(5) The corrective action selecting unit 34 f considers the operation data, such as the set temperature and the operation time, of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . identified by the identifying unit 34 d 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.
(6) In the present embodiment, the graphs (i.e., the symbols 804 a, 804 b) 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.
(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 803 a, 803 b) that show the average operation status during the interval and the graphs (i.e., the symbols 804 a, 804 b) 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.
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 804 a, 804 b) 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.
(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.
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.
(9) In the air conditioner managing apparatus 40 according to the present embodiment, when a specific indoor unit of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . is selected in the table 504 (refer to FIG. 5) displayed in the identification screen, the corresponding indoor unit of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . in the graph 505 is color highlighted; however, a design may be adopted wherein the corresponding indoor unit of the indoor units 12 aa-12 ad, 12 ba-12 bd, 12 ca-12 cd, . . . in the graph 505 flashes on and off instead of or in combination with the color highlighting.

Other Embodiment

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

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

20 Local controller
30 Comprehensive managing apparatus
40 Air conditioner managing apparatus
50 Remote management apparatus

Patent Document 1

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-302092

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

10. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein

11. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising:

12. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein

13. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein

14. An air conditioner managing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: