Patent Publication Number: US-2012040601-A1

Title: Air conditioning controlling device and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-179362, filed Aug. 10, 2010, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY 
     The present invention relates to an air conditioning controlling technology, and, in particular, relates to an air conditioning controlling, technology for controlling an conditioning environment in a target location within a space, using a distributed system heat flow analysis method. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     When maintaining a space in a desired existing environment, not only is air conditioning equipment installed in the air-conditioned space for which air conditioning is to be performed, but also temperature sensors are disposed at locations that are representative of each area of the air-conditioned space, and operating quantities for the airflow speed, the airflow direction, the temperature, and the like, of the conditioned air that is provided from the air conditioning equipment are determined in accordance with the outputs of the temperature sensors. 
     On the other hand, in a large space, such as an office, when it comes to the placement of people, lighting, electronic equipment, and the like that act as heat sources, and the placement of desks, chairs, partitions, and the like that become obstructions to the airflow, typically the priority is on efficiency in the work operations, and thus this type of office layout is not designed with a priority on air conditioning control. Because of this, inevitably there wilt be strong “thermal interferences” when it comes to the positional relationships between the vents of the air conditioning facilities and the temperature sensors (See, for example, HIROI, Kazuo: “Fundamentals and Applications of Digital Metering Equipment Control Systems,” Industrial Engineering Company, pp. 152-156, October 1987). 
     Consequently, in an implementation that is structured from a plurality of typical single-loop feedback control systems, it is difficult to stabilize the operating quantities due to this type of thermal interference, making optimal control difficult. For example, when the magnitude of the change in temperature when moving to the desired air conditioning environment is large, there will be fluctuations in the state of control, and the operating quantities will be unstable because of mismatched operations wherein each of the feedback systems is individually searching for a stabilize state within the system as a whole. 
     A method that uses the distributed system heat flow analysis technique has been considered as a method for obtaining stabilized operating quantities for such air-conditioned spaces wherein complex thermal interferences occur. The use of this distributed system heat flow analysis technique enables the establishment of a desired thermal convection field or mass diffusion field through analyzing the sensitivity, defined as the proportion of change of the design target relative to a change in a design parameter, through solving perturbation adjoint equation for a non-linear problem regarding the design target, based on the design target that has been set (See, for example, Japanese Patent 4016066 (“JP &#39;066”)). 
     Consequently, it is possible to use the distributed system heat flow analysis techniques to not only estimate the distributions of temperatures and airflows within the air-conditioned space from the state of air conditioning that has been inputted for the air-conditioned space, but also possible to calculate the sensitivity, which indicates the amount of change of the flow speed, flow direction, and temperature within each element space that is established within the air-conditioned space, necessary in order to satisfy the target temperature, based on this distribution and the target temperatures at target locations of the air-conditioned space, to enable the blowing speed and the blowing temperature of the new conditioned air at each vent, and the operating quantity, including the intake flow speed with which air within the room is drawn into each individual intake vent, based on the sensitivity data. 
     Because the desired environmental state is analyzed as a system-wide stabilize state, it becomes possible to obtain stabilized operating quantities, making it possible to approach the desired state of the temperature environment with excellent efficiency. In particular, even in cases wherein it is difficult to determine the setting values, such as when starting up the air conditioning, the operating quantities can be set through the distributed system heat flow analysis technique, making it possible to achieve the targeted thermal environment state rapidly. 
     However, in the end, this type of distributed system heat flow analysis technique is no more than a simulation, and it is necessary to model the air conditioning space that is subject to control, the external noises, and the like. Consequently, even if the air conditioning equipment is controlled through the operating quantities that are obtained, there has been a problem in that, for example, there will be a temperature error between the temperature distribution estimated by the simulation and the actual temperature distribution within the air-conditioned space. 
     The present invention is to solve this type of problem, and the object thereof is to provide an air conditioner controlling technology able to correct the error that occurs when the air conditioning is controlled based on the operating quantities obtained through the distributed system heat flow analysis technique. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to achieve such an object, the air conditioning device according to the present invention is an air conditioning controlling device, equipped with a heat flow analysis processing portion for using a distributed system heat flow analysis technique to estimate distributions of temperatures and airflows in an air-conditioned space from an inputted state of air conditioning of the air-conditioned space. It is also for estimating an operating quantity pertaining to air conditioning control based on these distributions and on a target temperature in a target location within the air-conditioned space. Additionally the device performs air conditioning estimated control, based on the operating quantity obtained from the heat flow analysis processing portion, and controls the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space in its entirety through regulating, through an air conditioning system, a conditioned air blowing speed and blowing temperature at individual blowing vents provided within the air-conditioned space. It includes an air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion for performing an evaluation for switching to an air conditioning feedback control based on an end condition of the effect of the air conditioning estimated control, set in advance, after the air conditioning estimated control has started. It also includes an air conditioning instructing portion for instructing the air conditioning system to start executing the air conditioning feedback control operations with the estimated temperature as the setting temperature when it has been decided by the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion to switch to the air conditioning feedback control. 
     At this time the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion may check whether or not a temperature field has stabilized at a subject location through comparing the measured temperature change at the specific subject location during a specific evaluation time interval to a normal evaluation temperature range, and if the stability of the temperature field at the subject location is confirmed, may decide to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location. 
     Moreover, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion may decide to switch to air conditioning feedback control for a subject location, in order to correct a temperature error, through comparing, to a tolerance range that is set in advance for the temperature error, a temperature error between the measured temperature and a reference temperature that is an estimated temperature at the specific subject location, obtained through the heat flow analysis processing portion, after the air conditioning estimated control has been started. 
     Further, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion may compare the measured temperature to a reference temperature, which is the measured temperature measured at the specific subject location at a time that is a specific evaluation time interval prior to the measured temperature, and may calculate a measured temperature slope for the subject location from the measured temperature change obtained for the subject location, and may decide to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location when the measured temperature at the target location is equal to or greater than the estimated temperature at the subject location and the measured temperature slope is equal to or greater than a reference slope for the measured temperature corresponding to the temperature error, set in advance, and when the measured temperature for the target location is less than the estimated temperature and the measured temperature slope is less than a reference slope for the measured temperature, corresponding to the temperature error, set in advance. 
     Furthermore, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion may decide to switch to the air conditioning feedback control at the point in time that a specific wait time has elapsed after the start of the air conditioning estimated control. 
     Additionally, an air conditioning method according to the present invention is used in air conditioning controlling device, equipped with a heat flow analysis processing portion for using a distributed system heat flow analysis technique to estimate distributions of temperatures and airflows in an air-conditioned space from an inputted state of air conditioning of the air-conditioned space, and for estimating an operating quantity pertaining to air conditioning control based on these distributions and on a target temperature in a target location within the air-conditioned space. The method performs air conditioning estimated control, based on the operating quantity obtained from the heat flow analysis processing portion, for controlling the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space in its entirety through regulating, through an air conditioning system, a conditioned air blowing speed and blowing temperature at individual blowing vents provided within the air-conditioned space. The method includes an air conditioning feedback control evaluating step wherein an air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion performs an evaluation for switching to an air conditioning feedback control based on an end condition of the effect of the air conditioning estimated control, set in advance, after the air conditioning estimated control has started; and an air conditioning instructing step for instructing the air conditioning system to start executing the air conditioning feedback control operations with the estimated temperature as the setting temperature when it has been decided by the air conditioning feedback control evaluating step to switch to the air conditioning feedback control. 
     At this time, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating step may check whether or not a temperature field has stabilized at a subject location through comparing the measured temperature change at the specific subject location during a specific evaluation time interval to a normal evaluation temperature range, and if the stability of the temperature field at the subject location is confirmed, may decide to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location. 
     Moreover, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating step may decide to switch to air conditioning feedback control for a subject location, in order to correct a temperature error, through comparing, to a tolerance range that is set in advance for the temperature error, a temperature error between the measured temperature and a reference temperature that is an estimated temperature at the specific subject location, obtained through the heat flow analysis processing portion, after the air conditioning estimated control has been started. 
     Further, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating step may compare the measured temperature to a reference temperature, which is the measured temperature measured at the specific subject location at a time that is a specific evaluation time interval prior to the measured temperature, and may calculate a measured temperature slope for the subject location from the measured temperature change obtained for the subject location, and may decide to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location when the measured temperature at the target location is equal to or greater than the estimated temperature at the subject location and the measured temperature slope is equal to or greater than a reference slope for the measured temperature corresponding to the temperature error, set in advance, and when the measured temperature for the target location is less than the estimated temperature and the measured temperature slope is less than a reference slope for the measured temperature, corresponding to the temperature error, set in advance. 
     Furthermore, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating step may decide to switch to the air conditioning feedback control at the point in time that a specific wait time has elapsed after the start of the air conditioning estimated control. 
     The present invention enables the adjustment of the error that occurs when performing air conditioning control using the operating quantities obtained from the distributed system heat flow analysis technique through a separate air conditioning feedback control operation for a target location through the air conditioning system. Consequently, this enables the provision, to the occupants within the air-conditioned space, of a comfortable air conditioning environment, set by the occupants. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an air conditioning controlling device according to an example. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating the air conditioning, controlling operation in the air conditioning controlling device. 
         FIG. 3  is a structural example of boundary condition data. 
         FIG. 4  is a structural example of measured temperature data. 
         FIG. 5  is a structural example of distribution data. 
         FIG. 6  is a structural example of target data. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning estimated control procedure according to an example. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning feedback control procedure according to the example. 
         FIG. 9  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to the example. 
         FIG. 10  is a structural example of an air-conditioned space that is subject to air-conditioning. 
         FIG. 11  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the results of a simulation. 
         FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning feedback control procedure according to another example. 
         FIG. 13  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the temperature error and the reference slope. 
         FIG. 14  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to the other example. 
         FIG. 15  is another explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to the other example. 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning feedback control procedure according to a further example. 
         FIG. 17  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to the further example. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Examples for carrying out the present invention are explained next in reference to the figures. 
     First of all, an air conditioning, controlling device according to the present invention is explained in reference to  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating a structure of an air conditioning controlling device according to an example. 
     The air conditioning controlling device  10  includes, overall, an information processing device such as a personal computer or a server, and has a function for controlling the air conditioning environment at a target location of the air-conditioned space  30  through controlling an air conditioning system  20  that performs the air conditioning of the air-conditioned space  30 . 
     In particular, the distributed system heat flow analysis technique is used in the air conditioning controlling device  10  is provided with a heat flow analysis processing portion that not only estimates the distributions of the temperatures and airflows within the air-conditioned space  30  from the inputted state of air conditioning in the air-conditioned space  30 , but also estimates the operating, quantities pertaining to the air conditioning control based on the distribution and on target temperatures of target locations within the air-conditioned space  30 , and performs the air conditioning estimated control, for controlling the air conditioning environment of the entirety of the air-conditioned space  30 , through adjusting, by the air conditioning system  20 , the blowing speed and blowing temperature of the conditioned air at each blowing vent that is provided in the air-conditioned space  30 , based on the operating quantities obtained from the heat flow analysis processing portion. 
     In the present form of embodiment, the temperature error between the measured temperatures, measured at subject locations within the air-conditioned space  30 , and the estimated temperatures at the subject locations, obtained from the heat flow analysis processing portion, after the beginning of air conditioning estimated control, are compared, within the air conditioning controlling device  10 , to a tolerance range that is set in advance for the temperature error, to evaluate switching to air conditioning feedback control for the target location in order to correct the temperature error, and if the decision is to switch to air conditioning feedback control, an instruction is issued to the air conditioning system to commence execution of air conditioning feedback control operations with the estimated temperature as the setting temperature. 
     Air Conditioning Controlling Device 
       FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  will be referenced next to explain in detail the air conditioning controlling device  10  according to the present example.  FIG. 2  is a flow chart illustrating the air conditioning controlling operation in the air conditioning controlling device. 
     This air conditioning controlling device  10  is provided with a communication interface portion (hereinafter termed the communication I/F portion)  11 , an operation inputting portion  12 , a screen displaying portion  13 , a storing portion  14 , and a calculation processing portion  15 , as the primary functional components thereof. 
     The communication I/F portion  11  is made from a dedicated data communication circuit, and has the function of performing data communication with external devices, such as the air conditioning system, connected through a communication line L. 
     The operation inputting portion  12  is made from an operation inputting device, such as a keyboard or a mouse, and has a function for detecting operations by an operator and outputting them to the calculation processing portion  15 . 
     The screen displaying portion  13  is made from a screen displaying device such as an LCD or a PDP, and has a function for displaying, on a screen, various types of information, such as an operating menu and input/output data, in accordance with instructions from the calculation processing portion  15 . 
     The storing portion  14  is made from a storage device, such as a hard disk or a semiconductor memory, and has a function for storing various types of processing data and a program  14 P used by the calculation processing portion  15 . 
     A program  14 P is a program that is read out and executed by the calculation processing portion  15 , and is stored in advance into the storing portion  14  through the communication I/F portion  11  from an external device or recording medium. 
     As the primary processing data that is stored in the storing portion  14  there is the setting condition data  14 A. The setting condition data  14 A is various types of data that form the setting conditions when performing the heat flow analysis processes, such as spatial condition data that represent locations and shapes pertaining to the structural elements that have an impact on the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space  30 , such as locations and shapes pertaining to the air-conditioned space  30 , conditioned air blowing vents formed in the air conditioning system  20 , and the like, along with, for example, heat-producing object data that indicate the layout position, amount of heat produced, and shape of each heat-producing Object that is disposed in the air-conditioned space  30 , where this setting condition data  14 A is inputted in advance through the communication I/F portion  11  from an external device, such as the air conditioning system  20 , or from a recording medium, or the like, and stored in the storing portion  14 . 
     The calculation processing portion  15  has a microprocessor, such as a CPU and the peripheral circuitry thereof, and has the function of embodying a variety of processing portions through reading in and executed the program  14 P from the storing portion  14 . 
     The primary processing portions embodied by the calculation processing portion  15  include a data inputting portion  15 A, a heat flow analysis processing portion  1513 , an air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C, and an air conditioning instructing portion  15 D. 
     The data inputting portion  15 A has a function for storing in advance, into the storing portion  14 , the setting condition data  14 A pertaining to the air-conditioned space  30 , inputted through the communication VP portion  11  from the external device, such as the air conditioning system  20 , or from a recording medium, and a function for obtaining, from the air conditioning system  20  through the communication I/F portion  11 , boundary condition data  14 B that express the degree of impact on the air conditioning environment of the structural elements that impact the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space  30 , such as the blowing speeds and blowing temperatures of the conditioned air that is blown from the vents that are provided in the air-conditioned space  30 , and measured temperature data  14 C that includes the measured temperatures that are measured by the temperature sensors  22  that are provided in the air-conditioned space  30 . 
     Additionally, the data inputting portion  15 A has a function that, at regular intervals or in response to a change in setting condition data  14 A, boundary condition data  14 B, or measured temperature data  14 C, evaluates whether or not an air conditioning control timing has arrived, and in response to the arrival of the air conditioning controlling timing, generates again the setting condition data  14 A, the boundary condition data  14 B, and the measured temperature data  14 C for performing the air conditioning control again. 
     The setting condition data  14 A may be inputted through an operator operation using the operation inputting portion  12 , or setting condition data  14 A regarding the air-conditioned space  30  may be generated based on data obtained from various systems through the communication I/F portion  11 . 
       FIG. 3  is a structural example of boundary condition data. Here the degrees of impact exhibited by the airflow speed and airflow direction and temperature are stored as boundary conditions at that point in time for each structural element wherein there has been a change in the impact on the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space  30 , of those structural elements included in the boundary condition data. For example, for a “blowing vent,” the blowing speed u, v, and w (components in three dimensions) of the conditioned air that blows from the vent, and the air temperature T of the conditioned air that blows from the blowing vent, are recorded, and for an “intake vent,” the intake flow speed u, v, and w (components in three dimensions) of the room air that is drawn through the intake flow vent is recorded. 
       FIG. 4  is a structural example of measured temperature data. Here the location x, y, and z (components in three dimensions) of the subject location, for a subject location j within the air-conditioned space  30 , and the temperature T of the air that is measured by a temperature sensor  22  that is provided at the subject location are recorded. Note that the subject location j is not limited to a single location, but rather a plurality may be established within a scope that can be controlled (a scope wherein a solution can be found). 
     The heat flow analysis processing portion  1513  has a function that uses the distributed system heat flow analysis technique to estimate distribution data  14 D that represent the distribution of temperatures and airflows in the air-conditioned space  30  from the inputted boundary condition data  14 B, which express the state of air conditioning within the air-conditioned space  30 , and from the setting condition data  14 A, a function for obtaining target data  14 E that express target temperatures at target locations within the air-conditioned space  30 , from data inputting operations by an operator using the operation inputting portion  12 , and a function for estimating the operating quantity data  14 F that express the operating quantities pertaining to the air conditioning system, based on the distribution data  14 D and the target data  14 E. 
     The distributed system heat flow analysis technique is a technique for evaluating heat flows between contiguous element spaces by dividing the applicable space into a mesh of element spaces, based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD). In the function for estimating the distribution data  14 D, in the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B, a known technique, such as that of KATO, Shinsuke; KOBAYASHI, Hikaru; and, MURAKAMI, Shuzo: “Scales for Assessing Contribution of Heat Sources and Sinks to Temperature Distributions in Room by Means of Numerical Simulation,” Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Air Conditioning and Sanitation Engineering Reports No. 69, pp. 36 to 47, April 1998, that uses forward analyses of the distributed system heat flow analysis technique, for example, may be used. Additionally, for the function that estimates the operating quantity data  14 F, a well known technique, such as that in JP &#39;066, which uses reverse analysis of the distributed system heat flow analysis technique, for example, may be used. 
       FIG. 5  is a structural example of distribution data. Here not only is the airflow velocity u CFD , v CFD , and w CFD  (components in three dimensions) of the air within the room in each element space stored as airflow velocity distribution data for each location x, y, and z (components in three dimensions) of the element spaces that are set by dividing the air-conditioned space  30  into the form of a mesh, but also the air temperatures T CFD  of the room air at each of the element spaces are stored as the temperature distribution data. 
       FIG. 6  is a structural example of target data. Here the locations x, y, and z (components in three dimensions) and shapes (sizes) dx, dy, and dz (components in three dimensions) of the spatial conditions of the target locations i are recorded, and the target temperatures T of the target locations i are also recorded, as boundary conditions. Note that the target location i is not limited to a single location, but rather may be a plurality in a scope that can be controlled (a scope wherein a solution can be found). 
     The air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C has a function for evaluating whether or not to switch to air conditioning feedback control for a subject location j, through comparing a measured temperature T M  at a subject location j within the air-conditioned space  30 , which is included in the measured temperature data  14 C, to a reference temperature pertaining to the subject location j, after the commencement of the air conditioning estimated control for controlling the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space  30  in its entirety, based on the operating quantity data  14 F obtained from the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B. 
     The air conditioning instructing portion  15 D has a function for instructing the air conditioning system  20 , through the communication I/F portion  11 , to perform air conditioning estimated control for controlling the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space  30  in its entirety based on the operating quantity data  14 F obtained from the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B, and a function for instructing the air conditioning system  20 , through the communication FT portion  11 , to begin to perform air conditioning feedback control operations, with the estimated temperatures T S  as the setting temperatures T SP , when the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C decides to switch to air conditioning feedback control, in order to bring the target location i within the air-conditioned space  30  to the target temperature. 
     Air Conditioning System 
     The structure of the air conditioning system  20  according to the present example is explained next in reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     The air conditioning system  20  can be provided with an air conditioning processing portion  21 , temperature sensors  22 , and a supply air regulating portion  23 , as the primary functional portions thereof. The air conditioning system  20  has, in addition to these functional portions, a structure that is identical to the typical air conditioning equipment that is provided at structures such as buildings and shops. 
     The air conditioning processing portion  20  is made from a calculation processing portion having a microprocessor such as a CPU, and the peripheral circuitry thereof, and has a function for performing the conditioning of the air of the air-conditioned space  30  in its entirety through regulating the air that is supplied to the air conditioning equipment that is provided in the air-conditioned space  30 , through controlling the supply air regulating portion  23  based on operating quantities that are provided in the instructions, in response to air conditioning estimated control instructions from the air conditioning controlling device  10  through a communication line L, and a function for performing air conditioning feedback control, through regulating the air that is supplied to the air conditioning equipment pertaining to a subject location j, by controlling the supply air regulating portion  23  so that the measured temperature T M  that is measured by the temperature sensor  22  at the subject location j will go to the setting temperature T SP  pertaining to the subject location j, receive in the instruction, in response to an air conditioning feedback control instruction from the air conditioning controlling device  10 . The air conditioning feedback control may use VAV local-loop control if central air conditioning equipment is provided in the air-conditioned space  30 , or, if discrete air conditioning equipment is provided in the air-conditioned space  30 , may use local-loop control of the discrete air conditioning equipment. 
     The temperature sensor  22  is made from an ordinary temperature sensor, and has a function for measuring the temperature of the subject location j that is established in the air-conditioned space  30 , to output it to the air conditioning processing portion  21 . 
     The supply air regulating portion  23  is made from an airflow rate regulating device, such as a valve, and has a function for regulating the air that is supplied to the air conditioning equipment that is provided in the air-conditioned space  30  in response to control from the air conditioning processing portion  21 . 
     The operation of the air conditioning controlling device according to the present example is explained next in reference to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 7 , and  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning estimated control procedure according to this example.  FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning feedback control procedure according to the example. 
     Air Conditioning Estimated Control Operations 
     The air conditioning estimated control operations of the air conditioning controlling device according to the present example is explained first, in reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 . 
     The calculation processing portion  15  of the air conditioning controlling device  10  begins the air conditioning controlling process of  FIG. 7  at the time of startup or in response to an operator operation. Note that the setting condition data  14 A is stored in the storing portion  14  in advance, (prior to starting the execution of the air conditioning controlling process. 
     First, the data inputting portion  15 A performs data communication with the air conditioning system  20 , through the communication I/F portion  11 , to obtain boundary condition data  14 B such as the blowing velocity u, v, and w (components in three dimensions) and the air temperature T at each blowing vent of the air-conditioned space  30 , and the intake velocity u, v, and w (components in three dimensions) at each intake vent, and obtains the measured temperature data  14 C that expresses the measured temperatures T M  at the subject locations j within the air-conditioned space  30  (Step  100 ). 
     Next the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B obtains the setting condition data  14 A from the storing portion  14  (Step  101 ), to calculate (Step  102 ) the distribution data  14 D that expresses the distributions of the temperatures and airflows within the air-conditioned space  30  through forward analysis through the distributed system heat flow analysis technique for the state of the air-conditioned space  30 , based on these setting condition data  14 A and the boundary condition data  14 B produced by the data inputting portion  15 A. 
     Thereafter, the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B obtains target data  14 E that expresses the target temperatures at the target locations within the air-conditioned space  30 , through a data inputting operation of an operator using the operation inputting portion  12 , and compares the target data  14 E to the distribution data  14 D to discern whether or not there is divergence regarding the target locations in the air-conditioned space  30  (Step  104 ). 
     If at this point the difference between the air temperature at a target location, obtained from the distribution data  14 D, and the target temperature specified in the target data  14 E is a temperature difference that is no more than a threshold value temperature difference that has been set in advance, then the evaluation is that there is no divergence in the air conditioning environment (Step  105 : N)), and processing advances to Step  108 , described below. 
     On the other hand, if the difference between the air temperature at the target location, obtained from the distribution data  14 D, and the target temperature that is specified in the target data  14 E is a temperature difference exceeding the threshold value temperature difference that has been set in advance, then the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B determines that there is a divergence in the air conditioning environment (Step  105 : YES), and performs a reverse analysis of the distribution of temperatures and airflows within the air-conditioned space  30  using the distributed system heat flow analysis technique, to calculate sensitivity data that expresses the degree of change in the airflow velocities and airflow directions and temperatures, in each of the element spaces, required in order to satisfy the target data, and then back-calculates, based on this sensitivity data, the operating quantity data  14 F, which includes new blowing velocities and blowing temperatures for the conditioned air at each of the blowing vents, and intake air velocities for the room air that is drawn in through each of the intake vents (Step  106 ). 
     In response, the air conditioning instructing portion  15 D specifies, to the air conditioning system  20  through the communication I/F portion  11 , air conditioning estimated control for controlling the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space  30  in its entirety based on the operating quantity data  14 F that has been calculated by the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B (Step  107 ). 
     Thereafter, at regular time intervals, or in response to a change in newly-acquired boundary condition data or heat generating object data, the data inputting portion  15 A evaluates the arrival of an air conditioning estimated control timing (Step  108 ), and, in response to the arrival of the air conditioning estimated control timing (Step  108 : YES), returns to Step  100 , and starts the air conditioning estimated control again. 
     Air Conditioning Feedback Control Operations 
     The air conditioning feedback control operations for the air conditioning controlling device according to the present example is explained next in reference to  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 8 . 
     The calculation processing portion  15  of the air conditioning controlling device  10 , after executing the air conditioning estimated control procedures of  FIG. 7 , described above, starts the air conditioning feedback control procedures of  FIG. 8 . 
     The air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C first extracts the measured temperatures T M  for the subject locations j from the measured temperature data  14 C from the data inputting portion  15 A (Step  110 ), and calculates a measured temperature change ΔT MM  (absolute value) that expresses the change in the measured temperature T M  over an evaluation time interval Δt extending back in the past from the present time t (Step  111 ). 
     Here the measured temperature change ΔT MM  is compared to a normal evaluation temperature range T D  that is set in advance in the storing portion  14  (Step  112 ), and if the measured temperature change ΔT MM  is larger than the normal evaluation temperature range T D  (Step  112 : NO), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C returns to Step  110 , and performs repetitive checks until the temperature field in the subject location j stabilizes. 
     On the other hand, if the measured temperature change ΔT MM  is within the normal evaluation temperature range T D  (Step  112 : YES), then it has been confirmed that the temperature field at the subject location j has stabilized, and thus the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C extracts the estimated temperature T S , as the reference temperature for the subject location j, from the distribution data  14 D produced by the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B (Step  113 ), and, at the present time t, calculates a temperature error ΔT SM  (absolute value) between the estimated temperature T S  and the actual measured temperature T SM  for the subject location j (Step  114 ). 
     At this point, the temperature error ΔT SM  and the tolerance range T L , set in advance in the storing portion  14 , are compared (Step  115 ), and if the temperature error ΔT SM  is greater than the tolerance range (Step  115 : YES), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C decides to switch to air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j in order to correct the temperature error ΔT SM , and provides notification to the air conditioning instructing portion  15 D of the setting temperature data  14 G wherein the estimated temperature T S  of the subject location j has been set as a new setting temperature T SP  for the subject location j (Step  116 ). 
     The air conditioning instructing portion  15 D instructs the air conditioning system, through the communication I/F portion  11 , to begin execution of the air conditioning feedback control operation with the estimated temperature TS at the subject location j as the setting temperature TSP, based on the setting temperature data  14 G (Step  117 ), to conclude the series of air conditioning feedback control processes. 
     On the other hand, if the temperature error ΔT SM  is within the tolerance range T L , (Step  115 : NO), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C concludes the series of air conditioning feedback control processes. 
       FIG. 9  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to an example. Here air conditioning estimated control starts at time t 0 , and the measured temperature T M  at a subject location j falls gradually from the temperature T t   M  to reach the temperature T t1   M  at time t 1 , and, thereafter, falls monotonically to temperature T t   M  at the present time t. 
     Here, at time t 1 , the measured temperature change ΔT MM , corresponding to a time going back from the present time t by the evaluation time interval ΔT, is calculated as ΔT MM =ABS (T t1   M −T t   M ). The function ABS ( ) is the function for calculating the absolute value. 
     If this measured temperature change ΔT MM  is within the normal evaluation temperature range T D , then the evaluation is that the temperature field within the subject location j is stable, that the measured temperature change ΔT MM  is not transient, and that a correction should be made through air conditioning feedback control to the subject location j. 
     Additionally, a temperature error ΔT SM  is calculated as ΔT SM =ABS (T S −T t   M ). At this point, if the temperature error T SM  is greater than the tolerance range T L , then the divergence between the estimated temperature T S  and the actual measured temperature T M  at the subject location j is large, and so the decision is made to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j in order to correct the temperature error T SM . Given this, the air conditioning feedback control operations are started by the air conditioning system  20  with the estimated temperature T S  for the subject location j as the setting temperature T SP . 
     Simulation Results 
       FIG. 10  is a structural example of an air-conditioned space that is subject to air-conditioning, Here four blowing vents A, B, C, and D, and nine intake vents, are disposed in the ceiling of the air-conditioned space  30 , and three heat producing objects, which are personal computers, or the like, exist on the floor of the air-conditioned space  30 . Additionally, target locations i that are subject to air conditioning estimated control, and subject locations j that are subject to air conditioning feedback control are each provided in the air-conditioned space  30 . 
       FIG. 11  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the results of a simulation. Here the changes in the temperatures and airflow speeds in each of the locations in the air-conditioned space  30  are illustrated at time t 0 , which is at the beginning of the air conditioning estimated control, time t, at the beginning of air conditioning feedback control, and time t 2 , after a specific amount of time has elapsed after the beginning of air conditioning feedback control. 
     First, for a target location i, the estimated temperature at time t 0 , prior to the execution of the air conditioning estimated control, was 27.6° C. and the target temperature was 25.0° C., but through performing the air conditioning estimated control, at time t the estimated temperature changed to 25.0° C., which can be seen to match the initial target temperature. 
     Additionally, for the blowing vents A through D, at time t 0 , prior to the performance of the air conditioning estimated control, the airflow speeds of the blowing air were each 1.00 m/s, and the temperatures were each 26.0° C. and it can be seen that at time t the airflow speeds of the blowing air were changed, respectively, to 1.33 m/s, 1.11 m/s, 1.13 m/s, and 1.05 m/s, and the temperatures were changed, respectively, to 23.4° C., 23.6° C., 25.2° C., and 25.5° C. through the performance of the air conditioning estimated control. 
     Furthermore, for the blowing vent A, at time t 2 , after air conditioning feedback control has been performed, the airflow speed of the blowing air was changed to 0.85 m/s, and the temperature was changed to 23.9° C., and it can be seen that airflow feedback control has been performed for the blowing vent A. 
     As a result, while at time t, after air conditioning estimated control has been performed, the estimated temperature T s  for the subject location j was 24.9° C. and the measured temperature T M  was 24.5° C., for a temperature error ΔT SM  of 0.4° C., and air conditioning feedback control was performed using, as the setting temperature T SP , the 24.9° C., which is equal to the estimated temperature T S , so that at time t 2 , thereafter, the measured temperature has changed to 24.5° C., so it can be seen that the measured temperature T M  has been made equal to the estimated temperature T S  through performing air conditioning feedback control. 
     In this way, in the present example, the measured temperature T M  measured at a subject location j within the air-conditioned space  30 , after the beginning of the air conditioning estimated control, is compared to a reference temperature pertaining to the subject location j by the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C to evaluate a switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j in order to correct the temperature error ΔT SM , and if the decision is to switch to the air conditioning feedback control, then there is an instruction from the air conditioning instructing portion  15 D to the air conditioning system  20  to start performing air conditioning feedback control operations with the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j as the setting temperature T SP . 
     This makes it possible to adjust, through the air conditioning feedback control operations by the air conditioning system  20 , the difference that is produced when performing air conditioning control using the operating quantities obtained through the distributed system heat flow analysis technique. 
     Consequently, this enables the provision, to the occupants within the air-conditioned space  30 , of a comfortable air conditioning environment, set by the occupants. 
     Additionally, in the present example whether or not the temperature field at the subject location j has stabilized is checked through comparing the measured temperature change ΔT MM  at the subject location j over a specific evaluation interval Δt to the normal evaluation temperature range T D  in the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C, and the decision to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j is made based on the temperature error ΔT SM  after confirming that the temperature field at the subject location j has stabilized, thus making it possible to evaluate the switch to the air conditioning feedback control after confirming that the measured temperature change ΔT MM  is not transient, and that it should be corrected through air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j. 
     Doing so makes it possible to avoid the inappropriate execution of air conditioning feedback control, through deciding not to switch to air conditioning feedback control when the measured temperature change ΔT MM  is transient. 
     Moreover, comparing the estimated temperature T S , which is a standard temperature at the subject location j, obtained from the heat flow analysis processing portion  1513 , and the measured temperature T M  at the subject location j, to the tolerance range T L , which has been set in advance for the temperature error ΔT SM , doing so after the start of the air conditioning estimated control, enables the accurate evaluation of the switching to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j because the air conditioning system  20  is instructed by the air conditioning instructing portion  15 B to start performing the estimated feedback control operations, with the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j as the setting temperature T SP  when there is a decision to switch to the air conditioning feedback control through evaluating the switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j in order to correct the temperature error ΔT Sm . 
     Next an air conditioning controlling device  10  according to another example is explained in reference to  FIG. 12 .  FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning feedback control procedure. 
     In the above example, a case wherein the stability of the temperature field at the subject location j, at that specific point in time, is confirmed to be stable when evaluating the switch to the air conditioning feedback control was explained as an example. In the present example, a case will be explained wherein the evaluation of the switch to the air conditioning feedback control is performed through estimating whether or not the measured temperature T M  will converge within the tolerance range T L , based on the slope of the measured temperature T M  for the subject location j. 
     In the present example, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C has a function for calculating a measured temperature slope a at the subject location j from the measured temperature change ΔT MM  at the subject location j, obtained through comparing the measured temperature T M  at the subject location j to a reference temperature that is the measured temperature that was measured at the subject location j a specific time interval ΔJ in the past from the measured temperature T M , and a function for comparing a reference slope A(ΔT SM ) of the measured temperature T M , corresponding to the temperature error ΔT SM  that is set in advance, and the measured temperature slope a, where if the measured temperature T M  at the subject location j is equal to or greater than the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j, and the measured temperature slope a is equal to or greater than the reference slope A(ΔT SM ), or if the measured temperature T M  at the subject location j is less than the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j and the measured temperature slope a is less than the reference slope −A(ΔT SM ), the evaluation is to switch to air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j. 
     Note that the other structures in the air conditioning controlling device  10  according to the present example are identical to those in the above example, so detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. 
     The air conditioning feedback control operation, as the operation of the air conditioning controlling device  10  in the present form of embodiment, will be explained next in reference to  FIG. 12 . 
     The calculation processing portion  15  of the air conditioning controlling device  10 , after executing the air conditioning estimated control procedures of  FIG. 7 , described above, starts the air conditioning feedback control procedures of  FIG. 12 . 
     The air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C first extracts the measured temperature T M  for the subject location j from the measured temperature data  14 C acquired by the data inputting portion  15 A (Step  200 ), and extracts the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j from the distribution data  14 D obtained by the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B (Step  201 ), to calculate the temperature error ΔT SM  (absolute value) between the estimated temperature T S  and the actual measured temperature T M  at the subject location j at the current time t (Step  202 ). 
     Following this, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C calculates the slope a=ΔT MM /Δt of the measured temperature T M  over the evaluation time interval Δt from the measured temperature change ΔT MM  that shows the change in the measured temperature T M  over the evaluation time interval Δt going back from the current time t (Step  203 ), to obtain a reference slope A(ΔT SM ) at the temperature error ΔT SM  based on a conversion table or a function equation set in advance in the storing portion  14  (Step  204 ). 
       FIG. 13  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the relationship between the temperature error and the reference inclination. A relationship is shown here wherein the reference slope A(ΔT SM ) is monotonically decreasing with an increase in the temperature error ΔT SM , in both the region wherein the temperature error ΔT SM  is positive and the region wherein it is negative. This relationship is determined by the size of the air-conditioned space  30  and the capability of the air conditioning equipment in the air conditioning system  20 , and is controlled by the time constant of the temperature change, and may be obtained through experimentation, or the like, in advance. This relationship may be expressed by a conversion table, or a function equation may be used. 
     Following this, the measured temperature T M  and the estimated temperature T S  are compared (Step  205 ), and if the measured temperature T M  is equal to or greater than the estimated temperature T S  (Step  205 : YES), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C compares the measured temperature slope a to the reference slope A(ΔT SM ) (Step  206 ). 
     If at this point the measured temperature slope a is equal to or greater than the reference slope A(ΔT SM ) (Step  206 : YES), then the measured temperature T M  at the subject location j is projected to not converge within the tolerance range T L , and thus the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C decides to switch to air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j in order to correct the temperature error ΔT SM , and notifies the air conditioning instructing portion  15 D of the setting temperature data  14 G wherein the estimated temperature T S  for the subject location j is set as a new setting temperature T SP  at the subject location j (Step  207 ). 
     The air conditioning instructing portion  15 D instructs the air conditioning system, through the communication I/F portion  11 , to begin execution of the air conditioning feedback control operation with the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j as the setting temperature T SP , based on the setting temperature data  140  (Step  208 ); to conclude the series of air conditioning feedback control processes. 
     On the other hand, if in Step  206 , the measured temperature slope a is less than the reference slope A(ΔT SM ) (Step  206 : NO), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C terminates the series of air conditioning feedback control processes. 
     Moreover, if in Step  205 , the measured temperature T M  is less than the estimated temperature T S  (Step  205 : NO), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C compares the measured temperature slope a to the reference slope −A(ΔT SM ). 
     If at this point the measured temperature slope a is less than the reference slope −A(ΔT SM ) (Step  209 : YES), then the measured temperature T M  at the subject location j is projected to diverge from the tolerance range T L , and thus the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C decides to switch to air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j in order to correct the temperature error ΔT SM , and notifies the air conditioning instructing portion  15 D of the setting temperature data  14 G wherein the estimated temperature T S  for the subject location j is set as a new setting temperature T SP  at the subject location j (Step  207 ). 
     The air conditioning instructing portion  15 D instructs the air conditioning system, through the communication I/F portion  11 , to begin execution of the air conditioning feedback control operation with the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j as the setting temperature T SP , based on the setting temperature data  14 G (Step  208 ), to conclude the series of air conditioning feedback control processes. 
     On the other hand, if in Step  209 , the measured temperature slope a is equal to or greater than the reference slope −A(ΔT SM ) (Step  209 : NC)), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C terminates the series of air conditioning feedback control processes. 
       FIG. 14  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to another example. Here air conditioning estimated control starts at time t 0 , and the measured temperature T M  at a subject location j falls gradually from the temperature T M , and thereafter falls monotonically to temperature T t   M  at the present time t, and the slope of the measured temperature goes to a. 
     While in this case the measured temperature T M  at time t is greater than or equal to the estimated temperature T S , the measured temperature slope a is less than the reference slope −A(ΔT SM ), so the measured temperature T M  is changing (in this case, failing) gradually, and thus it can be anticipated that the measured temperature T M  will converge in the future within the tolerance range T L . 
       FIG. 15  is another explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to another example. While in this case the measured temperature T M  at time t is less than the estimated temperature T S , the measured temperature slope a is greater than the reference slope −A(ΔT SM ), so the measured temperature T M  is changing (in this case, falling) relatively quickly, and thus it can be anticipated that the measured temperature T M  will diverge in the future from the tolerance range T L . 
     In this way, in the present example, in the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C, a measured temperature slope a at a subject location j is calculated from the measured temperature change ΔT MM  at the subject location j over a specific evaluation time interval, and compared to a reference slope MΔT SM ) for the measured temperature T M , corresponding to a temperature error ΔT SM , set in advance, where if the measured temperature T M  is equal to or greater than the estimated temperature T S  and the measured temperature slope a is equal to or greater than the reference slope A(ΔT SM ), or if the measured temperature T M  is less than the estimated temperature T S  and the measured temperature slope a is less than the reference slope −A(ΔT SM ), then the decision is to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j. 
     As a result, it is possible to evaluate the switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j quickly, rather than having to wait until the point in time wherein it is possible to confirm whether or not the measured temperature T M  has converged within the tolerance range T L , after the temperature field of the subject location j has stabilized after starting the air conditioning estimated control. Consequently, when there is a decision to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j, it is possible to start the air conditioning feedback control after a short period of time after the start of the air conditioning estimated control, resulting in the ability to correct the temperature error at the subject location j more quickly. 
     Next an air conditioner controlling device  10  according to a further example of the present invention is explained in reference to  FIG. 16 .  FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating the air conditioning feedback control procedure according to this example. 
     In the above example, a case wherein the stability of the temperature field at the subject location j, at that specific point in time, is confirmed to be stable when evaluating the switch to the air conditioning feedback control was explained as an example. In the present example, a case wherein the evaluation of the switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j is made at a point in time wherein a specific wait time t W  has elapsed after the start of air conditioning estimated control is explained. 
     In the present example, the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C has a function for timing the elapsed time Δt from the start of the air conditioning estimated control, and a function for comparing the elapsed time Δt to the wait time t W  that is set in the storing portion  14 , and to evaluate the switch to the air conditioning feedback control for a subject location j at the point in time that the elapsed time Δt is equal to or greater than the wait time t W . 
     Note that the other structures in the air conditioning controlling device  10  according to the example are identical to those in the above example, so detailed explanations thereof will be omitted. 
     The air conditioning feedback control operation, as the operation of the air conditioning controlling device  10  in the present example, is explained next in reference to  FIG. 16 . 
     The calculation processing portion  15  of the air conditioning controlling device  10 , after executing the air conditioning estimated control procedures of  FIG. 7 , described above, starts the air conditioning feedback control procedures of  FIG. 16 . 
     The air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C first times the elapsed time Δt until the current time from the start of the air conditioning estimated control using the heat flow analysis processing portion  15 B (Step  300 ), and compares the elapsed time Δt to the wan time t W  that is set in the storing portion  14  (Step  301 ). 
     If, at this point, the elapsed time Δt is less than the wait time t W  (Step  301 : NO), then processing returns to Step  300 . 
     On the other hand, if the elapsed time Δt is equal to or greater than the wait time t W  (Step  301 : YES), then the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C decides to switch to air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j, and notifies the air conditioning instructing portion  15 D of the setting temperature data  140  wherein the estimated temperature T S  for the subject location j is set as a new setting temperature T SP  at the subject location j (Step  302 ). 
     The air conditioning instructing portion  151 ) instructs the air conditioning system, through the communication I/F portion  111 , to begin execution of the air conditioning feedback control operation with the estimated temperature T S  at the subject location j as the setting temperature T SP , based on the setting temperature data  140  (Step  303 ), to conclude the series of air conditioning feedback control processes. 
       FIG. 17  is an explanatory diagram illustrating the air conditioning feedback control operation according to this example. Here air conditioning estimated control starts at time t 0 , and the measured temperature T M  at a subject location j falls gradually from the temperature T t0   M , and thereafter falls monotonically to temperature T t   M  at the present time t. 
     In this case, regardless of the measured temperature T M , at time t 2 , when the wait time t W  has elapsed since time t 0 , a decision is made to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location j. 
     In this way, in the present example, a decision is made in the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 C to switch to the air conditioning feedback control for the subject location at the point in time when a specific wait time t W  has elapsed since the beginning of the air conditioning estimated control, thus making it possible to simplify extremely the evaluating process in the air conditioning feedback control evaluating portion  15 . 
     While the present invention was explained above in reference to examples, the present invention is not limited by the examples set forth above. The structures and details of the present invention may be modified in a variety of ways, as can be understood by those skilled in the art, within the scope of the present invention. 
     Additionally, in each example, the explanations they were used as examples were for cases wherein a target temperature at a target location i was used as target data to control the air conditioning environment of the air-conditioned space  30  in its entirety through air conditioning estimated control using a distributed system heat flow analysis technique, where the temperature error at a subject location j that is produced at this time is corrected through air conditioning feedback control. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, airflow speeds and humidities may be inputted as target data, instead of the target temperatures, for the target locations in the air conditioning estimated control, and the airflow speeds and humidities may be used as the target state quantities. Moreover, in the air conditioning feedback control, the errors in the airflow speeds and humidities, instead of the errors in the temperatures, at the subject locations j may be corrected through the air conditioning feedback control.