U.S. patent application number 16/636951 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-03 for heat exchange ventilation system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Invention is credited to Atsuo DOI.
Application Number | 20200378645 16/636951 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005073000 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200378645 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DOI; Atsuo |
December 3, 2020 |
HEAT EXCHANGE VENTILATION SYSTEM
Abstract
A heat exchange ventilation system includes: a heat exchange
ventilator; a temperature adjustment coil disposed downstream of a
heat exchange element in a supply duct and heating or cooling air
passing through the supply duct disposed downstream of the heat
exchange element; a return supply duct that returns the air in a
room to a portion of the supply duct located upstream of the
temperature adjustment coil; an air duct switching damper that
switches between the supply duct, which takes in outdoor air, and
the return supply duct; an outdoor air temperature sensor that
detects the temperature of the outdoor air; a return air
temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the air in the
room discharged to the outside of the room; and a controller that
controls the operations of the heat exchange ventilator, the
temperature adjustment coil, and the air duct switching damper.
Inventors: |
DOI; Atsuo; (Tokyo,
JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation |
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mitsubishi Electric
Corporation
Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005073000 |
Appl. No.: |
16/636951 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
September 22, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2017/034337 |
371 Date: |
February 6, 2020 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2110/12 20180101;
F24F 11/81 20180101; F24F 11/67 20180101; F24F 7/08 20130101; F24F
2110/10 20180101; F24F 2011/0002 20130101; F24F 11/0001 20130101;
F24F 13/10 20130101; F24F 12/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 12/00 20060101
F24F012/00; F24F 7/08 20060101 F24F007/08; F24F 13/10 20060101
F24F013/10; F24F 11/00 20060101 F24F011/00; F24F 11/67 20060101
F24F011/67; F24F 11/81 20060101 F24F011/81 |
Claims
1. A heat exchange ventilation system including a heat exchange
ventilator, a supply air duct to supply outdoor air outside a room
into the room, and an exhaust air duct to discharge air in the room
to the outside of the room, the system comprising: the heat
exchange ventilator including: a casing having an internal supply
air duct and an internal exhaust air duct that are formed
therethrough, the internal supply air duct being the supply air
duct inside the heat exchange ventilator, the internal exhaust air
duct being the exhaust air duct inside the heat exchange
ventilator, the internal supply air duct and the internal exhaust
air duct being independent of each other; a supply blower provided
in the internal supply air duct; an exhaust blower provided in the
internal exhaust air duct; and a heat exchange element provided
inside the casing to effect heat exchange between air passing
through the internal supply air duct and air passing through the
internal exhaust air duct; a temperature adjusting coil disposed
downstream of the heat exchange element in the supply air duct to
heat or cool air passing through the supply air duct downstream of
the heat exchange element; a return air supply duct to return the
air in the room to a portion of the supply air duct located
upstream of the temperature adjustment coil; an air duct switching
damper to switch between the supply air duct and the return air
supply duct, the supply air duct being an air duct for taking in
the outdoor air; an outdoor air temperature sensor to detect
temperature of the outdoor air; a return air temperature sensor to
detect temperature of the air in the room that is to be discharged
to the outside of the room; and a controller to control operations
of the heat exchange ventilator, the temperature adjustment coil,
and the air duct switching damper.
2. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 1,
wherein the controller executes first switching control for placing
the air duct switching damper in a position to switch from the
supply air duct to the return air supply duct when the temperature
of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor
and the temperature of the air in the room detected by the return
air temperature sensor satisfy a predetermined temperature
condition during a heating operation mode of the temperature
adjustment coil for heating the air or during a cooling operation
mode of the temperature adjustment coil for cooling the air.
3. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 2,
wherein the controller executes the first switching control when:
the temperature adjustment coil is in the heating operation mode
for heating the air; the temperature of the outdoor air detected by
the outdoor air temperature sensor is lower than or equal to a
predetermined first temperature threshold; and the temperature of
the air in the room detected by the return air temperature sensor
is lower than or equal to a predetermined second temperature
threshold.
4. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 2,
wherein the controller executes the first switching control when:
the temperature adjustment coil is in the cooling operation mode;
the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air
temperature sensor is higher than or equal to a predetermined third
temperature threshold; and the temperature of the air in the room
detected by the return air temperature sensor is higher than or
equal to a predetermined fourth temperature threshold.
5. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 3,
wherein the controller executes second switching control for
restoring the air duct switching damper to a position to switch
from the return air supply duct to the supply air duct, when a
temperature difference between a set temperature of the temperature
adjustment coil and the temperature of the air in the room detected
by the return air temperature sensor becomes smaller than or equal
to a predetermined temperature difference threshold after the first
switching control is executed.
6. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 3,
wherein the controller executes second switching control for
restoring the air duct switching damper to a position to switch
from the return air supply duct to the supply air duct, when a
predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the first
switching control.
7. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 1,
wherein when the temperature adjustment coil is either in a heating
operation mode or in a cooling operation mode, the controller
executes, on the basis of a current time and a predetermined time,
first switching control for placing the air duct switching damper
in a position to switch from the supply air duct to the return air
supply duct, and second switching control for restoring the air
duct switching damper to a position to switch from the return air
supply duct to the supply air duct.
8. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 7,
wherein the controller executes the first switching control when
the heat exchange ventilation system is in operation, and executes
the second switching control when the current time is past the
predetermined time.
9. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 2,
wherein the controller increases an air volume of the supply blower
after executing the first switching control.
10. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 7,
wherein during a time elapsing after execution of the first
switching control until execution of the second switching control,
the controller is capable of switching control of the exhaust
blower to arbitrary control and executing the arbitrary control,
the arbitrary control being any of: control for stopping the
exhaust blower; control for causing the exhaust blower to provide a
smaller air volume than that before the execution of the first
switching control; and control for causing the exhaust blower to
maintain the same air volume as that before the execution of the
first switching control.
11. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 7,
wherein during a time elapsing after execution of the first
switching control until execution of the second switching control,
the controller executes any one predetermined control of the
exhaust blower among: control for stopping the exhaust blower;
control for causing the exhaust blower to provide a smaller air
volume than that before the execution of the first switching
control; and control for causing the exhaust blower to maintain the
same air volume as that before the execution of the first switching
control.
12. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 1,
wherein the temperature adjustment coil is disposed downstream of
the heat exchange element in the internal supply air duct.
13. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 1,
wherein the temperature adjustment coil is disposed at a portion of
a downstream supply air duct located downstream of the internal
supply air duct.
14. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 1,
further comprising a branch supply air duct branching off from the
supply air duct at a portion of an upstream supply air duct of the
supply air duct located upstream of the heat exchange ventilator,
and allowing the upstream supply air duct to communicate with the
room, wherein the air duct switching damper is a first air duct
switching damper disposed at a portion of the upstream supply air
duct of the supply air duct located upstream of the heat exchange
ventilator, the first air duct switching damper switching between a
first air duct and a second air duct, the first air duct being an
air duct for taking in the outdoor air as the first air duct
switching damper closes the branch supply air duct and opens the
upstream supply air duct, the second air duct being an air duct for
allowing a part of the upstream supply air duct located downstream
of the branch supply air duct to communicate with the branch supply
air duct so as to circulate the indoor air as the first air duct
switching damper closes an upstream side of the upstream supply air
duct, and the second air duct is the return air supply duct.
15. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 1,
wherein the air duct switching damper is a second air duct
switching damper disposed downstream of the heat exchange element
in the supply air duct inside the heat exchange ventilator, the
second air duct switching damper switching between a third air duct
and a fourth air duct, the third air duct being an air duct for
taking in the outdoor air as the second air duct switching damper
separates a part of the internal supply air duct located downstream
of the heat exchange element from a part of the exhaust air duct
located upstream of the heat exchange element inside the heat
exchange ventilator so as to open the part of the supply air duct
located downstream of the heat exchange element inside the heat
exchange ventilator, the fourth air duct being an air duct for
allowing the part of the supply air duct located downstream of the
heat exchange element inside the heat exchange ventilator to
communicate with the part of the exhaust air duct located upstream
of the heat exchange element inside the heat exchange ventilator so
as to circulate the indoor air as second air duct switching damper
closes a part of the supply air duct located downstream of the heat
exchange element inside the heat exchange ventilator, and the
fourth air duct is the return air supply duct.
16. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 4,
wherein the controller executes second switching control for
restoring the air duct switching damper to a position to switch
from the return air supply duct to the supply air duct, when a
temperature difference between a set temperature of the temperature
adjustment coil and the temperature of the air in the room detected
by the return air temperature sensor becomes smaller than or equal
to a predetermined temperature difference threshold after the first
switching control is executed.
17. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 4,
wherein the controller executes second switching control for
restoring the air duct switching damper to a position to switch
from the return air supply duct to the supply air duct, when a
predetermined time has elapsed since the execution of the first
switching control.
18. The heat exchange ventilation system according to claim 7,
wherein the controller increases an air volume of the supply blower
after executing the first switching control.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a heat exchange ventilation
system including a heat exchange ventilator that effects heat
exchange between an exhaust air flow for discharging air in a room
to the outside of the room and a supply air flow for supplying air
outside the room into the room.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Among heat exchange ventilators is a device designed such
that an exhaust air flow from a room and a supply air flow from
outside the room cross in a total enthalpy heat exchanger element
to exchange temperature and humidity between the exhaust air flow
and the supply air flow. After that, the temperature of the supply
air flow is adjusted by a temperature adjustment device installed
in a supply air duct. Such a type of device is classified into a
separate type and an integrated type. For the separate type,
another device including a temperature adjustment coil is installed
on the air supply duct of the heat exchange ventilator. For the
integrated type, the temperature adjustment coil is disposed inside
the heat exchange ventilator.
[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a total enthalpy heat exchange
ventilator including an air conditioning coil in an outdoor air
supply passage that extends from an outdoor supply port to an
indoor supply port inside a casing.
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0004] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open
No. H8-42893
SUMMARY
Technical Problem
[0005] When the heat exchange ventilator including the temperature
adjustment coil performs ventilation and heating such as early in
the winter morning where both the outdoor temperature and the
indoor temperature are low, the total enthalpy heat exchange
element performs temperature exchange between the outdoor air and
indoor return air. In such a case, unfortunately, the temperature
of the supply air having passed through the total enthalpy heat
exchange element is still low. As a result, the temperature of air
supplied into the room remains low without increasing to a
sufficient temperature in spite of the air temperature being
adjusted by the temperature adjustment coil. Thus, the heating may
take time, or the room may not be heated.
[0006] In summer, the temperature of the supply air flow having
passed through the temperature adjustment coil fails to decrease
due to a small difference in temperature between the room and the
outdoor air. Thus, the cooling may take time to lower the indoor
temperature to a target temperature, or the room may not be
cooled.
[0007] It is believed that the heat exchange ventilator is not less
required to take in fresh outdoor air when the ventilator is
operated such as early in the morning because it is expected that
not so many people are present in the room. Such circumstances
cause a problem of inefficient air conditioning such as when low
temperature outdoor air is taken in through ventilation in spite of
the room having not yet been heated in winter.
[0008] The above problem occurs prominently especially when
ventilation and air conditioning are performed only by a system
including the heat exchange ventilator and the temperature
adjustment coil, that is, when the heat exchange ventilator having
a temperature adjustment function is installed but an indoor air
conditioner is not.
[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above,
and an object of the present invention is to provide a heat
exchange ventilation system that includes a heat exchange
ventilator and a temperature adjustment coil, and can efficiently
adjust the temperature of air supplied into a room.
Solution to Problem
[0010] In order to solve the above problem and achieve the object,
a heat exchange ventilation system according to the present
invention is a heat exchange ventilation system including a heat
exchange ventilator, a supply air duct to supply outdoor air
outside a room into the room, and an exhaust air duct to discharge
air in the room to the outside of the room. The heat exchange
ventilation system comprises the heat exchange ventilator
including: a casing having an internal supply air duct and an
internal exhaust air duct that are formed therethrough, the
internal supply air duct being the supply air duct inside the heat
exchange ventilator, the internal exhaust air duct being the
exhaust air duct inside the heat exchange ventilator, the internal
supply air duct and the internal exhaust air duct being independent
of each other; a supply blower provided in the internal supply air
duct; an exhaust blower provided in the internal exhaust air duct;
and a heat exchange element provided inside the casing to effect
heat exchange between air passing through the internal supply air
duct and air passing through the internal exhaust air duct. The
heat exchange ventilation system further comprises: a temperature
adjusting coil disposed downstream of the heat exchange element in
the supply air duct to heat or cool air passing through the supply
air duct downstream of the heat exchange element; a return air
supply duct to return the air in the room to a portion of the
supply air duct located upstream of the temperature adjustment
coil; an air duct switching damper to switch between the supply air
duct and the return air supply duct, the supply air duct being an
air duct for taking in the outdoor air; an outdoor air temperature
sensor to detect temperature of the outdoor air; a return air
temperature sensor to detect temperature of the air in the room
that is to be discharged to the outside of the room; and a
controller to control operations of the heat exchange ventilator,
the temperature adjustment coil, and the air duct switching
damper.
Advantageous Effects of Invention
[0011] The heat exchange ventilation system according to the
present invention includes the heat exchange ventilator and the
temperature adjustment coil, and has an effect that the temperature
of air supplied into the room can be efficiently adjusted.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified
configuration of a heat exchange ventilation system according to a
first embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration
related to control of the heat exchange ventilation system
according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware
configuration of a processing circuit according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
procedure of an air duct switching operation during operation of
the heat exchange ventilation system according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
procedure of an air duct switching operation during operation of
the heat exchange ventilation system according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
procedure of an air duct switching operation during operation of
the heat exchange ventilation system according to a third
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
procedure of an air duct switching operation during operation of
the heat exchange ventilation system according to a fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
procedure of an air duct switching operation during operation of
the heat exchange ventilation system according to a fifth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified
configuration of a heat exchange ventilation system according to a
sixth embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified
configuration of a heat exchange ventilation system according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0022] A heat exchange ventilation system according to embodiments
of the present invention will now be described in detail with
reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments.
First Embodiment
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified
configuration of a heat exchange ventilation system 100 according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram
illustrating a functional configuration related to control of the
heat exchange ventilation system 100 according to the first
embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] The heat exchange ventilation system 100 is a heat exchange
ventilation system that includes a supply air duct 11 for supplying
outdoor air, which is air outside a room, into the room and an
exhaust air duct 12 for discharging air in the room to the outside
of the room. The heat exchange ventilation system 100 includes a
heat exchange ventilator 1. The heat exchange ventilator 1 includes
a casing 1e and a heat exchange element 2 disposed inside a casing
1e. The heat exchange element 2 is a total enthalpy heat exchanger.
The casing 1e includes an outdoor air inlet 1a for taking in
outdoor air, a supply air outlet 1b for supplying outdoor air into
a room, an indoor air inlet 1c for taking in indoor air, and an
exhaust air outlet 1d for discharging indoor air to the outdoors.
The heat exchange ventilator 1 is a heat exchange ventilator for
air conditioning and has the heat exchange element 2 disposed
inside the casing 1e. The heat exchange ventilator 1 is installed
in a concealed manner in an attic 52. The heat exchange ventilator
1 further includes a controller 31 attached to the exterior of the
casing 1e and a remote control 32 installed in a room 53. In FIG.
1, the area above a ceiling 51 is the attic 52, and the area below
the ceiling 51 is the room 53.
[0025] Note that in FIG. 1, a reference character "OA" indicates
outdoor air, a reference character "SA" indicates supply air, a
reference character "RA" indicates return air, and a reference
character "EA" indicates exhaust air.
[0026] The supply air duct 11 of the heat exchange ventilation
system 100 is divided into three air ducts: an upstream supply air
duct 11a; an internal supply air duct 11b; and a downstream supply
air duct 11c. The upstream supply air duct 11a is disposed upstream
of the heat exchange ventilator 1 and communicates with the outside
of the room. The internal supply air duct 11b defines the supply
air duct 11 inside the heat exchange ventilator 1. The downstream
supply air duct 11c is disposed downstream of the heat exchange
ventilator 1 and communicates with the room.
[0027] The exhaust air duct 12 of the heat exchange ventilation
system 100 is divided into three air ducts: an upstream exhaust air
duct 12a; an internal exhaust air duct 12b; and a downstream
exhaust air duct 12c. The upstream exhaust air duct 12a is disposed
upstream of the heat exchange ventilator 1 and communicates with
the room. The internal exhaust air duct 12b defines the exhaust air
duct 12 inside the heat exchange ventilator 1. The downstream
exhaust air duct 12c is disposed downstream of the heat exchange
ventilator 1 and communicates with the outside of the room.
[0028] The heat exchange ventilator 1 includes the internal supply
air duct 11b and the internal exhaust air duct 12b. The internal
supply air duct 11b, which defines the supply air duct 11 in the
heat exchange ventilator 1, connects the outdoor air inlet 1a and
the supply air outlet 1b to each other via the heat exchange
element 2. The internal exhaust air duct 12b, which defines the
exhaust air duct 12 in the heat exchange ventilator 1, connects the
indoor air inlet 1c and the exhaust air outlet 1d to each other via
the heat exchange element 2. The internal supply air duct 11b and
the internal exhaust air duct 12b are air ducts independent of each
other.
[0029] The internal supply air duct 11b, which is the air duct for
supplying the outdoor air OA into the room, includes a
pre-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11ba, a post-heat-exchange
outdoor air duct 11bb, and a heat exchange element supply air duct
11bc. The pre-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11ba is formed between
the outdoor air inlet 1a and the heat exchange element 2. The
post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb is formed between the heat
exchange element 2 and the supply air outlet 1b. The heat exchange
element supply air duct 11bc is formed inside the heat exchange
element 2.
[0030] The internal exhaust air duct 12b is the air duct for
discharging to the outside of the room the return air RA which is
the indoor air. The internal exhaust air duct 12b includes a
pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba, a post-heat-exchange indoor
air duct 12bb, and a heat exchange element exhaust air duct 12bc.
The pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba is formed between the
indoor air inlet 1c and the heat exchange element 2. The
post-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12bb is formed between the heat
exchange element 2 and the exhaust air outlet 1d. The heat exchange
element exhaust air duct 12bc is formed inside the heat exchange
element 2. With this configuration, the internal supply air duct
11b and the internal exhaust air duct 12b, which are configured in
the manner as discussed above, cross in the heat exchange element
2.
[0031] The post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb and the
post-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12bb are separated by the heat
exchange element 2. The pre-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11ba and
the pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba are separated by the
heat exchange element 2. The pre-heat-exchange outdoor air duct
11ba and the post-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12bb are separated
by a partition wall 7 having a flat plate shape. The
pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba and the post-heat-exchange
outdoor air duct 11bb are separated by a partition wall 8.
[0032] The heat exchange ventilator 1 includes a supply blower 3 in
the internal supply air duct 11b for generating a supply air flow
directed from the outdoor air inlet 1a toward the supply air outlet
1b. The heat exchange ventilator 1 also includes an exhaust blower
4 in the internal exhaust air duct 12b for generating an exhaust
air flow directed from the indoor air inlet 1c toward the exhaust
air outlet 1d.
[0033] The supply blower 3 is disposed in the post-heat-exchange
outdoor air duct 11bb and includes therein a supply motor (not
shown) for driving the supply blower 3. The exhaust blower 4 is
disposed in the post-heat exchange indoor air duct 12bb and
includes therein an exhaust motor (not shown) for driving the
exhaust blower 4. The speeds of the supply motor and the exhaust
motor change according to control by the controller 31 described
later.
[0034] The outdoor air inlet 1a is connected to the upstream supply
air duct 11a that is formed of a duct pipe. The upstream supply air
duct 11a is an outdoor air intake duct for taking in the outdoor
air OA and directing the outdoor air OA to the heat exchange
ventilator 1. The supply air outlet 1b is connected to the
downstream supply air duct 11c that is formed of a duct pipe. The
downstream supply air duct 11c is a supply air outlet duct for
directing a supply air flow from the heat exchange ventilator 1
into the room. The indoor air inlet 1c is connected to the upstream
exhaust air duct 12a that is formed of a duct pipe. The upstream
exhaust air duct 12a is an indoor air intake duct for taking in the
indoor air and directing the indoor air to the heat exchange
ventilator 1. The exhaust air outlet 1d is connected to the
downstream exhaust air duct 12c that is formed of a duct pipe. The
downstream exhaust air duct 12c is an exhaust air outlet duct for
directing an exhaust air flow from the heat exchange ventilator 1
to the outdoors.
[0035] A temperature adjustment coil 21 provided outside the heat
exchange ventilator 1 is disposed on the downstream supply air duct
11c. The temperature adjustment coil 21 is a heat exchanger capable
of heating or cooling the supply air flow passing through the
downstream supply air duct 11c. That is, the temperature adjustment
coil 21 is disposed downstream of the heat exchange element 2 on
the supply air duct, and heats or cools the air passing through the
supply air duct disposed downstream of the heat exchange element 2.
The operation of the temperature adjustment coil 21 is controlled
in conjunction with the heat exchange ventilator 1 by the
controller 31, thereby adjusting the temperature of the supply air
flow passing through the downstream supply air duct 11c, such that
the indoor temperature reaches a target temperature set by a user.
That is, when the supply air supplied from the heat exchange
ventilator 1 passes through the temperature adjustment coil 21, the
temperature adjustment coil 21 heats the supply air passing
therethrough. Moreover, when the supply air supplied from the heat
exchange ventilator 1 passes through the temperature adjustment
coil 21, the temperature adjustment coil 21 cools the supply air
passing therethrough.
[0036] As described above, in FIG. 1, the reference character "OA"
indicates the outdoor air, the reference character "SA" indicates
the supply air, the reference character "RA" indicates the return
air, and the reference character "EA" indicates the exhaust
air.
[0037] From outside the room, the outdoor air OA flows through the
upstream supply air duct 11a communicating with the outside of a
building and then through the outdoor air inlet 1a into the
pre-heat exchange outdoor air duct 11ba, thereby becoming a supply
air flow. The supply air flow into the pre-heat-exchange outdoor
air duct 11ba passes through the heat exchange element 2, the
post-heat exchange outdoor air duct 11bb, the supply blower 3, the
supply air outlet 1b, the downstream supply air duct 11c, the
temperature adjustment coil 21, and the downstream supply air duct
11c, after which the supply air flow is discharged into the
room.
[0038] From inside the room, the return air RA flows through the
upstream exhaust air duct 12a communicating with the room and then
through the indoor air inlet 1c into the pre-heat exchange indoor
air duct 12ba, thereby becoming an exhaust air flow. The exhaust
air flow into the pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba passes
through the heat exchange element 2, the post-heat-exchange indoor
air duct 12bb, the exhaust blower 4, and the downstream exhaust air
duct 12c, such that the exhaust air flow is discharged as the
exhaust air EA to the outside of the room.
[0039] Disposed in the pre-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11ba is
an outdoor air temperature sensor 5 for detecting the temperature
of the air passing through the pre-heat-exchange outdoor air duct
11ba, that is, the temperature of the outdoor air. The outdoor air
temperature sensor 5 detects the temperature of the outdoor air in
a predetermined cycle set in advance while the power of the heat
exchange ventilator 1 is placed in an on state, and transmits
information on the detected temperature of the outdoor air to the
controller 31 described later.
[0040] Disposed in the pre-heat exchange indoor air duct 12ba is a
return air temperature sensor 6 for detecting the indoor
temperature by detecting the temperature of the air passing through
the pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba, that is, the
temperature of the return air being the indoor air. The return air
temperature sensor 6 detects the temperature of the indoor air in a
cycle set in advance while the power of the heat exchange
ventilator 1 is placed in an on state, and transmits information on
the detected temperature of the indoor air to the controller 31
described later.
[0041] A branch supply air duct 13 formed of a duct pipe is
connected to a point on the upstream supply air duct 11a forming
the outdoor air intake duct. Through the branch supply air duct 13,
the upstream supply air duct 11a communicates with the room. That
is, the branch supply air duct 13, which is connected to the
upstream supply air duct 11a for allowing the upstream supply air
duct 11a to communicate with the room, branches off from the
upstream supply air duct 11a of the supply air duct 11 at a portion
of the upstream supply air duct 11a located upstream of the heat
exchange ventilator 1.
[0042] The heat exchange ventilation system 100 is provided with an
air duct switching damper. The air duct switching damper switches
between the supply air duct 11 and a return air supply duct. The
supply air duct 11 is the air duct for taking in the outdoor air,
and a return air supply duct is the air duct for returning air in
the room to a portion of the supply air duct located upstream of
the temperature adjustment coil 21 and circulating the indoor air.
That is, the air duct switching damper, which is disposed at a
portion of the upstream supply air duct 11a, is a first air duct
switching damper 22 disposed at a portion of the upstream supply
air duct 11a of the supply air duct located upstream of the heat
exchange ventilator 1. The first air duct switching damper 22
switches between a first air duct and a second air duct. The first
air duct is an air duct for taking in the outdoor air as the first
air duct switching damper 22 closes the branch supply air duct 13
and opens the upstream supply air duct 11a. The second air duct is
an air duct for allowing a part of the upstream supply air duct 11a
located downstream of the branch supply air duct 13 to communicate
with the branch supply air duct 13 so as to circulate the indoor
air as the first air duct switching damper 22 closes the upstream
side of the upstream supply air duct 11a. The second air duct is
the return air supply duct.
[0043] The first air duct switching damper 22 is formed of, for
example, a plate rotating inside the upstream supply air duct 11a.
A motor 24 is driven by motor controller 23 under the control of
the controller 31, such that the first air duct switching damper 22
changes its orientation inside the upstream supply air duct 11a to
thereby switch between the first air duct and the second air
duct.
[0044] The controller 31 has a function as an operation controller
that controls the operations of the heat exchange ventilator 1, the
temperature adjustment coil 21, and the air duct switching damper,
and a function as a communication unit that transmits an air duct
switching signal and performs information communication with
another component in the heat exchange ventilation system 100. The
controller 31 controls the operation of the heat exchange
ventilator 1 on the basis of: information instructing an operation
of the heat exchange ventilator 1, the information being received
by and transmitted from the remote control 32; or information
instructing the operation, the information being preset in the
controller 31. The controller 31 controls the operation of the
temperature adjustment coil 21 on the basis of: information
instructing an operation of the temperature adjustment coil 21, the
information being received by and transmitted from the remote
control 32; or information instructing the operation, the
information being preset in the controller 31. The controller 31
also controls the operation of the first air duct switching damper
22 on the basis of: information instructing an operation of the
first air duct switching damper 22, the information being received
by and transmitted from the remote control 32; or information
instructing the operation, the information being preset in the
controller 31.
[0045] The controller 31 executes first switching control for
placing the first air duct switching damper 22 in a position to
switch from the supply air duct 11 to the return air supply duct
when the temperature of the outdoor air detected by the outdoor air
temperature sensor 5 and the temperature of the air in the room
detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 satisfy a
predetermined temperature condition during a heating operation mode
of the temperature adjustment coil 21 for heating the air or during
a cooling operation mode of the temperature adjustment coil 21 for
cooling the air.
[0046] Specifically, in the first embodiment, the execution of the
first switching control changes the orientation of the first air
duct switching damper 22 from a position that closes the branch
supply air duct 13 and opens the upstream supply air duct 11a to a
position that closes the upstream side of the upstream supply air
duct 11a and allows the part of the upstream supply air duct 11a
located downstream of the branch supply air duct 13 to communicate
with the branch supply air duct 13. As a result, the air duct is
switched from the first air duct to the second air duct.
[0047] That is, the controller 31 executes the first switching
control when: the temperature adjustment coil 21 is operated in the
heating operation mode; the temperature of the outdoor air detected
by the outdoor air temperature sensor 5 is lower than or equal to a
predetermined first temperature threshold; and the temperature of
the air in the room detected by the return air temperature sensor 6
is lower than or equal to a predetermined second temperature
threshold. The predetermined first temperature threshold, which is
a temperature threshold for the outdoor air temperature sensor 5,
allows the controller 31 to determine whether or not to execute the
first switching control when the temperature adjustment coil 21 is
operated in the heating operation mode. The predetermined second
temperature threshold, which is a temperature threshold for the
return air temperature sensor 6, allows the controller 31 to
determine whether or not to execute the first switching control
when the temperature adjustment coil 21 is operated in the heating
operation mode.
[0048] Moreover, the controller 31 executes the first switching
control when: the temperature adjustment coil 21 is operated in the
cooling operation mode; the temperature of the outdoor air detected
by the outdoor air temperature sensor 5 is higher than or equal to
a predetermined third temperature threshold; and the temperature of
the air in the room detected by the return air temperature sensor 6
is higher than or equal to a predetermined fourth temperature
threshold. The predetermined third temperature threshold, which is
a temperature threshold for the outdoor air temperature sensor 5,
allows the controller 31 to determine whether or not to execute the
first switching control when the temperature adjustment coil 21 is
operated in the cooling operation mode. The predetermined fourth
temperature threshold, which is a temperature threshold for the
return air temperature sensor 6, allows the controller 31 to
determine whether or not to execute the first switching control
when the temperature adjustment coil 21 is operated in the cooling
operation mode.
[0049] Moreover, the controller 31 executes second switching
control for restoring the first air duct switching damper 22 to a
position to switch from the branch supply air duct 13 that is the
return air supply duct to the supply air duct 11, when a
temperature difference between a set temperature of the temperature
adjustment coil 21 and the temperature of the air in the room
detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 becomes smaller
than or equal to a predetermined temperature difference threshold
after the first switching control is executed. The predetermined
temperature difference threshold, which is a threshold of the
temperature difference between the set temperature of the
temperature adjustment coil 21 and the temperature of the air in
the room, allows the controller 31 to determine whether or not to
execute the second switching control after executing the first
switching control.
[0050] The first temperature threshold, the second temperature
threshold, the third temperature threshold, the fourth temperature
threshold, and the temperature difference threshold are stored in
the controller 31 in advance. The first temperature threshold, the
second temperature threshold, the third temperature threshold, the
fourth temperature threshold, and the temperature difference
threshold can be set to arbitrary values by a user operating the
remote control 32.
[0051] The controller 31 is implemented as a processing circuit
having a hardware configuration illustrated in FIG. 3, for example.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware
configuration of the processing circuit according to the first
embodiment of the present invention. When implemented as the
processing circuit illustrated in FIG. 3, the controller 31 is
implemented by a processor 101 executing a program stored in a
memory 102. Alternatively, a plurality of processors and a
plurality of memories may cooperatively implement the above
functions. Yet alternatively, some of the functions of the
controller 31 may be implemented as an electronic circuit, and the
other functions may be implemented by using the processor 101 and
the memory 102.
[0052] Similarly, the motor controller 23 may be implemented by the
processor 101 executing a program stored in the memory 102.
Alternatively, a plurality of processors and a plurality of
memories may cooperatively implement the functions of the motor
controller 23. Yet alternatively, some of the functions of the
motor controller 23 may be implemented as an electronic circuit,
and the other functions may be implemented by using the processor
101 and the memory 102.
[0053] The remote control 32 has main functions including a
function as an operation unit that accepts a setting operation, and
a function as a communication unit that performs communication with
the controller 31 to transmit and receive information. The remote
control 32 receives instructions on various controls such as the
operation of the heat exchange ventilation system 100. The remote
control 32 transmits, to the controller 31, various instructions
received from a user. When the user selects a set value such as the
set temperature of the temperature adjustment coil 21, the first
temperature threshold, the second temperature threshold, the third
temperature threshold, the fourth temperature threshold, and the
temperature difference threshold, the remote control 32 transmits
the selected set value to the controller 31. That is, the first
temperature threshold, the second temperature threshold, the third
temperature threshold, the fourth temperature threshold, and the
temperature difference threshold can be set to arbitrary values by
the user operating the remote control 32.
[0054] Next, the air duct switching operation performed by the
first air duct switching damper 22 during operation of the heat
exchange ventilation system 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a
flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the air duct
switching operation during operation of the heat exchange
ventilation system 100 according to the first embodiment of the
present invention.
[0055] First, when the power supply of the heat exchange
ventilation system 100 is turned on, in step S10, the controller 31
determines whether or not the current operation of the temperature
adjustment coil 21 is the heating operation.
[0056] For example, if the current season is winter and the current
operation of the temperature adjustment coil 21 is the heating
operation, that is, if "Yes" in step S10, the controller 31
proceeds to step S20 and determines whether or not the current
outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature
sensor 5 is 0.degree. C. or lower. In this case, 0.degree. C. is
the predetermined first temperature threshold.
[0057] If the current outdoor air temperature is 0.degree. C. or
lower, that is, if "Yes" in step S20, the controller 31 proceeds to
step S30 and determines whether or not the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6, that
is, the indoor temperature, is 10.degree. C. or lower. In this
case, 10.degree. C. is the predetermined second temperature
threshold.
[0058] If the current indoor temperature is 10.degree. C. or lower,
that is, if "Yes" in step S30, the controller 31 proceeds to step
S40 and transmits, to the first air duct switching damper 22, the
air duct switching signal for instructing switching of the air
duct, thereby executing the first switching control for switching
from the first air duct to the second air duct. The first air duct
switching damper 22 keeps its orientation changed so as to switch
from the first air duct to the second air duct only during the
transmission of the air duct switching signal.
[0059] Next, in step S50, the controller 31 determines whether or
not the temperature difference between the set temperature of the
temperature adjustment coil 21 and the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 is
3.degree. C. or less, that is, whether or not "the set temperature
of the temperature adjustment coil 21-the current indoor
temperature 3.degree. C.".
[0060] If the temperature difference between the set temperature of
the temperature adjustment coil 21 and the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 is not
3.degree. C. or less, that is, if "No" in step S50, the process
returns to step S40.
[0061] If the temperature difference between the set temperature of
the temperature adjustment coil 21 and the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 is
3.degree. C. or less, that is, if "Yes" in step S50, the controller
31 proceeds to step S70 to stop the transmission of the air duct
switching signal and execute the second switching control. The
execution of the second switching control switches from the second
air duct to the first air duct, thereby ending the series of air
duct switching operations.
[0062] Also, if it is "No" in step S20 and "No" in step S30, the
controller 31 proceeds to step S70 to stop the transmission of the
air duct switching signal and execute the second switching control,
thereby switching from the second air duct to the first air duct
and ending the series of air duct switching operations.
[0063] On the other hand, if the current operation of the
temperature adjustment coil 21 is not the heating operation, that
is, if "No" in step S10, the controller 31 proceeds to step S60 and
determines whether or not the current operation of the temperature
adjustment coil 21 is the cooling operation.
[0064] For example, if the current season is summer and the current
operation of the temperature adjustment coil 21 is the cooling
operation, that is, if "Yes" in step S60, the controller 31
proceeds to step S80 and determines whether or not the current
outdoor air temperature detected by the outdoor air temperature
sensor 5 is 35.degree. C. or higher. In this case, 35.degree. C. is
the predetermined third temperature threshold.
[0065] If the current outdoor air temperature is 35.degree. C. or
higher, that is, if "Yes" in step S80, the controller 31 proceeds
to step S90 and determines whether or not the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6, that
is, the indoor temperature, is 30.degree. C. or higher. In this
case, 30.degree. C. is the predetermined fourth temperature
threshold.
[0066] If the current indoor temperature is 30.degree. C. or
higher, that is, if "Yes" in step S90, the controller 31 proceeds
to step S100 and transmits the air duct switching signal to the
first air duct switching damper 22, thereby executing the first
switching control for switching from the first air duct to the
second air duct.
[0067] Next, in step S110, the controller 31 determines whether or
not the temperature difference between the set temperature of the
temperature adjustment coil 21 and the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 is
3.degree. C. or less, that is, whether or not "the set temperature
of the temperature adjustment coil 21-the current indoor
temperature 3.degree. C.".
[0068] If the temperature difference between the set temperature of
the temperature adjustment coil 21 and the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 is not
3.degree. C. or less, that is, if "No" in step S110, the process
returns to step S100.
[0069] If the temperature difference between the set temperature of
the temperature adjustment coil 21 and the current indoor air
temperature detected by the return air temperature sensor 6 is
3.degree. C. or less, that is, if "Yes" in step S110, the
controller 31 proceeds to step S70 to stop the transmission of the
air duct switching signal and execute the second switching control.
The execution of the second switching control switches from the
second air duct to the first air duct, thereby ending the series of
air duct switching operations.
[0070] Also, if it is "No" in step S80 and "No" in step S90, the
controller 31 proceeds to step S70 to stop the transmission of the
air duct switching signal and execute the second switching control,
thereby switching from the second air duct to the first air duct
and ending the series of air duct switching operations.
[0071] In the heat exchange ventilation system 100 according to the
first embodiment described above, the controller 31 automatically
executes the first switching control for placing the first air duct
switching damper 22 in the position to switch from the supply air
duct 11 to the return air supply duct when the temperature of the
outdoor air detected by the outdoor air temperature sensor 5 and
the temperature of the air in the room detected by the return air
temperature sensor 6 satisfy a predetermined temperature condition
during the heating operation mode of the temperature adjustment
coil 21 or during the cooling operation mode of the temperature
adjustment coil 21. As a result, it becomes possible to
automatically switch from the supply air duct 11, which is the air
duct for taking in the outdoor air, to the return air supply duct,
which is the air duct for returning the air in the room to the
portion of the supply air duct located upstream of the temperature
adjustment coil 21 and circulating the indoor air. Thus, the indoor
air rather than the outdoor air can be taken into the heat exchange
ventilation system 100. As a result, compared with a case where the
outdoor air is taken into the heat exchange ventilation system 100,
the temperature of the air supplied into the room can be adjusted
rapidly, and the temperature of the room can be increased
rapidly.
[0072] Even when the temperature of the air having passed through
the heat exchange ventilator 1 is low early in the morning in
winter where the outdoor air temperature and the indoor temperature
are both low, for example, the heat exchange ventilation system 100
can rapidly heat the air supplied into the room as compared with
the case where the outdoor air is taken into the heat exchange
ventilation system 100; as a result, the temperature of the room
can increase rapidly.
[0073] The heat exchange ventilation system 100 achieves indoor air
conditioning by means of only the device having both a ventilation
function and a temperature adjustment function. The use of the heat
exchange ventilation system 100 can reduce devices installed and
materials such as the duct pipes, and also provide a comfortable
indoor environment even in simplifying the air conditioning system
for the purpose of reducing the power used.
Second Embodiment
[0074] A second embodiment will describe a case where the
controller 31 executes the second switching control when a
predetermined time elapses after execution of the first switching
control. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the
procedure of the air duct switching operation during operation of
the heat exchange ventilation system 100 according to the second
embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart illustrated in
FIG. 5 is different from the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 in
that step S210 is performed instead of step S50, and step S220 is
performed instead of step S110.
[0075] In step S210, the controller 31 determines whether or not 30
minutes have elapsed since the execution of the first switching
control in step S40, that is, whether or not 30 minutes have
elapsed since the transmission of the air duct switching signal
started.
[0076] If 30 minutes have not elapsed since the execution of the
first switching control, that is, if "No" in step S210, the process
returns to step S40 and the first switching control continues. If
30 minutes have elapsed since the execution of the first switching
control, that is, if "Yes" in step S210, the process proceeds to
step S70.
[0077] In step S220, the controller 31 determines whether or not 30
minutes have elapsed since the execution of the first switching
control in step S100, that is, whether or not 30 minutes have
elapsed since the transmission of the air duct switching signal
started.
[0078] If 30 minutes have not elapsed since the execution of the
first switching control, that is, if "No" in step S220, the process
returns to step S100 and the first switching control continues. If
30 minutes have elapsed since the execution of the first switching
control, that is, if "Yes" in step S220, the process proceeds to
step S70.
[0079] The effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be
obtained when the control is performed in the flow described above
as well.
Third Embodiment
[0080] A third embodiment will describe a case where the controller
31 has a time function and executes the first switching control and
the second switching control on the basis of the current time and a
predetermined time. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example
of the procedure of the air duct switching operation during
operation of the heat exchange ventilation system 100 according to
the third embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart
illustrated in FIG. 6 is different from the flowchart illustrated
in FIG. 4 in that step S310 is performed instead of step S20 and
step S30, step S320 is performed instead of step S50, step S330 is
performed instead of step S80 and step S90, and step S340 is
performed instead of step S110.
[0081] In step S310, the controller 31 determines whether or not
the current time is past 6 a.m. If the current time is not past 6
a.m., that is, if "No" in step S310, the process returns to step
S310. If the current time is past 6 a.m., that is, if "Yes" in step
S310, the process proceeds to step S40.
[0082] In step S320, the controller 31 determines whether or not
the current time is past 8 a.m. If the current time is not past 8
a.m., that is, if "No" in step S320, the process returns to step
S40. If the current time is past 8 a.m., that is, if "Yes" in step
S320, the process proceeds to step S70.
[0083] In step S330, the controller 31 determines whether or not
the current time is past 6 a.m. If the current time is not past 6
a.m., that is, if "No" in step S330, the process returns to step
S330. If the current time is past 6 a.m., that is, if "Yes" in step
S330, the process proceeds to step S100.
[0084] In step S340, the controller 31 determines whether or not
the current time is past 8 a.m. If the current time is not past 8
a.m., that is, if "No" in step S340, the process returns to step
S100. If the current time is past 8 a.m., that is, if "Yes" in step
S340, the process proceeds to step S70.
[0085] That is, in the third embodiment, the controller 31 executes
the first switching control when the current time is not past the
predetermined time and the heat exchange ventilation system 100 is
in operation, and executes the second switching control when the
current time is past the predetermined time.
[0086] When performing the control indicated in the flowchart
described above, the controller 31 automatically executes the first
switching control and the second switching control on the basis of
the current time to thereby switch the air duct. In this case as
well, the effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be
obtained. Such air duct control is suitable for application in
places such as offices and schools where the heat exchange
ventilation system 100 is used at a fixed time every day. The above
air duct control enables the heat exchange ventilation system 100
to change in role from the ventilator to the indoor air conditioner
in accordance with a user's request such as in the early morning
where the need for ventilation of the room is low, but the need for
temperature adjustment is high. The above air duct control allows
the single heat exchange ventilation system 100 to play two roles:
the role of the ventilator; and the role of the indoor air
conditioner, which is useful especially when no other indoor air
conditioner is disposed in the room.
Fourth Embodiment
[0087] A fourth embodiment will describe a case where the
controller 31 causes the supply blower 3 to provide a larger air
volume after the execution of the first switching control than
before the execution of the first switching control. FIG. 7 is a
flowchart illustrating an example of the procedure of the air duct
switching operation during operation of the heat exchange
ventilation system 100 according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention. The flowchart illustrated in FIG. 7 is different
from the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 4 in that step S410, step
S420, and step S430 are performed.
[0088] In step S410, after executing the first switching control in
step S40, the controller 31 performs control for increasing the air
volume of the supply blower 3 to the maximum notch, providing the
air volume larger than that before the execution of the first
switching control.
[0089] In step S430, after executing the first switching control in
step S100, the controller 31 performs control for increasing the
air volume of the supply blower 3 to the maximum notch, providing
the air volume larger than that before the execution of the first
switching control.
[0090] In step S420, the controller 31 controls the air volume of
the supply blower 3 such that the air volume having increased in
steps S410 and S430 is restored to that before the execution of the
first switching control.
[0091] Performing the control indicated in the flowchart described
above makes it possible to automatically increase the air volume of
the supply blower 3 after the execution of the first switching
control such that the air volume becomes larger than that before
the execution of the first switching control. As a result, the
temperature of the indoor air can be adjusted more rapidly.
Fifth Embodiment
[0092] A fifth embodiment will describe a case where, during a time
elapsing after the execution of the first switching control until
the execution of the second switching control, the controller 31
controls the air volume of the exhaust blower 4 by switching the
control of the exhaust blower 4 to any of: control for stopping the
exhaust blower 4; control for causing the exhaust blower 4 to
provide a smaller air volume than that before the execution of the
first switching control; and control for causing the exhaust blower
4 to maintain the same air volume as that before the execution of
the first switching control. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an
example of the procedure of the air duct switching operation during
operation of the heat exchange ventilation system 100 according to
the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart
illustrated in FIG. 8 is different from the flowchart illustrated
in FIG. 4 in that step S510, step S520, and step S530 are
performed.
[0093] In step S510 and step S530, after executing the first
switching control in step S40 and step S100, the controller 31
switches to and executes, in accordance with air volume instruction
information transmitted from the remote control 32, any of: the
control for stopping the exhaust blower 4; the control for causing
the exhaust blower 4 to provide a smaller air volume than that
before the execution of the first switching control; and the
control for causing the exhaust blower 4 to maintain the same air
volume as that before the execution of the first switching control.
The control of the air volume of the exhaust blower 4 can be
changed at an arbitrary timing.
[0094] In step S520, the controller 31 controls the air volume of
the exhaust blower 4 such that the air volume changed in steps S510
and S530 is restored to that before the execution of the first
switching control.
[0095] Performing the control indicated in the flow described above
makes it possible to change the air volume of the exhaust blower 4
to an arbitrary air volume after the execution of the first
switching control so that, when the air volume is to be decreased,
the temperature of the indoor air can be adjusted more rapidly.
[0096] Moreover, during a time elapsing after the execution of the
first switching control until the execution of the second switching
control, the controller 31 can execute predetermined control of the
air volume of the exhaust blower 4, the predetermined control being
set in the controller 31 and any one of: the control for stopping
the exhaust blower 4; the control for causing the exhaust blower to
provide a smaller air volume than that before the execution of the
first switching control; and the control for causing the exhaust
blower to maintain the same air volume as that before the execution
of the first switching control.
[0097] Performing the above control makes it possible to change the
air volume of the exhaust blower 4 to an arbitrary air volume after
the execution of the first switching control so that, when the air
volume is to be decreased, the temperature of the indoor air can be
adjusted more rapidly.
Sixth Embodiment
[0098] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified
configuration of a heat exchange ventilation system 200 according
to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchange
ventilation system 200 according to the sixth embodiment of the
present invention is different from the heat exchange ventilation
system 100 in that a temperature adjustment coil 25 is incorporated
in the heat exchange ventilator 1 and disposed downstream of the
heat exchange element 2.
[0099] Even when the temperature adjustment coil 25 is incorporated
downstream of the heat exchange element 2 within the heat exchange
ventilator 1, the control illustrated in the first to fifth
embodiments described above can be executed so that the effect
similar to that of the heat exchange ventilation system 100 can be
obtained. Moreover, since the temperature adjustment coil 25 is
incorporated in the heat exchange ventilator 1 in advance, the duct
pipe forming the downstream supply air duct 11c is easy to
dispose.
Seventh Embodiment
[0100] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a simplified
configuration of a heat exchange ventilation system 300 according
to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. The heat exchange
ventilation system 300 according to the seventh embodiment of the
present invention is different from the heat exchange ventilation
system 100 in that a second air duct switching damper 26 is
provided at a part of the partition wall 8, instead of the first
air duct switching damper 22. As with the first air duct switching
damper 22, the second air duct switching damper 26 is an air duct
switching damper that switches between the supply air duct which is
the air duct for taking in the outdoor air, and the return air
supply duct for returning the air in the room to a portion of the
supply air duct located upstream of the temperature adjustment
coil.
[0101] Formed through the partition wall 8 is a bypass opening 8a
through which a region located upstream of the supply blower 3 in
the post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb communicates with the
pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba. The second air duct
switching damper 26, which is an opening/closing part for opening
and closing the bypass opening 8a, is disposed in the
post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb. The bypass opening 8a is
provided between the post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb and
the pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba for the purpose of
allowing at least part of the exhaust air flow flowing through the
pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba to flow into the
post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb.
[0102] When the bypass opening 8a is closed by the second air duct
switching damper 26, the post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb
and the pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba are separated from
each other so that a bypass flow of the exhaust air flow from the
pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba into the post-heat-exchange
outdoor air duct 11bb is not generated.
[0103] On the other hand, when the second air duct switching damper
26 is fully opened, the pre-heat-exchange indoor air duct 12ba
communicates with the post-heat-exchange outdoor air duct 11bb via
the bypass opening 8a, and at the same time a region of the
post-heat exchange outdoor air duct 11bb located adjacent the heat
exchange element 2 is closed, that is, the post-heat-exchange
outdoor air duct 11bb is blocked between the heat exchange element
2 and the supply blower 3. As a result, a bypass flow of the
exhaust air flow passing from the pre-heat exchange indoor air duct
12ba through the bypass opening 8a flows into the post-heat
exchange outdoor air duct 11bb. The airflow on the upstream side of
the second air duct switching damper 26 in the supply air duct 11
is not directed downstream of the second air duct switching damper
26.
[0104] That is, the second air duct switching damper 26 is an air
duct switching damper disposed downstream of the heat exchange
element in the supply air duct inside the heat exchange ventilator.
The second air duct switching damper 26 switches between a third
air duct and a fourth air duct. The third air duct is an air duct
for taking in the outdoor air as the second air duct switching
damper 26 separates a part of the internal supply air duct located
downstream of the heat exchange element from a part of the exhaust
air duct located upstream of the heat exchange element inside the
heat exchange ventilator so as to open the part of the supply air
duct located downstream of the heat exchange element inside the
heat exchange ventilator. The fourth air duct is an air duct for
allowing the part of the supply air duct located downstream of the
heat exchange element inside the heat exchange ventilator to
communicate with the part of the exhaust air duct located upstream
of the heat exchange element inside the heat exchange ventilator so
as to circulate the indoor air as the second air duct switching
damper 26 closes a part of the supply air duct located downstream
of the heat exchange element inside the heat exchange ventilator.
The fourth air duct is the return air supply duct.
[0105] The heat exchange ventilation system 300 including the
second air duct switching damper 26 instead of the first air duct
switching damper 22 as described above can obtain the effect
similar to that of the heat exchange ventilation system 100.
Moreover, the technique illustrated in the first to sixth
embodiments described above can be applied to the heat exchange
ventilation system 300. Although a bypass flow in the heat exchange
ventilation system 300 does not pass through the heat exchange
element 2, the bypass flow is not the outdoor air but the indoor
air that can be rapidly heated when the air is supplied into the
room as compared with taking the outdoor air into the heat exchange
ventilation system 300; thus, the temperature of the room can
increase rapidly.
[0106] The configurations illustrated in the above embodiments
merely illustrate an example of the content of the present
invention, and thus the techniques of the above embodiments can be
combined together or combined with another known technique, or the
configurations can be partially omitted and/or modified without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0107] 1 heat exchange ventilator; 1a outdoor air inlet; 1b supply
air outlet; 1c indoor air inlet; 1d exhaust air outlet; 1e casing;
2 heat exchange element; 3 supply blower; 4 exhaust blower; 5
outdoor air temperature sensor; 6 return air temperature sensor; 7,
8 partition wall; 8a bypass opening; 11 supply air duct; 11a
upstream supply air duct; 11b internal supply air duct; 11ba
pre-heat exchange outdoor air duct; 11bb post-heat exchange outdoor
air duct; 11bc heat exchange element supply air duct; 11c
downstream supply air duct; 12 exhaust air duct; 12a upstream
exhaust air duct; 12b internal exhaust air duct; 12ba pre-heat
exchange indoor air duct; 12bb post-heat exchange indoor air duct;
12bc heat exchange element exhaust air duct; 12c downstream exhaust
air duct; 13 branch supply air duct; 21, 25 temperature adjustment
coil; 22 first air duct switching damper; 23 motor controller; 24
motor; 26 second air duct switching damper; 31 controller; 32
remote control; 51 ceiling; 52 ceiling space; 53 room; 100, 200,
300 heat exchange ventilation system; 101 processor; 102
memory.
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