U.S. patent application number 17/603691 was filed with the patent office on 2022-05-12 for air treatment system.
This patent application is currently assigned to DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.. Invention is credited to Toru FUJIMOTO, Akira KOMATSU, Taishi NAKASHIMA, Yoshiteru NOUCHI, Ryouta SUZUKI, Shuuichi TANAKA, Kouji TATSUMI.
Application Number | 20220146123 17/603691 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006154359 |
Filed Date | 2022-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220146123 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FUJIMOTO; Toru ; et
al. |
May 12, 2022 |
AIR TREATMENT SYSTEM
Abstract
An air treatment system controls airflow volume in accordance
with momentarily varying airflow volume to be demanded. A supply
fan unit is disposed separately from an air treatment unit, and
sends outdoor air from an outdoor space to the air treatment unit
and sends outdoor air treated by the air treatment unit to an
indoor space. An exhaust fan unit is disposed separately from the
air treatment unit, and sends indoor air from the indoor space to
the air treatment unit and sends indoor air treated by the air
treatment unit to the outdoor space. A controller controls a
rotation speed of a first fan in accordance with a first detection
value of a first airflow volume detection unit, and controls a
rotation speed of a second fan in accordance with a second
detection value of a second airflow volume detection unit.
Inventors: |
FUJIMOTO; Toru; (Osaka-shi,
JP) ; TANAKA; Shuuichi; (Osaka-shi, JP) ;
KOMATSU; Akira; (Osaka-shi, JP) ; NOUCHI;
Yoshiteru; (Osaka-shi, JP) ; TATSUMI; Kouji;
(Osaka-shi, JP) ; SUZUKI; Ryouta; (Osaka-shi,
JP) ; NAKASHIMA; Taishi; (Osaka-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD. |
Osaka-shi, Osaka |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
DAIKIN INDUSTRIES, LTD.
Osaka-shi, Osaka
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000006154359 |
Appl. No.: |
17/603691 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2020 |
PCT Filed: |
April 15, 2020 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2020/016622 |
371 Date: |
October 14, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/77 20180101;
F24F 11/84 20180101; F24F 11/86 20180101; F24F 3/001 20130101; F25B
2700/21152 20130101; F25B 2313/0315 20130101; F24F 3/044 20130101;
F24F 11/89 20180101; F25B 49/022 20130101; F25B 2313/0314 20130101;
F25B 2700/21151 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 3/00 20060101
F24F003/00; F24F 11/77 20060101 F24F011/77; F24F 11/84 20060101
F24F011/84; F24F 11/86 20060101 F24F011/86; F24F 11/89 20060101
F24F011/89; F24F 3/044 20060101 F24F003/044; F25B 49/02 20060101
F25B049/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 15, 2019 |
JP |
2019-077305 |
Jun 24, 2019 |
JP |
2019-116144 |
Dec 27, 2019 |
JP |
2019-237836 |
Claims
1. An air treatment system comprising: an air treatment unit
configured to apply predetermined treatment to air passing through
the unit; a first supply fan unit and a second supply fan unit
disposed separately from the air treatment unit and configured to
send outdoor air from an outdoor space to the air treatment unit
and send the outdoor air treated by the air treatment unit to an
indoor space; a first supply air duct and a second supply air duct
connected to the air treatment unit and provided to guide the
outdoor air treated by the air treatment unit and supplied to the
indoor space; an exhaust fan unit disposed separately from the air
treatment unit and configured to send indoor air from the indoor
space to the air treatment unit and send the indoor air treated by
the air treatment unit to the outdoor space; and a controller
configured to control the first supply fan unit, the second supply
fan unit and the exhaust fan unit, wherein the first supply fan
unit is connected to the first supply air duct, and the second
supply fan unit is connected to the second supply air duct, the
first supply fan unit and the second supply fan unit each include a
first fan having a variable rotation speed, and a first airflow
volume detection unit configured to detect airflow volume of the
first fan or airflow volume corresponding quantity as physical
quantity corresponding to the airflow volume, and output a first
detection value, the exhaust fan unit includes a second fan having
a variable rotation speed, and a second airflow volume detection
unit configured to detect airflow volume of the second fan or
airflow volume corresponding quantity as physical quantity
corresponding to the airflow volume, and output a second detection
value, and the controller controls the rotation speed of the first
fan in accordance with the first detection value in each of the
first supply fan unit and the second supply fan unit, and controls
the rotation speed of the second fan in accordance with the second
detection value in the exhaust fan unit.
2. The air treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the
controller includes a first controller provided at each of the
first supply fan unit and the second supply fan unit, and a second
controller provided at the exhaust fan unit, the first controller
in the first supply fan unit receives a first command value on the
airflow volume of the first fan in the first supply fan unit from
outside the first supply fan unit, and controls the rotation speed
of the first fan in the first supply fan unit in accordance with
the first command value and the first detection value, the first
controller in the second supply fan unit receives a first command
value on the airflow volume of the first fan in the second supply
fan unit from outside the second supply fan unit, and controls the
rotation speed of the first fan in the second supply fan unit in
accordance with the first command value and the first detection
value, and the second controller receives a second command value on
the airflow volume of the second fan from outside the exhaust fan
unit, and controls the rotation speed of the second fan in
accordance with the second command value and the second detection
value.
3. The air treatment system according to claim 2, wherein the
controller includes a main controller configured to transmit the
first command value of the first supply fan unit to the first
controller in the first supply fan unit, transmit the first command
value of the second supply fan unit to the first controller in the
second supply fan unit, and transmit the second command value to
the second controller.
4. The air treatment system according to claim 1, further
comprising: a return air duct connected to the air treatment unit
and provided to guide the indoor air taken in to the air treatment
unit from the indoor space; and an exhaust air duct connected to
the air treatment unit and provided to guide the indoor air treated
by the air treatment unit and exhausted to the outdoor space,
wherein the exhaust fan unit is provided to at least one of the
return air duct and the exhaust air duct, and causes the indoor air
to flow from the return air duct to the exhaust air duct through
the air treatment unit.
5. (canceled)
6. (canceled)
7. (canceled)
8. (canceled)
9. The air treatment system according to claim 2, further
comprising: a return air duct connected to the air treatment unit
and provided to guide the indoor air taken in to the air treatment
unit from the indoor space; and an exhaust air duct connected to
the air treatment unit and provided to guide the indoor air treated
by the air treatment unit and exhausted to the outdoor space,
wherein the exhaust fan unit is provided to at least one of the
return air duct and the exhaust air duct, and causes the indoor air
to flow from the return air duct to the exhaust air duct through
the air treatment unit.
10. The air treatment system according to claim 3, further
comprising: a return air duct connected to the air treatment unit
and provided to guide the indoor air taken in to the air treatment
unit from the indoor space; and an exhaust air duct connected to
the air treatment unit and provided to guide the indoor air treated
by the air treatment unit and exhausted to the outdoor space,
wherein the exhaust fan unit is provided to at least one of the
return air duct and the exhaust air duct, and causes the indoor air
to flow from the return air duct to the exhaust air duct through
the air treatment unit.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air treatment system
configured to apply predetermined treatment to outdoor air to be
sent to an indoor space.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Patent Literature 1 (R.O.C. Utility Model No. M566801)
discloses, as a conventional air treatment system, a total heat
exchanger including a heat exchange element disposed in a casing.
The casing is provided with an external intake port, an internal
intake port, an external exhaust port, and an internal exhaust
port. The total heat exchanger according to Patent Literature 1
includes an air intake device separated from the casing and
disposed at the intake port, and an air exhaust device separated
from the casing and disposed at the exhaust port.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0003] The total heat exchanger according to Patent Literature 1
includes the air intake device and the air exhaust device that are
adjusted in the numbers thereof in accordance with capacity of the
casing. This achieves reduction in space of the total heat
exchanger. The total heat exchanger according to Patent Literature
1 is not configured to control airflow volume whenever necessary,
and cannot cope with demands for change in airflow volume that
varies momentarily. A conventional total heat exchanger
particularly provided with a plurality of blow-out ports has
difficulty in momentarily changing airflow volume at each of the
blow-out ports.
[0004] An air treatment system has a task to control airflow volume
in accordance with momentarily varying airflow volume to be
demanded.
Solutions to Problem
[0005] An air treatment system according to a first aspect includes
an air treatment unit, a supply fan unit, an exhaust fan unit, and
a controller. The air treatment unit applies predetermined
treatment to air passing through the unit. The supply fan unit is
disposed separately from the air treatment unit, and sends outdoor
air from an outdoor space to the air treatment unit and sends
outdoor air treated by the air treatment unit to an indoor space.
The exhaust fan unit is disposed separately from the air treatment
unit, and sends indoor air from the indoor space to the air
treatment unit and sends indoor air treated by the air treatment
unit to the outdoor space. The controller controls the supply fan
unit and the exhaust fan unit. The supply fan unit includes a first
fan having a variable rotation speed, and a first airflow volume
detection unit configured to detect airflow volume of the first fan
or airflow volume corresponding quantity as physical quantity
corresponding to the airflow volume, and output a first detection
value. The exhaust fan unit includes a second fan having a variable
rotation speed, and a second airflow volume detection unit
configured to detect airflow volume of the second fan or airflow
volume corresponding quantity as physical quantity corresponding to
the airflow volume, and output a second detection value. The
controller controls the rotation speed of the first fan in
accordance with the first detection value, and controls the
rotation speed of the second fan in accordance with the second
detection value.
[0006] When the air treatment system according to the first aspect
needs to change airflow volume, the supply fan unit and the exhaust
fan unit can control the numbers of revolutions of the first fan
and the second fan in accordance with the first detection value and
the second detection value, respectively. When the air treatment
system needs to change the airflow volume, the airflow volume can
thus be appropriately changed as necessary.
[0007] An air treatment system according to a second aspect is the
system according to the first aspect, in which the controller
includes a first control unit provided at the supply fan unit and a
second control unit provided at the exhaust fan unit. The first
control unit receives a first command value on the airflow volume
of the first fan from outside the supply fan unit, and controls the
rotation speed of the first fan in accordance with the first
command value and the first detection value. The second control
unit receives a second command value on the airflow volume of the
second fan from outside the exhaust fan unit, and controls the
rotation speed of the second fan in accordance with the second
command value and the second detection value.
[0008] In the system according to the second aspect, the supply fan
unit and the exhaust fan unit are provided with the first control
unit and the second control unit. This configuration facilitates
construction of a control system upon installation and addition of
the supply fan unit and the exhaust fan unit.
[0009] An air treatment system according to a third aspect is the
system according to the second aspect, in which the controller
includes a main controller configured to transmit the first command
value to the first control unit and transmit the second command
value to the second control unit.
[0010] In the air treatment system according to the third aspect,
the supply fan unit and the exhaust fan unit are connected to the
identical air treatment unit. In this configuration, the first
control unit and the second control unit in the supply fan unit and
the exhaust fan unit receive the first command value and the second
command value from the main controller and do not need to calculate
the first command value or the second command value. This
configuration reduces loads applied to the first control unit and
the second control unit in the supply fan unit and the exhaust fan
unit.
[0011] An air treatment system according to a fourth aspect is the
system according to any one of the first to third aspects, and the
air treatment system includes an outdoor air duct, a supply air
duct, a return air duct, and an exhaust air duct. The outdoor air
duct is connected to the air treatment unit and guides outdoor air
taken in to the air treatment unit from the outdoor space. The
supply air duct is connected to the air treatment unit and guides
outdoor air treated by the air treatment unit and supplied to the
indoor space. The return air duct is connected to the air treatment
unit and guides indoor air taken in to the air treatment unit from
the indoor space. The exhaust air duct is connected to the air
treatment unit and guides indoor air treated by the air treatment
unit and exhausted to the outdoor space. The supply fan unit is
provided to at least one of the outdoor air duct and the supply air
duct. The supply fan unit causes outdoor air to flow from the
outdoor air duct to the supply air duct through the air treatment
unit. The exhaust fan unit is provided to at least one of the
return air duct and the exhaust air duct. The exhaust fan unit
causes indoor air to flow from the supply air duct to the exhaust
air duct through the air treatment unit.
[0012] An air treatment system according to a fifth aspect is the
system according to the fourth aspect, in which the supply fan unit
is connected to the supply air duct. The exhaust fan unit is
connected to the exhaust air duct.
[0013] An air treatment system according to a sixth aspect is the
system according to the fourth aspect, in which the supply fan unit
is connected to the supply air duct. The exhaust fan unit is
connected to the return air duct.
[0014] An air treatment system according to a seventh aspect is the
system according to the sixth aspect, in which the exhaust fan unit
includes a first exhaust fan unit and a second exhaust fan unit.
The return air duct includes a first return air duct and a second
return air duct provided to guide indoor air. The first exhaust fan
unit is connected to the first return air duct, and the second
exhaust fan unit is connected to the second return air duct.
[0015] In the system according to the seventh aspect, an exhaust
load is divisionally applied to the first exhaust fan unit and the
second exhaust fan unit, so that each of the first and second
exhaust fan units can be reduced in airflow volume and can be
reduced in noise.
[0016] An air treatment system according to an eighth aspect is the
system according to any one of the fourth to seventh aspects, in
which the supply fan unit includes a first supply fan unit and a
second supply fan unit. The supply air duct includes a first supply
air duct and a second supply air duct provided to guide the outdoor
air to the indoor space. The first supply fan unit is connected to
the first supply air duct, and the second supply fan unit is
connected to the second supply air duct.
[0017] The system according to the eighth aspect includes the
supply fan unit divided to the first supply fan unit and the second
supply fan unit, so that each of the first and second supply fan
units can be reduced in airflow volume and can be reduced in
noise.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary
configuration of an air treatment system according to an
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary
relation among the air treatment system, an indoor space, and the
indoor space.
[0020] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of an air treatment unit, as
an explanatory view of flows of outdoor air and supply air.
[0021] FIG. 4 is a sectional side view of the air treatment unit,
as an explanatory view of flows of indoor air and exhaust air.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view depicting an exemplary total
heat exchange element.
[0023] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram depicting exemplary
configurations of a supply fan unit and an exhaust fan unit FIG. 7
is a schematic sectional view depicting an exemplary fan included
in a fan unit.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary control
system.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary
configuration of an air treatment system according to a
modification example A.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram depicting an exemplary
configuration of an air treatment system according to a
modification example B.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram depicting an outline
configuration of an air conditioning system.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view depicting exemplary
connection of a heat exchanger unit, a duct, a fan unit, and a
blow-out port unit.
[0029] FIG. 13 is a sectional view depicting an exemplary fan
included in the fan unit.
[0030] FIG. 14 is a block diagram depicting an exemplary control
system.
[0031] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram depicting another exemplary
configuration of the fan unit.
[0032] FIG. 16 is an explanatory block diagram depicting a
connection relation between an air conditioning main controller and
an air conditioning fan controller.
[0033] FIG. 17 is an explanatory block diagram depicting an
exemplary connection relation between the air conditioning main
controller and the air conditioning fan controller.
[0034] FIG. 18 is an explanatory block diagram depicting another
exemplary connection relation between the air conditioning main
controller and the air conditioning fan controller.
[0035] FIG. 19 is an explanatory block diagram depicting still
another exemplary connection relation between the air conditioning
main controller and the air conditioning fan controller.
[0036] FIG. 20 is an explanatory block diagram depicting a
different exemplary connection relation between the air
conditioning main controller and the air conditioning fan
controller.
[0037] FIG. 21 is an explanatory block diagram depicting another
different exemplary connection relation between the air
conditioning main controller and the air conditioning fan
controller.
[0038] FIG. 22 is an explanatory block diagram depicting a further
different exemplary connection relation between the air
conditioning main controller and the air conditioning fan
controller.
[0039] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram depicting a configuration of
an air conditioning system according to a modification example
K.
[0040] FIG. 24 is a block diagram depicting a configuration of a
controller in FIG. 23.
[0041] FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram depicting another exemplary
configuration of the air conditioning system according to the
modification example K.
[0042] FIG. 26 is a block diagram depicting a configuration of a
controller in FIG. 25.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(1) Entire Configuration
(1-1) Air Treatment System
[0043] An air treatment system 1 includes an air treatment unit 10,
supply fan units 20, and exhaust fan units 30 as depicted in FIG.
1, and also includes a controller 40 as depicted in FIG. 2. FIG. 1
depicts the air treatment system 1 disposed in a ceiling space of
one floor in a building BL. The air treatment unit 10 is configured
to apply predetermined treatment to air passing through the unit.
The predetermined treatment includes filtering for removal of dust
in air, changing temperature of the air, changing humidity of the
air, filtering for removal of predetermined chemical composition in
the air, and filtering for removal of a predetermined pathogen in
the air. Examples of the dust include pollen, yellow sand, and PM
2.5. Examples of the predetermined chemical composition include
odorant.
[0044] The air treatment unit 10 depicted in FIG. 1 does not have a
function of actively generating an air flow in the unit.
Specifically, the air treatment unit 10 does not include any fan.
In the air treatment system 1, the supply fan unit 20 and the
exhaust fan unit 30 generate an air flow in the air treatment unit
10.
[0045] The air treatment system 1 includes the plurality of supply
fan units 20 provided separately from the air treatment unit 10.
The air treatment system 1 includes the plurality of exhaust fan
units 30 provided separately from the air treatment unit 10.
[0046] FIG. 2 schematically depicts an air flow from an indoor
space SI to an outdoor space SO, and an air flow from the outdoor
space SO to the outdoor space SO in the air treatment system 1.
FIG. 1 depicts the plurality of supply fan units 20 and the
plurality of exhaust fan units 30, whereas FIG. 2 exemplarily
depicts an air flow through one of the supply fan units 20 and an
air flow through one of the exhaust fan units 30. The indoor space
SI is separated from the outdoor space SO, and serves as an air
conditioning target space to be air conditioned. The outdoor space
SO is a supply source of outdoor air OA as fresh air. The supply
fan unit 20 sends the outdoor air OA from the outdoor space SO to
the air treatment unit 10, and sends the outdoor air OA treated by
the air treatment unit 10 to the indoor space SI. In other words,
the supply fan unit 20 is driven to send air to generate an air
flow from the outdoor space SO to the indoor space SI through the
air treatment unit 10. Air supplied from the air treatment system 1
to the indoor space SI will be called supply air SA.
[0047] The exhaust fan unit 30 sends indoor air RA from the indoor
space SI to the air treatment unit 10, and sends the indoor air RA
treated by the air treatment unit 10 to the outdoor space SO. In
other words, the exhaust fan unit 30 is driven to send air to
generate an air flow from the indoor space SI to the outdoor space
SO through the air treatment unit 10. Air exhausted from the air
treatment system 1 to the outdoor space SO will be called exhaust
air EA.
[0048] Each of the supply fan units 20 includes a first fan 22
having a variable rotation speed. Each of the supply fan units 20
further includes a first airflow volume detection unit 23
configured to detect airflow volume of the first fan 22 or airflow
volume corresponding quantity as physical quantity corresponding to
the airflow volume, and output a first detection value. Each of the
exhaust fan units 30 includes a second fan 32 having a variable
rotation speed. Each of the exhaust fan units 30 further includes a
second airflow volume detection unit 33 configured to detect
airflow volume of the second fan 32 or airflow volume corresponding
quantity as physical quantity corresponding to the airflow volume,
and output a second detection value.
[0049] The controller 40 controls the plurality of supply fan units
20 and the plurality of exhaust fan units 30. The controller 40
controls the rotation speed of the first fan 22 in accordance with
the first detection value of the first airflow volume detection
unit 23 in each of the supply fan units 20. The controller 40
further controls the rotation speed of the second fan 32 in
accordance with the second detection value of the second airflow
volume detection unit 33 in each of the exhaust fan units 30.
[0050] In an exemplary case where all the plurality of supply fan
units 20 increases supply quantity of the supply air SA to be
supplied to the indoor space SI in the air treatment system 1, the
controller 40 controls to increase the rotation speed of every one
of the first fans 22. In an exemplary case where each of the three
supply fan units 20 depicted in FIG. 1 is increased in supply
quantity by 100 CHM to achieve increase in supply quantity by 300
CHM in total, the controller 40 commands each of the first fans 22
to increase airflow volume by 100 CHM, and each of the first
airflow volume detection unit 23 detects increased quantity of the
corresponding first fan 22. The controller 40 adjusts the rotation
speed of each the first fans 22 such that the first airflow volume
detection unit 23 in each of the supply fan units 20 detects 100
CHM as the increased quantity.
[0051] When the three supply fan units 20 increase the supply
quantity by 300 CHM in the air treatment system 1, two of the
exhaust fan units 30 increase exhaust air quantity by 300 CHM. In
this case, the controller 40 commands each of the second fans 32 to
increase airflow volume by 150 CHM, and each of the second airflow
volume detection unit 33 detects increased quantity. The controller
40 adjusts the rotation speed of each the second fans 32 such that
the second airflow volume detection unit 33 in each of the exhaust
fan units 30 detects 150 CHM as the increased quantity. In this
manner, when the air treatment system 1 needs to change airflow
volume, the controller 40 is configured to change airflow volume as
necessary while balancing supply air quantity and exhaust air
quantity.
(2) Detailed Configurations
(2-1) Air Flow Path of Air Treatment System 1
[0052] As depicted in FIG. 2, the air treatment system 1 includes
an outdoor air duct 50, a supply air duct 60, a return air duct 70,
and an exhaust air duct 80. The outdoor air duct 50, the supply air
duct 60, the return air duct 70, and the exhaust air duct 80 are
connected to the air treatment unit 10.
[0053] The outdoor air duct 50 guides the outdoor air OA to be
taken in to the air treatment unit 10, from the outdoor space SO to
the air treatment unit 10. In other words, the outdoor air duct 50
constitutes an air flow path from the outdoor space SO to the air
treatment unit 10. The outdoor air duct 50 extends to an opening 4
opened toward the outdoor space SO. The supply air duct 60 guides,
from the air treatment unit 10 to the indoor space SI, the outdoor
air OA treated by the air treatment unit 10 and supplied to the
indoor space SI. In other words, the supply air duct 60 constitutes
an air flow path from the air treatment unit 10 to the indoor space
SI. The supply air duct 60 extends to a blow-out port 2 opened
toward the indoor space SI.
[0054] The return air duct 70 guides from the indoor space SI to
the air treatment unit 10, the indoor air RA taken in to the air
treatment unit 10 from the indoor space SI. In other words, the
return air duct 70 constitutes an air flow path from the indoor
space SI to the air treatment unit 10. The return air duct 70
extends to a blow-in port 3 opened toward the indoor space SI. The
exhaust air duct 80 guides, from the air treatment unit 10 to the
outdoor space SO, the indoor air RA treated by the air treatment
unit 10 and supplied to the outdoor space SO. In other words, the
exhaust air duct 80 constitutes an air flow path from the air
treatment unit 10 to the outdoor space SO. The exhaust air duct 80
extends to an opening 5 opened toward the outdoor space SO.
[0055] More specifically, the air treatment system 1 is provided
with branch chambers 91 and 92 as depicted in FIG. 1. When the
branch chamber 91 is provided, the supply air duct 60 includes a
single main duct 61 branched into a plurality of branch ducts 62.
In other words, the supply air duct 60 includes the single main
duct 61, the branch chamber 91, and the plurality of branch ducts
62. Description is made to a case where there is provided the
single branch chamber 91. There may alternatively be provided a
plurality of branch chambers 91 and the supply air duct 60 branched
by an upstream one of the branch chambers 91 may be further
branched by a downstream one of the branch chambers 91 at a
position downstream of the upstream branch chamber 91.
[0056] When the branch chamber 92 is provided, the return air duct
70 includes a single main duct 71 branched into a plurality of
branch ducts 72. In other words, the return air duct 70 includes
the single main duct 71, the branch chamber 92, and the plurality
of branch ducts 72. Description is made to a case where there is
provided the single branch chamber 92. There may alternatively be
provided a plurality of branch chambers 92 and the return air duct
70 branched by an upstream one of the branch chambers 92 may be
further branched by a downstream one of the branch chambers 92 at a
position downstream of the upstream branch chamber 92.
(2-2) Disposition of Supply Fan Unit 20 and Exhaust Fan Unit 30
[0057] The supply fan units 20 are each connected to a
corresponding one of the supply air ducts 60. The air treatment
system 1 depicted in FIG. 1 includes three branch ducts 62 each
connected to a corresponding one of the supply fan units 20. The
supply fan units 20 are connected at halfway positions of the
branch ducts 62, although the connected positions are not limited
to the halfway positions of the branch ducts 62. For example, each
of the supply fan units 20 may alternatively be connected to an end
adjacent to the blow-out port 2, of the corresponding branch duct
62.
[0058] The exhaust fan units 30 are each connected to a
corresponding one of the return air ducts 70. The air treatment
system 1 depicted in FIG. 1 includes two branch ducts 72 each
connected to a corresponding one of the exhaust fan units 30. The
exhaust fan units 30 are connected at halfway positions of the
branch ducts 72, although the connected positions are not limited
to the halfway positions of the branch ducts 72. For example, each
of the exhaust fan units 30 may alternatively be connected to an
end adjacent to the blow-in port 3, of the corresponding branch
duct 72.
[0059] For distinction among the respective supply fan units 20,
the supply fan units 20 include a first supply fan unit 20a, a
second supply fan unit 20b, and a third supply fan unit 20c denoted
by reference signs including alphabets. The same applies for
distinction among the respective exhaust fan units 30, for
distinction among the respective branch ducts 62, and for
distinction among the respective branch ducts 72. The plurality of
supply fan units 20 in the air treatment system 1 depicted in FIG.
1 includes the first supply fan unit 20a, the second supply fan
unit 20b, and the third supply fan unit 20c. The plurality of
exhaust fan units 30 in the air treatment system 1 depicted in FIG.
1 includes a first exhaust fan unit 30a and a second exhaust fan
unit 30b. In the air treatment system 1 depicted in FIG. 1, the
plurality of supply air ducts 60 includes a first branch duct 62a,
a second branch duct 62b, and a third branch duct 62c, and the
plurality of return air ducts 70 includes a first branch duct 72a
and a second branch duct 72b. The first supply fan unit 20a is
connected to the first branch duct 62a. The second supply fan unit
20b is connected to the second branch duct 62b. The third supply
fan unit 20c is connected to the third branch duct 62c. The first
exhaust fan unit 30a is connected to the first branch duct 72a. The
second exhaust fan unit 30b is connected to a second return air
duct 70b.
(2-3) Air Treatment Unit 10
[0060] The air treatment unit 10 according to this embodiment is a
total heat exchanger. As depicted in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4, the air
treatment unit 10 includes a housing 11, a total heat exchange
element 12, a first filter 13, and a second filter 14. The housing
11 accommodates the total heat exchange element 12 having a
substantially quadrangular prism shape. The housing 11 is provided
with an opening 11a for connection to the outdoor air duct 50, an
opening 11b for connection to the supply air duct 60, an opening
11c for connection to the return air duct 70, and an opening 11d
for connection to the exhaust air duct 80.
[0061] The housing 11 has an internal space principally divided
into four spaces, namely, a first space SP1, a second space SP2, a
third space SP3, and a fourth space SP4. The first space SP1 is
provided adjacent to the outdoor air duct 50 with respect to the
total heat exchange element 12. The second space SP2 is provided
adjacent to the supply air duct 60 with respect to the total heat
exchange element 12. The third space SP3 is provided adjacent to
the return air duct 70 with respect to the total heat exchange
element 12. The fourth space SP4 is provided adjacent to the
exhaust air duct 80 with respect to the total heat exchange element
12. Accordingly, the outdoor air duct 50 connects the outdoor space
SO and the first space SP1. The supply air duct 60 connects the
indoor space SI and the second space SP2. The return air duct 70
connects the indoor space SI and the third space SP3. The exhaust
air duct 80 connects the outdoor space SO and the fourth space
SP4.
[0062] As depicted in a sectional side view of FIG. 3 as well as in
FIG. 2, the outdoor air OA in the outdoor space SO flows to the
total heat exchange element 12 through the outdoor air duct 50 when
the supply fan unit 20 is driven. Air having passed through the
total heat exchange element 12 is supplied as fresh supply air SA
to the indoor space SI through the supply air duct 60. As depicted
in a sectional side view of FIG. 4 as well as in FIG. 2, the indoor
air RA in the indoor space SI flows to the total heat exchange
element 12 through the return air duct 70 when the exhaust fan unit
30 is driven. Air having passed through the total heat exchange
element 12 is exhausted as exhaust air EA to the outdoor space SO.
As depicted in FIG. 5, the total heat exchange element 12 causes
total heat exchange between the indoor air RA and the outdoor air
OA while the indoor air RA and the outdoor air OA are not mixed
with each other. In other words, the total heat exchange element 12
causes latent heat exchange and sensible heat exchange
simultaneously and continuously between the indoor air RA and the
outdoor air OA.
[0063] The first filter 13 is disposed to cover a portion exposed
to the third space SP3, of the total heat exchange element 12. The
second filter 14 is disposed to cover a portion exposed to the
first space SP1, of the total heat exchange element 12. Dust can
thus be removed from both the outdoor air OA and the indoor air RA
before the outdoor air OA and the indoor air RA are supplied to the
total heat exchange element 12. This prevents collected dust from
flowing into the total heat exchange element 12.
(2-4) Supply Fan Unit 20 and Exhaust Fan Unit 30
[0064] As depicted in FIG. 6, each of the supply fan units 20
includes a unit casing 21, a first fan 22, a first airflow volume
detection unit 23, and a fan controller 24. As depicted in FIG. 6,
each of the exhaust fan units 30 includes a unit casing 31, a
second fan 32, a second airflow volume detection unit 33, and a fan
controller 34. Each of the unit casings 21 has an intake port 26
and a blow-out port 27. The unit casing 21 is a case having a space
that has a predetermined shape and allows air entering through the
intake port 26 and exiting through the blow-out port 27 to flow
therethrough. The intake port 26 of each of the unit casings 21 is
connected to communicate with the air treatment unit 10. The
blow-out port 27 of each of the unit casings 21 is connected with a
blow-out port of a corresponding one of the first fans 22.
Conditioned air blown out of the first fan 22 is blown out of the
blow-out port 2. Each of the unit casings 31 has an intake port 36
and a blow-out port 37. The unit casing 31 is a case having a space
that has a predetermined shape and allows air entering through the
intake port 36 and exiting through the blow-out port 37 to flow
therethrough. The intake port 36 of each of the unit casings 31 is
connected to communicate with a corresponding one of the blow-in
ports 3. The blow-out port 37 of each of the unit casings 31 is
connected with a blow-out port of a corresponding one of the second
fans 32. The indoor air RA blown out of the second fan 32 is blown
out of the opening 5 through the air treatment unit 10. For clearer
description, described below is a case where the supply fan units
20 and the exhaust fan units 30 are configured similarly. The
supply fan units 20 will thus be described below while the exhaust
fan units 30 may not be described. The plurality of supply fan
units 20 and the plurality of exhaust fan units 30 may
alternatively be configured differently by exemplarily
differentiating between at least one set of the unit casings 21 and
31 the first fans 22 and the second fans 32, and the first airflow
volume detection units 23 and the second airflow volume detection
units 33 in the plurality of supply fan units 20 and the plurality
of exhaust fan units 30.
[0065] The unit casings 21 each accommodate the first fan 22 and
the first airflow volume detection unit 23. The first fan 22 has a
fan casing 29 (see FIG. 7). Each of the first fans 22 has the
variable rotation speed. The first fan 22 is fixed at a
predetermined position in the unit casing 21, and the fan casing 29
has an outlet port 29b connected to the blow-out port 27 of the
unit casing 21. The fan casing 29 has an inlet port 29a disposed at
a predetermined position in an internal space of the unit casing
21. Examples of the first fan 22 can include a centrifugal fan.
Examples of the centrifugal fan functioning as the first fan 22
include a sirocco fan. FIG. 7 depicts the sirocco fan exemplifying
the first fan 22. The first fan 22 includes a fan rotor 25
rotatably accommodated in the fan casing 29. The fan rotor 25 is
rotated by a fan motor 28. The rotation speed of the first fan 22
can be regarded as a rotation speed of the fan rotor 25. The first
fan 22 is increased in airflow volume by increasing the rotation
speed of the fan motor 28 for increase in the rotation speed of the
fan rotor 25. The first fan 22 is decreased in airflow volume by
decreasing the rotation speed of the fan motor 28 for decrease in
the rotation speed of the fan rotor 25. The blow-out port of the
first fan 22 is connected to the blow-out port 27 of the unit
casing 21, so that the airflow volume of the first fan 22 matches
supply air volume of air supplied from the blow-out port 2. The
first fan 22 can thus be changed in supply air volume by changing
the rotation speed of the fan motor 28. The unit casing 21 is
provided with the fan controller 24. All the fan controllers 24 are
connected to a main controller 41 herein. Each of the fan
controllers 24 is connected to the fan motor 28 and is configured
to control the rotation speed of the fan motor 28.
[0066] The unit casing 31 of each of the exhaust fan units 30
accommodates the second fan 32 and the second airflow volume
detection unit 33. As in the supply fan units 20, examples of the
second fan 32 can include a centrifugal fan, and specifically a
sirocco fan. As in the supply fan units 20, the second fan 32 in
each of the exhaust fan units 30 includes a fan rotor 35 rotatably
accommodated in a fan casing 39, and the fan rotor 35 is rotated by
a fan motor 38.
[0067] The first airflow volume detection unit 23 in each of the
supply fan units 20 and the second airflow volume detection unit 33
in each of the exhaust fan units 30 are each configured to detect
airflow volume of the first fan 22 or the second fan 32, or airflow
volume corresponding quantity as physical quantity corresponding to
the airflow volume. Description is made below to a case where the
first airflow volume detection unit 23 and the second airflow
volume detection unit 33 are configured similarly. Accordingly, the
first airflow volume detection unit 23 is described below and the
second airflow volume detection unit 33 will not be described. In
order to detect airflow volume of the first fan 22, the first
airflow volume detection unit 23 includes an airflow volume sensor.
In order to detect airflow volume corresponding quantity as
physical quantity corresponding to the airflow volume of the first
fan 22, the first airflow volume detection unit 23 includes a wind
speed sensor, a differential pressure sensor, or a pressure sensor.
In order for detection of airflow volume with use of the airflow
volume sensor, the airflow volume sensor is installed at a
predetermined position in the unit casing 21. The unit casing 21,
the first fan 22, the intake port 26, the blow-out port 27, and the
airflow volume sensor are fixed in terms of shapes and installed
positions. There is thus executed a test to find a relation between
a measurement value of the installed airflow volume sensor and
airflow volume of the first fan 22. The fan controller 24 stores,
for example, a table indicating the relation between the
measurement value of the airflow volume sensor and the airflow
volume of the first fan 22.
[0068] In order to detect wind speed as airflow volume
corresponding quantity, the first airflow volume detection unit 23
includes a wind speed sensor configured to detect wind speed at a
predetermined position in the unit casing 21. The unit casing 21,
the first fan 22, the intake port 26, the blow-out port 27, and the
wind speed sensor are fixed in terms of shapes and installed
positions. There is thus executed a test to find a relation between
a measurement value of the installed wind speed sensor and airflow
volume of the first fan 22. The fan controller 24 stores, for
example, a table indicating the relation between the measurement
value of the wind speed sensor and the airflow volume of the first
fan 22.
[0069] In order to detect differential pressure as airflow volume
corresponding quantity, the first airflow volume detection unit 23
includes a differential pressure sensor configured to detect a
difference between static pressure values at two predetermined
positions in the unit casing 21. The unit casing 21, the first fan
22, the intake port 26, the blow-out port 27, and the differential
pressure sensor are fixed in terms of shapes and installed
positions. There is thus executed a test to find a relation between
a measurement value of the installed differential pressure sensor
and airflow volume of the first fan 22. The fan controller 24
stores, for example, a table indicating the relation between the
measurement value of the differential pressure sensor and the
airflow volume of the first fan 22.
[0070] In order to detect static pressure as airflow volume
corresponding quantity, the first airflow volume detection unit 23
includes a pressure sensor configured to detect static pressure at
a predetermined position in the unit casing 21. The unit casing 21,
the first fan 22, the intake port 26, the blow-out port 27, and the
pressure sensor are fixed in terms of shapes and installed
positions. There is thus executed a test to find a relation between
a measurement value of the installed pressure sensor and airflow
volume of the first fan 22. The fan controller 24 stores, for
example, a table indicating the relation between the measurement
value of the pressure sensor and the airflow volume of the first
fan 22.
[0071] A method of determining airflow volume in accordance with a
measurement value is not limited to a method of converting the
measurement value to airflow volume with reference to the table.
Each of the fan controllers 24 and 34 may alternatively be
configured to calculate airflow volume from a measurement value
with reference to, instead of the table, a relational expression
indicating a relation between each parameter and airflow
volume.
[0072] The fan controller 24 receives a first command value for
airflow volume of the first fan 22 from the main controller 41. The
fan controller 24 controls the rotation speed of the first fan 22
in accordance with the first command value for airflow volume and a
detection value of airflow volume or airflow volume corresponding
quantity detected by the first airflow volume detection unit 23.
The fan controller 24 exemplarily controls the rotation speed of
the first fan 22 such that the airflow volume indicated by the
detection value approaches the first command value. Specifically,
the fan controller 24 decreases the rotation speed of the first fan
22 if the airflow volume indicated by the detection value is more
than the first command value, and increases the rotation speed of
the first fan 22 if the airflow volume indicated by the detection
value is less than the first command value.
[0073] The fan controller 34 receives a second command value for
airflow volume of the second fan 32 from the main controller 41.
The fan controller 34 controls the rotation speed of the second fan
32 in accordance with the second command value for airflow volume
and a detection value of airflow volume or airflow volume
corresponding quantity detected by the second airflow volume
detection unit 33. The fan controller 34 exemplarily controls the
rotation speed of the second fan 32 such that the airflow volume
indicated by the detection value approaches the second command
value. Specifically, the fan controller 34 decreases the rotation
speed of the second fan 32 if the airflow volume indicated by the
detection value is more than the second command value, and
increases the rotation speed of the second fan 32 if the airflow
volume indicated by the detection value is less than the second
command value.
[0074] The fan controllers 24 and 34 are associated with a remote
controller 160 or the like. In an exemplary case where set airflow
volume is inputted to the remote controller 160, the main
controller 41 transmits, to the fan controllers 24 and 34 in the
supply fan units 20 and the exhaust fan units 30, the first command
value and the second command value according to the set airflow
volume of the remote controller 160. The main controller 41
accordingly determines the first command value and the second
command value in accordance with the set airflow volume inputted to
the remote controller 160. When the fan controllers 24 and 34,
which have received the first command value and the second command
value of a case where the airflow volume indicated by the detection
value matches the set airflow volume, receives a larger first
command value and a larger second command value, the first fan 22
and the second fan 32 are each increased in the rotation speed to
increase airflow volume of each of the first fan 22 and the second
fan 32.
(2-5) Control System
[0075] As depicted in FIG. 8, the controller 40 includes the main
controller 41 and the fan controllers 24 and 34. The main
controller 41 is connected to the plurality of fan controllers 24
and 34. The main controller 41 is connected to each remote
controller 160 via the fan controllers 24 and 34. The remote
controller 160 exemplarily corresponds to the blow-out port 2 or to
both the blow-out port 2 and the blow-in port 3, and is connected
to the supply fan unit 20 and the exhaust fan unit 30. Description
is made to the case where the remote controller 160 is connected to
the main controller 41 via the fan controllers 24 and 34. The
remote controller 160 may alternatively be connected directly to
the main controller 41. Exemplified herein is the case where the
main controller 41, the plurality of fan controllers 24 and 34, and
the plurality of remote controllers 160 are connected wiredly. All
the controllers or part of the controllers may alternatively be
connected by wireless communication.
[0076] The main controller 41, the plurality of fan controllers 24
and 34, and the plurality of remote controllers 160 are each
embodied by a computer or the like. The computer constituting each
of the main controller 41, the plurality of fan controllers 24 and
34, and the plurality of remote controllers 160 includes a control
computing device and a storage device. Examples of the control
computing device can include a processor such as a CPU or a GPU.
The control computing device reads a program stored in the storage
device and executes predetermined image processing or arithmetic
processing in accordance with the program. The control computing
device is configured to further write a result of the arithmetic
processing to the storage device, and read information stored in
the storage device, in accordance with the program. The main
controller 41, the plurality of fan controllers 24 and 34, and the
plurality of remote controllers 160 may alternatively be
constituted by an integrated circuit (IC) configured to execute
control similar to control with use of a CPU and a memory. Examples
of the IC mentioned herein include a large-scale integrated circuit
(LSI), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a gate
array, and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
[0077] The supply fan units 20 are each provided with the first
airflow volume detection unit 23. The exhaust fan units 30 are each
provided with the second airflow volume detection unit 33. The
first airflow volume detection unit 23 detects airflow volume
through the unit casing 21 of the supply fan unit 20. The second
airflow volume detection unit 33 detects airflow volume through the
unit casing 31 of the exhaust fan unit 30. The first airflow volume
detection unit 23 is connected to the fan controller 24, and
transmits, to the fan controller 24, data of the first detection
value thus detected. The second airflow volume detection unit 33 is
connected to the fan controller 34, and transmits, to the fan
controller 34, data of the second detection value thus detected.
Each of the first airflow volume detection unit 23 and the second
airflow volume detection unit 33 may alternatively be configured to
detect an airflow direction so as to sense a backflow.
[0078] Each of the remote controllers 160 is configured to command
to turn on or turn off the air treatment system 1 as well as the
supply fan units 20 and the exhaust fan units 30 or either the air
treatment system 1 or the supply fan units 20 and the exhaust fan
units 30, and input set airflow volume. The remote controller 160
is configured to input the set airflow volume by means of a
numerical value or the like.
(3) Characteristics
[0079] (3-1)
[0080] As described above, the controller 40 in the air treatment
system 1 is configured to control the rotation speed of the first
fan 22 in accordance with the first detection value of the first
airflow volume detection unit 23 in each of the supply fan units
20, and control the rotation speed of the second fan 32 in
accordance with the second detection value of the second airflow
volume detection unit 33 in each of the exhaust fan units 30. When
the air treatment system 1 needs change in airflow volume, the
supply fan units 20 and the exhaust fan units 30 can appropriately
change airflow volume as necessary.
(3-2)
[0081] The supply fan units 20 are each provided with the fan
controller 24 functioning as a first control unit, and the exhaust
fan units 30 are each provided with the fan controller 34
functioning as the second control unit. The fan controllers 24 and
34 receive, from outside the supply fan unit 20 and the exhaust fan
unit 30, the first command value and the second command value
indicating airflow volume of the first fan 22 and the second fan
32. The fan controllers 24 and 34 are provided to control the
numbers of revolutions of the first fan 22 and the second fan 32 in
accordance with the first command value, the second command value,
the first detection value, and the second detection value. This
configuration facilitates construction of a control system upon
installation and addition of the supply fan unit 20 and the exhaust
fan unit 30.
(3-3)
[0082] In the air treatment system 1, the supply fan units 20 and
the exhaust fan units 30 are connected to the identical air
treatment unit 10. In this configuration, the supply fan units 20
and the exhaust fan units 30 receive the first command value and
the second command value from the main controller 41. The fan
controllers 24 and 34 in the supply fan units 20 and the exhaust
fan units 30 refer to the first command value and the second
command value thus received and do not need to calculate the first
command value or the second command value, which reduces control
loads.
(3-4)
[0083] The plurality of exhaust fan units 30 includes the first
exhaust fan unit 30a and the second exhaust fan unit 30b. The first
exhaust fan unit 30a is connected to the first branch duct 72a, and
the second exhaust fan unit 30b is connected to the second branch
duct 72b. An exhaust load can thus be divisionally applied to the
first exhaust fan unit 30a and the second exhaust fan unit 30b, so
that each of the exhaust fan units 30 can be reduced in airflow
volume and can be reduced in noise generated at the exhaust fan
units 30. The first branch duct 72a exemplifies the first return
air duct, and the second branch duct 72b exemplifies the second
return air duct.
(3-5)
[0084] The plurality of supply fan units 20 includes the first
supply fan unit 20a, the second supply fan unit 20b, and the third
supply fan unit 30c. The first supply fan unit 20a is connected to
the first branch duct 62a, the second supply fan unit 20b is
connected to the second branch duct 62b, and the third supply fan
unit 20c is connected to the third branch duct 62c. A supply load
can thus be divisionally applied to the first supply fan unit 20a,
the second supply fan unit 20b, and the third supply fan unit 20c,
so that each of the supply fan units 20 can be reduced in airflow
volume and can be reduced in noise generated at the supply fan
units 20. The first branch duct 62a exemplifies the first supply
air duct, and the second branch duct 62b exemplifies the second
supply air duct.
(4) Modification Examples
(4-1) Modification Example A
[0085] The above embodiment refers to the case where the plurality
of supply fan units 20 and the plurality of exhaust fan units 30
are provided for the single indoor space SI (a single floor).
Disposition of the plurality of supply fan units 20 and the
plurality of exhaust fan units 30 are not limited to disposition
for the single indoor space SI as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0086] In a case where a floor is divided into a passage PAS and a
plurality of rooms SI1 to SI4 as depicted in FIG. 9 or the like,
the air treatment unit 10 may be disposed in a ceiling space of the
passage PAS and the supply fan units 20 and the exhaust fan units
30 may be disposed in ceiling spaces of the rooms SI1 to SI4.
[0087] Furthermore, the single air treatment unit 10 may be
connected to the plurality of supply fan units 20 and the plurality
of exhaust fan units 30 disposed on a plurality of floors.
(4-2) Modification Example B
[0088] The above embodiment refers to the exemplary case where the
supply fan units 20 are each connected to the corresponding supply
air duct 60 and the exhaust fan units 30 are each connected to the
corresponding return air duct 70. The duct connected with the
supply fan unit 20 is not limited to the supply air duct 60. As
exemplarily depicted in FIG. 10, the supply fan unit 20 may
alternatively be connected to the outdoor air duct 50. Furthermore,
the duct connected with the exhaust fan unit 30 is not limited to
the return air duct 70. As exemplarily depicted in FIG. 10, the
exhaust fan unit 30 may alternatively be connected to the exhaust
air duct 80. In this case, the single or plurality of supply fan
units 20 may be connected to the corresponding supply air duct 60
and the exhaust fan units 30 may be connected to the exhaust air
duct 80.
(4-3) Modification Example C
[0089] The above embodiment refers to the case where the air
treatment unit 10 is the total heat exchanger including the total
heat exchange element 12. The air treatment unit 10 is, however,
not limited to the total heat exchanger. The air treatment unit 10
may alternatively include at least one of a humidifier and a
dehumidifier. The air treatment unit 10 may still alternatively be
a ventilator including a filter. The air treatment unit 10 may
further alternatively include at least one of a heater and a
cooling apparatus. In any one of these cases, the air treatment
unit 10 does not have any blowing function.
(4-4) Modification Example D
[0090] The air treatment unit 10 may alternatively be a humidity
control outdoor processing device including a first heat exchanger
provided with a moisture absorbent, a second heat exchanger
provided with a moisture absorbent, a compressor configured to
circulate a refrigerant between the first heat exchanger and the
second heat exchanger, a four-way valve configured to change a
circulation direction of the refrigerant, and an expansion valve
provided between the first heat exchanger and the second heat
exchanger. The humidity control outdoor processing device can be
switched between a first state and a second state. The humidity
control outdoor processing device in the first state causes outdoor
air to pass through the first heat exchanger to generate supply air
and causes indoor air to pass through the second heat exchanger to
generate exhaust air. The humidity control outdoor processing
device in the second state causes outdoor air to pass through the
second heat exchanger to generate supply air and causes indoor air
to pass through the first heat exchanger to generate exhaust air.
For example, the moisture absorbent is applied directly to each of
the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The
moisture absorbent acquires necessary heat directly from the first
heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger to absorb and release
moisture. The compressor, the first heat exchanger, the second heat
exchanger, and the expansion valve constitute a heat pump. There is
provided a circuit connecting the compressor, the first heat
exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the expansion valve
achieves a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.
[0091] During dehumidifying operation, the humidity control outdoor
processing device is in the first state and causes heat exchange
between a gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor and
indoor air in the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant liquefied
by the second heat exchanger is decompressed and expanded by the
expansion valve and is sent to the first heat exchanger. The first
heat exchanger causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and
outdoor air. The refrigerant subjected to heat exchange at the
second heat exchanger returns to the compressor. Moisture in the
outdoor air having passed through the first heat exchanger is
absorbed to the absorbent of the first heat exchanger to dry supply
air.
[0092] When the moisture absorbent of the first heat exchanger
fully absorbs moisture, the humidity control outdoor processing
device is switched from the first state into the second state, such
that the four-way valve causes the gaseous refrigerant compressed
by the compressor to be discharged to the first heat exchanger and
a liquid refrigerant acquired after heat exchange at the first heat
exchanger enters the second heat exchanger.
[0093] During dehumidifying operation, the humidity control outdoor
processing device is in the second state and causes heat exchange
between a gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor and
indoor air in the first heat exchanger. The refrigerant liquefied
by the first heat exchanger is decompressed and expanded by the
expansion valve and is sent to the second heat exchanger. The
second heat exchanger causes heat exchange between the refrigerant
and outdoor air. The refrigerant subjected to heat exchange at the
first heat exchanger returns to the compressor. Moisture in the
outdoor air having passed through the second heat exchanger is
absorbed to the absorbent of the second heat exchanger to dry
supply air. Moisture in indoor air having passed through the first
heat exchanger is released from the absorbent to moisten exhaust
air.
[0094] When the moisture absorbent of the second heat exchanger
fully absorbs moisture, the humidity control outdoor processing
device is switched from the second state into the first state, such
that the four-way valve causes the gaseous refrigerant compressed
by the compressor to be discharged to the second heat exchanger and
a liquid refrigerant acquired after heat exchange at the second
heat exchanger enters the first heat exchanger.
[0095] During humidifying operation, the humidity control outdoor
processing device is in the second state and causes heat exchange
between a gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor and
indoor air in the second heat exchanger. The refrigerant liquefied
by the second heat exchanger is decompressed and expanded by the
expansion valve and is sent to the first heat exchanger. The first
heat exchanger causes heat exchange between the refrigerant and
outdoor air. The refrigerant subjected to heat exchange at the
second heat exchanger returns to the compressor. Moisture in indoor
air having passed through the first heat exchanger is absorbed to
the absorbent of the first heat exchanger to dry exhaust air.
[0096] When the moisture absorbent of the first heat exchanger
fully absorbs moisture, the humidity control outdoor processing
device is switched from the second state into the first state, such
that the four-way valve causes the gaseous refrigerant compressed
by the compressor to be discharged to the first heat exchanger and
a liquid refrigerant acquired after heat exchange at the first heat
exchanger enters the second heat exchanger.
[0097] During humidifying operation, the humidity control outdoor
processing device is in the first state and causes heat exchange
between a gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor and
outdoor air in the first heat exchanger. The refrigerant liquefied
by the first heat exchanger is decompressed and expanded by the
expansion valve and is sent to the second heat exchanger. The
second heat exchanger causes heat exchange between the refrigerant
and indoor air. The refrigerant subjected to heat exchange at the
first heat exchanger returns to the compressor. Moisture is
released from the absorbent of the first heat exchanger to the
outdoor air having passed through the first heat exchanger to
moisten supply air. Moisture in indoor air having passed through
the second heat exchanger is absorbed to the absorbent to dry
exhaust air.
[0098] When the moisture absorbent of the first heat exchanger
fully releases moisture, the humidity control outdoor processing
device is switched from the first state into the second state, such
that the four-way valve causes the gaseous refrigerant compressed
by the compressor to be discharged to the second heat exchanger and
a liquid refrigerant acquired after heat exchange at the second
heat exchanger enters the first heat exchanger.
(4-5) Modification Example E
[0099] In the air treatment system 1 according to the above
embodiment, the total heat exchange element 12 and the blow-out
port 2 may alternatively interpose a heat exchanger for recovery of
heat from the total heat exchange element 12 simultaneously with
cooling of supply air. Examples of the heat exchanger include a
direct expansion coil configured to cool passing air. The direct
expansion coil may be built in the air treatment unit 10.
[0100] In the air treatment system 1 according to the above
embodiment, the total heat exchange element 12 and the blow-out
port 2 may still alternatively interpose a heat exchanger and a
humidifier for recovery of heat from the total heat exchange
element 12 simultaneously with heating and humidification of supply
air. Examples of the heat exchanger include a direct expansion coil
configured to heat passing air. The direct expansion coil may be
built in the air treatment unit 10.
[0101] The air treatment unit 10 according to the above embodiment
may alternatively be configured to be switched, when there is no
need to adjust room temperature, into a state of exhausting, as
exhaust air, indoor air having not passed through the total heat
exchange element and taking in to the indoor space, as supply air,
outdoor air not subjected to total heat exchange.
(4-6) Modification Example F
[0102] The above embodiment refers to the case where the air
treatment system 1 includes the plurality of supply fan units 20
and the plurality of exhaust fan units 30. The air treatment system
1 may alternatively include a single supply fan unit 20 and a
single exhaust fan unit 30. In the air treatment system including
the single supply fan unit 20 and the single exhaust fan unit 30,
the supply fan unit 20 is provided to the outdoor air duct 50 or
the supply air duct 60, and the exhaust fan unit 30 is provided at
the return air duct 70 or the exhaust air duct 80.
[0103] The above embodiment refers to the case where the air
treatment system 1 includes the three supply fan units 20
respectively connected to the three branch ducts 62 of the supply
air duct 60. The air treatment system 1 may alternatively include
two or more supply fan units 20 respectively connected to two or
more branch ducts 62. The same may apply to the return air duct 70
and the exhaust fan units 30, and there may be provided two or more
exhaust fan units 30 respectively connected to two or more branch
ducts 72.
(4-7) Modification Example G
[0104] The above embodiment refers to the case where the air
treatment system 1 separately includes the main controller 41 and
the fan controllers 24 and 34. The main controller 41 may
alternatively be not separated from the fan controllers 24 and 34.
The air treatment system 1 may exemplarily include a centralized
controller collectively having the functions of the main controller
41 and the fan controllers 24 and 34. In this case, the centralized
controller may be exemplarily configured to calculate the first
command value and the second command value and control the supply
fan units 20 and the exhaust fan units 30 in accordance with the
first command value and the second command value.
(4-8) Modification Example H
[0105] The above embodiment refers to the exemplary case where the
air treatment unit 10 is a static total heat exchanger. The air
treatment unit 10 may alternatively be a rotary total heat
exchanger.
(4-9) Modification Example I
[0106] The above embodiment exemplifies only the air treatment
system 1 as a system configured to treat air in the indoor space
SI. The air treatment system 1 may alternatively be configured to
treat air in the indoor space SI as the air conditioning target
space in combination with an air conditioning system K1 to be
described later.
(4-9-1) Entire Configuration
[0107] FIG. 11 depicts the air conditioning system K1 configured to
supply the indoor space SI as the air conditioning target space
with conditioned air. As depicted in FIG. 11, the air conditioning
system K1 includes a heat exchanger unit K10, a plurality of ducts
K20, a plurality of air conditioning fan units K30, and an air
conditioning controller K300 (see FIG. 5). The air conditioning
system K1 generates conditioned air through heat exchange at the
heat exchanger unit K10, and supplies the indoor space SI with the
conditioned air thus generated through a plurality of distribution
flow paths. Each of the ducts K20 is disposed at one of the
distribution flow paths. Each of the air conditioning fan units K30
is disposed at one of the distribution flow paths. For distinction
between the plurality of ducts K20, the reference sign of the duct
K20 additionally includes an alphabet subscript such as K20a. The
ducts K20 herein include four ducts K20a to K20d. Similarly, the
air conditioning fan units K30 include four air conditioning fan
units K30a to K30d. Furthermore, there are provided blow-out port
units K70 and air conditioning remote controllers K60 including
four blow-out port units K70a to K70d and air conditioning remote
controllers K60a to K60d, respectively. Each of the blow-out port
units K70a to K70d is disposed at one of the distribution flow
paths.
[0108] The heat exchanger unit K10 includes a utilization heat
exchanger K11. The heat exchanger unit K10 has a function of
generating conditioned air through heat exchange at the utilization
heat exchanger K11. Each of the ducts K20 has a first end K21
connected to the heat exchanger unit K10. The plurality of ducts
K20 is a plurality of pipes provided to send conditioned air
generated by the heat exchanger unit K10 and has a function of
distributing the conditioned air. In other words, the plurality of
ducts K20 is provided to distribute conditioned air having passed
through the utilization heat exchanger K11 of the heat exchanger
unit K10.
[0109] The plurality of the air conditioning fan units K30 is
connected to second ends K22 of the plurality of ducts K20. In this
case, one of the ducts K20a connected to the heat exchanger unit
K10 is connected to a corresponding one of the air conditioning fan
units K30a. Similarly, the air conditioning fan units K30b to K30d
are respectively connected to the corresponding ducts K20b to K20d.
Description is made to the ducts K20 each having the single first
end K21 and the single second end K22. Each of the ducts K20 may
alternatively be branched to have a single first end K21 and a
plurality of second ends K22. In this case, the air conditioning
fan units K30 may be respectively connected to the plurality of
second ends K22 thus branched. The air conditioning fan units K30a
to K30d are connected to the blow-out port units K70a to K70d and
the air conditioning remote controllers K60a to K60d.
[0110] The air conditioning system K1 has a plurality of air
outlets K71 provided in the indoor space SI. Each of the air
conditioning fan units K30 supplies a corresponding one of the air
outlets K71 with conditioned air. In order to supply the air
outlets K71 with conditioned air, the air conditioning fan units
K30 suck conditioned air from the heat exchanger unit K10 through
the ducts K20. Each of the air conditioning fan units K30 has a fan
K32 accommodated in a casing K31 of the air conditioning fan unit
K30 in order to suck conditioned air. Each of the fans K32 sends
air from the second end K22 of the corresponding duct K20 toward
the corresponding air outlet K71. Each of the air conditioning fan
units K30 may include a single or a plurality of fans K32. In this
case, the casings K31 of the air conditioning fan units K30a to
K30d accommodate fans K32a to K32d one by one.
[0111] The air conditioning fan units K30 are each configured to
change, by means of an actuator, individual supply air volume of
conditioned air supplied to the corresponding air outlet K71. The
supply air volume is volume of air supplied to the indoor space SI
per unit time. In this case, the actuator is a fan motor K33 having
a variable rotation speed. There are provided four fan motors K33a
to K33d individually having variable numbers of revolutions. The
fan motors K33a to K33d are individually varied in the numbers of
revolutions to achieve individual change in supply air volume of
the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d.
[0112] The air conditioning controller K300 controls the plurality
of actuators to control the supply air volume of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30. In more detail, the air conditioning
controller K300 includes an air conditioning main controller K40
configured to control the plurality of actuators in accordance with
a plurality of commands on the supply air volume of the plurality
of air conditioning fan units K30. In the air conditioning system
K1 according to the modification example I, the air conditioning
main controller K40 transmits a command on increase or decrease in
supply air volume to each of the actuators. The "command on
increase or decrease in supply air volume" is issued not only to
directly increase or decrease a parameter of supply air volume in
order for increase or decrease in supply airflow volume. Examples
of the "command on increase or decrease in supply air volume"
include a command to increase or decrease a parameter of wind speed
in a case where a command to increase or decrease the parameter of
the wind speed of the air conditioning fan unit K30 is issued and
supply airflow volume is increased or decreased due to increase or
decrease in wind speed according to such increase or decrease of
the parameter of the wind speed. The examples of the "command on
increase or decrease in supply air volume" also include a command
to increase or decrease a parameter of differential pressure in a
case where a command to increase or decrease the parameter of the
differential pressure at predetermined positions in the heat
exchanger unit K10, the duct K20, and the air conditioning fan unit
K30 is issued and supply airflow volume is increased or decreased
due to increase or decrease of the parameter of the differential
pressure. As described above, the examples of the "command on
increase or decrease in supply air volume" include directly
commanding increase or decrease in supply airflow volume as well as
indirectly commanding increase or decrease in supply airflow
volume. The air conditioning system K1 including the air
conditioning main controller K40 of the air conditioning controller
K300 will be described later in terms of its control system.
[0113] The air conditioning system K1 further includes the
configurations described above, as well as a heat source unit K50,
the air conditioning remote controllers K60, the blow-out port
units K70, a blow-in port unit K80, and various sensors. The
sensors included in the air conditioning system K1 will be
described later.
(4-9-2) Detailed Configurations
(4-9-2-1) Heat Exchanger Unit K10
[0114] The heat exchanger unit K10 includes the utilization heat
exchanger K11, a hollow housing K12 accommodating the utilization
heat exchanger K11, and the air conditioning main controller K40.
The housing K12 has a single air inlet port K12a connected to a
blow-in port K81, and a plurality of air outlet ports K12b
connected to the plurality of ducts K20. Exemplified below is the
case where there is provided the single air inlet port K12a. There
may alternatively be provided a plurality of air inlet ports K12a.
The utilization heat exchanger K11 is exemplarily of a fin and tube
type, and causes heat exchange between air passing between heat
transfer fins and a refrigerant flowing in a heat transfer tube.
When air sucked through the air inlet port K12a passes through the
utilization heat exchanger K11, heat is exchanged between the air
and the refrigerant (heating medium) passing through the
utilization heat exchanger K11 to generate conditioned air. The
conditioned air generated by the utilization heat exchanger K11 is
sucked into the ducts K20a to K20b through the air outlet ports
K12b.
[0115] The heat exchanger unit K10 does not include any fan. The
heat exchanger unit K10 can suck air through the air inlet port
K12a because the heat exchanger unit K10 has internal negative
pressure when all the plurality of ducts K20 sucks air through the
plurality of air outlet ports K12b.
(4-9-2-2) Duct K20
[0116] The plurality of ducts K20 having the function of
distributing conditioned air connects the plurality of air outlet
ports K12b of the heat exchanger unit K10 and the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30. Described below is the case where the
air conditioning fan units K30 and the blow-out port units K70 are
connected directly. Each of the air conditioning fan units K30 and
the corresponding blow-out port unit K70 may alternatively
interpose the duct K20 to connect the air conditioning fan unit K30
and the blow-out port unit K70.
[0117] Examples of the duct K20 may include a metal pipe having a
fixed shape, and a pipe made of a freely bent material. The ducts
K20 thus configured are connected to enable various dispositions of
the heat exchanger unit K10, the plurality of air conditioning fan
units K30, and the plurality of blow-out port units K70.
[0118] FIG. 12 conceptually depicts the heat exchanger unit K10,
four air conditioning fan units K30, and four blow-out port units
K70 connected in a ceiling space chamber AT. The heat exchanger
unit K10, the air conditioning fan units K30, and the blow-out port
units K70 thus configured are easily formed to be thin and may
accordingly be disposed in a space below the floor of the indoor
space SI.
(4-9-2-3) Air Conditioning Fan Unit K30
[0119] Examples of the fan K32 included in each of the air
conditioning fan units K30 can include a centrifugal fan. Examples
of the centrifugal fan adopted as the fan K32 include a sirocco
fan. The casing K31 included in each of the air conditioning fan
units K30 has an intake port K36 and an exhaust port K37. The
intake port K36 of each of the casings K31 is connected with the
second end K22 of a corresponding one of the ducts K20. The exhaust
port K37 of each of the casings K31 is connected with a blow-out
port of a corresponding one of the fans K32 and is also connected
with a corresponding one of the blow-out port unit K70. Conditioned
air blown out of the fan K32 passes through the blow-out port unit
K70 and is blown out of the air outlet K71.
[0120] The casing K31 is provided with an air conditioning fan
controller K34. All the air conditioning fan controllers K34 are
connected to the air conditioning main controller K40 in this
case.
[0121] FIG. 13 depicts the sirocco fan exemplifying the fan K32.
The fan motor K33 configured to rotate a fan rotor K35 of the fan
K32 has a variable rotation speed. The fan K32 can thus be changed
in supply air volume by changing the rotation speed of the fan
motor K33. The air conditioning fan controller K34 is connected to
the fan motor K33 and is configured to control the rotation speed
of the fan motor K33.
[0122] The air conditioning fan units K30 each include a
differential pressure sensor K121 functioning as an airflow volume
sensing unit to be described later, and each of the air
conditioning fan controllers K34 is configured to automatically
correct the rotation speed of the fan motor K33 needed to generate
necessary supply air volume even if the ducts K20 extending to the
air conditioning fan units K30 generate air resistance varied due
to duct lengths. The air conditioning fan units K30 do not have
such a correcting function in some cases.
(4-9-2-4) Heat Source Unit K50
[0123] The heat source unit K50 supplies heat energy necessary for
heat exchange at the utilization heat exchanger K11 in the heat
exchanger unit K10. In the air conditioning system K1 depicted in
FIG. 11, a refrigerant circulates between the heat source unit K50
and the heat exchanger unit K10 to achieve a vapor compression
refrigeration cycle. The heat source unit K50 and the heat
exchanger unit K10 constitute a refrigeration cycle apparatus
configured to achieve the vapor compression refrigeration cycle.
FIG. 11 exemplifies the heat source unit K50 that is disposed
outside the building BL and utilizes outdoor air as a heat source.
However, the heat source unit K50 can be disposed at a place not
limited to the outside of the building BL.
[0124] The heat source unit K50 includes a compressor K51, a heat
source heat exchanger K52, an expansion valve K53, a four-way valve
K54, a heat source fan K55, a heat source controller K56, and
in-unit refrigerant pipes K57 and K58. The compressor K51 has a
discharge port connected to a first port of the four-way valve K54,
and a suction port connected to a third port of the four-way valve
K54. The compressor K51 compresses a gaseous refrigerant
(hereinafter, also referred to as a gas refrigerant) sucked through
the suction port or a refrigerant in a gas-liquid two-phase state,
and discharges the compressed refrigerant from the discharge port.
The compressor K51 incorporates a compressor motor configured to
change a rotation speed (or an operating frequency) through
inverter control. The compressor K51 is configured to change the
operating frequency so as to change discharge volume per unit time
of a discharged refrigerant.
[0125] The four-way valve K54 connects a first inlet-outlet port of
the heat source heat exchanger K52 to a second port, and connects
the in-unit refrigerant pipe K58 to a fourth port. During cooling
operation, the four-way valve K54 causes the refrigerant to flow,
as indicated by a solid line, from the first port to the second
port, be discharged from the compressor K51, be sent to the heat
source heat exchanger K52, flow from the utilization heat exchanger
K11 through an in-unit refrigerant pipe K132, a connection pipe
K92, and the in-unit refrigerant pipe K58, flow from the fourth
port to the third port, and then be sent to the suction port of the
compressor K51. During heating operation, the four-way valve K54
causes the refrigerant to flow, as indicated by a broken line, from
the first port to the fourth port, be discharged from the
compressor K51, be sent to the utilization heat exchanger K11
through the in-unit refrigerant pipe K58, the connection pipe K92,
and the in-unit refrigerant pipe K132, flow from the second port to
the third port, and be sent from the heat source heat exchanger K52
to the suction port of the compressor K51. The heat source heat
exchanger K52 is exemplarily of a fin and tube type, and causes
heat exchange between air passing between heat transfer fins and a
refrigerant flowing in a heat transfer tube.
[0126] The heat source heat exchanger K52 has a second inlet-outlet
port connected to a first end of the expansion valve K53, and a
second end of the expansion valve K53 is connected to a first
inlet-outlet port of the utilization heat exchanger K11 via the
in-unit refrigerant pipe K57, ae connection pipe K91, and the
in-unit refrigerant pipe K131. The utilization heat exchanger K11
has a second inlet-outlet port connected to the in-unit refrigerant
pipe K132.
[0127] The heat source unit K50 and the heat exchanger unit K10
thus configured are connected to constitute a refrigerant circuit
K200. During cooling operation, the refrigerant flows, in the
refrigerant circuit K200, to the compressor K51, the four-way valve
K54, the heat source heat exchanger K52, the expansion valve K53,
the utilization heat exchanger K11, the four-way valve K54, and the
compressor K51 in the mentioned order. During heating operation,
the refrigerant flows, in the refrigerant circuit K200, to the
compressor K51, the four-way valve K54, the utilization heat
exchanger K11, the expansion valve K53, the heat source heat
exchanger K52, the four-way valve K54, and the compressor K51 in
the mentioned order.
(4-9-2-4-1) Circulation of Refrigerant During Cooling Operation
[0128] During cooling operation, a gas refrigerant compressed by
the compressor K51 is sent to the heat source heat exchanger K52
through the four-way valve K54. This refrigerant radiates heat at
the heat source heat exchanger K52 to air blown by the heat source
fan K55, is expanded at the expansion valve K53 to be decompressed,
flows through the in-unit refrigerant pipe K57, the connection pipe
K91, and the in-unit refrigerant pipe K131, and is sent to the
utilization heat exchanger K11. The refrigerant sent from the
expansion valve K53 and having low temperature and low pressure
exchanges heat in the utilization heat exchanger K11 to absorb heat
from air sent from the blow-in port K81. A gas refrigerant or a
gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant having exchanged heat in the
utilization heat exchanger K11 flows through the in-unit
refrigerant pipe K132, the connection pipe K92, the in-unit
refrigerant pipe K58, and the four-way valve K54, and is sucked to
the compressor K51. Conditioned air reduced in heat in the
utilization heat exchanger K11 is blown out to the indoor space SI
through the plurality of ducts K20, the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30, and the plurality of air outlets K71,
so as to cool the indoor space SI.
[0129] During cooling operation, the expansion valve K53 is
controlled to be adjusted in opening degree to cause, for example,
the refrigerant sucked to the suction port of the compressor K51
has a degree of superheating to match a degree of superheating
target value, in order to avoid liquid compression at the
compressor K51. Furthermore, the operating frequency of the
compressor K51 is controlled to change so as to achieve cooling
load processing while the expansion valve K53 is adjusted in
opening degree. The degree of superheating is exemplarily
calculated by subtracting evaporation temperature of the
refrigerant in the utilization heat exchanger from temperature of
the gas refrigerant sent from the utilization heat exchanger
K11.
(4-9-2-4-2) Circulation of Refrigerant During Heating Operation
[0130] During heating operation, the gas refrigerant compressed by
the compressor K51 flows through the four-way valve K54, the
in-unit refrigerant pipe K58, the connection pipe K92, and the
in-unit refrigerant pipe K132, and is sent to the utilization heat
exchanger K11. This refrigerant exchanges heat in the utilization
heat exchanger K11 to give heat to air sent from the blow-in port
K81. The refrigerant having exchanged heat in the utilization heat
exchanger K11 flows through the in-unit refrigerant pipe K131, the
connection pipe K91, and the in-unit refrigerant pipe K57, and is
sent to the expansion valve K53. The refrigerant expanded and
decompressed by the expansion valve K53 and having low temperature
and low pressure is sent to the heat source heat exchanger K52, and
exchanges heat in the heat source heat exchanger K52 to absorb heat
from air blown by the heat source fan K55. A gas refrigerant or a
gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant having exchanged heat in the heat
source heat exchanger K52 flows through the four-way valve K54 and
is sucked to the compressor K51. Conditioned air increased in heat
in the utilization heat exchanger K11 is blown out to the indoor
space SI through the plurality of ducts K20, the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30, and the plurality of air outlets K71,
so as to heat the indoor space SI.
[0131] During heating operation, the expansion valve K53 is
controlled to be adjusted in opening degree to cause, for example,
the refrigerant at an outlet port of the utilization heat exchanger
K11 (the in-unit refrigerant pipe K131) has a degree of subcooling
to match a target value. Furthermore, the operating frequency of
the compressor K51 is controlled to change so as to achieve heating
load processing while the expansion valve K53 is adjusted in
opening degree. The degree of subcooling of the utilization heat
exchanger K11 is exemplarily calculated by subtracting temperature
of a liquid refrigerant exiting the utilization heat exchanger K11
from condensation temperature of the refrigerant in the utilization
heat exchanger K11.
[0132] Each of the blow-out port units K70 is attached to a ceiling
CE with the air outlet K71 exemplarily directed downward. The
blow-out port unit K70 is exemplarily attached to the ceiling CE.
The blow-out port unit K70 may alternatively be attached to a wall
or the like, with no limitation to the ceiling CE in terms of an
attachment place of the blow-out port unit K70.
(4-9-5) Blow-Out Port Unit K70
[0133] The blow-out port units K70 each include a hollow casing K72
accommodating an air filter K73. The blow-out port units K70a to
K70d are connected to the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d,
respectively. Conditioned air sent from the air conditioning fan
unit K30 passes through the air filter K73 and is blown out of the
air outlet K71. Description is made to the case where the blow-out
port units K70 each include the air filter K73. Each of the
blow-out port units K70 may not alternatively include the air
filter K73.
[0134] Each of the blow-out port units K70 includes an air
deflector K74 accommodated in the hollow casing K72. The blow-out
port unit K70 includes an air deflector motor K75 configured to
drive the air deflector K74. In this case, the air deflector motor
K75 configured to drive the air deflector K74 functions as an
actuator. The air deflector K74 can be moved by the air deflector
motor K75 to adjust a wind direction. The air deflector K74 can
also be moved to be positioned to shut the air outlet K71. The air
deflector motor K75 is connected to the air conditioning fan
controller K34 of the air conditioning fan unit K30 or the like.
The air conditioning fan controller K34 can thus control the wind
direction as well as can control to open or close the air outlet
K71. Description is made to the case where the blow-out port units
K70 each include the air deflector K74 and the air deflector motor
K75. Each of the blow-out port units K70 may not alternatively
include the air deflector K74 or the air deflector motor K75.
[0135] The blow-in port unit K80 is attached to the ceiling CE with
the blow-in port K81 exemplarily directed toward the indoor space
SI. The blow-in port unit K80 is exemplarily attached to the
ceiling CE. The blow-in port unit K80 may alternatively be attached
to a wall of the building BL, with no limitation to the ceiling CE
of the building BL in terms of an attachment place of the blow-in
port unit K80.
[0136] The blow-in port unit K80 includes a hollow casing K82
accommodating an air filter K83. Air sent to the heat exchanger
unit K10 passes through the air filter K83 and is taken in through
the blow-in port K81. Description is made to the case where the
blow-in port unit K80 includes the air filter K83. The blow-in port
unit K80 may not alternatively include the air filter K83.
(4-9-6) Control System
[0137] As depicted in FIG. 14, the air conditioning main controller
K40 is connected to the plurality of air conditioning fan
controllers K34 and the heat source controller K56. The heat source
controller K56 is exemplarily constituted by various circuits
mounted on a printed circuit board connected to various devices in
the heat source unit K50, and controls the various devices in the
heat source unit K50, such as the compressor K51, the expansion
valve K53, the four-way valve K54, and the heat source fan K55. The
air conditioning main controller K40 is connected to the air
conditioning remote controllers K60 via the air conditioning fan
controllers K34. The air conditioning remote controllers K60a to
K60d correspond to the blow-out port units K70a to K70d, and are
connected to the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d.
Description is made to the case where the air conditioning remote
controllers K60 are connected to the air conditioning main
controller K40 via the air conditioning fan controllers K34. The
air conditioning remote controllers K60 may alternatively be
connected directly to the air conditioning main controller K40.
Exemplified is the case where the air conditioning main controller
K40, the plurality of air conditioning fan controllers K34, the
heat source controller K56, and the plurality of air conditioning
remote controllers K60 are connected wiredly. All the controllers
or part of the controllers may alternatively be connected by
wireless communication.
[0138] The air conditioning main controller K40, the plurality of
air conditioning fan controllers K34, the heat source controller
K56, and the plurality of air conditioning remote controllers K60
are each embodied by a computer or the like. The computer
constituting each of the air conditioning main controller K40, the
plurality of air conditioning fan controllers K34, the heat source
controller K56, and the plurality of air conditioning remote
controllers K60 include control computing device and a storage
device. Examples of the control computing device can include a
processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control computing device
reads a program stored in the storage device and executes
predetermined image processing or arithmetic processing in
accordance with the program. The control computing device is
configured to further write a result of the arithmetic processing
to the storage device, and read information stored in the storage
device, in accordance with the program. The air conditioning main
controller K40, the plurality of air conditioning fan controllers
K34, the heat source controller K56, and the plurality of air
conditioning remote controllers K60 may alternatively be
constituted by an integrated circuit (IC) configured to execute
control similar to control with use of a CPU and a memory. Examples
of the IC mentioned herein include a large-scale integrated circuit
(LSI), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a gate
array, and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).
[0139] The heat exchanger unit K10 is provided with a suction
temperature sensor K101, a gas-side temperature sensor K102, a
liquid-side temperature sensor K103, and a utilization heat
exchanger temperature sensor K104. Examples of these temperature
sensors or any temperature sensor to be described later can include
a thermistor. The suction temperature sensor K101, the gas-side
temperature sensor K102, the liquid-side temperature sensor K103,
and the utilization heat exchanger temperature sensor K104 are
connected to the air conditioning main controller K40 and have
detection results sent to the air conditioning main controller K40.
The suction temperature sensor K101 detects temperature of air
sucked through the air inlet port K12a. The gas-side temperature
sensor K102 detects temperature of a refrigerant at the first
inlet-outlet port of the utilization heat exchanger K11 connected
to the in-unit refrigerant pipe K132. The liquid-side temperature
sensor K103 detects temperature of a refrigerant at the second
inlet-outlet port of the utilization heat exchanger K11 connected
to the in-unit refrigerant pipe K131. The utilization heat
exchanger temperature sensor K104 is attached to a halfway portion
of a refrigerant flow path in the utilization heat exchanger K11,
and detects heat exchanger temperature with a refrigerant in the
gas-liquid two-phase state flowing in the utilization heat
exchanger K11. The air conditioning main controller K40 refers to
at least one of detection values of the suction temperature sensor
K101, the gas-side temperature sensor K102, the liquid-side
temperature sensor K103, and the utilization heat exchanger
temperature sensor K104 for determination of a command on increase
or decrease in supply air volume. There may be optionally provided
an air outlet temperature sensor 105 configured to detect
temperature of air just having passed through the utilization heat
exchanger K11.
[0140] The heat source unit K50 is provided with a heat source air
temperature sensor K111, a discharge pipe temperature sensor K112,
and a heat source heat exchanger temperature sensor K113. The heat
source air temperature sensor K111, the discharge pipe temperature
sensor K112, and the heat source heat exchanger temperature sensor
K113 are connected to the heat source controller K56. The heat
source air temperature sensor K111, the discharge pipe temperature
sensor K112, and the heat source heat exchanger temperature sensor
K113 have detection results sent to the air conditioning main
controller K40 via the heat source controller K56. The heat source
air temperature sensor K111 detects temperature of an airflow
generated by the heat source fan K55 and just about to pass the
heat source heat exchanger K52. The discharge pipe temperature
sensor K112 detects temperature of a refrigerant discharged from
the compressor K51. The heat source heat exchanger temperature
sensor K113 is attached to a halfway portion of a refrigerant flow
path in the heat source heat exchanger K52, and detects heat
exchanger temperature with a refrigerant in the gas-liquid
two-phase state flowing in the heat source heat exchanger K52.
[0141] The air conditioning fan unit K30 is provided with the
differential pressure sensor K121 and a blow-out temperature sensor
K122. The differential pressure sensor K121 detects differential
pressure between airflows upwind and downwind of the air
conditioning fan unit K30 or the like. The differential pressure
sensor K121 is connected to the air conditioning fan controller
K34, and transmits, to the air conditioning fan controller K34,
differential pressure data thus detected. The differential pressure
sensor K121 is attached to a place of a flow path having a
preliminarily determined sectional shape, and the air conditioning
fan controller K34 can calculate supply air volume from a detection
value of the differential pressure sensor K121. The differential
pressure sensor K121 detects differential pressure to be referred
to for detection of a wind direction. The blow-out temperature
sensor K122 is exemplarily disposed in the casing K31 of each of
the air conditioning fan units K30, and detects temperature of
conditioned air blown out of each of the air conditioning fan units
K30. Description is made to the case where the blow-out temperature
sensor K122 is disposed in the casing K31 of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30. The blow-out temperature sensor K122
may alternatively be disposed at a different place such as an
inside of the blow-out port unit K70.
[0142] Each of the air conditioning remote controllers K60
incorporates an indoor temperature sensor K61, and is configured to
input a command to turn on or off at least one of the air
conditioning system K1 and the air conditioning fan unit K30,
switching between cooling operation and heating operation, set
temperature, and set airflow volume. For example, the set
temperature is provided to enable input by means of a numerical
value, and the set airflow volume is provided to enable input
through selection among slight airflow volume, small airflow
volume, moderate airflow volume, and large airflow volume. A use
uses an input button of the air conditioning remote controller K60
to select cooling operation, set 28.degree. C. as set temperature,
and select moderate airflow volume as set airflow volume.
[0143] The air conditioning main controller K40 calculate, from
blow-out temperature detected by each of the blow-out temperature
sensor K122 and the set temperature, necessary supply air volume to
be blown out of each of the air conditioning fan units K30,
controls the rotation speed of the fan motor K33, and controls to
approach a detection value of the indoor temperature sensor K61 to
the set temperature. Description is made to the case where the
indoor temperature sensor K61 is incorporated in the air
conditioning remote controller K60. The indoor temperature sensor
K61 is not limited in terms of its disposition to the air
conditioning remote controller K60. For example, the indoor
temperature sensor can be provided as an independent device, and
the air conditioning main controller K40 can be configured to
receive an indoor temperature value from the independent indoor
temperature sensor.
[0144] Exemplarily assume that three air conditioning fan units K30
are initially connected to the heat exchanger unit K10 and one of
the air outlet ports K12b is closed in the heat exchanger unit K10.
In order to additionally provide another air conditioning fan unit
K30 in such a case, the duct K20 is connected to the air outlet
port K12b having been closed, the additional air conditioning fan
unit K30 is connected to the duct K20, and the blow-out port unit
K70 is connected to the air conditioning fan unit K30 thus added.
The air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air conditioning fan
unit K30 thus added is connected to the air conditioning main
controller K40 to complete a network of the air conditioning main
controller K40 and the four air conditioning fan units K34, with
facilitated construction of the network for transmission of
commands from the air conditioning main controller K40.
(4-9-3) Operation of Air Conditioning System K1
[0145] In the air conditioning system K1, the set airflow volume
inputted from the plurality of air conditioning remote controllers
K60 correspond to basic supply air volume for determination of
supply air volume of the plurality of air conditioning fan units
K30. However, without change in set airflow volume, cooling
operation decreases temperature to be lower than the set
temperature and heating operation increases temperature to be
higher than the set temperature after the temperature reaches the
set temperature. In order to converge indoor air temperature to the
set temperature in accordance with a command from the air
conditioning main controller K40, the supply air volume of each of
the air conditioning fan units K30 is changed from the set airflow
volume. The air conditioning main controller K40 calculates an air
conditioning load from a difference between the indoor air
temperature and the set temperature, and determines necessary
supply air volume from the air conditioning load and blowing air
temperature of each of the air conditioning fan units K30. The air
conditioning load is zero in an exemplary case where the indoor air
temperature matches the set temperature without any difference
therebetween. The air conditioning main controller K40 causes the
air conditioning fan unit K30 having indoor air temperature
matching the set temperature to stop blowing air even if the set
airflow volume is not zero. Alternatively, in order to prevent an
air backflow from the air outlet K71 toward the heat exchanger unit
K10, the air conditioning fan unit K30 to be stopped in accordance
with the air conditioning load may be controlled not to have no
supply air volume for inhibition of the backflow.
(4-9-3-1) Upon Activation
[0146] The air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d transmit, to the air
conditioning main controller K40, supply air volume from the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d in accordance with the set
airflow volume of the four air conditioning remote controllers K60.
When the air conditioning fan unit K30 being stopped is operating
to quite slightly blow air to prevent an air backflow from the air
outlet K71 toward the heat exchanger unit K10, the air conditioning
system K1 may be configured to add such slight supply air volume to
total airflow volume. The air conditioning system K1 may
alternatively be configured not to add such slight supply air
volume to the total airflow volume.
[0147] The air conditioning main controller K40 totals supply air
volume transmitted from all the air conditioning fan units K30 to
calculate total airflow volume of air passing through the
utilization heat exchanger K11. The air conditioning main
controller K40 calculates air temperature sucked to the heat
exchanger unit K10 with reference to the suction temperature sensor
K101 of the heat exchanger unit K10. The air conditioning main
controller K40 requests, to the heat source controller K56 of the
heat source unit K50, necessary refrigerant circulation volume
calculated from the total airflow volume of air passing through the
utilization heat exchanger K11 and the air temperature. The heat
source controller K56 of the heat source unit K50 changes the
operating frequency of the compressor K51 to change the refrigerant
circulation volume in accordance with the request from the air
conditioning main controller K40.
(4-9-3-2) During Normal Operation
[0148] The air conditioning system K1 in normal operation controls
differently between a case where the total airflow volume is equal
to or more than a lower limit value and a case where the total
airflow volume is equal to or less than the lower limit value.
(4-9-3-2-1) when Total Airflow Volume is Equal to or More than
Lower Limit Value
[0149] When predetermined time elapses after activation and the
system comes into a normal operation state, the air conditioning
main controller K40 determines whether or not the total airflow
volume is equal to or more than the lower limit value. The lower
limit value will be described later in terms of setting thereof.
When the total airflow volume is equal to or more than the lower
limit value, the air conditioning main controller K40 controls the
air conditioning system K1 in the following manner.
[0150] When predetermined time elapses after activation and the
system comes into the normal operation state, the air conditioning
fan controllers K34 are each configured to recalculate individual
supply air volume at predetermined intervals. Such recalculation
includes calculating an air conditioning load with reference to
indoor air temperature sensed by the air conditioning remote
controller K60, in accordance with a situation that the indoor air
temperature adjacent to each of the blow-out port units K70
"approaches to", "is largely different from" the set temperature,
or the like, and each of the air conditioning fan controller K34
corrects the set airflow volume. Each of the air conditioning fan
units K30 transmits corrected supply air volume thus obtained to
the air conditioning main controller K40. The air conditioning main
controller K40 may alternatively be configured to execute
calculation on correction of set airflow volume. The air
conditioning main controller K40 recalculates supply air volume
transmitted from the plurality of air conditioning fan controllers
K34 at each interval to obtain total airflow volume, and requests,
to the heat source controller K56 of the heat source unit K50, when
the total airflow volume is equal to or more than the lower limit
value, necessary refrigerant circulation volume calculated from the
total airflow volume of air passing through the utilization heat
exchanger K11 and the air temperature at each interval. The heat
source controller K56 of the heat source unit K50 changes the
operating frequency of the compressor K51 to change the refrigerant
circulation volume in accordance with the request from the air
conditioning main controller K40.
(4-9-3-2-2) when Total Airflow Volume is Less than Lower Limit
Value
[0151] When the total airflow volume is less than the lower limit
value, the air conditioning main controller K40 calculates a
shortfall as a difference between the calculated total airflow
volume and the lower limit value. The air conditioning main
controller K40 allocates the shortfall to the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30 in accordance with a preliminarily
determined airflow volume distribution rule. When the shortfall is
allocated to the plurality of air conditioning fan units K30,
supply air volume matching the shortfall may be allocated or supply
air volume equal to or more than the shortfall may be allocated
because the total airflow volume has only to be equal to or more
than the lower limit value.
[0152] Assume an exemplary case where the lower limit value is 30
m.sup.3/min, and the air conditioning main controller K40 has
requests for 16 m.sup.3/min from the air conditioning fan
controller K34 of the air conditioning fan unit K30a, 0 m.sup.3/min
from the air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air
conditioning fan unit K30b, 10 m.sup.3/min from the air
conditioning fan controller K34 of the air conditioning fan unit
K30c, and 6 m.sup.3/min from the air conditioning fan controller
K34 of the air conditioning fan unit K30d. In this case, the air
conditioning main controller K40 calculates total airflow volume of
32 m.sup.3/min>30 m.sup.3/min, and determines that the total
airflow volume is more than the lower limit value.
[0153] When the air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air
conditioning fan unit K30c subsequently receives a command to stop
blowing from the air conditioning remote controller K60, the air
conditioning fan controller K34 of the air conditioning fan unit
K30c changes the request from 10 m.sup.3/min to 0 m.sup.3/min. The
total airflow volume then decreases from 32 m.sup.3/min to 22
m.sup.3/min. The air conditioning main controller K40 thus
determines that there is commanded to change the total airflow
volume to be equal to or less than the lower limit value.
[0154] In an exemplary case of having determined that there is
commanded to change to be equal to or less than the lower limit
value, the air conditioning main controller K40 may allocate the
shortfall equally to the air conditioning fan units K30 in
operation. In the above case, 8 (=30-22) m.sup.3/min is allocated
to the air conditioning fan unit K30a by 4 m.sup.3/min and is
allocated to the air conditioning fan unit K30b by 4 m.sup.3/min,
so that the air conditioning fan unit K30a is changed to 20
m.sup.3/min and the air conditioning fan unit K30d is changed to 10
m.sup.3/min.
[0155] In another exemplary case of having determined that there is
commanded to change to be equal to or less than the lower limit
value, the air conditioning main controller K40 may allocate the
shortfall equally to all the air conditioning fan units K30. In the
above case, 8 (=30-22) m.sup.3/min is allocated to the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d by 2 m.sup.3/min, so that the
air conditioning fan unit K30a is changed to 18 m.sup.3/min, the
air conditioning fan unit K30b is changed to 2 m.sup.3/min, the air
conditioning fan unit K30c is changed to 2 m.sup.3/min, and the air
conditioning fan unit K30d is changed to 8 m.sup.3/min.
(4-9-3-2-3) Setting of Lower Limit Value
[0156] The lower limit value of the total airflow volume of the air
conditioning system K1 is determined by the air conditioning main
controller K40 in accordance with heat exchanger temperature or the
like. At high heat exchanger temperature during cooling operation,
the air conditioning main controller K40 determines that the heat
source unit K50 has insufficient heat energy supply capacity and
sets a high lower limit value of the total airflow volume. In
comparison to such a case, at low heat exchanger temperature during
cooling operation, the air conditioning main controller K40
determines that the heat source unit K50 has sufficient heat energy
supply capacity and sets a lower limit value of the total airflow
volume less than the lower limit value in the above case. The lower
limit value may be specifically determined through at least one of
an actual test and a simulation of the air conditioning system
K1.
(4-9-3-2-4) Detection of Air Backflow
[0157] Assume that, in the distribution flow path including the
duct K20a, the air conditioning fan unit K30a, and the blow-out
port unit K70a, a normal airflow travels from the heat exchanger
unit K10 toward the air outlet K71 whereas an abnormal airflow as
an air backflow travels from the air outlet K71 toward the heat
exchanger unit K10. Similarly in each of the distribution flow
paths including the ducts K20b to K20d, the air conditioning fan
units K30b to K30d, and the blow-out port units K70b to K70d, an
air backflow travels from the air outlet K71 toward the heat
exchanger unit K10. The single differential pressure sensor K121
provided at each of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d has
a detection result transmitted to the air conditioning main
controller K40 via the air conditioning fan controller K34.
[0158] The air conditioning main controller K40 determines that an
airflow is normal in a case where the exhaust port K37 is lower in
air pressure than or equal to the intake port K36 of each of the
air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d, and determines that there
is an air backflow in another case where the exhaust port K37 is
higher in air pressure than the intake port K36 of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d.
(4-9-3-2-5) Operation During Occurrence of Air Backflow
[0159] The air conditioning main controller K40 eliminates an air
backflow in cooperation with the air conditioning fan units K30.
Specifically, the air conditioning main controller K40 detects the
air conditioning fan unit K30 connected to the distribution flow
path having an air backflow. The air conditioning main controller
K40 transmits a command to increase the rotation speed of the fan
motor K33 to the air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air
conditioning fan unit K30 on the distribution flow path having the
air backflow. In an exemplary case where the fan motor K33 is
stopped, the air conditioning main controller K40 transmits a
command to drive at a preliminarily determined rotation speed. In
another case where the fan motor K33 is rotating at low speed, the
air conditioning main controller K40 transmits a command to further
increase the rotation speed of the fan motor K33.
[0160] When the air deflector K74 can change air resistance, the
air deflector K74 may alternatively be used to eliminate the air
backflow. When the fan motor K33 is stopped, the air deflector K74
of the blow-out port unit K70 having an air backflow may be fully
closed. When the fan motor K33 is rotating at low speed, the air
conditioning main controller K40 may be configured to transmit a
command to further increase the rotation speed of the fan motor K33
as well as increase the air resistance at the air deflector
K74.
[0161] Still alternatively, the distribution flow path may be
provided therein with a backflow preventing damper that is fully
closed only by force of an air backflow. In this case, backflow
prevention can be achieved even without any command from the air
conditioning main controller K40.
(4-9-4-1)
[0162] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
ducts K20 are connected directly to the heat exchanger unit K10.
The ducts K20 may alternatively be connected indirectly to the heat
exchanger unit K10. For example, the ducts K20 and the heat
exchanger unit K10 may alternatively interpose an attachment having
a plurality of air outlet ports for connection of the ducts K20 to
the heat exchanger unit K10. There may be prepared plural types of
attachments different in the number of connectable ducts K20, to
enable change in the number of the ducts K20 connectable to the
heat exchanger unit K10 without changing the model of the heat
exchanger unit K10.
(4-9-4-2)
[0163] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
single blow-out port unit K70 is connected to the single air
conditioning fan unit K30. Alternatively, a plurality of blow-out
port units K70 may be connected to the single air conditioning fan
unit K30. That is, the single air conditioning fan unit K30 may be
provided with a plurality of air outlets K71. In this case, each of
the blow-out port units K70 may be provided with a single air
conditioning remote controller K60, to connect a plurality of air
conditioning remote controllers K60 to each of the air conditioning
fan units K30.
(4-9-4-3)
[0164] If the indoor space SI includes a plurality of rooms and
walls are provided between the rooms, each of the walls may be
provided with a vent hole and only one blow-in port K81 may be
provided. The number of the blow-in ports K81 to be provided is not
limited to one but may be a plural number. A plurality of blow-in
ports K81 may be provide at an identical room or may be provided at
both of different rooms. There is no need to provide any vent hole
when the blow-in port K81 is provided at each of the rooms.
(4-9-4-4)
[0165] The air conditioning fan unit K30 connected to the second
end K22 of the duct K20 having the first end K21 connected to the
heat exchanger unit K10 may further be connected with another duct
K20 and another air conditioning fan unit K30.
[0166] For example, a single distribution flow path may be
connected in series with a plurality of air conditioning fan units
K30. According to an exemplary connection aspect, two ducts K20,
two air conditioning fan units K30, and a single blow-out port unit
K70 are connected in series in the order of the heat exchanger unit
K10, the duct K20, the air conditioning fan unit K30, the duct K20,
the air conditioning fan unit K30, and the blow-out port unit K70.
Provision of a plurality of power sources on a single distribution
flow path enables setting a longer distance from the heat exchanger
unit K10 to the air outlet K71 in comparison to a case of providing
only one of the power sources configured similarly.
(4-9-4-5)
[0167] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
single heat exchanger unit K10 is connected to the single heat
source unit K50. Connection between the heat source unit K50 and
the heat exchanger unit K10 is not limited to such a connection
aspect. Alternatively, a plurality of heat exchanger units K10 may
be connected to the single heat source unit K50. Still
alternatively, a plurality of heat source units K50 may be
connected to a plurality of heat exchanger units K10. According to
these connection aspects, the heat exchanger units K10 may be each
provided with a flow rate adjuster configured to adjust a flow rate
of a refrigerant flowing in the utilization heat exchanger K11.
Examples of the flow rate adjuster include a flow rate control
valve having a variable valve opening degree.
(4-9-4-6)
[0168] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
compressor K51 of the heat source unit K50 is of the type having a
variable rotation speed. The compressor K51 of the heat source unit
K50 may alternatively be of a type having a nonvariable rotation
speed.
(4-9-4-7) Description is made to the case where the air
conditioning system K1 according to the modification example I is
configured to switch between cooling operation and heating
operation. The air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I is also applicable to an air conditioning
system dedicated to cooling operation or heating operation.
(4-9-4-8)
[0169] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
heat source unit K50 and the heat exchanger unit K10 are connected
to constitute the refrigeration cycle apparatus allowing the
refrigerant to flow to the utilization heat exchanger K11. The heat
source unit K50 is not limitedly connected to the heat exchanger
unit K10 to constitute the refrigeration cycle apparatus. The heat
source unit configured to supply the utilization heat exchanger K11
with heat energy may alternatively be configured to supply a
heating medium such as at least one of warm water and cold
water.
[0170] When the heat source unit is configured to supply a heating
medium to the utilization heat exchanger K11, the heat exchanger
unit K10 may be provided with a flow rate adjuster configured to
adjust a flow rate of the heating medium flowing to the utilization
heat exchanger K11.
[0171] When the heat exchanger unit K10 is connected to the heat
source unit configured to supply the heating medium, a single heat
source unit may be configured to be connected with a plurality of
heat exchanger units K10.
(4-9-4-9)
[0172] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
air conditioning main controller K40 requests, upon activation, the
refrigerant circulation volume necessary for the refrigerant
circuit K200, calculated from the obtained total airflow volume of
air passing through the utilization heat exchanger K11 and the
calculated temperature of air sucked into the heat exchanger unit
K10. The necessary refrigerant circulation volume requested by the
air conditioning main controller K40 is set in a manner not limited
to the above.
[0173] For example, the air conditioning system K1 may be
configured as follows. Upon activation, the air conditioning main
controller K40 totals supply air volume transmitted from all the
air conditioning fan units K30 to calculate total airflow volume of
air passing through the utilization heat exchanger K11. The air
conditioning main controller K40 stores, in an internal memory or
the like, an airflow volume table indicating a relation between
total airflow volume and necessary refrigerant circulation volume.
The air conditioning main controller K40 selects airflow volume
closest to the calculated total airflow volume, from among airflow
volume included in the airflow volume table. The air conditioning
main controller K40 requests, to the heat source controller K56,
the refrigerant circulation volume corresponding to the total
airflow volume selected from the airflow volume table. As to a
difference between the airflow volume selected from the airflow
volume table and the total airflow volume, the air conditioning
system K1 may alternatively be configured such that the air
conditioning main controller K40 transmits a command to the air
conditioning fan controller K34 to change to supply air volume
corresponding to the difference in the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30.
[0174] Still alternatively, the air conditioning system K1 may be
configured as follows. Upon activation, the air conditioning main
controller K40 receives set temperature of the air conditioning
remote controller K60 via the air conditioning fan controllers K34.
The air conditioning main controller K40 further receives indoor
air temperature detected by the air conditioning remote controller
K60, indoor air temperature calculated from the detection value of
the suction temperature sensor K101, or indoor air temperature from
an indoor temperature sensor capable of transmitting indoor air
temperature to the air conditioning main controller K40. The air
conditioning main controller K40 calculates an entire air
conditioning load of the air conditioning system K1 from the set
temperature and the indoor air temperature thus received. The air
conditioning main controller K40 calculates total airflow volume
and necessary refrigerant circulation volume from the air
conditioning load thus calculated. The air conditioning main
controller K40 calculates individual supply air volume of each of
the air conditioning fan units K30 by multiplying the total airflow
volume and a ratio of the air conditioning load of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30 and transmits commands to the plurality
of air conditioning fan controllers K34. The air conditioning
system K1 may be configured such that the air conditioning fan
controllers K34 individually adjust in accordance with the
individual supply air volume commanded by the air conditioning main
controller K40.
(4-9-4-10)
[0175] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where total
airflow volume is determined principally and the air conditioning
main controller K40 controls to follow a condition for the
refrigerant of the heat source unit K50. The air conditioning
system K1 may alternatively be configured to principally determine
a condition for the refrigerant of the heat source unit K50 and
determine total airflow volume in accordance with the
condition.
[0176] For example, the air conditioning system K1 is configured
such that the heat source controller K56 controls at least one of
the operating frequency of the compressor K51 and the opening
degree of the expansion valve K53. In the air conditioning system
K1 thus configured, the heat source controller K56 acquires
information on the current total airflow volume of air passing
through the utilization heat exchanger K11. The heat source
controller K56 transmits, to the air conditioning main controller
K40, that the current total airflow volume needs to be increased or
decreased in accordance with information on at least one of the
operating frequency of the compressor K51 and the opening degree of
the expansion valve K53.
[0177] The air conditioning main controller K40 receives a command
to increase or decrease the airflow volume from the heat source
controller K56, calculates appropriate proportions of increase or
decrease in airflow volume of the plurality of air conditioning fan
units K30 for energy suppression in the entire system, and commands
the air conditioning fan units K30.
(4-9-4-11)
[0178] In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, the operating frequency of the compressor
K51 is changed to adjust the refrigerant circulation volume of the
refrigerant circuit K200. Control of the refrigerant circulation
volume in the air conditioning system K1 is, however, not limited
to control of the operating frequency of the compressor K51. For
example, the refrigerant circulation volume of the refrigerant
circuit K200 may be controlled to be adjusted by adjusting the
operating frequency of the compressor K51 as well as the opening
degree of the expansion valve K53. Alternatively, the refrigerant
circulation volume of the refrigerant circuit K200 may be
controlled to be adjusted by adjusting the opening degree of the
expansion valve K53.
(4-9-4-12)
[0179] The air conditioning system K1 according to the modification
example I has the lower limit value of the total airflow volume in
accordance with the heat exchanger temperature of the utilization
heat exchanger K11. There may alternatively be referred to
condensation temperature (TC), evaporation temperature (TE), a
degree of superheating (SH), or a degree of subcooling (SC). The
degree of superheating can be calculated from inlet temperature and
outlet temperature of the utilization heat exchanger K11, or inlet
pressure and outlet temperature of the utilization heat exchanger
K11. The degree of subcooling can be calculated from inlet
temperature and outlet temperature of the utilization heat
exchanger K11, or inlet pressure and outlet temperature of the
utilization heat exchanger K11.
[0180] The lower limit value of the total airflow volume may be a
preliminarily determined and fixed value. When the lower limit
value is preliminarily determined as 8 m.sup.3/min, the air
conditioning main controller K40 controls such that the total
airflow volume constantly does not become less than the lower limit
value 8 m.sup.3/min.
[0181] The air conditioning system K1 may alternatively be
configured to have, for cooling operation, the lower limit value of
the total airflow volume exemplarily determined in accordance with
the degree of superheating, the current total airflow volume, and
suction temperature of air sucked to the heat exchanger unit K10.
The air conditioning system K1 may still alternatively be
configured to have, for heating operation, the lower limit value of
the total airflow volume determined in accordance with the degree
of subcooling, the current total airflow volume, and suction
temperature of air sucked to the heat exchanger unit K10. The air
conditioning system K1 may still alternatively be configured to
have the lower limit value of the total airflow volume in
accordance with the refrigerant circulation volume (e.g. the
operating frequency of the compressor K51), the evaporation
temperature (TE), as well as suction temperature and sucked airflow
volume of air sucked to the heat exchanger unit K10. The air
conditioning system K1 may still alternatively be configured to
have the lower limit value of the total airflow volume determined
in accordance with the current airflow volume and excessive or
insufficient airflow volume calculated from a dried or wetted
degree of the refrigerant having passed through the utilization
heat exchanger K11. The air conditioning system K1 may still
alternatively be configured to have the lower limit value of the
total airflow volume determined in accordance with refrigerant
pressure and refrigerant temperature at the outlet port of the
utilization heat exchanger K11.
(4-9-4-13) (4-13-1)
[0182] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, the fan motors K33 having a variable
rotation speed are exemplarily described as the plurality of
actuators configured to change individual supply air volume of
conditioned air sucked from the heat exchanger unit K10 through the
plurality of ducts K20 and supplied to each of the air outlets K71
of the indoor space SI. The actuators are not limited to the fan
motors K33, and examples of the actuators include a drive motor K39
of a damper K38 depicted in FIG. 15. The fan motor K33 of the fan
K32 depicted in FIG. 15 may of a type having a variable rotation
speed as in the modification example I, or may of a type having a
nonvariable rotation speed. When the fan motor K33 is of the type
having a nonvariable rotation speed, the supply air volume (airflow
volume) from the air conditioning fan unit K30 to the blow-out port
unit K70 is changed only with use of the damper K38. In contrast,
when the fan motor K33 is of the type having a variable rotation
speed, the supply air volume (airflow volume) from the air
conditioning fan unit K30 to the blow-out port unit K70 is changed
through change in opening degree of the damper K38 in combination
with change in the rotation speed of the fan motor K33.
[0183] There may be adopted a damper unit including the damper K38
without including any fan, as a unit configured to change the
individual supply air volume of conditioned air supplied to the air
outlets K71. In other words, the air conditioning system K1 may
include a fan unit configured to rotate the fan at constant speed
without having a function of changing supply air volume, and a
damper unit provided separately from the fan unit. The air
conditioning system K1 may exemplarily include a damper unit
configured to change supply air volume with use of the damper K38
and provided at a halfway portion of at least one of the ducts K20a
to K20d. The air conditioning system K1 can alternatively include
the air conditioning fan unit K30 having the function of changing
supply air volume and a damper unit having the function of changing
supply air volume, which are collectively provided to at least one
of the ducts K20a to K20d.
(4-13-2) Operation During Occurrence of Backflow
[0184] The air conditioning main controller K40 eliminates an air
backflow in cooperation with the air conditioning fan units K30.
Initially for elimination of an air backflow, the air conditioning
main controller K40 detects the air conditioning fan unit K30
connected to the distribution flow path having an air backflow.
When the air conditioning fan unit K30 is configured to adjust
supply air volume only with use of the damper K38, the air
conditioning main controller K40 transmits a command to change the
opening degree of the damper K38 to the air conditioning fan
controller K34 of the air conditioning fan unit K30 on the
distribution flow path having the air backflow. A command to fully
close the damper K38 is transmitted in an exemplary case where the
air conditioning fan unit K30 having the air backflow is not in
operation. There is normally caused no air backflow when the fan
motor K33 constantly rotates to blow and air blows in accordance
with the opening degree of the damper K38. Upon occurrence of an
air backflow in such a case, the air conditioning main controller
K40 notifies a user of abnormality occurrence with use of the air
conditioning remote controller K60 or the like.
[0185] When the air conditioning fan unit K30 is configured to
adjust supply air volume by means of both the rotation speed of the
fan motor K33 and the opening degree of the damper K38, the air
conditioning main controller K40 transmits a command to change at
least one of the rotation speed of the fan motor K33 and the
opening degree of the damper K38 to the air conditioning fan
controller K34 of the air conditioning fan unit K30 on the
distribution flow path having the air backflow. A command to fully
close the damper K38 is transmitted in an exemplary case where the
air conditioning fan unit K30 having the air backflow is not in
operation. In another case where the fan motor K33 is rotating at
low speed, the air conditioning main controller K40 transmits a
command to further increase the rotation speed. When the fan motor
K33 is rotating at low speed, the air conditioning main controller
K40 may be configured to transmit a command to decrease the opening
degree of the damper K38 as well as increase the rotation speed of
the fan motor K33.
(4-9-4-14)
[0186] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
differential pressure sensor K121 is adopted as a detector
configured to detect an air backflow. However, a detector
configured to detect an air backflow is not limited to the
differential pressure sensor K121. Examples of the detector also
include a wind speed sensor having directivity. When the
differential pressure sensor K121 is replaced with the wind speed
sensor having directivity, the wind speed sensor is exemplarily
disposed at the air conditioning fan unit K30 and is connected to
the air conditioning fan controller K34. With use of the wind speed
sensor having directivity, the air conditioning main controller K40
can detect that air flows in a normal direction when wind speed in
a positive direction is indicated, and that an air backflow occurs
when wind speed in an opposite negative direction is indicated.
Further, the detector can be configured by using a plurality of
wind speed sensors with omnidirectional sensitivity. When a
plurality of wind speed sensors having no directivity detects wind
speed distribution and the wind speed distribution occurs at a
backflow, the air conditioning main controller K40 can determine
that there occurs a backflow.
(4-9-4-15)
[0187] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
plurality of air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the plurality
of air conditioning fan units K30 is connected directly in parallel
with the air conditioning main controller K40 installed at the heat
exchanger unit K10. Alternatively, the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30 may be categorized into a master unit
and a slave unit, and the air conditioning fan controllers K34 may
be connected to the air conditioning main controller K40.
[0188] In an exemplary case where the single heat exchanger unit
K10 is connected with five air conditioning fan units K30M and
K30S, the air conditioning fan units are categorized into the
single air conditioning fan unit K30M as a master unit and four air
conditioning fan units K30S as slave units, as depicted in FIG. 16.
The five air conditioning fan units K30M and K30S are configured
similarly to the air conditioning fan units K30. The air
conditioning main controller K40 of the heat exchanger unit K10 is
connected to the heat source controller K56 of the heat source unit
K50 and the single air conditioning fan unit K30M as a master unit.
Furthermore, the air conditioning fan controller K34 of the single
air conditioning fan unit K30M as a master unit is connected to the
air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the four air conditioning
fan units K30S as slave units. The air conditioning main controller
K40 controls the air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the four
air conditioning fan units K30S as slave units through the air
conditioning fan controller K34 of the air conditioning fan unit
K30M as a master unit. Commands to the four air conditioning fan
controllers K34 as slave units may be transmitted directly from the
air conditioning main controller K40, or may be transmitted from
the air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air conditioning fan
unit K30M as a master unit upon receipt of a command from the air
conditioning main controller K40.
(4-9-4-16)
[0189] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I or described in the above section
(4-9-4-15), the air conditioning main controller K40 is installed
at the heat exchanger unit K10. As depicted in FIG. 17 or FIG. 18,
the air conditioning main controller K40 may alternatively be
installed at the air conditioning fan unit K30M as a master
unit.
[0190] In this case, the heat exchanger unit K10 is provided with a
terminal K19 for connection to various sensors disposed inside. The
air conditioning main controller K40 is connected to the sensors
provided in the heat exchanger unit K10 via the terminal K19 of the
heat exchanger unit K10. As depicted in FIG. 17, the heat source
controller K56 of the heat source unit K50 is connected to the air
conditioning main controller K40 of the air conditioning fan unit
K30M via the heat exchanger unit K10. Alternatively as depicted in
FIG. 18, the heat source controller K56 of the heat source unit K50
is connected directly to the air conditioning main controller K40
of the air conditioning fan unit K30M.
[0191] In an exemplary case where the single heat exchanger unit
K10 is connected with the five air conditioning fan units K30M,
K30GM, and K30S, the air conditioning fan units are categorized
into the single air conditioning fan unit K30M as a master unit,
two air conditioning fan units K30GM as group master units, and two
air conditioning fan units K30S as slave units, as depicted in FIG.
71 or 18. In this case, the air conditioning fan controller K34 of
the air conditioning fan unit K30M as a master unit is simply
replaced with the air conditioning main controller K40. The
remaining five air conditioning fan units K30M, K30GM, and K30S are
configured similarly to the air conditioning fan units K30. The air
conditioning main controller K40 of the air conditioning fan unit
K30M is connected to the air conditioning fan units K30GM as group
master units. Furthermore, the air conditioning fan controller K34
of each of the air conditioning fan units K30GM as group master
units is connected with the air conditioning fan controller K34 of
the air conditioning fan unit K30S as a slave unit in the
corresponding group. Description is made to the case where the air
conditioning fan controller K34 of the single air conditioning fan
unit K30GM as a group master unit is connected with the air
conditioning fan controller K34 of the single air conditioning fan
unit K30S as a slave unit. The air conditioning fan controller K34
of the group master unit is connected with not necessarily the
single air conditioning fan controller K34 of the slave unit and
may be connected with two or more. The number of the group master
units is not limited to two, and may be one, or three or more.
Moreover, the plurality of the air conditioning fan units K30s are
slave units of the single air conditioning fan unit K30M and the
plurality of the air-conditioning fan controllers K34 of the
air-conditioning fan unit K30S may be connected in parallel to the
air-conditioning main controller K40 of single air-conditioning fan
unit K30M.
[0192] The air conditioning main controller K40 manages the air
conditioning fan controllers K34 of the two air conditioning fan
units K30GM as group master units. The air conditioning main
controller K40 also controls the air conditioning fan controllers
K34 of the two air conditioning fan units K30S as group slave units
through the air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the air
conditioning fan units K30GM as group master units. Commands to the
two air conditioning fan controllers K34 as slave units may be
transmitted directly from the air conditioning main controller K40,
or may be transmitted from the air conditioning fan controllers K34
of the group master units upon receipt of a command from the air
conditioning main controller K40.
(4-9-4-17)
[0193] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I or described in the above section (4-9-4-15)
or (4-9-4-16), the air conditioning main controller K40 is
installed at the heat exchanger unit K10. As depicted in FIG. 19,
FIG. 20, FIG. 21, or FIG. 22, the air conditioning main controller
K40 may alternatively be installed at a place other than the heat
exchanger unit K10, the air conditioning fan units K30, and the
heat source unit K50.
[0194] In this case, the heat exchanger unit K10 is provided with
the terminal K19 for connection to the various sensors disposed
inside. The air conditioning main controller K40 is connected to
the sensors provided in the heat exchanger unit K10 via the
terminal K19 of the heat exchanger unit K10.
[0195] FIG. 19 depicts connection similar to a connection mode of
the air conditioning main controller K40, the air conditioning fan
controllers K34, and the heat source controller K56 according to
the modification example I, with the air conditioning main
controller K40 installed at a place different from the heat
exchanger unit K10.
[0196] FIG. 20 depicts connection similar to a connection mode of
the air conditioning main controller K40, the air conditioning fan
controllers K34, and the heat source controller K56 as exemplarily
depicted in FIG. 17, with the air conditioning main controller K40
installed at a place different from the heat exchanger unit
K10.
(4-9-4-18)
[0197] The above section (4-9-4-17) refers to the case and the case
(see FIG. 19) where the air conditioning main controller K40 is
connected directly in parallel with the plurality of air
conditioning fan controllers K34 of the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30, and the case (see FIG. 20 and FIG. 21)
where the air conditioning fan controller K34 of the single air
conditioning fan unit K30M as a master unit is connected with the
air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the two air conditioning
fan units K30GM as group master units, and the air conditioning fan
controllers K34 of the air conditioning fan units K30S as slave
units are connected with the group master units. Alternatively,
there may not be provided no entire master unit and the master unit
may be categorized as the group master unit to connect the air
conditioning fan controller K34 to the air conditioning main
controller K40.
[0198] In an exemplary case where the single heat exchanger unit
K10 is connected with five air conditioning fan units K30GM and
K30S, the air conditioning fan units are categorized into three air
conditioning fan units K30GM as group master units and two air
conditioning fan units K30S as slave units, as depicted in FIG. 22.
The five air conditioning fan units K30GM and K30S are configured
similarly to the air conditioning fan units K30. The air
conditioning main controller K40 of the heat exchanger unit K10 is
connected to the heat source controller K56 of the heat source unit
K50 and the three air conditioning fan unit K30GM as group master
units. Furthermore, the air conditioning fan controllers K34 of two
air conditioning fan units K30GM as group master units are
connected with the air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the air
conditioning fan units K30S as slave units in the respective
groups. However, the air conditioning fan controller K34 of the
single air conditioning fan unit K30GM as a group master unit is
not connected with any air conditioning fan controller K34 of a
slave unit. Description is made to the case where the air
conditioning fan controller K34 of the single air conditioning fan
unit K30GM as a group master unit is connected with the air
conditioning fan controller K34 of the single air conditioning fan
unit K30S as a slave unit and the case where the air conditioning
fan controller K34 of the single air conditioning fan unit K30GM as
a group master unit is connected with the air conditioning fan
controller K34 of a slave unit. The air conditioning fan controller
K34 of the group master unit is connected with not necessarily the
single air conditioning fan controller K34 of the slave unit and
may be connected with two or more.
[0199] The air conditioning main controller K40 controls the air
conditioning fan controllers K34 of the two air conditioning fan
units K30S as group slave units through the air conditioning fan
controllers K34 of the two air conditioning fan units K30GM as
group master units. Commands to the two air conditioning fan
controllers K34 as slave units may be transmitted directly from the
air conditioning main controller K40, or may be transmitted from
the air conditioning fan controllers K34 of the group master units
upon receipt of a command from the air conditioning main controller
K40.
[0200] The air conditioning main controller K40 is disposed at the
place other than the heat exchanger unit K10 and the plurality of
air conditioning fan units K30 in this manner. The air conditioning
main controller K40 can be more freely disposed without being
restricted by the heat exchanger unit K10 and the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30GM and K30S so as to be handled
easily.
(4-9-4-19)
[0201] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the configuration
for detection of differential pressure within a determined section
with use of the differential pressure sensor K121 (airflow volume
sensing unit). The configuration for sensing of airflow volume is
not limited to the above. For example, airflow volume can be sensed
exemplarily by sensing differential pressure in front of and behind
the fan K32 of the air conditioning fan unit K30 with use of the
differential pressure sensor, and calculating airflow volume by the
air conditioning main controller K40 or the air conditioning fan
controller K34 from differential pressure characteristic in front
of and behind the fan K32. The differential pressure sensor
functions as the airflow volume sensing unit also in this case. For
example, wind speed at a specific position can be sensed with use
of the wind speed sensor, and the air conditioning main controller
K40 or the air conditioning fan controller K34 can calculate
airflow volume from a wind speed characteristic at the specific
position. The wind speed sensor functions as the airflow volume
sensing unit in this case. For example, internal pressure
displacement is sensed with use of the pressure sensor, and the air
conditioning main controller K40 or the air conditioning fan
controller K34 can calculate airflow volume with comparison between
internal pressure displacement during predefined airflow volume and
the pressure displacement thus sensed. The pressure sensor
functions as the airflow volume sensing unit in this case. For
example, with use of operation current of the fan K32, the air
conditioning main controller K40 or the air conditioning fan
controller K34 can calculate airflow volume from a workload of the
fan motor K33. A device configured to sense operation current
functions the airflow volume sensing unit in this case.
(4-9-4-20)
[0202] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the exemplary case
where the air conditioning main controller K40 calculates
refrigerant circulation volume and transmits, to the heat source
controller K56, a request for change in operating frequency of the
compressor K51, and the heat source controller K56 controls the
operating frequency of the compressor K51. The air conditioning
system K1 may alternatively be configured such that the air
conditioning main controller K40 controls at least one of the
operating frequency of the compressor K51 and the opening degree of
the expansion valve K53.
(4-9-4-21)
[0203] As to the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, description is made to the case where the
heat exchanger unit K10 is connected with the each of ducts K20a to
K20d that extends from the heat exchanger unit K10 to each of the
air conditioning fan units K30 without branching halfway. The air
conditioning system K1 may alternatively include a duct branching
halfway. The air conditioning system K1 can be exemplarily
configured such that the air conditioning fan unit K30 is connected
to each of branched ends of a single duct.
(4-9-5-1)
[0204] The air conditioning system K1 according to the modification
example I includes the air conditioning controller K300, a
plurality of ducts K20 and K20a to K20e, the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30, K30a to K30d, 30M, K30GM, and K30S. The
plurality of ducts K20 and K20a to K20 is provided to distribute
conditioned air having passed through the utilization heat
exchanger K11 of the heat exchanger unit K10. The plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30, K30a to K30d, 30M, K30GM, and K30S is
provided correspondingly to the plurality of ducts K20 and K20a to
K20e, and supplies the indoor space SI with conditioned air from
the heat exchanger unit K10 through the plurality of ducts K20 and
K20a to K20e. The plurality of actuators is configured to change
supply air volume of conditioned air supplied to the indoor space
SI. The plurality of actuators according to the modification
example I is selected from among the plurality of fan motors K33,
the plurality of drive motors K39, and the plurality of air
deflector motors K75. The plurality of actuators may be the
plurality of fan motors K33, the plurality of drive motors K39, or
the plurality of air deflector motors K75. In addition, the
plurality of actuators may simultaneously include actuators of
different types, such as the fan motor K33 and the drive motor K39.
Each of the ducts K20 and K20a to K20e is disposed at one of the
distribution flow paths. Each of the air conditioning fan units
K30, K30a to K30d, 30M, K30GM, and K30S includes a corresponding
one of the fans K32 and K32a to K32d as the first fan, and is
disposed at one of distribution flow paths. Each of the actuators
is disposed at one of the distribution flow paths. The air
conditioning controller K300 controls the plurality of actuators to
control supply air volume of each of the air conditioning fan units
K30, K30a to K30d, 30M, K30GM, and K30S. The air conditioning
system K1 according to the modification example I can thus adjust
airflow volume of air passing through the utilization heat
exchanger K11 for efficient heat exchange at the utilization heat
exchanger K11, to reduce energy consumption.
(4-9-5-2)
[0205] The air conditioning main controller K40 of the air
conditioning controller K300 according to the modification example
I issues a plurality of commands on supply air volume of the
plurality of air conditioning fan units K30 in order to control the
rotation speed of the plurality of fan motors K33 as the plurality
of actuators in the plurality of air conditioning fan units K30,
the drive motors K39 of the plurality of dampers K38, or the air
deflector motors K75 of the air deflectors K74. The air
conditioning system K1 can thus adjust airflow volume of air
passing through the utilization heat exchanger K11 for efficient
heat exchange at the utilization heat exchanger K11, to reduce
energy consumption.
(4-9-5-3)
[0206] In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, the air conditioning main controller K40 is
disposed at the heat exchanger unit K10. There may be thus
constructed a network connecting the air conditioning main
controller K40 and the plurality of fan motors K33 as the actuators
in accordance with a flow of conditioned air supplied from the heat
exchanger unit K10. The network for transmission of commands from
the air conditioning main controller K40 can thus be constructed
easily starting from the heat exchanger unit K10.
(4-9-5-4)
[0207] When the air conditioning main controller K40 is disposed at
the air conditioning fan unit K30M as master units which is one of
the plurality of air conditioning fan units K30, a network of the
plurality of air conditioning fan units K30 is connected to
constitute the air conditioning system K1 provided with the single
air conditioning main controller K40 included in the plurality of
air conditioning fan units K30. The air conditioning system K1 can
thus be constructed easily. In other words, the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30 has only to include at least one air
conditioning fan unit K30M as a master unit. This facilitates
designing and construction of the air conditioning system K1.
[0208] In a case where there is a plurality of air conditioning
main controllers K40, the plurality of air conditioning main
controllers K40 may be configured to operate in cooperation to
operate as a single main controller. In an exemplary case where an
air conditioning main controller K40 is additionally provided, the
air conditioning main controller K40 thus added and the previously
existing air conditioning main controller K40 can communicate with
each other so as to function as a single new main controller.
(4-9-5-5)
[0209] When the air conditioning main controller K40 is disposed at
a place other than the heat exchanger unit K10 and the plurality of
air conditioning fan units K30, the air conditioning main
controller K40 can be more freely disposed without being restricted
by the heat exchanger unit K10 and the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30M, K30GM, and K30S so as to be handled
easily.
(4-9-5-4)
[0210] The air conditioning system K1 according to the modification
example I is configured such that an airflow passing through the
utilization heat exchanger K11 is generated only by air suction
force of the plurality of air conditioning fan units K30. There is
thus no need to provide any power source configured to generate an
airflow in the heat exchanger unit K10. This enables cost reduction
in comparison to a case where the heat exchanger unit K10 is
provided therein with such a power source configured to generate an
airflow. Furthermore, the heat exchanger unit K10 can be thinned to
expand a range provided with the air conditioning system K1.
(4-9-5-7)
[0211] When the heat exchanger unit K10 includes at least one of
the gas-side temperature sensor K102, the liquid-side temperature
sensor K103, the utilization heat exchanger temperature sensor K104
as heating medium temperature sensors configured to sense
temperature of a refrigerant as a heating medium flowing in the
utilization heat exchanger K11 or in the pipe connected to the
utilization heat exchanger K11, and the suction temperature sensor
K101 configured to sense temperature of air sucked into the heat
exchanger unit, and the air conditioning main controller K40 refers
to at least one of the detection values of the heating medium
temperature sensors and the suction temperature sensor for
determination of a command on increase or decrease in supply air
volume, the air conditioning main controller K40 can easily issue a
command for air supply to the plurality of air conditioning fan
units K30 so as to be adapted to an operation condition of the heat
exchanger unit K10. In an exemplary case where there is
insufficient heat energy to be supplied from the heat source unit
K50 to the heat exchanger unit K10, the air conditioning main
controller K40 decreases supply air volume in accordance with the
detection value of the utilization heat exchanger temperature
sensor K104 to inhibit defects such as excessive decrease in
temperature of the refrigerant supplied from the heat source unit
K50.
(4-9-5-8)
[0212] The air conditioning remote controller K60 in the air
conditioning system K1 according to the modification example I has
a temperature setting function of setting temperature in the indoor
space SI and indoor temperature sensing function. The air
conditioning main controller K40 refers to the set temperature of
the air conditioning remote controller K60 and indoor temperature
sensed by the air conditioning remote controller K60 to determine a
command on increase or decrease in supply air volume. The air
conditioning main controller K40 can thus issue a command to
approach the temperature in the indoor space SI to the set
temperature. In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, the air conditioning remote controllers K60
are installed at a plurality of places in the indoor space SI, so
that indoor air temperature at each of the places can easily
approach the set temperature.
(4-9-5-9)
[0213] The air conditioning system K1 according to the modification
example I includes the compressor K51 configured to compress a
refrigerant circulating in the utilization heat exchanger K11, the
heat source heat exchanger K52 configured to cause heat exchange of
the refrigerant circulating in the utilization heat exchanger K11,
and the expansion valve K53 configured to expand the refrigerant
circulating between the utilization heat exchanger K11 and the heat
source heat exchanger K52. The air conditioning main controller K40
is connected to at least one of the compressor K51 and the
expansion valve K53 for control of system operation via the heat
source controller K56. System operation can thus be controlled
appropriately through control of at least one of the rotation speed
of the compressor K51 and the opening degree of the expansion valve
K53 so as to achieve increase or decrease in supply air volume as
well as refrigerant circulation volume obtained by calculation or
the like, and increase or decrease in supply air volume can be
controlled while achieving a refrigeration cycle appropriate for a
refrigerant circulating in the utilization heat exchanger K11 and
the heat source heat exchanger K52.
(4-9-4-10)
[0214] In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, the air conditioning main controller K40 is
connected to at least one of the compressor K51 and the expansion
valve K53 for control of system operation. The air conditioning
main controller K40 can thus appropriately control system operation
by controlling at least one of the rotation speed of the compressor
K51 and the opening degree of the expansion valve K53 to achieve
increase or decrease in supply air volume as well as refrigerant
circulation volume obtained by calculation or the like. The air
conditioning main controller K40 can control increase or decrease
in supply air volume while achieving a refrigeration cycle
appropriate for the refrigerant circulating in the utilization heat
exchanger K11 and the heat source heat exchanger K52.
(4-9-5-11)
[0215] In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example I, the air conditioning main controller K40
controls the fan motors K33 or the dampers K38 as an actuator in
accordance with information indicating at least one of the rotation
speed of the compressor K51 and the opening degree of the expansion
valve K53 for control of system operation. The air conditioning
main controller K40 can thus control increase or decrease in supply
air volume while achieving the refrigeration cycle appropriate for
the refrigerant circulating in the utilization heat exchanger and
the heat source heat exchanger.
(4-9-5-12)
[0216] The air conditioning main controller K40 adjusts the
plurality of fan motors K33 as actuators so as to prevent a
backflow of conditioned air from the heat exchanger unit K10 to the
plurality of air outlets K71 through the plurality of ducts K20, as
well as controls airflow volume of air passing through the
utilization heat exchanger K11 with use of the plurality of fan
motor K33. This can prevent heat exchange efficiency decrease due
to backflows of conditioned air in the plurality of ducts. The air
conditioning main controller K40 controls, in addition to the above
control, refrigerant circulation volume by means of at least one of
the rotation speed of the compressor K51 and the opening degree of
the expansion valve K53, so as to easily inhibit heat exchange
efficiency decrease.
(4-9-5-13)
[0217] The air conditioning system K1 according to the modification
example I includes the dampers K38 of the air conditioning fan
units K30 attached to the ducts K20, and the drive motors K39
(exemplifying actuators) configured to drive the dampers K38. The
air conditioning main controller K40 controls to adjust the opening
degrees of the plurality of dampers K38 so as to prevent backflows
of conditioned air from the heat exchanger unit K10 to the
plurality of air outlets K71 through the plurality of ducts K20.
This can easily prevent heat exchange efficiency decrease due to
backflows of conditioned air in the plurality of ducts K20.
[0218] The air conditioning system K1 alternatively includes the
air deflectors K74 of the blow-out port units K70 attached to the
ducts K20, and the air deflector motors K75 configured to drive the
air deflectors K74. The air conditioning main controller K40
controls to adjust the opening degrees of the plurality of air
deflectors K74 so as to prevent backflows of conditioned air from
the heat exchanger unit K10 to the plurality of air outlets K71
through the plurality of ducts K20. This can easily prevent heat
exchange efficiency decrease due to backflows of conditioned air in
the plurality of ducts K20.
(4-9-5-14)
[0219] The air conditioning system K1 according to the modification
example I includes the plurality of fan motors K33 configured to
individually change supply air volume of the plurality of air
conditioning fan units K30. The air conditioning system K1 adjusts
the numbers of revolutions of the fan motors K33 to control to
prevent backflows of conditioned air in the ducts K20, and canthus
easily prevent heat exchange efficiency decrease due to backflows
of conditioned air in the ducts K20.
(4-10) Modification Example J
(4-10-1) Entire Configuration
[0220] The air conditioning main controller K40 controls the
plurality of actuators in accordance with the plurality of commands
on supply air volume of the plurality of air conditioning fan units
K30 in a mode not limited to the mode according to the modification
example I. The air conditioning system K1 including the air
conditioning main controller K40 that controls the plurality of
actuators in accordance with the plurality of commands on supply
air volume of the plurality of air conditioning fan units K30 may
be configured in accordance with the modification example J. The
air conditioning system K1 according to the modification example J
may be combined with the air treatment system 1 according to the
above embodiment.
[0221] In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example J, the plurality of air conditioning fan
controllers K34 as a plurality of sub controllers receives the
plurality of commands transmitted from the air conditioning main
controller K40. In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example J, each of the air conditioning fan
controllers K34 controls at least one of the plurality of actuators
in accordance with at least one of the plurality of commands.
[0222] Specifically, exemplarily described is the case where the
air conditioning system K1 according to the modification example J
includes the configuration depicted in FIG. 1 similarly to the air
conditioning system K1 according to the modification example I. The
modification example J relates to the case where the air
conditioning system K1 depicted in FIG. 1 changes supply air volume
by means of the fan motors K33, while the dampers K38 or the air
deflectors K74 are not involved in change in supply air volume.
[0223] Similarly to the air conditioning main controller K40
according to the modification example I, the air conditioning main
controller K40 according to the modification example J calculates
necessary supply air volume to be blown out of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30, from the blow-out temperature detected
by each of the blow-out temperature sensors K122 and the set
temperature. Specifically, the air conditioning main controller K40
exemplarily calculates supply air volume of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d from the temperature difference
between the indoor air temperature and the set temperature, as well
as blowing air temperature. The air conditioning main controller
K40 determines, as commands to be transmitted to each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d, the calculated supply air
volume (target supply air volume) of each of the air conditioning
fan units K30a to K30d.
[0224] The air conditioning main controller K40 transmits, to the
plurality of air conditioning fan controllers K34, the plurality of
supply air volume thus calculated as the target supply air volume.
In other words, the air conditioning main controller K40 transmits
the plurality of commands to the plurality of air conditioning fan
controllers K34 configured to control the air conditioning fan
units K30a to K30d. The air conditioning main controller K40
exemplarily transmits the target supply air volume of the air
conditioning fan unit K30a to the air conditioning fan controller
K34 attached to the air conditioning fan unit K30a. The target
supply air volume of the air conditioning fan unit K30a corresponds
to the command on supply air volume of the air conditioning fan
unit K30. The air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air
conditioning fan unit K30a controls the rotation speed of the fan
motor K33a so as to approach the supply air volume to the target
supply air volume. Similarly, the air conditioning main controller
K40 transmits the target supply air volume of the air conditioning
fan units K30b to K30d to the air conditioning fan controllers K34
attached to the air conditioning fan unit K30b to K30d. The air
conditioning fan controllers K34 of the air conditioning fan units
K30b to K30d control the fan motors K33b to K33d so as to approach
the supply air volume to the target supply air volume.
[0225] In more detail, the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d
each include the differential pressure sensor K121 as the airflow
volume sensing unit configured to sense airflow volume of air
passing the unit. The airflow volume sensing unit is not limited to
the differential pressure sensor K121. Examples of the airflow
volume sensing unit include the wind speed sensor. For example, the
air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air conditioning fan
unit K30a compares airflow volume (supply air volume) of air
passing through the air conditioning fan unit K30a and sensed by
the differential pressure sensor K121 of the air conditioning fan
unit K30a with target airflow volume (target supply air volume).
The air conditioning fan controller K34 of the air conditioning fan
unit K30a increases the rotation speed of the fan motor K33a when
the airflow volume of air passing through the air conditioning fan
unit K30a is less than the target airflow volume, to increase the
airflow volume (supply air volume) of the air conditioning fan unit
K30a so as to approach to the target airflow volume. In contrast,
the air conditioning fan controller K34 decreases the rotation
speed of the fan motor K33a when the airflow volume of air passing
through the air conditioning fan unit K30a is more than the target
airflow volume, to decrease the airflow volume (supply air volume)
of the air conditioning fan unit K30a so as to approach to the
target airflow volume. Description is made to the case where the
air conditioning fan controller K34 is attached to the air
conditioning fan unit K30. The air conditioning fan controller K34
is however, not necessarily attached to the air conditioning fan
unit K30.
(4-10-2)
[0226] The modification example J refers to the case where the fan
motors K33 functions as actuators configured to change supply air
volume. The actuators configured to change supply air volume are
not limited to the fan motors K33 in the modification example J.
Examples of the plurality of actuators include the drive motors K39
of the dampers K38 depicted in FIG. 5. The fan motor K33 of the fan
K32 depicted in FIG. 5 may of a type having a variable rotation
speed as in the modification example J, or may of a type having a
nonvariable rotation speed. When the fan motor K33 is of the type
having a nonvariable rotation speed, the supply air volume (airflow
volume) from the air conditioning fan unit K30 to the blow-out port
unit K70 is changed only with use of the damper K38 or the like. In
contrast, when the fan motor K33 is of the type having a variable
rotation speed, the supply air volume (airflow volume) from the air
conditioning fan unit K30 to the blow-out port unit K70 is changed
through change in opening degree of the damper K38 in combination
with change in the rotation speed of the fan motor K33. In this
case, the air conditioning fan controller K34 may be configured to
control both the drive motor K39 and the fan motor K33 functioning
as actuators.
[0227] When the fan motor K33 is of the type having a nonvariable
rotation speed and the supply air volume (airflow volume) from the
air conditioning fan unit K30 to the blow-out port unit K70 is
changed only with use of the damper K38, the air conditioning fan
controller K34 is replaced with a damper controller. The air
conditioning main controller K40 transmits, to a plurality of
damper controllers, supply air volume thus calculated as the target
supply air volume. The air conditioning main controller K40
exemplarily transmits the target supply air volume of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d to the damper controllers
attached to the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d. The target
supply air volume of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d
corresponds to commands on supply air volume of the air
conditioning fan units K30. In other words, the air conditioning
main controller K40 transmits the plurality of commands to the
plurality of damper controllers configured to control the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d. The damper controllers of the
air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d control the opening degrees
of the dampers K38 so as to approach the supply air volume to the
target supply air volume.
[0228] In more detail, the damper controller of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d compares airflow volume (supply
air volume) of air passing through the air conditioning fan unit
K30a and sensed by the differential pressure sensor K121 of each of
the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d with target airflow
volume (target supply air volume). The damper controller of each of
the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d increases the opening
degree of the damper K38 by means of the drive motor K39 when the
airflow volume of air passing through each of the air conditioning
fan units K30a to K30d is less than the target airflow volume, to
increase the airflow volume (supply air volume) of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d so as to approach to the target
airflow volume. In contrast, the damper controller decreases the
opening degree of the damper K38 by means of the drive motor K39
when the airflow volume of air passing through each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d is more than the target airflow
volume, to decrease the airflow volume (supply air volume) of each
of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d so as to approach to
the target airflow volume.
[0229] Examples of the plurality of actuators include the air
deflector motors K75. The fan motor K33 of the fan K32 may of a
type having a variable rotation speed as in the modification
example J, or may of a type having a nonvariable rotation speed.
When the fan motor K33 is of the type having a nonvariable rotation
speed, the supply air volume (airflow volume) from the air
conditioning fan unit K30 to the blow-out port unit K70 is changed
with use of both or either one of the damper K38 or the air
deflector K74. In contrast, when the fan motor K33 is of the type
having a variable rotation speed, the supply air volume (airflow
volume) from the air conditioning fan unit K30 and the blow-out
port unit K70 to the indoor space SI is changed through change in
opening degree of both or either one of the damper K38 or the air
deflector K74 in combination with change in the rotation speed of
the fan motor K33.
[0230] When the fan motor K33 is of the type having a nonvariable
rotation speed and the supply air volume (airflow volume) from the
air conditioning fan unit K30 to the blow-out port unit K70 is
changed only with use of the air deflector K74, the air
conditioning fan controller K34 is replaced with an air deflector
controller. The air conditioning main controller K40 transmits, to
a plurality of air deflector controllers, supply air volume thus
calculated as the target supply air volume. The air conditioning
main controller K40 exemplarily transmits the target supply air
volume of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d to the air
deflector controllers attached to the air conditioning fan units
K30a to K30d. The target supply air volume of the air conditioning
fan units K30a to K30d corresponds to commands on supply air volume
of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d. In other words, the
air conditioning main controller K40 transmits the plurality of
commands to the plurality of air deflector controllers configured
to control the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d. The air
deflector controllers of the air conditioning fan units K30a to
K30d control the opening degrees of the air deflectors K74 so as to
approach the supply air volume to the target supply air volume.
[0231] In more detail, the air deflector controller of each of the
air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d compares airflow volume
(supply air volume) of air passing through the air conditioning fan
unit K30a and sensed by the differential pressure sensor K121 of
each of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d with target
airflow volume (target supply air volume). The air deflector
controller of each of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d
increases the opening degree of the air deflector K74 by means of
the air deflector motor K75 when the airflow volume of air passing
through each of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d is less
than the target airflow volume, to increase the airflow volume
(supply air volume) of each of the air conditioning fan units K30a
to K30d so as to approach to the target airflow volume. In
contrast, the air deflector controller decreases the opening degree
of the air deflector K74 by means of the air deflector motor K75
when the airflow volume of air passing through each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d is more than the target airflow
volume, to decrease the airflow volume (supply air volume) of each
of the air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d so as to approach to
the target airflow volume.
(4-10-3-1)
[0232] The air conditioning system K1 according to the modification
example J has characteristics described in the section (5-1) of the
modification example I.
(4-10-3-2)
[0233] The air conditioning controller K300 according to the
modification example J controls the plurality of actuators in
accordance with the plurality of commands on supply air volume of
the plurality of air conditioning fan units K30a to K30d. The
actuators according to the modification example J include at least
one type of the fan motors K33, the drive motors K39, and the air
deflector motors K75. The air conditioning system K1 can thus
adjust airflow volume of air passing through the utilization heat
exchanger K11 for efficient heat exchange at the utilization heat
exchanger K11, to reduce energy consumption by the air conditioning
system K1. In the modification example J, the plurality of
actuators is controlled by at least one type of the plurality of
air conditioning fan controllers K34, the plurality of damper
controllers, and the plurality of air deflector controllers in the
air conditioning controller K300.
(4-10-3-3)
[0234] The air conditioning controller K300 in the air conditioning
system K1 according to the modification example J includes the air
conditioning main controller K40 configured to transmit a plurality
of commands, and at least one sub controller configured to receive
the plurality of commands from the air conditioning controller K40.
Examples of the sub controller according to the modification
example J include the air conditioning fan controller K34, the
damper controller, and the air deflector controller. The at least
one sub controller controls the plurality of actuators in
accordance with the plurality of commands. In an exemplary case
where the plurality of actuators includes only the plurality of fan
motors K33, the air conditioning fan controllers K34 and the fan
motors K33 may be correspondingly provided one by one. The
plurality of fan motors K33 may alternatively be provided
correspondingly to a single air conditioning fan controller K34. In
the air conditioning system K1 thus configured, the air
conditioning main controller K40 controls the plurality of
actuators via the at least one sub controller, which simplifies
control by the air conditioning main controller K40 and facilitates
designing of the ducts and system layout change.
(4-10-3-4)
[0235] In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example J, each of the air conditioning fan units K30a
to K30d includes the differential pressure sensor K121 or the wind
speed sensor functioning as the airflow volume sensing unit
configured to sense airflow volume of air passing through the unit.
Each of the sub controllers controls the rotation speed of each of
the fan motors K33a to K33d so as to approach the airflow volume
sensed by the airflow volume sensing unit to supply air volume
commanded by the air conditioning controller K300. This reliably
achieves control of the supply air volume of each of the air
conditioning fan units K30a to K30d by the air conditioning
controller K300.
(4-10-3-5)
[0236] In the air conditioning system K1 according to the
modification example J, the air conditioning controller K300
calculates supply air volume of each of the air conditioning fan
units K30a to K30d from the temperature difference between the
indoor air temperature adjusted by each of the air conditioning fan
units K30a to K30d and the set temperature, as well as the blowing
air temperature, and determines a plurality of commands in
accordance with the supply air volume thus calculated. The air
conditioning system K1 can thus easily control temperature of the
indoor space SI by changing the supply air volume.
(4-11) Modification Example K
[0237] The air treatment system 1 according to the above embodiment
may alternatively be configured to treat air in the indoor space SI
as the air conditioning target space in combination with an air
conditioning system 510 to be described later.
(4-11-1) Entire Configuration
[0238] The air conditioning system 510 depicted in FIG. 23 includes
a heat exchanger unit 520, an air conditioning fan unit 530, a
plurality of ducts 540, and an air conditioning controller 550. The
heat exchanger unit 520 includes a second fan 521. Each of the air
conditioning fan units 530 includes a first fan 531. The first fans
531 each supply the indoor space SI with air from the air
conditioning fan unit 530. Examples of the indoor space SI include
a room in a building. Examples of the room include a space having
air movement restricted by a floor, a ceiling, and walls. The
indoor space SI including a single or a plurality of spaces is
provided with a plurality of air conditioning fan units 530. FIG.
23 representatively depicts, as the air conditioning system 510
including the plurality of air conditioning fan units 530, the air
conditioning system 510 including two air conditioning fan units
530 and installed for the single indoor space SI. The number of the
air conditioning fan units 530 may be three or more to be set
appropriately. As described earlier, the indoor space SI provided
with the air conditioning fan units 530 may include two or more
spaces.
[0239] The ducts 540 distribute, to the plurality of air
conditioning fan units 530, air SAr sent from the heat exchanger
unit 520 by means of the second fan 521. The ducts 540 include a
main pipe 541 and a branch pipe 542 branching from the main pipe
541. FIG. 23 depicts the main pipe 541 disposed outside the heat
exchanger unit 520. Alternatively, the main pipe 541 may be
disposed inside the heat exchanger unit 520, or may be disposed to
extend from inside the heat exchanger unit 520 to outside the heat
exchanger unit 520. When the main pipe 541 disposed inside the heat
exchanger unit 520, part of a casing of the heat exchanger unit 520
may occasionally serve as the main pipe 541. FIG. 23 exemplarily
depicts the main pipe 541 having an inlet port 541a connected to
the heat exchanger unit 520. The second fan 521 is disposed in the
heat exchanger unit 520. In this case, air blown out of the second
fan 521 entirely flows into the ducts 540.
[0240] The main pipe 541 in the ducts 540 has an outlet port 541b
connected to an inlet port 542a of the branch pipe 542. The branch
pipe 542 has a plurality of outlet ports 542b connected to the
plurality of air conditioning fan units 530.
[0241] Each of the air conditioning fan units 530 and the indoor
space SI are connected to each other via an air duct 581 The air
duct 581 has an inlet port 581a connected to the air conditioning
fan unit 530. The air duct 581 has an outlet port 581b connected to
the indoor space SI. Each of the first fans 531 generates, in the
air conditioning fan unit 530, an airflow from the outlet port 542b
of the duct 540 toward the inlet port 581a of the air duct 581.
From a different viewpoint, each of the first fans 531 sucks the
air SAr from the outlet port 542b of the branch pipe 542. Each of
the first fans 531 is configured to changes a rotation speed to
change static pressure in each of the air conditioning fan units
530 (in front of the inlet port 581a of the air duct 581). Assuming
that the duct 540 has constant static pressure, each of the first
fans 531 increases the rotation speed to increase the static
pressure in each of the air conditioning fan units 530 (in front of
the inlet port 581a of the air duct 581). Increase in static
pressure in the air conditioning fan unit 530 leads to increase in
volume of the air SAr flowing in the air duct 581. Such change in
volume of the flowing air leads to change in supply air volume of
air blown out of the outlet port 581b of each of the air ducts 581
to the indoor space SI.
[0242] The air conditioning controller 550 includes an air
conditioning main controller 551 and a plurality of air
conditioning sub controllers 552. The air conditioning main
controller 551 and the plurality of air conditioning sub
controllers 552 are connected to each other to constitute the air
conditioning controller 550. The air conditioning main controller
551 controls a rotation speed of the second fan 521. In other
words, the air conditioning main controller 551 controls output
from the second fan 521. When the second fan 521 has higher output,
the second fan 521 is changed in state to be directed to increase
airflow volume of the second fan 521.
[0243] Each of the air conditioning fan units 530 is provided with
a single air conditioning sub controller 552. Each of the air
conditioning sub controllers 552 transmits a command on airflow
volume change to a fan motor 531a of the corresponding first fan
531. The air conditioning sub controllers 552 each store target
airflow volume (target supply air volume). The air conditioning sub
controllers 552 each issue a command (command on airflow volume
change) to increase a rotation speed of the fan motor 531a of the
first fan 531 in a case where the supply air volume is less than
the target airflow volume. The air conditioning sub controllers 552
each issue a command (command on airflow volume change) to decrease
the rotation speed of the fan motor 531a of the first fan 531 in
another case where the supply air volume exceeds the target airflow
volume. The command on airflow volume change corresponds to the
command on supply air volume of the air conditioning fan unit
530.
[0244] The air conditioning controller 550 acquires information on
supply air volume of air supplied to the indoor space SI by the
plurality of first fans 531. Examples of the information on supply
air volume include air volume of air to be supplied to the indoor
space SI per one second, and the air volume of air to be supplied
may also be called necessary supply air volume. Requested output of
the second fan 521 is determined in accordance with the information
on supply air volume thus acquired. The air conditioning controller
550 controls the output of the second fan 521 in order to match the
output of the second fan 521 to the requested output which has
determined. Specifically, each of the air conditioning sub
controllers 552 acquires, from the corresponding air conditioning
fan unit 530, the information on supply air volume of the air
conditioning fan unit 530. The air conditioning sub controllers 552
each output the information on supply air volume to the air
conditioning main controller 551.
(4-11-2) Detailed Configurations
(4-11-2-1) Heat Exchanger Unit 520
[0245] The heat exchanger unit 520 includes, in addition to the
second fan 521 already described, a utilization heat exchanger 522,
a first airflow volume sensing means 523, a temperature sensor 524,
and water volume control valve 525. The utilization heat exchanger
522 is supplied with cold water, warm water, or the like as a
heating medium, from a heat source unit 560. The heating medium
supplied to the utilization heat exchanger 522 may be brine or the
like other than cold water and warm water. Examples of the first
airflow volume sensing means 523 can include an airflow volume
sensor, a wind speed sensor, and a differential pressure
sensor.
[0246] The first airflow volume sensing means 523 senses airflow
volume of air sent from the second fan 521. The first airflow
volume sensing means 523 is connected to the air conditioning main
controller 551. A value of the airflow volume sensed by the first
airflow volume sensing means 523 is transmitted from the first
airflow volume sensing means 523 to the air conditioning main
controller 551. The airflow volume sensed by the first airflow
volume sensing means 523 corresponds to airflow volume of air
flowing in the main pipe 541 of the ducts 540. In other words, the
airflow volume sensed by the first airflow volume sensing means 523
corresponds to total supply air volume of air supplied from the
plurality of air conditioning fan units 530 to the indoor space
SI.
[0247] The temperature sensor 524 senses temperature of the air SAr
sent from the second fan 521 to the ducts 540. The temperature
sensor 524 is connected to the air conditioning main controller
551. A value of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor
524 is transmitted from the temperature sensor 524 to the air
conditioning main controller 551.
[0248] The heat exchanger unit 520 is connected to the indoor space
SI via an air duct 582. Air RAr returning from the indoor space SI
through the air duct 582 is sent by the second fan 521 to the ducts
540 through the utilization heat exchanger 522. The air RAr passing
the utilization heat exchanger 522 exchanges heat with cold water
or warm water flowing in the utilization heat exchanger 522 to
become conditioned air. The air SAr exchanging heat in the
utilization heat exchanger 522 and sent to the ducts 540 is
provided with heat quantity adjusted by the water volume control
valve 525. The water volume control valve 525 has an opening degree
controlled by the air conditioning main controller 551. Increase in
opening degree of the water volume control valve 525 leads to
increase in volume of water flowing to the utilization heat
exchanger 522, and the utilization heat exchanger 522 and the air
SAr exchange more heat quantity per unit time. In contrast,
decrease in opening degree of the water volume control valve 525
leads to decrease in volume of water flowing to the utilization
heat exchanger 522, and the utilization heat exchanger 522 and the
air SAr exchange less heat quantity per unit time.
(4-11-2-2) Air Conditioning Fan Unit 530
[0249] The air conditioning fan units 530 each include, in addition
to the first fan 531 already described, a second airflow volume
sensing means 532. The second airflow volume sensing means 532
senses airflow volume of air sent from the first fan 531. The
second airflow volume sensing means 532 are each connected to a
corresponding one of the air conditioning sub controllers 552. A
value of the airflow volume sensed by the second airflow volume
sensing means 532 is transmitted to the air conditioning sub
controller 552. The airflow volume sensed by the second airflow
volume sensing means 532 corresponds to airflow volume of air
flowing in the air duct 581. In other words, the airflow volume
sensed by the second airflow volume sensing means 532 corresponds
to supply air volume of air supplied from each of the air
conditioning fan units 530 to the indoor space SI. Examples of the
second airflow volume sensing means 532 can include an airflow
volume sensor, a wind speed sensor, and a differential pressure
sensor.
(4-11-2-3) Remote Sensor 570
[0250] There is provided a plurality of remote sensors 570
functioning as temperature sensors. Each of the remote sensors 570
are configured to transmit data indicating temperature of the
indoor space SI to the corresponding air conditioning sub
controller 552.
(4-11-3) Operation of Air Conditioning System 510
[0251] Each of the air conditioning sub controllers 552 receives,
from the connected remote sensor 570, a sensed temperature value of
a target space. The air conditioning sub controllers 552 each store
data indicating set temperature. The data indicating set
temperature is preliminarily transmitted from a remote controller
(not depicted) or the like to each of the air conditioning sub
controllers 552. Each of the air conditioning sub controllers 552
store the data indicating set temperature received from the remote
controller or the like in a storage device 552b (see FIG. 24) such
as an internal memory. The air conditioning sub controllers 552
each transmit a value of the set temperature to the air
conditioning main controller 551. The air conditioning main
controller 551 determines target airflow volume of each of the air
conditioning fan units 530 on the basis of the set temperature and
in accordance with the temperature sensed by the corresponding
remote sensor 570. The air conditioning main controller 551
transmits a value of the target airflow volume to each of the air
conditioning sub controllers 552.
[0252] The air conditioning main controller 551 determines output
from the second fan 521 in accordance with total target airflow
volume to be supplied to the indoor space SI.
[0253] When comparing a case where static pressure at the outlet
port 541b of the main pipe 541 (the inlet port 542a of the branch
pipe 542) has an intermediate value between static pressure at the
inlet port 541a of the main pipe 541 and static pressure at the
outlet port 542b of the branch pipe 542 and a case where the static
pressure at the outlet port 541b of the main pipe 541 (the inlet
port 542a of the branch pipe 542) is more than the intermediate
value, output from the second fan 521 is larger in proportion than
output from the plurality of first fans 531 in the case where the
static pressure at the outlet port 541b of the main pipe 541 (the
inlet port 542a of the branch pipe 542) is more than the
intermediate value. In contrast, when comparing the case where the
static pressure at the outlet port 541b of the main pipe 541 (the
inlet port 542a of the branch pipe 542) has the intermediate value
and the case where the static pressure is less than the
intermediate value, output from the second fan 521 is smaller in
proportion than output from the plurality of first fans 531 in the
case where the static pressure is less than the intermediate value.
The proportion of output from the second fan 521 and the proportion
of output from the plurality of first fans 531 have an efficient
range. The air conditioning main controller 551 thus determines
output from the second fan 521 to achieve an efficient proportion.
In other words, the air conditioning main controller 551 determines
output from the second fan 521 to preliminarily set appropriate
output with respect to total target airflow volume.
[0254] Consideration of the following method of determining output
from the second fan 521 will help understanding that output from
the second fan 521 has an appropriate range of output from the
second fan 521 for reduction of power consumption. When increase in
output from the second fan 521 leads to increase in total power
consumption of the second fan 521 and the plurality of first fans
531, output from the second fan 521 is gradually decreased to
determine the output from the second fan 521 before the total power
consumption of the second fan 521 and the plurality of first fans
531 starts increasing again, so that the output thus determined is
in a range with smaller power consumption than power consumption in
any other range. In contrast, when decrease in output from the
second fan 521 leads to increase in total power consumption of the
second fan 521 and the plurality of first fans 531, output from the
second fan 521 is gradually increased to determine the output from
the second fan 521 before the total power consumption of the second
fan 521 and the plurality of first fans 531 starts increasing
again, so that the output thus determined is in a range with
smaller power consumption than power consumption in any other
range. When increase in output from the second fan 521 leads to
decrease in total power consumption of the second fan 521 and the
plurality of first fans 531, output from the second fan 521 is
gradually increased to determine the output from the second fan 521
before the total power consumption of the second fan 521 and the
plurality of first fans 531 starts increasing again, so that the
output thus determined is in a range with smaller power consumption
than power consumption in any other range. In contrast, when
decrease in output from the second fan 521 leads to decrease in
total power consumption of the second fan 521 and the plurality of
first fans 531, output from the second fan 521 is gradually
decreased to determine the output from the second fan 521 before
the total power consumption of the second fan 521 and the plurality
of first fans 531 starts increasing again, so that the output thus
determined is in a range with smaller power consumption than power
consumption in any other range. Appropriate output from the second
fan 521 is not necessarily determined in such a manner.
[0255] After the air conditioning main controller 551 determines
target airflow volume and transmits the value of the target airflow
volume to each of the air conditioning sub controllers 552, the air
conditioning fan units 530 other than the air conditioning fan unit
530 having highest fan efficiency are each adjusted in terms of the
rotation speed of the fan motor 531a of the first fan 531 (the
rotation speed of the first fan 531) by the corresponding air
conditioning sub controller 552. The numbers of revolutions of the
fan motors 531a of the plurality of first fans 531 are adjusted
independently from each other.
[0256] At the determined output from the second fan 521, the fan
motor 531a of the first fan 531 in the air conditioning fan unit
530 having the highest fan efficiency has the largest rotation
speed. The air conditioning fan unit 530 having the highest fan
efficiency corresponds to the air conditioning fan unit 530 having
lowest energy consumption, with equal static pressure at the inlet
port 542a of the branch pipe 542 and equal supply air volume to the
indoor space SI. The air conditioning fan unit 530 having the
lowest fan efficiency corresponds to the air conditioning fan unit
530 having highest energy consumption, with equal static pressure
at the inlet port 542a of the branch pipe 542 and equal supply air
volume to the indoor space SI.
[0257] The air conditioning sub controllers 552 each controls the
rotation speed of the fan motor 531a of the corresponding first fan
531 to cause the supply air volume to match the target airflow
volume. The plurality of air conditioning sub controllers 552
controls the numbers of revolutions of the fan motors 531a of the
plurality of first fan 531 independently from each other. Each of
the air conditioning sub controllers 552 increases the rotation
speed of the fan motor 531a of the corresponding first fan 531 when
the airflow volume sensed by the second airflow volume sensing
means 532 is less than the target airflow volume. Each of the air
conditioning sub controllers 552 decreases the rotation speed of
the fan motor 531a of the corresponding first fan 531 when the
airflow volume sensed by the second airflow volume sensing means
532 is more than the target airflow volume. If the air conditioning
fan unit 530 having the highest fan efficiency is decreased in the
rotation speed, the air conditioning main controller 551 changes
the output from the second fan 521 to adjust such that the air
conditioning fan unit 530 having the highest fan efficiency has the
largest rotation speed.
[0258] The air conditioning main controller 551 prioritizes
increasing output from a fan having high fan efficiency or
decreasing output from a fan having low fan efficiency in the
second fan 521 and the plurality of first fans 531, for changing an
operation state of at least one of the first fans 531 or airflow
volume of at least one of the first fans 531. In other words, the
air conditioning main controller 551 determines, in order to
increase the supply air volume to the indoor space SI, output from
the second fan 521 and target airflow volume of the plurality of
air conditioning fan units 530 so as to increase output from a fan
having high fan efficiency in the second fan 521 and the plurality
of first fans 531. In contrast, the air conditioning main
controller 551 determines, in order to decrease the supply air
volume to the indoor space SI, output from the second fan 521 and
target airflow volume of the plurality of air conditioning fan
units 530 so as to decrease output from a fan having high fan
efficiency in the second fan 521 and the plurality of first fans
531.
[0259] However, the air conditioning main controller 551 increases
output from the first fans 531 when airflow volume with the highest
fan efficiency in the plurality of air conditioning fan units 530
does not reach the target airflow volume. In this case, the air
conditioning main controller 551 increases output from the first
fans 531 as well as maximally keeps the rotation speed of the fan
motor 531a of the first fan 531 in the air conditioning fan unit
530 having the highest fan efficiency.
(12) Controller
[0260] The air conditioning controller 550 is embodied by a
computer. The air conditioning controller 550 includes control
computing devices 551a and 552a, and storage device 551b and 552b.
Examples of the control computing devices 551a and 552a can include
a processor such as a CPU or a GPU. The control computing devices
551a and 552a read programs stored in the storage devices 551b and
552b and execute predetermined image processing or arithmetic
processing in accordance with the programs. The control computing
devices 551a and 552a are configured to further write results of
the arithmetic processing to the storage devices 551b and 552b, and
read information stored in the storage devices 551b and 552b, in
accordance with the programs. FIG. 24 depicts various functional
blocks implemented by the control computing devices 551a and 552a.
The storage devices 551b and 552b can be utilized as databases.
(4-11-4)
[0261] As depicted in FIG. 25 and FIG. 26, the heat exchanger unit
520 may be provided with an outdoor air introduction unit 610. The
outdoor air introduction unit 610 includes a third fan 611 and a
third airflow volume sensing means 612. The outdoor air
introduction unit 610 takes in outdoor air OAr from outside the
indoor space SI by means of the third fan 611 and sends the outdoor
air OAr to the heat exchanger unit 520. The third airflow volume
sensing means 612 senses airflow volume of the outdoor air OAr to
be sent to the heat exchanger unit 520. The third airflow volume
sensing means 612 transmits a value of airflow volume of the
outdoor air OAr thus sensed to the air conditioning main controller
551. When the outdoor air OAr is sent from the outdoor air
introduction unit 610 to the heat exchanger unit 520, the air
conditioning main controller 551 may be configured to correct
control of output from the second fan 521 in accordance with the
airflow volume of the outdoor OAr. Examples of the third airflow
volume sensing means 612 can include an airflow volume sensor, a
wind speed sensor, and a differential pressure sensor.
(4-11-5-1)
[0262] The air conditioning system 510 according to the
modification example K includes the air conditioning controller
550, the plurality of ducts 540, and the plurality of air
conditioning fan units 530. The plurality of ducts 540 is provided
to distribute conditioned air having passed through the utilization
heat exchanger 522 of the heat exchanger unit 520. The plurality of
air conditioning fan units 530 is provided correspondingly to the
plurality of ducts 540, and conditioned air is supplied from the
heat exchanger unit 520 to the indoor space SI through the
plurality of ducts 540. The plurality of fan motors 531a as the
plurality of actuators is configured to change supply air volume of
conditioned air supplied to the indoor space SI. Each of the ducts
540 is disposed at one of distribution flow paths. Each of the air
conditioning fan units 530 includes the first fan and is disposed
at one of the distribution flow paths. Each of the actuators is
disposed at one of the distribution flow paths. The air
conditioning controller 550 controls the plurality of fan motors
531a to control supply air volume of each of the air conditioning
fan units 530. The air conditioning system 510 according to the
modification example K can thus adjust airflow volume of air
passing through the utilization heat exchanger 522 for efficient
heat exchange at the utilization heat exchanger 522, to reduce
energy consumption.
(4-11-5-2)
[0263] In the air conditioning system 510 according to the
modification example K, the air conditioning controller 550
controls the plurality of fan motors 531a in accordance with a
plurality of commands on supply air volume of the plurality of air
conditioning fan units 530. The air conditioning controller 550
thus controls the plurality of fan motors 531a in accordance with
the commands on supply air volume, and adjusts airflow volume of
air passing through the utilization heat exchanger 522 for
efficient heat exchange at the utilization heat exchanger 522, to
reduce energy consumption.
(4-11-5-3)
[0264] The air conditioning controller 550 in the air conditioning
system 510 according to the modification example K includes the air
conditioning main controller 551 configured to transmit a plurality
of commands, and at least one air conditioning sub controller 552
configured to receive the plurality of commands from the air
conditioning main controller 551. The at least one air conditioning
sub controller 552 controls the plurality of fan motors 531a in
accordance with the plurality of commands. This simplifies control
by the air conditioning main controller 551 and facilitates
designing of the ducts and system layout change.
(4-11-5-4)
[0265] In the air conditioning system 510 according to the
modification example K, each of the air conditioning fan units 530
includes the second airflow volume sensing means 532 functioning as
the airflow volume sensing unit configured to sense airflow volume
of air passing through the unit. Each of the air conditioning sub
controllers 552 controls the rotation speed of each of the fan
motors 531a so as to approach the airflow volume sensed by the
second airflow volume sensing means 532 to supply air volume
commanded by the air conditioning main controller 551. This
reliably achieves control of the supply air volume of the air
conditioning fan units 530 by the air conditioning sub controllers
552.
(4-11-5-5)
[0266] In the air conditioning system 510 according to the
modification example K, the air conditioning controller 550
calculates supply air volume of each of the air conditioning fan
units 530 from the temperature difference between the indoor air
temperature adjusted by each of the air conditioning fan units 530
and the set temperature, as well as the blowing air temperature,
and determines a plurality of commands in accordance with the
supply air volume thus calculated. The air conditioning system 510
can thus easily control temperature of the air conditioning target
space by changing the supply air volume.
(4-11-5-6)
[0267] In the air conditioning system 510 according to the
modification example K, the heat exchanger unit 520 includes the
second fan 521. In the air conditioning system 510, the air
conditioning controller 550 controls the second fan 521 in
accordance with supply air volume of the plurality of air
conditioning fan units 530. The air conditioning controller 550 can
thus control the second fan 521 to achieve an appropriate value in
accordance with the supply air volume of the plurality of first
fans 531, to reduce energy consumption of the air conditioning
system 510.
(4-11-5-7)
[0268] In the air conditioning system 510 according to the
modification example K, the heat exchanger unit 520 includes the
second fan 521. In the air conditioning system 510, the air
conditioning controller 550 includes the air conditioning main
controller 551 and the plurality of air conditioning sub
controllers 552. The air conditioning main controller 551 controls
the plurality of fan motors 531a in accordance with a plurality of
commands on supply air volume of the air conditioning fan units
530. Each of the air conditioning sub controller 552 receives the
plurality of commands transmitted from the air conditioning main
controller 551 and controls the plurality of fan motors 531a. The
air conditioning main controller 551 controls the second fan 521 to
achieve preliminarily set output with respect to total supply air
volume commanded by the plurality of commands. The air conditioning
system 510 can thus easily control the second fan 521 in order to
achieve an appropriate value of output from the second fan 521 in
accordance with the supply air volume of the plurality of first
fans 531.
[0269] The embodiment of the present disclosure has been described
above. Various modifications to modes and details should be
available without departing from the object and the scope of the
present disclosure recited in the claims.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0270] 1: air treatment system [0271] 10: air treatment unit [0272]
20: supply fan unit [0273] 20a: first supply fan unit [0274] 20b:
second supply fan unit [0275] 22: first fan [0276] 23: first
airflow volume detection unit [0277] 24: fan controller
(exemplifying first control unit) [0278] 30: exhaust fan unit
[0279] 30a: first exhaust fan unit [0280] 30b: second exhaust fan
unit [0281] 32: second fan [0282] 33: second airflow volume
detection unit [0283] 34: fan controller (exemplifying second
control unit) [0284] 50: outdoor air duct [0285] 60: supply air
duct [0286] 62a: first branch duct (exemplifying first supply air
duct) [0287] 62b: second branch duct (exemplifying second supply
air duct) [0288] 70: return air duct [0289] 72a: first branch duct
(exemplifying first return air duct) [0290] 72b: second branch duct
(exemplifying second return air duct) [0291] 80: exhaust air duct
[0292] 400: controller
CITATION LIST
Patent Literature
[0293] Patent Literature 1: R.O.C. Utility Model No. M566801
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