Air conditioning system

The air conditioning system optimizes temperature and speed control to balance kinetic and buoyancy energies, reducing energy consumption and temperature differences in living spaces.

JP2025166456APending Publication Date: 2025-11-06PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024070521
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-04-24
Publication Date
2025-11-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing air conditioning systems that reduce temperature differences between the top and bottom of a living space by changing air blowing direction increase energy consumption due to repeated start and stop cycles.

Method used

An air conditioning system with an air conditioner, air outlets, and temperature and speed control units that adjust discharge temperature and wind speed to maintain a set temperature in the middle section of the living space, balancing kinetic and buoyancy energies to minimize energy consumption.

Benefits of technology

Reduces temperature differences between the top and bottom of a living space while minimizing energy consumption and user discomfort by optimizing air conditioning operations.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a technique capable of reducing a vertical temperature difference in a living space while suppressing repeated start and stop of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: An air conditioner 100 sends out heated air-conditioning air. A blowout port is for blowing out the air-conditioning air from an upper side of a living space into the living space. A blowout temperature detection section 20 detects a blowout temperature of the air-conditioning air. An intermediate layer part temperature detection section 22 detects an intermediate layer part temperature of an intermediate layer part within the living space. A control section 120 determines refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner 100 so that the intermediate layer part temperature comes close to a set temperature. The control section 120 controls the blowout temperature of the air-conditioning air and wind speed of the air-conditioning air in accordance with a difference between the intermediate layer part temperature and the blowout temperature and the refrigeration capacity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning technology, and more particularly to air conditioning systems for heating living spaces. [Background technology]

[0002] In an air conditioner that blows air downward from near the ceiling, there is a need to reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the living space that occurs during heating operation. For example, by stopping the heating operation and changing the blowing direction of the air-blowing only operation to an upward direction, the warm air in the upper part of the living space is stirred, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-104979 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When the temperature difference between the top and bottom is reduced by stopping the heating operation, the energy consumed increases due to the repeated start and stop of the air conditioner.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that reduces the temperature difference between the top and bottom of a living space while suppressing repeated start-up and stop of an air conditioner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the air conditioning system disclosed herein is an air conditioning system for heating a living space, and includes an air conditioner that delivers heated conditioned air, an air outlet that blows the conditioned air into the living space from above, a discharge temperature detector that detects the discharge temperature of the conditioned air, a middle temperature detector that detects the temperature of the middle portion of the living space that is the occupied area within the living space, and a control unit that controls the discharge temperature and wind speed of the conditioned air in the air conditioner. The control unit determines the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner so that the middle temperature approaches a set temperature. The control unit controls the discharge temperature and wind speed of the conditioned air according to the difference between the middle temperature and the discharge temperature and the refrigeration capacity.

[0007] Any combination of the above components, or any transformation of the present disclosure into a method, device, system, recording medium, or computer program, is also valid as an aspect of the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of a living space while suppressing repeated start-up and stop of an air conditioner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] 2(a) and 2(b) are diagrams showing the changes in the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature over time. [Figure 3] 3(a)-(b) are diagrams showing an outline of the processing performed by the air conditioning system of FIG. 1(a)-(b). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioner of FIGS. 1(a)-(b). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure performed by the air conditioner of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure performed by an air conditioner according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Before describing specific embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the embodiments will be provided. This embodiment relates to an air conditioning system that includes an air outlet near the ceiling of a living space and blows conditioned air heated by an air conditioner into the living space through the outlet. As described above, it is necessary to reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the living space. Furthermore, to reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the living space, it is also necessary to suppress the increase in energy consumption due to repeated start-up and stop of the air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment detects the middle-floor temperature of the middle-floor area, which is the living space, and the outlet temperature of the conditioned air, and determines the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner so that the middle-floor temperature approaches the set temperature. Furthermore, the air conditioning device controls the outlet temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air according to the difference between the middle-floor temperature and the outlet temperature and the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner.

[0011] The examples described below each illustrate a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps (processes), and step order shown in the following examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following examples, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0012] 1(a)-(b) show the configuration of an air conditioning system 1000. The air conditioning system 1000 conditions, and in particular heats, a living space 10. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the living space 10 includes an upper ceiling 12 and a lower floor 14. An air conditioner 100 is installed on the ceiling 12. The lower surface of the air conditioner 100 is exposed to the living space 10, and an air inlet 200 and a first air outlet 210a and a second air outlet 210b, collectively referred to as air outlets 210, are arranged on the lower surface of the air conditioner 100.

[0013] The air inlet 200 draws in air from within the living space 10, and the drawn-in air is sent to the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 performs a heating operation as an air conditioning operation on the air drawn in through the air inlet 200, and sends the heated conditioned air out of the air outlets 210 (first air outlet 210a and second air outlet 210b). The air outlets 210 blow the conditioned air from above the living space 10 into the living space 10. More specifically, the first air outlet 210a and the second air outlet 210b blow the conditioned air in different directions. The blown-out conditioned air flows toward the floor 14. In addition, a blow-out temperature detection unit 20 is installed in the air outlet 210. The blow-out temperature detection unit 20 detects the blow-out temperature of the conditioned air. The blow-out temperature detection unit 20 transmits the blow-out temperature to the air conditioner 100 via wireless communication or wired communication.

[0014] Within the living space 10, a middle section 16, which is the living area, and a low section 18 below the middle section 16 are defined. For example, the middle section 16 is an area 50 cm to 180 cm above the floor 14, and the low section 18 is an area 50 cm or less above the floor 14. A middle section temperature detection unit 22 is installed in the middle section 16. The middle section temperature detection unit 22 detects the temperature of the middle section 16 (hereinafter referred to as the "middle section temperature"). The middle section temperature detection unit 22 transmits the middle section temperature to the air conditioner 100 via wireless communication or wired communication. A low section temperature detection unit 24 is installed in the low section 18. The low section temperature detection unit 24 detects the temperature of the low section 18 (hereinafter referred to as the "low section temperature"). The low section temperature detection unit 24 transmits the low section temperature to the air conditioner 100 via wireless communication or wired communication.

[0015] The air conditioner 100 performs a heating operation using the discharge temperature, the middle temperature, and the low temperature. The low temperature does not necessarily have to be used in the heating operation.

[0016] The air conditioner 100 in FIG. 1(b) is not installed on the ceiling 12 of the living space 10, but is installed outside the living space 10. An air inlet 200 and an air outlet 210 are arranged on the ceiling 12. The air inlet 200 is connected to the air conditioner 100 via an air inlet duct 202, and the air outlet 210 is connected to the air conditioner 100 via an air outlet duct 212. The air inlet duct 202 and the air outlet 212 are hollow tubes. The air inlet duct 202 sends air drawn in at the air inlet 200 to the air conditioner 100. The air outlet duct 212 sends conditioned air heated in the air conditioner 100 to the air inlet 200.

[0017] Conventional air conditioners 100 perform heating operations based on the intake temperature. The conventional heating operations are explained below using Figures 2(a)-(b). Figures 2(a)-(b) show the changes over time in the indoor and outdoor temperatures. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates temperature. Here, we assume that the air conditioner 100 is set to 25°C in winter. Figure 2(a) shows the changes over time in the indoor temperature. The 270 cm indoor temperature 300 indicates the temperature at a height of 270 cm above the floor 14, the 170 cm indoor temperature 310 indicates the temperature at a height of 170 cm above the floor 14, and the 10 cm indoor temperature 320 indicates the temperature at a height of 10 cm above the floor 14. Here, the 170 cm indoor temperature 310 corresponds to the middle-floor temperature, and the 10 cm indoor temperature 320 corresponds to the low-floor temperature. Figure 2(b) also shows the changes over time in the outdoor temperature.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2(a), the 10 cm indoor temperature 320 is lower than the 270 cm indoor temperature 300 and the 170 cm indoor temperature 310, so the cool air accumulates in a lower position in the living space 10. Furthermore, because changes in the 10 cm indoor temperature 320 are similar to changes in the outdoor air temperature, the 10 cm indoor temperature 320 correlates with the outdoor air temperature. The temperature difference between the warm air of the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 210 and the cool air from the living space 10 creates buoyancy, causing the warm air to accumulate in the upper part of the living space 10. Therefore, the 270 cm indoor temperature 300 approaches the set temperature. As a result, the air conditioner 100 repeatedly turns the thermostat on and off by drawing in the warm air.

[0019] Here, thermo off means that when the temperature of the living space 10 reaches the set temperature, the air conditioner 100 stops and stops heating the living space 10, and thermo on means that when the air conditioner 100 is stopped and the temperature of the living space 10 deviates from (becomes lower than) the set temperature, the air conditioner 100 starts operating and begins heating the living space 10.

[0020] The 170 cm indoor temperature 310 is a temperature between the 270 cm indoor temperature 300 and the 10 cm indoor temperature 320. Therefore, the 170 cm indoor temperature 310 is affected by the 10 cm indoor temperature 320 and does not reach the set temperature. In this embodiment, the purpose is to transport heat to the middle layer 16 in order to bring the temperature of the 170 cm indoor temperature 310 closer to the set temperature. Therefore, as will be explained below, the conditioned air is blown out at a wind speed with kinetic energy that is greater than the upward energy caused by buoyancy due to the temperature difference.

[0021] Here, we explain the upward energy due to buoyancy caused by temperature differences and kinetic energy. In the Boussinesq approximation, density fluctuations are expressed as a function of the reference density, temperature, and thermal expansion coefficient as follows: ρ=ρ0-αρ0(T-T0)...Equation (1) ρ-ρ0=-αρ0(T-T0)...Equation (2) Dividing both sides of equation (1) by ρ0 gives: ρ / ρ0=1-α(T-T0) Equation (3) Here, "ρ" denotes the "local density", "ρ0" denotes the "reference density", "α" denotes the "coefficient of thermal expansion", "T" denotes the "local temperature", and "T0" denotes the "reference temperature".

[0022] For example, if the reference temperature is 22°C (295.15K), it will be displayed as follows: ρ0=1.196 kg / m 3 α=0.00343 1 / K T0=295.15 K

[0023] The buoyant force F [N] is given by multiplying the density difference by the gravitational acceleration and the volume as follows: F = (ρ-ρ0) × g × V (4) Here, "g" stands for "gravitational acceleration [m / s 2 ]" and "V" stands for "air volume [m 3 ]" is displayed. Substituting equation (2) into equation (4), the buoyancy force F [N] is expressed as follows: F=-αρ0(T-T0)×g×V...Equation (5)

[0024] The kinetic energy K of the blown-out conditioned air is expressed as follows: K=1 / 2×V×ρ×v 2 ...Equation (6) Here, "v" indicates the "blowing speed [m / s]."

[0025] The kinetic energy K of the blown conditioned air is consumed by the distance x traveled due to buoyancy. While traveling the distance x, the kinetic energy is distributed to the surrounding fluid (slowing down), and energy is lost. K×β=-F×x...Equation (7) Here, "β" represents the "loss rate." The right side of equation (7) represents the upward energy due to buoyancy caused by the difference between the middle layer temperature and the outlet temperature.

[0026] Substituting equations (5) and (6) into equation (7) gives the following: 1 / 2×V×ρ×v 2 ×β=αρ0(T-T0)×g×V×x...Equation (8) 1 / 2×ρ / ρ0×v 2 ×β=α(T-T0)×g×x...Equation (9) Substituting equation (3) into equation (9) gives the following: 1 / 2×{1-α(T-T0)}×v 2 ×β=α×g×x(T-T0)...Equation (10) Dividing both sides of equation (10) by (T-T0) gives the following: 1 / 2×{1-α(T-T0)} / (T-T0)×v 2×β=α×g×x...Equation (11)

[0027] Here, when α=0.0034 and T−T0<15, if 1−α(T−T0)≈1, then equation (11) can be expressed as follows: 1 / 2×v 2 ×β / (T-T0)=α×g×x...Equation (12) T-T0=1 / 2×β / (α×g×x)×v 2 ...Equation (13) In other words, T-T0 is v 2 is proportional to.

[0028] If T-T0 is ΔT, then equation (13) can be expressed as follows: ΔT=Γ×v 2 ...Equation (14) Γ=1 / 2×β / (α×g×x)...Equation (15) "Γ" in equation (14) represents the boundary line where the kinetic energy and upward energy of the conditioned air are in balance (hereinafter referred to as "buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line").

[0029] 3(a)-(b) show an overview of the processing by the air conditioning system 1000. The horizontal axis indicates the wind speed of the conditioned air, and the vertical axis indicates ΔT. "ΔT" indicates "discharge temperature - mid-floor temperature." Buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (2.5 m) 350 indicates the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line when the air outlet 210 is located "2.5 m" from the floor 14. Buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (3 m) 352 indicates the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line when the air outlet 210 is located "3 m" from the floor 14. Buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (3.5 m) 354 indicates the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line when the air outlet 210 is located "3.5 m" from the floor 14. Buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (2.5 m) 350, buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (3 m) 352, and buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (3.5 m) 354 are collectively referred to as the "buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line."

[0030] In the graph shown in FIG. 3(a), the region above the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (hereinafter referred to as the "first region") indicates a state in which the kinetic energy of the conditioned air is smaller than its upward energy. In the first region, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 210 does not reach the middle section 16 due to buoyancy. On the other hand, in the graph shown in FIG. 3(a), the region below the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (hereinafter referred to as the "second region") indicates a state in which the kinetic energy of the conditioned air is equal to or greater than its upward energy. In the second region, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 210 reaches the middle section 16. In this embodiment, the blowout temperature and wind speed of the conditioned air are controlled to reach the second region. FIG. 3(b) will be described later.

[0031] 4 shows the configuration of the air conditioner 100. The air conditioner 100 includes a blowout temperature detection unit 20, a middle temperature detection unit 22, a low temperature detection unit 24, a setting unit 110, a control unit 120, a temperature adjustment unit 130, and a blower unit 132. The control unit 120 also includes an input unit 140, a timer 142, a memory unit 144, a calculation unit 146, a determination unit 148, and an output unit 150.

[0032] The setting unit 110 is an interface that can be operated by the user and accepts user operations. The setting unit 110 accepts the type of operation and the set temperature as user operations. The types of operation include, for example, heating operation, cooling operation, and fan operation. In this example, for example, heating operation is set as the type of operation, and "25°C" is set as the set temperature.

[0033] The discharge temperature detection unit 20 detects the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 100, the middle temperature detection unit 22 detects the middle temperature of the middle section 16, and the low temperature detection unit 24 detects the low temperature of the low section 18. The input unit 140 receives the type of operation and the set temperature from the setting unit 110, receives the discharge temperature from the discharge temperature detection unit 20, receives the middle temperature from the middle temperature detection unit 22, and receives the low temperature from the low temperature detection unit 24. In the following explanation, the low temperature will be omitted.

[0034] The calculation unit 146 calculates the difference between the set temperature and the middle temperature as ΔT1. The determination unit 148 determines the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner 100 based on ΔT1 as follows. Refrigeration capacity = wind speed x blowout cross-sectional area x ρ x γ x ΔT1 This corresponds to determining the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner 100 so that the middle temperature approaches the set temperature. For example, the greater ΔT1 is, the greater the difference from the set temperature is, and therefore the greater the refrigeration capacity is made.

[0035] In FIG. 3(a), a first refrigeration capacity line 370a, a second refrigeration capacity line 370b, and a third refrigeration capacity line 370c are shown. The first refrigeration capacity line 370a, the second refrigeration capacity line 370b, and the third refrigeration capacity line 370c are collectively referred to as refrigeration capacity lines 370. Here, three refrigeration capacity lines 370 are shown, but the number of refrigeration capacity lines 370 is not limited to three. The first refrigeration capacity line 370a is a line that indicates the same refrigeration capacity. Furthermore, the first refrigeration capacity line 370a, the second refrigeration capacity line 370b, and the third refrigeration capacity line 370c are lines that indicate different refrigeration capacities. Here, the first refrigeration capacity line 370a is a line that indicates the highest refrigeration capacity, and the third refrigeration capacity line 370c is a line that indicates the lowest refrigeration capacity. Determining the refrigeration capacity in the determining unit 148 corresponds to selecting one of the first refrigeration capacity line 370a, the second refrigeration capacity line 370b, and the third refrigeration capacity line 370c.

[0036] The calculation unit 146 calculates the difference between the discharge temperature and the middle temperature as ΔT. The determination unit 148 associates ΔT with the refrigeration capacity that has already been determined. In FIG. 3(a), on the second refrigeration capacity line 370b selected by the determination unit 148, a point corresponding to the discharge temperature and middle temperature received by the input unit 140 is indicated as "P1." In other words, point P1 indicates the current state. Because point P1 is included in the first region, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 210 does not reach the middle section 16 due to buoyancy.

[0037] The determination unit 148 determines point P2 by moving point P1 along the second refrigeration capacity line 370b to the second region. Here, it is assumed that the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (2.5 m) 350 is used as the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line. Point P2 is not limited to point P2 in FIG. 3(a) as long as it is on the second refrigeration capacity line 370b and included in the second region. However, a "threshold value" for the wind speed is defined, and point P2 where the wind speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value is not determined. The determination unit 148 obtains ΔT for point P2. The determination unit 148 determines the blowing temperature corresponding to the obtained ΔT as the new blowing temperature.

[0038] Here, the refrigeration capacity is expressed as follows: Refrigeration capacity [W] = specific heat × density × air volume × (outlet temperature - middle temperature) Equation (16) Refrigeration capacity [W] = specific heat × density × wind speed × area of ​​outlet 210 × (outlet temperature - middle temperature) Equation (17) Determination unit 148 determines a new air speed by substituting the refrigeration capacity that has already been determined into the left side of equation (17), substituting the middle temperature received by input unit 140 into the right side of equation (17), and substituting the new blowing temperature into the right side of equation (17). Hereinafter, the new blowing temperature will be referred to as the "blowout temperature" and the new air speed will be referred to as the "air speed."

[0039] The determination unit 148 determines the blowout temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air according to the difference between the middle temperature and the blowout temperature and the refrigeration capacity. This corresponds to determining the blowout temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air so that the kinetic energy due to the wind speed is greater than or equal to the upward energy due to buoyancy caused by the difference between the middle temperature and the blowout temperature, and the wind speed is equal to or less than a threshold value, while maintaining the refrigeration capacity.

[0040] The output unit 150 operates the temperature adjustment unit 130 based on the determined blowout temperature of the conditioned air, and operates the blower unit 132 based on the determined wind speed of the conditioned air. In other words, the control unit 120 controls the blowout temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air in the air conditioner 100.

[0041] When a certain time, for example, 10 minutes, has elapsed since the heating operation was started under these conditions, as measured by the timer 142, the middle layer temperature detector 22 detects a new middle layer temperature, and the input unit 140 receives the new middle layer temperature from the middle layer temperature detector 22. The calculation unit 146 and the determination unit 148 then repeat the previous processing using the new middle layer temperature as the middle layer temperature. Therefore, the calculation unit 146 calculates a new ΔT1, and the determination unit 148 determines the refrigeration capacity corresponding to the new ΔT (i.e., ΔT1). The subsequent processing is the same as before, and therefore will not be described here.

[0042] The subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method of the present disclosure. The computer includes, as its main hardware component, a processor that operates according to the program. The processor may be of any type, as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor may be composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or a large-scale integration (LSI). The electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0043] The operation of the air conditioning system 1000 configured as described above will now be described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure performed by the air conditioner 100. The setting unit 110 receives input of the set temperature (step S10). The middle-layer temperature detection unit 22 detects the middle-layer temperature (step S12). The calculation unit 146 calculates ΔT1 from the difference between the set temperature and the middle-layer temperature (step S14). If ΔT1<-1°C is not satisfied (N in step S16), the determination unit 148 calculates the refrigeration capacity based on ΔT1 (step S18). The determination unit 148 determines the blowing temperature and air speed while maintaining the refrigeration capacity (step S20). The process returns to step S12. If ΔT1<-1°C (Y in step S16), the air conditioner 100 is thermo-off (step S22). If ΔT1>0°C is not satisfied (N in step S24), the process waits for one minute (step S26) and returns to step S24. If ΔT1>0° C. (Y in step S24), the thermostat is turned on (step S28) and the process returns to step S12.

[0044] (Variation) In this modified example, in addition to the processing described above, the low-layer temperature detected by the low-layer temperature detection unit 24 is used. The following mainly describes the differences from the previous examples. The calculation unit 146 calculates the difference between the middle-layer temperature and the low-layer temperature as ΔT2. A correction value for ΔT2 is stored in the memory unit 144, and the determination unit 148 acquires the correction value for ΔT2 calculated by the calculation unit 146 from the memory unit 144. For example, the larger ΔT2 becomes, the larger the correction value becomes. The determination unit 148 determines the refrigeration capacity and then corrects the refrigeration capacity using the acquired correction value. In other words, the determination unit 148 corrects the refrigeration capacity according to the difference between the low-layer temperature and the middle-layer temperature.

[0045] FIG. 3(b) is shown in the same manner as FIG. 3(a). By performing the same processing as above, the determination unit 148 selects the second refrigeration capacity line 370b. The determination unit 148 generates a second corrected refrigeration capacity line 372b by correcting the second refrigeration capacity line 370b with the correction value. This is equivalent to shifting the second refrigeration capacity line 370b to the second corrected refrigeration capacity line 372b by the correction value. Here, the correction is made to the refrigeration capacity line 370 to the right, that is, in the direction where the wind speed increases.

[0046] The calculation unit 146 calculates the difference between the discharge temperature and the middle temperature as ΔT. The determination unit 148 associates ΔT with the corrected refrigeration capacity. In FIG. 3(b), the point on the second corrected refrigeration capacity line 372b corresponding to the discharge temperature and middle temperature received by the input unit 140 is indicated as "P1." In other words, point P1 indicates the current state. Because point P1 is included in the first region, the conditioned air blown out from the air outlet 210 does not reach the middle section 16 due to buoyancy.

[0047] The determination unit 148 determines point P2 by moving point P1 along the second corrected refrigeration capacity line 372b to the second region. Here, it is assumed that the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line (2.5 m) 350 is used as the buoyancy-kinetic energy boundary line. Point P2 is not limited to point P2 in FIG. 3(b) as long as it is on the second corrected refrigeration capacity line 372b and included in the second region. However, a "threshold value" for the wind speed is defined, and point P2 where the wind speed is equal to or greater than the threshold value is not determined. The determination unit 148 obtains ΔT for point P2. The determination unit 148 determines the blowing temperature corresponding to the obtained ΔT as the new blowing temperature. The subsequent processing is the same as before, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed by the air conditioner 100. The setting unit 110 receives input of the set temperature (step S50). The middle-layer temperature detection unit 22 detects the middle-layer temperature (step S52). The low-layer temperature detection unit 24 detects the low-layer temperature (step S54). The calculation unit 146 calculates ΔT1 from the difference between the set temperature and the middle-layer temperature (step S56). The calculation unit 146 calculates ΔT2 from the difference between the middle-layer temperature and the low-layer temperature (step S58). If ΔT1<-1°C is not satisfied (N in step S60), the judgment unit 148 calculates the refrigeration capacity based on ΔT1 (step S62). The judgment unit 148 corrects the refrigeration capacity based on ΔT2 (step S64). The judgment unit 148 determines the blowing temperature and air speed while maintaining the corrected refrigeration capacity (step S66). Return to step S52. If ΔT1<-1°C (Y in step S60), the thermostat of the air conditioner 100 is turned off (step S68). If ΔT1>0°C is not true (N in step S70), the process waits for one minute (step S72) and returns to step S70. If ΔT1>0°C (Y in step S70), the process turns the thermostat on (step S74) and returns to step S52.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner 100 is determined so that the middle temperature approaches the set temperature, and then the discharge temperature and air speed are controlled according to the difference between the middle temperature and the discharge temperature and the refrigeration capacity, thereby reducing repeated start-up and shutdown of the air conditioner. Also, the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner 100 is determined so that the middle temperature approaches the set temperature, and then the discharge temperature and air speed are controlled according to the difference between the middle temperature and the discharge temperature and the refrigeration capacity, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the living space 10. Also, because the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the living space is reduced while reducing repeated start-up and shutdown of the air conditioner, energy consumption by the air conditioner 100 can be reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, since the blowout temperature and wind speed of the conditioned air are controlled so that the kinetic energy due to wind speed is greater than or equal to the upward energy due to buoyancy caused by the difference between the middle-floor temperature and the blowout temperature while maintaining refrigeration capacity, the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the living space 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, since the blowout temperature and wind speed of the conditioned air are controlled so that the wind speed is equal to or less than a threshold value, the dry feeling felt by the user can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the refrigeration capacity is corrected according to the difference between the low-floor temperature and the middle-floor temperature, excessive fluctuations in the middle-floor temperature can be suppressed.

[0051] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows. (Item 1) An air conditioning system (1000) for heating a living space (10), comprising: an air conditioner (100) that delivers heated conditioned air; an air outlet (210) for blowing the conditioned air into the living space (10) from above the living space (10); a blowout temperature detection unit (20) for detecting the blowout temperature of the conditioned air; a middle-layer temperature detection unit (22) for detecting a middle-layer temperature of a middle-layer portion (16) that is a living area in the living space (10); The air conditioner (100) includes a control unit (120) that controls the blowout temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air, the control unit (120) determines the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner (100) so that the middle-layer temperature approaches a set temperature; The control unit (120) controls the blowout temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air according to the difference between the middle temperature and the blowout temperature and the refrigeration capacity.

[0052] (Item 2) The air conditioning system (1000) according to item 1, wherein the control unit (120) controls the blow-out temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air while maintaining the refrigeration capacity so that the kinetic energy due to the wind speed is equal to or greater than the upward energy due to buoyancy generated by the difference between the middle-layer temperature and the blow-out temperature, and so that the wind speed is equal to or less than a threshold value.

[0053] (Item 3) a low-floor temperature detector (24) for detecting a low-floor temperature in a low-floor portion (18) below the middle portion (16), 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit corrects the refrigeration capacity in accordance with a difference between the low-temperature section and the middle-temperature section.

[0054] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 10 Living space, 12 Ceiling, 14 Floor, 16 Middle floor, 18 Lower floor, 20 Discharge temperature detection unit, 22 Middle floor temperature detection unit, 24 Lower floor temperature detection unit, 100 Air conditioner, 110 Setting unit, 120 Control unit, 130 Temperature adjustment unit, 132 Air blowing unit, 140 Input unit, 142 Timing unit, 144 Memory unit, 146 Calculation unit, 148 Determination unit, 150 Output unit, 200 Intake port, 202 Intake duct, 210 Outlet port, 212 Outlet duct, 1000 Air conditioning system.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for heating a living space, comprising: an air conditioner that sends out heated conditioned air; an air outlet that blows the conditioned air into the living space from above the living space; a blowout temperature detection unit that detects the blowout temperature of the conditioned air; a middle-layer temperature detection unit for detecting a middle-layer temperature of a middle layer that is a living area in the living space; The air conditioner includes a control unit that controls the blowout temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air, The control unit determines the refrigeration capacity of the air conditioner so that the middle layer temperature is close to a set temperature, The control unit controls the blowing temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air according to the difference between the middle temperature and the blowing temperature and the refrigeration capacity.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the blowing temperature of the conditioned air and the wind speed of the conditioned air so that the kinetic energy due to the wind speed is greater than or equal to the upward energy due to buoyancy generated by the difference between the middle temperature and the blowing temperature, and the wind speed is less than or equal to a threshold value, while maintaining the refrigeration capacity.

3. Further provided is a low-floor temperature detection unit for detecting a low-floor temperature in a low-floor portion below the middle-floor portion, The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit corrects the refrigeration capacity in accordance with a difference between the low-floor temperature and the middle-floor temperature.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Air conditioner

    JP2000104979A