Heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function

Abstract

A heat exchange ventilation device (4) with a humidification function comprises a heat exchange ventilation device (5) for performing heat exchange between an exhaust flow (14) and a supply flow (15), a first heating unit (16), a second heating unit (17), a humidifier (6), and a control unit. Furthermore, the control unit controls the supply flow (15) heated by the first heating unit (16) to be humidified by the humidifier (6) when the output capacity value is below a reference value (second reference value), the output capacity value being a value for determining the amount of humidification required by the humidifier (6). Furthermore, the control unit controls the supply flow (15) heated by the first heating unit (16) and the second heating unit (17) to be humidified by the humidifier (6) when the output capacity value exceeds the reference value (second reference value).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function used in living spaces and the like. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a device capable of ventilating while suppressing a decrease in cooling or heating effect, a heat exchange type ventilator that exchanges heat between a supply air flow and an exhaust air flow during ventilation is known.

[0003] Such heat exchange ventilators perform latent heat exchange in addition to sensible heat exchange, thus providing a moisturizing effect indoors. However, this alone makes it difficult to prevent a drop in relative humidity indoors during winter, when the absolute humidity outside is low. Consequently, heat exchange ventilators with humidification have been developed, comprising a humidifier located downstream of the air supply duct and a heater upstream of the humidifier for adjusting the humidification level (e.g., Patent Document 1). With this configuration, conventional heat exchange ventilators with humidification can supply humidified air indoors, thereby suppressing a drop in relative humidity indoors during winter.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-317997 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Furthermore, as a heater in a conventional heat exchange ventilation device with a humidifying function, in order to eliminate the cumbersomeness of providing a heater (radiator) with a dedicated refrigerant circuit, for example, a refrigerant circuit of a shared multi-device air conditioner (multi-air conditioner) is considered. However, in such a heater, the heating capacity of the heater depends on the air conditioning performance of the multi-device air conditioner. Therefore, the heater of the refrigerant circuit of the shared multi-device air conditioner cannot heat (increase the temperature of) the supply air flow after heat exchange from the heat exchange ventilation device to the temperature required to obtain the humidification amount set by the humidifying device (hereinafter also referred to as the "set humidification amount"), depending on the temperature and humidity conditions of the outside air and the inside air. That is, in conventional heat exchange ventilation devices with a humidifying function, there is a problem that the set humidification amount may not be obtained.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function that can use two heating devices to increase the humidification amount of the supply air flow after heat exchange in the heat exchange ventilator.

[0009] Furthermore, the heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function disclosed herein comprises a heat exchange ventilation device, a first heating device, a second heating device, a humidifier, and a control unit. The heat exchange ventilation device performs heat exchange between an exhaust flow and a supply flow, wherein the exhaust flow circulates in an exhaust air duct for discharging indoor air to the outside, and the supply flow circulates in a supply air duct for supplying outdoor air to the inside. The first heating device is capable of heating the supply flow after heat exchange introduced from the heat exchange ventilation device. The second heating device is capable of heating the supply flow heated by the first heating device. The humidifier humidifies the supply flow after heat exchange. The control unit controls the operation of the first heating device, the second heating device, and the humidifier. Furthermore, the control unit controls the supply flow heated by the first heating device of the first heating device and the second heating device to be humidified by the humidifier when the output capacity value is below a reference value, wherein the output capacity value is a value used to determine the amount of humidification required by the humidifier. Furthermore, the control unit controls so that, when the output capacity value exceeds a reference value, the supply air flow heated by the first heating device and the second heating device is humidified by the humidifying device.

[0010] The heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function disclosed herein can use two heating devices to increase the humidification amount of the supply air flow after heat exchange by the heat exchange ventilator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of installing the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function in a house according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the equipment structure of the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidifying function.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the processing unit of the control unit in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the relationship between the output capacity value and the rotation output value used in the processing performed by the processing unit of the control unit in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing combinations of a plurality of reference values ​​corresponding to output capacity values ​​for determining the humidification amount of the humidifier and output states of the respective heating units in the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function according to Modification 1 of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function disclosed in the present invention comprises a heat exchange ventilation device, a first heating device, a second heating device, a humidifier and a control unit. The heat exchange ventilation device exchanges heat between an exhaust flow and a supply flow, wherein the exhaust flow circulates in an exhaust air duct for discharging indoor air to the outside, and the supply flow circulates in a supply air duct for supplying outdoor air to the inside. The first heating device is capable of heating the supply flow after heat exchange introduced from the heat exchange ventilation device. The second heating device is capable of heating the supply flow heated by the first heating device. The humidifier humidifies the supply flow after heat exchange. The control unit controls the operation of the first heating device, the second heating device and the humidifier. Furthermore, the control unit controls the supply flow heated by the first heating device of the first heating device and the second heating device to be humidified by the humidifier when the output capacity value is below a reference value, and the output capacity value is a value used to determine the humidification amount required by the humidifier. Furthermore, the control unit controls so that the humidifying device humidifies the supply air flow heated by the first heating device and the second heating device when the output capacity value exceeds a reference value.

[0018] According to such a structure, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of the present disclosure can cope with the situation where the supply air flow after heat exchange from the heat exchange ventilation device cannot be heated to the temperature required for the humidification device to obtain the set humidification amount. That is, even in such a situation, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of the present disclosure can use the first heating device and the second heating device to heat the supply air flow to the temperature required for obtaining the set humidification amount. As a result, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of the present disclosure can increase the humidification amount (the amount of moisture supplied to the room) of the supply air flow toward the set humidification amount even if the output of the humidification device itself remains the same, thereby improving the humidification capacity. That is, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of the present disclosure can increase the humidification amount of the supply air flow after heat exchange by the heat exchange ventilation device.

[0019] Furthermore, in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein, the first heating device may be configured to release heat from refrigerant introduced from an air conditioning unit having a first refrigerant circuit as it circulates within the first heating device. The first refrigerant circuit is connected so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through a compressor that compresses the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger that releases heat from the refrigerant, an expander that expands the refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger that absorbs heat from the refrigerant. Furthermore, in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein, the second heating device may be configured to include a heating element that generates heat when electricity is applied.

[0020] According to such a structure, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein can cope with a situation where the first heating device, which uses the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioning equipment, cannot heat the supply air flow to the temperature required for the humidification device to obtain the set humidification amount. That is, even in such a situation, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein can compensate by heating the supply air flow with the second heating device composed of a heating element, thereby heating the supply air flow to the temperature required for obtaining the set humidification amount. In this case, the first heating device, which consumes less power to obtain the same amount of heat as the heating by the second heating device, is mainly used, thereby reducing the power consumption of the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein.

[0021] Furthermore, in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein, the first heating device may also share the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioning unit to form a second refrigerant circuit, with the second refrigerant circuit being connected so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor, the first heating device, the expander, and the second heat exchanger. With this configuration, even if the heating capacity of the first heating device fluctuates depending on the operating conditions of the air conditioning unit, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein can easily adjust the heating capacity through heating by the second heating device. In other words, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein utilizes two heating devices, enabling stable humidification capacity independent of the operating conditions of the air conditioning unit.

[0022] Furthermore, in the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function disclosed herein, the control unit may calculate an output capacity value using humidity information related to the humidity of the indoor air and a target humidity of the indoor air, and control the operation of the humidification device based on the calculated output capacity value. Thus, when the humidity of the indoor air is not close to the target humidity, the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function disclosed herein can control the humidification device in a manner that achieves the target humidity, independent of the airtightness of the room, such as by increasing the output capacity value using the humidity information.

[0023] In addition, in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function disclosed herein, the control unit may control the supply air flow after heat exchange not to be heated but to be humidified by the humidifier when the output capacity value is below a first reference value that is smaller than the reference value. Furthermore, the control unit may control the supply air flow heated by the first heating device of the first heating device and the second heating device to be humidified by the humidifier when the output capacity value exceeds the first reference value and is below a second reference value that serves as a reference value. Furthermore, the control unit may control the supply air flow heated by the first heating device and the second heating device to be humidified by the humidifier when the output capacity value exceeds the second reference value.

[0024] According to such a structure, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of the present disclosure can cope with the situation where the supply air flow after heat exchange from the heat exchange ventilation device cannot be heated to the temperature required for the humidification device to obtain the set humidification amount. That is, even in such a situation, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of the present disclosure can heat the supply air flow to the temperature required for obtaining the set humidification amount by the first heating device and the second heating device. On the other hand, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of the present disclosure can suppress the wasteful consumption of electricity by the heating device when heating by the first heating device and the second heating device is not required.

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following embodiments are examples of specific implementations of the present disclosure and do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] (Implementation 1)

[0027] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device structure of the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of installation of the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function in the house 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the equipment structure of the heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function 4. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the upstream and downstream of the supply air flow 15 described later in the heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function 4 are sometimes simply described as "upstream" and "downstream".

[0028] like Figure 1As shown, a heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function is installed between floors or on the ceiling of a room 1 and includes a heat exchange ventilator 5 and a humidifier 6. The heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function performs ventilation while exchanging heat between the air in the room 2 (exhaust air flow 14, described later) and the air outside the room 3 (supply air flow 15, described later) in the heat exchange ventilator 5. Furthermore, the humidifier 6 humidifies the supply air flow 15 as needed and introduces it into the room 2. Specifically, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function transfers heat from the exhaust air flow 14 to the supply air flow 15 during ventilation, thereby suppressing wasteful heat release. Furthermore, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function humidifies the supply air flow 15, thereby suppressing a decrease in the humidity of the air in the room 2 (relative humidity in the room). In particular, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function of the present embodiment is configured to perform heating (temperature increase) and humidification as follows when the output capacity value for determining the humidification amount required for humidification by the humidification device 6 exceeds a prescribed reference value (a second reference value described later). That is, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function utilizes the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 placed in the front stage (upstream side) of the humidifier 6d of the humidification device 6 to heat (temperature increase) the supply air flow 15 after heat exchange and humidify it. It should be noted that the first heating unit 16 is equivalent to the "first heating device" of the present disclosure, and the second heating unit 17 is equivalent to the "second heating device" of the present disclosure. In addition, the second reference value is equivalent to an example of the "reference value" of the present disclosure.

[0029] Here, exhaust air flow 14 is an air flow that discharges air from room 2 to outside 3. Exhaust air flow 14 is first transported from room 2 to heat exchange ventilator 5 via return air duct 9. After undergoing heat exchange with supply air flow 15 in heat exchange ventilator 5, exhaust air flow 14 is discharged from heat exchange ventilator 5 to outside 3 via exhaust air duct 10. Return air duct 9 is configured to connect each room in room 1 to heat exchange ventilator 5. Exhaust air duct 10 is configured to connect heat exchange ventilator 5 to an exhaust port provided on the outer wall of room 1.

[0030] The supply air flow 15 is an air flow that introduces air from the outside 3 into the inside 2. The supply air flow 15 is first transported from the outside 3 to the heat exchange ventilation device 5 via the external air duct 11. After the supply air flow 15 has exchanged heat with the exhaust air flow 14 in the heat exchange ventilation device 5, it is transported from the heat exchange ventilation device 5 to the humidifier 6 via the relay air duct 12. The supply air flow 15, which has been humidified as needed in the humidifier 6, is introduced from the humidifier 6 into the inside 2 via the supply air duct 13. The external air duct 11 is configured to connect the air supply port provided on the outer wall of the house 1 to the heat exchange ventilation device 5. The relay air duct 12 is configured to connect the heat exchange ventilation device 5 to the humidifier 6. The supply air duct 13 is configured to connect the humidifier 6 to each room of the house 1.

[0031] Furthermore, a multi-unit air conditioner (multi-air conditioner) is installed in the house 1. The multi-unit air conditioner includes multiple indoor units 19 installed in each room of the house 2 (e.g., a wall surface on the ceiling side), and a single shared outdoor unit 20 installed outdoors 3. The outdoor unit 20 is connected to each of the multiple indoor units 19 via a refrigerant circuit 21, and is also connected to the first heating unit 16 installed in the humidifier 6 via the refrigerant circuit 21.

[0032] Next, refer to Figure 2 The specific structure of the heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function 4 will be described.

[0033] Heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function 4 Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 5 , the humidifier 6 is provided with a heat exchange type ventilation device 5 and a humidifier 6. In addition, the humidifier 6 is configured to have a first heating unit 16 and a second heating unit 17 on the upstream side of the humidifier 6d, and is controlled by a control unit 8 (see FIG. 5 ) described later. Figure 3 ) controls the operation.

[0034] The heat exchange ventilation device 5 is a device that exchanges heat between the air RA (exhaust air flow 14) in the room 2 and the air OA (supply air flow 15) outside the room 3 while performing ventilation. Figure 2 As shown, it includes a return air port 5a, an exhaust port 5b, an external air port 5c, an air supply port 5d, a heat exchange element 5e, a humidity sensor 5f, an exhaust fan 5g, and an air supply fan 5h.

[0035] The return air port 5a is used to take the air RA (exhaust air flow 14) in the room 2 from the return air duct 9 (refer to Figure 1 ) is an inlet for taking in the exhaust gas from the heat exchange ventilator 5. The exhaust port 5b is an inlet for taking in the exhaust gas 14 as the exhaust gas EA from the heat exchange ventilator 5 to the exhaust air duct 10 (see Figure 1 The outside air outlet 5c is a port for blowing out the air OA (supply air flow 15) from the outside air passage 11 (refer to Figure 1) is an intake port for taking air into the heat exchange type ventilator 5. The air supply port 5d is an outlet for ejecting the supply air flow 15 from the heat exchange type ventilator 5 to the relay air passage 12.

[0036] The heat exchange element 5e is a component for performing heat exchange (sensible heat and latent heat) between the exhaust flow 14 and the supply flow 15. The heat exchange element 5e is a full heat exchange element formed by heat-conducting paper (heat-conducting plate) with cellulose fiber as the base material. However, the material is not limited to this. As the heat-conducting plate constituting the heat exchange element 5e, for example, a moisture-permeable resin film with polyurethane or polyethylene terephthalate as the base material, or a paper material with cellulose fiber, ceramic fiber, or glass fiber as the base material can be used. In addition, a thin, airtight sheet with thermal conductivity can be used as the heat-conducting plate constituting the heat exchange element 5e. In this case, the heat exchange element 5e becomes a sensible heat exchange element.

[0037] The humidity sensor 5f detects the humidity of the exhaust air flow 14 drawn in from the return air port 5a and outputs a signal related to the humidity of the exhaust air flow 14 (indoor humidity). This signal is used as an input signal for the control unit 8, which will be described later. The exhaust fan 5g is a blower that draws the exhaust air flow 14 in from the return air port 5a and discharges it from the exhaust port 5b. The supply air fan 5h is a blower that draws the supply air flow 15 in from the external air port 5c and discharges it from the supply air port 5d.

[0038] Furthermore, an internal exhaust air passage connecting the return air port 5a and the exhaust air port 5b, and an internal supply air passage connecting the external air port 5c and the supply air port 5d are formed inside the heat exchange ventilator 5.

[0039] Furthermore, when performing heat exchange ventilation, the heat exchange ventilator 5 operates the exhaust fan 5g and the supply air fan 5h, causing heat exchange within the heat exchange element 5e between the exhaust airflow 14 flowing through the internal exhaust air passage and the supply airflow 15 flowing through the internal supply air passage. Thus, during ventilation, the heat exchange ventilator 5 transfers heat from the exhaust airflow 14 released to the outside 3 to the supply airflow 15 drawn into the room 2, suppressing wasteful heat release and recovering heat within the room 2. As a result, during winter ventilation, the heat exchange ventilator 5 can suppress a drop in the temperature of the room 2 caused by the cool air outside 3. On the other hand, during summer ventilation, the heat exchange ventilator 5 can suppress a rise in the temperature of the room 2 caused by the warm air outside 3. That is, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with humidification function has a heat exchange ventilation device 5 that performs heat exchange between the exhaust flow 14 and the supply air flow 15, wherein the exhaust flow 14 flows in the internal exhaust air path for discharging the air RA in the room 2 to the outside 3, and the supply air flow 15 flows in the internal supply air path for supplying the air OA outside the room 3 to the room 2.

[0040] Next, the humidifier 6 is a device that humidifies the supply air flow 15 after heat exchange from the heat exchange ventilation device 5 as needed. Specifically, the humidifier 6 is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the air supply inlet 6a, the air supply outlet 6c, the humidifier 6d, the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 are provided.

[0041] The supply air inlet 6a is an inlet for taking the supply air 15 from the relay air passage 12 to the humidifier 6. The supply air outlet 6c is a port for taking the humidified supply air 15 (or the unhumidified supply air 15) as the supply air SA to the supply air passage 13 (see FIG. Figure 1 )The nozzle from which the spray is ejected.

[0042] The humidifier 6d is a unit for humidifying the incoming air supply air 15. It includes a humidification motor 6e and a humidification nozzle 6f. The humidifier 6d employs a centrifugal crushing mechanism: the humidification motor 6e rotates the humidification nozzle 6f, drawing stored water through centrifugal force and causing it to scatter, collide, and break up in the surrounding air (in the centrifugal direction), thereby adding moisture to the passing air. The humidifier 6d then adjusts the humidification capacity (humidification amount) by varying the rotational speed of the humidification motor 6e (hereinafter referred to as the "rotational output value") based on an output signal from the control unit 8, described later.

[0043] It should be noted that the liquid added to the air in the humidifier 6d may be a liquid other than water, for example, hypochlorous acid water having sterilizing or deodorizing properties. In this case, the supply air flow 15 contains hypochlorous acid water and is supplied as the supply air SA to the room 2, thereby sterilizing or deodorizing the room 2.

[0044] Next, the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 are Figure 2 As shown, these are units disposed within the humidifier 6 and are each used to heat the introduced supply air flow 15. The first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 change their output state (on or off) based on an output signal from the control unit 8, described later, to adjust the heating capacity (heating amount) for heating the introduced supply air flow 15.

[0045] The first heating unit 16 is arranged upstream of the second heating unit 17 and, as described above, is connected to the outdoor unit 20 via the refrigerant circuit 21. Furthermore, the first heating unit 16 is configured to release heat when the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioning equipment (outdoor unit 20) having the first refrigerant circuit 21a described later circulates within the first heating unit 16, and to heat the supply airflow 15 after heat exchange from the heat exchange ventilation device 5 as needed. Furthermore, the first heating unit 16 shares the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioning equipment and constitutes the second refrigerant circuit 21b described later. Details of the first heating unit 16 will be described later.

[0046] The second heating unit 17 is located downstream of the first heating unit 16 (between the first heating unit 16 and the humidifier 6d). The second heating unit 17 is composed of a heating element that generates heat when electricity is supplied to it, and heats the supply airflow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 as needed. For example, a PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heater is used as the heating element. This PTC heater has the property of gradually reducing the flow of current as the temperature rises, thus avoiding wasted power consumption.

[0047] Next, a multi-unit air conditioner utilizes a shared outdoor unit 20 and indoor units 19 located in each room to heat or cool each room. By switching the branching units 22 (first branching unit 22a through fourth branching unit 22d, etc.) located in the refrigerant circuit 21, the outdoor unit 20 is connected in parallel with each room's indoor unit 19 and the first heating unit 16 of the humidifier 6 via the refrigerant circuit 21. The following description of the refrigerant flow in a multi-unit air conditioner uses the heating operation as an example.

[0048] The indoor unit 19 is an indoor unit installed in each room (ceiling-side wall surface) of the room 2. The indoor unit 19 is configured to include a blower fan 19a and a first heat exchanger 19b.

[0049] The air-sending fan 19 a is a device that sends air RA drawn from the room 2 toward the first heat exchanger 19 b .

[0050] The first heat exchanger 19b is a device that releases heat to the outside (outside the refrigerant circuit 21) by exchanging heat between the air RA delivered by the blower fan 19a and the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 21 (which has become a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas by the compressor 20a, described later). In other words, the refrigerant releases heat in the first heat exchanger 19b. At this time, the refrigerant gas condenses and liquefies under high pressure. During heating operation, the temperature of the refrigerant gas introduced into the indoor unit 19 (first heat exchanger 19b) is higher than that of the air. Therefore, the heat exchange causes the air RA to heat up, cooling the refrigerant gas.

[0051] On the other hand, the outdoor unit 20 is an outdoor unit installed outdoors 3. The outdoor unit 20 includes a compressor 20a, an expander 20b, a second heat exchanger 20c, a blower fan 20d, and a four-way valve 20e.

[0052] The compressor 20 a is a device that compresses low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant gas (working medium gas) in the refrigerant circuit 21 to increase the pressure and temperature.

[0053] The expander 20b is a device that reduces the pressure of the high-pressure refrigerant liquefied by the first heat exchanger 19b (or the first heating unit 16) to return it to its original low-temperature, low-pressure liquid state. In other words, the expander 20b expands the refrigerant. It should be noted that the expander 20b is also called an expansion valve.

[0054] The second heat exchanger 20c is a device used by the refrigerant, after flowing through the expander 20b, to absorb heat from the air and evaporate, converting the liquid refrigerant into a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant gas. In other words, the refrigerant absorbs heat in the second heat exchanger 20c. Since the temperature of the refrigerant introduced into the second heat exchanger 20c is lower than that of the air, the air is cooled and the refrigerant is heated during heat exchange.

[0055] The air-sending fan 20d is a device that sends the air OA from the outside 3 toward the second heat exchanger 20c.

[0056] The four-way valve 20e is a device (reversible valve) used to switch the flow direction of the refrigerant within the refrigerant circuit 21. More specifically, the four-way valve 20e is connected between the compressor 20a and the first heat exchanger 19b (or the first heating unit 16), and between the compressor 20a and the second heat exchanger 20c. Furthermore, the four-way valve 20e switches between a first state (during heating operation) and a second state (during cooling operation). In the first state (during heating operation), the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor 20a, the first heat exchanger 19b (or the first heating unit 16), the expander 20b, and the second heat exchanger 20c. In the second state (during cooling operation), the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor 20a, the second heat exchanger 20c, the expander 20b, and the first heat exchanger 19b. The flow of the refrigerant in the first state is opposite to that in the second state.

[0057] The branch unit 22 (the first branch unit 22a to the fourth branch unit 22d, etc.) is a device that switches the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 21 to flow in a specific one direction or two directions.

[0058] The first branching unit 22a switches the refrigerant introduced from the outdoor unit 20 to one of a state in which the refrigerant flows toward the indoor unit 19, a state in which the refrigerant branches and flows toward both the indoor unit 19 and the humidifier 6, and a state in which the refrigerant flows toward the humidifier 6.

[0059] Furthermore, the second branching unit 22b switches the flow destination of the refrigerant introduced via the first branching unit 22a to one of the following three states: Specifically, the second branching unit 22b switches the flow to one of the following states: a state in which the refrigerant flows in one direction toward the indoor unit 19; a state in which the refrigerant branches and flows in two directions, toward the indoor unit 19 and toward other indoor units 19; and a state in which the refrigerant flows in one direction toward other indoor units 19.

[0060] On the other hand, the third branch unit 22c switches to one of the following three states. The first state allows only the refrigerant introduced from the indoor unit 19 to flow toward the fourth branch unit 22d. The second state allows the refrigerant introduced from the indoor unit 19 to merge with the refrigerant introduced from the other indoor units 19 and flow toward the fourth branch unit 22d. The third state allows only the refrigerant introduced from the other indoor units 19 to flow toward the fourth branch unit 22d.

[0061] The fourth branch unit 22d switches to one of the following three states. The first state allows only the refrigerant introduced from the third branch unit 22c to flow toward the outdoor unit 20. The second state allows the refrigerant introduced from the third branch unit 22c to merge with the refrigerant introduced from the humidifier 6 and flow toward the outdoor unit 20. The third state allows only the refrigerant introduced from the humidifier 6 to flow toward the outdoor unit 20.

[0062] Furthermore, in the refrigerant circuit 21, by switching (combination of each state) the branch units 22 (first branch unit 22a to fourth branch unit 22d, etc.), the first refrigerant circuit 21a and the second refrigerant circuit 21b are configured in parallel. The first refrigerant circuit 21a is a refrigerant circuit including the first heat exchanger 19b of the indoor unit 19. The second refrigerant circuit 21b is a refrigerant circuit including the first heating unit 16 of the humidifier 6. It should be noted that in Figure 2 In the figure, only one first refrigerant circuit 21a is shown, but in reality, a plurality of first refrigerant circuits 21a are configured for each of the first heat exchangers 19b of the indoor units 19 of the respective rooms by switching the branch unit 22 (not shown).

[0063] During heating operation, the first refrigerant circuit 21a is connected to the compressor 20a, the first heat exchanger 19b, the expander 20b, and the second heat exchanger 20c in this order. The first refrigerant circuit 21a corresponds to a typical refrigerant circuit in a multi-unit air conditioner.

[0064] In the first refrigerant circuit 21a, after the piping is connected, the refrigerant from the compressor 20a flows through the four-way valve 20e and heads to the first heat exchanger 19b of the indoor unit 19. After flowing through the first heat exchanger 19b, the refrigerant flows through the expander 20b and heads to the second heat exchanger 20c. Furthermore, after flowing through the second heat exchanger 20c, the refrigerant flows through the four-way valve 20e and returns to the compressor 20a. During this refrigerant (refrigerant gas) circulation process, the refrigerant gas is compressed to a high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 20a. Furthermore, while flowing through the first heat exchanger 19b, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 20a is cooled by the blower fan 19a, becoming a liquid. After reaching the expander 20b, the refrigerant liquid is decompressed, becoming a low-temperature gas-liquid mixture. While flowing through the second heat exchanger 20c, it is heated by the blower fan 20d, returning to the original refrigerant gas.

[0065] Furthermore, in the indoor unit 19, high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas flows through the first heat exchanger 19b. Therefore, the air RA from the blower fan 19a is passed through the first heat exchanger 19b, thereby increasing the temperature of the air RA. The heated air RA is then blown into the room 2. In other words, the indoor unit 19 heats the air RA in the room 2.

[0066] Meanwhile, during heating operation, the second refrigerant circuit 21b is configured such that the refrigerant flows sequentially through the compressor 20a, the first heating unit 16, the expander 20b, and the second heat exchanger 20c. Furthermore, based on the same principle as the first heat exchanger 19b of the indoor unit 19, the supply air flow 15 flowing through the first heating unit 16 can be heated (increased in temperature).

[0067] Specifically, in the second refrigerant circuit 21b after the piping is connected, the refrigerant from the compressor 20a flows through the four-way valve 20e and heads to the first heating section 16 of the humidifier 6. After flowing through the first heating section 16, the refrigerant flows through the expander 20b and heads to the second heat exchanger 20c. Furthermore, after flowing through the second heat exchanger 20c, the refrigerant flows through the four-way valve 20e and returns to the compressor 20a. During this refrigerant (refrigerant gas) circulation process, the refrigerant gas is compressed to a high temperature and high pressure by the compressor 20a. Furthermore, while flowing through the first heating section 16, the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 20a is cooled by the supply airflow 15 from the heat exchange ventilator 5, turning it into a liquid. After reaching the expander 20b, the refrigerant liquid is decompressed to a low-temperature gas-liquid mixture. While flowing through the second heat exchanger 20c, it is heated by the blower fan 20d and returns to the original refrigerant gas.

[0068] In addition, in the first heating section 16, high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas is in a state of circulating inside the first heating section 16, so heat exchange is performed between the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant gas and the supply air flow 15 from the heat exchange ventilation device 5, thereby heating (raising the temperature) the supply air flow 15.

[0069] As described above, in the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with humidification function, in a house 1 in which a multi-unit type air conditioner having one common outdoor unit 20 and a plurality of indoor units 19 is installed, the refrigerant circuit 21 of the common multi-unit type air conditioner (see Figure 1 ) is provided in the form of the first heating portion 16. Therefore, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function can eliminate the cumbersomeness of providing the external unit 20 and the refrigerant circuit 21 dedicated to the first heating portion 16.

[0070] The reason why the heating unit provided in the humidifier 6 is a combination of the first and second heating units 16, 17, rather than a single second heating unit 17, is that heating by the second heating unit 17 alone would result in increased power consumption. Heating by the first heating unit 16 can achieve the same amount of heat as the second heating unit 17 with power consumption of approximately 1 / COP (Coefficient of Performance). On the other hand, heating by the first heating unit 16 alone, using the refrigerant circuit 21 of a shared multi-unit air conditioner, may not provide sufficient heat depending on the temperature and humidity conditions of the air inside the room 2 and outside the room 3. Furthermore, if the required heating capacity of the multiple indoor units 19 installed in each room increases, heating by the first heating unit 16 may not provide sufficient heat. This is because the heating capacity of the first heating unit 16 is obtained by maximizing the heating capacity of the outdoor unit 20 and reducing the heating capacity of the indoor units 19 in each room. In order to cope with such a situation, heating by the second heating unit 17 is necessary in addition to heating by the first heating unit 16 .

[0071] For example, in a house with a C value of about 5, in order to make the air RA (the supply air SA blown into the room 2) in the room 2 comfortable (room temperature 22°C to 25°C, relative humidity 40% to 60%), a maximum humidification rate of 2800 g / h may be required. Here, the C value represents the value of airtightness performance and refers to the equivalent gap area, which is the area of ​​the gap in the entire building (cm 2 ) divided by the building area (m 2 ) and the value obtained.

[0072] Specifically, consider the following scenario: outside air (air OA outside the room 3) at a temperature of -10°C and an absolute humidity of 1 g / kg is heated by heat exchanger 5 and humidified by humidifier 6 to a temperature of 15°C and an absolute humidity of 3.5 g / kg (supply air SA blown into the room 2). In this case, assuming the humidification capacity of humidifier 6 is approximately 70% saturation efficiency, the air introduced into humidifier 6d (pre-humidification supply air 15) must be heated to approximately 45°C in order to achieve the maximum humidification capacity of 2800 g / h. If the temperature of supply air 15 after heat exchange from heat exchanger 5 is 15°C, the amount of heat required to raise the temperature from 15°C to 45°C is 3.5 kW. However, the heating output of the first heat exchanger 19b in a multi-unit air conditioner is generally around 2 kW, so the first heating unit 16 of the shared refrigerant circuit 21 also has a similar heating output. Therefore, it is difficult for the first heating unit 16 to raise the temperature of the introduced air to 45°C, necessitating the use of the second heating unit 17 to compensate for the 1.5 kW shortfall. This approach, using the second heating unit 17 only in situations where heating by the first heating unit 16 alone is insufficient due to varying outside and indoor air conditions, ensures the required heating capacity while reducing power consumption.

[0073] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 The control during the humidification operation performed by the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 3 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 8 in the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the processing performed by the processing unit 8b of the control unit 8 in the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function 4. Figure 5 : is a diagram showing the relationship between the output capacity value and the rotation output value used in the processing performed by the processing unit 8b of the control unit 8 in the heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function 4. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the correlation is shown by setting the control range of the rotation output value (rotation speed) of the humidifying device 6 (humidifying motor 6e) to 2000 rpm to 4000 rpm and the range of the output capacity value to 2000 to 6000. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the reference values ​​corresponding to the output capacity values ​​are set to a first reference value for turning on only the first heating unit 16 and a second reference value for turning on both the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 .

[0074] The heat exchange ventilation device with a humidifying function 4 includes a control unit 8 and an operation panel 18. The control unit 8 controls the operation of the humidifier 6d, the first heating unit 16, and the second heating unit 17 of the humidifying device 6.

[0075] Specifically, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function includes a control unit 8 that controls the operation of the first heating unit 16 as an example of the first heating device of the present disclosure, the second heating unit 17 as an example of the second heating device of the present disclosure, and the humidifying device 6 .

[0076] The control unit 8 controls the humidifier 6 to humidify the supply airflow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 of the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 when the output capacity value for determining the amount of humidification required by the humidifier 6 is less than a reference value (second reference value). More specifically, the control unit 8 controls the humidifier 6 to humidify the supply airflow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 of the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 when the output capacity value exceeds a first reference value that is smaller than the reference value (second reference value) and is less than the second reference value. The control unit 8 controls the humidifier 6 to humidify the supply airflow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 of the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 without heating the supply airflow 15 after the heat exchange when the output capacity value is less than the first reference value.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 8 controls so that the humidifier 6 humidifies the supply airflow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 when the output capacity value exceeds a reference value (second reference value).

[0078] Specifically, the control unit 8 is as follows Figure 3 As shown, the control unit 8 comprises an input unit 8a, a processing unit 8b, an output unit 8c, a storage unit 8d, and a timer unit 8e. It should be noted that the control unit 8 comprises a computer system having a processor and memory. Furthermore, the computer system functions as the control unit 8 by executing a program stored in the memory through the processor. The program executed by the processor is pre-recorded in the computer system's memory here, but it can also be recorded on a non-transitory recording medium such as a memory card and provided, or it can be provided via a telecommunications line such as the Internet.

[0079] The input unit 8a receives information regarding the humidification operation and the set humidity (target humidity) of the air RA in the room 2 from the operation panel 18 provided in the room 2, and outputs this information to the processing unit 8b. Furthermore, the input unit 8a receives information regarding the humidity of the air RA in the room 2 (indoor humidity) (humidity information) from the humidity sensor 5f of the heat exchange ventilator 5, and outputs this information to the processing unit 8b.

[0080] The processing unit 8b performs predetermined processing at regular intervals (e.g., 5 minutes) based on the time information output from the timer unit 8e. Specifically, the processing unit 8b uses the past humidity information, past output capacity values, and calculation parameters output from the storage unit 8d, along with the current humidity information output from the input unit 8a, to calculate the output capacity value used to bring the indoor humidity closer to the target humidity. Furthermore, based on the calculated output capacity value, the processing unit 8b determines the rotational output value (the rotational speed of the humidifying motor 6e in the humidifier 6d) for the humidifier 6 and the heating output information (information related to whether the operation is on or off) for the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17, and outputs these to the output unit 8c. Furthermore, the processing unit 8b outputs and stores the current humidity information output from the input unit 8a, the calculated current output capacity value, and the determined current heating output information to the storage unit 8d. The output capacity value is an indicator of the humidification capacity (humidification amount) of the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function as a whole. Note that the output capacity value may also be referred to as a value for determining the amount of humidification required by the humidifier 6 to bring the air RA in the room 2 close to the target humidity.

[0081] The storage unit 8d stores past humidity information, past output capacity values, and calculation parameters, and receives and stores the current indoor humidity information, current output capacity value, and current heating output information output from the processing unit 8b. Figure 5 The information on the correlation between the output capacity value and the rotation output value shown in FIG.

[0082] The output unit 8c outputs the rotational output value received from the processing unit 8b to the humidifier 6 (humidifier motor 6e of the humidifier 6d). Furthermore, the output unit 8c outputs the heating output information received from the processing unit 8b to the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17, respectively. The humidifier 6 then performs a humidification operation based on the rotational output value output from the output unit 8c. Furthermore, the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 turn the heating operation on or off based on the heating output information output from the output unit 8c.

[0083] That is, the control unit 8 calculates an output capacity value using humidity information about the humidity of the air RA in the room 2 and the target humidity of the air RA in the room 2 , and controls the operation of the humidifier 6 based on the calculated output capacity value.

[0084] Next, use Figure 4 The flow of processing performed by the processing unit 8 b of the control unit 8 in the heat exchange ventilator with humidification function 4 will be described.

[0085] The processing unit 8b of the control unit 8 is as follows Figure 4 As shown, the process mainly includes three steps (step S01 to step S03 ), and the process is started based on a control signal from the operation panel 18 (information on the humidification operation and the set humidity (target humidity) of the air RA in the room 2 ).

[0086] Step S01 is a step for performing processing at a processing interval (a certain time interval) stored in the storage unit 8d. For example, when the processing interval is 5 minutes, the processing unit 8b receives the time information output from the timing unit 8e while repeatedly determining the time until a certain time (here, 5 minutes) has passed. And, after a certain time (5 minutes) has passed ("Yes" in step S01), the processing unit 8b causes the processing to enter step S02. It should be noted that before a certain time (5 minutes) has passed ("No" in step S01), the processing unit 8b determines whether an end signal has been received from the operation panel 18 (step S04). If an end signal has been received ("Yes" in step S04), the processing ends.

[0087] Step S02 is a step for updating the output capacity value. Here, the processing unit 8b updates the output capacity value based on the information output from the input unit 8a and the storage unit 8d, and the process proceeds to step S03. It should be noted that the calculation formula used for updating can be, for example, the speed-type PID (Proportional Integral Differential) control formula shown in the following formula (1).

[0088] R=R+Kp*[(ΔX0-ΔX1)+(1 / Ti)*ΔX0+Td*{(ΔX0-ΔX1)-(ΔX1-ΔX2)}]···Formula (1)

[0089] Where R is the output capacity value, Kp, Ti, and Td are PID parameters, and ΔX0, ΔX1, and ΔX2 are the values ​​obtained based on "target humidity - indoor humidity" at the current time, one time ago, and two times ago, respectively.

[0090] Step S03 is a step of determining the rotation output value and heating output information corresponding to the output capacity value updated in step S02. Here, the processing unit 8b determines the size relationship between the reference value (first reference value, second reference value) stored in the storage unit 8d and the updated output capacity value. First, the processing unit 8b determines whether the output capacity value exceeds the first reference value (step S03A). Then, when the output capacity value is below the first reference value ("No" in step S03A), the processing unit 8b performs the process of step S03B. That is, the processing unit 8b determines the rotation output value ( Figure 5), and information (shutdown information) for shutting down the operation of the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 as heating output information (step S03B). On the other hand, when the output capacity value exceeds the first reference value ("Yes" in step S03A), the processing unit 8b determines whether the output capacity value exceeds the second reference value (step S03C). And, when it is below the second reference value ("No" in step S03C), the processing unit 8b performs the process of step S03D. That is, the processing unit 8b determines the rotation output value ( Figure 5 ), and information (first ON information) for turning ON the operation of only the first heating unit 16 as heating output information (step S03D). On the other hand, if the output capacity value exceeds the second reference value ("Yes" in step S03C), the processing unit 8b performs the processing of step S03E. That is, the processing unit 8b determines the rotation output value ( Figure 5 The first reference value and the second reference value are values ​​defined corresponding to the maximum rotational speed that can be set for the humidifying motor 6e of the humidifying device 6 in each state.

[0091] The processing unit 8b outputs the rotation output value and heating output information determined in step S03B, step S03D, or step S03E to the output unit 8c, and performs the process from step S01 again.

[0092] The first rotation output value is as follows Figure 5 As shown, the output capacity value is directly used as the rotation output value.

[0093] The second rotational output value is a value obtained by subtracting the first adjustment value from the output capacity value. It should be noted that the second rotational output value can also be said to be a value calculated by subtracting the first adjustment value (strictly speaking, the rotational speed corresponding to the first adjustment value) from the first rotational output value outside the control range in the region where the output capacity value exceeds the first reference value and is below the second reference value.

[0094] The third rotational output value is a value obtained by subtracting the second adjustment value from the output capacity value. It should be noted that the third rotational output value can also be said to be a value calculated by subtracting the second adjustment value (strictly speaking, the rotational speed corresponding to the second adjustment value) from the second rotational output value outside the control range in the region where the output capacity value exceeds the second reference value.

[0095] Here, the first adjustment value and the second adjustment value are values ​​set to reduce the discontinuity of the humidification capacity generated when the state is switched (a sharp increase in the humidification amount by the humidifier 6). The first adjustment value is a value used when switching from a state in which the supply air flow 15 from the heat exchange ventilation device 5 is humidified to a state in which the supply air flow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 is humidified. That is, the first adjustment value is used when switching from a closed state in which both the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 are closed to an open state in which the first heating unit 16 is opened. In addition, the second adjustment value is a value used when switching from a state in which the supply air flow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 is humidified to a state in which the supply air flow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 is humidified. That is, the second adjustment value is used when switching from an open state in which the first heating unit 16 is opened to an open state in which both the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 are opened.

[0096] The processing performed by processing unit 8b in step S03 will be described using a specific example. As described above, in this embodiment, the control range of the rotational output value (rotational speed) of the humidifier 6 (humidification motor 6e) is 2000 rpm to 4000 rpm. Therefore, the first reference value is set to 4000 within the output capacity range of 2000 to 6000. Furthermore, the second reference value is set to 5000 within the output capacity range of 2000 to 6000. Furthermore, the first and second adjustment values ​​are each set to 1000 (rotational speed of 1000 rpm).

[0097] Under the above-described settings, when the output capacity value calculated by the processing unit 8b is less than the first reference value (the output capacity value is in the range of 2000 to 4000), the humidifier 6 performs the humidification process with the following heating output information and the rotational output value (rotational speed) of the humidification motor 6e. That is, when the heating output information is off (the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 are both off), the humidifier 6 performs the humidification process with the rotational output value (rotational speed) of the humidification motor 6e in the range of 2000 to 4000 rpm. In addition, when the output capacity value calculated by the processing unit 8b exceeds the first reference value and is less than the second reference value (the output capacity value is in the range of 4000 to 5000), the humidifier 6 performs the humidification process with the following heating output information and the rotational output value (rotational speed) of the humidification motor 6e. That is, the humidifier 6 performs the humidification process by setting the rotational output value (rotational speed) of the humidification motor 6e to a range exceeding 3000 rpm and below 4000 rpm when the heating output information is the first on information (the first heating unit 16 is in the on state). In addition, when the output capacity value calculated by the processing unit 8b exceeds the second reference value (the output capacity value is in the range exceeding 5000 and below 6000), the humidifier 6 performs the humidification process with the following heating output information and the rotational output value (rotational speed) of the humidification motor 6e. That is, when the heating output information is the second on information (the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 are both in the on state), the humidifier 6 performs the humidification process by setting the rotational output value (rotational speed) of the humidification motor 6e to a range exceeding 3000 rpm and below 4000 rpm.

[0098] By controlling in this way, the humidifier 6 can gradually increase the humidification amount of the introduced supply air flow 15. In addition, by gradually changing the combination of on and off of the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17, the necessary humidification amount can be performed toward the set humidification amount with low power consumption.

[0099] As described above, according to the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function of the first embodiment, the following effects can be achieved.

[0100] (1) The heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function is controlled so that, when the output capacity value is below a reference value (second reference value), the supply air flow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 of the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 is humidified by the humidifier 6. The output capacity value is a value for determining the amount of humidification required by the humidifier 6. In addition, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function is controlled so that, when the output capacity value exceeds the reference value (second reference value), the supply air flow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 is humidified by the humidifier 6.

[0101] Thus, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can handle situations where the supply airflow 15, after heat exchange from the heat exchange ventilator 5, cannot be heated by the first heating unit 16 to the temperature required for the humidifier 6 to achieve the set humidification level. In other words, even in such situations, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can use the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 to raise the temperature of the supply airflow 15 to the required temperature for achieving the set humidification level. As a result, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can increase the humidification level (the amount of moisture supplied to the room 2) of the supply airflow 15 toward the set humidification level, even if the output of the humidifier 6 itself remains the same, thereby improving humidification capacity. Specifically, by using two heating units (the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17), the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can increase the humidification level of the supply airflow 15 after heat exchange by the heat exchange ventilator 5.

[0102] (2) The heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function has a first heating portion 16 configured so that the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioning equipment having a first refrigerant circuit 21a releases heat as it circulates within the first heating portion 16. The first refrigerant circuit 21a is connected so that the refrigerant flows sequentially through a compressor 20a that compresses the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger 19b that releases heat from the refrigerant, an expander 20b that expands the refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger 20c that releases heat from the refrigerant. Furthermore, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function has a second heating portion 17 configured with a heating element that generates heat when electricity is applied.

[0103] Thus, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can cope with situations where the first heating unit 16, which shares the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioner, cannot raise the temperature of the supply airflow 15 to the temperature required for the humidifier 6 to achieve the set humidification level. In other words, even in such situations, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can compensate by heating the second heating unit 17, which is composed of a heating element, thereby raising the temperature of the supply airflow 15 to the required temperature for achieving the set humidification level. In this case, the first heating unit 16, which consumes less power to produce the same amount of heat as heating by the second heating unit 17, is primarily used, thereby reducing the power consumption of the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function.

[0104] (3) In the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function, the first heating unit 16 uses the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioner to form a second refrigerant circuit 21b. The second refrigerant circuit 21b is connected so that the refrigerant flows through the compressor 20a, the first heating unit 16, the expander 20b, and the second heat exchanger 20c in sequence. Thus, even if the heating capacity of the first heating unit 16 fluctuates depending on the operating conditions of the air conditioner, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function can easily adjust the heating capacity by heating based on the second heating unit 17. In other words, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function uses two heating units (the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17) to stabilize the humidifying capacity regardless of the operating conditions of the air conditioner.

[0105] (4) The heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function calculates an output capacity value using humidity information related to the humidity of the air RA in the room 2 and the target humidity of the air RA in the room 2, and controls the operation of the humidifier 6 based on the calculated output capacity value. Thus, when the humidity of the air RA in the room 2 is not close to the target humidity, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can control the humidifier 6 in a manner such that the target humidity is achieved, without depending on the performance of the room 1, such as the airtightness, by using the humidity information to increase the output capacity value.

[0106] (5) The heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function is controlled so that, when the output capacity value is less than a first reference value that is smaller than a second reference value, the supply air flow 15 after heat exchange is not heated, but humidification is performed by the humidifier 6. In addition, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function is controlled so that, when the output capacity value exceeds the first reference value and is less than the second reference value, the supply air flow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 of the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 is humidified by the humidifier 6. In addition, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function is controlled so that, when the output capacity value exceeds the second reference value, the supply air flow 15 heated by the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 is humidified by the humidifier 6.

[0107] Thus, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can handle situations where the supply airflow 15, after heat exchange from the heat exchange ventilator 5, cannot be heated by the first heating unit 16 to the temperature required for the humidifier 6 to achieve the set humidification level. In other words, even in such situations, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can still heat the supply airflow 15 to the temperature required for achieving the set humidification level using the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17. Furthermore, when heating by the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 is not required, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidifying function can reduce wasteful power consumption by each heating unit.

[0108] (6) When the humidification amount of the supply airflow 15 in the humidification device 6 is insufficient, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function can increase the temperature of the supply airflow 15 before humidification by heating with the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17. Therefore, the heat exchange ventilator 4 with a humidification function can easily increase the humidification capacity.

[0109] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely illustrative, and many variations are possible in the combination of the above-described components or processing steps. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such variations are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0110] The heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function of this embodiment 1 controls the heating action of each heating unit to be turned on or off when heating the supply air flow 15 before humidification of the humidification device 6 using the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17. However, the heating action of the heating unit is not limited to this and can also be modified as follows. For example, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of Modification 1 can also control the heating action of the first heating unit 16 by a staged heating output. It should be noted that in this case, the heating action of the second heating unit 17 remains unchanged based on the state of control of being turned on or off.

[0111] Reference Figure 6 , describing a heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function according to variant example 1 in which the heating output of the first heating section 16 is controlled in four stages: off (0%), output X (30%), output Y (70%), and output Z (100%). Figure 6 This is a diagram showing combinations of a plurality of reference values ​​corresponding to the output capacity value for determining the humidification amount of the humidifier 6 in the heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function according to Modification 1 and the output state of each heating unit. Figure 6 In the example, reference values ​​A, B, C, D, E, and F are set in ascending order of output capacity. Specifically, reference value A is assigned an output capacity value of 4000, reference value B is assigned an output capacity value of 4300, reference value C is assigned an output capacity value of 4700, reference value D is assigned an output capacity value of 5000, reference value E is assigned an output capacity value of 5300, and reference value F is assigned an output capacity value of 5700.

[0112] Furthermore, when the output capacity value for determining the humidification amount of humidifier 6 is below reference value A, the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function of Modification 1 turns off first heating unit 16 and second heating unit 17. In other words, if the output capacity value is below reference value A, supply airflow 15 from heat exchange ventilator 5 is not heated.

[0113] Next, when the output capacity value exceeds reference value A and is below reference value B (exceeds A and is below B), the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function of Modification 1 turns on first heating unit 16 at output X and turns off second heating unit 17. Thus, supply airflow 15 from heat exchange ventilator 5 is heated based on output X of first heating unit 16.

[0114] Next, when the output capacity value exceeds reference value B and is below reference value C (exceeds B and is below C), first heating unit 16 is turned on at output Y, and second heating unit 17 is turned off. Thus, supply airflow 15 from heat exchange ventilator 5 is heated based on output Y of first heating unit 16.

[0115] Next, when the output capacity value exceeds reference value C and is below reference value D (exceeds C and is below D), first heating unit 16 is turned on at output Z, and second heating unit 17 is turned off. Thus, supply airflow 15 from heat exchange ventilator 5 is heated based on output Z of first heating unit 16.

[0116] Furthermore, when the output capacity value exceeds reference value D and is equal to or less than reference value E (exceeds D and is equal to or less than E), first heating unit 16 is turned on at output X, and second heating unit 17 is turned on. Thus, supply airflow 15 from heat exchange ventilator 5 is heated by output X of first heating unit 16 and by second heating unit 17.

[0117] When the output capacity value exceeds reference value E and is equal to or less than reference value F (exceeds E and is equal to or less than F), first heating unit 16 is turned on at output Y, and second heating unit 17 is turned on. Thus, supply airflow 15 from heat exchange ventilator 5 is heated by output Y of first heating unit 16 and by second heating unit 17.

[0118] Finally, when the output capacity value exceeds the reference value F, the first heating unit 16 is turned on at an output Z, and the second heating unit 17 is turned on. Thus, the supply airflow 15 from the heat exchange ventilator 5 is heated by the output Z of the first heating unit 16 and by the second heating unit 17.

[0119] Thus, the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function of Modification 1 can further optimize the heating of the supply airflow 15 by the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 to achieve the desired humidification amount at the target humidity. As a result, the heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function of Modification 1 also saves energy (reduces power consumption) as a whole.

[0120] It should be noted that the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of Modification 1 employs a control method that turns the heating operation of the second heating unit 17 on and off. However, this modification can be further modified to control the heating operation of the second heating unit 17 through a step-by-step heating output, similar to the first heating unit 16. Thus, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of Modification 2 can more finely adjust the heating of the supply airflow 15 in each heating unit. In other words, the heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function of Modification 2 achieves even greater energy savings (lower power consumption) overall.

[0121] In addition, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidification function of this embodiment 1 uses a centrifugal humidifier as the humidifier 6d constituting the humidifying device 6, but is not limited to this. For example, as the humidifier 6d, an ultrasonic humidifier that scatters water droplets using ultrasound, a heating humidifier that generates water vapor by heating, or a vaporization humidifier that vaporizes water by passing air through a filter soaked in water, etc., can also be used. Alternatively, a humidifier that combines these methods can be used as the humidifier 6d. The heat exchange ventilation device with a humidification function involved in Modification 3 that uses these humidifiers other than the centrifugal humidifier can use the amplitude of the ultrasound, the amount of heat, and the amount of water dripping onto the filter as parameter values ​​corresponding to the output capacity value.

[0122] In the first embodiment, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function is described as including a heat exchange ventilation device 5 and a humidifying device 6. The humidifying device 6 includes a first heating unit 16 and a second heating unit 17, which are examples of the first and second heating devices disclosed herein. However, the first heating unit 16 and the second heating unit 17 do not necessarily need to be the humidifying device 6. In other words, the heat exchange ventilation device 4 with a humidifying function may also be configured to include the heat exchange ventilation device 5, the humidifying device 6, the first heating unit 16, which is an example of the first heating device, and the second heating unit 17, which is an example of the second heating device disclosed herein.

[0123] Industrial applicability

[0124] The heat exchange ventilator with a humidification function according to the present disclosure is useful as a heat exchange ventilator capable of performing heat exchange between indoor air and outdoor air, in which a humidification function and a heating function are provided.

[0125] Description of Reference Numerals

[0126] 1 House

[0127] 2 inside the house

[0128] 3 outside

[0129] 4 Heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function

[0130] 5. Heat exchange ventilation device

[0131] 5a Air return port

[0132] 5b Exhaust port

[0133] 5c External air vent

[0134] 5d Air supply port

[0135] 5e heat exchange element

[0136] 5f humidity sensor

[0137] 5g exhaust fan

[0138] 5h air supply fan

[0139] 6 Humidification device

[0140] 6a Air supply inlet

[0141] 6c Air supply outlet

[0142] 6d humidifier

[0143] 6e humidification motor

[0144] 6f Humidification nozzle

[0145] 8 Control Unit

[0146] 8a Input

[0147] 8b Processing Department

[0148] 8c Output

[0149] 8d Storage

[0150] 8e Timekeeping Department

[0151] 9 Return air duct

[0152] 10 Exhaust air duct

[0153] 11 External air flow

[0154] 12 Relay air path

[0155] 13 Air supply duct

[0156] 14 Exhaust flow

[0157] 15 Supply air flow

[0158] 16. First heating section

[0159] 17 Second heating section

[0160] 18 Operation Panel

[0161] 19 Indoor unit

[0162] 19a Air supply fan

[0163] 19b First heat exchanger

[0164] 20 outdoor units

[0165] 20a compressor

[0166] 20b Expander

[0167] 20c Second heat exchanger

[0168] 20d air supply fan

[0169] 20e four-way valve

[0170] 21 Refrigerant circuit

[0171] 21a First refrigerant circuit

[0172] 21b Second refrigerant circuit

[0173] 22 branch units

[0174] 22a First branch unit

[0175] 22b Second branch unit

[0176] 22c Third branch unit

[0177] 22d Fourth Branch Unit

[0178] EA Exhaust

[0179] OA Air

[0180] RA Air

[0181] SA gas supply.

Claims

1. A heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function, characterized in that: The heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function comprises: A heat exchange ventilator that exchanges heat between an exhaust airflow flowing through an exhaust duct for discharging indoor air to the outside and a supply airflow flowing through an air supply duct for supplying outdoor air to the inside; a first heating device capable of heating the supply airflow after heat exchange introduced from the heat exchange ventilation device; a second heating device capable of heating the supply airflow heated by the first heating device; A centrifugal crushing humidifier that uses a humidifying motor to rotate a humidifying nozzle, drawing stored water by centrifugal force and causing it to scatter, collide, and crush around, thereby humidifying the heated supply air flow; and a control unit that controls the operation of the first heating device, the second heating device, and the humidifying device; The first heating device is configured to release heat from a refrigerant introduced from an air-conditioning device having a first refrigerant circuit while circulating within the first heating device. The first refrigerant circuit is connected so that the refrigerant sequentially flows through a compressor for compressing the refrigerant, a first heat exchanger for releasing heat from the refrigerant, an expander for expanding the refrigerant, and a second heat exchanger for absorbing heat from the refrigerant. The second heating device is composed of a heating element that generates heat when electricity is applied. The humidifier is configured to change a rotation output value, which is a rotation speed of the humidifier motor, based on an output signal from the control unit. The control unit controls: When it is determined that the output capacity value of the humidification amount of the humidifier is less than a first reference value, the humidifier motor is rotated at a first rotation output value corresponding to the output capacity value less than the first reference value, and the supply air flow that is not heated by the first heating device and the second heating device is humidified by the humidifier. When the output capacity value exceeds the first reference value and is below a second reference value, the humidification motor is rotated at a second rotation output value corresponding to the output capacity value exceeding the first reference value and below the second reference value, and the supply air flow heated only by the first heating device is humidified by the humidification device. When the output capacity value exceeds the second reference value, the humidification motor is rotated at a third rotation output value corresponding to the output capacity value exceeding the second reference value, and the supply air flow heated by the first heating device and the second heating device is humidified by the humidification device.

2. The heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rotation output value is the rotation speed of the humidification motor corresponding to the output capacity value. The second rotation output value is the rotation speed of the humidification motor obtained by subtracting the first adjustment value from the output capacity value. The third rotation output value is the rotation speed of the humidification motor obtained by subtracting the second adjustment value from the output capacity value.

3. The heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first heating device shares the refrigerant introduced from the air conditioner to form a second refrigerant circuit, and the second refrigerant circuit is connected so that the refrigerant flows through the compressor, the first heating device, the expander, and the second heat exchanger in sequence.

4. The heat exchange ventilation device with humidification function according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The control unit calculates the output capacity value using humidity information related to the humidity of the indoor air and a target humidity of the indoor air, and controls the operation of the humidifier based on the calculated output capacity value.

Images