Air conditioning system

Abstract

The air conditioning system (20) of the present disclosure is provided with: an air conditioning device (13) that temperature-regulates air of an air conditioning room (18); a humidifying device (16) that humidifies the temperature-regulated air; a plurality of delivery fans (3) that deliver the air of the air conditioning room (18) to a plurality of living rooms (2); and a controller (50) that controls the humidifying device (16). The controller (50) performs the following control: acquires information related to a detected humidity of air detected in the living room (2) every given time interval, in a case where the detected humidity is a first humidity, causes the humidifying device to execute under first humidification control based on the first humidity, in a case where the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity, if a humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is equal to or less than a threshold value, switches to execute second humidification control based on the second humidity, and if the humidity difference exceeds the threshold value, continues to execute the first humidification control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning system capable of conditioning multiple rooms in a residence using a single air conditioner. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, air conditioning was achieved through whole-house air conditioning units. However, as energy efficiency needs to be improved, restrictions will tighten, with the anticipated increase in highly insulated and airtight homes requiring air conditioning systems tailored to their characteristics.

[0003] As such an air conditioning system, a whole-house air conditioning system is known, which, in order to achieve a target temperature and humidity for the air in multiple spaces (rooms), etc., supplies air from multiple spaces, etc., to the air-conditioned room to be conditioned to a given temperature and humidity, and then supplies the air to the multiple spaces, etc., respectively (e.g., Patent Document 1).

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: JP 2020-63899 Summary of the Invention

[0007] However, in existing whole-house air conditioning systems, the humidification function is determined by the difference between the target humidity and the current humidity of the conditioned space. Therefore, sometimes the system detects momentary changes in the absolute humidity of the conditioned space due to interference or other factors, causing it to switch between humidification operation and shutdown. This results in frequent humidification cycles, leading to unstable humidification.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an air conditioning system that can stably humidify even when the humidity of the air-conditioned space is affected by disturbance.

[0009] The air conditioning system disclosed herein comprises: an air-conditioned room configured to draw in air from the outside; an air conditioner installed in the air-conditioned room and regulating the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room; a humidification device installed in the air-conditioned room and humidifying the air regulated by the air conditioner; multiple delivery fans that deliver air from the air-conditioned room to multiple air-conditioned spaces independent of the air-conditioned room; and a controller for controlling the humidification device and the delivery fans. The controller acquires information related to the detected humidity of the air in the air-conditioned spaces at given time intervals. When the detected humidity is a first humidity, the controller causes the humidification device to operate under first humidification control based on the first humidity. The controller controls the operation so that if the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity, and if the first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is below a first threshold, it switches to second humidification control based on the second humidity; if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold, it continues to operate the first humidification control, thereby achieving the initial purpose.

[0010] According to this disclosure, an air conditioning system can be provided that can stably humidify even when the humidity of the air-conditioned space is affected by disturbance. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification device that constitutes the air conditioning system.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a simplified functional block diagram of the system controller for the air conditioning system.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a flowchart representing the basic processing actions of the controller.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a flowchart representing the basic processing actions of the controller's humidification control.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the controller's first processing action when a humidity change caused by interference is detected.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the second processing action of the controller when a change in humidity caused by interference is detected.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the third processing action of the controller when a change in humidity caused by interference is detected.

[0019] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth processing action of the controller when a change in humidity caused by interference is detected.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2 of this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification device that constitutes the air conditioning system.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a simplified functional block diagram of the air conditioning system controller.

[0023] Figure 13 This is a flowchart representing the basic processing actions of the controller.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating the humidification control actions of the controller.

[0025] Figure 15 This is a graph representing the humidification performance data of the humidification device.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the controller's process for correcting the airflow of the delivery fan.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a flowchart showing the control action of the controller's intake damper. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The air conditioning system disclosed herein comprises: an air-conditioned room configured to draw in air from the outside; an air conditioner installed in the air-conditioned room and regulating the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room; a humidification device installed in the air-conditioned room and humidifying the air regulated by the air conditioner; multiple delivery fans that deliver air from the air-conditioned room to multiple air-conditioned spaces independent of the air-conditioned room; and a controller for controlling the humidification device and the delivery fans. The controller acquires information related to the detected humidity of the air in the air-conditioned spaces at given time intervals. When the detected humidity is a first humidity, the controller causes the humidification device to operate under first humidification control based on the first humidity. The controller controls the operation to switch to second humidification control based on the second humidity if the first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is below a first threshold, and if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold, the first humidification control continues to operate.

[0029] According to this structure, if there is a first humidity difference exceeding a first threshold, i.e., a rapid humidity change, the humidification device is activated by first humidification control based on the first humidity before the change to the second humidity. Conversely, if there is no first humidity difference below the first threshold, i.e., a rapid humidity change, the humidification device is activated directly by second humidification control based on the second humidity. Therefore, in the air conditioning system, even if a disturbance affecting the humidity is detected in the air-conditioned space (detected humidity), unnecessary start-up or stop-up of the humidification device is not repeated. Thus, stable humidification by the humidification device can be achieved.

[0030] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system disclosed herein, the controller may also switch from first humidification control to second humidification control if the first humidity difference exceeds a first threshold and the detected humidity changes from a second humidity to a third humidity that is different from the second humidity, and the second humidity difference between the second humidity and the third humidity is below a second threshold.

[0031] Therefore, even if a humidity change exceeding the first threshold (i.e., a rapid humidity change) is detected, the humidification operation of the humidification device is executed through the second humidification control if the second humidity difference falls below the second threshold. Conversely, if the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold, the humidification operation of the humidification device continues through the first humidification control. In other words, if the humidity difference detected immediately after a rapid humidity change is below the second threshold, humidification control of the humidification device is executed based on the humidity detected after the rapid humidity change. Thus, in an air conditioning system, even if a rapid humidity change is detected in a specific conditioned space, humidification control can be performed on the changed humidity if this condition continues. Therefore, humidification by the humidification device can be performed stably.

[0032] In addition, in the air conditioning system disclosed herein, the controller may control the system such that if the difference between the second humidity of one of the multiple air-conditioned spaces and the average of the second humidity of each of the multiple air-conditioned spaces is below a third threshold, the controller switches to second humidification control based on the average of the second humidity. If the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold, the controller continues to execute first humidification control.

[0033] Therefore, if the third humidity difference between multiple air-conditioned spaces exceeds a third threshold, the humidification operation of the humidification device is executed by first humidification control based on the average value of the first humidity before it changes to the second humidity. On the other hand, if the third humidity difference between multiple air-conditioned spaces is below the third threshold, the humidification operation of the humidification device is executed by second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity. Thus, in the air conditioning system, even if any of the multiple air-conditioned spaces detects humidity affected by interference (detected humidity), unnecessary start-up or stop-up of the humidification device is not repeated. Therefore, humidification by the humidification device can be performed stably.

[0034] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system disclosed herein, the controller may also switch from first humidification control to second humidification control if the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold and the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a fourth humidity different from the second humidity, and the fourth humidity difference between the second humidity and the fourth humidity is below the fourth threshold.

[0035] Therefore, even if the third humidity difference between multiple conditioned spaces exceeds the third threshold, the humidification action of the humidification device is still executed through the second humidification control when the fourth humidity difference falls below the fourth threshold. Thus, in the air conditioning system, even if a sharp change in humidity is detected in any of the multiple conditioned spaces, humidification control can be performed on the changed humidity if this condition continues, thereby ensuring stable humidification by the humidification device.

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] (Implementation Method 1)

[0038] First, refer to Figure 1 To illustrate the air conditioning system 20 involved in Implementation Method 1. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the air conditioning system 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this disclosure.

[0039] The air conditioning system 20 comprises the following elements: multiple conveying fans 3 (conveying fans 3a, 3b); heat exchange ventilation fans 4; multiple room dampers 5 (room dampers 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d); multiple recirculation vents 6 (recirculation vents 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d); multiple room exhaust vents 7 (room exhaust vents 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d); multiple room air supply vents 8 (room air supply vents 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d); room temperature sensors 11 (room temperature sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d); room humidity sensors 12 (room humidity sensors 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d); air conditioning equipment (air conditioner) 13; intake temperature sensor 14; humidifier 16; dust collection filter 17; and controller 50 (equivalent to an air conditioning controller).

[0040] An air conditioning system 20 is installed in a typical residential house 1, which is an example of a building. In addition to having multiple (four in Embodiment 1) rooms 2 (rooms 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), the typical residential house 1 also has at least one air-conditioned room 18 separate from the rooms 2. Here, the term "typical residential house 1" refers to a dwelling provided as a place for residents to live privately. As a general structure, the rooms 2 include a living room, dining room, bedroom, single room, and children's room, etc. Furthermore, the room where the air conditioning system 20 is provided may also include a toilet, bathroom, washroom, or dressing room, etc.

[0041] Room 2a is equipped with a circulation port 6a, a room exhaust port 7a, a room air supply port 8a, a room temperature sensor 11a, a room humidity sensor 12a, a controller 50, and an input / output terminal. Room 2b is equipped with a circulation port 6b, a room exhaust port 7b, a room air supply port 8b, a room temperature sensor 11b, and a room humidity sensor 12b. Room 2c is equipped with a circulation port 6c, a room exhaust port 7c, a room air supply port 8c, a room temperature sensor 11c, and a room humidity sensor 12c. Room 2d is equipped with a circulation port 6d, a room exhaust port 7d, a room air supply port 8d, a room temperature sensor 11d, and a room humidity sensor 12d.

[0042] The air-conditioned room 18 is equipped with a conveyor fan 3a, a conveyor fan 3b, a room damper 5a, a room damper 5b, a room damper 5c, a room damper 5d, an air conditioning unit 13, an intake temperature sensor 14, a humidifier 16, and a dust filter 17. More specifically, starting from the upstream side of the airflow path through the air-conditioned room 18, the air conditioning unit 13, the dust filter 17, the intake temperature sensor 14, the humidifier 16, the conveyor fans 3 (conveyor fans 3a and 3b), and the room dampers 5 (room dampers 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d) are arranged in sequence.

[0043] Air is drawn from outside into the air-conditioned room 18. Then, within the air-conditioned room 18, the air supplied from each room 2 via the recirculation port 6 (indoor air) is mixed with outside air drawn in and heat-exchanged by the heat exchange ventilation fan 4 (outdoor air). The air in the air-conditioned room 18 is conditioned by the air conditioning unit 13 and humidifier 16 installed within the air-conditioned room 18, controlling both temperature and humidity to generate air for delivery to the rooms 2. The conditioned air in the air-conditioned room 18 is then delivered to each room 2 using the delivery fan 3. Here, the air-conditioned room 18 refers to a relatively spacious space capable of housing the air conditioning unit 13, the intake temperature sensor 14, the humidifier 16, and the dust filter 17, and capable of controlling the air conditioning of each room 2; however, it is not intended as a living space and is essentially not a room where residents stay.

[0044] In addition to being supplied to the air-conditioned room 18 via the recirculation port 6, the air in each room 2 is also discharged outdoors after heat exchange via the room exhaust port 7 and heat exchange ventilation fan 4. The air conditioning system 20 uses the heat exchange ventilation fan 4 to exhaust indoor air from each room 2 and draw in outdoor air, thereby performing the first type of ventilation. The ventilation airflow of the heat exchange ventilation fan 4 is configured to be set in multiple stages, and its ventilation airflow is set to meet the necessary ventilation volume determined by law.

[0045] The heat exchange ventilation fan 4 is composed of an air supply fan (not shown) and an exhaust fan (not shown) inside. By activating each fan, heat exchange is carried out between the internal air (indoor air) and the external air (outdoor air) while simultaneously exchanging air. At this time, the heat exchange ventilation fan 4 delivers the heat-exchanged external air to the air-conditioned room 18.

[0046] A delivery fan 3 is installed on the wall (bottom side wall) of the air-conditioned room 18. Air from the air-conditioned room 18 is then delivered by the delivery fan 3 through delivery ducts from the room air supply port 8 to the room 2. More specifically, air from the air-conditioned room 18 is delivered by the delivery fan 3a to rooms 2a and 2b on the first floor of the residential building 1, and by the delivery fan 3b to rooms 2c and 2d on the second floor of the residential building 1. Furthermore, the delivery ducts connected to the room air supply ports 8 of each room 2 are independently installed.

[0047] When supplying air from the delivery fan 3 to each room 2, the room damper 5 adjusts the air volume supplied to each room 2 by adjusting the opening degree of the room damper 5. More specifically, room dampers 5a and 5c adjust the air volume supplied to rooms 2a and 2b located on the first floor. Room dampers 5b and 5d adjust the air volume supplied to rooms 2c and 2d located on the second floor.

[0048] A portion of the air from each of the rooms 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) is transported to the air-conditioned room 18 via corresponding circulation ports 6 (circulation ports 6a to 6d). Here, the air transported via circulation ports 6 is naturally transported to the air-conditioned room 18 as circulating air. The difference between the airflow (supply airflow) from the air-conditioned room 18 to each room 2 via the supply fan 3 and the airflow (exhaust airflow) from the room exhaust port 7 to the outside via the heat exchange ventilation fan 4 is considered. Furthermore, the circulation pipes connecting the air-conditioned room 18 and each room 2 can be installed independently, or multiple branch pipes that are part of a circulation pipe can merge midway, forming a single circulation pipe before connecting to the air-conditioned room 18.

[0049] As described above, each circulation port 6 (circulation ports 6a to 6d) is an opening used to transport indoor air from each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the air-conditioned room 18.

[0050] As described above, each room exhaust vent 7 (room exhaust vents 7a to 7d) is an opening used to transport indoor air from each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the heat exchange ventilation fan 4.

[0051] As described above, each room's air supply outlet 8 (room air supply outlets 8a to 8d) is an opening used to transport air from the air-conditioned room 18 to each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d).

[0052] The room temperature sensor 11 (room temperature sensors 11a to 11d) is a sensor that obtains the temperature of each room 2 (room 2a to 2d) and sends it to the controller 50.

[0053] The room humidity sensor 12 (room humidity sensor 12a to 12d) is a sensor that obtains the humidity (indoor humidity) of each room 2 (room 2a to 2d) and sends it to the controller 50.

[0054] Air conditioning unit 13 is equivalent to an air conditioner, controlling the air conditioning of air-conditioned room 18. Air conditioning unit 13 cools or heats the air in air-conditioned room 18 to bring the air temperature in air-conditioned room 18 to a set temperature (target temperature for air-conditioned room). Here, the required heat is calculated based on the temperature difference between the target temperature (room target temperature) set by the user and the room temperature, and the set temperature is set based on this result. In embodiment 1, in order to adjust the air temperature in each room 2 to the target temperature more quickly, the set temperature is set to a temperature at least higher than the target temperature.

[0055] The intake temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that obtains the temperature of the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 13 in the air-conditioned room 18 and sends it to the controller 50. More specifically, the intake temperature sensor 14 is located downstream of the dust collection filter 17 in the air-conditioned room 18, obtains the temperature of the air drawn in by the humidifier 16, and sends it to the controller 50.

[0056] The humidifier 16 is located downstream of the air conditioning unit 13 (and dust filter 17) within the air-conditioned room 18. When the humidity of the air in each room 2 (room humidity) is lower than the set humidity (room set humidity) set by the user, the humidifier 16 humidifies the air in the air-conditioned room 18 to bring its humidity to the set humidity. Furthermore, while the humidity in Embodiment 1 is expressed as relative humidity, it can also be treated as absolute humidity in a given transformation process. In this case, it is preferable to include the humidity of the room 2 and treat the entire process in the air conditioning system 20 as absolute humidity. Details of the humidifier 16 will be described later.

[0057] Dust filter 17 is a dust filter that captures airborne particles in the air introduced into the air-conditioned room 18. By capturing particles contained in the air transported into the air-conditioned room 18 through the recirculation port 6, dust filter 17 ensures that the air supplied to the room by the delivery fan 3 is clean. Here, dust filter 17 is configured to block the airflow path in the area between the air conditioning unit 13 and the humidifier 16.

[0058] The controller 50 is the controller for controlling the entire air conditioning system 20. The controller 50 is communicatively connected to the heat exchange ventilation fan 4, the conveying fan 3, the room damper 5, the room temperature sensor 11, the room humidity sensor 12, the air conditioning equipment 13, the intake temperature sensor 14, and the humidification device 16 via wireless communication.

[0059] Furthermore, the controller 50 controls the air conditioning unit 13, the humidifier 16, the air delivery fan 3, and the opening degree of the room damper 5, based on the room temperature and humidity of each room 2 obtained by the room temperature sensor 11 and the room humidity sensor 12, the set temperature (room set temperature) and set humidity (room set humidity) set for each of the rooms 2a to 2d, and the air temperature of the air-conditioned room 18 obtained by the intake temperature sensor 14. Additionally, the airflow of the air delivery fan 3 can also be controlled individually for each fan.

[0060] Therefore, the air conditioned in the air-conditioned room 18 is delivered to each room 2 at the airflow set for each delivery fan 3 and each room damper 5. As a result, the room temperature and humidity of each room 2 are controlled to the room set temperature and room set humidity.

[0061] Here, the controller 50 is wirelessly connected to the heat exchange ventilation fan 4, the conveying fan 3, the room damper 5, the room temperature sensor 11, the room humidity sensor 12, the air conditioning unit 13, the intake temperature sensor 14, and the humidifier 16, thus eliminating the need for complex wiring. Alternatively, they can be configured as a whole or as a part of the controller 50 via wired communication.

[0062] Next, refer to Figure 2 To illustrate the structure of the humidification device 16. Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification device 16 that constitutes the air conditioning system 20.

[0063] The humidifier 16 is located downstream of the air conditioning unit 13 in the air-conditioned room 18, and is used to humidify the air in the air-conditioned room 18 by centrifugal water crushing. In other words, the humidifier 16 is a device configured to centrifuge and finely crush water drawn through the rotating water pipe 37, so that it is contained in the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 13 and then discharged.

[0064] The humidifier 16 includes: an intake 31 for drawing in air from the air-conditioned room 18; an outlet 32 ​​for blowing humidified air out of the air-conditioned room 18; an air passage between the intake 31 and the outlet 32; and a liquid atomization chamber 33 provided in the air passage.

[0065] The inlet 31 is located on the upper surface of the outer shell that forms the outer frame of the humidifier 16, and the outlet 32 ​​is located on the side of the outer shell. The liquid atomization chamber 33 is the main part of the humidifier 16, which atomizes water by centrifugal water atomization.

[0066] Specifically, the humidification device 16 includes a rotary motor 34, a rotating shaft 35 that rotates via the rotary motor 34, a centrifugal fan 36, a cylindrical water pumping pipe 37, a water storage section 40, a first separator 41, and a second separator 42.

[0067] The water suction pipe 37 is fixed to the rotating shaft 35 inside the liquid micronization chamber 33. It rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 35, drawing water from a circular suction port located vertically downwards. More specifically, the water suction pipe 37 has an inverted conical hollow structure with a circular suction port located vertically downwards. A rotating shaft 35, oriented vertically, is fixed to the center of the inverted conical top surface of the water suction pipe 37. The rotating shaft 35 is connected to a rotary motor 34 located vertically above the liquid micronization chamber 33, transmitting the rotational motion of the rotary motor 34 to the water suction pipe 37 via the rotating shaft 35, thereby causing the water suction pipe 37 to rotate.

[0068] The pump pipe 37 has a plurality of rotating plates 38 protruding outward from the outer surface of the pump pipe 37 on its inverted conical top surface. The plurality of rotating plates 38 are formed with a given interval between adjacent rotating plates 38 along the axial direction of the rotation axis 35, and protrude outward from the outer surface of the pump pipe 37. The rotating plates 38 rotate together with the pump pipe 37; therefore, a horizontal disc shape coaxial with the rotation axis 35 is preferred. Furthermore, the number of rotating plates 38 can be appropriately set according to the target performance or the size of the pump pipe 37.

[0069] Furthermore, a plurality of openings 39 are provided on the wall of the pumping pipe 37, penetrating the wall of the pumping pipe 37. The plurality of openings 39 are respectively located at positions that connect the interior of the pumping pipe 37 and the upper surface of the rotating plate 38 which is formed to protrude outward from the exterior of the pumping pipe 37.

[0070] Centrifugal fan 36 is positioned vertically above water intake pipe 37 and is used to draw air from air-conditioned room 18 into the device. Centrifugal fan 36 is fixed to rotating shaft 35 in the same manner as water intake pipe 37, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of rotating shaft 35 to guide air into liquid micronization chamber 33.

[0071] The water storage section 40 is located vertically below the water pumping pipe 37 and stores the water drawn by the pipe through the pumping port. The depth of the water storage section 40 is designed to submerge a portion of the lower part of the water pumping pipe 37, for example, one-third to one-hundredth of the conical height of the pipe. This depth can be designed to match the required pumping volume. Furthermore, the bottom of the water storage section 40 is shaped like a mortar and pestle towards the pumping port. Water is supplied to the water storage section 40 by a water supply section (not shown).

[0072] The first separator 41 is a porous body that allows air to pass through. It is located on the side of the liquid atomization chamber 33 (outer periphery in the centrifugal direction) and configured to allow air to pass through in the centrifugal direction. In the first separator 41, water droplets discharged from the opening 39 of the water suction pipe 37 collide with each other, causing the water droplets to be atomized. Furthermore, it captures water droplets contained in the water in the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 33. As a result, the air flowing through the humidification device 16 contains vaporized water.

[0073] The second separator 42 is located downstream of the first separator 41 and is configured to allow air to flow vertically upwards. The second separator 42 is also a porous body that allows air to pass through. Air passing through the second separator 42 collides with the water, thereby capturing water droplets contained in the air. Thus, fine water droplets are captured twice using two separators, resulting in more precise and effective capture of larger water droplets.

[0074] Next, refer to Figure 2This explains the operating principle of humidification (water atomization) in the humidification device 16. Additionally, in Figure 2 In the diagram, arrows indicate the flow of air and water within the humidification device 16, respectively.

[0075] First, when the humidifier 16 is activated, the rotating shaft 35 is rotated at a first speed R1 by the rotating motor 34, and air from the air-conditioned room 18 is drawn in through the suction port 31 by the centrifugal fan 36. Then, the water pump 37 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 35 at the first speed R1.

[0076] Then, as Figure 2 As indicated by the dashed arrow, water is drawn from the water storage section 40 by means of the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the pump pipe 37. Here, the first rotational speed R1 of the rotary motor 11 (pump pipe 37) is set between 600 rpm and 3000 rpm, for example, corresponding to the airflow rate and humidification rate. Since the pump pipe 37 has an inverted conical hollow structure, the water drawn in by rotation is conveyed upwards along the inner wall of the pump pipe 37. Furthermore, the drawn water is conveyed through the opening 39 of the pump pipe 37 onto the rotating plate 38 and discharged centrifugally, scattering as water droplets.

[0077] Water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 38 fly in the space (liquid micronization chamber 33) surrounded by the first separator 41, colliding with the first separator 41 and being micronized. On the other hand, air passing through the liquid micronization chamber 33... Figure 2 As indicated by the solid arrow, the air flows in a manner similar to the water abraded (finely processed) by the first separator 41, moving towards the outer periphery of the first separator 41. Furthermore, as the air flows through the airflow path from the first separator 41 to the second separator 42, airflow vortices are generated, mixing the water and air. The water-containing air then passes through the second separator 42. Thus, the humidifying device 16 humidifies the air drawn in through the intake port 31 and blows out the humidified air through the outlet 32.

[0078] In addition to water, micronized liquids can also be liquids such as hypochlorous acid water, which has bactericidal or deodorizing properties.

[0079] Next, refer to Figure 3 To illustrate the controller 50 in the air conditioning system 20. Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram of the controller 50 in the air conditioning system 20.

[0080] The controller 50 is installed on the wall of a main living room, such as the living room, in a typical residence 1, and controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 13, the air delivery fan 3, the room damper 5, and the humidifier 16. Furthermore, the controller 50 is positioned at face height from the floor of the air-conditioned space for ease of operation. The controller 50 has a rectangular shape, with a display panel 50j in the center of the front panel and an operation panel 50a on the right side of the display panel 50j.

[0081] The display panel 50j is an LCD monitor, etc., which displays the operating status of the air conditioning unit 13, the conveying fan 3, the room air damper 5 and the humidification device 16, the room set temperature, the room set humidity, the current room temperature of room 2 and the room humidity, etc.

[0082] The control panel 50a is a button switch for the user to input settings such as room temperature and room humidity for room 2.

[0083] Furthermore, the controller 50 houses control components such as a computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory inside the main body.

[0084] Specifically, the control components of the controller 50 include an input unit 50b, a processing unit 50c, a storage unit 50d, a timing unit 50e, a damper opening determination unit 50f, an air volume determination unit 50g, a set temperature determination unit 50h, a speed determination unit 50k, and an output unit 50i.

[0085] The input unit 50b receives information related to the room temperature of room 2 from the room temperature sensor 11 (first information), information related to the indoor humidity of room 2 from the room humidity sensor 12 (second information), information related to the intake temperature of the humidifier 16 from the intake temperature sensor 14 (third information), and information related to the user's input settings from the operation panel 50a (fourth information). The input unit 50b outputs the received first to fourth information to the processing unit 50c.

[0086] The storage unit 50d stores data referenced or updated by the processing unit 50c. For example, the storage unit 50d stores algorithms that determine the operating modes of the air conditioning unit 13, the humidifier 16, and the conveying fan 3. Furthermore, the storage unit 50d stores the first to fourth information received by the input unit 50b in chronological order. Then, the storage unit 50d outputs the stored data (stored data) to the processing unit 50c in accordance with requests from the processing unit 50c.

[0087] In the program executed by the processing unit 50c, the timing unit 50e is used for time measurement as needed. Furthermore, the timing unit 50e outputs data indicating the current time (time data) to the processing unit 50c.

[0088] The processing unit 50c receives first to fourth information from the input unit 50b, stored data from the storage unit 50d, and time data from the timing unit 50e. Using the received information, the processing unit 50c determines the required air conditioning and humidification levels for room 2 at fixed intervals (e.g., every 5 minutes).

[0089] More specifically, the processing unit 50c, based on the time data obtained from the timing unit 50e, determines the required air conditioning amount for each of rooms 2a to 2d at fixed intervals, based on the temperature difference between the room set temperature stored in the storage unit 50d and the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensors 11a to 11d installed in rooms 2a to 2d. Furthermore, the processing unit 50c determines the required humidification amount for each of rooms 2a to 2d, based on the humidity difference between the room set humidity stored in the storage unit 50d and the room humidity detected by the room humidity sensors 12a to 12d installed in rooms 2a to 2d. In addition, the processing unit 50c updates the display on the display panel 50j via the output unit 50i in response to changes in the information displayed on the display panel 50j.

[0090] The damper opening determination unit 50f obtains information related to the requested air conditioning volume from the processing unit 50c, and determines the opening of the room dampers 5a to 5d based on the ratio of the requested air conditioning volume of each of the rooms 2a to 2d. Then, the damper opening determination unit 50f outputs the determined information related to the opening of the room dampers 5a to 5d (opening information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0091] The airflow determination unit 50g obtains information related to the requested air conditioning volume from the processing unit 50c, and determines the airflow volume of the air conditioning unit 13 based on the average or total value of the requested air conditioning volume. Furthermore, the airflow determination unit 50g determines the air supply volume of the conveyor fans 3 (conveyor fan 3a, conveyor fan 3b) based on the average or total value of the requested air conditioning volumes for the first and second floors respectively. Then, the airflow determination unit 50g outputs information related to the determined airflow volume of the air conditioning unit 13 (airflow volume information) and information related to the determined air supply volume of the conveyor fans 3 (air supply volume information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0092] The set temperature determination unit 50h obtains information related to the requested air conditioning volume from the processing unit 50c, and determines the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 13 based on the average or total value of the requested air conditioning volume. Then, the set temperature determination unit 50h outputs the information related to the determined set temperature of the air conditioning unit 13 (air conditioning set temperature information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0093] The speed determination unit 50k obtains information related to the requested humidification amount and information related to the suction temperature of the humidification device 16 from the processing unit 50c, and determines the speed of the water pump pipe 37 (rotary motor 34) of the humidification device 16. Then, the speed determination unit 50k outputs information related to the determined speed of the water pump pipe 37 (speed information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0094] The processing unit 50c receives opening information from the damper opening determination unit 50f, airflow information and supply airflow information from the airflow determination unit 50g, air conditioner set temperature information from the set temperature determination unit 50h, and speed information from the speed determination unit 50k. The processing unit 50c uses the received information to determine control information related to the operation of the air conditioning unit 13, the conveyor fans 3 (conveyor fans 3a and 3b), the room dampers 5 (room dampers 5a to 5d), and the humidifier 16. Then, the processing unit 50c outputs the determined control information to the output unit 50i.

[0095] The output unit 50i outputs the control information received from the processing unit 50c to the air conditioning equipment 13, the conveyor fan 3 (conveyor fan 3a, conveyor fan 3b), the room air damper 5 (room air damper 5a to 5d), and the humidifier 16.

[0096] Then, the air conditioning unit 13, in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 50i, performs air conditioning operations based on the air conditioning set temperature and airflow volume determined by the control information. Furthermore, the conveyor fans 3 (conveyor fans 3a and 3b), in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 50i, perform airflow operations based on the respective airflow volumes determined by the control information. Additionally, the room dampers 5 (room dampers 5a to 5d), in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 50i, perform airflow adjustment operations based on the respective opening degrees determined by the control information. Finally, the humidifier 16, in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 50i, performs humidification operations based on the rotation speed determined by the control information.

[0097] As described above, the controller 50 enables the air conditioning unit 13, the delivery fan 3, the room damper 5, and the humidifier 16 to perform their respective actions.

[0098] Next, refer to Figure 4 This will explain the basic operation of controller 50. Figure 4This is a flowchart representing the basic processing actions of controller 50.

[0099] First, the controller 50 performs a termination determination of the air conditioning system 20 (step S01). As a result, if the power to the air conditioning system 20 is cut off (or if an input of an operation stop instruction for the air conditioning system 20 is received from the operation panel 50a) (step S01 "Yes"), the controller 50 terminates the operation of the air conditioning system 20. On the other hand, if the power to the air conditioning system 20 is turned on (step S01 "No"), the controller 50 performs a time elapsed determination (step S02). As a result, if no fixed time (e.g., 10 minutes) has elapsed since the previous processing (step S02 "No"), the controller 50 returns to step S01. On the other hand, if a fixed time has elapsed since the previous processing (step S02 "Yes"), the process proceeds to step S03, where the controller 50 performs output determination processing for the room damper 5, the air conditioning unit 13, and the conveyor fan 3.

[0100] First, controller 50 starts the loop to calculate the number of rooms in room 2 (step S03). Then, controller 50 calculates the requested air conditioning volume for rooms 2a to 2d respectively (step S04). In addition, controller 50 determines the opening degree of the room dampers 5a to 5d corresponding to rooms 2a to 2d respectively (step S05). Then, if the calculation of the requested air conditioning volume for all rooms 2 and the determination of the opening degree of the room dampers 5 are completed, controller 50 ends the loop (step S06).

[0101] Let's take room 2a as an example to explain the processing within the loop of steps S03 to S06 in more detail.

[0102] In step S04, the controller 50 determines the requested air conditioning amount for room 2a as the temperature difference between the room temperature obtained from the room temperature sensor 11a and the set room temperature in room 2a. More specifically, when the heating is on, the requested air conditioning amount is determined based on the value of subtracting the room temperature from the set room temperature; when the cooling is on, the requested air conditioning amount is determined based on the value of subtracting the set room temperature from the room temperature. This means that the larger the requested air conditioning amount is, the more air conditioning is needed in room 2a.

[0103] In step S05, the opening degree of the room air damper 5a corresponding to room 2a is determined according to the requested air conditioning amount. In Embodiment 1, the opening degree is set to "100%" for the case where the requested air conditioning amount is 2°C or higher, "60%" for the case where the requested air conditioning amount is 1°C or higher but less than 2°C, "45%" for the case where the requested air conditioning amount is 0°C or higher but less than 1°C, "30%" for the case where the requested air conditioning amount is -1°C or higher but less than 0°C, and "10%" for the case where the requested air conditioning amount is less than -1°C. By setting it in this way, the opening degree of the room air dampers 5a to 5d is set to the ratio of the requested air conditioning amount of rooms 2a to 2d, and air conditioning air is further supplied to the room with the higher requested air conditioning amount (room 2), so that the temperature of each room 2 can be controlled.

[0104] Next, the controller 50 calculates the total requested air conditioning volume of the general residence 1 based on the requested air conditioning volume of each of the 2 rooms (step S07). In embodiment 1, the requested air conditioning volume of the general residence 1 is calculated based on the average requested air conditioning volume of each of the 2 rooms.

[0105] Next, the controller 50 determines the air conditioning set temperature and airflow of the air conditioning unit 13 based on the calculated air conditioning demand of the general residence 1 (step S08). More specifically, when the heating is running, the controller 50 sets the air conditioning set temperature higher for higher demand, and when the cooling is running, the controller sets the air conditioning set temperature lower for higher demand. For example, when the demand is less than 0°C, the controller 50 sets the air conditioning set temperature to the same value as the room set temperature of room 2. When the demand is 0°C or more but less than 1°C, the controller sets the air conditioning set temperature 1°C higher than the room set temperature of room 2 when the heating is running, and 1°C lower than the room set temperature of room 2 when the cooling is running. Furthermore, when the demand is 1°C or more, the controller 50 sets the air conditioning set temperature 2°C higher than the room set temperature of room 2 when the heating is running, and 2°C lower than the room set temperature of room 2 when the cooling is running. Therefore, the higher the requested air conditioning load, the higher the output of the air conditioning unit 13 will be, and the faster it will control the room temperature of room 2 to the set room temperature.

[0106] Furthermore, the higher the requested air conditioning temperature, the greater the airflow controlled by the controller 50 from the air conditioning unit 13. In Embodiment 1, when the requested air conditioning temperature is less than 0°C, the airflow is set to 500 m³ / h. 3 / h, when the requested air conditioning temperature is above 0℃ but below 1℃, set the airflow to 700m³ / h. 3 / h, when the requested air conditioning temperature is above 2℃, set the airflow to 1200m³ / h. 3 / h.

[0107] Next, the controller 50 determines the total airflow of the delivery fan 3 to be equal to or slightly more than the airflow from the air conditioning unit 13 (step S09). In other words, the controller 50 determines the airflow difference between the total airflow of the delivery fan 3 and the airflow from the air conditioning unit 13 to be below a reference airflow. As a result, the controller 50 suppresses the power consumption of the delivery fan 3.

[0108] Next, the controller 50 calculates the requested air conditioning volume for the first and second floors respectively (step S10). In embodiment 1, the average of the requested air conditioning volume of each room 2 on the first and second floors is set as the requested air conditioning volume for that floor.

[0109] Next, the air volume of the conveyor fan 3 is determined based on the requested air conditioning volume calculated in step S10 (step S11). The controller 50 determines the air volume of the conveyor fan 3 for each of the first and second floors, such that it has an air volume ratio corresponding to the ratio of the requested air conditioning volume. Specifically, the requested air conditioning volume for the second floor is 1°C, the requested air conditioning volume for the first floor is 2°C, and the total air volume of the conveyor fan 3 determined in step S09 is 1200 m³ / h. 3 In the case of / h, controller 50 sets the airflow of the second-floor conveyor fan 3a to 400m³ / h. 3 / h, the airflow of the first-floor conveyor fan 3b is set at 800m³ / h. 3 / h, so that the air volume ratio between the three conveying fans is 1:2. Therefore, even if there is a difference in the requested air conditioning volume between the first and second floors, the difference in the air volume of the conveying fans 3 can also result in a difference in the heat delivered, so that heat equivalent to the requested air conditioning volume can be delivered to both the first and second floors.

[0110] Next, the controller 50 begins humidification control (step S12).

[0111] Next, refer to Figure 5 This explains the processing actions of the controller 50 when controlling the humidifier 16. Figure 5 This is a flowchart representing the basic processing actions of the humidification control of the controller 50.

[0112] <Typical processing actions>

[0113] If you start humidification control, then as follows Figure 5 As shown, controller 50 begins a cycle of calculating the number of rooms in the air-conditioned space, i.e., room 2 (step S21). Then, controller 50 calculates the requested humidification amount for each of the air-conditioned spaces, i.e., rooms 2a to 2d (step S22). Then, once the requested humidification amount for all rooms 2 has been calculated, controller 50 ends the cycle (step S23).

[0114] The processing within the loop of steps S21 to S23 will be explained in more detail using room 2a as an example.

[0115] In step S22, the controller 50 determines the requested humidification amount for room 2a as the humidity difference between the indoor humidity obtained from the room humidity sensor 12a and the set room humidity for room 2a. Specifically, the controller 50 converts both the set room humidity and the room humidity into absolute humidity, and sets the requested humidification amount as the value obtained by subtracting the room humidity from the set absolute humidity. This means that the larger the requested humidification amount is, the more humidification is needed in room 2a.

[0116] Next, the controller 50 calculates the overall requested humidification amount of the general residence 1 based on the requested humidification amount of each of the 2 rooms (step S24). In Embodiment 1, the requested air conditioning amount of the general residence 1 is calculated based on the average of the requested humidification amounts of each of the 2 rooms.

[0117] Next, the controller 50 performs an operation determination of the humidifier 16 (step S25). Specifically, if the requested humidification amount of the general residence 1 is positive (step S25 "Yes"), the controller 50 operates the humidifier 16 and proceeds to step S26. If the requested humidification amount of the general residence 1 is 0 or negative (step S25 "No"), the controller 50 sets the rotation speed of the water pump 37 to "0" and does not operate the humidifier 16 (step S28), ending the humidification control.

[0118] Next, the controller 50 determines the required rotational speed of the pump pipe 37 based on the calculated air conditioning demand of the general residential building 1, the suction temperature of the humidifier 16, and the total airflow of the delivery fan 3 (step S26). In this step S26, the higher the required humidification demand or the lower the suction temperature, the higher the required rotational speed will be set by the controller 50.

[0119] In Embodiment 1, the controller 50 determines the requested rotation speed based on the humidification performance data of the humidification device 16. The humidification performance data is data obtained through prior experiments. It shows the humidification amount X provided by the humidification device 16 when humidification is performed under the conditions of the humidification device 16's intake temperature T, the rotation speed R of the suction pipe 37, and the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 3. Here, the humidification amount X provided by the humidification device 16 corresponds to the moisture content of the air flowing through the humidification device 16. Regarding the humidification amount X, depending on the characteristics of the humidification device 16, the intake temperature and rotation speed are positively correlated with the humidification amount. For example, if the humidification amount at the intake temperature Ta and rotation speed Ra is defined as humidification amount Xa, and the humidification amount at the intake temperature Tb and rotation speed Rb is defined as humidification amount Xb, and further, the relationship is that rotation speed Ra < rotation speed Rb, and temperature Ta = temperature Tb, then the relationship between humidification amount Xa and humidification amount Xb is humidification amount Xa < humidification amount Xb.

[0120] Next, if the requested speed is higher than the preset upper limit speed, the controller 50 determines the upper limit speed as the speed of the humidifier 16. If the requested speed is lower than the preset lower limit speed, the controller 50 determines the lower limit speed as the speed of the humidifier 16 (step S27).

[0121] <When humidity detection is interfered with>

[0122] Next, refer to Figures 6-9 This describes the processing actions of the controller 50 in the case of a sudden change in humidity caused by interference from the room humidity sensors 12a to 12d. Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the first processing action of the controller 50 when a change in humidity caused by interference is detected. Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating the second processing action of the controller 50 when a change in humidity caused by interference is detected. Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the third processing action of the controller 50 when a change in humidity caused by interference is detected. Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating the fourth processing action of the controller 50 when a change in humidity caused by interference is detected.

[0123] In this case, for example, if the room humidity sensors 12a to 12d are located near the door of room 2a to 2d, and the room humidity sensors 12a to 12d are affected by the air entering from the corridor due to the temporary opening and closing of the door, humidity changes will occur due to interference.

[0124] In Implementation 1, the controller 50 performs four processing actions as processing actions when detecting humidity changes caused by interference: a first processing action, a second processing action, a third processing action, and a fourth processing action.

[0125] The first processing action is a series of processing actions as follows: in each of the multiple rooms 2a to 2d, it is determined whether the humidity of the air detected by the room humidity sensor 12 (detected humidity) is affected by interference, and the actions are performed based on the results.

[0126] The second processing action is a series of processing actions as follows: in one of the multiple rooms 2 (e.g., room 2a), it is determined whether the detected humidity detected by the room humidity sensor 12a deviates significantly from the room set humidity, and the action is performed based on the result.

[0127] The third processing action is a series of processing actions as follows: when two or more room humidity sensors 12a are installed in a room (e.g., room 2a), it is determined whether the detected humidity detected by at least one of the two or more room humidity sensors 12a is affected by interference, and the action is performed based on the result.

[0128] The fourth processing action is a series of processing actions as follows: in each of the multiple rooms 2a to 2d, it is determined whether the detected humidity detected by the room humidity sensors 12a to 12d deviates significantly from the room set humidity, and the action is performed based on the result.

[0129] <First Processing Action>

[0130] First, refer to Figure 6 Let's explain the first processing action. Here, we will use room 2a as an example, which is the object of the processing action.

[0131] In the first processing action, such as Figure 6 As shown, the controller 50 obtains a first humidity X1 from the room humidity sensor 12a, which is the humidity of the air detected in room 2a (detected humidity) (step S31). Furthermore, it is assumed that the first humidity X1 is free from the influence of interference. Then, the controller 50... Figure 5 In the basic operation described, the rotation speed of the water pump pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the first humidity T1 is determined, and the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is controlled as the first humidification control (step S32).

[0132] Subsequently, the controller 50 obtains the detected humidity in room 2a from the room humidity sensor 12a at given time intervals. Specifically, if a fixed time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since the first humidity X1 was obtained, the controller 50 obtains the second humidity X2 from the room humidity sensor 12a as the detected humidity in room 2a (step S33).

[0133] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the acquired second humidity X2 is a humidity that has changed drastically due to interference, as a determination of interference humidity change. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (first humidity difference) between the first humidity X1 and the second humidity X2 exceeds a first threshold (step S34). Here, the first threshold is set to, for example, 5%.

[0134] Furthermore, if the determination result is that the first humidity difference does not exceed the first threshold (i.e., the first humidity difference is below the first threshold) (step S34 "No"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 has not been affected by interference and has not experienced a rapid humidity change. Figure 5In the basic operation described, the rotational speed of the water pump pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the second humidity X2 is determined, and the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is controlled to perform humidification operation based on the determination of the humidity change (step S35). That is, if the humidity changes drastically without being affected by the second humidity X2, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2 and executes it. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0135] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S34 is that the first humidity difference does not exceed the first threshold (step S24 "Yes"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 is affected by interference and the humidity changes drastically, and directly continues to execute the first humidification control based on the first humidity X1 (step S36). That is, if the second humidity X2 is affected by interference and the humidity changes drastically, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2, and continues to execute the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 while maintaining the first humidification control unchanged. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0136] Here, the first processing action described above is performed in all of the multiple rooms 2. Then, in determining the disturbance humidity change, if the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 has been affected by the disturbance and the humidity has changed drastically in any one of the multiple rooms 2 (e.g., room 2a), the controller 50 performs the humidification control (first humidification control) linked to room 2a in the remaining rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination result in rooms 2b to 2d.

[0137] <Second Processing Action>

[0138] Next, refer to Figure 7 Let's explain the second processing action. Here, we will use room 2a as an example, which is the object of the processing action.

[0139] In the second processing action, such as Figure 7 As shown, the controller 50 obtains a first humidity X1 from the room humidity sensor 12a as the humidity of the air detected in room 2a (detected humidity). Furthermore, it is assumed that the first humidity X1 is free from interference. Then, the controller 50 obtains the detected humidity in room 2a from the room humidity sensor 12a at given time intervals. Specifically, if a fixed time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since obtaining the first humidity X1, the controller 50 obtains a second humidity X2 from the room humidity sensor 12a as the detected humidity in room 2a (step S41).

[0140] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the obtained second humidity X2 is a humidity that has changed drastically due to disturbance. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (first humidity difference) between the first humidity X1 and the second humidity X2 exceeds a first threshold (step S42). Here, the first threshold is set to, for example, 5%.

[0141] Then, if the determination result is that the first humidity difference does not exceed the first threshold, i.e., the first humidity difference is below the first threshold (step S42 "No"), the controller 50 does nothing and ends the processing action. On the other hand, if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold (step S42 "Yes"), if a fixed time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed since the second humidity X2 was obtained, the controller 50 obtains the third humidity X3 from the room humidity sensor 12a as the detected humidity in the room 2a (step S43).

[0142] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the obtained second humidity X2 and third humidity X3 are humidity levels that are normally detected as the actual humidity of the room 2a. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (second humidity difference) between the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 is below a second threshold (step S44). Here, the second threshold is set to, for example, 1%.

[0143] Then, if the determination result is that the second humidity difference does not exceed the second threshold, i.e., the second humidity difference is below the second threshold (step S44 "No"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 are the humidity normally detected as the actual humidity of room 2a. Figure 5 In the basic operation described, the rotational speed of the water pump pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the second humidity X2 is determined, and the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is executed as a second humidification control (step S45). That is, when the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 of the room 2a are normally detected as the actual humidity of the room 2a, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0144] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S44 is that the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold (step S44 "Yes"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 is affected by interference and the humidity has temporarily changed, and continues to directly execute the first humidification control based on the first humidity X1 (step S46). That is, if the second humidity X2 is affected by interference and the humidity has temporarily changed, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2, and continues to execute the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 while maintaining the first humidification control unchanged. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0145] Here, the aforementioned second processing action is performed in all of the multiple rooms 2. Then, in determining the disturbance humidity change, if the controller 50 detects that the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 are the humidity normally detected as the actual humidity of room 2a in any one of the multiple rooms 2 (e.g., room 2a), it performs the humidification control (second humidification control) linked to room 2a in the remaining rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination results in rooms 2b to 2d.

[0146] <Third Processing Action>

[0147] Next, refer to Figure 8 To explain the third processing action. Here, room 2a among the multiple rooms 2 is described as the space affected by the disturbance.

[0148] In the third processing action, such as Figure 8 As shown, the controller 50 obtains a first humidity X1 from the humidity sensors 12 of each of the multiple rooms 2, which is taken as the humidity of the air detected in the room 2 (detected humidity) (step S51). Furthermore, it is assumed that the first humidity X1 is free from the influence of interference. Then, the controller 50... Figure 5 In the basic operation described, the rotation speed of the water pump pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 is determined based on the average value of the first humidity X1 of each room 2, and the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is executed as the first humidification control (step S52).

[0149] Subsequently, the controller 50 obtains the detected humidity in room 2 from the room humidity sensor 12 at given time intervals. Specifically, if a fixed time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since the first humidity X1 was obtained, the controller 50 obtains the second humidity X2 from the room humidity sensor 12 as the detected humidity in room 2 (step S53).

[0150] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the second humidity X2 of room 2a obtained is a humidity that has changed drastically due to interference, as a determination of interference humidity change. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (third humidity difference) between the average of the second humidity X2 of each of the multiple rooms 2 and the second humidity X2 of room 2a exceeds a third threshold (step S54). Here, the third threshold is set to, for example, 5%.

[0151] Then, if the determination result is that the third humidity difference does not exceed the third threshold, i.e., the third humidity difference is below the third threshold (step S54 "No"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 of room 2a has not been affected by the disturbance and has not changed drastically. Figure 5In the basic operation described, the rotation speed of the pump pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 is determined based on the average value of the second humidity X2 of each of the multiple rooms 2, and the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is executed as a second humidification control (step S55). That is, if the second humidity X2 of room 2a changes drastically without being disturbed, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0152] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S54 is that the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold (step S54 "Yes"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 of room 2a is affected by interference and the humidity changes drastically, and directly continues to execute the first humidification control based on the average value of the first humidity X1 (step S56). That is, when the second humidity X2 of room 2a is affected by interference and the humidity changes drastically, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity X2, and keeps the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 directly executing the first humidification control. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0153] Here, the aforementioned third processing action is also performed on rooms 2b to 2d. Furthermore, if the controller 50 determines, in the interference humidity change determination, that the second humidity X2 of room 2a is affected by interference and changes drastically in any one of the multiple rooms 2 (e.g., room 2a), the humidification control (first humidification control) linked to room 2a is also performed in the remaining rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination result in rooms 2b to 2d.

[0154] <Fourth Processing Action>

[0155] Next, refer to Figure 9 Let's explain the fourth processing action. Here, we will use room 2a, one of the multiple rooms 2, as the space affected by the disturbance.

[0156] In the fourth processing action, such as Figure 9 As shown, the controller 50 obtains a first humidity X1 from the humidity sensors 12 of each of the multiple rooms 2, which is taken as the humidity of the air detected in the room 2 (detected humidity). Furthermore, it is assumed that the first humidity X1 is free from the influence of interference. Then, the controller 50 obtains the detected humidity of each room 2 from the humidity sensors 12 at given time intervals. Specifically, if a fixed time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since the first humidity X1 was obtained, the controller 50 obtains a second humidity X2 from the humidity sensors 12, which is taken as the detected humidity of each room 2 (step S61).

[0157] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the second humidity X2 of room 2a obtained is a humidity that has changed drastically due to interference, as a determination of interference humidity change. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (third humidity difference) between the average of the second humidity X2 of each of the multiple rooms 2 and the second humidity X2 of room 2a exceeds a third threshold (step S62). Here, the third threshold is set to, for example, 5%.

[0158] Then, if the result of the determination is that the third humidity difference does not exceed the third threshold, that is, the third humidity difference is below the third threshold (step S62 "No"), nothing is performed and the processing action ends. On the other hand, if the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold (step S62 "Yes"), if a fixed time (e.g., 1 minute) has elapsed since the second humidity X2 was obtained, the controller 50 obtains the fourth humidity X4 from the room humidity sensor 12a as the detected humidity in the room 2a (step S63).

[0159] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the obtained second humidity X2 and fourth humidity X4 are humidity levels that are normally detected as actual humidity levels in room 2a. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (fourth humidity difference) between the second humidity X and the fourth humidity X2 is below a fourth threshold (step S64). Here, the second threshold is set to, for example, 1%.

[0160] Then, if the determination result is that the fourth humidity difference does not exceed the fourth threshold, i.e., the fourth humidity difference is below the fourth threshold (step S64 "No"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 and the fourth humidity X4 are the humidity normally detected as the actual humidity of room 2a. Figure 5 In the basic operation described, the rotational speed of the water pump pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the second humidity X2 is determined, and the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is executed as a second humidification control (step S65). That is, when the second humidity X2 and the fourth humidity X4 of the room 2a are normally detected as the actual humidity of the room 2a, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0161] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S64 is that the fourth humidity difference exceeds the fourth threshold (step S64 "Yes"), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 is affected by interference and the humidity temporarily changes, and directly continues to execute the first humidification control based on the first humidity X1 (step S66). That is, if the second humidity X2 is affected by interference and the humidity temporarily changes, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X, and the first humidification control directly continues to execute the humidification operation of the humidification device 16. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0162] Here, the fourth processing action described above is also performed on rooms 2b to 2d. Then, if the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 and the fourth humidity X4 are the humidity normally detected as the actual humidity of room 2a in any one of the multiple rooms 2 (e.g., room 2a) during the interference humidity change determination, the controller 50 also performs the humidification control (second humidification control) linked to room 2a in the remaining rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination results in rooms 2b to 2d.

[0163] According to the above, the air conditioning system 20 according to Embodiment 1 can enjoy the following effects.

[0164] (1) The air conditioning system 20 includes: an air-conditioned room 18 configured to introduce air from the outside; an air conditioning unit 13 installed in the air-conditioned room 18 and used to regulate the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 18; a humidification device 16 installed in the air-conditioned room 18 and used to humidify the air regulated by the air conditioning unit 13; multiple delivery fans 3 that deliver the air from the air-conditioned room 18 to multiple rooms 2 independent of the air-conditioned room 18; and a controller 50 that controls the humidification device 16 and the delivery fans 3. The controller 50 acquires information related to the detected humidity of the air detected in the room 2 at given time intervals. When the detected humidity is a first humidity, the controller 50 causes the humidification device 16 to operate under a first humidification control based on the first humidity. The controller 50 controls the operation to switch to a second humidification control based on the second humidity if the first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is below a first threshold when the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity; and if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold, the first humidification control continues to be executed.

[0165] Therefore, if the humidity difference exceeds the first threshold, i.e., a rapid change in humidity, the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 is executed by first humidification control based on the first humidity before the change to the second humidity. On the other hand, if the humidity difference is not below the first threshold, i.e., a rapid change in humidity, the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 is executed directly by second humidification control based on the second humidity. Thus, in the air conditioning system 20, even if a disturbance affecting the humidity (detected humidity) is detected in the room 2, unnecessary start-up or stop-up of the humidification device 16 is not repeated. Therefore, humidification by the humidification device 16 can be performed stably.

[0166] (2) In the air conditioning system 20, the controller 50 performs control. When the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold and the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a third humidity that is different from the second humidity, if the second humidity difference between the second humidity and the third humidity is below the second threshold, the controller switches from the first humidification control to the second humidification control.

[0167] Therefore, even if a humidity change exceeding the first threshold (i.e., a rapid humidity change) is detected, the humidification operation of the humidification device is executed through third humidification control if the second humidity difference falls below the second threshold. Conversely, if the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold, the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 continues through first humidification control. In other words, if the humidity difference detected immediately after a rapid humidity change is below the second threshold, humidification control of the humidification device is executed based on the humidity detected after the rapid humidity change. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 20, even if a rapid humidity change is detected in a specific air-conditioned space, humidification control can be performed on the changed humidity if this state continues. Thus, humidification by the humidification device 16 can be performed stably.

[0168] (3) In the air conditioning system 20, the controller 50 performs control. If the third humidity difference between the second humidity of one room 2a among the multiple rooms 2 and the average second humidity of each of the multiple rooms 2 is below the third threshold, the controller switches to the second humidification control based on the average second humidity. If the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold, the controller continues to perform the first humidity control.

[0169] Therefore, if the third humidity difference between the multiple rooms 2 exceeds a third threshold, the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 is executed by first humidification control based on the average value of the first humidity before the change to the second humidity. On the other hand, if the third humidity difference between the multiple rooms 2 is below the third threshold, the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 is executed by second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity. Thus, even if a disturbed humidity level (detected humidity) is detected in any of the multiple rooms 2 in the air conditioning system 20, unnecessary start-up or stop-up of the humidification device 16 will not be repeated. Therefore, humidification by the humidification device 16 can be performed stably.

[0170] (4) In the air conditioning system 20, the controller 50 performs control. When the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold, when the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a fourth humidity that is different from the second humidity, if the fourth humidity difference between the second humidity and the fourth humidity is below the fourth threshold, the controller switches from the first humidification control to the second humidification control.

[0171] Therefore, even if the third humidity difference between the multiple rooms 2 exceeds the third threshold, and the fourth humidity difference falls below the fourth threshold, the humidification operation of the humidification device 16 is still executed through the second humidification control. Thus, in the air conditioning system 20, even if a sharp change in humidity is detected in any of the multiple rooms 2, humidification control can be performed on the changed humidity if this condition continues. Therefore, humidification by the humidification device 16 can be performed stably.

[0172] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to Embodiment 1. Embodiment 1 is illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible in the combination of structural elements or processing techniques, and such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0173] (Implementation Method 2)

[0174] In existing whole-house air conditioning systems, the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room is regulated and controlled by an air conditioning unit (air conditioning equipment) installed in the air-conditioned room, and the humidity of the air in the air-conditioned room is humidified and controlled by a humidification device installed in the air-conditioned room. Then, the air-conditioned (temperature-regulated and humidified) air is delivered to each room by a blower (export fan) installed in the air-conditioned room.

[0175] However, when the amount of air delivered to each room (the air volume of the blower) changes, the amount of moisture supplied to each room, i.e., the humidity of each room, will change accordingly. For example, if the amount of air delivered to each room increases, the humidity of each room will increase because the excess moisture contained in the increased amount of air will be supplied to each room.

[0176] Therefore, in existing whole-house air conditioning systems, the humidity of the air in each room can no longer be stably maintained at the target humidity. That is, in existing whole-house air conditioning systems, the amount of water supplied to each room will change due to variations in the airflow of the blower, resulting in unstable humidification control of the humidification device.

[0177] This disclosure provides an air conditioning system capable of humidifying the humidification device in response to changes in the airflow of the delivery fan.

[0178] The air conditioning system disclosed herein comprises: an air-conditioned room configured to draw in air from the outside; an air conditioner installed in the air-conditioned room and used to regulate the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room; a humidification device installed in the air-conditioned room and used to humidify the air conditioned by the air conditioner; multiple delivery fans that deliver the air from the air-conditioned room to multiple air-conditioned spaces independent of the air-conditioned room; and a controller for controlling the humidification device and the delivery fans. The humidification device is configured to centrifuge and atomize water drawn through a rotating water extraction pipe, thereby containing it in the air conditioned by the air conditioner before discharging it. The controller determines the rotational speed of the water extraction pipe based on the requested humidification amount of the air-conditioned space, the temperature of the air conditioned by the air conditioner, and the airflow of the delivery fans, and controls the amount of humidification of the air conditioned by the air conditioner based on the determined rotational speed.

[0179] According to this disclosure, an air conditioning system is available that can perform humidification control of the humidification device in response to changes in the airflow of the delivery fan.

[0180] To reiterate, the air conditioning system disclosed herein comprises: an air-conditioned room configured to draw in air from the outside; an air conditioner installed in the air-conditioned room and used to regulate the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room; a humidification device installed in the air-conditioned room and used to humidify the air conditioned by the air conditioner; multiple delivery fans that deliver the air from the air-conditioned room to multiple air-conditioned spaces independent of the air-conditioned room; and a controller that controls the humidification device and the delivery fans. The humidification device is configured to centrifuge and atomize water drawn through a rotating water extraction pipe, thereby containing it in the air conditioned by the air conditioner before discharging it. The controller determines the rotational speed of the water extraction pipe based on the requested humidification amount of the air-conditioned space, the temperature of the air conditioned by the air conditioner, and the airflow of the delivery fans, and determines the amount of humidification applied to the air conditioned by the air conditioner based on the determined rotational speed.

[0181] Based on this structure, even if the volume of air supplied to the conditioned space changes, the amount of humidification in the air supplied to the conditioned space is adjusted accordingly. Therefore, fluctuations in the amount of moisture supplied to the conditioned space can be suppressed, and the humidity of the air in the conditioned space can be stably maintained at the target humidity. In other words, an air conditioning system capable of humidifying the humidifier in response to changes in the airflow of the delivery fan can be created.

[0182] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system disclosed herein, the controller can also control the speed of the water pump pipe to decrease when the airflow of the delivery fan increases, and control the speed of the water pump pipe to increase when the airflow of the delivery fan decreases. Thus, when the airflow of the delivery fan increases, the amount of humidification in the air supplied to the conditioned space increases even when the airflow of the delivery fan decreases. Therefore, fluctuations in the amount of moisture supplied to the conditioned space that accompany changes in the airflow of the delivery fan can be suppressed.

[0183] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system disclosed herein, the water intake pipe can rotate within a range between a lower limit speed and an upper limit speed. The controller can also control the airflow of the delivery fan to increase when the humidification output at the upper limit speed is lower than the requested humidification output, and to decrease the airflow of the delivery fan when the humidification output at the lower limit speed is higher than the requested humidification output.

[0184] As a result, when the humidification output at the upper speed limit is lower than the requested humidification output, the amount of air delivered to the conditioned space increases, thus increasing the amount of moisture supplied to the conditioned space. On the other hand, when the humidification output at the lower speed limit is higher than the requested humidification output, the amount of air delivered to the conditioned space decreases, thus reducing the amount of moisture supplied to the conditioned space. In other words, the adjustable range of the humidification output of the humidification device in the air conditioning system is expanded, enabling highly precise humidification adjustment of air conditioned by the air conditioner.

[0185] Furthermore, the air conditioning system disclosed herein may also include a damper for adjusting the inflow air volume to the humidifier. The controller may be configured to control the damper, reducing the inflow air volume when the humidification output at the lower speed limit is higher than the requested humidification output. Therefore, when the humidification output at the lower speed limit is higher than the requested humidification output, the amount of humidified air delivered to the conditioned space is further reduced. This further reduces the amount of moisture supplied to the conditioned space.

[0186] Hereinafter, Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0187] First, refer to Figure 10 To illustrate the air conditioning system 120 involved in Embodiment 2. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the connection of the air conditioning system 120 according to Embodiment 2.

[0188] The air conditioning system 120 comprises the following elements: multiple conveying fans 103 (conveyor fans 103a, 103b); heat exchange ventilation fans 104; multiple room dampers 105 (room dampers 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d); multiple recirculation vents 106 (recirculation vents 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d); multiple room exhaust vents 107 (room exhaust vents 107a, 107b, 107c, 107d); and multiple room air supply vents 108 (room exhaust vents 107a, 107b, 107c, 107d). Room air supply outlets 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d); room temperature sensor 111 (room temperature sensors 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d); room humidity sensor 112 (room humidity sensors 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d); air conditioning equipment (air conditioner) 113; intake temperature sensor 114; intake damper 115; humidifier 116; dust filter 117; and controller 150 (equivalent to air conditioner controller).

[0189] An air conditioning system 120 is installed in a typical residential house 101, which is an example of a building. In addition to having multiple (four in Embodiment 2) rooms 102 (rooms 102a, 102b, 102c, 102d), the typical residential house 101 also has at least one air-conditioned room 118 separate from the rooms 102. Here, the term "typical residential house 101" refers to a dwelling provided as a place for residents to live privately. As a general structure, the rooms 102 include a living room, dining room, bedroom, single room, and children's room, etc. Furthermore, the room where the air conditioning system 120 is provided may also include a toilet, bathroom, washroom, or dressing room, etc.

[0190] Room 102a is equipped with a circulation port 106a, a room exhaust port 107a, a room air supply port 108a, a room temperature sensor 11a, a room humidity sensor 112a, and a controller 150. Room 102b is equipped with a circulation port 106b, a room exhaust port 107b, a room air supply port 108b, a room temperature sensor 111b, and a room humidity sensor 112b. Room 102c is equipped with a circulation port 106c, a room exhaust port 107c, a room air supply port 108c, a room temperature sensor 111c, and a room humidity sensor 112c. Room 102d is equipped with a circulation port 106d, a room exhaust port 107d, a room air supply port 108d, a room temperature sensor 111d, and a room humidity sensor 112d.

[0191] The air-conditioned room 118 is equipped with a conveyor fan 103a, a conveyor fan 103b, a room damper 105a, a room damper 105b, a room damper 105c, a room damper 105d, an air conditioning unit 113, an intake temperature sensor 114, an intake damper 115, a humidifier 116, and a dust filter 117. More specifically, starting from the upstream side of the airflow path within the air-conditioned room 118, the air conditioning unit 113, the dust filter 117, the intake temperature sensor 114, the intake damper 115, the humidifier 116, the conveyor fans 103 (conveyor fans 103a, 103b), and the room dampers 105 (room dampers 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d) are arranged sequentially.

[0192] In the air-conditioned room 118, air is introduced from outside into the room. Then, in the air-conditioned room 118, the air supplied from each room 102 through the recirculation port 106 (indoor air) is mixed with outside air (outdoor air) drawn in by the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 and subjected to superheat exchange. The air in the air-conditioned room 118 is conditioned by the air conditioning equipment 113 and humidifier 116 installed within the air-conditioned room 118, controlling both temperature and humidity to generate air for delivery to the rooms 102. The conditioned air in the air-conditioned room 118 is then delivered to each room 102 using the delivery fan 103. Here, the air-conditioned room 118 refers to a relatively spacious space capable of housing the air conditioning equipment 113, intake temperature sensor 114, intake damper 115, humidifier 116, and dust filter 117, and capable of controlling the air conditioning of each room 102, but it is not intended as a living space and is essentially not a room where residents stay.

[0193] In addition to being supplied to the air-conditioned room 118 via the recirculation port 106, the air in each room 102 is also discharged outdoors after heat exchange via the room exhaust port 107 and heat exchange ventilation fan 104. The air conditioning system 120 uses the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 to exhaust indoor air from each room 102 and draw in outdoor air, thereby performing the first type of ventilation. The ventilation airflow of the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 can be set in multiple stages, and its ventilation airflow is set to the necessary ventilation volume determined by law.

[0194] The heat exchange ventilation fan 104 is configured with an air supply fan (not shown) and an exhaust fan (not shown) inside. By activating each fan, heat exchange is performed between the internal air (indoor air) and the external air (outdoor air), while ventilation is also performed. At this time, the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 delivers the heat-exchanged external air to the air-conditioned room 118.

[0195] A delivery fan 103 is installed on the wall (bottom side) of the air-conditioned room 118. Air from the air-conditioned room 118 is delivered by the delivery fan 103 to the living room 102 via a delivery duct from the living room air supply port 108. More specifically, air from the air-conditioned room 118 is delivered by the delivery fan 103a to living rooms 102a and 102b on the first floor of the general residence 101, and by the delivery fan 103b to living rooms 102c and 102d on the second floor of the general residence 101. Furthermore, the delivery ducts connected to the living room air supply ports 108 of each living room 102 are each independently installed.

[0196] When supplying air from the delivery fan 103 to each room 102, the room damper 105 adjusts the air volume to each room 102 by adjusting the opening degree of the room damper 105. More specifically, room damper 105a adjusts the air volume to room 102a located on the first floor. Room damper 105b adjusts the air volume to room 102b located on the first floor. Room damper 105c adjusts the air volume to room 102c located on the second floor. Room damper 105d adjusts the air volume to room 102d located on the second floor.

[0197] A portion of the air from each room 102 (rooms 102a to 102d) is transported to the air-conditioned room 118 via corresponding circulation ports 106 (circulation ports 106a to 106d). Here, the air transported via circulation ports 106 is naturally transported to the air-conditioned room 118 as circulating air. The difference between the airflow (supply airflow) from the air-conditioned room 118 to each room 102 via the delivery fan 103 and the airflow (exhaust airflow) from the room exhaust ports 107 to the outside via the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 is considered. Furthermore, the circulation pipes connecting the air-conditioned room 118 and each room 102 can be installed independently, or multiple branch pipes that are part of a circulation pipe can be merged midway into a single circulation pipe before being connected to the air-conditioned room 118.

[0198] As described above, each circulation port 106 (circulation ports 106a to 106d) is an opening used to transport indoor air from each room 102 (rooms 102a to 102d) to the air-conditioned room 118.

[0199] As described above, each room exhaust vent 107 (room exhaust vents 107a to 107d) is an opening used to transport indoor air from each room 102 (rooms 102a to 102d) to the heat exchange ventilation fan 104.

[0200] As described above, each room air supply port 108 (room air supply ports 108a to 108d) is an opening used to transport air from the air-conditioned room 118 to each room 102 (rooms 102a to 102d).

[0201] The room temperature sensor 111 (room temperature sensors 111a to 111d) is a sensor that obtains the room temperature of each of the corresponding rooms 102 (rooms 102a to 102d) and sends it to the controller 150.

[0202] The room humidity sensor 112 (room humidity sensors 112a to 112d) is a sensor that obtains the room humidity (indoor humidity) of the corresponding room 102 (rooms 102a to 102d) and sends it to the controller 150.

[0203] Air conditioning unit 113 is equivalent to an air conditioner, controlling the air conditioning of air-conditioned room 118. Air conditioning unit 113 cools or heats the air in air-conditioned room 118 to bring the air temperature in air-conditioned room 118 to a set temperature (target temperature for air-conditioned room). Here, the requested air conditioning quantity is calculated based on the temperature difference between the target temperature (room target temperature) set by the user and the room temperature, and the set temperature is set based on this result. In embodiment 2, in order to adjust the air temperature in each room 102 closer to the target temperature, the set temperature is set to a temperature at least higher than the target temperature.

[0204] The intake temperature sensor 114 is a sensor that obtains the temperature of the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 113 in the air-conditioned room 118 and sends it to the controller 150. More specifically, the intake temperature sensor 114 is located downstream of the dust collection filter 117 in the air-conditioned room 118, obtains the temperature of the air drawn in by the humidifier 116, and sends it to the controller 150.

[0205] Inlet damper 115 and reference Figure 11 The humidifier 116 described later has an intake port 131. When air is drawn into the air-conditioned room 118 through the intake port 131, the amount of air flowing into the humidifier 116 is adjusted by adjusting the opening of the intake port damper 115.

[0206] The humidifier 116 is located downstream of the air conditioning unit 113 (and dust filter 117) in the air-conditioned room 118. When the humidity of the air in each room 102 (room humidity) is lower than the target humidity set by the user (room target humidity), the humidifier 116 humidifies the air in the air-conditioned room 118 to bring that humidity to the target humidity. Furthermore, in Embodiment 2, humidity is shown as relative humidity, but it can also be treated as absolute humidity in a given transformation process. In this case, it is preferable to include the humidity of room 102 and treat the entire process in the air conditioning system 120 as absolute humidity. Details of the humidifier 116 will be described later.

[0207] Dust filter 117 is a dust filter that captures airborne particles in the air introduced into the air-conditioned room 118. By capturing particles contained in the air transported into the air-conditioned room 118 through the recirculation port 106, dust filter 117 ensures that the air supplied to the room by the ventilation fan 103 is clean. Here, dust filter 117 is configured to block the airflow path in the area between the air conditioning unit 113 and the humidifier 116.

[0208] The controller 150 is the controller for controlling the entire air conditioning system 120. The controller 150 is communicatively connected to the heat exchange ventilation fan 104, the conveying fan 103, the room damper 105, the room temperature sensor 111, the room humidity sensor 112, the air conditioning equipment 113, the intake temperature sensor 114, the intake damper 115, and the humidifier 116 via wireless communication.

[0209] Furthermore, the controller 150 controls the opening degree of the air conditioning unit 113, the humidifier 116, the intake damper 115, the airflow rate of the delivery fan 103, and the room damper 105, corresponding to the room temperature and humidity of each room 102 obtained by the room temperature sensor 111 and the room humidity sensor 112, the set temperature (room set temperature) and set humidity (room set humidity) set for each of the rooms 102a to 102d, and the air temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 118 obtained by the intake temperature sensor 114. Additionally, the airflow rate of the delivery fan 103 can also be controlled individually for each fan.

[0210] Therefore, the air that has been conditioned in the air-conditioned room 118 is delivered to each room 102 at the airflow set for each delivery fan 103 and each room damper 105. As a result, the room temperature and room humidity of each room 102 are controlled to the room set temperature and room set humidity.

[0211] Here, by wirelessly connecting the heat exchange ventilation fan 104, the conveying fan 103, the room damper 105, the room temperature sensor 111, the room humidity sensor 112, the air conditioning unit 113, the intake temperature sensor 114, the intake damper 115, and the humidifier 116 to the controller 150, complex wiring can be avoided. Alternatively, all of them, or the controller 150 and a part thereof, can be configured to communicate via wired communication.

[0212] Next, refer to Figure 11 To illustrate the structure of the humidification device 116. Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidification device 116 that constitutes the air conditioning system 120.

[0213] The humidifier 116 is located downstream of the air conditioning unit 113 in the air-conditioned room 118, and is used to humidify the air in the air-conditioned room 118 by centrifugal water crushing. In other words, the humidifier 116 is configured to centrifuge and finely crush water drawn in through the rotating water pipe 137, and then contain it in the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 113 before discharging it.

[0214] The humidifier 116 includes: an intake 131 for drawing in air from the air-conditioned room 118; an outlet 132 for blowing humidified air out of the air-conditioned room 118; an air passage between the intake 131 and the outlet 132; and a liquid atomization chamber 133 provided in the air passage.

[0215] The intake port 131 is located on the upper surface of the outer casing that forms the outer frame of the humidifier 116. The exhaust port 132 is located on the side of the outer casing. The liquid atomization chamber 133 is the main part of the humidifier 116, and atomizes the water by centrifugal water atomization. Additionally, as... Figure 10 As shown, an intake damper 115 is installed at the intake 131.

[0216] Specifically, the humidification device 116 includes: a rotary motor 134; a rotating shaft 135 that rotates via the rotary motor 134; a centrifugal fan 136; a cylindrical water pump pipe 137; a water storage section 140; and a first separator 141 and a second separator 142.

[0217] The water suction pipe 137 is fixed to the rotating shaft 135 inside the liquid micronization chamber 133. It rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 135, drawing water from a circular suction port located vertically downwards. More specifically, the water suction pipe 137 has an inverted conical hollow structure with a circular suction port located vertically downwards. A rotating shaft 135, facing vertically, is fixed to the center of the inverted conical top surface of the water suction pipe 137. The rotating shaft 135 is connected to a rotary motor 134 located vertically above the liquid micronization chamber 133, transmitting the rotational motion of the rotary motor 134 to the water suction pipe 137 via the rotating shaft 135, causing the water suction pipe 137 to rotate.

[0218] Furthermore, the pumping pipe 137 has a plurality of rotating plates 138 on its inverted conical top surface side, which protrude outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 137. The plurality of rotating plates 138 are formed with a given interval between adjacent rotating plates 138 along the axial direction of the rotation axis 135, and protrude outward from the outer surface of the pumping pipe 137. Since the rotating plates 138 rotate together with the pumping pipe 137, they are preferably horizontally disc-shaped and coaxial with the rotation axis 135. Additionally, the number of rotating plates 138 is appropriately set in accordance with the target performance or the size of the pumping pipe 137.

[0219] In addition, a plurality of openings 139 are provided on the wall of the water pump 137, which penetrate the wall of the water pump 137. The plurality of openings 139 are respectively located at positions that connect the interior of the water pump 137 and the upper surface of the rotating plate 138 which is formed to protrude outward from the exterior of the water pump 137.

[0220] Centrifugal fan 136 is positioned vertically above water intake pipe 137 and is used to draw air from air-conditioned room 118 into the device. Centrifugal fan 136 is fixed to rotating shaft 135 in the same manner as water intake pipe 137, and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of rotating shaft 135, thereby guiding air into liquid atomization chamber 133. Furthermore, the flow rate of air introduced into humidification device 116 (air introduced into liquid atomization chamber 133) is affected by the airflow of delivery fan 103, increasing or decreasing accordingly.

[0221] The water storage section 140 stores the water drawn by the pumping pipe 137 using the pumping port, located vertically below the pumping pipe 137. The depth of the water storage section 140 is designed to submerge a portion of the lower part of the pumping pipe 137, for example, to a depth of one-third to one-hundredth of the conical height of the pumping pipe 137. This depth can be designed to match the required pumping volume. Furthermore, the bottom surface of the water storage section 140 is shaped like a mortar and pestle, facing the pumping port. Water is supplied to the water storage section 140 by a water supply section (not shown).

[0222] The first separator 141 is a porous body that allows air to pass through. It is located on the side of the liquid atomization chamber 133 (outer periphery in the centrifugal direction) and configured to allow air to pass through in the centrifugal direction. In the first separator 141, water droplets discharged from the opening 139 of the water suction pipe 137 are atomized by collision, and water droplets contained in the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 133 are captured. Thus, the air flowing through the humidification device 116 contains vaporized water.

[0223] The second separator 142 is located downstream of the first separator 141 and is configured to allow air to flow vertically upwards. The second separator 142 also captures water droplets contained in the air passing through it by colliding with a porous body. Therefore, by using two separators to capture fine water droplets, larger water droplets can be captured with greater precision.

[0224] Next, refer to Figure 11 This explains the operating principle of humidification (water atomization) in the humidification device 116. Additionally, in Figure 11 In the image, arrows indicate the flow of air and water within the humidification device 116.

[0225] First, to activate the humidifier 116, the rotating motor 134 causes the rotating shaft 135 to rotate at a first speed, and the centrifugal fan 136 draws air from the air-conditioned room 118 through the suction port 131. Then, in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 135 at the first speed, the water suction pipe 137 rotates. Furthermore, as... Figure 11 As shown by the dashed arrow indicating water flow, water stored in the water storage section 140 is drawn through the water pump 137 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the pump pipe 137. Here, the first rotational speed of the rotary motor 134 (pump pipe 137) is set between 500 rpm and 3000 rpm, for example, corresponding to the air supply volume and the humidification rate of the air. Since the pump pipe 137 has an inverted conical hollow structure, the water drawn in by rotation is conveyed upwards along the inner wall of the pump pipe 137. Furthermore, the drawn water is conveyed through the opening 139 of the pump pipe 137 into the rotating plate 138 and discharged in the centrifugal direction as water droplets.

[0226] Water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 138 fly in the space (liquid micronization chamber 133) surrounded by the first separator 141, colliding with the first separator 141 and being micronized. On the other hand, air passing through the liquid micronization chamber 133, such as... Figure 11 As indicated by the solid arrow, the air flows in a manner similar to the water abraded (finely processed) by the first separator 141, moving towards the outer periphery of the first separator 141. Furthermore, as the air flows through the airflow path from the first separator 141 to the second separator 142, airflow vortices are generated, mixing the water and air. The water-containing air then passes through the second separator 142. Thus, the humidifying device 116 humidifies the air drawn in through the intake port 131 and blows out humidified air through the outlet 132.

[0227] In addition, the micronized liquid can be anything other than water, such as hypochlorous acid water with bactericidal or deodorizing properties.

[0228] Next, refer to Figure 12 To illustrate the controller 150 in the air conditioning system 120. Figure 12 This is a functional block diagram of the controller 150 in the air conditioning system 120.

[0229] The controller 150 is installed on the wall of a main living room or other living space in a typical residence 101, and controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 113, the delivery fan 103, the room damper 105, the intake damper 115, and the humidifier 116. Furthermore, the controller 150 is positioned at face height from the room floor for ease of operation. The controller 150 has a rectangular shape, with a display panel 150j in the center of the front panel and an operation panel 150a on the right side of the display panel 150j.

[0230] The display panel 150j is an LCD monitor, etc., which displays the operating status of the air conditioning unit 113, the conveying fan 103, the room air damper 105, the intake air damper 115 and the humidification device 116, the room set temperature, the room set humidity, the current room temperature and room humidity of the room 102, etc.

[0231] The control panel 150a is a button switch or similar device used by the user to input the room temperature and humidity settings in the room 102.

[0232] Furthermore, the controller 150 is housed inside the main body and contains control components such as a computer CPU and memory.

[0233] Specifically, the control components of the controller 150 include an input unit 150b, a processing unit 150c, a storage unit 150d, a timing unit 150e, a damper opening determination unit 150f, an air volume determination unit 150g, a set temperature determination unit 150h, a speed determination unit 150k, and an output unit 150i.

[0234] The input unit 150b receives information related to the room temperature of room 102 from room temperature sensor 111 (first information), information related to the room humidity of room 102 from room humidity sensor 112 (second information), information related to the intake temperature of humidifier 116 from intake temperature sensor 114 (third information), and information related to user input settings from operation panel 150a (fourth information). The input unit 150b outputs the received first to fourth information to processing unit 150c.

[0235] The storage unit 150d stores data referenced or updated by the processing unit 150c. For example, the storage unit 150d stores algorithms that determine the operating modes of the air conditioning unit 113, the humidifier 116, and the conveying fan 103. Furthermore, the storage unit 150d stores the first to fourth information received by the input unit 150b in chronological order. Then, the storage unit 150d outputs the stored data (stored data) to the processing unit 150c in response to a request from the processing unit 150c.

[0236] In the program executed by the processing unit 150c, the timing unit 150e is used for time measurement as needed. Furthermore, the timing unit 150e outputs data indicating the current time (time data) to the processing unit 150c.

[0237] The processing unit 150c receives first to fourth information from the input unit 150b, stored data from the storage unit 150d, and time data from the timing unit 150e. Using the received information, the processing unit 150c determines the required air conditioning and humidification levels for room 102 at fixed intervals (e.g., 5 minutes). More specifically, based on the time data obtained from the timing unit 150e, the processing unit 150c determines the required air conditioning level for each of rooms 102a to 102d individually, based on the temperature difference between the room set temperature stored in the storage unit 150d and the room temperatures detected by the room temperature sensors 111a to 111d installed in rooms 102a to 102d. Similarly, based on the time data obtained from the timing unit 150e, the processing unit 150c determines the required humidification amount for each of the rooms 102a to 102d at fixed intervals, based on the humidity difference between the room set humidity stored in the storage unit 150d and the room humidity detected by the room humidity sensors 112a to 112d installed in the rooms 102a to 102d. Furthermore, the processing unit 150c updates the display on the display panel 150j via the output unit 150i in response to changes in the information displayed on the display panel 150j.

[0238] The damper opening determination unit 150f obtains information related to the requested air conditioning volume from the processing unit 150c, and determines the opening of the room dampers 105a to 105d based on the ratio of the requested air conditioning volume for each of the rooms 102a to 102d. Further details will be described later, but the damper opening determination unit 150f determines the opening of the intake damper 115 according to the air supply control operation of the delivery fan 103. Furthermore, the damper opening determination unit 150f outputs information (opening information) related to the determined opening of the room dampers 105a to 105d and the opening of the intake damper 115 to the processing unit 150c.

[0239] The airflow determination unit 150g obtains information related to the requested air conditioning volume from the processing unit 150c, and determines the airflow volume of the air conditioning unit 113 based on the average or total value of the requested air conditioning volume. Furthermore, the airflow determination unit 150g determines the air delivery volume of the conveyor fans 103 (conveyor fans 103a and 103b) based on the average or total value of the requested air conditioning volumes for the first and second floors respectively. Then, the airflow determination unit 150g outputs information related to the determined airflow volume of the air conditioning unit 113 (airflow volume information) and information related to the determined air delivery volume of the conveyor fans 103 (air delivery volume information) to the processing unit 150c.

[0240] The set temperature determination unit 150h obtains information related to the requested air conditioning volume from the processing unit 150c, and determines the set temperature of the air conditioning unit 113 based on the average or total value of the requested air conditioning volume. Then, the set temperature determination unit 150h outputs information related to the determined set temperature of the air conditioning unit 113 (air conditioning set temperature information) to the processing unit 150c.

[0241] The speed determination unit 150k obtains information related to the requested air conditioning volume, information related to the suction temperature of the humidifier 116, and air supply volume information from the processing unit 150c, and determines the speed of the water pump pipe 137 (rotary motor 134) of the humidifier 116. Then, the speed determination unit 150k outputs information related to the determined speed of the water pump pipe 137 (speed information) to the processing unit 150c.

[0242] The processing unit 150c receives opening information from the damper opening determination unit 150f, airflow volume information and supply airflow information from the airflow determination unit 150g, air conditioner set temperature information from the set temperature determination unit 150h, and speed information from the speed determination unit 150k. The processing unit 150c uses the received information to determine control information related to the operation of the air conditioning unit 113, the conveyor fans 103 (conveyor fans 103a and 103b), the room dampers 105 (room dampers 105a to 105d), the intake damper 115, and the humidifier 116. Then, the processing unit 150c outputs the determined control information to the output unit 150i.

[0243] The output unit 150i outputs the control information received from the processing unit 150c to the air conditioning unit 113, the conveyor fan 103 (conveyor fan 103a, conveyor fan 103b), the room damper 105 (room dampers 105a to 105d), the intake damper 115, and the humidifier 116.

[0244] Then, the air conditioning unit 113, in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 150i, performs air conditioning operations based on the air conditioning set temperature and airflow volume determined by the control information. Furthermore, the delivery fans 103 (delivery fans 103a and 103b), in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 150i, perform airflow operations based on the respective airflow volumes determined by the control information. Additionally, the room dampers 105 (room dampers 105a to 105d), in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 150i, perform airflow adjustment operations based on the respective opening degrees determined by the control information. Furthermore, the intake damper 115, in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 150i, performs airflow adjustment operations based on the opening degree determined by the control information. Finally, the humidifier 116, in accordance with the control information output from the output unit 150i, rotates the water pump pipe 137 at a speed determined by the control information.

[0245] As described above, the controller 150 enables the air conditioning unit 113, the delivery fan 103, the room damper 105, the intake damper 115, and the humidifier 116 to perform their respective actions.

[0246] Next, refer to Figure 13 To illustrate the basic operation of controller 150. Figure 13 This is a flowchart representing the basic processing actions of the controller 150.

[0247] First, the controller 150 performs a termination determination of the air conditioning system 120 (step S101). As a result, if the power to the air conditioning system 120 is cut off (or an input of an operation stop instruction for the air conditioning system 120 from the operation panel 150a) (step S101 "Yes"), the controller 150 terminates the operation of the air conditioning system 120. On the other hand, if the power to the air conditioning system 120 is turned on (step S101 "No"), the controller 150 performs a time elapsed determination (step S102). As a result, if the controller 150 has not elapsed a fixed time (e.g., 10 minutes) in the previous process (step S102 "No"), it returns to step S101. On the other hand, if the fixed time has elapsed in the previous process (step S102 "Yes"), it proceeds to step S103 to perform output determination processing for the room damper 105, the air conditioning unit 113, and the conveyor fan 103.

[0248] First, the controller 150 begins a loop to calculate the number of rooms in the living quarters 102 (step S103). Then, the controller 150 calculates the requested air conditioning volume for each of the living quarters 102a to 102d (step S104). Furthermore, the controller 150 determines the opening degree of the room dampers 105a to 105d corresponding to each of the living quarters 102a to 102d (step S105). Then, if the controller 150 has completed the calculation of the requested air conditioning volume for all the living quarters 102 and the determination of the opening degree of the room dampers 105, the loop ends (step S106).

[0249] The processing within the loop of steps S103 to S106 will be explained in more detail using room 102a as an example.

[0250] In step S104, the controller 150 determines the requested air conditioning amount for room 102a as the temperature difference between the room temperature obtained from the room temperature sensor 111a and the set room temperature for room 102a. More specifically, when the heating is on, the requested air conditioning amount is determined based on the value of subtracting the room temperature from the set room temperature. When the cooling is on, the requested air conditioning amount is determined based on the value of subtracting the set room temperature from the room temperature. This means that the larger the positive value of the requested air conditioning amount, the more air conditioning is needed in room 102a.

[0251] In step S105, the opening degree of the room air damper 105a corresponding to room 102a is determined according to the requested air conditioning amount of room 102a. In Embodiment 2, the opening degree is set to "100%" when the requested air conditioning amount is 2°C or higher, "60%" when it is 1°C or higher but less than 2°C, "45%" when it is 0°C or higher but less than 1°C, "30%" when it is -1°C or higher but less than 0°C, and "10%" when it is less than -1°C. By setting it in this way, the opening degree of the room air dampers 105a to 105d is set according to the ratio of the requested air conditioning amount of rooms 102a to 102d, and air conditioning air is further supplied to the room (room 102) with a higher requested air conditioning amount, so that the temperature of each room 102 can be controlled.

[0252] Next, the controller 150 calculates the overall requested air conditioning volume of the general residence 101 based on the requested air conditioning volume of each of the rooms 102 (step S107). In embodiment 2, the requested air conditioning volume of the general residence 101 is calculated based on the average of the requested air conditioning volumes of each of the rooms 102.

[0253] Next, the controller 150 determines the air conditioning set temperature and airflow of the air conditioning unit 113 based on the calculated air conditioning demand of the general residence 101 (step S108). More specifically, when the heating is running, the controller 150 sets the air conditioning set temperature higher as the air conditioning demand increases, and when the cooling is running, the air conditioning set temperature lower as the air conditioning demand increases. For example, if the air conditioning demand is less than 0°C, the controller 150 sets the air conditioning set temperature to the same value as the room set temperature of room 102; if the air conditioning demand is 0°C or higher but less than 1°C, the controller sets the air conditioning set temperature 1°C higher than the room set temperature of room 102 when the heating is running, and 1°C lower than the room set temperature of room 102 when the cooling is running. Furthermore, when the requested air conditioning temperature is 1°C or higher, the controller 150 sets the air conditioning temperature 2°C higher than the room setting temperature of room 102 when the heating is on, and sets the air conditioning temperature 2°C lower than the room setting temperature of room 102 when the cooling is on. Therefore, the higher the requested air conditioning temperature, the higher the output of the air conditioning unit 113, and the faster it controls the room temperature of room 102 to the room setting temperature.

[0254] Furthermore, the greater the requested air conditioning temperature, the greater the airflow controlled by the controller 150 from the air conditioning unit 113. In Embodiment 2, when the requested air conditioning temperature is less than 0°C, the airflow is set to 500 m³ / h. 3 / h, when the requested air conditioning temperature is above 0℃ but below 1℃, set the airflow to 700m³ / h. 3 / h, when the requested air conditioning temperature is above 2℃, set the airflow to 1200m³ / h. 3 / h.

[0255] Next, the controller 150 determines the total airflow of the delivery fan 103 to be equal to or slightly more than the airflow from the air conditioning unit 113 (step S109). In other words, the controller 150 determines that the airflow difference between the total airflow of the delivery fan 103 and the airflow from the air conditioning unit 113 is below a reference airflow. Thus, the controller 150 suppresses the power consumption of the delivery fan 103.

[0256] Next, the controller 150 calculates the requested air conditioning volume for the first and second floors respectively (step S110). In embodiment 2, the average of the requested air conditioning volume of the rooms 102 on the first and second floors is set as the requested air conditioning volume for that floor.

[0257] Next, the air volume of the conveyor fan 103 is determined based on the requested air conditioning volume calculated in step S110 (step S111). The controller 150 determines the air volume of the conveyor fan 103 for each of the first and second floors, such that it has an air volume ratio corresponding to the ratio of the requested air conditioning volume. Specifically, the controller 150 sets the requested air conditioning volume for the second floor to 1°C, the requested air conditioning volume for the first floor to 2°C, and the total air volume of the conveyor fan 103 determined in step S109 to be 1200 m³ / h. 3 Given a flow rate of / h, the air delivery volume of the second-floor conveyor fan 103a is set at 400m³ / h. 3 / h, the airflow of the first-floor conveyor fan 103b is set at 800m³ / h. 3 / h, so that the air volume ratio between the delivery fans 103 is 1:2. Thus, even if there is a difference in the requested air conditioning volume between the first and second floors, by having a difference in the air volume of the delivery fans 103, there is a difference in the heat delivered, so that heat equivalent to the requested air conditioning volume can be delivered to both the first and second floors.

[0258] Next, the controller 150 begins humidification control (step S112).

[0259] Next, refer to Figure 14 as well as Figure 15 This will explain humidification control. Figure 14 This is a flowchart showing the humidification control action of controller 150. Figure 15 This is a graph showing the humidification performance data of the humidification device 116.

[0260] If humidification control is initiated, the controller 150 begins a loop counting the number of rooms in the conditioned space 102 (step S121). Then, the controller 150 calculates the requested humidification amount for rooms 102a to 102d respectively (step S122). Then, if the controller 150 has completed calculating the requested humidification amount for all rooms 102, the loop ends (step S123).

[0261] The processing within the loop of steps S121 to S123 will be explained in more detail using room 102a as an example.

[0262] In step S122, the controller 150 determines the requested humidification amount for room 102a as the humidity difference between the room humidity obtained from the room humidity sensor 112a and the set room humidity for room 102a. Specifically, the set room humidity and the room humidity are converted into absolute humidity, and the value obtained by subtracting the room absolute humidity from the set room humidity is taken as the requested humidification amount. This means that the larger the positive value of the requested humidification amount, the more humidification is needed in room 102a.

[0263] Next, the controller 150 calculates the overall requested humidification amount of the general residence 101 based on the respective requested humidification amounts of the living rooms 102 (step S124). In the second embodiment, the requested air conditioning amount of the general residence 101 is calculated based on the average value of the respective requested humidification amounts of the living rooms 102.

[0264] Next, the controller 150 performs an operation determination of the humidifying device 116 (step S125). Specifically, when the requested humidification amount of the general residence 101 is positive (step S125 "Yes"), the humidifying device 116 is operated, and the process proceeds to step S126. When the requested humidification amount of the general residence 101 is 0 or negative (step S125 "No"), the rotation speed of the water suction pipe 137 is set to "0", and the humidifying device 116 is not operated (step S128), and the humidification control is ended.

[0265] Next, the controller 150 determines the requested rotation speed of the water suction pipe 137 corresponding to the calculated requested air conditioning amount of the general residence 101, the suction temperature of the humidifying device 116, and the total air volume of the delivery fan 103 (step S126). In this step S126, the higher the requested humidification amount, the lower the controller 150 sets the suction temperature, or the smaller the total air volume of the delivery fan 103, the larger the controller 150 sets the requested rotation speed.

[0266] In the second embodiment, the controller 150 is based on Figure 15 The humidification performance data shown by the humidifying device 116 is used to determine the requested rotation speed. The humidification performance data is data obtained in advance through experiments. When the humidification operation is performed under the conditions of the suction temperature T, the rotation speed R of the water suction pipe 137, and the total air volume Q of the delivery fan 103, it shows the humidification amount X given by the humidifying device 116. Here, the humidification amount X given by the humidifying device 116 corresponds to the amount of moisture contained in the air flowing through the humidifying device 116. According to the characteristics of the humidifying device 116, the suction temperature T, the rotation speed R, and the total air volume Q are respectively positively correlated with the humidification amount X. For example, when the total air volumes Q1 and Q2 are in the relationship of Q1 < Q2, if the temperature T1 and the rotation speed R1 are set, the magnitude relationship of the humidification amounts X1 and X2 becomes X1 < X2.

[0267] Next, the details of the method for determining the requested rotation speed based on the humidification performance data will be described. First, a regression equation related to the humidification amount X is generated from the table data, and Figure 15 Formula (1) of. Next, the generated regression equation is transformed so that the rotation speed R comes to the left side, and Figure 15Equation (2). Then, by setting the intake temperature T to the intake temperature from the intake temperature sensor 114, the total air volume Q to the total air volume of the delivery fan 103, and the humidification X to the requested humidification X' of the general residence 101, the right side of Equation (2) is calculated, thereby calculating the requested rotational speed. In addition, the regression equation of Equation (1) is set as a combination of first-order terms of rotational speed R, intake temperature T, and total air volume Q, but in order to improve the accuracy of the regression, it may also include second-order or higher terms of any one of rotational speed R, intake temperature T, and total air volume Q.

[0268] Next, when the requested speed is higher than the preset upper limit speed, the controller 150 determines the upper limit speed as the speed of the pump pipe 137, and when the requested speed is lower than the preset lower limit speed, the controller determines the lower limit speed as the speed of the pump pipe 137 (step S127).

[0269] Therefore, when the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103 increases while the requested humidification amount X' and the intake temperature T are fixed, the control that reduces the rotational speed R of the suction pipe 137 reduces the amount of humidification in the air supplied to each room 102. Similarly, when the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103 decreases while the requested humidification amount X' and the intake temperature T are fixed, the control that increases the rotational speed R of the suction pipe 137 increases the amount of humidification in the air supplied to each room 102. That is, even if the amount of air supplied to each room 102 changes due to a change in the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103, the amount of humidification in the air supplied to each room 102 is adjusted according to the change in the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103, thus suppressing the variation in the amount of moisture supplied to each room 2.

[0270] Here, a requested rotational speed higher than the upper limit means that the humidification output at the upper limit is insufficient relative to the requested humidification amount. Conversely, a requested rotational speed lower than the lower limit means that the humidification output at the lower limit is excessive relative to the requested humidification amount.

[0271] Next, we will explain how to eliminate excess or insufficient humidification by adjusting the total air volume Q of the delivery fan 103 or the opening of the inlet damper 115 in these situations.

[0272] First, refer to Figure 16 This section explains the processing steps for correcting the airflow of the delivery fan 103 during humidification control. Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating the airflow correction process of the delivery fan in controller 150.

[0273] First, if the requested speed is higher than the upper limit speed (step S131 "Yes"), the controller 150 increases the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103 by a given ratio (e.g., 1.1 times) (step S132). If the requested speed is lower than the upper limit speed (step S131 "No"), it determines whether the requested speed is lower than the lower limit speed (step S133). If the requested speed is lower than the lower limit speed (step S133 "Yes"), the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103 decreases by a given ratio (e.g., 0.9 times) (step S134). In Embodiment 2, since the total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103 is set to be equal to the airflow output of the air conditioning unit 113, the airflow output of the air conditioning unit 113 is increased or decreased in conjunction with the airflow correction of the delivery fan 103 to make it equal to the total airflow of the delivery fan 103. As a result, the inflow airflow to the humidifier 116 can be changed without changing the temperature of the air drawn into the humidifier 116. Therefore, when the humidification output at the upper limit speed is lower than the requested humidification output, the amount of air delivered to each room 102 increases. Conversely, when the humidification output at the lower limit speed is higher than the requested humidification output, the amount of air delivered to each room 102 decreases. Alternatively, equation (1) can be solved for the total airflow Q by substituting the humidification output X as the requested humidification output of a typical residence 101, the speed R as the upper limit speed, and the intake temperature T as the intake temperature from the intake temperature sensor 114, and calculating accordingly. This determines the corrected total airflow Q of the delivery fan 103.

[0274] Next, refer to Figure 17 To explain the control of the inlet damper 115. Figure 17 This is a flowchart showing the control action of the inlet damper of the controller 150.

[0275] First, the controller 150 determines whether the requested speed is lower than the lower limit speed (step S141). Then, if the determination result is that the requested speed is lower than the lower limit speed (step S141 "Yes"), the opening of the inlet damper 115 is reduced to, for example, 50% (step S142), thereby reducing the amount of air flowing into the humidifier 116. On the other hand, if the determination result is that the requested speed is higher than the lower limit speed (step S141 "No"), the opening of the inlet damper 115 is set to 100% (step S143) so as not to obstruct the air flowing into the humidifier 116. Thus, when the requested speed is lower than the lower limit speed, the amount of air flowing into the humidifier 116 is reduced by reducing the opening of the inlet damper 115, and the amount of humidified air delivered to each room 102 is further reduced.

[0276] According to the above, the air conditioning system 120 according to Embodiment 2 can enjoy the following effects.

[0277] (1) The air conditioning system 120 includes: an air-conditioned room 118 configured to introduce air from the outside; an air conditioning unit 113 installed in the air-conditioned room 118 and used to regulate the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room 118; a humidification device 116 installed in the air-conditioned room 118 and used to humidify the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 113; multiple delivery fans 103 for delivering the air from the air-conditioned room 118 to multiple rooms 102 separate from the air-conditioned room 118; and a controller 150 for controlling the humidification device 116 and the delivery fans 103. The humidification device 116 is configured to centrifuge and finely break down water drawn through a rotating water pipe 137, and discharge it while it is contained in the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 113. The controller 150 determines the rotation speed of the pump pipe 137 (rotary motor 134) based on the requested humidification amount of the room 102, the temperature of the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 113, and the airflow of the delivery fan 103, and controls the amount of humidification to the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 113 according to the determined rotation speed.

[0278] Therefore, even if the amount of air supplied to each room 102 changes, the amount of humidification in the air supplied to each room 102 is adjusted accordingly. Thus, fluctuations in the amount of moisture supplied to each room 2 are suppressed, and the humidity of the air in each room 102 can be stably maintained at the target humidity. In other words, an air conditioning system 120 can be made that can perform humidification control of the humidification device 116 in response to changes in the airflow of the delivery fan 103.

[0279] (2) In the air conditioning system 120, the controller 150 controls the speed of the water pump pipe 137 to decrease when the airflow of the conveyor fan 103 increases, and controls the speed of the water pump pipe 137 to increase when the airflow of the conveyor fan 103 decreases. As a result, since the amount of humidification in the air delivered to each room 102 decreases when the airflow of the conveyor fan 103 increases, and the amount of humidification in the air delivered to each room 102 increases when the airflow of the conveyor fan 103 decreases, the fluctuation in the amount of moisture supplied to each room 102 that accompanies the change in the airflow of the conveyor fan 103 can be suppressed.

[0280] (3) In the air conditioning system 120, the water extraction pipe 137 can rotate within the range between the lower limit speed and the upper limit speed. When the humidification output at the upper limit speed is lower than the requested humidification, the controller 150 controls the airflow of the delivery fan 103 to increase; when the humidification output at the lower limit speed is higher than the requested humidification, the controller controls the airflow of the delivery fan 103 to decrease. Therefore, since the humidification output at the upper limit speed is lower than the requested humidification, the amount of air delivered to each room 102 increases, thus increasing the amount of moisture supplied to each room 102. On the other hand, since the humidification output at the lower limit speed is higher than the requested humidification, the amount of air delivered to each room 102 decreases, thus decreasing the amount of moisture supplied to each room 102. In other words, in the air conditioning system 120, the humidification output of the humidification device 116 has a wide adjustable range, enabling high-precision humidification adjustment of the air conditioned by the air conditioning unit 113.

[0281] (4) The air conditioning system 120 also includes an inlet damper 115 for adjusting the inflow air volume to the humidifier 116. The controller 150 is configured to control the inlet damper 115 to reduce the inflow air volume when the humidification output at the lower speed limit is higher than the requested humidification output. As a result, since the humidification output at the lower speed limit is higher than the requested humidification output, the humidification content in the air supplied to each room 102 is further reduced, thus further reducing the moisture content supplied to each room 102.

[0282] The above description of this disclosure is based on Embodiment 2. Embodiment 2 is illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications are possible in the combination of these structural elements or processing techniques, and such modifications are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0283] Industrial availability

[0284] The air conditioning system disclosed herein is useful as a solution for reliably humidifying the air conditioning unit even when the humidity in the air-conditioned space is affected by disturbances.

[0285] -Symbol Explanation-

[0286] 1. General residential housing

[0287] 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d Rooms

[0288] 3, 3a, 3b Conveyor Fans

[0289] 4. Heat exchange ventilation fan

[0290] 5, 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d Indoor ventilation dampers

[0291] 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d Circulation ports

[0292] 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Bedroom exhaust vents

[0293] 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Room gas supply inlets

[0294] Room temperature sensors 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d

[0295] 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Indoor humidity sensors

[0296] 13 Air conditioning equipment

[0297] 14. Inhalation temperature sensor

[0298] 16 Humidifier

[0299] 17 Dust Collection Filter

[0300] 18 Air-conditioned room

[0301] 20. Air conditioning system

[0302] 31 suction port

[0303] 32. Blowout

[0304] 33 Liquid micronization chamber

[0305] 34 Rotary electric motor

[0306] 35 Rotation axis

[0307] 36 Centrifugal Fan

[0308] 37. Water pump pipe

[0309] 38 Rotating Plate

[0310] 39 Opening

[0311] 40 Water storage department

[0312] 41 First Separator

[0313] 42 Second Separator

[0314] 50 controllers

[0315] 50a Operation Panel

[0316] 50b Input Section

[0317] 50c Processing Unit

[0318] 50d storage unit

[0319] 50e Timing Department

[0320] 50f damper opening determination section

[0321] 50g air volume determination section

[0322] 50h Temperature Setting Unit

[0323] 50i Output Section

[0324] 50J Display Panel

[0325] 50k RPM Determination Unit

[0326] 101 General Residential

[0327] Rooms 102, 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d

[0328] 103, 103a, 103b Conveyor Fans

[0329] 104 Heat Exchanger Fan

[0330] 105, 105a, 105b, 105c, 105d Room ventilation dampers

[0331] 106, 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d circulation ports

[0332] 107, 107a, 107b, 107c, 107d Bedroom exhaust vents

[0333] 108, 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d Room gas supply inlets

[0334] Room temperature sensors 111, 111a, 111b, 111c, 111d

[0335] 112, 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d Indoor humidity sensors

[0336] 113 Air conditioning equipment

[0337] 114 Inhalation Temperature Sensor

[0338] 115 Inlet damper

[0339] 116 Humidifier

[0340] 117 Dust Collection Filter

[0341] 118 Air-conditioned room

[0342] 120 air conditioning system

[0343] 131 suction port

[0344] 132 Blowout

[0345] 133 Liquid Micronization Chamber

[0346] 134 Rotary Electric Motor

[0347] 135 Rotational axis

[0348] 136 Centrifugal Fan

[0349] 137 Water pump pipe

[0350] 138 Rotating Plate

[0351] 139 opening

[0352] 140 water storage department

[0353] 141 First Separator

[0354] 142 Second Separator

[0355] 150 controller

[0356] 150a Operation Panel

[0357] 150b Input Section

[0358] 150c Processing Unit

[0359] 150d storage unit

[0360] 150e Timing Department

[0361] 150f damper opening determination section

[0362] 150g air volume determination section

[0363] 150h set temperature determination unit

[0364] 150i Output Section

[0365] 150J display panel

[0366] 150 rpm speed determination unit.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising: An air-conditioned room is designed to draw in air from the outside. An air conditioner, installed in the air-conditioned room, is capable of regulating the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room; A humidification device, installed in the air-conditioned room, humidifies the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner. Multiple delivery fans that deliver air from the air-conditioned room to multiple air-conditioned spaces independent of the air-conditioned room; and The controller controls the humidification device. The controller performs the following control: Information related to the detected humidity of the air in the air-conditioned space is obtained at given time intervals. When the detected humidity is a first humidity level, the humidification device is operated under a first humidification control based on the first humidity level. When the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity, if the first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is below a first threshold, then the second humidification control based on the second humidity is switched to be executed; if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold, then the first humidification control continues to be executed. The controller performs the following control: If the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold and the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a third humidity different from the second humidity, and if the second humidity difference between the second humidity and the third humidity is below the second threshold, then the humidification control is switched from the first humidification control to the second humidification control. The controller performs the following control: If the third humidity difference between the second humidity of one of the multiple air-conditioned spaces and the average second humidity of each of the multiple air-conditioned spaces is below a third threshold, then the second humidification control based on the average second humidity is switched to be executed. If the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold, then the first humidification control continues to be executed.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The controller performs the following control: If the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold and the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a fourth humidity that is different from the second humidity, and if the fourth humidity difference between the second humidity and the fourth humidity is below the fourth threshold, then the first humidification control is switched to the second humidification control.

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