Air conditioning system

Abstract

The air conditioner (10) includes a cooling heat exchanger (32) and a heating heat exchanger (3). The controller (20) adjusts the supply amount of heat medium to the cooling heat exchanger (32) according to a first deviation between a cooling setting temperature and an indoor temperature during cooling operation. The controller adjusts the supply amount of heat medium to the heating heat exchanger (36) according to a second deviation between a heating setting temperature and an indoor temperature during heating operation. When cooling operation is performed during a heating main period of air conditioning with heating operation as the main body, the controller (20) reduces the supply amount of heat medium to the cooling heat exchanger (32) to a level lower than the supply amount of heat medium corresponding to the first deviation. When heating operation is performed during a cooling main period of air conditioning with cooling operation as the main body, the controller (20) reduces the supply amount of heat medium to the heating heat exchanger (36) to a level lower than the supply amount of heat medium corresponding to the second deviation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-125288 (Patent Document 1) discloses an air conditioning system for performing air conditioning in a controlled area. A blower, a cooling coil, and a heating coil are arranged inside the air conditioner. A controller is connected to a sunshine meter and a thermometer installed on the outer wall of a building. The controller determines a supply air temperature setting value by considering the sunshine measured by the sunshine meter and the outside air temperature measured by the thermometer.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-125288 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] An air conditioner having a cooling heat exchanger (cooling coil) and a heating heat exchanger (heating coil) as described in Patent Document 1 can freely switch between cooling operation and heating operation. Therefore, the indoor temperature can be kept at a set temperature by switching between cooling operation and heating operation according to the indoor temperature that changes moment by moment due to the heat entering the room according to the outside air temperature and the amount of sunlight, and the heat generated by the human body and appliances in the room.

[0008] However, on the other hand, performing heating operation in a manner that cancels out the cooling effect of the immediately preceding cooling operation immediately after switching from cooling operation to heating operation may unnecessarily increase the energy consumption of the air conditioner during heating operation.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system capable of reducing energy consumption of an air conditioner including a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger.

[0010] Means for solving problems

[0011] An air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: an air conditioner that adjusts indoor air of a building; a temperature sensor that is disposed indoors and detects the indoor temperature; and a controller that switches the cooling operation and the heating operation of the air conditioner according to the indoor temperature. The air conditioner comprises a first heat exchanger, a second heat exchanger, a first valve, a second valve, and a fan. The first heat exchanger cools the air by heat exchange between the first heat medium and the air. The second heat exchanger heats the air by heat exchange between the second heat medium and the air. The first valve is disposed in the circulation path of the first heat medium and is opened during cooling operation. The second valve is disposed in the circulation path of the second heat medium and is opened during heating operation. The fan circulates air between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. The controller comprises a cooling control unit and a heating control unit. During cooling operation, the cooling control unit controls the opening of the first valve according to a first deviation between the cooling set temperature and the indoor temperature, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the first heat medium to the first heat exchanger. The heating control unit controls the opening of the second valve according to the second deviation between the heating setting temperature and the indoor temperature during the heating operation, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the second heat medium to the second heat exchanger. When the cooling operation is performed during the heating main period in which the indoor air is regulated mainly by the heating operation, the cooling control unit reduces the supply amount of the first heat medium to the first heat exchanger to be lower than the supply amount of the first heat medium corresponding to the first deviation. When the heating operation is performed during the cooling main period in which the indoor air is regulated mainly by the cooling operation, the heating control unit reduces the supply amount of the second heat medium to the second heat exchanger to be lower than the supply amount of the second heat medium corresponding to the second deviation.

[0012] Effects of the Invention

[0013] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system capable of reducing energy consumption of an air conditioner including a cooling heat exchanger and a heating heat exchanger. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the controller.

[0016] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an example configuration of a refrigeration control unit is shown.

[0017] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of an example configuration of a correction unit is shown.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the outside air temperature and the suppression rate.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the amount of sunlight and the suppression rate.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of the opening control of the chilled water two-way valve in the refrigeration control unit.

[0021] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an example configuration of a heating control unit is shown.

[0022] Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 A block diagram of an example configuration of a correction unit is shown.

[0023] Fig.10 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the outside air temperature and the suppression rate.

[0024] Fig.11 This is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the amount of sunlight and the suppression rate.

[0025] Fig.12 This is a diagram showing an example of the opening control of the hot water two-way valve in the heating control unit.

[0026] Fig.13 This is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure for controlling the opening degree of the cold water two-way valve and the hot water two-way valve according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Fig.14 It is a diagram for explaining a first operation example of the air-conditioning system according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Fig.15 It is a diagram for explaining a second operation example of the air-conditioning system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, the same or corresponding parts in the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals and their description is omitted.

[0030] <Structure of air conditioning system>

[0031] Initially, refer to Figure 1 The configuration of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment will be described. The air conditioning system 100 according to the embodiment is applied to an air conditioning system for conditioning air in a room 52 in a building 50 .

[0032] Figure 1 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment. Figure 1As shown, the air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 10 , ducts 14 , 15 , 16 , a controller 20 , a temperature and humidity sensor 22 , an outside air temperature sensor 24 , and a sunlight amount sensor 26 .

[0033] The air conditioner 10 conditions the air in a room 52 of a building 50. The air conditioner 10 can be installed, for example, behind a ceiling or under a floor of the building 50. Behind a ceiling is a space formed by installing a ceiling, and under a floor is a space formed by installing a floor surface.

[0034] The air conditioner 10 inhales air from an inlet 11 and blows out air from an outlet 12. The outlet 12 is connected to an outlet 560 provided on a ceiling 56 of a room 52 via an air supply duct 14. The inlet 11 is connected to an inlet 580 provided near a floor surface 58 of the room 52 via an air return duct 16. The inlet 11 is also connected to an external air duct 15 for taking external air into the room 52.

[0035] exist Figure 1 In the example, air near the floor surface 58 of the room 52 is sucked into the air conditioner 10 from the suction port 11 via the suction port 580 and the return air duct 16. The air blown out from the air conditioner 10 is blown out from the blowing port 560 to the room 52 via the blowing port 12 and the air supply duct 14.

[0036] The air conditioner 10 includes a filter 30 , a cold water coil 32 , a cold water circulation path 33 , a cold water two-way valve 34 , a hot water coil 36 , a hot water circulation path 37 , a hot water two-way valve 38 , a humidifier 40 , a humidification supply path 41 , a humidification two-way valve 42 , and a fan 44 .

[0037] A ventilation path from the air inlet 11 to the air outlet 12 is formed inside the air conditioner 10. The filter 30, the cold water coil 32, the hot water coil 36, the humidifier 40 and the fan 44 are sequentially arranged on the ventilation path from the upstream side of the air flow direction. In addition, as long as the filter 30 is arranged at the most upstream of the ventilation path and the fan 44 is arranged at the most downstream of the ventilation path, the arrangement order of the cold water coil 32, the hot water coil 36 and the humidifier 40 is not limited.

[0038] The air sucked from the air inlet 11 of the air conditioner 10 passes through the filter 30. Dust in the air is removed by the filter 30. The air passing through the filter 30 passes through the cold water coil 32, the hot water coil 36 and the humidifier 40 in sequence.

[0039] The chiller coil 32 is supplied with a cooling heat medium (eg, chilled water) from an external heat source machine (not shown) via a chiller circulation path 33. The chiller coil 32 is configured to cool the passing air by exchanging heat with the heat medium.

[0040] The cold water two-way valve 34 is provided in the cold water circulation path 33. The opening of the cold water two-way valve 34 is controlled by the controller 20. By controlling the opening of the cold water two-way valve 34, the supply amount of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 can be adjusted. In addition, by fully closing the cold water two-way valve 34 (opening = 0%), the supply of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 can also be stopped. The cold water coil 32 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first heat exchanger", and the cold water two-way valve 34 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first valve".

[0041] The hot water coil 36 is supplied with a heating medium (eg, hot water) from an external heat source machine (not shown) via a hot water circulation path 37. The hot water coil 36 is configured to heat the passing air by exchanging heat with the heat medium.

[0042] The hot water two-way valve 38 is provided in the hot water circulation path 37. The opening of the hot water two-way valve 38 is controlled by the controller 20. By controlling the opening of the hot water two-way valve 38, the supply amount of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 can be adjusted. In addition, by fully closing the hot water two-way valve 384 (opening = 0%), the supply of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 can also be stopped. The hot water coil 36 corresponds to an embodiment of the "second heat exchanger", and the hot water two-way valve 38 corresponds to an embodiment of the "second valve".

[0043] The humidifier 40 is configured to humidify the passing air using the humidifying medium supplied via the humidifying supply path 41. The humidifying two-way valve 42 is provided on the humidifying supply path 41. By controlling the opening of the humidifying two-way valve 42, the supply amount of the humidifying medium to the humidifier 40 can be adjusted. In addition, by fully closing the humidifying two-way valve 42 (opening = 0%), the supply of the humidifying medium to the humidifier 40 can also be stopped.

[0044] The fan 44 sends the air flowing through the ventilation path from the blow-out port 12 to the air supply duct 14. The operation of the fan 44 is controlled by the controller 20.

[0045] The temperature and humidity sensor 22 is installed in the room 52. The outside temperature sensor 24 and the sunlight sensor 26 are installed outside the building 50 (for example, the outer wall or roof of the building 50). The temperature and humidity sensor 22, the outside temperature sensor 24 and the sunlight sensor 26 are connected to the controller 20 for communication.

[0046] The temperature and humidity sensor 22 detects the indoor temperature Tr and the indoor humidity Hr, and outputs a signal indicating the detected value to the controller 20. The temperature and humidity sensor 22 is, for example, arranged in the peripheral area of ​​the window 54 side (or the outer wall side) of the indoor 52. The number of temperature and humidity sensors 22 is not limited. For example, it is also possible to configure a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors 22 to be dispersedly arranged in the peripheral area of ​​the indoor 52 and the inner area on the central side of the building 50, and obtain the average value of the detected values ​​of the plurality of temperature and humidity sensors 22 as the indoor temperature Tr. The temperature and humidity sensor 22 corresponds to an embodiment of the "temperature sensor".

[0047] The external air temperature sensor 24 detects the external air temperature To of the building 50, and outputs a signal indicating the detected value to the controller 20. The sunlight amount sensor 26 detects the sunlight amount Si indicating the intensity of sunlight irradiating the building 50, and outputs a signal indicating the detected value to the controller 20. The external air temperature sensor 24 corresponds to an embodiment of the “external air temperature sensor”, and the sunlight amount sensor 26 corresponds to an embodiment of the “sunlight amount sensor”.

[0048] There is no limitation on the number of the external temperature sensors 24 and the number of the sunlight amount sensors 26. For example, a plurality of external temperature sensors 24 may be dispersedly arranged, and the average value of the detection values ​​of the plurality of external temperature sensors 24 may be obtained as the external temperature To. Similarly, a plurality of sunlight amount sensors 26 may be dispersedly arranged, and the average value of the detection values ​​of the plurality of sunlight amount sensors 26 may be obtained as the sunlight amount Si.

[0049] The controller 20 controls the operation of the air conditioner 10 based on the output signals (detection values) from the temperature and humidity sensor 22, the external temperature sensor 24, and the sunlight sensor 26. The air conditioner 10 has cooling operation and heating operation as operation modes. The controller 20 switches the cooling operation and the heating operation based on the indoor temperature Tr detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 22.

[0050] Specifically, when the indoor temperature Tr detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 22 is higher than the preset cooling setting temperature Tsc (Tr>Tsc), the controller 20 selects cooling operation. In cooling operation, the controller 20 adjusts the supply amount of heat medium to the cold water coil 32 by controlling the opening of the cold water two-way valve 34, and controls the operation of the fan 44 so that the indoor temperature Tr is consistent with the cooling setting temperature Tsc. The opening control of the cold water two-way valve 34 will be described later.

[0051] On the contrary, when the indoor temperature Tr detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 22 is lower than the preset heating set temperature Tsh (Tr < Tsh), the controller 20 selects heating operation. During the heating operation, the controller 20 adjusts the supply amount of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 by controlling the opening degree of the hot water two-way valve 38, and controls the operation of the fan 44 to make the indoor temperature Tr coincide with the heating set temperature Tsh. The control of the opening degree of the hot water two-way valve 38 will be described later.

[0052] In addition, the cooling set temperature Tsc and the heating set temperature Tsh can be freely set. However, in order to avoid simultaneous execution of the cooling operation and the heating operation, they are set to satisfy the relationship of Tsc ≥ Tsh. Further, in order to prevent fluctuations in the cooling operation and the heating operation, it is preferable to provide a temperature difference between the cooling set temperature Tsc and the heating set temperature Tsh.

[0053] During the heating operation, the controller 20 controls the opening degree of the humidification two-way valve 42 to make the indoor humidity Hr detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 22 coincide with the predetermined set humidity Hs.

[0054] The controller 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and an input / output (I / O) circuit as main structural elements. These components can exchange data with each other via an internal bus (not shown). A program is stored in a part of the memory area, and the CPU executes this program, whereby various processes including the control of the air conditioner 10 described later can be realized. The I / O circuit inputs and outputs signals and data between the outside of the controller 20.

[0055] Or, different from the Figure 1 example, at least a part of the controller 20 can be constituted by a circuit such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). In addition, at least a part of the controller 20 can also be constituted by an analog circuit.

[0056] <Functional Structure of the Controller>

[0057] Next, with reference to Figure 2 the functional structure of the controller 20 will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional structure of the controller 20. Figure 2 The functions of the respective blocks shown can be realized by at least one of software processing and hardware processing based on the controller 20.

[0058] As Figure 2 As shown, the controller 20 includes an input unit 70 , a main control unit 72 , a cooling control unit 74 , a heating control unit 76 , a humidity control unit 78 and a fan control unit 80 .

[0059] The input unit 70 receives user commands of the air conditioning system 100. The user commands include operation on / off commands of the air conditioner 10, set temperature (cooling set temperature Tsc, heating set temperature Tsh) commands, and set humidity commands.

[0060] The user command also includes the setting of the cooling main period / heating main period. The "cooling main period" corresponds to the period during which the indoor temperature Tr is controlled mainly by the cooling operation of the air conditioner 10. The "heating main period" corresponds to the period during which the indoor temperature Tr is controlled mainly by the heating operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0061] In addition, the cooling-dominant period and the heating-dominant period can be freely set. For example, the cooling-dominant period is set to correspond to a period when the cooling load (the amount of heat to be removed for cooling) is higher than the heating load (the amount of heat that must be heated for heating). The heating-dominant period is set to correspond to a period when the heating load is higher than the cooling load. As an example, the cooling-dominant period is set to include the summer period (e.g., May to October), and the heating-dominant period is set to include the winter period (e.g., November to April).

[0062] In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user of the air conditioning system 100 manually switches the cooling main period and the heating main period. However, the controller 20 may automatically switch the cooling main period and the heating main period according to a preset schedule.

[0063] Alternatively, the controller 20 may be configured to automatically switch between the cooling-main period and the heating-main period according to the time transition of the outside temperature To detected by the outside temperature sensor 24. For example, the controller 20 may calculate the average value of the maximum temperature and the minimum temperature of each day according to the time transition of the outside temperature To in the recent days, and switch between the cooling-main period and the heating-main period according to the average value.

[0064] The main control unit 72 receives user commands through the input unit 70 and receives output signals (detection values ​​Tr, Hr) from the temperature and humidity sensor 22. The main control unit 72 generates control commands for each unit based on these input signals to control the overall operation of the air conditioner 10.

[0065] The refrigeration control unit 74 receives output signals (detection values ​​Tr, To, Si) from the temperature and humidity sensor 22, the outside air temperature sensor 24, and the sunlight sensor 26, and receives control instructions from the main control unit 72. The control instructions include the cooling set temperature Tsc and the execution instructions of the process of suppressing the supply amount of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 described later. The refrigeration control unit 74 generates the control amount of the opening of the cold water two-way valve 34, that is, the opening instruction Vc* based on these inputs, and outputs the generated opening instruction Vc* to the cold water two-way valve 34.

[0066] The heating control unit 76 receives output signals (detection values ​​Tr, To, Si) from the temperature and humidity sensor 22, the outside air temperature sensor 24, and the sunlight sensor 26, and receives control instructions from the main control unit 72. The control instructions include a heating set temperature Tsh and an execution instruction for a process of suppressing the supply amount of heat medium to the hot water coil 36 described later. The heating control unit 76 generates an opening instruction Vh*, which is a control amount of the opening of the hot water two-way valve 38, based on these inputs, and outputs the generated opening instruction Vh* to the hot water two-way valve 38.

[0067] The humidity control unit 78 receives the output signal (detection value Hr) from the temperature and humidity sensor 22 and the control command from the main control unit 72, and generates an opening command for controlling the opening of the humidification two-way valve 42. The humidity control unit 78 outputs the generated opening command to the humidification two-way valve 42.

[0068] The fan control unit 80 receives a control command from the main control unit 72. The control command includes a rotation speed command for controlling the rotation speed of the fan 44. The fan control unit 80 controls the operation of the fan 44 according to the rotation speed command.

[0069] (Structure of Refrigeration Control Unit)

[0070] Next, refer to Figure 3 to Figure 7 The functional structure of the cooling control unit 74 will be described.

[0071] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a configuration example of the refrigeration control unit 74 shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the cooling control unit 74 is configured to generate an opening command Vc* for the chilled water two-way valve 34 by feedback control for causing the room temperature Tr detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 22 to follow the cooling setting temperature Tsc.

[0072] Specifically, the cooling control unit 74 includes a subtractor 740, a controller 742, and a correction unit 744. The subtractor 740 calculates a deviation ΔTc (ΔTc=Tsc-Tr) of the indoor temperature Tr from the cooling setting temperature Tsc. The deviation ΔTc corresponds to the "first deviation".

[0073] The controller 742 uses the deviation ΔTc calculated by the subtractor 740 as an input, performs a control operation for making the deviation ΔTc zero, and thereby generates an opening command Vc* of the cold water two-way valve 34. That is, the opening command Vc* of the cold water two-way valve 34 is equivalent to the control amount for making Tr=Tsc. In addition, the controller 742 can use a PI (proportional integral) controller or a PID (proportional integral differential) controller. The controller 742 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first controller".

[0074] The correction unit 744 corrects the opening command Vc* of the cold water two-way valve 34 based on the execution command provided by the main control unit 72, the outside temperature To detected by the outside temperature sensor 24, and the sunshine amount Si detected by the sunshine amount sensor 26. The correction unit 744 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first correction unit".

[0075] Specifically, the main control unit 72 determines whether the current time is consistent with the main heating period based on the current time information provided from the clock not shown. When the current time is consistent with the main heating period, the main control unit 72 generates an execution instruction for the process of suppressing the supply amount of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32. When the current time is not consistent with the main heating period, the main control unit 72 does not generate the above-mentioned execution instruction. That is, when the cooling operation is performed during the main heating period, the main control unit 72 causes the cooling control unit 74 to execute the process of suppressing the supply amount of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32.

[0076] As described above, during the heating main period, the heating operation becomes the main operation. On the other hand, the air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to switch between the cooling operation and the heating operation according to the indoor temperature Tr. The indoor temperature Tr changes moment by moment due to the heat entering the room 52 according to the outside temperature and the amount of sunlight, and the heat generated by the human body and appliances in the room 52. Therefore, during the heating main period, the air conditioner 10 may temporarily perform the cooling operation due to the indoor temperature Tr exceeding the cooling set temperature Tsc.

[0077] For example, when the indoor temperature Tr rises following the rise of the outside temperature and the increase of the amount of sunshine, and the indoor temperature Tr exceeds the cooling setting temperature Tsc within a few hours after noon, the cooling operation is temporarily performed to reduce the indoor temperature Tr to the cooling setting temperature Tsc. Then, when the indoor temperature Tr falls below the heating setting temperature Tsh following the decrease of the outside temperature and the decrease of the amount of sunshine, the operation is switched to the heating operation.

[0078] In this case, as the outside temperature drops and the amount of sunlight decreases, the room 52 is easily overcooled due to the synergistic effect with the cooling operation, which causes the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 during the cooling operation to increase uselessly.

[0079] In addition, after the transition to the heating operation, the heating operation is performed to offset the cooling effect of the immediately preceding cooling operation. This is because the cooling effect of the immediately preceding cooling operation acts as a heating load. That is, immediately after the transition to the heating operation, the heating operation is performed to compensate for the heat removed from the room 52 by the immediately preceding cooling operation. As a result, the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 during the heating operation is uselessly increased.

[0080] In order to cope with the above-mentioned concerns, in the present embodiment, as described below, the cooling effect is suppressed by reducing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 10 in the main heating period.

[0081] Specifically, when the correction unit 744 receives the execution instruction from the main control unit 72, it corrects the opening instruction Vc* in a manner of reducing the opening instruction Vc* generated by the controller 742. That is, when the cooling operation is performed during the main heating period, the correction unit 744 reduces the supply amount of the heat medium supplied to the cold water coil 32 to be lower than the supply amount corresponding to the deviation ΔTc, thereby reducing the cooling capacity of the air conditioner 10. Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A block diagram of a configuration example of the correction unit 744 shown.

[0082] like Figure 4 As shown, the correction unit 744 includes suppression rate calculation units 82, 84, multipliers 85, 88 and a switching unit 86. The suppression rate calculation units 82, 84 and the multiplier 85 calculate a correction coefficient for correcting the opening command Vc*. The correction coefficient represents the degree of suppression of the supply amount of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 (that is, equivalent to the degree of suppression of the refrigeration capacity), and is therefore defined as a "refrigeration suppression rate Rcs" in this specification.

[0083] The correction unit 744 multiplies the opening instruction Vc* provided by the controller 742 by the cooling suppression rate Rcs, thereby correcting the opening instruction Vc* (Vc*=Vc*×Rcs). Depending on the external temperature To and the amount of sunlight Si, the cooling suppression rate Rcs can take a value of 0(%) to 100(%). In addition, when Rcs=100(%), Vc*=Vc*, and the opening instruction Vc* is not substantially corrected. Therefore, the supply amount (cooling capacity) of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 is not suppressed. As the cooling suppression rate Rcs decreases from 100(%), the degree of suppression of the supply amount (cooling capacity) of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 becomes greater.

[0084] The cooling suppression rate Rcs is calculated using the suppression rate Rc1 for suppressing the cooling capacity against the rise in the outside temperature and the suppression rate Rc2 for suppressing the cooling capacity against the increase in the amount of sunlight.

[0085] Both the outside air temperature and the amount of sunlight cause the indoor temperature to rise, which becomes a cooling load. On the other hand, they act as positive factors during heating operation. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the correction unit 744 is configured to calculate a cooling suppression rate Rcs based on the outside air temperature and the amount of sunlight, and suppress the heat removed from the room 52 due to the outside air temperature and the amount of sunlight. As a result, during the heating operation following the cooling operation, the amount of heat supplied to the room 52 can be reduced.

[0086] Specifically, the suppression rate calculation unit 82 calculates a suppression rate Rc1 based on the outside air temperature To detected by the outside air temperature sensor 24. The suppression rate Rc1 corresponds to an embodiment of the "first suppression rate". Figure 5 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the outside air temperature To and the suppression rate Rc1. Figure 5 The horizontal axis represents the outside air temperature To, and the vertical axis represents the suppression rate Rc1. The suppression rate Rc1 can take values from 0 (%) to 100 (%).

[0087] In Figure 5 's example, when To≥To2, the suppression rate Rc1 is set to 100%. When To2>To≥To1, the suppression rate Rc1 is set to decrease as the outside air temperature To decreases. When To<To1, the suppression rate Rc1 is set to Xc (%) (0<Xc<100).

[0088] As the suppression rate Rc1 decreases from 100 (%), the degree of suppressing the supply amount (cooling capacity) of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 becomes larger. As Figure 5 shown, the lower the outside air temperature To, the smaller the suppression rate Rc1, that is, the greater the degree of suppressing the cooling capacity. Thus, it is possible to suppress excessive cooling of the room 52 due to the combined effect of the decrease in the outside air temperature To and the cooling operation. As a result, the energy consumption during the cooling operation can be reduced. In addition, the amount of heat supplied to the room 52 when transferring from the cooling operation to the heating operation can be reduced. Therefore, the energy consumption during the heating operation can be reduced.

[0089] In addition, Xc (%) corresponds to the lower limit value of the suppression rate Rc1. By setting the lower limit value Xc for the suppression rate Rc1, it is possible to suppress the impairment of the comfort of the room 52 due to suppressing the cooling capacity.

[0090] Regarding the relationship between the outside air temperature To and the suppression rate Rc1 (temperatures To1, To2, and the lower limit value Xc), it can be freely set in consideration of the balance between the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the comfort of the room 52.

[0091] Put Figure 5The relationship shown is pre-stored in the memory 204 as a mapping or relational expression. Thus, the suppression rate calculation unit 82 can calculate the suppression rate Rc1 based on the outside air temperature To detected by the outside air temperature sensor 24.

[0092] Return Figure 4 , and the suppression rate calculation unit 84 calculates the suppression rate Rc2 based on the sunlight amount Si detected by the sunlight amount sensor 26. The suppression rate Rc2 corresponds to an embodiment of the "second suppression rate". Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the sunlight amount Si and the suppression rate Rc2. Figure 6 The horizontal axis of represents the sunlight amount Si, and the vertical axis represents the suppression rate Rc2. The suppression rate Rc2 can take values from 0 (%) to 100 (%).

[0093] In Figure 6 the example, when Si ≥ Si2, the suppression rate Rc2 is set to 100 (%). When Si2 > Si ≥ Si1, the suppression rate Rc2 is set to decrease as the sunlight amount Si decreases. When Si < Si2, the suppression rate Rc2 is set to Yc (%) (0 < Yc < 100). Yc (%) corresponds to the lower limit value of the suppression rate Rc2. By setting the lower limit value Yc for the suppression rate Rc2, it is possible to suppress the impairment of the comfort of the interior 52 due to suppressing the refrigeration capacity.

[0094] Similar to Figure 5 the suppression rate Rc1 shown, as the suppression rate Rc2 decreases from 100 (%), the degree of suppressing the supply amount (refrigeration capacity) of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32 becomes larger. As Figure 6 shown, the smaller the sunlight amount Si, the smaller the suppression rate Rc2, that is, the greater the degree of suppressing the refrigeration capacity. Thus, it is possible to suppress excessive refrigeration of the interior 52 due to the synergistic effect of the decrease in the sunlight amount Si and the refrigeration operation, and therefore, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption during refrigeration operation. In addition, it is possible to reduce the heat supplied to the interior 52 when transferring from refrigeration operation to heating operation, and therefore, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption during heating operation.

[0095] Regarding the relationship between the sunlight amount Si and the suppression rate Rc2 (the sunlight amounts Si1, Si2, and the lower limit value Yc), it can be freely set in consideration of the balance between the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the comfort of the interior 52.

[0096] The Figure 6 relationship shown is pre-stored in the memory 204 as a mapping or relational expression. Thus, the suppression rate calculation unit 84 can calculate the suppression rate Rc2 based on the sunlight amount Si detected by the sunlight amount sensor 26.

[0097] Return Figure 4The multiplier 85 multiplies the suppression rate Rc1 and the suppression rate Rc2 to calculate the cooling suppression rate Rcs (Rcs=Rc1×Rc2). The multiplier 85 inputs the calculated cooling suppression rate Rcs to the first input terminal of the switching unit 86.

[0098] The switching unit 86 has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The switching unit 86 receives the cooling suppression rate Rcs from the multiplier 85 at the first input terminal, and receives the upper limit value 100 (%) of the cooling suppression rate Rcs at the second input terminal. The switching unit 86 selects one of the inputs according to the execution instruction from the main control unit 72 and outputs it to the output terminal. Specifically, when the execution instruction is an active level, i.e., a high level, the switching unit 86 outputs the cooling suppression rate Rcs (= Rc1×Rc2) received at the first input terminal to the output terminal. When the execution instruction is an inactive level, i.e., a low level, the switching unit 86 outputs the upper limit value (100 (%)) of the cooling suppression rate received at the second input terminal to the output terminal.

[0099] The multiplier 88 multiplies the opening command Vc* generated by the controller 742 by the cooling suppression rate Rcs from the switching unit 86, thereby correcting the opening command Vc* (Vc*=Vc*×Rcs). When Rcs=100%, the opening command Vc* is substantially not corrected and is output to the chilled water two-way valve 34. On the other hand, when Rcs<100%, the opening command Vc* is corrected to a value smaller than the original opening command Vc* in accordance with the magnitude of the cooling suppression rate Rcs and is output to the chilled water two-way valve 34. The chilled water two-way valve 34 controls the opening according to the opening command Vc*, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the heat medium to the chilled water coil 32.

[0100] Figure 7 2 is a diagram showing an example of the opening control of the chilled water two-way valve 34 in the refrigeration control unit 74. Figure 7 2 shows an example of the relationship between the room temperature Tr and the opening command Vc* of the cold water two-way valve 34. Figure 7 The horizontal axis of represents the indoor temperature Tr, and the vertical axis represents the opening command Vc*. The waveform k1 represents the relationship during the cooling-dominated period. The waveform k2 represents the relationship during the heating-dominated period.

[0101] As shown in waveform k1, during the cooling main period, when the indoor temperature Tr is below the cooling setting temperature Tsc, the opening command Vc* is set to 0% (fully closed). When the indoor temperature Tr exceeds the cooling setting temperature Tsc, the opening command Vc* changes in proportion to the deviation ΔTc of the indoor temperature Tr from the cooling setting temperature Tsc. In addition, when the indoor temperature Tr exceeds the predetermined threshold temperature Tcth, the opening command Vc* is fixed to 100% (fully open).

[0102] On the other hand, during the heating-main period, the cooling suppression rate Rcs calculated based on the detected values ​​of the outside temperature To and the amount of sunshine Si is multiplied by the opening command Vc*. Therefore, the opening command Vc* for a certain indoor temperature Tr is smaller than the opening command Vc* for the same indoor temperature Tr during the cooling-main period. That is, regarding the supply amount of heat medium to the chilled water coil 32 at a certain indoor temperature Tr, the supply amount during the heating-main period is less than that during the cooling-main period. As a result, the cooling capacity during the heating-main period is suppressed.

[0103] In the case of cooling operation during the main heating period, the cooling capacity is reduced by suppressing the supply of heat medium to the chiller 32. This can reduce energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 in the cooling operation and the heating operation that follows the cooling operation.

[0104] (Structure of heating control unit)

[0105] Next, refer to Figure 8 to Figure 12 The functional configuration of the heating control unit 76 will be described.

[0106] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a configuration example of the heating control unit 76 shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown, the heating control unit 76 is configured to generate an opening command Vh* for the hot water two-way valve 38 by feedback control for causing the indoor temperature Tr detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 22 to follow the heating set temperature Tsh.

[0107] Specifically, the heating control unit 76 includes a subtractor 760, a controller 762, and a correction unit 764. The subtractor 760 calculates a deviation ΔTh (ΔTh=Tsh-Tr) of the indoor temperature Tr from the heating set temperature Tsh.

[0108] The controller 762 receives the deviation ΔTh calculated by the subtractor 760 as input, performs a control operation for making the deviation ΔTh zero, and generates an opening command Vh* for the hot water two-way valve 38. That is, the opening command Vh* for the hot water two-way valve 38 is equivalent to the control amount for making Tr=Tsh. In addition, the controller 762 can use a PI controller or a PID controller.

[0109] The correction unit 764 corrects the opening command Vh* of the hot water two-way valve 38 based on the execution command supplied from the main control unit 72 , the outside temperature To detected by the outside temperature sensor 24 , and the solar radiation Si detected by the solar radiation sensor 26 .

[0110] Specifically, the main control unit 72 determines whether the current time is consistent with the cooling main period based on the current time information provided from the clock (not shown). If the current time is consistent with the cooling main period, the main control unit 72 generates an execution instruction for the process of suppressing the supply amount of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36. If the current time is not consistent with the cooling main period, the main control unit 72 does not generate the above-mentioned execution instruction. That is, when the heating operation is performed during the cooling main period, the main control unit 72 causes the heating control unit 76 to execute the process of suppressing the supply amount of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36.

[0111] As described above, during the cooling-dominant period, the cooling operation becomes the main operation. On the other hand, the air conditioner 10 is configured to be able to switch between the cooling operation and the heating operation according to the indoor temperature Tr. Therefore, during the cooling-dominant period, the air conditioner 10 may temporarily perform the heating operation due to the indoor temperature Tr being lower than the heating set temperature Tsh.

[0112] For example, when the indoor temperature Tr is lower than the heating setting temperature Tsh during the morning hours when the outside temperature is low and the amount of sunshine is small, the heating operation is temporarily performed to raise the indoor temperature Tr to the heating setting temperature Tsh. Then, when the indoor temperature Tr rises to a level higher than the cooling setting temperature Tsh following the rise in the outside temperature and the increase in sunshine, the operation is switched to the cooling operation.

[0113] In this case, as the outside temperature rises and the amount of sunshine increases, the room 52 is easily overheated due to the synergistic effect with the heating operation, which causes the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 during the heating operation to increase uselessly.

[0114] In addition, after the transition to cooling operation, cooling operation is performed to offset the heating effect of the immediately preceding heating operation. This is because the heating effect of the immediately preceding heating operation acts as a cooling load. That is, cooling operation is performed immediately after the cooling operation starts to remove the heat supplied to the room 52 by the immediately preceding heating operation. As a result, the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 during cooling operation is uselessly increased.

[0115] In order to cope with the above-mentioned concerns, in the present embodiment, as described below, the heating effect is suppressed by reducing the heating capacity of the air conditioner 10 in the cooling main period.

[0116] Specifically, when receiving the execution instruction from the main control unit 72, the correction unit 764 corrects the opening instruction Vh* in a manner to reduce the opening instruction Vh* generated by the controller 762. That is, when the heating operation is performed during the cooling main period, the correction unit 764 reduces the supply amount of the heat medium supplied to the hot water coil 36 to be lower than the supply amount corresponding to the deviation ΔTh, thereby reducing the heating capacity of the air conditioner 10. Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 8 A block diagram of an example configuration of the correction unit 764 is shown.

[0117] like Fig. 9 As shown, the correction unit 764 includes suppression rate calculation units 92, 94, multipliers 95, 98, and a switching unit 96. The suppression rate calculation units 92, 94 and the multiplier 95 calculate a correction coefficient for correcting the opening command Vh*. This correction coefficient represents the degree of suppression of the supply amount of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 (that is, equivalent to the degree of suppression of the heating capacity), and is therefore defined as a "heating suppression rate Rhs" in this specification.

[0118] The correction unit 764 multiplies the opening instruction Vh* provided by the controller 762 by the heating suppression rate Rhs, thereby correcting the opening instruction Vh* (Vh*=Vh*×Rhs). Depending on the external temperature To and the amount of sunshine Si, the heating suppression rate Rhs can take a value of 0(%) to 100(%). In addition, when Rhs=100(%), Vh*=Vh*, and the opening instruction Vh* is not substantially corrected. Therefore, the supply amount (heating capacity) of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 is not suppressed. As the heating suppression rate Rhs decreases from 100(%), the degree of suppression of the supply amount (heating capacity) of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 becomes greater.

[0119] The heating suppression rate Rhs is calculated using the suppression rate Rh1 for suppressing the heating capacity for a decrease in the outside temperature and the suppression rate Rh2 for suppressing the heating capacity for a decrease in the amount of sunlight.

[0120] As described above, both the outside temperature and the sunshine amount lead to an increase in the indoor temperature, which becomes a cooling load, and on the other hand, it acts as a positive factor during heating operation. Therefore, in this embodiment, the correction unit 764 is configured to calculate the heating suppression rate Rhs based on the outside temperature To and the sunshine amount Si, and suppress the heat supplied to the room 52 due to the outside temperature and the sunshine amount. In this way, the heat removed from the room 52 during cooling operation can be reduced.

[0121] Specifically, the suppression rate calculation unit 92 calculates the suppression rate Rh1 based on the outside air temperature To detected by the outside air temperature sensor 24. The suppression rate Rh1 corresponds to an example of the “third suppression rate”. Fig.10 It is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the outside temperature To and the suppression rate Rh1. Fig.10 The horizontal axis of represents the outside temperature To, and the vertical axis represents the suppression rate Rh1. The suppression rate Rh1 can take a value of 0 (%) to 100 (%).

[0122] exist Fig.10In the example, when To ≤ To3, the inhibition rate Rh1 is set to 100 (%). When To3 < To ≤ To4, the inhibition rate Rh1 is set to decrease as the outside air temperature To rises. When To > To4, the inhibition rate Rh1 is set to Xh (%) (0 < Xh < 100). Xh (%) corresponds to the lower limit value of the inhibition rate Rh1. By setting the lower limit value Xh for the inhibition rate Rh1, it is possible to suppress the impairment of the comfort of the interior 52 due to the suppression of the heating capacity.

[0123] As the inhibition rate Rh1 decreases from 100 (%), the degree of suppressing the supply amount (heating capacity) of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 increases. As Fig.10 shown, the higher the outside air temperature To, the more the inhibition rate Rh1 is decreased, that is, the more the degree of suppressing the heating capacity is increased. Thus, it is possible to suppress excessive heating of the interior 52 due to the synergistic effect of the rise in the outside air temperature To and the heating operation. Thereby, the energy consumption during the heating operation can be reduced. In addition, the amount of heat removed from the interior 52 when shifting from the heating operation to the cooling operation can be reduced, and thus, the energy consumption during the cooling operation can be reduced.

[0124] Regarding the relationship between the outside air temperature To and the inhibition rate Rh1 (temperatures To3, To4, and the lower limit value Xh), it can be freely set in consideration of the balance between the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the comfort of the interior 52.

[0125] The Fig.10 shown relationship is stored in advance in the memory 204 as a map or a relational expression. Thus, the inhibition rate calculation unit 92 can calculate the inhibition rate Rh1 based on the outside air temperature To detected by the outside air temperature sensor 24.

[0126] Returning Fig. 9 , the inhibition rate calculation unit 94 calculates the inhibition rate Rh2 based on the sunlight amount Si detected by the sunlight amount sensor 26. The inhibition rate Rh2 corresponds to an embodiment of the "fourth inhibition rate". Fig.11 is a diagram schematically showing an example of the relationship between the sunlight amount Si and the inhibition rate Rh2. Fig.11 The horizontal axis of represents the sunlight amount Si, and the vertical axis represents the inhibition rate Rh2. The inhibition rate Rh2 can take values from 0 (%) to 100 (%).

[0127] In Fig.11 the example, when Si ≤ Si3, the inhibition rate Rh2 is set to 100 (%). When Si3 < Si ≤ Si4, the inhibition rate Rh2 is set to decrease as the sunlight amount Si increases. When Si > Si4, the inhibition rate Rh2 is set to Yh (%) (0 < Yh < 100). Yh (%) corresponds to the lower limit value of the inhibition rate Rh2. By setting the lower limit value Yh for the inhibition rate Rh2, it is possible to suppress the impairment of the comfort of the interior 52 due to the suppression of the heating capacity.

[0128] and Fig.10 Similarly to the suppression rate Rh1 shown in FIG. 1 , as the suppression rate Rh2 decreases from 100 (%), the degree of suppression of the supply amount (heating capacity) of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36 increases. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the more the sunshine amount Si increases, the more the suppression rate Rc2 is reduced, that is, the degree of suppressing the heating capacity is increased, thereby suppressing excessive heating of the room 52 due to the synergistic effect of the increase in sunshine amount Si and the heating operation, thereby reducing the energy consumption during the heating operation. In addition, the amount of heat removed from the room 52 when switching from the heating operation to the cooling operation can be reduced, thereby reducing the energy consumption during the cooling operation.

[0129] The relationship between the solar radiation amount Si and the suppression rate Rh2 (the solar radiation amounts Si3 and Si4 and the lower limit value Yh) can be freely set in consideration of the balance between the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 and the comfort of the room 52 .

[0130] Will Fig.11 The relationship shown is stored in advance in the memory 204 as a map or a relational expression, whereby the suppression rate calculation unit 94 can calculate the suppression rate Rh2 based on the sunlight amount Si detected by the sunlight amount sensor 26 .

[0131] return Fig. 9 The multiplier 95 multiplies the suppression rate Rh1 and the suppression rate Rh2 to calculate the heating suppression rate Rhs (Rhs=Rh1×Rh2). The multiplier 95 inputs the calculated heating suppression rate Rhs to the first input terminal of the switch unit 96.

[0132] The switching unit 96 has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The switching unit 96 receives the heating suppression rate Rhs from the multiplier 95 at the first input terminal, and receives the upper limit value 100 (%) of the heating suppression rate Rhs at the second input terminal. The switching unit 96 selects one of the inputs according to the execution instruction from the main control unit 72 and outputs it to the output terminal. Specifically, when the execution instruction is an active level, i.e., a high level, the switching unit 96 outputs the heating suppression rate Rhs (=Rh1×Rh2) received at the first input terminal to the output terminal. When the execution instruction is an inactive level, i.e., a low level, the switching unit 96 outputs the upper limit value (100 (%)) of the heating suppression rate received at the second input terminal to the output terminal.

[0133] The multiplier 98 multiplies the opening command Vh* generated by the controller 762 by the heating suppression rate Rhs from the switching unit 96, thereby correcting the opening command Vh* (Vh*=Vh*×Rhs). When Rhs=100%, the opening command Vh* is substantially not corrected and is output to the hot water two-way valve 38. On the other hand, when Rhs<100%, the opening command Vh* is corrected to a value smaller than the original opening command Vh* according to the magnitude of the heating suppression rate Rhs and is output to the hot water two-way valve 38. The hot water two-way valve 38 controls the opening according to the opening command Vh*, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36.

[0134] Fig.12 2 is a diagram showing an example of the opening control of the hot water two-way valve 38 in the heating control unit 76. Fig.12 2 shows an example of the relationship between the indoor temperature Tr and the opening command Vh* of the hot water two-way valve 38. Fig.12 The horizontal axis of represents the indoor temperature Tr, and the vertical axis represents the opening command Vh*. The waveform k3 represents the relationship during the heating-dominated period. The waveform k4 represents the relationship during the cooling-dominated period.

[0135] As shown in waveform k3, during the main heating period, when the indoor temperature Tr is above the heating setting temperature Tsh, the opening command Vh* is set to 0% (fully closed). When the indoor temperature Tr is lower than the heating setting temperature Tsh, the opening command Vh* changes in proportion to the deviation ΔTh of the indoor temperature Tr from the heating setting temperature Tsh. In addition, when the indoor temperature Tr is lower than the predetermined threshold temperature Thth, the opening command Vh* is fixed to 100% (fully open).

[0136] On the other hand, during the cooling-dominated period, the heating suppression rate Rhs calculated based on the detected values ​​of the outside temperature To and the amount of sunshine Si is multiplied by the opening command Vh*. Therefore, the opening command Vh* for a certain indoor temperature Tr is smaller than the opening command Vh* for the same indoor temperature Tr during the heating-dominated period. That is, regarding the supply amount of heat medium to the hot water coil 36 at a certain indoor temperature Tr, the supply amount during the cooling-dominated period is less than that during the heating-dominated period. As a result, the heating capacity during the cooling-dominated period is suppressed.

[0137] When heating operation is performed during the cooling main period, the heating capacity is reduced by suppressing the supply of heat medium to the hot water coil 36. This can reduce energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 in the heating operation and the cooling operation that follows the heating operation.

[0138] (flow chart)

[0139] Fig.131 is a flowchart illustrating the process steps of controlling the opening degree of the cold water two-way valve 34 and the hot water two-way valve 38 according to the present embodiment. Fig.13 The control process of the flowchart shown is repeatedly executed by the controller 20 .

[0140] like Fig.13 As shown, the controller 20 detects the indoor temperature Tr according to the output signal of the temperature and humidity sensor 22 through step (hereinafter, the step is simply referred to as S) 01. The controller 20 compares the indoor temperature Tr with the cooling setting temperature Tsc through S02. When the indoor temperature Tr is higher than the cooling setting temperature Tsc (when the judgment in S02 is "yes"), the controller 20 performs the opening control of the cold water two-way valve 34 according to the steps shown in S03 to S11.

[0141] Specifically, the controller 20 executes a control calculation for making the deviation ΔTc between the cooling setting temperature Tsc and the room temperature Tr zero in S03 , thereby generating an opening command Vc* for the chilled water two-way valve 34 .

[0142] In S04, the controller 20 determines whether the current time matches the heating main period based on the current time information provided from the clock (not shown). If the current time does not match the heating main period (No in S04), the controller 20 skips the processes of S05 to S10.

[0143] On the other hand, when the current moment is in the main heating period (when it is determined to be "yes" in S04), the controller 20 performs a process of suppressing the supply amount of the heat medium to the cold water coil 32. Specifically, the controller 20 detects the external temperature To based on the output signal of the external temperature sensor 24 through S05. The controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rc1 based on the detected value of the external temperature To through S06. In S06, the controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rc1 by referring to the relationship between the external temperature To and the suppression rate Rc1 pre-stored in the memory 204 (refer to Figure 5 ), and calculate the suppression rate Rc1 based on the detected value of the external temperature To.

[0144] Next, the controller 20 detects the sunshine amount Si according to the output signal of the sunshine amount sensor 26 through S07. The controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rc2 according to the detected value of the sunshine amount Si through S08. In S08, the controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rc2 by referring to the relationship between the sunshine amount Si and the suppression rate Rc2 pre-stored in the memory 204 (refer to Figure 6 ), and calculate the inhibition rate Rc2 based on the detected value of sunshine amount Si.

[0145] The controller 20 calculates the cooling suppression rate Rcs (Rcs=Rc1×Rc2) by multiplying the suppression rate Rc1 calculated in S06 and the suppression rate Rc2 calculated in S08 in S09. The controller 20 corrects the opening command Vc* (Vc*=Vc*×Rcs) by multiplying the opening command Vc* generated in S03 by the cooling suppression rate Rcs calculated in S09 in S10.

[0146] The controller 20 controls the opening of the chilled water two-way valve 34 according to the opening command Vc* in S11, thereby adjusting the supply of the heat medium to the chilled water coil 32. When the opening command Vc* is corrected in S10, the opening of the chilled water two-way valve 34 is controlled according to the corrected opening command Vc*.

[0147] Returning to S02, when the indoor temperature Tr is lower than the cooling setting temperature Tsc (when the determination in S02 is "No"), the controller 20 compares the indoor temperature Tr with the heating setting temperature Tsh through S12. When the indoor temperature Tr is lower than the heating setting temperature Tsh (when the determination in S12 is "Yes"), the controller 20 performs the opening control of the hot water two-way valve 38 according to the steps shown in S13 to S21.

[0148] Specifically, the controller 20 executes a control calculation for making the deviation ΔTh between the heating set temperature Tsh and the indoor temperature Tr zero in S13 , thereby generating an opening command Vh* for the hot water two-way valve 38 .

[0149] In S14, the controller 20 determines whether the current time is in the cooling main period based on the current time information provided from the clock (not shown). If the current time is not in the cooling main period (No in S14), the controller 20 skips the processing of S15 to S20.

[0150] On the other hand, when the current moment is in the cooling main period (when it is determined to be "yes" in S14), the controller 20 performs a process of suppressing the supply amount of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36. Specifically, the controller 20 detects the external temperature To based on the output signal of the external temperature sensor 24 through S15. The controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rh1 based on the detected value of the external temperature To through S16. In S16, the controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rh1 by referring to the relationship between the external temperature To and the suppression rate Rh1 pre-stored in the memory 204 (refer to Fig.10 ), and calculate the suppression rate Rh1 based on the detected value of the external temperature To.

[0151] Next, the controller 20 detects the sunshine amount Si according to the output signal of the sunshine amount sensor 26 through S17. The controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rh2 according to the detected value of the sunshine amount Si through S18. In S18, the controller 20 calculates the suppression rate Rh2 by referring to the relationship between the sunshine amount Si and the suppression rate Rh2 pre-stored in the memory 204 (refer to Fig.11 ), and calculate the inhibition rate Rh2 based on the detected value of sunshine amount Si.

[0152] The controller 20 calculates the heating suppression rate Rhs (Rhs=Rh1×Rh2) by multiplying the suppression rate Rh1 calculated in S16 and the suppression rate Rh2 calculated in S18 in S19. The controller 20 corrects the opening command Vh* (Vh*=Vh*×Rhs) by multiplying the opening command Vh* generated in S13 by the heating suppression rate Rhs calculated in S19 in S20.

[0153] The controller 20 controls the opening of the hot water two-way valve 38 according to the opening command Vh* in S21, thereby adjusting the supply of the heat medium to the hot water coil 36. When the opening command Vh* is corrected in S20, the opening of the hot water two-way valve 38 is controlled according to the corrected opening command Vh*.

[0154] (Operation example of air conditioning system)

[0155] Next, refer to Fig.14 and Fig.15 An operation example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0156] Fig.14 This is a diagram showing the time transition of the outside air temperature on a certain day during the cooling main period. Fig.14 The horizontal axis of represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detection value of the outside temperature To based on the outside temperature sensor 24. Fig.14 In the example, the time period from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (18:00) is set as the time period (air conditioning time period) in which the air conditioner 10 is operated to perform air conditioning in the room 52, and the time periods from 0 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. are set as time periods in which the air conditioner 10 is in a stopped state.

[0157] like Fig.14 As shown, the outside temperature To is low at night when there is no sunlight, and gradually rises after sunrise (around 5 am). As the outside temperature To rises, the amount of heat entering the room 52 gradually increases, so the room temperature Tr gradually rises.

[0158] However, the indoor temperature Tr may be lower than the heating setting temperature Tsh within several hours after the air conditioner 10 is started. In this case, the air conditioner 10 performs a heating operation to raise the indoor temperature Tr to the heating setting temperature Tsh. The area k1 in the figure corresponds to the time period in which the heating operation is performed.

[0159] During the execution of the above-mentioned heating operation, the outside temperature To rises, and the amount of heat entering the room 52 increases. Furthermore, the amount of heat generated by the human body and appliances in the room 52 also increases. Therefore, due to the synergistic effect of the heating operation, the outside temperature, the human body, etc., the amount of heat supplied to the room 52 increases, causing the indoor temperature Tr to rise. The controller 20 calculates the heating suppression rate Rhs based on the outside temperature To and the amount of sunshine Si, and uses the calculated heating suppression rate Rhs to correct the opening command Vh* of the hot water two-way valve 38.

[0160] exist Fig.10 , the suppression rate Rh1(ta) calculated based on the outside temperature To at time ta immediately after the start of the heating operation, and the suppression rate Rh1(tb) calculated based on the outside temperature To at time tb during the heating operation are shown. Fig.11 , the suppression rate Rh2(ta) calculated based on the solar radiation amount Si at time ta, and the suppression rate Rh2(tb) calculated based on the solar radiation amount Si at time tb are shown.

[0161] The controller 20 multiplies Rh1(ta) and Rh2(ta) to calculate the heating suppression rate Rhs(ta) at time ta. The controller 20 multiplies Rh1(tb) and Rh2(tb) to calculate the heating suppression rate Rhs(tb) at time tb. Rh1(ta)>Rh1(tb), and Rh2(ta)>Rh2(tb), therefore, Rhs(ta)>Rhs(tb).

[0162] In this way, during the heating operation, as the outside temperature To and the amount of sunshine Si increase, the heating suppression rate Rhs decreases, and thus the amount of heat medium supplied to the hot water coil 36 gradually decreases. As a result, the amount of heat supplied to the room 52 gradually decreases, and thus excessive heating can be suppressed. In addition, the cooling load when transferring to the cooling operation can be reduced. As a result, the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 in the heating operation and the cooling operation performed following the heating operation can be reduced.

[0163] Fig.15 This is a diagram showing the time transition of the outside air temperature on a certain day during the main heating period. Fig.15 The horizontal axis of represents time, and the vertical axis represents the detection value of the outside temperature To based on the outside temperature sensor 24. Fig.15 In the example, Fig.14Similarly, the time period from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (18:00) is set as the time period (air conditioning time period) in which the air conditioner 10 is operated to perform air conditioning in the room 52, and the time periods from 0 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. are set as time periods in which the air conditioner 10 is stopped.

[0164] like Fig.15 As shown, the outside temperature To is low at night when there is no sunlight, and gradually rises after sunrise (around 5 am). As the outside temperature To rises, the amount of heat entering the room 52 gradually increases, so the room temperature Tr gradually rises.

[0165] After the air conditioner 10 is started, the indoor temperature Tr is lower than the heating set temperature Tsh, so the air conditioner 10 performs a heating operation. During the heating operation, the heat entering the room 52 increases due to the increase in the outside temperature To and the increase in the amount of sunlight, and the heat generated by the human body and appliances in the room 52 also increases. Due to the synergistic effect of the heating operation, the outside temperature, the human body, etc., the heat supplied to the room 52 increases, and the indoor temperature Tr rises.

[0166] Therefore, in the hours around 1 p.m. when the outside temperature To reaches the peak, the indoor temperature Tr sometimes exceeds the cooling setting temperature Tsc. In this case, in order to reduce the indoor temperature Tr to the cooling setting temperature Tsc, the air conditioner 10 performs cooling operation. The area k2 in the figure corresponds to the time period in which the cooling operation is performed.

[0167] During the execution of the above-mentioned cooling operation, the outside temperature To gradually decreases, and the amount of heat entering the room 52 decreases. In addition, the amount of sunlight Si gradually decreases, and the amount of heat entering the room 52 decreases. Due to the synergistic effect of the cooling operation, the outside temperature and the amount of sunlight, the amount of heat removed from the room 52 increases, causing the indoor temperature Tr to decrease. The controller 20 calculates the cooling suppression rate Rcs based on the outside temperature To and the amount of sunlight Si, and uses the calculated cooling suppression rate Rcs to correct the opening command Vc* of the cold water two-way valve 34.

[0168] exist Figure 5 , the suppression rate Rc1(tc) calculated based on the outside temperature To at time tc during the cooling operation, and the suppression rate Rc1(td) calculated based on the outside temperature To at time td immediately before the cooling operation ends are shown. Figure 6 2 shows the suppression rate Rc2(tc) calculated based on the solar radiation amount Si at time tc, and the suppression rate Rc2(td) calculated based on the solar radiation amount Si at time td.

[0169] The controller 20 multiplies Rc1(tc) and Rc2(tc) to calculate the refrigeration suppression rate Rcs(tc) at time tc. The controller 20 multiplies Rc1(td) and Rc2(td) to calculate the refrigeration suppression rate Rcs(td) at time td. Rc1(tc)>Rc1(td), Rc2(tc)>Rc2(td), therefore, Rcs(tc)>Rcs(td). In the cooling operation, as the outside temperature To decreases and the amount of sunshine Si decreases, the refrigeration suppression rate Rcs decreases, thereby gradually reducing the supply of heat medium to the cold water coil 32. Therefore, the heat removed from the room 52 gradually decreases, and excessive cooling can be suppressed. In addition, the heating load when transferring to the heating operation can be reduced. As a result, the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 in the cooling operation and the heating operation performed following the cooling operation can be reduced.

[0170] <Other structural examples>

[0171] In the above-mentioned embodiment, a structural example is described in which the cooling suppression rate Rcs in the heating main period and the heating suppression rate Rhs in the cooling main period are calculated based on the external temperature To and the sunshine amount Si, respectively. However, by configuring the cooling suppression rate Rcs and the heating suppression rate Rhs to be calculated based on at least one of the external temperature To and the sunshine amount Si, the same effect as the above-mentioned present embodiment can be obtained.

[0172] Therefore, it is also possible to configure the cooling suppression rate Rcs and the heating suppression rate Rhs to be calculated based on either the outside temperature To or the sunshine amount Si. In this case, during the cooling operation in the heating main operation period, 100% is set as the upper limit value, and the cooling suppression rate Rcs is calculated in a manner that the value becomes smaller as the outside temperature To decreases or the sunshine amount Si decreases. In this way, the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 during the cooling operation and the heating operation performed following the cooling operation can be reduced.

[0173] Furthermore, during the heating operation in the cooling main operation period, the heating suppression rate Rhs is calculated by setting 100% as the upper limit value and decreasing the value as the outside temperature To rises or the amount of sunlight Si increases. This can reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner 10 during the heating operation and the cooling operation that follows the heating operation.

[0174] The embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all aspects and should not be construed as restrictive. The present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0175] Description of symbols

[0176] 10: air conditioner; 11, 580: suction port; 12, 560: blow-out port; 14: air supply duct; 15: ventilation duct; 16: return air duct; 20: controller; 22: temperature and humidity sensor; 24: external temperature sensor; 26: sunlight sensor; 30: filter; 32: cold water coil; 33: cold water circulation path; 34: cold water two-way valve; 36: hot water coil; 37: hot water circulation path; 38: hot water two-way valve; 40: humidifier; 41: humidification supply path; 42: humidification two-way valve; 44: fan; 50: building; 52: indoor; 54: window; 56: ceiling; 58: floor; 70: input unit; 72: main control unit; 74: cooling control : Part; 76: Heating control part; 78: Humidity control part; 80: Fan control part; 82, 84, 92, 94: Suppression rate calculation part; 85, 88, 95, 98: Multiplier; 86, 96: Switching part; 100: Air conditioning system; 202: CPU; 204: Memory; 206: I / O circuit; 740, 760: Subtractor; 742, 762: Controller; 744, 764: Correction part; Tr: Indoor temperature; To: External air temperature; Si: Sunlight amount; Tsc: Cooling set temperature; Tsh: Heating set temperature; Vc*, Vh*: Opening instruction; Rcs: Cooling suppression rate; Rhs: Heating suppression rate; Rc1, Rc2, Rh1, Rh2: Suppression rate.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, comprising: air conditioners, which condition the air indoors in buildings; A temperature sensor is disposed in the room to detect the indoor temperature; and a controller for switching the cooling operation and the heating operation of the air conditioner according to the indoor temperature, The air conditioner comprises: a first heat exchanger for cooling the air by exchanging heat between a first heat medium and the air; a second heat exchanger for heating the air by exchanging heat between a second heat medium and the air; a first valve provided in a circulation path of the first heat medium and opened during the cooling operation; a second valve provided in the circulation path of the second heat medium and opened during the heating operation; and a fan that causes the air to flow through the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, The controller comprises: a cooling control unit that controls the opening of the first valve according to a first deviation between a cooling setting temperature and the indoor temperature during the cooling operation, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the first heat medium to the first heat exchanger; and a heating control unit that controls the opening of the second valve according to a second deviation between the heating setting temperature and the indoor temperature during the heating operation, thereby adjusting the supply amount of the second heat medium to the second heat exchanger, When the cooling operation of the air conditioner is performed during the heating main period in which the indoor air is conditioned mainly by the heating operation of the air conditioner, the cooling control unit reduces the supply amount of the first heat medium to the first heat exchanger to a level lower than the supply amount of the first heat medium corresponding to the first deviation, When the heating operation of the air conditioner is performed during a cooling main period in which the indoor air is regulated mainly by the cooling operation of the air conditioner, the heating control unit reduces the supply amount of the second heat medium to the second heat exchanger to be lower than the supply amount of the second heat medium corresponding to the second deviation.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein: The air conditioning system also has: an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature; and A sunlight sensor detects the amount of sunlight. The refrigeration control unit comprises: a first controller that generates a first opening instruction for the first valve by performing a control operation using the first deviation as an input; and A first correction unit corrects the first opening degree command based on at least one of the outside air temperature and the amount of solar radiation during the heating main period.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein: The first correction unit is configured to correct the first opening degree instruction by multiplying the first opening degree instruction generated by the first controller by a cooling suppression rate. The cooling suppression rate is calculated such that 100% is set as an upper limit value and the value becomes smaller as the outside temperature decreases or the amount of sunlight decreases.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein: The first correction unit is configured to calculate the cooling suppression rate by multiplying a first suppression rate calculated based on the outside temperature and a second suppression rate calculated based on the amount of solar radiation, The first suppression rate is calculated by setting 100% as an upper limit value and decreasing the value as the outside temperature decreases. The second suppression rate is calculated such that 100% is set as the upper limit value and the value becomes smaller as the amount of sunlight decreases.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein: The first suppression rate and the second suppression rate each have a lower limit value greater than 0%.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein: The air conditioning system also has: an outside air temperature sensor that detects the outside air temperature; and A sunlight sensor detects the amount of sunlight. The heating control unit includes: a second controller that generates a second opening degree instruction for the second valve by a control calculation using the second deviation as an input; and A second correction unit corrects the second opening degree command based on at least one of the outside air temperature and the amount of solar radiation during the cooling main period.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, wherein: The second correction unit is configured to correct the second opening degree instruction by multiplying the second opening degree instruction generated by the second controller by a heating suppression rate, The heating suppression rate is calculated such that 100% is set as an upper limit value and the value becomes smaller as the outside temperature rises or the amount of sunlight increases.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein: The second correction unit is configured to calculate the heating suppression rate by multiplying a third suppression rate calculated based on the outside temperature and a fourth suppression rate calculated based on the amount of sunlight, The third suppression rate is calculated by setting 100% as the upper limit value and decreasing the value as the outside temperature rises. The fourth suppression rate is calculated such that 100% is set as the upper limit value and the value becomes smaller as the amount of sunlight increases.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 8, wherein: The third inhibition rate and the fourth inhibition rate each have a lower limit value greater than 0%.

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