Air conditioning system

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an air-conditioning system that suppresses air-conditioning energy consumption in a space having a heat source as much as possible. An air-conditioning system for performing replacement air-conditioning on a chamber to be air-conditioned provided with a heat-generating device, the air-conditioning system being provided with: an air-conditioning discharge port for discharging air from the lower part of the chamber to be air-conditioned, the air-conditioning discharge port for discharging air from the lower part of the chamber to be air-conditioned, an air-conditioning suction port for discharging air from the lower part of the chamber to be air-conditioned, a heat-absorbing coil, and an outside air conditioner for supplying outside air to the chamber to be air-conditioned; the air conditioner is provided with an air-conditioning suction inlet which sucks air from the upper part of an air-conditioning target chamber and a heat-absorbing coil through which the air suctioned from the air-conditioning suction inlet passes, and is provided with a heating coil which heats the outside air by means of a heat medium that has passed through the heat-absorbing coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] Various air conditioning systems have been proposed in recent years (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent No. 7068261. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One method for reducing the energy required for air conditioning is displacement air conditioning. Displacement air conditioning reduces energy loss that would occur in upper spaces where no equipment or personnel are present, because it regulates air while maintaining temperature stratification. In this type of displacement air conditioning, for example, when a rotational component is introduced into the airflow from vents located at the bottom of the air-conditioned space, the air within the air-conditioned space is not disturbed, thus allowing for more reliable temperature stratification maintenance. Because displacement air conditioning regulates air while maintaining temperature stratification, it is particularly effective in places such as factories with high ceilings.

[0005] However, in factories with heat sources such as machine tools, the hot air generated from these heat sources rises towards the ceiling. Therefore, when an air conditioning system is used to create a circulation path that cools the air near the ceiling and blows it out from air outlets located at the bottom of the air-conditioned space, the heat generated from the heat source is applied to the air conditioning system as a load.

[0006] This disclosure is made in view of this situation, and its purpose is to provide an air conditioning system that minimizes air conditioning energy consumption in spaces with heat sources.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides an air conditioning unit that supplies outside air to the air-conditioned room, in which a heating coil is provided for the heat medium flowing through the heat absorption coil, and the air drawn in from the upper part of the air-conditioned room, which is equipped with a heating device, passes through the heat absorption coil.

[0008] In detail, the present invention is an air conditioning system for replacing the air in an air-conditioned chamber equipped with a heating device. The system includes an air conditioning outlet, an air conditioning inlet, a heat-absorbing coil, and an outside air conditioning unit that supplies outside air to the air-conditioned chamber. The air conditioning outlet blows air out from the lower part of the air-conditioned chamber, and the air conditioning inlet draws in air from the upper part of the air-conditioned chamber. The air drawn in from the air conditioning inlet passes through the heat-absorbing coil. The outside air conditioning unit has a heating coil that heats the outside air using a heat transfer medium passing through the heat-absorbing coil.

[0009] In the aforementioned air conditioning system, when the operation of the device installed in the air-conditioned chamber generates heat, this heat is transferred through the air in the air-conditioned chamber to the heat-absorbing coil, heating the heat medium passing through the heat-absorbing coil. The heat medium, heated by the heat from the device, flows from the heat-absorbing coil to the heating coil, which then heats the outside air in the outdoor air conditioning unit. Therefore, according to the aforementioned air conditioning system, the heat generated by the device is effectively utilized for heating the air in the outdoor air conditioning unit, thus suppressing the overall energy consumption of the air conditioning system.

[0010] In the aforementioned air conditioning system, since the heat medium after passing through the heat absorption coil flows through the heating coil of the outdoor air conditioner to heat the air in the outdoor air conditioner, the system configuration is simpler compared to a two-stage heat transfer method, such as a system that separates the heat medium passing through the heat absorption coil and the heat medium passing through the heating coil and uses a heat pump or the like for heat exchange between the heat mediums. Therefore, the air conditioning energy consumption required for heat transfer from the heat absorption coil to the heating coil can be minimized.

[0011] Furthermore, in the aforementioned air conditioning system, since the heat medium after passing through the heat absorption coil flows through the heating coil of the outdoor air conditioner to heat the air in the outdoor air conditioner, the heat contained in the air in the upper part of the air conditioning room can be used to heat the air in the outdoor air conditioner more efficiently than, for example, using a heat exchanger to exchange heat between the air in the upper part of the air conditioning room and the outdoor air that has been dehumidified by the cooling coil in the outdoor air conditioner.

[0012] Furthermore, the air conditioning outlet can be equipped with fins that impart a rotating component to the blown air. This allows for temperature stratification in displacement air conditioning with minimal temperature differences within a range of the height at which the air conditioning outlet is located. Therefore, compared to conventional displacement air conditioning using an air conditioning outlet that does not impart a rotating component to the blown air, the air conditioning system can suppress the energy consumption required for cold air preparation because it can increase the temperature of the cooled air supplied to the target chamber.

[0013] Furthermore, in the air-conditioned compartment, the lower space is set with temperature conditions based on the specifications of the heating device. The heat-absorbing coil can have heat exchange energy, which allows the heat medium to reach a temperature higher than the temperature conditions by means of air drawn in from the air conditioning intake. Thus, the heat-absorbing coil has heat exchange energy capable of bringing the heat medium flowing to the heating coil to a higher temperature, thereby maximizing the use of the heat generated by the device in the air-conditioned compartment for heating the air in the outside air conditioning unit.

[0014] Furthermore, a heating mechanism can be provided along the heat medium path from the heat absorber coil to the heating coil to heat the heat medium when its temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature after passing through the heat absorber coil. The predetermined temperature refers to the temperature condition of the heat medium flowing into the heating coil, such as a value determined by the temperature conditions set in the air-conditioned chamber. Therefore, even when the heat generated by the devices in the air-conditioned chamber cannot adequately heat the air in the outdoor air conditioner, air at a suitable temperature can be supplied from the outdoor air conditioner to the air-conditioned chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned outdoor air conditioning unit also includes cooling coils for dehumidifying the outdoor air. The air conditioning system further includes a chiller and a cooling tower. The chiller supplies cooling energy to the cooling coils using a heat transfer medium, and the cooling tower supplies cooling water to the chiller. The cooling tower can bring the cooling water flowing to the chiller to a temperature that improves the chiller's operating efficiency. Therefore, since it is not necessary to bring the cooling water flowing to the chiller to a temperature suitable for heating the air in the outdoor air conditioning unit, the operating efficiency of the chiller can be improved, thereby reducing the overall air conditioning energy consumption of the air conditioning system.

[0016] The aforementioned air conditioning system can suppress air conditioning energy consumption in spaces with heat sources as much as possible. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a side view of the indoor unit.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a diagram of the internal structure of the indoor unit.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram representing the temperature gradient along the height direction inside an air-conditioned room.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a system diagram of the heat source system.

[0022] Figure 6 The diagram shows a first variation of the air conditioning system.

[0023] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a second variation of the air conditioning system.

[0024] Figure 8 The system diagram is for a modified heat source system. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments shown below are examples of embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention to the following methods.

[0026] <Implementation Method> Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the air conditioning system according to the embodiment. Air conditioning system 1 is an air conditioning system for conditioning the air in the target room 2, where device 3 is installed. In this embodiment, the target room 2 where air conditioning system 1 is applied is exemplified as a cleanroom in a semiconductor device manufacturing plant with high air cleanliness requirements. Various heat-generating semiconductor manufacturing devices are arranged in the cleanroom of the semiconductor device manufacturing plant. Therefore, in this embodiment, such semiconductor manufacturing devices are envisioned as device 3. Semiconductor manufacturing devices include, for example, etching devices or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) devices. Figure 1 The diagram shows two devices 3, but the air-conditioned chamber 2 is equipped with an appropriate number of devices 3. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is not limited to manufacturing plants for such semiconductor devices; for example, it can also be applied to manufacturing plants for lithium-ion batteries, precision optical instruments, and various other industrial products.

[0027] In the air-conditioned room 2 where the air conditioning system 1 provides air conditioning, the temperature conditions specified by the device 3 must be met. For example... Figure 1 As shown, when device 3 is installed on the floor of the air-conditioned room 2, it is basically sufficient to ensure that the ambient temperature near device 3 meets the temperature requirements; there is no need for air conditioning to ensure that the ambient temperature of the space above device 3 meets the temperature requirements. Therefore, in the air conditioning device 1 of this embodiment, a displacement air conditioning method is used to minimize the power required for air conditioning of the air-conditioned room 2. That is, in addition to the outlet unit 4 for supplying outside air processed by the outside air conditioner 6 to the air-conditioned room 2, the air conditioning system 1 also includes an indoor unit unit 5, which cools the air drawn in at the upper part of the air-conditioned room 2 and blows the air out at the lower part of the air-conditioned room 2. Figure 1In the air-conditioned room 2, one air outlet unit 4 and one indoor unit 5 are respectively arranged near the wall. However, the air outlet unit 4 and the indoor unit 5 can be arranged in a position away from the wall, or two or more of each can be arranged.

[0028] The following is a detailed description of the system composition of air conditioning system 1.

[0029] The outdoor air conditioning unit 6 is a unit that introduces outdoor air, purifies it, adjusts its temperature or humidity, and then supplies it to the outlet unit 4 via duct 7. It includes a filter 6A, a heating coil 6B, a cooling coil 6C, a reheating coil 6D, and an electric fan 6E. The filter 6A captures dust or other foreign matter from the air. The heating coil 6B heats the air introduced into the outdoor air conditioning unit 6. The cooling coil 6C removes moisture from the air by cooling it. The reheating coil 6D reheats the air cooled by the cooling coil 6C, bringing it to a temperature suitable for supplying to the air-conditioned room 2. The electric fan 6E uses the power of an electric motor to rotate the fan and transport the air.

[0030] The air outlet unit 4 is a unit used to blow out the air processed by the outside air conditioning unit 6 into the air-conditioned chamber 2. It has an air outlet for blowing out the air and a filter 4C for purifying the blown air. Since the air conditioning system 1 adopts a displacement air conditioning method, the air outlet unit 4 is a device that blows out air horizontally (parallel to the ground) and is installed on the ground inside the air-conditioned chamber 2.

[0031] Since the indoor unit 5 is a device that cools the air drawn in from the upper part of the air-conditioned room 2 and blows the air out from the lower part of the air-conditioned room 2, it includes an electric fan 5A and a heat absorption coil 5B. Furthermore, the indoor unit 5 also includes a filter 5C for purifying the blown air. Because the air conditioning system 1 employs a displacement air conditioning method, the indoor unit 5, like the outlet unit 4, is configured as a device that blows air horizontally and is installed on the floor within the air-conditioned room 2.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a side view of the indoor unit 5. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a diagram of the internal structure of indoor unit 5. (See diagram for example.) Figure 2 As shown, the upper surface of the indoor unit 5 is provided with an air conditioning intake 5D. Furthermore, the front of the indoor unit 5 is provided with an air conditioning outlet 5E. At the air conditioning intake 5D, air from the upper part of the target room 2 is drawn in by the suction force of the electric fan 5A. At the air conditioning outlet 5E, air delivered from the electric fan 5A is blown out.

[0033] like Figure 2As shown, multiple circular structures are arranged longitudinally and transversely on the front of the indoor unit 5, with air conditioning outlets 5E. Each air conditioning outlet 5E has a gap between it and is arranged side-by-side in the height and width directions of the front of the indoor unit 5. Furthermore, on each air conditioning outlet 5E, fins are arranged radially and at equal intervals around the central axis of the air conditioning outlet 5E in the circumferential direction. These fins are used to generate a rotating airflow centered on the center of the air conditioning outlet 5E. These fins, positioned around the center of the air conditioning outlet 5E, are inclined relative to the central axis of the air conditioning outlet 5E. Therefore, the air blown out from the air conditioning outlet 5E is endowed with a rotational component that rotates around the central axis passing through the center of the air conditioning outlet 5E, which can guide the air in the air-conditioned room 2 surrounding the air conditioning outlet 5E.

[0034] Furthermore, in adjacent air conditioning outlets 5E, the fins are tilted in opposite directions, thus imparting opposite rotational components to the cooled air. For example, as... Figure 2 As indicated by the thin arrow, when the first air conditioning outlet 5E from top to bottom imparts a counter-clockwise rotational component to the air, the second air conditioning outlet 5E from top to bottom imparts a clockwise rotational component. Therefore, between these air conditioning outlets 5E, the rotational components of the first and second air conditioning outlets from top to bottom are in the same direction. Figure 2 (The direction is to the right), thus mutually reinforcing the rotational component. Furthermore, in this case, the third air conditioning outlet 5E from top to bottom imparts a counter-clockwise rotational component to the cold air. Therefore, between the second air conditioning outlet 5E from top to bottom and the third air conditioning outlet 18 from top to bottom, the rotational components of the second air conditioning outlet 5E from top to bottom and the third air conditioning outlet 5E from top to bottom are in the same direction ( Figure 2 (The center is to the left), thus mutually reinforcing the rotational components.

[0035] As a result, due to the increased airflow (guide ratio) within the air-conditioned chamber 2 surrounding the air conditioning outlet 5E, guided by the cold air blown out from the air conditioning outlet 5E, the cold air can diffuse towards the front of the indoor unit 5 into the air-conditioned chamber 2. Therefore, a more seamless, non-blowing airflow is achieved compared to situations where no rotating component of the cold air is imparted. Furthermore, within the space of the air-conditioned chamber 2, from the lowest to the highest air conditioning outlet 5E, temperature-layered displacement air conditioning with a small temperature difference from top to bottom can be achieved.

[0036] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram representing the temperature gradient along the height direction within the air-conditioned room 2. Figure 4 In the graph, the solid line represents the temperature gradient in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, and the dashed line represents the temperature gradient in a general displacement air conditioning system without imparting a rotating component to the cold air. In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, an indoor unit unit 5 is used that imparts a rotating component to the air via the air conditioning outlet 5E; therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown by the solid line in the graph, temperature-layered displacement air conditioning with a small temperature difference can be achieved within a height range from the lowest air conditioning outlet 5E to the highest air conditioning outlet 5E in the space of the air-conditioned room 2. On the other hand, in a general displacement air conditioning system that does not impart a rotating component to the cold air, when the upper part of the area with set temperature conditions is made suitable for the temperature conditions, such as... Figure 4 As shown by the dashed line in the graph, in the lower region of the air-conditioned room 2 where temperature conditions are set, the air conditioning system 1 needs to blow out cold air at a lower temperature than the cold air blown out from the air conditioning outlet 5E, inevitably creating temperature stratification with a large temperature difference. Therefore, in the case of general displacement air conditioning, in areas where the temperature conditions are set within a range where the difference between the upper and lower temperature limits is relatively small, it is difficult to keep the air below the upper temperature and above the lower temperature limit. In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, since displacement air conditioning with a small temperature difference between the upper and lower limits can be performed by using cold air with a rotating component, it is possible to keep the air below the upper temperature and above the lower temperature limit in areas where the temperature conditions are set within a range where the difference between the upper and lower temperature limits is relatively small. When using airflow without a rotating component for displacement air conditioning, a large air volume is required to meet the temperature conditions, but with airflow with a rotating component as in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, the temperature conditions can be met even with a reduced air volume, reducing the overall air supply power of the air conditioning system 1. Furthermore, since the displacement air conditioning system can achieve a smaller temperature difference between the upper and lower sections by utilizing the cold air with a rotating component, the temperature requirements can be met even if the outlet temperature is set higher than that of a typical displacement air conditioning system without a rotating component. Since increasing the outlet temperature means increasing the temperature of the heat transfer medium passing through the heat absorption coil 5B, the heat source efficiency can be improved. In addition, the reduced airflow further heats the heat transfer medium in the heat absorption coil 5B, which recovers heat from the upper space of the air conditioning target chamber 2, enabling efficient heating of the outside air using the heat from the heat transfer medium after passing through the heat absorption coil 5B, as described later.

[0037] Next, the heat source system of air conditioning system 1 will be described. Figure 5 This is a system diagram of the heat source system. Air conditioning system 1 includes, for example: Figure 5The heat source system 8 shown. The heat source system 8 includes, for example, a heat transfer medium system 8A, a cooling water system 8B, and a warm water system 8C.

[0038] The heat transfer system 8A is a heat transfer system that circulates the heat transfer medium to supply cooling or heating energy to equipment such as the indoor unit 5 or the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 that processes the air for air conditioning purposes. The heat transfer system 8A includes a refrigerator 8A1 for generating cooling energy, a heat transfer pump 8A2 for circulating the heat transfer medium, a heat transfer manifold 8A3 for supplying heat transfer medium to each air conditioning unit, and a heat transfer return manifold 8A4 for returning the heat transfer medium supplied to each air conditioning unit. In the heat transfer system 8A, the heat transfer medium after passing through the evaporator of the refrigerator 8A1 is supplied to the heat transfer manifold 8A3 by means of the heat transfer pump 8A2, which is located along the heat transfer pipeline 8A10 connecting the refrigerator 8A1 to the heat transfer manifold 8A3. The heat medium supplied to the heat medium delivery manifold 8A3 flows to heat medium lines 8A12 and 8A13. Heat medium line 8A12 connects to the heat absorption coil 5B of the indoor unit unit 5, and heat medium line 8A13 connects to the cooling coil 6C of the outdoor air conditioning unit 6. Furthermore, the heat medium flowing to the heat absorption coil 5B of the indoor unit unit 5 returns to the heat medium return manifold 8A4 via heat medium line 8A15, and the heat medium flowing to the cooling coil 6C of the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 returns to the heat medium return manifold 8A4 via heat medium line 8A16. The heat medium returning to the heat medium return manifold 8A4 passes through heat medium line 8A11 and then through the evaporator of the chiller 8A1. Additionally, in... Figure 5 In the heat medium system 8A, there is only one indoor unit 5, one outdoor air conditioning unit 6 and one refrigeration unit 8A1, but various equipment or valves, pipelines and pumps are also appropriately installed in the heat medium system 8A.

[0039] Cooling water system 8B is a cooling water circulation system, whereby the cooling water is used to cool the condenser of the chiller 8A1 located in the heat transfer system 8A. Cooling water system 8B includes a cooling water circulation pump 8B1 for circulating the cooling water and a cooling tower 8B2 for cooling the cooling water. In cooling water system 8B, the heat transfer medium after passing through the condenser of the chiller 8A1 is delivered to cooling tower 8B2 via cooling water circulation pump 8B1, which is located along cooling water pipeline 8B4 connecting the chiller 8A1 to cooling tower 8B2. The cooling water delivered to cooling tower 8B2 drips from the top of cooling tower 8B2 and accumulates at the bottom. The cooling water accumulated at the bottom of cooling tower 8B2 flows back to the condenser of the chiller 8A1 through cooling water pipeline 8B3. An electric fan capable of generating an upward airflow is installed in the cooling tower 8B2. The electric fan starts and stops in a timely manner according to the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the cooling water pipe 8B3, thereby cooling the water based on the principle of latent heat of vaporization. Preferably, the starting and stopping of the electric fan is controlled to bring the temperature of the cooling water flowing through the cooling water pipe 8B3 to a temperature that increases the operating efficiency of the chiller 8A1. Furthermore, a water supply mechanism such as a float valve is provided in the cooling tower 8B2 to replenish cooling water, maintaining the water level of the cooling water accumulated at the bottom of the cooling tower 8B2 at a certain level. Additionally, in… Figure 5 In the cooling water system 8B, there is only one chiller 8A1, one cooling tower 8B2 and one cooling water circulation pump 8B1, but various equipment or valves, pipelines and pumps are also appropriately installed in the cooling water system 8B.

[0040] The warm water system 8C is a system that supplies warm water to various parts of a building equipped with an air conditioning system 1. The heat energy for the warm water system 8C is obtained through appropriate means. Examples of heat energy sources used in the warm water system 8C include heat from heat pumps or boilers, and waste heat generated in utility equipment such as compressors.

[0041] When heating air using air conditioning equipment, heat energy generated by systems such as warm water systems 8C is generally utilized. However, in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, the heat medium flowing through the heat absorption coil 5B in the heating coil 6B and reheating coil 6D of the outside air conditioning unit 6 that processes outside air reduces the power required for heating the air. That is, as... Figure 5As shown in the system diagram, a branch line 8A14 is connected to the heat medium pipeline 8A15, which connects the heat medium from the heat absorption coil 5B to the heat medium return manifold 8A4. This branch line 8A14 is used to divert the heat medium to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D. The heat medium branched from the heat medium pipeline 8A14 further flows to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D via the heat medium pipeline 8A18. Furthermore, the heat medium after passing through the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D merges back into the heat medium pipeline 8A15 via the heat medium pipeline 8A19, flowing towards the heat medium return manifold 8A4.

[0042] In the heat transfer medium system 8A of the heat source system 8, a path is provided to transport the heat transfer medium after passing through the heat absorption coil 5B to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D. Therefore, when each device 3 installed in the air-conditioned chamber 2 operates and generates heat from the device 3, the generated heat is transferred to the heat absorption coil 5B via the air in the air-conditioned chamber 2, heating the heat transfer medium passing through the heat absorption coil 5B. Since the heat transfer medium system 8A has a path to transport the heat transfer medium after passing through the heat absorption coil 5B to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D, the heat transfer medium heated by the heat from the device 3 flows from the heat absorption coil 5B to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D. The heating coil 6B heats the outside air, and the reheating coil 6D heats the air cooled by the cooling coil 6C, which dehumidifies the outside air. Therefore, according to the air conditioning system 1, the heat generated by the device 3 is effectively utilized for heating the outside air introduced into the outside air conditioning unit 6, or for heating the outside air after dehumidification by means of the cooling coil 6C, thereby suppressing the overall air conditioning energy consumption of the air conditioning system 1. In addition, given this structure that effectively utilizes heat energy, from the viewpoint of heat utilization, it is preferable that the heat absorption coil 5B has a heat exchange capacity capable of raising the temperature of the heat medium to a level higher than the temperature condition set in the lower space of the air-conditioned chamber 2.

[0043] In the heat transfer system 8A of this embodiment, since the heat transfer medium after passing through the heat absorption coil 5B flows through the heating coil 6B and reheating coil 6D of the outside air conditioning unit 6 to heat the air in the outside air conditioning unit 6, the system configuration is simpler compared to, for example, a system configuration that separates the heat transfer medium passing through the heat absorption coil 5B from the heat transfer medium passing through the heating coil 6B and reheating coil 6D, and employs a two-stage heat transfer method that uses a heat pump or the like to exchange heat between the various heat transfer medium systems. Therefore, the air conditioning energy consumption required for heat transfer from the heat absorption coil 5B to the reheating coil 6D can be minimized as much as possible.

[0044] Furthermore, in the heat medium system 8A of this embodiment, since the heat medium after passing through the heat absorption coil 5B flows through the heating coil 6B and reheating coil 6D of the outside air conditioning unit 6 to heat the air in the outside air conditioning unit 6, the heat contained in the air in the air conditioning unit 6 can be used to heat the air in the air conditioning target chamber 2 more efficiently than, for example, using a heat exchanger to exchange heat between the air in the air conditioning target chamber 2, the outside air introduced into the outside air conditioning unit 6, and the outside air dehumidified by the cooling coil 6C in the outside air conditioning unit 6.

[0045] In addition, to prevent the air after passing through the reheating coil 6D from being overcooled, the heat medium system 8A is equipped with regulating valves 8A8 and 8A9 to adjust the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the reheating coil 6D. Regulating valves 8A8 and 8A9 adjust their opening based on the measurement value of temperature sensor 8A7, which measures the temperature of the heat medium after passing through the reheating coil 6D. For example, if the measured value of temperature sensor 8A7 is higher than a set value, the opening of regulating valve 8A8 is reduced, and the opening of regulating valve 8A9 is increased. Furthermore, for example, if the measured value of temperature sensor 8A7 is lower than the set value, the opening of regulating valve 8A8 is increased, and the opening of regulating valve 8A9 is reduced. Thus, the air after passing through the reheating coil 6D is adjusted to a suitable temperature.

[0046] Furthermore, due to reasons such as device 3 being stopped or just started, there may be situations where the heat generated by device 3 cannot be fully used to heat the heat medium passing through the heat absorption coil 5B. Therefore, the heat source system 8 is equipped with a mechanism that uses the heat of the warm water in the warm water system 8C to heat the heat medium flowing from the heat absorption coil 5B to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D. That is, in the heat source system 8, a heat exchanger 8C2 and an adjusting valve 8A17 are provided between the heat medium pipeline 8A14 and the heat medium pipeline 8A18 of the heat medium system 8A. The heat exchanger 8C2 is used to exchange heat with the warm water in the heat source system 8, and the adjusting valve 8A17 is located on the bypass path for increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the heat medium passing through the heat exchanger 8C2. Furthermore, a regulating valve 8C1 is installed in the warm water system 8C. The regulating valve 8C1 adjusts the flow rate of warm water in the heat exchanger 8C2 based on the measurement value of the temperature sensor 8A6, ensuring that the heat medium after passing through the heat exchanger 8C2 reaches a predetermined temperature. The temperature sensor 8A6 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the heat exchanger 8C2 to the heat medium pipeline 8A18. Additionally, a heat medium booster pump 8A5 is installed in the heat medium pipeline 8A14. The heat medium booster pump 8A5 compensates for insufficient flow caused by pressure loss when the heat medium passes through the heat exchanger 8C2. The regulating valve 8A17 adjusts its opening to maintain an appropriate pressure difference between the heat medium pipeline 8A14 and the heat medium pipeline 8A18, thereby controlling the flow rate of the heat medium through the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D. Therefore, for example, if the heat generated by device 3 is insufficient to fully heat the heat medium passing through heat absorber coil 5B, resulting in the heat medium after passing through heat absorber coil 5B being below a predetermined temperature, the opening of adjusting valve 8C1 is increased until the heat medium after passing through heat exchanger 8C2 reaches the predetermined temperature. This allows the heat medium flowing from heat absorber coil 5B to heating coil 6B and reheating coil 6D to be heated using the heat from warm water system 8C. Furthermore, for example, if the heat generated by device 3 sufficiently heats the heat medium passing through heat absorber coil 5B, resulting in the heat medium after passing through heat absorber coil 5B being above a predetermined temperature, the opening of adjusting valve 8C1 is decreased until the heat medium after passing through heat exchanger 8C2 becomes below the predetermined temperature. This closes adjusting valve 8C1, resulting in a state where the heat medium flowing from heat absorber coil 5B to heating coil 6B and reheating coil 6D is not heated using the heat from warm water system 8C. Because the heat source system 8 is configured in this way, the air conditioning system 1 can supply air at a suitable temperature to the air conditioning chamber 2 from the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 when the device 3 is stopped or just started, while suppressing the overall air conditioning energy consumption of the air conditioning system 1.

[0047] For example, such as Figure 5As shown, the case where the heat medium temperature of the heat medium delivery manifold 8A3 is designed to be 14°C will be explained. When the target heat medium temperature set in the controller of the chiller 8A1 is 14°C, the heat medium in the heat medium delivery manifold 8A3 is 14°C. The 14°C heat medium from the heat medium delivery manifold 8A3 is delivered to the heat absorption coil 5B of the indoor unit 5 and the cooling coil 6C of the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 as described above. The 14°C heat medium delivered to the cooling coil 6C of the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 cools the outside air flowing into the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 through the suction of the electric fan 6E.

[0048] On the other hand, the 14°C heat transfer medium supplied to the heat absorption coil 5B of the indoor unit 5 is cooled by the suction of the electric fan 5A, thereby heating the air flowing into the air-conditioned room 2 of the indoor unit 5 to, for example, about 26°C. The heat transfer medium heated to about 26°C by the heat absorption coil 5B is then supplied from the heat absorption coil 5B to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D as described above. Therefore, in the outdoor air conditioning unit 6, the outdoor air flowing into the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 is heated by the 26°C heat transfer medium in the heating coil 6B. Furthermore, in the outdoor air conditioning unit 6, the outdoor air cooled by the 14°C heat transfer medium in the cooling coil 6C is heated by the 26°C heat transfer medium in the reheating coil 6D.

[0049] Thus, in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, instead of directly returning the heat medium branching from the heat medium delivery manifold 8A3 to the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 to the return manifold 8A4, a portion of the heat medium after passing through the indoor unit 5 is used for heating the outdoor air conditioning unit 6. Therefore, the air conditioning energy consumption required for heat delivery can be minimized with a simple system configuration, and the heat contained in the air inside the air-conditioned room 2 can be effectively utilized.

[0050] In conventional displacement air conditioning, it is difficult to maintain air temperatures below the upper limit and above the lower limit within a range where the temperature difference between the upper and lower limits is relatively small. Therefore, conventional displacement air conditioning is unsuitable for environments with stringent temperature conditions, such as cleanrooms in semiconductor manufacturing plants (e.g., temperature conditions of 23°C ± 3°C). In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, displacement air conditioning with a small temperature difference between the upper and lower limits is achieved by using cold air with a rotating component. Therefore, within a range where the temperature difference between the upper and lower limits is relatively small, air can be maintained below the upper limit and above the lower limit, making it suitable for environments with stringent temperature conditions.

[0051] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, by using cold air with a rotating component, a displacement air conditioning system with a small temperature difference between the upper and lower parts can be achieved. Therefore, even if the outlet temperature is set higher than that of a typical displacement air conditioning system without a rotating component, the temperature conditions can still be met. For example, in the case of a displacement air conditioning system without a rotating component, when the supply air temperature of the indoor unit is set to 19-20°C, it is impossible to make the area with the set temperature condition (23°C ± 3°C) suitable for temperatures below the upper limit. However, in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, by using cold air with a rotating component, a displacement air conditioning system with a small temperature difference between the upper and lower parts can be achieved. Therefore, even if the supply air temperature of the indoor unit 5 is set to 19-20°C, the area with the set temperature condition (23°C ± 3°C) can be made suitable for temperatures below the upper limit. Therefore, even if a relatively high-temperature heat medium of 14°C is supplied to the indoor unit 5 through the heat medium delivery manifold 8A3, the area with the set temperature condition can be made suitable for temperatures below the upper limit.

[0052] The heat transfer system 8A can be set to a relatively high temperature range of 14°C for the heat transfer medium supplied from the chiller 8A1, meaning that the chiller 8A1 can operate under low load, thus reducing the power consumption of the chiller 8A1. As a result, the heat transfer system 8A can be used with high efficiency as a whole.

[0053] Furthermore, as a heat source for the heat utilized by the heating coil 6B or the reheating coil 6D, the heat from the cooling water discharged from the refrigeration unit 8A1 could be considered in the cooling water system 8B. However, in this case, to properly heat the outside air in the outside air conditioning unit 6, the cooling water of the cooling water system 8B needs to be used in a relatively high temperature range (e.g., 32°C). When the cooling water of the cooling water system 8B is used in such a temperature range, the condensing capacity of the condenser of the refrigeration unit 8A1 decreases, resulting in poor operating efficiency of the refrigeration unit 8A1. In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, since the heat of the heat medium after passing through the heat absorption coil 5B is used as a heat source for the heat utilized by the heating coil 6B or the reheating coil 6D, the cooling water of the cooling water system 8B can be used in a temperature range suitable for the operating efficiency of the refrigeration unit 8A1. That is, in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, the cooling water of the cooling water system 8B can be used in a low temperature range where the condenser of the refrigeration unit 8A1 can fully utilize its condensing capacity. Therefore, the refrigeration unit 8A1 can achieve a high operating efficiency.

[0054] In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, although the temperature depends on the heat emitted by the device 3 in the air-conditioned room 2 or the insulation performance of the building, it is assumed that the temperature of the air in the upper part of the air-conditioned room 2 is approximately in the range of 30°C to 35°C. As waste heat is relatively low-temperature compared to waste heat emitted from various devices, it is generally difficult to recover this temperature range of waste heat as thermal energy using a heat transfer medium such as warm water. However, in the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, considering that displacement air conditioning with a rotating airflow can meet temperature conditions with a higher temperature supply air than conventional displacement air conditioning, it was found that this temperature range of waste heat can be recovered using a heat transfer medium flowing through the heat absorption coil 5B of the indoor unit 5. This temperature range of waste heat can be used for heating the outside air in the outdoor air conditioning unit 6, etc., because by using displacement air conditioning with a rotating airflow, the temperature conditions are still met even with high-temperature supply air, which is not possible with conventional displacement air conditioning.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the description assumes that the outside air is dehumidified by the cooling coil 6C in the outside air conditioning unit 6. However, this dehumidification process can be performed only in the summer when the humidity is high, and omitted in the winter when the humidity is low. For example, if dehumidification is omitted in winter, the air conditioning system 1 can stop the flow of heat medium in the cooling coil 6C by using a valve, and use the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D to heat the outside air only.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the outside air conditioning unit 6 is in the form of having both a heating coil 6B and a reheating coil 6D, but the air conditioning system 1 may also be in the form of omitting the heating coil 6B from the outside air conditioning unit 6, for example. Since reheating is a type of heating, in this case, the reheating coil 6D is an example of what is referred to as a "heating coil" in this application.

[0057] <Variation Example> Figure 6 This figure illustrates a first modified example of the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 of the above embodiment may, for example, be as follows: Figure 6The modified configuration is as follows: air drawn in from the air conditioning intake on the ceiling of the air conditioning chamber 2 is processed by an air conditioning device inside or outside the air conditioning chamber 2, and then blown out from the air conditioning outlet of the outlet unit 4. Even in this modified configuration, the heat from the device 3 contained in the air drawn in from the air conditioning intake on the ceiling of the air conditioning chamber 2 can be used to heat the air in the outside air conditioning unit 6. Therefore, the heat generated by the device 3 is effectively used to heat the outside air introduced into the outside air conditioning unit 6, or to heat the outside air after dehumidification by the cooling coil 6C, thus suppressing the overall air conditioning energy consumption of the air conditioning system 1. In this first modified configuration, as in the above-described embodiment, when dehumidification is omitted in winter, the flow of the heat medium in the cooling coil 6C can be stopped by a valve, and the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D can be used only to heat the outside air.

[0058] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a second variation of the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 of the above embodiment can also be modified in such a way that the cold air supplied from the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 is delivered to the indoor unit 5 instead of the outlet unit 4. Even in this variation, the heat from the device 3 contained in the air drawn into the indoor unit 5 can be used to heat the air in the outdoor air conditioning unit 6. Thus, the heat generated by the device 3 is effectively utilized for heating the outdoor air introduced into the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 and for heating the air after dehumidification by the cooling coil 6C, thereby suppressing the overall air conditioning energy consumption of the air conditioning system 1. In this second variation, as in the above embodiment, when dehumidification is omitted in winter, the flow of the heat transfer medium in the cooling coil 6C can be stopped using a valve, and the heating coil 6B and reheating coil 6D can be used only to heat the outdoor air.

[0059] Figure 8 This is a system diagram of a modified heat source system. The heat source system 8 of the air conditioning system 1 can also be, for example, as shown below. Figure 8The diagram shows a variation. That is, in addition to the indoor unit 51, which corresponds to the indoor unit 5, the heat source system 8 may also include, for example, an indoor unit 52 where the heat medium, after passing through the heat absorption coil 5B, returns directly to the heat medium return manifold 8A4 without passing through the outdoor air conditioning unit 6. In cases where the air conditioning system 1 serves a wide area of ​​the target room 2 and a large number of indoor unit units 5 are installed in the target room 2, the temperature of the air drawn into the indoor unit unit 5 may vary significantly depending on the layout of the device 3 or the indoor unit units 5. Therefore, for example, if indoor unit units 52 are installed in areas where the temperature of the air introduced into the target room 2 is relatively low, and indoor unit units 51 are installed in areas where the temperature of the air introduced into the target room 2 is relatively high, the heat generated by the device 3 can be effectively utilized, and the overall air conditioning energy consumption of the air conditioning system 1 can be suppressed.

[0060] In addition to the aforementioned heat transfer medium system 8A, the heat source system 8 of the air conditioning system 1 also includes a chilled water system for bringing the air flowing into the outdoor air conditioning unit 6 to a temperature lower than that of the cooling coil 6C. The outdoor air conditioning unit 6 may also include a cooling coil through which the chilled water from this chilled water system flows. With such a chilled water system and cooling coil, for example, even when the outdoor air humidity is high due to weather conditions, and the humidity of the outdoor air that can be introduced into the air-conditioned room 2 is low, the air conditioning system 1 can still introduce the outdoor air with reduced humidity into the air-conditioned room 2.

[0061] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 can be modified in a suitable manner. For example, in the air conditioning system 1 of the above embodiment, there is a situation where the heat medium flowing through the heat absorption coil 5B cannot be sufficiently heated using the heat generated by the device 3. Although the heat source system 8 is provided with a mechanism that uses the heat from the warm water system 8C to heat the heat medium flowing from the heat absorption coil 5B to the heating coil 6B and the reheating coil 6D, this heating mechanism can be omitted, or the following method can be adopted: the warm water from the warm water system 8C is circulated to the coil in the outdoor air conditioning unit 6, so that the warm water system 8C directly heats the air.

[0062] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 1. Air conditioning system 2 Air-conditioned room 3 devices 4 blowout unit 4C Filter 5 indoor unit units 5A electric fan 5B heat absorption coil 5C filter 5D air conditioning intake 5E air conditioning outlet 6. External air conditioning unit 6A filter 6B heating coil 6C cooling coil 6D reheating coil 6E Electric Fan 7 air ducts 8 heat source systems 8A heat transfer system 8B Cooling Water System 8C warm water system 8A1 Refrigeration Unit 8A2 heat medium circulation pump 8A3 heat medium transport manifold 8A4 heat medium return manifold 8A5 heat medium booster pump 8A6 and 8A7 temperature sensors 8A8, 8A9, 8A17 regulating valves 8A10~8A16, 8A18, 8A19 heat transfer pipelines 8B1 Cooling water circulation pump 8B2 Cooling Tower 8B3 and 8B4 cooling water pipes 8C1 regulating valve 8C2 heat exchanger 8C3 and 8C4 warm water pipes. Claims (as amended under Article 19 of the Treaty) 1. An air conditioning system for replacing the air in a room containing heat-generating production equipment in a factory, wherein, It includes multiple indoor unit units installed in the air-conditioned room, an outdoor air conditioner that supplies outdoor air to the air-conditioned room, and a refrigeration unit that supplies cooling energy to the cooling coils using a heat transfer medium. The multiple indoor unit units each have an air conditioning outlet, an air conditioning inlet, and a heat absorption coil. The air conditioning outlet blows air out from the lower part of the air-conditioned chamber. The air conditioning intake port draws in air from the upper part of the air-conditioned chamber. The heat-absorbing coil exchanges heat between the air drawn in from the air conditioning intake and the heat transfer medium. The air conditioning outlet guides the air around it by blowing out the air. The outside air conditioning unit has a heating coil and a cooling coil. The heating coil heats the outside air using a heat transfer medium passing through the heat absorption coil, and the cooling coil dehumidifies the outside air. The heating coil contains the heat medium that flows from the heat absorption coil to the refrigerator. The air passing through the outdoor air conditioner is delivered to at least one of the plurality of indoor unit units. 2. An air conditioning system for replacing the air in a room containing heat-generating production equipment in a factory, wherein, It includes multiple indoor unit units installed in the air-conditioned room, an outdoor air conditioner that supplies outdoor air to the air-conditioned room, an air outlet unit installed in the air-conditioned room, and a refrigeration unit that supplies cold energy to the cooling coils using a heat transfer medium. The plurality of indoor unit units each have a first air conditioning outlet, a first air conditioning inlet, and a heat absorption coil. The first air conditioning outlet blows air out from the lower part of the air-conditioned chamber. The first air conditioning intake port draws in air from the upper part of the air-conditioned chamber. The heat-absorbing coil exchanges heat between the air drawn in from the first air conditioning inlet and the heat transfer medium. The first air conditioning outlet guides the air around it by blowing out the air. The outside air conditioning unit has a heating coil and a cooling coil. The heating coil heats the outside air using a heat transfer medium passing through the heat absorption coil, and the cooling coil dehumidifies the outside air. The blowout unit has a second air conditioning blowout and a second air conditioning inlet. The second air conditioning outlet blows air from the lower part of the air-conditioned chamber. The second air conditioning intake is connected to the outside air conditioning unit. The second air conditioning outlet guides the air around it using the blown air. The heating coil contains the heat medium that flows from the heat absorption coil to the refrigerator. The air after passing through the external air conditioner is delivered to the blow-out unit. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, In the air-conditioned chamber, the lower space of the air-conditioned chamber is configured with temperature conditions based on the specifications of the production equipment. The heat-absorbing coil has heat exchange energy, which can use air drawn in from the air conditioning inlet to bring the heat medium to a temperature higher than the stated temperature condition. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein, In the air-conditioned chamber, the lower space of the air-conditioned chamber is configured with temperature conditions based on the specifications of the production equipment. The heat-absorbing coil has heat exchange energy, which can use air drawn in from the first air conditioning inlet to bring the heat medium to a temperature higher than the stated temperature condition. 5. The air conditioning system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, A heating mechanism is provided along the path of the heat medium from the heat absorption coil to the heating coil. The heating mechanism is used to heat the heat medium when the heat medium temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature after passing through the heat absorption coil. 6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein, The air conditioning system also includes a cooling tower that supplies cooling water to the refrigeration unit. The cooling tower brings the cooling water flowing to the chiller to a temperature that increases the operating efficiency of the chiller.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for replacing the air in a room equipped with a heating device, wherein, It is equipped with an air conditioning outlet, an air conditioning inlet, a heat absorption coil, and an outside air conditioning unit that supplies outside air to the air-conditioned room. The air conditioning outlet blows air out from the lower part of the air-conditioned chamber. The air conditioning intake port draws in air from the upper part of the air-conditioned chamber. Air drawn in from the air conditioning intake passes through the heat absorption coil. The outside air conditioner has a heating coil, which heats the outside air by means of a heat medium passing through the heat absorption coil.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein, The air conditioning outlet is provided with fins that impart a rotating component to the blown air.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein, In the air-conditioned room, the lower space of the air-conditioned room is set with temperature conditions based on the specifications of the heating device. The heat-absorbing coil has heat exchange energy, which can use air drawn in from the air conditioning inlet to bring the heat medium to a temperature higher than the stated temperature condition.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein, A heating mechanism is provided along the path of the heat medium from the heat absorption coil to the heating coil. The heating mechanism is used to heat the heat medium when the heat medium temperature is lower than a predetermined temperature after passing through the heat absorption coil.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein, The external air conditioning unit also has a cooling coil for dehumidifying the external air. The air conditioning system also includes a chiller that supplies cooling energy to the cooling coils using a heat transfer medium and a cooling tower that supplies cooling water to the chiller. The cooling tower brings the cooling water flowing to the chiller to a temperature that increases the operating efficiency of the chiller.

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