Processing device and method of controlling air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a processing device capable of efficiently operating an air conditioning system using waste heat of a power generator in an absorption type refrigerator, and a method of controlling the air conditioning system.SOLUTION: A processing device according to an embodiment is provided in an air conditioning system including at least a plurality of power generators, and an absorption type refrigerator using waste hot water warmed by waste heat of the power generator as a heat source. The processing device includes an acquiring unit for acquiring a temperature of the waste hot water and a cold water inlet temperature of the absorption type refrigerator, and a processing unit for determining the number of the power generators to be operated on the basis of the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a first threshold.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a processing device and a method for controlling an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorption chiller that utilizes waste heat from a power generation device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-141564 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a treatment device for efficiently operating an air conditioning system that utilizes waste heat from a power generation unit in an absorption chiller, and a method for controlling the air conditioning system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The treatment device disclosed herein is provided in an air conditioning system including at least a plurality of power generation devices and an absorption chiller that uses waste hot water heated by waste heat from the power generation devices as a heat source, and includes an acquisition unit that acquires the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature of the absorption chiller, and a processing unit that, when the temperature of the waste hot water is below a first threshold value, determines the number of the power generation devices to operate based on the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature.

[0006] The control method for an air conditioning system in the present disclosure is a control method for an air conditioning system that includes at least a plurality of power generation devices and an absorption chiller that uses waste hot water heated by waste heat from the power generation devices as a heat source, and obtains the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature of the absorption chiller, and when the temperature of the waste hot water is below a first threshold value, determines the number of the power generation devices to operate based on the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The treatment device and the control method for an air conditioning system according to the present disclosure make it possible to change the amount of waste heat supplied from the power generation device to the absorption chiller in accordance with the operating state of the absorption chiller, thereby enabling the air conditioning system, which utilizes the waste heat from the power generation device in the absorption chiller, to be operated efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment [Diagram 2] Configuration diagram of an absorption chiller in embodiment 1 [Diagram 3] Flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning control device in the first embodiment [Figure 4] Flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning control device in the first embodiment [Diagram 5] Flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioning control device in the first embodiment [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an air conditioning control device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of an air conditioning control device according to a first embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the present disclosure, there was a technology in which waste heat from a power generation device that drives a generator using an engine or the like was utilized in an absorption chiller. However, the inventors discovered a problem with the conventional technology in that the amount of waste heat supplied to the absorption chiller fluctuates depending on the operating state of the power generation device, making it difficult to efficiently operate the absorption chiller using the waste heat, and in order to solve this problem, they came up with the subject of the present disclosure. In view of the above, the present disclosure provides a treatment device for efficiently operating an air conditioning system that utilizes waste heat from a power generation device in an absorption chiller, and a control method for the air conditioning system.

[0010] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanations than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or duplicate explanations of substantially the same configurations may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Air conditioning system configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 1 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 is configured by connecting a power generation device 4 and a device that utilizes the waste heat of the power generation device 4 via a waste heat supply path 7. As devices that utilize waste heat, FIG. 1 shows a heating heat exchanger 5, a hot water heat exchanger 6, and an absorption chiller 10. The number of power generation devices 4 and absorption chillers 10 included in the air conditioning system 1 is arbitrary. The configuration and number of devices that utilize waste heat are also arbitrary. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the air conditioning system 1 includes three power generation devices 4, a heating heat exchanger 5, a hot water heat exchanger 6, and two absorption chillers 10 will be described.

[0012] The power generation device 4 is a device that generates power by driving a generator 41 with a driving source. The driving source may be, for example, a gas engine or a diesel engine, and the type is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, an example in which an engine 42 is used as the driving source is shown.

[0013] The air conditioning system 1 recovers waste heat from the engine 42 of the power generation device 4 by a heat medium flowing through the waste heat supply path 7. For example, the power generation device 4 includes a radiator 43 that dissipates heat from the engine 42. The heat medium flowing through the waste heat supply path 7 is supplied to the radiator 43 by a pump 71. The radiator 43 exchanges heat between the waste heat of the engine 42 and the heat medium flowing through the waste heat supply path 7. The heat medium flowing through the waste heat supply path 7 is, for example, water, and may contain antifreeze, rust inhibitor, or other additives. The water flowing through the waste heat supply path 7 is heated by the waste heat of the engine 42 in the radiator 43, becomes hot water, and is supplied to the heating utilization heat exchanger 5, the hot water utilization heat exchanger 6, and the absorption chiller 10. The hot water flowing through the waste heat supply path 7 is called waste hot water.

[0014] The radiator 43 may be configured to directly exchange heat between the water flowing through the waste heat supply path 7 and the engine 42. The radiator 43 may also be configured to exchange heat between the water flowing through the waste heat supply path 7 and the cooling water of the engine 42.

[0015] The power generation device 4 may be a cogeneration system that utilizes the waste heat of the engine 42, for example, in a water heater. In this case, the radiator 43 exchanges heat between the heat medium that supplies the waste heat of the engine 42 to a waste heat utilization device and the water flowing through the waste heat supply path 7. As a result, the waste heat of the engine 42 that has been utilized in the power generation device 4 is supplied through the waste heat supply path 7.

[0016] The air conditioning system 1 includes a plurality of power generation devices 4. The power generation devices 4 are connected in parallel to a waste heat supply path 7. With this configuration, the waste heat of each power generation device 4 is supplied to the heating utilization heat exchanger 5, the hot water utilization heat exchanger 6, and the absorption chiller 10 through the waste heat supply path 7.

[0017] The heating heat exchanger 5 is connected to the absorption chiller 10, and uses waste heat from the power generation device 4 to provide auxiliary heating during heating operation of the absorption chiller 10. The waste heat supply path 7 is provided with a heating three-way valve 72 that switches between supplying and blocking hot water from the waste heat supply path 7 to the heating heat exchanger 5.

[0018] The hot water heat exchanger 6 heats water for hot water supply by waste heat of the power generation device 4. Waste hot water is supplied to the hot water heat exchanger 6 through the waste heat supply path 7, while waste hot water is supplied through the hot water supply pipe 6A by the hot water pump 61. The hot water heat exchanger 6 heats the water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 6A with the waste heat of the power generation device 4 by exchanging heat between the waste hot water in the waste heat supply path 7 and the water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 6A. The water heated in the hot water heat exchanger 6 is supplied to a hot water supply device (not shown) connected to the hot water supply pipe 6A. The hot water pump 61 operates in conjunction with the operating state of the hot water supply device connected to the hot water supply pipe 6A. For example, when the temperature of the waste hot water in the hot water storage tank of the hot water supply device drops, the hot water pump 61 operates to supply the hot water heated by the hot water heat exchanger 6 to the hot water supply device. The waste heat supply path 7 is provided with a hot water three-way valve 76 that switches between supplying and blocking the waste hot water from the waste heat supply path 7 to the hot water utilization heat exchanger 6.

[0019] The absorption chiller 10 is a device that uses waste heat from the power generation device 4 to supply cold water and hot water for air conditioning. The absorption chiller 10 is sometimes called an absorption chiller / heater. The absorption chiller 10 is connected to a hot water supply pipe 73 that branches off from the waste heat supply path 7, and waste hot water is supplied to the regenerator 15 of the absorption chiller 10 through the hot water supply pipe 73. The hot water supply pipe 73 is provided with a three-way valve 74 that switches between supplying and blocking the waste hot water from the hot water supply pipe 73 to the absorption chiller 10.

[0020] In the air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the symbols T1, T2, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, and T10 indicate temperature sensors. In the following description, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor T1 is expressed as temperature T1. The same applies to the temperature sensors T2, T5, T6, T9, and T10. The temperature sensor T1 is located downstream of the power generation device 4 and upstream of the heating utilization heat exchanger 5 in the flow direction of the waste hot water in the waste heat supply path 7. The temperature sensor T1 can detect the temperature of the waste hot water heated by the waste heat of the power generation device 4. The temperature sensor T4 is located between the heating utilization heat exchanger 5 and the absorption chiller 10, and detects the temperature of the waste hot water immediately before it flows from the waste heat supply path 7 into the absorption chiller 10. In the control of the absorption chiller 10, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor T4 is regarded as the temperature of the waste hot water supplied from the power generation device 4 to the absorption chiller 10. The temperature sensor T5 is located between the absorption chiller 10 and the hot water heat exchanger 6 in the flow direction of the waste heat supply path 7. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor T5 is the temperature of the waste hot water supplied to the hot water heat exchanger 6.

[0021] [1-1-2. Configuration of the control system for air conditioning systems] The air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning control device 2 that controls an absorption chiller 10 , and a power generation control device 3 that controls a power generation device 4 .

[0022] The multiple power generation devices 4 of the air conditioning system 1 are each connected to the power generation control device 3 by a communication line 1C. The power generation control device 3 executes control of the power generation devices 4. Control by the power generation control device 3 includes, for example, starting, operating, and stopping the power generation devices 4. There is no limit to the number of power generation devices 4 that are the subject of control by the power generation control device 3. The power generation control device 3 can operate all of the power generation devices 4 that are the subject of control by the power generation control device 3, operate only some of them, or stop all of the power generation devices 4.

[0023] The power generation control device 3 determines the number of operating power generation devices 4 according to, for example, the utilization state of the waste heat in the heating utilization heat exchanger 5, the hot water utilization heat exchanger 6, and the absorption chiller 10.

[0024] The power generation control device 3 is connected to the pump 71 via a communication line (not shown). The power generation control device 3 operates the pump 71 corresponding to the power generation device 4 that is to execute operation among the power generation devices 4 connected to the power generation control device 3. This is one example, and the pump 71 may be configured to start and stop operation in conjunction with the start and stop of operation of the power generation device 4, for example.

[0025] The air conditioning control device 2 is connected to each of the absorption chillers 10 constituting the air conditioning system 1 via a communication line 1B.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning control device 2 includes a control unit 201 and a storage unit 202. The control unit 201 is a computer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processor Unit), a microcontroller, or other processor. The control unit 201 includes the above-mentioned processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and controls the absorption chiller 10 by executing a program with the processor. The storage unit 202 has a non-volatile storage area, and stores the program executed by the processor and data processed by the processor.

[0027] The control unit 201 is connected to a communication unit 221, an input unit 222, and a display unit 223. The communication unit 221 is a communication device having a transmitter and a receiver. The communication unit 221 is connected to the power generation control device 3 via a communication line 1A. The communication unit 221 transmits and receives various signals and data to and from the power generation control device 3 in accordance with the control of the control unit 201. The communication unit 221 is connected to each absorption chiller 10 via a communication line 1B. The communication unit 221 transmits various signals and data related to the control of the absorption chiller 10 to the absorption chiller 10 in accordance with the control of the control unit 201.

[0028] The communication unit 221 is connected to the heating three-way valve 72, the three-way valve 74, the hot water supply three-way valve 76, the pump 51, and the hot water supply pump 61 via communication lines (not shown). The communication unit 221 operates each of the heating three-way valve 72, the three-way valve 74, and the hot water supply three-way valve 76 under the control of the control unit 201.

[0029] For example, when the heating-use heat exchanger 5 becomes operable, the communication unit 221 operates the heating three-way valve 72 to make it possible to supply waste hot water from the waste heat supply path 7 to the heating-use heat exchanger 5. This allows the heating-use heat exchanger 5 to use the waste heat of the power generation device 4. The communication unit 221 can also operate the heating three-way valve 72 to block the supply of waste hot water from the waste heat supply path 7 to the heating-use heat exchanger 5, in which case the heating-use heat exchanger 5 cannot use the waste heat of the power generation device 4. Similarly, for example, when the hot water-use heat exchanger 6 becomes operable, the communication unit 221 operates the hot water three-way valve 76 to make it possible to supply waste hot water from the waste heat supply path 7 to the hot water-use heat exchanger 6. This allows the hot water-use heat exchanger 6 to use the waste heat of the power generation device 4. In addition, the communication unit 221 can also operate the hot water three-way valve 76 to cut off the supply of waste hot water from the waste heat supply path 7 to the hot water utilization heat exchanger 6, in which case the hot water utilization heat exchanger 6 will be unable to utilize the waste heat from the power generation device 4.

[0030] The input unit 222 accepts input operations by an operator who manages the air conditioning control device 2. The input unit 222 outputs an operation signal indicating the input content to the control unit 201. The input unit 222 may be configured to accept input using, for example, another computer installed in a location different from the air conditioning control device 2.

[0031] The display unit 223 displays information related to the control executed by the air conditioning control device 2. The display unit 223 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) indicator, or other display device. The display unit 223 displays information corresponding to the operating state of the air conditioning control device 2 and the operating state of the absorption chiller 10.

[0032] The control unit 201 includes an acquisition unit 211 and a processing unit 212. The acquisition unit 211 and the processing unit 212 may be functional units configured by a processor executing a program.

[0033] The acquisition unit 211 acquires the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors T1, T2, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, and T10. The processing unit 212 controls the air conditioning system 1 based on the information acquired by the communication unit 221 through communication, the input accepted by the input unit 222, and the detected temperatures acquired by the acquisition unit 211. For example, the processing unit 212 controls the operation of the absorption chiller 10 based on temperatures T1, T4, T13, T14, and the like indicating the temperature of the waste hot water supplied from the waste heat supply path 7 to the absorption chiller 10. In addition, the processing unit 212 transmits information regarding the number of operating power generation units 4 to the power generation control device 3 based on the temperature of the waste hot water supplied to the absorption chiller 10, and the like. The operation of the control unit 201 will be described in detail later with reference to a flowchart.

[0034] [1-1-3. Configuration of absorption chiller] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the absorption chiller 10 according to the first embodiment. The absorption chiller 10 is a water chiller that uses water as a refrigerant and an aqueous lithium bromide (LiBr) solution as an absorbing liquid, thereby supplying cold water and hot water.

[0035] The absorption chiller 10 includes an evaporator 11, an absorber 12 arranged in parallel with the evaporator 11, an evaporator-absorber shell 13 housing the evaporator 11 and the absorber 12, a regenerator 15, and a condenser 16. The absorption chiller 10 also includes an indoor unit 17, a cooler 18, a gas burner 20, a dilute absorbent pump 31, a refrigerant pump 32, a concentrated absorbent pump 33, and a cooling water pump 35. In the absorption chiller 10, the above-mentioned devices are connected by piping via a concentrated absorbent pipe 21, a dilute absorbent pipe 22, refrigerant pipes 23, 24, 25, a cooling water pipe 26, a cold water pipe 27, and the like to form a circulation path. The heating-use heat exchanger 5 shown in FIG. 2 may also be included in the configuration of the absorption chiller 10.

[0036] The pressure inside the evaporator / absorber barrel 13 is kept at a high vacuum state, and water, which is a refrigerant, evaporates in the evaporator 11 and moves inside the evaporator / absorber barrel 13 to the absorber 12. The water forms a liquid pool 11A at the bottom of the evaporator 11. The evaporator / absorber barrel 13 is provided with a refrigerant pipe 25 that opens to the bottom of the evaporator 11, and an end of the refrigerant pipe 25 is connected to a sprayer arranged at the top of the evaporator 11. A refrigerant pump 32 is provided on the refrigerant pipe 25. The refrigerant pump 32 transports the water in the liquid pool 11A to the top of the evaporator 11, whereby the water is sprayed inside the evaporator 11.

[0037] The evaporator 11 is connected to the indoor unit 17 via a cold water pipe 27. The cold water flowing through the cold water pipe 27 exchanges heat with the air in a heat exchanger (not shown) of the indoor unit 17, and the cooled air is supplied to the room, thereby realizing a cooling operation. The indoor unit 17 acts as a heat load for the absorption chiller 10.

[0038] Between the evaporator 11 and the indoor unit 17, cold water (brine) is circulated and supplied through a cold water pipe 27. A heat transfer pipe 27A formed as a part of the cold water pipe 27 is arranged inside the evaporator 11, and during cooling operation of the absorption chiller 10, the brine flowing through the heat transfer pipe 27A exchanges heat with the refrigerant and is cooled. During heating operation of the absorption chiller 10, the brine is heated in the heat transfer pipe 27A and sent to the indoor unit 17 through the cold water pipe 27. A pump 51 for transporting the brine is provided in the cold water pipe 27.

[0039] In the cold water pipe 27, a heating heat exchanger 5 is connected via a hot water pipe 5A to a path for circulating the brine from the indoor unit 17 to the evaporator 11. The heating heat exchanger 5 exchanges heat between the brine returning from the indoor unit 17 to the evaporator 11 and the waste hot water flowing through the waste heat supply path 7.

[0040] 2, temperature sensors T7, T8, T13, and T14 are provided in the cold water pipe 27. Below, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor T7 is referred to as temperature T7, and the same applies to the temperature sensors T8, T13, and T14. The temperature sensor T8 is disposed in a path where water flows from the indoor unit 17 to the heating-use heat exchanger 5, and the temperature sensor T7 is disposed in a path where water flows from the heating-use heat exchanger 5 to the evaporator 11. Temperature sensor T13 is disposed between the heating-use heat exchanger 5 and the evaporator 11, and detects the temperature of the brine flowing into the heat transfer tube 27A. The temperature detected by temperature sensor T13 is defined as inlet water temperature T13. Temperature sensor T14 is disposed between the evaporator 11 and the indoor unit 17, and detects the temperature of the brine flowing out from the heat transfer tube 27A to the indoor unit 17. The temperature detected by temperature sensor T14 is defined as outlet water temperature T14. Inlet water temperature T13 corresponds to an example of a "chilled water inlet temperature", and outlet water temperature T14 corresponds to an example of a "chilled water outlet temperature".

[0041] The absorber 12 has a function of absorbing the refrigerant vapor evaporated in the evaporator 11 into the absorbing liquid, and maintaining the pressure inside the evaporator-absorber shell 13 at a high vacuum state. A dilute absorbing liquid reservoir 12A is formed in the lower part of the absorber 12, in which dilute absorbing liquid diluted by absorbing the refrigerant vapor is stored. One end of a dilute absorbing liquid pipe 22 having a dilute absorbing liquid pump 31 is connected to the dilute absorbing liquid reservoir 12A. The dilute absorbing liquid pump 31 is an inverter-controllable pump, and is configured so that the driving amount of the dilute absorbing liquid pump 31 can be varied by controlling the inverter frequency.

[0042] The dilute absorbent pipe 22 is provided between the absorber 12 and the regenerator 15, and opens into the inside of the regenerator 15. A hot water supply pipe 73 branched off from the waste heat supply path 7 is connected to the regenerator 15, and a heat transfer pipe 73A formed in a part of the hot water supply pipe 73 is disposed inside the regenerator 15.

[0043] The regenerator 15 uses the waste heat of the power generation device 4 and the gas burner 20 as a heat source for heating and regenerating the absorbing liquid. Inside the regenerator 15, the dilute absorbing liquid sent through the dilute absorbing liquid pipe 22 forms an absorbing liquid reservoir 15A. The heat transfer pipe 73A heats the absorbing liquid reservoir 15A with waste hot water sent through the hot water supply pipe 73, thereby heating and regenerating the absorbing liquid. The gas burner 20 is accommodated in a shell (not shown) attached to the regenerator 15. The gas burner 20 heats the absorbing liquid reservoir 15A with a flame, thereby heating and regenerating the absorbing liquid. The ignition and extinguishing of the gas burner 20, and the flow rate of the fuel gas supplied to the gas burner 20 are controlled by the air conditioning control device 2. For example, when the heat from the heat transfer pipe 73A is insufficient, the air conditioning control device 2 causes the gas burner 20 to perform heating, thereby promoting the heating and regeneration of the absorbing liquid. The heat transfer tube 73A is a first heat source that heats the absorption liquid by utilizing waste heat from the power generation device 4, and the gas burner 20 is a second heat source. Under the control of the air conditioning control device 2, the absorption chiller 10 can be operated using only the heat transfer tube 73A as a heat source, or using both the heat transfer tube 73A and the gas burner 20 as heat sources.

[0044] One end of a concentrated absorption liquid pipe 21 is connected to the regenerator 15. The other end of the concentrated absorption liquid pipe 21 is connected to a sprayer provided on the upper part of the absorber 12. A concentrated absorption liquid pump 33 is provided on the concentrated absorption liquid pipe 21. The concentrated absorption liquid pump 33 delivers the concentrated absorption liquid from the regenerator 15 to the absorber 12, and the delivered concentrated absorption liquid is sprayed inside the absorber 12 by the sprayer.

[0045] One end of the refrigerant pipe 23 opens at the top of the regenerator 15. The other end of the refrigerant pipe 23 opens into the inside of the condenser 16, and the refrigerant separated from the dilute absorption liquid in the regenerator 15 is sent to the condenser 16 through the refrigerant pipe 23.

[0046] The absorber 12 and the condenser 16 are provided with a cooling water pipe 26 for circulating cooling water sequentially through the absorber 12 and the condenser 16. The cooling water pipe 26 is connected to a cooler 18. The cooler 18 is, for example, a cooling tower, and cools the cooling water flowing through the cooling water pipe 26. A cooling water pump 35 is provided in the cooling water pipe 26. The cooling water cooled by the cooler 18 is transported by the cooling water pump 35 to the absorber 12, and cools the concentrated absorption liquid sprayed inside the absorber 12. The cooling water pipe 26 is disposed inside the condenser 16, and cools the water vapor in the condenser 16.

[0047] The above is the flow of the absorbing liquid and the refrigerant when the absorption chiller 10 performs cooling operation, and when the absorption chiller 10 performs heating operation, the on-off valve 37 provided on the cooling water pipe 26 is closed. In this case, the water vapor heated in the regenerator 15 flows into the evaporator 11 without condensing in the condenser 16, and heats the heat transfer tube 27A. As a result, the brine flowing through the heat transfer tube 27A becomes hot, and this brine flows into the indoor unit 17 to supply hot water for heating.

[0048] During heating operation of the absorption chiller 10, the heating three-way valve 72 (FIG. 1) is opened under the control of the air conditioning control device 2. With the heating three-way valve 72 open, waste hot water is supplied from the waste heat supply path 7 to the heating heat exchanger 5, and heat is exchanged between the waste hot water and the brine. In this way, the heating heat exchanger 5 heats the brine returning from the indoor unit 17 to the evaporator 11 with the waste heat of the power generation device 4, thereby achieving the effect of improving the heating efficiency of the absorption chiller 10.

[0049] The dilute absorbent pump 31, the refrigerant pump 32, the concentrated absorbent pump 33, the cooling water pump 35, and the on-off valve 37 are connected to the air conditioning control device 2 through control lines (not shown) etc. The air conditioning control device 2 controls each of the above-mentioned parts to cause the absorption chiller 10 to perform cooling operation and heating operation.

[0050] 1, the air conditioning control device 2 is connected to each absorption chiller 10 included in the air conditioning system 1 via a communication line 1B. The air conditioning control device 2 individually controls the multiple absorption chillers 10 to perform cooling operation and heating operation. For example, when the air conditioning control device 2 receives an input of an instruction to start the absorption chiller 10 via the input unit 222, it starts the operation of the absorption chiller 10. Furthermore, while the absorption chiller 10 is operating, the air conditioning control device 2 calculates an air conditioning load based on the inlet water temperature T13 and the outlet water temperature T14, and controls the operating state of the absorption chiller 10 in accordance with the calculated air conditioning load. Furthermore, for example, the air conditioning control device 2 controls the cooling water pump 35 and the on-off valve 37 to switch the absorption chiller 10 between cooling operation and heating operation.

[0051] [1-2. Operation of air conditioning system] Next, the operation of the air conditioning control device 2 will be described. The operation of the air conditioning control device 2 described here relates to a process for changing the number of operating power generation devices 4 when the absorption chiller 10 uses a lot of waste heat from the power generation devices 4. The air conditioning control device 2 corresponds to an example of a "processing device", and the engine 42 corresponds to an example of a "driving source".

[0052] As described above, during operation of the air conditioning system 1, the power generation control device 3 operates the power generation devices 4 in accordance with, for example, power generation demand. If the number of operating power generation devices 4 is reduced by the operation of the power generation control device 3, or if the waste heat used by the absorption chiller 10 increases due to the thermal load of the absorption chiller 10, the waste heat supplied from the power generation device 4 becomes insufficient, and the temperature of the waste hot water drops. In this case, the air conditioning control device 2 executes an operation to increase the number of operating power generation devices 4 in order to secure the waste heat used by the absorption chiller 10. This operation will be described below with reference to Figs. 3 to 7.

[0053] In this embodiment, when the waste heat of the power generation devices 4 supplied to the absorption chiller 10 is insufficient, the processing unit 212 transmits, to the power generation control device 3, change information indicating an increase in the number of the operating power generation devices 4. In this operation, the processing unit 212 determines the amount of change in the number of the operating power generation devices 4 based on the temperature acquired by the acquisition unit 211. The processing unit 212 generates change information indicating the determined amount of change, and causes the communication unit 221 to transmit the change information to the power generation control device 3. The content and format of the change information are not particularly limited. For example, the change information may be information specifying the number of the power generation devices 4 operated by the power generation control device 3, or information specifying a lower limit value of the number of the power generation devices 4 operated by the power generation control device 3. Alternatively, the operation information may be information specifying the number by which the number of the power generation devices 4 operated by the power generation control device 3 is increased or decreased.

[0054] The change amount determined by the processing unit 212 is, for example, a lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 among the power generation devices 4 provided in the air conditioning system 1. In addition, the change amount is an amount indicating that the maximum operable number of power generation devices 4 among the power generation devices 4 provided in the air conditioning system 1 is operated.

[0055] The processing unit 212 increases the number of power generation devices 4 operated by the power generation control device 3 when the waste heat supplied from the waste heat supply path 7 is insufficient for the waste heat used by the absorption chiller 10 based on the temperature T1, the inlet water temperature T13, and the outlet water temperature T14. To perform this control, the processing unit 212 generates operation information indicating a lower limit of the power generation devices 4 to be operated and transmits it to the power generation control device 3. When the power generation control device 3 receives the operation information transmitted by the air conditioning control device 2, it increases the number of power generation devices 4 to be operated based on the operation information, for example.

[0056] 3, 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing the operation of the air conditioning control device 2 in the first embodiment. In Fig. 3, steps S11 to S13 are executed by the acquisition unit 211, and steps S14 to S15 are executed by the processing unit 212. The operation of Fig. 3 is executed repeatedly at a predetermined time cycle while the air conditioning system 1 is in operation. The operations shown in Figs. 3 to 5 can be executed both while the air conditioning control device 2 is operating all of the absorption chillers 10 constituting the air conditioning system 1, and while some of the absorption chillers 10 are stopped.

[0057] The air conditioning control device 2 acquires the number of power generation devices 4 in operation in the air conditioning system 1 by communicating with the power generation control device 3 via the communication unit 221 (step S11). The air conditioning control device 2 executes the operation of step S11 at one-minute intervals, for example. The air conditioning control device 2 acquires a temperature T1, which is a detection value of a temperature sensor T1 provided in the waste heat supply path 7 (step S12). Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 2 acquires an inlet water temperature T13, which is a detection value of a temperature sensor T13, and an outlet water temperature T14, which is a detection value of a temperature sensor T14 (step S13).

[0058] The air conditioning control device 2 executes a change amount calculation process to find the amount of change in the number of power generation devices 4 operated in the air conditioning system 1 (step S14). The change amount calculation process of step S14 will be described later.

[0059] The air conditioning control device 2 transmits the change information generated in the change amount calculation process to the power generation control device 3 (step S15). As described above, the content of the change information is not limited. For example, the air conditioning control device 2 may compare the number of operating power generation devices 4 acquired in step S11 with the change amount determined in the change amount calculation process, and generate change information that instructs a change to the number of operating power generation devices 4. The air conditioning control device 2 may also omit step S11. In this case, the air conditioning control device 2 may generate change information indicating the change amount determined in the change amount calculation process and transmit it to the power generation control device 3.

[0060] Figures 4 and 5 show in detail the change amount calculation process shown in step S14 in Figure 3. The operations in Figures 4 and 5 are executed by the processing unit 212.

[0061] 4 and 5, the air conditioning control device 2 uses a first threshold, a second threshold, and a third threshold that are set in advance for the temperature T1. In the following description, each threshold satisfies the following formula (1). 2nd threshold < 3rd threshold < 1st threshold … (1) The first threshold, the second threshold, and the third threshold are stored, for example, in the storage unit 202. For example, the first threshold is 78°C, the second threshold is 68°C, and the third threshold is 75°C.

[0062] 4 and 5, the air conditioning control device 2 uses a first set value, a second set value, and a third set value for the inlet water temperature T13. In the following description, the first set value, the second set value, and the third set value satisfy the following formula (2). 3rd set value < 2nd set value < 1st set value …(2)

[0063] The first set value is, for example, the set value of the outlet water temperature T14. The set value of the outlet water temperature T14 is a target value of the temperature of the chilled water flowing out from the evaporator 11 to the indoor unit 17, and the air conditioning control device 2 operates the absorption chiller 10 so that the outlet water temperature T14 becomes the set value. The air conditioning control device 2 may refer to the set value of the outlet water temperature T14 stored in the memory unit 202 as the first set value, or the set value of the outlet water temperature T14 and the first set value may be stored in the memory unit 202. The second set value is a value determined based on the set value of the outlet water temperature T14 as a reference, and is, for example, a temperature 0.5°C lower than the set value of the outlet water temperature T14. The third set value is a value determined based on the set value of the outlet water temperature T14 as a reference, and is, for example, a temperature 1.0°C lower than the set value of the outlet water temperature T14. The air conditioning control device 2 may calculate the second set value and the third set value from the set value of the outlet water temperature T14, or the second set value and the third set value may be stored in the storage unit 202 separately from the set value of the outlet water temperature T14. For example, the first set value is 7.0°C, the second set value is 6.5°C, and the third set value is 6.0°C.

[0064] The air conditioning control device 2 compares the temperature T1 of the waste hot water with a first threshold value and determines whether the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value (step S21). If the temperature T1 is higher than the first threshold value (step S21: NO), the air conditioning control device 2 ends the processing in FIG. 3. If the temperature T1 is higher than the first threshold value, it can be said that the amount of waste heat supplied to the absorption chiller 10 via the waste heat supply path 7 is sufficient. For this reason, the air conditioning control device 2 does not need to perform processing to increase the number of power generation devices 4 in operation, and so the air conditioning control device 2 ends the processing.

[0065] If the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold (step S21: YES), the air conditioning control device 2 compares the inlet water temperature T13 with a first set value and determines whether the inlet water temperature T13 is equal to or higher than the first set value (step S22). If the inlet water temperature T13 is equal to or higher than the first set value (step S22: YES), the air conditioning control device 2 sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 as the maximum number and determines a first change amount indicating the maximum number (step S23).

[0066] The maximum number is all of the power generation devices 4 included in the air conditioning system 1, or the maximum number of the power generation devices 4 included in the air conditioning system 1 that satisfies the demand for waste heat. For example, when the power generation control device 3 receives change information indicating the maximum number, it executes control to operate all of the power generation devices 4 included in the air conditioning system 1. In the configuration example of the air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the power generation control device 3 operates three power generation devices 4. Here, when the number of power generation devices 4 included in the air conditioning system 1 is greater than the number that can supply sufficient waste heat to the absorption chiller 10, the power generation control device 3 does not need to operate all of the power generation control devices 3. For example, when six power generation devices 4 can supply sufficient waste heat to the absorption chiller 10 and the air conditioning system 1 has ten power generation devices 4, the power generation control device 3 operates at least six power generation devices 4 in response to receiving change information indicating the maximum number. For example, the power generation control device 3 may have information regarding the number of operating power generation devices 4 corresponding to the maximum number. In the above example, when the number of power generation devices 4 capable of supplying sufficient waste heat to the absorption chiller 10 is set to six in the power generation control device 3, the power generation control device 3 sets the number of power generation devices 4 to be operated to six or more when it receives change information indicating the maximum number. In addition, for example, the air conditioning control device 2 may have information regarding the number of operating power generation devices 4 corresponding to the maximum number. In the above example, when the number of power generation devices 4 capable of supplying sufficient waste heat to the absorption chiller 10 is set to six in the air conditioning control device 2, the air conditioning control device 2 sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 to six in step S23. As a result, operation information indicating six as the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 is transmitted to the power generation control device 3. After step S23, the air conditioning control device 2 proceeds to step S31 in FIG.

[0067] If the inlet water temperature T13 is lower than the first set value (step S22: NO), the air conditioning control device 2 determines whether or not the condition that the inlet water temperature T13 is equal to or higher than the second set value and lower than the first set value is met (step S24). If the inlet water temperature T13 meets the condition (step S24: YES), the air conditioning control device 2 sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 to 66%, and determines a first change amount indicating 66% (step S25). 66% is the ratio to the total number of power generation devices 4 provided in the air conditioning system 1. After step S25, the air conditioning control device 2 proceeds to step S31 in FIG. 5.

[0068] If the inlet water temperature T13 does not satisfy the condition of step S24 (step S24: NO), the air conditioning control device 2 judges whether or not the inlet water temperature T13 satisfies the condition that it is equal to or higher than the third set value and lower than the second set value (step S26). If the inlet water temperature T13 satisfies the condition (step S26: YES), the air conditioning control device 2 sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 to 33%, and determines a first change amount indicating 33% (step S27). 33% is the ratio to the total number of power generation devices 4 equipped in the air conditioning system 1. After step S27, the air conditioning control device 2 proceeds to step S31 in FIG. 5.

[0069] If the inlet water temperature T13 does not satisfy the condition of step S26 (step S26: NO), that is, if the inlet water temperature T13 is lower than the third set value, the air conditioning control device 2 determines a first change amount so as not to change the number of operating power generation devices 4 (step S28). Specifically, the air conditioning control device 2 determines a value that does not mean a change in the number of operating power generation devices 4 as the first change amount. After step S28, the air conditioning control device 2 proceeds to step S31 in FIG. 5.

[0070] In step S31 of Fig. 5, the air conditioning control device 2 compares the temperature T1 with a second threshold value and determines whether the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the second threshold value (step S31). If the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the second threshold value (step S31: YES), the air conditioning control device 2 sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 as the maximum number and determines a second change amount indicating the maximum number (step S32). After step S32, the air conditioning control device 2 proceeds to step S35, which will be described later.

[0071] If the temperature T1 is higher than the second threshold (step S31: NO), the air conditioning control device 2 determines whether or not the temperature T1 satisfies the condition that the temperature T1 is equal to or higher than the second threshold and lower than the third threshold (step S33). If the temperature T1 satisfies the condition (step S33: YES), the air conditioning control device 2 sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 to 33% and determines a second change amount indicating 33% (step S34). After step S34, the air conditioning control device 2 proceeds to step S35. If the temperature T1 does not satisfy the condition of step S33 (step S33: NO), the air conditioning control device 2 proceeds to step S35.

[0072] In step S35, the air conditioning control device 2 compares the first change amount determined in any one of steps S23, S25, S27, or S28 with the second change amount determined in any one of steps S32 or S34. In step S35, the air conditioning control device 2 sets the first change amount or the second change amount, whichever has the larger lower limit of the number of operating power generation units 4, as the change amount (step S35). The air conditioning control device 2 generates change information indicating the change amount determined in step S35 (step S36) and proceeds to step S15 in FIG. 3.

[0073] 6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning control device 2. Fig. 6 shows an example of changes in the inlet water temperature T13 and the outlet water temperature T14. In Fig. 6, the vertical axis shows temperature, the horizontal axis shows the passage of time, (a) shows the inlet water temperature T13, and (b) shows the outlet water temperature T14. SV1 is the first set value, SV2 is the second set value, and SV3 is the third set value.

[0074] 6, the inlet water temperature T13 is lower than the third set value before time P1, so no lower limit is specified for the number of operating power generation units 4 before time P1.

[0075] In the example of FIG. 6, the inlet water temperature T13 rises over time, reaching the third set temperature at time P1, the second set temperature at time P2, and the first set temperature at time P3.

[0076] 4, the air conditioning control device 2 determines a first change amount that sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation units 4 to 33% during the period from time P1 to time P2. The air conditioning control device 2 also determines a first change amount that sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation units 4 to 66% during the period from time P2 to time P3. The air conditioning control device 2 also determines a first change amount that sets the number of operating power generation units 4 to the maximum number after time P3.

[0077] Fig. 7 shows an example of a change in temperature T1. In Fig. 7, the vertical axis indicates temperature, the horizontal axis indicates the passage of time, and (a) indicates temperature T1. TH1 is the third threshold value, and TH2 is the second threshold value.

[0078] 7, the temperature T1 is higher than the third threshold value before time P11, and therefore, no lower limit is specified for the number of operating power generation units 4 before time P11. In the example of FIG. 7, the temperature T1 decreases over time, reaches the first threshold temperature at time P11, and reaches the second threshold temperature at time P12.

[0079] 5, the air conditioning control device 2 determines the second change amount that sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation units 4 to 33% during the period from time P11 to time P12. Furthermore, the air conditioning control device 2 determines the second change amount that sets the number of operating power generation units 4 to the maximum number after time P12.

[0080] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning control device 2 as a processing device is provided in an air conditioning system 1 including a plurality of power generation devices 4 and an absorption chiller 10 that uses waste hot water heated by waste heat from the power generation devices 4 as a heat source. The air conditioning control device 2 includes an acquisition unit 211 and a processing unit 212. The acquisition unit 211 acquires the temperature of the waste hot water supplied from the power generation devices 4 to the absorption chiller 10 and the inlet water temperature T13 of the absorption chiller 10. When the temperature T1 of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a first threshold value, the processing unit 212 determines the amount of change in the number of power generation devices 4 to be operated based on the temperature T1 of the waste hot water and the inlet water temperature T13.

[0081] This makes it possible to change the waste heat supplied from the power generation device 4 to the absorption chiller 10 according to the operating state of the absorption chiller 10. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1, in which the waste heat of the power generation device 4 is utilized in the absorption chiller 10, can be operated efficiently.

[0082] The power generation device 4 has a generator 41 and an engine 42 as a drive source for driving the generator 41. The air conditioning system 1 has a waste heat supply path 7 that circulates and supplies waste hot water heated by waste heat from the engine 42 to the regenerator 15 of the absorption chiller 10. The acquisition unit 211 acquires a temperature T1 of the waste hot water flowing from the waste heat supply path 7 into the regenerator 15.

[0083] According to this, efficient control can be performed by utilizing the temperature T1 of the waste hot water supplied from the power generation device 4 to the absorption chiller 10.

[0084] The processing unit 212 has a first threshold value for the temperature T1 and a first set value as a set value for the inlet water temperature T13. The processing unit 212 determines the amount of change that maximizes the number of operating power generation devices 4 when the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the inlet water temperature T13 is equal to or higher than the first set value, or when the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value.

[0085] According to this, the number of operating power generating units 4 for obtaining the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller 10 can be appropriately determined based on the temperature T1 of the waste hot water.

[0086] The processing unit 212 has a first threshold value for the temperature T1, and has a first set value and a second set value lower than the first set value as the set value of the inlet water temperature T13. When the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the inlet water temperature T13 is lower than the first set value and equal to or higher than the second set value, the processing unit 212 determines an amount of change that sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 to a predetermined number that is greater than half the total number of power generation devices 4. Here, the predetermined number is, for example, 66% of the total number of power generation devices 4.

[0087] According to this, the number of operating power generation units 4 for obtaining the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller 10 can be appropriately determined based on the temperature T1 and the inlet water temperature T13, and the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller 10 can be obtained. Also, an excessive increase in the number of operating power generation units 4 can be prevented, and the air conditioning system 1 can be operated efficiently.

[0088] The processing unit 212 has a first threshold value for the temperature T1, and has a first set value, a second set value lower than the first set value, and a third set value lower than the second set value as set values ​​for the inlet water temperature T13. When the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the inlet water temperature T13 is lower than the second set value and equal to or higher than the third set value, the processing unit 212 determines an amount of change that sets the lower limit of the number of operating power generation devices 4 to a predetermined number that is less than half the total number of the power generation devices. Here, the predetermined number is, for example, 33% of the total number of the power generation devices 4.

[0089] According to this, the number of operating power generation units 4 for obtaining the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller 10 can be appropriately determined based on the temperature T1 and the inlet water temperature T13, and the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller 10 can be obtained. Also, an excessive increase in the number of operating power generation units 4 can be prevented, and the air conditioning system 1 can be operated efficiently.

[0090] The processor 212 has a first threshold value for the temperature T1, and has a first set value, a second set value lower than the first set value, and a third set value lower than the second set value as set values ​​for the inlet water temperature T13. When the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the inlet water temperature T13 is lower than the third set value, the processor 212 does not change the number of operating power generation devices 4.

[0091] This makes it possible to appropriately determine whether or not it is necessary to increase the number of operating power generation units 4, and to omit unnecessary control when there is no need to increase the number of operating power generation units 4. Therefore, it is possible to operate the air conditioning system 1 more efficiently.

[0092] The first set value is, for example, a target value for the outlet water temperature T14.

[0093] This makes it possible to appropriately determine the number of operating power generating units 4 based on the temperature designated as the target value of the outlet water temperature T14.

[0094] When the temperature T1 is higher than the first threshold, the processing unit 212 does not execute the process of determining the amount of change.

[0095] According to this, it is possible to omit unnecessary control when there is no need to increase the number of operating power generating units 4. Therefore, it is possible to operate the air conditioning system 1 more efficiently.

[0096] The processing unit 212 determines the amount of change so as to increase the number of power generation devices 4 in operation.

[0097] According to this, when there is a shortage of waste heat supplied to the absorption chiller 10, the number of operating power generation units 4 can be increased, and the air conditioning system 1 can be operated more efficiently.

[0098] The air conditioning control device 2 includes a communication unit 221 that communicates with a power generation control device that operates the power generation device 4, and the communication unit 221 transmits information indicating the amount of change to the power generation control device.

[0099] According to this, the power generation control device 3 can control the operation of the power generation device 4 based on the result of the air conditioning control device 2 determining whether or not it is necessary to increase the number of operating power generation devices 4. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 can be operated more efficiently.

[0100] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to an embodiment in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned embodiment to create a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0101] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the air conditioning control device 2 detects and processes the temperature T1 as the temperature of the waste heat supplied from the power generation device 4 to the absorption chiller 10. This is just one example, and for example, the air conditioning control device 2 may detect the temperature T4 as the temperature of the waste heat supplied from the power generation device 4 to the absorption chiller 10. The temperature T4 detected by the temperature sensor T4 is the temperature of the waste hot water immediately before flowing from the waste heat supply path 7 into the absorption chiller 10, and well reflects the heat supplied to the absorption chiller 10. In this case, the same effect can be obtained by replacing the temperature T1 with the temperature T4 in the operation of the air conditioning control device 2 shown in Figures 3 to 5. In the above-described embodiment, the air conditioning control device 2 may execute the judgment of step S21 in Fig. 4 before step S13 after acquiring the temperature T1 in step S12 in Fig. 3. In this case, if a positive judgment is made in step S21, the process may be continued by returning to step S13. In this way, when the temperature T1 is higher than the first threshold, unnecessary processes can be omitted, and further efficiency can be achieved.

[0102] In the above-described embodiment, for example, the processing device that performs the processes shown in Figures 3 to 5 may be a device separate from the air conditioning control device 2. That is, in the air conditioning system 1 that includes the air conditioning control device 2 that controls the operation of the absorption chiller 10, the processes shown in Figures 3 to 5 may be executed by a device separate from the air conditioning control device 2.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the power generation control device 3 that controls the operation of the power generation device 4 and the air conditioning control device 2 are configured as separate devices. For example, in the above-described embodiment, in the air conditioning system 1, the air conditioning control device 2 may have the function of the power generation control device 3, and the power generation control device 3 may be omitted. In this case, the air conditioning control device 2 may be configured as a device that executes control of air conditioning, etc. using the absorption chiller 10, and control regarding the number of power generation devices 4 in operation, etc.

[0104] The configuration of the absorption chiller 10 described in the above embodiment is an example. For example, the heat transfer tube 73A and the gas burner 20 do not need to be provided in the same place in the regenerator 15, and a configuration in which a portion for heating the absorbing liquid by the heat transfer tube 73A and a portion for heating the absorbing liquid by the gas burner 20 are provided separately may be used. In addition, the regenerator 15 may be divided into a first regenerator for heating and regenerating the absorbing liquid by the heat transfer tube 73A and a second regenerator for heating and regenerating the absorbing liquid by the gas burner 20. The absorption chiller 10 may be a double-effect refrigeration device having a low-temperature regenerator and a high-temperature regenerator.

[0105] The operation of the air conditioning control device 2 in the above-mentioned embodiment can be realized as a program executed by a processor. This program can also be realized in a form stored in a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The above-mentioned operation can also be realized by storing this program in a server device or the like and having the air conditioning control device 2 download the program from the server device. The processor of the control unit 201 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. The processor of the control unit 201 may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. The processor of the control unit 201 may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0106] The configuration of the air conditioning control device 2 shown in Fig. 1 is one example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessarily necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Also, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be software.

[0107] The step units of the operations shown in Figures 3 to 5 are divided according to the main processing contents in order to make the operations easier to understand, and the manner in which the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units do not limit the operations. The operations may be divided into more step units according to the processing contents. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so as to include more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure.

[0108] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, and the like can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0109] (Additional Note) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0110] (Technology 1) A treatment device is provided in an air conditioning system including at least a plurality of power generation devices and an absorption chiller that uses waste hot water heated by waste heat from the power generation devices as a heat source, and includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a temperature of the waste hot water and a cold water inlet temperature of the absorption chiller; and a processing unit that, when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a first threshold value, determines the number of the power generation devices to operate based on the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature. This makes it possible to change the amount of waste heat supplied from the power generation unit to the absorption chiller in accordance with the operating state of the absorption chiller, thereby enabling the air conditioning system that utilizes the waste heat from the power generation unit in the absorption chiller to be operated efficiently.

[0111] (Technology 2) The power generation device has a generator and a driving source that drives the generator, the air conditioning system has a waste heat supply path that circulates and supplies the waste hot water heated by waste heat of the driving source to a regenerator of the absorption chiller, and the acquisition unit acquires the temperature of the waste hot water flowing from the waste heat supply path to the regenerator. According to this, efficient control can be performed by utilizing the temperature of waste hot water supplied from the power generation device to the absorption chiller.

[0112] (Technology 3) The processing unit has a first threshold value for the temperature of the waste hot water, has a first setting value as a setting value of the cold water inlet temperature, and determines the number of the power generation devices to operate to a maximum number when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is equal to or higher than the first setting value, or when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value. According to this, the number of operating power generation devices for obtaining the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller can be appropriately determined based on the temperature of the waste hot water.

[0113] (Technology 4) The processing unit has a first threshold value for the temperature of the waste hot water, and has a first set value and a second set value lower than the first set value as set values ​​for the cold water inlet temperature, and when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is lower than the first set value and equal to or higher than the second set value, the processing unit determines a lower limit of the number of the power generation devices to be operated to a predetermined number that is more than half of the total number of the power generation devices. According to this, the number of operating power generation units for obtaining the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller can be appropriately determined based on the waste hot water temperature and the cold water inlet temperature, and the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller can be obtained. Also, an excessive increase in the number of operating power generation units can be prevented, and the air conditioning system can be operated efficiently.

[0114] (Technology 5) The processing unit has a first threshold value for the temperature of the waste hot water, and has a first set value, a second set value lower than the first set value, and a third set value lower than the second set value as set values ​​for the cold water inlet temperature, and when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is lower than the second set value and equal to or higher than the third set value, the processing unit determines a lower limit of the number of the power generation devices to be operated to a predetermined number that is less than half of the total number of the power generation devices. According to this, the number of operating power generation units for obtaining the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller can be appropriately determined based on the waste hot water temperature and the cold water inlet temperature, and the waste heat required to operate the absorption chiller can be obtained. Also, an excessive increase in the number of operating power generation units can be prevented, and the air conditioning system can be operated efficiently.

[0115] (Technology 6) The processing unit has a first threshold value for the temperature of the waste hot water, and has a first set value, a second set value lower than the first set value, and a third set value lower than the second set value as set values ​​for the cold water inlet temperature, and when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is lower than the third set value, the processing unit does not change the number of the power generation devices in operation. According to this, when there is no need to increase the number of operating power generating units, unnecessary control can be omitted, and the air conditioning system can be operated more efficiently.

[0116] (Technical 7) The treatment device according to any one of Technical 3 to Technical 6, wherein the first set value is a target value of a cold water outlet temperature of the absorption chiller. According to this, the number of operating power generating devices can be appropriately determined based on the temperature designated as the target value of the chilled water outlet temperature.

[0117] (Technology 8) The treatment device according to any one of Technology 3 to Technology 7, wherein the processing unit does not execute a process for determining the number of the power generation devices to be operated when the temperature of the waste hot water is higher than the first threshold value. According to this, when there is no need to increase the number of operating power generating units, unnecessary control can be omitted, and the air conditioning system can be operated more efficiently.

[0118] (Technical 9) The processing device according to any one of Technical 1 to Technical 8, wherein the processing unit increases the number of the power generation devices in operation. According to this, when there is a shortage of waste heat supplied to the absorption chiller, the number of operating power generating devices can be increased, and the air conditioning system can be operated more efficiently.

[0119] (Technology 10) A processing device described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 10, comprising a communication unit that communicates with a power generation control device that operates the power generation device, and the communication unit transmits information indicating the number of the power generation devices to be operated to the power generation control device. According to this, the power generation control device can control the operation of the power generation device based on the result of the air conditioning control device judging whether or not it is necessary to increase the number of operating power generation devices, and therefore the air conditioning system 1 can be operated more efficiently.

[0120] (Technology 11) A control method for an air conditioning system including at least a plurality of power generation devices and an absorption chiller that uses waste hot water heated by waste heat from the power generation devices as a heat source, the method acquiring the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature of the absorption chiller, and determining the number of the power generation devices to operate based on the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a first threshold value. This makes it possible to change the amount of waste heat supplied from the power generation unit to the absorption chiller in accordance with the operating state of the absorption chiller, thereby enabling the air conditioning system that utilizes the waste heat from the power generation unit in the absorption chiller to be operated efficiently. [Industrial Applicability]

[0121] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, the treatment device and the control method for an air conditioning system according to the present invention can be used in a waste heat utilization air conditioning system that utilizes waste heat from a power generation device in an absorption chiller. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 1. Air conditioning system 1A, 1B, 1C communication lines 2. Air conditioning control device (processing device) 3. Power generation control device 4. Power generation equipment 5 Heat exchanger for heating 5A hot water pipe 6. Hot water heat exchanger 6A hot water pipe 7 Waste heat supply line 10 Absorption chiller 11 Evaporator 11A Liquid pool 12 Absorber 12A Dilute absorbent liquid reservoir 13 Evaporator absorber shell 15 Regenerator 15A Absorbent reservoir 16 Condenser 17 Indoor unit 18 Cooler 20 Gas burner 21 Thick absorbent pipe 22 Dilute absorption pipe 23, 24, 25 Refrigerant pipes 26 Cooling water pipe 27 Cold water pipe 27A Heat transfer tube 31 Dilute absorption liquid pump 32 Refrigerant pump 33 Thick absorbent pump 35 Cooling water pump 37 On-off valve 41 Generator 42 Engine (power source) 43 Radiator 51, 71 Pump 61 Hot water pump 72 Three-way valve for heating 74 Three-way valve 76 Three-way hot water valve 73 Hot water supply pipe 73A Heat transfer tube 201 Control section 202 Storage section 211 Acquisition Department 212 Processing section 221 Communications Department 222 Input section T13 Inlet water temperature (cold water inlet temperature) T14 Outlet water temperature (chilled water outlet temperature)

Claims

1. The air conditioning system is provided with at least a plurality of power generation units and an absorption chiller that uses waste hot water heated by waste heat from the power generation units as a heat source, An acquisition unit that acquires a temperature of the waste hot water and a cold water inlet temperature of the absorption chiller; A processing device comprising: a processing unit that, when a temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a first threshold value, determines the number of the power generation devices to operate based on the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature.

2. The power generation device includes a generator and a drive source that drives the generator, the air conditioning system has a waste heat supply passage for circulating and supplying the waste hot water heated by the waste heat of the driving source to a regenerator of the absorption chiller, The treatment apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires a temperature of the waste hot water flowing into the regenerator from the waste heat supply path.

3. The processing unit includes: A first threshold value related to the temperature of the waste hot water; A first set value is set as the set value of the chilled water inlet temperature, The treatment device of claim 1, wherein the number of power generation devices in operation is determined to be the maximum when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is equal to or higher than a first set value, or when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a second threshold value that is lower than the first threshold value.

4. The processing unit includes: A first threshold value related to the temperature of the waste hot water; The chilled water inlet temperature setting value includes a first setting value and a second setting value that is lower than the first setting value, 2. The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is lower than the first set value and equal to or higher than the second set value, a lower limit on the number of power generation units in operation is determined to be a predetermined number that is greater than half of the total number of power generation units.

5. The processing unit includes: A first threshold value related to the temperature of the waste hot water; The chilled water inlet temperature setting value includes a first setting value, a second setting value lower than the first setting value, and a third setting value lower than the second setting value, The treatment device according to claim 1, wherein when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is lower than the second set value and equal to or higher than the third set value, a lower limit on the number of power generation units in operation is determined to be a predetermined number that is less than half of the total number of power generation units.

6. The processing unit includes: A first threshold value related to the temperature of the waste hot water; The chilled water inlet temperature setting value includes a first setting value, a second setting value lower than the first setting value, and a third setting value lower than the second setting value, The treatment device according to claim 1 , wherein the number of the power generation devices in operation is not changed when the temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than the first threshold value and the cold water inlet temperature is lower than the third set value.

7. 7. The treatment apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the first set value is a target value of a cold water outlet temperature of the absorption chiller.

8. The treatment device according to claim 3 , wherein the processing unit does not execute a process for determining the number of the power generation devices to be operated when a temperature of the waste hot water is higher than the first threshold value.

9. The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the processing unit increases the number of the power generation devices in operation.

10. a communication unit that communicates with a power generation control device that operates the power generation device; The processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the communication unit transmits information indicating the number of the power generation devices in operation to the power generation control device.

11. A method for controlling an air conditioning system including at least a plurality of power generation devices and an absorption chiller that uses waste hot water heated by waste heat from the power generation devices as a heat source, comprising the steps of: Acquire the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature of the absorption chiller; A control method for an air conditioning system, comprising: determining, when a temperature of the waste hot water is equal to or lower than a first threshold value, the number of the power generation devices to be operated based on the temperature of the waste hot water and the cold water inlet temperature.

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