Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of securing energy saving performance.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system includes: a ventilation device that ventilates an object space; an air conditioner having a heat exchanger functioning as a condenser or an evaporator and a compressor for compressing a refrigerant, sucking air in the object space and blowing out air that has undergone heat exchange with the refrigerant flowing in the heat exchanger to the object space; and a control section that lowers first capacity of the ventilation device for regulating the temperature of the object space and increases second capacity of the air conditioner for regulating the temperature when a first operation mode in which the temperature of the object space is not regulated by the air conditioner and is regulated by the ventilation device is transferred to a second operation mode in which the temperature is regulated by the air conditioner and the ventilation device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioning systems have been used that include an outside air treatment device that ventilates and conditions a target space by heating or cooling outside air and supplying it to the target space, and an air conditioning device that conditions the target space by heating or cooling the air within the target space (inside air) and sending it to the target space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6769522 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In an air conditioning system equipped with a ventilator and an air conditioner, there is a case where the system shifts from a mode in which the temperature of a target space is adjusted by the ventilator, not by the air conditioner, to a mode in which the temperature of the target space is adjusted by both the air conditioner and the ventilator. In the mode after the shift, the air conditioner and the ventilator share the burden of processing the heat load of the target space.

[0005] However, if the air conditioner is unable to process a large amount of heat load in the target space in the post-switched mode, the air conditioner may operate at a low load and may repeatedly start and stop. Repeated starting and stopping of the air conditioner reduces the energy saving performance of the air conditioning system.

[0006] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system that can ensure energy conservation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioning system according to the first aspect comprises: A ventilation device for ventilating the target space; an air conditioning device having a heat exchanger functioning as a condenser or an evaporator and a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, the air conditioning device sucking in air from the target space and exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger, and blowing the air into the target space; The air conditioning system includes a control unit that, when transitioning from a first operating mode in which the temperature of the target space is adjusted by the ventilation device without being adjusted by the air conditioning device to a second operating mode in which the temperature is adjusted by the air conditioning device and the ventilation device, reduces a first capability of the ventilation device to adjust the temperature of the target space and increases a second capability of the air conditioning device to adjust the temperature.

[0008] According to the first aspect, compared to control in which the second capacity is increased without reducing the first capacity when transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the frequency with which the air conditioner starts and stops after the mode transition is reduced, thereby ensuring energy conservation.

[0009] The air conditioning system of the second aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect, When transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit reduces the first capacity to a capacity at which power consumption of the ventilation device is minimized, and increases the second capacity.

[0010] According to the second aspect, the power consumption of the ventilation device in the second operation mode is minimized, and the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner after the mode transition is suppressed, thereby ensuring energy conservation.

[0011] The air conditioning system of the third aspect is the air conditioning system of the first or second aspect, When transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit reduces the first capacity to a capacity where the difference between the air supply temperature from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space is within a predetermined range, and increases the second capacity.

[0012] According to the third aspect, in the second operation mode, the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space is within a predetermined range, so that a decrease in comfort caused by an increase in the difference is suppressed. In addition, the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner after the mode transition is suppressed, so that energy conservation is ensured.

[0013] The air conditioning system of the fourth aspect is the air conditioning system of any one of the first to third aspects, When transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit switches between reducing the first capacity to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device is minimized, or to a capacity at which the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space is within a predetermined range.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect, in the second operating mode, it is possible to select whether to prioritize minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device or keeping the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space within a predetermined range.

[0015] The air conditioning system of the fifth aspect is the air conditioning system of the fourth aspect, When transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit selects, based on a user's selection input, whether to reduce the first capacity to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device is minimized, or to a capacity at which the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space is within a predetermined range.

[0016] According to the fifth aspect, in the second operating mode, a user can select whether to prioritize minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device or keeping the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space within a predetermined range.

[0017] The air conditioning system of the sixth aspect is the air conditioning system of any one of the first to fifth aspects, When transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit reduces the first capacity and increases the second capacity to a capacity at which power consumption of the air conditioner is minimized.

[0018] According to the sixth aspect, the power consumption of the air conditioner after the mode transition is minimized, and the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner after the mode transition is suppressed, thereby ensuring energy conservation.

[0019] The seventh aspect of the air conditioning system is the air conditioning system of any one of the first to sixth aspects, When the temperature does not reach a set temperature in the first operation mode, the control unit transitions from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.

[0020] According to the seventh aspect, when the first operating mode is insufficient in its ability to bring the temperature of the target space closer to the set temperature, by transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the ability to bring the temperature of the target space closer to the set temperature can be increased by adding the second ability.

[0021] The air conditioning system of the eighth aspect is the air conditioning system of the seventh aspect, The control unit transitions from the first operation mode to the second operation mode when a state in which the temperature does not reach the set temperature continues for a predetermined time or longer in the first operation mode.

[0022] According to the eighth aspect, when the first operation mode continues to be insufficient to bring the temperature of the target space closer to the set temperature, the second operation mode is switched to, and the second capacity is added to increase the capacity to bring the temperature closer to the set temperature. Also, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the target space from continuing to be insufficient to reach the set temperature for a long period of time.

[0023] A ninth aspect is an air conditioning system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, The ventilation device is a device that recovers exhaust heat from the target space to the outdoors and reuses it as air supply to the target space.

[0024] According to the ninth aspect, the exhaust heat from the target space to the outdoors is reused for adjusting the temperature of the air supplied to the target space, thereby improving energy saving. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 is an example showing changes in the processing capacity of each of a ventilation device and an air conditioner when transitioning from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. [Diagram 3] 5 shows two control examples illustrating changes in the processing capacities of a ventilation device and an air conditioner when transitioning from a first operating mode to a second operating mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a state transition diagram showing an example of a transition condition between a first operation mode and a second operation mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] An embodiment will be described below.

[0027] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. The air conditioning system 201 shown in Fig. 1 is a system that realizes air conditioning in a target space SP included in a structure such as a house, a building, a factory, or a facility. The target space SP is, for example, an indoor space such as a room space in a building BL. The air conditioning system 201 includes a ventilator 1, an air conditioner 2, and a control device 3.

[0028] The air conditioning system 201 switches the operation states of the ventilator 1 and the air conditioner 2, for example, by inputting commands to a remote control 4 installed inside or outside the target space SP. The control device 3 controls the operation states of the ventilator 1 and the air conditioner 2 according to the commands input to the remote control 4 (commands related to start / stop, operation type, set temperature, set air volume, etc.).

[0029] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning system 201 will be described in more detail.

[0030] The ventilation device 1 ventilates the target space SP. The ventilation device 1 adjusts the temperature of the outside air OA taken in from the outdoors and supplies it to the target space SP as supply air SA, and also discharges the air taken in from the target space SP (return air RA) to the outdoors as exhaust air EA. The ventilation device 1 is also called an outside air treatment device.

[0031] 1, the ventilation device 1 is a device that recovers heat (exhaust heat) of exhaust air EA from the target space SP to the outdoors and reuses it for supplying air to the target space SP. The ventilation device 1 recovers the exhaust heat at the time of disposal instead of simply discarding it, and reuses it to adjust the temperature of the air supplied to the target space SP, thereby improving energy conservation. The ventilation device 1 includes, for example, an air supply unit 20, an air supply duct P1, a return air duct P2, an exhaust unit 10, refrigerant circuits F1, F2, F3, F4, a compressor unit 50, and a ventilation control unit 23.

[0032] The air supply unit 20 takes in outside air OA from an air intake provided on the outer wall of the building BL. The air supply unit 20 cools or heats, or dehumidifies or humidifies the taken in outside air OA, and supplies it as supply air SA from the air supply port 92 to the target space SP via the air supply duct P1. The air supply unit 20 has, for example, an outside air heat exchanger 22, an air supply fan 21, and a sensor 24.

[0033] The outside air heat exchanger 22 exchanges heat between the taken-in outside air OA and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuits F1, F2. The outside air heat exchanger 22 functions as a condenser or an evaporator.

[0034] The supply air fan 21 is a blower that takes in outside air OA into the supply air unit 20 and sends it to the supply air duct P1 via the outside air heat exchanger 22. The supply air fan 21 has a fan motor. The rotation speed of the supply air fan 21 is adjusted by inverter control of the fan motor, so that the volume of the supply air SA to the target space SP is variable.

[0035] The sensor 24 includes, for example, an outdoor air temperature sensor, an outdoor air humidity sensor, or a supply air temperature sensor. The outdoor air temperature sensor detects the temperature of the outdoor air OA taken into the air supply unit 20. The outdoor air humidity sensor detects the humidity of the outdoor air OA taken into the air supply unit 20. The supply air temperature sensor detects the temperature (supply air temperature) of the supply air SA sent from the air supply unit 20 to the target space SP via the supply air duct P1. The sensor 24 may detect the surface temperature of the outdoor air heat exchanger 22 or the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the outdoor air heat exchanger 22.

[0036] The air supply duct P1 is an air supply flow path for passing the outside air OA taken in from outdoors through the air supply unit 20 and then supplying it to the target space SP from the air supply port 92. The air supply port 92 is not limited to being provided in the ceiling, and may be provided in other parts such as the wall or floor.

[0037] One end of the air supply duct P1 is connected to the air supply unit 20 so that the outside air OA flows into the air supply unit 20 when the air supply fan 21 is driven. The other end of the air supply duct P1 is connected to an air supply port 92 formed in the target space SP so as to communicate with the target space SP. The air supply port 92 is provided with a damper for adjusting the air volume. The number of air supply ports 92 may be one or more.

[0038] The return air duct P2 is a return air flow path for exhausting air (return air RA) taken in from a return air port 91 of the target space SP to the outdoors after passing through the exhaust unit 10. The return air port 91 is not limited to being provided on the ceiling, and may be provided on other parts such as a wall or floor. The number of return air ports 91 may be one or more.

[0039] The exhaust unit 10 discharges exhaust air EA from the return air port 91 of the target space SP to the outside of the building BL via the return air duct P2 by the exhaust fan 11. The exhaust unit 10 has, for example, a return air heat exchanger 12, an exhaust fan 11, and a sensor 14.

[0040] The return air heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the taken-in return air RA and the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant circuits F3 and F4. The return air heat exchanger 12 functions as a condenser or an evaporator.

[0041] The exhaust fan 11 is a blower that takes in the return air RA into the exhaust unit 10 and sends it to the exhaust port via the return air heat exchanger 12. The exhaust air EA is discharged from the exhaust port. The exhaust fan 11 has a fan motor. The exhaust fan 11 rotates by inverter-controlling the fan motor.

[0042] The sensor 14 includes, for example, a return air temperature sensor, a return air humidity sensor, or an exhaust air temperature sensor. The return air temperature sensor detects the temperature of the return air RA taken into the exhaust unit 10. The return air humidity sensor detects the humidity of the return air RA taken into the exhaust unit 10. The exhaust air temperature sensor detects the temperature (exhaust air temperature) of the exhaust air EA taken into the exhaust unit 10. The sensor 14 may detect the surface temperature of the return air heat exchanger 12 or the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the return air heat exchanger 12.

[0043] The refrigerant circuits F1, F2, F3, and F4 are circuits that connect the compressor unit 50, the outdoor air heat exchanger 22 of the air supply unit 20, and the return air heat exchanger 12 of the exhaust unit 10 by refrigerant piping, and allow the refrigerant to flow therethrough.

[0044] The compressor unit 50 controls the circulation of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuits F1, F2, F3, and F4 by compressing the refrigerant in one of the refrigerant circuits F1, F2, F3, and F4. For example, when the return air heat exchanger 12 in the exhaust unit 10 functions as an evaporator, the compressor unit 50 circulates the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuits F1, F2, F3, and F4 by compressing the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit F2. The compressor unit 50 has, for example, a compressor that compresses the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuits F1, F2, F3, and F4, and a motor that drives the compressor.

[0045] The ventilation control unit 23 controls the operation of each unit included in the ventilation device 1. The ventilation control unit 23 is communicably connected to the control device 3 or the remote control 4. The ventilation control unit 23 may be communicably connected to an air conditioning control unit 76 described below. The ventilation control unit 23 is composed of one or more control units. The ventilation control unit 23 may be disposed inside or outside the ventilation device 1, and may be disposed in one location or in a distributed manner.

[0046] The ventilation control unit 23 sets a target value for the supply air temperature according to the set temperature, etc. The ventilation control unit 23 controls the state of each part in the ventilation device 1 (for example, the capacity of the compressor unit 50 and the air volume of the exhaust fan 11, etc.) based on the target value of the supply air temperature. This adjusts the operating capacity (air conditioning capacity) of the ventilation device 1. The target value of the supply air temperature may be set by the control device 3.

[0047] The ventilation control unit 23 has, for example, a memory and a processor (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)), and each function of the ventilation control unit 23 is realized by the processor operating according to a program stored in the memory. Each function of the ventilation control unit 23 may be realized by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0048] The air conditioner 2 draws in air from the target space SP, exchanges heat with a refrigerant flowing through a heat exchanger, and blows the air into the target space SP to adjust the temperature of the air (indoor air) in the target space SP. The air conditioner 2 is a device that performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle to cool or heat the target space SP. The air conditioner 2 may be a device that performs only cooling, a device that performs only heating, or a device that performs both cooling and heating. The air conditioner 2 has, for example, an outdoor unit 70, multiple (two in this example) indoor units 81, 82, and an air conditioning control unit 76.

[0049] In the air conditioner 2, the outdoor unit 70 and the multiple indoor units 81, 82 are connected by a communication pipe F5. The communication pipe F5 includes a liquid refrigerant communication pipe and a gas refrigerant communication pipe. This realizes a refrigerant circuit in which refrigerant circulates between the outdoor unit 70 and the multiple indoor units 81, 82. When the refrigerant circulates in the refrigerant circuit, a vapor compression refrigeration cycle is performed in the air conditioner 2. The control format of the air conditioner 2 is not particularly limited. The air conditioner 2 performs variable refrigerant flow rate control, for example.

[0050] The outdoor unit 70 is disposed outside the target space SP (in this example, outside the building BL). The outdoor unit 70 includes a heat exchanger, and discharges air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger to the outdoors. The outdoor unit 70 includes, for example, a compressor 71, a four-way switching valve 72, an outdoor heat exchanger 73, an outdoor expansion valve 74, and an outdoor fan 75.

[0051] The compressor 71 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle to a high pressure.

[0052] The four-way switching valve 72 is a flow path switching means for switching the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit.

[0053] The outdoor heat exchanger 73 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between a passing air flow (outdoor air flow generated by the outdoor fan 75) and a refrigerant. The outdoor heat exchanger 73 functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during forward cycle operation (heating operation), and functions as a condenser or radiator of the refrigerant during reverse cycle operation (cooling operation or defrost operation).

[0054] The outdoor expansion valve 74 is a valve that functions as a refrigerant pressure reducing means or a flow rate adjusting means, and is, for example, an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled. The outdoor expansion valve 74 is disposed between the outdoor heat exchanger 73 and the liquid side refrigerant connection pipe.

[0055] The outdoor fan 75 is a blower that generates an outdoor air flow. The outdoor air flow is a flow of outside air that flows into the outdoor unit 70, passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 73, and flows out of the outdoor unit 70. The outdoor air flow is a heating source for the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 73 during forward cycle operation, and is a cooling source for the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 73 during reverse cycle operation. The outdoor fan 75 has a fan motor. The rotation speed of the outdoor fan 75 is adjusted by inverter control of the fan motor, so that the amount of air blown outside the outdoor unit 70 is variable.

[0056] Various sensors are provided in the outdoor unit 70. For example, the outdoor unit 70 is provided with a suction pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the refrigerant sucked into the compressor 71, a discharge pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 71, and the like.

[0057] The indoor units 81, 82 are disposed in the target space SP. The indoor units 81, 82 are equipped with a heat exchanger, and blow out air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger into the target space SP. In this embodiment, the indoor units 81, 82 are ceiling-mounted units that are installed on the ceiling of the target space SP. In particular, the indoor units 81, 82 of this embodiment are ceiling-embedded air conditioning indoor units, and air that has exchanged heat is blown out from the air outlets 93A, 93B. In this embodiment, an example in which the air outlets 93A, 93B are provided on the ceiling will be described, but the positions at which the air outlets 93A, 93B are provided are not particularly limited. Note that the indoor units 81, 82 are not limited to the ceiling-embedded type, and may be ceiling-suspended type. In addition, the indoor units 81, 82 may be other than the ceiling-mounted type, such as a wall-mounted type or a floor-standing type. The indoor units 81, 82 have, for example, an indoor heat exchanger 83, an indoor expansion valve 84, and an indoor fan 85.

[0058] The indoor heat exchanger 83 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the passing airflow (the indoor airflow generated by the indoor fan 85) and the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 83 functions as a condenser or a radiator of the refrigerant during forward cycle operation, and functions as an evaporator of the refrigerant during reverse cycle operation.

[0059] The indoor expansion valve 84 is a valve that functions as a refrigerant pressure reducing means or a flow rate adjusting means, and is, for example, an electric expansion valve whose opening degree can be controlled. The indoor expansion valve 84 is disposed between the indoor heat exchanger 83 and the liquid side refrigerant communication pipe.

[0060] The indoor fan 85 is a blower that generates an indoor air flow. The indoor air flow is a flow of indoor air that flows into the indoor units 81, 82, passes through the indoor heat exchanger 83, and flows out of the indoor units 81, 82. The indoor air flow is a cooling source for the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 83 during forward cycle operation, and is a heating source for the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 83 during reverse cycle operation. The indoor fan 85 has a fan motor. The rotation speed of the indoor fan 85 is adjusted by inverter control of the fan motor, so that the amount of air blown from the indoor units 81, 82 to the target space SP is variable.

[0061] Various sensors are provided in each of the indoor units 81, 82. For example, an indoor temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the indoor air flow (indoor air) drawn into the indoor unit, an indoor humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the indoor air flow drawn into the indoor unit, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor that detects the carbon dioxide concentration of the indoor air flow drawn into the indoor unit are provided in each of the indoor units 81, 82. For example, a refrigerant temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 83 and the like are provided in each of the indoor units 81, 82.

[0062] The air conditioning control unit 76 controls the operation of each unit included in the air conditioner 2. The air conditioning control unit 76 is communicatively connected to the control device 3 or the remote control 4. The air conditioning control unit 76 may be communicatively connected to the ventilation control unit 23. The air conditioning control unit 76 is composed of one or more control units. The air conditioning control unit 76 may be located inside or outside the air conditioner 2, and may be located in one place or in a distributed manner.

[0063] The air conditioning control unit 76 sets a target value for the evaporation temperature of each of the indoor units 81, 82 according to the set temperature and the indoor temperature, etc. The air conditioning control unit 76 controls the state of each part in the air conditioner 2 (for example, the capacity of the compressor 71 and the air volume of the outdoor fan 75, etc.) based on the target value of the evaporation temperature. This adjusts the operating capacity (air conditioning capacity) of the air conditioner 2. The target value of the evaporation temperature may be set by the control device 3.

[0064] The air conditioning control unit 76 has, for example, a memory and a processor (for example, a CPU), and each function of the air conditioning control unit 76 is realized by the processor operating according to a program stored in the memory. Each function of the air conditioning control unit 76 may be realized by an FPGA or an ASIC. The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0065] The control device 3 is an example of a control unit, and controls the overall operation of the air conditioning system 201. The control device 3 is electrically connected to the ventilation control unit 23 and the air conditioning control unit 76, and transmits and receives signals to and from them. The control device 3 controls the operation of each of the ventilation device 1 and the air conditioning device 2 by transmitting predetermined signals (for example, control signals for setting a target supply air temperature or a target evaporation temperature) to the ventilation control unit 23 and the air conditioning control unit 76. The control device 3 acquires detection values ​​of various sensors arranged in each of the ventilation device 1 and the air conditioning device 2, and information for identifying the operating states of each of the ventilation device 1 and the air conditioning device 2.

[0066] The control device 3 has, for example, a memory and a processor (for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit)), and each function of the control device 3 is realized by the processor operating according to a program stored in the memory. Each function of the control device 3 may be realized by an FPGA or an ASIC. The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

[0067] The remote control 4 is an input device for the user to input various commands for individually switching the operation states (on / off, operation type, set temperature, set humidity, set air volume, etc.) of the ventilation device 1 and the air conditioner 2. The remote control 4 also functions as a display device for displaying predetermined information (for example, each operation state of the ventilation device 1 and the air conditioner 2, each temperature of the inside air and the outside air, and each humidity of the inside air and the outside air, etc.).

[0068] Next, the control in the air conditioning system 201 of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0069] In this embodiment, the capacity of the ventilation device 1 to adjust the temperature of the target space SP is defined as a first capacity Av, and the capacity of the air conditioner 2 to adjust the temperature of the target space SP is defined as a second capacity Ac. The units of the first capacity Av and the second capacity Ac are expressed in, for example, kW (kilowatts).

[0070] The larger the first capacity Av, the greater the amount of heat load in the target space SP that the ventilation device 1 can process. Similarly, the larger the second capacity Ac, the greater the amount of heat load in the target space SP that the air conditioner 2 can process. The heat load in the target space SP is a cooling load or a heating load.

[0071] The first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1 is an air conditioning capacity that is adjusted within a predetermined first capacity range by the ventilation control unit 23 controlling the state of each part in the ventilation device 1. The second capacity Ac of the air conditioner 2 is an air conditioning capacity that is adjusted within a predetermined second capacity range by the air conditioning control unit 76 controlling the state of each part in the air conditioner 2.

[0072] When the control device 3 reduces the first capacity Av during heating operation of the ventilation device 1, the temperature or air volume (supply air temperature or supply air volume) of the supply air SA from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP during heating operation decreases. When the control device 3 increases the first capacity Av during heating operation of the ventilation device 1, the supply air temperature or supply air volume from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP during heating operation increases. On the other hand, when the control device 3 reduces the first capacity Av during cooling operation of the ventilation device 1, the supply air temperature from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP during cooling operation increases, or the supply air volume from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP during cooling operation decreases. When the control device 3 increases the first capacity Av during cooling operation of the ventilation device 1, the supply air temperature from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP during cooling operation decreases, or the supply air volume from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP during cooling operation increases.

[0073] When the control device 3 reduces the second capacity Ac during heating operation of the air conditioner 2, the temperature or air volume (blowout temperature or blowout air volume) of the supply air from the air conditioner 2 to the target space SP during heating operation decreases. When the control device 3 increases the second capacity Ac during heating operation of the air conditioner 2, the blowout temperature or blowout air volume from the air conditioner 2 to the target space SP during heating operation increases. On the other hand, when the control device 3 reduces the second capacity Ac during cooling operation of the air conditioner 2, the blowout temperature from the air conditioner 2 to the target space SP during cooling operation increases, or the blowout air volume from the air conditioner 2 to the target space SP during cooling operation decreases. When the control device 3 increases the second capacity Ac during cooling operation of the air conditioner 2, the blowout temperature from the air conditioner 2 to the target space SP during cooling operation decreases, or the blowout air volume from the air conditioner 2 to the target space SP during cooling operation increases.

[0074] The ventilation device 1 has an efficiency characteristic in which, for example, the coefficient of performance (COP) increases as the first capacity Av decreases in the first capacity range. On the other hand, the COP of the air conditioner 2 may be lower than the COP of the ventilation device 1, and the air conditioner 2 may have an efficiency characteristic in which the COP decreases as the second capacity Ac decreases in the second capacity range.

[0075] In a situation where the heat load of the target space SP is lower than a predetermined amount L (low heat load situation), the control device 3 executes a first operation mode in which the temperature of the target space SP is adjusted by the ventilation device 1 without being adjusted by the air conditioner 2. In the first operation mode, the control device 3 stops the operation of the air conditioner 2 to adjust the temperature of the target space SP, and causes the ventilation device 1 to adjust the temperature of the target space SP. By executing the first operation mode in a low heat load situation, the control device 3 improves energy saving such as COP compared to a case where both the ventilation device 1 and the air conditioner 2 are caused to adjust the temperature of the target space SP in a low heat load situation. The predetermined amount L is, for example, the amount at which the air conditioner 2 can process the heat load of the target space SP with the minimum second capacity Ac.

[0076] The COP of the ventilation device 1 when operating at a low load is higher than the COP of the air conditioner 2 when operating at the same low load. Therefore, the control device 3 stops the operation of the air conditioner 2 in a low heat load situation, thereby improving energy saving such as COP.

[0077] As the heat load of the target space SP gradually increases, the first capacity Av with which the ventilator 1 adjusts the temperature of the target space SP becomes insufficient if the first operation mode is maintained. When the ventilator 1 is no longer able to handle the heat load of the target space SP with the first capacity Av, the control device 3 transitions from the first operation mode in which the temperature of the target space SP is adjusted by the ventilator 1 without being adjusted by the air conditioner 2, to the second operation mode in which the temperature of the target space SP is adjusted by both the air conditioner 2 and the ventilator 1.

[0078] For example, when the difference between the amount of heat load of the target space SP that the ventilation device 1 can process with the first capacity Av and the heat load of the target space SP becomes smaller than a predetermined threshold, the control device 3 determines that a condition indicating a shortage of the first capacity Av is established. When the condition indicating a shortage of the first capacity Av is established, the control device 3 shifts the operation mode to be executed from the first operation mode to the second operation mode.

[0079] By shifting from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the air conditioning system 201 processes the increased heat load of the target space SP with the first capacity Av at which the ventilation device 1 adjusts the temperature of the target space SP and the second capacity Ac at which the air conditioner 2 adjusts the temperature of the target space SP. In the second operation mode, the air conditioning system 201 causes the air conditioner 2 and the ventilation device 1 to share the processing of the heat load of the target space SP.

[0080] However, in the second operation mode, if the amount of heat load that the air conditioner 2 processes in the target space SP is small, the air conditioner 2 operates at a low load, and there is a risk that the air conditioner 2 (for example, the compressor 71) may repeatedly start and stop. This point will be described with reference to FIG.

[0081] 2 is an example showing changes in the respective processing capacities (first capacity Av and second capacity Ac) of the ventilation device and the air conditioner when transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. By executing the first operation mode, the control device 3 causes the ventilation device 1 to process the heat load of the target space SP without causing the air conditioner 2 to process it. If the heat load of the target space SP is lower than the amount of the heat load of the target space SP that the ventilation device 1 can process with the first capacity Av, the ventilation device 1 can process all of the heat load of the target space SP with the first capacity Av.

[0082] When the heat load in the target space SP gradually increases, if the first operation mode is maintained, the first capacity Av will not be able to handle the heat load in the target space SP, resulting in a shortage of the first capacity Av. Therefore, when a condition indicating a shortage of the first capacity Av is established, the control device 3 shifts the operation mode of the air conditioning system 201 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. As a result, the capacity (total processing capacity) of the air conditioning system 201 to handle the heat load in the target space SP in the second operation mode becomes the capacity obtained by adding the second capacity Ac to the first capacity Av. When this total processing capacity exceeds the start / stop line (the capacity at which the air conditioner 2 may start / stop), the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner 2 increases.

[0083] In the second operation mode, when the ventilation device 1 processes a large proportion of the heat load of the target space SP, the air conditioner 2 processes a relatively small proportion of the heat load of the target space SP, and therefore the amount of heat load of the target space SP that the air conditioner 2 processes decreases. When the amount of heat load of the target space SP that the air conditioner 2 processes decreases, the air conditioner 2 operates at a low load, and there is a risk that the air conditioner 2 (e.g., the compressor 71) will repeatedly start and stop. When the air conditioner 2 repeatedly starts and stops, the energy saving performance of the air conditioning system 201 decreases.

[0084] In contrast, in this embodiment, when transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 performs control (variable capacity ratio control) to reduce the first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1 and increase the second capacity Ac of the air conditioner 2, as shown in Fig. 3. The variable capacity ratio control ensures energy conservation of the air conditioning system 201.

[0085] Fig. 3 shows two control examples showing changes in the respective processing capacities (first capacity Av and second capacity Ac) of the ventilation device and the air conditioner when transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 performs control (variable capacity ratio control) to reduce the first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1 and increase the second capacity Ac of the air conditioner 2. Fig. 3 shows energy saving priority control and comfort priority control as examples of variable capacity ratio control.

[0086] Due to the variable capacity ratio control, in the second operation mode, the ratio at which the ventilation device 1 processes the heat load of the target space SP becomes smaller, while the ratio at which the air conditioner 2 processes the heat load of the target space SP becomes relatively larger, so that the amount of heat load processed by the air conditioner 2 in the target space SP increases. When the amount at which the air conditioner 2 processes the heat load of the target space SP increases, the load on the air conditioner 2 increases, so that the frequency at which the air conditioner 2 (e.g., compressor 71) starts and stops is reduced. As a result, the energy conservation of the air conditioning system 201 is ensured.

[0087] When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 reduces the first capacity Av. When the ventilation device 1 has an efficiency characteristic in which the COP increases with a decrease in the first capacity Av, the COP of the ventilation device 1 increases due to the decrease in the first capacity Av, and therefore the energy saving properties of the air conditioning system 201 are ensured.

[0088] When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 may perform energy saving priority control in the second operation mode (see "Energy saving priority" in FIG. 3). The energy saving priority control is an example of capacity ratio variable control. The energy saving priority control is a control that reduces the first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1 to a capacity that minimizes the power consumption of the ventilation device 1, and increases the second capacity Ac of the air conditioner 2.

[0089] Due to the energy saving priority control, in the second operation mode, the first capacity Av is reduced to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device 1 is minimized, thereby improving the energy saving performance of the ventilation device 1. Furthermore, due to the energy saving priority control, in the second operation mode, the proportion of the heat load of the target space SP that is processed by the ventilation device 1 is reduced, while the proportion of the heat load of the target space SP that is processed by the air conditioner 2 is relatively increased. Therefore, as described above, the load on the air conditioner 2 increases, and the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner 2 (e.g., the compressor 71) is reduced. In this way, the energy saving priority control ensures the energy saving performance of the air conditioning system 201.

[0090] When transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control device 3 may perform comfort priority control in the second operating mode (see "Comfort Priority" in FIG. 3). Comfort priority control is an example of variable capacity ratio control. When the difference between the temperature of the supply air SA from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP becomes large, the comfort of the target space SP decreases. Comfort priority control is control that reduces the first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1 to a capacity that brings the difference between the temperature of the supply air SA from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP within a predetermined range, and increases the second capacity Ac of the air conditioner 2.

[0091] The temperature of the supply air SA (supply air temperature) is detected, for example, by the sensor 24. The control device 3 uses the value detected by the sensor 24 for comfort-priority control. The temperature of the target space SP (indoor air temperature) is detected, for example, by an indoor temperature sensor disposed in the indoor unit 81 or the indoor unit 82. The control device 3 uses the value detected by the indoor temperature sensor for comfort-priority control.

[0092] Due to the comfort priority control, in the second operation mode, the difference between the temperature of the supply air SA from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP is within a predetermined range, so that a decrease in comfort due to an increase in the difference is suppressed. Furthermore, due to the comfort priority control, in the second operation mode, the proportion of the heat load of the target space SP that is processed by the ventilation device 1 is reduced, while the proportion of the heat load of the target space SP that is processed by the air conditioner 2 is relatively increased. Therefore, as described above, the load on the air conditioner 2 increases, and the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner 2 (e.g., compressor 71) is suppressed. In this way, the comfort of the target space SP and the energy saving of the air conditioning system 201 are ensured by the comfort priority control.

[0093] When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 may perform control to reduce the first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1 and increase the second capacity Ac of the air conditioner 2 so that the total processing capacity obtained by combining the first capacity Av and the second capacity Ac does not exceed the start / stop line. For example, the control device 3 may perform energy saving priority control so that the total processing capacity obtained by combining the first capacity Av and the second capacity Ac does not exceed the start / stop line.

[0094] When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 may perform control to reduce the first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1 and increase the second capacity Ac of the air conditioner 2 so as to delay the time until the total processing capacity, which is the combination of the first capacity Av and the second capacity Ac, exceeds the start / stop line. For example, the control device 3 may perform comfort-priority control so as to delay the time until the total processing capacity, which is the combination of the first capacity Av and the second capacity Ac, exceeds the start / stop line.

[0095] When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 may switch between reducing the first capacity Av to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device 1 is minimized, and reducing the first capacity Av to a capacity at which the difference between the temperature of the supply air SA from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP falls within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to select whether to give priority in the second operation mode to minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 1 or to keeping the difference between the temperature of the supply air SA from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP within a predetermined range.

[0096] When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 may select, through a selection input by the user, whether to reduce the first capacity Av to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device 1 is minimized, or to a capacity at which the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP falls within a predetermined range. This allows the user to select whether to prioritize minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 1 or keeping the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP within a predetermined range in the second operation mode. The selection input by the user may be set by operating the remote control 4.

[0097] In addition, when transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control device 3 may automatically select, according to specified selection conditions, whether to reduce the first capacity Av to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device 1 is minimized, or to a capacity at which the difference between the temperature of the air supplied from the ventilation device 1 to the target space SP and the temperature of the target space SP is within a specified range.

[0098] When transitioning from the first operation mode to the second operation mode, the control device 3 may perform control (variable capacity control) to reduce the first capacity Av and increase the second capacity Ac to a capacity that minimizes the power consumption of the air conditioner 2. The variable capacity control may be applied to the above-mentioned variable capacity ratio control, or may be applied to the above-mentioned energy saving priority control or comfort priority control.

[0099] Due to the variable capacity control, in the second operation mode, the second capacity Ac is reduced to a capacity at which the power consumption of the air conditioner 2 is minimized, thereby improving the energy saving performance of the air conditioner 2. Furthermore, due to the variable capacity control, in the second operation mode, the proportion of the heat load of the target space SP that is processed by the ventilation device 1 is reduced, while the proportion of the heat load of the target space SP that is processed by the air conditioner 2 is relatively increased. Therefore, as described above, the load on the air conditioner 2 increases, and the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner 2 (e.g., compressor 71) is reduced. The variable capacity control ensures the energy saving performance of the air conditioning system 201.

[0100] 4 is a state transition diagram showing an example of a transition condition between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. In the first operation mode, the control device 3 performs control (room temperature control) to bring the controlled temperature (the temperature of the target space SP) closer to the set temperature by adjusting the first capacity Av of the ventilation device 1.

[0101] When the controlled temperature does not reach the set temperature during room temperature control in the first operation mode, the control device 3 determines that a condition indicating a shortage of the first capacity Av is met, and shifts the operation mode of the air conditioning system 201 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. At this time, the control device 3 performs control (on / off avoidance control) to suppress the frequency of starting and stopping the air conditioner 2 by the above-mentioned capacity ratio variable control. As a result, when the capacity of bringing the temperature of the target space SP closer to the set temperature is insufficient with the first capacity Av in the first operation mode, the capacity of bringing the temperature of the target space SP closer to the set temperature can be increased by adding the second capacity Ac by shifting to the second operation mode.

[0102] When the state where the controlled temperature does not reach the set temperature during room temperature control in the first operation mode continues for a predetermined time or more, the control device 3 may determine that a condition indicating a shortage of the first capacity Av is established and may shift the operation mode of the air conditioning system 201 from the first operation mode to the second operation mode. When the state where the capacity of bringing the temperature of the target space SP closer to the set temperature cannot be satisfied by the first capacity Av in the first operation mode continues for a predetermined time or more, a shift to the second operation mode is performed. This makes it possible to increase the capacity of bringing the temperature of the target space SP closer to the set temperature by adding the second capacity Ac, and to prevent the state where the temperature of the target space SP does not approach the set temperature from continuing for a long time.

[0103] When the stop of the compressor 71 of the air conditioner 2 continues for a predetermined time t1 or more during start / stop avoidance control in the second operation mode, the control device 3 may determine that a condition indicating the fulfillment of the first capacity Av is established, and may shift the operation mode of the air conditioning system 201 from the second operation mode to the first operation mode. This makes it possible to use the first capacity Av to cover the capacity for bringing the temperature of the target space SP closer to the set temperature, and to prevent the compressor 71 from continuing in a stopped state for a long period of time.

[0104] When the rotation speed of the compressor 71 rises to or exceeds a predetermined rotation speed r1 during start / stop avoidance control in the second operation mode, or when operation of the compressor 71 continues for a predetermined time t2 or longer, the control device 3 transitions the control to be executed from start / stop avoidance control to cooperative control. The cooperative control is a control that removes the constraint of reducing the first capacity Av by the start / stop avoidance control, and brings the temperature of the target space SP closer to the set temperature by adjusting the first capacity Av and the second capacity Ac. The cooperative control in which the ventilation device 1 and the air conditioner 2 cooperate to adjust the temperature of the target space SP realizes efficient adjustment of the temperature of the target space SP.

[0105] When the start / stop frequency of the compressor 71 increases to or exceeds a predetermined frequency during the cooperative control in the second operation mode, or when the rotation speed of the compressor 71 drops to or below a predetermined rotation speed r2, the control device 3 transitions the control to be executed from the cooperative control to the start / stop avoidance control. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in energy saving performance due to repeated start / stop of the compressor 71.

[0106] As described above, the embodiment has been described, but the above embodiment is presented as an example, and the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The above embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims.

[0107] For example, the ventilation method of the ventilation device 1 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, the ventilation device 1 may be an outside air processing device including an air handling unit and a chiller unit, or may be a total heat exchanger that exchanges total heat. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1. Ventilation system 2 Air conditioner 3. Control device 4. Remote Control 10 Exhaust unit 11 Exhaust fan 12 Return air heat exchanger 14 Sensors 20 Air supply unit 21 Air supply fan 22 Outdoor air heat exchanger 23 Ventilation control section 24 Sensors 50 Compressor unit 70 Outdoor unit 71 Compressor 72 Four-way switching valve 73 Outdoor heat exchanger 74 Outdoor expansion valve 75 Outdoor fan 76 Air conditioning control unit 81,82 Indoor unit 83 Indoor heat exchanger 84 Indoor expansion valve 85 Indoor Fan 91 Return air port 92 Air supply port 93A,93B Air outlet 201 Air Conditioning System

Claims

1. A ventilation device for ventilating the target space; an air conditioning device having a heat exchanger functioning as a condenser or an evaporator and a compressor that compresses a refrigerant, the air conditioning device sucking in air from the target space and exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger, and blowing the air into the target space; an air conditioning system comprising: a control unit that, when transitioning from a first operating mode in which the temperature of the target space is adjusted by the ventilation device without being adjusted by the air conditioning device to a second operating mode in which the temperature is adjusted by the air conditioning device and the ventilation device, reduces a first capability of the ventilation device to adjust the temperature of the target space and increases a second capability of the air conditioning device to adjust the temperature.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit reduces the first capacity to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device is minimized and increases the second capacity.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein when transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit reduces the first capacity to a capacity where a difference between the supply air temperature from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space is within a predetermined range, and increases the second capacity.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein when transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit switches between reducing the first capacity to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device is minimized, or to a capacity at which the difference between the supply air temperature from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space is within a predetermined range.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 4, wherein when transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, the control unit selects, based on a user's selection input, whether to reduce the first capacity to a capacity at which the power consumption of the ventilation device is minimized, or to a capacity at which the difference between the supply air temperature from the ventilation device to the target space and the temperature of the target space is within a predetermined range.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the control unit, when transitioning from the first operating mode to the second operating mode, reduces the first capacity and increases the second capacity to a capacity at which power consumption of the air conditioning device is minimized.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit transitions from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when the temperature does not reach a set temperature in the first operating mode.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit transitions from the first operating mode to the second operating mode when a state in which the temperature does not reach the set temperature in the first operating mode continues for a predetermined time or more.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the ventilation device is a device that recovers exhaust heat from the target space to the outdoors and reuses the recovered heat in air supplied to the target space.

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