Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that improves operation efficiency by efficiently supplying a heating medium to a thermal apparatus.SOLUTION: A air conditioning system includes: a temperature regulating section that regulates a temperature of a first heating medium and that regulates a temperature of a second heating medium to a target temperature by exchanging heat between the first heating medium and the second heating medium; a plurality of thermal apparatuses to which the second heating medium is supplied from the temperature regulating section and that cool or heat a space; a plurality of flow control devices that are connected to the plurality of thermal apparatuses, respectively and control a flow rate of the second heating medium flowing in the connected thermal apparatuses so that an indoor temperature of a target space becomes a set temperature; and a control section that monitors a load factor corresponding to the flow rate of the second heating medium in the plurality of flow control devices and controls the target temperature so that the load factor in at least one flow control device out of the plurality of flow control devices becomes a target load factor or higher.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heating device including a heat pump unit, a heating unit connected to the heat pump unit and adjusting the temperature of temperature-controlled water, and a floor heating panel to which the temperature-controlled water is supplied from the heating unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-172933 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As exemplified by the floor heating panel supplied with temperature-controlled water in Patent Document 1, in an air conditioning system in which a heat medium is supplied from a single heat source to multiple heat appliances to cool or heat a space, there has been consideration of controlling the multiple heat appliances to reach a set temperature, but no technology has been considered for controlling the supply temperature of the heat medium and improving operating efficiency.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system that improves operation efficiency by efficiently supplying a heat medium to thermal equipment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect of the air conditioning system is a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts a temperature of a first heat medium and adjusts a temperature of the second heat medium to a target temperature by performing heat exchange between the first heat medium and a second heat medium; A plurality of thermal devices that are supplied with the second heat medium from the temperature adjustment unit and that cool or heat a space; A plurality of flow rate regulators connected to the plurality of thermal devices, respectively, for controlling the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes a set temperature; a control unit that monitors a load factor corresponding to a flow rate of the second heat medium in the plurality of flow rate regulators and controls the target temperature such that the load factor in at least one of the plurality of flow rate regulators is equal to or greater than a target load factor; It is an air conditioning system equipped with:

[0007] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect, the heat medium is efficiently supplied to the thermal equipment, thereby making it possible to improve the operating efficiency.

[0008] An air conditioning system of a second aspect may be the air conditioning system of the first aspect, further comprising a plurality of temperature regulators connected to each of the plurality of flow rate regulators and controlling the connected flow rate regulators, and each of the plurality of thermal devices may cool or heat a different target space.

[0009] An air conditioning system of a third aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect, further comprising a plurality of temperature regulators connected to each of the plurality of flow rate regulators and controlling the connected flow rate regulators, and at least two of the plurality of thermal devices may cool or heat the same target space.

[0010] An air conditioning system according to a fourth aspect may further comprise, in the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, a temperature regulator that controls at least two of the flow rate regulators that are connected to the plurality of thermal devices, respectively.

[0011] An air conditioning system of a fifth aspect is the air conditioning system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit may control the air conditioning system to increase the target temperature in cooling operation and to decrease the target temperature in heating operation when there is no flow regulator whose load rate reaches a target load rate.

[0012] An air conditioning system of a sixth aspect is the air conditioning system of any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit may control the flow rate regulator such that the target temperature is lowered in cooling operation and the target temperature is raised in heating operation when the load rate of the flow rate regulator reaches a target load rate and the indoor temperature of the target space does not reach the set temperature.

[0013] An air conditioning system of a seventh aspect is the air conditioning system of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control unit may control the load rate of the flow regulator connected to the thermal device in a second target space adjacent to the first target space to be increased when the indoor temperature of a first target space cooled or heated by the thermal device connected to the flow regulator whose load rate is equal to or higher than a target load rate does not reach the set temperature.

[0014] An air conditioning system of an eighth aspect is the air conditioning system of the seventh aspect, wherein the control unit may control the target temperature to be lowered in cooling operation and the target temperature to be raised in heating operation if the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after controlling to increase the load rate of the flow regulator connected to the thermal equipment in the second target space.

[0015] An air conditioning system of a ninth aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect, wherein the control unit may control the target temperature when an indoor temperature of a first target space cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the flow regulator whose load rate is equal to or greater than a target load rate does not reach the set temperature and a rate of change of the indoor temperature of the first target space is equal to or less than a first rate of change.

[0016] The air conditioning system of a tenth aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect, wherein each of a first thermal device and a second thermal device in the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a third target space which is the same target space, and the control unit may control to increase the load rate of the flow regulator connected to the second thermal device when the load rate of the flow regulator connected to the first thermal device is equal to or greater than a target load rate and the load rate of the flow regulator connected to the second thermal device is less than a target load rate, and the indoor temperature of the third target space does not reach the set temperature.

[0017] An air conditioning system of an eleventh aspect is the air conditioning system of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the control unit may determine an adjustment range of the target temperature in the temperature adjustment unit based on a temperature difference between the temperature of the target space and the set temperature when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, or when the thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a first modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a second modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the process in the third modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be denoted by the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description. In addition, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale in order to facilitate understanding.

[0020] An air conditioning system according to the present embodiment will be described. The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment includes a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the first heat medium and adjusts the temperature of the second heat medium to a target temperature by exchanging heat between the first heat medium and the second heat medium. The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment also includes a plurality of thermal devices to which the second heat medium is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit and which cool or heat a space. The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment also includes a plurality of flow rate regulators that are connected to each of the plurality of thermal devices and control the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes the set temperature. The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment also includes a control unit that monitors the load rate corresponding to the flow rate of the second heat medium in the plurality of flow rate regulators and controls the target temperature so that the load rate in at least one of the plurality of flow rate regulators is equal to or higher than the target load rate. The control unit in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment controls the target temperature so that the load rate in at least one of the plurality of flow rate regulators is equal to or higher than the target load rate, thereby increasing the total load rate obtained by adding up the load rates of the respective flow rate regulators.

[0021] The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of temperature regulators each connected to a plurality of flow rate regulators and controlling the connected flow rate regulators. In the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a different target space.

[0022] Also, from another perspective, the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is provided with a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to a target temperature. The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of thermal devices to which the heat medium is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit and which cool or heat a space. Furthermore, the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of valves that are connected to each of the plurality of thermal devices and control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes the set temperature. Furthermore, the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment is provided with a control unit that monitors the load factor corresponding to the flow rate of the heat medium in the plurality of valves and controls the target temperature so that the load factor in at least one valve among the plurality of valves is equal to or greater than the target load factor. The control unit in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment controls the target temperature so that the load factor in at least one valve among the plurality of valves is equal to or greater than the target load factor, thereby making it possible to increase the total load factor obtained by adding up the load factors of the respective valves.

[0023] The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of temperature regulators each connected to a plurality of valves to control the connected valves. Each of the plurality of thermal devices in the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment cools or heats a different target space.

[0024] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an air conditioning system 1, which is an example of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 is an air conditioning system that adjusts the temperatures of spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 in a building H.

[0025] The building H is, for example, a building or a general house. Each of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is, for example, a room. In the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, the spaces to be cooled or air-conditioned are, for example, a living room, a kitchen, a toilet, a corridor, a conference room, a hall, etc.

[0026] The air conditioning system 1 includes a temperature adjustment unit 10, thermal equipment 21, thermal equipment 22, and thermal equipment 23, a valve 31, valve 32, and valve 33, a control unit 40, and temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53. The valves 31, 32, and 33 are controlled by the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53, respectively. The thermal equipment 21, thermal equipment 22, and thermal equipment 23 cool or heat different spaces in the building H. The elements included in the air conditioning system 1 will be described in detail. The air conditioning system 1 cools or heats each space by the heat medium RF1 that has exchanged heat with the heat medium RF2. In other words, the air conditioning system 1 is a partial expansion type air conditioning system.

[0027] [Temperature adjustment section 10] The temperature adjusting unit 10 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium RF1 to a target temperature Thw and supplies the heat medium RF1. The temperature adjusting unit 10 includes an outdoor unit 11, a heat exchanger 12, and a pump 13.

[0028] (Outdoor unit 11) The outdoor unit 11 supplies the heat medium RF2 adjusted to a predetermined temperature to the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 includes a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger. The outdoor unit 11 is provided outside the building H. The outdoor unit 11 cools or heats the heat medium RF2 by exchanging heat with air outside the building H.

[0029] The heat medium RF2 is a refrigerant such as an alternative to fluorocarbons typified by hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

[0030] When the outdoor unit 11 supplies high-temperature heat medium RF2 to the heat exchanger 12, that is, in the case of heating operation, the compressor compresses the gaseous heat medium RF2 and supplies it to the heat exchanger 12. Then, the outdoor unit 11 recovers the heat medium RF2 that has been liquefied by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 reduces the pressure of the liquid heat medium RF2 by an expansion valve, exchanges heat with outside air by a heat exchanger, turns it into the gaseous heat medium RF2, and compresses it again by the compressor.

[0031] When the outdoor unit 11 supplies the low-temperature heat medium RF2 to the heat exchanger 12, that is, in the case of cooling operation, the compressor compresses the gaseous heat medium RF2 and supplies it to the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit 11. Then, the outdoor unit 11 reduces the pressure of the heat medium RF2 in a liquid state after heat exchange in the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit 11 using an expansion valve, and supplies it to the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 recovers the heat medium RF2 that has been changed to a gaseous state after heat exchange in the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 compresses the gaseous heat medium RF2 again using the compressor.

[0032] The outdoor unit 11 is controlled by a control unit 40. In the outdoor unit 11, for example, a target temperature, a flow rate, etc. of the heat medium RF2 are set by the control unit 40.

[0033] (heat exchanger 12) The heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the heat medium RF1 and the heat medium RF2. The heat medium RF2 is, for example, water. The heat medium RF1 is not limited to water, and may be, for example, a liquid including an antifreeze liquid. The heat medium RF1 may be a gas such as air. The heat exchanger 12 is, for example, a plate-type, spiral-type, or double-tube-type heat exchanger.

[0034] The high-temperature heat medium RF2 supplied from the outdoor unit 11 to the heat exchanger 12 is cooled by the heat medium RF1 and returns to the outdoor unit 11. The heat medium RF1 that has exchanged heat with the high-temperature heat medium RF2 is heated and discharged from the heat exchanger 12.

[0035] The low-temperature heat medium RF2 supplied from the outdoor unit 11 to the heat exchanger 12 is heated by the heat medium RF1 and returns to the outdoor unit 11. The heat medium RF1 that has exchanged heat with the low-temperature heat medium RF2 is cooled and discharged from the heat exchanger 12.

[0036] (Pump 13) The pump 13 sends the heat medium RF1 to each of the thermal equipment 21, the thermal equipment 22, and the thermal equipment 23. The pump 13 is, for example, an axial flow pump.

[0037] The pump 13 is controlled by the control unit 40. The pump 13 has, for example, a flow rate and the like controlled by the control unit 40.

[0038] The heat exchanger 12, the pump 13, and the control unit 40 may be provided inside the outdoor unit 11.

[0039] [Thermal Equipment 21, Thermal Equipment 22 and Thermal Equipment 23] Each of the thermal equipment 21, the thermal equipment 22, and the thermal equipment 23 cools or heats the space in which it is installed. A heat medium RF1 is supplied to each of the thermal equipment 21, the thermal equipment 22, and the thermal equipment 23 from the temperature adjustment unit 10. Each of the thermal equipment 21, the thermal equipment 22, and the thermal equipment 23 cools or heats the space in which it is installed by the supplied heat medium RF1. Each of the thermal equipment 21, the thermal equipment 22, and the thermal equipment 23 is, for example, a radiator, a fan convector, a floor heating panel, or the like.

[0040] The thermal device 21 is provided in the space RM1. The thermal device 21 cools or heats the space RM1. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 in the thermal device 21 is adjusted by a valve 31 provided between the thermal device 21 and the temperature adjustment unit 10. When the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is reduced by the valve 31, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 21 is reduced. On the other hand, when the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is increased by the valve 31, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 21 is improved.

[0041] The thermal device 22 is provided in the space RM2. The thermal device 22 cools or heats the space RM2. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 in the thermal device 22 is adjusted by a valve 32 provided between the thermal device 22 and the temperature adjustment unit 10. When the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is reduced by the valve 32, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 22 is reduced. On the other hand, when the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is increased by the valve 32, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 22 is improved.

[0042] The thermal device 23 is provided in the space RM3. The thermal device 23 cools or heats the space RM3. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 in the thermal device 23 is adjusted by a valve 33 provided between the thermal device 23 and the temperature adjustment unit 10. When the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is reduced by the valve 33, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 23 decreases. Also, when the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is increased by the valve 33, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 23 improves.

[0043] [Valve 31, Valve 32 and Valve 33] Each of the valves 31, 32, and 33 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment connected thereto. Each of the valves 31, 32, and 33 is, for example, a control valve.

[0044] Each of the valves 31, 32, and 33 is an example of a flow rate regulator that controls the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the connected thermal equipment. For example, when the heat medium RF1 is a gas such as air, the flow rate regulator that controls the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 may be a damper.

[0045] [Temperature regulator 51, temperature regulator 52, and temperature regulator 53] Each of the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53 controls a valve so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes the set temperature. Each of the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53 transmits data to the control unit 40. The data transmission from each of the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53 to the control unit 40 may be, for example, wired or wireless.

[0046] The temperature regulator 51 measures the room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1. Then, the temperature regulator 51 controls the valve 31 so that the measured room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1 becomes the set temperature Ttg1. For example, the temperature regulator 51 controls the opening degree of the valve 31 so that the room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1 becomes the set temperature Ttg1. The temperature regulator 51 may also control the valve 31 to open and close so that the room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1 is within a range including the set temperature Ttg1. Furthermore, the temperature regulator 51 acquires a load factor Pv1 of the valve 31. The load factor Pv1 is, for example, the opening degree of the valve 31 or the ratio of the time that the valve 31 is open per unit time. Then, the temperature regulator 51 transmits the acquired load factor Pv1 of the valve 31 to the control unit 40.

[0047] The temperature regulator 52 measures the room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2. Then, the temperature regulator 52 controls the valve 32 so that the measured room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2 becomes the set temperature Ttg2. For example, the temperature regulator 52 controls the opening degree of the valve 32 so that the room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2 becomes the set temperature Ttg2. The temperature regulator 52 may also control the valve 32 to open and close so that the room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2 is in a range including the set temperature Ttg2. Furthermore, the temperature regulator 52 acquires a load factor Pv2 of the valve 32. The load factor Pv2 is, for example, the opening degree of the valve 32 or the ratio of the time that the valve 32 is open per unit time. Then, the temperature regulator 52 transmits the acquired load factor Pv2 of the valve 32 to the control unit 40.

[0048] The temperature regulator 53 measures the room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3. Then, the temperature regulator 53 controls the valve 33 so that the measured room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3 becomes the set temperature Ttg3. For example, the temperature regulator 53 controls the opening degree of the valve 33 so that the room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3 becomes the set temperature Ttg3. The temperature regulator 53 may also control the valve 33 to open and close so that the room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3 is in a range including the set temperature Ttg3. Furthermore, the temperature regulator 53 acquires a load factor Pv3 of the valve 33. The load factor Pv3 is, for example, the opening degree of the valve 33 or the ratio of the time that the valve 33 is open per unit time. Then, the temperature regulator 53 transmits the acquired load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 to the control unit 40.

[0049] The valve 31 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 21. The valve 31 is controlled by a temperature regulator 51. The valve 31 is, for example, subjected to opening control or on / off control by the temperature regulator 51. The valve 31 receives valve opening information or an on / off signal from the temperature regulator 51 and operates accordingly.

[0050] The valve 32 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal device 22. The valve 32 is controlled by a temperature regulator 52. The valve 32 is, for example, subjected to opening control or on / off control by the temperature regulator 52. The valve 32 receives valve opening information or an on / off signal from the temperature regulator 52 and operates accordingly.

[0051] The valve 33 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 23. The valve 33 is controlled by a temperature regulator 53. The valve 33 is, for example, subjected to opening control or on / off control by the temperature regulator 53. The valve 33 receives valve opening information or an on / off signal from the temperature regulator 53 and operates accordingly.

[0052] [Control unit 40] The control unit 40 controls the air conditioning system 1. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the temperature adjustment unit 10 to supply a set amount of the heat medium RF1 adjusted to the target temperature Thw. Specifically, the control unit 40 sets the output of the outdoor unit 11 and the flow rate of the pump 13. The control unit 40 also sets the target temperature Thw to an appropriate value based on the load factor Pv1, the load factor Pv2, and the load factor Pv3. The control unit 40 controls the target temperature Thw so that at least one of the load factor Pv1, the load factor Pv2, and the load factor Pv3 is equal to or higher than the target load factor Ptg.

[0053] The control unit 40 collects the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33 from the temperature regulator 51, 52, and 53, respectively. By collecting the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33 from the temperature regulator 51, 52, and 53, respectively, the control unit 40 monitors the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33, respectively. Specifically, the control unit 40 acquires the load factor Pv1 of the valve 31 from the temperature regulator 51. Furthermore, the control unit 40 acquires the load factor Pv2 of the valve 32 from the temperature regulator 52. Furthermore, the control unit 40 acquires the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 53.

[0054] In the above example, the load factors of all of valves 31, 32, and 33 are monitored, but the load factors of some of the valves may be monitored. For example, the control unit of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment may be configured to monitor the load factors of some of the multiple flow rate adjusters. The control unit of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment may determine the flow rate adjusters to be monitored, for example, by settings.

[0055] The control unit 40 controls the target temperature Thw so that at least one of the acquired load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 becomes equal to or higher than the target load factor Ptg.

[0056] <Processing in the Air Conditioning System According to the Present Embodiment> The process in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment will be described in detail using the air conditioning system 1 which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram for explaining the process in the air conditioning system 1 which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0057] The control unit 40 in the air conditioning system 1 controls the target temperature Thw in the temperature adjustment unit 10 so that the load factor of at least one of the multiple valves is equal to or greater than the target load factor. Specifically, the control unit 40 reduces the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10 when there is no valve whose load factor reaches the target load factor. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls so as to increase the target temperature Thw in cooling operation and to decrease the target temperature Twh in heating operation.

[0058] Furthermore, when the load factor of at least one of the multiple valves is equal to or greater than the target load factor, and the target temperature is not reached in the target space in which the thermal equipment connected to the valve with the load factor equal to or greater than the target load factor is installed, the control unit 40 increases the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the temperature adjustment unit 10 to lower the target temperature Thw in cooling operation and to raise the target temperature Twh in heating operation.

[0059] (Step S10) When the process starts, the control unit 40 in the air conditioning system 1 acquires the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33 from the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53, respectively. Specifically, the control unit 40 acquires the load factor Pv1 of the valve 31 from the temperature regulator 51. The control unit 40 also acquires the load factor Pv2 of the valve 32 from the temperature regulator 52. Furthermore, the control unit 40 acquires the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 53.

[0060] (Step S20) Next, the control unit 40 judges whether at least one of the acquired load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 continues to be equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg. In other words, the control unit 40 judges whether there is one or more valves whose load factors continue to be equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg. In FIG. 2, an example will be described in which the target load factor is 100%. If at least one of the load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 is equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg (YES in step S20), the control unit 40 advances the process to step S30. If at least one of the load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 is not equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg (NO in step S20), the control unit 40 advances the process to step S40. In the flow, the target load factor Ptg is set to 100%, but it may not be 100% due to system constraints or the like. The target load factor Ptg may be set appropriately without being limited to 100%. For example, the target load factor Ptg may be appropriately set in the range of 80% to 100%. Also, an average value for a predetermined time may be used for each of the load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3.

[0061] (Step S30) Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the room temperature in the target space cooled or heated by the valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or greater than the target load rate has reached the target temperature. If the room temperature in the target space cooled or heated by the valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or greater than the target load rate has reached the target temperature (YES in step S30), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80. If the room temperature in the target space cooled or heated by the valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or greater than the target load rate has not reached the target temperature (NO in step S30), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S50.

[0062] (Step S40) The control unit 40 reduces the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. Specifically, in the case of heating operation, the control unit 40 reduces the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to reduce the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. In the case of cooling operation, the control unit 40 increases the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to reduce the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. After increasing the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80.

[0063] (Step S50) The control unit 40 determines whether there is room to increase the load rate of the valve in the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) that is cooled or heated by the valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or higher than the target load rate. If there is room to increase the load rate of the valve in the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (YES in step S50), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S60. If there is no room to increase the load rate of the valve in the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (NO in step S50), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S70.

[0064] (Step S60) If there is room to increase the load rate of the valve in the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (YES in step S50), the control unit 40 increases the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device that cools or heats the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space).Then, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80.

[0065] (Step S70) If there is no room to increase the load factor of the valve in a target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (NO in step S50), the control unit 40 increases the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. Specifically, in the case of heating operation, the control unit 40 increases the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to increase the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. In the case of cooling operation, the control unit 40 decreases the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to increase the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. After the control unit 40 increases the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10, the process proceeds to step S80.

[0066] (Step S80) The control unit 40 determines whether to end the process. If the process is to be ended (YES in step S80), the control unit 40 ends the process. If the process is not to be ended, in other words, if the process is to be continued (NO in step S80), the control unit 40 returns to step S10 and repeats the process.

[0067] As described above, by setting the target temperature Thw in the temperature adjustment unit 10 so that at least one of the load factors in the thermal equipment is equal to or greater than the target load factor by the process of step S20, it is possible to optimize the temperature of the heat medium RF1 supplied from the temperature adjustment unit 10. By optimizing the temperature of the heat medium RF1 supplied from the temperature adjustment unit 10, it is possible to optimize the output in the temperature adjustment unit 10.

[0068] In step S20, even if at least one of the load rates Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 is operated at a target load rate Ptg or higher, the indoor temperature of the first target space in any of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 may not reach the set temperature. In the first target space, when the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature, the control unit 40 may control the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device in the second target space adjacent to the first target space to increase, so that the indoor temperature of the first target space reaches the set temperature. In addition, even if the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device in the second target space adjacent to the first target space is controlled to increase, if the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after controlling the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device in the second target space adjacent to the first target space to increase, the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10 may be increased.

[0069] Furthermore, when the set temperature in any of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, the control unit 40 may increase the adjustment range for the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10. Furthermore, when the set temperature in any of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, the control unit 40 may increase the adjustment range for the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10. Furthermore, when a thermal device that has been stopped starts operating, the control unit 40 may increase the adjustment range for the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10.

[0070] Furthermore, when the set temperature in any of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, the control unit 40 may increase the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10 by a predetermined value. Also, when a thermal device that has been stopped during heating operation starts operating, the control unit 40 may increase the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10 by a predetermined value.

[0071] Furthermore, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, the control unit 40 may lower the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10 by a predetermined value. Furthermore, when a thermal device that has been stopped during cooling operation starts operating, the control unit 40 may lower the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10 by a predetermined value. Note that the predetermined value may be determined based on the thermal load and heat dissipation characteristics in the space to be heated by the thermal device.

[0072] In other words, the control unit 40 may determine the adjustment range of the target temperature Thw in the temperature adjustment unit 10 based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the target space RM and the set temperature when the set temperature in the target space RM is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, when the set temperature in the target space RM is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, or when a thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating.

[0073] According to the air conditioning system of the present embodiment, the temperature of the heat medium supplied from the temperature adjustment unit can be optimized based on the load factor of the thermal equipment, so that the heat medium can be efficiently supplied to the thermal equipment.

[0074] In the air conditioning system 1, which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, an example has been shown in which three target spaces, space RM1, space RM2, and space RM3, are conditioned, but the number of target spaces conditioned by the air conditioning system according to this embodiment is not limited to three. For example, the number of target spaces conditioned by the air conditioning system according to this embodiment may be two, or four or more. The same applies to the number of thermal equipment, valves, and temperature regulators in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0075] The heat medium RF2 is an example of a first heat refrigerant, and the heat medium RF1 is an example of a second heat medium.

[0076] <First Modification of the Air Conditioning System According to the Present Embodiment> In the air conditioning system 1, which is an example of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment, an example has been described in which each of the multiple thermal devices cools or heats a different target space, but at least two of the multiple thermal devices may cool or heat the same target space.

[0077] 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of air conditioning system 2, which is an example of a first modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Here, the configuration of air conditioning system 2 that is different from air conditioning system 1 will be mainly described, and the description of common points will be omitted and reference will be made to the description of air conditioning system 1.

[0078] The air conditioning system 2 cools or heats a space RM11 in the building H1 by a thermal equipment 121 and a thermal equipment 122. The thermal equipment 121 and the thermal equipment 122 are each provided in the same space RM11. The thermal equipment 121 and the thermal equipment 122 each cools or heats the same space RM11.

[0079] The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal device 121 is controlled by a valve 131 controlled by a temperature regulator 151. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal device 122 is controlled by a valve 132 controlled by a temperature regulator 152.

[0080] The temperature regulator 151 measures the room temperature Trm11 of the space RM11. Then, the temperature regulator 151 controls the valve 131 so that the measured room temperature Trm11 of the space RM11 becomes the set temperature Ttg11. The temperature regulator 152 measures the room temperature Trm12 of the space RM11. Then, the temperature regulator 152 controls the valve 132 so that the measured room temperature Trm12 of the space RM11 becomes the set temperature Ttg12.

[0081] The set temperature Ttg12 may be the same as the set temperature Ttg11 or may be a different value.

[0082] The control unit 140 acquires the load factor Pv11 of the valve 131, the load factor Pv12 of the valve 132, and the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 151, the temperature regulator 152, and the temperature regulator 53, respectively. Then, the control unit 140 sets the target temperature Thw to a suitable value based on the load factor Pv11, the load factor Pv12, and the load factor Pv3.

[0083] The first modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment can condition a wider target space by having at least two of the multiple thermal devices cool or heat the same target space. Also, the first modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment can form a temperature distribution in the target space. Furthermore, the first modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment can condition the target space with a suitable output in a target space with a temperature distribution.

[0084] <Second Modification of the Air Conditioning System According to the Present Embodiment> In the air conditioning system 2, which is an example of a first modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, the thermal equipment is individually connected to each of the multiple valves, but the thermal equipment may control at least two of the multiple valves.

[0085] 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of air conditioning system 3, which is an example of a second modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Here, the configuration of air conditioning system 3 that is different from air conditioning system 1 or air conditioning system 2 will be mainly described, and the description of common points will be omitted and reference will be made to the description of air conditioning system 1 or air conditioning system 2.

[0086] The air conditioning system 3 cools or heats a space RM11 in the building H1 by a thermal equipment 221 and a thermal equipment 222. The thermal equipment 221 and the thermal equipment 222 are each provided in the same space RM11. The thermal equipment 221 and the thermal equipment 222 cool or heat the same space RM11.

[0087] The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal device 221 is controlled by a valve 231 controlled by a temperature regulator 251. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal device 222 is controlled by a valve 232 controlled by the temperature regulator 251.

[0088] The temperature regulator 251 measures the room temperature Trm21 of the space RM11. Then, the temperature regulator 251 controls each of the valves 231 and 232 so that the measured room temperature Trm21 of the space RM11 becomes the set temperature Ttg21.

[0089] The control unit 240 acquires the load factor Pv21 of the valve 231, the load factor Pv22 of the valve 232, and the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 251 and the temperature regulator 53, respectively. Then, the control unit 240 sets the target temperature Thw to a suitable value based on the load factor Pv21, the load factor Pv22, and the load factor Pv3.

[0090] In the second modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, the temperature regulator controls at least two of the multiple valves, thereby making it possible to simplify the system.

[0091] In step S50 of the processing in the air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 2, processing is performed on the valve in the adjacent space, but similar processing may be performed on a thermal device that cools or heats the same target space, as shown in the first or second modified example.

[0092] For example, the first modified example will be described as an example. For the thermal device 121 and the thermal device 122 that cool or heat the same target space RM11 (third target space), for example, the load rate of the valve 131 connected to the thermal device 121 is equal to or higher than the target load rate, and the load rate of the valve 132 connected to the thermal device 122 is lower than the target load rate. When the indoor temperature of the target space RM11 (third target space) does not reach the set temperature, the control unit 140 may control so as to increase the load rate of the valve 132 connected to the thermal device 122. Note that in the above example, the thermal device 121 is an example of a first thermal device, and the thermal device 122 is an example of a second thermal device. Note that the thermal device 121 and the thermal device 122 may be reversed.

[0093] For example, the second modified example will be described as an example. For the thermal device 221 and thermal device 222 that cool or heat the same target space RM11 (third target space), for example, the load rate of the valve 231 connected to the thermal device 221 is equal to or higher than the target load rate, and the load rate of the valve 232 connected to the thermal device 222 is lower than the target load rate. When the indoor temperature of the target space RM11 (third target space) does not reach the set temperature, the control unit 240 may control so as to increase the load rate of the valve 232 connected to the thermal device 222. Note that in the above example, the thermal device 221 is an example of the first thermal device, and the thermal device 222 is an example of the second thermal device. Note that the thermal device 221 and the thermal device 222 may be reversed.

[0094] <Third Modification of the Air Conditioning System According to the Present Embodiment> The process of the third modified example in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment will be described in detail using the air conditioning system 1 which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram for explaining the process in the third modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0095] The process in the third modified example includes step S150 instead of step S50 in the process in the air conditioning system 1 shown in Fig. 2. Note that for steps other than step 150, refer to the above description and description thereof will be omitted here.

[0096] (Step S150) The control unit 40 determines whether the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is equal to or less than the first rate of change. If the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is equal to or less than the first rate of change (YES in step S150), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S70 and increases the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. If the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is higher than the first rate of change (NO in step S150), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80 and repeats the process.

[0097] When the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is equal to or less than a first rate of change, for example, the temperature is considered to be stable. For example, the temperature of the target space RM changes not only due to the amount of heat supplied from the thermal equipment installed in the target space RM, but also due to the amount of heat supplied from the thermal equipment in the adjacent space and from other thermal equipment in the same target space RM. Therefore, by increasing the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10 after the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM becomes equal to or less than a first rate of change, the amount of heat supplied from the thermal equipment in the adjacent space and from other thermal equipment in the same target space RM can also be effectively utilized.

[0098] The above disclosed embodiment includes, for example, the following aspects.

[0099] [Appendix 1] a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the heat medium to a target temperature; A plurality of thermal devices to which the heat medium is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit and which cool or heat a space; A plurality of valves connected to each of the plurality of thermal devices and controlling the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes a set temperature; a control unit that monitors a load factor corresponding to a flow rate of the heat medium in the plurality of valves and controls the target temperature so that the load factor in at least one valve among the plurality of valves is equal to or greater than a target load factor; An air conditioning system equipped with:

[0100] [Appendix 2] a plurality of temperature regulators each connected to each of the plurality of valves and controlling the connected valves; Each of the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a different target space. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0101] [Appendix 3] a plurality of temperature regulators each connected to each of the plurality of valves and controlling the connected valves; At least two of the plurality of thermal devices cool or heat the same target space. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0102] [Appendix 4] A temperature regulator is provided to control at least two of the valves. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0103] [Appendix 5] The control unit controls the target temperature to be increased in a cooling operation and to be decreased in a heating operation when there is no valve whose load factor reaches the target load factor. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0104] [Appendix 6] The control unit controls the target temperature to be lowered in cooling operation and the target temperature to be raised in heating operation when there is a valve whose load rate reaches the target load rate and the indoor temperature of the target space does not reach the set temperature. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0105] [Appendix 7] When an indoor temperature of a first target space cooled or heated by the thermal device connected to the valve whose load rate is equal to or higher than a target load rate does not reach the set temperature, the control unit controls to increase a load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device in a second target space adjacent to the first target space. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0106] [Appendix 8] When the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after controlling the load rate of the valve to be increased, the control unit controls the target temperature to be lowered in cooling operation and the target temperature to be raised in heating operation. 8. An air conditioning system as described in claim 7.

[0107] [Appendix 9] The control unit increases the adjustment range of the target temperature in the temperature adjustment unit when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a high temperature value in a heating operation state, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a low temperature value in a cooling operation state, or when the thermal equipment that has been stopped starts operating. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0108] [Appendix 10] The control unit is When the set temperature in the target space is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, or when the heating device that has been stopped starts operating, the target temperature is increased by a predetermined value; When the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, or when the thermal equipment that has been stopped starts operating, the target temperature is lowered by a predetermined value. 2. An air conditioning system as described in claim 1.

[0109] [Appendix 11] The predetermined value is determined based on a thermal load and heat dissipation characteristics in a space to be cooled or heated by the thermal equipment. 11. An air conditioning system as described in claim 10.

[0110] Although the embodiment has been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Various modifications and improvements, such as combinations and substitutions with part or all of other embodiments, are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1, 2, 3 Air Conditioning System 10 Temperature adjustment section 11 Outdoor unit 12 Heat exchanger 13. Pump 21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222 Thermal equipment 31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232 Valves 40, 140, 240 Control unit 51, 52, 53, 151, 152, 251 Thermostats Pv1, Pv2, Pv3, Pv11, Pv12, Pv21, Pv22 Loading Rate RF1, RF2 thermal media RM1, RM2, RM3, RM11 Space Thw target temperature Trm1, Trm2, Trm3, Trm11, Trm12, Trm21 Indoor temperature Ttg1, Ttg2, Ttg3, Ttg11, Ttg12, Ttg21 set temperature

Claims

1. a temperature adjusting unit (10) that adjusts a temperature of a first heat medium (RF2) and exchanges heat between the first heat medium (RF2) and a second heat medium (RF1) to adjust the temperature of the second heat medium (RF1) to a target temperature; a plurality of thermal devices (21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222) to which the second heat medium (RF1) is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit (10) and which cool or heat a space; a plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) connected to the plurality of thermal devices (21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222), respectively, for controlling a flow rate of the second heat medium (RF1) flowing through the connected thermal devices (21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222) so that an indoor temperature of a target space becomes a set temperature; a control unit (40, 140, 240) that monitors a load factor corresponding to a flow rate of the second heat medium (RF1) in the plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) and controls the target temperature so that the load factor in at least one flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) among the plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) becomes equal to or greater than a target load factor; An air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) comprising:

2. a plurality of temperature regulators (51, 52, 53) each connected to the plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33) and controlling the connected flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33); Each of the plurality of thermal devices (21, 22, 23) cools or heats a different target space. An air conditioning system (1) according to claim 1.

3. a plurality of temperature regulators (53, 151, 152, 251, 252) connected to the plurality of flow rate regulators (33, 131, 132, 231, 232) and controlling the connected flow rate regulators (33, 131, 132, 231, 232); At least two of the thermal devices (23, 121, 122, 221, 222) cool or heat the same target space. An air conditioning system (2, 3) according to claim 1.

4. A temperature regulator (251) that controls at least two of the flow rate regulators (231, 232) connected to each of the plurality of thermal devices (221, 222), An air conditioning system (3) according to claim 1.

5. When there is no flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) whose load rate reaches the target load rate, the control unit (40, 140, 240) controls so as to increase the target temperature in cooling operation and to decrease the target temperature in heating operation. An air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1.

6. When the load rate of the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) reaches the target load rate and the indoor temperature of the target space does not reach the set temperature, the control unit (40, 140, 240) controls the target temperature to be lowered in cooling operation and to be raised in heating operation. An air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1.

7. When the indoor temperature of a first target space, which is cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33) whose load rate is equal to or higher than a target load rate, does not reach the set temperature, the control unit (40) controls the load rate of the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33) connected to the thermal equipment in a second target space adjacent to the first target space to be increased. An air conditioning system (1) according to claim 1.

8. When the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after controlling the load rate of the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33) connected to the thermal equipment in the second target space to be increased, the control unit (40) controls the target temperature to be lowered in a cooling operation and to be increased in a heating operation. An air conditioning system (1) according to claim 7.

9. The control unit (40, 140, 240) controls the target temperature when the indoor temperature of a first target space cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) whose load rate is equal to or greater than the target load rate does not reach the set temperature and a rate of change of the indoor temperature of the first target space is equal to or less than a first rate of change. An air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) according to claim 1.

10. Each of the first thermal device and the second thermal device among the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a third target space which is the same target space; When the load rate of the flow rate regulator (231, 232) connected to the first thermal equipment is equal to or greater than a target load rate, the load rate of the flow rate regulator (231, 232) connected to the second thermal equipment is less than the target load rate, and the indoor temperature of the third target space does not reach the set temperature, the control unit (240) controls the load rate of the flow rate regulator (231, 232) connected to the second thermal equipment to be increased. An air conditioning system (3) according to claim 1.

11. The control unit (40, 140, 240) determines an adjustment range of the target temperature in the temperature adjustment unit (10) based on a temperature difference between the temperature of the target space and the set temperature when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a high temperature value in a heating operation state, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a low temperature value in a cooling operation state, or when the thermal equipment that has been stopped starts operating. An air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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