Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that more appropriately delivers conditioned air for each blowout port, has more excellent efficiency, and reduces energy for air conditioning.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system 1 comprises: an air conditioner 2 that generates conditioned air; a plurality of blowout ports 40 from which the conditioned air is blown out; a damper 10 that adjusts an amount of conditioned air blown out from each blowout port 40; human sensors 12 serving as proximity detection units that detect the proximity of people to each blowout port 40; and a calculation control unit 4. The calculation control unit 4 controls an air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 using a load factor calculated based on the number of regional workers PG whose proximity is detected by each human sensor 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system that performs spot air conditioning. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2023-102722 (Patent Document 1) discloses a spot air-conditioning system. This system supplies conditioned air locally within a building such as a factory or agricultural greenhouse. This system is a bulk supply / branch system and includes an air supply duct connected to an air conditioning unit and multiple branch ducts branching off from the air supply duct. An openable / closable air outlet is provided at the end of each branch duct. Each air outlet is equipped with a motion sensor that opens when it detects the approach of a worker. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-102722 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above system, no special control is performed on the supply of conditioned air, so if the majority of the outlets are closed and only a few are open, the conditioned air from the outlets may be too hot or too cold, or if the majority of the outlets are open and only a few are closed, the conditioned air from the outlets may be too lukewarm. There is room for improvement in the conditioned air actually obtained from each outlet and in the control of the air conditioning device.

[0005] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that more appropriately delivers conditioned air from each air outlet. A second object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that is more efficient and consumes less energy for air conditioning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This specification discloses an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system may include an air conditioning device that generates conditioned air. The air conditioning system may include multiple air outlets from which conditioned air is blown out. The air conditioning system may include a damper that adjusts the amount of conditioned air blown out from each air outlet. The air conditioning system may include a proximity detector that detects the proximity of a person to each air outlet. The air conditioning system may include a calculation and control unit connected to the air conditioning device, each damper, and the proximity detector. The calculation and control unit may control the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioning device using a load factor calculated based on the number of people whose proximity is detected by the proximity detector. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A first effect of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that more appropriately delivers conditioned air from each air outlet. A second effect of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that is more efficient and consumes less energy for air conditioning. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an arithmetic and control unit and related components in the air conditioning system of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of operation of the air conditioning system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing another part of the example of operation of the air conditioning system of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an arithmetic and control unit and related components in the air conditioning system of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment is installed in a factory F as an air conditioning target, and performs spot air conditioning within the factory F. More specifically, the air conditioning system 1 actively performs local air conditioning for in-area workers PG who are workers present at a predetermined location within the factory F, but does not actively perform air conditioning for outside-area workers PN who are workers outside the predetermined location. The air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 2, a calculation control unit 4, a main duct 6, a plurality of branch ducts 8, a plurality of dampers 10, and a plurality of human sensors 12 as proximity detection units. The target of air conditioning may be other than the factory F, for example, an office, a greenhouse, or a warehouse.

[0011] The air conditioner 2 generates conditioned air and sends it out as conditioned air. The air conditioner 2 includes an outdoor unit 20 and an indoor unit 22 . The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 22 are separate units. However, the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 22 may be integrated.

[0012] The outdoor unit 20 is installed outside the factory F and generates heat for air conditioning using a heat exchanger. The outdoor unit 20 has input / output terminals for connecting to external devices and inputting and outputting control information, information representing the state of the air conditioner 2, and information representing the environmental state. The input / output terminals may also be provided in the indoor unit 22. The indoor unit 22 is installed inside the factory F or in an adjacent area thereof. The outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 22 are connected to each other so that heat can be exchanged between them. Here, the heat is exchanged through a medium. The medium passes through one or more pipes arranged between the outdoor unit 20 and the indoor unit 22. The indoor unit 22 obtains conditioned air by obtaining the heat-conditioned medium from the outdoor unit 20 and blowing air onto the medium with a fan. The medium after being blown onto is returned to the outdoor unit 20. The air conditioner 2 may have only a blower, or may only blow air. Heat may be exchanged using a medium other than a medium. The air conditioner 2 may also be a central air conditioner using a heat pump chiller (HP chiller). In this case, an HP chiller may be used as the outdoor unit 20, and an FCU (fan coil unit) may be used as the indoor unit 22. Alternatively, an HP chiller may be used as the outdoor unit 20, and an AHU (air handling unit) may be used as the indoor unit 22.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the arithmetic and control unit 4 and related components. The calculation control unit 4 controls the air conditioner 2. The arithmetic control unit 4 has an input unit 30, a storage unit 32, a processing unit , and an output unit . The input unit 30 is a part that receives various types of information, and is, for example, a communication device, a button, a keyboard, a pointing device, or a combination of these. The storage unit 32 is a part that stores various types of information, and is, for example, a memory, a disk, or a combination of these. The processing unit 34 is a part that processes various types of information, and is, for example, a CPU, a microcomputer, or a combination of these. The output unit 36 is a part that outputs various types of information, and is, for example, a communication device, a display device, a printer, or a combination of these. It should be noted that some or all of the various parts may be integrated, such as a touch panel that doubles as the display device of the output unit 36 and the buttons of the input unit 30. The arithmetic and control unit 4 may also be provided with other parts.

[0014] The arithmetic and control unit 4 is separate from the air conditioner 2 and is wirelessly connected to a wireless communication unit attached to the input / output terminal of the outdoor unit 20 via the output unit 36. The arithmetic and control unit 4 controls the air conditioner 2 by inputting control information to this input / output terminal via the output unit 36 and the wireless communication unit. The arithmetic and control unit 4 may be integrated with the air conditioner 2. The arithmetic and control unit 4 may be connected by wire, or may directly communicate with the air conditioner 2 wirelessly.

[0015] The main duct 6 is connected to the indoor unit 22 and passes conditioned air from the indoor unit 22 through it. The direction of the main duct 6 is the same as the longitudinal direction of the factory F. The main duct 6 is disposed near the ceiling inside the factory F, and is disposed in the center of the factory F in the lateral direction. It is also possible to provide a plurality of main ducts 6. The main ducts 6 may be arranged in a manner other than the above, for example, along the inner wall of the factory F.

[0016] Each branch duct 8 branches off from the main duct 6 and passes conditioned air. The tip of each branch duct 8, which is the end opposite to the main duct 6, forms an air outlet 40. The direction of each branch duct 8 is the same as the short side direction of factory F. Each branch duct 8 is arranged near the ceiling inside factory F, on both sides of the main duct 6. Each branch duct 8 arranged on the same side is lined up at approximately equal intervals. The number of branch ducts 8 is not limited to that shown in the figure. At least one of the arrangement and direction of some or all of the branch ducts 8 may be other than the arrangement described above. For example, the direction of some of the branch ducts 8 may be the same as the direction of the main duct 6. Alternatively, some or all of the branch ducts 8 may be omitted, and one or more air outlets 40 may be provided in the main duct 6.

[0017] Each damper 10 is provided in the center of the corresponding branch duct 8. Each damper 10 has a shutter that, when opened, allows the flow of conditioned air in the branch duct 8, and when closed, blocks the flow of conditioned air in the branch duct 8. When the shutter is opened, each damper 10 allows the flow of conditioned air from the air outlet 40, and when closed, blocks the flow of conditioned air from the air outlet 40. The opening and closing of the shutter of each damper 10 is controlled by the calculation and control unit 4. Each damper 10 and the calculation and control unit 4 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other via a damper communication line DC. When the calculation and control unit 4 sends an open command signal to a damper 10, the shutter of the damper 10 that received the open command signal opens. On the other hand, when the calculation and control unit 4 sends a close command signal to a damper 10, the shutter of the damper 10 that received the close command signal closes. Furthermore, each damper 10 can send an open / close state signal that indicates the current open / close state of its own shutter to the calculation and control unit 4. The calculation and control unit 4 can grasp the open / close state of the shutter of each damper 10 by receiving each open / close state signal. Hereinafter, the opening and closing of the shutter of a damper 10 may be referred to as the opening and closing of the damper 10 as appropriate. Note that multiple dampers 10 may be provided for one branch duct 8. Some or all of the dampers 10 may be provided at or adjacent to the air outlet 40. The shutter opening of some or all of the dampers 10 may be selectable between one or more fully open positions (intermediate opening) instead of, or in addition to, selecting between open (fully open) and closed (fully closed). The shutter opening of some or all of the dampers 10 may be adjustable to three or more stages, including a continuous adjustment. The adjustment of the shutter opening of some or all of the dampers 10 may be controlled by the calculation and control unit 4. The amount of conditioned air blown out from the corresponding air outlet 40 is adjusted by adjusting the shutter opening of some or all of the dampers 10. The shift to a smaller shutter opening, including the case of closing, may be expressed as throttling the shutter. The throttling of the shutter of a damper 10 is sometimes referred to as the throttling of the damper 10. Some or all of the dampers 10 may be connected to the calculation control unit 4 so that they can communicate with each other wirelessly. Some or all of the dampers 10 may transmit an open / closed state signal in response to a request from the calculation control unit 4, or may transmit an open / closed state signal at predetermined timings such as every predetermined time. The calculation control unit 4 may store some or all of the received open / closed state signals in the memory unit 32.

[0018] Each human presence sensor 12 is provided adjacent to the air outlet 40 in the corresponding branch duct 8. Each human presence sensor 12 detects a worker present within the detection area DA, i.e., an in-area worker PG. Each human presence sensor 12 detects an in-area worker PG who is a worker close to the corresponding air outlet 40. Each human presence sensor 12 is, for example, an infrared sensor that detects a worker PG within the area using infrared rays. The infrared sensor may be a passive type that detects a worker PG within the area by receiving infrared rays of a predetermined intensity or higher that may be emitted from a worker, or an active type that includes an infrared beam emitter and an infrared receiver and detects an object such as a worker based on the state of reception of the infrared beam by the infrared receiver. Furthermore, an ultrasonic sensor may be used as the human presence sensor 12 instead of or in addition to the infrared sensor. Each human presence sensor 12 and the calculation control unit 4 are connected to each other via a sensor communication line SC so that they can communicate with each other. Each human presence sensor 12 can transmit a human presence signal indicating its current detection state to the calculation control unit 4. By receiving each human presence signal, the calculation control unit 4 can grasp the detection state of each human presence sensor 12. The human presence signal detects the approach of a worker to the air outlet 40. Note that multiple motion sensors 12 may be provided for one branch duct 8, or one motion sensor 12 may be provided for multiple branch ducts 8. Some or all of the motion sensors 12 may be provided in a location other than adjacent to the air outlet 40. Some or all of the motion sensors 12 and the calculation and control unit 4 may be wirelessly connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other. Communication between some or all of the motion sensors 12 and the calculation and control unit 4 may be one-way from the motion sensors 12 to the calculation and control unit 4. Some or all of the motion sensors 12 may transmit motion signals in response to a request from the calculation and control unit 4, or may transmit motion signals at specific timings such as every predetermined time. The specific timing for the damper 10 and the specific timing for the motion sensors 12 may coincide or may differ. The calculation and control unit 4 may store some or all of the received motion signals in the memory unit 32, or may not store them, or may temporarily store them. Alternatively, some or all of the dampers 10 may open when a human presence is detected based on a human presence signal obtained directly from the human presence sensor 12, without being controlled by the calculation control unit 4, and close when a human presence is not detected.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a part of an example of the operation of the air conditioning system 1. The arithmetic control unit 4 first performs initial settings (step S1). In the initial settings, all dampers 10 are set to be open, and the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 for heating and cooling is set to 100%. In the air conditioner 2, the air volume is automatically adjusted using known technology. The initial settings may be different from the settings described above. The air volume of the air conditioner 2 may be controlled in the same way as the air conditioning capacity.

[0020] Next, the calculation control unit 4 repeats the processing of steps S2 to S5 between the repetition symbols R1 and R2 for the number of human presence sensors 12. The calculation control unit 4 focuses on one of the human presence sensors 12 as a processing target in a predetermined order or randomly, and performs the processing between the repetition symbols R1 and R2. That is, the calculation control unit 4 determines whether or not a detection signal relating to the approach of a worker has been received from the human sensor 12 of interest (step S2). When the calculation control unit 4 receives a detection signal from the worker (Yes in step S2), it opens the corresponding damper 10 (step S3). If the damper 10 is already open, the state of the damper 10 remains unchanged. On the other hand, when the calculation control unit 4 does not receive a detection signal from the worker (No in step S2), it checks whether all other dampers 10 are closed (step S4). If the result in step S4 is No, that is, if at least one of the other dampers 10 is open, the calculation control unit 4 closes the corresponding damper 10 (step S5). On the other hand, if the result in step S4 is Yes, that is, if all other dampers 10 are closed, the calculation control unit 4 does not perform the process of closing the damper 10 (step S5) and proceeds to the next process (repetition symbol R2) to avoid a situation in which all dampers 10 are closed.

[0021] In this way, after confirming the detection of a worker for each human presence sensor 12, the calculation control unit 4 checks whether the timing has come to perform control processing related to reducing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 (step S6). In this example, this timing is every 5 minutes. By performing control processing of the air conditioner 2 based on the arrival of a predetermined timing in this way, frequent switching of the settings of the air conditioner 2 is prevented, which in turn prevents excess energy consumption and prevents the air conditioner 2 from malfunctioning. Note that this timing may be every 10 minutes, every 2 minutes, or at other times, or may be irregular, such as when a new damper 10 is opened or closed. Alternatively, step S6 may be omitted. If this timing has not arrived (No in step S6), the calculation control unit 4 returns to the process related to the human sensor 12 (the process between the repetition symbols R1 and R2). On the other hand, when this timing arrives (Yes in step S6), the calculation control unit 4 executes the processes from step S7 onwards.

[0022] In step S7, the calculation control unit 4 calculates the load factor of the air conditioner 2 and determines whether the state in which the load factor is lower than the first predetermined threshold (load factor≦first predetermined threshold) has continued for a first specific time or longer. Here, the load factor is the ratio of the number of dampers 10 that are currently open to the total number of dampers 10, and is expressed as load factor = (number of dampers 10 that are currently open / total number of dampers 10) × 100(%). When a damper 10 is open, the human presence sensor 12 basically detects one in-area worker PG, and therefore the number of dampers 10 that are currently open corresponds to the total number of in-area workers PG that are close to each air outlet 40. Therefore, the load factor is the ratio of the total number of in-area workers PG to the total number of air outlets 40, and can also be understood as load factor = (total number of in-area workers PG / total number of air outlets 40) × 100(%). Here, the first predetermined threshold is (2 / 8) x 100 = 25 (%), which corresponds to the case where the total number of dampers 10 (total number of air outlets 40) is 8 and the number of dampers 10 currently open (total number of workers PG in the area) is 2. Here, the first specific time is 10 minutes. The calculation control unit 4 may grasp this 10 minutes by using a timer, or by determining that the values at the processing timing two times before (10 minutes ago), the processing timing last time (5 minutes ago), and the current processing timing were all below the first predetermined threshold. At least one of the load factor, the first predetermined threshold, and the first specific time may be other than those described above. Furthermore, the human presence sensor 12 may be capable of detecting the number of multiple in-area workers PG near the same air outlet 40. In this case, the number of currently open dampers 10 may not match the total number of in-area workers PG. When these do not match, the load factor may be calculated based on the number of currently open dampers 10 or the total number of in-area workers PG.

[0023] If the state of "load factor≦first predetermined threshold" has not continued for the first specific time or longer (No in step S7), the calculation control unit 4 does not execute steps S8 and S9 and proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if the state of "load rate≦first predetermined threshold" continues for the first specific time or longer (Yes in step S7), the calculation control unit 4 executes steps S8 and S9, and then proceeds to step S10.

[0024] In step S8, the calculation control unit 4 reduces by one level the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2. However, if the air conditioning capacity is already at the lowest level in step S8, the calculation control unit 4 does not lower the level of the air conditioning capacity, but maintains it at the lowest level. The air conditioning capacity can be set in various stages, and here there are 16 stages in 5-point increments from 25% (1 / 4 of maximum capacity) to 100% (maximum capacity). Note that the intervals between adjacent stages in the air conditioning capacity do not have to be equal. Also, the reduction in the stage may be performed in multiple stages. Therefore, here, if the load factor ≦25% state continues for 10 minutes and the air conditioning capacity is not at the lowest level, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 is lowered by one level, and the air conditioning capacity is controlled in stages. In this way, the air conditioning capacity is reduced when the load factor is low, so the amount of energy required for air conditioning is reduced while maintaining the quality of air conditioning for the open damper 10. In addition, in step S9, the calculation control unit 4 resets the first specific time to start counting the first specific time from the beginning.

[0025] In step S10, the calculation control unit 4 determines whether the non-detection state in which all human presence sensors 12 do not detect an in-area worker PG as a worker approaching the air outlet 40 has continued for more than a second specific time. The second specific time is 30 minutes in this example. The calculation control unit 4 may grasp this 30 minutes by using a timer, or by determining that no detection has occurred between the sixth processing timing (30 minutes ago) and the current processing timing. The second specific time may be other than the above.

[0026] If the non-detection state continues for a second specific time or longer at all of the human presence sensors 12 (Yes in step S10), the calculation control unit 4 proceeds to step S11, sets the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 to zero to stop heating and cooling, and performs air blowing operation only. By setting the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 to zero in this way, it is possible to sufficiently reduce energy consumption by the air conditioner 2 when no worker is in the room and heating and cooling are not necessary. Moreover, the calculation control unit 4 proceeds to step S12 and resets the second specific time in order to start counting the second specific time from the beginning. Then, the arithmetic control unit 4 returns to the process related to the human sensor 12 (the process between the repetition symbols R1 and R2). In step S10, the calculation control unit 4 may stop the air blowing operation instead of or together with stopping the air conditioning of the air conditioner 2. In particular, stopping the air blowing operation during heating can prevent the worker from feeling cold due to the air blowing.

[0027] On the other hand, if the non-detection state has not continued for more than the second specific time in all human presence sensors 12 (No in step S10), the calculation control unit 4 does not execute steps S11 and S12 and returns to the processing related to the human presence sensor 12 (processing between repetition symbols R1 and R2). The calculation control unit 4 may resume air conditioning when a condition is met, for example, when any of the human presence sensors 12 changes to a detection state.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing another part of the operation example of the air conditioning system 1. The calculation control unit 4 checks whether the timing has come to perform control processing related to increasing the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 (step S21). Here, the timing to perform control processing related to increasing the air conditioning capacity is the same as the timing to perform control processing related to decreasing the air conditioning capacity, including modified examples. Note that the timing to perform control processing related to increasing the air conditioning capacity may be different from the timing to perform control processing related to decreasing the air conditioning capacity. If this timing has not yet arrived (No in step S21), the calculation control unit 4 returns to other processing. On the other hand, when this timing arrives (Yes in step S21), the calculation control unit 4 executes the processes from step S22 onwards.

[0029] In step S22, the calculation control unit 4 calculates the load factor of the air conditioner 2, and determines whether the state in which the load factor is higher than the second predetermined threshold (load factor > second predetermined threshold) has continued for a third specific time or longer. The load factor is calculated in step S7. Note that the load factor may be calculated in step S22 separately from step S7. Here, the second predetermined threshold is (6 / 8)×100=75(%), which corresponds to the case where the total number of dampers 10 is 8 and the number of dampers 10 that are currently open is 6. Note that the second predetermined threshold may be set to the same value as the first predetermined threshold. The third specific time is the same as the first specific time related to the determination of the reduction in the air conditioning capacity, including the modified example.

[0030] If the state of "load factor>second predetermined threshold" has not continued for the third specific time or longer (No in step S22), the calculation control unit 4 does not execute steps S23 and S24 and returns to other processing. On the other hand, if the state of "load factor>second predetermined threshold" continues for the third specific time or longer (Yes in step S22), the calculation control unit 4 executes steps S23 and S24 and returns to other processing.

[0031] In step S23, the calculation control unit 4 increases the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 by one level. However, if the air conditioning capacity is already at the highest level in step S23, the calculation control unit 4 does not lower the level of the air conditioning capacity, but maintains it at the highest level. The air conditioning capacity can be set in various stages, and here there are 16 stages in 5-point increments from 25% (1 / 4 of maximum capacity) to 100% (maximum capacity). Note that the intervals between adjacent stages in the air conditioning capacity do not have to be equal. Also, the stage increase may be performed in multiple stages. Therefore, here, if the load rate is greater than 75% for 10 minutes and the air conditioning capacity is not at the highest level, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 is increased by one level, and the air conditioning capacity is controlled in stages. In this way, the air conditioning capacity is increased when the load factor is high. Therefore, after the air conditioning capacity has been reduced to reduce the amount of energy used for air conditioning, if the number of workers PG in the area increases and stronger air conditioning is required, sufficient air conditioning capacity will be obtained, and the quality of the air conditioning will be maintained. In addition, in step S24, the calculation control unit 4 resets the third specific time to start counting the third specific time from the beginning.

[0032] The calculation and control unit 4 may only reduce the air conditioning capacity, and an operator may manually increase the air conditioning capacity. Alternatively, the calculation and control unit 4 may only increase the air conditioning capacity, and an operator may manually reduce the air conditioning capacity. Furthermore, the calculation control unit 4 may at least either reduce or increase the air conditioning capacity without opening or closing the damper 10. In this case, step S2 in Fig. 3 is performed for the purpose of determining the number of people approaching the air outlet 40 in order to calculate the load factor, and steps S3 to S5 may be omitted.

[0033] The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment includes an air conditioner 2 that generates conditioned air, a plurality of air outlets 40 from which the conditioned air is blown out, a damper 10 that adjusts the amount of conditioned air blown out from each of the air outlets 40, human sensors 12 that serve as proximity detectors that detect the approach of people to each of the air outlets 40, and a calculation control unit 4 that is connected to the air conditioner 2, the dampers 10, and the human sensors 12. The calculation control unit 4 controls the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 using a load factor calculated based on the number of local workers PG whose proximity is detected by each of the human sensors 12. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1, if the number of in-area workers PG is small, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 is reduced, and the air conditioner 2 is operated in a manner appropriate to the number of open dampers 10. Therefore, an air conditioning system 1 is provided that has better air conditioning efficiency and reduces energy required for air conditioning. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 prevents a situation in which too cold or too hot air is discharged from the air outlets 40, such as when the air conditioning system 1 is operated at the same air conditioning capacity as when the number of in-area workers PG is large, even though the number of in-area workers PG is small. Therefore, the air conditioning system 1 is provided in which air is more appropriately discharged from each air outlet 40.

[0034] Furthermore, the calculation and control unit 4 opens the corresponding damper 10 based on the detection of a local worker PG by each human presence sensor 12, thereby increasing the amount of conditioned air from the corresponding air outlet 40. Furthermore, based on the non-detection of a local worker PG by each human presence sensor 12, the calculation and control unit 4 throttles the corresponding damper 10 to decrease the amount of conditioned air from the corresponding air outlet 40. The calculation and control unit 4 also determines the number of people at the load rate based on the number of open or throttled dampers 10. Therefore, more appropriate air conditioning is achieved by opening and closing the dampers 10. Furthermore, the load rate for improving efficiency can be calculated more easily based on the number of open or throttled dampers 10. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1 is prevented from blowing air that is too cold or too hot from the air outlet 40, as occurs when the air conditioning system operates at the same air conditioning capacity as when a large number of dampers 10 are open, even though the number of open dampers 10 is small. Therefore, an air conditioning system 1 is provided that more appropriately delivers air from each air outlet 40. Furthermore, when the load factor is low, the calculation control unit 4 reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 (steps S7 and S8). This improves the efficiency of air conditioning and further reduces the energy required for air conditioning. Furthermore, the load factor is the ratio of the number of dampers 10 that are currently open to the total number of dampers 10. If the load factor remains lower than a first predetermined threshold for a first specific time or longer, the calculation control unit 4 reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2. As a result, the air conditioning capacity is controlled sufficiently accurately with a small amount of calculation, improving air conditioning efficiency and further reducing energy required for air conditioning. Furthermore, the calculation control unit 4 gradually reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 (step S8). Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1, control is simpler than when the air conditioning capacity is constantly switched, and control of the air conditioning capacity is performed in a manner that is comparable to that in the case where the air conditioning capacity is constantly switched. In addition, if the state in which the human sensor 12 does not detect the approach of a person continues for a second specific time or longer, the calculation control unit 4 sets the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 to zero (steps S10, S11). This improves the efficiency of air conditioning and further reduces the energy required for air conditioning.

[0035] Furthermore, when the load factor is high, the calculation control unit 4 increases the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 (steps S22, S23). Therefore, after the air conditioning capacity has been reduced to reduce the energy required for air conditioning, if the number of in-area workers PG increases and an increase in the air conditioning capacity is required to provide comfortable air conditioning for each in-area worker PG, the air conditioning capacity is adjusted appropriately. Furthermore, the load rate is the ratio of the number of dampers 10 that are currently open to the total number of dampers 10. If the load rate remains higher than the second predetermined threshold for a third specific time or longer, the calculation control unit 4 increases the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2. Therefore, the air conditioning capacity is controlled sufficiently accurately with a small amount of calculation, and if an increase in the air conditioning capacity is required, the air conditioning capacity is adjusted appropriately. Furthermore, the calculation control unit 4 gradually increases the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 (step S23). Therefore, in the air conditioning system 1, control is simpler than when the air conditioning capacity is constantly switched, and control of the air conditioning capacity is performed that is comparable to that in the case where the air conditioning capacity is constantly switched.

[0036] In addition, the calculation control unit 4 avoids a state in which all dampers 10 are throttled (step S4). This prevents the air conditioner 2 from being prevented from sending out conditioned air, thereby preventing a situation in which a burden is placed on the air conditioner 2. The proximity detection unit is a human sensor 12 provided corresponding to each air outlet 40. Therefore, the proximity detection unit is formed simply, with the size of each device being relatively small.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system 101 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment is configured similarly to the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment except for the calculation control unit and sensors. In the air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment, components and parts that are similar to those of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate. The air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment has the same modified examples as the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment as appropriate. The air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment has the same modified examples as the air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment as appropriate. The air conditioning system 101 includes an air conditioner 2, a calculation control unit 104, a main duct 6, a plurality of branch ducts 8, a plurality of dampers 10, and a plurality of cameras 112.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the arithmetic and control unit 104 and related components in the air conditioning system 101. The arithmetic and control unit 104 controls the air conditioner 2 . The arithmetic and control unit 104 includes an input unit 30, a storage unit 32, a processing unit , and an output unit .

[0039] Each camera 112 is provided on a wall on one side of the factory F and on the wall on the other side opposite the wall. Each camera 112 is installed so that it can capture an image of each air outlet 40 in the branch duct 8 on the corresponding side. That is, each camera 112 is installed so that all of the air outlets 40 on the corresponding side are within the imageable range DD. Note that at least one of the number of cameras 112 and the imageable range DD is not limited to those described above. For example, multiple cameras 112 may be installed on a wall on one side of the factory F, and each of the imageable ranges DD of these cameras may cover each of the air outlets 40 on the corresponding side. Each camera 112 includes an imaging unit 120 , a camera storage unit 122 , a camera communication unit 124 , and a camera control unit 126 . The imaging unit 120 is capable of continuously capturing still images and capturing moving images, and is, for example, an imaging element. The camera storage unit 122 is a part that stores various information including video data acquired by the imaging unit 120, and is configured similarly to the storage unit 32, for example. The camera communication unit 124 is capable of transmitting and receiving various types of information, and is configured in the same manner as the output unit 36, for example. The camera control unit 126 controls various parts of the camera 112, such as the imaging unit 120, the camera storage unit 122, and the camera communication unit 124. The camera control unit 126 is configured similarly to, for example, the processing unit 34. The camera control unit 126 may execute an artificial intelligence (AI) program that references machine learning result information stored in the camera storage unit 122, and perform image processing using AI.

[0040] The camera control unit 126 can grasp worker position information PP, which is information on the positions of one or more workers PW, and air outlet position information PB, which is information on the positions of each air outlet 40. The worker position information PP is grasped by comparing one or more pre-registered human figure templates with video data. Furthermore, because workers do not normally move, the air outlet position information PB is pre-registered based on their positions in the video data. Note that the method for grasping at least one of the worker position information PP and the air outlet position information PB is not limited to the above. The camera control unit 126 controls the camera communication unit 124 to transmit multiple sets of worker position information PP and air outlet position information PB to the input unit 30 of the arithmetic control unit 104 at specific timings. At least one of the multiple pieces of worker position information PP and the multiple pieces of air outlet position information PB may or may not be stored in the camera storage unit 122, or may be stored temporarily. Each camera 112 and the arithmetic and control unit 104 are connected to each other via a camera communication line SD so that they can communicate with each other. Note that some or all of the cameras 112 and the arithmetic and control unit 4 may be connected to be able to communicate with each other wirelessly. Communication between some or all of the cameras 112 and the arithmetic and control unit 104 may be one-way, from the cameras 112 to the arithmetic and control unit 104. Some or all of the cameras 112 may transmit at least one of the worker position information PP and the air outlet position information PB in response to a request from the arithmetic and control unit 104. The arithmetic and control unit 104 may store some or all of the worker position information PP and the air outlet position information PB that it receives in the memory unit 32, or it may not store the information, or it may store it temporarily.

[0041] The arithmetic and control unit 104 receives the worker position information PP and the air outlet position information PB from the camera communication unit 124 at the input unit 30. The arithmetic and control unit 104 obtains distance information PD from the worker position information PP and the air outlet position information PB at the same or adjacent times. The arithmetic and control unit 104 determines the air outlet position information PB associated with the position closest to the position of the worker position information PP and calculates the distance information PD according to the distance between these positions. The distance information PD is obtained for each piece of worker position information PP associated with the same or adjacent times. Furthermore, the arithmetic and control unit 104 obtains distance information PD as a group related to a target worker (a target worker) for worker position information PP associated with the same or adjacent positions at a subsequent time, relative to the position of the worker position information PP at the time of interest (a target processing time), assuming that the worker positions belong to the same worker. The arithmetic and control unit 104 stores the worker position information PP, the air outlet position information PB, and the distance information PD in the memory unit 32. The arithmetic and control unit 104 does not need to store some or all of the group of worker position information PP, the air outlet position information PB, and the distance information PD in the memory unit 32.

[0042] When a predetermined condition related to the distance information PD is satisfied, the calculation control unit 104 opens the damper 10 associated with the corresponding air outlet 40. Here, the predetermined condition is when the distance indicated by the distance information PD remains below a specific threshold for a third specific time or longer. Even when multiple pieces of distance information PD associated with multiple worker position information PP each satisfying the predetermined condition exist for a single air outlet 40, the calculation control unit 104 processes the case in the same manner as when only one piece of distance information PD satisfying the predetermined condition exists for a single air outlet 40. The predetermined condition may be other than the above-described condition. For example, instead of or in addition to the above-described condition, the distance indicated by the distance information PD may be the same or below a different threshold. Furthermore, when multiple pieces of distance information PD each satisfying the predetermined condition exist for a single air outlet 40, the calculation control unit 104 may consider the number of people approaching the air outlet 40 at the load factor based on the number of pieces of distance information PD. The calculation control unit 104 can be considered to grasp the workers PW approaching each air outlet 40 using each camera 112, instead of detecting the workers PG in the area using each human sensor 12 in the first embodiment. At least one of the calculation of distance information PD and the determination of whether a predetermined condition is satisfied or not may be performed on the side of each camera 112. In this case, part of the function of the arithmetic and control unit 104 in the air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment is performed by the camera 112 (camera control unit 126). In this way, the arithmetic and control units 4, 104 in the present invention may be provided in a distributed manner in multiple parts, and these parts may be provided so as to be able to operate cooperatively.

[0043] An example of the operation of the air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment is similar to the example of the operation of the air conditioning system 1 of the first embodiment. More specifically, step S2 in FIG. 3 is a determination as to whether or not the above-mentioned conditions regarding the distance information PD are satisfied. Furthermore, step S10 is a determination as to whether or not the state in which the above-described condition regarding the distance information PD is not satisfied has continued for a second specific time or longer for all of the air outlets 40.

[0044] The air conditioning system 101 of the second embodiment includes an air conditioner 2 that generates conditioned air, a plurality of air outlets 40 from which the conditioned air is blown out, a damper 10 that adjusts the amount of conditioned air blown out from each of the air outlets 40, cameras 112 that serve as proximity detectors that detect the proximity of people to each of the air outlets 40, and a calculation and control unit 104 that is connected to the air conditioner 2, the dampers 10, and the cameras 112. The calculation and control unit 104 controls the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 using a load factor calculated based on the number of workers PW detected by each of the cameras 112 to be approaching the air outlets 40. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 101, if the number of workers PW detected approaching is small, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 2 is reduced, and the air conditioner 2 is operated in a manner appropriate to the number of open dampers 10. Therefore, an air conditioning system 101 is provided that has better air conditioning efficiency and reduces energy required for air conditioning. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 101 prevents a situation in which too cold or too hot air is discharged from the air outlets 40, such as when the air conditioning system 101 is operated at the same air conditioning capacity as when the number of workers PW detected approaching is large, even though the number of such workers PW is small. Therefore, the air conditioning system 101 is provided, which can more appropriately discharge air from each air outlet 40.

[0045] Furthermore, the calculation and control unit 4 opens the corresponding damper 10 to increase the amount of conditioned air from the corresponding air outlet 40 based on the detection of a worker PW who satisfies a predetermined condition related to the distance information PD, and throttles the corresponding damper 10 to decrease the amount of conditioned air from the corresponding air outlet 40 based on the non-detection of a worker PW who satisfies a predetermined condition related to the distance information PD. The calculation and control unit 4 also determines the number of people in the load ratio based on the number of open or throttled dampers 10. Therefore, more appropriate air conditioning is achieved by opening and closing the dampers 10. Furthermore, the load ratio for improving efficiency is more easily calculated based on the number of open or throttled dampers 10. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 101 is prevented from blowing air that is too cold or too hot from the air outlet 40, as occurs when the air conditioning system operates at the same air conditioning capacity as when a large number of dampers 10 are open despite the number of open dampers 10 being small. Therefore, an air conditioning system 101 is provided that more appropriately delivers air from each air outlet 40. The proximity detector is a camera 112 that can capture images of each air outlet 40 and the worker PW. Therefore, the proximity detector is simply formed with a relatively small number of devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1,101··Air conditioning system, 2··Air conditioning unit, 4,104··Calculation control unit, 10··Damper, 12··Human sensor (proximity detection unit), 40··Air outlet, 112··Camera (proximity detection unit), PG··Worker in area (person close to proximity detection unit), PW··Worker (person).

Claims

1. an air conditioner for generating conditioned air; a plurality of air outlets from which the conditioned air is blown out; a damper for adjusting the amount of the conditioned air blown out from each of the air outlets; a proximity detection unit that detects the proximity of a person to each of the air outlets; an arithmetic and control unit connected to the air conditioner, each of the dampers, and the proximity detection unit; It is equipped with The arithmetic and control unit The air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner is controlled using a load factor calculated based on the number of people whose proximity is detected by the proximity detection unit. An air conditioning system characterized by:

2. The arithmetic and control unit Based on the detection of the proximity of a person by the proximity detection unit, the corresponding damper is opened to increase the amount of the conditioned air from the corresponding air outlet, and based on the non-detection of the proximity of a person by the proximity detection unit, the corresponding damper is closed to decrease the amount of the conditioned air from the corresponding air outlet, Furthermore, the number of people at the load rate is determined by the number of dampers that are open or closed.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The calculation control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the load factor is low.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. the load factor is a ratio of the number of dampers that are currently open to the total number of dampers; The calculation control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the load factor remains lower than a first predetermined threshold for a first specific time period or longer.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3.

5. The calculation control unit reduces the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner in stages.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

6. The calculation control unit sets the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner to zero when a state in which the proximity detection unit does not detect the proximity of a person continues for a second specific time or longer.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

7. The calculation control unit increases the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the load factor is high.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

8. the load factor is a ratio of the number of dampers that are currently open to the total number of dampers; The calculation control unit increases the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner when the load rate remains higher than a second predetermined threshold for a third specific time period or longer.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7.

9. The calculation control unit increases the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner in stages.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

10. The calculation control unit prevents all of the dampers from being throttled.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

11. The proximity detection unit is a human presence sensor provided corresponding to each of the air outlets.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

12. The proximity detection unit is a camera that can capture images of the air outlets and the person.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

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