Air conditioner

Abstract

To reduce energy consumption of an air conditioner.SOLUTION: An air conditioner (100) includes a sensor (15) for acquiring an index related to a temperature of air in an object space (S), a first heat exchanger (25) for exchanging heat between air in an air passage (P) and a refrigerant, a heater (12) disposed in a downstream side of the first heat exchanger (25) in the air passage (P), a second heat exchanger (27) for exchanging heat between the air after passing through the first heat exchanger (25) and the refrigerant, and a control device (30). The control device (30) includes a first control unit (31) for controlling the heater (12) on the basis of the index, and a second control unit (32) for controlling the second heat exchanger (27) on the basis of an output target value of the heater (12) which is a value larger than 0.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling device, which is a type of refrigeration device. The cooling device in Patent Document 1 includes a refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant circulates to perform a refrigeration cycle, a refrigerant heat circuit (refrigerant reheat circuit), a first utilization system which is a utilization-side circuit, and a controller.

[0003] The refrigerant circuit is configured such that a compressor, a condenser, a receiver, and a first evaporator are connected in this order. One end of the refrigerant heat circuit is connected between the compressor and the condenser in the refrigerant circuit, and the other end is connected between the condenser and the receiver in the refrigerant circuit. A refrigerant reheat coil is provided in the refrigerant heat circuit. The first utilization system is provided with a casing through which air flows. Within the casing, the first evaporator, the refrigerant reheat coil, and a heater are arranged in this order from the upstream side of the air flow.

[0004] In the first evaporator, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air in the first utilization system and evaporates, cooling the air. In the refrigerant reheat coil, the refrigerant exchanges heat with the air cooled in the first evaporator and condenses, heating the air. In the heater, the air whose temperature has been adjusted in the first evaporator and then the refrigerant reheat coil is heated and further adjusted in temperature.

[0005] In the first utilization system, the controller adjusts the opening of the first expansion valve and the electric valve in the refrigerant circuit and adjusts the amount of heat generated by the heater so that the air that has flowed through the first evaporator, the refrigerant reheat coil, and the heater ultimately reaches a predetermined temperature. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-153373 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In a refrigeration system (air conditioning system) such as that described in Patent Document 1, when heating air in the first utilization system, it is conceivable to adjust the opening of an electric valve for adjusting the temperature of the air passing through the refrigerant reheat coil and the amount of heating of the heater separately.

[0008] However, if the valve opening and heater heating amount are adjusted separately, the ratio between the amount of heat generated by the refrigerant reheat coil and the amount of heat generated by the heater will be left to chance, which can result in the air conditioner consuming more energy than necessary and reducing energy efficiency.

[0009] An object of the present disclosure is to reduce the energy consumption of air conditioning devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The first aspect is directed to an air conditioner (100). The air conditioner (100) includes a sensor (15) that acquires an index related to the temperature of air in a target space (S), a casing (11) having an inlet (11a) and an outlet (11b) and in which an air passage (P) is formed between the inlet (11a) and the outlet (11b), a first heat exchanger (25) that exchanges heat between the air in the air passage (P) and a refrigerant, a heater (12) arranged downstream of the first heat exchanger (25) in the air passage (P), a second heat exchanger (27) that exchanges heat between the air in the air passage (P) that has passed through the first heat exchanger (25) and a refrigerant, and a control device (30). The control device (30) includes a first control section (31) that controls the heater (12) based on the index, and a second control section (32) that controls the second heat exchanger (27) based on an output target value of the heater (12) that is a value greater than 0.

[0011] In the first aspect, the second control section (32) controls the second heat exchanger (27) based on the target output value of the heater (12). Therefore, by setting the target output value of the heater (12) to a small value and increasing the amount of heating of the air in the second heat exchanger (27), it is possible to reduce the amount of heating in the heater (12) while maintaining the temperature of the air supplied to the target space (S) at the target temperature. As a result, it is possible to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner (100).

[0012] In the second aspect, in the first aspect, the control device (30) determines whether or not the second control section (32) controls the second heat exchanger (27), based on the temperature of the air after passing through the first heat exchanger (25).

[0013] In the second aspect, for example, when the temperature of the air after passing through the first heat exchanger (25) is lower than the condensation temperature of the first heat exchanger (25), the second heat exchanger (27) can be controlled to reduce the energy consumption of the air conditioner (100).

[0014] A third aspect is the first or second aspect, wherein the indicator is the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet (11b).

[0015] In the third mode, the heater (12) is controlled based on the temperature of the air blown out through the outlet (11b).

[0016] A fourth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising one refrigerant circuit (20) filled with a refrigerant, and the refrigerant circuit (20) includes the first heat exchanger (25) and the second heat exchanger (27).

[0017] In the fourth aspect, the first heat exchanger (25) and the second heat exchanger (27) are provided in one refrigerant circuit.

[0018] A fifth aspect is any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a first refrigerant circuit (20) filled with refrigerant and a second refrigerant circuit of a different system from the first refrigerant circuit, wherein the first refrigerant circuit has the first heat exchanger (25), and the second refrigerant circuit has the second heat exchanger (27).

[0019] In the fifth aspect, the first heat exchanger (25) and the second heat exchanger (27) are provided in separate refrigerant circuits. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of an air conditioning apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a piping diagram of a refrigerant circuit provided in the air conditioner. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control of the amount of heat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure. Since the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary to facilitate understanding.

[0022] (1) Air conditioning equipment The air conditioner (100) conditions the air in a target space (S). The air conditioner (100) of this embodiment is a variable constant temperature and humidity air conditioner that can precisely control the temperature and humidity of the target space (S) over a wide range. The air conditioner (100) of this embodiment is installed, for example, in an environmental test chamber where temperature and humidity are strictly controlled.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioner (100) includes a housing (10), a casing (11), a refrigerant circuit (20), an electric heater (12), a humidifier (13), a blower fan (14), a temperature sensor (15), a humidity sensor (16), and a control device (30).

[0024] (1-1) Cabinet The housing (10) is configured in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box that is long in the vertical direction. The housing (10) accommodates a casing (11), a refrigerant circuit (20), an electric heater (12), a humidifier (13), a blower fan (14), a temperature sensor (15), a humidity sensor (16), and a control device (30). The casing (11) is disposed on the front side of the housing (10). A storage space (H) that stores the components of the air conditioner (100) is formed on the rear side of the housing (10). The storage space (H) is formed behind the casing (11).

[0025] (1-2) Casing The casing (11) is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped box that is long in the vertical direction. The casing (11) is fitted to the front surface of the housing (10). The front surface of the casing (11) faces the target space (S). An inlet (11a) and an outlet (11b) are formed in the front surface of the casing (11).

[0026] The suction port (11a) is an opening for drawing in air from the target space (S). The suction port (11a) is formed in the lower part of the front surface of the casing (11). The outlet (11b) is an opening for blowing air into the target space (S). The outlet (11b) is formed in the upper part of the front surface of the casing (11). The suction port (11a) and the outlet (11b) are formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape.

[0027] An air passage (P) is formed inside the casing (11). The air passage (P) is a space extending in the vertical direction. The air passage (P) is formed between the suction port (11a) and the discharge port (11b). Thus, air from the target space (S) flows in through the suction port (11a), flows upward through the air passage (P), and flows out through the discharge port (11b).

[0028] (1-3) Refrigerant circuit The air conditioner (100) includes one refrigerant circuit (20). The refrigerant circuit (20) is filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (20) performs a vapor compression refrigeration cycle by circulating the refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerant circuit (20) includes a main circuit (20a) and a refrigerant reheat circuit (20b).

[0029] The main circuit (20a) includes a compressor (21), a condenser (22), a receiver (23), an expansion valve (24), an evaporator (25), and an accumulator (26). In the main circuit (20a), the compressor (21), the condenser (22), the receiver (23), the expansion valve (24), the evaporator (25), and the accumulator (26) are connected in this order by connecting pipes.

[0030] 1, the compressor (21), the condenser (22), the receiver (23), the expansion valve (24), and the accumulator (26) are disposed in the lower part of the accommodation space (H). The evaporator (25) is disposed upstream of the air passage (P).

[0031] In the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant compressed by the compressor (21) dissipates heat to a cooling medium in the condenser (22). The cooling medium is, for example, air or water. The refrigerant that has dissipated heat is reduced in pressure by the expansion valve (24) and evaporated in the evaporator (25). The evaporated refrigerant is drawn into the compressor (21).

[0032] The compressor (21) compresses the drawn refrigerant and discharges the compressed refrigerant. The compressor (21) is, for example, a hermetic high-pressure dome scroll compressor. The compressor (21) is an inverter type. The rotation speed (operating frequency) of the electric motor of the compressor (21) is adjusted by a control circuit.

[0033] The condenser (22) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and a cooling medium (for example, outdoor air).

[0034] The expansion valve (24) is an expansion mechanism that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant. In this embodiment, the expansion valve (24) is an electronic expansion valve whose opening is adjustable.

[0035] The evaporator (25) corresponds to the first heat exchanger of the present disclosure. The evaporator (25) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The evaporator (25) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air in the target space (S). The evaporator (25) cools the air.

[0036] The refrigerant reheating circuit (20b) is connected to the main circuit (20a). The inlet end of the refrigerant reheating circuit (20b) is connected between the compressor (21) and the condenser (22). The outlet end of the refrigerant reheating circuit (20b) is connected between the condenser (22) and the receiver (23).

[0037] The refrigerant reheating circuit (20b) includes a reheater (27) and a reheating motor-operated valve (28). As shown in Fig. 2, in the refrigerant reheating circuit (20b), the reheater (27) and the reheating motor-operated valve (28) are connected in this order from the upstream side by a connecting pipe.

[0038] The reheater (27) corresponds to the second heat exchanger of the present disclosure. The reheater (27) is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. As shown in FIG. 2, a portion of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (21) flows into the reheater (27). As shown in FIG. 1, the reheater (27) is disposed downstream of the evaporator (25) in the air passage (P). The reheater (27) exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air in the air passage (P) that has passed through the evaporator (25). The reheater (27) functions as a condenser and heats the air.

[0039] The reheat motor operated valve (28) adjusts the amount of heating of the air in the reheater (27). The reheat motor operated valve (28) is a flow control valve whose opening is adjustable. In the refrigerant reheat circuit (20b), as the opening of the reheat motor operated valve (28) decreases, the proportion of condensed liquid refrigerant in the reheater (27) increases and the proportion of condensed gas refrigerant decreases. Therefore, in the refrigerant reheat circuit (20b), as the opening of the reheat motor operated valve (28) decreases, the amount of heat exchanged between the gas refrigerant and the air (amount of condensation heat) decreases, and the amount of heat applied to the air decreases.

[0040] (1-4) Electric heater The electric heater (12) corresponds to the heater of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric heater (12) of this embodiment is disposed downstream of the reheater (27) in the air passage (P). The electric heater (12) heats the air that has passed through the reheater (27). The electric heater (12) heats the air whose temperature has been adjusted in the evaporator (25) and the reheater (27) in that order, and further adjusts the temperature.

[0041] The electric heater (12) is formed in a horizontally elongated shape. The electric heater (12) is arranged along the cross section of the air passage (P). The electric heater (12) is arranged at least downstream of the evaporator (25) in the air passage (P). In other words, the electric heater (12) may be arranged between the evaporator (25) and the reheater (27) in the air passage (P).

[0042] (1-5) Humidifier The humidifier (13) adjusts the humidity of the air by adding water vapor to the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the electric heater (12). The humidifier (13) has a main body (13a) and a nozzle (13b).

[0043] The main body (13a) is disposed approximately in the center of the storage space (H). The main body (13a) generates steam, for example, by heating water stored in an open container with a heater. The nozzle (13b) has an inlet connected to the main body (13a) and guides the steam generated in the main body (13a) to the air passage (P). The nozzle (13b) is disposed across the storage space (H) and the air passage (P). The outlet of the nozzle (13b) is disposed downstream of the electric heater (12) in the air passage (P).

[0044] (1-6) Blower fan The blower fan (14) transports air in the air passage (P). Specifically, the blower fan (14) introduces air into the air passage (P) and causes the air, after temperature and humidity adjustment, to flow out toward the target space (S). The blower fan (14) is disposed in the air passage (P) downstream of the nozzle (13b) of the humidifier (13).

[0045] The blower fan (14) is a propeller fan. The blower fan (14) may be a turbo or sirocco fan. The motor (14a) of the blower fan (14) is an AC fan motor whose rotation speed is adjusted by a control circuit. The motor (14a) is disposed in the accommodation space (H).

[0046] (1-7) Temperature sensor, humidity sensor The temperature sensor (15) corresponds to the sensor of the present disclosure. The temperature sensor (15) acquires an index related to the temperature of the air in the target space (S). The temperature sensor (15) of this embodiment acquires the temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet (11b).

[0047] The humidity sensor (16) acquires an index related to the humidity of the air in the target space (S). The humidity sensor (16) of the present embodiment acquires the humidity of the air blown out through the outlet (11b). The temperature sensor (15) and the humidity sensor (16) are disposed in the air passage (P) near the outlet (11b).

[0048] (1-8) Control device The control device (30) adjusts the openings of the expansion valve (24) and the reheat motor-operated valve (28) of the refrigerant circuit (20), and also adjusts the amount of heating of the electric heater (12), so that the air that has flowed through the evaporator (25), the reheater (27), and the electric heater (12) finally reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0049] The control device (30) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. The memory stores various programs for the CPU to execute.

[0050] 3, the control device (30) controls the compressor (21), the expansion valve (24), the blower fan (14), the reheat motor-operated valve (28), the electric heater (12), and the humidifier (13). The control device (30) receives values ​​obtained by the temperature sensor (15) and the humidity sensor (16).

[0051] The control device (30) includes a first control section (31) and a second control section (32). The first control section (31) controls the electric heater (12) based on the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet (11b). The second control section (32) controls the reheater (27) based on the target output value of the electric heater (12). Specifically, the second control section (32) controls the aperture of the reheat motor-operated valve (28) based on the target output value of the electric heater (12) so as to optimize the amount of heating in the reheater (27).

[0052] Here, the output target value of the electric heater (12) is a value greater than 0. Therefore, when the second control section (32) controls the aperture of the reheat motor-operated valve (28), the electric heater (12) always operates.

[0053] The air conditioner (100) has a memory unit (33). The memory unit (33) stores in advance a target output value of the electric heater (12). The target output value of the electric heater (12) stored in the memory unit (33) varies depending on the set temperature of the air blown out from the air outlet (11b). In other words, the memory unit (33) stores a table showing set temperatures and the target output value of the electric heater (12) for each set temperature. The set temperature is a target temperature of the target space (S) set by the user.

[0054] (2) Driving behavior The operation of the air conditioner (100) will now be described.

[0055] When the air conditioner (100) is operating, the control device (30) operates the compressor (21) and the blower fan (14). The control device (30) adjusts the opening of the expansion valve (24) and the reheat motor-operated valve (28), the amount of heating by the electric heater (12), and the amount of humidification by the humidifier (13) according to the set temperature and set humidity. The set humidity is a target humidity for the target space (S) set by the user.

[0056] In the air conditioner (100), as the blower fan (14) operates, air from the target space (S) is drawn into the air passage (P) through the inlet (11a). The air that has flowed into the air passage (P) passes through the evaporator (25), the reheater (27), the electric heater (12), and the humidifier (13) in this order. Specifically, the air that has flowed into the air passage (P) is cooled and dehumidified by the evaporator (25). The air cooled by the evaporator (25) is heated by the reheater (27). The air heated by the reheater (27) is further heated by the electric heater (12). The air heated by the electric heater (12) is humidified by adding moisture to the air by the humidifier (13). The air humidified by the humidifier (13) is supplied to the target space (S) through the outlet (11b).

[0057] (3) Air conditioning equipment issues Here, electric heaters have high temperature control responsiveness but consume a lot of energy. Therefore, in an air conditioner that does not include a reheater, unlike the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment, the power consumption of the electric heater accounts for a large proportion of the total power consumption of the air conditioner, increasing the power consumption of the air conditioner.

[0058] In contrast, air conditioners equipped with a reheater instead of an electric heater can reduce power consumption because the reheater utilizes the condensation heat of the refrigeration cycle. However, because the reheater has low temperature control responsiveness, it takes a long time for such air conditioners to reach the set temperature. In particular, it is difficult to adjust the temperature within the specified accuracy in variable temperature and humidity air conditioners, which require precise control.

[0059] Therefore, by providing a reheater (27) in addition to the electric heater (12) as in the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat generated by the electric heater (12) and thereby reduce the power consumption of the air conditioner (100).

[0060] However, if the heating amount of the electric heater (12) and the heating amount of the reheater (27) are controlled separately without relating them to each other, the ratio of the heating amounts of the two will be left to chance, which may result in more energy being consumed than necessary and may reduce the energy efficiency of the air conditioner.

[0061] (4) Control of heating amount In order to solve the above problems, the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment performs control to adjust the amount of heat generated by the reheater (27) in consideration of the amount of heat generated by the electric heater (12). This control will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 4, in step S1, a user sets a target value (set temperature) for the temperature of air blown out from the air outlet (11b) of the air conditioner (100).

[0063] In step S2, the control device (30) determines whether a first condition for the second control section (32) to control the reheater (27) is satisfied based on the temperature of the air after passing through the evaporator (25). The first condition is that the temperature of the air after passing through the evaporator (25) is lower than the condensation temperature of the reheater (27).

[0064] If the first condition is not satisfied in step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. Steps S3 to S5 are processes performed when the first condition is not satisfied. Here, the first condition is not satisfied when the temperature of the air after passing through the evaporator (25) is equal to or higher than the condensation temperature of the reheater (27). In this case, the reheater (27) cannot heat the air after passing through the evaporator (25). Therefore, in steps S3 to S5, the air after passing through the evaporator (25) is heated only by the electric heater (12) without using the reheater (27).

[0065] In step S3, the temperature sensor (15) detects the blow-out temperature and transmits it to the control device (30). The control device (30) acquires the blow-out temperature.

[0066] Next, in step S4, the control device (30) calculates a control value for controlling the electric heater (12) based on the acquired blown air temperature and the set temperature. Specifically, the control device (30) calculates the heating amount of the electric heater (12) based on the difference between the acquired blown air temperature and the set temperature. The control device (30) calculates the control value for the electric heater (12) based on the calculated heating amount. In this embodiment, the control value for the electric heater (12) is expressed as a ratio to the rated output of the electric heater (12). For example, if the rated output of the electric heater (12) is 40 kW and the heating amount calculated by the control device (30) is 20 kW, the control device (30) calculates the control value to be 50%.

[0067] Next, in step S5, the control device (30) outputs a control value to the electric heater (12). In this way, if the first condition is not satisfied in step S2, the air that has passed through the evaporator (25) is heated only by the electric heater (12).

[0068] If the first condition is satisfied in step S2, the process proceeds to step S6. The first condition is satisfied when the temperature of the air after passing through the evaporator (25) is lower than the condensation temperature of the reheater (27). In this case, the air after passing through the evaporator (25) can be heated in the reheater (27). Therefore, in steps S6 to S12, the air after passing through the evaporator (25) is heated by the reheater (27) and the electric heater (12).

[0069] In step S6, similarly to step S3, the temperature sensor (15) detects the blow-out temperature and transmits it to the control device (30). The control device (30) acquires the blow-out temperature.

[0070] Next, in step S7, the control device (30) calculates the heating amount when only the electric heater (12) is operated based on the difference between the acquired blow-out temperature and the set temperature, and calculates the control value of the electric heater (12) when only the electric heater (12) is operated based on the calculated heating amount. Here, when only the electric heater (12) is operated, the air is heated only by the electric heater (12) without heating the air by the reheater (27).

[0071] After step S7, the control of the electric heater (12) performed by the processes of steps S8 to S10 and the control of the reheat motor-operated valve (28) performed by the processes of steps S11 to S13 are carried out in parallel.

[0072] The processes from step S8 to step S10, which are for controlling the electric heater (12), are similar to the processes from step S3 to step S5.

[0073] In controlling the reheat motor-operated valve (28), first, in step S11, the control device (30) acquires an output target value of the electric heater (12) corresponding to the set temperature from the memory unit (33). The output target value of the electric heater (12) here is expressed as a ratio to the rated output of the electric heater (12).

[0074] Next, in step S12, the control device (30) calculates the aperture of the reheat motor-operated valve (28) for controlling the reheater (27) based on the output target value of the electric heater (12). Specifically, based on the difference ΔR between the control value of the electric heater (12) when only the electric heater (12) is operated, calculated in step S7, and the output target value of the electric heater (12), the control device (30) calculates the aperture of the reheat motor-operated valve (28) such that the heating amount of the reheater (27) corresponds to the difference ΔR in the electric heater (12). The aperture of the reheat motor-operated valve (28) referred to here is expressed as a percentage of opening when the fully open state of the reheat motor-operated valve (28) is set to 100%.

[0075] Next, in step S13, the control device (30) outputs the calculated opening to the reheat motor-operated valve (28), thereby imparting heat equivalent to the difference ΔR to the air passing through the reheater (27).

[0076] In this way, the amount of heat corresponding to the difference ΔR is imparted to the air passing through the reheater (27), and as a result, the output of the electric heater (12) reaches the output target value of the electric heater (12). As a result, when air is heated using both the electric heater (12) and the reheater (27), the amount of heating by the electric heater (12) is reduced compared to when air is heated using only the electric heater (12).

[0077] In this way, the air that has passed through the reheater (27) and the electric heater (12) in the air passage (P) is adjusted to a set temperature. At this time, the reheater (27) is controlled based on the target output value of the electric heater (12). Therefore, by setting the target output value of the electric heater (12) to a small value and making maximum use of the heating amount of the reheater (27), the energy consumption of the air conditioner as a whole can be reduced.

[0078] (5) Features (5-1) The control device (30) of the air conditioner (100) has a first control section (31) that controls the electric heater (12) based on an index related to the air temperature of the target space (S), and a second control section (32) that controls the reheater (27) based on a target output value of the electric heater (12) that is a value greater than 0.

[0079] Therefore, by setting the target output value of the electric heater (12) to a small value and relatively increasing the amount of heating of the air by the reheater (27), it is possible to reduce the amount of heating by the electric heater (12) while maintaining the temperature of the air supplied to the target space (S) at the target temperature, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner (100).

[0080] (5-2) The control device (30) determines whether the second control section (32) controls the reheater (27) based on the temperature of the air after passing through the evaporator (25). Therefore, when the temperature of the air after passing through the evaporator (25) is lower than the condensation temperature of the reheater (27), the control device (30) controls the reheater (27), thereby reducing the energy consumption of the air conditioner (100).

[0081] (5-3) In the present embodiment, the index related to the temperature of the air in the target space (S) is the temperature of the air blown out through the outlet (11b). Thus, the electric heater (12) is controlled based on the temperature of the air blown out through the outlet (11b).

[0082] (5-4) The air conditioner (100) includes one refrigerant circuit (20) filled with a refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (20) includes an evaporator (25) and a reheater (27). Thus, the evaporator (25) and the reheater (27) are provided in one refrigerant circuit (20).

[0083] (6) Variations The above embodiment may be modified as follows: In the following description, differences from the above embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0084] (6-1) Variation 1 In the air conditioning apparatus (100) of this embodiment, the index related to the air temperature in the target space (S) may be the temperature of the air in the target space (S). Specifically, a temperature sensor may be installed in the target space (S), and the detected value of the set temperature sensor may be used as the index related to the air temperature in the target space (S).

[0085] (6-2) Variation 2 In the air conditioner (100) of this embodiment, the control device (30) does not need to determine whether the first condition is met. In this case, the processes of steps S3 to S5 are not performed to control the amount of heating. In other words, in this case, only the processes of steps S6 to S13 are performed to control the amount of heating.

[0086] (6-3) Variation 3 The air conditioner (100) of this embodiment may include two refrigerant circuits. Specifically, the air conditioner (100) includes a first refrigerant circuit and a second refrigerant circuit that are filled with refrigerant. The first refrigerant circuit and the second refrigerant circuit are independent of each other and are refrigerant circuits of different systems. The first refrigerant circuit includes an evaporator (25), and the second refrigerant circuit includes a reheater (27). In this way, the evaporator (25) and the reheater (27) are provided in refrigerant circuits of different systems, which makes it easier to control each of them.

[0087] (6-4) Variation 4 The air conditioner (100) of this embodiment does not necessarily have to include a humidifier (13). In this case, the air conditioner (100) is a device that adjusts the temperature of the target space (S).

[0088] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, elements of the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate.

[0089] The terms "first," "second," "third," etc. mentioned above are used to distinguish the terms to which these terms are attached, and do not limit the number or order of the terms. [Industrial Applicability]

[0090] As described above, the present disclosure is useful for air conditioning apparatuses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 11 Casing 11a Intake port 11b Air outlet 12 Electric heater (heater) 15 Temperature sensor (sensor) 20 Refrigerant circuit 25 Evaporator (first heat exchanger) 27 Reheater (second heat exchanger) 30 Control device 31 First Control Section 32 Second Control Section 100 Air conditioning equipment P Air passage S target space

Claims

1. a sensor (15) for obtaining an index relating to the temperature of the air in the target space (S); a casing (11) having an inlet (11a) and an outlet (11b), with an air passage (P) formed between the inlet (11a) and the outlet (11b); a first heat exchanger (25) for exchanging heat between the air in the air passage (P) and a refrigerant; a heater (12) disposed in the air passage (P) downstream of the first heat exchanger (25); a second heat exchanger (27) for exchanging heat between the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger (25) in the air passage (P) and a refrigerant; a control device (30), The control device (30) a first control section (31) that controls the heater (12) based on the index; a second control section (32) for controlling the second heat exchanger (27) based on a target output value of the heater (12) that is greater than 0; Air conditioning equipment.

2. The control device (30) determines whether or not the second control section (32) controls the second heat exchanger (27) based on the temperature of the air after passing through the first heat exchanger (25). The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The index is the temperature of the air blown out from the outlet (11b). The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a single refrigerant circuit (20) filled with a refrigerant; The refrigerant circuit (20) includes the first heat exchanger (25) and the second heat exchanger (27). The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a first refrigerant circuit filled with a refrigerant and a second refrigerant circuit of a different system from the first refrigerant circuit; the first refrigerant circuit includes the first heat exchanger (25), The second refrigerant circuit includes the second heat exchanger (27). The air conditioning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

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