Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that is optimal for air-conditioning a work space in a building.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system for air-conditioning a work space (S1) in a building (100), comprises: a vertical duct (1) having at an upper end part (14) an inlet (140) for receiving cold air (C) from an air conditioner (2) installed in the building, a first blowout port (11) positioned below the inlet and facing an upper space (S2) above the work space (S1), and a second blowout port (12) positioned below the first blowout port and facing the work space; and air volume adjustment means for adjusting an air volume of the first blowout port to be greater than an air volume of the second blowout port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and more particularly to an air conditioning system for conditioning a work space in a building such as a factory. [Background technology]

[0002] There are various types of factory air conditioners, including ceiling-mounted, wall-mounted, floor-standing, separate, and ceiling-mounted dual-outlet types. Wall-mounted air conditioners can increase the air volume and deliver airflow over a greater distance by adjusting the airflow direction and angle with a panker louver.

[0003] Patent Publication 2021-188796 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology in which an induction fan connected to an air conditioner via a connecting duct is configured to draw in cool air from the air conditioner through an intake port and blow out the cool air at high speed from an outlet port, thereby allowing the cool air to travel farther and expanding the area in which a feeling of coolness can be felt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-188796 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] While the technology of Patent Document 1 can provide a feeling of coolness to workers far from the air outlet, the large air volume at the air outlet results in excessive cooling for workers close to the air outlet. Therefore, a technology is desired that can provide a feeling of coolness (a feeling of good airflow) to workers in both locations by appropriately distributing the volume of cool air blown out from the air outlet to both locations far and close to the air outlet.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and its object is to provide an air conditioning system that is optimal for air conditioning work spaces within a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The air conditioning system of the present invention is an air conditioning system for air conditioning a work space in a building, and includes a vertical duct and an air volume adjusting means.

[0008] The vertical duct has an inlet at its upper end for receiving cool air from an air conditioner installed in the building, a first outlet located below the inlet and facing an upper space above the work space, and a second outlet located below the first outlet and facing the work space. The air volume adjustment means makes the air volume of the first outlet greater than the air volume of the second outlet.

[0009] Preferably, the air volume adjusting means is realized by making the opening area or opening ratio of the first outlet larger than the opening area or opening ratio of the second outlet.

[0010] Preferably, the air volume adjusting means includes a first fan provided at the first outlet and a second fan provided at the second outlet, and adjusts the air volume by making the air speed of the first fan faster than the air speed of the second fan.

[0011] Preferably, the air conditioning system further includes an outlet temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the cool air blown from the second outlet.

[0012] Preferably, the outlet temperature adjusting means includes an air intake located between the first outlet and the second outlet, for taking in air around the vertical duct.

[0013] Preferably, the outlet temperature adjusting means includes an intake fan provided at the air intake port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that is optimal for air conditioning a work space in a building. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view schematically showing an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10(A) is a side view showing a schematic view of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 10(B) is a schematic front view of a vertical duct. [Figure 3] 10(A) is a side view schematically showing a modified example of the second embodiment, and FIG. 10(B) is a schematic front view of a vertical duct. [Figure 4] FIG. 10(A) is a side view that schematically shows an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 10(B) is a side view that schematically shows a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 5] (A) is a schematic side view showing an example of connecting a vertical duct to a floor-standing air conditioner via a relay duct, and (B) is a schematic side view showing an example of connecting a vertical duct to a ceiling-suspended air conditioner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or corresponding parts are designated by like reference numerals and will not be described repeatedly.

[0017] <First Embodiment> (Outline of the building) The schematic configuration of the building 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1 and other figures, the left-right direction of the building 100 on the paper surface is indicated by an arrow X, and the up-down direction is indicated by an arrow Y.

[0018] The building 100 is, for example, a factory, and an indoor space S is partitioned by a ceiling 101, a floor 102, and left and right walls 103 (103a, 103b). The indoor space S includes a work space S1 and an upper space S2 above the work space S1. The work space S1 is a space where workers perform various tasks, and refers to a space up to a height of about 2 m from the floor 102, for example. The upper space S2 is a space closer to the ceiling 101, and refers to a space that is at a height of about 2 m or more from the floor 102, for example.

[0019] An air conditioner 2 is installed on one wall 103a of the building 100. The air conditioner 2 is, for example, a wall-mounted package air conditioner with a pair of indoor and outdoor units. Specifically, the air conditioner 2 is attached to the upper part (near the ceiling) of one wall 103a so as to blow cool air toward the other wall 103b. A vertical duct 1 extending in the up-down direction (approximately vertical direction) is connected to the air conditioner 2. One vertical duct is connected to each air conditioner.

[0020] (Vertical duct) In this embodiment, the vertical duct 1 is a rectangular or round cylindrical member formed in a generally inverted L shape. The vertical duct 1 has an inlet 140 at an upper end 14, as well as a first outlet 11 and a second outlet 12. The diameter of the main body 10 of the vertical duct 1 is approximately 100φ to 500φ, and is determined depending on the required air volume.

[0021] The vertical duct 1 is connected to the air conditioner 2 at an inlet 140. The inlet 140 receives cool air from the air conditioner 2. The upper end 14 of the vertical duct 1 includes a portion that extends horizontally from the air conditioner 2 and a portion that bends downward. The vertical duct 1 extends downward to near the floor 102, and the lower end (near the floor 102) is closed. The cool air supplied from the air conditioner 2 into the vertical duct 1 flows horizontally, then turns around a corner and flows downward.

[0022] The first and second air outlets 11 and 12 are provided facing the same direction so as to face the other wall 103b. Both the first and second air outlets 11 and 12 are configured as cylindrical air outlets (not shown) that protrude outward (toward the other wall 103b) from the main body 10 of the vertical duct 1.

[0023] The first air outlet 11 is located below the air inlet 140 and faces the upper space S2. The first air outlet 11 is an opening for blowing out the cool air sent from the air conditioner 2 toward the upper space S2, which is above the work space S1. A portion of the cool air C flowing from the air conditioner 2 is blown out from the first air outlet 11, and the remainder flows downward toward the second air outlet 12. The first air outlet 11 is located above the worker's head, at a height of about 3 to 4 meters above the floor 102.

[0024] The second air outlet 12 is located below, i.e., downstream of, the first air outlet 11 and faces the work space S1. The second air outlet 12 is an opening for blowing out the cool air flowing from the air conditioner 2 (the cool air that was not blown out by the first air outlet 11) toward the work space S1. The second air outlet 12 is located at a height of about 1.6 m to 1.8 m above the floor 102, at about eye level of the worker.

[0025] (Air volume adjustment means) The first air outlet 11 is provided with a first fan 31. The first fan 31 adjusts the wind speed of the cool air C blown out from the first air outlet 11.

[0026] The second air outlet 12 is provided with a second fan 32. The second fan 32 adjusts the wind speed of the cool air C blown out from the second air outlet 12.

[0027] By making the air velocity of the first fan 31 faster than the air velocity of the second fan 32, the air volume of the cool air C blown out from the first air outlet 11 can be made larger than the air volume of the cool air C blown out from the second air outlet 12. In other words, the first and second fans 31 and 32 constitute an air volume adjustment means.

[0028] A large volume of cold air C blown out horizontally from the first outlet 11 travels through the upper space S2 toward the wall 103b, gradually descending as it travels. That is, the cold air C blown out from the first outlet 11 gradually descends as it flows through the upper space S2 in the region R2 close to the vertical duct 1, and reaches the work space S1 in the region R1 far from the vertical duct 1.

[0029] Hereinafter, the region far from the vertical duct 1 will be referred to as a far region R1, and the region close to the vertical duct 1 will be referred to as a near region R2.

[0030] Cool air C can be delivered to worker A in the distant area R1 by blowing out cool air C at a high wind speed (large air volume) from first air outlet 11. By the time the cool air C reaches worker A, the wind volume and wind speed have attenuated, giving worker A a moderate sense of airflow.

[0031] On the other hand, the cool air C blown out from the second outlet 12 is blown into the work space S1 at a slower wind speed (smaller air volume) than the first outlet 11. This reduces the airflow sensation felt by the worker B in the nearby area R2. This allows the worker B to work comfortably without getting too cold.

[0032] As a result, it is possible to send appropriate amounts of cool air to both the distant region R1 and the nearby region R2, thereby improving the working environment.

[0033] In addition, as the cold air C blown out from the first outlet 11 flows through the upper space S2 and reaches the work space S1 in the distant region R1, the cold air descends as shown by the dashed arrow, so that the work space S1 between the distant region R1 and the nearby region R2 can also be cooled appropriately.

[0034] (Example of blowing speed) A desirable blowing velocity at each of the outlets 11, 12 can be calculated using, for example, formula (1) (Koestel's formula for calculating a non-isothermal jet (horizontal blowing from a slot-type outlet)).

[0035]

number

[0036] Table 1 shows an example of the blowing velocity Vo of each of the blowing ports 11 and 12 calculated using formula (1).

[0037] [Table 1]

[0038] The air velocity Vx at the location where the worker is located is input as the velocity that gives the worker a good feeling of airflow. The constant K' is the blowout constant of the slot-type outlet (aspect ratio 40 or less).

[0039] Table 2 shows an example of the downward flow distance y of the cool air from each outlet 11, 12 calculated using equation (2) (Koestel's formula for calculating non-isothermal jets (horizontal discharge from a slot-type outlet)) (the values ​​in Tables 1 and 2 were entered).

[0040]

number

[0041] [Table 2]

[0042] As a result of the calculation, as shown in Table 1, it was found that in order to provide a good feeling of airflow to both workers located at horizontal distances of 2 m and 10 m from the outlet (vertical duct 1), the airflow velocity Vo from the first outlet 11 should be set to approximately 2.2 times (1.98 / 0.89) the airflow velocity Vo from the second outlet 12.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Table 2, the downward airflow distance y of the first air outlet 11 is sufficiently greater than the downward airflow distance y of the second air outlet 12, so it was confirmed that the cooling effect of the downward airflow of the cold air C from the first air outlet 11 can be expected for workers in the distant region R1.

[0044] <Embodiment 2> A second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In the second embodiment, the air volume adjusting means is different from that in the first embodiment, and this point will be described. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0045] The vertical duct 1 has a first air outlet 11 and a second air outlet 12 of different sizes, with the first air outlet 11 being larger than the second air outlet 12. That is, the opening area of ​​the first air outlet 11 is larger than the opening area of ​​the second air outlet 12. This makes the air volume from the first air outlet 11 larger than the air volume from the second air outlet 12. The first and second air outlets 11 and 12 each constitute an air volume adjustment means.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first and second air outlets 11 and 12 are also provided facing the same direction toward the other wall 103b. The first and second air outlets 11 and 12 are both configured as cylindrical air outlets (not shown) that protrude outward (toward the other wall 103b) from the main body of the vertical duct 1.

[0047] (Example of air outlet size) When the blowing speed from the first blowing port 11 is set to twice the blowing speed from the second blowing port 12, the desirable size of each of the blowing ports 11, 12 can be calculated using, for example, the above formula (1).

[0048] An example of determining the size Ho of each air outlet using formula (1) is shown in Table 3. For the first air outlet 11, calculations were performed for two types of horizontal distance x: 10 m and 20 m.

[0049] [Table 3]

[0050] Table 4 shows an example of the downward airflow distance y of the cool air from each of the air outlets 11 and 12 calculated using equation (2) (the values ​​in Tables 3 and 4 were input).

[0051] [Table 4]

[0052] As a result of the calculation, as shown in Table 3, when the horizontal distance x of the first outlet is 20 m and the horizontal distance x of the second outlet is 2 m, it is found that the size of the first outlet should be approximately 2.5 times the size of the second outlet (0.59 / 0.24).

[0053] On the other hand, when the horizontal distance x of the first outlet is 10 m and the horizontal distance x of the second outlet is 2 m, it is found that the size of the first outlet can be about 1.2 times (0.29 / 0.24) the size of the second outlet. Therefore, depending on the target reach distance of the cool air from the first outlet 11, the sizes of the first and second outlets 11, 12 can be about the same.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Table 4, the downward airflow distance y of the first air outlet 11 is sufficiently greater than the downward airflow distance y of the second air outlet 12, so it was confirmed that a cooling effect can be expected for workers in the distant region R1 due to the downward airflow of the cold air C from the first air outlet 11.

[0055] At least one of the first air outlet 11 and the second air outlet 12 may be provided with a fan.

[0056] (Variation) 3 shows a modification of the second embodiment. Adjusting members 51 and 52 are attached to the first air outlet 11 and the second air outlet 12 so that the aperture ratio of the first air outlet 11 is greater than the aperture ratio of the second air outlet 12. Examples of adjusting members 51 and 52 include punched steel plates and mesh-like steel members (wire mesh members). The material is not particularly limited, and may be resin, for example.

[0057] When the first air outlet 11 and the second air outlet 12 are the same size, adjustment members 51, 52 having different numbers and sizes of through holes (different mesh sizes) are provided at each air outlet, so that the opening ratios are different from each other.

[0058] That is, adjustment members 51 and 52 are provided at the respective air outlets 11 and 12 so that the ratio of the through holes 11a to the area of ​​the first air outlet 11 is greater than the ratio of the through holes 12a to the area of ​​the second air outlet 12. Note that an adjustment member may be provided only at the second air outlet 12.

[0059] <Third Embodiment> A third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a blowout temperature adjusting means, and this point will be described. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0060] (Method for adjusting the outlet temperature) As shown in Figure 4(A), an air intake 13 that takes in air F around the vertical duct is formed in the vertical duct 1 between the first air outlet 11 and the second air outlet 12. The air intake 13 is provided on the opposite side of the first and second air outlets 11, 12, and is more than 1 m away from the first and second air outlets 11, 12 in the vertical direction. An intake fan 33 is provided in the air intake 13. The air intake 13 and the intake fan 33 constitute the air outlet temperature adjustment means.

[0061] Air F drawn into the vertical duct 1 by the intake fan 33 is drawn by the second fan 32 of the second outlet 12 toward the second outlet 12. At this time, the air F meets and mixes with the cold air C flowing in from the upper end 14 of the vertical duct 1. Because the space S3 facing the air intake 13 does not directly receive the cold air C, relatively warm air is taken in from the air intake 13. Because the taken-in air F is warmer than the cold air C received by the vertical duct 1 from the air conditioner 2, the temperature of the cold air C heading toward the second outlet 12 rises. In this way, cold air C' with a higher temperature than that of the first outlet 11 is blown out from the second outlet 12.

[0062] That is, the temperature of the cool air C' blown out from the second outlet 12 is adjusted by taking in the relatively warm air F around the vertical duct 1 into the vertical duct 1 using the air intake 13 and the intake fan 33. This makes it possible to adjust the coldness felt by the worker B in the nearby area R2.

[0063] The air intake 13 and the intake fan 33 only need to be able to take in air around the vertical duct 1, and may be located on the same side as the first and second outlets 11, 12. In this case, it is desirable to locate them in a location that does not suck in the cool air blown out from each outlet. The intake capacity of the intake fan 33 may be smaller than the blowing capacity of the first and second fans 31, 32.

[0064] According to this embodiment, it is possible to perform air conditioning by changing the discharge temperature without using a plurality of outdoor units.

[0065] (Variation) As shown in FIG. 4(B), only the air inlet 13 may be formed in the vertical duct 1 as the discharge temperature adjustment means, without providing the intake fan 33. The second fan 32 draws air F inside the building 100 into the air inlet 13, enters the vertical duct 1, and heads toward the second outlet 12. The taken-in air F merges and mixes with the cool air C heading from the upper end 14 of the vertical duct 1 toward the second outlet 12. As a result, cool air C' with a higher temperature than the cool air C blown out from the first outlet 11 is blown out from the second outlet 12.

[0066] When the air intake 13 is provided on the same side as the first and second outlets, it is desirable to provide it at a position that minimizes the intake of cool air C from the first outlet 11. For example, it is desirable to provide it at a position closer to the second outlet 12 than to the first outlet 11.

[0067] Furthermore, the circumferential positions of the vertical duct 1 at which the first and second air outlets 11, 12 are provided are not limited.

[0068] The air conditioner 2 to which the vertical duct 1 is connected is not limited to a wall-mounted type. As shown in Figure 5(A), it can also be connected to a floor-standing air conditioner 2. In this case, a relay duct 19 may be provided to connect the air conditioner 2 and the upper end 14 of the vertical duct 1.

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5(B), the vertical duct 1 can also be connected to a ceiling-suspended air conditioner 2. In particular, in the case of a ceiling-suspended air conditioner attached to a high ceiling, it may be necessary to lower it to the limit of its suspension length to ensure sufficient air conditioning, but in the present invention, the vertical duct 1 extending in the vertical direction is connected to the air conditioner, so sufficient air conditioning can be achieved even with a ceiling-suspended air conditioner attached to a high ceiling.

[0070] According to the present invention, an air conditioning system with different functions for the upper and lower air outlets (a simple structure in which multiple air outlets with different air volumes are provided in a vertical duct) can supply cool air to workers in the distant area R1 while reducing the coldness felt by workers in the nearby area R2, thereby improving the working environment.

[0071] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiments within the same scope as the present invention or within an equivalent scope.

[0072] For example, the vertical duct 1 may be placed not only near the wall 103a of the building but also in the center of the building. In this case, the first and second air outlets 11 and 12 may be directed in different directions to blow out cool air in different directions.

[0073] Also, the first air outlet may be provided at the upper end of the vertical duct 1 in FIG. 1, and the cool air that has flowed in through the intake port 140 may be blown out directly in the horizontal direction.

[0074] Furthermore, the first and second air outlets may be different in size and each may be provided with a blowing fan.

[0075] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1 vertical duct, 11 first outlet, 12 second outlet, 13 air intake, 14 upper end, 140 receiving port, 2 air conditioner, 31 first fan, 32 second fan, 33 intake fan, 51, 52 adjustment member, 100 building, 101 ceiling, 102 floor, 103 wall, A, B worker, C cold air, F air, R1 far area, R2 near area, S indoor space, S1 work space, S2 upper space

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for conditioning a work space in a building, a vertical duct having an inlet at an upper end thereof for receiving cool air from an air conditioner installed in the building, a first air outlet located below the inlet and facing an upper space above the work space, and a second air outlet located below the first air outlet and facing the work space; and an air volume adjusting means for adjusting the air volume of the first air outlet to be greater than the air volume of the second air outlet.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the air volume adjusting means is realized by making the opening area or opening ratio of the first air outlet larger than the opening area or opening ratio of the second air outlet.

3. 3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air volume adjustment means includes a first fan provided at the first air outlet and a second fan provided at the second air outlet, and adjusts the air volume by making the air speed of the first fan faster than the air speed of the second fan.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , further comprising an outlet temperature adjusting means for adjusting the temperature of the cool air blown out from the second outlet.

5. 5. The air conditioning system according to claim 4, wherein the outlet temperature adjusting means includes an air intake located between the first outlet and the second outlet, for taking in air around the vertical duct.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein the outlet temperature adjusting means includes an intake fan provided at the air intake port.

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