Air conditioning facility in plant and method for controlling air conditioning in plant

Abstract

To realize temperature control to create a comfortable work environment and improvement in efficiency of movement between work areas, in a plant where a temperature-controlled production device is arranged.SOLUTION: An air conditioning facility in a plant comprises: a first facility 20 that supplies and exhausts air to a first area 11 where a production device 16A, whose temperature is controlled at high or low, is installed; a second facility 30 that supplies and exhausts air to a second area 12 adjacent to the first area 11; and a hanging wall 13 that extends downward from a ceiling part 14 and is located between the first area 11 and the second area 12. The first facility 20 and the second facility 30 increase a pressure in the second area 12 above a pressure in the first area 11, thereby forming an airflow that flows below the hanging wall 13 and into the first area 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to factory air conditioning equipment and a factory air conditioning control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Factories can be subject to harsh temperature conditions for workers, depending on the manufacturing conditions. In particular, in food factories, where food is typically stored at high or low temperatures, the work area tends to be hotter or colder than workers find comfortable. Therefore, to maintain a good working environment, air conditioning temperatures are adjusted to a comfortable level for workers. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system for food factories that aims to provide an optimal environment for both food and workers. This system supplies clean air from an air volume adjustment unit to a food processing line via a duct unit. The system also includes a main unit with a heat exchanger and a fan unit with variable airflow, which mixes the air supplied from these units and supplies it to the duct unit. The fan unit adjusts the airflow of the fan unit using a temperature signal from a temperature sensor installed in the air volume adjustment unit as an input value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-281135 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, for example, a work area where high-temperature production equipment is installed can be a harsh environment for workers. For this reason, it is necessary to supply cooling air to this work area to lower the room temperature. In addition, by completely separating this work area from work areas where other production processes are performed by installing a wall, it is possible to prevent the spread of hot air generated by the production equipment.

[0005] However, depending on the production line, one worker may need to manage multiple production processes. It is also possible that multiple workers will move between multiple work areas. In such cases, completely separating the multiple work areas reduces work efficiency. Therefore, there is a need for both temperature control to create a comfortable work environment and efficient movement between work areas. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A factory air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a first facility for air conditioning a first area in which production equipment whose temperature is controlled at high or low temperatures is installed, a second facility for air conditioning a second area adjacent to the first area, and a hanging wall extending vertically from the ceiling, positioned between the first area and the second area, and defining a transfer port below, wherein the first facility and the second facility form an airflow that flows from the second area to the first area through the transfer port by making the pressure in the second area higher than the pressure in the first area.

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an air conditioning control method for a factory having a first facility that conditions the air of a first area where production equipment whose temperature is controlled at high or low temperatures is installed, a second facility that conditions the air of a second area adjacent to the first area, and a hanging wall that extends vertically from a ceiling, is located between the first area and the second area, and defines a transfer port below, in which the first facility and the second facility form an airflow that flows from the second area to the first area through the transfer port by making the pressure in the second area higher than the pressure in the first area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, in a factory where temperature-controlled production equipment is installed, it is possible to achieve both temperature control that makes the work environment comfortable and efficient movement between work areas. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a factory according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a wearable device according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First Embodiment Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a factory air conditioning system and a factory air conditioning control method will be described. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system and the factory air conditioning control method will be specifically described in a food factory that processes food.

[0011] (Low pressure chamber and high pressure chamber) As shown in FIG. 1, the food factory 10 comprises a first area 11 and a second area 12. The first area 11 and the second area 12 are work areas where one process of a production line is performed. In this embodiment, the process performed in the first area 11 is different from the process performed in the second area 12. The food factory 10 is also zoned according to hygiene levels. For example, the food factory 10 is divided into a clean area, a semi-clean area, a contaminated area, etc. Both the first area 11 and the second area 12 are divided into clean areas.

[0012] The horizontal direction in which the first region 11 and the second region 12 are aligned is the width direction, and the horizontal direction perpendicular to the width direction is the depth direction. The first region 11 and the second region 12 are separated in the width and depth directions by walls 17 from other regions, such as the semi-clean region and the contaminated region. A hanging wall 13 for regulating the temperature of the clean region is provided between the first region 11 and the second region 12. This hanging wall 13 divides the clean region into the first region 11 and the second region 12. The hanging wall 13 extends vertically from the ceiling 14. The height of the hanging wall 13 is shorter than the distance from the ceiling 14 to the floor 18. In the example of FIG. 1 , all of the walls located between the first region 11 and the second region 12 and extending in the depth direction are hanging walls 13, but some of the walls extending in the depth direction may not be hanging walls 13. For example, more than half of the walls extending in the depth direction are hanging walls 13. Below the hanging wall 13, a transfer opening 15 through which the worker 50 moves is defined. The area below the hanging wall 13 is always open when work is being performed in the clean area. The worker 50 can move between the first area 11 and the second area 12 through the transfer opening 15.

[0013] The first area 11 is equipped with a production device 16A. An example of the production device 16A is a device that heats food, etc. The production device 16, which is a heat source, is, for example, a fryer that deep-fries food in high-temperature cooking oil, a steamer, an oven, or a dryer, as well as a device that sterilizes or disinfects food or containers, etc. For example, in a fryer, the cooking oil can reach 200°C or higher. Therefore, the heat generated by the production device 16 can cause a severe hot environment for workers.

[0014] Another example of the production equipment 16A is equipment that processes or inspects fresh food or frozen food. This type of production equipment 16A is kept at low temperatures, so workers must work in a cold environment. This can also be a cause of a harsh temperature environment for workers.

[0015] The production equipment 16B is installed in the second area 12. The production equipment 16B does not create a severely hot environment by itself, as compared to the production equipment 16A. (Air conditioning system) The air conditioning system of the food factory 10 includes a first facility 20 that conditions the air in the first area 11. The first facility 20 conditions the air in the first area 11, where a production device 16A whose temperature is controlled at a high (or low) temperature is installed. The first facility 20 includes one or more air conditioners 21 and an air supply chamber 22. The air supply chamber 22 is provided with a control panel 22A that adjusts the air volume, etc. The air conditioner 21 adjusts the temperature, humidity, etc. of the outside air that it takes in, and supplies it to the air supply chamber 22. The air supply chamber 22 adjusts the air volume, etc., to supply a stable amount of air to the first area 11. The air supply chamber 22 supplies air to the first area 11 through a displacement air conditioning air supply port 23. The displacement air conditioning air supply port 23 is located at the bottom of the air supply chamber 22.

[0016] A displacement air conditioning exhaust port 24 is provided in the ceiling portion 14 of the first area 11. In other words, the displacement air conditioning exhaust port 24 is provided above the replacement air conditioning intake port 23. The air in the first area 11 returns to the air conditioner 21 through the displacement air conditioning exhaust port 24. The air conditioner 21, air supply chamber 22, displacement air conditioning intake port 23 and displacement air conditioning exhaust port 24 are equipment of a displacement air conditioning system, which efficiently ventilates and regulates the temperature of the first area 11.

[0017] Additionally, an equipment cooling air intake port 25 is provided above the production equipment 16A, which supplies cooled air sent from an air conditioner 35 such as a fan coil unit. The production equipment 16A is provided with an exhaust fan 26. The exhaust fan 26 exhausts high-temperature air to the outside via a duct 26A and an exhaust port 26B. This suppresses the diffusion of heat from the production equipment 16A. The first equipment 20 mainly replaces the air within the first area 11.

[0018] Hereinafter, the worker 50 working in the first area 11 will be referred to as worker 50A, and the worker 50 working in the second area 12 will be referred to as worker 50B. When there is one worker 50 working in the first area 11 and the second area 12, the workers 50A and 50B are the same person. A hanging-type air conditioning nozzle 27 is provided near the working position of the worker 50A. The hanging-type air conditioning nozzle 27 is a nozzle with an air intake port facing downward. The hanging-type air conditioning nozzle 27 blows out air supplied from the air conditioner 21 at a low speed (a gentle breeze) so that the air does not cause discomfort to the worker 50A.

[0019] The air conditioning system of the food factory 10 includes a second facility 30 that conditions the air in the second area 12. The second facility 30 conditions the air in the second area 12, which is adjacent to the first area 11. The second facility 30 has a configuration similar to that of the first facility 20. That is, the second facility 30 includes a displacement air conditioning system that includes one or more air conditioners 31, an air supply chamber 32, an air supply port 33 for displacement air conditioning, and an air exhaust port 34 for displacement air conditioning. The air supply chamber 32 includes a control panel 32A. Furthermore, the second area 12 is provided with a hanging air conditioning nozzle 37. The second facility 30 mainly replaces the air in the second area 12.

[0020] The first equipment 20 and the second equipment 30 maintain the first area 11 and the second area 12 at a positive pressure. H The pressure P L By making the height higher than the height of the hanging wall 13, an air current is formed that flows from the second area 12 to the first area 11 via the lower part of the hanging wall 13.

[0021] For example, the air conditioner 21 detects the pressure difference between the supply air duct 21A that supplies air to the first area 11 and the return air duct 21B that draws air from the first area 11, and controls the first area 11 to a predetermined pressure P L The air conditioner 31 also detects the differential pressure between the supply air duct 31A and the return air duct 31B and adjusts the second region 12 to maintain a predetermined pressure P HThe pressure difference is detected by a pressure sensor provided in the air conditioners 21, 31, etc. At this time, the pressure P H and the pressure P of the first region 11 L The differential pressure ΔP may be specified, and control may be performed so that the differential pressure ΔP is maintained.

[0022] Alternatively, the control panels 22A, 32A of the air supply chambers 22, 32 may be configured to control the pressure P L and the pressure P in the second region 12 H The control panels 22A, 32A may perform control such that the differential pressure ΔP between the first region 11 and the second region 12 is maintained by communicating with each other.

[0023] (action) The operation of the air conditioning equipment will be described below. In the following, the production equipment 16A will be described as an example of an equipment that is controlled at a high temperature.

[0024] Air conditioner 21 supplies cooled air to air supply chamber 22. Air supply chamber 22 supplies cooled air to first area 11 from displacement air conditioning air supply port 23 while adjusting the supply rate. The cooled air absorbs heat generated by production device 16A. The heated air rises toward ceiling 14, but is prevented from flowing into second area 12 by hanging wall 13. The heated air that reaches the vicinity of ceiling 14 is discharged outside first area 11 from displacement air conditioning exhaust port 24.

[0025] Pressure P in the first region 11 L is the pressure P in the second region 12 H Since the temperature is lower than the temperature of the first area 11, the diffusion of hot air within the first area 11 is suppressed. As a result, even if the first area 11 and the second area 12 are in communication with each other via the transfer port 15, the second area 12 is prevented from becoming a hot environment.

[0026] Similarly, air conditioner 31 supplies air to air supply chamber 32. Air conditioners 21, 31 can each adjust their temperature independently. Air conditioner 31 may supply cooled air at a higher temperature than air conditioner 21 to air supply chamber 32. The air supplied to second area 12 is discharged outside second area 12 through displacement air conditioning exhaust port 34. Hanging air conditioning nozzles 27, 37 supply air within a temperature range that workers 50A, 50B feel is comfortable.

[0027] (Effects of the first embodiment) According to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1-1) A hanging wall 13 is provided between the first region 11 and the second region 12, and the pressure P H The pressure P L By making the temperature higher than 100°C, it is possible to suppress the inflow of air from the first area 11 to the second area 12. As a result, even if a production device 16A that is managed at a high (or low) temperature is installed in the first area 11, it is possible to prevent the second area 12 from becoming a severe temperature environment.

[0028] (1-2) Because the replacement air conditioning exhaust port 24 is provided in the ceiling portion 14, which is above the replacement air conditioning intake port 23, hot air that has accumulated near the ceiling portion 14 of the first area 11 is discharged from the replacement air conditioning exhaust port 24. This reduces temperature unevenness in the first area 11.

[0029] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of a factory air conditioning system and a factory air conditioning control method will be described. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a wearable device that cools the worker's body is attached. Hereinafter, parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0030] In the first embodiment, the hot air in the first area 11 is prevented from flowing into the second area 12. This prevents the worker 50 from suffering from heatstroke or the like. However, there are individual differences in how the room temperature is perceived. Therefore, in order to ensure that both the worker 50A working in the first area 11 and the worker 50B working in the second area 12 can work in an environment that feels comfortable, it is necessary to fine-tune the temperature to suit the feelings of the workers 50A and 50B. In the second embodiment, the workers 50A and 50B are different people.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, a worker 50 is wearing a wearable device 51. The wearable device 51 is a heating and cooling appliance that can adjust the temperature to suit the worker's 50's preference. The wearable device 51 is detachably attached to clothing, or is integrally attached to clothing. The temperature adjustment mechanism of the wearable device 51 is not particularly limited. For example, the wearable device 51 may be in contact with the body surface via clothing or directly, or may use a fan or the like to blow air inside the clothing. An example of a device that comes into contact with the body surface is one that uses a Peltier element. In the example of FIG. 2, the wearable device 51 is placed on the back of the worker 50, but the position of the wearable device 51 is not limited. The wearable device 51 may be placed on the abdomen, chest, legs, neck, etc.

[0032] For example, the worker 50 adjusts the temperature of the wearable device 51 using a terminal 52 such as a controller or a smartphone. Alternatively, the worker 50 may directly operate the wearable device 51. When the worker 50 feels hot, the worker 50 lowers the set temperature. When the worker 50 feels cold, the worker 50 raises the set temperature. The terminal 52 or the wearable device 51 transmits identification information of the wearable device 51 or identification information of the worker 50 and the set temperature to the information processing device 40. Note that a control device that controls the air conditioners 21, 31, etc., instead of the information processing device 40, may collect the identification information and set temperature transmitted by the wearable device 51.

[0033] The information processing device 40 includes a processor, a communication device, and a storage device. The storage device is a ROM, RAM, hard disk, etc., and stores control programs, etc. The processor is a CPU or other circuit, etc., and reads out programs and data stored in the storage device and performs control using them. The communication device performs wireless communication such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wired communication.

[0034] Based on the received identification information, the information processing device 40 determines whether the area in which the worker 50 wearing the wearable device 51 is working is the first area 11 or the second area 12. In this case, the information processing device 40 may store information linking the identification information of the wearable device 51 or the worker 50 with the work area. Alternatively, the wearable device 51 may transmit position information of the wearable device 51 to the information processing device 40. The information processing device 40 determines the work area of ​​the worker 50 based on the received position information.

[0035] The information processing device 40 acquires the set temperatures of the wearable device 51 worn by the worker 50A working in the first area 11 and the wearable device 51 worn by the worker 50B working in the second area 12. The information processing device 40 also adjusts the room temperature of at least the second area 12 according to the set temperatures of the worker 50A and the worker 50B.

[0036] (operation) Next, an air conditioning control method will be described. In the following, the production equipment 16A will be described as an example that is controlled at a high temperature.

[0037] The information processing device 40 adjusts the temperature of both the first area 11 and the second area 12, adjusts the temperature of only the first area 11, or adjusts the temperature of only the second area 12, depending on the set temperature of the worker 50A and the set temperature of the worker 50B.

[0038] An example of control will be described below. As a first control example, when the information processing device 40 determines that both the worker 50A and the worker 50B feel extremely hot based on the set temperatures, it lowers the temperatures of the air supplied to the first area 11 and the second area 12. An example of a condition for the determination is that the set temperatures of the worker 50A and the worker 50B are equal to or lower than a first predetermined value T1.

[0039] As a second control example, when the information processing device 40 determines based on the set temperature that only the worker 50A in the first area 11 feels hot, it reduces only the temperature of the air supplied to the first area 11 and maintains the temperature of the air supplied to the second area 12. An example of a condition for the determination is that the set temperature for the worker 50A in the first area 11 is lower than a second predetermined value T2 and the set temperature for the worker 50B in the second area 12 is equal to or higher than the second predetermined value T2. The second predetermined value T2 may be the same as the first predetermined value T1 or may be a temperature higher than the first predetermined value T1. Alternatively, another example of this condition is that the set temperature for the worker 50A in the first area 11 is lower than the set temperature for the worker 50B in the second area 12 and the temperature difference between them is large (equal to or greater than a predetermined value).

[0040] As a third control example, when the information processing device 40 determines based on the set temperatures that the difference between the set temperatures of the workers 50A and 50B is small and that both workers 50A and 50B feel a little hot, it lowers the temperature of the air supplied to the second area 12. As a result, the cooled air from the second area 12 is supplied to the first area 11 through the air transfer port 15. Therefore, there is no need to adjust the temperature of the first area 11.

[0041] In addition, the information processing device 40 does not change the temperature of the air supplied to the first area 11 and the second area 12 when the set temperature of the worker 50A and the set temperature of the worker 50B are within a predetermined temperature range or when the wearable device 51 is stopped.

[0042] (Effects of the second embodiment) According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) and (1-2), the following effect can be obtained.

[0043] (2-1) By having workers 50A and 50B wear the wearable device 51, the work environment can be adjusted for each worker 50. Furthermore, the information processing device 40 can supply conditioned air from the second area 12 to the first area 11 according to the temperature setting of the wearable device 51. In this case, there is no need to adjust the temperature of the first area 11. This allows for energy savings.

[0044] (Example of change) The above-described embodiments can be modified as follows: The embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0045] The vertical length of the hanging wall 13 may be determined by simulating the room temperature of the first region 11. Using parameters such as the temperature of the production equipment 16A, the volume of the first region 11, the air supply amount of the air supply chamber 22, and the air discharged from the displacement air-conditioning exhaust port 24, the height in the first region 11 up to which air of a predetermined temperature or higher will stagnate is predicted. Then, the lowest position of the region where air of a predetermined temperature or higher stagnates is identified, and the length of the hanging wall 13 is determined so that the hanging wall 13 extends to a position lower than the identified position. If the hanging wall 13 is made longer than the lowest position of the air layer where air of a predetermined temperature or higher stagnates, the inflow of that air layer into the second region 12 can be prevented.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the replacement air conditioning air intake port 23 is provided below the air supply chamber 22, and the replacement air conditioning exhaust port 24 is provided in the ceiling portion 14. The replacement air conditioning air intake port 23 and the replacement air conditioning exhaust port 24 may be provided in other positions.

[0047] In the above embodiments, the first equipment 20 and the second equipment 30 are of a displacement air conditioning type. Alternatively, the first equipment 20 and the second equipment 30 may be of a type in which the air in the first area 11 and the second area 12 is discharged to the outside and not circulated (non-circulation ventilation).

[0048] In the above embodiments, the production equipment 16A is managed at a high temperature. Alternatively, the production equipment 16A may be managed at a temperature lower than the temperature at which the worker 50 feels comfortable. In this case, the air conditioner 21 supplies air at a temperature higher than the temperature at which the production equipment 16A is managed. Even in this case, an airflow is generated from the second area 12 toward the first area 11, so that low-temperature air that is uncomfortable for the worker 50 can be prevented from flowing into the second area 12.

[0049] In the above embodiments, the factory is a food factory 10, but it may be a factory that produces products other than food. The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiments and modifications will be further described below.

[0050] [A] The factory air conditioning facility according to claim 1, wherein an exhaust port for discharging air from the first region is provided at a position higher than a lower end of the hanging wall. [B] The factory air conditioning equipment according to claim 1, further comprising an air supply nozzle suspended from the ceiling for supplying conditioned air to the vicinity of the worker.

[0051] [C] The factory air conditioning equipment of claim 2, wherein the set temperature of the wearable device is adjusted by operation of the first worker or the second worker wearing the wearable device.

[0052] [D] The factory air conditioning equipment of claim 1, further comprising: a cooled air supply unit that supplies cooled air to the production device; and an exhaust unit that is provided in the production device and exhausts air heated by the production device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 11...first area, 12...second area, 13...hanging wall, 14...ceiling section, 15...movement entrance, 16, 16A, 16B...production equipment, 20...first equipment, 30...second equipment, 40...information processing device, 50...worker, 50A...first worker, 50B...second worker, 51...wearable device.

Claims

1. a first facility for air conditioning a first area in which a production device whose temperature is controlled to a high or low temperature is installed; a second facility for air conditioning a second area adjacent to the first area; a hanging wall extending downward from the ceiling portion and positioned between the first area and the second area; The first equipment and the second equipment form an airflow that flows from the second area to the first area through below the hanging wall by making the pressure in the second area higher than the pressure in the first area.

2. an information processing device that is worn by a first worker who works in the first area and a second worker who works in the second area and acquires a set temperature of a temperature-adjustable wearable device; The factory air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the information processing device adjusts the temperature of the air supplied to the second area in accordance with the temperature setting of the first worker and the temperature setting of the second worker.

3. a first facility for air conditioning a first area in which a production device whose temperature is controlled to a high or low temperature is installed; a second facility for air conditioning a second area adjacent to the first area; a hanging wall extending downward from a ceiling portion, positioned between the first area and the second area, and defining a transfer opening downward, The first facility and the second facility form an airflow that flows from the second facility to the first facility through below the hanging wall by making the pressure in the second facility higher than the pressure in the first facility.

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