Control system and control device for spraying device for outdoor unit of air conditioner

Abstract

To provide a control system and a control device of a spray device for an air conditioner outdoor unit, capable of reducing repair cost in failure, by reducing a problem such as a voltage drop in a detection signal, by adjacently arranging a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor in a control device master unit, without injecting water from the spray device to a stopping outdoor unit.SOLUTION: A temperature sensor 1 and a humidity sensor 2 provided in the vicinity of a control device master unit 50, a temperature detection switch 10 that becomes conductive when the detected outside air temperature is equal to or higher than a set temperature, a humidity detection switch 20 that becomes non-conductive when the detected outside air humidity is equal to or higher than a set humidity, fan activation detection switches 30A to 30 B that become conductive when activation of the fans of the air conditioner outdoor units is detected, and spray devices 110A to 110 C that spray water to the heat exchangers of the air conditioner outdoor units; Fan start detection switches 30A to B, a temperature detection switch 10, a humidity detection switch 20, and spray valves 110A to C of spray devices 111A to C are connected in series.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control system and a control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Air conditioners, commonly known as air conditioners, consist of an indoor unit and an outdoor unit and can be used to cool or heat the room. In the following explanation, this type of air conditioner will be referred to as "air conditioner" for short.

[0003] The heat exchanger of an air conditioner is located on the outdoor unit side and is cooled by blowing cooling air onto the heat exchanger using a fan. When the outdoor temperature is high in summer, the temperature difference between the cooling air blown onto the heat exchanger and the outdoor temperature is small, reducing the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger using the fan, and ultimately reducing the efficiency of indoor cooling. For this reason, it has been known to spray water onto the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit and cool it using the latent heat of evaporation (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 relates to an air-cooled packaged air conditioner and discloses a cooling system that uses a single control device to control sprayers installed on multiple outdoor units. This cooling system includes an air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the intake air of the outdoor units and a wet-bulb temperature sensor that detects the wet-bulb temperature of the outside air, installed in a location unaffected by the exhaust air from the outdoor units. The amount of water sprayed is controlled based on the difference between the temperature of the intake air of the outdoor units and the wet-bulb temperature of the outside air, i.e., humidity. The control device includes a computer with memory and a program executed on the computer to calculate the difference between the temperature of the intake air of the outdoor units and the wet-bulb temperature of the outside air. The control device increases the amount of water sprayed from the sprayer when humidity is low and decreases the amount of water sprayed from the sprayer when humidity is high, enabling appropriate water volume control. The water sprayed from the sprayer is tap water or other water with chlorine, such as hypochlorous acid, removed to prevent scale buildup, and is typically supplied from a water storage tank.

[0005] In the cooling system of Patent Document 1, the spray devices installed on multiple outdoor units installed in each area are simultaneously controlled by a control device, which can result in the spray devices spraying water even on stopped outdoor units, resulting in wasted water. Furthermore, while the air temperature sensor is installed near the air intake, which is affected by the exhaust from the outdoor units, the wet-bulb temperature sensor is installed in a location that is not affected by the exhaust from the outdoor units. Therefore, problems such as voltage drops in the detected signal can occur if the wiring distance is long during system installation. Furthermore, because a computer is used as the control device, if it malfunctions, the entire circuit board must be replaced, resulting in high repair costs. Furthermore, the computer may malfunction due to lightning surges during thunderstorms, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-210167 A (Patent No. 5977559) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the problems of the above-mentioned conventional examples, and aims to provide a control system and control device for a spray device for an air conditioner outdoor unit that does not waste water from the spray device on a stopped outdoor unit, that allows the temperature sensor and humidity sensor to be installed close to the parent unit of the control device, thereby reducing problems such as voltage drop in the detected signal, reducing repair costs in the event of a malfunction, and that is less likely to malfunction due to lightning surges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The control system for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention is a control system for a spray device that is installed in one or more outdoor units of an air conditioner and that sprays water onto a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit to cool it, and a temperature sensor for detecting an outside air temperature and a humidity sensor for detecting an outside air humidity, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor being disposed at positions that are not affected by exhaust from any of the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners and are not affected by raindrops; a temperature detection switch connected to the temperature sensor, which compares an outside air temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a set temperature and turns on when the outside air temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the set temperature; a humidity detection switch connected to the humidity sensor, which is normally conductive, but which compares the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor with a set humidity and becomes non-conductive when the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or higher than the set humidity; one or more fan start detection sensors that are installed in the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners, respectively, and that detect start of a fan for cooling a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit; one or more fan start detection switches connected to the one or more fan start detection sensors and turned on when the one or more fan start detection sensors detect start of the fans; a spray device installed in each of the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners, the same number of which sprays water onto the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit to cool it; Equipped with the one or more fan start detection switches, the temperature detection switch, the humidity detection switch, and spray valves of the spray device corresponding to the one or more fan start detection switches, respectively, are connected in series; The spray valve opens and water is sprayed from the spray device only when all of the one or more fan start detection switches, the humidity detection switch, and the temperature detection switch are conductive.

[0009] The control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to the present invention is a control device for a spray device that is installed in one or more outdoor units of an air conditioner and that sprays water onto a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit to cool it, and a temperature sensor for detecting an outside air temperature and a humidity sensor for detecting an outside air humidity, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor being disposed at positions that are not affected by exhaust from any of the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners and are not affected by raindrops; a temperature detection switch connected to the temperature sensor, which compares a temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a set outside air temperature and turns on when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the set temperature; a humidity detection switch connected to the humidity sensor, which is normally conductive, but which compares the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor with a set humidity and becomes non-conductive when the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or higher than the set humidity; one or more fan start detection sensors that are installed in the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners, respectively, and that detect start of a fan for cooling a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit; one or more fan start detection switches connected to the one or more fan start detection sensors and turned on when the one or more fan start detection sensors detect start of the fans; Equipped with One terminal of each of the one or more fan start detection switches is connected to an open terminal for opening a spray valve that controls the spray of water from the corresponding spray device; the other terminal of each of the one or more fan start detection switches is connected to one terminal of the humidity detection switch; The other terminal of the humidity detection switch is connected to one terminal of the temperature detection switch, The other terminal of the temperature detection switch is connected to a power source. As a result, the spray valve opens and water is sprayed from the spray device only when all of the one or more fan start detection switches, the humidity detection switch, and the temperature detection switch are conductive.

[0010] The one or more fan start detection sensors may be retrofitted near wiring that supplies power to the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners, and may be configured as coils that generate current through induction when the outdoor units are started.

[0011] When the one or more air conditioners are two or more, a fan start detection switch corresponding to a first air conditioner is provided in the same main housing as the temperature detection switch and the humidity detection switch; The fan start detection switches for the second and subsequent air conditioners are installed in separate sub-enclosures. The main housing and the sub-housing are connected by a power supply line and a switch connection line that connects the other terminal of the fan start detection switch and one terminal of the humidity detection switch. It may be configured as follows.

[0012] The temperature sensor and the humidity sensor may be provided in a breathable sensor housing, and may be arranged in the vicinity of the main housing.

[0013] A manual test switch that is normally non-conductive and that can be manually operated to become conductive may be provided between the valve connection line and the power supply line that connects one terminal of the one or more fan start detection switches to the open terminal of the corresponding spray valve. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Thus, according to the present invention, the spray valve opens and water is sprayed from the spray device only when one or more fan start detection switches, humidity detection switches, and temperature detection switches are all conductive. Therefore, even when the temperature is high and the spray device needs to spray water onto the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, water will not be sprayed onto the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit of an inactive air conditioner. Furthermore, even when the temperature is higher than the set temperature, for example, if the humidity is higher than the set humidity, such as during rain, and there is no need to spray water onto the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit of the air conditioner, water will not be sprayed from the spray device. This reduces the amount of water consumed for spraying.

[0015] Furthermore, since the temperature sensor and humidity sensor are installed in approximately the same position where they are not affected by exhaust from any of the outdoor units of one or more air conditioners and are not affected by raindrops, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor can be installed close to the control device parent unit, shortening the wiring distance when installing the system and thereby reducing problems such as voltage drop in the detected signal. Furthermore, one or more fan start detection switches, humidity detection switches, and temperature detection switches can all be configured using commercially available analog parts housed in a single housing, such as electromagnetic relays that are mainly operated by electromagnets, so that if any of the switches fail, the part can be replaced on site, reducing repair costs in the event of a failure and making it less likely that malfunctions will occur due to lightning surges. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner (air conditioner) according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the air conditioner outdoor unit is not started. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing the operating state of the control system for the spray device for the above-mentioned air conditioner outdoor unit, when the outdoor air temperature is above a set value and the outdoor air humidity is below a set value, and the air conditioner outdoor unit is started. [Figure 3]This is a diagram showing the operating state of the control system for the spray device for the above-mentioned air conditioner outdoor unit, when the outdoor air temperature is above a set value and the outdoor air humidity is above a set value, and the air conditioner outdoor unit is started. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the operating state of the control system for the spray device for the above-mentioned air conditioner outdoor unit, when the outdoor air temperature is below a set value and the outdoor air humidity is below a set value, and the air conditioner outdoor unit is started. [Figure 5] This is a case where the operation of the control system for the spray device for the air conditioner outdoor unit is checked (test run) before starting cooling operation, and shows a state where the air conditioner outdoor unit is not started. [Figure 6] 1 shows a specific example of the configuration of the control device master unit of the spray device for the air conditioner outdoor unit, where (a) shows the front of the control device master unit and (b) shows the internal structure with the front cover open. [Figure 7] 1A and 1B show a specific example of the configuration of the control device slave of the spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, where (a) shows the front of the control device slave and (b) shows the internal structure with the front cover open. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] An embodiment of a control system for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as "control system for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner") and a control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 5 each show the configuration and operation of a control system for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner. For convenience, thick lines indicate wiring through which voltage is applied or current is flowing, and thin lines indicate wiring through which no voltage is applied or current is not flowing. Figures 1 to 5 also illustrate a case where three air conditioners are installed. The same applies to a case where one air conditioner is installed or four or more air conditioners are installed.

[0018] As can be seen from each figure, this control system for spray devices for air conditioner outdoor units is composed of an equal number of spray devices 110A, 110B, 110C attached to one or more air conditioner outdoor units 100A, 100B, 100C, respectively, a sensor housing 51 equipped with a temperature sensor 1 and a humidity sensor 2, a control device parent unit (main housing) 50 equipped with a temperature detection switch 10, a humidity detection switch 20, a fan start detection switch 30A, etc., which will be described later, and, if there are two or more air conditioners, individual control device child units (sub-housings) 52A, 52B equipped with fan start detection switches corresponding to the second and subsequent air conditioner outdoor units.

[0019] The control device parent unit 50 is equipped with one temperature detection switch 10 connected to the temperature sensor 1, which compares the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1 with a set temperature and becomes conductive when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 1 is equal to or higher than the set temperature, one humidity detection switch 20 connected to the humidity sensor 2 and which is normally conductive but which compares the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 2 with the set humidity and becomes non-conductive when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 2 is equal to or higher than the set humidity, and one fan start detection switch 30A which becomes conductive when the fan for cooling the heat exchanger of the first air conditioner outdoor unit 100A is started.

[0020] The temperature detection switch 10 is composed of, for example, a commercially available thermometer 11 and a temperature electromagnetic relay 12, and the probe attached to the thermometer 11 can be used as the temperature sensor 1. Similarly, the humidity detection switch 20 is composed of, for example, a commercially available hygrometer 21 and a humidity electromagnetic relay 22, and the probe attached to the hygrometer 21 can be used as the humidity sensor 2. Typically, the temperature sensor 1 is a sensor whose resistance changes with temperature, such as a thermistor or linear resistor. The humidity sensor 2 is a sensor whose resistance changes depending on humidity, such as an electrical resistance type. Both the temperature sensor 1 and the humidity sensor 2 are supplied with an AC voltage to detect changes in resistance. Therefore, the control device master unit 50 is provided with an earth leakage breaker (ELB) 53 for receiving power from the primary power supply, and the secondary side of the earth leakage breaker 53 is connected to the temperature detection switch 10 and the humidity detection switch 20. Voltage is applied to the temperature sensor 1 and the humidity sensor 2 from the temperature detection switch 10 and the humidity detection switch 20.

[0021] Each of the air conditioner's outdoor units 100A-100C is equipped with a fan start-up detection sensor 3A, 3B, or 3C for detecting the start of the fan for cooling the heat exchanger. The fan start-up detection sensors 3A, 3B, or 3C are, for example, coils and are retrofitted near the wiring that supplies power to the outdoor unit 100A. The fan start-up detection sensor 3A installed in the outdoor unit 100A of the first air conditioner is connected to a fan start-up detection switch 30A of the control device master unit 50. Generally, when the air conditioner is turned on and the fan drive motor of the outdoor unit 100A is started, an AC current flows through the fan start-up detection sensor 3A due to induction. The fan start-up detection switch 30A is composed of, for example, a current detection unit made up of an iron core and an electric wire that passes through a hole in the iron core and is connected to the fan start-up detection sensor 3A; a commercially available current detection module made up of a transistor, a logic IC, or the like; and an electromagnetic relay that opens or closes depending on the result of the logic IC. When AC current flows through the fan start detection sensor 3A, current flows on the secondary side of the current detection unit, the current detection module drives an electromagnetic relay, and the fan start detection switch 30A becomes conductive. Since the fan start detection switch 30A is configured with a DC circuit, the control device parent unit 50 is provided with a transformer rectifier 54 that steps down and rectifies the secondary side power of the earth leakage breaker 53. The secondary side voltage of the earth leakage breaker 53 is, for example, single-phase 220V or 110V, and the secondary side voltage of the transformer rectifier 54 is DC 24V. The fan start detection sensor 3A may also be installed near the motor circuit inside the outdoor unit 100A.

[0022] Temperature sensor 1 and humidity sensor 2 are housed in a well-ventilated sensor housing 51, located in a position that is unaffected by the exhaust from any of the air conditioner outdoor units 100A-100C and unaffected by raindrops. Generally, control device master unit (main housing) 50 is located near one of the air conditioner outdoor units 100A and in a position that is unaffected by the exhaust from that outdoor unit 100A and unaffected by raindrops. The control device master unit 50 contains the above-mentioned earth leakage circuit breaker 53, transformer rectifier 54, temperature detection switch 10, humidity detection switch 20, fan start detection switch 30A, and the wiring (cables) connecting these components, and is sealed to prevent raindrops from entering. Therefore, temperature sensor 1 and humidity sensor 2 are housed in a separate sensor housing 51 from the control device master unit 50, and cable 13 connecting temperature sensor 1 and temperature detection switch 10 and cable 23 connecting humidity sensor 2 and humidity detection switch 20 are drawn to the outside from the control device master unit (main housing) 50. In order to shorten the length of the cables 13 and 23, it is preferable to install the sensor housing 51 near the control device master unit 50.

[0023] For convenience of illustration, spray valves 111A-111C that control the spraying of water from sprayers 110A-110C are depicted outside of sprayers 110A-110C. Spray valves 111A-111C are, for example, electric motor valves and have, for example, five terminals. The open terminal for opening spray valve 111A is connected to one terminal of fan start detection switch 30A, and the other terminal of fan start detection switch 30A is connected to one terminal of humidity electromagnetic relay 22 of humidity detection switch 20. The other terminal of humidity electromagnetic relay 22 of humidity detection switch 20 is connected to one terminal of temperature electromagnetic relay 12 of temperature detection switch 10, and the other terminal is connected to the secondary side (power supply) of earth leakage breaker 53. That is, the open terminal of the spray valve 30A, the fan start detection switch 30A, the humidity detection switch 20, and the temperature detection switch 10 are connected in series, and no voltage is applied to the open terminal of the spray valve 111A unless all of the fan start detection switch 30A, the humidity detection switch 20, and the temperature detection switch 10 are conductive. The spray valve 111A is operated by the power supply of the spray device 110A, and the voltages applied to the open terminal and the closed terminal function as control signals. A manual test switch 40A, which is normally non-conductive but can be manually opened and closed to forcibly operate the spray valve 111A, is provided between the valve connection line and power supply line connecting one terminal of the fan start detection switch 30A to the corresponding open terminal of the spray valve 111A.

[0024] The spray valve 111A is normally closed so as not to spray water unnecessarily. The power terminal and closed terminal of the spray valve 111A are connected to the secondary side of the earth leakage breaker 53. That is, a voltage is always applied to the closed terminal to stop the spray of water from the spray device 110A. The open terminal and closed terminal of the spray valve 110A are also connected to indicator lamps 41A and 42A, respectively, which indicate whether water is being sprayed from the spray device 110A.

[0025] Five cables extend from the control device master unit (main housing) 50 and are connected to the control device slave units (sub-housings) 52A and 52B. Two of the five cables extend from the control device master unit 50 and are connected to the secondary side of the earth leakage circuit breaker 53 to supply drive power to the spray valves 111B and 111C of the sprayers 110B and 110C connected to the control device slave units 52A and 52B. The other two cables are connected to the DC side of the transformer rectifier 54 to supply DC power to the fan start detection switches 30B... housed in each of the control device slave units 52A and 52B. The remaining cable is connected to one terminal of the humidity electromagnetic relay 22 of the humidity detection switch 20 and the other terminal of each fan start detection switch 30B. Therefore, the fan start detection switch 30B, humidity detection switch 20, and temperature detection switch 10 provided in the control device slave unit 52A are connected in series. The control device slave 52A is further provided with a manual test switch 40B for forcibly operating the spray valve 111B. Although not shown, the same applies to the control device slave 52B.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a state in which none of the air conditioner outdoor units are activated, and fan activation detection switches 30A-30C are non-conductive. Temperature detection switch 10 is non-conductive when the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1 is lower than the set temperature, and is conductive when the detected temperature is higher than the set temperature. Humidity detection switch 20 is conductive when the humidity detected by humidity sensor 2 is lower than the set humidity, and is non-conductive when the detected humidity is higher than the set humidity. FIG. 1 shows a case in which temperature detection switch 10 is non-conductive and humidity detection switch 20 is conductive. FIGS. 2-5 each show the possible operating states of this system of sprayers for air conditioner outdoor units, and will be described assuming that the temperature setting for temperature detection switch 10 is 35 degrees and the humidity setting for humidity detection switch 20 is 80%.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a case where, for example, the outdoor temperature is above 35°C and the outdoor humidity is below 80%. Assume that air conditioner outdoor units 100A and 100B are running. At this time, when the cooling fans of air conditioner outdoor units 100A and 100B start, current flows through fan start detection sensors 3A and 3B, and fan start detection switches 30A and 30B switch to a conductive state. Also, because the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1 is higher than the set temperature, temperature detection switch 10 switches to a conductive state. Because the humidity detected by humidity sensor 2 is lower than the set humidity, humidity detection switch 20 remains in a conductive state. Because fan start detection switches 30A and 30B, temperature detection switch 10, and humidity detection switch 20 are all in a conductive state, voltage is applied to the open terminals of spray valves 111A and 111B, causing spray valves 111A and 111B to operate and transition from a closed state to an open state, causing water to be sprayed from sprayers 110A and 110B onto the heat exchangers of air conditioner outdoor units 100A and 100B. Note that because air conditioner outdoor unit 100C is not started, the fan start detection switch (not shown) of control device slave unit 52B remains non-conductive, and water is not sprayed from sprayer 110C onto the heat exchanger of air conditioner outdoor unit 100C.

[0028] FIG. 3 shows a case where, for example, the outdoor temperature is above 35°C and the outdoor humidity is above 80%. When air conditioner outdoor units 100A and 100B are activated, current flows through fan activation detection sensors 3A and 3B, causing fan activation detection switches 30A and 30B to become conductive. Furthermore, because the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1 is higher than the set temperature, temperature detection switch 10 is conductive. Meanwhile, because the humidity detected by humidity sensor 2 is higher than the set humidity, humidity detection switch 20 is non-conductive. Because humidity detection switch 20 is non-conductive, no voltage is applied to the open terminals of spray valves 111A and 111B, causing spray valves 111A and 111B to switch from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, water is not sprayed from spray devices 110A and 110B onto the heat exchangers of air conditioner outdoor units 100A and 100B. The same applies if the humidity rises to 80% or more from the state shown in Figure 2 due to rainfall or other reasons, in which case the humidity electromagnetic relay 22 of the humidity detection switch 20 is activated and the humidity detection switch 20 switches from a conductive state to a non-conductive state.

[0029] FIG. 4 shows a case where, for example, the outdoor temperature is below 35°C and the outdoor humidity is below 80%. When air conditioner outdoor units 100A and 100B are activated, current flows through fan activation detection sensors 3A and 3B, causing fan activation detection switches 30A and 30B to become conductive. Meanwhile, because the temperature detected by temperature sensor 1 is lower than the set temperature, temperature detection switch 10 is in a non-conductive state. Because the humidity detected by humidity sensor 2 is lower than the set humidity, humidity detection switch 20 remains in a conductive state. Because temperature detection switch 10 is non-conductive, no voltage is applied to the open terminals of spray valves 111A and 111B, causing spray valves 111A and 111B to switch from the open state to the closed state. Therefore, water is not sprayed from spray devices 110A and 110B onto the heat exchangers of air conditioner outdoor units 100A and 100B.

[0030] FIG. 5 shows a case where the solenoid valves 111A-111C of the sprayers 100A-100C are forcibly operated using the manual test switches 40A, 40B, etc., to spray water from the sprayers 100A-100C. A test run is typically performed before the start of cooling operation of an air conditioner, and a test run of the sprayers 100A-100C is also required. During the test run of the sprayers 100A-100C, the outdoor temperature is often lower than the temperature setting of the temperature detection switch 10, and the outdoor humidity is often lower than the humidity setting of the humidity detection switch 20. Furthermore, once cooling operation ends, the solenoid valves 111A-111C of the sprayers 100A-100C are not used until the start of cooling operation the following year. Therefore, even if the control system for the sprayers for the air conditioner's outdoor unit is operated in automatic mode, the spray valves 111A-111C may not operate. As can be seen from Fig. 5, when the manual test switches 40A, 40B, etc. are switched from automatic to manual, a voltage is forcibly applied to the open terminals of the spray valves 111A to 111C, and the spray valves 111A to 111C are activated. Therefore, regardless of the start / stop of the air conditioner outdoor units 100A to 100C, the outside air temperature, or the outside air humidity, it is possible to test whether the spray devices 110A to 110C spray water or not.

[0031] The control system for an air conditioner outdoor unit sprayer described above, excluding the sprayers 110A-110C and spray pumps 111A-111C, corresponds to the control device for an air conditioner outdoor unit sprayer according to the present invention. Therefore, by retrofitting the control device for an air conditioner outdoor unit sprayer to existing air conditioners 100A-100C and sprayers 110A-110C, the control system for an air conditioner outdoor unit sprayer described above can be configured at low cost.

[0032] FIG. 6 shows a specific configuration example of the control device master unit 50, with (a) showing the front of the control device master unit 50 and (b) showing the internal structure with the front cover open. As shown in FIG. 6(a), a manual test switch 40A and indicator lamps 41A and 42A are provided on the front of the control device master unit 50. As shown in FIG. 6(b), a ground fault circuit interrupter 53, a transformer rectifier 54, a thermometer 11, a temperature electromagnetic relay 12, a hygrometer 21, a humidity electromagnetic relay 22, a current detection module 30A, and the like are provided inside the control device master unit 50. Wire harnesses 60A and 60B, which bundle cables for supplying power and the like to the control device slave units 52A and 52B, and a wire harness 60C for transmitting control signals and the like to the spray valve 111A, are also drawn out from the control device master unit 50. A terminal block 31A is provided on the side of the housing of the control device master unit 50, and a wiring 32A from the fan start-up detection sensor 3A is connected to the terminal block 31A.

[0033] FIG. 7 shows a specific example of the configuration of the control device slave (sub-housing) 52A, where (a) is the front view of the control device slave 52A and (b) is the internal structure with the front cover open. As shown in FIG. 7(a), a manual test switch 40B and indicator lamps 41B and 42B are provided on the front of the control device slave 52A. As shown in FIG. 7(b), only a current detection module 30B is provided inside the control device slave 52A, and a terminal block 31B is provided on the side of the housing. A wire harness 60A extending from the control device master 50 is drawn into the housing from the outside. A wire harness 60D for transmitting control signals to the spray valve 111B is also drawn from the inside of the housing.

[0034] Thus, the control system and control device for a sprayer for an air conditioner outdoor unit according to the present invention includes a temperature sensor for detecting outdoor air temperature, a humidity sensor for detecting outdoor air humidity, one temperature detection switch that compares the outdoor air temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a preset temperature and turns on when the outdoor air temperature is equal to or higher than the preset temperature, and one humidity detection switch that is normally on but turns off when the outdoor air humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or higher than the preset humidity. In addition, the control system and control device also include a fan start detection sensor installed in one or more air conditioner outdoor units, and one or more fan start detection switches that turn on when the fan start detection sensor detects fan start. The temperature detection switch, humidity detection switch, and one or more fan start detection switches are connected in series. Therefore, when an air conditioner outdoor unit is not running, no current flows through the fan start detection sensor corresponding to that air conditioner, and the corresponding fan start detection switch is not turned on. The circuit consisting of these three switches for the sprayer corresponding to the inactive air conditioner is in a non-conductive state, and the sprayer does not spray water onto the heat exchanger of that air conditioner outdoor unit, thereby reducing the amount of water consumed for spraying. Furthermore, when the outdoor humidity is higher than the set humidity, water vapor or water droplets are present around the heat exchanger of the air conditioner's outdoor unit. Even when the air conditioner's outdoor unit is running and the outdoor temperature is higher than the set temperature, the humidity detection switch becomes non-conductive, preventing water from being sprayed onto the heat exchanger of any of the air conditioner's outdoor units. As mentioned above, the water used for spraying is tap water or other water with chlorine, such as hypochlorous acid, removed to prevent scale buildup, and is generally supplied from a water storage tank. Therefore, stopping spraying on air conditioner outdoor units that are not running or when the outdoor humidity is high is very effective.

[0035] Furthermore, the temperature sensor 1 and humidity sensor 2 can be housed in, for example, a single sensor housing 51 and installed close to the control device master unit 50. This satisfies the requirements of being unaffected by exhaust from any of the air conditioner outdoor units 100A-100C and unaffected by raindrops, while shortening the wiring distance when installing the control system for the air conditioner outdoor unit sprayer, thereby reducing problems such as voltage drop in the detected signal. Furthermore, the temperature detection switch 10 and humidity detection switch 20 can be constructed using commercially available thermometers and hygrometers and commercially available analog components such as electromagnetic relays, and the fan start detection switch 30A... can also use commercially available current detection modules composed of transistors and logic ICs. Therefore, if either switch fails, only that component can be replaced on site, reducing repair costs. Furthermore, since the components making up the control system for the air conditioner outdoor unit sprayer do not use microcomputers or other devices, malfunctions due to lightning surges are less likely to occur. In particular, since this control system for the air conditioner outdoor unit sprayer can be constructed using commercially available analog components, it is effective for small and medium-sized enterprises that do not mass-produce products. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1: Temperature sensor 2: Humidity sensor 3A, 3B, 3C: Fan start detection sensor 10: Temperature detection switch 11:Thermometer 12: Temperature electromagnetic relay 20: Humidity detection switch 21: Hygrometer 22: Humidity electromagnetic relay 30A, 30B: Fan start detection switch 40A, 40B: Manual test switch 50: Control device parent unit (main housing) 51: Sensor housing 52A, 52B: Control device slave (sub-housing) 53: Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELB) 54: Transformer rectifier 100A~100C: Air conditioner outdoor unit 110A~110C: Spray device 111A~111C: Spray valve

Claims

1. A control system for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which is installed in each of one or more outdoor units of an air conditioner and sprays water onto a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit to cool it, a temperature sensor for detecting an outside air temperature and a humidity sensor for detecting an outside air humidity, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor being disposed at positions that are not affected by exhaust from any of the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners and are not affected by raindrops; a temperature detection switch connected to the temperature sensor, which compares an outside air temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a set temperature and turns on when the outside air temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the set temperature; a humidity detection switch connected to the humidity sensor, which is normally conductive, but which compares the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor with a set humidity and becomes non-conductive when the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or higher than the set humidity; one or more fan start detection sensors that are installed in the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners, respectively, and that detect start of a fan for cooling a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit; one or more fan start detection switches connected to the one or more fan start detection sensors and turned on when the one or more fan start detection sensors detect start of the fans; a spray device installed in each of the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners, the same number of which sprays water onto the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit to cool it; Equipped with the one or more fan start detection switches, the temperature detection switch, the humidity detection switch, and spray valves of the spray device corresponding to the one or more fan start detection switches, respectively, are connected in series; A control system for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, characterized in that the spray valve opens and water is sprayed from the spray device only when all of the one or more fan start detection switches, the humidity detection switch, and the temperature detection switch are conductive.

2. A control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner, which is installed in each of one or more outdoor units of an air conditioner and sprays water onto a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit to cool it, a temperature sensor for detecting an outside air temperature and a humidity sensor for detecting an outside air humidity, the temperature sensor and humidity sensor being disposed at positions that are not affected by exhaust from any of the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners and are not affected by raindrops; a temperature detection switch connected to the temperature sensor, which compares a temperature detected by the temperature sensor with a set outside air temperature and turns on when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the set temperature; a humidity detection switch connected to the humidity sensor, which is normally conductive, but which compares the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor with a set humidity and becomes non-conductive when the outside air humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or higher than the set humidity; one or more fan start detection sensors that are installed in the outdoor units of the one or more air conditioners, respectively, and that detect start of a fan for cooling a heat exchanger of the outdoor unit; one or more fan start detection switches connected to the one or more fan start detection sensors and turned on when the one or more fan start detection sensors detect start of the fans; Equipped with One terminal of each of the one or more fan start detection switches is connected to an open terminal for opening a spray valve that controls the spray of water from the corresponding spray device; the other terminal of each of the one or more fan start detection switches is connected to one terminal of the humidity detection switch; The other terminal of the humidity detection switch is connected to one terminal of the temperature detection switch, The other terminal of the temperature detection switch is connected to a power source. This control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner is characterized in that the spray valve opens and water is sprayed from the spray device only when all of the one or more fan start detection switches, the humidity detection switch, and the temperature detection switch are conductive.

3. The control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that the one or more fan start detection sensors are retrofitted near wiring that supplies power to the one or more outdoor units of the air conditioner, and are coils that generate current through induction when the outdoor units are started.

4. When the one or more air conditioners are two or more, a fan start detection switch corresponding to a first air conditioner is provided in the same main housing as the temperature detection switch and the humidity detection switch; The fan start detection switches for the second and subsequent air conditioners are installed in separate sub-housings. The main housing and the sub-housing are connected by a power supply line and a switch connection line that connects the other terminal of the fan start detection switch and one terminal of the humidity detection switch.

4. The control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 2 or 3.

5. 5. The control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are provided in a breathable sensor housing and are installed near the main housing.

6. The control device for a spray device for an outdoor unit of an air conditioner as described in claim 2, characterized in that a manual test switch that is normally non-conductive and that is manually operated to be conductive is provided between the valve connection line and the power line that connects one terminal of one or more fan start detection switches to the open terminal of the corresponding spray valve.

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