Air conditioning system and air conditioning method

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of excellently controlling humidity by reducing influence of a temperature change.SOLUTION: The absolute humidity is obtained by the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 130 from the two set values of the indoor temperature set value ST and the relative humidity set value SH, and the obtained indoor absolute humidity set value SAH is set as the control target value. On the other hand, the return air absolute humidity is obtained from the measurement result of the return air temperature and humidity measuring instrument 120 by a return air absolute humidity calculating part 122, and humidity control is performed by a humidity controller 124 and a humidity operating part 126 so that the absolute humidity becomes the target value. The room temperature is controlled by the temperature regulator 112 and the temperature operation unit 114 so as to be the room temperature set value ST. As a result, it is possible to reduce the influence of the temperature difference between the inside of the living room 210 and the return air to achieve the target indoor absolute humidity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an improvement in an air conditioning system and an air conditioning method in which humidity is a control target value. [Background technology]

[0002] Air conditioning techniques that focus on humidity include those described in the following Patent Documents 1 and 2. The "Operating Method for a Water-Based Paint Painting Booth" in Patent Document 1 aims to stabilize the evaporation rate of water from water-based paint during painting in a painting booth used to paint automobiles and other objects, and controls the humidity to maintain an allowable absolute humidity range determined by the difference between the saturated absolute humidity and the absolute humidity of the target air. The "Air Conditioning Apparatus" in Patent Document 2 aims to create a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants. When controlling air conditioning operation to maintain a constant temperature and humidity range for the indoor air, the humidity control range is determined by setting the lower control limit based on the absolute humidity, which is determined based on the dryness of the oral mucosa, and the upper control limit based on the relative humidity, which is determined based on the deterioration of indoor air quality, thereby preventing occupants from catching a cold. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-299672 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-325586 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional indoor humidity control techniques control humidity based on the humidity measurement result and set value of a single element among the indoor relative humidity, return air relative humidity, supply air dew point temperature, and supply air absolute humidity. For example, in the case of temperature control, as shown in Figure 10(A), indoor temperature is controlled by a temperature control unit 904 in a temperature controller 902 based on the measurement value from an indoor temperature measuring instrument 900 and a temperature set value ST. On the other hand, in the case of humidity control, as shown in Figure 10(B), indoor humidity is controlled by a humidity control unit 914 in a humidity controller 912 based on the measurement value from a return air relative humidity measuring instrument 910 and a relative humidity set value SH.

[0005] However, although relative humidity is used as an environmental target value, it has the characteristic of changing with temperature changes at the measurement point, and even if control is performed to keep the return air relative humidity constant, there are cases where the indoor relative humidity does not reach the environmental target value due to changes in the indoor temperature. This issue can be resolved by controlling the indoor humidity, but in cases such as when multiple rooms with different latent heat loads are controlled by a single air conditioner, conventional indoor humidity control cannot be used.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its object to reduce the influence of temperature changes and perform good humidity control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In this invention, humidity control is set based on two elements, temperature and relative humidity, and control is performed so that the target air has a relative humidity at the set temperature. The target absolute humidity (or dew point temperature) is calculated from the set temperature and set relative humidity, and the absolute humidity (or dew point temperature) is calculated from the measured temperature and relative humidity, and the return air humidity is controlled so that this becomes the target absolute humidity (or dew point temperature).

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning system that conditions an air-conditioning target for which an indoor temperature and relative humidity are set in advance and for which return air is to be delivered, and is characterized by comprising: an indoor absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates absolute humidity from the set values ​​of the indoor temperature and relative humidity; a return air temperature and humidity measurement unit that measures the return air temperature and return air relative humidity of the air-conditioning target; a return air absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates return air absolute humidity from the return air temperature and return air relative humidity measured by the return air temperature and humidity measurement unit; and humidity control means that controls the humidity of the air-conditioning target so that the return air absolute humidity calculated by the return air absolute humidity calculation unit becomes the indoor absolute humidity calculated by the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit.

[0009] Another invention is an air conditioning system that conditions an air-conditioning target having a preset indoor relative humidity and to which return air is to be supplied, and is characterized in comprising: an indoor temperature measurement unit that measures the indoor temperature of the air-conditioning target; an indoor absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates the indoor absolute humidity from the indoor temperature measured thereby and a set value of the relative humidity; a return air temperature and humidity measurement unit that measures the return air temperature and return air relative humidity of the air-conditioning target; a return air absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates the return air absolute humidity from the return air temperature and return air relative humidity measured by the return air temperature and humidity measurement unit; and humidity control means that controls the humidity of the air-conditioning target so that the return air absolute humidity calculated by the return air absolute humidity calculation unit becomes the indoor absolute humidity calculated by the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit.

[0010] According to one main aspect, the air conditioning system includes an indoor humidity measuring unit that measures the indoor humidity of the air-conditioned object, and the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit calculates the deviation between the indoor humidity measured by the indoor humidity measuring unit and the relative humidity set value, and corrects the indoor absolute humidity set value based on this deviation, thereby compensating for indoor humidity control by the humidity control means. According to another aspect, when the air-conditioning object includes multiple rooms and individual air conditioning is performed, a main indoor temperature set value is used instead of the indoor temperature set value or measured value. According to yet another aspect, the air conditioning system includes a return air absolute humidity measuring unit that measures the return air absolute humidity of the air-conditioned object, instead of the return air temperature and humidity measuring unit and the return air absolute humidity calculation unit.

[0011] Another invention is an air conditioning method for conditioning an object to be air-conditioned using the air conditioning system, characterized in that it includes the steps of calculating absolute humidity from set values ​​of indoor temperature and relative humidity, measuring return air temperature and return air relative humidity of the object to be air-conditioned, calculating return air absolute humidity from the measured return air temperature and return air relative humidity, and controlling the humidity of the object to be air-conditioned so that the calculated return air absolute humidity becomes the calculated indoor absolute humidity.

[0012] Alternatively, the air conditioning system may include the steps of: measuring an indoor temperature of the air-conditioned object; calculating an indoor absolute humidity from the measured indoor temperature and a set value of relative humidity; measuring a return air temperature and a return air relative humidity of the air-conditioned object; calculating a return air absolute humidity from the measured return air temperature and return air relative humidity; and controlling the humidity of the air-conditioned object so that the calculated return air absolute humidity becomes the calculated indoor absolute humidity. The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] According to the present invention, by setting the absolute humidity calculated from the indoor temperature and relative humidity, which are the target values ​​for the indoor environment, as the target value for return air humidity control, it becomes possible to control the indoor relative humidity with little influence from changes in return air temperature due to indoor heat load or external disturbances, thereby reducing the influence of temperature changes and enabling good humidity control. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 shows a configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A specific example of the configuration of the above embodiment will be described. [Figure 3] Absolute humidity setting and control are shown. [Figure 4] A comparative example of the operation of the above embodiment will be described. [Figure 5] The operation of the above embodiment will be described. [Figure 6] 1 shows a configuration of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A specific example of the configuration of the above embodiment will be described. [Figure 8] 1 shows a configuration of a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 shows another configuration of the third embodiment. [Figure 10] A conventional control method is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples. [Example]

[0016] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 shows the basic configuration of an air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment. In the figure, the measurement value of an indoor temperature measuring instrument 110 is input to a temperature regulator 112, which adjusts the indoor temperature using a temperature manipulation unit 114. At this time, the temperature regulator 112 references an indoor temperature set value ST. That is, the temperature regulator 112 controls the indoor temperature using the temperature manipulation unit 114 so that the indoor temperature measurement value by the indoor temperature measuring instrument 110 becomes the target indoor temperature set value ST.

[0017] Meanwhile, the measurement values ​​of the return air temperature and humidity meter 120 are input to a return air absolute humidity calculation unit 122, and the calculated return air absolute humidity measurement value RAH is input to a humidity regulator 124. This humidity regulator 124 adjusts the indoor humidity using a humidity operating unit 126. In this case, in this embodiment, an indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 130 is provided, which calculates an indoor absolute humidity set value SAH based on the above-mentioned indoor temperature set value ST and relative humidity set value SH. The calculated indoor absolute humidity set value SAH is input to the humidity regulator 124. The return air absolute humidity measurement value RAH calculated by the return air absolute humidity calculation unit 122 is input to this humidity regulator 124. Then, indoor humidity adjustment or control is performed by the humidity regulator 124 and the humidity operating unit 126 so that this measurement value RAH approaches the set value SAH. In this way, the return air absolute humidity of the living room 210 is controlled and kept constant at the set value SAH. The return air absolute humidity calculation unit 122 and the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 130 may have a common configuration.

[0018] An example of a specific configuration is shown in Figure 2. In the figure, temperature control unit 114, which adjusts the room temperature, includes a temperature control valve 114A and a heating / cooling coil 114B of air conditioner 200. Humidity control unit 126 includes a humidification valve 126A and a humidifier 126B of air conditioner 200. Outside air is introduced into air conditioner 200 through air supply port 202, and hot and cold water is supplied to heating / cooling coil 114B through inlet 204. In addition, air discharged from fan 206 of air conditioner 200 is supplied into room 210, which is the target room for air conditioning, through air supply port 212 of room 210, and return air from return air port 214 of room 210 is supplied to air conditioner 200.

[0019] The temperature inside the living room 210 is detected by an indoor temperature sensor 110A, which is an indoor temperature measuring device 110, and the detection result is input to a temperature regulator 112. Meanwhile, a return air temperature / humidity sensor 120A is provided between the return air vent 214 and the air conditioner 200, and the detection result is input to absolute humidity calculation units 122, 130. The indoor temperature set value ST and relative humidity set value SH are set by a temperature / humidity setting panel or remote control in the living room 210.

[0020] An example of humidity control is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3(A) is an example of proportional control by humidifier 126B, where the relative humidity on the vertical axis is proportionally controlled in the range of 0% to 100% based on the absolute humidity value on the horizontal axis. Figure 3(B) is an example of humidifier ON / OFF control, where the relative humidity on the vertical axis is ON / OFF controlled based on the absolute humidity value on the horizontal axis.

[0021] Next, the operation of the air conditioning control in this embodiment will be described. For example, if the return air relative humidity is controlled to 40%, as shown at PA in the psychrometric chart of Figure 4, and the return air temperature drops below the indoor temperature, as shown at PB, the indoor relative humidity will fall below the environmental condition (according to the Office Sanitation Standards Regulations, the humidity environmental condition is 40%≦relative humidity≦70%). Also, if the return air temperature rises above the indoor temperature, the indoor relative humidity will rise above the set return air relative humidity, and humidification will cause the supply air temperature to drop. This makes it necessary to increase the supply air temperature, which is undesirable from the perspective of energy conservation.

[0022] Therefore, the absolute humidity calculation unit 130 calculates the indoor absolute humidity from two set values, the indoor temperature set value ST and the relative humidity set value SH, and the calculated indoor absolute humidity set value SAH is set as the control target value. Meanwhile, in the return air temperature and humidity measuring instrument 120 (return air temperature and humidity sensor 120A), the absolute humidity calculation unit 122 calculates the return air absolute humidity measurement value RAH from the return air temperature and return air relative humidity. Then, temperature control is performed by the temperature regulator 112 and the temperature operation unit 114, and humidity control is performed by the humidity regulator 124 and the humidity operation unit 126, so that the return air absolute humidity measurement value RAH approaches the indoor absolute humidity set value SAH. This makes it possible to reduce the influence of the temperature and humidity difference between the room and the return air and achieve the target indoor absolute humidity.

[0023] For example, in the example of Figure 5, as shown on PC, the indoor temperature set value ST = 24°C, the relative humidity set value SH = 40%, and the indoor absolute humidity set value SAH = 0.0077 kg / kg are controlled to be constant, that is, the temperature and humidity in the living room 210 are controlled to be on graph GA, thereby making it possible to maintain a constant absolute humidity in the living room without being affected by changes in the return air temperature.

[0024] As described above, according to this embodiment, by setting the absolute humidity calculated from the indoor temperature and relative humidity, which are the target values ​​for the indoor environment, as the target value for return air humidity control, it becomes possible to control the indoor relative humidity with little effect from changes in return air temperature due to indoor heat load or external disturbances, thereby reducing the effect of temperature changes and enabling good humidity control. [Example]

[0025] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. Elements that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals. This embodiment is an example in which there are multiple rooms. When individual air conditioning is used and the indoor temperature setpoint ST varies for each room, as shown in Figure 6, the absolute humidity calculation unit 330 calculates the indoor absolute humidity setpoint SBH based on the main indoor temperature setpoint SIT, which is the most typical setting value for a room. In this case, humidity is adjusted using the measurement value from the return air absolute humidity meter 310 instead of the return air temperature and humidity meter 120.

[0026] An example of a specific configuration is shown in Fig. 7. As shown in the figure, absolute humidity calculation units 122, 330 calculate the room absolute humidity based on a relative humidity setpoint SH and a room temperature main setpoint SIT. Air discharged from fan 206 of air conditioner 200 is supplied to room 210A via variable air volume unit 250A and air intake port 212A, and is supplied to room 210B via variable air volume unit 250B and air intake port 212B. Meanwhile, air from room 210A is returned to air conditioner 200 via return air outlet 214A and variable air volume unit 252A, and air from room 210B is returned to air conditioner 200 via return air outlet 214B and variable air volume unit 252B.

[0027] A supply air temperature sensor 220 is provided in the supply air path from air conditioner 200 to rooms 210A and 210B. The supply air temperature detected by this supply air temperature sensor 220 is input to temperature regulator 112. Meanwhile, a return air temperature / humidity sensor 120A is provided in the return air path from rooms 210A and 210B to air conditioner 200. The return air temperature / humidity detected by this return air temperature / humidity sensor 120A is input to absolute humidity calculation units 122 and 330.

[0028] Indoor temperature sensor 110A is connected to variable air volume unit 250A, and indoor temperature set point STA is set thereto. Indoor temperature sensor 110B is connected to variable air volume unit 250B, and indoor temperature set point STB is set thereto.

[0029] In this example, the absolute humidity calculation unit 330 calculates the indoor absolute humidity set value SBH based on the indoor temperature main set value SIT, which is the most typical setting value for a room, and the air conditioner 200 controls the temperature and humidity of rooms 210A and 210B based on this. [Example]

[0030] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. Elements identical to or corresponding to those in the above-described embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals. The air-conditioning system 400 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 differs from the air-conditioning system shown in FIG. 1 in that it uses an indoor temperature measurement value SIT measured by the indoor temperature measuring device 110 instead of the indoor temperature setpoint ST. The indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 430 calculates absolute humidity from the two values, the indoor temperature measurement value SIT and the relative humidity setpoint SH, and sets the calculated absolute humidity as the control target value. Then, humidity control is performed so that the return air absolute humidity calculated from the measured return air temperature and return air relative humidity is constant, thereby reducing the influence of the temperature difference between the room and the return air and achieving the target indoor relative humidity. Additionally, indoor humidity compensation control for return air humidity control is enabled by calculating the deviation between the measurement value SIH of the indoor humidity measuring device 121 shown in FIG. 8 and the relative humidity setpoint SH, and correcting the indoor absolute humidity setpoint SCH in the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 430.

[0031] 9 shows an example of a case where there are multiple rooms. When individual air conditioning is used and the indoor temperature setpoint ST varies for each room, the indoor absolute humidity setpoint SDH is calculated by the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 530 based on the main indoor temperature setpoint SIT, which is the most typical setting value for a room. In this case, humidity control may be performed using the measurement value from the return air absolute humidity meter 510 instead of the return air temperature and humidity meter 120.

[0032] Other Embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are also included. (1) The device configuration shown in the above embodiment is an example, and the design can be modified to achieve the same effect. (2) The values ​​of temperature, humidity, etc. shown in the above examples are merely examples and may be set as appropriate. The values ​​may also be changed depending on the region or season. (3) The same effect can be obtained by replacing the calculated absolute humidity with the dew point temperature. [Industrial Applicability]

[0033] According to the present invention, absolute humidity is calculated from the indoor temperature and relative humidity of the air-conditioned area, and humidity control is performed using this as a target value. This reduces the effects of temperature changes and enables good humidity control, making it suitable for air conditioning in buildings and ordinary homes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100:Air conditioning system 110: Indoor temperature measuring instrument 110A, 110B: Indoor temperature sensor 112: Temperature controller 114: Temperature control section 114A: Temperature control valve 114B: Heating and cooling coil 120: Return temperature and humidity measuring instrument 120A: Return air temperature and humidity sensor 121: Indoor humidity meter 122: Return air absolute humidity calculation unit 124: Humidity controller 126:Humidity operation section 126A: Humidification valve 126B: Humidifier 130: Indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 200:Air conditioner 202: Air supply port 204: Entrance 206: Fan 210,210A,210B: Living room 212,212A,212B:Air supply port 214,214A,214B:Return air port 220: Intake air temperature sensor 250A, 250B, 252A, 252B: Variable air volume unit 310: Return air absolute humidity meter 330: Absolute humidity calculation unit 400:Air conditioning system 430: Absolute humidity calculation unit 510: Return air absolute humidity meter 530: Indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 900: Indoor temperature measuring instrument 902: Temperature controller 904: Temperature operation section 910: Indoor humidity meter 912: Humidity controller 914:Humidity operation section

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for conditioning an air-conditioning target in which an indoor temperature and relative humidity are preset and return air is supplied, an indoor absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates absolute humidity from the set values ​​of the indoor temperature and relative humidity; A return air temperature and humidity measuring unit that measures the return air temperature and return air relative humidity of the air-conditioning target; a return air absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates the return air absolute humidity from the return air temperature and return air relative humidity measured by the return air temperature and humidity measurement unit; Humidity control means for controlling the humidity of the air-conditioned object so that the return air absolute humidity calculated by the return air absolute humidity calculation unit becomes the indoor absolute humidity calculated by the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit; An air conditioning system comprising:

2. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when the air conditioning target is a plurality of rooms to be individually air-conditioned and the indoor temperature is set for each room, a main indoor temperature setting value is used instead of the set value of the indoor temperature.

3. An air conditioning system for conditioning an air-conditioning target in which an indoor relative humidity is preset and return air is supplied, an indoor temperature measuring unit that measures the indoor temperature of the air-conditioned room; an indoor absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates the indoor absolute humidity from the indoor temperature measured by the above-mentioned method and the set value of the relative humidity; A return air temperature and humidity measuring unit that measures the return air temperature and return air relative humidity of the air-conditioning target; a return air absolute humidity calculation unit that calculates the return air absolute humidity from the return air temperature and return air relative humidity measured by the return air temperature and humidity measurement unit; a humidity control means for controlling the humidity of the air-conditioned object so that the return air absolute humidity calculated by the return air absolute humidity calculation unit becomes the indoor absolute humidity calculated by the indoor absolute humidity calculation unit; An air conditioning system comprising:

4. an indoor humidity measuring unit that measures the indoor humidity of the air-conditioned object; The indoor absolute humidity calculation unit 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the deviation between the indoor humidity measured by the indoor humidity measuring unit and the relative humidity set value is calculated, and the indoor absolute humidity set value is corrected based on this deviation, thereby compensating for the indoor humidity control by the humidity control means.

5. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein when the air conditioning target is a plurality of rooms for which individual air conditioning is performed and the indoor temperature is measured for each room, a main indoor temperature setting value is used instead of the indoor temperature measurement value measured by the indoor temperature measurement unit.

6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a return air absolute humidity measuring unit that measures the return air absolute humidity of the air-conditioned object instead of the return air temperature and humidity measuring unit and the return air absolute humidity calculation unit.

7. An air conditioning method for air-conditioning an object to be air-conditioned using the air-conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, A step of calculating absolute humidity from set values ​​of indoor temperature and relative humidity; Measuring the return air temperature and return air relative humidity of the air-conditioning target; calculating the return air absolute humidity from the measured return air temperature and return air relative humidity; controlling the humidity of the air-conditioned area so that the calculated return air absolute humidity becomes the calculated indoor absolute humidity; An air conditioning method comprising:

8. An air conditioning method for air conditioning an object to be air-conditioned using the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, measuring the indoor temperature of the air-conditioning target; a step of calculating the indoor absolute humidity from the indoor temperature measured by this and the set value of the relative humidity; Measuring the return air temperature and return air relative humidity of the air-conditioning target; calculating the return air absolute humidity from the measured return air temperature and return air relative humidity; controlling the humidity of the air-conditioned area so that the calculated return air absolute humidity becomes the calculated indoor absolute humidity; An air conditioning method comprising:

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