Air conditioning module and air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide a direct heat exchange type air conditioning module and an air conditioning system capable of flexibly coping with a demand scale of air conditioning and suppressing at least one of an installation space and a cost.SOLUTION: The air conditioning system 1 includes one or more air conditioning modules 2, a secondary heat exchanger 6 for exchanging heat with air from the air conditioning module 2, and a fan 10 for flowing air. The air conditioning module 2 is connected to a secondary heat exchanger 6 and a fan 10 arranged outside, and includes a primary heat exchanger 26. The primary heat exchanger 26 has a sprinkling nozzle part 42 for supplying water to air for air conditioning.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning module and an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-16378 (Patent Document 1) discloses a saturated air conditioner. This saturated air conditioner is equipped with a direct heat exchanger 4 in which water and air come into direct contact to exchange heat, a water tank body 7 placed below the direct heat exchanger 4, and a fan 17. Outside air drawn in by the fan 17 passes through the direct heat exchanger 4 and is supplied to the desired room. The direct heat exchanger 4 has a sprinkler nozzle 5 and a filler 6. The sprinkler nozzle 5 sprinkles water downward from the water tank body 7. The filler 6 is disposed below the sprinkler nozzle 5. The water from the sprinkler nozzle 5 flows down the filler 6 and falls into the water tank body 7. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-16378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The size of the direct heat exchanger 4 and other components in the saturated air conditioner is selected according to the scale of air conditioning demand. When installing the saturated air conditioner, in order to accommodate multiple air conditioning demand scale ranges, it is necessary to prepare models in multiple sizes and select from them the model that best suits the demand scale range. Furthermore, if the scale of air conditioning demand increases after the installation of the saturated air conditioners, it will be necessary to add new saturated air conditioners of a model that matches the increase. Adding new saturated air conditioners will lead to an increase in energy consumption for each additional saturated air conditioner, and will also lead to an increase in installation space. Furthermore, even if the demand for air conditioning decreases, the entire saturated air conditioner must be replaced or removed.

[0005] Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to provide a direct heat exchange type air conditioning module and air conditioning system that can flexibly respond to the scale of air conditioning demand. A second object of the present invention is to provide a direct heat exchange type air conditioning module and air conditioning system that reduces at least one of installation space and cost. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This specification discloses an air conditioning module, which may be connected to an externally disposed secondary heat exchanger and fan, and which may include a primary heat exchanger, which may include a water spray mechanism for supplying water to the air to be conditioned.

[0007] This specification also discloses an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system may include the air conditioning module described above. The air conditioning system may include a secondary heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air from the air conditioning module. The air conditioning system may also include a fan for circulating air. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] A first effect of the present invention is to provide a direct heat exchange type air conditioning module and air conditioning system that can flexibly respond to the scale of air conditioning demand. A second effect of the present invention is to provide a direct heat exchange type air conditioning module and air conditioning system that require less installation space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper side of the air conditioning system (one module) according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lower side of the air conditioning system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view (partially omitted) taken along line AA in FIG. 4. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning module in the air conditioning system of FIG. 1 taken along line BB in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the upper side of the air conditioning system (three modules) according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the lower side of the air conditioning system of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 6 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 of the air conditioning system of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the air conditioning system of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention and modifications thereof will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments and modifications are all intended to be comprehensive or specific examples. The numbers, shapes, materials, presence or absence of components, content of components, arrangement of components, connection manner between components, presence or absence of steps, content of steps, order of steps, etc. in the embodiments and modified examples are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions may be omitted or simplified. Furthermore, terms indicating the relationship between components, such as parallel and perpendicular, terms indicating the shape of components, such as rectangular and disc-like, and numerical ranges do not only indicate the strict meaning but also include a substantially equivalent range, for example, a difference of about 1%, 2%, or 5%.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the upper side of an air conditioning system 1 (one module) according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the lower side of the air conditioning system 1 of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view (partially omitted) taken along line AA in Fig. 4. For convenience, various directions in the air conditioning system 1 are as shown in the drawings. However, the directions may be changed as appropriate depending on at least one of the movement of components or parts due to driving and the relationship with other devices.

[0012] The air conditioning system 1 is installed in a factory having a paint booth as an air conditioning target, and conditions the air inside the paint booth. The air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning module 2, a pump 3, an indirect heat exchanger 4, a primary heat source unit 5, a secondary heat exchanger 6, a stand 7, a secondary heat source unit 8, a fan 10, a duct section 12, a first pipe section 14, a second pipe section 16, and a control section 18. Note that the control section 18 is shown only in Fig. 1 and is omitted in other figures. The air conditioning module 2, the secondary heat exchanger 6, and the fan 10 are connected via a duct section 12. When the fan 10 is driven, outside air A1 to be used as air for conditioning is taken into the air conditioning module 2, passes through the air conditioning module 2 and the secondary heat exchanger 6, becomes conditioned air AC, and is supplied to the paint booth. A first pipe section 14 is interposed between the air conditioning module 2 and the primary heat source unit 5. A second pipe section 16 is interposed between the secondary heat exchanger 6 and the secondary heat source unit 8. The air conditioning target may be a place other than a paint booth, and the air conditioning system 1 may be installed in a place other than a factory.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the air conditioning module 2 taken along line BB in FIG. The air conditioning module 2 includes a housing 20 , an outside air intake 22 , a fence section 24 , a door 25 , a primary heat exchanger 26 , a water tank section 28 , an eliminator 30 , and an air supply section 32 .

[0014] The housing 20 is an assembly of metal structural members, and holds various members of the air conditioning module 2. The housing 20 has a partition 34 that divides it into an upper section and a lower section. The space inside the housing 20 below the partition 34 is a first chamber 35, and the space inside the housing 20 above the partition 34 is a second chamber 36. The partition 34 has an opening into which the eliminator 30 is fitted.

[0015] The outside air intake 22 is an opening formed in the lower right part of the housing 20. When the fan 10 is driven, outside air A1 for air conditioning is taken in through the outside air intake 22. The outside air intake 22 may be located in a position other than the lower right part of the housing 20. The fence section 24 is formed by arranging a plurality of pillars, and is disposed on the right side of the outside air intake 22. The outside air intake 22 may be disposed at a position other than the right side of the outside air intake 22, or may be omitted. The right part of the partition 34 extends in all directions and projects to the right so as to cover the upper side of the outside air intake 22. The right side of the partition 34 is adjacent to the upper side of the fence portion 24. Door 25 extends vertically and horizontally when closed, and is located below the rear edge of the right part of partition 34, between outside air intake 22 and fence 24. Door 25 can be opened and closed around the right edge that extends vertically. Door 25 is used for accessing the interior of air conditioning module 2. Workers who install and / or maintain air conditioning system 1 can enter through door 25 to perform work related to air conditioning module 2.

[0016] The primary heat exchanger 26 directly exchanges heat between the air A2 from the outside air intake 22 and the water W1. The primary heat exchanger 26 controls the temperature and humidity of the air A2 through heat exchange with the water W1 to produce air A3. The primary heat exchanger 26 is disposed in the upper part of the first chamber 35. The primary heat exchanger 26 has a filler 40 and a plurality of (three) sprinkler nozzles 42 as a sprinkler mechanism. The filler 40 is a member that holds the water W1 and is formed by arranging multiple corrugated plastic plates one above the other, extending in all directions. The filler 40 may be formed from a material other than multiple corrugated plastic plates. Furthermore, the filler 40 may be omitted. Each sprinkler nozzle unit 42 is a pipe-shaped member having multiple nozzles and an electromagnetic valve. Each sprinkler nozzle unit 42 supplies water W1 to the filler 40 through its nozzle. Each sprinkler nozzle unit 42 is arranged extending laterally above the filler 40 and sprays water W1. The amount of water W1 supplied from each sprinkler nozzle unit 42 is adjusted by an electromagnetic valve. Three sprinkler nozzle units 42 are arranged in a front-to-back configuration. A first-first pipe 43 is connected to each sprinkler nozzle unit 42. The first-first pipe 43 passes water W1 through the sprinkler nozzle unit 42. The end of the first-first pipe 43 on the side of each sprinkler nozzle unit 42 extends forward and backward. Note that one or more sprinkler nozzle units 42 may be arranged in a position other than above the filler 40, and may drip or pour water W1. The number of sprinkler nozzle units 42 may be two or less, or four or more. The sprinkling mechanism may be something other than the sprinkling nozzle portion 42 as long as it can supply water to the filler 40, and may be, for example, a pipe and one or more holes opened in the pipe, or may be a pipe alone. The water W1 held in the packing material 40 exchanges heat with the air passing through the packing material 40 and falls downward.

[0017] The water tank portion 28 is capable of storing water W2. The water tank portion 28 is disposed in the lower part of the first chamber 35. The bottom of water tank section 28 has an inclined portion that slopes toward the lowest portion. The lowest portion is located in the center of the bottom of water tank section 28. A first-second pipe 44 is connected to the lowest portion. Water W2 that has undergone heat exchange in primary heat exchanger 26 passes through first-second pipe 44. The lowest portion may be located at a position other than the center of the bottom of water tank section 28. Furthermore, water tank section 28 does not need to have an inclined portion. The water tank section 28 has multiple (two) connecting pipes 45. The connecting pipes 45 are arranged at the front and rear, and protrude forward or rearward. When there is one air conditioning module 2, the connecting pipes 45 are closed with a lid.

[0018] The eliminator 30 removes some or all of the water droplets in the air A3 after heat exchange in the primary heat exchanger 26 as the air A3 passes through, producing air A4. The eliminator 30 is disposed above the spray nozzle unit 42. The eliminator 30 is provided at the opening of the partition 34.

[0019] The air A4, which has been temperature and humidity regulated and from which water droplets have been removed, reaches the air supply section 32. The air supply unit 32 supplies air A4 to the right. The air supply unit 32 is disposed in the upper part of the housing 20, above the eliminator 30. The air supply unit 32 has a guide plate 46, an air supply port 48, and a motor damper (not shown). The guide plate 46 is a plate having a curved surface that is convex to the upper left, and is disposed on the left side of the second chamber 36. The guide plate 46 guides the air A4 forward. The guide plate 46 may be omitted. The air supply port 48 is an opening formed in the upper right portion of the housing 20. A first duct 50 is connected to the air supply port 48. The air supply port 48 connects the portion of the second chamber 36 to the right of the guide plate 46 with the first duct 50 in a manner that allows air A4 to pass through. The first duct 50 extends from the air supply port 48 and passes air A4. The left portion of the first duct 50 is located above the right portion of the partition 34. A box 51 that houses the secondary heat exchanger 6 is connected to the other end of the first duct 50. The motor damper adjusts the amount of air A4 supplied from the air supply port 48.

[0020] The box 51 is placed on a stand 7. The stand 7 is in the form of a frame. However, the stand 7 does not have to be in the form of a frame, and may be omitted. In addition, a second duct 52 is connected to the right surface of the box 51. The second duct 52 extends from the box 51 to the right. A fan box 54 that houses the fan 10 is connected to the right end of the second duct 52. A third duct 56 is connected to the upper end of the fan box 54. The third duct 56 extends upward and to the right.

[0021] The pump 3 is for transporting the water W2 and is connected to the first and second pipes 44 extending from the water tank section 28 and the intermediate pipe 60 on the module side. The module-side intermediate pipe 60 is connected to the indirect heat exchanger 4. The indirect heat exchanger 4 is a device that performs indirect heat exchange. The indirect heat exchanger 4 is connected to the 1-1 pipe 43 extending from the spray nozzle unit 42. Water W2 from the module-side intermediate pipe 60 passes through the indirect heat exchanger 4 to become water W1, and then reaches the spray nozzle unit 42 via the 1-1 pipe 43. Furthermore, a 1-3 pipe 61 and a primary heat source unit side intermediate pipe 62 are connected to the indirect heat exchanger 4. A branch section 63 is provided in the 1-3 pipe 61. A 1-4 pipe 65 is connected to the primary heat source unit side intermediate pipe 62 via a three-way valve 64. The primary heat source unit side intermediate pipe 62, the branch section 63, and the 1-4 pipe 65 are connected to the three-way valve 64. The three-way valve 64 and the branch section 63 configure a bypass section 66. Note that the branch section 63 may be a pipe separate from the 1-3 pipe 61, which is connected to the straight 1-3 pipe 61. The first pipe section 14 includes a 1-1 pipe 43, a 1-2 pipe 44, and a module side intermediate pipe 60, as well as a 1-3 pipe 61, a primary heat source unit side intermediate pipe 62, a 1-4 pipe 65, and a bypass section 66. At least one of the various pipes, the indirect heat exchanger 4, and the water tank 28 is provided with a meter (not shown) for measuring at least one of the flow rate, temperature, and water level. For example, the water tank 28 is provided with a water level meter for detecting overflow, etc.

[0022] The primary heat source unit 5 is a device, such as a heat pump, that applies heat to the recovered water W2 using an indirect heat exchanger 4 to produce water W1 for heat exchange. Either hot heat or cold heat may be used as the heat. To the primary heat source unit 5, a first-third pipe 61 and a first-fourth pipe 65 are connected. The primary heat source unit 5 receives the first medium that has undergone heat exchange in the indirect heat exchanger 4 from the 1-3 pipe 61, applies heat to the first medium as needed to process the heat of the first medium, and then supplies the first medium to the indirect heat exchanger 4 via the 1-4 pipe 65, the three-way valve 64, and the primary heat source unit side intermediate pipe 62. The primary heat source unit 5 is equipped with a pump for circulating the first medium. The three-way valve 64 appropriately divides the first medium into one that is directed to the indirect heat exchanger 4 and one that is directed to the branch section 63. The flow rate of the first medium supplied to the indirect heat exchanger 4 is adjusted by the three-way valve 64 within a predetermined flow rate range (for example, from 0 to the full amount). Water W2 from water tank section 28 passes through 1-2 pipe 44, pump 3, and module-side intermediate pipe 60 to reach indirect heat exchanger 4, where it exchanges heat with the first medium associated with primary heat source unit 5 to become water W1, which leaves indirect heat exchanger 4 and reaches spray nozzle section 42 via 1-1 pipe 43. The first medium bypassed from three-way valve 64 to branch section 63 is not used for heat exchange with water W1 in indirect heat exchanger 4, but returns to primary heat source unit 5 via 1-3 pipe 61.

[0023] The secondary heat exchanger 6 is housed in a box 51 . The secondary heat exchanger 6 has a heat exchange section through which the second medium passes. The secondary heat exchanger 6 exchanges heat between the air A4 that has reached the box 51 from the first duct 50 and the second medium, and converts the air into conditioned air AC in the air conditioning system 1. The air A4 is heated by the secondary heat exchanger 6. In addition, the humidity of the air A4 is adjusted as it is heated or cooled.

[0024] The secondary heat source unit 8 adjusts the heat of the second medium related to the secondary heat exchanger 6. The secondary heat source unit 8 applies heat to the secondary heat exchanger 6. Between the secondary heat exchanger 6 and the secondary heat source unit 8, a 2-1 pipe 71 and a 2-2 pipe 72 are interposed. The secondary heat source unit 8 receives the second medium used for heat exchange with the air A4 from the secondary heat exchanger 6 at the 2-1 pipe 71, heats the second medium for heat exchange with the air A4, and sends it from the 2-2 pipe 72 to the secondary heat exchanger 6. The secondary heat source unit 8 processes the heat of the second medium. The second medium is transported by a pump of the secondary heat source unit 8. Instead of the pump of the secondary heat source unit 8, or together with the pump, a pump may be provided in at least one of the 2-1 pipe 71 and the 2-2 pipe.

[0025] The fan 10 is housed in a fan box 54. The fan 10 generates an air flow, i.e., wind, in the air conditioning module 2 and the duct section 12. The fan 10 sends the conditioned air AC from the box 51 and the second duct 52 through the fan box 54 to the third duct 56. The fan 10 causes the air to flow. The third duct 56 supplies the conditioned air AC to the object to be air-conditioned.

[0026] The duct section 12 includes a first duct 50, a box 51, a second duct 52, a fan box 54, and a third duct 56.

[0027] The second pipe section 16 includes a 2-1 pipe 71 and a 2-2 pipe 72 .

[0028] The control unit 18 controls the air conditioning system 1. Here, the control unit 18 is separate from the other components and is connected to the other components via at least one of wired and wireless connections so as to be able to send and receive signals related to various commands. The control unit 18 stores a control program for controlling the various components in the air conditioning system 1, executes the control program to generate various commands, and controls the various components by transmitting signals related to the commands. The control unit 18 may be integrated with at least one of the other components including the air conditioning module 2, or may be separated into multiple parts, each of which performs cooperative control.

[0029] The control unit 18 appropriately performs the following cooperative control in accordance with various set values ​​related to air conditioning. That is, the control unit 18 controls the primary heat source unit 5 to control at least one of the heat and flow rate of the first medium involved in the conversion of water W2 from the water tank unit 28 into water W1 to the spray nozzle unit 42. In other words, the control unit 18 controls the amount of heat processed by the first medium in the primary heat source unit 5. Furthermore, the control unit 18 controls the three-way valve 64 to control the flow rate of the first medium to the indirect heat exchanger 4. The control unit 18 also controls the pump 3 to adjust the flow rates of the water W1 and W2. Furthermore, the control unit 18 controls the secondary heat source unit 8 to control the heat of the second medium related to the secondary heat exchanger 6. The control unit 18 also controls the secondary heat source unit 8 to adjust the flow rate of the second medium. In other words, the control unit 18 controls the amount of heat processed by the second medium in the secondary heat source unit 8. Furthermore, the control unit 18 controls the fan 10 to control the flow rates of the outside air A1, the air A2 to A4, and the conditioned air AC. The various flow rates may be adjusted by valves.

[0030] In this way, in the air conditioning system 1 having one air conditioning module 2, the outside air A1 is conditioned as conditioned air AC and supplied to the object to be air-conditioned.

[0031] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 1, by adjusting the number of air conditioning modules 2, it is possible to respond to increases and decreases in air conditioning demand, that is, air conditioning load. For example, in the air conditioning system 1, by adding two air conditioning modules 2 from one to three, it is possible to respond to an increase in air conditioning demand.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the upper side of a three-module air conditioning system 101 having three air conditioning modules 2. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the lower side of the air conditioning system 101. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view (partially omitted) of the air conditioning system 101 similar to Fig. 3. However, Fig. 7 partially shows a central cross-sectional view of each connecting pipe 45 of the central air conditioning module 2 and the rear air conditioning module 2 and their surroundings. In the air conditioning system 101, three air conditioning modules 2 are arranged in front and behind each other.

[0033] Regarding the doors 25, only the door 25 of the air conditioning module 2 at the end in the front-to-rear direction remains, and the other doors 25 are not installed. Workers can access all the air conditioning modules 2 by entering through the remaining door 25. This improves workability related to the multiple air conditioning modules 2. In addition, instead of the door 25 of the end air conditioning module 2, or together with the door 25, at least one door 25 other than the door 25 may be left.

[0034] Furthermore, 1-1 pipe 43 is replaced with 1-1 pipe 143. The portion of 1-1 pipe 143 on the side of sprinkler nozzle section 42 is bifurcated, and has first branch section 143A and second branch section 143B. First branch section 143A extends forward and backward, and is connected to the four front sprinkler nozzle sections 42 of the total of nine sprinkler nozzle sections 42. Second branch section 143B extends forward and backward on the right side of first branch section 143A, and is connected to the five rear sprinkler nozzle sections 42 of the total of nine sprinkler nozzle sections 42. Furthermore, the 1-1 pipe 143 may be other than the above, for example, it may have three branching portions, each connected to three sprinkler nozzle portions 42 in the corresponding air conditioning module 2.

[0035] Also, the first-second pipe 44 is replaced with a first-second pipe 144. The first-second pipe 144 is connected to the three water tank parts 28. In addition, the front connecting pipe 45 of the water tank portion 28 of the central air conditioning module 2 is connected to the rear connecting pipe 45 of the water tank portion 28 of the adjacent front air conditioning module 2. Similarly, the rear connecting pipe 45 of the water tank portion 28 of the central air conditioning module 2 is connected to the front connecting pipe 45 of the water tank portion 28 of the front air conditioning module 2. By connecting the connecting pipes 45, water W2 moves to other water tank portions 28 through at least one connecting pipe 45 as needed, and the water levels of the three water tank portions 28 are uniform. Note that a separate pipe may be provided connecting adjacent connecting pipes 45. Furthermore, instead of or together with the connecting pipe 45, a new connecting pipe that was not provided in one module may be arranged so as to connect from the left exterior of each water tank portion 28, for example. Furthermore, the pump 3 is replaced with a pump 103 having a higher capacity to transport the water W1 and W2. Furthermore, the module side intermediate pipe 60 is replaced with a module side intermediate pipe 160 having a larger cross-sectional area of ​​the hollow portion. Additionally, indirect heat exchanger 4 is replaced with indirect heat exchanger 104, which is capable of handling a higher flow rate.

[0036] Furthermore, the 1-3 pipe 61 and the 1-4 pipe 65 are replaced with the 1-3 pipe 161 and the 1-4 pipe 165. The 1-3 pipe 161 and the 1-4 pipe 165 are connected to four primary heat source units 5. The end of the 1-3 pipe 161 on the side of the primary heat source units 5 and the end of the 1-4 pipe 165 on the side of the primary heat source units 5 are bifurcated into four. The 1-3 pipe 161 has a thicker branch portion 163. In addition, the three-way valve 64 and the primary heat source unit side intermediate pipe 62 are replaced with a three-way valve 164 and a primary heat source unit side intermediate pipe 162 that correspond to a larger flow rate of the first medium. The three-way valve 164 and the branching section 163 form a bypass section 166.

[0037] Furthermore, the first duct 50 is replaced with a first duct 150. The left portion of the first duct 150 is formed in a trifurcated shape and is connected to the air supply ports 48 of the corresponding air conditioning modules 2. The right portion of the first duct 150 is formed in a shape where the trifurcated left portions merge.

[0038] Furthermore, box 51 is replaced with a larger box 151. Platform 7 is replaced with a larger platform 107. In the three-module air conditioning system 101, platform 7 may be added, platform 7 may be used in combination with larger platform 107, or a size may be selected in advance to prepare for future increases in air conditioning demand, and the system may be used as is without replacement. In addition, the secondary heat exchanger 6 is replaced with a secondary heat exchanger 106 having a larger heat exchange capacity per unit time. Instead of replacing the secondary heat exchanger 6 with a secondary heat exchanger 106 having a higher heat exchange capacity, or in addition to replacing the secondary heat exchanger 6 with a secondary heat exchanger 106, another secondary heat exchanger may be installed. Furthermore, the number of secondary heat source units 8 is increased from one to two, for example. This makes it possible to accommodate an increase in the amount of heat applied to the refrigerant. The 2-1 pipe 71 and the 2-2 pipe 72 are replaced with 2-1 pipe 171 and 2-2 pipe 172, which are connected to the two secondary heat source units 8. The end of the 2-1 pipe 171 on the secondary heat source unit 8 side and the end of the 2-2 pipe 172 on the secondary heat source unit 8 side are bifurcated.

[0039] Furthermore, the second duct 52, the fan box 54, and the third duct 56 are replaced with larger second duct 152, fan box 154, and third duct 156, respectively, to accommodate the increased air flow rate. Note that at least one of the second duct 52, the fan box 54, and the third duct 56 does not have to be replaced. Also, the fan 10 is replaced with a fan 110 having a higher air blowing capacity. Instead of replacing the fan 10 with the fan 110 having a higher output, or in addition to replacing the fan 10 with the fan 110, another fan may be added. The control unit 18 is connected to components of the air conditioning system 101, such as the added or replaced air conditioning module 2, pump 103, indirect heat exchanger 104, primary heat source unit 5, secondary heat source unit 8, fan 110, and three-way valve 164. The control program of the control unit 18 is rearranged or switched to one that corresponds to the added or replaced components.

[0040] In the three-module air conditioning system 101, more outside air A1 can be taken in than in the one-module air conditioning system 1, and this air is conditioned as conditioned air AC2 by the added air conditioning module 2 and primary heat source unit 5, as well as the increased secondary heat exchanger 106 and added secondary heat source unit 8, and is used to conditioned objects with increased air conditioning demand. In the air conditioning system 101, the control unit 18 controls the number of operating primary heat source units 5 according to the amount of heat processed by the first medium. For example, when the amount of heat processed by the first medium is large, the control unit 18 operates all four primary heat source units 5, when the amount of heat processed decreases and becomes less than a first threshold, stops one primary heat source unit 5 and operates three units, when the amount of heat processed further decreases and becomes less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, stops another primary heat source unit 5 and operates two units, and when the amount of heat processed further decreases and becomes less than a third threshold that is smaller than the second threshold, stops yet another primary heat source unit 5 and operates one unit. Similarly, the control unit 18 controls the number of secondary heat source units 8 in operation according to the amount of heat processed by the second medium.

[0041] The number of air conditioning modules 2 can be other than 1 or 3 depending on the air conditioning demand. When a new air conditioning system is installed in another paint booth or another factory, etc., and the air conditioning demand is greater than the air conditioning capacity of a single module air conditioning system 1, an air conditioning system involving multiple air conditioning modules 2 can be introduced from the start. A provider of the air conditioning system 1, 101, etc. does not need to prepare multiple sizes of air conditioning devices equipped with a primary heat exchanger 26, secondary heat exchanger 6, and fan 10 of a predetermined size for each air conditioning demand. Furthermore, those who provide air conditioning systems 1, 101, etc. do not need to increase or decrease the number of air conditioning devices equipped with a primary heat exchanger 26, secondary heat exchanger 6, and fan 10 of a specified size in response to an increase or decrease in air conditioning demand for the same air conditioning target.

[0042] Furthermore, in an air conditioning system having multiple air conditioning modules 2, by suppressing or stopping the operation of some of the air conditioning modules 2, it is possible to reduce energy consumption while responding to air conditioning demand when the air conditioning demand for the air-conditioned object is lower than at its maximum. An example of the operation of the three-module air conditioning system 101 to reduce energy consumption is as follows.

[0043] FIG. 8 is a flowchart relating to this operation example. The air conditioning system 101 is connected to a plurality of paint booths as targets to be air-conditioned. When an operation command is inputted, such as when an operator presses an operation button, the control unit 18 grasps the air conditioning characteristic value (step S1). The air conditioning characteristic value is a value that indicates the characteristics of the air conditioning, and the larger the value, the more energy is required for air conditioning. In this case, it is the air volume set in the fan 10. In addition, instead of air volume, the air conditioning characteristic value may be a temperature difference, which is the absolute value of the difference between the temperature inside the paint booth (air-conditioned temperature) and the air-conditioning set temperature, or a value obtained from multiple elements, such as an estimated amount of power consumption calculated using the temperature difference and air volume.

[0044] Then, the control unit 18 determines whether the air conditioning characteristic value is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value (step S2). If the determination in step S2 is Yes, the control unit 18 further determines whether the air conditioning characteristic value is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value (step S3).

[0045] If the answer is No in step S2, the control unit 18 operates only one air conditioning module 2 and stops the operation of the remaining two air conditioning modules (step S4). The control unit 18 controls the electronic valve to reduce the amount of water W1 supplied by the sprinkler nozzle unit 42 of each air conditioning module 2 that is to be shut down, or stops the supply of water W1. Note that the control unit 18 may adjust the amount of heat that the primary heat source unit 5 applies to the water W2 instead of or in addition to adjusting the supply of the water W1 in the water spray nozzle unit 42.

[0046] Furthermore, if the answer is Yes in step S2 and No in step S3, the control unit 18 operates two air conditioning modules 2 and suspends operation of the remaining one (step S5). Furthermore, if the determination in step S2 is Yes and the determination in step S3 is Yes, the control unit 18 operates all three air conditioning modules 2 (step S6).

[0047] By increasing or decreasing the number of operating air conditioning modules in accordance with the air conditioning characteristic values ​​in the control unit 18, the air conditioning system 101 operates in accordance with air conditioning demand.

[0048] For example, if only some of the paint booths are initially air-conditioned, the air-conditioning demand will be relatively small, so the air-conditioning characteristic value will be small. If the demand is below the first threshold, only one air-conditioning module 2 will operate, and air-conditioning will be performed according to the settings in some of the paint booths, while two air-conditioning modules 2 will be put into a halt, thereby reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, if additional air conditioning becomes necessary for some other paint booths, the demand for air conditioning will increase, and the air conditioning characteristic value will increase accordingly. When the value reaches or exceeds the first threshold, two air conditioning modules 2 will operate, providing air conditioning according to the settings in all paint booths requiring air conditioning, while one air conditioning module 2 will be put into shutdown, thereby reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, if air conditioning becomes necessary for all paint booths, the demand for air conditioning will increase further, and the air conditioning characteristic value will increase based on this further increase.When the air conditioning characteristic value reaches or exceeds the second threshold, the three air conditioning modules 2 will operate, making it possible to provide air conditioning according to the settings in all paint booths.

[0049] On the other hand, when multiple paint booths are being air-conditioned and some of the paint booths no longer require air conditioning, the demand for air conditioning is reduced, and the air conditioning characteristic value decreases based on this reduction.If the air conditioning characteristic value falls below the second threshold or the first threshold, one or two air conditioning modules 2 are shut down, and air conditioning is performed according to the settings in the paint booths that require air conditioning, while reducing energy consumption.

[0050] The control unit 18 repeats the processes of steps S1 to S6 until the air conditioning system 101 stops. The control unit 18 may perform the processes of steps S1 to S6 at predetermined intervals. The predetermined intervals may be, for example, every predetermined time. Different thresholds may be used when the number of operating air conditioning modules 2 increases and decreases. Furthermore, the number of thresholds may be other than (the number of air conditioning modules 2 minus 1).

[0051] The air conditioning module 2 described above is connected to an externally arranged secondary heat exchanger 6 and fan 10, and includes a primary heat exchanger 26. The primary heat exchanger 26 has a water spray nozzle unit 42 that supplies water W1 to the air A2 for air conditioning. Therefore, the secondary heat exchanger 6, 106 and fan 10, 110, as well as the pipes, instruments, pump 3, 103, etc. for connecting thereto, are commonalized in one or more air conditioning modules 2. Therefore, by combining the secondary heat exchanger 6 and fan 10, etc., an air conditioning module 2 is provided for constructing an air conditioning system 1, 101 in a state that meets air conditioning demand and in a state in which cost reduction and space saving are achieved through commonalization.

[0052] Furthermore, the air conditioning module 2 does not include the secondary heat exchanger 6 and the fan 10. Therefore, the secondary heat exchanger 6 and the fan 10 can be completely shared. Furthermore, the air conditioning module 2 has a water tank section 28 that stores water W2. The water exchanges heat with the first medium associated with the primary heat source unit 5 that is disposed outside. Therefore, water W1 for direct heat exchange with air A2 is efficiently produced from the water W2 collected in the water tank section 28. Furthermore, the primary heat exchanger 26 has a filler 40. The water spray nozzle section 42 supplies water W1 to the filler 40. The filler 40 supports the water W1. Therefore, heat exchange between the water W1 and the air A2 is more efficiently performed.

[0053] The above air conditioning systems 1, 101 include one or more air conditioning modules 2, secondary heat exchangers 6, 106 that exchange heat with air A4 from the air conditioning module 2, and fans 10, 110 for circulating outside air A1, air A2 to A4, and conditioned air AC, AC2. Therefore, in the air conditioning systems 1, 101, the secondary heat exchanger 6 and fan 10, as well as the pipes and instruments connecting thereto, are commonalized in one or more air conditioning modules 2. Therefore, the air conditioning systems 1, 101 are constructed in a state that meets air conditioning demand and that reduces costs and saves space through commonalization.

[0054] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 101 includes a plurality of air conditioning modules 2. Therefore, the air conditioning system 101 can meet air conditioning demands at lower costs and in a smaller space than when a plurality of air conditioning devices each equipped with a secondary heat exchanger 6, a fan 10, and a primary heat exchanger 26 are provided. Furthermore, the air conditioning system 101 has only one secondary heat exchanger 106. Also, the air conditioning system 101 has only one fan 110. Therefore, the air conditioning system 101 completely shares the secondary heat exchanger 106 and the fan 110.

[0055] The air conditioning system 101 further includes a control unit 18. The control unit 18 determines an air conditioning characteristic value, which is a value indicating the characteristics of the air conditioning (step S1), and increases or decreases the number of operating air conditioning modules 2 according to the air conditioning characteristic value (steps S2 to S6). This makes it possible to respond to air conditioning targets with changing air conditioning demand in a more energy-efficient manner. Furthermore, in air conditioning system 101 (adjusting the amount of water W1 supplied by changing the number of operating air conditioning modules 2) and its modified example (adjusting the amount of water W1 supplied by changing the water flow through each of first branch 143A and second branch 143B of 1-1 pipe 143), control unit 18 grasps the air conditioning characteristic value and increases or decreases the amount and temperature of water supplied in sprinkler nozzle unit 42 according to the air conditioning characteristic value. Therefore, it is possible to respond to air conditioning targets with changing air conditioning demand in a more energy-efficient manner.

[0056] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 1, 101 includes a primary heat source unit 5 that applies heat to the water W1 to the sprinkler nozzle unit 42 via a first medium, and a secondary heat source unit 8 that applies heat to the secondary heat exchanger 6 via a second medium. Therefore, the primary heat exchanger 26 and the secondary heat exchanger 6 are driven more appropriately. Furthermore, in the air conditioning systems 1 and 101, the number of primary heat source units 5 and the number of secondary heat source units 8 are adjusted according to the number of air conditioning modules 2. In the air conditioning system 1, there is one primary heat source unit 5 and one secondary heat source unit 8. In the air conditioning system 101, there are four primary heat source units 5 and two secondary heat source units 8. Therefore, only the number of primary heat source units 5 and secondary heat source units 8 required for heat processing can be installed. Therefore, in the air conditioning systems 1 and 101, energy savings are improved while meeting air conditioning demand, compared to when primary heat source units 5 and secondary heat source units 8 that are compatible with an air conditioning unit equipped with a secondary heat exchanger 6, fan 10, and primary heat exchanger 26 are installed in conjunction with the air conditioning unit. Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 101, the number of operating primary heat source units 5 and the number of operating secondary heat source units 8 are adjusted according to the amount of heat processed by the first medium and the second medium. Therefore, the primary heat source units 5 and the secondary heat source units 8 are operated more efficiently, and energy conservation is improved while meeting air conditioning demand.

[0057] Additionally, in the air conditioning system 101, each of the multiple air conditioning modules 2 has a water tank section 28 that stores water W2. The multiple water tank sections 28 are connected by connecting pipes 45. Therefore, the water levels in the mutually connected water tank sections 28 are uniform. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 101, only one water level gauge is required for the water tank section 28, and costs are improved while meeting air conditioning demand. Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 101, only some (one) of the multiple (three) air conditioning modules 2 are provided with a door 25 for accessing the interior of each air conditioning module 2. Therefore, workers can access the multiple air conditioning modules 2 by approaching some of the doors 25. This improves the workability of the air conditioning modules 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1, 101··Air conditioning system 2. Air conditioning module 5.Primary heat source machine 6, 106...Secondary heat exchanger 8...Secondary heat source machine 10, 110... Fan 18 Control Unit 25··Door 26...Primary heat exchanger 28··Aquarium section 40·Filling material 42 Sprinkler nozzle part (sprinkler mechanism) 45...Connecting pipe

Claims

1. an air conditioning module connected to an externally located secondary heat exchanger and fan, It has a primary heat exchanger, The primary heat exchanger is A sprinkler mechanism that supplies water to the air for air conditioning have An air conditioning module characterized by:

2. No secondary heat exchanger or fan 2. The air conditioning module according to claim 1.

3. Further, the device has a water tank portion for storing the water, The water is subjected to heat exchange with a first medium associated with a primary heat source device disposed outside.

2. The air conditioning module according to claim 1.

4. the primary heat exchanger has a packing material; the water sprinkler mechanism supplies the water to the filler; The filler supports the water.

2. The air conditioning module according to claim 1.

5. An air conditioning module according to any one of claims 1 to 4; a secondary heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the air from the air conditioning module; a fan for causing the air to flow; Equipped with An air conditioning system characterized by:

6. The air conditioning module is a plurality of 6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

7. The secondary heat exchanger is one, The fan is one 7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

8. Further, the device includes a control unit, The control unit By understanding the air conditioning characteristic values, which are values ​​that indicate the characteristics of the air conditioning, The number of operating air conditioning modules is increased or decreased according to the air conditioning characteristic value.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

9. Further, the device includes a control unit, The control unit By understanding the air conditioning characteristic values, which are values ​​that indicate the characteristics of the air conditioning, At least one of the amount and temperature of the water supplied by the sprinkler mechanism is increased or decreased according to the air conditioning characteristic value.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

10. Further, a primary heat source unit that applies heat to the water in the sprinkler mechanism via a first medium; A secondary heat source device that applies heat to the secondary heat exchanger using a second medium; Equipped with 6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5.

11. At least one of the number of the primary heat source machines and the number of the secondary heat source machines is adjusted according to the number of the air conditioning modules.

11. The air conditioning system according to claim 10.

12. At least one of the number of operating primary heat source machines and the number of operating secondary heat source machines is adjusted according to the amount of heat processed by at least one of the first medium and the second medium.

11. The air conditioning system according to claim 10.

13. Each of the plurality of air conditioning modules has a water tank portion for storing the water, The plurality of water tank sections are connected by connecting pipes.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

14. Only some of the plurality of air conditioning modules are provided with doors for accessing the interior of each of the air conditioning modules.

7. The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

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