Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system excellent in comfortability by setting an indoor temperature in an air-conditioned space to a temperature desired by a user.SOLUTION: The control part 31 is provided with a determination means 37 for determining whether or not the second operation can be performed based on the presence or absence of the indoor temperature detection means in the selected air-conditioned space, and when the determination means 37 determines that the second operation cannot be performed in the selected air-conditioned space, the control part 31 prohibits the selection of the second operation by the remote controller 23. To provide an air-conditioning system excellent in comfortability by keeping an indoor temperature in an air-conditioned space at a temperature desired by a user, and to suppress impairment of comfortability due to continuous rise of the indoor temperature by prohibiting execution of a second operation in the air-conditioned space having no indoor temperature detecting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system that adjusts the temperature of a space to be air-conditioned by circulating a heat medium. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, this type of system has performed heating or cooling operations by controlling the heat generating means and the circulation pump so that the temperature of the heat medium (hot water) supplied to the heat exchange terminal (floor heating panel, hot and cold water panel, etc.) to adjust the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned reaches a target hot water temperature (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-071249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, this conventional system discloses a first operation in which the user operates the heating mode by adjusting the temperature level to adjust the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the heat exchange terminal. However, if the user wants to maintain a constant temperature in the conditioned space, the user must operate the temperature level appropriately, which is time-consuming.

[0005] Furthermore, in the case of the second operation, which is performed based on the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature to save the user the trouble of adjusting the temperature level as needed, if there is no indoor temperature detection means for detecting the indoor temperature in the conditioned space, the temperature difference between the indoor temperature and the set temperature will not be known, and the temperature of the heat medium and the indoor temperature will continue to diverge, which could result in a loss of comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a heat generating means capable of at least one of heating and absorbing heat of a heat medium, a circular circulation circuit through which the heat medium is circulated, a plurality of heat exchange terminals provided in the circulation circuit and performing air conditioning operations for a plurality of spaces to be air-conditioned using the heat medium as a heat source, a parallel branch circuit connected to the circulation circuit and arranging the heat exchange terminals in parallel in each of the spaces to be air-conditioned, individual flow control valves corresponding to the plurality of heat exchange terminals, a circulation pump that circulates the heat medium within the circulation circuit, a temperature sensor provided in the circulation circuit to detect the temperature of the heat medium, indoor temperature detection means provided in at least one of the spaces to be air-conditioned, setting the temperature level of the heat medium supplied to the heat exchange terminal, setting a preset temperature for the spaces to be air-conditioned that can be set in advance, and setting to select the spaces to be air-conditioned to be operated from among the plurality of spaces to be air-conditioned. and a control unit that performs a first operation that performs air conditioning by controlling the heat generating means and the flow control valve so that the temperature of the heat medium in the heat exchange terminal of the selected air-conditioned space becomes the set temperature, and a second operation that performs air conditioning by controlling the heat generating means and the flow control valve so that the indoor temperature of the selected air-conditioned space becomes the set temperature.The control unit is provided with a determination means that determines whether or not the second operation can be performed based on the presence or absence of the indoor temperature detection means in the selected air-conditioned space, and if the determination means determines that the second operation cannot be performed in the selected air-conditioned space, the control unit prohibits the selection of the second operation with the remote control, and if the determination means determines that the second operation can be performed in the selected air-conditioned space, the control unit allows the selection of the first operation and the second operation with the remote control.

[0007] In addition, in claim 2, when the determination means prohibits the execution of the second operation, the control unit switches the operation so as to perform the first operation.

[0008] In addition, in claim 3, the remote control includes an initial setting means that can set in advance for each of the air-conditioned spaces whether or not the indoor temperature detection means is installed in the air-conditioned space, and if the initial setting means sets that the remote control is not installed in the air-conditioned space, the determination means determines that the second operation cannot be performed in the selected air-conditioned space.

[0009] In addition, in claim 4, the determination means determines that the second operation cannot be performed in the selected air-conditioned space if the difference between the indoor temperature when the second operation starts and the indoor temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation was performed is less than a predetermined temperature. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to this invention, an air conditioning system with excellent comfort is provided by maintaining the indoor temperature in the conditioned space at the temperature desired by the user, and by prohibiting the execution of the second operation in an air conditioned space that does not have an indoor temperature detection means, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the heat medium and the indoor temperature from continuing to diverge, which would result in a loss of comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a heat pump hot water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of the first remote controller. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of a second remote controller. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display of the first remote controller during heating operation. [Figure 5] Main block diagram [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial setting screen. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a change notification screen. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the operation of the determination means during heating operation DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Next, one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a floor heating system in which the heat generating means uses a heat pump type heat source machine equipped with a refrigeration cycle and the heat exchange terminal uses hot water as a heat medium.

[0013] 1 will be described as a heat pump hot water heater, which is an example of an air conditioning system.

[0014] Reference numeral 2 denotes a heat pump unit serving as a heat pump-type heat source device that supplies a heat medium (hot water) as a heated heat medium. The heat pump unit 2 includes within its housing a variable-speed compressor 3 that compresses the refrigerant, a liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the heat medium (hot water), an expansion valve 5 that acts as a pressure reducing means for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, and an air heat exchanger 7 that exchanges heat with air (outside air) sent by the operation of a blower fan 6. These components are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping 8 to form a heat pump circuit 9 through which the refrigerant circulates. Any refrigerant, such as an HFC refrigerant or carbon dioxide refrigerant, can be used as the refrigerant circulating through the heat pump circuit 9. The liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 is, for example, a plate-type heat exchanger. A plate-type heat exchanger includes multiple stacked heat transfer plates, with refrigerant flow paths for the refrigerant and liquid flow paths for the heat medium (hot water) flowing alternately across each heat transfer plate.

[0015] Reference numeral 10 denotes a discharge temperature sensor serving as a discharge temperature detection means for detecting the discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3, 11 denotes an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the outside air temperature, and 12 denotes a refrigerant temperature sensor serving as a refrigerant temperature detection means provided in the refrigerant piping 8 from the air heat exchanger 7 to the compressor 3 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant on the outlet side of the air heat exchanger 7.

[0016] Reference numeral 13 denotes a heat exchange terminal connected to the heat pump unit 2 via a supply pipe 14 and a return pipe 15 as piping, to which a heat medium (hot water) heated by the heat pump unit 2 is supplied, and which heats the conditioned space using the supplied heat medium (hot water) as a heat source. The heat exchange terminal 13 can be a radiant terminal such as a floor heating panel, a radiant panel, or a radiator. Although three heat exchange terminals 13A, 13B, and 13C are provided in FIG. 1, the problem of the present invention can arise if there are two or more heat exchange terminals 13 provided in parallel, so any number of terminals may be used.

[0017] The heat exchange terminals 13 are provided in each of the air-conditioned spaces, that is, room 100A (room A: living room), room 100B (room B: bedroom), and room 100C (room C: children's room). The heat exchange terminals 13 can be installed in any of the rooms 100 according to the user's lifestyle.

[0018] Further, a single forward header 16 is provided midway along the forward pipe 14 extending from the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 of the heat pump unit 2 toward the heat exchange terminal 13, and the portion of the forward pipe 14 upstream of the forward header 16 is configured as a single common forward pipe 14a, to which a heat medium (for example, water or antifreeze liquid; hereinafter, the heated heat medium will be referred to as hot water as appropriate) heated in the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 of the heat pump unit 2 is supplied. The portion of the forward pipe 14 downstream of the forward header 16 branches into individual forward pipes 14b equal to the number of heat exchange terminals 13 (three in the illustrated example). Thermal valves 17 (17A, 17B, 17C) serving as flow control valves are attached to each of the branched individual forward pipes 14b.

[0019] When a room 100 is individually selected using tag T, which is the conditioned space selection means of remote control 23 described later, thermal valve 17 corresponding to room 100 of the selected conditioned space opens and heating operation is performed. For example, when tag TA is selected to start heating operation, thermal valve 17A opens.

[0020] Similarly, one return header 18 is provided midway along the return pipe 15 extending from the heat exchange terminal 13 toward the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 of the heat pump unit 2, and the portion of the return pipe 15 upstream of the return header 18 branches into individual return pipes 15b equal to the number of heat exchange terminals 13 (three in the illustrated example). The portion of the return pipe 15 downstream of the return header 18 is configured as one common return pipe 15a, which returns the heat medium (hot water) introduced via the individual return pipes 15b to the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 of the heat pump unit 2.

[0021] The forward header 16 and the return header 18 may be provided inside the housing of the heat pump unit 2 as shown in the figure, or may be provided outside the housing of the heat pump unit 2.

[0022] Reference numeral 19 denotes a circulation circuit formed by connecting the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 of the heat pump unit 2 and the heat exchange terminal 13 with a supply pipe 14 and a return pipe 15, through which the heat medium (hot water) circulates. The common return pipe 15a is equipped with a variable speed circulation pump 20 that circulates the heat medium (hot water) through the circulation circuit 19, and a cistern 21 that stores the heat medium (hot water) and adjusts the pressure of the circulation circuit 19. Each of the individual return pipes 15b of the return pipe 15 is equipped with a return temperature sensor 22 (22A, 22B, 22C) as temperature detection means that detects the temperature of the heat medium (hot water) flowing into the liquid flow path of the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4.

[0023] Reference numeral 23 denotes a remote controller installed on a wall surface of a room such as room 100A. The remote controller 23 includes a display unit 24, an operation switch such as an ON / OFF switch 25 for instructing the heat exchange terminal 13 to start or stop operation, a timer switch 26 for instructing the heat exchange terminal 13 to operate using a timer, an operation selector switch 27 for instructing the heat exchange terminal 13 to switch between operation modes (normal mode, save mode, etc.), a menu / enter switch 28, a cross key 29 for up, down, left, and right directions, and an indoor temperature sensor 30 for detecting the indoor temperature provided inside the remote controller 23. The remote controller 23 includes a CPU as control means for displaying various information, a memory as storage means, and the like, and can transmit information via bidirectional communication with a control unit 31 (described later). A plurality of remote controllers 23 (e.g., a first remote controller 23A and a second remote controller 23B) can be installed depending on the user's lifestyle.

[0024] It also has a tag T (tag TA, tag TB, tag TC) which is an air-conditioned space selection means for selecting which room to operate from among rooms 100A to 100C, which are the air-conditioned spaces, and can select and operate one of rooms 100A to 100C. When operating in room 100A (room A), the tag can be switched to tag TA to select it and start heating operation. Furthermore, tag T has a main screen TM and an initial setting means TS, and the display can also be changed.

[0025] Furthermore, since the tag T and the room 100 (or the thermal valve 17 that supplies hot water to the room 100) are linked, the same room 100 cannot be operated from two or more different remote controls 23. For example, in this embodiment, the first remote control 23A can only operate rooms A and C out of rooms A, B, and C, and cannot issue a command to start heating in room B. To start heating in room B, it is necessary to operate the second remote control 23B provided in room B.

[0026] In addition, as an indicator of the first operation described later, the remote control 23 has a level setting means for setting the temperature level (hot water temperature) of the heat medium (hot water) supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13, and in this embodiment, levels 1 to 10 can be set as the temperature level.

[0027] Furthermore, as an indicator of the second operation described later, the remote controller 23 has a temperature setting means for setting the set temperature of the room 100 selected from the selection items, and in this embodiment, the set temperature can be set to 16° C. to 30° C. Furthermore, the current indoor temperature of the room 100 can be displayed based on the detected value of the indoor temperature sensor 30.

[0028] 2, the display of the first remote controller 23A will be described. The display unit 24 can switch between a plurality of setting screens (200 to 203) under the control of the CPU. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 2(a), the display unit 24 displays an overall setting screen 200 for making settings related to the entire heat pump hot water heater 1. When the overall setting screen 200 is displayed on the display unit 24, the operating state of the heat pump unit 2 (heat source) is displayed in the center of the overall setting screen 200 (stopped in this example), and a status display indicating the operating state of the heat pump unit 2 is displayed within the main tag TM (in this example, "OFF" is displayed, indicating the stopped state).

[0029] On the other hand, the example shown in FIG. 2(b) shows the display unit 24 of the remote controller 23A during a first operation described later, and the display unit 24 displays a terminal setting screen 201 for configuring the heat exchange terminal 13, including starting and stopping the operation of the heat exchange terminal 13. The number of terminal setting screens 201 can be equal to the number of connected heat exchange terminals 13 (in this embodiment, one for each of Room A and Room B). When the terminal setting screen 201 is displayed on the display unit 24, the room name and operating status of the corresponding heat exchange terminal 13 are displayed in the center of the terminal setting screen 201, and the temperature level of the hot water supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13 and an indicator indicating that temperature level are displayed on the right side of the screen. In this example, the terminal setting screen 201 of the heat exchange terminal 13A corresponding to Room A as the air-conditioned space is displayed, and it is displayed in the center of the screen that the first heating of Room A is stopped, and on the right side of the screen that the hot water temperature level is set to 5. In addition, within the tag TA, a status display (indicated as "OFF") is displayed indicating the operating status of the heat exchange terminal 13A corresponding to room A. Although a detailed explanation will be omitted, when the first remote control 23A is set to be able to operate room C, the content displayed on the terminal setting screen 201 of the heat exchange terminal 13C corresponding to room C is the same as the content displayed on the terminal setting screen 201 of the heat exchange terminal 13A corresponding to room A described above. In addition, when the first remote control 23A is not set to be able to operate room B, the tag TB is not displayed on the display unit 24 of the first remote control 23A.

[0030] 2(c) shows the display unit 24 of the remote controller 23A during the second operation described below. The display unit 24 displays a terminal setting screen 201 for configuring the heat exchange terminal 13, including starting and stopping the heat exchange terminal 13. The number of terminal setting screens 201 can be equal to the number of connected heat exchange terminals 13 (three in this embodiment). When the terminal setting screen 201 is displayed on the display unit 24, the room name and operating status of the corresponding heat exchange terminal 13 are displayed in the center of the terminal setting screen 201, and the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 30 and the set temperature previously set by the user are displayed on the right side of the screen (here, the room temperature of room A is displayed because the tag TA is selected). In this example, the terminal setting screen 201 of the heat exchange terminal 13A corresponding to room A as the conditioned space is displayed. The screen center indicates that the second heating of room A is stopped, and the room temperature and set temperature are displayed on the right side of the screen. In addition, within the tag TA, a status display (indicated as "OFF") indicating the operating state of the heat exchange terminal 13A corresponding to room A is displayed. Although detailed explanation will be omitted, the content displayed on the terminal setting screen 201 of the heat exchange terminal 13C corresponding to room C is the same as the content displayed on the terminal setting screen 201 of the heat exchange terminal 13A corresponding to room A described above. However, if the determination means 37 described below determines that the room is not equipped with an indoor temperature sensor 30 and that the second operation cannot be performed, the indoor temperature cannot be displayed, so the control unit 31 prohibits the selection of Figure 2(c) and switches to the screen of Figure 2(b).

[0031] 3, the display of the setting screen when the second remote control 23B is provided in room B and the heating operation of room B is performed by the second remote control 23B will be described. Explanations of the display similar to that of the first remote control 23A in FIG. 2 will be omitted. 3(b) as an example, in this embodiment, since room A and room C are connected to the first remote controller 23A, overlapping of operation operations is not possible on the second remote controller 23B, and the tag TB and main tag TM are displayed on the terminal setting screen 201 of the heat exchange terminal 13B corresponding to room B. Note that when the terminal setting screen 201 for the first operation is switched to the terminal setting screen 201 for the second operation using the tag TB (switching from FIG. 3(b) to FIG. 3(c)), the determination means 37, which will be described later, determines that an indoor temperature sensor 30 is provided in the room and that the second operation can be performed, and therefore the control unit 31 permits the selection of FIG. 3(c).

[0032] Reference numeral 31 denotes a control unit having a memory means for storing various data and programs and a control means for performing calculations and control processing. The control unit 31 receives signals from various sensors in the heat pump unit 2 and signals from the remote control 23, and controls the operation of the compressor 3, expansion valve 5, blower fan 6, thermal valve 17, and circulation pump 20, and performs heating operation by controlling the heat pump unit 2 (compressor 3, expansion valve 5, blower fan 6), thermal valve 17, and circulation pump 20 so that the temperature of the hot water supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13 becomes the target hot water temperature.

[0033] 5, the control unit 31 has a compressor control means 32 for controlling the rotation speed of the compressor 3, an expansion valve control means 33 for controlling the opening of the expansion valve 5, a circulation pump control means 34 for controlling the rotation speed of the circulation pump 20, a target hot water temperature setting means 35 for setting a target hot water temperature of the heat medium (hot water) supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13, and a target discharge temperature setting means 36 for setting a target discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3. Details of the control and processing of each of the above means will be described later.

[0034] Next, the operation of the heat pump hot water heater 1 during heating operation will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Here, a scene in which heating operation is performed by the heat exchange terminal 13A will be described.

[0035] First, with the terminal setting screen 201 displayed on the display 24 of the first remote controller 23A, the user operates the on / off switch 25 of the remote controller 23 to instruct the heat exchange terminal 13A to start heating operation, and the instruction signal is received by the control unit 31. At this time, the display 24 of the remote controller 23 displays the operating status (first heating operation in room A) and temperature level (level 5), as shown in FIG. 4(b), and the tag TA displays "ON." On the overall setting screen 200, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the operating status of the heat pump unit 2 (in operation) is displayed in the center of the screen, and the main tag TM displays "ON."

[0036] Furthermore, in the case of second heating operation based on the room temperature rather than first heating operation based on the temperature level, the display unit 24 of the remote controller 23 displays the operating status (room A in second heating operation), the room temperature, and the set temperature, as shown in Fig. 4(c), and the tag TA displays "ON." On the overall setting screen 200, as shown in Fig. 4(a), the operating status of the heat pump unit 2 (in operation) is displayed in the center of the screen, and the main tag TM displays "ON."

[0037] When the instruction to start the heating operation is issued, the control unit 31 starts the operation of the heat pump circuit 9 (starting the operation of the compressor 3 and the blower fan 6 and controlling the expansion valve 5 to a predetermined opening). Furthermore, the control unit 31 opens the thermal valve 17A corresponding to the heat exchange terminal 13A and starts the operation of the circulation pump 20, thereby starting the heating operation. During the heating operation, in the heat pump circuit 9, a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant compressed by the compressor 3 is discharged from the compressor 3. The refrigerant exchanges heat with the hot water flowing through the circulation circuit 19 in the liquid-refrigerant heat exchanger 4, which functions as a condenser, and releases heat to the hot water, heating it and transforming into a high-pressure refrigerant in a gas-liquid mixed state. The refrigerant in this state is then decompressed in the expansion valve 5 to become a low-pressure refrigerant, which becomes more easily evaporated. Then, in the air heat exchanger 7, which functions as an evaporator, it exchanges heat with the outside air blown by the driving of the blower fan 6, absorbing heat from the outside air, becoming a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which then returns to the compressor 3.

[0038] Meanwhile, in circulation circuit 19, hot water flowing into liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 by the drive of circulation pump 20, which is driven at a constant rotation speed, is heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant in liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4, which functions as a condenser, and the heated hot water is then supplied to heat exchange terminal 13A and used to heat the conditioned space (room A) corresponding to heat exchange terminal 13A, and the hot water, whose temperature has been reduced by heat dissipation in heat exchange terminal 13A, returns to liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 and is heated again. Here, because heating by heat exchange terminal 13B and heat exchange terminal 13C is stopped, thermal valve 17B corresponding to heat exchange terminal 13B and thermal valve 17C corresponding to heat exchange terminal 13C are closed, and as shown in FIG. 1, the hot water heated in liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 is circulated only to heat exchange terminal 13A.

[0039] During the heating operation, the target hot water temperature of the hot water supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13A is set by the target hot water temperature setting means 35. The target hot water temperature setting means 35 sets the corresponding target hot water temperature in accordance with the temperature level set by the remote controller 23 or the temperature difference between the set temperature set by the remote controller 23 and the room temperature.

[0040] In the first operation (first heating operation) of this embodiment, the target hot water temperature setting means 35 sets a target return temperature (for example, a hot water temperature associated with a temperature level) as the corresponding target hot water temperature in accordance with the temperature level set by the remote control 23. The compressor control means 32 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 3 so that the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22A becomes the target return temperature set by the target hot water temperature setting means 35, thereby causing the hot water temperature supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13A to become the temperature level set by the remote control 23. Here, the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22A reaching the target return temperature is determined to be the temperature of the hot water supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13A becoming the temperature level set by the remote control 23.

[0041] Furthermore, in the second operation (second heating operation) of this embodiment, the target hot water temperature setting means 35 sets the target return temperature as the corresponding target hot water temperature in accordance with the temperature difference between the set temperature set by the remote control 23 and the current indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor 30. The compressor control means 32 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 3 so that the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22A becomes the target return temperature set by the target hot water temperature setting means 35, thereby causing the hot water temperature supplied to the heat exchange terminal 13A to become the set temperature set by the remote control 23.

[0042] To explain in more detail the control of the rotation speed of the compressor 3 in the first and second operations, the compressor control means 32 determines the magnitude of the load from the temperature difference between the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22A and the target return temperature set by the target hot water temperature setting means 35, and controls the rotation speed of the compressor 3 to increase or decrease depending on the magnitude of the load, and if the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22A has not reached the target return temperature, the rotation speed of the compressor 3 is increased. On the other hand, if the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22A reaches the target return temperature, the rotation speed of the compressor 3 is reduced in order to maintain the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22A at the target return temperature.

[0043] In this embodiment, the target hot water temperature setting means 35 sets a target return temperature as the corresponding target hot water temperature according to the temperature level or set temperature set by the remote control 23, and controls the rotation speed of the compressor 3 so that the hot water temperature detected by the return temperature sensor 22 provided in the return pipe 15 on the inlet side (inlet side) of the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4 becomes the target return temperature, thereby performing so-called return temperature control. However, this is not limited to this, and the target hot water temperature setting means 35 may set the hot water temperature corresponding to the temperature level or set temperature set by the remote control 23 as the target hot water temperature (target delivery temperature), provide a delivery temperature sensor (not shown) as a temperature detection means in the delivery pipe 14 on the outlet side (outlet side) of the liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 4, and control the rotation speed of the compressor 3 so that the hot water temperature detected by the delivery temperature sensor becomes the target delivery temperature, thereby performing so-called delivery temperature control.

[0044] During the heating operation, the target discharge temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3 is set by the target discharge temperature setting means 36. The target discharge temperature setting means 36 sets a corresponding target discharge temperature based on the target hot water temperature set by the target hot water temperature setting means 35. More specifically, the target discharge temperature setting means 36 sets a corresponding target discharge temperature (= target hot water temperature + coefficient related to the rotation speed of the compressor 3 + coefficient related to the outside air temperature) based on the target hot water temperature set by the target hot water temperature setting means 35, as well as a coefficient related to the rotation speed of the compressor 3 during the heating operation and a coefficient related to the outside air temperature during the heating operation detected by the outside air temperature sensor 11. The expansion valve control means 33 controls the opening degree of the expansion valve 5 so that the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3 detected by the discharge temperature sensor 10 becomes the target discharge temperature set by the target discharge temperature setting means 36.

[0045] To explain the opening control of the expansion valve 5 in more detail, the expansion valve control means 33 controls the opening of the expansion valve 5 according to the temperature difference between the refrigerant temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor 10 and the target discharge temperature set by the target discharge temperature setting means 36, and controls the opening of the expansion valve 5 in a direction to narrow (close) when the refrigerant temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor 10 has not reached the target discharge temperature. On the other hand, when the refrigerant temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor 10 has reached the target discharge temperature, controls the opening of the expansion valve 5 in a direction to open in order to maintain the refrigerant temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor 10 at the target discharge temperature.

[0046] During the heating operation, the circulation pump 20 is controlled by the circulation pump control means 34 to a constant rotation speed (for example, 3500 rpm).

[0047] Next, the determination means 37 will be described. The control unit 31 is provided with a determination means 37 that determines whether or not the second operation can be performed in the room 100 with the tag T selected by the provided air-conditioned space selection means. Specifically, it determines whether or not the second operation can be performed depending on whether or not an indoor temperature sensor 30 (remote control 23) is present in the selected room 100, and the control unit 31 determines and controls whether or not to permit switching to the second operation based on the determination result. If the determination means 37 determines that there is no remote control 23 with an indoor temperature sensor 30 installed in the room 100 of the selected tag T, the control unit 31 prohibits switching to the second heating (second operation) which cannot detect the indoor temperature, and automatically switches to the first heating (first operation) to perform heating operation, out of the first heating (first operation) based on the temperature level set by the remote control 23 and the second heating (second operation) based on the temperature difference between the set temperature set by the remote control 23 and the indoor temperature.

[0048] In this way, if the judgment means 37 determines that the second operation cannot be performed, the control unit 31 switches from the second operation to the first operation and performs heating operation, thereby preventing the indoor temperature from continuing to rise due to the absence of the indoor temperature sensor 30. Furthermore, the temperature level for the first operation is set by referring to the temperature level set in the previous first operation to perform heating, thereby making it possible to bring the room temperature closer to the room temperature desired by the user.

[0049] Next, the display on the display unit 24 when the determining means 37 determines that the second operation cannot be performed will be described with reference to FIG. When the first heating operation is in progress in room A, the display unit 24 of the remote controller 23 displays the operation status (room A is in first heating operation) and the temperature level (level 5), and the tag TA displays "ON," as shown in FIG. 6(a). At this time, if the user selects "C" in the tag TC to perform heating operation in room C as well and attempts to instruct the second heating operation, as shown in FIG. 6(b), the remote controller 23 equipped with the room temperature sensor 30 is not installed in room C, and the second heating operation (second operation) cannot be performed. Therefore, the control unit 31 prohibits the selection of the second heating operation (second operation) and displays a message indicating that the first heating operation (first operation) will be performed. The change notification screen 202 may be hidden after a certain period of time, or the change notification screen 202 may be hidden by the user operating any switch on the remote controller 23.

[0050] In this way, the reason for switching from the second operation to the first operation can be displayed on the remote controller 23 operated by the user, so the user can know why the second operation cannot be performed, and by operating the first operation, which is executable, instead, it is possible to prevent the room from not getting warm despite operating the heating operation, and to provide a comfortable environment. The user can know that the operation has been changed by looking at the message that the first heating (first operation) will be performed and the display on the remote controller 23 when the first heating operation has been switched to ((b) in Figure 2).

[0051] Next, the first determination method of the determination means 37 will be described with reference to FIG. A tag TS is provided (e.g., labeled "Setting") as an initial setting means for setting whether or not a remote controller 23 equipped with an indoor temperature sensor 30 is installed in each of rooms 100A to 100C of the air-conditioned space. When the user selects the tag TS, an initial setting screen 203 is displayed on the display unit 24 of the remote controller 23.

[0052] The user can arbitrarily set the installation status of the remote control 23 for each room in advance on this initial setting screen 203. For example, as shown in Fig. 6(a), rooms A and C are connected to the first remote control 23A, so the installation status of the remote control 23 for each of rooms A and C is set to either "Yes" or "No." Also, as shown in Fig. 6(b), only room B is connected to the second remote control 23B, so the installation status of the remote control 23 for room B is set to either "Yes" or "No."

[0053] Here, information on the installation status, "yes" or "no," is transmitted from the remote control 23 to the control unit 31, and the control unit 31 stores information on the installation status and the corresponding room (or the corresponding thermal valve 17).

[0054] The determination means 37 determines whether or not the second operation can be performed based on the installation status set on the initial setting screen 203. Here, when the user instructs the second operation in a room where the installation status of the remote control 23 is set to "present," the determination means 37 determines that the second operation can be performed, and the control unit 31 performs the second operation. Also, when the user instructs the second operation in a room where the installation status of the remote control 23 is set to "absent," the determination means 37 determines that the second operation cannot be performed, and the control unit 31 displays the change notification screen 202 on the remote control 23, prohibits the second operation, and switches from the second operation to the first operation.

[0055] In this way, by inputting in advance whether or not the remote control 23 is present on the initial setting screen 203, the determination means 37 determines whether or not the second operation can be performed, and the temperature of the room 100 can be brought closer to the temperature desired by the user, thereby improving comfort.

[0056] Next, a determination method in which the second determination method is added to the first determination method of the determination means 37 will be described. When the user instructs the second heating operation (second operation) (S1: Yes), the installation status stored in the control unit 31 is checked (S2), and if it is determined to be "none" on the initial setting screen 203 (S3: No), the control unit 31 proceeds to S11, where it displays the change notification screen 202 and switches the second operation to the first operation (S11).

[0057] Furthermore, if it is determined to be "Yes" on the initial setting screen 203 (Yes in S3), the control unit 31 permits the second heating operation and starts the second heating operation (S4). At this time, the remote controller 23 that performed the operation to start the second heating operation detects the current pre-operation indoor temperature using the indoor temperature sensor 30 and transmits it to the control unit 31, and the control unit 31 stores the current pre-operation indoor temperature (S5).

[0058] A timer or counting means built into the control unit 31 starts counting the operation time since the start of the second heating operation (second operation) (S6), and monitors whether a predetermined count (for example, 30 minutes since the start of the second heating operation) has been reached (S7). If the predetermined count has been reached (Yes in S7), the remote control 23 that operated to start the second heating operation detects the current indoor temperature before operation using the indoor temperature sensor 30 and transmits it to the control unit 31, and the control unit 31 stores the current indoor temperature after operation (S8).

[0059] The determining means 37 compares the pre-operation indoor temperature and the post-operation indoor temperature stored in the control unit 31, and checks whether the temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature (5° C. or greater) (S9).

[0060] If the temperature difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined temperature (S9 is No), the judgment means 37 judges that the second heating operation (second operation) is being performed in the room where the remote control 23 that performed the operation to start the second heating operation is located, and the control unit 31 continues the second heating operation (second operation).

[0061] Furthermore, if the temperature difference is less than the predetermined temperature (Yes in S9), the judgment means 37 judges that the second heating operation is not being performed in the room where the remote control 23 that performed the operation to start the second heating operation is located, and that the second heating operation based on the temperature difference between the set temperature and the room temperature is not being performed correctly (S10).

[0062] Then, the control unit 31 displays the change notification screen 202 on the remote controller 23, and switches the second operation to the first operation (S11).

[0063] In this way, by using the second judgment method, it is possible to determine whether or not the second heating operation (second operation) can be performed based on changes in the indoor temperature, and even if the initial settings are incorrect or forgotten, it is possible to prevent unnecessary heating operations and situations in which the indoor temperature desired by the user is not achieved, thereby providing a heating operation that improves comfort.

[0064] The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the target hot water temperature setting, target discharge temperature setting, compressor 3 rotation speed control, and circulation pump 20 rotation speed control during heat storage operation of the present invention are applied in a situation where heating operation is performed using only heat exchange terminal 13A. However, the present invention may be applied as long as at least one of multiple heat exchange terminals 13 is performing heating operation.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat pump unit 2 is capable of performing only heating operation, but the heat pump unit 2 may be capable of performing both heating operation and cooling operation.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the heat generating means has been described as the heat pump unit 2, but it may be one that generates heat by combustion in a combustion appliance and is capable of performing heating operation.

[0067] In addition, in this embodiment, the heating operation using floor heating has been described, but it is not limited to just heating a heat medium, and it may also be a device that generates cold air by absorbing heat. For example, it may be a hot air heater that circulates hot or cold water to blow out hot or cold air, or an air conditioner that circulates a refrigerant to blow out hot or cold air.

[0068] In addition, in this embodiment, the indoor temperature sensor 30 is provided on the remote control 23, but it is not limited to the remote control, and the indoor temperature sensor 30 that detects the indoor temperature may be provided directly in the room or in another home appliance, as long as it can transmit the indoor temperature to the control unit 31.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case has been described where there are three rooms 100 and two remote controls 23, but the number of rooms and the number of remote controls may be increased to suit the lifestyle of the user. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1. Heat pump type hot water heater 4 Liquid refrigerant heat exchanger 13 Heat exchange terminal 17 Thermal valve 19 Circulation circuit 20 Circulation Pump 23 Remote Control 30 Indoor temperature sensor 31 Control Unit 37 Judgment means

Claims

1. a heat generating means capable of at least one of heating and absorbing heat from a heat medium; a circular circulation circuit through which the heat transfer medium is circulated; a plurality of heat exchange terminals that are provided in the circulation circuit and perform air conditioning operations for a plurality of spaces to be air-conditioned using the heat medium as a heat source; a parallel branch circuit connected to the circulation circuit and arranging the heat exchange terminals in parallel in each of the plurality of spaces to be air-conditioned; individual flow control valves corresponding to the plurality of heat exchange terminals; a circulation pump that circulates the heat medium within the circulation circuit; a temperature sensor provided in the circulation circuit for detecting a temperature of the heat medium; an indoor temperature detection means for detecting an indoor temperature provided in at least one of the plurality of air-conditioned spaces; a remote controller capable of setting the temperature level of the heat medium supplied to the heat exchange terminal, setting a preset temperature of the air-conditioned space, and selecting the air-conditioned space to be operated from among the plurality of air-conditioned spaces; an air conditioning system including a control unit that performs a first operation to perform air conditioning operation by controlling the heat generating means and the flow control valve so that the temperature of the heat medium in the heat exchange terminal of the selected air-conditioned space becomes the temperature level, and a second operation to perform air conditioning operation by controlling the heat generating means and the flow control valve so that the indoor temperature of the selected air-conditioned space becomes the set temperature, The control unit is provided with a determination means that determines whether or not the second operation is to be performed based on the presence or absence of the indoor temperature detection means in the selected air-conditioned space, An air conditioning system characterized in that, when the determination means determines that the second operation cannot be performed in the selected air-conditioned space, the control unit prohibits the selection of the second operation on the remote control, and, when the determination means determines that the second operation can be performed in the selected air-conditioned space, the control unit allows the selection of the first operation and the second operation on the remote control.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein, when the determination means prohibits the execution of the second operation, the control unit switches the operation so that the first operation is performed.

3. the remote controller includes an initial setting means for setting in advance for each of the air-conditioned spaces whether or not the indoor temperature detection means is installed in the air-conditioned spaces, The air conditioning system of claim 2, characterized in that if the initial setting means sets the remote control to be not installed in the air-conditioned space, the determination means determines that the second operation cannot be performed in the selected air-conditioned space.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the determination means determines that the second operation cannot be performed in the selected conditioned space if the difference between the indoor temperature when the second operation starts and the indoor temperature after a predetermined time has elapsed since the second operation was performed is less than a predetermined temperature.

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