Air conditioner control unit

Abstract

On the psychrometric chart, target temperature and humidity can be easily set within a wide enthalpy range, improving convenience. [Solution] An air conditioner control device 100 controls an air conditioner 20 that supplies air to a paint booth 10 for painting an object after taking in outside air and adjusting at least one of its temperature and humidity. The device stores a plurality of windows W1 to W5 (painting conditions) that include the temperature range and humidity range when the object is painted, sets the temperature and humidity that satisfy the temperature range and humidity range of window W selected from the plurality of windows W1 to W5 as the target temperature and target humidity when the object is painted, and controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth 10 become the set target temperature and target humidity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a control device for an air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, control devices have been proposed for controlling air conditioners that adjust the temperature and humidity of paint booths. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a control device that adjusts the temperature and humidity of the outside air, controls humidifying and heating equipment so that the temperature and humidity of the adjusted air matches the target temperature and humidity on a target temperature and humidity line set to a lower humidity side than the saturation humidity line on the air conditioning diagram, and supplies the adjusted air to the paint booth. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2011-128812 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] However, while the control devices described above allow for setting target temperature and humidity values ​​within a relatively wide enthalpy range, various fine adjustments are necessary to match the temperature and humidity of the paint booth to the target values, depending on conditions such as the properties of the paint applied to the object, the characteristics of the paint booth, the target temperature and humidity, and the temperature and humidity of the outside air. Making such fine adjustments according to these conditions was not easy.

[0005] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an air conditioner control device that is advantageous for easily setting target temperature and target humidity over a wide enthalpy range. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, one embodiment of the present invention is a control device for an air conditioner that controls an air conditioner that supplies outside air to a paint booth for painting an object after taking in outside air and adjusting at least one of its temperature and humidity, the air conditioner control device comprising: a storage unit that stores a plurality of painting conditions including a temperature range and a humidity range when the object is painted; a setting unit that sets the temperature that satisfies the temperature range of a painting condition selected from the plurality of painting conditions as the target temperature when the object is painted, and the humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the selected painting condition as the target humidity when the object is painted; and an air conditioner control unit that controls the air conditioner so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth become the target temperature and target humidity.

[0007] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention further includes an outside air temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the outside air, an outside air humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the outside air, and a selection unit that, by referring to the detected outside air temperature and humidity, selects a painting condition from the plurality of painting conditions that can adjust at least one of the outside air temperature and humidity with the minimum energy.

[0008] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of coating conditions each have an overlap in a portion of the temperature range and a portion of the humidity range of adjacent coating conditions.

[0009] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the system further includes a transition determination unit that transitions the selected painting condition to the adjacent painting condition when the target temperature and target humidity fall within the overlapping range of the selected painting condition and the adjacent painting condition, and the adjacent painting condition can adjust at least one of the ambient temperature and humidity with less energy than the selected painting condition, and the setting unit, when transitioning to the adjacent painting condition, sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the transitioned adjacent painting condition, and sets the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the transitioned adjacent painting condition.

[0010] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of painting conditions are included within a predetermined range of the degree of drying of the paint, which is determined by temperature and humidity.

[0011] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of painting conditions are determined by the Pennman-Montees formula.

[0012] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the plurality of coating conditions are included within a predetermined range of the coating quality of the paint on the object.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention further includes an input receiving unit for receiving input of the painting quality, and an adjustment unit for adjusting the selected painting conditions according to the deviation between the input painting quality and a preset painting quality.

[0014] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the storage unit further stores a plurality of relaxation painting conditions corresponding to each of the plurality of painting conditions, including a relaxation temperature range in which the lower limit temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range, and a relaxation humidity range in which the lower limit humidity is lower than the lower limit humidity of the humidity range and the upper limit humidity is higher than the upper limit humidity of the humidity range, and the setting unit sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation painting conditions corresponding to the selected painting conditions when the object is no longer in the painting booth, and sets the target humidity to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation humidity range of the relaxation painting conditions corresponding to the selected painting conditions.

[0015] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the paint is a water-based paint.

[0016] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the air conditioner comprises a first heating device for heating outside air, a humidifying device for humidifying the outside air heated by the first heating device, a dehumidifying and cooling device for cooling and dehumidifying the outside air humidified by the humidifying device, a second heating device for reheating the outside air cooled and dehumidified by the dehumidifying and cooling device, and a supply device for supplying the outside air reheated by the second heating device as conditioned air to the paint booth. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the target temperature and humidity when the object is painted are set to a temperature and humidity that satisfy the temperature and humidity range of the painting conditions selected from a plurality of painting conditions, and the air conditioner is controlled so that the temperature and humidity of the painting booth become the set target temperature and humidity. This makes it possible to select suitable painting conditions from a plurality of painting conditions with different temperature and humidity ranges, and is advantageous in easily setting target temperature and humidity over a wide enthalpy range.

[0018] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the system is configured to select painting conditions from a plurality of painting conditions that can adjust at least one of the outside air temperature and humidity with the least amount of energy by referring to the outside air temperature and humidity, and then set the target temperature and target humidity from the selected painting conditions, it is advantageous in reducing the energy required to adjust the temperature and humidity of the painting booth to the target temperature and target humidity.

[0019] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if multiple painting conditions are configured such that a portion of the temperature range and humidity range of adjacent painting conditions overlap, the multiple painting conditions will have a continuous temperature and humidity range, which is advantageous for easily setting target temperature and target humidity over a wide enthalpy range. In addition, even when changing painting conditions to set target temperature and target humidity due to some factor, since the multiple painting conditions are continuous, it is possible to avoid situations where the temperature or air supplied to the paint booth changes abruptly, which is advantageous for maintaining the balance of the paint booth.

[0020] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the target temperature and the target humidity are within the overlapping range of the selected painting condition and the adjacent painting condition, and at least one of the temperature and humidity of the outside air can be adjusted with less energy in the adjacent painting condition than in the selected painting condition, if the configuration is such that the selected painting condition is shifted to the adjacent painting condition, even when the conditions of the painting booth or the outside air change after the control of the air conditioner is started, it is advantageous in reducing the energy for adjusting the temperature and humidity of the painting booth to the target temperature and the target humidity.

[0021] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, if a plurality of painting conditions are included in a predetermined range of the drying condition of the paint determined by temperature and humidity, it is advantageous in keeping the drying condition uniform when painting an object, regardless of the temperature range and humidity range included in any of the painting conditions when setting the target temperature and the target humidity.

[0022] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, if a plurality of painting conditions are determined by the Penman-Monteith formula, it is advantageous in easily determining the painting conditions.

[0023] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, if a plurality of painting conditions are included in a predetermined range of the painting quality of the paint for an object, it is advantageous in keeping the appearance uniform when painting the object, regardless of the temperature range and humidity range included in any of the painting conditions when setting the target temperature and the target humidity.

[0024] Further, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the configuration is such that the selected painting condition is adjusted according to the deviation between the input desired painting quality and the preset painting quality, it is advantageous in bringing the painting quality when painting an object closer to the desired painting state.

[0025] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if, when there is no object to be painted inside the paint booth, the temperature and humidity are set to the target temperature and target temperature to satisfy the relaxed temperature range and relaxed humidity range of the relaxed painting conditions obtained by relaxing the selected painting conditions, it is advantageous in shortening the time required to return from a standby state where there is no object to be painted inside the paint booth to a paintable state where paint can be applied to the object to be painted inside the paint booth, and in saving energy, compared to supplying unadjusted outside air to the paint booth.

[0026] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the paint is a water-based paint, even with water-based paints where temperature and humidity control during drying is strictly defined, it is possible to easily set the target temperature and target humidity over a wide enthalpy range, which is advantageous in improving convenience.

[0027] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, if the air conditioner is configured to include a first heating device, a humidifying device, a dehumidifying and cooling device, a second heating device, and a supply device, it is advantageous for easily adjusting the outside air to a target temperature and target humidity on a psychrometric chart. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram showing an example of the air conditioning system of this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an overall configuration diagram showing another example of the air conditioning system of this embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a functional configuration diagram of the control device for the air conditioner in this embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of multiple windows of this embodiment defined on a psychrometric chart. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a magnified view of multiple windows. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of multiple relaxation windows in this embodiment. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the flow of the control process for the air conditioner executed by the control device of the air conditioner according to this embodiment. [Figure 8]This flowchart shows the flow of the control process for the air conditioner during window transitions, as executed by the air conditioner control device of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment comprises a paint booth 10, an air conditioner 20, and a control device 100 for the air conditioner 20 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the control device 100). The paint booth 10 is a partitioned area for applying paint to an object, and in this embodiment, the object to be painted is a car (automobile), and the example shows the use of water-based paint.

[0030] The air conditioner 20 takes in outside air, adjusts at least one of its temperature and absolute humidity, and then supplies the adjusted outside air to the paint booth 10 as conditioned air. The air conditioner 20 in this embodiment is composed of a preheater 22, a washer 24, a cooler 26, a reheater 28, and a blower fan 30.

[0031] The preheater 22 is a heating device (first heating device) that heats the incoming outside air. The washer 24 is a humidifying device that humidifies the outside air heated by the preheater 22. The cooler 26 is a dehumidifying device that cools and dehumidifies the outside air humidified by the washer 24. The reheater 28 is a heating device (second heating device) that reheats the outside air cooled and dehumidified by the cooler 26. The blower fan 30 is a supply device that supplies the outside air reheated by the reheater 28 as conditioned air to the paint booth 10. The air conditioner 20 has the preheater 22, washer 24, cooler 26, reheater 28, and blower fan 30 arranged in the order described above.

[0032] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 1 may be configured using a recycling air conditioner 40 instead of the air conditioner 20. The recycling air conditioner 40 recovers the air supplied to the paint booth 10, adjusts the temperature and absolute humidity of the recovered air, and resupplies it. The recycling air conditioner 40 in this embodiment is configured by omitting the preheater 22 and washer 24 from the air conditioner 20. After adding moisture to the air recovered from the paint booth 10, it is cooled and dehumidified by the cooler 26, heated by the reheater 28, and then supplied back to the paint booth 10 by the blower fan 30.

[0033] Next, the control device 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. The control device 100 has a hardware configuration that uses a normal computer, including a control device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing the control program and a RAM (Random Access Memory) as the operating area for the control program, an output device, an input device, and a communication I / F (interface) for communicating with external devices. The CPU executes the control processing of the air conditioner 20 by executing the control program stored in the ROM.

[0034] The control device 100 is connected to the air conditioner 20, an outside air temperature sensor 32, an outside air humidity sensor 34, a regulated air temperature sensor 36, and a regulated air humidity sensor 38. The control device 100 is composed of a storage unit 130, a signal reception unit 102, a selection unit 104, a setting unit 106, an air conditioner control unit 108, a transition determination unit 110, an input reception unit 112, and an adjustment unit 114.

[0035] The outside air temperature sensor 32 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air before it is taken into the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a thermistor. The outside air humidity sensor 34 is a sensor that detects the absolute humidity of the outside air before it is taken into the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a polymer capacitive humidity sensor. The outside air temperature sensor 32 and the outside air humidity sensor 34 are installed near the outside air intake section of the outdoor unit (not shown) of the air conditioner 20.

[0036] The regulated air temperature sensor 36 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the air (regulated air) whose temperature and absolute humidity have been adjusted by the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a thermistor. The regulated air humidity sensor 38 is a sensor that detects the absolute humidity of the air (regulated air) whose temperature and absolute humidity have been adjusted by the air conditioner 20, and is, for example, a polymer capacitive humidity sensor. The regulated air temperature sensor 36 and the regulated air humidity sensor 38 are installed near the supply port of the blower fan 30 of the air conditioner 20.

[0037] The memory unit 130 stores multiple windows W (W1 to W5), which are painting conditions including the temperature and humidity ranges when the object is painted. Specifically, when one temperature and absolute humidity is set on the air conditioner 20, a window W (painting conditions) is defined by a predetermined temperature range (e.g., the set temperature ± 1°C) from that temperature and a predetermined absolute humidity range (e.g., the set absolute humidity ± 2%) from that absolute humidity. In this embodiment, window W indicates the temperature and absolute humidity ranges in which paint can be applied to the object. Therefore, when painting the object, the outside air is adjusted so that the temperature and absolute humidity are within the temperature and absolute humidity ranges indicated by window W. In other words, temperatures and absolute humidity outside the range of window W are not suitable environments for painting the object.

[0038] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, in this embodiment, the multiple windows W stored are set in a rectangular shape on the psychrometric chart, enclosed by a predetermined temperature range and a predetermined humidity range (absolute humidity range). In Figures 4 and 5, five windows W1 to W5 are set, and each window W is set to a temperature range of 3°C, but the number of settings, temperature range, and absolute humidity range are arbitrary.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the multiple windows W1 to W5 each have overlapping temperature ranges and absolute humidity ranges. In Figures 4 and 5, the temperature ranges of adjacent windows W overlap by 1°C. When the multiple windows W1 to W5 overlap in this way, they form a continuous series of temperature and absolute humidity ranges, as shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0040] Furthermore, the multiple windows W1 to W5 are all within a predetermined range of paint drying time determined by temperature and absolute humidity. In other words, regardless of which window W is set to have a temperature and absolute humidity within it, the object (car) can be painted within the predetermined drying time range.

[0041] Furthermore, multiple windows W1 to W5 may be determined by the Pennmann-Montees formula (Equation (1)), which calculates the evapotranspiration rate from temperature (t), humidity (RH), wind speed (u), and sunshine duration (n) when calculating the drying rate of the paint.

[0042]

number

[0043] In addition, although the Penman-Monteith formula of Equation (1) takes into account wind speed and sunshine duration, in the environment of the painting booth, it is considered that their effects are constant. Therefore, when simplified to the extreme, it is represented by the following Equation (2) with A and B as constants.

[0044]

Number

[0045] In addition, the plurality of windows W1 to W5 are included within a predetermined range of the painting quality of the paint for the object. The painting quality is, for example, the degree of smoothness of the surface of the vehicle body, which is the object, or the presence or absence of painting defects. The case of having a painting defect is, for example, when the paint film drips before drying after painting or when bubbles are generated. Each window W is set to quantify such painting quality and fall within the predetermined range.

[0046] The storage unit 130 further stores a plurality of relaxation windows W´ (W´1 to W´5) that correspond to each of the plurality of windows W1 to W5 and are relaxation painting conditions including a relaxation temperature range where the lower limit temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range of the window W and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range of the window W, and a relaxation absolute humidity range where the lower limit absolute humidity is lower than the lower limit absolute humidity of the absolute humidity range of the window W and the upper limit absolute humidity is higher than the upper limit absolute humidity of the absolute humidity range of the window W.

[0047] In other words, as shown in Figure 6, the multiple relaxation windows W' stored in this embodiment are set in a rectangular shape on the psychrometric chart, with a larger temperature range and absolute humidity range than the conventional window W described above. As a result, when the paint booth 10 is in a standby state with no object to be painted, the range of the target temperature and absolute humidity is broadened, thereby saving energy in adjusting the air conditioner 20. Furthermore, if the temperature and absolute humidity of the outside air are outside the relaxation window W', the time required to return the paint booth 10 to a paintable state where paint can be applied to the object to be painted can be shortened compared to when outside air is supplied to the paint booth 10 in a standby state.

[0048] The signal receiving unit 102 receives detection signals sent from the outside air temperature sensor 32, the outside air humidity sensor 34, the regulated air temperature sensor 36, and the regulated air humidity sensor 38. Specifically, the signal receiving unit 102 receives the detected values ​​of the outside air temperature, the absolute humidity of the outside air, the temperature of the regulated air, and the absolute humidity of the regulated air.

[0049] The selection unit 104 refers to the ambient temperature and absolute humidity detected by the ambient temperature sensor 32 and the ambient humidity sensor 34, and selects a window W from among the multiple windows W1 to W5 that can adjust at least one of the ambient temperature and absolute humidity with the least energy. Specifically, the selection unit 104 compares the enthalpy at the center of the multiple windows W1 to W5 with the enthalpy calculated based on the ambient temperature and absolute humidity, and selects the window W with the closest enthalpy.

[0050] The setting unit 106 sets the target temperature for when the object is painted to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of window W selected from multiple windows W1 to W5, and sets the target absolute humidity (target humidity) for when the object is painted to an absolute humidity that satisfies the absolute humidity range of the selected window W. At that time, the setting unit 106 refers to the outside air temperature and absolute humidity and sets the target temperature and target absolute humidity to the temperature and absolute humidity with the lowest energy consumption from among the selected windows W.

[0051] Furthermore, if the window W selected by the transition determination unit 110 is transitioned to an adjacent window W, the setting unit 106 sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the transitioned adjacent window W. The setting unit 106 also sets the target absolute humidity to an absolute humidity that satisfies the absolute humidity range of the transitioned adjacent window W. In this case as well, the setting unit 106 refers to the outside air temperature and absolute humidity and sets the target temperature and target absolute humidity to the temperature and absolute humidity with the lowest energy consumption among the transitioned adjacent windows W.

[0052] Furthermore, when there are no objects to be painted inside the paint booth 10, the setting unit 106 sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation window W' corresponding to the selected window W, and sets the target absolute humidity to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation absolute humidity range of the relaxation window W' corresponding to the selected window W. In this case as well, the setting unit 106 refers to the outside air temperature and absolute humidity and sets the target temperature and target absolute humidity to the temperature and absolute humidity with the least energy consumption among the relaxation windows. Note that when there are no objects to be painted inside the paint booth 10, for example, when the objects are not being painted and are not being transported into the paint booth 10, such as during employees' lunch break or shift changes.

[0053] The air conditioning control unit 108 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 reach the set target temperature and target absolute humidity. Specifically, the air conditioning control unit 108 sequentially controls the preheater 22, washer 24, cooler 26, and reheater 28 provided in the air conditioner 20 to adjust the outside air to the target temperature and target absolute humidity, and controls the supply of the adjusted air to the paint booth 10 by the blower fan 30.

[0054] The transition determination unit 110 transitions the selected window W to the adjacent window W if the target temperature and target absolute humidity are within the overlapping range of the selected window W and the adjacent window W, and the adjacent window W can adjust at least one of the outside air temperature and absolute humidity with less energy than the selected window W. In other words, when the target temperature and target absolute humidity are within the overlapping range of the selected window W and the adjacent window W, the transition determination unit 110 transitions to the adjacent window W if, when adjusting the outside air, the temperature and absolute humidity with the least energy consumption in the adjacent window W can be adjusted with less energy than the temperature and absolute humidity with the least energy consumption in the selected window W.

[0055] The input receiving unit 112 receives various inputs, such as instructions from employees, and for example, it receives input for the desired paint quality.

[0056] The adjustment unit 114 adjusts the selected window W according to the deviation between the input paint quality and the preset paint quality. For example, if the paint quality is quantified as described above, the adjustment unit 114 compares the input desired paint quality with the preset paint quality, and if the desired paint quality is not included in the preset paint quality, it adjusts the temperature range and absolute humidity range of the selected window W so that the desired paint quality is included in the preset paint quality.

[0057] Next, with reference to Figure 7, the flow of the control process for the air conditioner 20 executed by the control device 100 of this embodiment will be described. First, the control device 100 detects the temperature and absolute humidity of the outside air using the outside air temperature sensor 32 and the outside air humidity sensor 34 (step S10). Specifically, the signal receiving unit 102 receives the detected temperature and absolute humidity signals.

[0058] Next, the selection unit 104 refers to the detected outside air temperature and absolute humidity and selects a window W from among the multiple windows W1 to W5 that can adjust the outside air temperature and absolute humidity with the least energy (step S12). Subsequently, the setting unit 106 sets the temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the selected window W as the target temperature when the object is painted, and sets the absolute humidity that satisfies the absolute humidity range of the selected window W as the target absolute humidity when the object is painted (step S14). Then, the air conditioner control unit 108 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 become the set target temperature and target absolute humidity (step S16).

[0059] Next, referring to Figure 8, the flow of the control process for the air conditioner during window transition, which is performed by the control device 100 of the air conditioner in this embodiment, will be described. This process is applied when the control device 100 has already controlled the air conditioner 20 and is supplying regulated air to the paint booth 10.

[0060] First, the control device 100 detects the temperature and absolute humidity of the regulated air using the regulated air temperature sensor 36 and the regulated air humidity sensor 38 (step S20), and detects the temperature and absolute humidity of the outside air using the outside air temperature sensor 32 and the outside air humidity sensor 34 (step S22). Specifically, the signal receiving unit 102 receives the detected temperature and absolute humidity signals.

[0061] Next, the transition determination unit 110 determines whether the set target temperature and target absolute humidity are within the overlapping range of the selected window W and the adjacent window W (step S24). If the control device 100 determines that the target temperature and target absolute humidity are not within the overlapping range (step S24: NO), it returns to the beginning and repeats the process. That is, the control device 100 controls the air conditioner 20 based on the selected window W.

[0062] On the other hand, if the transition determination unit 110 determines that the target temperature and target absolute humidity are within the same range (step S24: YES), it determines whether the adjacent window W can adjust either the outside air temperature or absolute humidity with less energy than the selected window W (step S26). If the control device 100 determines that the selected window W can be adjusted with less energy (step S26: NO), it returns to the beginning and repeats the process. In other words, the control device 100 controls the air conditioner 20 based on the selected window W.

[0063] On the other hand, if the transition determination unit 110 determines that the adjacent window W can be adjusted with less energy (step S26: YES), it transitions the selected window W to the adjacent window W (step S28). The setting unit 106 sets the temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the transitioned adjacent window W as the target temperature when the object is painted, and sets the absolute humidity that satisfies the absolute humidity range of the transitioned adjacent window W as the target absolute humidity when the object is painted (step S30). Then, the air conditioner control unit 108 controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 become the target temperature and target absolute humidity set based on the transitioned window W (step S32), and the process is repeated. Note that if the control device 100 returns to step S20, the transitioned window W becomes the selected window W.

[0064] In this embodiment, when operating the air conditioner 20, as shown in Figure 7, a window W is selected from a plurality of windows W1 to W5 to control the air conditioner 20, and if the situation changes during this control, the selected window W is switched to an adjacent window W as shown in Figure 8 to control the air conditioner 20. In contrast, for example, when operating the air conditioner 20, the air conditioner 20 may be controlled using a window W (fixed window) that is predetermined to be used first from among the plurality of windows W1 to W5, and if the situation changes during this control, the selected window W is switched to an adjacent window W as shown in Figure 8 to control the air conditioner 20.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the storage unit 130 of the control device 100 stored multiple windows W1 to W5 and multiple relaxation windows W'. However, other devices (such as servers) connected to the control device 100 via a network may also store multiple windows W1 to W5 and relaxation windows W'. In this case, the control device 100 may acquire windows W and relaxation windows W' each time it controls the air conditioner 20.

[0066] Thus, the control device 100 of the air conditioner 20 in this embodiment sets the temperature and absolute humidity to the target temperature and target absolute humidity for when the object is painted, which satisfy the temperature and absolute humidity range of window W selected from a plurality of windows W1 to W5, and controls the air conditioner 20 so that the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 become the set target temperature and target absolute humidity. For this reason, a suitable window W can be selected from a plurality of windows W1 to W5 with different temperature and absolute humidity ranges, which is advantageous for easily setting the target temperature and target absolute humidity over a wide enthalpy range.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by referring to the ambient temperature and absolute humidity, a window W is selected from a plurality of windows W1 to W5 that can adjust at least one of the ambient temperature and absolute humidity with the minimum energy, and the target temperature and target absolute humidity are set from the selected window W. This is advantageous in reducing the energy required to adjust the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 to the target temperature and target absolute humidity.

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the multiple windows W1 to W5 are configured such that a portion of the temperature range and absolute humidity range of adjacent windows W overlap, the multiple windows W1 to W5 will have a continuous temperature range and absolute humidity range, which is advantageous for easily setting the target temperature and target absolute humidity over a wide enthalpy range. Also, even if the window W is changed to set the target temperature and target absolute humidity for some reason, since the multiple windows W1 to W5 are continuous, it is possible to avoid situations where the temperature or air supplied to the paint booth 10 changes abruptly, which is advantageous for maintaining the balance of the paint booth 10.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the target temperature and target absolute humidity fall within the overlapping range of the selected window W and the adjacent window W, and the adjacent window W can adjust at least one of the outside air temperature and absolute humidity with less energy than the selected window W, the selected window W is switched to the adjacent window W. This is advantageous in reducing the energy required to adjust the temperature and absolute humidity of the paint booth 10 to the target temperature and target absolute humidity, even if the conditions of the paint booth 10 or the outside air change after the control of the air conditioner 20 has started.

[0070] Furthermore, in this embodiment, multiple windows W1 to W5 are included in a predetermined range of paint drying time determined by temperature and absolute humidity. Therefore, regardless of which window W is included in the temperature range and absolute humidity range in which the target temperature and target absolute humidity are set, it is advantageous in maintaining a uniform drying time when painting the object.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since multiple windows W1 to W5 are defined by the Pennman-Montees formula, it is advantageous in easily determining the window W.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since multiple windows W1 to W5 are included in a predetermined range of paint coating quality for the object, setting the target temperature and target absolute humidity within any of the temperature and absolute humidity ranges included in window W is advantageous in maintaining a uniform finish when painting the object.

[0073] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the selected window W is adjusted according to the deviation between the input desired paint quality and the preset paint quality, it is advantageous in bringing the paint quality when painting the object closer to the desired paint state.

[0074] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when there is no object inside the paint booth 10, the target temperature and target absolute temperature are set to the temperature and absolute humidity that satisfy the temperature and absolute humidity range of the relaxed window obtained by relaxing the selected window W. Therefore, compared to supplying unadjusted outside air to the paint booth 10, it is advantageous in shortening the time it takes to return from a standby state where there is no object inside the paint booth 10 to a paintable state where paint can be applied to the object inside the paint booth 10, and in saving energy.

[0075] Furthermore, although this embodiment uses water-based paint, even with water-based paints that require strict temperature and humidity control during drying, it is advantageous in that the target temperature and target absolute humidity can be easily set within a wide enthalpy range, thereby improving convenience.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the air conditioner 20 is configured to include a preheater 22, a washer 24, a cooler 26, a reheater 28, and a blower fan 30, which is advantageous for easily adjusting the outside air to the target temperature and target absolute humidity on the psychrometric chart. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Paint booth 20 Air conditioner 22 Preheater 24 washers 26 Cooler 28 Rehita 30 Blower fan 32. Outdoor temperature sensor 34 Outdoor humidity sensor 36. Regulating air temperature sensor 38. Adjustable air humidity sensor 40 Recycled air conditioners 100 Control device 102 Signal reception unit 104 Selection Section 106 Settings Section 108 Air Conditioner Control Unit 110 Transition Decision Unit 112 Input Reception Section 114 Adjustment section 130 Storage section W(W1~W5) Window

Claims

1. A control device for an air conditioner that controls an air conditioner that supplies air to a paint booth for applying paint to an object after taking in outside air and adjusting at least one of its temperature and humidity, A storage unit that stores multiple painting conditions, including the temperature range and humidity range, when the object is painted, A setting unit sets the target temperature for when the object is painted to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the painting conditions selected from the plurality of painting conditions, and sets the target humidity for when the object is painted to a humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the selected painting conditions. An air conditioning control unit controls the air conditioner so that the temperature and humidity of the paint booth become the target temperature and the target humidity, A control device for an air conditioner, characterized by comprising the following features.

2. An outside air temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the outside air, An outside air humidity sensor that detects the humidity of the outside air, The system further includes a selection unit that, by referring to the detected ambient temperature and humidity, selects a painting condition from the plurality of painting conditions that can adjust at least one of the ambient temperature and humidity with the minimum energy. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned multiple painting conditions each have an overlap in part of the temperature range and part of the humidity range of adjacent painting conditions. A control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a control device for an air conditioner.

4. The system further includes a transition determination unit that, if the target temperature and target humidity fall within the overlapping range of the selected painting condition and the adjacent painting condition, and the adjacent painting condition can adjust at least one of the ambient temperature and humidity with less energy than the selected painting condition, transitions the selected painting condition to the adjacent painting condition. When the setting unit transitions to the adjacent painting conditions, it sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the temperature range of the transitioned adjacent painting conditions, and sets the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the humidity range of the transitioned adjacent painting conditions. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 3.

5. The aforementioned multiple painting conditions fall within a predetermined range of paint drying time determined by temperature and humidity. A control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a control device for an air conditioner.

6. The aforementioned painting conditions are determined by the Penman-Monteis formula. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 5.

7. The aforementioned plurality of painting conditions are included within a predetermined range of the painting quality of the paint on the object. A control device for an air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is a control device for an air conditioner.

8. An input receiving unit that receives input for the aforementioned paint quality, The system further includes an adjustment unit that adjusts the selected painting conditions according to the deviation between the input painting quality and the preset painting quality. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 7.

9. The storage unit further stores a plurality of relaxation painting conditions corresponding to each of the plurality of painting conditions, including a relaxation temperature range in which the lower limit temperature is lower than the lower limit temperature of the temperature range and the upper limit temperature is higher than the upper limit temperature of the temperature range, and a relaxation humidity range in which the lower limit humidity is lower than the lower limit humidity of the humidity range and the upper limit humidity is higher than the upper limit humidity of the humidity range. When the object is no longer inside the paint booth, the setting unit sets the target temperature to a temperature that satisfies the relaxation temperature range of the relaxation painting conditions corresponding to the selected painting conditions, and sets the target humidity to a humidity that satisfies the relaxation humidity range of the relaxation painting conditions corresponding to the selected painting conditions. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

10. The aforementioned paint is a water-based paint. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

11. The air conditioner comprises a first heating device for heating outside air, a humidifying device for humidifying the outside air heated by the first heating device, a dehumidifying and cooling device for cooling and dehumidifying the outside air humidified by the humidifying device, a second heating device for reheating the outside air cooled and dehumidified by the dehumidifying and cooling device, and a supply device for supplying the outside air reheated by the second heating device as conditioned air to the paint booth. The control device for an air conditioner according to feature 1.

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