Air conditioning system

The air conditioning system efficiently manages temperature in electrical rooms by directing exhaust gas to the upper space and using enhanced ventilation to maintain optimal conditions for electrical equipment, reducing energy consumption and preventing overheating.

JP2026109084APending Publication Date: 2026-07-01FUJITA CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
FUJITA CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-12-19
Publication Date
2026-07-01

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional air conditioning systems for electrical rooms with power distribution panels are inefficient in managing temperature near cable racks due to excessive energy consumption and reduced cooling effectiveness, especially when outside temperatures are high or heat generation is low.

Method used

An air conditioning system with a duct guiding exhaust gas from the power distribution board into the upper space, a supply fan for outside air, an exhaust fan to expel indoor air, and an air conditioner or air handling unit supplying cold air, with ventilation rates exceeding exhaust gas flow rates to maintain efficient temperature control.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively maintains the temperature of the lower space within a predetermined range for normal electrical equipment operation while reducing energy consumption by isolating and expelling heat from the upper space, thereby preventing excessive temperature accumulation.

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Abstract

To efficiently air-condition the room where the electrical distribution panel is located. [Solution] The air conditioning system for the room in which the distribution board 10 is installed includes a duct 20 that guides the exhaust from the distribution board 10 into the upper space of the room, a supply fan 51 that supplies outside air into the room, an exhaust fan 61 located in the upper space that exhausts the indoor air to the outside, and an air conditioner 41 that supplies cool air at a temperature lower than the indoor temperature into the room. The flow rate supplied by the supply fan 51 or exhausted by the exhaust fan 61 is greater than the flow rate of exhaust discharged from the distribution board 10.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosure of this specification relates to an air conditioning system.

Background Art

[0002] In an electrical room where electrical equipment such as switchboards and electrical appliances are installed, cables such as power lines and communication lines are often laid on a cable rack provided at a position higher than the electrical equipment and electrical appliances so as not to obstruct the passage inside the room. However, the cables laid at a position higher than the electrical equipment are likely to be affected by the high-temperature exhaust from the switchboard.

[0003] Generally, the temperature in the electrical room is managed to ensure the normal operation of the electrical equipment and electrical appliances installed in the room. However, for the reasons described above, in addition to the indoor temperature in the lower space where the electrical equipment and electrical appliances are placed, attention must also be paid to the indoor temperature near the height of the cable rack. Conventional technologies related to temperature management in electrical rooms are described in, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a displacement air conditioning system in which outside air is cooled by a cooling device and supplied into the room from a height not exceeding that of electrical equipment, while indoor air is discharged from an exhaust port positioned above the electrical equipment. When the technology described in Patent Document 1 is applied to an electrical room equipped with a switchboard, the room temperature does not decrease easily near the height of the cable racks because the exhaust from the switchboard and the cooled outside air mix. Therefore, the cooling device tends to consume excessive energy to lower the room temperature near the height of the cable racks.

[0006] Patent Document 2 describes a technology in which gas drawn in from outside is directly taken into a cubicle, and exhaust gas from the cubicle is guided to the outside through an exhaust duct connected to an exhaust port formed in the ceiling of the cubicle. The technology described in Patent Document 2 is difficult to use when the outside temperature is high. Also, when used in conjunction with air conditioning, the heat dissipation effect decreases if the heat generated by the electrical equipment (cubicle) is small.

[0007] Based on the circumstances described above, one aspect of the present invention is to provide a technology for efficiently air-conditioning a room in which a power distribution panel is installed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An air conditioning system according to one aspect of the present invention is an air conditioning system for air conditioning a room in which a power distribution board is installed, comprising: a duct that guides exhaust gas discharged from the power distribution board into the space above the room; a supply fan that supplies outside air to the room; an exhaust fan provided in the space above that exhausts the air inside the room to the outside; and an air conditioner or air handling unit that supplies cold air at a temperature lower than the room temperature to the room, wherein the flow rate supplied by the supply fan or exhausted by the exhaust fan is greater than the flow rate of the exhaust gas. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the above embodiment, it is possible to provide a technology for efficiently air-conditioning a room in which a power distribution panel is installed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This diagram illustrates the configuration of an air conditioning system, including an air conditioner. [Figure 2] This diagram illustrates the configuration of an air conditioning system, including an outdoor air handling unit. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of the configuration of an air conditioning support duct. [Figure 4] This diagram shows another example of the configuration of an air conditioning support duct. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the configuration of an air conditioning system according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a modified configuration of the air conditioning system shown in Figure 7. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioning system including an air conditioner. The air conditioning system 1 shown in Figure 1 is an air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to an electrical room 101 in which a switchboard 10 is installed. The air conditioning system 1 includes a duct 20 that guides exhaust gas discharged from the switchboard 10 into the upper space inside the electrical room 101, an air conditioner 41 that supplies cool air at a temperature lower than the room temperature into the electrical room 101, an air supply fan 51 that supplies outside air (gas OA) to the electrical room 101, and an exhaust fan 61 that exhausts the air inside the electrical room 101 to the outside of the electrical room 101. In addition, a cable rack 30 is provided in the electrical room 101 at a position higher than the switchboard 10. Cables (such as power cables and communication cables) extending from electrical equipment (not shown) and the switchboard 10 located in the electrical room 101 are laid in cable racks 30 so as not to obstruct passage within the electrical room 101.

[0012] In this specification, the upper space and lower space of the electrical room 101 refer to, for example, the area higher and lower than the cable rack 30 within the electrical room 101, respectively. The duct 20 guides the exhaust from the switchboard 10 to the area higher than the cable rack 30 for exhaust. However, the upper space is not limited to the area higher than the cable rack 30. The upper space should be an area that is sufficiently high relative to the switchboard 10 and electrical equipment, such that its temperature has a relatively small impact on the operation of the switchboard 10 and electrical equipment (not shown) installed in the electrical room 101.

[0013] The air conditioner 41 is a device that takes in air (gas RA) from the electrical room 101 and supplies cooled air (gas SA) to the electrical room 101. It is a so-called circulating air conditioner that circulates the air in the electrical room 101 to adjust the temperature and humidity. The air conditioner 41 discharges cool air into the space below the electrical room 101 in order to cool the distribution board 10 and electrical equipment located in the electrical room 101. The supply fan 51 and exhaust fan 61 constitute the ventilation system of the air conditioning system 1. The exhaust fan 61 is located in the space above. By providing the exhaust fan 61 in the space above, exhaust air from the distribution board 10, which is guided by the duct 20, can be efficiently exhausted to the outside of the electrical room 101. In addition, air that has been heated and risen inside the electrical room 101 can also be efficiently discharged to the outside of the electrical room 101.

[0014] The air conditioning system 1 is configured such that the flow rate (i.e., ventilation rate) supplied by the supply fan 51 or exhausted by the exhaust fan 61 is greater than the flow rate of exhaust from the power distribution panel 10. Flow rate refers to the amount of fluid moved per unit time. With the air conditioning system 1 configured as described above, the electrical room 101 where the power distribution panel 10 is located can be efficiently air-conditioned. This point will be explained in more detail below.

[0015] In the electrical room 101 where the air conditioning system 1 operates, various electrical devices are arranged. These electrical devices are usually arranged in the lower space, and the air heated by the electrical devices is cooled by the cold air discharged from the air conditioner 41, so that at least the temperature of the lower space is maintained within a predetermined range in which the electrical devices can operate normally.

[0016] Also, the above-described air conditioning system 1 is configured to suppress the amount of heat discharged into the lower space itself. Specifically, the air conditioning system 1 guides the exhaust from the switchboard 10, which is particularly likely to become hot, to the upper space while isolating it from the lower space by using the air conditioning support duct (duct 20), and forcibly discharges it outside the electrical room 101 by the exhaust fan 61 provided in the upper space. Thereby, since the amount of heat discharged into the lower space, which causes the temperature rise in the lower space, can be suppressed, the energy consumption of the air conditioning system 1 required to maintain the temperature of the lower space within a predetermined range can be suppressed as compared with the conventional case.

[0017] Furthermore, the above-described air conditioning system 1 is configured such that the ventilation volume by the ventilation system exceeds the exhaust volume from the switchboard 10. That is, the gas (gas EA) is discharged into the electrical room 101 by the exhaust fan 61 at a flow rate larger than the flow rate of the exhaust (gas DEA) discharged from the duct 20. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hot air from not being sufficiently exhausted from the upper space to the outside of the electrical room 101 and being excessively accumulated in the upper space. For this reason, for example, it is possible to prevent a situation where the hot air accumulated to the limit in the upper space is pushed out to the lower space, and as a result, the lower space is locally exposed to high temperature. That is, by configuring the ventilation volume by the ventilation system to exceed the exhaust volume from the switchboard 10, the air conditioning support provided by the duct 20 can function normally.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioning system including an outdoor unit. The air conditioning system 2 shown in FIG. 2 is an air conditioning system that air - conditions an electrical room 102 where a switchboard 10 is installed. The air conditioning system 2 is different from the air conditioning system 1 in that it includes an outdoor unit 42 instead of an indoor unit 41 and includes an air supply fan 52 connected to the outdoor unit 42 instead of an air supply fan 51 independent of the indoor unit 41. Other points are the same as those of the air conditioning system 1. The outdoor unit 42 is a device that cools the outside air (gas OA) taken in from outside the electrical room 102 through the air supply fan 52 and discharges cold air (gas SA) into the electrical room 102, and it is an outdoor air - handling air conditioner that processes the air outside the electrical room 102 and sends it into the electrical room 102. Note that the outdoor unit 42 is the same as the indoor unit 41 in that it discharges cold air into the lower space of the electrical room 102 in order to cool the switchboard 10 arranged in the electrical room 102 and electrical equipment not shown.

[0019] In the air conditioning system 2 as well, the air heated by the electrical equipment is cooled by the cold air discharged from the outdoor unit 42, so that at least the temperature of the lower space is maintained within a predetermined range in which the electrical equipment can operate normally. Also, by using an air - conditioning support duct (duct 20) to guide the exhaust from the switchboard 10 to the upper space, the amount of energy consumption can be suppressed, which is the same as in the air conditioning system 1. Further, in the air conditioning system 2 as well, the ventilation volume by the ventilation system composed of the air supply fan 52 and the exhaust fan 61 is configured to be larger than the exhaust volume from the switchboard 10. That is, gas (gas EA) is discharged into the electrical room 102 by the exhaust fan 61 at a flow rate larger than the flow rate of the exhaust (gas DEA) discharged from the duct 20. As a result, the air - conditioning support provided by the duct 20 can function normally, which is the same as in the air conditioning system 1. Therefore, like the air conditioning system 1, the air conditioning system 2 can efficiently air - condition the inside of the electrical room 102 where the switchboard 10 is provided.

[0020] Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of an air conditioning support duct. The duct 20 described above, which is an air conditioning support duct, comprises a duct body 21 having an intake port 22 and an exhaust port 24, and a detachable mechanism 23 provided near the intake port 22, as shown in Figure 3. The duct 20 is a flexible duct with a bellows-like structure that can be freely bent, and can be attached to and detached from the exhaust port (exhaust fan 11) of the distribution board 10 by the detachable mechanism 23. Therefore, when performing maintenance work on the distribution board 10, the duct 20 can be easily removed from the distribution board 10 for maintenance work. The detachable mechanism 23 is not particularly limited, but for example, it may have a magnet that magnetically attaches to the distribution board 10. The detachable mechanism 23 may also be a clamp that can be attached and detached with a single touch. Note that the duct 20, which is a flexible duct, is merely an example, and air conditioning support ducts are not necessarily limited to flexible ducts.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the duct 20 is installed in the electrical room such that the exhaust port 24 is spaced apart from and close to the intake port 62 of the exhaust equipment 60. The exhaust equipment 60 has a flow path that connects from the intake port 62 to the exhaust fan 61. Here, "spaced apart from and close to the intake port 62" means that the exhaust port 24 and the intake port 62 are not connected, but they are not too far apart. For example, when the temperature of the air exhausted from the exhaust port 24 is high, that is, when the air exhausted from the exhaust port 24 becomes an air conditioning load (a load on the air conditioning system), this is the position where that air is taken in directly or indirectly from the intake port 62 and exhausted. Conversely, when the temperature of the air exhausted from the exhaust port 24 is low, that is, when the air exhausted from the exhaust port 24 does not become an air conditioning load (a load on the air conditioning system), this is the position where that air is not taken in from the intake port 62 and is not exhausted. By ensuring that the exhaust port 24 and the intake port 62 are not too far apart, the high-temperature exhaust gas discharged from the duct 20 can be efficiently vented outside the electrical room. Furthermore, while the temperature of the exhaust gas from the distribution panel 10 is normally higher than the ambient temperature and also higher than the cool air supplied to the electrical room from the air conditioner and outdoor air handling unit, depending on environmental factors such as the operating status of the electrical equipment, ambient temperature, and the settings of the air conditioner and outdoor air handling unit, these temperature relationships can be reversed. In other words, it is possible for the exhaust gas temperature to be lower than the ambient temperature and the cool air supplied from the air conditioner and outdoor air handling unit. By not connecting the duct 20 to the exhaust equipment 60 and by spacing out the exhaust port 24 and the intake port 62, the exhaust gas from the duct 20 can be used to cool the electrical room in such a reversed state. In other words, a configuration in which the duct 20 is installed in the electrical room such that the exhaust port 24 is spaced apart from and close to the intake port 62 of the exhaust equipment 60 is desirable because it can achieve high air conditioning efficiency regardless of the environment in which the electrical room is located (for example, the operating status of electrical equipment or the outside air temperature).

[0022] Figure 4 shows another example of the configuration of the air conditioning support duct. Duct 25 shown in Figure 4 may be used instead of duct 20. Duct 25 comprises a duct body 21 having an intake port 22 and two exhaust ports (exhaust port 26 and exhaust port 27), a detachable mechanism 23 provided near the intake port 22, and a damper 28. Of the two exhaust ports, exhaust port 26 is a first exhaust port connected to the intake port 62 of the exhaust equipment 60, and exhaust port 27 is a second open exhaust port different from exhaust port 26. The damper 28 is an opening and closing device that switches the exhaust outlet from duct 25 between the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port. By using duct 25 instead of duct 20, and in the normal state, closing the flow path to exhaust port 27 with damper 28 to guide exhaust from the distribution panel 10 to exhaust port 26, while in the reverse state, closing the flow path to exhaust port 26 with damper 28 to guide exhaust from the distribution panel 10 to exhaust port 27, high air conditioning efficiency can be achieved regardless of the environment in which the electrical room is located.

[0023] Below, we will describe specific examples of four types of air conditioning systems, which combine the two types of air conditioning systems having the aforementioned air conditioners or air handling units with two types of ducts having one or two exhaust ports, with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

[0024] (First embodiment) Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system 3 shown in Figure 5 is a system that combines an air conditioning system having an air handling unit 42 with a duct 20 having one exhaust port 24. The air conditioning system 3 further includes sensors (sensors S1, S2, and S3) that measure the temperature at a predetermined point outside or inside the electrical room 103, and a control device 70 that controls the air handling unit 42 based on the measurement results from the sensors. Sensor S1 is a sensor that measures the temperature outside the electrical room 103 (i.e., the outside air temperature). Sensor S2 is a sensor that measures the temperature at the outlet of the air handling unit 42 inside the electrical room 103 (i.e., the outlet temperature). Sensor S3 is a sensor that measures the temperature at a reference position (near the cable rack 30) inside the electrical room 103. The control device 70 only needs to control at least the air handling unit 42 based on the measurement results from the sensors, and in addition to the air handling unit 42, it may also control, for example, a supply fan 52 and an exhaust fan 61. Furthermore, the control device 70 does not need to be located inside the electrical room 103; it may control the air handling unit 42, etc., from outside the electrical room 103.

[0025] In the air conditioning system 3, if the discharge temperature from the air handling unit 42 (hereinafter referred to as the target discharge temperature) necessary to bring the measurement result from sensor S3 to a predetermined target temperature is known, the control device 70 controls the air handling unit 42 to adjust the temperature and airflow rate of the gas SA based on the comparison result between the outside air temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S1 and the target discharge temperature measured by sensor S2.

[0026] Specifically, if the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S1 is greater than the target discharge temperature, the control device 70 adjusts the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the target discharge temperature, and also adjusts the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by discharging gas at that target discharge temperature. This type of control is mainly performed in situations where the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) is high, such as during the summer.

[0027] On the other hand, if the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by the sensor S1 is less than or equal to the target discharge temperature, the control device 70 adjusts the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA), and the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by discharge at that ambient temperature. Such control is performed during winter or the transitional season. The flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached depends on the discharge temperature (ambient temperature). If the flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by discharge at the target discharge temperature is defined as 100%, then for example, if the discharge temperature (ambient temperature) is 20 degrees, the flow rate is adjusted to 75%, if the discharge temperature (ambient temperature) is 15 degrees, the flow rate is adjusted to 50%, and if the discharge temperature (ambient temperature) is 10 degrees, the flow rate is adjusted to 25%.

[0028] The air conditioning system 3, like the air conditioning system described above, can efficiently air condition the electrical room 103 where the distribution panel 10 is located. Furthermore, by having the control device 70 perform the above-described control, it is possible to maintain the target temperature inside the electrical room 103 regardless of the season, while suppressing wasted energy consumption during periods of low outside air temperature.

[0029] (Second embodiment) Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system 4 shown in Figure 6 is a system that combines an air conditioning system having an air handling unit 42 with a duct 25 having two exhaust ports. The air conditioning system 4 further includes sensors (sensors S1, S2, and S4) that measure the temperature at a predetermined point outside or inside the electrical room 104, and a control device 70 that controls the air handling unit 42 based on the measurement results from the sensors. Sensor S4 is a sensor that measures the exhaust temperature inside the duct 25. The control device 70 only needs to control at least the air handling unit 42 based on the measurement results from the sensors, and in addition to the air handling unit 42, it may also control, for example, a supply fan 52, an exhaust fan 61, and a damper 28. Furthermore, the control device 70 does not need to be located inside the electrical room 104, and the air handling unit 42 and the like may be controlled from outside the electrical room 104.

[0030] In the air conditioning system 4, the control device 70 controls the air handling unit 42 and the damper 28 based on the comparison result between the outlet temperature (temperature of gas SA) measured by sensor S2 and the exhaust temperature (temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S4, to adjust the temperature and airflow of gas SA and the exhaust outlet from the duct 25.

[0031] Specifically, if the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) measured by sensor S2 is less than the exhaust temperature (temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S4, the control device 70 adjusts the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to a target discharge temperature, the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by discharging at that target discharge temperature, and the exhaust outlet from duct 25 to exhaust port 26. This type of control is mainly performed when the load on the distribution panel 10 is high, such as during the summer.

[0032] On the other hand, if the outlet temperature (temperature of gas SA) measured by sensor S2 is greater than or equal to the exhaust temperature (temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S4, the control device 70 adjusts the outlet temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA), the outlet flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that can bring the target temperature to that ambient temperature, and the exhaust outlet from duct 25 to exhaust port 27. Such control is mainly performed during winter or the transitional season.

[0033] The air conditioning system 4, like the air conditioning system described above, can efficiently air condition the electrical room 104 where the switchboard 10 is located. Furthermore, by having the control device 70 perform the above-described control, it is possible to maintain the target temperature inside the electrical room 104 regardless of the time of year, while suppressing wasted energy consumption during periods when the load on the switchboard 10 is low.

[0034] (Third embodiment) Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system 5 shown in Figure 7 is a system that combines an air conditioning system having an air conditioner 41 with a duct 20 having one exhaust port. The air conditioning system 5 further includes sensors (sensors S3, S5, and S6) that measure the temperature at a predetermined point outside or inside the electrical room 105, and a control device 70 that controls the air conditioner 41 based on the measurement results from the sensors. Sensor S5 is a sensor that measures the temperature outside the electrical room 105 (i.e., the outside air temperature). Sensor S6 is a sensor that measures the exhaust temperature from the duct 20. The control device 70 only needs to control the air conditioner 41 based on the measurement results from the sensors, and in addition to the air conditioner 41, it may also control, for example, a supply fan 51 and an exhaust fan 61. Furthermore, the control device 70 does not need to be located inside the electrical room 105, and the air conditioner 41, etc. may be controlled from outside the electrical room 105.

[0035] In the air conditioning system 5, the control device 70 controls the air conditioner 41 and the ventilation system (supply fan 51 and exhaust fan 61) to adjust the temperature and airflow of gas SA, as well as the ventilation rate, based on the comparison result between the outside air temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5, the target temperature inside the electrical room 105 to be measured by sensor S3 (hereinafter simply referred to as the target temperature), and the exhaust temperature (temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S6.

[0036] Specifically, if the ambient temperature measured by sensor S5 (temperature of gas OA) > target temperature, and the ambient temperature measured by sensor S5 (temperature of gas OA) > exhaust temperature measured by sensor S6 (air temperature of gas DEA), the control device 70 adjusts the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the target discharge temperature and the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by discharging gas at the target discharge temperature, and then stops the ventilation system. This type of control is mainly performed during low load periods in the summer.

[0037] Furthermore, if the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is greater than the target temperature, and the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is less than or equal to the exhaust temperature (air temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S6, the control device 70 adjusts the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the target discharge temperature and the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the discharge at the target discharge temperature to reach the target temperature, without stopping the ventilation system. This type of control is mainly performed during high load conditions in the summer.

[0038] Furthermore, even when the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is less than or equal to the target temperature, and the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is greater than the maximum ambient temperature at which the target temperature can be reached by ventilation alone, the control device 70 adjusts the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the target discharge temperature and the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by discharging gas at that target discharge temperature, without stopping the ventilation system. This type of control is mainly performed during transitional seasons.

[0039] Furthermore, if the outside air temperature (temperature of gaseous OA) measured by sensor S5 is less than or equal to the target temperature, and the outside air temperature (temperature of gaseous OA) measured by sensor S5 is less than or equal to the maximum outside air temperature at which the target temperature can be reached by ventilation alone, the control device 70 stops the air conditioner 41 and operates the ventilation system at a ventilation rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by ventilation alone at that outside air temperature (temperature of gaseous OA). This type of control is mainly performed during the winter.

[0040] The air conditioning system 5, like the air conditioning system described above, can efficiently air condition the electrical room 105 where the switchboard 10 is located. Furthermore, by having the control device 70 perform the above-described control, it is possible to maintain the target temperature inside the electrical room 105 regardless of the time of year, while suppressing wasted energy consumption during periods when the load on the switchboard 10 is low.

[0041] (Fourth embodiment) Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system 6 shown in Figure 8 is a system that combines an air conditioning system having an air conditioner 41 with a duct 25 having two exhaust ports. The air conditioning system 6 further includes sensors (sensors S3, S4, and S5) that measure the temperature at a predetermined point outside or inside the electrical room 106, and a control device 70 that controls the air conditioner 41 based on the measurement results from the sensors. The control device 70 only needs to control the air conditioner 41 based on the measurement results from the sensors, and in addition to the air conditioner 41, it may also control, for example, a supply fan 51, an exhaust fan 61, and a damper 28. Furthermore, the control device 70 does not need to be located inside the electrical room 106, and the air conditioner 41 and the like may be controlled from outside the electrical room 106.

[0042] In the air conditioning system 6, the control device 70 controls the air conditioner 41, the ventilation system (supply fan 51 and exhaust fan 61), and the damper 28 based on the comparison result between the outside air temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5, the target temperature inside the electrical room 105 to be measured by sensor S3 (hereinafter simply referred to as the target temperature), and the exhaust temperature (temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S4, to adjust the temperature and airflow rate of gas SA, the ventilation rate, and the exhaust outlet from the duct 25.

[0043] Specifically, if the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is greater than the target temperature, and the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is greater than the exhaust temperature (air temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S4, the control device 70 adjusts the exhaust outlet from duct 25 to exhaust port 27, the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the target discharge temperature, and the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the target temperature to be achieved by discharging gas at the target discharge temperature, and then stops the ventilation system. This type of control is mainly performed during low load periods in the summer.

[0044] Furthermore, if the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is greater than the target temperature, and the ambient temperature (temperature of gas OA) measured by sensor S5 is less than or equal to the exhaust temperature (air temperature of gas DEA) measured by sensor S4, the control device 70 adjusts the exhaust outlet from duct 25 to exhaust port 26, the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the target discharge temperature, and the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the discharge at the target discharge temperature to reach the target temperature, without stopping the ventilation system. This type of control is mainly performed during high load conditions in the summer.

[0045] Furthermore, even if the ambient temperature measured by sensor S5 (temperature of gas OA) is less than or equal to the target temperature, the ambient temperature measured by sensor S5 (temperature of gas OA) is greater than or equal to the maximum ambient temperature at which the target temperature can be reached by ventilation alone, and the ambient temperature measured by sensor S5 (temperature of gas OA) is less than or equal to the exhaust temperature measured by sensor S4 (air temperature of gas DEA), the control device 70 will adjust the exhaust outlet from duct 25 to exhaust port 26, the discharge temperature (temperature of gas SA) to the target discharge temperature, and the discharge flow rate (flow rate of gas SA) to a flow rate that allows the target temperature to be reached by discharge at that target discharge temperature, without stopping the ventilation system. Such control is mainly performed during transitional seasons.

[0046] Furthermore, if the ambient temperature (temperature of gaseous OA) measured by sensor S5 is less than or equal to the target temperature, the ambient temperature (temperature of gaseous OA) measured by sensor S5 is less than or equal to the maximum ambient temperature at which the target temperature can be reached by ventilation alone, and the ambient temperature (temperature of gaseous OA) measured by sensor S5 is greater than or equal to the exhaust temperature (air temperature of gaseous DEA) measured by sensor S4, the control device 70 stops the air conditioner 41, adjusts the ventilation rate of the ventilation system to a level at which the target temperature can be reached by ventilation alone, and adjusts the exhaust outlet from duct 25 to exhaust port 26. Such control is mainly performed during the winter.

[0047] The air conditioning system 6, like the air conditioning system described above, can efficiently air condition the electrical room 106 where the switchboard 10 is located. Furthermore, by having the control device 70 perform the above-described control, it is possible to maintain the target temperature inside the electrical room 106 regardless of the time of year, while suppressing wasted energy consumption during periods when the load on the switchboard 10 is low.

[0048] The embodiments described above are provided as concrete examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but should be understood as encompassing various modifications and alternative forms of the embodiments described above. For example, it will be understood that the embodiments described above can be materialized by modifying the components without departing from the spirit thereof. It will also be understood that various embodiments can be implemented by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments described above. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various embodiments can be implemented by deleting some components from all the components shown in the embodiments, or by adding some components to the components shown in the embodiments.

[0049] For example, in the embodiment described above, an example was shown in which the control device 70 automatically adjusts the operating state of the air conditioning system by controlling at least the air conditioner 41 or the air handling unit 42 based on the measurement results from the sensor. However, the operating state of the air conditioning system may be adjusted manually. The control device 70 may, for example, control the notification device 80 based on the measurement results from the sensor to notify the recommended operating state of the air conditioning system 7, as shown in Figure 9. The air conditioning system shown in Figure 9 is an air conditioning system 7 that air conditions the electrical room 107 and is equipped with a notification device 80, and is a modified example of the air conditioning system 5 shown in Figure 7. The notification device 80 is a light-emitting device that notifies the recommended operating state of the air conditioning system 7 by its light emission state (light emission color, illumination, flashing, etc.). Specifically, for example, when recommending operation of only air conditioning by the air conditioner 41 or the outdoor air handling unit 42, the red light may be illuminated; when recommending operation of both air conditioning by the air conditioner 41 or the outdoor air handling unit 42 and ventilation by the ventilation system, the yellow light may be illuminated; and when recommending operation of only ventilation by the ventilation system, the green light may be illuminated.

[0050] Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment shows an example of operating the air conditioning system with the duct connected to the exhaust port of the distribution panel 10, the duct and the exhaust port of the distribution panel 10 do not need to be excessively far apart; for example, they can be placed at a distance of about 0 to 300 mm. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1-7: Air conditioning system, 10: Distribution board, 11, 61: Exhaust fan, 20, 25: Duct, 21: Duct body, 22, 62: Intake port, 23: Detachable mechanism, 24, 26, 27: Exhaust port, 28: Damper, 30: Cable rack, 31: Cable, 41: Air conditioner, 42: Outdoor air handling unit, 51, 52: Supply air fan, 60: Exhaust equipment, 70: Control device, 80: Notification device. 101-107: Electrical room, DEA, EA, OA, RA, SA: Gas, S1-S6: Sensors

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that provides air conditioning for a room in which a power distribution panel is installed, A duct that guides the exhaust gas discharged from the distribution panel into the upper space of the room, An air intake fan that supplies outside air into the aforementioned room, An exhaust fan provided in the upper space for exhausting the indoor air to the outside, The facility includes an air conditioner or outdoor air handling unit that supplies cool air at a temperature lower than the indoor temperature to the room, The flow rate supplied by the intake fan or exhausted by the exhaust fan is greater than the flow rate of the exhaust. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

2. In the air conditioning system according to claim 1, further, The exhaust system includes an exhaust system with a flow path formed to be connected to the exhaust fan, The duct is installed in the room such that its exhaust port is spaced apart from and close to the intake port of the exhaust equipment. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

3. In the air conditioning system according to claim 1, further, The exhaust system includes an exhaust system with a flow path formed to be connected to the exhaust fan, The aforementioned duct is, A first exhaust port connected to the intake port of the exhaust equipment, A second open exhaust port, different from the first exhaust port, The duct has a damper that switches the exhaust outlet between the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

4. In the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The duct has a detachable mechanism that allows it to be attached to and detached from the exhaust port of the distribution panel. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

5. In the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further, A sensor that measures the temperature at a predetermined point outside or inside the room, The system includes a control device that controls the air conditioner based on the measurement results from the sensor. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

6. In the air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further, A sensor that measures the temperature at a predetermined point outside or inside the room, The system includes a notification device that notifies the recommended operating state of the air conditioning system based on the measurement results from the aforementioned sensor. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.