Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that improves energy efficiency. [Solution] The air conditioning system includes a first duct that takes in first air from the upper space of a stratified air-conditioned space and supplies the first air to a work area located in the lower space which is air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment and where a predetermined work process is performed, and a second duct that takes in second air from within the work area and exhausts the second air to the upper space or outside the stratified air-conditioned space. The height from the floor of the air intake port of the first duct that takes in the first air may be lower than the height from the floor of the exhaust port of the second duct that exhausts the second air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioning system. In particular, one embodiment of the present invention relates to an air conditioning system in so-called stratified air conditioning in which a lower space where a living area or a work area exists is actively air-conditioned in a large space with a high ceiling height.

Background Art

[0002] In a space with a high ceiling height, the power consumption for air conditioning increases. Therefore, in such a large space, energy-efficient air conditioning is required, and stratified air conditioning and displacement air conditioning are known as such air conditioning. In stratified air conditioning and displacement air conditioning, since the space where the living area or the work area exists is partially air-conditioned, the energy-saving performance can be improved compared to air-conditioning the entire large space. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an invention that improves energy-saving performance when displacing air in a space with a heating element.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the air conditioning according to Patent Document 1, the ratio of mixing of the air-conditioned air and the non-air-conditioned air around the heating element is large, which impairs the energy-saving performance. Further, in the case of a dust-generating body rather than a heating element, the air conditioning according to Patent Document 1 cannot be adopted.

[0005] One object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that improves energy-saving performance.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first duct that takes in first air from the upper space of a stratified air-conditioned space and supplies the first air to a work area located in the lower space which is air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment and where a predetermined work process is performed, and a second duct that takes in second air from within the work area and exhausts the second air to the upper space or to the outside of the stratified air-conditioned space.

[0007] The height from the floor of the air intake port for taking in the first air from the first duct may be lower than the height from the floor of the exhaust port for exhausting the second air from the second duct.

[0008] The height from the floor of the exhaust port for exhausting the first air from the first duct may be lower than the height from the floor of the intake port for taking in the second air from the second duct.

[0009] The first duct may be equipped with a fan for blowing the first air.

[0010] The exhaust port for exhausting the second air from the second duct is located in the upper space, and the second duct may be equipped with a fan for blowing the second air.

[0011] The diameter of the second duct may be larger than the diameter of the first duct.

[0012] The air conditioning system may further include a ventilation system that draws a third air into the upper space from outside the stratified air-conditioned space.

[0013] The air conditioning system may further include a ventilation system that exhausts a third air from the upper space to the outside of the stratified air-conditioned space.

[0014] The work area may be partitioned by a partition wall. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] For example, the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used in a space where stratified air conditioning is possible, and locally supplies the air in the upper space that is not air-conditioned to the working area in the lower space that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment, thereby reducing the amount of air-conditioned air used in the working area. As a result, the load on the air conditioning equipment that air-conditions the lower space can be reduced. That is, the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention can improve energy-saving performance. In addition, the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention can prevent the diffusion of pollution sources generated from the working area and maintain the air-conditioned state in the lower space where the living area or the working area exists.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the working area in the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments are merely examples, and those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art by appropriately changing while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. In addition, for the purpose of making the description clearer, the drawings may schematically show the width, thickness, shape, etc. of each part compared to the actual aspect. However, the illustrated shapes and the like are merely examples and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

[0018] In this specification and the drawings, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals. However, when the components are distinguished, the reference numerals may be appended with capital letters. Also, when one component is distinguished into a plurality of parts, the plurality of parts may be denoted using a hyphen and a natural number.

[0019] <First Embodiment> Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0020] FIGS. 1 to 3 are schematic diagrams for explaining an air conditioning system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a space 1000 which is a large space with a high ceiling height inside a building. In the space 1000, the state of the air inside the space 1000 (for example, temperature, humidity, or cleanliness, etc.) is adjusted by air conditioning equipment 2000 installed below in the space 1000 (hereinafter simply referred to as "air conditioning"). However, because the space 1000 is large, the air conditioning equipment 2000 actively air conditions only a part of the air in the space 1000. Specifically, the air conditioning equipment 2000 air conditions only the lower space 1200 located below the space 1000 where the air conditioning equipment 2000 is installed. That is, the space 1000 can be divided into an upper space 1100 on the ceiling side where air conditioning is not performed and a lower space 1200 on the floor side where air conditioning is performed. Note that such air conditioning inside the space 1000 is called so-called stratified air conditioning.

[0022] The lower space 1200 located on the floor side contains a living area or a work area. Within the lower space 1200, there is a work area 3000, for example, where people or machines perform predetermined work processes. In the work area 3000, heat, smoke, humidity, or dust (hereinafter referred to as "pollution sources" for convenience of explanation) may be generated by the work processes. As will be described in detail later, by using the air conditioning system 100 to target the work area 3000, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced.

[0023] The air conditioning unit 2000 shown in Figure 1 takes in air from the lower space 1200, adjusts the taken-in air, and supplies it back into the lower space 1200. In other words, the air conditioning unit 2000 shown in Figure 1 is a so-called air conditioner (hereinafter simply referred to as "air conditioner") that circulates the air in the lower space 1200 while providing air conditioning.

[0024] However, the air conditioning equipment 2000 in stratified air conditioning that can utilize the air conditioning system 100 is not limited to air conditioners. The air conditioning equipment 2000 shown in Figure 2 takes in outside air from space 1000 and supplies the taken-in air into the lower space 1200. In other words, the air conditioning equipment 2000 shown in Figure 2 is a so-called outside air handling air conditioner (hereinafter simply referred to as an "outside air handling unit") that performs air conditioning while taking in air from outside space 1000. When the air conditioning equipment 2000 is an outside air handling unit, a ventilation system 2100 is provided in the upper space 1100 to exhaust the air in the upper space 1100 to the outside of space 1000. By providing the ventilation system 2100, it is possible to balance the air taken in from the air conditioning equipment 2000 and the air exhausted from the ventilation system 2100. In the configuration shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning equipment 2000 is configured to air condition only the lower space 1200, and the air conditioning equipment 2000 can form stratified air conditioning within the space 1000. Therefore, as shown in Figure 2, if there is a work area 3000 in the lower space 1200 where a predetermined work process is performed, the air conditioning system 100 can be used.

[0025] Figure 3 shows that a ventilation system 2200 is provided in the upper space 1100 to bring outside air from space 1000 into the upper space 1100. The air conditioning equipment 2000 shown in Figure 3 is an air conditioner, but it may also be an air handling unit. In the configuration shown in Figure 3, the air conditioning equipment 2000 is configured to air condition only the lower space 1200, and the air conditioning equipment 2000 can form stratified air conditioning within space 1000. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, if there is a work area 3000 in the lower space 1200 where a predetermined work process is performed, the air conditioning system 100 can be used.

[0026] The boundary between the upper space 1100 and the lower space 1200 is not always clear. By adjusting the size, direction, temperature, volume, and velocity of the air outlet of the air conditioning unit 2000, the height of the lower space 1200 from the floor can change. Therefore, if it is necessary to clarify the boundary between the upper space 1100 and the lower space, the lower space 1200 may be defined as a height of 3m, preferably 3.5m, and more preferably 2m, from the floor. Alternatively, the lower space 1200 may be defined as a height of 1m, preferably 0.5m, and more preferably 0.25m, from the floor to the top surface of the space equipment 2000.

[0027] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 is a system used within a space 1000 where stratified air conditioning is performed, and the components of the air conditioning system 100 may include air conditioning equipment 2000 that forms stratified air conditioning.

[0028] As described above, the air conditioning system 100 is a system that can be used for a work area 3000 in a stratified air-conditioned space 1000 where air conditioning equipment 2000 is installed, where a predetermined work is performed in the lower space 1200 that is air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment 2000.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the air conditioning system 100 includes a first duct 110 and a second duct 120. One end of the first duct 110 is provided with an air intake port 111 for taking in air, and the other end of the first duct 110 is provided with an exhaust port 112 for exhausting air. Similarly, one end of the second duct 120 is provided with an air intake port 121 for taking in air, and the other end of the second duct 120 is provided with an exhaust port 122 for exhausting air.

[0030] The first duct 110 is positioned such that its air intake 111 is located within the upper space 1100 and its exhaust port 112 is located within the work area 3000 in the lower space 1200. On the other hand, the second duct 120 is positioned such that its air intake 121 is located within the work area 3000 in the lower space 1200 and its exhaust port 122 is located within the upper space 1100. By positioning the first duct 110 and the second duct 120 in this manner, air from the upper space 1100 is supplied to the lower space 1200 through the first duct 110. Also, air from the lower space 1200 is supplied to the upper space 1100 through the second duct 120. In other words, the air within the work area 3000 is circulated by the first duct 110 and the second duct 120.

[0031] Hot air tends to rise, and since the upper space 1100 is not air-conditioned, hot air accumulates in the upper space 1100, creating a temperature difference between the upper space 1100 and the lower space 1200. Specifically, in stratified air conditioning, the temperature in the upper space 1100 is higher than the temperature in the lower space 1200. By arranging two ducts (the first duct 110 and the second duct 120) to span the upper space 1100 and the lower space 1200, air circulation within the work area 3000 can occur due to the temperature difference between the upper space 1100 and the lower space 1200.

[0032] The positions of the exhaust port 112 of the first duct 110 and the intake port 121 of the second duct 120 within the work area 3000 are not particularly limited. Similarly, the positions of the intake port 111 of the first duct 110 and the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 within the upper space 1100 are not particularly limited. However, it is preferable that the intake port 111 of the first duct 110 and the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 are separated to such an extent that the air exhausted from the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 is not drawn into the intake port 111 of the first duct 110.

[0033] The height of the air intake port 111 of the first duct 110 from the floor may be lower than the height of the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 from the floor. Similarly, the height of the exhaust port 112 of the first duct 110 from the floor may be lower than the height of the air intake port 121 of the second duct 120 from the floor. By adopting such a configuration, air circulation within the work area 3000 can be further promoted. In addition, it is possible to prevent the air exhausted from the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 from being drawn into the air intake port 111 of the first duct 110.

[0034] Furthermore, in the first duct 110, a configuration can be adopted in which the air velocity of the air taken in at the air intake port 111 is different from the air velocity of the air exhausted at the exhaust port 112. For example, if the opening diameter of the air intake port 111 is made larger than the opening diameter of the exhaust port 112, the air velocity on the air intake port 111 side will be slower than the air velocity on the exhaust port 112 side. Although not explained here, a similar configuration can be adopted for the second duct 120. By adopting such a configuration, the amount of air flowing through the first duct 110 or the second duct 120 can be increased, further promoting air circulation within the work area 3000.

[0035] Furthermore, the diameter of the second duct 120 may be smaller than the diameter of the first duct 110. By adopting such a configuration, the direction of air circulation within the work area 3000 can be adjusted.

[0036] As will be explained in detail in the embodiments described later, by using the air conditioning system 100 for the work area 3000, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced and energy saving performance can be improved.

[0037] Figures 1 to 3 show one first duct 110 and one second duct 120, but the number of first ducts 110 or second ducts 120 is not limited to one. There may be two or more first ducts 110 or second ducts 120. Also, the number of first ducts 110 and second ducts 120 may be the same or different.

[0038] Furthermore, Figures 1 to 3 show a first duct 110 equipped with one air intake port 111 and one exhaust port 112, but the number of air intake ports 111 and exhaust ports 112 is not limited to one. By branching the first duct 110 midway, two or more air intake ports 111 or exhaust ports 112 can be provided in the first duct 110. Although not explained here, a similar configuration can be adopted for the second duct 120.

[0039] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 is a system used within a space 1000 where stratified air conditioning is performed, and the components of the air conditioning system 100 may include air conditioning equipment 2000 that forms stratified air conditioning.

[0040] According to this embodiment, by utilizing the air conditioning system 100 for the work area 3000 where predetermined work processes are performed, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced, thereby improving energy-saving performance.

[0041] <Example 1> Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the work area 3000 in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0042] As described above, the work area 3000 is where predetermined work processes are performed, and depending on the work process, a source of contamination may be generated. In this case, if the work area 3000 is not partitioned, the environment in the lower space 1200 may deteriorate due to the diffusion of the contamination source. For example, if heat is generated in the work area 3000, the generated heat will conduct to the air outside the work area 3000, causing the temperature in the lower space 1200 to rise. As a result, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 will increase in order to air-condition the lower space 1200 to the set temperature. Also, if dust is generated in the work area 3000, the generated dust will diffuse outside the work area 3000, reducing the cleanliness of the lower space 1200. As a result, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 will increase in order to improve the cleanliness of the lower space 1200. Alternatively, it may be necessary to install a separate filter on the air conditioning equipment 2000 to collect the generated dust, which will increase costs.

[0043] Therefore, in order to demarcate the work area 3000, a partition 3100 may be provided around the work area 3000, as shown in Figure 4. That is, the work area 3000 with the partition 3100 may be a booth for performing work. The partition 3100 does not need to cover the entire perimeter of the work area 3000, but only needs to cover at least a part of the work area 3000. The structure of the partition 3100 may be, for example, a screen structure made of upright plate-like members, or a curtain structure made of suspended sheet material, but is not limited to these. The material of the partition 3100 may be, for example, metal, wood, or resin, but is not limited to these.

[0044] In a work area 3000 with a partition 3100, the first duct 110 and the second duct 120 are arranged such that the exhaust port 112 of the first duct 110 and the air intake port 121 of the second duct 120 are located within the work area 3000 partitioned by the partition 3100. This prevents the diffusion of contamination sources generated in the work area 3000, and also allows the diffusion sources to be exhausted into the upper space 1100 by the second duct 120.

[0045] According to this modified example, by partitioning the work area 3000 using partitions 3100, not only is energy-saving performance improved, but the diffusion of contamination sources generated in the work area 3000 is prevented, and an air-conditioned state can be maintained within the lower space 1200.

[0046] <Modification 2> Referring to Figure 5, an air conditioning system 100A, which is a modified example of the air conditioning system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In the following, when the configuration of air conditioning system 100A is the same as that of air conditioning system 100, the description of the configuration of air conditioning system 100A may be omitted.

[0047] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioning system 100A according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] As shown in Figure 5, the air conditioning system 100A also includes a first duct 110 and a second duct 120. However, in the air conditioning system 100A, the first duct 110 is provided with a fan 130 to increase the amount of air flowing through the first duct 110 from the air intake 111 to the exhaust vent 112. That is, in the first duct 110, the fan 130 increases the amount of air taken in from the air intake 111 and exhausted from the exhaust vent 112. As a result, the amount of air flowing through the second duct 120 also increases, thereby further promoting air circulation within the work area 3000.

[0049] Figure 5 shows a fan 130 located on the upper space 1100 side and installed in the first duct 110, but the fan 130 may also be located on the lower space 1200 side. However, since the fan 130 generates a lot of heat, it is preferable that the fan 130 be installed in the first duct 110 so that it is located on the upper space 1100 side.

[0050] In this modified example as well, by using the air conditioning system 100A for the work area 3000 where the predetermined work process is performed, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced and energy-saving performance can be improved.

[0051] <Variation 3> Referring to Figure 6, an air conditioning system 100B, which is another modified example of the air conditioning system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In the following, if the configuration of air conditioning system 100B is the same as that of air conditioning system 100 or air conditioning system 100A, the description of the configuration of air conditioning system 100B may be omitted.

[0052] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioning system 100B according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, the air conditioning system 100B also includes a first duct 110 and a second duct 120. However, in the air conditioning system 100B, the second duct 120 is provided with a fan 140 to increase the amount of air flowing through the second duct 120 from the air intake 121 to the exhaust vent 122. That is, in the second duct 120, the fan 140 increases the amount of air taken in from the air intake 121 and exhausted from the exhaust vent 122. As a result, the amount of air flowing through the first duct 110 also increases, thereby further promoting air circulation within the work area 3000.

[0054] Figure 6 shows a fan 140 located on the upper space 1100 side and installed in the second duct 120, but the fan 140 may also be located on the lower space 1200 side. However, since the fan 140 generates a lot of heat, it is preferable that the fan 140 be installed in the second duct 120 so that it is located on the upper space 1100 side.

[0055] In this modified example as well, by utilizing the air conditioning system 100B for the work area 3000 where predetermined work processes are performed, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced, thereby improving energy-saving performance.

[0056] <Second Embodiment> Referring to Figure 7, an air conditioning system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that in the following description, if the configuration of the air conditioning system 200 is the same as that of the air conditioning system 100, the description of the configuration of the air conditioning system 200 may be omitted.

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioning system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The air conditioning system 200 also includes a first duct 110 and a second duct 120. In the air conditioning system 200, the first duct 110 is positioned such that the air intake 111 is located within the upper space 1100 and the exhaust port 112 is located within the work area 3000 in the lower space 1200. On the other hand, the second duct 120 is positioned such that the air intake 121 is located within the work area 3000 in the lower space 1200 and the exhaust port 122 faces the outside of the space 1000. More specifically, the second duct 120 is positioned so that air taken in from the air intake 121 in the work area 3000 passes through the upper space 1100 and is exhausted to the outside of the space 1000 through the exhaust port 122. Therefore, the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 is located above the lower space 1200.

[0059] In the air conditioning system 200, by arranging two ducts (the first duct 110 and the second duct 120) to span the upper space 1100 and the lower space 1200, air circulation within the work area 3000 can occur due to the temperature difference between the upper space 1100 and the lower space 1200.

[0060] According to this embodiment, by utilizing the air conditioning system 200 for the work area 3000 where predetermined work processes are performed, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced, thereby improving energy-saving performance. Furthermore, the second duct 120 allows the air within the work area 3000 to be exhausted to the outside of the space 1000. Therefore, it is possible to prevent pollution sources generated in the work area 3000 from spreading not only within the lower space 1200 where air conditioning is performed, but also throughout the entire space 1000.

[0061] In this embodiment, configurations that appropriately combine the configurations described in the first embodiment and the first embodiment's modifications 1 to 3 can also be applied. Therefore, below, an example of a configuration using the air conditioning system 200 will be described as a modification of this embodiment. Note that the modifications of this embodiment are not limited to those described below.

[0062] <Example 1> Referring to Figure 8, an air conditioning system 200A, which is a modified example of the air conditioning system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In the following, when the configuration of air conditioning system 200A is the same as that of air conditioning system 200, the description of the configuration of air conditioning system 200A may be omitted.

[0063] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioning system 200A according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As shown in Figure 8, the air conditioning system 200A also includes a first duct 110 and a second duct 120. However, in the air conditioning system 200A, the first duct 110 is provided with a fan 130 to increase the amount of air flowing through the first duct 110 from the air intake 111 to the exhaust vent 112. That is, in the first duct 110, the fan 130 increases the amount of air taken in from the air intake 111 and exhausted from the exhaust vent 112. As a result, the amount of air flowing through the second duct 120 also increases, thereby further promoting air circulation within the work area 3000.

[0065] In addition, in the air conditioning system 200A, the second duct 120 is located within the lower space 1200. That is, in the second duct 120, the air taken in from the air intake 121 within the work area 3000 passes through the lower space 1200 and is exhausted to the outside of the space 1000 through the exhaust port 122. If the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 is located outside the space 1000 rather than inside the space 1000, the air within the work area 3000 will not be exhausted into the lower space 1200, so the second duct 120 may be located within the lower space 1200, as in the air conditioning system 200A.

[0066] In this modified example, by using the air conditioning system 200A for the work area 3000 where the predetermined work process is performed, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced and energy-saving performance can be improved.

[0067] <Modification 2> Referring to Figure 9, an air conditioning system 300, which is another modified example of the air conditioning system 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described. In the following, if the configuration of the air conditioning system 300 is the same as that of the air conditioning system 100 or the air conditioning system 200, the description of the configuration of the air conditioning system 300 may be omitted.

[0068] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioning system 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] As shown in Figure 9, the air conditioning system 300 includes air conditioning system 100 and air conditioning system 200. Figure 9 shows two work areas 3000-1 and 3000-2. In the air conditioning system 300, the air in work area 3000-1 is circulated by air conditioning system 100, and the air in work area 3000-2 is circulated by air conditioning system 200. Since the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 of air conditioning system 200 is located outside the space 1000, if air conditioning system 200 is placed near the center of space 1000, the piping length of the second duct 120 of air conditioning system 200 may become long. Therefore, air conditioning system 100 is placed in work area 3000-1 near the center of space 1000, and air conditioning system 200 is placed in work area 3000-2 near the periphery of space 1000 (for example, on the building wall side). This makes it possible to suppress the increase in the length of the second duct 120 of the air conditioning system 200.

[0070] Although Figure 9 shows a configuration in which air conditioning systems 100 and 200 are placed in two separate work areas 3000-1 and 3000-2, in the case of air conditioning system 300, air conditioning system 100 and air conditioning system 200 may be placed in a single work area 3000.

[0071] In this modified example, by using the air conditioning system 300 for one or more work areas 3000 where predetermined work processes are performed, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 can be reduced and energy-saving performance can be improved. Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 300, the air conditioning system 100 and the air conditioning system 200 can be arranged taking into account the piping length of the second duct 120 of the air conditioning system 200. [Examples]

[0072] Thermal simulations were performed to verify the effectiveness of air conditioning systems 100 and 200 (using FlowDesigner, manufactured by Advanced Knowledge Laboratory Co., Ltd.). The thermal simulations were conducted assuming the presence of heat-generating elements within a working area of ​​3000.

[0073] As Example 1, a spatial model with stratified air conditioning using the air conditioning system 100 was constructed and a thermal simulation was performed. In the spatial model of Example 1, air from the upper space 1100 is supplied to the work area 3000 of the lower space 1200 through a first duct 110 equipped with a fan 130, and air from the work area 3000 of the lower space 1200 is exhausted to the upper space 1100 through a second duct 120. A fan 140 is provided in the second duct 120. In addition, ventilation equipment 2100 is provided in the upper space 1100.

[0074] As Example 2, a spatial model with stratified air conditioning using the air conditioning system 200 was constructed and a thermal simulation was performed. The amount of heat (sensible heat) processed by the air conditioning equipment 2000 was calculated. In the spatial model of Example 2, air from the upper space 1100 is supplied to the work area 3000 of the lower space 1200 through a first duct 110 equipped with a fan 130, and air from the work area 3000 of the lower space 1200 is exhausted to the outside of space 1000 through a second duct 120. A fan 140 is provided in the second duct 120.

[0075] As a comparative example, a spatial model with stratified air conditioning without using air conditioning system 100 and air conditioning system 200 was constructed and thermal simulations were performed. The amount of heat (sensible heat) processed by the air conditioning equipment 2000 that performs the air conditioning was calculated. In the spatial model of the comparative example, the first duct 110 is not provided, and air from the work area 3000 in the lower space 1200 is simply exhausted to the outside of space 1000 through the second duct 120. A fan 140 is provided in the second duct 120. In addition, ventilation equipment 2100 is provided in the upper space 1100.

[0076] First, thermal simulations were used to obtain the temperature (T1) of the air intake port 121 of the second duct 120 and the temperature (T2) of the exhaust side of the ventilation equipment 2100 in Example 1 and the comparative example, and the temperature (T1) of the air intake port 121 of the second duct 120 and the temperature (T2) of the exhaust port 122 of the second duct 120 in Example 2. The temperature (T2) corresponds to the temperature of the air exhausted to the outside of space 1000. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0077] [Table 1]

[0078] As can be seen from Table 1, in Examples 1 and 2, both the temperature at the air intake port 121 (T1) and the temperature at the exhaust port 122 (T2) are higher than in the comparative example. This is because the first duct 110 supplied air from the upper space 1100, which is warmer than the air from the lower space 1200, to the work area 3000.

[0079] Next, the heat processing amount Q (sensible heat) of the air conditioning system 2000 was calculated using equation (1). The results are shown in Table 2.

[0080]

number

[0081] In equation (1), c is the specific heat of air (J / (kg·K)) and ρ is the density of air (kg / m³). 3 ) and V is the flow rate of the air conditioning equipment 2000 (m 3 T ra is the temperature (°C) of the air drawn in by the air conditioning system 2000, and T sa This is the temperature (°C) of the air blown out by the air conditioning unit 2000.

[0082] [Table 2]

[0083] As can be seen from Table 2, the amount of heat processed Q is lower in Examples 1 and 2 than in the comparative example. This means that the air in the work area 3000 is efficiently exhausted by the first duct 110 and the second duct 120 without using the air in the air-conditioned lower space 1200. Therefore, in Example 1, which uses the air conditioning system 100, and Example 2, which uses the air conditioning system 200, the load on the air conditioning equipment 2000 is reduced, and energy saving performance can be improved.

[0084] The embodiments described above can be implemented by combining their configurations as appropriate, as long as they do not contradict each other. Furthermore, any modifications made by those skilled in the art to the embodiments, such as adding, deleting, or changing the configuration, or adding, omitting, or changing the processes, are also included within the scope of the present invention, as long as they retain the essence of the present invention.

[0085] Any effects or benefits other than those brought about by the embodiments described above, if they are clear from the description herein or easily predictable to a person skilled in the art, are naturally considered to be brought about by the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 100, 100A, 100B, 200, 200A, 300: Air conditioning system. 110: First duct, 111: Air supply port, 112: Exhaust vent, 120: Second duct, 121: Air supply port, 122: Exhaust vent, 130: Fan, 140: Fan, 1000: Space, 1100: upper space, 1200: Lower space, 2000: Air conditioning equipment, 2100: Ventilation equipment 3000, 3000-1, 3000-2: work area, 3100: Partition

Claims

1. A first duct that takes in first air from the upper space of a stratified air-conditioned space and supplies the first air to a work area located in the lower space which is air-conditioned by the air conditioning equipment and where a predetermined work process is performed, An air conditioning system comprising: a second duct for taking in a second air from within the work area and exhausting the second air to the upper space or the outside of the stratified air-conditionable space.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the height from the floor of the air intake port for taking in the first air of the first duct is lower than the height from the floor of the exhaust port for exhausting the second air of the second duct.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the height from the floor of the exhaust port for exhausting the first air of the first duct is lower than the height from the floor of the intake port for taking in the second air of the second duct.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the first duct is provided with a fan for blowing the first air.

5. The exhaust port for exhausting the second air from the second duct is located within the upper space. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the second duct is provided with a fan for blowing the second air.

6. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the second duct is smaller than the diameter of the first duct.

7. Furthermore, the air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising a ventilation system for taking in a third air from outside the stratified air-conditioned space into the upper space.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising a ventilation system for exhausting a third air from the upper space to the outside of the stratified air-conditioned space.

9. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the work area is partitioned by a partition.

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