Air conditioning system and control method

Abstract

This invention provides an air conditioning system and control method that can improve energy efficiency when the use of a specific area where localized air conditioning is possible is changed midway through the day. [Solution] The air conditioning system can apply localized air conditioning to adjust the temperature and ventilation rate in multiple areas within a building. The air conditioning system calculates the indoor heat load Q for each of the multiple areas within the building, creates a user allocation plan that prioritizes assigning users to areas with a smaller indoor heat load Q relative to the number of occupants in each area, and includes a controller that controls the environment of each area based on the user allocation plan. The controller adjusts the environment of the user's "destination area" based on the user allocation plan, and adjusts the ventilation rate and set temperature of the user's "origin area" based on whether the user remains in that area.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and a control method.

Background Art

[0002] Against the backdrop of climate warming, there is a growing demand for further improving the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems. It is possible to reduce the energy consumption of air conditioners by replacing the conventional overall air conditioning in health-oriented air conditioning (personal-targeted air conditioning) with localized air conditioning.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, even if localized air conditioning can be used for each specific area, there have been cases where it is difficult to modify the operation of the air conditioner from the middle of a day.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system and a control method capable of further improving energy efficiency when the use of specific areas that allow localized air conditioning is modified from the middle of a day.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] (1) The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one aspect of the air conditioning system of the present invention is applicable to local air conditioning that adjusts the temperature and ventilation rate of multiple areas in a building. The air conditioning system includes a controller that calculates the indoor heat load Q for each of the multiple areas in the building, creates a user allocation plan that prioritizes assigning users to areas with a small indoor heat load Q relative to the number of occupants in each area, and controls the environment of each area based on the user allocation plan. The controller adjusts the environment of the "destination area" of the user based on the user allocation plan, and adjusts the ventilation rate and set temperature of the "origin area" of the user based on the user allocation plan, depending on whether the user remains in the original area. (2) In the above air conditioning system, the controller increases the ventilation rate in the "destination area" in accordance with the increase in the number of people, and lowers the set temperature of the air conditioner in the "destination area" in accordance with the increase in the number of people. (3) In the above air conditioning system, if the user remains in the "area from which the user moved", the controller adjusts the ventilation volume of the "area from which the user moved" to a ventilation volume appropriate to the number of people, and relaxes the set temperature of the air conditioner in the "area from which the user moved". (4) In the above air conditioning system, the controller stops the air conditioning and ventilation equipment in the "area from which the user moved" if the user is not remaining in the "area from which the user moved". (5) One aspect of the control method for an air conditioning system of the present invention is a control method for an air conditioning system to which local air conditioning can be applied to adjust the temperature and ventilation rate of multiple areas in a building, the method comprising: calculating the indoor heat load Q for each of the multiple areas in the building; creating a user allocation plan that prioritizes assigning users to areas with a small indoor heat load Q relative to the number of occupants in each area; controlling the environment of each area based on the user allocation plan; adjusting the environment of the "destination area" of the user based on the user allocation plan; and adjusting the ventilation rate and set temperature of the "origin area" of the user based on the user allocation plan, depending on whether the user remains in the "origin area" of the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, energy efficiency can be further improved when the use of a specific area is changed in the middle of the day by utilizing an individual heat source type air conditioning system and control method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1A] This is a diagram illustrating an air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. [Figure 2A] This diagram illustrates the usage status of each area before the application of the energy reduction control of the embodiment. [Figure 2B] This diagram illustrates the usage status of each area after applying the energy reduction control of the embodiment. [Figure 3A] This figure shows an example of a model for calculating the estimated heat load in the embodiment. [Figure 3B] This figure shows an example of the calculation results for the estimated heat load in the embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the usage patterns of each area in the embodiment and power consumption. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of the process applied to the air conditioning control of the embodiment. [Figure 6] This graph shows the relationship between the PMV index and the PPD index in the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, based on the attached drawings.

[0010] Figure 1A is a diagram illustrating an air conditioning system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0011] An example of applying the air conditioning system 1 to healthy air conditioning control of a building will be described. The floor of the building illustrated here is divided into a plurality of areas by area boundaries. Each area can be equipped with local air conditioning that can individually adjust the temperature and ventilation volume of the area, and local lighting that can individually adjust illuminance. To simplify the description of the embodiment, it is assumed that the area boundaries in this embodiment are provided with partitions such as walls or partitions, which restrict the flow of air between areas.

[0012] FIG. 1B is a configuration diagram of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 includes air conditioners 11, 12, 13 and a controller 20. The air conditioners 11, 12, 13 are so-called packaged air conditioners capable of local air conditioning. The air conditioners 11, 12, 13 are installed on the ceiling or the like in areas r1, r2, r3 respectively. The air conditioners 11, 12, 13 adjust the indoor temperature, supply air volume, and ventilation volume of the area where they are arranged under the control of the controller 20. In the following description, when the areas r1, r2, and r3 are described without distinction, they may simply be referred to as respective areas.

[0013] The controller 20 controls the air conditioners 11, 12, 13. Under the control of the controller 20, healthy air conditioning is provided for each area. The controller 20 further controls the air conditioners 11, 12, 13 so as to reduce power consumption.

[0014] It should be noted that each area is provided with the lamps 31, 32, 33 of the lighting equipment respectively. The lamps 31, 32, 33 are collectively referred to as respective lamps. Each lamp can be individually switched on and off, as well as adjusted for illuminance, color rendering properties, and the like, under the control of the lighting equipment control device 30 (denoted as "lighting control" in the drawing). The lighting equipment control device 30 receives notifications from switches, remote controllers, and terminal devices (all not shown) provided in each area, and individually controls the lamps in each area according to the request of the operating user. Furthermore, the lighting equipment control device 30 receives control from the controller 20 to individually control the lamps in each area. Hereinafter, details of the control by the controller 20 will be described in order.

[0015] Next, the energy reduction control of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A is a diagram for explaining the usage status of each area before the application of the energy reduction control of the embodiment. FIG. 2B is a diagram for explaining the usage status of each area after the application of the energy reduction control of the embodiment.

[0016] (Before application of energy reduction control) FIG. 2A shows a state where users are dispersed in each area at a stage before the energy reduction control is applied. In such a situation, it is necessary to continue the operation of the air conditioning in each area. (After application of energy reduction control) FIG. 2B shows a state where users come to use a specific area after the energy reduction control is applied. When such a situation occurs, it is possible to continue or stop the operation of the air conditioning in each area depending on the presence or absence of users.

[0017] Next, calculation of the estimated thermal load of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of a model related to the calculation of the estimated thermal load of the embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the calculation result of the estimated thermal load of the embodiment.

[0018] The power consumption when operating the air conditioner varies depending on the position of the area, the size of the area, the number of people in the room, and the usage status of facilities (devices) other than the air conditioner. Therefore, the power consumption of the air conditioner (air conditioning energy consumption) is estimated using the relationship between the designated heat load of the target area and the COP of the air conditioner in the target area. This relationship is shown in equation (1) below. Replace "air conditioning energy consumption" in equation (1) with the power consumption of the air conditioner.

[0019] Air conditioning energy consumption = Estimated heat load / (Air conditioner COP) ... (1)

[0020] As shown in Figure 3A, a wall W12 is provided between area r1 and area r2. A window W1E is provided between area r1 and the exterior of the building. Area r1 and area r2 have an upper floor and a lower floor.

[0021] Let θr1 be the room temperature in area r1, θr2 be the room temperature in area r2, and θa be the outside air temperature. Let θr3 be the room temperature on the floor above area r1, and θr4 be the room temperature on the floor below area r1. The indoor heat generated in area r1 is denoted as Hr.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3B, the indoor heat generation parameters in area r1 include "solar radiation load on glass surfaces," "lighting load," "human body load," "equipment load," and "outside air load." These parameters are examples of those that have a relatively large impact on the analysis of heat load. Figure 3B shows representative approximation formulas that can be used for the analysis of each item. You are not limited to these items and approximation formulas; you may add or delete items and modify formulas as appropriate.

[0023] "Solar radiation load on the glass surface" is the energy expected to pass through the glass surface from the outside to the inside of area r1. The degree to which "solar radiation load on the glass surface" is affected varies depending on the sunlight conditions of the day and the time of day being analyzed. It is recommended to switch the value of the coefficient (shading coefficient) applied to the approximation formula. "Lighting load" refers to the energy (thermal energy) emitted from lighting fixtures when they are switched on within area r1. It varies depending on the lighting usage. "Human load" is the energy emitted by people present in area r1. It changes depending on the number of people in area r1. "Equipment load" refers to the energy emitted from equipment used within area r1. "Outside air load" is the energy that depends on the amount of outside air taken into area r1 for ventilation. Since the amount of ventilation changes depending on the number of people in area r1, the "outside air load" also changes depending on the number of people in area r1. A detailed example of this formula is shown in the figure.

[0024] Summarizing the above, we derive the relationship shown in equations (2) and (3). Equation (3) is a rewrite of equation (2).

[0025] Estimated heat load = Heat load passing through the 6 walls of the room + Heat generated inside the room ... (2)

[0026] Σθ = Σθr + Hr ···(3)

[0027] In equation (3) above, "Σθ" is the estimated heat load of the area under analysis, and "Σθr" is the heat load passing through the six walls of the room in the area under analysis. For "Hr", the estimated value of the room heat generation in the area under analysis is applied.

[0028] The above "heat load through the wall" is approximated for each of the four directions of walls, floors, and ceilings using the following equation (4).

[0029] Heat load through a wall = Heat load coefficient × Wall area × (Room temperature - adjacent room temperature or outside temperature) ...(4)

[0030] In equation (4) above, "room temperature" refers to the room temperature of the area being analyzed, and "adjacent room temperature" refers to the room temperature of the area adjacent to the area being analyzed. The "heat load coefficient" is a predetermined value determined by the structure and material of the wall.

[0031] Next, referring to Figure 4, we will explain the relationship between the usage patterns and power consumption of each area. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the usage patterns and power consumption of each area in the embodiment.

[0032] The table shown in Figure 4 shows the calculation conditions using the number of people in each area, the air conditioning temperature setting, and the lighting intensity as variables, and the calculation results show the power consumption for each area and the total power consumption. Each row in this list corresponds to one condition.

[0033] The top row of this table shows an example where the number of people in each area is 3, 2, and 1, the air conditioning temperature is set to 24°C in all areas, and the lighting intensity is set to medium, medium, and low. In this case, the predicted power consumption for each area is 9kW, 6kW, and 5kW, respectively, and the sum of these is 20kW.

[0034] The same applies if it is shown on any other level. Furthermore, areas marked with "0" in the "Number of People" column indicate that there are no occupants in the room. In addition, ventilation is also stopped in these cases. The "-" in the air conditioning temperature column indicates that the air conditioners in that area are stopped.

[0035] While the total number of people in each row is consistently 6, a comparison of the total power consumption in each row reveals that the fourth row from the top has a total value of "16kW". This fourth row represents the lowest value among the six conditions shown in this table.

[0036] The difference from the other cases was that the six people were led to one area, the air conditioning in the two unoccupied areas was turned off, and the lights were switched off. It can be assumed that this difference led to a reduction in total power consumption. In this way, by having people who are dispersed across several areas gather in a specific area, it becomes possible to use the facilities described above.

[0037] Referring to Figure 5, the air conditioning control of this embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart of the process applied to the air conditioning control of the embodiment.

[0038] The controller 20 calculates the indoor heat load Q for each area based on several conditions set by the operating pattern (S11). This calculation can be performed using the example described above.

[0039] The controller 20 sorts the calculated indoor heat load Q values ​​in ascending order (S12). The controller 20 uses the sorting results to allocate users to areas (rooms) with a small indoor heat load Q relative to the number of occupants (S13). By using the sorting results, even if there are users who cannot be accommodated in one area, they can be allocated in order from areas (rooms) with a small indoor heat load Q relative to the number of occupants.

[0040] The controller 20 determines a first control variable based on the user allocation plan and controls the environment of each area accordingly (<change of first control condition> (S14)).

[0041] For example, the controller 20 adjusts the environment of the "destination area" based on the user allocation plan as follows: • Adjust the ventilation rate (increase it as the number of people increases). • Adjust the air conditioner's temperature setting (lower it as the number of people increases).

[0042] Next, the access control device 40 calculates the number of users in each area. The controller 20 uses the user count information obtained from the access control device 40 to identify whether or not a user remains in the "source area" based on the user allocation plan (S15).

[0043] The controller 20 detects the occupancy status of each area, determines a second control variable, and controls the environment of each area accordingly (<change of second control condition> (S16)). The environment of each of the above areas is determined in order to guide the user to a specific area defined in step S13 above. For example, it is determined that the comfort level of this specific area is kept within a good range, while the comfort levels of the other areas are determined to deviate from a good range.

[0044] The control described in step S16 above will be illustrated as an example. If a user remains in the "area of ​​origin," the following control is performed (S16A). • Adjust the ventilation rate (adjust it to the appropriate level for the number of people). • Adjust (relax) the set temperature of the air conditioner. Once the above process is completed, the process from step S11 onwards is performed at predetermined intervals.

[0045] If no users remain in the "source area," the following control is performed (S16B). Turn off the air conditioning and ventilation, and turn off the lights. Once the above process is completed, the process from step S11 onwards is performed at predetermined intervals.

[0046] For example, if the number of users in the "original area" decreases, the amount of ventilation can be reduced accordingly. This reduces the power consumption of the ventilation fan, and the heat load decreases as a result of the reduced ventilation. By adjusting (relaxing) the set temperature of the air conditioner in response to this change in heat load, the power consumption of the air conditioner can also be reduced.

[0047] (Controlling the environment based on user allocation plans) Refer to Figure 6 to explain how to control the environment based on the user allocation plan. Figure 6 is a graph showing the relationship between the PMV index and the PPD index in the embodiment. The relationship between the PMV index and the PPD index defines the range in which a thermal environment is perceived as comfortable. A PMV index exceeding ±1% is likely to cause discomfort more frequently. When the PPD index (discomfort rate) exceeds approximately 10%, it is expected that people will feel uncomfortable more often.

[0048] Therefore, the controller 20 controls the air conditioners (for example, air conditioners 11 and 13) using predetermined settings to, for example, set the PMV index to +1% or -1%, or the PPD index (discomfort rate) to exceed 10%. This is expected to increase the discomfort level of users in that area. When users perceive a decrease in comfort in an area where such control is being implemented, they are motivated to choose a more comfortable area and move there. In this way, controllers can guide users to other areas by using indirect methods of adjusting the environment of an area.

[0049] According to this embodiment, the air conditioning system 1 is configured to apply localized air conditioning that adjusts the temperature and ventilation rate of multiple areas within a building. The controller 20 of the air conditioning system 1 calculates the indoor heat load Q for each of the multiple areas within the building, creates a user allocation plan that prioritizes assigning users to areas with a small indoor heat load Q relative to the number of occupants in each area, and controls the environment of each area based on the user allocation plan. The controller 20 adjusts the environment of the "destination area" of the user based on the user allocation plan, and adjusts the ventilation rate and set temperature of the "origin area" of the user based on the user allocation plan, depending on whether the user remains in that area.

[0050] The environment is adjusted using such an air conditioning system 1. Users are then allowed to select the area they wish to use based on their own judgment within that area. By users selecting and moving to areas with a favorable environment, the system can guide each user toward a user allocation plan that is closer to the plan it has generated.

[0051] As described above, the controller 20 provides an environment that encourages users to move to other areas by fine-tuning the environment in each area. The more users who respond to this and take action, the lower the power consumption can be, and the more energy-efficient it becomes.

[0052] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the air conditioning system 1 has a computer system inside. The series of processes related to the above-mentioned processing are stored in the form of a program on a computer-readable storage medium, and the above processing is performed when the computer reads and executes this program. Here, the computer-readable storage medium refers to a magnetic disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, etc. Alternatively, this computer program may be distributed to a computer via a communication line, and the computer that receives this distribution executes the program. Furthermore, the term "computer system" as used herein includes an OS, etc.

[0053] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those described above. Embodiments of the present invention can be, for example, obtained by modifying the above embodiments as follows.

[0054] For example, in the above embodiment, for convenience, the configuration related to the present invention was described as if each function of the air conditioning system 1 were integrated into a single device, but each function may be appropriately distributed among multiple devices. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 1. Air conditioning system 11, 12, 13 Air conditioners (air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment) 20 controllers 30. Lighting equipment control device (lighting control) 31, 32, 33 Lighting equipment 40 Entry / exit control device r1, r2, r3 area

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that can apply localized air conditioning to adjust the temperature and ventilation rate in multiple areas within a building, The indoor heat load Q for each of the multiple areas within the building is calculated for each area. A plan is created to allocate users to areas with a low indoor heat load Q relative to the number of people in each area, prioritizing their placement in those areas. It is equipped with a controller that controls the environment of each area based on the user allocation plan, The aforementioned controller, Adjust the environment of the user's "destination area" based on the aforementioned user allocation plan. Based on the user allocation plan, the ventilation rate and set temperature of the user's "source area" are adjusted according to whether the user remains in that area. Air conditioning system.

2. The aforementioned controller, The ventilation rate in the aforementioned "destination area" is increased in accordance with the increase in the number of people. Lower the temperature setting of the air conditioner in the aforementioned "destination area" in accordance with the increase in the number of people. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned controller, If the user remains in the aforementioned "area of ​​origin", The ventilation rate in the aforementioned "area of ​​origin" is adjusted to a ventilation rate corresponding to the number of people. To relax the temperature setting of the air conditioner in the aforementioned "area of ​​origin," The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

4. The aforementioned controller, If the user is not still in the aforementioned "area of ​​origin", The air conditioning and ventilation equipment in the aforementioned "area of ​​origin" will be shut down. The air conditioning system according to claim 1.

5. A control method for an air conditioning system that can apply localized air conditioning to adjust the temperature and ventilation rate of multiple areas within a building, The indoor heat load Q for each of the multiple areas within the building is calculated for each area. A plan is created to allocate users to areas with a low indoor heat load Q relative to the number of people in each area, prioritizing their placement in those areas. Controlling the environment in each area based on user allocation plans, Adjust the environment of the user's "destination area" based on the aforementioned user allocation plan. Based on the user allocation plan, the ventilation rate and set temperature of the user's "source area" are adjusted depending on whether the user remains in that area. A control method including

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