Residential air conditioner

Abstract

Provides air conditioners for living rooms. [Solution] A room air conditioner (100) includes a first heat exchanger (110) that does not take in outside air but instead takes in exhaust air from a water supply system installed in the room and exchanges heat with the exhaust air; a second heat exchanger (120) that takes in return air from the room and exchanges heat with the return air; a first indoor fan (140) that supplies air into the room after heat exchange between the first and second heat exchangers; a second indoor fan (130) that takes in indoor air without taking in outside air, blows it to the first heat exchanger, and exhausts the heat-exchanged air to the outside through an exhaust port; and a flow path switching means that switches between a flow path that supplies the heat-exchanged air into the room and a flow path that exhausts the heat-exchanged air to the outside. This device prevents energy loss due to an air balance imbalance or unnecessary ventilation caused by the amount of exhaust air from the water supply system exceeding the required amount of air supply in each room, thereby achieving efficient air conditioning management and energy conservation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of room air conditioners and hot water supply systems that utilize exhaust heat recovery. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventional small-scale residential air conditioning and hot water supply systems have had issues in terms of energy efficiency and construction, such as the amount of exhaust air from the water supply area exceeding the required amount of air supply, resulting in an imbalance in the air balance, and the heat loss and wasted water from central hot water supply piping leading to increased cooling loads and environmental impacts. However, existing technologies have not been able to fully utilize the exhaust heat from the water supply area or reduce the space required for equipment. As shown in Figure 3, conventional systems have had no choice but to install an outdoor unit due to their configuration. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-067762 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In each room, the amount of exhaust air from the plumbing exceeds the required amount of air supply, causing an imbalance in the air balance and energy loss due to unnecessary ventilation. For this reason, efficient air conditioning management and energy conservation are required. Furthermore, central hot water supply systems generate heat loss and waste water in the circulation piping, which increases the cooling load and environmental impact. In addition, the difficulty of securing space for the outdoor unit and the increase in construction costs and CO2 emissions due to the extended piping length are also important technical issues. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] This device is an air conditioner installed in each room that recovers exhaust air from the bathroom using a heat exchanger, and uses the exhaust heat for heating and cooling and preheating hot water without taking in outside air.By combining a flow path switching means, a preheat tank, and individual distributed hot water equipment, the air balance is optimized, reducing energy loss due to exhaust and heat loss due to hot water supply, thereby providing a means to simultaneously achieve energy savings and effective use of space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] This invention makes it possible to significantly reduce energy loss by effectively utilizing the exhaust heat from the bathroom in a room for heating, cooling, and hot water supply, thereby achieving technical and economic benefits such as reducing the space required for air conditioning and hot water equipment, reducing construction costs and CO2 emissions by shortening piping length, and reducing the environmental impact by reducing heat loss and wasted water during hot water supply. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a room air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a room air conditioner equipped with a preheat unit according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a room air conditioner equipped with an outdoor unit according to the prior art. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (Embodiment 1) The following describes one embodiment of the overall configuration 101 of the room air conditioner system of the present invention. The overall configuration of the room air conditioner main body 100 includes, as main components, a first heat exchanger 110, a second heat exchanger 120, a second indoor fan 130, a first indoor fan 140, a flow path switching means 150 (not shown), an exhaust heat recovery unit 160 (not shown), and an exhaust / intake air control system 190 (not shown).

[0009] The room air conditioner unit 100 is an air conditioner that is installed in each room and can individually adjust the temperature. It features a compact design that can be installed in limited spaces such as the ceiling of a room, and by linking it with the installation space optimization design 210, it improves the space utilization efficiency within the building.

[0010] The first heat exchanger 110 is the main heat exchanger that takes in exhaust air from the water supply area and recovers the thermal energy contained in the exhaust air. It is located inside the exhaust heat recovery unit 160 and is designed to achieve highly efficient heat transfer between the exhaust air flow and the heat medium flow.

[0011] The operating principle of the first heat exchanger 110 is that the exhaust-side flow path and the heat medium-side flow path are arranged in parallel, and when exhaust gas flows in, the heat medium (e.g., air or water) absorbs the exhaust heat through the heat transfer wall, thereby achieving heat recovery. Fin structures and turbulence promotion structures are implemented inside to optimize the temperature gradient and thermal conductivity of the exhaust flow.

[0012] The second heat exchanger 120 is a heat exchanger that takes in air that is returned from the room and exchanges heat with the returned air. It is located adjacent to the first heat exchanger 110 and is responsible for regulating the temperature in the room. The second heat exchanger 120 is primarily intended to maintain comfort in the room, and efficiently exchanges heat with the heat medium in response to changes in the temperature of the returned air.

[0013] The internal structure of the second heat exchanger 120 uses multi-layer pipes and plate-type heat exchange elements to maximize the surface area of ​​the air flow path and the heat medium flow path, thereby increasing heat transfer efficiency. The return air is controlled based on information obtained from a temperature sensor inside the room, achieving optimal temperature adjustment.

[0014] The exhaust heat recovery unit 160 is designed around the first heat exchanger 110, and integrates the inflow path for the water-related exhaust air, the heat exchange section, and the wiring to the exhaust port. Inside the unit, vanes and diffusers are installed to equalize the speed and temperature distribution of the exhaust flow, and efforts are made to maximize heat recovery efficiency.

[0015] The exhaust heat recovery unit 160 uses sensors to monitor the temperature, humidity, and pollution level of the exhaust flow, and dynamically adjusts the exhaust flow rate and heat exchange operation as needed. This allows it to flexibly respond to changes in exhaust temperature and flow rate, minimizing energy loss.

[0016] The first indoor fan 140 is a fan that supplies the air after heat exchange into the living space. It is installed along the air flow path and sends the air processed by the heat exchanger into the living space at an appropriate flow rate and pressure. The structure combines a fan motor and blower blades, allowing for flow control and a quiet design.

[0017] The operation of the first indoor fan 140 is optimized by inverter control, optimizing the rotation speed and airflow rate based on data obtained from temperature and flow rate sensors. This allows the air after heat exchange to be supplied evenly while maintaining a balance between room comfort and energy consumption.

[0018] The second indoor fan 130 serves to blow indoor air to the first heat exchanger 110 and discharge the air after heat exchange to the outside through an exhaust port. It is provided on an air flow path opposite the first indoor fan 140 and is responsible for adjusting the flow rate and pressure of the exhaust air.

[0019] The second indoor blower 130 is equipped with a duct connection and sound-deadening / vibration-damping structure to minimize exhaust noise and to stably cope with flow rate fluctuations. Control signals are supplied from the exhaust / intake control system 190, improving the efficiency of exhaust to the outdoors.

[0020] The flow path switching means 150 switches between a flow path that supplies the heat-exchanged air into the room and a flow path that exhausts it to the outside. Specifically, a flow path control mechanism such as a motor-driven damper or solenoid valve is used, and the flow path is dynamically changed in response to a control signal.

[0021] The control logic of the flow path switching means 150 receives sensor information such as the temperature, CO2 concentration, and exhaust volume in the room from the exhaust / intake control system 190, and determines the optimal flow path state. Normally, it gives priority to supplying return air to the room during heating / cooling operation, and selects exhaust to the outdoors when the exhaust volume is excessive or heat recovery is not required.

[0022] The exhaust / intake control system 190 is a control unit that senses the ventilation volume, CO2 concentration, temperature, etc. in the room and optimizes the air flow rate and intake volume of the entire system. It analyzes the data obtained from the sensors and sends control signals to each fan and flow path switching means 150 via a feedback loop.

[0023] The control algorithm of the exhaust / intake air control system 190 calculates the required amount of intake air and selects the optimal ventilation mode, taking into consideration the operating status of the exhaust heat recovery unit 160 and the air quality in the room. For example, if the exhaust volume exceeds the required intake air volume, the flow path is switched to prevent energy loss due to excess exhaust.

[0024] The installation space optimization design 210 takes into consideration the relative positions of each piece of equipment, piping length, maintenance accessibility, etc. The compact and efficient layout realizes a high-performance air conditioning and hot water system even in the limited space inside a room.

[0025] In the installation space optimization design 210, the room air conditioner body 100, exhaust heat recovery unit 160, small residual heat tank 170, and individual distributed hot water equipment 200 are centrally arranged to shorten the piping length and reduce construction costs. By coordinating with the architectural design, the energy efficiency and space utilization of the entire building are maximized.

[0026] The energy efficiency improvement effect 220 was calculated by comparing the energy consumption and CO2 emissions before and after the introduction of the system of this invention. The efficiency improvement due to the exhaust heat recovery and waste heat utilization was also shown numerically (not shown).

[0027] Next, the operation flow of the system of the present invention will be described. First, exhaust gas generated from the water area is introduced into the exhaust heat recovery unit 160. Here, heat recovery is performed by the first heat exchanger 110, and thermal energy is extracted from the exhaust gas flow.

[0028] The exhaust air after heat recovery is discharged outdoors by the second indoor fan 130. The exhaust flow rate and temperature are monitored by the exhaust / intake control system 190, and the flow path switching means 150 is activated to change the flow path as necessary.

[0029] Meanwhile, air returning from the room is introduced into the second heat exchanger 120, where heat exchange occurs between the air and the return air. The air after heat exchange is supplied into the room by the first indoor fan 140, maintaining a comfortable room temperature.

[0030] The exhaust / intake control system 190 constantly senses the CO2 concentration, temperature, humidity, etc. in the room, calculates the required intake and exhaust air volumes, and determines the operating mode of the entire system. The sensor information is processed sequentially according to a flowchart, and control signals are sent to each device.

[0031] During system operation, the flow path switching means 150 opens and closes dampers and valves in response to commands from the exhaust / intake control system 190, switching between supply and exhaust of heat-exchanged air, thereby optimizing air balance and energy efficiency.

[0032] As a concrete example, when applied to business hotel guest rooms, installing the system of this invention in each room makes it possible to effectively utilize exhaust heat for heating, cooling, and hot water supply. This linked configuration achieves space-saving and energy-saving effects.

[0033] In small rooms in student dormitories and apartments, installation space is limited, so by utilizing the installation space optimization design 210, the room air conditioner main unit 100, exhaust heat recovery unit 160, etc. can be efficiently arranged.

[0034] The exhaust heat recovery unit 160 processes exhaust by detecting the temperature, humidity, and contamination level of the exhaust flow path with sensors, and controls the flow rate and residence time to maximize the heat recovery efficiency in the first heat exchanger 110. The heat transfer coefficient of the exhaust flow is improved by the action of turbulence-promoting fins and vanes.

[0035] Highly thermally conductive materials such as aluminum alloy and copper are used for the first heat exchanger 110 to maximize the heat transfer efficiency between the exhaust gas flow and the heat transfer medium flow. Surface treatment and anti-fouling coating ensure that performance is maintained even during long-term operation.

[0036] The design of the second heat exchanger 120 optimizes the cross-sectional shape of the air flow path and the flow velocity distribution to enable rapid response to temperature changes in the return air. A multi-layer plate structure and high-heat-transfer fins are used to improve the accuracy of room temperature adjustment.

[0037] The fan design of the first indoor blower 140 employs variable-pitch blades for adjusting air volume and a sound-absorbing hood, reducing noise when blowing air into the room and improving comfort. The motor is inverter-controlled for energy-saving operation.

[0038] The second indoor fan 130 has a streamlined design at the duct connection to reduce pressure loss of the exhaust flow. The exhaust flow rate and noise level are controlled in real time according to the operating conditions.

[0039] The flow path switching means 150 employs a motor-driven damper mechanism, and the opening / closing timing and angle are precisely controlled by a microcomputer. It also has a redundant system that allows manual operation and emergency switching functions.

[0040] The exhaust / intake air control system 190 includes a group of sensors, including a temperature sensor, CO2 sensor, humidity sensor, and flow rate sensor, and the data from each sensor is collected in a control unit, which calculates optimal operating parameters using high-speed processing with integrated circuits.

[0041] When the system starts operating, the exhaust / intake control system 190 initializes each sensor data and grasps the air quality and temperature conditions in the room. Once the required amount of intake air is calculated, the flow path switching means 150 and the operation mode of each blower are set.

[0042] During operation, the exhaust heat recovery unit 160 continuously recovers exhaust heat. When the exhaust volume is excessive, the flow path switching means 150 opens the outdoor exhaust flow path to maintain the air balance.

[0043] In heating operation, the return air is heated by the second heat exchanger 120 and supplied to the room. The exhaust heat recovery unit 160 recovers the thermal energy in the exhaust air and reduces energy consumption by bearing part of the heating load.

[0044] The exhaust / intake air control system 190 adjusts the ventilation volume in real time according to the room occupancy status, number of occupants, fluctuations in CO2 concentration, etc. The control parameters are updated successively.

[0045] The installation space optimization design 210 rationalizes the layout of the room air conditioner main unit 100 and related equipment, reduces construction costs by shortening the piping length, and reduces CO2 emissions.

[0046] The actual measurement data for the energy efficiency improvement effect 220 clearly shows the effect of exhaust heat recovery and waste heat utilization in terms of the reduction rate of energy consumption and CO2 emissions when the proposed system is introduced compared to the conventional system.

[0047] As described above, the room air conditioning system of the present invention achieves high efficiency and comfort through the cooperation of each component, such as the effective use of exhaust heat by the exhaust heat recovery unit 160, the advanced heat exchange control by the first heat exchanger 110 and the second heat exchanger 120, the high-precision ventilation control by the exhaust / intake air control system 190, and the effective use of space by the installation space optimization design 210.

[0048] As shown in the drawings, each component is integrated or placed close to each other, streamlining piping and wiring and improving maintainability. The detailed configuration of the entire system and individual elements is specifically shown.

[0049] Furthermore, this system can be operated independently in each room, and the operating mode can be flexibly switched depending on the operating conditions and the comfort requirements of the residents. As an example of introducing it to multiple rooms, the installation layout can also be applied when expanding it to the entire building.

[0050] Compared to conventional air conditioning and hot water systems, this invention offers a wide range of technical benefits, including a significant reduction in energy loss, space savings, reduced construction costs, reduced environmental impact, and improved livability. The detailed operating principles and coordinated control of each component are as described above.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, the overall configuration of the room air conditioner main body 300 includes, as main components, a first heat exchanger 310, a second heat exchanger 320, a first indoor fan 330, a second indoor fan 340, a flow path switching means 350, and an exhaust heat recovery unit 360, as well as a small residual heat tank 370, a hot water supply preheating system 380, an exhaust / air supply control system 390, and an individual distributed hot water heater 300. Since the same devices and systems as those in embodiment 1 are used, only devices and the like specific to embodiment 2 will be described.

[0052] The small residual heat tank 370 is a heat storage tank that stores the waste heat generated during cooling and uses it to preheat the water supply. A heat medium (e.g., water) circulates in conjunction with the piping system, efficiently absorbing and storing the waste heat during cooling operation. High heat capacity materials and a heat insulating layer are used inside to minimize heat loss.

[0053] The operating principle of the small residual heat tank 370 is that the exhaust heat generated in the first heat exchanger 310 during cooling is sent into the thermal storage tank via the heat medium flow. The temperature rise in the thermal storage tank is monitored by a sensor, and when it reaches a certain temperature, it is supplied to the hot water supply preheating system 380 as preheated water.

[0054] The hot water supply preheating system 380 is a piping system for supplying water preheated in the small residual heat tank 370 to the individual distributed hot water supply equipment 300. The residual heat tank and the hot water supply equipment are fluidly connected, and preheated water is sent at the required flow rate and temperature. The piping is equipped with insulation and a flow control valve to reduce energy loss.

[0055] The operation of the hot water supply preheating system 380 is controlled by automatically adjusting the flow valve according to the usage status and the required hot water temperature of the individual distributed hot water supply device 300. The temperature of the preheated water is constantly monitored by a sensor, and the temperature is increased by an additional heat source as necessary.

[0056] The individual distributed water heaters 300 are a group of devices that include electric instantaneous water heaters and individual gas water heaters, and can independently supply hot water to each room. By using preheated water supplied from the hot water heater preheating system 380, the start-up time of the water heaters is shortened and heat loss during hot water supply is reduced.

[0057] The individual distributed hot water supply equipment 300 operates electric heaters and gas burners in response to hot water demands, ultimately heating the water to a predetermined temperature. By using preheated water, the initial heating load is reduced, optimizing energy consumption. The recovered heat is sent from the first heat exchanger 310 via a heat medium to the small residual heat tank 370. During cooling operation, the exhaust heat is stored in the heat storage tank and used as an energy source for preheating the water supply. The heat stored in the residual heat tank 370 is supplied as preheated water to the individual decentralized water heater 300 via the hot water supply preheating system 380. When supplying hot water, the individual decentralized water heater 300 performs additional heating according to the temperature of the preheated water, and supplies hot water at a predetermined temperature.

[0058] Even in private rooms in elderly care facilities and hospitals, the exhaust heat from the water supply can be recovered in a small residual heat tank 370, and by linking with the individual distributed hot water supply equipment 300, the heat loss from hot water supply and the amount of wasted water can be reduced, making it possible to achieve both comfort and reduced environmental impact.

[0059] In small rooms in student dormitories and apartments, installation space is limited, so by utilizing the installation space optimization design 310, the room air conditioner main body 300, exhaust heat recovery unit 360, and individual distributed water heater 300 can be efficiently arranged.

[0060] The inside of the small residual heat tank 370 is filled with a high-heat-capacity heat storage material (e.g., water or phase-change material), and a heat insulating material is placed around the periphery. The internal flow path design is ingenious to increase the heat storage efficiency, and the heat exchange area is maximized.

[0061] The piping of the hot water supply preheating system 380 uses heat-resistant resin pipes wrapped in insulation and incorporates control parts such as flow valves, temperature sensors, and check valves. Accessibility of branching points and connections has been considered to make maintenance and inspection of the piping system easy.

[0062] The individual distributed water heater 300 automatically controls the electric heater output and the combustion rate of the gas burner according to the temperature and flow rate of the preheated water. When hot water is required, the supply of preheated water is given priority, and the auxiliary heat source is activated only when additional heating is required, thereby achieving energy-saving operation.

[0063] During operation, the exhaust heat recovery unit 360 continuously recovers exhaust heat and, if necessary, switches the heat medium flow to the small preheat tank 370. When the exhaust volume is excessive, the flow path switching means 350 opens the outdoor exhaust flow path to maintain air balance.

[0064] During cooling operation, exhaust heat is accumulated in the residual heat tank 370, and preheated water is supplied to the individual distributed water heater 300 via the hot water supply preheating system 380. This reduces the start-up time and the amount of water wasted during hot water supply, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0065] As described above, the room air conditioning system of the present invention achieves high efficiency and comfort through the cooperation of each component, such as effective use of exhaust heat by exhaust heat recovery unit 360, advanced heat exchange control by first heat exchanger 310 and second heat exchanger 320, hot water energy optimization by small residual heat tank 370 and hot water preheating system 380, coordination with individual distributed hot water heater 300, high-precision ventilation control by exhaust / intake air control system 390, and effective space utilization by installation space optimization design 310.

[0066] Finally, the design, operation, and coordination of each component are specifically shown, and parameters such as piping, wiring, control logic, heat exchange efficiency, and energy consumption during actual operation can be optimized according to site requirements and room size. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 101 Overall configuration of a room air conditioning system 100 Room air conditioner unit 110 1st heat exchanger 120 Second heat exchanger 130 2nd indoor blower 140 No. 1 indoor blower 150 Flow path switching means 170 Small residual heat tank 180 Hot Water Preheating System 190 Exhaust and intake control system 200 Individual distributed hot water supply equipment

Claims

1. a first heat exchanger that does not take in outside air but takes in exhaust air from a water-related facility installed indoors and exchanges heat with the exhaust air; a second heat exchanger that takes in return air from the living room and exchanges heat with the return air; a first indoor fan that supplies the air that has undergone heat exchange by the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger into the living room; a second indoor fan that takes in indoor air without taking in outside air, blows the air to the first heat exchanger, and exhausts the air after heat exchange to the outside of the room through an exhaust port; a flow path switching means for switching between a flow path for supplying the air after heat exchange into the room and a flow path for discharging the air after heat exchange to the outside of the room; Equipped with an entire air-conditioning system including at least the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the first indoor fan, the second indoor fan, and the flow path switching means is provided in a room including a ceiling space; Air conditioner for living room.

2. a first heat exchanger that does not take in outside air but takes in exhaust air from a water-related facility installed indoors and exchanges heat with the exhaust air; a second heat exchanger that takes in return air from the living room and exchanges heat with the return air; a first indoor fan that supplies the air that has undergone heat exchange by the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger into the living room; a second indoor fan that takes in indoor air without taking in outside air, blows the air to the first heat exchanger, and exhausts the air after heat exchange to the outside of the room through an exhaust port; a flow path switching means for switching between a flow path for supplying the air after heat exchange into the room and a flow path for discharging the air after heat exchange to the outside of the room; a waste heat unit provided with a waste heat tank for storing exhaust heat during cooling; an individual distributed hot water supply device including at least an electric instantaneous hot water supply device and an individual gas hot water supply device; Equipped with an entire air-conditioning system including at least the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, the first indoor fan, the second indoor fan, and the flow path switching means is provided in a room including a ceiling space; The residual heat unit and the individual distributed hot water supply equipment compensate for energy loss during hot water supply and heat dissipation. Air conditioner for living room.

3. The waste heat unit is disposed near the room air conditioner, between the first exchanger and the individual distributed water heater, and supplies hot water and cold water via the waste heat unit. The room air conditioner according to claim 2.

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