Air Conditioning System

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning system capable of performing humidification by a humidifier, even if detecting humidity influenced by disturbance in an air-conditioned space.SOLUTION: An air-conditioning system 20 is equipped with an air-conditioner 13 that conditions a temperature of air in an air-conditioning chamber 18, a humidifying device 16 that humidifies the air whose temperature is conditioned, a plurality of carrying fans 3 carrying the air in the air-conditioning chamber 18 to a plurality of rooms 2, and a controller 50 that controls the humidifying device 16. The controller 50 obtains information on the detected humidity of the air detected in the rooms 2 at predetermined time intervals, executes the humidifying device at first humidification control based on a first humidity when the detected humidity is the first humidity, executes by switching the first humidification control to second humidification control based on a second humidity when the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to the second humidity different from the first humidity, if a humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is a threshold value or less, and continuously executes the first humidification control when the humidity difference exceeds the threshold value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system that makes it possible to air-condition multiple rooms in a house with a single air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, homes have been air-conditioned using central air conditioners. However, with the growing demand for energy-saving homes and stricter regulations, it is expected that the number of highly insulated and airtight homes will increase, and there is a demand for air-conditioning systems that are suited to these characteristics.

[0003] One such air conditioning system known is a whole-building air conditioning system, which conditions air transported from multiple spaces (rooms) to an air-conditioned room to a predetermined temperature and humidity in the air-conditioned room and then transports the air to each of the multiple spaces (rooms) so that the air temperature and humidity in the multiple spaces become target temperature and humidity (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-63899 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional humidifiers in whole-building air-conditioning systems, the difference between the target humidity and the current humidity of the conditioned space is referenced to determine whether to perform humidification, and so the humidifier may switch between humidification and shutdown when it detects an instantaneous change in the current absolute humidity of the conditioned space due to disturbances, etc. This causes frequent switching between humidification and shutdown, making it difficult to humidify stably.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system that can stably perform humidification using a humidifier, even when humidity influenced by external disturbances is detected in the conditioned space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve this object, the air conditioning system according to the present invention includes an air-conditioned room configured to be able to introduce air from the outside, an air conditioner installed in the air-conditioned room and adjusting the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room, a humidifier installed in the air-conditioned room and humidifying the air adjusted by the air conditioner, a plurality of transport fans that transport the air in the air-conditioned room to a plurality of conditioned spaces independent of the air-conditioned room, and a controller that controls the humidifier and the transport fans. The controller acquires information about the detected humidity of the air detected in the conditioned space at a predetermined time interval, and when the detected humidity is a first humidity, causes the humidifier to perform a first humidification control based on the first humidity, and when the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity, causes the humidifier to switch to and perform a second humidification control based on the second humidity if a first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and causes the humidifier to continue to perform the first humidification control if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value, thereby achieving the intended object. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that can stably perform humidification using a humidifier even when humidity affected by external disturbance is detected in the conditioned space. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic connection diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a humidifier that constitutes an air conditioning system. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic functional block diagram of a system controller of the air conditioning system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the basic processing operation of the controller. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the basic processing operation of the humidification control of the controller. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing a first processing operation of the controller when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the second processing operation of the controller when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a third processing operation of the controller when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a fourth processing operation of the controller when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] The air conditioning system according to the present invention includes an air-conditioned room configured to be able to introduce air from the outside, an air conditioner installed in the air-conditioned room and adjusting the temperature of the air in the air-conditioned room, a humidifier installed in the air-conditioned room and humidifying the air adjusted in temperature by the air conditioner, a plurality of transport fans that transport the air in the air-conditioned room to a plurality of conditioned spaces independent of the air-conditioned room, and a controller that controls the humidifier and the transport fans. The controller acquires information about the detected humidity of the air detected in the conditioned space at a predetermined time interval, and controls the humidifier to perform a first humidification control based on the first humidity when the detected humidity is a first humidity, switches to and performs a second humidification control based on the second humidity when the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity and a first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and controls the humidifier to continue performing the first humidification control when the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value.

[0011] According to this configuration, if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value, i.e., if there is a sudden change in humidity, the humidifying operation of the humidifier is performed by the first humidification control based on the first humidity before it changed to the second humidity. On the other hand, if the first humidity difference is equal to or less than the first threshold value, i.e., if there is no sudden change in humidity, the humidifying operation of the humidifier is performed by the second humidification control based on the second humidity as it is. Therefore, even if the air conditioning system detects humidity (detected humidity) affected by a disturbance in the conditioned space, the humidifier does not repeatedly start or stop unnecessary operation, and therefore humidification by the humidifier can be performed stably.

[0012] In addition, in the air conditioning system of the present invention, the controller may be configured to perform control to switch from the first humidification control to the second humidification control when the first humidity difference exceeds a first threshold value, the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a third humidity different from the second humidity, and the second humidity difference between the second humidity and the third humidity is equal to or less than the second threshold value.

[0013] In this way, even if a humidity change exceeding the first threshold value, i.e., a sudden temperature change, is detected, if the second humidity difference is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the humidification operation of the humidifier is performed by the second humidification control. On the other hand, if the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold value, the first humidification control is continued and the humidification operation of the humidifier is performed. In other words, if the humidity difference immediately after the sudden humidity change is detected is below the second threshold value, the humidification control of the humidifier is performed based on the humidity detected after the sudden humidity change. Therefore, even if a sudden humidity change is detected in a specific conditioned space in the air conditioning system, if such a state continues, humidification by the humidifier can be stably performed.

[0014] In addition, in the air conditioning system of the present invention, the controller may be configured to switch to and execute a second humidification control based on the average second humidity when a third humidity difference between the second humidity of one of the multiple conditioned spaces and the average value of the second humidities of each of the multiple conditioned spaces is equal to or less than a third threshold value, and to continue executing the first humidification control when the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold value.

[0015] In this way, if the third humidity difference occurring between the multiple air-conditioned spaces exceeds the third threshold value, the humidifying operation of the humidifier is performed by the first humidification control based on the average value of the first humidity before it changed to the second humidity. On the other hand, if the third humidity difference occurring between the multiple air-conditioned spaces is equal to or less than the third threshold value, the humidifying operation of the humidifier is performed by the second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity. Therefore, even if the air-conditioning system detects humidity affected by a disturbance (detected humidity) in any of the multiple air-conditioned spaces, the humidifier does not repeatedly start or stop unnecessary operation, and therefore humidification by the humidifier can be performed stably.

[0016] In the air conditioning system according to the present invention, the controller includes a third humidity If the difference exceeds a third threshold value and the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a fourth humidity different from the second humidity, and if the fourth humidity difference between the second humidity and the fourth humidity is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, control may be performed to switch from the first humidification control to the second humidification control.

[0017] In this way, even if the third humidity difference occurring between the multiple conditioned spaces exceeds the third threshold, if the fourth humidity difference is equal to or less than the fourth threshold, the humidification operation of the humidifier is executed by the second humidification control. Therefore, even if the air conditioning system detects a sudden humidity change in any of the multiple conditioned spaces, if such a condition continues, it is possible to perform humidification control for the humidity after the change, thereby enabling stable humidification by the humidifier.

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (Embodiment 1) First, an air conditioning system 20 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a schematic connection diagram of the air conditioning system 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] The air conditioning system 20 is configured to include a plurality of transport fans 3 (transport fans 3a, 3b), a heat exchange fan 4, a plurality of room dampers 5 (room dampers 5a, 5b), a plurality of circulation ports 6 (circulation ports 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d), a plurality of room exhaust ports 7 (room exhaust ports 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d), a plurality of room intake ports 8 (room intake ports 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d), a room temperature sensor 11 (room temperature sensors 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d), a room humidity sensor 12 (room humidity sensors 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d), an air conditioner (air conditioner) 13, an intake temperature sensor 14, a humidifier 16, a dust collecting filter 17, and a controller 50 (corresponding to an air conditioning controller).

[0021] The air conditioning system 20 is installed in a general house 1, which is an example of a building. The general house 1 has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) living rooms 2 (living rooms 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), and at least one air-conditioned room 18 that is independent of the living rooms 2. Here, the general house 1 (house) is a residence provided as a place for residents to live private lives, and the living rooms 2 generally include a living room, dining room, bedroom, private room, children's room, etc. Furthermore, the living rooms provided by the air conditioning system 20 may include a toilet, bathroom, washroom, dressing room, etc.

[0022] Here, the living room 2a is provided with a circulation port 6a, a living room exhaust port 7a, a living room intake port 8a, a living room temperature sensor 11a, a living room humidity sensor 12a, a controller 50, and an input / output terminal 19. The living room 2b is provided with a circulation port 6b, a living room exhaust port 7b, a living room intake port 8b, a living room temperature sensor 11b, and a living room humidity sensor 12b. The living room 2c is provided with a circulation port 6c, a living room exhaust port 7c, a living room intake port 8c, a living room temperature sensor 11c, and a living room humidity sensor 12c. The living room 2d is provided with a circulation port 6d, a living room exhaust port 7d, a living room intake port 8d, a living room temperature sensor 11d, and a living room humidity sensor 12d.

[0023] Meanwhile, in air-conditioned room 18, there are disposed transport fan 3a, transport fan 3b, occupant room damper 5a, occupant room damper 5b, air conditioner 13, suction temperature sensor 14, humidifier 16, and dust collection filter 17. More specifically, from the upstream side of the circulation path of the air flowing in air-conditioned room 18, there are disposed air conditioner 13, dust collection filter 17, suction temperature sensor 14, humidifier 16, transport fan 3 (transport fans 3a, 3b), and occupant room damper 5 (occupant room dampers 5a, 5b), in that order.

[0024] Air is introduced from the outside of the air-conditioning room 18 to the inside of the air-conditioning room 18. In the air-conditioning room 18, air (indoor air) transported from each living room 2 through the circulation port 6 is mixed with outside air (outdoor air) taken in by the heat exchange fan 4 and heat-exchanged. The temperature and humidity of the air in the air-conditioning room 18 are controlled by the air conditioner 13 and the humidifier 16 installed in the air-conditioning room 18, that is, the air is conditioned to generate air to be transported to the living room 2. The air conditioned in the air-conditioning room 18 is transported to each living room 2 by the transport fan 3. Here, the air-conditioning room 18 means a space with a certain size in which the air conditioner 13, the intake temperature sensor 14, the humidifier 16, the dust collecting filter 17, etc. can be arranged and the air conditioning of each living room 2 can be controlled, but it is not intended as a living space and does not basically mean a room where a resident stays.

[0025] The air from each room 2 is transported to the air-conditioned room 18 through the circulation port 6, and is also heat-exchanged through the heat exchange fan 4 through the room exhaust port 7 before being discharged outdoors. The air-conditioning system 20 performs ventilation using a first type ventilation method by discharging inside air (indoor air) from each room 2 through the heat exchange fan 4 while taking in outside air (outdoor air) into the room. The ventilation air volume of the heat exchange fan 4 can be set in multiple stages, and the ventilation air volume is set to meet the required ventilation volume stipulated by law.

[0026] Heat exchange fan 4 is configured with an intake fan and an exhaust fan (not shown) inside, and by operating each fan, ventilation is performed while exchanging heat between the inside air (indoor air) and the outside air (outdoor air). At this time, heat exchange fan 4 transports the outside air that has been heat exchanged to air-conditioned room 18.

[0027] The transport fan 3 is provided on a wall surface (wall surface on the bottom side) of the air-conditioned room 18. The air in the air-conditioned room 18 is transported by the transport fan 3 through a transport duct from the room air supply port 8 to the room 2. More specifically, the air in the air-conditioned room 18 is transported by the transport fan 3a to the room 2a and the room 2b located on the first floor of the general house 1, and is transported by the transport fan 3b to the room 2c and the room 2d located on the second floor of the general house 1. The transport ducts connected to the room air supply port 8 of each room 2 are provided independently.

[0028] When transporting air from the transport fan 3 to each of the rooms 2, the room dampers 5 adjust the opening degree of the room dampers 5 to adjust the amount of air sent to each of the rooms 2. More specifically, the room damper 5a adjusts the amount of air sent to the rooms 2a and 2b located on the first floor, while the room damper 5b adjusts the amount of air sent to the rooms 2c and 2d located on the second floor.

[0029] A portion of the air in each living room 2 (living rooms 2a to 2d) is transported to the air-conditioning room 18 through the corresponding circulation ports 6 (circulation ports 6a to 6d) via the circulation duct. Here, the air transported through the circulation ports 6 is naturally transported to the air-conditioning room 18 as circulating air by the difference between the air volume (supply air volume) transported from the air-conditioning room 18 to each living room 2 by the transport fan 3 and the air volume (exhaust air volume) exhausted to the outside from the living room exhaust port 7 by the heat exchange fan 4. Note that the circulation ducts connecting the air-conditioning room 18 and each living room 2 may be provided independently, or multiple branch ducts that are part of the circulation duct may be joined midway to be integrated into one circulation duct, which is then connected to the air-conditioning room 18.

[0030] As described above, each circulation port 6 (circulation ports 6a to 6d) is an opening for conveying indoor air from each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the air-conditioned room .

[0031] Each room exhaust vent 7 (room exhaust vents 7a to 7d) is an opening for conveying indoor air from each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) to the heat exchange fan 4, as described above.

[0032] As described above, each room air supply port 8 (room air supply ports 8a to 8d) is an opening for conveying air within air-conditioned room 18 from air-conditioned room 18 to each room 2 (rooms 2a to 2d).

[0033] The room temperature sensors 11 (room temperature sensors 11a to 11d) are sensors that obtain the temperature (room temperature) of each of the corresponding rooms 2 (rooms 2a to 2d) and transmit the obtained temperature to the controller 50.

[0034] The living room humidity sensors 12 (living room humidity sensors 12a to 12d) are sensors that obtain the humidity (room humidity) of the corresponding living room 2 (living rooms 2a to 2d) and transmit it to the controller 50.

[0035] The air conditioner 13 corresponds to an air conditioner and controls the air conditioning of the air conditioned room 18. The air conditioner 13 cools or heats the air in the air conditioned room 18 so that the temperature of the air in the air conditioned room 18 becomes a set temperature (air conditioned room target temperature). Here, the set temperature is set to a temperature based on the result of calculating the required heat amount from the temperature difference between the target temperature (room target temperature) set by the user and the room temperature. In this embodiment, the set temperature is set to a temperature at least higher than the target temperature in order to adjust the air temperature in each room 2 to the target temperature more quickly.

[0036] The suction temperature sensor 14 is a sensor that acquires the temperature of air conditioned by the air conditioner 13 in the air-conditioned room 18 and transmits it to the controller 50. More specifically, the suction temperature sensor 14 is installed downstream of the dust collection filter 17 in the air-conditioned room 18, acquires the temperature of the air being sucked into the humidifier 16, and transmits it to the controller 50.

[0037] The humidifier 16 is located downstream of the air conditioner 13 (and dust collection filter 17) in the air-conditioned room 18, and when the humidity of the air in each room 2 (room humidity) is lower than the set humidity (room set humidity) set by the user, it humidifies the air in the air-conditioned room 18 so that the humidity becomes the set humidity. Also, the humidity handled here is indicated as relative humidity, but it may be handled as absolute humidity by a predetermined conversion process. In this case, it is preferable to handle the entire handling in the air-conditioning system 20, including the humidity in the room 2, as absolute humidity. Details of the humidifier will be described later.

[0038] The dust collection filter 17 is a dust collection filter that collects particles suspended in the air introduced into the air-conditioned room 18. The dust collection filter 17 collects particles contained in the air transported into the air-conditioned room 18 through the circulation port 6, thereby making the air supplied to the room by the transport fan 3 clean air. Here, the dust collection filter 17 is installed in the area between the air conditioner 13 and the humidifier 16 so as to block the air flow path.

[0039] The controller 50 is a controller that controls the entire air conditioning system 20. The controller 50 is connected to each of the heat exchange fan 4, the transport fan 3, the room damper 5, the room temperature sensor 11, the room humidity sensor 12, the air conditioner 13, the suction temperature sensor 14, and the humidifier 16 so as to be able to communicate with them via wireless communication.

[0040] Furthermore, the controller 50 controls the air conditioner 13, humidifier 16, and air volume of the transport fan 3, and the opening degree of the room damper 5, which serve as air conditioners, in accordance with the room temperature and room humidity of each room 2 acquired by the room temperature sensor 11 and the room humidity sensor 12, the set temperature (room set temperature) and set humidity (room set humidity) set for each room 2a to 2d, and the air temperature in the air-conditioned room 18 acquired by the suction temperature sensor 14. The air volume of the transport fan 3 may be controlled individually for each fan.

[0041] As a result, the air conditioned in the air-conditioning room 18 is transported to each room 2 at the air volume set in each transport fan 3 and each room damper 5. Therefore, the room temperature and room humidity of each room 2 are controlled to be the room set temperature and room set humidity.

[0042] Here, the controller 50, the heat exchange fan 4, the transport fan 3, the room damper 5, the room temperature sensor 11, the room humidity sensor 12, the air conditioner 13, the intake temperature sensor 14, and the humidifier 16 are connected by wireless communication, thereby making it possible to eliminate the need for complicated wiring work. However, all of these, or some of these and the controller 50 may be configured to be able to communicate by wired communication.

[0043] Next, the configuration of the humidifier 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the humidifier 16 that constitutes the air conditioning system 20.

[0044] The humidifier 16 is located downstream of the air conditioner 13 in the air-conditioned room 18, and is a device for humidifying the air in the air-conditioned room 18 by centrifugal water crushing. In other words, the humidifier 16 is a device configured to centrifugally crush and finely atomize water pumped by the rotation of the water lift pipe 37, and to include the water in air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 13 and release it.

[0045] The humidifier 16 includes an intake port 31 for drawing in air from the air-conditioning chamber 18, an exhaust port 32 for blowing out humidified air into the air-conditioning chamber 18, an air passage provided between the intake port 31 and the exhaust port 32, and a liquid atomization chamber 33 provided in this air passage.

[0046] The suction port 31 is provided on the top surface of a housing that constitutes the outer frame of the humidifier 16, and the outlet port 32 is provided on the side surface of the housing. The liquid atomization chamber 33 is the main part of the humidifier 16, and is where water is atomized by a centrifugal water crushing method.

[0047] Specifically, the humidifier 16 includes a rotary motor 34, a rotary shaft 35 rotated by the rotary motor 34, a centrifugal fan 36, a cylindrical lifting pipe 37, a water storage section 40, a first eliminator 41, and a second eliminator 42.

[0048] The water lift pipe 37 is fixed to the rotating shaft 35 inside the liquid atomization chamber 33, and while rotating in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 35, it pumps up water from a circular water lift port provided vertically downward. More specifically, the water lift pipe 37 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure, and has a circular water lift port provided vertically downward, and the rotating shaft 35 is fixed vertically to the center of the top surface of the inverted cone above the water lift pipe 37. The rotating shaft 35 is connected to the rotating motor 34 located vertically above the liquid atomization chamber 33, so that the rotational motion of the rotating motor 34 is transmitted to the water lift pipe 37 through the rotating shaft 35, causing the water lift pipe 37 to rotate.

[0049] The rise pipe 37 is provided with a plurality of rotating plates 38 formed on the top surface side of the inverted cone shape so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the rise pipe 37. The plurality of rotating plates 38 are formed so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the rise pipe 37 with a predetermined interval in the axial direction of the rotating shaft 35 between adjacent rotating plates 38 above and below. Since the rotating plates 38 rotate together with the rise pipe 37, it is preferable that the rotating plates 38 have a horizontal disk shape coaxial with the rotating shaft 35. The number of rotating plates 38 is appropriately set according to the target performance or the dimensions of the rise pipe 37.

[0050] Further, a plurality of openings 39 penetrating the wall surface of the rise pipe 37 are provided on the wall surface of the rise pipe 37. Each of the plurality of openings 39 is provided at a position that communicates the inside of the rise pipe 37 with the upper surface of a rotating plate 38 formed so as to protrude outward from the outer surface of the rise pipe 37.

[0051] The centrifugal fan 36 is disposed vertically above the water lift pipe 37, and serves to draw air into the device from the air conditioning chamber 18. The centrifugal fan 36 is fixed to the rotating shaft 35, just like the water lift pipe 37, and introduces air into the liquid atomization chamber 33 by rotating in accordance with the rotation of the rotating shaft 35.

[0052] The water storage section 40 is located vertically below the rise pipe 37 and stores the water that the rise pipe 37 pumps from the rise port. The depth of the water storage section 40 is designed so that a part of the lower part of the rise pipe 37, for example, a length of about one-third to one-hundredth of the cone height of the rise pipe 37, is submerged. This depth can be designed according to the required amount of water to be pumped. The bottom surface of the water storage section 40 is formed in a cone shape facing the rise port. Water is supplied to the water storage section 40 by a water supply section (not shown).

[0053] The first eliminator 41 is a porous body through which air can pass, and is provided on the side (outer periphery in the centrifugal direction) of the liquid atomization chamber 33 so that air can pass therethrough in the centrifugal direction. The first eliminator 41 atomizes the water droplets discharged from the opening 39 of the water lift pipe 37 by collision with the first eliminator 41, and collects the water droplets contained in the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 33. As a result, the air flowing through the humidifier 16 contains only vaporized water.

[0054] The second eliminator 42 is provided downstream of the first eliminator 41 and is arranged so that air flows vertically upward. The first eliminator 41 is also a porous body through which air can flow, and collects water droplets from the water contained in the air passing through the first eliminator 41 by collision with the first eliminator 41. In this way, the fine water droplets are doubly collected by the two eliminators, and large water droplets can be collected more accurately.

[0055] Next, the operating principle of humidification (water atomization) in the humidifier 16 will be described.

[0056] Next, the operational principle of humidification (dispersion of water into fine particles) in the humidifier 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the flow of air and the flow of water within the device are respectively indicated by arrows.

[0057] First, when the operation of the humidifier 16 is started, the rotary motor 34 rotates the rotary shaft 35 at the first rotation speed R1, and the centrifugal fan 36 starts sucking air from the air-conditioning room 18 through the suction port 31. Then, the lift pipe 37 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the rotary shaft 35 at the first rotation speed R1. Then, as shown by the water flow indicated by the dashed arrow, the water stored in the water storage section 40 is pumped up by the lift pipe 37 due to the centrifugal force generated by the rotation. Here, the first rotation speed R1 of the rotary motor 11 (lift pipe 37) is set between 600 rpm and 3000 rpm depending on the air blowing volume and the amount of humidification of the air, for example. Since the lift pipe 37 has an inverted cone-shaped hollow structure, the water pumped up by the rotation is pumped up along the inner wall of the lift pipe 37. The pumped water is then discharged in the centrifugal direction from the opening 39 of the pumping pipe 37 along the rotating plate 38 and scattered as water droplets.

[0058] The water droplets scattered from the rotating plate 38 fly in the space surrounded by the first eliminator 41 (liquid atomization chamber 33), collide with the first eliminator 41, and are atomized. Meanwhile, the air passing through the liquid atomization chamber 33 moves to the outer periphery of the first eliminator 41 while containing the water crushed (atomized) by the first eliminator 41, as shown by the air flow indicated by the solid arrow. Then, in the process of the air flowing through the air passage from the first eliminator 41 to the second eliminator 42, an air vortex is generated, and the water and the air are mixed. Then, the air containing the water passes through the second eliminator 42. As a result, the humidifier 16 can humidify the air sucked in from the suction port 31 and blow out the humidified air from the blowout port 32.

[0059] The liquid to be atomized may be other than water, and may be, for example, a liquid such as hypochlorous acid water having bactericidal or deodorizing properties.

[0060] Next, the controller 50 in the air conditioning system 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a functional block diagram of the controller 50 in the air conditioning system 20.

[0061] The controller 50 is installed on a wall in a room in the house 1, such as the living room, which is the main space used for daily life, and controls the operation of the air conditioner 13, the transport fan 3, the room damper 5, and the humidifier 16. To facilitate operation by the user, the controller 50 is installed at a height about the same as a human face from the floor of the conditioned space. The controller 50 has a rectangular shape and includes a display panel 50j in the center area on the front of the main body and an operation panel 50a in the area to the right of the display panel 50j.

[0062] The display panel 50j is an LCD monitor or the like, and displays on the display screen the operating status of the air conditioner 13, the transport fan 3, the room damper 5, the humidifier 16, the room set temperature, the room set humidity, the current room temperature and room humidity in room 2, etc.

[0063] The operation panel 50a is a button switch or the like that allows the user to input the room set temperature, room set humidity, and the like for the room 2.

[0064] The controller 50 includes a control unit housed within its main body, the control unit having a computer CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and the like.

[0065] Specifically, the control unit of the controller 50 includes an input section 50b, a processing section 50c, a memory section 50d, a timing section 50e, a damper opening determination section 50f, an air volume determination section 50g, a set temperature determination section 50h, a rotation speed determination section 50k, and an output section 50i.

[0066] The input unit 50b receives information (first information) relating to the room temperature in the room 2 from the room temperature sensor 11, information (second information) relating to the indoor humidity in the room 2 from the room humidity sensor 12, information (third information) relating to the suction temperature of the humidifier 16 from the suction temperature sensor 14, and information (fourth information) relating to the user's input settings from the operation panel 50a. The input unit 50b outputs the received first to fourth information to the processing unit 50c.

[0067] The storage unit 50d stores data to be referenced or updated by the processing unit 50c. For example, the storage unit 50d stores an algorithm for determining the operation modes of the air conditioner 13, the humidifier 16, and the transport fan 3. The storage unit 50d also stores the first information to the fourth information received by the input unit 50b in chronological order. The storage unit 50d outputs the stored data (stored data) to the processing unit 50c in response to a request from the processing unit 50c.

[0068] The timekeeping unit 50e is used to measure time as necessary in the programs executed by the processing unit 50c, and outputs data indicating the current time (time data) to the processing unit 50c.

[0069] The processing unit 50c receives the first information and fourth information from the input unit 50b, the stored data from the memory unit 50d, and the time data from the timer unit 50e. The processing unit 50c uses the received information to identify the required amount of air conditioning and the required amount of humidification required for the room 2 at regular intervals (e.g., 5 minutes). More specifically, the processing unit 50c identifies the required amount of air conditioning required individually for each room 2a■2d at regular intervals based on the time data obtained from the timer unit 50e, based on the temperature difference between the room set temperature stored in the memory unit 50d and the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 11a■11d installed in the room 2a■2d, and determines the required amount of air conditioning required individually for each room 2a■2d based on the temperature difference between the room set humidity stored in the memory unit 50d and the room temperature detected by the room humidity sensor 12a■2d installed in the room 2a■2d. humidity Between humidity Based on the difference, the processing unit 50c identifies the required amount of humidification that is required for each of the rooms 2a, 2d individually. In addition, the processing unit 50c updates the display on the display panel 50j via the output unit 50i in response to a change in the information displayed on the display panel 50j.

[0070] The damper opening specifying unit 50f acquires information related to the required air conditioning amount from the processing unit 50c, and specifies the opening of the room dampers 5a-5d based on the ratio of the required air conditioning amount for each of the rooms 2a-2d. The damper opening specifying unit 50f then outputs information related to the specified opening of the room dampers 5a-5d (opening information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0071] The air volume specifying unit 50g acquires information on the requested air conditioning volume from the processing unit 50c, and specifies the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 13 based on the average value or total value of the requested air conditioning volumes. The air volume determining unit 50g also specifies the airflow volumes of the transport fans 3 (transport fans 3a and 3b) based on the average value or total value of the requested air conditioning volumes for the first floor and the second floor. The air volume specifying unit 50g then outputs information on the specified blowing air volume of the air conditioner 13 (blowout air volume information) and information on the specified airflow volume of the transport fan 3 (blowout air volume information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0072] The set temperature specifying unit 50h acquires information about the requested air conditioning amount from the processing unit 50c, and specifies the set temperature of the air conditioner 13 based on the average value or total value of the requested air conditioning amount. Then, the set temperature specifying unit 50h outputs information about the specified set temperature of the air conditioner 13 (air conditioner set temperature information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0073] The rotation speed determination unit 50k acquires information on the requested humidification amount and information on the suction temperature of the humidifier 16 from the processing unit 50c, and determines the rotation speed of the lift pipe 37 (rotary motor 34) of the humidifier 16. Then, the rotation speed determination unit 50k outputs information on the determined rotation speed of the lift pipe 37 (rotation speed information) to the processing unit 50c.

[0074] The processing unit 50c receives opening information from the damper opening degree specifying unit 50f, blowing air volume information and blowing air volume information from the air volume specifying unit 50g, air conditioner set temperature information from the set temperature specifying unit 50h, and rotation speed information from the rotation speed specifying unit 50k. Using each piece of received information, the processing unit 50c specifies control information related to the operation of the air conditioner 13, the transport fan 3 (transport fan 3a, transport fan 3b), the room damper 5 (room dampers 5a to 5d), and the humidifier 16. Then, the processing unit 50c outputs the specified control information to the output unit 50i.

[0075] The output unit 50i outputs the control information received from the processing unit 50c to the air conditioner 13, the transport fan 3 (transport fan 3a, transport fan 3b), the room damper 5 (room dampers 5a to 5d), and the humidifier 16, respectively.

[0076] The air conditioner 13 performs an air conditioning operation at an air conditioning set temperature and an airflow rate based on the control information output from the output unit 50i. The transport fans 3 (transport fans 3a and 3b) perform an air blowing operation at respective airflow rates based on the control information output from the output unit 50i. The living room dampers 5 (living room dampers 5a to 5d) perform an airflow rate adjustment operation at respective opening degrees based on the control information output from the output unit 50i. The humidifier 16 performs a humidification operation at a rotation speed based on the control information output from the output unit 50i.

[0077] In the manner described above, the controller 50 controls the air conditioner 13, the transport fan 3, the room damper 5, and the humidifier 16 to operate.

[0078] Next, the basic operation of the controller 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the basic processing operation of the controller 50.

[0079] First, the controller 50 performs a determination as to whether the air conditioning system 20 should be terminated (step S01). As a result, if the power supply of the air conditioning system 20 is off (or an instruction to stop the operation of the air conditioning system 20 is input from the operation panel 50a) (YES in step S01), the operation of the air conditioning system 20 is terminated. On the other hand, if the power supply of the air conditioning system 20 is on (NO in step S01), a determination as to whether time has passed is performed (step S02). As a result, if the controller 50 determines that a certain time (e.g., 10 minutes) has not passed since the previous process (NO in step S02), it returns to step S01. On the other hand, if a certain time has passed since the previous process (YES in step S02), it proceeds to step S03, where it performs output specification processing for the room damper 5, the air conditioner 13, and the transport fan 3.

[0080] First, the controller 50 starts a loop equal to the number of rooms 2 (step S03). Then, the controller 50 calculates the required air conditioning amount for each of the rooms 2a-2d (step S04). The controller 50 also specifies the opening degrees of the room dampers 5a-5d corresponding to each of the rooms 2a-2d (step S05). Then, the controller 50 ends the loop when the calculation of the required air conditioning amount and the specification of the opening degrees of the room dampers 5a-5d for all of the rooms 2 are completed (step S06).

[0081] The processing in the loop of steps S03 to S06 will be described in more detail using the living room 2a as an example.

[0082] In step S04, the controller 50 determines the requested air conditioning amount for room 2a as the temperature difference between the room temperature acquired from the room temperature sensor 11a and the room set temperature set for room 2a. More specifically, the requested air conditioning amount is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the room temperature from the room set temperature during heating operation, and is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the room temperature from the room set temperature during cooling operation. This means that the larger the requested air conditioning amount is as a positive value, the more air conditioning is required in room 2a.

[0083] In step S05, the opening degree of the room damper 5a corresponding to the room 2a is specified according to the required air conditioning amount of the room 2a. In this embodiment, when the required air conditioning amount is 2° C. or more, the opening degree is "100%", when it is 1° C. or more and less than 2° C., the opening degree is "60%," when it is 0° C. or more and less than 1° C., the opening degree is "45%," when it is -1° C. or more and less than 0° C., the opening degree is "30%," and when it is less than -1° C., the opening degree is "10%". By setting in this manner, the opening degrees of the room dampers 5a to 5d are set according to the ratio of the required air conditioning amounts of the rooms 2a to 2d, and more conditioned air is blown to the room (room 2) that requires a higher air conditioning amount, making it possible to control the temperature for each room 2.

[0084] Next, the controller 50 calculates the overall required air conditioning amount for the general residence 1 based on the required air conditioning amounts for each of the rooms 2 (step S07). In this embodiment, the required air conditioning amount for the general residence 1 is calculated based on the average value of the required air conditioning amounts for each of the rooms 2.

[0085] Next, the controller 50 specifies the air conditioning set temperature and the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 13 according to the calculated required air conditioning volume of the general house 1 (step S08). More specifically, the controller 50 increases the air conditioning set temperature in heating operation as the required air conditioning volume increases, and decreases the air conditioning set temperature in cooling operation as the required air conditioning volume increases. For example, when the required air conditioning volume is less than 0°C, the controller 50 sets the air conditioning set temperature to the same value as the room set temperature of the living room 2, and when the required air conditioning volume is 0°C or more and less than 1°C, the controller 50 sets the air conditioning set temperature 1 degree higher than the room set temperature of the living room 2 in heating operation and 1 degree lower than the room set temperature of the living room 2 in cooling operation. Also, when the required air conditioning volume is 1°C or more, the controller 50 sets the air conditioning set temperature 2 degrees higher than the room set temperature of the living room 2 in heating operation and 2 degrees lower than the room set temperature of the living room 2 in cooling operation. As a result, the higher the requested air conditioning amount is, the higher the output of air conditioner 13 will be operated, and the room temperature in room 2 will be controlled to the room set temperature more quickly.

[0086] Furthermore, the controller 50 controls the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 13 to be larger as the required air conditioning volume increases. In this embodiment, when the required air conditioning volume is less than 0° C., the blowing air volume is set to 500 m3 / h, and when the required air conditioning volume is 0℃ or more but less than 1℃, the blowing volume is 700m 3 / h, and when the required air conditioning volume is 2°C or more, the blowing air volume is 1200 m 3 / h.

[0087] Next, the controller 50 specifies the total air volume of the transport fan 3 to be equal to or slightly larger than the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 13 (step S09). In other words, the controller 50 specifies the air volume difference between the total air volume of the transport fan 3 and the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 13 to be equal to or smaller than the reference air volume. In this way, the controller 50 suppresses the power consumption of the transport fan 3.

[0088] Next, the controller 50 calculates the required air conditioning amounts for each of the first and second floors (step S10). In this embodiment, the average value of the required air conditioning amounts for the rooms 2 on the first and second floors is set as the required air conditioning amount for that floor.

[0089] Next, the airflow volume of the transport fan 3 is determined based on the required air conditioning volume calculated in step S10 (step S11). The controller 50 specifies the airflow volumes of the transport fans 3 for the first and second floors so as to provide an airflow ratio according to the ratio of the required air conditioning volumes. Specifically, the controller 50 determines that the required air conditioning volume for the second floor is 1°C, the required air conditioning volume for the first floor is 2°C, and the total airflow volume of the transport fans 3 specified in step S09 is 1200 m 3 / h, the air volume ratio between the transport fans 3 is 1:2, and the air volume of the transport fan 3a on the second floor is 400 m 3 / h, the air volume of the conveying fan 3b on the first floor is 800 m 3 / h. In this way, even if there is a difference in the required air conditioning volume between the first floor and the second floor, by making a difference in the airflow volume of the transport fan 3, the amount of transported heat will be different, and it is possible to transport an amount of heat that matches the required air conditioning volume on both the first and second floors.

[0090] Next, the controller 50 starts the humidification control (step S12).

[0091] Next, the processing operation of the controller 50 when controlling the humidifier 16 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the basic processing operation of the controller 50 for controlling humidification.

[0092] <Normal processing operation> When humidification control is started, as shown in Fig. 5, the controller 50 starts a loop equal to the number of rooms 2 that are the air conditioned spaces (step S21). Then, the controller 50 calculates the required amount of humidification for each of the rooms 2a to 2d that are the air conditioned spaces (step S22). Then, when the controller 50 has finished calculating the required amount of humidification for all of the rooms 2, it ends the loop (step S23).

[0093] The processing in the loop of steps S21 to S23 will be described in more detail using the living room 2a as an example.

[0094] In step S22, the controller 50 determines the required humidification amount for the living room 2a as the humidity difference between the indoor humidity acquired from the living room humidity sensor 12a and the room set humidity set for the living room 2a. In detail, the room set humidity and the living room humidity are each converted to absolute humidity, and the required humidification amount is determined by subtracting the room absolute humidity from the room set absolute humidity. This means that the greater the required humidification amount is as a positive value, the more humidification is required for the living room 2a.

[0095] Next, the controller 50 calculates the overall required humidification amount for the general residence 1 based on the required humidification amounts for each of the living rooms 2 (step S24). In this embodiment, the required air conditioning amount for the general residence 1 is calculated based on the average value of the required humidification amounts for each of the living rooms 2.

[0096] Next, the controller 50 performs an operation determination of the humidifier 16 (step S25). In detail, if the requested humidification amount of the general residence 1 is positive (YES in step S25), the humidifier 16 is operated and the process proceeds to step S26. If the requested humidification amount of the general residence 1 is 0 or negative (NO in step S25), the rotation speed of the water lift pipe 37 is set to "0" and the humidifier 16 is not operated (step S28), and the humidification control ends.

[0097] Next, the controller 50 specifies the required rotation speed of the water lift pipe 37 according to the calculated required air conditioning amount of the general house 1, the suction temperature to the humidifier 16, and the total air volume of the transport fan 3 (step S26). In this step S26, the controller 50 sets the required rotation speed to be larger as the required humidification amount is higher or the suction temperature is lower.

[0098] In this embodiment, the controller 50 specifies the required number of revolutions based on the humidification performance data of the humidifier 16. The humidification performance data is data obtained in advance by experiments, and indicates the amount of humidification X that the humidifier 16 produces when humidification is performed under the conditions of the suction temperature T of the humidifier 16, the rotation speed R of the water pumping pipe 37, and the total air volume Q of the conveying fan 3. Here, the amount of humidification X that the humidifier 16 produces corresponds to the amount of moisture contained in the air flowing through the humidifier 16. Due to the characteristics of the humidifier 16, the amount of humidification X has a positive correlation with the amount of humidification, respectively, of the suction temperature and the rotation speed. For example, if the amount of humidification when the suction temperature Ta and the rotation speed Ra are the humidification amount Xa, and the amount of humidification when the suction temperature Tb and the rotation speed Rb are the humidification amount Xb, and further if the relationship of the rotation speed Ra<the rotation speed Rb and the temperature Ta=the temperature Tb is satisfied, the magnitude relationship between the amount of humidification Xa and the amount of humidification Xb is the humidification amount Xa<the humidification amount Xb.

[0099] Next, the controller 50 specifies the upper limit rotation speed as the rotation speed of the humidifier 16 if the required rotation speed exceeds a predetermined upper limit rotation speed, and specifies the lower limit rotation speed as the rotation speed of the humidifier 16 if the required rotation speed is below a predetermined lower limit rotation speed (step S27).

[0100] <When disturbance humidity is detected> Next, referring to Figs. 6 to 9, the processing operation of the controller 50 when the living room humidity sensors 12a to 12d experience a sudden humidity change due to a disturbance will be described. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing a first processing operation of the controller 50 when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing a second processing operation of the controller 50 when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing a third processing operation of the controller 50 when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing a fourth processing operation of the controller 50 when a humidity change due to a disturbance is detected. Here, a humidity change due to a disturbance occurs, for example, when the living room humidity sensors 12a to 12d are located near the doors of the living rooms 2a to 2d and detect humidity under the influence of air entering from the corridor due to a temporary opening and closing of the doors.

[0101] In this embodiment, when a temperature change due to a disturbance is detected, the controller 50 executes four processing operations, namely, a first processing operation, a second processing operation, a third processing operation, and a fourth processing operation.

[0102] The first processing operation is a series of processing operations that determine whether or not the air humidity (detected humidity) detected by the room humidity sensor 12 in each of the multiple rooms 2a to 2d is affected by a disturbance, and is executed based on the result of the determination.

[0103] The second processing operation is a series of processing operations that determine whether the detected humidity detected by the room humidity sensor 12a in one of the multiple rooms 2 (e.g., room 2a) deviates significantly from the room set humidity, and is executed based on the result of the determination.

[0104] The third processing operation is a series of processing operations that, when two or more room humidity sensors 12a are installed in one room (e.g., room 2a), determine whether or not the detected humidity detected by at least one of the two or more room humidity sensors 12a is affected by an external disturbance, and are executed based on the result of the determination.

[0105] <First processing operation> First, the first processing operation will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Here, the processing operation will be performed by taking the room 2a as an example of the room 2 that is the target of the processing operation.

[0106] In the first processing operation, as shown in Fig. 6, the controller 50 acquires a first humidity X1 as the humidity of the air detected in the room 2a by the room humidity sensor 12a (detected humidity) (step S31). Note that the first humidity X1 does not include humidity affected by disturbances. Then, in the basic operation described in Fig. 5, the controller 50 specifies the rotation speed of the water pumping pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the first humidity T1, and executes control of the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 as the first humidification control (step S32).

[0107] Thereafter, the controller 50 acquires the detected humidity in the room 2a from the room humidity sensor 12a at a predetermined time interval. Specifically, when a certain time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since acquiring the first humidity X1, the controller 50 acquires the second humidity X2 as the detected humidity in the room 2a from the room humidity sensor 12a (step S33).

[0108] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the acquired second humidity X2 is a humidity that has changed rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance as a disturbance humidity change determination. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (first humidity difference) between the first humidity X1 and the second humidity X2 exceeds a first threshold value (step S34). Here, the first threshold value is set to, for example, 5%.

[0109] Then, if the result of the determination is that the first humidity difference does not exceed the first threshold value, that is, the first humidity difference is equal to or less than the first threshold value (NO in step S34), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 has not changed abruptly due to the influence of disturbance, and in the basic operation described in Fig. 5, specifies the rotation speed of the pumping pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the second humidity X2, and executes control of the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 as the second humidification control (step S35). In other words, if the second humidity X2 has not changed abruptly due to the influence of disturbance, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2 and executes it. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0110] On the other hand, if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value as a result of the determination in step S34 (YES in step S24), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 is changing rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance, and continues to execute the first humidification control based on the first humidity X1 (step S36). In other words, if the second humidity X2 is changing rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2, and continues to execute the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 under the first humidification control. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0111] Here, the first processing operation described above is executed in all of the plurality of living rooms 2. Then, when the controller 50 determines in the disturbance humidity change determination that the second humidity X2 has changed rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance in even one of the plurality of living rooms 2 (for example, living room 2a), the controller 50 executes the humidification control (first humidification control) linked with the living room 2a in the remaining living rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination results in the living rooms 2b to 2d.

[0112] <Second Processing Operation> Next, the second processing operation will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Here, the second processing operation will be described by taking the room 2a as an example of the room 2 that is the target of the processing operation.

[0113] In the second processing operation, as shown in Fig. 7, the controller 50 acquires a first humidity X1 as the humidity of the air (detected humidity) detected in the living room 2a from the living room humidity sensor 12a. Note that the first humidity X1 does not include humidity affected by external disturbances. Thereafter, the controller 50 acquires the detected humidity detected in the living room 2a from the living room humidity sensor 12a at a predetermined time interval. Specifically, when a certain time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since acquiring the first humidity X1, the controller 50 acquires a second humidity X2 as the detected humidity detected in the living room 2a from the living room humidity sensor 12a (step S41).

[0114] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the acquired second humidity X2 is a humidity that has changed suddenly due to the influence of a disturbance. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (first humidity difference) between the first humidity X1 and the second humidity X2 exceeds a first threshold value (step S34). Here, the first threshold value is set to, for example, 5%.

[0115] Then, if the result of the determination is that the first humidity difference does not exceed the first threshold value, that is, the first humidity difference is equal to or less than the first threshold value (NO in step S42), the processing operation is terminated without performing any execution. On the other hand, if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value (YES in step S42), when a certain time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed since acquiring the second humidity X2, the controller 50 acquires a third humidity X3 as the detected humidity detected in the living room 2a from the living room humidity sensor 12a (step S43).

[0116] Next, the controller 50 judges whether the acquired second humidity X2 and third humidity X3 are humidities normally detected as the actual humidity of the living room 2a. Specifically, the controller 50 judges whether the humidity difference (second humidity difference) between the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 is equal to or less than a second threshold value (step S44). Here, the second threshold value is set to, for example, 1%.

[0117] Then, when the second humidity difference does not exceed the second threshold value, that is, when the second humidity difference is equal to or less than the second threshold value (NO in step S45), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 are humidity values ​​normally detected as the humidity of the actual living room 2a, and in the basic operation described in FIG. 5, specifies the rotation speed of the pumping pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the second humidity X2, and executes control of the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 as the second humidification control (step S45). In other words, when the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 of the living room 2a are humidity values ​​normally detected as the humidity of the actual living room 2a, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2 and executes it. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0118] On the other hand, if the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold value as a result of the determination in step S44 (YES in step S44), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 has temporarily changed due to the influence of a disturbance, and continues to execute the first humidification control based on the first humidity X1 (step S46). In other words, if the second humidity X2 has temporarily changed due to the influence of a disturbance, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2, but continues to execute the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 under the first humidification control. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0119] Here, the second processing operation described above is executed in all of the plurality of living rooms 2. If the controller 50 determines in the disturbance humidity change determination that the second humidity X2 and the third humidity X3 are humidity normally detected as the actual humidity of the living room 2a even in one of the plurality of living rooms 2 (for example, the living room 2a), the controller 50 executes the humidification control (second humidification control) linked to the living room 2a also in the remaining living rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination results in the living rooms 2b to 2d.

[0120] <Third Processing Operation> Next, the third processing operation will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Here, the description will be given assuming that, among the multiple rooms 2, the room 2a is the space that is affected by the disturbance.

[0121] In the third processing operation, as shown in Fig. 8, the controller 50 acquires a first humidity X1 as the humidity of the air detected in the living room 2 from each of the living rooms 2 (detected humidity) from the living room humidity sensors 12 in each of the living rooms 2 (step S51). Note that the first humidity X1 does not include humidity affected by external disturbances. Then, in the basic operation described in Fig. 5, the controller 50 specifies the rotation speed of the water pumping pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the average value of the first humidity X1 in each living room 2, and executes control of the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 as the first humidification control (step S52).

[0122] Thereafter, the controller 50 acquires the detected humidity detected in each of the living rooms 2 from the living room humidity sensor 12 at predetermined time intervals. Specifically, when a certain time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since acquiring the first humidity X1, the controller 50 acquires the second humidity X2 as the detected humidity detected in each of the living rooms 2 from the living room humidity sensor 12 (step S53).

[0123] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the acquired second humidity X2 of the living room 2a is a humidity that has changed rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance, as a disturbance humidity change determination. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (third humidity difference) between the average value of the second humidity X2 of each of the multiple living rooms 2 and the second humidity X2 of the living room 2a exceeds a third threshold value (step S54). Here, the third threshold value is set to, for example, 5%.

[0124] Then, when the third humidity difference does not exceed the third threshold value, that is, when the third humidity difference is equal to or less than the third threshold value (NO in step S54), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 in the living room 2a has not changed abruptly due to the influence of disturbance, and in the basic operation described in FIG. 5, specifies the rotation speed of the pumping pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the average value of the second humidity X2 of each of the multiple living rooms 2, and executes control of the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 as the second humidification control (step S55). In other words, when the second humidity X2 in the living room 2a has not changed abruptly due to the influence of disturbance, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2 and executes it. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0125] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S54 is that the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold value (YES in step S54), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 in the living room 2a is changing rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance, and continues to execute the first humidification control based on the average value of the first humidity X1 (step S56). In other words, if the second humidity X2 in the living room 2a is changing rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity X2, but continues to execute the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 under the first humidification control. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0126] Here, the third processing operation described above is also executed for the living rooms 2b to 2d. If the controller 50 determines in the disturbance humidity change determination that the second humidity X2 of the living room 2a has changed rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance in one of the living rooms 2 (for example, the living room 2a), the controller 50 executes the humidification control (first humidification control) linked with the living room 2a in the remaining living rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination results in the living rooms 2b to 2d.

[0127] <Fourth Processing Operation> Next, the fourth processing operation will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Here, the description will be given assuming that, among the multiple rooms 2, the room 2a is the space that is affected by the disturbance.

[0128] In the fourth processing operation, as shown in Fig. 9, the controller 50 acquires a first humidity X1 as the humidity of the air detected in each of the living rooms 2 from the living room humidity sensor 12 of each of the living rooms 2 (detected humidity). Note that the first humidity X1 does not include humidity affected by external disturbance. Thereafter, the controller 50 acquires the detected humidity detected in each of the living rooms 2 from the living room humidity sensor 12 at a predetermined time interval. Specifically, when a certain time (e.g., 5 minutes) has elapsed since acquiring the first humidity X1, the controller 50 acquires a second humidity X2 as the detected humidity detected in each of the living rooms 2 from the living room humidity sensor 12 (step S61).

[0129] Next, the controller 50 determines whether the acquired second humidity X2 of the living room 2a is a humidity that has changed rapidly due to the influence of a disturbance, as a disturbance humidity change determination. Specifically, the controller 50 determines whether the humidity difference (third humidity difference) between the average value of the second humidity X2 of each of the multiple living rooms 2 and the second humidity X2 of the living room 2a exceeds a third threshold value (step S62). Here, the third threshold value is set to, for example, 5%.

[0130] If the determination result shows that the third humidity difference does not exceed the third threshold value, that is, the third humidity difference is equal to or less than the third threshold value (NO in step S62), the processing operation is terminated without executing anything. On the other hand, if the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold value (YES in step S62), when a certain time (e.g., one minute) has elapsed since acquiring the second humidity X2, the controller 50 acquires a fourth humidity X4 as the detected humidity detected in the living room 2a from the living room humidity sensor 12a (step S63).

[0131] Next, the controller 50 judges whether the acquired second humidity X2 and fourth humidity X4 are humidities normally detected as the actual humidity of the living room 2a. Specifically, the controller 50 judges whether the humidity difference (fourth humidity difference) between the second humidity X and the fourth humidity X2 is equal to or less than a fourth threshold value (step S64). Here, the second threshold value is set to, for example, 1%.

[0132] Then, when the result of the determination is that the fourth humidity difference does not exceed the fourth threshold value, that is, the fourth humidity difference is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value (NO in step S64), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 and the fourth humidity X4 are humidity normally detected as the humidity of the actual living room 2a, and in the basic operation described in FIG. 5, specifies the rotation speed of the pumping pipe 37 of the humidifier 16 based on the second humidity X2, and executes control of the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 as the second humidification control (step S65). In other words, when the second humidity X2 and the fourth humidity X4 of the living room 2a are humidity normally detected as the humidity of the actual living room 2a, the controller 50 switches the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2 and executes it. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0133] On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S64 is that the fourth humidity difference exceeds the fourth threshold value (YES in step S64), the controller 50 determines that the second humidity X2 has temporarily changed due to the influence of a disturbance, and continues to execute the first humidification control based on the first humidity X1 (step S66). In other words, if the second humidity X2 has temporarily changed due to the influence of a disturbance, the controller 50 does not switch to the second humidification control based on the second humidity X2, but continues to execute the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 under the first humidification control. Then, the controller 50 ends the processing operation.

[0134] Here, the fourth processing operation described above is also executed for the living rooms 2b to 2d. If the controller 50 determines in the disturbance humidity change determination that the second humidity X2 and the fourth humidity X4 are correctly detected as the actual humidity of the living room 2a in one of the living rooms 2 (for example, the living room 2a), the controller 50 executes the humidification control (second humidification control) linked with the living room 2a in the remaining living rooms 2b to 2d, regardless of the determination results in the living rooms 2b to 2d.

[0135] As described above, according to the air conditioning system 20 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0136] (1) The air conditioning system 20 includes an air conditioning room 18 configured to be able to introduce air from the outside, an air conditioner 13 installed in the air conditioning room 18 and adjusting the temperature of the air in the air conditioning room 18, a humidifier 16 installed in the air conditioning room 18 and humidifying the air adjusted in temperature by the air conditioner 13, a plurality of transport fans 3 that transport the air in the air conditioning room 18 to a plurality of living rooms 2 independent of the air conditioning room 18, and a controller 50 that controls the humidifier 16 and the transport fan 3. The controller 50 acquires information about the detected humidity of the air detected in the living room 2 at a predetermined time interval, and when the detected humidity is a first humidity, causes the humidifier 16 to perform a first humidification control based on the first humidity, and when the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity, causes the humidifier 16 to switch to and perform a second humidification control based on the second humidity if the first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is equal to or less than a first threshold value, and performs control to continue performing the first humidification control if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value.

[0137] In this way, if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value, i.e., if there is a sudden change in humidity, the humidifier 16 performs a humidification operation by the first humidification control based on the first humidity before it changed to the second humidity. On the other hand, if the first humidity difference is equal to or less than the first threshold value, i.e., if there is no sudden change in humidity, the humidifier 16 performs a humidification operation by the second humidification control based on the second humidity as it is. Therefore, even if the air conditioning system 20 detects humidity in the room 2 that is affected by a disturbance (detected humidity), unnecessary starting and stopping of the humidifier 16 is not repeated, and humidification by the humidifier 16 can be performed stably.

[0138] (2) In the air conditioning system 20, when the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value, when the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a third humidity different from the second humidity, and when the second humidity difference between the second humidity and the third humidity is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the controller 50 performs control to switch from the first humidification control to the second humidification control.

[0139] In this way, even if a humidity change exceeding the first threshold value, i.e., a sudden temperature change, is detected, if the second humidity difference is equal to or less than the second threshold value, the humidification operation of the humidifier is performed by the third humidification control. On the other hand, if the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold value, the first humidification control is continued and the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is performed. In other words, if the humidity difference immediately after the sudden humidity change is detected is below the second threshold value, the humidification control of the humidifier is performed based on the humidity detected after the sudden humidity change. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 20, even if a sudden humidity change is detected in a specific conditioned space, if such a state continues, humidification can be stably performed by the humidifier 16 because humidification control can be performed for the humidity after the change.

[0140] (3) In the air conditioning system 20, when a third humidity difference between the second humidity of one room 2a of the multiple living rooms 2 and the average value of the second humidity of each of the multiple living rooms 2 is equal to or less than a third threshold value, the controller 50 switches to and executes a second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity, and when the second humidity difference exceeds the second threshold value, the controller 50 controls to continue executing the first humidity control.

[0141] In this manner, if the third humidity difference occurring among the multiple living rooms 2 exceeds the third threshold value, the humidifying operation of the humidifier 16 is performed by the first humidification control based on the average value of the first humidity before it changed to the second humidity. On the other hand, if the third humidity difference occurring among the multiple living rooms 2 is equal to or less than the third threshold value, the humidifying operation of the humidifier 16 is performed by the second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity. Therefore, even if the air conditioning system 20 detects a humidity (detected humidity) affected by a disturbance in any of the multiple living rooms 2, the humidifier 16 does not repeatedly start or stop the operation unnecessarily, and therefore humidification by the humidifier 16 can be performed stably.

[0142] (4) In the air conditioning system 20, the controller 50 humidity When the difference exceeds a third threshold value, when the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a fourth humidity different from the second humidity, and when the fourth humidity difference between the second humidity and the fourth humidity is equal to or less than a fourth threshold value, control is performed to switch from the first humidification control to the second humidification control.

[0143] In this manner, even if the third humidity difference occurring among the multiple living rooms 2 exceeds the third threshold value, if the fourth humidity difference is equal to or less than the fourth threshold value, the humidification operation of the humidifier 16 is executed by the second humidification control. Therefore, even if a sudden humidity change is detected in any of the multiple living rooms 2, the air conditioning system 20 can perform humidification control for the humidity after the change if such a condition continues, so that humidification by the humidifier 16 can be performed stably.

[0144] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0145] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The air conditioning system according to the present invention is useful as it can stably perform humidification by the humidifier even when humidity affected by external disturbance is detected in the conditioned space. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 1 General housing 2, 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d living room 3, 3a, 3b Transport fan 4 Heat exchange fan 5, 5a, 5b Damper for living space 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d circulation port 7, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d Room exhaust vent 8, 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d Room air supply vent 11, 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d Room temperature sensor 12, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d Room humidity sensor 13 Air Conditioner 14 Intake temperature sensor 16 Humidifier 17 Dust collection filter 18 Air conditioned room 20. Air Conditioning System 31 Intake port 32 Air outlet 33 Liquid atomization chamber 34 Rotational Motor 35 Rotational Axis 36 Centrifugal Fan 37 Lift pipe 38 Rotating Plate 39 Aperture 40 Water storage section 41 First Eliminator 42 Second Eliminator 50 Controller 50a Operation panel 50b Input section 50c Processing section 50d storage section 50e Timekeeping section 50f Damper opening specification section 50g Air volume specific part 50h Set temperature specific part 50i Output section 50j Display Panel 50k RPM specific part

Claims

1. An air-conditioned room configured to be able to introduce air from the outside; An air conditioner installed in the air-conditioning room and controlling the temperature of air in the air-conditioning room; A humidifier that is installed in the air-conditioned room and humidifies the air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner; A plurality of transport fans that transport air from the air-conditioning room to a plurality of conditioned spaces that are independent of the air-conditioning room; A controller for controlling the humidifier, The controller: acquiring information about a detected humidity, which is a humidity detected in a space that is a target of a processing operation among a plurality of conditioned spaces of the air detected in the conditioned space, at a predetermined time interval; When the detected humidity is a first humidity, the humidifier is caused to perform a first humidification control based on the first humidity; When the detected humidity changes from the first humidity to a second humidity different from the first humidity, if a first humidity difference between the first humidity and the second humidity is equal to or less than a first threshold value, a second humidification control based on the second humidity is switched to and executed, and if the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value, a control is performed to continue executing the first humidification control; the controller performs control to switch from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity when the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value, the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a third humidity different from the second humidity, and when a second humidity difference between the second humidity and the third humidity is equal to or less than a second threshold value; When the first humidity difference exceeds the first threshold value, and when the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a third humidity different from the second humidity, if a second humidity difference between the second humidity and the third humidity exceeds a second threshold value, the controller performs control to continue executing the first humidification control. Air conditioning system.

2. The controller, when a third humidity difference between the second humidity of one of the plurality of air-conditioned spaces and an average value of the second humidity of each of the plurality of air-conditioned spaces is equal to or less than a third threshold value, switches to and executes the second humidification control based on the average value of the second humidity, and, when the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold value, switches to and executes the first humidification control. Control to keep it running continuously, the controller performs control to switch from the first humidification control to the second humidification control based on the second humidity when the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold value, the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a fourth humidity different from the second humidity, and the fourth humidity difference between the second humidity and the fourth humidity is equal to or less than a fourth threshold value; When the third humidity difference exceeds the third threshold value, and when the detected humidity changes from the second humidity to a fourth humidity different from the second humidity, if the fourth humidity difference between the second humidity and the fourth humidity exceeds a fourth threshold value, the controller performs control to continue executing the first humidification control.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1.

Images