Air conditioning and air conditioning control systems

Abstract

This air conditioning system comprises: one or a plurality of air conditioners that blow out conditioned air and are installed in some or all of a plurality of segments formed by dividing a space to be air conditioned; a plurality of temperature sensors that are installed in the respective segments and measure a wall surface temperature, which is the temperature of a wall surface or ceiling surface forming the space to be air conditioned; a plurality of temperature / humidity sensors that are installed in the respective segments and measure the air temperature and air humidity in the segment; and a control device that controls the air conditioners on the basis of the wall surface temperature, and a dew point temperature corresponding to the air temperature and the air humidity, wherein the control device determines a dew condensation state of each segment from the relationship between the wall surface temperature and the dew point temperature, and controls the air conditioners in accordance with the dew condensation state.

Description

Air conditioning and air conditioning control systems

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system and an air conditioning management system that condition an air-conditioned space.

[0002] In recent years, the demand for indoor ventilation has been increasing. To ventilate a room, it is necessary to let outside air into the room. However, if high-temperature, high-humidity outside air is let into the room, condensation may occur on the walls or ceiling, which may lead to the growth of mold and other microorganisms, deteriorating the hygienic environment.

[0003] For example, in an air conditioner with an indoor unit installed in the attic, indoor air drawn in by the indoor unit is cooled by heat exchange in an indoor heat exchanger, and the cooled air is then supplied to the room through a ventilation duct installed in the attic. In such an air conditioner, if the attic environment becomes hot and humid, condensation may form on the surface of the ventilation duct through which the cooled air passes. The dew may then fall from the ventilation duct and wet the ceiling, causing stains on the ceiling or leaking into the room.

[0004] Recently, various air conditioning devices have been proposed that can prevent deterioration of the hygienic environment due to condensation. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that installs a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor in the ceiling space and controls the operating frequency of the compressor according to the temperature and humidity of the air in the ceiling space. When the temperature and humidity detected by the temperature sensor and humidity sensor are higher than the set values, this air conditioner increases the temperature of the air passing through the ventilation duct, thereby raising the temperature of the outer surface of the ventilation duct. This makes it possible to prevent condensation from forming on the surface of the ventilation duct, even when the air in the ceiling space is hot and humid.

[0005] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-336888

[0006] The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 can suppress condensation that occurs in locations where ventilation ducts are installed, such as above the ceiling, but it is difficult to suppress condensation in localized locations where it is difficult to detect temperature and humidity using temperature and humidity sensors, such as throughout the room.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the problems with the above-described conventional technology, and aims to provide an air conditioning system and an air conditioning management system that can suppress the occurrence of condensation in a space to be air-conditioned.

[0008] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure comprises one or more air conditioning devices that are installed in some or all of the multiple compartments into which an air-conditioned space is divided and that blow out conditioned air; multiple temperature sensors that are installed in each of the compartments and measure wall surface temperatures, which are the temperatures of the wall or ceiling surfaces that form the air-conditioned space; multiple temperature and humidity sensors that are installed in each of the compartments and measure the air temperature and air humidity within the compartment; and a control device that controls the air conditioning devices based on the wall surface temperatures and dew point temperatures corresponding to the air temperature and air humidity, and the control device determines the condensation state of each of the compartments from the relationship between the wall surface temperatures and the dew point temperatures, and controls the air conditioning devices in accordance with the condensation state.

[0009] The air conditioning management system according to the present disclosure includes the above-described air conditioning systems provided in the plurality of spaces to be air-conditioned, respectively, and a centralized management device that centrally manages the plurality of air conditioning systems.

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the condensation state is determined based on the relationship between the wall surface temperature and the dew point temperature in each of multiple compartments into which an air-conditioned space is divided, and the air conditioning equipment is controlled according to the determination result. As a result, air is sent from the air conditioning equipment to the compartment where condensation is occurring or where condensation is likely to occur, promoting air circulation in the target compartment. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation in the air-conditioned space including the compartment where condensation is occurring or where condensation is likely to occur.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of installation of an air conditioning system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an air-conditioned space. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the control device of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner which is air conditioning equipment according to embodiment 1. FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining acquisition of dew point temperature. FIG. 6 is a graph for explaining the relationship between dew point temperature and wall surface temperature. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of condensation suppression processing according to embodiment 1. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to embodiment 2. FIG. 7 is a graph for explaining the rate of occurrence of regions where condensation is possible. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning management system according to embodiment 3.

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the present disclosure includes all possible combinations of the configurations shown in the following embodiments. In addition, in each drawing, components with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent, and this is common throughout the entire specification.

[0013] Embodiment 1 An air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 will be described below. The air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1 suppresses the occurrence of condensation in a space to be air-conditioned.

[0014] [Configuration of Air Conditioning System 100] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an installation example of an air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an air-conditioned space. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 100 is configured to include one or more air conditioning devices 1, multiple temperature sensors 2, multiple temperature and humidity sensors 3, and a control device 4. Each device constituting the air conditioning system 100 is installed in an air-conditioned space 50 formed by the wall surfaces, ceiling surfaces, etc. of a store, warehouse, etc.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 2, in the first embodiment, an air-conditioned space 50 such as a store or warehouse is divided into a plurality of sections in the width, height, and depth directions. Fig. 1 shows an example in which the air-conditioned space 50 is divided into four sections, namely, air-conditioned spaces 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D.

[0016] The air conditioning equipment 1 is, for example, an air conditioner, a refrigerator, a dehumidifier, or other equipment that blows out conditioned air, and conditions the air of the air-conditioned space 50. The air conditioning equipment 1 is installed in some or all of the divided sections. In the example shown in FIG. 1 , two air conditioning equipment 1, 1A and 1B, are installed in the air-conditioned space 50. The air conditioning equipment 1A is, for example, an air conditioner, and is installed in the air-conditioned space 50A. The air conditioning equipment 1B is, for example, a dehumidifier, and is installed in the air-conditioned space 50D.

[0017] The air conditioner 1 has an inlet for drawing in indoor air and an outlet for blowing out conditioned air. The outlet is provided with a louver that changes the direction of the conditioned air being blown out in all directions. The operation of the louver is controlled by the air conditioning control device 10.

[0018] The temperature sensor 2 is provided in a location where condensation is most likely to occur in each divided section of the air-conditioned space 50. For example, if a showcase is installed in the section, the location where condensation is most likely to occur is a wall surface near the showcase where the temperature is likely to rise locally, or the ceiling surface above the showcase. The temperature sensor 2 is provided on the wall surface or ceiling surface in this way. The temperature sensor 2 may also be provided on the outer peripheral surface, such as the side surface, of the showcase.

[0019] Temperature sensor 2 measures the wall surface temperature, which is the temperature of the wall or ceiling surface on which it is installed. In the example shown in Fig. 1, temperature sensors 2A to 2D are provided in each of divided air-conditioned spaces 50A to 50D. Note that if a showcase or the like is not installed within a divided compartment and there are no wall or ceiling surfaces, temperature sensor 2 may not be provided in such a compartment.

[0020] A temperature and humidity sensor 3 is provided in each divided section of the air-conditioned space 50. The temperature and humidity sensor 3 measures the air temperature, which is the temperature of the space in which it is installed, and the air humidity, which is the humidity of that space. In the example shown in Fig. 1, temperature and humidity sensors 3A to 3D are provided in the divided air-conditioned spaces 50A to 50D, respectively.

[0021] The control device 4 controls each device in this air conditioning system 100. In particular, in the first embodiment, the control device 4 performs condensation suppression processing to suppress the occurrence of condensation in the air-conditioned space 50, based on the wall surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor 2 and the air temperature and air humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 3. The condensation suppression processing will be described in detail later.

[0022] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device of Fig. 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the control device 4 includes an information acquisition unit 41, a calculation unit 42, an area determination unit 43, an air conditioning control unit 44, a counter 45, and a storage unit 46. The control device 4 is configured such that various functions are realized by executing software on a calculation device such as a microcomputer, or is configured with hardware such as circuit devices that realize various functions. Note that, of the functions of the control device 4, only functions related to processing that is characteristic of the first embodiment will be described here.

[0023] The information acquisition unit 41 acquires the wall surface temperature of each compartment measured by the temperature sensor 2. The information acquisition unit 41 also acquires the air temperature and air humidity of each compartment measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 3.

[0024] The calculation unit 42 acquires the dew-point temperature based on the air temperature and air humidity acquired by the information acquisition unit 41. Specifically, the calculation unit 42 calculates the average air temperature and average air humidity from the air temperature and air humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 3 at preset time intervals during a preset measurement time. The calculation unit 42 then acquires the dew-point temperature based on the calculated average air temperature and average air humidity by referring to map data stored in the memory unit 46. The map data is data in which the relationship between the air temperature, air humidity, and dew-point temperature is mapped.

[0025] In the following, for ease of explanation, "obtaining the dew point temperature based on the average air temperature and average air humidity calculated from the air temperature and air humidity measured at set time intervals for a set time period" will be simply described as "obtaining the dew point temperature based on the air temperature and air humidity."

[0026] The area determination unit 43 determines the condensation state in each section based on the wall surface temperature acquired by the information acquisition unit 41 and the dew point temperature acquired by the calculation unit 42. The condensation state indicates the possibility of condensation in the target section, i.e., whether condensation has occurred or there is a possibility that condensation will occur.

[0027] The air conditioning control unit 44 controls the target air conditioner 1 during condensation mitigation control to mitigate condensation in the compartment, based on the condensation state determined by the area determination unit 43. For example, the air conditioning control unit 44 controls the air conditioner 1 so that the air speed of the blower provided in the air conditioner 1 becomes an air speed suitable for the condensation state.

[0028] The counter 45 counts various times. In the first embodiment, the counter 45 counts so that the condensation mitigation control in the condensation suppression process is performed for a set time.

[0029] The storage unit 46 stores various values ​​and the like used by each part of the control device 4. For example, in the first embodiment, the storage unit 46 stores in advance map data used when the calculation unit 42 acquires the dew-point temperature.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device in Fig. 3. When the various functions of the control device 4 are executed by hardware, the control device 4 in Fig. 3 is configured by a processing circuit 21 as shown in Fig. 4. The functions of the information acquisition unit 41, the calculation unit 42, the area determination unit 43, the air conditioning control unit 44, the counter 45, and the storage unit 46 in Fig. 3 are realized by the processing circuit 21.

[0031] When each function is executed by hardware, the processing circuit 21 corresponds to, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The functions of each of the information acquisition unit 41, the calculation unit 42, the area determination unit 43, the air conditioning control unit 44, the counter 45, and the storage unit 46 may be realized by the processing circuit 21 individually, or the functions of each unit may be realized by a single processing circuit 21.

[0032] Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram showing another example of the configuration of the control device of Fig. 3. When the various functions of the control device 4 are executed by software, the control device 4 of Fig. 3 is configured with a processor 22 and a memory 23, as shown in Fig. 5. The functions of the information acquisition unit 41, the calculation unit 42, the area determination unit 43, the air conditioning control unit 44, the counter 45, and the storage unit 46 are realized by the processor 22 and the memory 23.

[0033] When each function is performed by software, the functions of the information acquisition unit 41, calculation unit 42, area determination unit 43, air conditioning control unit 44, counter 45, and storage unit 46 are realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software and firmware are written as programs and stored in the memory 23. The processor 22 realizes the function of each unit by reading and executing the programs stored in the memory 23.

[0034] The memory 23 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), a flash memory, an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM). Alternatively, the memory 23 may be, for example, a removable recording medium such as a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disc (CD), a mini disc (MD), or a digital versatile disc (DVD).

[0035] (Air Conditioning Equipment 1) An example of air conditioning equipment 1 will be described in brief. Here, the configuration will be described using an air conditioner, which is air conditioning equipment 1A, as an example. Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioner, which is air conditioning equipment according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 6, the air conditioner includes a compressor 11, a condenser 12, an expansion valve 13, an evaporator 14, a first fan 15, a second fan 16, and an air conditioning control device 10. The compressor 11, the condenser 12, the expansion valve 13, and the evaporator 14 are connected by refrigerant piping to form a refrigerant circuit in which the refrigerant circulates.

[0036] The compressor 11 draws in a low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant, compresses the drawn refrigerant, and discharges a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. The compressor 11 is, for example, an inverter compressor whose capacity, which is the amount of refrigerant delivered per unit time, is controlled by changing the operating frequency of the compressor 11 using the air conditioning control device 10.

[0037] The condenser 12 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the air supplied by the first blower 15, and condenses the refrigerant by dissipating heat from the refrigerant into the air. The first blower 15 is driven by a motor (not shown) and supplies air to the condenser 12. The rotation speed of the first blower 15 is controlled by the air conditioning control device 10, thereby adjusting the amount of air sent to the condenser 12.

[0038] The expansion valve 13 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant to expand it. The expansion valve 13 is configured as a valve whose opening degree can be controlled, such as an electronic expansion valve. The opening degree of the expansion valve 13 is controlled by the air conditioning control device 10.

[0039] The evaporator 14 exchanges heat between the refrigerant and indoor air, which is the air in the air-conditioned space 50 supplied by the second fan 16, to evaporate the refrigerant and cool the indoor air with the heat of vaporization that occurs during this process. The second fan 16 is driven by a motor (not shown) and supplies indoor air to the evaporator 14. The rotation speed of the second fan 16 is controlled by the air conditioning control device 10, thereby adjusting the amount of air sent to the evaporator 14.

[0040] The air conditioning control device 10 controls the entire air conditioner based on information detected by various sensors (not shown) and the set indoor temperature set by the user. For example, the air conditioning control device 10 controls the compressor 11, expansion valve 13, first blower 15, and second blower 16 based on information received from the sensors, etc., so that the indoor temperature becomes the set indoor temperature. The air conditioning control device 10 realizes various functions by executing software on a computing device such as a microcomputer, or is composed of hardware such as circuit devices that realize various functions.

[0041] [Condensation Suppression Process] The condensation suppression process will now be described. Condensation occurs when the wall surface temperature, which is the temperature of the wall surface or ceiling surface, etc., of the air-conditioned space 50, is lower than the dew point temperature of the air inside. Therefore, the air-conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment performs a condensation suppression process that promotes agitation of the air in the air-conditioned space 50 and suppresses condensation.

[0042] (Calculation of dew point temperature) Fig. 7 is a graph for explaining how to obtain the dew point temperature. In Fig. 7, the horizontal axis represents relative humidity [%], and the vertical axis represents dew point temperature [°C]. This figure also shows a graph corresponding to air temperature [°C] at set temperature intervals. Here, the set temperature interval is shown as 5°C, but this set temperature interval can be changed as desired.

[0043] In each graph, the air temperature when the air humidity is 100% coincides with the dew point temperature. That is, when the air humidity is 100%, the air temperature is the dew point temperature as it is. As the air humidity decreases from 100%, the dew point temperature also decreases. Specifically, for example, when the air temperature is 25°C and the air humidity is 70%, the dew point temperature is approximately 19°C according to the graph. Also, for example, when the air temperature is 25°C and the air humidity is 40%, the dew point temperature is approximately 10°C according to the graph.

[0044] Map data corresponding to such a graph is stored in advance in the memory 46 of the control device 4. The calculation unit 42 calculates the dew-point temperature by referring to the map data stored in the memory 46 based on the air temperature and air humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 3. Note that the method of deriving the dew-point temperature is not limited to this example, and the dew-point temperature may be calculated based on the air temperature and air humidity measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 3 using, for example, a known approximation formula.

[0045] (Determination of Condensation State) Determination of the condensation state in each compartment of the air-conditioned space 50 will now be described. The condensation state in each compartment can be determined from the relationship between the dew point temperature of the air within the compartment and the wall surface temperature of the wall or ceiling surface of the compartment. In the first embodiment, the condensation state of the target compartment is classified into multiple categories based on the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature.

[0046] Fig. 8 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature. The horizontal axis of Fig. 8 represents the dew point temperature [°C], and the vertical axis represents the wall surface temperature [°C]. This graph shows regions that represent the state of condensation in the air-conditioned space 50 according to the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature.

[0047] In Figure 8, boundary line X is a straight line connecting points where the wall surface temperature is equal to the dew point temperature. When the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature is included in the area below boundary line X, condensation occurs in the target section. If this area where condensation occurs is called the "condensation occurrence area," the condensation occurrence area is expressed by the following formula (1). Condensation occurrence area: wall surface temperature ≦ dew point temperature (1)

[0048] Boundary line Y is a straight line connecting points where the wall surface temperature is α [°C] higher than the dew point temperature. α is a first classification value for classifying the condensation state, and is a value that can be set arbitrarily. The first classification value α is stored in advance in the memory unit 46 of the control device 4. If the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature is included in the area surrounded by boundary line X and boundary line Y, there is a high possibility of condensation occurring in the target section. If this area where condensation is likely to occur is referred to as the "first condensation possibility area," the first condensation possibility area is expressed by the following formula (2). First condensation possibility area: dew point temperature < wall surface temperature ≦ dew point temperature + α ... (2)

[0049] Boundary line Z is a straight line connecting points where the wall surface temperature is α+β [°C] higher than the dew point temperature. β is a second classification value for classifying the condensation state, and is a value that can be set arbitrarily. The second classification value β is stored in advance in the memory unit 46 of the control device 4. If the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature is included in the area surrounded by boundary line Y and boundary line Z, there is a slight possibility of condensation occurring in the target section. If this area where there is a slight possibility of condensation occurring is referred to as the "second condensation possibility area," the second condensation possibility area is expressed by the following formula (3). Second condensation possibility area: dew point temperature + α<wall surface temperature≦dew point temperature + α+β ... (3)

[0050] Furthermore, when the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature is included in the region above the boundary line Z, the possibility of condensation occurring is low. If this region where condensation is unlikely to occur is referred to as the "third condensation possibility region," the third condensation possibility region is expressed by the following formula (4). Third condensation possibility region: wall surface temperature > dew point temperature + α + β (4)

[0051] In the condensation suppression process according to the first embodiment, the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature are calculated for each section, and the condensation state for each section is determined based on which of the above categories the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature falls into. Then, condensation mitigation control is performed to suppress the occurrence of condensation according to the condensation state.

[0052] Specifically, when the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature in each compartment falls within the condensation occurrence region, the first condensation possibility region, or the second condensation possibility region, condensation mitigation control is performed to suppress condensation in that compartment. More specifically, when the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature falls within the condensation occurrence region or the first condensation possibility region, the control device 4 performs first condensation mitigation control for that compartment. In the first condensation mitigation control, the blower installed in the room of the air conditioner 1 is controlled to operate at full speed, for example.

[0053] Furthermore, when the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature falls within the second condensation possibility region, the control device 4 performs second condensation mitigation control for the section. In the second condensation mitigation control, the blower installed in the room of the air conditioner 1 is controlled to operate at a speed slower than full speed, for example, at 80% of full speed. Note that when the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature falls within the third condensation possibility region, the control device 4 controls the air conditioner 1 to maintain its current operation. In other words, the control device 4 maintains the current air speed of the blower in the air conditioner 1.

[0054] When the first condensation mitigation control or the second condensation mitigation control is performed, the control device 4 checks the positional relationship between the section for which condensation mitigation control is to be performed and each air conditioner 1 installed in the air-conditioned space 50. The air conditioning control unit 44 of the control device 4 then finds the air conditioner 1 closest to the section for which condensation mitigation control is to be performed, and controls the louvers of the air outlets so that air is blown from that air conditioner 1 toward the target section, thereby controlling the direction of the conditioned air. The air conditioning control unit 44 also increases the air volume of the blower of that air conditioner 1.

[0055] In this way, the circulation of air within the compartment is promoted by controlling the operation of the blower in the air conditioner 1 through condensation mitigation control. Therefore, even in an environment where the wall surface temperature of the air-conditioned space 50 is equal to or lower than the dew point temperature of the air, condensation can be suppressed.

[0056] The first classification value α and the second classification value β can be set to any value by the user, but may be set according to the performance that is prioritized. For example, if suppression of condensation is prioritized, the first classification value α and the second classification value β are preferably set so that the second classification value β is greater than the first classification value α (β > α). Furthermore, if comfort or energy efficiency is prioritized, the first classification value α and the second classification value β are preferably set so that the first classification value α is greater than the second classification value β (α > β).

[0057] The first classification value α and the second classification value β can also be variable depending on the temperature state within the compartment. For example, reference values ​​are set in advance for the first classification value α and the second classification value β, and when the temperature change within the compartment is stable and falls within a set range, the control device 4 sets at least one of the first classification value α and the second classification value β to be smaller than the reference value. Furthermore, when the temperature change within the compartment is unstable, for example, exceeding the set range, the control device 4 sets at least one of the first classification value α and the second classification value β to be larger than the reference value. This is because condensation does not progress rapidly when the temperature change within the compartment is stable.

[0058] Specifically, when the air-conditioned space 50 is a space inside a store, and the store is open, particularly during times when there is a lot of coming and going or movement of customers or goods, the temperature change inside the air-conditioned space 50 becomes unstable. Therefore, in such cases, the control device 4 sets at least one of the first classification value α and the second classification value β to be greater than the reference value.

[0059] On the other hand, even if the store is open, the temperature change in the air-conditioned space 50 (section) will be stable at night or during times when there is little coming in and out or movement. Therefore, in such cases, the control device 4 sets at least one of the first classification value α and the second classification value β to be smaller than the reference value.

[0060] 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the condensation suppression process according to the first embodiment. First, in step S10, the information acquisition unit 41 of the control device 4 acquires the wall surface temperature of each divided compartment measured by the temperature sensor 2. The information acquisition unit 41 also acquires the air temperature and air humidity of each compartment measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 3.

[0061] In step S11, the calculation unit 42 acquires the dew point temperature by referring to the map data stored in the memory unit 46, based on the air temperature and air humidity acquired by the information acquisition unit 41. In step S12, the area determination unit 43 determines the condensation state in each section based on the acquired wall surface temperature and dew point temperature.

[0062] In step S13, the region determination unit 43 determines whether or not there are any sections that are equal to or larger than the second condensation possibility region. If the determination result indicates that there are any sections that are equal to or larger than the second condensation possibility region, i.e., if there are any sections that are equal to or larger than the condensation occurrence region, the first condensation possibility region, or the second condensation possibility region (step S13: YES), the process proceeds to step S14. On the other hand, if there are no sections that are equal to or larger than the second condensation possibility region, i.e., if all sections are equal to the third condensation possibility region (step S13: NO), the process ends.

[0063] In step S14, the area determination unit 43 determines whether any of the areas extracted in step S12 is in the first condensation possibility area or larger. If the determination result indicates that any of the areas is in the first condensation possibility area or larger, i.e., if any of the areas is in the condensation occurrence area or the first condensation possibility area (step S14: YES), the process proceeds to step S15. In step S15, the control device 4 performs first condensation mitigation control. That is, the air conditioning control unit 44 controls the air conditioner 1 to operate the blower at full speed, for example, and blows conditioned air toward the target area.

[0064] On the other hand, if there are no compartments above the first condensation probability region in step S14, i.e., if all of the compartments above the second condensation probability region are in the second condensation probability region (step S14: NO), the process proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the control device 4 performs second condensation mitigation control. That is, the air conditioning control unit 44 controls the air conditioner 1 so that the blower operates at a speed slower than full speed, for example, 80% of full speed, and blows conditioned air toward the target compartment.

[0065] Next, in step S17, the control device 4 waits until a set time has elapsed based on the count by the counter 45. In step S18, the area determination unit 43 determines whether the section extracted in step S11 is a third condensation possibility area.

[0066] If the result of the determination is that all of the sections extracted in step S13 are in the third condensation potential region (step S18: YES), the region determination unit 43 determines that the possibility of condensation is low, and the series of processes ends. On the other hand, if all of the sections extracted in step S13 are not in the third condensation potential region, that is, if at least one section is in the second condensation potential region or greater (step S18: NO), the process returns to step S13.

[0067] It is possible that even if the air conditioner 1 blows air to a section where condensation is occurring or where condensation is likely to occur due to condensation mitigation control, the section may not be supplied with enough conditioned air, making it impossible to prevent condensation from occurring. In this case, the processes of steps S12 to S17 in the flowchart shown in Figure 9 will be repeated cyclically. Therefore, in such a case, the control device 4 may perform a different process to agitate the air in the target section.

[0068] Specifically, the control device 4 counts the number of times the condensation mitigation control or the process is repeated, etc. Then, if the condensation state of the target compartment does not fall into the third condensation possibility region even when the number of processes exceeds a preset number, the control device 4 changes the setting of the air conditioner 1, for example, by increasing the set temperature, and agitates the air in the compartment.

[0069] For example, when a setting change is made in summer, such as raising the set temperature or switching to heating operation, while prioritizing the prevention of condensation, there is a possibility that comfort may be impaired. Therefore, when a setting change is made, such as changing the set temperature in a compartment, it is preferable to notify the user whether or not the setting change is possible. In this case, for example, the air conditioning system 100 is provided with a notification means, such as a display device, for notifying the user of the status in the compartment, and this notification means notifies the user whether or not the setting change is to be made. Then, if the setting change is approved by the user, the control device 4 makes a setting change for the corresponding compartment, such as changing the set temperature or switching the operation mode.

[0070] Furthermore, if condensation cannot be suppressed even after changing the settings, or if the user does not approve the setting change, the control device 4 may further notify the user that condensation cannot be suppressed. Here, a case in which condensation cannot be suppressed refers to a case in which the target section is included in the first condensation likelihood region or the second condensation likelihood region even after changing the settings. In this case, for example, the control device 4 notifies the user that condensation cannot be suppressed by a notification means. In this case, the control device 4 preferably displays information indicating the section or the location of the sensor in which condensation cannot be suppressed, or suggests, for example, adding a fan or installing a moisture absorbent.

[0071] 9 illustrates the flow of processing performed in a specific section among multiple sections, but this processing is performed in each section. Therefore, when condensation at or above the second condensation probability range exists in multiple sections simultaneously, condensation mitigation control is usually performed on the target sections simultaneously.

[0072] However, if air conditioners 1 are installed in only some of the compartments, it may be necessary to send air to multiple compartments with one air conditioner 1, which may make it impossible to appropriately suppress the occurrence of condensation. Therefore, in such a case, the control device 4 may set priorities for the multiple compartments that are determined to be in a condensation state equal to or greater than the second condensation possibility region, and perform condensation mitigation control in order of priority for the compartments with the highest priority.

[0073] For example, the priority is set higher as the temperature difference between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature decreases. Alternatively, a table in which temperature differences correspond to priority ranks may be prepared in advance, and the priority may be determined based on this table. For example, the priority is set higher as the relationship between the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature shown in the graph of FIG. 8 approaches the bottom right. That is, the priority of the section in the first condensation probability region is set higher than the priority of the section in the second condensation probability region.

[0074] In addition, if there are multiple sections with the same priority, for example, the control device 4 may preferentially blow air to one section using the air conditioning equipment 1, and when the priority drops due to an increase in temperature difference, the control device 4 may blow air to the other section using the air conditioning equipment 1.

[0075] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment, the condensation state is determined from the relationship between the wall surface temperature and the dew point temperature in each of the multiple compartments into which the air-conditioned space 50 is divided, and the air conditioning equipment 1 is controlled in accordance with the determination result. As a result, air is sent from the air conditioning equipment 1 to the compartment where condensation is occurring or where condensation is likely to occur, and air circulation in the target compartment is promoted, thereby suppressing the occurrence of condensation in that compartment.

[0076] Embodiment 2. The present embodiment 2 will be described. The air conditioning system 100 according to the present embodiment 2 differs from the embodiment 1 in that the timing for performing the condensation suppression process and the target section are learned. In the present embodiment 2, parts common to the embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0077] The configuration of an air conditioning system 100 according to the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. Note that in the second embodiment, some functions of the control device 4 differ from those in the first embodiment.

[0078] Fig. 10 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 10, the control device 4 includes an information acquisition unit 41, a calculation unit 42, a region determination unit 43, an air conditioning control unit 44, a counter 45, and a storage unit 46, similar to Embodiment 1. In addition, in Embodiment 2, the control device 4 further includes an analysis unit 47.

[0079] In the second embodiment, the calculation unit 42 calculates the rate of occurrence of condensation potential areas for a unit period for all sections based on the determination results of the area determination unit 43. The rate of occurrence of condensation potential areas indicates the rate at which condensation occurs in the condensation occurrence area, the first condensation potential area, and the second condensation potential area per unit period. The unit of period is, for example, hourly or monthly.

[0080] The storage unit 46 stores the determination results of the area determination unit 43 for all sections in association with the date and time. The storage unit 46 also stores the condensation possibility area occurrence rate calculated by the calculation unit 42 in association with the date and time. The analysis unit 47 learns the condensation possibility area occurrence rate for a unit period based on the condensation possibility area occurrence rate stored in the storage unit 46.

[0081] The control device 4 performs the condensation suppression process based on the learning result by the analysis unit 47. At this time, the control device 4 sets a threshold value TH for the condensation possibility area occurrence rate as shown in Fig. 11, for example, and performs the condensation suppression process on the target section on the date and time when the condensation possibility area occurrence rate is equal to or greater than the threshold value TH.

[0082] 11 is a graph for explaining the rate of occurrence of the condensation potential region. The upper graph of FIG. 11 is an example of the rate of occurrence of the condensation potential region by time, where the horizontal axis represents time and the vertical axis represents the rate of occurrence of the condensation potential region. In this graph, TH1 is a first threshold value for the rate of occurrence of the condensation potential region by time.

[0083] 11 shows an example of the condensation potential region occurrence rate by time, where the horizontal axis represents the month and the vertical axis represents the condensation potential region occurrence rate. In this figure, TH2 is a second threshold for the condensation potential region occurrence rate by month.

[0084] 11 , the control device 4 performs condensation suppression processing based on the learning results at a time when the condensation probability region occurrence rate is equal to or greater than the first threshold value TH1 in a month when the condensation probability region occurrence rate is equal to or greater than the second threshold value TH2, thereby making it possible to prevent condensation from occurring in each section.

[0085] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100 according to the second embodiment, the rate of occurrence of a region where condensation is possible in each section for a unit period is calculated and stored in the memory unit 46, and the rate of occurrence of a region where condensation is possible in the unit period is learned based on the stored rate of occurrence of a region where condensation is possible. This makes it possible to estimate the section and period in which condensation will occur or is likely to occur, and therefore, by performing a condensation suppression process based on the estimation result, it is possible to prevent condensation from occurring in each section in advance.

[0086] Embodiment 3. This embodiment 3 will be described. In this embodiment 3, an air conditioning management system will be described that manages the suppression of condensation in air-conditioned spaces 50, such as multiple stores or warehouses, each equipped with an air-conditioning system 100. In this embodiment 3, parts that are common to embodiments 1 and 2 will be assigned the same reference numerals, and detailed description will be omitted.

[0087] [Configuration of Air Conditioning Management System 200] Fig. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air conditioning management system according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 12, the air conditioning management system 200 is configured by connecting a centralized management device 201 and air conditioning systems 100 provided in each of a plurality of air-conditioned spaces 50 such as stores or warehouses via a cloud 202 on a network.

[0088] The configuration of the air conditioning system 100 according to the third embodiment is the same as that of the first or second embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control device 4 of the air conditioning system 100 is configured to transmit the determination result of the condensation state, including the acquired dew point temperature and wall surface temperature, as well as analytical information such as the learned condensation probability area occurrence rate, to the centralized management device 201. The control device 4 also transmits management information, which is information relating to the air-conditioned space 50, such as a store or warehouse, in which the air conditioning system 100 is installed, to the centralized management device 201. The management information includes, for example, information about the contents displayed in the store or stored in the warehouse, the type of business of the store, and operating hours.

[0089] The centralized control device 201 manages a plurality of air conditioning systems 100 connected via a cloud 202. The centralized control device 201 analyzes the analysis information and management information received from the plurality of air conditioning systems 100 and extracts conditions such as sections and times where condensation is likely to occur. The centralized control device 201 then feeds back the analysis results to each air conditioning system 100, causing the system to perform condensation suppression processing based on the analysis results.

[0090] As described above, in the third embodiment, the centralized management device 201 feeds back to each of the air conditioning systems 100 the analysis results based on the analysis information and management information received from the multiple air conditioning systems 100. Therefore, each of the air conditioning systems 100 can more appropriately perform condensation suppression processing by referring to the condensation occurrence status, etc., of the different air conditioning systems 100.

[0091] Although the present disclosure has been described above in relation to the first to third embodiments, various modifications and applications are possible within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the second and third embodiments, the analysis unit 47 of the control device 4 learns the rate of occurrence of condensation-prone areas, but this is not limiting. For example, the analysis unit 47 may learn how to control the wind speed of the fan in accordance with the dew point temperature and wall surface temperature for each section.

[0092] In this case, the analysis unit 47 uses the dew point temperature and wall surface temperature as input data and the state of condensation suppression when condensation mitigation control that changes the fan air speed as training data to learn the optimal fan speed control for each zone during condensation mitigation control. By performing condensation mitigation control based on the results of this learning, the optimal fan air speed is set according to the dew point temperature and wall surface temperature, thereby appropriately suppressing condensation. Furthermore, even if condensation mitigation control needs to be performed in multiple zones, the priority of condensation mitigation control for each zone can be appropriately set.

[0093] 1, 1A, 1B Air conditioning equipment, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D Temperature sensor, 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D Temperature and humidity sensor, 4 Control device, 10 Air conditioning control device, 11 Compressor, 12 Condenser, 13 Expansion valve, 14 Evaporator, 15 First fan, 16 Second fan, 21 Processing circuit, 22 Processor, 23 Memory, 41 Information acquisition unit, 42 Calculation unit, 43 Area determination unit, 44 Air conditioning control unit, 45 Counter, 46 Storage unit, 47 Analysis unit, 50, 50A, 50B, 50C, 50D Air conditioned space, 100 Air conditioning system, 200 Air conditioning management system, 201 Centralized management device, 202 Cloud.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: one or more air conditioning devices installed in some or all of the multiple compartments into which an air-conditioned space is divided, and which blow out conditioned air; a plurality of temperature sensors installed in each of the compartments and measuring wall surface temperatures, which are the temperatures of the wall or ceiling surfaces that form the air-conditioned space; a plurality of temperature and humidity sensors installed in each of the compartments and measuring the air temperature and air humidity within the compartment; and a control device that controls the air conditioning devices based on the wall surface temperatures and dew point temperatures corresponding to the air temperature and air humidity, wherein the control device determines the condensation state of each of the compartments from the relationship between the wall surface temperatures and the dew point temperatures, and controls the air conditioning devices in accordance with the condensation state.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the control device comprises: a calculation unit that acquires the dew point temperature based on the air temperature and the air humidity; an area determination unit that determines the condensation state of each of the compartments based on the wall surface temperature and the dew point temperature; and an air conditioning control unit that performs condensation mitigation control to mitigate condensation by controlling the air conditioning equipment based on the condensation state.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2, wherein the area determination unit determines that the target section is included in a condensation occurrence area when the wall surface temperature is equal to or lower than the dew point temperature, determines that the target section is included in a first possible condensation area when the wall surface temperature is higher than the dew point temperature and equal to or lower than a temperature obtained by adding a first classification value to the dew point temperature, and determines that the target section is included in a second possible condensation area when the wall surface temperature is higher than a temperature obtained by adding the first classification value to the dew point temperature and equal to or lower than a temperature obtained by adding the first classification value and the second classification value to the dew point temperature, and wherein the air conditioning control unit performs the condensation mitigation control of blowing conditioned air from the air conditioning equipment toward the target section when the target section is included in the condensation occurrence area, the first possible condensation area, or the second possible condensation area.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the air conditioning control unit performs a first condensation mitigation control of blowing the conditioned air from the air conditioning equipment at full speed when the target compartment is included in the condensation occurrence area or the first condensation possibility area, and performs a second condensation mitigation control of blowing the conditioned air from the air conditioning equipment at a speed slower than full speed when the target compartment is included in the second condensation possibility area.

5. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the area determination unit determines that the target section is included in a third condensation possibility area when the wall surface temperature is higher than the temperature obtained by adding the first classification value and the second classification value to the dew point temperature, and the air conditioning control unit maintains the wind speed of the conditioned air blown out from the air conditioning equipment when the target section is included in the third condensation possibility area.

6. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 3 and 4, or claim 5 dependent on claim 3 or 4, further comprising an alarm means for alarming the condition within the compartment, wherein the control device repeatedly performs the condensation mitigation control until the target compartment is no longer included in the first condensation possibility area or the second condensation possibility area, and when the number of times the condensation mitigation control is performed exceeds a set number, the alarm means notifies whether the set temperature within the compartment can be changed.

7. The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein the control device notifies, via the notification means, that condensation cannot be suppressed when the target compartment is included in the first condensation possibility area or the second condensation possibility area even if the set temperature is changed.

8. An air conditioning system as described in any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the calculation unit calculates the rate of occurrence of areas where condensation is possible in a unit period in each of the sections based on the judgment result of the area judgment unit, and the control device further has an analysis unit that learns the rate of occurrence of areas where condensation is possible in each of the sections in the unit period based on the calculated rate of occurrence of areas where condensation is possible.

9. The air conditioning system of claim 8, wherein the calculation unit uses the dew point temperature and the wall surface temperature as input data and the state of suppression of condensation when the condensation mitigation control is performed as training data to learn the wind speed of the conditioned air blown out from the air conditioning equipment for each of the sections.

10. An air conditioning management system comprising: an air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which is provided in each of a plurality of spaces to be air-conditioned; and a centralized management device that centrally manages the plurality of air conditioning systems.

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