Outdoor unit heat rejection utilization system for air conditioner

Abstract

To enable efficient waste heat utilization according to an operation state of devices, in the case where there are a plurality of units of an outdoor unit which is an exhaust supply source and an outdoor unit which uses exhaust.SOLUTION: A waste heat utilization system includes a first row group 60 and a second row group 70. Suction ports 25D-25F of outdoor units 10D-10F of the second row group 70 are directed to the first row group 60 side. At exhaust ports 18A-18C of the outdoor units 10A-10C of the first row group 60, louver mechanisms 40A-40C and rotary mechanisms 30A-30C are provided respectively. The louver mechanisms 40A-40C can vary a discharge angle with respect to a central axis of the exhaust ports 18A-18C. The rotary mechanisms 30A-30C can rotate the louver mechanisms 40A-40C around the central axis. Furthermore, at the outdoor units 10A-10C of the first row group 60, controllers 36A-36C are provided for controlling the louver mechanisms 40A-40C and the rotary mechanisms 30A-30C respectively.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification discloses an exhaust heat utilization system for an outdoor unit for air conditioning.

Background Art

[0002] In large buildings such as office buildings, multiple air conditioning devices are installed. For example, in a so-called office building used for purposes such as a company's office or sales office, the floor area per room is set relatively large compared to a residential building or the like, and a plurality of indoor units are installed in this room.

[0003] In addition, an outdoor unit is connected through a pipe to the indoor unit. The outdoor unit is installed outdoors, for example. Depending on the number of indoor units, a plurality of outdoor units are installed.

[0004] Here, for example, the operating conditions of a plurality of indoor units installed in one room may be different from each other. For example, in winter or the like, an indoor unit installed in a so-called perimeter zone, which is a vicinity area such as near a window or a wall, is relatively easily affected by the outside air temperature, and for example, heating operation is always set.

[0005] On the other hand, in a so-called interior zone that is away from the window or the wall and where a large number of heat sources such as OA equipment are installed, the indoor air temperature may exceed the set temperature even in winter. Therefore, even in winter, the indoor unit installed in the interior zone may be set to cooling operation.

[0006] From the outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit operating in heating mode, air cooler than the outside air temperature is discharged. On the other hand, from the outdoor unit connected to the indoor unit operating in cooling mode, air warmer than the outside air temperature is discharged.

[0007] Also, if air that is hotter than the outside air temperature is introduced into the suction port of the outdoor unit during the heating operation, the operating efficiency (COP) of the outdoor unit will improve compared to the case where the outside air temperature is introduced as it is. Similarly, if air that is colder than the outside air temperature is introduced into the suction port of the outdoor unit during the cooling operation, the operating efficiency of the outdoor unit will improve compared to the case where the outside air temperature is introduced as it is.

[0008] Utilizing such characteristics, for example, in Patent Document 1, the exhaust air (hotter than the outside air temperature) of the outdoor unit during the cooling operation is supplied near the suction port of the outdoor unit during the heating operation. Also, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, the exhaust air (colder than the outside air temperature) of the outdoor unit during the heating operation is supplied near the suction port of the outdoor unit during the cooling operation.

[0009] Also, in Patent Document 4, a damper is provided as an air duct switching means between the condenser of the refrigerator and the outdoor unit of the air conditioning equipment. Then, in response to a change in the operation mode (cooling / heating operation) of the air conditioning equipment, the damper operates to switch whether to supply the exhaust air from the condenser to the outdoor unit.

[0010] Also, in Patent Document 5, a switching damper is provided between the outdoor unit of the cooling equipment and the outdoor unit of the heating equipment. Then, when the outdoor unit of the heating equipment starts the defrosting operation, the switching damper operates to supply the exhaust air of the outdoor unit of the cooling equipment to the outdoor unit of the heating equipment.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0012] By the way, in the prior art, only the heat recovery utilization in the case where both the outdoor unit that is the exhaust supply source and the outdoor unit that utilizes the exhaust are single units is disclosed. Therefore, when there are a plurality of outdoor units as the exhaust supply source and a plurality of outdoor units as the exhaust utilizers, there is room for more efficient heat recovery utilization according to the operating states of these devices than in the past.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] This specification discloses a heat recovery utilization system for an air-conditioning outdoor unit. This system includes a plurality of outdoor units. The outdoor unit includes an outdoor air intake, a heat exchanger, and an exhaust port. The heat exchanger exchanges heat between the outdoor air introduced from the intake and the refrigerant. At the exhaust port, the air after heat exchange is discharged. The heat recovery utilization system includes a first row group and a second row group. The first row group includes a plurality of outdoor units arranged linearly. The second row group includes a plurality of outdoor units arranged in parallel with the first row group. The exhaust ports of the outdoor units in the first row group are installed on the top surface of the outdoor unit and directed upward. The second row group is installed at a higher position than the first row group. The intake ports of the outdoor units in the second row group are directed toward the first row group side. A louver mechanism and a rotation mechanism are provided at the exhaust port of each outdoor unit in the first row group. The louver mechanism is variable in the discharge angle with respect to the central axis of the exhaust port. The rotation mechanism enables the louver mechanism to rotate around the central axis. Further, each outdoor unit in the first row group is provided with a controller that controls the louver mechanism and the rotation mechanism according to the operation settings of each outdoor unit in the first row group and the second row group.

[0014] According to the above configuration, by using the rotation mechanism and the louver mechanism, the exhaust of the outdoor units in the first row group can be supplied not only to the outdoor units in the second row group closest to the outdoor unit but also to other indoor units in the second row group adjacent to the closest outdoor unit.

[0015] In the above configuration, the height-direction position of the air outlet of the louver mechanism may be determined within the range of ±h / 2 from the lower end of the suction port, using the height-direction dimension h of the suction port of the outdoor unit in the second row group.

[0016] By installing the air outlet with the above configuration, it becomes possible to reliably supply exhaust air to the suction port of the outdoor unit in the second row group.

[0017] In the above configuration, the controller of each outdoor unit in the first row group may set a plurality of outdoor units in the second row group as target units to which exhaust air can be supplied. With such a setting, the outdoor units in the second row group can be redundantly set as target units for the plurality of outdoor units in the first row group.

[0018] According to the above configuration, it becomes possible to supply exhaust air from a plurality of outdoor units in the first row group to a predetermined outdoor unit in the second group.

[0019] In the above configuration, the controller may refer to the operating load of the indoor unit connected to each target unit. In this case, the control unit determines, among the plurality of target units, the outdoor unit with the relatively highest operating load of the connected indoor unit as the exhaust-air supply outdoor unit.

[0020] According to the above configuration, it is possible to centrally supply exhaust air from a plurality of outdoor units in the first row group to the outdoor unit with the largest operating load.

Effect of the Invention

[0021] According to the exhaust heat utilization system for an air-conditioning outdoor unit disclosed in this specification, when there are a plurality of outdoor units serving as exhaust air supply sources and a plurality of outdoor units for exhaust air utilization, more efficient exhaust heat utilization can be achieved according to the operating states of these devices than in the prior art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, an exhaust heat utilization system for an air-conditioning outdoor unit according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The shapes, materials, numbers, and numerical values described below are examples for explanation and can be appropriately changed according to the specifications of the exhaust heat utilization system. Also, in all the drawings below, the same reference numerals are given to equivalent elements.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 5, the exhaust heat utilization system of the outdoor unit for air conditioning according to this embodiment includes a plurality of outdoor units 10A - 10C included in the first row group 60, a plurality of outdoor units 10D - 10F included in the second row group 70, and a pedestal 80.

[0025] A rotating mechanism 30A - 30C and a louver mechanism 40A - 40C are attached to the exhaust ducts 17A - 17C of the first row group 60. The discharge angle of the ducts 17A - 17C with respect to the central axis of the exhaust ports 18A - 18C can be varied by the louver mechanisms 40A - 40C. Also, the rotating mechanisms 30A - 30C enable the louver mechanisms 40A - 40C to rotate around the central axis of the exhaust ports 18A - 18C of the ducts 17A - 17C.

[0026] As will be described later, for example, regarding the outdoor unit 10A of the first row group 60, the outdoor unit 10D is set as the main target unit, and the outdoor unit 10E is set as the sub - target unit. When supplying exhaust to the outdoor unit 10D, the rotational position of the louver mechanism 40A is set to the origin position illustrated in FIG. 5. On the other hand, when supplying exhaust to the outdoor unit 10E, the rotational position of the louver mechanism 40A is rotated clockwise, for example, 45° from the origin position by the rotating mechanism 30A.

[0027] For example, there may be a case where the outdoor units 10A - 10C of the first row group 60 and the outdoor units 10D, 10F of the second row group 70 continuously perform heating operation at all times, and only the outdoor unit 10E of the second row group 70 is set to cooling operation. In this case, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, exhaust is intensively supplied from the outdoor units 10A - 10C of the first row group 60 to the outdoor unit 10E.

[0028] In this case, for example, in the outdoor units 10A, 10C, the outdoor unit 10E, which is the sub - target unit, is determined as the exhaust - supply outdoor unit. Also, in the outdoor unit 10B, the outdoor unit 10E, which is the main target unit, is determined as the exhaust - supply outdoor unit.

[0029] Based on the settings of the exhaust supply outdoor units, in outdoor unit 10A, the rotation mechanism 30A rotates the rotation position of the louver mechanism 40A clockwise from the origin position by, for example, 45°. The louver mechanism 40B of outdoor unit 10B is set to the origin position. Further, the louver mechanism 40C of outdoor unit 10C is rotated 45° counterclockwise from the origin position, for example.

[0030] Due to these rotation position settings, the exhaust from outdoor units 10A - 10C of the first row group 60 is intensively collected at the suction port 25E of outdoor unit 10E of the second row group 70. Thereby, the operating efficiency (COP) of outdoor unit 10E is improved.

[0031] <Outdoor unit> In FIGS. 1 and 2, the outdoor unit 10 according to this embodiment is illustrated. Note that FIG. 2 shows an example when the outdoor unit 10 is viewed from the opposite direction to FIG. 1. Orthogonal coordinate axes are shown in FIGS. 1 - 4. The X - axis is the width - direction axis of the outdoor unit 10. The Y - axis is the depth - direction axis of the outdoor unit 10. The Z - axis is the height - direction axis of the outdoor unit 10.

[0032] The outdoor unit 10 houses devices inside the casing 11 of the housing. For example, a heat exchanger 26 is housed inside the casing 11. The heat exchanger 26 is also called a condenser or an evaporator and includes pipes through which the refrigerant flows and fins for promoting heat dissipation.

[0033] The heat exchanger 26 is developed, for example, over three sides of the side surfaces 13, 14 and the rear surface 15 of the casing 11. A service panel 20 for inspection and maintenance is provided on the front surface 12 of the casing 11.

[0034] Suction ports 23, 24, 25 are provided on the side surfaces 13, 14 and the rear surface 15 of the casing 11. For example, the side surfaces 13, 14 and the rear surface 15 of the casing 11 are perforated in the thickness direction at multiple locations so as to be lattice - shaped. Outside air is taken into the outdoor unit 10 through the suction ports 23, 24, 25. During this intake, heat exchange occurs between the refrigerant flowing through the heat exchanger 26 and the outside air.

[0035] For example, when the outdoor unit 10 is in the heating operation, the refrigerant at a temperature lower than the outside air flows through the heat exchanger 26. In the heat exchange, the heat of the outside air is absorbed by the refrigerant. When the outdoor unit 10 is in the cooling operation, the refrigerant at a temperature higher than the outside air flows through the heat exchanger 26. In the heat exchange, the heat of the refrigerant is released to the outside air.

[0036] A duct 17 is provided on the top surface 16 of the outdoor unit 10. The duct 17 is, for example, a cylindrical pipe and extends linearly in the vertical direction. The upper end of the duct 17 is open to form an exhaust port 18. Therefore, the central axis of the exhaust port 18 is a vertical axis parallel to the Z axis. In other words, the exhaust port 18 is directed upward. The air that has exchanged heat with the refrigerant in the heat exchanger 26 is discharged from the exhaust port 18.

[0037] A fan (not shown) is provided inside the duct 17 or below the duct 17. By the rotation of the fan, outside air is taken in from the suction ports 23, 24, and 25. Also, the exhaust air after heat exchange is discharged from the exhaust port 18. The exhaust port 18 is covered with, for example, a mesh-like fan guard 19.

[0038] <Rotating mechanism> FIG. 3 illustrates a rotating mechanism 30 according to the present embodiment. The rotating mechanism 30 and the louver mechanism 40 are attached to the exhaust ports 18A - 18C (see FIG. 4) of the outdoor units 10A - 10C in the first row group 60 (see FIG. 5). On the other hand, the rotating mechanism 30 and the louver mechanism 40 are not attached to the outdoor units 10D - 10F in the second row group 70.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, the rotating mechanism 30 includes a cross roller bearing 31, a pulley 34, a roller motor 35, and a controller 36.

[0040] The cross roller bearing 31 includes a ring-shaped inner ring 32 and an outer ring 33. The inner ring 32 and the outer ring 33 are coaxially arranged and are relatively rotatable via, for example, cylindrical rollers (not shown).

[0041] For example, the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring 32 is brought into contact with and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the duct 17. The outer ring 33 is rotatable by a roller motor 35 via a pulley 34. The rotation of the roller motor 35 is controlled by a controller 36. Details of the rotation control by the controller 36 will be described later.

[0042] For example, the roller motor 35 may be a servo motor. For example, the rotational position of the outer ring 33 is determined based on a predetermined origin position. For example, the origin position is determined at a position where the shaft 44 of the louver mechanism 40 (see FIG. 4) is parallel to the width direction axis (X-axis) of the outdoor unit 10. This origin position is determined to be, for example, a rotational angle of 0°. Note that FIG. 4 shows an example when the louver mechanism 40 is rotated 90° from the origin position.

[0043] The rotational angle based on this origin position is also called the "ring angle". For example, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, in the target machine storage unit 39A of the controller 36A, the ring angles of the outdoor unit 10D which is the main target machine and the outdoor unit 10E which is the sub-target machine, to which the outdoor unit 10A (see FIG. 5) supplies exhaust, are stored.

[0044] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the ring angles β0, β main , β sub are stored in the target machine storage unit 39A. For example, both the ring angles β0, β main are set to 0°. β sub is set to 45°, for example. Note that details of the stored content of the target machine storage unit 39A will be described later.

[0045] <Louver mechanism> Referring to FIG. 4, the louver mechanism 40 can vary the blowing angle (discharge angle) of the exhaust of the outdoor unit 10. For example, the louver mechanism 40 includes a casing 41, a plurality of blades 42, a plurality of shafts 44, a louver motor 54, and a controller 36.

[0046] The casing 41 is, for example, a rectangular frame body with its lower end and upper end open. The upper end serves as the air outlet 55. The lower end is, for example, a connection ring (not shown) with a diameter larger than that of the outer ring 33 of the cross roller bearing 31 (see FIG. 3), and this connection ring and the outer ring 33 are abutted and fixed. Thereby, the louver mechanism 40 can be rotated by the rotation mechanism 30. The rotation axis is, for example, the central axis of the duct 17 and the exhaust port 18, that is, the vertical axis (Z-axis).

[0047] A plurality of blades 42 are provided inside the casing 41. For example, the upper end portion thereof projects further upward than the air outlet 55 of the casing 41. The plurality of blades 42 are supported by the casing 41 via a plurality of shafts 44. The shaft 44 is pivotally supported by the casing 41 via a bearing 43, for example.

[0048] The plurality of blades 42 are connected by a connecting rod 50. Further, one of the plurality of shafts 44 (the second shaft 44 from the front in FIG. 4) is connected to the louver motor 54. The louver motor 54 may be a servo motor, for example. When the shaft 44 and the blade 42 connected to the louver motor 54 are rotated by the louver motor 54, the other blades 42 are also rotated via the connecting rod 50.

[0049] Similar to the roller motor 35, the rotation of the louver motor 54 is controlled by the controller 36. For example, the rotation position of the blade 42 is determined based on a predetermined origin position. For example, the origin position is determined as the position where the blade 42 is parallel to the vertical direction (Z-axis).

[0050] The rotation angle based on this origin position, in other words, the discharge angle with respect to the central axis of the exhaust port 18 is also called the "louver angle". For example, referring to FIG. 8, in the target machine storage unit 39A of the controller 36A, the louver angles α0, α front , α back shown in steps S18, S26, S32, S36 of FIG. 10 are stored. For example, the louver angles are set to α0 = 0°, α front = -45°, α back = +45°, respectively.

[0051] <Arrangement of Outdoor Units> FIG. 5 illustrates an overall view of the waste heat utilization system according to this embodiment. This system includes a plurality of outdoor units 10A - 10C included in the first row group 60 and a plurality of outdoor units 10D - 10F included in the second row group 70. For example, all of these outdoor units 10A - 10F may be of the same model.

[0052] Note that the installation diagram in FIG. 5 is an example and does not limit the number of outdoor units 10 in the first row group 60 and the second row group 70. For example, in both the first row group 60 and the second row group 70, two or more outdoor units 10 are installed.

[0053] In the first row group 60, the outdoor units 10A - 10C are arranged linearly. For example, the outdoor units 10A - 10C are arranged continuously in the horizontal direction. That is, the outdoor units 10A - 10C are arranged linearly such that the side surface 13 (see FIG. 1) of one outdoor unit 10 faces the side surface 14 (see FIG. 2) of the other outdoor unit 10.

[0054] The outdoor units 10A - 10C are arranged in proximity within a range that does not prevent the intake of outside air through the intake ports 23, 24 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, the separation distance between each of the outdoor units 10A - 10C is determined within the range of 30 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0055] Also referring to FIG. 5, the second row group 70 is mounted on the pedestal 80, and the outdoor units 10A - 10C are installed such that the rear surface 15 (see FIG. 2) is separated from the pedestal 80. For example, the separation distance between the pedestal 80 and the outdoor units 10A - 10C is determined within the range of 100 mm or more and 300 mm or less.

[0056] The second row group 70 is installed at a higher position than the first row group 60. For example, the second row group 70 is installed on the pedestal 80. The outdoor units 10D - 10F of the second row group 70 are arranged continuously in the horizontal direction in the same manner as the first row group 60. That is, the outdoor units 10A - 10C are arranged linearly such that the side surface 13 (see FIG. 1) of one outdoor unit 10 faces the side surface 14 (see FIG. 2) of the other outdoor unit 10. Also, for example, the separation interval between each of the outdoor units 10D - 10F is determined within the range of 30 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0057] The second row group 70 is arranged in parallel with the first row group 60. Also, in the example of FIG. 5, the outdoor units 10A - 10C of the first row group 60 and the outdoor units 10D - 10F of the second row group are arranged so as to face each other along the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction.

[0058] Note that the installation diagram in FIG. 5 is an example, and the exhaust heat utilization system according to the present embodiment is not limited to this example. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, two outdoor units 10A and 10B may be installed as the first row group 60, and four outdoor units 10C - 10F may be installed as the second row group 70. Further, a layout may be adopted in which the outdoor unit 10A is installed between the outdoor units 10C and 10D, and the outdoor unit 10B is installed between the outdoor units 10E and 10F.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 5, for the outdoor units 10D - 10F of the second row group 70, the suction ports 25D - 25F of the rear surfaces 15D - 15F are directed toward the first row group 60 side. FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of FIG. 5. Although the outdoor unit 10C of the first row group 60 and the outdoor unit 10F of the second row group 70 are shown in FIG. 6, the same height setting is applicable to the remaining outdoor units 10A, 10B and outdoor units 10D, 10E.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, a mount 80 is configured such that the service panel 20 (see FIG. 1) can be opened from the front surfaces 12F (, 12D, 12E) of the outdoor units 10F (and the other outdoor units 10D, 10E in the second row group) for maintenance and inspection work. For example, the width L2 of the mount 80 is determined to be at least twice the width L1 of the outdoor units 10F (, 10D, 10E).

[0061] At least a part of the suction ports 25D - 25F of the outdoor units 10D - 10F is provided above the exhaust ports 18A - 18C of the outdoor units 10A - 10C in the first row group 60.

[0062] For example, taking the outdoor unit 10F as an example with reference to FIG. 6, the height - direction position of the air outlet 55C of the louver mechanism 40C is determined within the range of ±h / 2 from the lower end of the suction port 25F using the height - direction dimension h of the suction port 25F of the outdoor unit 10F. This height range also applies to the outdoor units 10D and 10E. With such an arrangement, it becomes possible to accurately supply the exhaust air from the air outlet 55C to the suction port 25F.

[0063] Also, the outdoor units 10A - 10C in the first row group 60 may be connected to indoor units installed in the so - called perimeter zone indoors. On the other hand, the outdoor units 10D - 10F in the second row group 70 may be connected to indoor units installed in the so - called interior zone.

[0064] As described above, for example, in winter, the indoor units installed in the perimeter zone are always set for heating operation. On the other hand, the indoor units installed in the interior zone may have a room temperature exceeding the set temperature even in winter due to heat sources such as OA equipment installed in the interior zone, and may be switched from heating operation to cooling operation.

[0065] The outdoor units 10A - 10C connected to the indoor units installed in the perimeter zone are arranged in the first row group 60, and the outdoor units 10D - 10F connected to the indoor units installed in the interior zone are arranged in the second row group 70. In this way, when the operation settings are different between the outdoor units of each group, the exhaust gas of the outdoor units 10A - 10C in the first row group 60 is supplied to the inlets 25D - 25F of the outdoor units 10D - 10F in the second row group 70.

[0066] <Network configuration of waste heat utilization system> Fig. 7 illustrates the network configuration of an air conditioning system including a waste heat utilization system for an outdoor unit for air conditioning according to this embodiment. As a system for managing the facility equipment and power of a building in which this air conditioning system is installed, a Building Energy Management System (BEMS) is known. In BEMS, for example, communication is performed between various control devices (network devices) based on the BACnet (Building Automation and Control networking) protocol defined by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

[0067] Generally, when applying BEMS to a predetermined building, a distributed control system is adopted. That is, lower-level control devices (B-BC, BACnet Building Controller) are provided for each group of facilities such as air conditioning facilities, lighting facilities, and disaster prevention facilities. Further, each lower-level control device is managed and operated by a higher-level control device (B-OWS, BACnet Operator Workstation).

[0068] Referring to Fig. 7, the lower-level control device 100 (B-BC) cooperates with the direct digital controllers 90A - 90F (DDC), which are further lower-level controllers, to manage the point data of various measurement points of the air conditioning facilities and operation schedule control, etc.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 7, for example, the direct digital controllers 90A-90F are installed in units of pairs of indoor and outdoor units. For example, the outdoor unit 10A of the first row group 60, the indoor unit 91A connected thereto, and its accessory devices such as the room temperature sensor 92A and the operation panel 93A are placed under the direct digital controller 90A. Also, the direct digital controllers 90B-90F have the same configuration.

[0070] In addition, in this BACnet, the roller motors 35A-35C of the rotating mechanisms 30A-30C and the louver motors 54A-54C of the louver mechanisms 40A-40C are connected via controllers 36A-36C that control these motors.

[0071] The lower-level control device 100 (B-BC), the direct digital controllers 90A-90F, and the controllers 36A-36C are all composed of computer devices. Typically, the hardware configuration of the lower-level control device 100 is illustrated. The lower-level control device 100 includes a CPU 101 which is an arithmetic circuit, a memory 103 and a hard disk drive 104 which are storage devices, an input unit 105 such as a touch panel, an output unit 106 such as a display, and an input / output interface 102 that enables communication with other devices. The hard disk drive 104 may be replaced with a solid state drive (SSD). These hardware configurations are also provided in the direct digital controllers 90A-90F and the controllers 36A-36C.

[0072] By the CPU 101 executing the air-conditioning control program stored in the hard disk drive 104 of the lower-level control device 100 or stored in a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM, each functional unit shown in FIG. 8 is constructed in the lower-level control device 100.

[0073] In addition, a non-transitory storage medium such as a hard disk drive or a CD-ROM of the direct digital controllers 90A - 90F stores an air conditioning control program. By executing this program with the CPU of the direct digital controllers 90A - 90F, each functional unit shown in FIG. 8 is constructed in the direct digital controllers 90A - 90F.

[0074] Although only the functional blocks of the direct digital controller 90A are illustrated in FIG. 8, similar functional blocks are also constructed in the other direct digital controllers 90B - 90F. For example, in the following description, by appropriately changing the suffix "A" at the end of the reference numeral to "B" through "F", the configuration of the direct digital controllers 90B - 90F can be described.

[0075] Note that the functional blocks illustrated in FIG. 8 show only those related to the exhaust heat utilization system of the outdoor unit for air conditioning according to the present embodiment, and the illustration of the remaining functional blocks is omitted as appropriate.

[0076] The lower-level control device 100 includes a transmission / reception unit 107 and an operation setting storage unit 108 as functional blocks. The direct digital controller 90A includes a transmission / reception unit 94A, an operation setting determination unit 95A, and a set temperature storage unit 96A as functional blocks.

[0077] The set temperature storage unit 96A of the direct digital controller 90A stores the set temperature input and set from the operation panel 93A (see FIG. 7). The operation setting determination unit 95A determines the operation setting of the indoor unit 91A based on the set temperature stored in the set temperature storage unit 96A.

[0078] For example, when the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 92A is less than a predetermined heating threshold temperature obtained from the set temperature (for example, set temperature - 3°), the operation setting determination unit 95A sets the operation setting of the indoor unit 91A to heating operation.

[0079] When the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 92A exceeds a predetermined cooling threshold temperature (for example, set temperature + 3°) obtained from the set temperature, the operation setting determination unit 95A sets the operation setting of the indoor unit 91A to cooling operation.

[0080] Furthermore, when the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor 92A is within the range of being equal to or higher than the heating threshold temperature and equal to or lower than the cooling threshold temperature, the operation setting determination unit 95A sets the operation setting of the indoor unit 91A to blowing operation.

[0081] The operation setting information of the indoor unit 91A set by these operation setting determination units 95A is transmitted to and stored in the operation setting storage unit 108 of the lower-level control device 100.

[0082] Here, in the BACnet protocol, the controlled devices such as building facilities, sensors, and operation panels are modeled into objects abstracted by functions and the like. The objects are given characteristics called properties.

[0083] For example, for one air conditioner, a plurality of objects such as an operation / stop object, an alarm signal object, an operation mode (cooling / heating / blowing) object, an intake temperature measurement value object, an indoor temperature set value object, and an emergency stop object are set. Furthermore, properties are given to each object.

[0084] For example, the properties include an object identifier (Object_Identifier), an object name (Object_Name), a device type (Device_Type), and a present value (Present_Value).

[0085] The object identifier is a unique numerical code (that is, not reused with other objects) used to identify the object. The object name is a property of the string type, and a name for this object (for example: Cooling operation of the outdoor unit 1 of the air conditioner in Room 〇〇) is set.

[0086] The device type is a string-type property, and for example, the device name (e.g., Outdoor Air Conditioner 1 in Room XX) that executes the functions corresponding to this object is set. The current value is a so-called binary-type property, and either the value of "inactive" or "active" is set. Note that in an object where a numerical value is used as the current value, such as the indoor temperature set value object, the current value is an analog-type property.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 8, the operation setting information of the indoor unit 91A set by the operation setting determination unit 95A is transmitted and stored in the operation setting storage unit 108 of the lower-level control device 100 in the form of an object. For example, when the operation setting of the indoor unit 91A is switched from the heating setting to the air supply setting, the heating operation mode object data in which the current value property is switched from active to inactive is transmitted from the operation setting determination unit 95A to the lower-level control device 100. Also, in conjunction with this, the air supply operation mode object data in which the current value property is switched from inactive to active is transmitted from the operation setting determination unit 95A to the lower-level control device 100.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a setting program for the exhaust supply outdoor unit is stored in the hard disk drive of the controllers 36A - 36C that control the roller motors 35A - 35C and the louver motors 54A - 54C, or in a non-transitory storage medium such as a CD-ROM. By the CPU of the controllers 36A - 36C executing the program, each functional unit shown in FIG. 8 is constructed in the controllers 36A - 36C.

[0089] Although only the functional blocks of the controller 36A are illustrated in FIG. 8, similar functional blocks are also constructed in the other controllers 36B and 36C. For example, in the following description, by appropriately changing the suffix "A" at the end of the reference numeral to "B" or "C", the configuration of the controllers 36B and 36C can be described.

[0090] The controller 36A includes, as functional blocks, a transmission / reception unit 37A, an exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A, and a target device storage unit 39A. The target device storage unit 39A stores a target device list illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0091] The target device refers to a candidate device that can supply exhaust air from the outdoor units 10A - 10C of the first row group among the outdoor units 10D - 10F of the second row group (see FIG. 5). For each of the outdoor units 10A - 10C, multiple such target devices can be set.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 9, a ranking of main / sub is predefined for the target devices. In the setting flow of the exhaust supply outdoor unit (see FIG. 10) described later, one of these is set as the exhaust supply outdoor unit.

[0093] For example, for the outdoor unit 10A, the nearest outdoor unit 10D is set as the main target device. Also, the outdoor unit 10E adjacent to the outdoor unit 10D is set as the sub - target device. For the outdoor unit 10C, the outdoor unit 10F is set as the main target device, and the outdoor unit 10E is set as the sub - target device. Further, for the outdoor unit 10B, the outdoor unit 10E is set as the main target device, and the outdoor units 10D and 10F are set as sub - target devices. When there are multiple sub - target devices like this, further ranking (sub 1 and sub 2) may be set within the sub - target devices.

[0094] In this way, the outdoor units 10D - 10F of the second row group are set as overlapping target devices for each of the outdoor units 10A - 10C of the first row group.

[0095] Furthermore, the target device list stores the device type, object name, and object identifier of each target device. In addition, the target device list stores the ring angle for sending exhaust air to each target device. For example, for the outdoor unit 10D which is the main target device, the ring angle is set at the origin position (that is, β main = 0°). Further, for the outdoor unit 10E which is the sub - target device, the angle rotated 45° clockwise from the origin position is set as the ring angle (that is, β sub = 45°).

[0096] <Exhaust supply outdoor unit setting flow> FIG. 10 illustrates the setting flow of the exhaust supply outdoor unit in the exhaust heat utilization system of the air-conditioning outdoor unit according to the present embodiment. As described below, in the setting flow of the exhaust supply outdoor unit, the controllers 36A - 36C control the louver mechanisms 40A - 40C and the rotation mechanisms 30A - 30C. This control is executed according to the operation settings of the outdoor units 10A - 10C in the first row group 60 and the outdoor units 10D - 10F in the second row group 70.

[0097] Note that in the following, the controller 36A of the outdoor unit 10A is the main executor of this flow, but the other controllers 36B and 36C also execute the same processing as the following description.

[0098] The exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A (see FIG. 8) of the controller 36A determines whether the outdoor unit 10A at the installation destination is in the heating standby state and the cooling standby state (S10). For example, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A obtains data of "105-room air-conditioning outdoor unit 1 cooling operation" and "105-room air-conditioning outdoor unit 1 heating operation", which are objects of the outdoor unit 10A, from the data stored in the operation setting storage unit 108 of the lower controller 100. Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the current values in these objects are both "INACTIVE".

[0099] When the outdoor unit 10A at the installation destination is in the heating standby state and the cooling standby state, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the louver angle of the louver motor 54A (see FIG. 5) to the origin position (α0) (S36). Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the ring angle of the roller motor 35A to the origin position (β0) (S38).

[0100] In step S10, when the outdoor unit 10A at the installation destination is in the heating operation or the cooling operation, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the outdoor unit 10D, which is the main target machine of the controller 36A, is in the heating standby state and the cooling standby state (S12).

[0101] For example, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A acquires data of "105-room air conditioning outdoor unit 4 cooling operation" and "105-room air conditioning outdoor unit 4 heating operation", which are objects of the outdoor unit 10D, from the data stored in the operation setting storage unit 108 of the lower control device 100. Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the current values in these objects are both "INACTIVE".

[0102] When the outdoor unit 10D is in the heating operation or the cooling operation, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the heating / cooling operation settings of the outdoor unit 10A at the installation location and the main target machine 10D are different from each other (S14).

[0103] For example, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A refers to the current value properties of "105-room air conditioning outdoor unit 1 cooling operation" and "105-room air conditioning outdoor unit 1 heating operation", which are objects of the already acquired outdoor unit 10A. Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A refers to the current location properties of "105-room air conditioning outdoor unit 4 cooling operation" and "105-room air conditioning outdoor unit 4 heating operation", which are objects of the outdoor unit 10D. By comparing these current value properties, it becomes possible to determine whether the operation settings of the outdoor units 10A and 10D are different from each other.

[0104] When the heating / cooling operation settings of the outdoor unit 10A at the installation location and the main target machine 10D are different from each other, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines the outdoor unit 10D, which is the main target machine, as the exhaust supply outdoor unit (S16).

[0105] Based on the above determination, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the louver angle of the louver motor 54A (see FIG. 5) to the rear position (α back ) (S18). Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the ring angle of the roller motor 35A to the main position (β main ) (S20). By setting such angles, the exhaust of the outdoor unit 10A is supplied to the outdoor unit 10D.

[0106] Return to step S12. If the main target unit, the outdoor unit 10D, is in a heating standby state and a cooling standby state, the flow proceeds to step S22. Also, referring to step S14, if the heating and cooling operation settings of the outdoor unit 10A where the controller 36A is installed are the same as the heating and cooling operation settings of the main target unit, the outdoor unit 10D, the flow also proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the outdoor unit 10E, which is the sub-target unit, is in a heating standby state and a cooling standby state.

[0107] For example, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A acquires data on "105-room air-conditioning outdoor unit 5 cooling operation" and "105-room air-conditioning outdoor unit 5 heating operation", which are objects of the outdoor unit 10E, from the data stored in the operation setting storage unit 108 of the lower controller 100. Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the current values in these objects are both "INACTIVE".

[0108] When the outdoor unit 10E is in a heating standby state and a cooling standby state, the process of the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A proceeds to steps S36 and S38.

[0109] On the other hand, when the outdoor unit 10E is in a heating operation or a cooling operation, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the heating / cooling operation settings of the outdoor unit 10A where it is installed and the sub-target unit 10E are different from each other (S24). In this determination, the current value properties of the above-described cooling / heating operation objects are compared.

[0110] When the heating and cooling operation settings of the outdoor unit 10A where the controller 36A is installed are the same as the heating and cooling operation settings of the sub-target unit, the outdoor unit 10E, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the louver angle of the louver motor 54A (see Fig. 5) to the forward position (α front ). Thereby, the inflow of exhaust air from the outdoor unit 10A to the outdoor units 10D and 10E is suppressed. Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the ring angle of the roller motor 35A to the origin position (β0) (S28).

[0111] In step S24, when the heating / cooling operation settings of the outdoor unit 10A at the installation destination and the sub-target unit 10E are different from each other, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines the outdoor unit 10E, which is the sub-target unit, as the exhaust supply outdoor unit (S30).

[0112] Based on the above determination, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the louver angle of the louver motor 54A (see FIG. 5) to the rear position (α back ). (S32). Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the ring angle of the roller motor 35A to the sub-position (β sub ). (S34). With such angle settings, the exhaust of the outdoor unit 10A is supplied to the outdoor unit 10E.

[0113] According to the setting flow of the exhaust supply outdoor unit as described above, based on the comparison between the operation setting of the outdoor unit 10A at the installation destination of the controller 36A and the operation settings of the main target unit and the sub-target unit, the exhaust supply outdoor unit that supplies exhaust to the outdoor unit 10A is set.

[0114] In addition, by setting a plurality of target units (main / sub) as candidates for the exhaust supply outdoor unit, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the exhaust of the three outdoor units 10A - 10C in the first row group 60 can be intensively supplied to one outdoor unit 10E in the second row group 70.

[0115] <Another example of the setting flow of the exhaust supply outdoor unit> In the setting flow illustrated in FIG. 10, the exhaust supply outdoor unit is determined based on the presence or absence of the heating / cooling operation of the target unit. Instead, the exhaust supply outdoor unit may be determined based on the operation load of the indoor unit connected to each target unit.

[0116] In this case, the controllers 36A - 36C determine, among the plurality of target units 10D - 10F, the outdoor unit with the relatively highest operation load of the connected indoor unit as the exhaust supply outdoor unit. As an index indicating the operation load, for example, the air volume setting value provided on the operation panel is referred to.

[0117] According to this example, during the heating / cooling operation of the outdoor units 10D - 10F in the second column group 70, it is possible to concentrate on the outdoor unit 10 with a relatively high operation load and supply the exhaust air of the outdoor units 10A - 10C in the first column group 60.

[0118] FIG. 13 illustrates a setting flow of an exhaust air supply outdoor unit according to another example different from FIG. 10. In executing this flow, the main / sub setting is omitted from the target machine list (see FIG. 9). That is, the ranking for the plurality of listed target machines is cancelled.

[0119] In the following, the controller 36A of the outdoor unit 10A is the main body for executing this flow, but the other controllers 36B and 36C also execute the same processing as the following description.

[0120] The exhaust air supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A (see FIG. 8) of the controller 36A determines whether the outdoor unit 10A at the installation location is in a heating standby state and a cooling standby state (S40). For example, the exhaust air supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A obtains data of "105-room air-conditioning outdoor unit 1 cooling operation" and "105-room air-conditioning outdoor unit 1 heating operation", which are objects of the outdoor unit 10A, from the data stored in the operation setting storage unit 108 of the lower controller 100. Further, the exhaust air supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the current values in these objects are both "INACTIVE".

[0121] When the outdoor unit 10A at the installation location is in a heating standby state and a cooling standby state, the exhaust air supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the louver angle of the louver motor 54A (see FIG. 5) to the origin position (α0) (S60). Further, the exhaust air supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the ring angle of the roller motor 35A to the origin position (β0) (S62).

[0122] In step S40, when the outdoor unit 10A at the installation location is in a heating operation or a cooling operation, the exhaust air supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the counter k to the initial value 1 (S42). This counter corresponds to the number provided at the top of the target machine list in FIG. 9.

[0123] The exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the outdoor unit 10D, which is the k-th target unit (k = 1), is in the middle of heating pause and cooling pause (S44). For example, similar to step S40, the determination is made by referring to the properties of the heating / cooling operation object corresponding to the outdoor unit 10D.

[0124] When the outdoor unit 10D is in the middle of heating pause and cooling pause, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A excludes the outdoor unit 10D from the candidate units (S48). On the other hand, when the outdoor unit 10D is in the middle of heating operation or cooling operation, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the heating / cooling setting of the outdoor unit 10A, which is the installation destination outdoor unit, is different from that of the outdoor unit 10D, which is the k-th target unit (S45). In this determination, for example, the same processing as step S14 in FIG. 10 is executed.

[0125] When the heating / cooling settings of the outdoor unit 10A and the outdoor unit 10D are the same, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A excludes the outdoor unit 10D from the candidate units (S48). On the other hand, when the heating / cooling settings of the outdoor unit 10A and the outdoor unit 10D are different, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A includes the outdoor unit 10D in the candidate units (S46). Here, the candidate unit refers to the outdoor unit 10 that is a candidate for the exhaust supply outdoor unit.

[0126] Next, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the counter k is the final value k end (S50). When the counter k has not reached the final value k end , the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A increments the counter k (S52) and returns to the processing of step S44.

[0127] When the counter k reaches the final value k end , the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the number of candidate units exceeds 0 (S53). When the number of candidate units is 0, the flow proceeds to step S60.

[0128] Alternatively, before proceeding to step S60, a step of checking the operation settings of the outdoor unit D disposed rearwardly facing the outdoor unit A at the attachment destination may be provided. That is, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines whether the operation settings of the outdoor unit A and the outdoor unit D are the same. If they are the same, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the louver angle to α front Otherwise, the flow proceeds to step S60.

[0129] When the number of candidate units exceeds 0 in step S53, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A determines the outdoor unit 10 with the maximum air volume (air volume setting value) set for the connected indoor unit among the candidate units as the exhaust supply outdoor unit (S54). That is, the air volume setting value is used as an index indicating the degree of the operating load of the indoor unit.

[0130] For example, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A refers to the operation setting storage unit 108 of the lower control device 100 to acquire the object data of the operation panel related to the outdoor unit 10E which is a candidate unit. That is, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A acquires the current value of the object related to the operation panel for operating the indoor unit to which the outdoor unit 10E is connected, that is, the air volume setting value, "105-room air-conditioning indoor unit 5 air volume setting".

[0131] Based on the above determination, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the louver angle of the louver motor 54A (see FIG. 5) to the rear position (α back ) (S56). Further, the exhaust supply outdoor unit selection unit 38A sets the ring angle of the roller motor 35A to the angular position (β k ) of the k-th outdoor unit 10 (S58).

[0132] For example, the outdoor units 10D and 10E of the second row group 70, which are the target units of the outdoor unit 10A in the first row group 60, may both have different operation settings from the outdoor unit 10A. For example, this corresponds to the case where the outdoor unit 10A is in heating operation and the outdoor units 10D and 10E are in cooling operation. According to the setting flow of FIG. 13, in such a case, it is possible to supply the exhaust of the outdoor unit 10A to the outdoor unit with the higher operating load among the outdoor units 10D and 10E.

[0133] In the example of FIG. 13, the air volume set value is used as an index indicating the operating load of the indoor unit. However, the exhaust heat utilization system of the outdoor unit for air conditioning according to the present embodiment is not limited to this form. For example, instead of or in addition to the air volume set value, the indoor unit with the largest difference between the set temperature and the measured room temperature is determined as the exhaust air supply outdoor unit.

Explanation of Signs

[0134] 10 Outdoor unit, 18 Exhaust port, 23 - 25 Suction ports, 26 Heat exchanger, 30 Rotating mechanism, 31 Cross roller bearing, 34 Pulley, 35 Roller motor, 36 Controller, 40 Louver mechanism, 44 Shaft, 54 Louver motor, 55 Air outlet, 60 First row group, 70 Second row group, 80 Mounting base, 91A - 91F Indoor units, 92A - 92F Room temperature sensors, 93A - 93F Operation panels, 95A Operation setting determination unit, 96A Set temperature storage unit.

Claims

1. An outdoor air intake, A heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the outdoor air introduced from the intake and a refrigerant, An exhaust port through which the air after heat exchange is discharged, A heat exhaust utilization system for an outdoor air conditioner, comprising a plurality of outdoor units having the above components, The heat exhaust utilization system for an outdoor air conditioner includes a first row group including a plurality of the outdoor units arranged linearly, And a second row group including a plurality of the outdoor units arranged in parallel with the first row group, The exhaust port of the outdoor unit in the first row group is installed on the top surface of the outdoor unit and directed upward, The second row group is installed at a higher position than the first row group, The intake of the outdoor unit in the second row group is directed toward the first row group, Each exhaust port of the outdoor units in the first row group is provided with a louver mechanism whose discharge angle with respect to the central axis of the exhaust port is variable, And a rotation mechanism that can rotate the louver mechanism around the central axis, Further, each outdoor unit in the first row group is provided with a controller that controls the louver mechanism and the rotation mechanism according to the operation settings of each outdoor unit in the first row group and the second row group. Heat exhaust utilization system for an outdoor air conditioner.

2. The heat exhaust utilization system for an outdoor air conditioner according to Claim 1, wherein the height direction position of the outlet of the louver mechanism is determined within the range of ±h / 2 from the lower end of the intake using the height direction dimension h of the intake of the outdoor unit in the second row group. Heat exhaust utilization system for an outdoor air conditioner.

3. The heat exhaust utilization system for an outdoor air conditioner according to Claim 1 or 2, The controller of each of the outdoor units in the first column group sets a plurality of the outdoor units in the second column group as target units to which exhaust air can be supplied. The outdoor units in the second column group can be redundantly set as the target units of the plurality of outdoor units in the first column group. An exhaust heat utilization system for an air-conditioning outdoor unit.

4. An exhaust heat utilization system for an air-conditioning outdoor unit according to Claim 3, wherein the controller refers to the operating load on the indoor unit connected to each of the target units, and determines, among the plurality of the target units, the outdoor unit with the relatively highest operating load of the connected indoor unit as the exhaust air supply outdoor unit. An exhaust heat utilization system for an air-conditioning outdoor unit.

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