Zone Air Conditioning System

Abstract

To provide a zone air-conditioning system for effectively cooling and heating zoned points while maintaining the work efficiency of workers.SOLUTION: A zone air-conditioning system 1 for air-conditioning a zone 6 which is a prescribed zone in a construction having walls, comprises: an air curtain forming device 3; a blowout port 7 connected to an air conditioner 8; and a support body 4 for supporting the air curtain forming device 3. The air curtain forming device 3 is disposed at a boundary of the zone 6 in upper view and forms an air curtain 2 by discharging a wind downward. The blowout port 7 blows out cold air from the air conditioner 8 into the zone 6, where a velocity of the wind discharged by the air curtain forming device 3 is higher than 1 m / s and is equal to or lower than 6 m / s.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a zone air conditioning system for heating and cooling the interior of a predetermined zone separated by wind. [Background technology]

[0002] In large factories, the amount of ventilation and internal heat generation is high, and insulation is insufficient, resulting in a hot environment in the summer and a cold environment in the winter. Since heating and cooling the entire large space such as a large factory requires a great deal of energy, spot heating and cooling is common. While spot heating and cooling is effective for workers with small work areas, it is not effective for workers with large work areas and frequent movement.

[0003] One solution to the above problem is to narrow the space by zoning using partitions, which can effectively cool and heat workers with wide work areas while saving energy compared to air conditioning the entire large space. However, it is difficult to arrange partitions according to the work area, and in reality, workers will have to pass between partitions, which is undesirable as it leads to reduced work efficiency. Therefore, zoning using air curtains can be considered as a method of zoning without interfering with the movement and work of workers. As an example of zoning technology using air curtains, Patent Document 1 discloses a clean booth that uses air curtains to avoid interfering with loading and unloading. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-29324 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The clean booth described in Patent Document 1 uses air curtains to improve isolation from the outside and increase the local air cleanliness inside the clean booth, but there is no mention of heating or cooling inside the partitioned space. Therefore, there is still room for improvement in zoning using air curtains for the purpose of heating and cooling.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a zone air conditioning system for cooling and heating zoned areas while maintaining the work efficiency of workers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a zone air conditioning system that conditions air in a zone, which is a predetermined section inside a structure having walls, and includes an air curtain forming device, an air outlet connected to the air conditioning device, and a support body that supports the air curtain forming device, the boundary of the zone does not include the wall, the air curtain forming device is arranged across the entire boundary of the zone in a top view, and forms an air curtain by discharging air downward, and the air outlet is When viewed from above, the air curtain forming device is disposed in the zone and at a position spaced apart from the air curtain forming device, The air conditioning unit blows cold or warm air into the zone, and the air curtain forming device blows air at a speed of more than 1 m / s and not more than 6 m / s. The invention as recited in claim 2 is characterized in that in the above configuration, a ceiling portion is disposed above the zone. The invention as set forth in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned configuration, the outlet comprises a diffusing means for diffusing the direction in which the cool air or the warm air is discharged. The invention as recited in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the above configuration, a spray unit that sprays mist downward from above the zone is provided. The invention as recited in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned configuration, the air curtain forming device includes an air guide that extends downward and guides air downward. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] A major advantage of the present invention is that a zoned air conditioning system is provided for effectively cooling and heating zoned areas while maintaining worker efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a zone air conditioning system of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a calculation model simulating a zone air conditioning system. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are explanatory diagrams showing the results of temperature calculations using a calculation model simulating the zone air-conditioning system of the present invention, where (a) is the calculation result of Comparative Example 1, (b) is the calculation result of Example 1-1, (c) is the calculation result of Example 1-2, (d) is the calculation result of Example 1-3, (e) is the calculation result of Example 1-4, (f) is the calculation result of Example 1-5, and (g) is the calculation result of Example 1-6. [Figure 4] 1 is a graph showing the average temperature inside zone 6 in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a dimensional diagram showing a field test device. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Comparative Example 2-1, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. [Figure 7] An explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Comparative Example 2-2, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Comparative Example 2-3, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. [Figure 9] 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-1, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. [Figure 10]1 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-2, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. [Figure 11] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-3, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. [Figure 12] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-4, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified zone air conditioning system. [Figure 14] 1-3 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature calculation results using a modified calculation model simulating a modified zone air conditioning system, where (a) is the calculation result of modified comparison example 1, (b) is the calculation result of modified embodiment 1-1, (c) is the calculation result of modified embodiment 1-2, and (d) is the calculation result of modified embodiment 1-3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a zone air conditioning system of the present invention. The zone air conditioning system 1 is installed in a zone 6, which is a designated section inside a walled structure such as a factory, and is used to effectively air-condition (heat and cool) the inside of the zoned zone 6 by separating the zone 6 from the outside with an air curtain 2 and a ceiling 5, as shown in Figure 1.

[0011] The zone air-conditioning system 1 includes an air curtain forming device 3 that discharges air downward from a discharge port 3a and forms an air curtain 2 with the discharged air. The air speed of the air curtain forming device 3 (the set blowout air speed of the air curtain 2) can be freely adjusted and is set to a value between 1 m / s and 6 m / s, preferably between 1.5 m / s and 5 m / s. The air curtain forming device 3 is supported by a support 4. The support 4 has multiple (four) pillars 4a and a support 4b that is rectangular in top view and is arranged to connect the upper ends of the pillars 4a. Each pillar 4a is erected on the floor F of a factory or the like so that the support 4b is located at the boundary of zone 6 when viewed from above. The air curtain forming device 3 is arranged on each side of the support 4b, spanning the entire area of ​​each side. In other words, the air curtain forming device 3 is located at the boundary of zone 6 when viewed from above. The air curtain 2 is formed between adjacent pillars 4a. The zone air conditioning system 1 forms a rectangular parallelepiped zone 6 using an air curtain 2 formed by four air curtain forming devices 3 and a ceiling portion 5 provided within a support portion 4b of a support body 4 using a vinyl sheet or the like. Note that if the support portion 4b is provided by a method such as hanging it from the ceiling of the structure, the pillar portion 4a may be omitted. Also, if the air curtain forming device 3 is arranged by the pillar portion 4a, the support portion 4b may be omitted. Also, the ceiling portion 5 may be provided separately from the support body 4 by, for example, hanging it from the ceiling of the structure. Furthermore, when the wall of the structure is part of the boundary of zone 6, the air curtain forming device 3 is placed in a part of the boundary of zone 6 other than the wall. In other words, the boundary of zone 6 may be formed by a combination of the air curtain 2 and the wall of the structure.

[0012] The zone air conditioning system 1 also has an air outlet 7 in the ceiling 5 that discharges cold or warm air to cool or heat zone 6. The air outlet 7 is piped to an air conditioning unit 8 and can discharge cold or warm air of any temperature at any speed or volume. The air outlet 7 is located near the center of the ceiling 5 and can discharge cold or warm air downward. The tip of the air outlet 7 is also provided with a ceiling diffuser 9, which is a diffusion means that widely diffuses the discharged cold or warm air in multiple directions. The ceiling diffuser 9 diffuses the cold or warm air throughout zone 6, allowing the entire interior of zone 6 to be cooled or heated effectively. Furthermore, a spray unit 10 is provided at a predetermined location on the ceiling unit 5. The spray unit 10 is connected to a water supply means (not shown). The spray unit 10 sprays mist downward at a desired spray amount. At least one of the air outlet 7 and the spray unit 10 may be provided somewhere other than the ceiling unit 5, for example by being suspended from the ceiling of the structure. Furthermore, the air outlet 7 and the spray unit 10 may be at a different height from the ceiling unit 5, as long as they are located within zone 6 when viewed from above. For example, the air outlet 7 may be located near the ground, and the spray unit 10 may be located on the support body 4.

[0013] [Example 1 and Comparative Example 1] Below, calculation results during cooling using a calculation model 1a that simulates a zone air-conditioning system 1 etc. are shown, and Example 1 (Examples 1-1 to 1-6) and Comparative Example 1 that does not belong to the present invention are explained. Note that the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a calculation model simulating a zone air conditioning system. The calculation model 1a of Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 simulates a case in which each air curtain forming device 3 is arranged in a square shape with sides of 5 m (meters) and a height of 3 m from the floor F, with the air outlet 7 arranged inside the square, as shown in Figure 2. In the calculation, the outside temperature was set to 33°C and the humidity to 50%. The ceiling diffuser 9 provided at the air outlet 7 diffuses air in four directions, each at an angle of 90 degrees, and cool air at a temperature of 18°C ​​(15°C in Examples 1-6) and humidity of 50% is blown out from the air outlet 7 in a direction of 225 m. 3 It was assumed that the gas would be dispersed at an air volume of 1 / h.

[0015] In Comparative Example 1, the wind speed of the air curtain 2 was set to 1.0 m / s.

[0016] In Example 1-1, the wind speed of the air curtain 2 was set to 1.5 m / s.

[0017] In Example 1-2, the wind speed of the air curtain 2 was set to 6.0 m / s.

[0018] In Example 1-3, the wind speed of the air curtain 2 was set to 5.0 m / s.

[0019] In Example 1-4, the wind speed of the air curtain 2 was set to 4.0 m / s.

[0020] In Examples 1-5, the wind speed of the air curtain 2 was set to 2.0 m / s.

[0021] In Example 1-6, the temperature of the cool air discharged from the outlet 7 was changed to 15°C under the conditions of Example 1-5.

[0022] Under the above conditions, calculations were performed to determine whether the zone air conditioning system 1 could effectively cool the inside of zone 6. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of temperature calculations using a calculation model simulating the zone air-conditioning system of the present invention, where (a) is the calculation result for Comparative Example 1, (b) is the calculation result for Example 1-1, (c) is the calculation result for Example 1-2, (d) is the calculation result for Example 1-3, (e) is the calculation result for Example 1-4, (f) is the calculation result for Example 1-5, and (g) is the calculation result for Example 1-6. The temperature distribution shown in the temperature calculation results is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m from floor F. The lower limit of the temperature distribution is 22°C, and the upper limit is 33°C.

[0023] In Comparative Example 1, as shown in FIG. 3(a), a significant cooling effect is observed in the vicinity directly below the air outlet 7. On the other hand, no clear cooling effect is observed near the periphery of zone 6. This is thought to be because the air speed of the air curtain 2 is slow at 1.0 m / s, so the zoning effect of the air curtain 2 cannot be maintained up to near floor F, and the intrusion of air surrounding zone 6 into zone 6 cannot be prevented, resulting in no cooling effect being obtained near the periphery of zone 6. In other words, Comparative Example 1 cannot effectively cool the entire interior of zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling part 5.

[0024] In Example 1-1, as shown in FIG. 3(b), a significant cooling effect is confirmed in the vicinity directly below the air outlet 7. Furthermore, a consistent cooling effect is confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​zone 6. This is thought to be because, by increasing the wind speed of the air curtain 2 to 1.5 m / s, the air curtain 2 achieves a consistent zoning effect, suppressing the intrusion of air surrounding zone 6 into zone 6. In other words, Example 1-1 can effectively cool the entire interior of zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling part 5.

[0025] In Example 1-2, as shown in Figure 3(c), a certain cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be because, by increasing the wind speed of the air curtain 2 to 6.0 m / s, the zoning effect of the air curtain 2 was exerted even though there was a possibility that the cooling effect would be hindered due to the air around Zone 6 being drawn in by the air curtain 2 with a high wind speed. In other words, Example 1-2 can effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling part 5.

[0026] In Example 1-3, as shown in Figure 3(d), a higher cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be because, by limiting the wind speed of the air curtain 2 to 5.0 m / s, the zoning effect of the air curtain 2 was maintained and the air around Zone 6 was prevented from being drawn in by the air curtain 2. In other words, Example 1-3 can more effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling part 5.

[0027] In Example 1-4, as shown in Figure 3(e), an even greater cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be because, by limiting the wind speed of the air curtain 2 to 4.0 m / s, the zoning effect of the air curtain 2 was maintained and the air around Zone 6 was further suppressed from being drawn in by the air curtain 2. In other words, Example 1-3 can more effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling part 5.

[0028] In Example 1-5, as shown in Figure 3(f), a higher cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be because, by limiting the wind speed of the air curtain 2 to 2.0 m / s, the zoning effect of the air curtain 2 was maintained and the air around Zone 6 was further suppressed from being drawn in by the air curtain 2. In other words, Example 1-5 can more effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling part 5.

[0029] In Example 1-6, as shown in Figure 3(g), a more significant cooling effect was observed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be because cool air at a lower temperature (15°C) was discharged into Zone 6. In other words, Example 1-6 can more effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and the ceiling part 5.

[0030] Next, for Example 1 and Comparative Example 1, the average air temperature at each height was calculated from the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane in Zone 6 at heights of 0.5 m, 1 m, and 1.5 m from floor F. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the average temperature inside zone 6 in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4, in Examples 1-1 to 1-5, a definite cooling effect was confirmed from an outside air temperature of 33°C. Note that Example 1-2 has a similar average air temperature to Comparative Example 1, and there is no difference in the average air temperatures at heights of 0.5m, 1.0m, and 1.5m. This is thought to be because the cooling effect extends to the entire area of ​​Zone 6.

[0032] Example 1 configured as described above is a calculation model 1a that simulates a zone air conditioning system 1 that provides air conditioning to a zone 6, which is a predetermined section inside a structure having walls, and is equipped with an air curtain forming device 3, an air outlet 7 connected to an air conditioning device 8, and a support 4 that supports the air curtain forming device 3. The air curtain forming device 3 is positioned at the boundary of zone 6 when viewed from above, and forms an air curtain 2 by blowing air downward, the air outlet 7 blows cool air from the air conditioning device 8 into zone 6, and the speed of the air blown by the air curtain forming device 3 is greater than 1 m / s and less than 6 m / s. Moreover, a ceiling portion 5 is disposed above the zone 6 . Therefore, compared to Comparative Example 1, Example 1 can effectively cool the entire interior area of ​​zoned zone 6. Furthermore, zoning using air curtain 2 does not create a physical partition, and workers can pass through air curtain 2. Therefore, the work efficiency of workers is maintained.

[0033] Moreover, in the first embodiment, the outlet 7 is provided with a sealing diffuser 9 that diffuses the direction in which cool air is discharged. Therefore, the cool air is diffused throughout the entire area of ​​zone 6, and the entire interior area of ​​zone 6 is cooled more effectively.

[0034] [Example 2 and Comparative Example 2] Next, Example 2 (Examples 2-1 to 2-4) relating to the cooling field test device 1b using the zone air-conditioning system 1 etc. and Comparative Example 2 (Comparative Examples 2-1 to 2-3) not belonging to the present invention will be described. Note that the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

[0035] FIG. 5 is a dimensional drawing showing the field test device. As shown in Figure 5, the field test device 1b of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 includes air curtain forming devices 3 arranged in a rectangular shape with sides of 4m and a height of 2.7m up to the discharge section 3a, and an outlet 7 arranged in the center of the rectangle. The field test device 1b is installed in a test room of a predetermined size, and the heat input to the test room is 353 W / m 2 It was said that.

[0036] In Comparative Example 2-1, the air curtain 2 was not formed, and cold air at a temperature of 20°C was blown in at a volume of 1,350 m 3 / h.

[0037] In Comparative Example 2-2, the air curtain 2 was not formed, cool air was not discharged from the outlet 7, and mist was sprayed from the spray unit 10 at a spray rate of 200 g / min.

[0038] In Comparative Example 2-3, the air velocity of the air curtain 2 was set to 2.2 m / s. Also, cool air was not discharged from the outlet 7, and mist was sprayed from the spray unit 10 at a spray rate of 200 g / min.

[0039] In Example 2-1, the air velocity of the air curtain 2 was set to 2.2 m / s. The cool air discharged from the outlet 7 had a temperature of 20°C and a volume of 1350 m3 / h.

[0040] In Example 2-2, the air velocity of the air curtain 2 was set to 2.2 m / s. The cool air discharged from the outlet 7 had a temperature of 20°C and a volume of 1350 m 3 / h. In addition, the field test device 1b of Example 2-2 is provided with a sheet-like air guide 3b in the air curtain forming device 3, which extends in the direction in which the air curtain 2 is formed, i.e., downward from the discharge portion 3a.

[0041] In Example 2-3, the air velocity of the air curtain 2 was set to 2.2 m / s. The cool air discharged from the outlet 7 had a temperature of 15°C and a volume of 1070 m 3 / h. The field test device 1b of Example 2-3 is equipped with an air guide 3b, similar to Example 2-2.

[0042] In Example 2-4, the air velocity of the air curtain 2 was set to 2.2 m / s. The cool air discharged from the outlet 7 had a temperature of 20°C and a volume of 1350 m 3 The mist was sprayed from the spray unit 10 at a spray rate of 200 g / min.

[0043] Under the above conditions, it was examined whether the field test device 1b could effectively cool the inside of zone 6 by measuring the three-dimensional temperature distribution. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Comparative Example 2-1, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Comparative Example 2-2, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Comparative Example 2-3, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-1, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. Fig. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-2, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-3, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet. Fig. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the temperature measurement results of Example 2-4, where (a) is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m, and (b) is the temperature distribution in two perpendicular vertical cross sections directly below the outlet.

[0044] In Comparative Example 2-1, as shown in Figures 6(a) and (b), a significant cooling effect is observed directly below the air outlet 7. On the other hand, no clear cooling effect is observed in the area corresponding to the periphery of Zone 6 or near floor F. This is thought to be because, without the air curtain 2, ambient air with a high temperature enters the space corresponding to Zone 6, and the cool air discharged from the air outlet 7 rises in temperature before it can cool the entire space corresponding to Zone 6. In other words, Comparative Example 2-1 cannot effectively cool the entire interior of the space corresponding to Zone 6.

[0045] In Comparative Example 2-2, as shown in Figures 7(a) and (b), a significant cooling effect was observed directly below the spray unit 10. On the other hand, no clear cooling effect was observed near the ceiling of Zone 6. This is thought to be because the mist descends relatively quickly immediately after spraying due to its own mass. Condensation was also observed on floor F due to the sprayed mist. In other words, Comparative Example 2-2 cannot effectively cool the entire interior of the space corresponding to Zone 6. In addition, condensation on floor F leads to a decrease in the work efficiency of workers.

[0046] In Comparative Example 2-3, as shown in Figures 8(a) and (b), a significant cooling effect was observed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be because the mist was trapped within Zone 6 due to zoning by the air curtain 2. On the other hand, condensation on the floor F due to the sprayed mist was observed. In other words, Comparative Example 2-3 can effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and the ceiling 5, but condensation on the floor F leads to a decrease in the work efficiency of the workers. Therefore, Comparative Example 2-3 does not belong to the present invention.

[0047] In Example 2-1, as shown in Figures 9(a) and (b), a significant cooling effect is confirmed directly below the air outlet 7. Furthermore, a reliable cooling effect is confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be due to the zoning effect of the air curtain 2. In other words, Example 2-1 can effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and the ceiling part 5.

[0048] In Example 2-2, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), a significant cooling effect was confirmed directly below the air outlet 7. Furthermore, the cooling effect was improved in the peripheral area of ​​zone 6 compared to Example 2-1. This is thought to be because the air guide 3b allows the air curtain 2 to exert a higher zoning effect, improving the cooling efficiency inside zone 6. In other words, Example 2-2 can more effectively cool the entire area inside zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling part 5.

[0049] In Example 2-3, as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), a significant cooling effect was confirmed directly below the air outlet 7. Furthermore, a significant cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​Zone 6. This is thought to be because lowering the temperature of the cold air and reducing the airflow improved the cooling efficiency of the cold air and reduced the impact of the discharged cold air interfering with the air curtain 2 and mixing with outside air. In other words, Example 2-3 can more effectively cool the entire area inside Zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling 5.

[0050] In Example 2-4, as shown in Figures 12(a) and (b), a significant cooling effect was confirmed directly below the air outlet 7. Furthermore, a significant cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​zone 6. Meanwhile, no condensation was confirmed on floor F due to the mist. This is thought to be because the cooling by the cold air was supplemented by cooling by the evaporation of the mist, improving the cooling efficiency of the air inside zone 6, and the discharge of cold air promoted the evaporation of the mist, thereby suppressing condensation on floor F. In other words, Example 2-4 can more effectively cool the entire area inside zone 6, which is zoned by the air curtain 2 and ceiling 5, while maintaining the work efficiency of the workers.

[0051] Example 2 configured as described above comprises an air curtain forming device 3, an air outlet 7 connected to an air conditioning device 8, a support body 4 supporting the air curtain forming device 3, and a ceiling portion 5, and is characterized in that the air curtain forming device 3 is arranged to surround the ceiling portion 5 and the air outlet 7 when viewed from above, and forms an air curtain 2 by blowing air downward, the air outlet 7 blows cool air from the air conditioning device 8 downward, and the speed of the air blown by the air curtain forming device 3 is greater than or equal to 2 m / s and less than 5.3 m / s. Therefore, in Example 2, the entire interior of zoned zone 6, which is separated from the outside by air curtain 2 and ceiling 5, can be effectively cooled. Furthermore, zoning using air curtain 2 does not create a physical partition, and workers can pass through air curtain 2. Therefore, the work efficiency of workers is maintained.

[0052] Moreover, in the second embodiment, the outlet 7 is provided with a sealing diffuser 9 that diffuses the direction in which cool air is discharged. Therefore, the cool air is diffused throughout the entire area of ​​zone 6, and the entire interior area of ​​zone 6 is cooled more effectively.

[0053] Moreover, Example 2-4 includes a spray unit 10 that sprays mist onto the ceiling unit 5. Therefore, cooling by evaporation of mist is added to cooling by cold air, improving the cooling efficiency of the air inside zone 6, and the entire inside of zone 6 is cooled more effectively. In addition, the discharge of cold air promotes the evaporation of mist, which reduces condensation on floor F caused by the mist, maintaining the work efficiency of workers.

[0054] Moreover, Examples 2-2 and 2-3 include an air guide 3b extending in the direction in which the air curtain 2 is formed. Therefore, the air curtain 2 exerts a higher zoning effect, and the cooling efficiency inside the zone 6 can be improved.

[0055] The present invention has been described above based on the illustrated examples, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the air curtain forming device may be provided singly or in multiple units between adjacent pillars of the support, as long as the air curtain can be formed between the adjacent pillars. Furthermore, the material that constitutes the ceiling is not limited to vinyl sheeting, and may be any ordinary building material. Furthermore, a portion of the ceiling of the space may protrude downward, and this protruding portion may be used as the ceiling of the zone air conditioning system. Note that a ceiling does not necessarily have to be provided. The air conditioner may also send out warm air. That is, the zone air conditioning system may be used for heating. The heating effect is the same as that of cooling (except for the mist). Furthermore, the number and locations of the air outlets are not limited as long as they can effectively cool or heat the inside of the zone. The same applies to the spray units. The air outlet does not need to be provided with a diffusion means. Furthermore, the vertical length of the air guide can be set arbitrarily as long as it is within a range that allows the worker's work efficiency to be maintained.

[0056] [Variations] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention (hereinafter, a modified example) in which the air curtain blows out in a horizontal direction will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified zone air-conditioning system. Note that the dimensions shown in Fig. 13 are for the purpose of explaining a modified calculation model, which will be described later, and in reality any values ​​can be set. The zone air conditioning system 11 is installed in a zone 60, which is a specific section inside a walled structure such as a factory, and is used to effectively air-condition (heat and cool) the inside of the zoned zone 60 by separating the zone 60 from the outside with an air curtain 20 and a ceiling section 50, as shown in Figure 13.

[0057] The zone air-conditioning system 11 includes four air curtain forming devices 30 that discharge air laterally (horizontally) from their discharge sections 30a to form air curtains 20. Each air curtain forming device 30 is located at one of the vertices of a rectangle that defines the boundary of the zone 60 in a top view, and the discharge sections 30a are installed in a direction that forms the air curtain 20 so that each side of the rectangle traces the other side in one direction. The speed of the air discharged by each air curtain forming device 30 (the set blowing air speed of the air curtain 20) can be set as desired within a range that allows the air discharged from the discharge sections 30a to reach adjacent air curtain forming devices 30 and allows the air curtains 20 to form a closed boundary of the zone 60 in a top view. Each air curtain forming device 30 also includes an air guide 30b of a predetermined horizontal length that extends toward the opening of the discharge section 30a to assist in the formation of the air curtain 20. The zone air conditioning system 11 forms a rectangular parallelepiped zone 60 using an air curtain 20 formed by four air curtain forming devices 30 and a ceiling section 50 that is installed using a vinyl sheet or the like and has the same size and shape as the rectangle formed by the air curtain forming devices 30. If the wall of the structure is part of the boundary of zone 60, air curtain forming device 30 is placed in a part of the boundary of zone 60 other than the wall. In other words, the boundary of zone 60 may be formed by a combination of air curtain 20 and the wall of the structure. In this case, the wind speed of air curtain 20 is set arbitrarily within a range that allows zone 60 to form a closed boundary when viewed from above.

[0058] The zone air conditioning system 11 also has air outlets 7 in the ceiling section 50 that discharge cold air or warm air to condition the zone 60. The air outlets 7 are piped to the air conditioning device 8 and can discharge cold air or warm air of any temperature at any speed or volume. Three air outlets 7 are arranged side by side near the center of the ceiling section 50 so that they can discharge cold air or warm air downward.

[0059] Below, calculation results using a modified calculation model simulating the zone air-conditioning system 11 are shown, and modified example 1 (modified examples 1-1 to 1-3) and modified comparative example 1 that does not belong to the modified examples are explained. Note that the modified examples are not limited to these modified examples.

[0060] In the modified calculation models of modified example 1 and modified comparative example 1, as shown in Fig. 13, the air curtain forming devices 30 are arranged at the vertices of a square with sides of 5 m. In the calculation, the modified calculation models are assumed to be installed inside a space with a ceiling height of 8 m. Furthermore, cool air (modified example 1-1 and modified comparative example 1) or warm air (modified examples 1-2 to 1-3) with a temperature of 25°C is blown out from the air outlet 7 at a volume of 600 m 3 / h.

[0061] In the first comparative example, the ceiling 50 is not provided, and the air curtain 20 has an air volume of 4000 m 3 / h. Also, assuming summer, the temperature of the ceiling of the space itself was set to 60°C. The temperature inside the space was set to 32°C near floor F and 35°C near the ceiling of the space, gradually rising from floor F to the ceiling of the space.

[0062] In the modified embodiment 1-1, the air curtain 20 has an air volume of 4000 m 3 / h. Ceiling section 50 was also assumed to be located at a height of 3 m. Also, assuming summer, the temperature of the ceiling itself of the space was set to 60°C. Furthermore, the temperature within the space was set to 32°C near floor F and 35°C near the ceiling of the space, gradually rising from floor F to the ceiling of the space.

[0063] In the modified embodiment 1-2, the ceiling part 50 is not provided, and the air curtain 20 has an air volume of 4000 m 3 / h. Also, assuming winter, the temperature of the ceiling of the space itself was set to 40°C. The temperature inside the space was set to 17°C near floor F and 20°C near the ceiling of the space, gradually rising from floor F to the ceiling of the space.

[0064] In the modified embodiment 1-3, the air curtain 20 has an air volume of 4000 m 3 / h. Ceiling section 50 was also assumed to be located at a height of 3 m. Also, assuming winter, the temperature of the ceiling itself of the space was set to 40°C. Furthermore, the temperature within the space was set to 17°C near floor F and 20°C near the ceiling of the space, gradually rising from floor F to the ceiling of the space.

[0065] Under each of the above conditions, calculations were performed to determine whether the interior of zone 60 could be cooled or heated effectively. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the results of temperature calculations using a modified calculation model simulating a modified zone air-conditioning system, where (a) is the calculation result for modified comparative example 1, (b) is the calculation result for modified example 1-1, (c) is the calculation result for modified example 1-2, and (d) is the calculation result for modified example 1-3. The temperature distribution shown in the temperature calculation results is the temperature distribution on a horizontal plane at a height of 1 m from the floor. The lower limit of the temperature distribution in FIGS. 14(a) and (b) is 28°C, and the upper limit is 35°C. The lower limit of the temperature distribution in FIGS. 14(c) and (d) is 17°C, and the upper limit is 25°C. In addition, the ceiling is omitted from FIG. 14 to make the temperature distribution easier to visualize.

[0066] In the modified comparative example 1, as shown in Fig. 14(a), a significant cooling effect is confirmed directly below the air outlet 7. On the other hand, no clear cooling effect is confirmed anywhere other than directly below the air outlet 7. This is thought to be because the wind current from the air curtain 20 and the discharge of cool air from the air outlet 7 create a vortex above zone 60 toward floor F, sucking the hot air above zone 60 into zone 60. In other words, the comparative example 1 cannot cool the entire interior of zone 60 zoned by the air curtain 20.

[0067] In modified example 1-1, as shown in Figure 14(b), a clear cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire zone 60. This is thought to be because the air curtain 20 and ceiling section 50 achieved a certain zoning effect, and the ceiling section 50 suppressed the generation of vortexes toward the floor F that were generated by the air current of the air curtain 20 and the discharge of cool air from the outlets 7. In other words, modified example 1-1 can effectively cool the entire interior of zone 60 zoned by the air curtain 20 and ceiling section 50.

[0068] In modified example 1-2, as shown in Figure 14(c), a heating effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​zone 60. This is thought to be because the air curtain 20 achieved a certain zoning effect, and the air current of the air curtain 20 and the discharge of warm air from the outlets 7 created a vortex above zone 60 toward floor F, drawing the hot air above zone 60 into zone 60. In other words, modified example 1-2 can effectively heat the entire interior of zone 60 zoned by the air curtain 20.

[0069] In modified example 1-3, as shown in Figure 14(d), a clear cooling effect was confirmed throughout the entire area of ​​zone 60. This is thought to be because the air curtain 20 and ceiling 50 achieved a certain zoning effect. In other words, modified example 1-3 can more effectively heat the entire area inside zone 60 zoned by the air curtain 20 and ceiling 50.

[0070] The modified embodiment 1 configured as described above is a calculation model simulating a zone air conditioning system 1 that provides air conditioning to a zone 60, which is a predetermined section inside a structure having walls, and is equipped with an air curtain forming device 30 and an air outlet 7 connected to an air conditioning device 8. The air curtain forming device 30 is arranged at each vertex of a rectangle that is the boundary of the zone 60 when viewed from above, and forms an air curtain 20 at the boundary by blowing air horizontally, and the air outlet 7 blows out cool air or warm air from the air conditioning device 8 into the zone 60. In addition, in the first modified embodiment, the air curtain forming device 30 includes an air guide 30b extending in the direction in which the air curtain 20 is formed. Therefore, modified embodiment 1 can efficiently cool or heat the entire area inside zone 60 defined by air curtain 20, or by air curtain 20 and ceiling 50. Furthermore, zoning by air curtain 20 does not create a physical wall, and workers can pass through air curtain 20. Therefore, the work efficiency of workers is maintained.

[0071] In addition, in the modified embodiments 1-1 and 1-3, a ceiling portion 50 is disposed above the zone 60. Therefore, the ceiling portion 50 prevents outside air from entering the zone 60 from above, and the entire interior of the zone 60 can be cooled or heated more efficiently.

[0072] The above describes the modified example based on the illustrated example, and the technical scope is not limited to this. For example, in the zone air conditioning system, as long as the air curtain forming device is installed at the boundary of zone 6 when viewed from above, the installation location and number of devices can be set arbitrarily. The size of the ceiling can be set arbitrarily as long as it is equal to or larger than the boundary of the zone when viewed from above. Furthermore, the material constituting the ceiling is not limited to vinyl sheeting, and may be any ordinary building material. Furthermore, a portion of the ceiling of the space may protrude downward, and the protruding portion may be used as the ceiling of the zone air conditioning system. The number and location of the air outlets are not limited as long as they can effectively cool or heat the inside of the zone. Furthermore, the tip of the air outlet may be provided with a diffusion means for diffusing the cool or warm air discharged. Furthermore, the horizontal length of the air guide can be set arbitrarily as long as it is within a range that allows the worker's work efficiency to be maintained. Furthermore, the modified zone air conditioner 11 has the same modifications as the zone air conditioning system 1 described above, as appropriate.

[0073] The following invention shows an air curtain whose blowing direction is horizontal. (1) A zone air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to a zone, which is a predetermined section inside a structure having walls, An air curtain forming device and an outlet connected to an air conditioning device are provided. The air curtain forming device is disposed at the boundary of the zone in a top view, and forms an air curtain at a portion of the boundary other than the wall by blowing air in a horizontal direction, The zone air conditioning system is characterized in that the air outlet blows out cool air or warm air from the air conditioning device into the zone. (2) The zone air conditioning system according to (1) above, characterized in that a ceiling portion is disposed above the zone. (3) The zone air-conditioning system according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the air curtain forming device is provided with an air guide extending in the direction in which the air is discharged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1,11··Zone air conditioning system, 2,20··Air curtain, 3,30··Air curtain forming device, 3a,30a··Discharge section, 3b,30b··Air guide, 5,50··Ceiling section, 6,60··Zone, 7··Outlet, 8··Air conditioning device, 9··Ceiling diffuser (diffusion means), 10··Spray section.

Claims

1. A zone air conditioning system that provides air conditioning to a zone, which is a predetermined section inside a structure having walls, comprising: The air curtain forming device includes an air outlet connected to an air conditioning device, and a support that supports the air curtain forming device. the boundary of the zone does not include the wall; The air curtain forming device is disposed across the entire boundary of the zone in a top view, and forms an air curtain by blowing air downward, The air outlet is arranged in the zone and at a position away from the air curtain forming device in a top view, and blows out the cold air or the warm air from the air conditioning device into the zone, A zone air conditioning system characterized in that the speed of the air generated by the air curtain forming device is greater than 1 m / s and not more than 6 m / s.

2. The zone air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein a ceiling portion is disposed above the zone.

3. 3. The zone air-conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air outlet is provided with a diffusing means for diffusing the direction in which the cool air or the warm air is discharged.

4. 4. The zone air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising a spray unit that sprays mist downward from above the zone.

5. 5. The zone air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the air curtain forming device includes an air guide extending downward.

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