Air conditioning system

Abstract

To reduce energy consumption while achieving an air conditioning state which makes an operator feel comfortable by interlocking and controlling ambient air conditioning and task air conditioning.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system 1 includes: an ambient air conditioning device 2 for performing air conditioning on whole zones A, B including a plurality of work regions D where an operator P works; a plurality of task air conditioning devices 3 for performing air conditioning on the plurality of work regions D individually; a plurality of reception means provided at the plurality of work regions D respectively, and for receiving a set value of the air conditioning from the operator P in the work region D; and a plurality of detection means provided in the plurality of work regions D respectively, and for detecting an air conditioning state of the work region D. The air conditioning system includes control means which controls the ambient air conditioning device 2 based on one set value out of the set values received by the plurality of reception means, and which controls the task air conditioning device 3 corresponding to the work region D other than the work region D corresponding to one set value based on the set value received by the reception means of the work region D.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] In offices and other work spaces, air conditioning systems are used that combine ambient air conditioning units that condition the entire space with task air conditioning units that condition individual work areas. In spaces where multiple workers work simultaneously, the air conditioning conditions that each worker finds comfortable vary depending on their clothing, physique, physical condition, preferences, etc., making it difficult to create a space that all workers find comfortable using air conditioning units alone. Therefore, this type of air conditioning system meets the needs of many workers by using ambient air conditioning units to provide general air conditioning for the space and task air conditioning units to provide air conditioning tailored to the individual needs of each worker in each work area.

[0003] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-195047 (Patent Document 1) discloses a task / ambient air conditioner that uses a human presence sensor to detect the location and number of workers in each zone and controls the ambient air conditioner based on the detection signal. The invention in Patent Document 1 makes it possible to reduce the output of the ambient air conditioner in zones where no workers are present, contributing to energy conservation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-195047 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the technology of Patent Document 1, the ambient air conditioning and the task air conditioning are controlled independently, which leaves room for improvement in the energy consumption of the entire system.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to realize an air conditioning system that can reduce energy consumption while controlling ambient air conditioning and task air conditioning in conjunction with each other to achieve air conditioning conditions that workers feel comfortable in. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention Sky The air conditioning system includes an ambient air conditioning device having a blower that supplies air and conditions an entire area including a plurality of work areas where workers work, a plurality of task air conditioning devices that individually condition the plurality of work areas, a plurality of reception means that are provided in each of the plurality of work areas and receive air conditioning setting values ​​from workers in the work area, a plurality of detection means that are provided in each of the plurality of work areas and detect the air conditioning state of the work area, and a control means that controls the ambient air conditioning device based on one of the setting values ​​received by the plurality of reception means and controls the task air conditioning device corresponding to a work area other than the work area corresponding to the one setting value based on the setting value received by the reception means of the work area, and further includes a human presence sensor that detects workers in the area, and the control means controls the output of the fan based on the number of workers based on the detection result of the human presence sensor when the number of workers is equal to or greater than a threshold, and controls the output of the fan based on the number of workers when the number of workers is less than the threshold. The amount of air supplied must be such that it can achieve the minimum ventilation rate required for a given purpose. It is characterized by controlling

[0008] This configuration allows for a comfortable air conditioning state for workers without excessively increasing the capacity of the ambient air conditioning unit. Furthermore, because load variations within an area are eliminated, comfort and energy savings can be ensured without over-processing the ambient air conditioning load.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, which is given with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing a task air conditioning device according to an embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of an air conditioning system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [Air conditioning system configuration] In this embodiment, an air conditioning system 1 includes an ambient air conditioner 2 that conditions the entire office R, multiple task air conditioners 3 that condition the areas around multiple desks D (each an example of a work area) installed in the office R, and a detection means 4, all of which work in coordination to provide a comfortable work environment for a worker P working at a desk D in the office R ( FIG. 1 ). The office R includes multiple zones, and the air conditioning system 1 includes, as detection means 4, a motion sensor 41 that detects a worker P in each zone, a temperature sensor 42 that detects the room temperature of the office R, a humidity sensor 43 that detects the humidity of the office R, a first task sensor 44, and a second task sensor 45. An outdoor unit 5 and a control panel 6 (an example of a control means) are also provided as devices shared by the ambient air conditioner 2 and the task air conditioner 3. The control panel 6 is electrically connected to each of the components to be controlled and various sensors, but these connections are not shown in the figure.

[0013] (Configuration of ambient air conditioning equipment) First, we will explain the configuration of the ambient air-conditioning device 2. The ambient air-conditioning device 2 has a blower type air-conditioning device 7 and a radiant type air-conditioning device 8.

[0014] The blower air conditioner 7 conditions the office R by adjusting the temperature and humidity of air taken in through an outside air intake 71 using a direct expansion outside air conditioner 72 and blowing the air out of an outlet 73 into the office R. The air is guided from an air intake 74 provided in the office R to an outlet 75 that opens to the outdoors.

[0015] The direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 has an evaporator 721 (an example of an ambient cooling section), a condenser 722 (an example of an ambient heating section), a humidifier 723, and a blower 724 ( FIG. 2 ). Air taken in through the outdoor air intake 71 is powered by the blower 724 and passes through the evaporator 721, condenser 722, humidifier 723, and blower 724 in this order to adjust the temperature and humidity, and then is supplied to the air outlet 73. A filter unit F is provided upstream of the evaporator 721 to remove dust contained in the outdoor air.

[0016] The evaporator 721 is a device that cools the air by exchanging heat between the air and a cold refrigerant (a refrigerant whose temperature is lower than room temperature), thereby condensing the moisture in the air and dehumidifying the air. A refrigerant circuit C1 of the evaporator 721 is connected to the outdoor unit 5. Liquid refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 721, and heat is removed from the air by utilizing the heat of vaporization when the refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator 721. A valve 721a is provided at the inlet of the refrigerant circuit C1 to the evaporator 721, and the temperature of the evaporator 721 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the valve 721a. The refrigerant circuit C1 has a return pipe (not shown) that returns the cold refrigerant from the evaporator 721 to the outdoor unit 5. The return pipes of other components are also not shown. A control valve (not shown) is also provided in the return pipe, and the temperature of the cold refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 721 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the control valve.

[0017] The condenser 722 is a device that heats air by exchanging heat between a warm refrigerant (a refrigerant whose temperature is higher than room temperature) and the air. Since the air that has passed through the evaporator 721 is generally at a temperature lower than that suitable for supply to office R, the air is reheated by the condenser 722 to adjust the temperature to that suitable for supply to office R. The refrigerant circuit C2 of the condenser 722 is connected to the outdoor unit 5. Vaporized refrigerant is supplied to the condenser 722, and the heat of condensation generated when the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser 722 is used to provide heat to the air. A valve 722a is provided at the inlet of the refrigerant circuit C2 to the condenser 722, and the temperature of the condenser 722 can be controlled by adjusting the opening of the valve 722a. The refrigerant circuits C1 and C2 may be connected to each other or may be independent of each other.

[0018] The humidifier 723 is a device that increases the humidity of the air by spraying water vapor onto the air passing through the humidifier 723. The control panel 6 controls whether the humidifier 723 is operating and its output.

[0019] The temperature of the air discharged from the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 is adjusted by the balance between cooling by the evaporator 721 and heating by the condenser 722. In addition, the humidity of the air discharged from the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 is adjusted by the balance between dehumidification by the evaporator 721 and humidification by the humidifier 723.

[0020] The output of the evaporator 721 is determined by the opening of the valve 721a (flow rate of the refrigerant). The opening of the valve 721a is determined so that the humidity of the air sent out from the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 becomes a desired humidity, and for example, the opening of the valve 721a is feedback-controlled based on the detection value of the humidity sensor 43 in the office R. The opening of the control valve (not shown) in the return pipe is also determined taking into consideration the temperature and humidity of the sent-out air. The output of the humidifier 723 is also feedback-controlled in a similar manner.

[0021] The output of the condenser 722 is determined by the opening of the valve 722a (flow rate of the warm refrigerant). The opening of the valve 722a is determined so that the temperature of the air sent out from the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 becomes a desired temperature, and is feedback controlled based on the detected value of, for example, a temperature sensor (not shown) provided at the outlet of the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 or a temperature sensor 42 inside the office R. The higher the humidity of the outdoor air, the greater the output of the evaporator 721 (required amount of dehumidification), and therefore the greater the required output of the condenser 722 (required amount of reheating).

[0022] These controls are executed by the control panel 6. That is, the evaporator 721, the condenser 722, the outdoor unit 5, and the control panel 6 constitute a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of the air supplied to the office R, and the evaporator 721, the humidifier 723, and the control panel 6 constitute a humidity adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the air supplied to the office R.

[0023] The blower 724 is a known blower, and supplies temperature- and humidity-regulated air to the office R through the outlet 73. The output of the blower 724 is controlled by the control panel 6 based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 41 input to the control panel 6. A flow rate adjustment valve 76 is provided between the blower 724 and the outlet 73.

[0024] The air outlet 73 blows out air whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted by the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 into the office R. A plurality of air outlets 73 are provided in the office R. The office R includes a plurality of zones, and each air outlet 73 is associated with one of the zones. For the sake of explanation, two zones A and B are shown in FIG. 1, and the components associated with zone A are given the subscript A, and the components associated with zone B are given the subscript B. Therefore, in FIG. 1, the air outlets 73 are shown as air outlets 73A and 73B.

[0025] Each air outlet 73 is provided with a control valve 731 (731A, 731B), which allows for individual control of the amount of air blown out from the air outlet 73. The control valve 731 (731A, 731B) is electrically connected to a human presence sensor 41 (41A, 41B) in the area where the control valve 731 is provided, and is controlled based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 41. Each air outlet 73 is provided with a direction plate (not shown) which allows for control of the air blowing direction.

[0026] When air is supplied to office R, a pressure difference occurs between office R and the outdoors, causing air to flow out from office R to the outdoors. This air flow travels along a path from an air intake 74 provided in office R to an exhaust port 75 that opens toward the outdoors. A total heat exchanger 77 is provided to exchange heat between the air taken in through the outside air intake 71 and the air exhausted from the exhaust port 75.

[0027] The radiant air conditioner 8 air-conditions (cools) the office R by absorbing heat radiated from a heat source (such as a worker P) present in the office R with an upper radiant panel 81 installed at the top of the office R. The upper radiant panel 81 is connected to the outdoor unit 5 and shares the refrigerant circuit C1 with the evaporator 721 of the direct expansion outdoor air conditioner 72 (Fig. 3).

[0028] A plurality of upper radiant panels 81 are provided, and each upper radiant panel 81 (81A, 81B) is associated with one of the zones. Also, control valves 82 (82A, 82B) are provided to control the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into each upper radiant panel 81 (81A, 81B), thereby controlling the output of each upper radiant panel 81 (81A, 81B). Furthermore, a control valve (not shown) is provided in the return pipe, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the upper radiant panel 81 can be controlled by the opening degree of this control valve. Surface temperature sensors 83 (83A, 83B) are provided to detect the surface temperature of the upper radiant panels 81 (81A, 81B).

[0029] In principle, the opening of control valve 82 (output of upper radiant panel 81) is controlled by control panel 6 so that the value detected by temperature sensor 42 becomes the set temperature. However, depending on the relationship between room temperature and humidity, excessive cooling of upper radiant panel 81 may cause condensation. Therefore, the dew point temperature is calculated from the value detected by temperature sensor 42 (room temperature) and the value detected by humidity sensor 43 (humidity), and the opening of control valve 82 is controlled so that the value detected by surface temperature sensor 83 becomes equal to or higher than the dew point temperature, thereby preventing the surface temperature of upper radiant panel 81 from falling below the dew point temperature and causing condensation.

[0030] (Task air conditioner configuration) Next, the configuration of the task air conditioning unit 3 will be described. The task air conditioning unit 3 is a partition-like device installed upright between two office desks D placed opposite each other, and a cooling radiant panel 32 (an example of a task cooling unit), a heating radiant panel 33 (an example of a task heating unit), and a thermal sensation reporting device 34 (an example of a receiving means) are provided on a front portion 31 installed directly opposite the office desks D (Figs. 1, 3, 4). A first task sensor 44 and a second task sensor 45 as detection means 4 are also attached to the front portion 31. The task air conditioning unit 3 is a type of radiant air conditioning unit.

[0031] The cooling radiation panel 32 conditions (cools) the area around the office desk D by absorbing heat radiated from heat sources (such as the worker P) present in the office R. The cooling radiation panel 32 is provided in the upper half of the front surface 31, and when in use, faces the upper body of the worker P above the top plate of the office desk D. This configuration allows for focused cooling around the head, where the worker P is most susceptible to heat, making the worker more likely to feel cool and contributing to improved comfort.

[0032] The cooling radiant panel 32 is connected to the outdoor unit 5. The cooling radiant panel 32 shares the refrigerant circuit C1 with the evaporator 721 and upper radiant panel 81 (FIG. 3), and a cold refrigerant (a refrigerant whose temperature is lower than room temperature) is supplied to the cooling radiant panel 32. A control valve 36 is provided to control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the cooling radiant panel 32, thereby controlling the output of the cooling radiant panel 32. A control valve (not shown) is also provided in the return pipe, and the temperature of the cold refrigerant flowing through the cooling radiant panel 32 can be controlled by the opening degree of the control valve. A surface temperature sensor 35 is provided to detect the surface temperature of the cooling radiant panel 32, and the opening degree of the control valve 36 is controlled so that the value detected by the surface temperature sensor 35 is equal to or higher than the dew point temperature.

[0033] The heating radiation panel 33 conditions (heats) the area around the office desk D by radiating heat to a heating target (such as a worker P) present in the office R. The heating radiation panel 33 is provided in the lower half of the front part 31, and when in use, faces the lower half of the worker P below the top plate of the office desk D. This configuration allows for focused heating around the feet, where the worker is most likely to feel cold, making the worker more likely to feel warm and contributing to improved comfort. The heating radiation panel 33 may also be provided with a surface temperature sensor (not shown).

[0034] The heating radiant panel 33 is connected to the outdoor unit 5. The heating radiant panel 33 shares the refrigerant circuit C2 with the condenser 722 (FIG. 3), and a warm refrigerant (a refrigerant with a temperature higher than room temperature) is supplied to the heating radiant panel 33. In addition, a control valve 37 is provided to control the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the heating radiant panel 33, and the output of the heating radiant panel 33 can be controlled.

[0035] Because the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 are provided on the front portion 31, the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 face directly toward the worker P when in use. The amount of heat transferred by radiation is a function including a view factor, which represents the geometric positional relationship between two objects that transfer heat. When the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 face directly toward the worker P, the view factor increases, and therefore the amount of heat transferred by radiation increases. Therefore, heat is more easily transferred by radiation between the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 and the worker P, resulting in efficient air conditioning.

[0036] Comparing the cooling radiation panel 32 and the heating radiation panel 33, the cooling radiation panel 32 has a wider width in the left-right direction as viewed from the worker P. The cooling radiation panel 32 is provided with dimensions wider than the body of the worker P so as to absorb heat radiated from heat sources (for example, a personal computer, a display, etc.) on the desk D in addition to the worker P. In contrast, the heating radiation panel 33 is provided with dimensions roughly the same as the width of the body of the worker P in many cases, as it is sufficient to radiate heat to the feet of the worker P.

[0037] The task first sensor 44 is provided at a position horizontally adjacent to the cooling radiation panel 32 on the front portion 31, and in this embodiment is a sensor that can detect at least temperature. The task first sensor 44 is also electrically connected to the control valve 36, and the opening degree of the control valve 36 is controlled based on the detection result of the task first sensor 44 (e.g., ambient temperature). The detection result of the task first sensor 44 can be an indicator of the air conditioning state at the office desk D.

[0038] More specifically, the cooling radiation panel 32 is provided in the center of the front portion 31 in the left-right direction, and the first task sensor 44 is provided on the right side as viewed from the front. Because the worker P often works in a position directly facing the center of the front portion 31 in the left-right direction (i.e., a position directly facing the cooling radiation panel 32), the first task sensor 44 is positioned so as not to face the worker P. Therefore, the first task sensor 44 is more susceptible to the surface temperature of objects around the worker P than to the body surface temperature of the worker P. The body surface of the worker P is affected not only by the air conditioning state but also by the body temperature of the worker P, whereas the surface temperature of objects around the worker P is dominated by the air conditioning state. With this configuration, the first task sensor 44 detects a temperature that reflects the air conditioning state, thereby achieving both stable control and comfort.

[0039] The task second sensor 45 is a sensor that detects temperature and is provided at a position horizontally adjacent to the heating radiation panel 33 on the front portion 31. The task second sensor 45 is also electrically connected to the control valve 37, and the opening degree of the control valve 37 is controlled based on the detection result of the task second sensor 45 (for example, the ambient temperature). The detection result of the task second sensor 45 can also be an indicator of the air conditioning status of the office desk D.

[0040] The second task sensor 45 is also positioned so as not to directly face the worker P who works in a normal position, making it easier to achieve both stable control and comfort.

[0041] A radiation temperature detector may be used as the first task sensor 44 and the second task sensor 45. When measuring temperature using a radiation temperature detector, heat radiation from a heat source or air convection occurring in the area to be measured can hinder accurate measurement. In this embodiment, the radiation temperature detector does not face the area directly in front of the cooling radiation panel 32 and the heating radiation panel 33 (areas where heat radiation and air convection are likely to occur), making it easier to measure the environmental temperature accurately.

[0042] Furthermore, the task first sensor 44 and the task second sensor 45 may be PMV meters that calculate a PMV value (average predicted thermal sensation declaration). A typical PMV meter has a thermometer, globe thermometer, anemometer, and hygrometer, and calculates the PMV by combining the detected values ​​of the individual sensors. When a PMV meter is used, it measures airflow and humidity in addition to temperature, allowing for a more detailed evaluation of the need for air conditioning in the environment in which worker P is located, and the output of the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 to be controlled to make worker P more comfortable. Like a radiation temperature detector, a PMV meter is not easily affected by heat radiation or air convection.

[0043] The task first sensor 44 and the task second sensor 45 may be a composite sensor device capable of detecting a physical quantity other than temperature, such as an anemometer or a hygrometer. The task first sensor 44 may be a PMV meter, and the task second sensor 45 may be a radiation temperature detector. The task first sensor 44 and the task second sensor 45 may be a single or multiple sensor devices capable of detecting a physical quantity other than temperature.

[0044] The thermal sensation reporting device 34 is a device that receives input of the thermal sensation felt by the worker P at each desk D. The thermal sensation reporting device 34 may be, for example, a device that receives a PMV setting value based on the preference of each worker P, a device that receives a set temperature desired by each worker, or a device that receives a more general input of thermal sensation (for example, three levels of "hot," "comfortable," and "cold"). The thermal sensation reporting device 34 is configured to receive the air conditioning setting value desired by each worker.

[0045] [Air conditioning system control] Next, the control of the air conditioning system 1 will be described.

[0046] (1) Ambient air conditioning system control (a) Control of blower type air conditioners The blower type air conditioner 7 of the ambient air conditioner 2 controls the output of the blower 724 and the amount of air discharged from each outlet 73 (opening degree of the control valve 731) based on the detection results of the human presence sensor 41 (presence or absence of worker P and the number of workers P).

[0047] Each human presence sensor 41 detects the number of workers P in the area associated with the human presence sensor. Based on the detected number of workers, the following two controls are performed.

[0048] First, the output of the blower 724 is controlled. The control panel 6 determines the total number of workers P present in the office R by adding up the number of workers P detected by each human sensor 41. When the determined total number of workers is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the control panel 6 controls the output of the blower 724 based on a value obtained by multiplying the total number of workers by a predetermined coefficient.

[0049] When the identified total number of people is less than a predetermined threshold, the control panel 6 controls the output of the fan 724 to a predetermined value. This value is, for example, the minimum output value at which the fan 724 can be operated stably.

[0050] Second, the airflow rate of each air outlet 73 is controlled. FIG. 1 shows a situation in which one worker P is present in area A and no worker P is present in area B. Because worker P is present in area A, the airflow rate of air outlet 73A needs to be controlled so that worker P feels comfortable. Because worker P is not present in area B, comfort in area B is not important. Therefore, the airflow rate of air outlet 73A is made larger than the airflow rate of air outlet 73B, so that more of the air supplied from blower 724 to office R is distributed to area A where worker P is present. Specifically, the opening degree of control valve 731A is made larger than the opening degree of control valve 731B. However, if the airflow rate in the area where worker P is not present is excessively small, a temperature gradient may occur in office R, so the airflow rate of air outlet 73B is controlled to a predetermined minimum value.

[0051] As a result, a large amount of temperature- and humidity-adjusted air is supplied around the worker P in the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72, making the worker P more comfortable. In other words, the power consumption of the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72 can be reduced without compromising the comfort of the worker P, contributing to energy conservation.

[0052] (b) Control of radiant air conditioners In the radiant air conditioner 8 of the ambient air conditioner 2, the output of the upper radiant panel 81 (the opening of the control valve 82) is controlled based on the detection result (room temperature) of the temperature sensor 42. That is, when the room temperature is high, the opening of the control valve 82 is increased to increase the output of the upper radiant panel 81, and when the room temperature is low, the opening of the control valve 82 is decreased to decrease the output of the upper radiant panel 81. When the output of the upper radiant panel 81 is increased, the flow rate of the refrigerant distributed to the upper radiant panel 81 increases, and the load on the outdoor unit 5 increases.

[0053] (2) Task air conditioning control The task air conditioning device 3 controls the output of the cooling radiation panel 32 (opening of the control valve 36) based on the detection result (ambient temperature) of the task first sensor 44, and controls the output of the heating radiation panel 33 (opening of the control valve 37) based on the detection result (ambient temperature) of the task second sensor 45.

[0054] The radiant air conditioner 8 is controlled taking into consideration the overall environment of the office R. The task air conditioners 3 are each controlled individually taking into consideration the local environment in which each unit is located.

[0055] When the environmental temperature detected by the task first sensor 44 is high, the opening of the control valve 36 is increased to increase the output of the cooling radiation panel 32. When the environmental temperature detected by the task first sensor 44 is low, the opening of the control valve 36 is decreased to decrease the output of the cooling radiation panel 32. In addition, the presence or absence of a worker P is determined based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 41, and if the worker P is not present, the cooling radiation panel 32 is stopped (the control valve 36 is closed).

[0056] When the environmental temperature detected by the task second sensor 45 is low, the opening of the control valve 37 is increased to increase the output of the heating radiation panel 33. When the environmental temperature detected by the task second sensor 45 is high, the opening of the control valve 37 is decreased to decrease the output of the heating radiation panel 33. In addition, the presence or absence of a worker P is determined based on the detection result of the human presence sensor 41, and if the worker P is not present, the heating radiation panel 33 is stopped (the control valve 37 is closed).

[0057] Appropriate air conditioning for each work area also depends on the personal preferences of worker P. Therefore, a configuration will be described in which the cooling radiation panel 32 and the heating radiation panel 33 are controlled based on the detection results of the first task sensor 44 and the second task sensor 45, as well as according to the preferences of worker P.

[0058] (3) Interlocking control (first example) A first example of linked control between the ambient air conditioner 2 and the task air conditioner 3 will be described.

[0059] (a) When worker P is below the threshold As described above, when the total number of workers P in the office R is less than a predetermined threshold, the output of the blower 724 is controlled to a predetermined air supply volume. For example, the output of the blower 724 is controlled so as to achieve the minimum required ventilation rate (for example, 0.5 times per hour or more) for purposes such as sick house syndrome prevention. In this case, the output of the ambient air conditioner 2 may become excessive, and the room in the office R may be over-conditioned (becoming too cold in cooling operation or too hot in heating operation).

[0060] In this situation, control is performed to increase the output of the task air conditioner 3, and the excess load on the ambient air conditioner 2 is handled by the task air conditioner 3. For example, if the room is too cold in cooling operation, the output of the heating radiant panel 33 is increased to absorb the excess cooling load. Conversely, if the room is too hot in heating operation, the output of the cooling radiant panel 32 is increased to absorb the excess heating load. By performing this type of control, load variations within the area are eliminated, preventing the ambient air conditioner 2 from over-handling the load and ensuring comfort and energy savings.

[0061] (b) When there are many workers P Conversely, if the total number of workers P greatly exceeds a predetermined threshold and the ratio of the total number of workers to the capacity of office R exceeds a predetermined reference value, the ambient air conditioner 2 is operated so that workers P with low requirements for air conditioning intensity (those who desire operation with a low air conditioning load) can feel comfortable. Furthermore, for workers P who feel that the air conditioning intensity achieved by operation of the ambient air conditioner 2 is insufficient, the task air conditioner 3 adjusts the air conditioning intensity individually, providing control based on this idea.

[0062] Specifically, for each zone, the thermal sensation with the smallest air conditioning load among the thermal sensations (in other words, air conditioning setting values) received by the multiple thermal sensation reporting devices 34 is set as the representative setting value for that zone. During cooling operation, the thermal sensation of the person (referred to as worker Px (not shown)) who is thought to be most sensitive to the cold among the workers P in the zone will be the thermal sensation with the smallest air conditioning load.

[0063] Next, the set room temperature for the zone is determined based on the representative set value so that the worker Px feels comfortable. Based on this set room temperature, the output of the ambient air-conditioning unit 2 for the zone (the control amounts of each part of the direct expansion outdoor air-conditioning unit 72, and the control valves 731 (731A, 731B) and 82 (82A, 82B)) is controlled.

[0064] The control described above achieves a room temperature that worker Px feels comfortable in. However, since worker Px is thought to be the most sensitive to the cold among the workers P in the area, it is expected that the other workers P will feel hot. Therefore, the output of each task air conditioner 3 (opening of the control valves 36, 37) is controlled based on the thermal sensation received by each thermal sensation reporting device 34, so that all workers P feel comfortable. However, if there is a worker P (referred to as worker Py, not shown) who does not feel comfortable even when the output of the task air conditioner 3 is set to maximum, the output of the ambient air conditioner 2 is increased so that worker Py feels comfortable. In this case, the heating radiant panel 33 of the task air conditioner 3 for worker Px is operated to reduce the air conditioning around worker Px, maintaining the comfort of worker Px.

[0065] This ensures comfort even when there are many workers P, without excessively increasing the capacity of the ambient air conditioner 2. Furthermore, because load variations within the area are eliminated, the ambient air conditioner 2 does not over-handle the load, making it possible to achieve both comfort and energy conservation.

[0066] (4) Interlocking control (second example) A second example of interlocking control will now be described. In this example, the task first sensor 44 is implemented as a PMV meter, and the thermal sensation reporting device 34 is implemented as a device that receives a PMV set value.

[0067] In this example, the air outlet 73 is directed toward one of the desks D. By blowing air directly onto the desk D (i.e., the area around the worker P), the worker P feels a sense of warmth or cold with a higher sensitivity than the sense of warmth or cold felt by the air temperature itself. This phenomenon can be detected through the detection value (PMV value) of the first task sensor 44. This configuration makes it possible to realize control that is less likely to impair the comfort of the worker P while reducing the output of the temperature adjustment, making it easier to achieve both comfort and energy conservation.

[0068] Furthermore, if the worker P feels that the air conditioning is too strong due to the air being blown around the worker P, the output of the task air conditioner 3 is adjusted to achieve an air conditioning state that makes the worker P feel comfortable.

[0069] That is, as a series of controls, first, the direction and air volume of each air outlet 73 are determined based on the PMV setting value of each worker P received by the thermal sensation reporting device 34. The direction and air volume of the air outlet 73 create differences in the air conditioning state of each office desk D, and these differences are identified by the task first sensor 44. Then, the output of each task air conditioner 3 is controlled based on the detection value (PMV value) of the task first sensor 44 in each task air conditioner 3 and the PMV setting value received by the thermal sensation reporting device 34.

[0070] Furthermore, in this example, because air is blown toward the desk D, heat is easily removed from the heat source on the desk D. This also contributes to improving the comfort of the worker P. In addition, fresh air is constantly supplied around the worker P, which can improve the cleanliness of the area around the worker P. Furthermore, because the air discharged from the air outlet 73 has been dehumidified through the evaporator 721, low-humidity air can be supplied around the cooling radiation panel 32, making it easier to prevent condensation on the cooling radiation panel 32.

[0071] Other Embodiments Finally, other embodiments of the air conditioning system according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in the following embodiments can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no contradiction occurs.

[0072] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the office R is divided into multiple zones and the ambient air conditioner is controlled for each zone. However, the ambient air conditioner may be controlled for the entire area to be air-conditioned as a single zone.

[0073] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the ambient air-conditioning device 2 has a configuration including a blower type air-conditioner 7 and a radiant type air-conditioner 8. The ambient air-conditioning device is not limited to a configuration including both a blower type air-conditioner and a radiant type air-conditioner.

[0074] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a cold refrigerant is supplied to the radiant air conditioner 8, and the radiant air conditioner 8 has only a cooling function. When the ambient air conditioning system has a radiant air conditioner, the radiant air conditioner may be configured to be able to achieve any of the following functions: cooling function only, heating function only, or both cooling and heating functions.

[0075] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the radiant air conditioner 8 is provided with control valves 82 (82A, 82B) that control the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into each upper radiant panel 81 (81A, 81B), and multiple upper radiant panels 81 are connected in parallel. When the ambient air conditioning system has a radiant air conditioner, the individual radiant panels may be connected in series, in parallel, or in a combination of these.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the refrigerant circuits C1 and C2 are each shared by a plurality of components. In the air conditioning system according to the present invention, each component requiring a refrigerant may have an independent refrigerant circuit.

[0077] Regarding other configurations, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects and that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Those skilled in the art will easily understand that appropriate modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, other embodiments modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are naturally included in the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: Air conditioning system 2: Ambient air conditioning unit 3: Task air conditioning unit 32: Cooling radiant panel 33: Heating radiant panel 34: Thermal sensation reporting device 4: Detection method 41: Human sensor 42: Temperature sensor 44: Task 1st sensor 45: Task second sensor 721: Evaporator 722: Condenser 81: Upper radiation panel 82: Control valve C1: Refrigerant circuit C2: Refrigerant circuit R: Office D: Office desk P: worker

Claims

1. an ambient air conditioning device having a blower that supplies air and conditions the entire area including a plurality of work areas where workers work; a plurality of task air conditioning devices that individually air-condition the plurality of work areas; a plurality of reception means provided in each of the plurality of work areas, each receiving an air conditioning setting value from a worker in the corresponding work area; a plurality of detection means provided in each of the plurality of work areas for detecting the air conditioning state of the work area; An air conditioning system including a control means for controlling the ambient air conditioner based on one of the setting values ​​received by the plurality of receiving means, and for controlling the task air conditioner corresponding to a work area other than the work area corresponding to the one setting value based on the setting value received by the receiving means of the work area, Further provided is a human presence sensor for detecting a worker in the area, The control means controls the output of the blower based on the number of workers when the number of workers is equal to or greater than a threshold based on the detection results of the human presence sensor, and controls the output of the blower to an air supply volume that achieves the minimum ventilation rate required for a specified purpose when the number of workers is less than the threshold.

2. The ambient air conditioning device has an air outlet that blows air into the area, The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the control means controls at least one of the direction of the air outlet and the flow rate of air blown out from the air outlet based on the one set value.

3. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the one set value is an air conditioning set value with the smallest air conditioning load among the set values ​​received by the plurality of receiving means.

4. 2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein said sensing means includes a globe thermometer.

5. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the air conditioning set value is a PMV value.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 1 , wherein the task air conditioner and the ambient air conditioner share a refrigerant circuit.

7. The ambient air conditioning device has an ambient cooling section that cools air to be supplied to the zone, and an ambient heating section that heats air to be supplied to the zone, the task air conditioning device has a task cooling unit that cools the work area and a task heating unit that heats the work area, the ambient cooling unit and the task cooling unit share a refrigerant circuit; The air conditioning system according to claim 6 , wherein the ambient heating section and the task heating section share a refrigerant circuit.

8. The ambient air conditioning device has a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of air supplied to the area and a radiant panel that absorbs heat radiated from a heat source, The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature control unit and the radiant panel share a refrigerant circuit.

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