Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of reducing a vertical temperature difference in a space in a heating operation.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system includes: an air conditioning unit 1 for supplying air-conditioning air to a plurality of spaces; an air conditioner 3 for performing temperature adjustment of the air taken into a unit body 2 for forming an outer contour of the air conditioning unit 1; a blower 4 for blowing the air blown out from the air conditioner 3 to the outside of the unit body 2; an air supply port for exhausting the air which the blower 4 blows; and a controller for controlling so that the temperature in a space becomes a space set temperature. The air supply port exhausts the air in the horizontal direction with respect to the floor surface in the vicinity of the ceiling in the space. In a heating operation, the controller allows the air conditioner 3 to operate with a first air volume, and in the case where a temperature difference acquired by subtracting the temperature of the space from the space set temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, allows the blower 4 to operate with the air volume at substantially the same degree as the first air volume, and in the case where the temperature difference is below the reference temperature, allows the blower 4 to operate with a second air volume larger than the first air volume.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system that enables multiple rooms in a house to be air-conditioned by a single air conditioner. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an operating method for eliminating the temperature difference that occurs above and below the ceiling during heating operation in an air conditioning system that is installed in a home and discharges air downward. In conventional air conditioning systems, heating operation is stopped and only ventilation is performed, while changing the direction of louvers equipped with a rotating mechanism to adjust the air discharge direction and promote circulation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-104979 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Such conventional air conditioning systems are difficult to install in buildings, such as apartment buildings, where there is insufficient space above the ceiling to install an air conditioner. In other words, air conditioning systems that discharge temperature-controlled air from an outlet via a duct are advantageous in terms of space-saving in the vertical direction. However, even when using a duct, if the outlet is installed on the ceiling, there is a concern that the air discharged from the outlet may directly hit the occupants. Furthermore, if a rotating mechanism is installed on the ceiling-mounted outlet, installation becomes complicated, raising concerns about maintenance and wiring problems. For this reason, air conditioning systems with outlets installed on the interior wall near the ceiling and capable of blowing air only horizontally relative to the floor are often used.

[0005] Such air conditioning systems, which can only blow air horizontally relative to the floor, have the problem that they cannot adjust the direction of air discharge, and therefore cannot fully eliminate the temperature difference between above and below the floor.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has an object to provide an air conditioning system that can reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of a space during heating operation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve this objective, the air conditioning system of the present invention includes air conditioning units that supply conditioned air to multiple spaces, a unit body that forms the outer shell of the air conditioning unit, an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of the air taken into the unit body, a blower that blows air from the air conditioner out of the unit body, an opening installed on an inner wall surface of the space through which the air blown by the blower is discharged, and a controller that controls the air conditioner and the blower so that the temperature of the space becomes a space set temperature. The opening discharges air horizontally toward the floor of the space near the ceiling of the space. The controller operates the air conditioner at a first airflow rate during heating operation of the air conditioner, and operates the blower at an airflow rate equivalent to the first airflow rate when a temperature difference obtained by subtracting the space temperature from the space set temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, and operates the blower at a second airflow rate greater than the first airflow rate when the temperature difference is less than the reference temperature, thereby achieving the desired objective. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that can reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of a space during heating operation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of an air conditioning unit in the air conditioning system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit showing the air flow. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the controller in the air conditioning system. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the basic processing operation of the controller. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the controller to start / stop the operation of the air conditioner. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller to determine the temperature setting of the air conditioner. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the operation of the air conditioner. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the controller to determine whether or not the upper and lower temperature difference reducing operation is performed. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution inside the air conditioning unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution in the conditioned space during the up-and-down temperature difference reduction operation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The air conditioning system of the present invention includes air conditioning units that supply conditioned air to multiple spaces, a unit body that forms the outer shell of the air conditioning unit, an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of the air taken into the unit body, a blower that blows air from the air conditioner out of the unit body, an opening installed on an inner wall surface of the space and through which the air blown by the blower is discharged, and a controller that controls the air conditioner and the blower so that the temperature of the space becomes a space set temperature. The opening discharges air horizontally toward the floor of the space near the ceiling of the space. The controller operates the air conditioner at a first airflow rate during heating operation of the air conditioner, and operates the blower at an airflow rate equivalent to the first airflow rate when a temperature difference obtained by subtracting the space temperature from the space set temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, and operates the blower at a second airflow rate greater than the first airflow rate when the temperature difference is less than the reference temperature.

[0011] With this configuration, when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the space temperature from the space set temperature falls below the reference temperature, the airflow rate of the blower increases from the first airflow rate to the second airflow rate, exceeding the airflow rate of the air conditioner, so that the air conditioned by the air conditioner and the air outside the air conditioning unit (air that has not been conditioned by the air conditioner) are mixed and blown out from the blower. As a result, in addition to increasing the airflow rate of the air discharged from the opening of the space, the temperature of the air discharged from the opening of the space drops and buoyancy is reduced, making it easier to form an air current flowing from the top to the bottom of the space, reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the space.

[0012] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system according to the present invention, the controller may be capable of switching between a first control mode in which the blower is operated at an air volume similar to the first air volume when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, and a second control mode in which the blower is operated at a third air volume greater than the second air volume. As a result, when the temperature difference is large, the air discharge temperature of the air conditioner also increases, but by further increasing the air volume of the blower from the first air volume to the third air volume, the temperature of the air blown out from the opening in the space decreases, thereby achieving the effect of reducing the temperature difference between above and below even when the temperature difference is large.

[0013] In the air conditioning system according to the present invention, when the controller switches the airflow rate of the blower from the first airflow rate to the second airflow rate, it is preferable that the controller maintains the temperature of the air temperature-controlled by the air conditioner at a predetermined temperature. This prevents the output of the air conditioner from changing, making it possible to avoid insufficient or excessive air conditioning and reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the space while maintaining a comfortable temperature in the space.

[0014] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system according to the present invention, the opening may not be provided with a louver and may be capable of blowing air only horizontally relative to the floor of the space, which allows for temperature control of the space with a simpler system and reduces costs.

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] (Embodiment 1) First, an overview of an air conditioning system 101 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of the air conditioning system 101 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] The air conditioning system 101 is a system for conditioning multiple spaces in a building with a single air conditioner. As shown in Fig. 1, the air conditioning system 101 is configured to include an air conditioning unit 1, multiple ducts 11 (ducts 11a, 11b), multiple branch chambers 12 (branch chambers 12a, 12b), a space temperature sensor 14 (space temperature sensors 14a-14d), an air supply port 15 (air supply ports 15a-15d), and a controller 30. The air conditioning system 101 uses air whose temperature has been adjusted in the air conditioning unit 1 to condition a conditioned space 16, which will be described later.

[0018] Specifically, the air conditioning system 101 is installed in a house 100, which is an example of a building. The house 100 has air-conditioned spaces 16 (air-conditioned spaces 16a to 16d) corresponding to rooms such as a living room, bedroom, dining room, and study, shared spaces 17 (shared spaces 17a and 17b) corresponding to a hallway, stairs, and atrium, and a dedicated installation space 20 in which the air-conditioning unit 1 is installed independently of the air-conditioned spaces 16 and the shared spaces 17.

[0019] The conditioned space 16 is a space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioning system 101. The conditioned space 16 includes conditioned spaces 16a and 16b located on the second floor of the house 100, and conditioned spaces 16c and 16d located on the first floor of the house 100. Temperature-controlled air Q3 is supplied to each of the conditioned spaces 16a to 16d from an air conditioning unit 1, which will be described later.

[0020] The common space 17 is a space that is not subject to air conditioning by the air conditioning system 101. The common space 17 includes a common space 17a located on the second floor of the house 100 and a common space 17b located on the first floor of the house 100. The common space 17a and the common space 17b are connected to each other via a staircase or the like (not shown). Note that, similar to the air-conditioned space 16, temperature-controlled air Q3 may be supplied to the common space 17 from the air conditioning unit 1 (described later).

[0021] The dedicated installation space 20 is a space in which the air conditioning unit 1 is stored and installed. The dedicated installation space 20 is also provided with a door (not shown), which faces, for example, the common space 17. This allows for easy maintenance of the air conditioning unit 1 in the dedicated installation space 20.

[0022] The air conditioning unit 1 is installed in a dedicated installation space 20, and is a unit that draws in air from inside the house 100, adjusts the temperature (cools or heats) of the drawn-in air, and then sends it out. Details will be described later.

[0023] Duct 11 is provided in an in-wall space in attic 18 or ceiling space 19, etc., and is a component that communicates and connects between air conditioning unit 1 and air-conditioned space 16. Duct 11 has its inner or outer wall surface insulated with glass wool, for example. Duct 11 is provided with a branch chamber 12 on the air conditioning unit 1 side and an air intake port 15 on the air-conditioned space 16 side. More specifically, duct 11 includes duct 11a provided in attic 18 on the second floor and duct 11b provided in ceiling space 19 on the first floor. Duct 11a is provided with a branch chamber 12a on the air conditioning unit 1 side and air intake ports 15a and 15b on the air-conditioned space 16 side of duct 11a. Furthermore, a branch chamber 12b is provided in the duct 11b on the air conditioning unit 1 side, and air intake ports 15c and 15d are provided in the duct 11b on the conditioned space 16 side.

[0024] Branch chamber 12 is installed on the air conditioning unit 1 side of duct 11 and is a chamber that branches air Q3 (temperature-controlled air) sent out from air conditioning unit 1 to multiple air-conditioned spaces 16. Branch chamber 12 includes branch chamber 12a provided in duct 11a and branch chamber 12b provided in duct 11b. Branch chamber 12a branches air Q3a sent out from air conditioning unit 1 into two routes, air-conditioned space 16a and air-conditioned space 16b. Branch chamber 12b branches air Q3b sent out from air conditioning unit 1 into two routes, air-conditioned space 16c and air-conditioned space 16d.

[0025] Air intake port 15 is installed near the ceiling of air-conditioned space 16 and is an opening that blows air Q3 from air conditioning unit 1 into air-conditioned space 16 via duct 11. Air intake port 15 does not have a louver and discharges air Q3 horizontally relative to the floor surface of air-conditioned space 16. More specifically, air intake port 15 includes air intake port 15a installed in air-conditioned space 16a, air intake port 15b installed in air-conditioned space 16b, air intake port 15c installed in air-conditioned space 16c, and air intake port 15d installed in air-conditioned space 16d. Air intake port 15a and air intake port 15b blow air Q3a from air conditioning unit 1 into air-conditioned space 16a and air-conditioned space 16b, respectively, via duct 11a. Furthermore, air supply ports 15c and 15d blow out air Q3b from air conditioning unit 1 via duct 11b into air-conditioned spaces 16c and 16d, respectively. At this time, air supply ports 15a to 15d discharge air horizontally toward the floor surfaces of the respective air-conditioned spaces 16a to 16d. Air supply port 15 corresponds to the "opening" in the claims.

[0026] Furthermore, space temperature sensor 14 is installed in air-conditioned space 16 and detects the temperature of the air in air-conditioned space 16 (space temperature). Space temperature sensor 14 is connected to controller 30 wirelessly or via a wired connection so as to be able to communicate with controller 30, and outputs information related to the detected space temperature to controller 30. More specifically, space temperature sensor 14 includes space temperature sensor 14a installed in air-conditioned space 16a, space temperature sensor 14b installed in air-conditioned space 16b, space temperature sensor 14c installed in air-conditioned space 16c, and space temperature sensor 14d installed in air-conditioned space 16d. Space temperature sensor 14a detects the space temperature in air-conditioned space 16a and outputs the result to controller 30. Space temperature sensor 14b detects the space temperature in air-conditioned space 16b and outputs the result to controller 30. Space temperature sensor 14c detects the space temperature in air-conditioned space 16c and outputs the result to controller 30. The space temperature sensor 14d detects the space temperature of the conditioned space 16d and outputs the detected temperature to the controller 30.

[0027] The controller 30 is installed on a wall in a room such as a living room where the user mainly lives (for example, the conditioned space 16b), and controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 1 as control of the air conditioning system 101 based on setting information input and set by the user. Details will be described later.

[0028] The flow of air Q3 blown out from air intake port 15 will now be described. Air Q3 flows as air Q6 into the adjacent air-conditioned space 16 or common space 17 through an undercut (not shown) in the door of air-conditioned space 16. Air Q6 circulates while mixing in each air-conditioned space 16 or common space 17, and finally flows into dedicated installation space 20 as air Q7. Air Q7 mixes with the air in dedicated installation space 20 and is finally drawn into air conditioning unit 1 as air Q1 (see Figure 3).

[0029] Next, the configuration of the air conditioning unit 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic front view of the air conditioning unit 1 of the air conditioning system 101.

[0030] As described above, the air conditioning unit 1 is installed in the dedicated installation space 20, draws in air from inside the house 100, adjusts the temperature (cools or heats) of the drawn-in air, and sends it out.

[0031] Specifically, as shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning unit 1 has a unit body 2, an air conditioner 3, a blower 4, an intake port 5, an air conditioner installation space 6, a blower installation space 7, an outlet port 8 (see Figure 3), a filter 9, and an intake temperature sensor 40.

[0032] The unit body 2 is a housing that forms the outer shell of the air conditioning unit 1. The unit body 2 has an intake port 5 formed on the top side thereof and an outlet port 8 (see FIG. 3) formed on the back side thereof. The unit body 2 has an air conditioner 3, a blower 4, and a filter 9 installed inside.

[0033] The air conditioner 3 is installed in the air conditioner installation space 6 located above the unit body 2, and is a device that conditions the air drawn into it through the air inlet 5. The air conditioner 3 is connected to the controller 30 so that it can communicate wirelessly or via a wired connection, and performs air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) based on control signals from the controller 30. During heating operation, the air conditioner 3 heats the drawn-in air before blowing it out, and during cooling operation, it cools the drawn-in air before blowing it out. The air conditioner 3 also has an intake temperature sensor 40 that detects the temperature of the air drawn into it.

[0034] The blower 4 is installed in the blower installation space 7 located below the unit main body 2, and is a device for blowing out air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 3 from the air outlet 8. The blower 4 is connected to the controller 30 so as to be able to communicate wirelessly or via a wire, and its air blowing operation is controlled by a control signal from the controller 30. The operation of the blower 4 causes a series of air flows to be generated by the air conditioning unit 1. In other words, the air inside the house 100 flows in the following order: blower 4, air outlet 8, duct 11 (including branch chamber 12), air intake 15, conditioned space 16, common space 17, dedicated installation space 20, air intake 5, air conditioner installation space 6 (air conditioner 3), filter 9, and blower installation space 7 (see FIGS. 1 to 3). More specifically, the fans 4 include a fan 4a that sends air to the air-conditioned space 16 on the second floor (air-conditioned spaces 16a and 16b) and a fan 4b that sends air to the air-conditioned space 16 on the first floor (air-conditioned spaces 16c and 16d). The fan 4a communicates with an air outlet 8a provided on the back side of the unit main body 2, and sends air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 3 from air inlets 15a and 15b via the air outlet 8a and duct 11a to the air-conditioned spaces 16a and 16b. The fan 4b communicates with an air outlet 8b provided on the back side of the unit main body 2, and sends air whose temperature has been adjusted by the air conditioner 3 from air inlets 15c and 15d via the air outlet 8b and duct 11b to the air-conditioned spaces 16c and 16d.

[0035] The air inlet 5 is a rectangular opening provided on the top surface of the unit body 2. The rectangular width of the air inlet 5 is equal to the width of the unit body 2. When the blower 4 operates, the air inlet 5 draws in air from the dedicated installation space 20. Note that the location where the air inlet 5 is provided does not necessarily have to be on the top surface, and it may be anywhere near the air inlet of the air conditioner 3.

[0036] The air conditioner installation space 6 is a space on the upper side inside the unit body 2 where the air conditioner 3 is installed.

[0037] The fan installation space 7 is a space located at the lower side inside the unit body 2 where the fan 4 is installed.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later, the air outlet 8 is provided on the rear side of the unit body 2 and is an opening through which air whose temperature has been adjusted inside the unit body 2 is blown out. The air outlet 8 is connected in communication with the duct 11. More specifically, the air outlet 8 includes an air outlet 8a connected in communication with the duct 11a and an air outlet 8b connected in communication with the duct 11b. The air outlet 8a opens toward the top of the unit body 2, and the air outlet 8b opens toward the bottom of the unit body.

[0039] The filter 9 is installed between the air conditioner installation space 6 and the blower installation space 7, and is a component that removes particles such as dirt and dust from the air passing through, purifying the air that is supplied from the air outlet 8 through the duct 11 to the conditioned space 16. The filter 9 is, for example, an air filter such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter. The filter 9 is an HEPA filter of a predetermined thickness arranged in an M-shape to ensure a dust collection area inside the unit main body 2.

[0040] The intake temperature sensor 40 is installed inside the intake port of the air conditioner 3 and detects the temperature of the air drawn into the air conditioner 3. The intake temperature sensor 40 is connected to the controller 30 wirelessly or via a wire so as to be able to communicate with the controller 30, and outputs information relating to the detected intake temperature to the controller 30.

[0041] As described above, the air conditioning unit 1 is made up of the various components, and it draws in air from the air inlet 5, adjusts the temperature of the air, and sends it out from the air outlet 8.

[0042] Next, the air flow caused by the air conditioning unit 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the air conditioning unit 1 showing the air flow.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the air conditioning unit 1 takes in air Q7 (see FIG. 1) from the conditioned space 16 through the air inlet 5 as air Q1. The taken-in air Q1 is then sucked into the air conditioner 3, where it is temperature-controlled (cooled or heated) and blown out as air Q2 into the air conditioner installation space 6. The blown-out air Q2 flows through the filter 9 into the fan installation space 7. The air Q2 is then sent out as air Q3 from the outlet 8 via the fan 4. More specifically, the air Q2 is sent out as air Q3a from the outlet 8a via the fan 4a, and sent out as air Q3b from the outlet 8b via the fan 4b, at respective airflow rates controlled by the controller 30.

[0044] The sent-out air Q3 is then branched and supplied to each of the conditioned spaces 16 via duct 11 (see FIG. 1). When the air volume of blower 4 is greater than the air volume (blow-out air volume) blown out from air conditioner 3, air Q1 taken into the air conditioning unit 1 from inlet 5 is divided into air Q1a which flows through air conditioner 3 and into air conditioner installation space 6 as air Q2a, and air Q1b which flows into air conditioner installation space 6 as air Q2b without passing through air conditioner 3. Air Q2a and air Q2b are then mixed in air conditioner installation space 6 and drawn into blower 4 as air Q2c.

[0045] Next, the controller 30 in the air conditioning system 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a functional block diagram of the controller 30 in the air conditioning system 101.

[0046] The controller 30 is installed on a wall in a room that is the main focus of daily life, such as the living room of the house 100, and controls the operation of the air conditioning unit 1 (air conditioner 3, blower 4). To facilitate user operation, the controller 30 is installed at a height about the same as a person's face from the floor of the room. The controller 30 has a rectangular shape and is equipped with a display panel 30j in the center area on the front of the main body and an operation panel 30a in the area to the right of the display panel 30j.

[0047] The display panel 30j is a liquid crystal monitor or the like, and displays the operating status of the air conditioning unit 1, the set temperature, the set air volume, the current space temperature of the conditioned space 16, and the like on the display screen.

[0048] The operation panel 30a is a button switch or the like that allows the user to input the set temperature (hereinafter also referred to as the "space set temperature"), set airflow rate, and selection information for the control mode (first control mode, second control mode) described below for the conditioned space 16. The first control mode is also referred to as the normal mode, and the second control mode is also referred to as the upper and lower temperature difference reduction mode.

[0049] The controller 30 has a control unit housed inside the main body, which includes a computer CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory, and the like.

[0050] Specifically, the control unit of the controller 30 includes an input unit 30b, a processing unit 30c, a storage unit 30d, a timer unit 30e, an air volume determination unit 30g, a set temperature determination unit 30h, and an output unit 30i.

[0051] Input unit 30b receives information (first information) related to the space temperature of conditioned space 16 from space temperature sensor 14, information (second information) related to the suction temperature of air conditioner 3 from suction temperature sensor 40, and information (third information) related to settings input by the user from operation panel 30a. Input unit 30b outputs the received first to third information to processing unit 30c.

[0052] The storage unit 30d stores data referenced or updated by the processing unit 30c. For example, the storage unit 30d stores an algorithm that determines the operation modes of the air conditioner 3 and the fan 4. The storage unit 30d also stores the first information to the third information received by the input unit 30b in chronological order. The storage unit 30d then outputs the stored data (stored data) to the processing unit 30c in response to a request from the processing unit 30c.

[0053] The timekeeping unit 30e is used to measure time as needed in the programs executed by the processing unit 30c, and outputs data indicating the current time (time data) to the processing unit 30c.

[0054] The processing unit 30c receives the first information, second information, and third information from the input unit 30b, the stored data from the memory unit 30d, and the time data from the timer unit 30e. The processing unit 30c uses the received information to determine the air conditioning demand amount required for the air-conditioned spaces 16 at regular intervals (e.g., every five minutes). More specifically, the processing unit 30c determines the air conditioning demand amount required for each of the air-conditioned spaces 16a-16d at regular intervals based on the time data acquired from the timer unit 30e, based on the temperature difference between the space set temperature stored in the memory unit 30d and the space temperatures detected by the space temperature sensors 14a-14d installed in the air-conditioned spaces 16a-16d. The processing unit 30c also updates the display on the display panel 30j via the output unit 30i in response to changes in the information displayed on the display panel 30j.

[0055] The airflow volume determination unit 30g acquires information related to the air conditioning demand volume from the processing unit 30c, and determines the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 3 based on the average or total value of the air conditioning demand volume. The airflow volume determination unit 30g also determines the airflow volume of the fans 4 (fan 4a, fan 4b) based on the average or total value of the air conditioning demand volume for the first floor and the second floor. The airflow volume determination unit 30g then outputs information related to the determined blowing air volume of the air conditioner 3 (blowout airflow volume information) and information related to the determined airflow volume of the fan 4 (blowout airflow volume information) to the processing unit 30c.

[0056] The set temperature determination unit 30h acquires information (second information) relating to the air conditioning demand amount and the suction temperature of the air conditioner 3 from the processing unit 30c, and determines the air conditioner set temperature of the air conditioner 3 based on the average or total value of the air conditioning demand amount and the suction temperature of the air conditioner 3. The set temperature determination unit 30h then outputs information relating to the determined air conditioner set temperature of the air conditioner 3 (air conditioner set temperature information) to the processing unit 30c. The method for determining the air conditioner set temperature will be described in detail below.

[0057] The processing unit 30c receives blowout air volume information and blown air volume information from the air volume determination unit 30g and air conditioner set temperature information from the set temperature determination unit 30h. Using the received information, the processing unit 30c identifies control information related to the operation of the air conditioner 3 and the blower 4 (fan 4a, blower 4b). The processing unit 30c then outputs the identified control information to the output unit 30i.

[0058] The output unit 30i outputs the control information received from the processing unit 30c to the air conditioner 3 and the fans 4 (fans 4a and 4b).

[0059] Then, in response to the control information output from the output unit 30i, the air conditioner 3 performs air conditioning operation at the air conditioner set temperature and blowing air volume based on the control information. Also, in response to the control information output from the output unit 30i, the fans 4 (fans 4a and 4b) perform air blowing operation at their respective air volumes based on the control information.

[0060] In this manner, the controller 30 causes the devices of the air conditioning unit 1 to perform their respective operations.

[0061] Next, the basic operation of the controller 30 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing the basic processing operation of the controller 30.

[0062] First, the controller 30 determines whether to terminate the air conditioning system 101 (step S01). As a result, if the power supply to the air conditioning system 101 is off (or an instruction to stop the operation of the air conditioning system 101 is input from the operation panel 30a) (YES in step S01), the operation of the air conditioning system 101 is terminated. On the other hand, if the power supply to the air conditioning system 101 is on (NO in step S01), the controller 30 determines whether time has passed (step S02). As a result, if the controller 30 determines that a certain time (e.g., 3 minutes) has not passed since the previous processing (NO in step S02), it returns to step S01. On the other hand, if the certain time has passed since the previous processing (YES in step S02), it proceeds to step S03, and performs output determination processing for the air conditioner 3 and the blower 4.

[0063] First, the controller 30 calculates the air conditioning demand amount for each of the air-conditioned spaces 16a to 16d (step S03). The processing of step S03 will be described in more detail using the air-conditioned space 16a as an example. In step S03, the controller 30 determines the air conditioning demand amount for the air-conditioned space 16a as the temperature difference between the space temperature acquired from the space temperature sensor 14a and the space set temperature set for the air-conditioned space 16a. More specifically, the air-conditioning demand amount is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the space temperature from the space set temperature during heating operation, and based on the value obtained by subtracting the space temperature from the space set temperature during cooling operation. This means that the larger the positive value of the air-conditioning demand amount, the more air-conditioning is required for the air-conditioned space 16a. Furthermore, a lower limit and an upper limit are set for the air-conditioning demand amount; if the temperature difference between the space temperature and the space set temperature is below the lower limit, the lower limit is set as the air-conditioning demand amount; and if the temperature difference between the space temperature and the space set temperature is above the upper limit, the upper limit is set as the air-conditioning demand amount. In this embodiment, the lower limit is set to -2°C and the upper limit is set to 3°C.

[0064] Next, controller 30 calculates the overall air conditioning demand for house 100 (hereinafter also referred to as overall air conditioning demand) based on the air conditioning demands of each of air conditioned spaces 16 (step S04). In this embodiment, the overall air conditioning demand for house 100 is calculated based on the average value of the air conditioning demands of each of air conditioned spaces 16.

[0065] Next, the controller 30 determines whether to start or stop the operation of the air conditioner 3 based on the calculated total air conditioning demand amount of the house 100 (step S05). Details will be described later.

[0066] Next, the controller 30 determines the air conditioner temperature setting of the air conditioner 3 based on the calculated total air conditioning demand amount of the house 100 and the air conditioner intake temperature (step S06). Details will be described later.

[0067] Next, the controller 30 determines the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 3 according to the calculated total air conditioning demand of the house 100 (step S07). The controller 30 controls the blowing air volume of the air conditioner 3 so that it is larger the higher the total air conditioning demand. In this embodiment, when the total air conditioning demand is less than 0°C, the blowing air volume is set to 500 m 3 / h, and when the total air conditioning demand is between 0℃ and 1℃, the blown air volume is 700m 3 / h, and when the total air conditioning demand is 2°C or more, the blowout air volume is 1200m 3 / h.

[0068] Next, the controller 30 determines the total airflow rate of the blowers 4 (step S08). As will be described in detail later, the controller 30 first determines whether up-and-down temperature difference reduction operation is possible and determines whether to operate in the first control mode or the second control mode. In the first control mode, the controller 30 determines the total airflow rate of the blowers 4 so that it is equal to or slightly greater than the blown airflow rate of the air conditioner 3. In other words, the controller 30 determines the airflow rate so that the difference between the total airflow rate of the blowers 4 and the blown airflow rate of the air conditioner 3 is equal to or less than the reference airflow rate. In this way, the controller 30 suppresses the power consumption of the blowers 4. The total airflow rate of the blowers 4 determined in the first control mode corresponds to the "first airflow rate" in the claims.

[0069] On the other hand, in the second control mode, the total air volume of the fans 4 is determined to be larger than the air volume blown out by the air conditioner 3. For example, the total air volume blown out by the fans 4 is determined to be 250 m 3 larger than the air volume blown out by the air conditioner 3. 3 The total airflow rate of the fan 4 in the second control mode is determined so that the total airflow rate of the fan 4 in the second control mode is larger than the total airflow rate of the fan 4 in the second control mode. The total airflow rate of the fan 4 in the second control mode corresponds to the "second airflow rate" or "third airflow rate" in the claims.

[0070] Next, controller 30 calculates the air conditioning demand amounts for each of the first and second floors (step S09). In this embodiment, the average value of the air conditioning demand amounts for the air-conditioned spaces 16 on the first and second floors is set to the air conditioning demand amount for that floor.

[0071] Next, the controller 30 determines the airflow rates of the fans 4 on the first and second floors based on the air conditioning demand calculated in step S09 (step S10). The controller 30 determines the airflow rates of the fans 4 on the first and second floors so as to provide an airflow ratio according to the ratio of the air conditioning demands. Specifically, the controller 30 determines that the air conditioning demand on the second floor is 1°C, the air conditioning demand on the first floor is 2°C, and the total airflow rate of the fans 4 determined in step S07 is 1200 m 3 / h, the air volume of the second floor fan 4a is set to 400 m3 so that the air volume ratio between the fans 4 is 1:2. 3 / h, and the air volume of fan 4b on the first floor is 800m 3 / h. As a result, even if there is a difference in the air conditioning demand between the first and second floors, by varying the airflow rate of the blower 4, the amount of heat transported will differ, and it will be possible to transport an amount of heat that matches the air conditioning demand on both the first and second floors. Note that if the air conditioning demand is below 0.5°C and takes a value close to 0 or a negative value, the airflow ratio is calculated assuming the air conditioning demand is 0.5°C.

[0072] Next, the operation of the controller 30 when controlling the start / stop of the air conditioner 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the controller 30 when controlling the start / stop of the air conditioner 3.

[0073] In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 101 does not use the air conditioning on / off determination of the air conditioner 3 itself shown in Fig. 8, which will be described later, but controls the on / off of the air conditioner 3 only based on instructions from the controller 30. This prevents the air conditioner 3 from stopping unintentionally, and enables stable control of the air conditioner 3.

[0074] The controller 30 performs control to stop the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 3 when all of the following three stop conditions are met.

[0075] <Stop conditions> Condition 1: The required air conditioning temperature for all conditioned spaces 16 is -0.5°C or less.

[0076] Condition 2: The air conditioning demand of at least one air-conditioned space 16 is −1.0° C. or less.

[0077] Condition 3: The overall air conditioning demand remains below -0.5°C for 30 minutes or more.

[0078] Here, condition 1 means that all of the conditioned spaces 16 fully meet the space set temperature set for the conditioned spaces 16. Condition 2 means that one or more conditioned spaces are conditioned to a temperature 1°C or more above the space set temperature. Condition 3 means that the air conditioner 3 is operated at the lowest possible output that does not stop air conditioning.

[0079] As will be described in detail later, when the total air conditioning demand is -0.5°C or less, the air conditioner 3 performs air conditioning operation with an air conditioner temperature difference of approximately -0.5°C. In this embodiment, when the air conditioner temperature difference is 0°C or less, the air conditioner 3 performs air conditioning operation with minimum air conditioning output. Furthermore, when the air conditioner 3 starts air conditioning operation, it performs air conditioning operation at a slightly higher output rather than minimum output. Therefore, if condition 3 were not met, air conditioning operation at a higher output at the start of air conditioning operation would cause a large temperature change in the air-conditioned space 16, quickly satisfying conditions 1 and 2 and stopping the air conditioning operation, resulting in start-stop operation. However, condition 3 allows air conditioning operation to continue for at least 30 minutes. Furthermore, if the outdoor air load is such that the temperature of the air-conditioned space 16 can be kept constant with air conditioning operation at minimum output, condition 1 or condition 2 would no longer be satisfied, and air conditioning operation can continue.

[0080] Next, the operation start / stop control operation will be explained in more detail using the flowchart in Fig. 6. First, the controller 30 determines whether the air conditioner 3 is currently performing air conditioning operation or whether air conditioning operation has been stopped (step S21). If the air conditioner 3 is in operation (YES in step S21), it determines whether the above-mentioned three stop conditions (conditions 1 to 3) are met (step S22). If the determination result shows that the three stop conditions are not met (No in step S22), the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 3 continues and this control operation ends. On the other hand, if the three stop conditions are met (YES in step S22), the air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 3 is stopped (step S23). Then, this control operation ends.

[0081] On the other hand, if the air conditioner 3 is in a stopped state (NO in step S21), it is determined whether the air conditioning start condition is met (step S24). More specifically, it is determined whether the air conditioning demand amount of at least one air-conditioned space 16 is 0°C or higher. If the determination result shows that the air conditioning start condition is met (YES in step S24), the air conditioner 3 starts air conditioning operation (step S25) and ends this control operation. On the other hand, if the air conditioning start condition is not met (NO in step S24), the stopped state continues and this control operation ends. Note that the air conditioning demand amount indicates the degree of insufficient air conditioning, so a positive air conditioning demand amount means that air conditioning is insufficient. In other words, if even one room is insufficiently air-conditioned, the controller 30 starts air conditioning operation of the air conditioner 3. This prevents the occurrence of insufficient air-conditioning in rooms, allowing operation to continue without sacrificing comfort.

[0082] Next, a method for specifying the air conditioner temperature setting of the controller 30 will be described using Figure 7. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of determining the air conditioner temperature setting of the controller 30. Figure 7(a) is a flowchart showing the operation of determining the air conditioner temperature setting, and Figure 7(b) is a judgment table for determining the air conditioner temperature difference setting value based on the air conditioning demand amount.

[0083] Because the air conditioning system 101 has multiple conditioned spaces 16, the intake temperature of the air conditioner 3 does not necessarily match the temperature of each conditioned space 16. Therefore, the air conditioner set temperature must be set differently from the space set temperature set in the conditioned space 16.

[0084] First, the controller 30 acquires the suction temperature of the air conditioner 3 from the suction temperature sensor 40 (step S31). Next, the controller 30 determines an air conditioner temperature difference set value from the total air conditioning demand calculated in step S04 of FIG. 5, according to the determination table shown in FIG. 7(b) (step S32). At this time, a determination table is used that sets the air conditioner temperature difference set value to a value greater than the air conditioner stop determination temperature difference (-1.5°C in this embodiment, described later). Next, the air conditioner set temperature is determined based on the suction temperature and the air conditioner temperature difference set value (step S33). More specifically, in heating operation, the air conditioner set temperature is determined by adding the air conditioner temperature difference set value to the suction temperature, and in cooling operation, the air conditioner set temperature is determined by subtracting the air conditioner temperature difference set value from the suction temperature. In this embodiment, the air conditioner 3 is assumed to be a general room air conditioner, so the air conditioner set temperature is often set in increments of 0.5°C or 1.0°C. In this case, the value calculated from the suction temperature and the air conditioner temperature difference setting value is truncated or rounded to the nearest 0.5°C or 1.0°C. In this embodiment, the air conditioner setting temperature is determined in 0.5°C increments.

[0085] This will be explained using specific numbers.

[0086] Consider a case where the intake temperature is 20.7°C and the total air conditioning demand is 1.2°C during heating operation. The air conditioner temperature difference set value is 1.0°C according to the judgment table. In this case, the air conditioner set temperature is calculated as 20.7 + 1.0 = 21.7°C. Since the air conditioner set temperature is in 0.5°C increments, the calculated value is divided by 0.5, rounded to the nearest tenth, and then multiplied by 0.5 to convert it to a value in 0.5 increments. 21.7 / 0.5 = 43.4, which becomes 43.0 when rounded to the nearest tenth. 43.0 x 0.5 = 21.5, and the air conditioner set temperature is determined to be 21.5°C. In this way, the controller 30 determines the air conditioner set temperature. Furthermore, when converting the air conditioner set temperature according to the increment, the air conditioner temperature difference set value in the judgment table must be set to be greater than the air conditioning stop judgment temperature difference by at least the increment, in order to accommodate the difference between the air conditioner set temperatures before and after conversion. For example, if the increment is 0.5°C, a judgment table must be used in which the air conditioner temperature difference set value is greater than the air conditioning stop judgment temperature difference + 0.5°C. By doing so, even if the air conditioner temperature difference set value and the air conditioner temperature difference value described below differ, the air conditioner temperature difference will not be equal to or less than the air conditioning stop judgment temperature difference, and it is possible to prevent the air conditioner 3 from stopping its air conditioning operation.

[0087] Next, details of the operation of the air conditioner 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the air conditioner 3.

[0088] In this embodiment, the air conditioner 3 is assumed to be a typical room air conditioner, and the air conditioner 3 makes its own judgments and controls its air conditioning operation based on control signals from the controller 30. Specifically, the air conditioner 3 calculates the difference between the intake temperature detected by the intake temperature sensor 40 and the air conditioner set temperature given by the controller 30 (hereinafter referred to as the "air conditioner temperature difference"), and the larger the value of the air conditioner temperature difference, the more the air conditioner 3 lowers its blowout temperature during cooling operation and raises the blowout temperature during heating operation. In this way, when the air conditioner temperature difference becomes large, the intake temperature, i.e., the temperature of the space to be air-conditioned by the air conditioner 3, approaches the air conditioner set temperature more quickly.

[0089] Furthermore, the air conditioner 3 determines whether to start or stop air conditioning operation based on the value of the air conditioner temperature difference, separately from the operation start / stop command from the controller 30. This stops air conditioning when the air conditioner temperature difference becomes small, preventing excessive air conditioning.

[0090] First, the air conditioner 3 determines whether time has passed (step S41). As a result, if the fixed time (e.g., 30 seconds) has not passed since the previous processing (NO in step S41), the air conditioner 3 returns to step S41. On the other hand, if the fixed time has passed since the previous processing (YES in step S41), the air conditioner 3 proceeds to step S42, where it determines whether to start or stop air conditioning operation and determines the blown-out temperature and blown-out air volume.

[0091] First, the air conditioner 3 acquires the air conditioner set temperature and the blown air volume from the controller 30 (step S42). When the air conditioner 3 is used as a general room air conditioner and not within the air conditioning system 101, the air conditioner set temperature and the blown air volume are acquired not from the controller 30 but by remote control input from the user.

[0092] Next, the air conditioner 3 calculates the air conditioner temperature difference (step S43). More specifically, the air conditioner temperature difference is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the air conditioner set temperature from the intake temperature during cooling operation, and is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the air conditioner set temperature from the intake temperature during heating operation. This means that the larger the positive value of the air conditioner temperature difference, the more air conditioning is required.

[0093] Next, the air conditioner 3 determines whether the air conditioning operation is in progress (step S44). If the air conditioning operation is in progress (YES in step S44), the process proceeds to step S45, where a determination is made as to whether the air conditioning operation should be stopped. On the other hand, if the air conditioning operation is stopped (NO in step S44), the process proceeds to step S50, where a determination is made as to whether the air conditioning operation should be started.

[0094] In step S45, the air conditioner 3 determines whether the air conditioner temperature difference is greater than the air conditioning stop determination temperature difference. As a result, if the air conditioner temperature difference is equal to or less than the air conditioning stop determination temperature difference (YES in step S45), the air conditioning stop flag is set to 1 (step S46). If the air conditioner temperature difference is greater than the air conditioning stop determination temperature difference (NO in step S45), the air conditioning stop flag is set to 0 (step S47).

[0095] Next, the air conditioner 3 determines whether to stop the air conditioning operation in step S48. If the time (duration) during which the air conditioning stop flag is 1 continues for longer than the air conditioning stop determination time (YES in step S48), the air conditioner 3 stops the air conditioning operation (step S49). On the other hand, if the air conditioning stop flag is 0 or if the time during which the air conditioning stop flag is 1 is shorter than the air conditioning stop determination time (NO in step S48), the air conditioner 3 continues the air conditioning operation and proceeds to step S52 to determine the blown air temperature (step S52). In this embodiment, the air conditioner stop determination temperature difference is -1.5°C, and the air conditioning stop determination time is 3 minutes.

[0096] The operation of determining whether to stop air conditioning will be described in detail using heating operation as an example.

[0097] For example, if the air conditioner set temperature is 20°C and the intake temperature is 22°C for three minutes, the air conditioner temperature difference is 20°C - 22°C = -2°C, which is less than the air conditioner stop judgment temperature difference of -1.5°C, so the air conditioning stop flag is "1." Then, the duration of the air conditioning stop flag = 1 exceeds the air conditioning stop judgment time of three minutes, so the air conditioner 3 stops air conditioning operation. Also, if the intake temperature changes from 22°C to 21°C within three minutes during heating operation, the air conditioner temperature difference is 20°C - 21°C = -1°C, which exceeds the air conditioning stop judgment temperature difference, so the air conditioning stop flag becomes "0," and the air conditioner 3 continues air conditioning operation. Furthermore, even if the intake temperature remains unchanged at 22°C during the three minutes of heating operation and the air conditioner set temperature changes from 20°C to 21°C, the air conditioner temperature difference will be 21°C - 22°C = -1°C, which exceeds the temperature difference used to determine whether air conditioning should be stopped. Therefore, the air conditioning stop flag will become "0", and air conditioner 3 will continue air conditioning operation.

[0098] Furthermore, if the air conditioner 3 is in an operation-stopped state in step S44 (NO in step S44), the air conditioner 3 determines whether to start air conditioning operation (step S50). Specifically, it determines whether the air conditioner temperature difference is 0 or greater. If the result of the determination is that the air conditioner temperature difference is 0 or greater (YES in step S50), the air conditioner 3 starts air conditioning operation (step S51) and proceeds to step S52 to determine the blow-out temperature. On the other hand, if the air conditioner temperature difference is less than 0 (NO in step S50), the air conditioner 3 continues the air conditioning-stopped state and ends this control operation.

[0099] When the air conditioner 3 is in operation, the air conditioner 3 determines the discharge temperature in step S52. The larger the value of the air conditioner temperature difference, the lower the discharge temperature of the air conditioner 3 during cooling operation, and the higher the discharge temperature during heating operation. For example, when the air conditioner set temperature is 23°C and the intake temperature is 22°C during heating operation, the air conditioner temperature difference is 1°C. At this time, the air conditioner 3 performs air conditioning operation with the discharge temperature set to 30°C. If the intake temperature then changes from 22°C to 20°C, the air conditioner temperature difference will increase from 1°C to 3°C, and the air conditioner 3 will increase the discharge temperature to 40°C and perform air conditioning.

[0100] Next, the air conditioner 3 performs air conditioning operation and blows air at the blowing temperature determined in step 53 at the blowing air volume acquired in step 42 (step S53).

[0101] Next, the operation of the air conditioner 3 when used in the air conditioning system 101 will be described using a specific example.

[0102] In step S32 of FIG. 7, by determining the air conditioner temperature difference set value as a value greater than the air conditioner stop determination temperature difference (−1.5° C. in this embodiment), the air conditioner 3 can be operated so that the air conditioner temperature difference is always greater than the air conditioner stop determination temperature difference. In other words, because the air conditioner temperature difference always exceeds the air conditioner stop determination temperature difference, the determination in step S45 of FIG. 8 is always NO (the air conditioner temperature difference is greater than the air conditioning stop determination temperature difference), and the air conditioning stop flag is always 0. As a result, the determination in step S48 is also always NO, and the stop determination in step S49 is never entered. When the controller 30 determines the air conditioner set temperature, the air conditioner 3 always operates in the order of steps S45, S47, S48, S52, and S53. In other words, the air conditioner 3 never enters the air conditioning stop determination process and always continues air conditioning operation.

[0103] A specific description will be given taking heating operation as an example.

[0104] Assume that the space set temperature of the air-conditioned space 16 is 20°C, and the temperature of all of the air-conditioned spaces 16 is 20.6°C. The required air conditioning amount at this time is -0.6°C, and the air conditioner temperature difference set value is -0.5°C according to the decision table shown in Figure 7(b). If the intake temperature of the air conditioner 3 at this time is 21.1°C, the controller 30 calculates the air conditioner set temperature as 21.1°C + (-0.5°C) = 20.6°C, converts in 0.5°C increments, and determines the air conditioner set temperature to be 20.5°C. The air conditioner 3 determines the air conditioner temperature difference as 20.5°C - 21.1°C = -0.6°C from the air conditioner set temperature and intake temperature given by the controller 30. At this time, if the suction temperature fluctuates from 21.1°C to 22.0°C, the controller 30 updates the air conditioner set temperature in accordance with step S33 to 22.0°C + (-0.5°C) = 21.5°C. Therefore, the air conditioner temperature difference becomes 21.5°C - 22.0°C = -0.5°C, and the temperature difference is maintained at or above the temperature difference for determining air conditioning stop (-1.5°C).

[0105] If the suction temperature fluctuates from 21.0°C to 22.0°C and the control in step S33 is not performed, the air conditioner set temperature will remain at 20.5°C, and the air conditioner temperature difference will be 20.5°C - 22.0°C = -1.5°C (= temperature difference for determining air conditioning stoppage), and if this state continues for the air conditioning stoppage determination time (3 minutes) or longer, air conditioner 3 will stop air conditioning operation.

[0106] As described above, in a conventional air conditioning system that does not perform the control shown in Fig. 7, when the suction temperature fluctuates, the air conditioner 3 may stop, resulting in an operation that consumes a lot of power, with the air conditioner 3 repeatedly starting and stopping. In the air conditioning system 101 shown in this embodiment, by performing the control shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioner 3 can continue to operate even if the suction temperature fluctuates, and an increase in power consumption can be suppressed.

[0107] Next, the operation of the controller 30 to determine whether the vertical temperature difference reduction operation is being performed will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the operation of the controller 30 to determine whether the vertical temperature difference reduction operation is being performed.

[0108] First, the controller 30 determines whether the air conditioner 3 is in heating operation (step S61). If the air conditioner 3 is in heating operation (YES in step S61), the process proceeds to step S62, where it is determined whether up-and-down temperature difference reduction operation is possible. That is, the controller 30 determines whether to operate in the first control mode or the second control mode. If the air conditioner 3 is not in heating operation (NO in step S61), the controller 30 operates in the first control mode, and operates at a first air volume that is equivalent to the blow-out air volume of the air conditioner 3 (step S65). Then, this control operation ends.

[0109] In step S62, the controller 30 determines whether the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the space temperature from the space set temperature, i.e., the total air-conditioning demand volume calculated in step S04, is less than a reference temperature (for example, 0°C). If the result of the determination is that the total air-conditioning demand volume is less than the reference temperature (YES in step S62), operation is performed in the second control mode, and the blower 4 is operated at a second air volume that is greater than the blown air volume (first air volume) of the air conditioner 3. This control operation then ends. In this manner, if the space temperature exceeds the space set temperature and the space is sufficiently conditioned, top-bottom temperature difference reduction operation is performed. In this embodiment, if the total air-conditioning demand volume is less than the reference temperature, the blown air volume of the air conditioner 3 is set to 500 m 3 At this time, the second airflow rate is 250 m / h higher than the blow-out airflow rate of the air conditioner 3. 3 / h, i.e., the second air volume is determined to be 750 m 3 / h.

[0110] Furthermore, in step S62, if the total air conditioning demand volume is equal to or higher than the reference temperature (NO in step S62), the process proceeds to step S64. In step S64, it is determined based on the information input by the user whether or not to prioritize reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom. In other words, it is determined whether or not to prioritize execution of the second control mode. If prioritizing reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom (YES in step S64), the system operates in the second control mode, and the fan 4 is operated at a third airflow rate that is greater than the airflow rate of the air conditioner 3 and even greater than the second airflow rate (step S66). If prioritizing reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom (NO in step S64), the system operates in the first control mode, and the fan 4 is operated at the first airflow rate (step S65). This control operation then ends. For example, if the total air conditioning demand volume is 0.5°C, the airflow rate of the air conditioner 3 is set to 700 m 3 / h, and when operating in the second control mode, the total airflow rate of the blower 4 (third airflow rate) is 950 m 3 / h. As the total air conditioning demand increases, the airflow volume of the air conditioner 3 increases to increase the air conditioning output. However, if the total airflow volume of the blower 4 is further increased in this state to reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom, there are concerns that noise may be generated or power consumption may increase. For this reason, the user can choose whether to prioritize reducing the temperature difference between the top and bottom or avoiding noise generation or increased power consumption. This allows the diverse needs of users to be met.

[0111] Next, using Figure 10, we will explain the temperature change of air Q3 sent to the conditioned space 16 when performing the up-and-down temperature difference reduction operation in the second control mode. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution inside the air conditioning unit 1. (a) of Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution inside the air conditioning unit 1 when operating in the first control mode. (b) of Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution inside the air conditioning unit 1 when operating in the second control mode.

[0112] The temperature of air Q1 drawn in by air conditioning unit 1 is temperature Tin, the temperature of air Q2a blown out by air conditioner 3 is temperature Tac, the temperature of air Q2b bypassing air conditioner 3 and flowing into air conditioner installation space 6 is temperature Tby, and the temperature of air Q3 blown out from blower 4 is temperature Tout.

[0113] The temperature distribution of the air conditioning unit 1 when operating in the first control mode will be described using (a) of Figure 10. First, the air flow in the first control mode will be described.

[0114] In the first control mode, the total air volume of the blower 4 is set to the same volume as the blown air volume (first air volume) of the air conditioner 3. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 10(a), the volume of the air Q1a drawn into the air conditioner 3 is set to 500 m 3 / h, the air Q1a drawn in by the air conditioner 3, the air Q2a blown out by the air conditioner 3, the air Q2c drawn in by the blower 4, and the air Q3 blown out by the blower 4 all have the same air volume of 500 m 3 / h. If the temperature Tin of the air Q1a is 20°C, the air Q1a is heated by the air conditioner 3, and the temperature Tac of the air Q2a blown out from the air conditioner 3 becomes, for example, 30°C. In the first control mode, the air Q2a blown out from the air conditioner 3 is sucked into the blower 4 as air Q2c and sent out as air Q3. Therefore, the temperature Tout of the air Q3 becomes 30°C.

[0115] Next, the temperature distribution of the air conditioning unit 1 when operating in the second control mode will be described with reference to (b) of Figure 10. First, the air flow in the second control mode will be described.

[0116] In the second control mode, the total airflow rate of the fans 4 is determined to be larger than the blown airflow rate (first airflow rate) of the air conditioner 3. Specifically, the total airflow rate of the fans 4 is set to a second airflow rate that is larger than the first airflow rate. Therefore, the air Q1 drawn into the air conditioning unit 1 is divided into air Q1a that flows through the air conditioner 3 and air Q1b that bypasses the air conditioner 3. The air Q1a is heated by the air conditioner 3 and is blown out from the air conditioner 3 as air Q2a. The air Q1b flows into the air conditioner installation space 6 as air Q2b while maintaining the same temperature. Then, the air Q2a and the air Q2b are mixed, drawn into the fan 4 as air Q2c, and blown out from the fan 4 as air Q3. For example, when the temperature Tin of the air Q1 is 20°C and the blown airflow rate of the air conditioner 3 (the airflow rate of air Q1a and air Q2a) is 500 m 3 / h, the total air volume of blower 4 (air volume of air Q2c and air Q3) is 750 m 3 At this time, the air volume of air Q1b and air Q2b is calculated as the difference between the total air volume of the blower 4 and the blown air volume of the air conditioner 3, and is 750 m 3 / h-500m 3 / h=250m 3 / h.

[0117] If the temperature Tin of air Q1a is 20°C and is raised by the air conditioner 3, and the temperature Tac of air Q2a becomes 30°C, the temperature Tby of air Q2b is 20°C, the same as the temperature of air Q1a. The temperature of air Q2c after mixing is calculated as a weighted average of the temperature of the air before mixing weighted by the air volume, and is calculated as (20°C x 250m 3 / h+30℃×500m 3 / h) / (250m 3 / h+500m 3 / h) ≈ 26.7°C. Therefore, the temperature Tout of the air Q3 blown out from the blower 4 is 26.7°C, which is lower than the temperature Tout (30°C) when operating in the first control mode of FIG. 10(a). After being blown out from the blower 4, the air Q3 is blown out from the air intake port 15 into the conditioned space 16. As will be described later, air at a lower temperature is blown out from the air intake port 15.

[0118] In this way, by increasing the total airflow rate of the blower 4 without changing the blowing temperature and blowing airflow rate of the air conditioner 3, it is possible to lower the temperature of the air Q3 blown out from the air intake port 15. In other words, because the output of the air conditioner 3 does not change, it is possible to blow out air Q3 with a lowered temperature without causing insufficient or excessive air conditioning.

[0119] Next, using FIG. 11, we will explain, using the air-conditioned space 16a as an example, how the vertical temperature difference of the air in the air-conditioned space 16 is reduced when operating in the second control mode. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution in the air-conditioned space 16a during vertical temperature difference reduction operation. (a) of FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the temperature distribution when it is recognized that the space temperature in the air-conditioned space 16a has reached the space set temperature. (b) of FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the temperature distribution immediately after starting operation in the second control mode. (c) of FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the temperature distribution in a state where the vertical temperature difference has been reduced when operating in the second control mode.

[0120] The temperature of the air in the upper part of the room near the ceiling in the conditioned space 16a is temperature Th, the temperature of the air near the center of the space including the height where the space temperature sensor 14a is installed is temperature Tm, the temperature of the air in the lower part of the space near the floor is temperature Tl, and the temperature of the air discharged from the air supply port 15a is discharge temperature Ti. Here, when there is an external heat load such as cold air, in order to maintain or increase the space temperature through heating operation, the discharge temperature Ti from the air supply port 15a must be equal to or higher than the space set temperature. To more quickly bring the space temperature closer to the space set temperature, the discharge temperature must be higher.

[0121] For example, suppose the set temperature of the conditioned space 16a is 24°C and the system is operating in heating mode in the first control mode. Figure 11(a) shows an example of the temperature distribution when it is recognized that the space temperature in the conditioned space 16a has reached the space set temperature, and the air temperature Tm near the center of the space, including the height at which the space temperature sensor 14a is installed, is 24°C. At this time, the discharge temperature Ti from the air supply port 15a is higher than the air near the center of the space, for example, air at 30°C is being discharged. As a result, air at a temperature Th (28°C), which is close to the temperature of the discharge air, accumulates near the ceiling, creating a temperature difference between the top and bottom of the conditioned space 16a.

[0122] After FIG. 11(a), when operation in the second control mode is started, the discharge temperature Ti from the air supply port 15a drops to, for example, 27°C.

[0123] At this time, as shown in FIG. 11(b), the discharge temperature Ti from air intake port 15a is lower than the temperature Th of the air near the ceiling. Therefore, the air is denser than the air near the ceiling and exchanges heat with the surrounding air while decreasing downward. In other words, a flow of air Q4 (a downward airflow caused by air Q4) is generated from near the ceiling. The temperature Th of the air near the ceiling gradually decreases due to heat exchange with the lower-temperature air. At the same time, the downward airflow caused by air Q4 gradually increases the temperature Tm of the air near the center of the space. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11(c), the downward airflow caused by air Q4 forms a flow of air Q5 (a downward airflow caused by air Q5) that moves further downward from near the center of the space depending on the strength of the flow. Alternatively, a downward airflow caused by air Q5 is formed because the temperature of air Q4 is even lower than the temperature near the center of the space. As a result, the downward airflow caused by air Q5 causes the hot air in the upper part of the space to flow into the lower part of the space, increasing the temperature Tl of the air in the lower part of the space. As a result, the temperature difference between the top and bottom in the conditioned space 16a can be reduced.

[0124] As described above, according to the air conditioning system 101 according to the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0125] (1) The air conditioning system 101 includes an air conditioning unit 1 that supplies conditioned air to a plurality of conditioned spaces 16, a unit body 2 that forms the outer shell of the air conditioning unit 1, an air conditioner 3 that adjusts the temperature of air Q1 taken into the unit body 2, a blower 4 that blows air Q2 blown out from the air conditioner 3 to the outside of the unit body 2, an air intake port 15 that is installed on the inner wall surface of the conditioned space 16 and discharges air Q3 blown by the blower 4, and a controller 30 that controls the air conditioner 3. The air intake port 15 discharges air Q3 horizontally toward the floor surface of the conditioned space 16 near the ceiling of the conditioned space 16. Then, when the air conditioner 3 is in heating operation, the controller 30 operates the air conditioner 3 at a first air volume, and when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the conditioned space 16 from the space set temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, the controller 30 operates the blower 4 at an air volume equivalent to the first air volume, and when the temperature difference is less than the reference temperature, the controller 30 operates the blower at a second air volume greater than the first air volume.

[0126] With this configuration, when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the conditioned space 16 from the space set temperature becomes less than the reference temperature, the air volume of the blower 4 increases from the first air volume to the second air volume, making the air volume of the air conditioner 3 greater than that of the air conditioner 3, so that air Q2a conditioned by the air conditioner 3 and air outside the air conditioning unit 1 (air Q2b not conditioned by the air conditioner 3) are mixed and blown out from the blower 4. As a result, not only does the volume of air Q3 discharged from the air supply port 15 of the conditioned space 16 increase, but the temperature of air Q3 discharged from the air supply port 15 of the conditioned space 16 drops and buoyancy is reduced, making it easier to form an air current flowing from the top to the bottom of the air conditioned space 16 (a downward air current of air Q4 and air Q5), and the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the air conditioned space 16 is reduced.

[0127] (2) In the air conditioning system 101, when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, the controller 30 can switch between a first control mode in which the blower 4 is operated at an air volume similar to the first air volume, and a second control mode in which the blower 4 is operated at a third air volume greater than the second air volume. As a result, when the temperature difference is large, the blowing temperature of the air conditioner 3 also increases, but by further increasing the air volume of the blower 4 from the first air volume to the third air volume, the temperature of the air Q3 blown out from the air intake port 15 of the conditioned space 16 decreases, so that the effect of reducing the temperature difference between above and below can be obtained even when the temperature difference is large.

[0128] (3) In the air conditioning system 101, when the airflow rate of the blower 4 is switched from the first airflow rate to the second airflow rate, the controller 30 maintains the temperature of the air temperature-controlled by the air conditioner 3 at a predetermined temperature. This prevents the output of the air conditioner 3 from changing, making it possible to avoid insufficient or excessive air conditioning and reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom of the conditioned space 16 while maintaining the conditioned space 16 at a comfortable temperature.

[0129] (4) In the air conditioning system 101, the air intake 15 is not equipped with a louver and can send air only horizontally to the floor of the air-conditioned space 16. This makes it possible to control the temperature of the air-conditioned space 16 with a simpler air conditioning system 101, thereby reducing costs.

[0130] The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. These embodiments are merely examples, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure. [Industrial Applicability]

[0131] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The air conditioning system according to the present invention is useful as a system that can reduce the temperature difference between the top and bottom during heating operation and enables multiple rooms in a house to be air-conditioned with a single air conditioner. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 1 Air Conditioning Unit 2 Unit body 3 Air conditioner 4, 4a, 4b blower 5 Intake port 6 Air conditioner installation space 7 Blower installation space 8, 8a, 8b outlet 9 Filters 11, 11a, 11b ducts 12, 12a, 12b Branch chamber 14, 14a to 14d Space temperature sensor 15, 15a~15d air supply port 16, 16a~16d Air conditioned space 17, 17a, 17b shared space 18 Attic 19 Attic 20 dedicated installation spaces 30 Controllers 30a Operation panel 30b Input section 30c Processing section 30d storage section 30e Timekeeping section 30g Air volume determining section 30h Set temperature determination section 30i output section 30j Display panel 40 Intake temperature sensor 100 Housing 101 Air Conditioning System Q1~Q7, Q1a, Q1b, Q2a, Q2b, Q2c, Q3a, Q3b, Q4, Q5, Q6, Q7 Air

Claims

1. an air conditioning unit that supplies conditioned air to a plurality of spaces; a unit body that forms an outer shell of the air conditioning unit; an air conditioner that adjusts the temperature of air taken into the unit body; a blower that blows air blown out from the air conditioner to the outside of the unit body; an opening provided on an inner wall surface of the space and through which air blown by the blower is discharged; a controller that controls the air conditioner and the fan so that the temperature of the space becomes a space set temperature; Equipped with the opening discharges air horizontally toward a floor surface of the space near a ceiling of the space, The air conditioning system is characterized in that, during heating operation of the air conditioner, the controller operates the air conditioner at a first air volume, and when the temperature difference obtained by subtracting the temperature of the space from the space set temperature is equal to or greater than a reference temperature, the controller operates the blower at an air volume equivalent to the first air volume, and when the temperature difference is less than the reference temperature, the controller operates the blower at a second air volume greater than the first air volume.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the controller is capable of switching between a first control mode in which the blower operates at an air volume equivalent to the first air volume when the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the reference temperature, and a second control mode in which the blower operates at a third air volume greater than the second air volume.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that when the air volume of the blower is switched from the first air volume to the second air volume, the controller maintains the temperature of the air temperature-adjusted by the air conditioner at a predetermined temperature.

4. 4. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the opening is not provided with a louver and is capable of blowing air only in a horizontal direction relative to the floor surface of the space.

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