Air conditioner, air conditioner control method, program, and computer-readable storage medium

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner that can efficiently perform humidification operation during heating operation.SOLUTION: An air conditioner includes: a humidification unit for humidifying a room; and a control unit for controlling the humidification unit. When performing humidification operation during heating operation, the control unit acquires a degree of indoor absolute humidity of the room, calculates a degree of target absolute humidity at a preset temperature on the basis of the preset temperature and a preset relative humidity of the room, and if determining that the degree of indoor absolute humidity is smaller than the degree of target absolute humidity, performs the humidification operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, a control method for an air conditioner, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioner that can adjust the humidity of indoor air by conveying humidified air to the indoor unit side using a humidifying unit attached to the outdoor unit. In this air conditioner, moisture contained in the airflow generated by the moisture absorption fan is adsorbed by the moisture absorbent material of the rotor. The rotor is driven to rotate by a motor, and the adsorbed moisture is released at the position heated by the heater, adding moisture to the airflow generated by the humidifying fan. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5170181 Specification Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is still room for improvement in air conditioners in terms of efficiently performing humidifying operation during heating operation.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can efficiently perform humidification operation during heating operation, an air conditioner control method, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, A humidifying unit that humidifies the room, a control unit that controls the humidification unit; Equipped with When the control unit performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining the indoor absolute humidity of the room; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; The humidification operation is performed when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity. An air conditioner is provided.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A humidifying unit that humidifies the room, a control unit that controls the humidification unit; Equipped with When the control unit performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining the indoor relative humidity and the indoor absolute humidity of the room; calculating a predicted relative humidity when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature based on the indoor set temperature and the indoor absolute humidity; The humidification operation is performed when it is determined that the indoor relative humidity is lower than the predicted relative humidity. An air conditioner is provided.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A control method for an air conditioner that performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining an indoor absolute humidity; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; performing the humidifying operation when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity; Including, A method for controlling an air conditioner is provided.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A control method for an air conditioner that performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining an indoor relative humidity and an indoor absolute humidity; calculating a predicted relative humidity when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature based on the indoor set temperature and the indoor absolute humidity; performing the humidification operation when it is determined that the indoor relative humidity is lower than the predicted relative humidity; Including, A method for controlling an air conditioner is provided.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A program for causing an air conditioner to execute the above-described control method is provided.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, A computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores a program for causing an air conditioner to execute the above-described control method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an air conditioner that can efficiently perform humidification operation during heating operation, a control method for an air conditioner, a program, and a computer-readable storage medium. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of ventilation system [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during supply ventilation operation [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of the ventilation system during exhaust ventilation operation [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during humidification operation [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of ventilation system during dehumidification operation [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 9]Timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 10] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 11] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 12] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 13] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 14] Flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure [Figure 15] Timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, an air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment has an indoor unit 20 arranged in a room Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 30 arranged in an outdoor room Rout.

[0017] The indoor unit 20 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and a fan 24 that draws the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 20 and blows the indoor air A1 into the room Rin after heat exchange with the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0018] The outdoor unit 30 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 32 that exchanges heat with outdoor air A2, and a fan 34 that draws the outdoor air A2 into the outdoor unit 30 and blows the outdoor air A2 out to the outdoor Rout after exchanging heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 32. The outdoor unit 30 is also provided with a compressor 36, an expansion valve 38, and a four-way valve 40 that execute a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

[0019] The indoor heat exchanger 22, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40 are each connected by a refrigerant pipe through which a refrigerant flows. In cooling operation and dehumidification operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 38, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36. In heating operation, the air conditioner 10 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 36 through the four-way valve 40, the indoor heat exchanger 22, the expansion valve 38, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 in that order, before returning to the compressor 36.

[0020] In addition to air conditioning operation using a refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 10 also performs air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin and air conditioning operation in which indoor air A1 is exhausted to the outdoor Rout. To this end, the air conditioner 10 has a ventilation device 50. The ventilation device 50 is provided in the outdoor unit 30.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a ventilation system.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the ventilation device 50 includes an absorbent material 52 therein through which the outdoor air A3 and A4 passes.

[0023] The absorbent material 52 is a member through which air can pass and which collects moisture from the air passing through it or adds moisture to the air passing through it. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is disk-shaped and rotates around a rotation center line C1 that passes through the center of the absorbent material 52. The absorbent material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54.

[0024] The absorbent 52 is preferably a polymeric adsorbent that adsorbs moisture in the air. The polymeric adsorbent is, for example, composed of cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymeric adsorbent absorbs a larger amount of moisture per volume, can desorb the moisture it holds at a low heating temperature, and can hold the moisture for a long period of time.

[0025] Inside the ventilation device 50, there are provided a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through an absorbent material 52. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions. Furthermore, inside the ventilation device 50, there is provided a third flow path P3 whose both ends are connected to different parts of the first flow path P1.

[0026] The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A3 flows toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 is supplied into the indoor unit 20 via a ventilation duct 56.

[0027] In this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of branch flow paths P1a, P1b on the upstream side of the absorbent material 52. In this specification, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used with respect to the flow of air.

[0028] The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P2a join together upstream of the absorbent material 52. The plurality of tributary channels P1a, P1b are provided with first and second heaters 58, 60, respectively, that heat the outside air A3.

[0029] The first and second heaters 58, 60 may have the same heating capacity or different heating capacities. The first and second heaters 58, 60 are preferably PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, thereby preventing excessive increases in heating temperature. In the case of a PTC heater, the heater itself adjusts the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, eliminating the need to monitor the heating temperature. Alternatively, the first and second heaters 58, 60 may be heaters using nichrome wire, carbon fiber, or the like.

[0030] The first flow path P1 is provided with a first fan 62 that generates a flow of outdoor air A3 toward the indoor unit 20. In the present embodiment, the first fan 62 is disposed downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the first fan 62 is operated, the outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52.

[0031] Further, the first flow path P1 is provided with a first damper device 64 that distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In the case of the present embodiment, the first damper device 64 is disposed downstream of the first fan 62. The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the first damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 and is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24.

[0032] Furthermore, a second damper device 66 is provided in the first flow path P1. In the present embodiment, the second damper device 66 is disposed between the absorber 52 and the first fan 62. As will be described in detail later, the second damper device 66 selectively closes the first flow path P1.

[0033] Furthermore, a third flow path P3 is connected to the first flow path P1. The third flow path P3 connects a portion of the first flow path P1 between the first fan 62 and the second damper device 66 with a portion downstream of the first damper device 64. A third damper device 68 is provided in the third flow path P3. The third damper device 68 selectively closes the third flow path P3, as will be described in detail later.

[0034] The second flow path P2 is a flow path through which the outdoor air A4 flows. Unlike the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 does not head toward the indoor unit 20. The outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2 passes through the absorbent material 52 and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0035] A second fan 70 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4 is provided in the second flow path P2. In the present embodiment, the second fan 70 is disposed downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the second fan 70 is operated, the outdoor air A4 flows from the outdoor Rout into the second flow path P2, passes through the absorbent material 52, and then flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0036] The ventilation device 50 selectively performs ventilation operation, humidification operation, and dehumidification operation by selectively using an absorbent material 52 (motor 54), a first heater 58, a second heater 60, a first fan 62, a first damper device 64, a second damper device 66, a third damper device 68, and a second fan 70. The ventilation operation includes an intake ventilation operation and an exhaust ventilation operation.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during intake ventilation operation.

[0038] The supply ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 3, during the intake ventilation operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state and do not heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The first damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second damper device 66 is in the open state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 toward the first fan 62. The third damper device 68 is in the closed state, thereby preventing the outdoor air A3 from flowing through the third flow path P3. The second fan 70 is in the OFF state, thereby preventing the flow of outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2.

[0039] According to this supply ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the first damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown out into the room Rin by the fan 24. According to this supply ventilation operation, the outdoor air A3 is supplied as is to the room Rin, and the room Rin is ventilated.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation system during exhaust ventilation operation.

[0041] The exhaust ventilation operation is an air conditioning operation in which the room air A1 is exhausted to the outdoor Rout. As shown in FIG. 4, during the exhaust ventilation operation, the motor 54 is in the OFF state, and the absorbent material 52 is not rotating. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the room air A1 to pass through the ventilation duct 56 and the third flow path P3 and flow toward the first fan 62. The first damper device 64 distributes the room air A1 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout. The second damper device 66 is in the closed state, thereby preventing the room air A1 from flowing toward the absorbent material 52. The third damper device 68 is in the open state, thereby causing the room air A1 to flow toward the first fan 62 via the third flow path P3. The second fan 70 is in the OFF state, thereby preventing the flow of the outdoor air A4 through the second flow path P2.

[0042] In this exhaust ventilation operation, when the first fan 62 is in the ON state, the room air A1 flows through the ventilation conduit 56 and the third flow path P3 into the portion of the first flow path P1 between the absorbent material 52 and the first fan 62. At this time, the second damper device 66 is closed, so the room air A1 does not flow toward the absorbent material 52. The room air A1 that has passed through the first fan 62 is diverted to the outdoor air Rout by the first damper device 64 and discharged to the outdoor air Rout. As a result, the room Rin is ventilated.

[0043] During the exhaust ventilation operation, the third flow path P3 allows the first fan 62 to rotate in the same direction as during the intake ventilation operation. As a result, a sirocco fan can be used as the first fan 62.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during humidification operation.

[0045] The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation that humidifies the outdoor air A3 and supplies the humidified outdoor air A3 to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in FIG. 5, during the humidification operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the ON state and heat the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The first damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second damper device 66 is in the open state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 toward the first fan 62. The second damper device 66 is in the closed state, thereby causing the outdoor air A3 not to flow through the third flow path P3. The second fan 70 is in an ON state, causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0046] In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can remove a larger amount of moisture from the absorbent 52 than when the outdoor air A3 is not heated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a larger amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carried a larger amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the first damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. In this humidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a larger amount of moisture is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is humidified.

[0047] In addition, by turning off either the first heater 58 or the second heater 60, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 removes from the absorbent material 52 can be reduced, i.e., a weak humidification operation can be performed in which the amount of humidification of the indoor air Rin is reduced.

[0048] As moisture is removed by the heated outdoor air A3, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, i.e., the absorbent 52 dries. When the absorbent 52 dries, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 cannot remove moisture from the absorbent 52. To address this, the absorbent 52 removes moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second flow path P2. This keeps the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 approximately constant, allowing the humidification operation to continue.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device during dehumidification operation.

[0050] The dehumidifying operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is dehumidified and the dehumidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20). As shown in Fig. 6, in the dehumidifying operation, the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation are performed alternately.

[0051] The adsorption operation is an operation in which moisture contained in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed onto the absorbent material 52, thereby dehumidifying the outdoor air A3. As shown in FIG. 6 , during the adsorption operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are in the OFF state, and the outdoor air A3 is not heated. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, and the outdoor air A3 flows through the first flow path P1. The first damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second damper device 66 is in the open state, and the outdoor air A3 flows from the absorbent material 52 toward the first fan 62. The third damper device 68 is in the closed state, and the outdoor air A3 does not flow through the third flow path P3. The second fan 70 is in the OFF state, and therefore no flow of outdoor air A4 occurs through the second flow path P2.

[0052] During this adsorption operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent 52 without being heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60. At this time, moisture carried in the outdoor air A3 is adsorbed by the absorbent 52. This reduces the amount of moisture carried by the outdoor air A3, i.e., the outdoor air A3 is dried. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and is then distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the first damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the first damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 20 via the ventilation duct 56 is then blown into the room Rin by the fan 24. During this adsorption operation, the dried outdoor air A3 is supplied to the room Rin, and the room Rin is dehumidified.

[0053] As the adsorption operation continues, the amount of water held by the absorbent 52 continues to increase, resulting in a decrease in the absorbent 52's ability to adsorb the moisture contained in the outdoor air A3. In order to recover the adsorption ability, a regeneration operation is performed to regenerate the absorbent 52.

[0054] During regeneration operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58 and the second heater 60 are ON, heating the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is ON, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The first damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the outdoor Rout rather than to the indoor unit 20. The second damper device 66 is open, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow from the absorbent material 52 toward the first fan 62. The third damper device 68 is closed, causing the outdoor air A3 to not flow through the third flow path P3. The second fan 70 is OFF, causing no flow of outdoor air A4 to occur in the second flow path P2.

[0055] During this regeneration operation, the outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58, 60, and passes through the absorbent 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 removes a large amount of moisture from the absorbent 52. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. At the same time, the water retention capacity of the absorbent 52 decreases, i.e., the absorbent 52 dries and its adsorption capacity is regenerated. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is diverted by the first damper device 64 to the outdoor Rout and discharged to the outdoor Rout. As a result, during the regeneration operation in the dehumidification operation, the outdoor air A3 carrying a large amount of moisture due to the regeneration of the absorbent 52 is not supplied to the indoor Rin.

[0056] By alternately performing the adsorption operation and the regeneration operation in this manner, the adsorption capacity of the absorbent material 52 is maintained, and the dehumidification operation can be carried out continuously.

[0057] The air conditioning operations (cooling operation, dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), heating operation) using the refrigeration cycle and the air conditioning operations (ventilation operation (intake ventilation operation, exhaust ventilation operation), humidifying operation, dehumidifying operation) using the ventilation device 50 described above can be performed separately or simultaneously. For example, by simultaneously performing the dehumidifying operation using the refrigeration cycle and the dehumidifying operation using the ventilation device 50, it is possible to dehumidify the room Rin while maintaining a constant room temperature.

[0058] The user selects the air conditioning operation to be performed by the air conditioner 10. For example, when the user performs a selection operation on the remote controller 72 shown in Figure 1, the air conditioner 10 performs the air conditioning operation corresponding to that operation.

[0059] Up to this point, we have given an overview of the configuration and operation of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment. From here on, we will explain further features of the air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment.

[0060] The air conditioner 10 according to this embodiment includes an indoor unit 20, an outdoor unit 30, and a ventilation device 50, and performs a heating and humidifying operation that includes both a heating operation and a humidifying operation. In this embodiment, the humidifying operation refers to introducing outdoor air A3 humidified by the ventilation device 50 into the room Rin (see FIG. 5). In this specification, the ventilation device 50 may also be referred to as a humidifying unit.

[0061] Conventionally, when a heating and humidifying operation is performed, the humidifying operation is performed after the heating operation has started and the room temperature has reached the set temperature. That is, in the early stage of the heating and humidifying operation when the room temperature has not yet reached the set temperature, the humidifying operation is not performed, but the heating operation is performed, and the humidifying operation is performed during the heating operation.

[0062] In this case, the room Rin may become too dry at the beginning of the heating and humidifying operation. Alternatively, when the room temperature reaches the set temperature, the humidifying operation may start even if the room Rin is sufficiently humidified, and the humidity of the room Rin may become too high.

[0063] In this embodiment, with the aim of efficiently performing humidification operation during heating operation, the air conditioner 10 determines whether to start humidification operation based on the indoor absolute humidity of the indoor Rin and the target absolute humidity. For example, if the indoor absolute humidity is relatively low compared to the target absolute humidity at the beginning of heating and humidification operation, the air conditioner 10 starts humidification operation even before the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature Ts1, thereby preventing the indoor Rin from becoming too dry. Alternatively, if the indoor absolute humidity is relatively high compared to the target absolute humidity, the air conditioner 10 does not start humidification operation and prevents the humidity of the indoor Rin from becoming too high.

[0064] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration for controlling an air conditioner.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 7, the air conditioner 10 includes a control unit 80. The control unit 80 includes, for example, a memory that stores programs and a processing circuit corresponding to a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The functions of the control unit 80 may be configured using hardware alone, or may be realized by combining hardware and software. The control unit 80 realizes predetermined functions by reading data and programs stored in the memory and performing various arithmetic processing.

[0066] The control unit 80 controls the components of the air conditioner 10. In the present embodiment, the control unit 80 controls the outdoor unit 30 and the ventilation device 50. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the four-way valve 40. The control unit 80 also controls the motor 54, the first heater 58, the second heater 60, the first fan 62, the first damper device 64, the second damper device 66, the third damper device 68, and the second fan 70.

[0067] The air conditioner 10 also includes a temperature and humidity sensor 26 that detects the indoor temperature and indoor humidity of the room Rin. In this embodiment, the temperature and humidity sensor 26 detects the indoor temperature and indoor relative humidity of the room Rin. The temperature and humidity sensor 26 is attached to the indoor unit 20. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor 26 may be located inside the indoor unit 20 near a nozzle outlet from which air is blown out to the indoor heat exchanger 22.

[0068] Next, control for the air conditioner 10 to perform humidification operation during heating operation, that is, control for heating and humidification operation, will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG.

[0069] Fig. 8 is a flowchart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 9 is a timing chart of control of the air conditioner according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] For example, the control unit 80 starts the heating and humidifying operation when it receives a signal to start the heating and humidifying operation. For example, the control unit 80 starts the heating and humidifying operation based on a signal from the remote controller 72.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S1, the control unit 80 acquires the indoor absolute humidity Ha of the room Rin.

[0072] In this embodiment, the control unit 80 calculates the indoor absolute humidity Ha based on the indoor temperature Tr and the indoor relative humidity Hs of the room Rin detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 26. In this way, the control unit 80 obtains the indoor absolute humidity Ha.

[0073] In step S2, the control unit 80 calculates a target absolute humidity Ha1 at the set temperature Ts1 based on the set temperature Ts1 and set relative humidity Hs1 of the room Rin. The set temperature Ts1 means, for example, the room temperature set by the remote controller 72. The target absolute humidity Ha1 is calculated from the set temperature Ts1 and set relative humidity Hr1 of the room Rin.

[0074] In step S3, the control unit 80 determines whether the indoor absolute humidity Ha is smaller than the target absolute humidity Ha1. If it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity Ha is smaller than the target absolute humidity Ha1, the flow proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity Ha is equal to or greater than the target absolute humidity Ha1, the flow returns to step S1. Note that if the flow returns to step S1, step S2 may be omitted.

[0075] In step S4, the control unit 80 performs a humidification operation. The control unit 80 starts the humidification operation when the indoor absolute humidity Ha is lower than the target absolute humidity Ha1. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform the control of the humidification operation shown in FIG. 5.

[0076] In step S5, the control unit 80 determines whether or not to stop the heating and humidifying operation. If it is determined in step S5 that the heating and humidifying operation should be stopped, the control unit 80 stops the heating and humidifying operation. If it is determined that the heating and humidifying operation should not be stopped, the flow repeats step S5. For example, when the control unit 80 receives a signal indicating that the heating and humidifying operation should be stopped, it determines that the heating and humidifying operation should be stopped. On the other hand, when the control unit 80 does not receive a signal indicating that the heating and humidifying operation should be stopped, it determines that the heating and humidifying operation should not be stopped.

[0077] 9, at the first timing tmg1 at which the heating and humidifying operation is started, the control unit 80 performs steps S1 to S3. At the first timing tmg1, the control unit 80 determines that the indoor absolute humidity Ha is lower than the target absolute humidity Ha1, and starts the heating operation and the humidifying operation. That is, the control unit 80 starts both the heating operation and the humidifying operation at the first timing tmg1.

[0078] In step S4, in which the heating operation and the humidifying operation are performed, the control unit 80 varies the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and the current value Qb input to the heaters 58 and 60 according to the differences D1, D2, and D3 between the room absolute humidity Ha and the target absolute humidity Ha1. Specifically, the control unit 80 increases the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and decreases the current value Qb input to the heaters 58 and 60 as the differences D1, D2, and D3 between the room absolute humidity Ha and the target absolute humidity Ha1 decrease. Note that the greater the current value Qa input to the compressor 36, the greater the heating capacity of the heating operation. The greater the current value Qb input to the heaters 58 and 60, the greater the humidifying capacity of the humidifying operation.

[0079] 9, the differences D1, D2, and D3 between the indoor absolute humidity Ha and the target absolute humidity Ha1 gradually decrease in the order of the first to third timings tmg1 to tmg3 during which the humidification operation is performed. As the differences D1, D2, and D3 decrease, the control unit 80 increases the current value Qa of the compressor 36 and decreases the current value Qb of the heaters 58 and 60.

[0080] In addition, the control unit 80 varies the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and the current value Qb input to the heaters 58 and 60 according to the differences D1, D2, and D3 between the indoor absolute humidity Ha and the target absolute humidity Ha1, thereby preventing the sum of the current values ​​Qa and Qb from exceeding a predetermined current value.

[0081] Then, before the fourth timing tmg4 at which the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1, when the difference between the room temperature Tr and the set temperature Ts1 becomes small to a certain extent, the control unit 80 reduces the current value Qa of the compressor 36 to reduce the heating capacity and maintain the room temperature Tr at the set temperature Ts1. For example, when the difference between the room temperature Tr and the set temperature Ts1 is 0.5°C or less, the control unit 80 may reduce the current value Qa of the compressor 36. Note that the temperature difference is not limited to 0.5°C.

[0082] As described above, the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment includes a ventilation device (humidification unit) 50 that humidifies the indoor air Rin, and a control unit 80 that controls the ventilation device 50. When performing a humidification operation during heating operation, the control unit 80 acquires the indoor absolute humidity Ha of the indoor air Rin and calculates a target absolute humidity Ha1 at the set temperature Ts1 based on the set temperature Ts1 and set relative humidity Hs1 of the indoor air Rin. The control unit 80 performs a humidification operation when it determines that the indoor absolute humidity Ha is lower than the target absolute humidity Ha1.

[0083] With this configuration, humidification operation can be performed efficiently during heating operation. In the air conditioner 10, the control unit 80 performs humidification operation when it determines that the indoor absolute humidity Ha is lower than the target absolute humidity Ha1. In heating and humidification operation, for example, when the indoor absolute humidity Ha is relatively low, the control unit 80 can start the humidification operation before the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1, thereby preventing the indoor Rin from becoming too dry when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1. Alternatively, when the indoor absolute humidity Ha is relatively high, the control unit 80 can prevent the indoor Rin from becoming too humidified by not starting the humidification operation.

[0084] In this way, by determining the start of the humidification operation based on the room absolute humidity Ha and the target absolute humidity Ha1, it is possible to improve comfort and energy saving.

[0085] The air conditioner 10 is equipped with a temperature and humidity sensor 26 that detects the indoor temperature Tr and indoor relative humidity Hs of the room Rin. The control unit 80 calculates the indoor absolute humidity Ha based on the indoor temperature Tr and indoor relative humidity Hs detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 26. With this configuration, the indoor absolute humidity Ha can be easily obtained. Furthermore, the indoor absolute humidity Ha can be obtained using the temperature and humidity sensor 26 of the indoor unit 20, etc.

[0086] The air conditioner 10 includes an outdoor unit 30 having an outdoor heat exchanger 32, a compressor 36, and an expansion valve 38, an indoor unit 20 having an indoor heat exchanger 22, and refrigerant piping 42 connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the compressor 36, the expansion valve 38, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 and through which a refrigerant circulates. The ventilation device (humidification unit) 50 includes heaters 58 and 60. When performing a humidification operation, the control unit 80 varies a current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and a current value Qb input to the heaters 58 and 60 according to differences D1, D2, and D3 between the indoor absolute humidity Ha and a target absolute humidity Ha1. This configuration enables efficient performance of the heating operation and the humidification operation, preventing the indoor air Rin from being over-humidified or over-dried. Furthermore, the sum of the current value Qa of the compressor 36 and the current value Qb of the heaters 58, 60 can be controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined value. This allows the heating and humidifying operation to be performed so as not to exceed a predetermined current value set by a breaker, for example.

[0087] (Embodiment 2) An air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0088] In the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the second embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the second embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0089] Fig. 10 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 11 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0090] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the humidification operation is stopped when the indoor absolute humidity Ha is equal to or higher than the target absolute humidity Ha1 while the humidification operation is being performed.

[0091] In FIG. 10, steps S1 to S5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] 10 and 11, in step S6, the control unit 80 determines whether the indoor absolute humidity Ha is equal to or greater than the target absolute humidity Ha1 while the humidification operation is being performed. If the indoor absolute humidity Ha is equal to or greater than the target absolute humidity Ha1, the flow proceeds to step S7. If the indoor absolute humidity Ha is less than the target absolute humidity Ha1, step S6 is repeated.

[0093] In step S7, the control unit 80 stops the humidifying operation. That is, the control unit 80 stops the humidifying operation while continuing the heating operation.

[0094] For example, as shown in Fig. 11, when both the heating operation and the humidifying operation are being performed, the indoor absolute humidity Ha may exceed the target absolute humidity Ha1 at a fifth timing tmg5 before the fourth timing tmg4 at which the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1. In this case, the indoor Rin may be sufficiently humidified before the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1. Therefore, the control unit 80 stops the humidifying operation when the indoor absolute humidity Ha becomes equal to or greater than the target absolute humidity Ha1, thereby preventing the indoor Rin from being over-humidified.

[0095] In this embodiment, when humidification operation is performed, the control unit 80 reduces the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 of the outdoor unit 30 compared to when heating operation is performed without humidification operation. During humidification operation, the control unit 80 reduces the heating capacity of the air conditioner 10 compared to when heating operation is performed, and reduces the current used in controlling the heating operation. Furthermore, when humidification operation is performed, the control unit 80 increases the current value Qb input to the heaters 58, 60 of the ventilation device 50 compared to when heating operation is performed without humidification operation.

[0096] For example, from the first timing tmg1 to the fifth timing tmg5, the control unit 80 turns on the humidification operation and performs the heating operation. After the fifth timing tmg5, the control unit 80 turns off the humidification operation and turns on the heating operation. In this case, the control unit 80 makes the current value Qa of the compressor 36 from the first timing tmg1 to the fifth timing tmg5 smaller than the current value Qa of the compressor 36 after the fifth timing tmg5. Furthermore, the control unit 80 makes the current value Qb of the heaters 58, 60 from the first timing tmg1 to the fifth timing tmg5 larger than the current value Qb of the heaters 58, 60 after the fifth timing tmg5.

[0097] As described above, in the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, when both the heating operation and the humidifying operation are being performed, the control unit 80 stops the humidifying operation if it determines that the indoor absolute humidity Ha is equal to or greater than the target absolute humidity Ha1. This configuration allows the humidifying operation to be performed more efficiently during the heating operation. This prevents the indoor temperature Rin from being over-humidified when the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1.

[0098] When performing both heating and humidification operations, the control unit 80 reduces the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 compared to when performing heating operation without humidification operation. With this configuration, the heating capacity of the heating operation can be reduced when performing humidification operation, and the indoor Rin can be prevented from becoming too dry during heating operation. Furthermore, by reducing the current value Qa of the compressor 36, the current value used in heating operation can be reduced.

[0099] (Embodiment 3) An air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0100] In the third embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the third embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the third embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0101] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 3 of the present disclosure.

[0102] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the humidification operation is stopped if the temperature rise over a predetermined period during humidification operation is less than a first threshold value, and the humidification operation is resumed if the temperature rise over a predetermined period after humidification operation is stopped is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0103] In FIG. 12, steps S1 to S5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0104] 12 and 13, in step S8, the control unit 80 determines whether the temperature rise ΔT1 of the room temperature Tr during a predetermined period t1 is smaller than the first threshold value while the humidifying operation is being performed. For example, the predetermined period t1 is 3 minutes, and the temperature rise ΔT1 is 3°C.

[0105] In step S8, if the temperature rise ΔT1 of the room temperature Tr is smaller than the first threshold, the flow proceeds to step S9. If the temperature rise ΔT1 of the room temperature Tr is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the flow repeats step S8.

[0106] In step S9, the control unit 80 stops the humidification operation. The control unit 80 switches the humidification operation from ON to OFF at a sixth timing tmg6 after making the determination in step S8. For example, the control unit 80 turns OFF the heaters 58, 60 of the ventilation device 50. The control unit 80 may also increase the current value Qa of the compressor 36 to increase the heating capacity.

[0107] In step S10, the control unit 80 determines whether the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room temperature Tr during a predetermined period t2 is equal to or greater than a second threshold while the humidifying operation is stopped. For example, the predetermined period t2 is 3 minutes, and the temperature rise ΔT2 is 3°C.

[0108] In step S10, if the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room temperature Tr is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the flow returns to step S4. If the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room temperature Tr is smaller than the second threshold, the flow repeats step S10.

[0109] The control unit 80 switches the humidifying operation from OFF to ON at a seventh timing tmg7 after making the determination in step S10. For example, the control unit 80 turns ON the heaters 58, 60 of the ventilation device 50. The control unit 80 may also reduce the current value Qa of the compressor 36 to lower the heating capacity.

[0110] In this way, if the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room temperature Tr becomes equal to or greater than the second threshold value while the humidification operation is stopped, the control unit 80 carries out step S4 and restarts the humidification operation.

[0111] As described above, in the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, when a humidification operation is being performed, the control unit 80 determines whether the temperature rise ΔT1 of the indoor Rin during a predetermined period t1 is smaller than the first threshold value. If the control unit 80 determines that the temperature rise ΔT1 of the indoor Rin is smaller than the first threshold value, the control unit 80 stops the humidification operation. With this configuration, when a humidification operation is being performed in the early stage of a heating / humidification operation, the humidification operation can be stopped based on the temperature rise ΔT1 of the indoor Rin. This allows the humidification operation to be performed without reducing the heating capacity.

[0112] After stopping the humidifying operation, the control unit 80 determines whether the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room Rin during the predetermined period t2 is equal to or greater than the second threshold. If the control unit 80 determines that the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room Rin is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the control unit 80 starts the humidifying operation. With this configuration, when the humidifying operation is stopped, the humidifying operation can be resumed based on the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room Rin. This makes it possible to efficiently humidify the room Rin while performing the heating operation.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the predetermined periods t1 and t2 are each 1 minute, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined periods t1 and t2 can be set to any desired numerical values.

[0114] In the present embodiment, an example in which the temperature increases ΔT1 and ΔT2 are 3° C. has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the temperature increases ΔT1 and ΔT2 can be set to any desired values.

[0115] In the present embodiment, an example has been described in which the humidifying operation is stopped in step S9 when the temperature increase ΔT1 is smaller than the first threshold value, but this is not limiting. For example, in step S9, the control unit 80 may reduce the humidifying capacity or increase the heating capacity when the temperature increase ΔT1 is smaller than the first threshold value. For example, the control unit 80 may reduce the current value Qb to the heaters 58, 60 and increase the current value Qa to the compressor 36.

[0116] (Fourth embodiment) An air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0117] In the fourth embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. In the fourth embodiment, the same or equivalent configurations as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Also, in the fourth embodiment, descriptions that overlap with those in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0118] Fig. 14 is a flowchart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a timing chart of control of an air conditioner according to Embodiment 4 of the present disclosure.

[0119] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it calculates a predicted relative humidity Hp1 at the set temperature Ts1, and performs a humidifying operation when the predicted relative humidity Hp1 is lower than the set relative humidity Hs1.

[0120] In FIG. 14, steps S4 and S5 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0121] 14, when the heating and humidifying operation is started, in step S11, the control unit 80 acquires the indoor relative humidity Hr and the indoor absolute humidity Ha of the room Rin. For example, the indoor relative humidity Hr is acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor 26. The indoor absolute humidity Ha is calculated based on the indoor temperature Tr and the indoor relative humidity Hr acquired by the temperature and humidity sensor 26.

[0122] In step S12, the control unit 80 calculates a predicted relative humidity Hp1 when the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1 based on the set temperature Ts1 of the room Rin and the room absolute humidity Ha. The predicted relative humidity Hp1 refers to the relative humidity predicted when the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1. For example, the control unit 80 calculates the predicted relative humidity Hp1 based on the set temperature Ts1 of the room Rin set by the remote controller 72 and the room absolute humidity Ha obtained in step S11.

[0123] In step S13, the control unit 80 determines whether the predicted relative humidity Hp1 is smaller than the set relative humidity Hs1. The set relative humidity Hs1 is, for example, a target indoor relative humidity set by the remote controller 72, and is set by the user operating the remote controller 72. For example, the control unit 80 acquires the set relative humidity Hs1 set by the remote controller 72.

[0124] If it is determined that the predicted relative humidity Hp1 is smaller than the set relative humidity Hs1, the flow proceeds to step S4. If it is determined that the predicted relative humidity Hp1 is greater than the set relative humidity Hs1, the flow returns to step S11. Note that if the flow returns to step S11, step S12 may be omitted.

[0125] In step S4, the control unit 80 performs a humidification operation. The control unit 80 starts the humidification operation when the predicted relative humidity Hp1 is lower than the set relative humidity Hs1. Specifically, the control unit 80 controls the ventilation device 50 to perform the control of the humidification operation shown in FIG. 5.

[0126] In step S5, the control unit 80 determines whether or not to stop the heating and humidifying operation.

[0127] 15, at the first timing tmg11 at which the heating and humidifying operation is to be started, the control unit 80 performs steps S11 to S13. Because the predicted relative humidity Hp1 at the first timing tmg11 is lower than the set relative humidity Hs1, the control unit 80 turns on the heating operation and the humidifying operation.

[0128] When performing a humidification operation, after the indoor relative humidity Hr becomes smaller than the set relative humidity Hs1, the control unit 80 varies the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and the current value Qb input to the heaters 58, 60 in accordance with the differences D11, D12 between the indoor relative humidity Hr and the set relative humidity Hs1. Specifically, the control unit 80 increases the current value Qa of the compressor 36 and decreases the current value Qb of the heaters 58, 60 as the differences D11, D12 between the indoor relative humidity Hr and the set relative humidity Hs1 decrease.

[0129] 15, at second and third timings tmg12 and tmg13 following the first timing tmg11, the differences D11 and D12 between the indoor relative humidity Hr and the set relative humidity Hs1 gradually decrease. As the differences D11 and D12 decrease, the control unit 80 increases the current value Qa of the compressor 36 and decreases the current value Qb of the heaters 58 and 60.

[0130] The control unit 80 varies the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and the current value Qb input to the heaters 58 and 60 according to the differences D11 and D12 between the indoor relative humidity Hr and the set relative humidity Hs1, thereby preventing the sum of the current values ​​Qa and Qb from exceeding a predetermined current value.

[0131] Then, before the fourth timing tmg14 at which the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1, when the difference between the room temperature Tr and the set temperature Ts1 becomes small to a certain extent, the control unit 80 reduces the current value Qa of the compressor 36 to reduce the heating capacity and maintain the room temperature Tr at the set temperature Ts1. For example, when the difference between the room temperature Tr and the set temperature Ts1 is 0.5°C or less, the control unit 80 may reduce the current value Qa of the compressor 36. Note that the temperature difference is not limited to 0.5°C.

[0132] As described above, in the air conditioner 10 of this embodiment, when humidification operation is performed during heating operation, the control unit 80 acquires the indoor relative humidity Hr and indoor absolute humidity Ha of the room Rin. Based on the set temperature Ts1 of the room Rin and the indoor absolute humidity Ha, the control unit 80 calculates the predicted relative humidity Hp1 when the room temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1, and performs humidification operation when it determines that the predicted relative humidity Hp1 is smaller than the set relative humidity Hs1.

[0133] This configuration allows for efficient humidification operation during heating operation. In the air conditioner 10, the control unit 80 performs humidification operation when it determines that the predicted relative humidity Hp1, calculated based on the set temperature Ts1 and the indoor absolute humidity Ha, is lower than the set relative humidity Hs1. In heating and humidification operation, for example, when the indoor relative humidity Hr is relatively low, the control unit 80 starts the humidification operation before the indoor temperature Tr reaches the set temperature Ts1, thereby preventing the indoor Rin from becoming too dry. Alternatively, when the indoor relative humidity Hr is relatively high, the control unit 80 does not start the humidification operation, thereby preventing the indoor Rin from becoming too humidified.

[0134] In this way, by determining the start of humidification operation based on the indoor relative humidity Hr and the predicted relative humidity Hp1 when the set temperature Ts1 is reached, which is calculated based on the set temperature Ts1 and the indoor absolute humidity Ha, comfort and energy efficiency can be improved.

[0135] When performing the humidification operation, after the indoor relative humidity Hr becomes smaller than the set relative humidity Hs1, the control unit 80 varies the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and the current value Qb input to the heaters 58, 60 according to the differences D11, D12 between the indoor relative humidity Hr and the set relative humidity Hs1. This configuration allows the heating operation and the humidification operation to be performed efficiently, preventing the indoor air Rin from being over-humidified or over-dried. Furthermore, the combined current value Qa of the compressor 36 and the current value Qb of the heaters 58, 60 can be controlled so as not to exceed a predetermined value. This allows the heating and humidification operation to be performed without exceeding a predetermined current value set by, for example, a breaker.

[0136] It should be noted that, in this specification, terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as expressing or implying the relative importance or ranking of technical features. Features qualified as "first" and "second" expressly or imply the inclusion of one or more of such features.

[0137] Although the present invention has been described above using the above-mentioned embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and the technology in the present disclosure is also applicable to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made as appropriate.

[0138] Although the present disclosure has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications are to be understood as being included within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims unless they depart therefrom.

[0139] Furthermore, the general and specific aspects of the present disclosure may be realized by a system, a method, a computer program, a computer-readable storage medium, and combinations thereof.

[0140] For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the ventilation device 50 attached to the outdoor unit 30 performs a humidifying operation, but this is not limiting. The humidifying unit may be any device capable of humidifying the indoor Rin. For example, the humidifying operation may be performed by a humidifying unit disposed in the indoor Rin. In this case, the air conditioner 10 does not need to be equipped with a ventilation device 50.

[0141] In the first to fourth embodiments, an example has been described in which the temperature and humidity sensor 26 detects the room temperature Tr and the room relative humidity of the room Rin, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the temperature and humidity sensor 26 may detect the room absolute humidity Ha of the room Rin. In this case, the control unit 80 may obtain the room absolute humidity Ha from the temperature and humidity sensor 26. Alternatively, the control unit 80 may receive the room absolute humidity Ha via a network from a measuring device that measures the room absolute humidity. In this case, the control unit 80 may be provided with a communication circuit for communicating via the network.

[0142] In the first to third embodiments, an example has been described in which the control unit 80 performs steps S1 to S3 at the first timing tmg1 when the heating and humidifying operation is started, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 80 may start the heating operation without starting the humidifying operation at the first timing tmg1, and may perform steps S1 to S3 at a timing after the first timing tmg1.

[0143] In the fourth embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 80 determines whether to perform the humidification operation based on the set relative humidity Hs1 and the predicted relative humidity Hp1, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the control unit 80 may determine whether to stop the humidification operation based on the set relative humidity Hs1 and the predicted relative humidity Hp1. The control unit 80 may stop the humidification operation if it determines that the predicted relative humidity Hp1 is greater than the set relative humidity Hs1 while the humidification operation is being performed.

[0144] In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 80 may vary the current value Qa input to the compressor 36 and the current value Qb input to the heaters 58, 60 according to the difference between the indoor relative humidity Hr and the predicted relative humidity Hp1.

[0145] In the fourth embodiment, while the humidifying operation is being performed, the control unit 80 may stop the humidifying operation if the temperature rise ΔT1 of the room temperature Tr during a predetermined period t1 is smaller than a first threshold value. Furthermore, while the humidifying operation is stopped, the control unit 80 may resume the humidifying operation if the temperature rise ΔT2 of the room temperature Tr during a predetermined period t2 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value.

[0146] (Outline of the embodiment) (1) The air conditioner of the present disclosure is A humidifying unit that humidifies the room, a control unit that controls the humidification unit; Equipped with When the control unit performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining the indoor absolute humidity of the room; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; The humidifying operation is performed when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity.

[0147] (2) The air conditioner of (1) may further include a temperature and humidity sensor that detects the indoor temperature and indoor relative humidity of the room, The control unit may calculate the indoor absolute humidity based on the indoor temperature and the indoor relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor.

[0148] (3) The air conditioner of (1) or (2) comprises an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve; an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor heat exchanger, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant circulates; may further comprise: When the humidifying operation is performed, the control unit may reduce the current value input to the compressor compared to when the heating operation is performed without performing the humidifying operation.

[0149] (4) The air conditioner of (1) or (2) comprises an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve; an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor heat exchanger, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant circulates; may further comprise: the humidification unit has a heater, When performing the humidification operation, the control unit may vary the current value input to the compressor and the current value input to the heater depending on the difference between the indoor absolute humidity and the target absolute humidity.

[0150] (5) In any one of the air conditioners (1) to (4), When the humidification operation is being performed, the control unit determining whether a temperature rise in the room over a predetermined period of time is less than a first threshold; When it is determined that the increase in the room temperature is smaller than the first threshold value, the humidifying operation may be stopped.

[0151] (6) In the air conditioner of (5), After the humidification operation is stopped, the control unit determining whether the temperature rise in the room during a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a second threshold; When it is determined that the rise in the room temperature is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the humidifying operation may be started.

[0152] (7) In any one of the air conditioners (1) to (6), The humidification unit comprises: an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture from outdoor air; a flow path through which outdoor air flows, the flow path passing through the absorbent material; a heater that heats the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; a fan for sending the outdoor air to the flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the flow path between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; may include:

[0153] (8) The air conditioner of the present disclosure is A humidifying unit that humidifies the room, a control unit that controls the humidification unit; Equipped with When the control unit performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining the indoor relative humidity and the indoor absolute humidity of the room; calculating a predicted relative humidity when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature based on the indoor set temperature and the indoor absolute humidity; The humidifying operation is performed when it is determined that the predicted relative humidity is lower than the set relative humidity in the room.

[0154] (9) The air conditioner of (8) may further include a temperature and humidity sensor that detects the indoor temperature and the indoor relative humidity, The control unit may calculate the indoor absolute humidity based on the indoor temperature and the indoor relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor.

[0155] (10) Air conditioners of (8) or (9) are: an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve; an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor heat exchanger, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant circulates; may further comprise: When the humidification operation is performed, the control unit may reduce the current value input to the compressor compared to when the heating operation is performed without performing the humidification operation.

[0156] (11) Air conditioners of (8) or (9) are: an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve; an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor heat exchanger, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant circulates; may further comprise: the humidification unit has a heater, When performing the humidification operation, the control unit may vary the current value input to the compressor and the current value input to the heater depending on the difference between the indoor relative humidity and the set relative humidity.

[0157] (12) In any one of the air conditioners (8) to (11), When the humidification operation is being performed, the control unit determining whether a temperature rise in the room over a predetermined period of time is less than a first threshold; When it is determined that the increase in the room temperature is smaller than the first threshold value, the humidifying operation may be stopped.

[0158] (13) In the air conditioner of (12), After the humidification operation is stopped, the control unit determining whether the temperature rise in the room during a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a second threshold; When it is determined that the rise in the room temperature is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, the humidifying operation may be started.

[0159] (14) In any one of the air conditioners (8) to (13), The humidification unit comprises: an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture from outdoor air; a flow path through which outdoor air flows, the flow path passing through the absorbent material; a heater that heats the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; a fan for sending the outdoor air to the flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the flow path between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; may include:

[0160] (15) The method for controlling an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes: A control method for an air conditioner that performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining an indoor absolute humidity; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; performing the humidifying operation when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity; Includes:

[0161] (16) The method for controlling an air conditioner according to the present disclosure includes: A control method for an air conditioner that performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining an indoor relative humidity and an indoor absolute humidity; calculating a predicted relative humidity when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature based on the indoor set temperature and the indoor absolute humidity; performing the humidifying operation when it is determined that the predicted relative humidity is smaller than the set relative humidity in the room; Includes:

[0162] (17) The program disclosed herein causes an air conditioner to execute the control method of (15) or (16).

[0163] (18) A computer-readable storage medium according to the present disclosure stores a program for causing an air conditioner to execute the control method of (15) or (16). [Industrial Applicability]

[0164] The present disclosure is applicable to any air conditioner that performs heating and humidifying operation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 10 Air conditioner 20 Indoor unit 22 Indoor heat exchanger 24 Fans 26 Temperature and humidity sensor 30 Outdoor unit 32 Outdoor heat exchanger 34 Fans 36 Compressor 38 Expansion valve 40 Four-way valve 42 Refrigerant piping 50 Ventilation Equipment 52 Absorbent material 54 Motor 56 Ventilation duct 58 First heater 60 Second heater 62 Fan (First Fan) 64 First damper device 66 Second damper device 68 Third damper device 70 Fans (Second Fans) 72 Remote Controller 80 Control Unit P1 flow path (first flow path) P2 flow path (second flow path)

Claims

1. A humidifying unit that humidifies the room, a control unit that controls the humidification unit; an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve; an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor heat exchanger, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant circulates; Equipped with the humidification unit has a heater, When the control unit performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining the indoor absolute humidity of the room; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; performing the humidifying operation when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity; When the humidification operation is performed, the control unit varies a current value input to the compressor and a current value input to the heater according to a difference between the indoor absolute humidity and the target absolute humidity. Air conditioner.

2. A humidification unit for humidifying a room; a control unit that controls the humidification unit; Equipped with When the control unit performs a humidifying operation during a heating operation, Obtaining the indoor absolute humidity of the room; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; performing the humidifying operation when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity; When the humidification operation is being performed, the control unit determining whether a temperature rise in the room over a predetermined period of time is less than a first threshold; When it is determined that the temperature rise in the room is smaller than the first threshold, the humidifying operation is stopped. Air conditioner.

3. a temperature and humidity sensor for detecting an indoor temperature and an indoor relative humidity in the room; the control unit calculates the indoor absolute humidity based on the indoor temperature and the indoor relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

4. an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve; an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor heat exchanger, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant circulates; Furthermore, When the humidification operation is performed, the control unit reduces the current value input to the compressor compared to when the heating operation is performed without performing the humidification operation.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

5. an outdoor unit having an outdoor heat exchanger, a compressor, and an expansion valve; an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger; a refrigerant pipe that connects the outdoor heat exchanger, the compressor, the expansion valve, and the indoor heat exchanger and through which a refrigerant circulates; Furthermore, the humidification unit has a heater, When the humidification operation is performed, the control unit varies a current value input to the compressor and a current value input to the heater according to a difference between the indoor absolute humidity and the target absolute humidity. The air conditioner according to claim 2.

6. When the humidification operation is being performed, the control unit determining whether a temperature rise in the room over a predetermined period of time is less than a first threshold; When it is determined that the temperature rise in the room is smaller than the first threshold, the humidifying operation is stopped. The air conditioner according to claim 1.

7. After the humidification operation is stopped, the control unit determining whether the temperature rise in the room during a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a second threshold; When it is determined that the temperature rise in the room is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the humidifying operation is started.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 2 or 6.

8. The humidification unit comprises: an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture from outdoor air; a flow path through which outdoor air flows, the flow path passing through the absorbent material; a heater that heats the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; a fan for sending the outdoor air to the flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the flow path between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; Including, 3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

9. When the control unit performs humidification operation during heating operation, Obtaining the indoor relative humidity and the indoor absolute humidity of the room; calculating a predicted relative humidity when the indoor temperature reaches the set temperature based on the indoor set temperature and the indoor absolute humidity; The humidification operation is performed when it is determined that the predicted relative humidity is lower than the set relative humidity in the room.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 1 or 2.

10. a temperature and humidity sensor for detecting the indoor temperature and the indoor relative humidity; the control unit calculates the indoor absolute humidity based on the indoor temperature and the indoor relative humidity detected by the temperature and humidity sensor. The air conditioner according to claim 9.

11. After the humidification operation is stopped, the control unit determining whether the temperature rise in the room during a predetermined period is equal to or greater than a second threshold; When it is determined that the temperature rise in the room is equal to or greater than the second threshold, the humidifying operation is started. The air conditioner according to claim 9.

12. The humidification unit comprises: an absorbent material provided in the outdoor unit that absorbs moisture from outdoor air; a flow path through which outdoor air flows, the flow path passing through the absorbent material; a heater that heats the outdoor air upstream of the absorbent material in the flow path; a fan for sending the outdoor air to the flow path; a damper device that distributes the outdoor air flowing through the flow path between the outdoor unit and the indoor unit; Including, The air conditioner according to claim 9.

13. A control method for an air conditioner that includes a humidifying unit having a heater and that performs humidifying operation during heating operation using the humidifying unit, Obtaining an indoor absolute humidity; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; performing the humidifying operation when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity; Including, The step of performing the humidification operation includes varying a current value input to a compressor of the air conditioner and a current value input to the heater of the humidification unit according to a difference between the indoor absolute humidity and the target absolute humidity. A method for controlling an air conditioner.

14. A control method for an air conditioner that performs humidification operation during heating operation, comprising: Obtaining an indoor absolute humidity; calculating a target absolute humidity at the set temperature based on the set temperature and set relative humidity in the room; performing the humidifying operation when it is determined that the indoor absolute humidity is lower than the target absolute humidity; Including, The step of performing the humidification operation includes: determining whether a temperature rise in the room over a predetermined period of time is less than a first threshold; stopping the humidifying operation when it is determined that the increase in the indoor temperature is smaller than the first threshold value; having A method for controlling an air conditioner.

15. A program for causing an air conditioner to execute the control method according to claim 13 or 14.

16. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for causing an air conditioner to execute the control method of claim 13 or 14.

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