Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning system performing air-conditioning to a dwelling house with small power consumption.SOLUTION: A whole building air-conditioning unit 120 performing air-conditioning to a dwelling house, is equipped with an air-conditioner 200 that is provided in an air-conditioning chamber of the dwelling house, and heats air to be introduced in the air-conditioning chamber, a first carrying fan 122 that carries the air in the air-conditioning chamber heated by the air-conditioner 200 to a first space 10 that is one of a plurality of spaces independent from the air-conditioning chamber, a gas type floor heater 500 that is provided on a floor surface of the first space 10 and heats the first space 10, and a system controller 300 that controls the air-conditioner 200, the first carrying fan 122, and the gas type floor heater 500. The system controller 300 performs control of operating the gas type floor heater 500 when the power consumption of the air-conditioner 200 exceeds reference power 510.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system used for air conditioning control of a house.

Background Art

[0002] In an air conditioning system in a highly heat-insulating and highly airtight house having a plurality of living rooms, the air conditioning in at least one independently provided air conditioning room is controlled, and the conditioned air is conveyed from the air conditioning room to each living room (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003] [[ID=ZI]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventional air conditioning systems are targeted at detached houses as highly heat-insulating and highly airtight houses, but the use of air conditioning systems is also required for each house included in apartment houses and the like. When the outside air load in winter is large, a huge amount of electric power is used for air conditioning control of houses.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention solves the above problems and aims to provide an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning for a house with low power consumption.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve this objective, the air conditioning system according to the present invention is an air conditioning system for providing air conditioning to a house, comprising: an air conditioner installed in an air conditioning room within the house that heats the air introduced into the air conditioning room; a first transport fan that transports the air heated by the air conditioner in the air conditioning room to a first space, which is one of a plurality of spaces independent of the air conditioning room; a gas-type floor heater installed on the floor surface of the first space that heats the first space; and a system controller that controls the air conditioner, the first transport fan, and the gas-type floor heater, wherein the system controller controls the operation of the gas-type floor heater when the power consumption of the air conditioner exceeds a standard power. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an air conditioning system that provides air conditioning for a house with low power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a house according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the house in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the configuration of the whole-house air conditioning unit shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the system controller in Figure 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the relationship between the power consumption and COP of the air conditioner shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning procedure performed by the system controller in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning room temperature control process by the system controller shown in Figure 4. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the fan airflow setting process by the system controller in Figure 4. [Figure 9]Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the floor heating operation process by the system controller in Figure 4. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the system controller according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the fan airflow setting process by the system controller according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the fan airflow setting process by the system controller according to Modification Example 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings to facilitate understanding of the invention. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the invention. Furthermore, throughout all drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and subsequent descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Figure 1 is a floor plan showing the configuration of House 1000. House 1000 is a single household in an apartment building, a dwelling provided as a place for residents to live their private lives. House 1000 has a predetermined electrical capacity. Since the basic power charge varies depending on the electrical capacity, the electrical capacity contracted with the electric company is often set to a small value depending on the electrical appliances used. House 1000 is adjacent to other House 1000 (not shown) on the left and right sides of Figure 1. Therefore, the first surface 1010, which consists of the lower wall, windows, and door of House 1000, faces the outside, and the second surface 1020, which consists of the upper wall, windows, and door of House 1000, also faces the outside.

[0011] The house 1000 includes a first space 10 and a second space 20. The first space 10 includes a first Western-style room 12, an LDK 14, and a kitchen 16, while the second space 20 includes a second Western-style room 22, a third Western-style room 24, and an entrance hall 26. In addition, the house 1000 also includes an air conditioning room (not shown) where a whole-house air conditioning unit 120 is installed, a toilet 32, and a bathroom 34, which are independent of the first space 10 and the second space 20. Generally, the exhaust space 30 is located between the first space 10 and the second space 20, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the spaces to which the air from the air conditioning room is transported are only the first space 10 and the second space 20.

[0012] The air conditioning system installed in such a house 1000 includes a gas-type floor heater 500, an outside air inlet 100, an outside air intake duct 102, a heat exchange ventilation fan 104, an exhaust duct 106, an exhaust port 108, a supply air duct 110, a whole-house air conditioning unit 120, a first transport duct 130, a first branch chamber 132, first branch transport ducts 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, 136d, a second transport duct 140, a second branch chamber 142, second branch transport ducts 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, and second air outlets 146a, 146b, 146c, 146d.

[0013] The gas-powered floor heating unit 500 is installed on the floor surface of the first space 10. In other words, the gas-powered floor heating unit 500 is installed in the first Western-style room 12 and the living / dining / kitchen area 14 of the first space 10. The gas-powered floor heating unit 500 may be installed only in the living / dining / kitchen area 14 of the first space 10, or it may also be installed in the kitchen 16. The gas-powered floor heating unit 500 heats the first space 10 by circulating water heated by gas under the floor.

[0014] The air conditioning system also includes an exhaust space opening 150, an exhaust space duct 152, a first temperature sensor 190, a second temperature sensor 192, a system controller 300, and an input / output terminal 400. The outside air introduction duct 102, the exhaust duct 106, the supply air duct 110, the first conveyance duct 130, the first branch conveyance ducts 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, the second conveyance duct 140, the second branch conveyance ducts 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, and the exhaust space duct 152 are pipes for carrying air, that is, air ducts.

[0015] The outside air inlet 100 is installed on the first surface 1010. The outside air introduction duct 102 extends from the outside air inlet 100 toward the interior of the house 1000. The outside air introduction duct 102 is connected to the heat exchange ventilation fan 104. The heat exchange ventilation fan 104 is arranged, for example, between the first space 10 and the second space 20, on the second space 20 side in the first space 10, or in the first space 10 in the second space 20. Here, the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 does not contact the end of the building. The exhaust duct 106 is also connected to the heat exchange ventilation fan 104, and the exhaust duct 106 extends toward the first surface 1010. An exhaust port 108 is installed on the first surface 1010, and the exhaust duct 106 is connected to the exhaust port 108. Also, the supply air duct 110 is connected to the heat exchange ventilation fan 104.

[0016] The heat exchange and ventilation fan 104 is provided with an outside air introduction fan (not shown). By the rotation of the outside air introduction fan, the outside air 50 is taken in from the outside air inlet 100, and the outside air 50 flows into the heat exchange and ventilation fan 104 through the outside air introduction duct 102. Also, the ventilation RA (Return Air) 52 flows into the heat exchange and ventilation fan 104 from the inside of the house 1000. Although the ventilation RA 52 will be described later, the ventilation RA 52 corresponds to the supply air that has moved inside the house 1000. The heat exchange and ventilation fan 104 performs heat exchange between these. Since a known technique may be used for the heat exchange in the heat exchange and ventilation fan 104, the description is omitted here. As a result of the heat exchange, the heat exchange and ventilation fan 104 discharges the exhaust air 54 from the exhaust port 108 through the exhaust duct 106 by the rotation of the exhaust fan 112. Also, the heat exchange and ventilation fan 104 supplies the heat-exchanged supply air to the whole-house air-conditioning unit 120 via the supply duct 110.

[0017] Supply air flows into the whole-house air-conditioning unit 120 from the supply duct 110. Also, the circulation RA 56 flows into the whole-house air-conditioning unit 120 from the inside of the house 1000. Although the circulation RA 56 will be described later, the circulation RA 56 corresponds to the supply air that has moved inside the house 1000, similar to the ventilation RA 52. The whole-house air-conditioning unit 120 performs air-conditioning on the air obtained by mixing the supply air and the circulation RA 56. For example, in the whole-house air-conditioning unit 120, the temperature, humidity, etc. are controlled. The first conveyance duct 130 and the second conveyance duct 140 are connected to the whole-house air-conditioning unit 120.

[0018] The first transport duct 130 extends to the first branching chamber 132, where it branches into first branch transport ducts 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d. First branch transport duct 134a is connected to the first air outlet 136a installed in the first Western-style room 12. First branch transport duct 134b is connected to the first air outlet 136b installed in the living room / dining room / kitchen (LDK) 14, and first branch transport duct 134c is connected to the first air outlet 136c installed in the LDK 14. First branch transport duct 134d is connected to the first air outlet 136d installed in the kitchen 16. Hereinafter, first branch transport ducts 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d will be collectively referred to as "first branch transport duct 134" unless there is a need to distinguish between them. Furthermore, the first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d are collectively referred to as "first air outlet 136" unless there is a particular need to distinguish between them.

[0019] The first transport fan 122 of the whole-house air conditioning unit 120 transports conditioned air to the first Western-style room 12, LDK 14, and kitchen 16 of the first space 10 via the first transport duct 130, the first branch chamber 132, the first branch transport ducts 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d, and the first outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d. The first outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d blow the air transported by the first transport fan 122 into the first space 10. Therefore, the first transport fan 122 only serves the first space 10. Multiple first transport fans 122 may be provided. Here, the amount of air supplied in the first transport duct 130 is the sum of the air supplies of the first branch transport ducts 134a, 134b, 134c, and 134d, so the diameter of the first transport duct 130 is made larger than the diameter of the first branch transport duct 134.

[0020] The second transport duct 140 extends to the second branching chamber 142, where it branches into second branch transport ducts 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d. Second branch transport duct 144a is connected to the second air outlet 146a installed in the second Western-style room 22. Second branch transport duct 144b is connected to the second air outlet 146b installed in the entrance hall 26. Second branch transport duct 144c is connected to the second air outlet 146c installed in the third Western-style room 24, and second branch transport duct 144d is connected to the second air outlet 146d installed in the third Western-style room 24. Hereinafter, the second branch transport ducts 144a, 144b, 144c, and 144d will be collectively referred to as "second branch transport duct 144" unless there is a need to distinguish between them. Furthermore, the second air outlets 146a, 146b, 146c, and 146d are collectively referred to as "second air outlet 146" unless there is a need to distinguish between them.

[0021] The second transport fan 124 of the whole-house air conditioning unit 120 transports conditioned air to the second Western-style room 22, the third Western-style room 24, and the entrance 26 of the second space 20 via the second transport duct 140, the second branch chamber 142, the second branch transport ducts 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d, and the second outlets 146a, 146b, 146c, 146d. The second outlets 146a, 146b, 146c, 146d blow the air transported by the second branch transport ducts 144a, 144b, 144c, 144d into the second space 20. Therefore, the second transport fan 124 only serves the second space 20. Multiple second transport fans 124 may be provided. Here as well, the diameter of the second transport duct 140 is larger than the diameter of the second branch transport duct 144.

[0022] The first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d, which are provided on the inner wall surface of the first space 10 and blow out air transported by the first transport fan 122, are installed near the ceiling of the first space 10. The first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d are fixed horizontally to the floor surface on which the gas-type floor heating unit 500 is installed. In other words, the first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d blow air horizontally to the floor surface on which the gas-type floor heating unit 500 is installed. Alternatively, the first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d may be configured to blow air downwards, depending on the structure of the house 1000. In that case, the air blown out from the first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d will be blown vertically to the floor surface on which the gas-type floor heating unit 500 is installed.

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the house 1000. As described above, an outside air inlet 100 and an exhaust vent 108 are installed on the first surface 1010 of the house 1000. The outside air intake duct 102, exhaust duct 106, heat exchange ventilation fan 104, and supply air duct 110, which are connected to the outside air inlet 100 and exhaust vent 108, are located in the ceiling space 42. An air supply vent 182 is installed in the ceiling of the air conditioning room 180, and the supply air duct 110 is connected to the air supply vent 182. The air supply vent 182 blows the supply air 60 from the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 into the air conditioning room 180 via the supply air duct 110.

[0024] As mentioned above, the air conditioning room 180 is a space independent of the first space 10 and the second space 20, and a whole-house air conditioning unit 120 is installed in the air conditioning room 180. An air conditioning room temperature sensor 194 is installed in the air conditioning room 180, and the air conditioning room temperature sensor 194 acquires the temperature of the air conditioning room 180. The air conditioning room temperature sensor 194 has a communication function such as wireless communication and transmits the acquired temperature of the air conditioning room 180 to the system controller 300. The first transport duct 130 connected to the whole-house air conditioning unit 120 extends from the air conditioning room 180 to the ceiling space 42. In the ceiling space 42, the first transport duct 130, the first branch chamber 132, and the first branch transport duct 134c are connected in order. The first air outlet 136c connected to the first branch transport duct 134c is provided in the LDK 14 and blows air horizontally to the floor surface of the LDK 14, that is, to the gas-type floor heating unit 500.

[0025] The other first branch transport ducts 134 and first outlet 136 are arranged similarly, as are the second transport duct 140, second branch chamber 142, second branch transport duct 144, and second outlet 146. In other words, the first transport duct 130, second transport duct 140, first branch transport duct 134, and second branch transport duct 144 are arranged at least through the ceiling space 42 of the corridor 40 that constitutes the building.

[0026] As air is blown out from the first outlet 136 and the second outlet 146, the air originally present in the first space 10 and the second space 20 circulates throughout the house 1000, passing through doors 18, etc. A portion of the circulating air flows into the air conditioning room 180 as circulating air RA56. In the air conditioning room 180, the circulating air RA56 and the supply air 60 are mixed and taken into the whole-house air conditioning unit 120. Another portion of the circulating air is taken into the heat exchange ventilation fan 104 through the ventilation opening 114 as ventilation air RA52. If the outside air 50 is 100 cubic meters and the exhaust air 54 is also 100 cubic meters, then the ventilation air RA52 is 100 cubic meters and the supply air 60 is also 100 cubic meters. If the circulating air RA56 is 900 cubic meters, then the total amount of air discharged from the whole-house air conditioning unit 120 is 1000 cubic meters. Of the air circulated by this 1000 cubic meters of air, 900 cubic meters become circulated RA56 and 100 cubic meters become ventilated RA52.

[0027] Figures 3(a) and 3(b) show the configuration of the whole-house air conditioning unit 120. Figure 3(a) is a front view of the whole-house air conditioning unit 120, and Figure 3(b) is a side view of the whole-house air conditioning unit 120. The whole-house air conditioning unit 120 includes a first transport fan 122, a second transport fan 124, an air conditioner 200, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter 202, and an equipment switch 204. The air conditioner 200, HEPA filter 202, first transport fan 122, and second transport fan 124 are arranged in order from top to bottom in the whole-house air conditioning unit 120.

[0028] The air conditioner 200 is an air conditioner that controls the air conditioning of the air conditioning room 180. The air conditioner 200 cools or heats the air introduced into the air conditioning room, which is a mixture of the air in the air conditioning room 180, i.e., the circulating air RA56 in Figure 2 and the supply air 60, so that the temperature of the air in the air conditioning room 180 reaches a set target temperature (target temperature of the air conditioning room). The target temperature of the air conditioning room 180 is set by the system controller 300. The air conditioner 200 may also have humidification and dehumidification functions. The HEPA filter 202 is an air filter that removes dust, dirt, etc. from the air conditioned by the air conditioner 200 and outputs clean air.

[0029] The first transport fan 122 transports air cooled or heated by the air conditioner 200, purified by the HEPA filter 202, to the first space 10 via the first transport duct 130, the first branch chamber 132, and the first branch transport duct 134. The second transport fan 124 transports air cooled or heated by the air conditioner 200, purified by the HEPA filter 202, to the second space 20 via the second transport duct 140, the second branch chamber 142, and the second branch transport duct 144. The airflow rates of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 are set by the system controller 300. The equipment switch 204 is a switch for turning the power of the whole-building air conditioning unit 120 on and off. Return to Figure 1.

[0030] The first temperature sensor 190 is installed in the first space 10, for example, the living room, dining room, kitchen 14, and acquires the temperature of the first space 10. The first temperature sensor 190 has a communication function such as wireless communication and transmits the acquired temperature of the first space 10 to the system controller 300. The second temperature sensor 192 is installed in the second space 20, for example, the entrance hall 26, and acquires the temperature of the second space 20. The second temperature sensor 192 has a communication function such as wireless communication and transmits the acquired temperature of the second space 20 to the system controller 300.

[0031] The system controller 300 is a controller that controls the entire air conditioning system. The system controller 300 is wirelessly connected to the first transport fan 122, the second transport fan 124, the air conditioner 200, the first temperature sensor 190, the second temperature sensor 192, the air conditioning room temperature sensor 194, and the gas-type floor heating unit 500. Wireless communication eliminates the need for complex wiring work. However, at least some of these components may be wirelessly connected.

[0032] The system controller 300 receives temperatures from the first temperature sensor 190, the second temperature sensor 192, and the air conditioning room temperature sensor 194. Based on the received temperatures, the system controller 300 sets the temperature of the air conditioner 200 and transmits the set temperature to the air conditioner 200. The system controller 300 also sets the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 based on the received temperatures and transmits the set airflow rates to the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124. In this way, the system controller 300 controls the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124.

[0033] The system controller 300 receives the power consumption used by the air conditioner 200. Based on the power consumption used by the air conditioner 200, the system controller 300 transmits an operation signal to the gas-type floor heating unit 500. In this way, the system controller 300 controls the gas-type floor heating unit 500.

[0034] The input / output terminal 400 is connected to the system controller 300 via wireless communication and receives input of information necessary for constructing the air conditioning system, which is then stored in the system controller 300. The input / output terminal 400 also obtains and displays the status of the air conditioning system from the system controller 300. The input / output terminal 400 is a portable information terminal, such as a mobile phone, smartphone, or tablet. The input / output terminal 400 does not necessarily need to be connected to the system controller 300 via wireless communication; it may also be connected to the system controller 300 via wired communication. In this case, the input / output terminal 400 may be implemented, for example, by a wall-mounted remote controller. In Figure 1, the system controller 300 and the input / output terminal 400 are located in the living room, dining room, kitchen (LDK) 14, but they may be located in locations other than the LDK 14.

[0035] The gas-powered floor heating unit 500 is a device that heats the first space 10 by passing water heated by gas under the floor. The gas-powered floor heating unit 500 has communication functions such as wireless communication and receives operation signals transmitted from the system controller 300. A general-purpose device is used for the gas-powered floor heating unit 500, so a detailed explanation will be omitted, but since the gas-powered floor heating unit 500 does not use electricity for its heating function, the power consumption of the gas-powered floor heating unit 500 is lower than that of the air conditioner 200.

[0036] An exhaust space vent 150 is installed in the ceiling of a toilet 32, which is an example of an exhaust space 30. An exhaust space duct 152 is connected to the exhaust space vent 150, and the exhaust space duct 152 is connected to the exhaust fan 112 of a heat exchange ventilation fan 104. As the exhaust fan 112 rotates, the air from the toilet 32 ​​is discharged outside the building through the exhaust space vent 150 and the exhaust duct 106, and then through the exhaust port 108. On the other hand, the exhaust space 30 is not equipped with a first outlet 136 or a second outlet 146 for blowing out air transported by a first transport fan 122 or a second transport fan 124.

[0037] Figure 4 shows the configuration of the system controller 300. The system controller 300 includes a target temperature acquisition unit 310, an air conditioning room temperature control unit 312, an airflow rate determination unit 314, a fan airflow rate control unit 316, an air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit 502, a reference power acquisition unit 504, and a floor heating instruction unit 506. The target temperature acquisition unit 310 acquires the target temperatures set for the first space 10 and the second space 20, respectively, via the input / output terminal 400.

[0038] The air conditioning room temperature control unit 312 controls the air conditioner 200 so that the temperature of the air conditioning room 180 (air conditioning room temperature) is less than or equal to the lower of the target temperature of the first space 10 and the target temperature of the second space 20 acquired by the target temperature acquisition unit 310, when it is the cooling season, that is, when the indoor temperature of the first space 10 or the second space 20 is high and the air conditioner 200 is operating in cooling mode. The air conditioning room temperature control unit 312 controls the air conditioner 200 so that the temperature of the air conditioning room 180 is greater than or equal to the higher of the target temperature of the first space 10 and the target temperature of the second space 20 acquired by the target temperature acquisition unit 310, when it is the heating season, that is, when the indoor temperature of the first space 10 or the second space 20 is low and the air conditioner 200 is operating in heating mode. Through this process, the air conditioning room temperature control unit 312 controls the temperature of the air conditioning room 180.

[0039] The airflow rate determination unit 314 determines the airflow rates of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 based on the target temperatures of the first space 10 and the second space 20 acquired by the target temperature acquisition unit 310, the temperature of the air-conditioned room 180 controlled by the air-conditioned room temperature control unit 312, the indoor temperature of the first space 10 acquired by the first temperature sensor 190, and the indoor temperature of the second space 20 acquired by the second temperature sensor 192. The procedure for determining and changing the airflow rates will be described later. The fan airflow rate control unit 316 controls the airflow rates of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 based on the airflow rates determined by the airflow rate determination unit 314.

[0040] The air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit 502 acquires the power consumed when the air conditioner 200 is operating (air conditioner power consumption).

[0041] The reference power acquisition unit 504 acquires a reference power 510, which is set as a threshold for when the gas-type floor heating unit 500 starts operating, via the input / output terminal 400. The reference power 510 is set based on the COP (Coefficient of Performance) of the air conditioner 200. Since a higher COP results in more efficient air conditioning, it is preferable to use the air conditioner 200 within a range where the COP is high. The method for determining the reference power 510 will be described later.

[0042] The floor heating instruction unit 506 transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as the "instruction signal") to the gas-type floor heating unit 500 indicating that it should be operated if the value acquired by the air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit 502 exceeds the value acquired by the reference power acquisition unit 504. At this time, the gas-type floor heating unit 500 operates the floor heating in accordance with the instruction signal.

[0043] Figure 5 shows the relationship between the power consumption and COP of the air conditioner 200. Note that the relationship between power consumption and COP differs depending on the type of air conditioner 200, but in this embodiment, the relationship shown in Figure 5, "Diagram showing the relationship between power consumption and COP," is used. The horizontal axis of Figure 5 shows the power consumption of the air conditioner 200, and the vertical axis shows the COP of the air conditioner 200 for each power consumption. For example, if the power consumption of the air conditioner 200 is 1000W, the COP will be "4". From Figure 5, the COP decreases beyond a certain power consumption. Since it is preferable to use the air conditioner 200 in a range where the COP is high, the reference power 510 is set to, for example, 1000W, which results in a COP of "4 or higher".

[0044] The subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure comprises a computer. The functions of the subject of the apparatus, system, or method in this disclosure are realized by the computer executing a program. The computer comprises a processor as its main hardware component, which operates according to the program. The processor is of any type as long as it can realize its functions by executing the program. The processor consists of one or more electronic circuits, including semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) or LSIs (Large Scale Integrations). Multiple electronic circuits may be integrated on one chip or provided on multiple chips. Multiple chips may be aggregated in one device or provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-temporary recording medium such as a ROM, optical disc, or hard disk drive that is readable by the computer. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or supplied to the recording medium via a wide-area communication network, including the Internet.

[0045] The air conditioning process performed by the system controller 300 will be explained with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Figures 6 to 9 are flowcharts illustrating the air conditioning procedure performed by the system controller 300. In particular, Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning procedure, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the air conditioning room temperature control process, Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the fan airflow setting process, and Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the floor heating operation process.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, the air conditioning process performed by the system controller 300 mainly consists of the air conditioning room temperature control process S100, the fan airflow setting process S200, and the floor heating operation process S300, and is executed in this order.

[0047] When the user performs an air conditioning operation, the system controller 300 executes the air conditioning room temperature control process S100 shown in Figure 7. In the air conditioning room temperature control process S100, the system controller 300 acquires the cooling / heating season settings set in the input / output terminal 400 (S101). Here, the cooling / heating season settings refer to, for example, the summer when the temperature is high and the air conditioner 200 is operated as a cooling unit, and the winter when the temperature is low and the air conditioner 200 is operated as a heating unit, which is set as the heating season. The user can acquire these settings by setting, for example, June to September as the cooling season and December to March as the heating season in the calendar function of the input / output terminal 400. Next, the system controller 300 acquires the target temperatures set in the first space 10 and the second space 20 respectively by the input / output terminal 400 via the target temperature acquisition unit 310 (S102).

[0048] When the target temperature is obtained, the air conditioning room temperature control unit 312 sets the target temperature of the air conditioning room 180 (air conditioning room target temperature) to the air conditioner 200 (S103). For example, in the first space 10, the indoor temperature is 28°C and the target temperature is 25°C, and in the second space 20, the indoor temperature is 27°C and the target temperature is 20°C. Since the heating / cooling season setting obtained in S101 is the cooling season, i.e., cooling operation, the air conditioning room temperature control unit 312 controls the air conditioning room target temperature to a temperature that is less than or equal to the lowest of the multiple target temperatures. Here, multiple target temperatures are compared and set to the lowest, 20°C or less. For example, the air conditioning room target temperature is set to 20°C. On the other hand, in the heating season, i.e., heating operation, the air conditioning room temperature control unit 312 controls the air conditioning room target temperature to a temperature that is greater than or equal to the highest of the target temperatures of the first space 10 and the second space 20.

[0049] Next, the system controller 300 executes the fan airflow setting process S200 shown in Figure 8. In the fan airflow setting process S200, the system controller 300 obtains the air conditioning room temperature from the air conditioning room temperature sensor 194 (S201). The system controller 300 obtains the room temperature of the first space 10 from the first temperature sensor 190 and the room temperature of the second space 20 from the second temperature sensor 192 (S202). The system controller 300 obtains the target temperature of the first space 10 and the target temperature of the second space 20 from the input / output terminal 400 via the target temperature acquisition unit 310 (S203).

[0050] The airflow rate determination unit 314 compares the target temperature with the air-conditioned room temperature and calculates the temperature difference (S204). Based on the calculated temperature difference, the airflow rate determination unit 314 determines the airflow rate of the transport fan (S205). The airflow rate is determined, for example, as follows: If the target temperature of the second space 20 is 20°C and the temperature of the air-conditioned room 180 is 20°C, the airflow rate of the second transport fan 124 corresponding to the second transport duct 140 connecting the second space 20 and the air-conditioned room 180 is set to the maximum value. Here, the airflow rate can be the airflow capacity of the transport fan or the operating notch. For example, if the airflow rate of the transport fan can be set in 10 stages from airflow rate "1" to airflow rate "10" in order from the smallest airflow rate, then the airflow rate of the second transport fan 124 is determined to be "10". In other words, the airflow rate determination unit 314 determines to blow the maximum amount of air at the same temperature (20°C) from the air conditioning room 180 in order to lower the indoor temperature of the second space 20 from 27°C and maintain the target temperature of 20°C.

[0051] Furthermore, if the target temperature of the first space 10 is 25°C and the temperature of the air-conditioned room 180 is 20°C, setting the airflow capacity of the first transport fan 122 to its maximum value of "10" may result in the target temperature of the first space 10 falling below 25°C. Therefore, the airflow rate determination unit 314 sets the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 to a value lower than the maximum value, for example, "5". In other words, the airflow rate determination unit 314 adjusts the airflow rate of the transport fan for spaces with a small temperature difference (e.g., the second space 20: temperature difference 0°C) to a smaller airflow rate for spaces with a large temperature difference (e.g., the first space 10: temperature difference 5°C), depending on the difference between the target temperature and the temperature of the air-conditioned room. This process is performed for all spaces (S206N → S202... → S206Y). The fan airflow control unit 316 controls the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 according to the airflow rate determined by the airflow rate determination unit 314 (S207).

[0052] Next, the system controller 300 executes the floor heating operation process S300 shown in Figure 9. In the floor heating operation process S300, the system controller 300 obtains the power consumption of the air conditioner from the air conditioner 200 via the air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit 502 (S302). The system controller 300 also obtains the reference power 510 from the input / output terminal 400 via the reference power acquisition unit 504 (S304).

[0053] The floor heating instruction unit 506 compares the acquired power consumption of the air conditioner with the reference power 510. If the power consumption of the air conditioner is equal to or greater than the reference power 510 (S306Y), it sends an instruction signal to the gas-type floor heating unit 500 (S308). On the other hand, if the power consumption of the air conditioner is less than the reference power 510 (S306N), the floor heating instruction unit 506 does not send an instruction signal to the gas-type floor heating unit 500.

[0054] According to this embodiment, when the power consumption of the air conditioner 200 acquired by the air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit 502 exceeds the standard power 510, the gas-type floor heating unit 500 is operated, thereby reducing the peak power during times when the air conditioner 200 consumes a lot of power. Because the peak power during times of high power consumption can be reduced, the amount of electricity used for air conditioning can be reduced. In addition, since the peak power during times of high power consumption is cut, whole-house air conditioning can be achieved even with a small contracted power. Furthermore, since the first air outlets 136a, 136b, 136c, and 136d blow air horizontally to the floor surface on which the gas-type floor heating unit 500 is installed, the indoor temperature can be efficiently leveled out against the airflow that flows upwards in the room, carried by the rising airflow of the air conditioned by the gas-type floor heating unit 500.

[0055] Furthermore, since the air from the air conditioning room 180 is transported only to the first space 10 and the second space 20, air conditioning suitable for the residences 1000 in the apartment building can be implemented. Also, because air conditioning suitable for the residences 1000 in the apartment building can be implemented, air conditioning for the residences 1000 in the apartment building can be implemented efficiently. Furthermore, since the first transport fan 122, which corresponds only to the first space 10, and the second transport fan 124, which corresponds only to the second space 20, transport the air, control can be simple while improving efficiency. Also, because control is simple while efficiency is improved, it can be implemented at a low cost. Furthermore, because the space is divided into the first space 10 and the second space 20, control can be implemented to match seasonal high loads. Also, because control can be implemented to match seasonal high loads, comfort can be achieved at a low cost.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described above based on embodiments, it can be easily inferred that the present invention is not limited in any way to the above embodiments, and that various improvements and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0057] (Variation 1) Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the control operation by the system controller 300 according to Modification 1 will be described.

[0058] In the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1, the system controller 300 calculates the temperature difference by comparing the target temperature with the air-conditioned room temperature and determines the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 based on the calculated temperature difference, but is not limited to this. For example, when the gas-type floor heater 500 is operating, the airflow rate to the first space 10 may be increased. Specifically, when the system controller 300 receives an operation signal from the gas-type floor heater 500, it controls the first transport fan 122 so that the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 is greater than the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 before the gas-type floor heater 500 was operating. Even in this way, peak power reduction can be achieved. The control operation in Modification 1 will be described in detail below.

[0059] Figure 10 shows the configuration of the system controller 300 according to Modification 1. The system controller 300 further includes a floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 compared to the configuration in Figure 4. The floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 receives an operation signal from the gas-type floor heating unit 500 and acquires the operating status of the gas-type floor heating unit 500.

[0060] The airflow rate determination unit 314 determines the airflow rates of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 based on the target temperatures of the first space 10 and the second space 20 acquired by the target temperature acquisition unit 310, the temperature of the air-conditioned room 180 controlled by the air-conditioned room temperature control unit 312, the indoor temperature of the first space 10 acquired by the first temperature sensor 190, and the indoor temperature of the second space 20 acquired by the second temperature sensor 192. Here, when the floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 acquires an operation signal for the gas-type floor heating unit 500, the airflow rate determination unit 314 controls the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 so that it is greater than the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 before the gas-type floor heating unit 500 started operating. The procedure for determining and changing the airflow rates will be described later. The fan airflow control unit 316 controls the airflow of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124, respectively, using the airflow determined by the airflow determination unit 314.

[0061] Referring to Figure 11, the air conditioning process performed by the system controller 300 will be described. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the fan airflow setting procedure by the system controller 300 according to Modification Example 1.

[0062] The system controller 300 executes the fan airflow setting process S400 shown in Figure 11. In the fan airflow setting process S400, the system controller 300 obtains the air conditioning room temperature from the air conditioning room temperature sensor 194 (S401). The system controller 300 obtains the room temperature of the first space 10 from the first temperature sensor 190 and the room temperature of the second space 20 from the second temperature sensor 192 (S402). The system controller 300 obtains the target temperature of the first space 10 and the target temperature of the second space 20 from the input / output terminal 400 via the target temperature acquisition unit 310 (S403).

[0063] The airflow rate determination unit 314 compares the target temperature with the air-conditioned room temperature and calculates the temperature difference (S404). Based on the calculated temperature difference, the airflow rate determination unit 314 determines the airflow rate of the transport fan (S405). The above process is performed for all spaces (S406N → S402... → S406Y).

[0064] When the floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 acquires an operation signal from the gas-type floor heating unit 500 (S407Y), the airflow rate determination unit 314 adjusts the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 to a value greater than the currently determined airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 (S408). For example, when the currently determined airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 is "5", the airflow rate determination unit 314 adjusts the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 to "6". The fan airflow rate control unit 316 controls the first transport fan 122 according to the airflow rate adjusted by the airflow rate determination unit 314 (S409).

[0065] On the other hand, if the floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 does not acquire an operation signal from the gas-type floor heating unit 500 (S407N), the airflow rate determination unit 314 does not adjust the currently determined airflow rate of the first transport fan 122. The fan airflow rate control unit 316 controls the first transport fan 122 according to the airflow rate determined by the airflow rate determination unit 314 (S409).

[0066] According to Modification 1, when the gas-type floor heater 500 is operating, the amount of air supplied to the first space 10 where the gas-type floor heater 500 is installed is made greater than the amount of air supplied by the first transport fan 122 before the gas-type floor heater 500 is operating, so that the air heated by the gas-type floor heater 500 can be efficiently circulated. Also, because the air can be circulated efficiently, air conditioning can be efficiently performed in the first space 10 and the second space 20. In addition, because the heating from the gas-type floor heater 500 can be efficiently delivered to the first space 10 and the second space 20, the load on the air conditioner 200 can be reduced. Because the load on the air conditioner 200 can be reduced, the amount of electricity consumed can be reduced. Because the amount of electricity consumed can be reduced, peak power consumption during times of high power consumption can be cut.

[0067] (Modification 2) Referring to Figure 12, the control operation by the system controller 300 according to modified example 2 will be described.

[0068] In the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1, the system controller 300 calculates the temperature difference by comparing the target temperature with the air-conditioned room temperature and determines the airflow rate of the transport fans based on the calculated temperature difference, but it is not limited to this. For example, when the gas-type floor heater 500 is operating, the system controller 300 may increase the airflow rate to the first space 10 and the second space 20. Specifically, when the operating signal of the gas-type floor heater 500 is acquired, the system controller 300 controls the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 so that the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 is greater than the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 before the gas-type floor heater 500 was operating. Even in this way, peak power reduction can be achieved. The control operation in Modification 2 will be described below.

[0069] Referring to Figure 12, the air conditioning process performed by the system controller 300 will be described. Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the fan airflow setting process by the system controller 300 according to Modification Example 2.

[0070] The system controller 300 executes the fan airflow setting process S500 shown in Figure 12.

[0071] As described above, the airflow rate determination unit 314 determines the airflow rate of the transport fan (S501). When the floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 acquires an operation signal from the gas-type floor heating unit 500 (S502Y), the airflow rate determination unit 314 adjusts the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 to a value greater than the currently determined airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 (S503). For example, when the currently determined airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 is "5", the airflow rate determination unit 314 adjusts the airflow rate of the first transport fan 122 to "6".

[0072] When the floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 acquires an operation signal from the gas-type floor heating unit 500 (S502Y), the airflow rate determination unit 314 adjusts the airflow rate of the second transport fan 124 to a value greater than the currently determined airflow rate (S503). For example, when the currently determined airflow rate of the second transport fan 124 is "5", the airflow rate determination unit 314 adjusts the airflow rate of the second transport fan 124 to "6".

[0073] The above process is performed on all spaces (S504N → S502... → S504Y).

[0074] The fan airflow control unit 316 controls the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 according to the airflow rate adjusted by the airflow rate determination unit 314 (S505).

[0075] On the other hand, if the floor heating operation acquisition unit 508 does not acquire an operation signal from the gas-type floor heating unit 500 (S502N), the airflow rate determination unit 314 does not adjust the airflow rates of the currently determined first conveyor fan 122 and second conveyor fan 124. The fan airflow control unit 316 controls the first conveyor fan 122 and second conveyor fan 124 according to the airflow rates determined by the airflow rate determination unit 314 (S505).

[0076] According to Modification 2, when the gas-type floor heater 500 is in operation, the amount of air supplied to the first space 10 and the second space 20 where the gas-type floor heater 500 is installed is made greater than the amount of air supplied by the first transport fan 122 and the second transport fan 124 before the gas-type floor heater 500 is in operation, thereby enabling efficient circulation of the air heated by the gas-type floor heater 500. Furthermore, because the air can be circulated efficiently, air conditioning in the first space 10 and the second space 20 can be performed efficiently. In addition, because the heating from the gas-type floor heater 500 can be efficiently delivered to the first space 10 and the second space 20, the load on the air conditioner 200 can be reduced. Because the load on the air conditioner 200 can be reduced, the amount of electricity consumed can be reduced. Because the amount of electricity consumed can be reduced, peak power consumption during times of high power consumption can be cut.

[0077] (Variation 3) The control operation by the system controller 300 according to Modification 3 will be described below.

[0078] In the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1, the system controller 300 sets the reference power 510 based on the COP of the air conditioner 200, but is not limited to this. For example, the system controller 300 may set the reference power 510 based on the electrical capacity pre-set in the house 1000. Even in this way, peak power reduction can be achieved. The control operation in Modification 4 will be described below.

[0079] As mentioned above, a predetermined electrical capacity is set for house 1000. When setting the standard power 510 based on the predetermined electrical capacity of house 1000, the following applies. For example, if the predetermined electrical capacity of house 1000 is 60A, and the total electrical capacity of electrical appliances used other than this air conditioning system is 40A, then the remaining electrical capacity will be 20A. If the voltage of the air conditioner 200 is 200V, the usable power consumption will be 4000W. In this case, the standard power 510 will be 2000W, which is 50% of 4000W.

[0080] The floor heating instruction unit 506 in Figure 4 compares the power consumption of the air conditioner obtained from the air conditioner 200 with the reference power 510 set as described above. If the power consumption of the air conditioner exceeds the reference power 510, it sends an instruction signal to the gas-type floor heating unit 500. The gas-type floor heating unit 500 operates the floor heating in accordance with the instruction signal.

[0081] According to Modification 3, if the power consumption of the air conditioner 200 acquired by the air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit 502 exceeds the standard power 510, the gas-type floor heating unit 500 is operated, thereby reducing the peak power during times when the air conditioner 200 consumes a lot of power. Because the peak power during times of high power consumption is reduced, the amount of electricity used for air conditioning can be reduced. In addition, since the peak power during times of high power consumption is cut, whole-house air conditioning can be achieved even with a small contracted power.

[0082] In addition, the standard power 510 in Modification 3 may be set based on both a setting based on the COP of the air conditioner 200 and a setting based on the pre-set electrical capacity of the house 1000. In this case, the setting based on the COP of the air conditioner 200 and the setting based on the pre-set electrical capacity of the house 1000 are compared, and the setting with the smaller value is prioritized as the standard power 510. Specifically, if the standard power 510 is set based on the COP of the air conditioner 200, the standard power 510 is estimated to be 1000W, for example, based on Figure 5, which results in a COP of "4 or more". On the other hand, if the standard power 510 is set based on the pre-set electrical capacity of the house 1000, for example, if the pre-set electrical capacity of the house 1000 is 60A and the total electrical capacity of electrical appliances used other than this air conditioning system is 40A, then the remaining electrical capacity is 20A. In other words, if the voltage of the air conditioner 200 is 200V, the usable power consumption is 4000W. In this case, the standard power of 510 is estimated to be 2000W, which is 50% of 4000W. As a result of the estimation, the setting based on the COP of the air conditioner 200 is lower than the setting based on the pre-set electrical capacity of the house 1000, so the standard power of 510 will be set based on the COP of the air conditioner 200. Even in this way, peak power can be reduced. [Industrial applicability]

[0083] The air conditioning system according to the present invention is effective as an air conditioning system that can cut peak power consumption during winter by working in conjunction with a gas-type floor heating system. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0084] 1000 houses 1010 1st page 1020 2nd page 10 1st space 20 Second space 12. First Western-style room 14 LDK 16 Kitchen 18 Doors 22 Second Western-style room 24. Third Western-style room 26 Entrance 30 Exhaust space 32 Toilets 34 Bathroom 42 Attic 52 Ventilation RA 54 Exhaust 56 Circulating RA 60 Air supply 100 Outdoor air intake 102 Outdoor air intake duct 104 Heat exchange type ventilation fan 106 Exhaust duct 108 Exhaust vent 110 Air supply duct 112 Exhaust fan 120 Whole-building air conditioning units 122 First transport fan 124 Second transport fan 130 First conveying duct 132 First Branch Chamber 134 First branch transport duct 134a First branch transport duct 134b First branch transport duct 134c First branch transport duct 134d First branch transport duct 136 1st outlet 136a 1st outlet 136b 1st outlet 136c 1st outlet 136d 1st outlet 140 Second conveying duct 142 Second Branch Chamber 144 Second branch transport duct 144a Second branch transport duct 144b Second branch transport duct 144c Second branch transport duct 144d Second branch transport duct 146 2nd outlet 146a 2nd outlet 146b 2nd outlet 146c 2nd outlet 146d 2nd outlet 150 Exhaust space vent 152 Exhaust space duct 190 First temperature sensor 192 Second temperature sensor 194 Air Conditioning Room Temperature Sensor 200 Air conditioner 202 HEPA filter 204 Equipment Switch 300 System Controllers 310 Target temperature acquisition section 312 Air Conditioning Room Temperature Control Unit 314 Airflow rate determination unit 316 Fan airflow control unit 400 Input / Output Terminals 500 Gas-powered floor heating system 502 Air conditioner power consumption acquisition section 504 Reference power acquisition section 506 Underfloor heating indicator 508 Floor heating operation acquisition unit 510 Reference power

Claims

1. An air conditioning system that provides air conditioning for a house, An air conditioner installed in the air conditioning room of the aforementioned house, which heats the air introduced into the air conditioning room, and a first transport fan which transports the air heated by the air conditioner in the air conditioning room to a first space which is one of a plurality of spaces independent of the air conditioning room, A gas-type floor heating unit is installed on the floor surface of the first space and provides heating to the first space, A system controller that controls the air conditioner, the first transport fan, and the gas-type floor heating unit, Equipped with, The system controller controls the operation of the gas-type floor heating unit when the power consumption of the air conditioner exceeds the standard power. The aforementioned system controller Includes a floor heating operation acquisition unit that acquires the operating status of the gas-type floor heating unit, When the floor heating operation acquisition unit acquires an operation signal from the gas-type floor heating unit, it controls the first transport fan to increase the airflow rate of the first transport fan to at least the airflow rate of the first transport fan before the gas-type floor heating unit is operating. Air conditioning system.

2. The aforementioned system controller A floor heating operation instruction unit that sends an operation or stop signal to the gas-type floor heating unit, An air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit that acquires the power consumption of the air conditioner, Includes, The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the floor heating operation instruction unit issues an operation instruction to the gas-type floor heating equipment when the air conditioner power consumption acquisition unit acquires a power consumption value that is greater than the reference power.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the reference power is set based on at least one of the COP (Coefficient of Performance) of the air conditioner and the electrical capacity set in advance for the dwelling.

4. The system includes a second transport fan that transports the air heated by the air conditioner in the air-conditioned room to a second space that is independent of the air-conditioned room and separate from the first space. The system controller controls the second transport fan, The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein when the floor heating operation acquisition unit acquires an operation signal for the gas-type floor heating unit, it controls the first and second transport fans to increase the amount of air supplied by the first and second transport fans to an amount greater than the amount of air supplied by the first and second transport fans before the gas-type floor heating unit was operating.

5. The first space is further provided with a first outlet on the inner wall surface for blowing out the air transported by the first transport fan, The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the first air outlet blows air horizontally to the floor surface on which the gas-type floor heating unit is installed near the ceiling of the first space.

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