Air conditioning system and control method for air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioner capable of removing odor components of air in a room.SOLUTION: An air conditioner according to an embodiment includes an outdoor unit having a ventilation device for ventilating room air and a humidity control device for controlling humidity of air sent into a room by the ventilation device, an indoor unit having an indoor heat exchanger and an electrostatic atomization device disposed in a casing, and a control section for controlling the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The control section performs control in an odor component exhaust mode in which, during generation of electrostatic mist by the electrostatic atomization device, the ventilation device sends the air humidified by the humidity control device into the room and dehumidifying operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner and a control method for the air conditioner.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for removing odor components contained in condensed water adhering to a heat exchanger of an indoor unit has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a heating operation for improving the drying effect of moisture adhering to the heat exchanger of the indoor unit and a blowing operation for improving the removal effect of odor components staying inside the indoor unit are sequentially performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, there is a problem that the removed odor components may eventually return to the room. The present disclosure discloses an air conditioner that removes odor components from indoor air and a control method for the air conditioner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The air conditioner in the present disclosure includes an outdoor unit including a ventilation device that ventilates indoor air and a humidity adjustment device that adjusts the humidity of the air sent into the room by the ventilation device, an indoor unit including an indoor heat exchanger and an electrostatic atomization device inside a housing, and a control unit that controls the outdoor unit and the indoor unit. The control unit controls in an odor component exhaust mode in which the ventilation device sends humidified air into the room by the humidity adjustment device and performs a dehumidification operation while the electrostatic atomization device is generating electrostatic mist. Furthermore, the control unit controls the system in a humidification stop mode, which stops the humidification operation by the ventilation system while the electrostatic atomizer is circulating the electrostatic mist in the room.It is characterized by doing so.

[0006] Furthermore, the control method for an air conditioning system in this disclosure comprises an outdoor unit equipped with a ventilation device for ventilating indoor air and a humidity control device for adjusting the humidity of the air sent into the room by the ventilation device, an indoor unit equipped with an indoor heat exchanger and an electrostatic atomizer inside the housing, and a control unit for controlling the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, wherein while the electrostatic atomizer is generating electrostatic mist, the ventilation device sends humidified air from the humidity control device into the room and performs dehumidification operation. i. While the electrostatic atomizer is circulating the electrostatic mist in the room, the humidification operation by the ventilation system is stopped. A control method for an air conditioning system, characterized by the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The air conditioning system described herein decomposes and removes odor components using electrostatic mist, humidifies the indoor air, and simultaneously dehumidifies it using an indoor heat exchanger, thereby adsorbing odor components onto condensed water. As a result, indoor odors can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Side cross-section of the indoor unit [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of a humidity control device [Figure 4] Block diagram showing the control configuration of an air conditioning system. [Figure 5] Flowchart for controlling an air conditioning system, including an odor removal mode with humidification. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of exhaust operation in odor component removal mode [Figure 7] Schematic diagram of electrostatic fog circulation operation [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived of this disclosure, there was a technology to install an electrostatic atomizer in an air conditioning system for removing indoor odors and neutralizing allergens such as pollen.

[0010] The radicals generated by the electrostatic atomizer are suitable for decomposing and neutralizing chemical substances. In addition, the inventors discovered that airborne particles are collected in the condensation water of the air conditioner, and have invented an air conditioner that collects and removes odor components and airborne particles in the room by using temperature control of the heat exchanger, etc. However, the inventors discovered that there is a problem in recovering and removing odor components, etc., when humidity is low, such as in winter, and condensation water is not sufficiently generated. To solve this problem, they have come to form the subject matter of this disclosure. This disclosure provides an air conditioning system capable of removing odor components from indoor air.

[0011] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) The configuration of the air conditioning system 1 according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

[0013] [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Indoor Unit Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment has an indoor unit 5 located in the indoor area Rin to be air-conditioned, and an outdoor unit 10 located in the outdoor area Rout.

[0015] The indoor unit 5 is provided with an indoor heat exchanger 15 that exchanges heat with the indoor air A1, and an indoor blower 60 that draws the indoor air A1 into the indoor unit 5 and blows out the indoor air A1 that has exchanged heat with the indoor heat exchanger 15 into the room Rin. The indoor heat exchanger 15 is used in a cooling operation for cooling the indoor air by a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant (not shown) flowing through the indoor heat exchanger 15, a dehumidifying operation for removing moisture from the indoor air, and the like.

[0016] The outdoor unit 10 is provided with an outdoor heat exchanger 30 that exchanges heat with the outdoor air 73, and an outdoor blower 40 that draws the outdoor air 73 into the outdoor unit 10 and blows out the outdoor air 77 that has exchanged heat with the outdoor heat exchanger 30 into the outdoor Rout. Further, the outdoor unit 10 is provided with a compressor 35, an expansion mechanism 50, and a four-way valve 45 that execute a refrigeration cycle with the indoor heat exchanger 15 and the outdoor heat exchanger 30.

[0017] Each of the indoor heat exchanger 15, the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the compressor 35, the expansion mechanism 50, and the four-way valve 45 is connected by a refrigerant pipe 56 through which the refrigerant flows. In the case of the cooling operation and the dehumidifying operation (weak cooling operation), the air conditioner 1 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 35 through the four-way valve 45, the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the expansion mechanism 50, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 in sequence and returns to the compressor 35. In the case of the heating operation, the air conditioner 1 executes a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows from the compressor 35 through the four-way valve 45, the indoor heat exchanger 15, the expansion mechanism 50, and the outdoor heat exchanger 30 in sequence and returns to the compressor 35.

[0018] In addition to the air conditioning operation by the refrigeration cycle, the air conditioner 1 executes a humidifying operation for absorbing moisture contained in the outdoor Rout and supplying it to the indoor Rin. For this purpose, the air conditioner 1 has a ventilation device 25. The ventilation device 25 is provided in the outdoor unit 10.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 5.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an indoor unit 5. The indoor unit 5 includes a housing 97 that is mounted on the wall of the room.

[0021] An air intake port 95 for drawing in indoor air is provided on the top surface of the housing 97. An air outlet port 91 for blowing air towards the indoor Rin is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 97. Both the air intake port 95 and the air outlet port 91 are formed over the entire width of the housing 97. An indoor heat exchanger 15 is housed inside the housing 97. The indoor heat exchanger 15 is formed in a roughly inverted V shape when viewed from the side, and is positioned to partition the space between the air intake 95 and the air outlet 91 inside the housing 97. As a result, indoor air A1 drawn in from the air intake 95 is configured to always pass through the indoor heat exchanger 15 before reaching the air outlet 91.

[0022] An indoor blower 60 is positioned inside the indoor heat exchanger 15. The indoor blower 60 is rotationally driven by a blower drive motor (not shown) and is configured to draw in indoor air from the intake port 95, pass the air through the indoor heat exchanger 15 to exchange heat, and then blow the air out into the indoor Rin from the outlet port 91.

[0023] Near the air outlet 91, left and right air deflectors 87 are provided so as to be able to swing from side to side to adjust the lateral direction of the blown air. The direction of the left and right air deflectors 87 can be adjusted manually or by an air deflector drive motor (not shown). Below the left and right air deflectors 87, an upper and lower air deflector 89 is provided that can swing freely to adjust the vertical direction of the blown air. The upper and lower air deflectors 89 can be automatically adjusted vertically by an air deflector drive motor (not shown).

[0024] The air guide substrate 81 draws in outdoor air A3 from the intake port 81b through the ventilation conduit 20 and guides it to the nozzle outlet 81a.

[0025] Furthermore, an electrostatic atomizer 85 is positioned inside the housing 97, near the outlet 91. The electrostatic atomizer 85 includes, for example, a discharge unit that discharges into the supplied moisture to generate a mist containing charged water particles, and a power supply circuit that generates a high voltage to be applied to the discharge unit. The discharge unit and power supply circuit are not shown in the diagram. The electrostatic atomizer 85 suppresses viruses, mold, allergy-causing substances, bacteria, etc. in the air and deodorizes by generating a mist containing charged water particles. The charged water particles contain active ingredients such as electrostatic mist that exhibit antibacterial and deodorizing effects.

[0026] The indoor unit 5 is equipped with drainage channels called drain pans 144 and 146 that receive condensation water that is cooled and condensed near the indoor heat exchanger 15.

[0027] The air conditioning system 1 includes an outdoor unit 10. The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 35, an outdoor heat exchanger 30, an outdoor fan 40 that supplies outside air to the outdoor heat exchanger 35, an expansion mechanism 50 (see Figure 2 for all of these), and a ventilation device 25 that humidifies the indoor air. The outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 5 are connected by refrigerant piping (not shown) and constitute a predetermined refrigeration cycle circuit.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the ventilation device 25.

[0029] The ventilation device 25 includes a humidity control device 27 having an absorbent material 52 through which outdoor air A3 and A4 pass. The absorbent material 52 is a member through which air can pass and which collects moisture from the passing air or adds moisture to the passing air. In this embodiment, the absorbent material 52 is disc-shaped and rotates around a rotation centerline C1 that passes through its center. The absorbent material 52 is rotationally driven by a motor 54.

[0030] The absorbent material 52 is preferably a polymer sorbent that adsorbs moisture from the air. The polymer sorbent is, for example, composed of a crosslinked sodium polyacrylate. Compared to adsorbents such as silica gel and zeolite, the polymer sorbent absorbs a larger amount of moisture per unit volume, can desorb the supported moisture at a low heating temperature, and can support moisture for a long period of time.

[0031] Inside the ventilation device 25, there are a first flow path P1 and a second flow path P2 through which outdoor air A3 and A4 flow, respectively, passing through the absorbent material 52. The first flow path P1 and the second flow path P2 pass through the absorbent material 52 at different positions.

[0032] The first flow path P1 is a flow path through which 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 5 via the ventilation conduit 20.

[0033] In this embodiment, the first flow path P1 includes a plurality of tributaries P1a and P1b upstream of the absorbent material 52. In this specification, "upstream" and "downstream" are used in relation to airflow.

[0034] Multiple branch channels P1a and P2a merge upstream of the absorbent material 52. Each of the branch channels P1a and P1b is provided with first and second heaters 58a and 58b, respectively, for heating the outdoor air A3.

[0035] The first and second heaters 58a and 58b may have the same heating capacity or they may have different heating capacities. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first and second heaters 58a and 58b are PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient) heaters, which increase electrical resistance as current flows and the temperature rises, thus suppressing excessive increases in heating temperature. In the case of heaters using nichrome wire or carbon fiber, the heating temperature (surface temperature) continues to rise as current flows, requiring temperature monitoring. With PTC heaters, the heater itself regulates the heating temperature within a certain temperature range, eliminating the need to monitor the heating temperature.

[0036] 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 this embodiment, the first fan 62 is positioned downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the first fan 62 operates, the outdoor air A3 flows from the outdoor Rout into the first flow path P1 and passes through the absorbent material 52.

[0037] Furthermore, the first flow path P1 is provided with a damper device 64 that distributes the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first flow path P1 to either the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 20) or the outdoor Rout. In this embodiment, the damper device 64 is located downstream of the first fan 62. The outdoor air A3 distributed to the indoor unit 20 by the damper device 64 enters the indoor unit 5 via the ventilation conduit 20 and is blown out to the indoor Rin by the fan 24.

[0038] The second flow path P2 is the flow path for outdoor air A4. Unlike the outdoor air A3 that flows through the first flow path P1, the outdoor air A4 that flows through the second flow path P2 does not go towards the indoor unit 20. After passing through the absorbent material 52, the outdoor air A4 that flows through the second flow path P2 flows out to the outdoor Rout.

[0039] The first flow path P1 is provided with a second fan 66 that generates a flow of outdoor air A4. In this embodiment, the second fan 66 is positioned downstream of the absorbent material 52. When the second fan 66 operates, 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.

[0040] The humidification operation is an air conditioning operation in which the outdoor air A3 is humidified and the humidified outdoor air A3 is supplied to the indoor Rin (i.e., the indoor unit 5). During the humidification operation, the motor 54 continues to rotate the absorbent material 52. The first heater 58a and the second heater 58b are in the ON state and heating the outdoor air A3. The first fan 62 is in the ON state, causing the outdoor air A3 to flow through the first flow path P1. The damper device 64 distributes the outdoor air A3 in the first flow path P1 to the indoor unit 20. The second fan 66 is in the ON state, causing the outdoor air A4 to flow through the second flow path P2.

[0041] In this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 flows into the first flow path P1, is heated by the first and second heaters 58 and 60, and passes through the absorbent material 52. At this time, the heated outdoor air A3 can absorb more moisture from the absorbent material 52 than if it were unheated. As a result, the outdoor air A3 carries a large amount of moisture. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the absorbent material 52 and carries a large amount of moisture is distributed to the indoor unit 5 by the damper device 64. The outdoor air A3 that has passed through the damper device 64 and reached the indoor unit 5 via the ventilation conduit 20 is blown into the indoor Rin by the indoor blower 60. Through this humidification operation, outdoor air A3 that carries a large amount of moisture is supplied to the indoor Rin, and the indoor Rin is humidified.

[0042] By turning off either the first heater 58a or the second heater 58b, the amount of moisture that the outdoor air A3 removes from the absorbent material 52 is reduced, meaning that the amount of humidity added to the indoor Rin is reduced. This results in a weak humidification operation where moisture is removed by the heated outdoor air A3, which reduces the amount of moisture that the absorbent material 52 can retain, meaning the absorbent material 52 dries out. When the absorbent material 52 dries out, the outdoor air A3 flowing through the first channel P1 cannot remove moisture from the absorbent material 52. To address this, the absorbent material 52 removes moisture from the outdoor air A4 flowing through the second channel P2. As a result, the amount of moisture that the absorbent material 52 can retain is maintained at a nearly constant level, and humidification operation can continue.

[0043] The ventilation device 25 may also perform simple fan operation without humidifying operation by the humidity control device 27.

[0044] [1-1-2. Control Configuration] Next, the control configuration of Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of this embodiment. The indoor unit 5 is equipped with a control unit 7. The control unit 7 controls each component of the air conditioning system 1. The control unit 7 includes a processor, memory, and a timer. The control of the control unit 7 is performed by the processor processing a program stored in memory.

[0045] The control unit 7 is equipped with a communication unit 101, which is capable of communicating with the remote control 70 operated by the user, the indoor unit 5, and the outdoor unit 10. In other words, the control unit 7 controls the operation of the remote control 70 by the user, driving the compressor 35, outdoor fan 40, four-way valve 45, expansion mechanism 50, outdoor heat exchanger 30, ventilation device 25 of the outdoor unit 10, and the indoor heat exchanger 15, indoor fan 60, electrostatic atomizer 85, etc. of the indoor unit 5. The communication unit 101 also sends and receives signals to the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 10 using wired or wireless communication means, enabling the control unit 7 to control the indoor unit 5 and the outdoor unit 10.

[0046] Furthermore, the control unit 7 performs control using normal operating modes such as cooling operation mode and dehumidification operation mode. Of course, it may also have heating operation mode, cooling dehumidification operation mode, fan operation mode, clothes drying operation mode, etc.

[0047] In this embodiment, the control unit 7 performs control in odor component removal mode. The odor removal mode is started when the user operates the odor removal mode switch on the remote control 70. In this embodiment, when the odor removal mode switch is operated, the control unit 7 starts dehumidification operation to lower the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15 to a temperature below the dew point of the indoor air. Whether or not the surface temperature of the indoor heat exchanger 15 has fallen below the dew point is determined, for example, based on the refrigerant temperature supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 15 by the refrigerant temperature sensor 103 and the humidity of the indoor air by the indoor temperature and humidity detection sensor 105. The moisture in the room cooled on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 15 condenses when the temperature falls below the dew point, generating condensation water. Odor components floating in the room are collected and removed in the condensation water. In this embodiment, when the odor component removal mode switch is operated, the control unit 7 performs humidification operation using the ventilation device 25 along with dehumidification operation. By supplying humidified outdoor air, the condensation of water increases, improving the odor component removal performance.

[0048] [1-2. Control Method for Air Conditioning Systems] Next, the control method of the air conditioner 1 using the odor component removal mode described above will be explained with reference to a flowchart.

[0049] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the odor component removal mode in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, which will be described later.

[0050] The control unit 7 determines whether the odor component removal mode switch has been operated using the remote control 70 or the like (step SA1). If it is determined that the odor component removal mode switch has been operated (step SA1: YES), the control unit 7 performs control in odor component removal mode. That is, the control unit 7 operates the electrostatic atomizer 85 to generate electrostatic mist A3 and drives the indoor blower 15 at a predetermined rotation speed or less (step SA2). The control unit 7 controls the ventilation device 25 and the humidity control device 27 to perform humidification operation (step SA3). At this time, the control unit 7 controls the first fan 62 to blow out humidified outdoor air A3 from the outlet 81a of the air guide base material 81. The control unit 7 causes the air conditioning system 1 to execute a refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant flows sequentially from the compressor 35 through the four-way valve 45, the outdoor heat exchanger 30, the expansion mechanism 50, and the indoor heat exchanger 15 and back to the compressor 35, and performs dehumidification operation to condense moisture in the indoor air A1 on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 15 (step SA4).

[0051] Next, the control unit 7 determines whether or not the odor component removal mode has been performed for a predetermined period of time (step SA5). If the control unit determines that the odor component removal mode has been performed for a predetermined period of time (Step SA5: YES), the control unit 7 performs control using the electrostatic mist circulation mode. Specifically, the control unit 7 stops the ventilation fan and stops the humidification operation (Step SA6). It also stops the dehumidification operation by the indoor heat exchanger (Step SA7). The control unit 7 controls the upper and lower air deflectors 89 to face upward, causing the air blown out from the outlet to rise along the front of the indoor unit and be drawn back into the indoor unit through the air intake 95, thus creating a so-called short-circuit air circulation.

[0052] As a result, the indoor air A1 containing the electrostatic mist N (see Figure 5) generated by the electrostatic atomizer 85 is circulated (step SA8). By controlling it in this way, it becomes easier to decompose odor components and other allergens using electrostatic mist.

[0053] The control unit 7 determines whether or not control using the electrostatic mist circulation mode has been performed for a predetermined period of time (step SA9). If it is determined that control by electrostatic mist circulation mode has been performed for a predetermined time (Step SA9: YES), control by internal cleaning mode is performed. That is, the control unit 7 stops the electrostatic atomizer 85 and performs internal cleaning operation (Step SA10). Specifically, the indoor blower 60 is operated continuously to dry the moisture that has condensed on the surface of the indoor heat exchanger 15.

[0054] If the odor removal mode switch is not operated (Step SA1: NO), the unit will remain in standby mode. Also, if control using the odor removal mode has not been performed for a predetermined period of time (Step SA5: NO), the unit will continue operating in odor removal mode. If control using the electrostatic mist circulation mode has not been performed for a predetermined period of time (Step SA9: NO), the unit will continue operating in electrostatic mist circulation mode.

[0055] Furthermore, if the odor component removal mode is selected while the air conditioning unit 1 is in cooling operation, humidification operation is not required.

[0056] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment in the odor component removal mode. In the odor component removal mode, indoor air A1 and electrostatic mist A3 are blown out from the outlet 91. In addition, humidified outdoor air A3 is guided from the air guide base material 81, and odor components are adsorbed into the condensation water generated by the dehumidification operation, thereby reducing the amount of odor components contained in the indoor air.

[0057] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment in electrostatic mist circulation mode. In order to prevent a decrease in the electrostatic mist that decomposes odor components contained in the indoor air, the control unit 7 controls the ventilation device 25 to stop exhaust operation or reduce the exhaust airflow rate. By performing such control, the indoor air A1 + A3 containing electrostatic mist circulates in the room.

[0058] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment comprises an outdoor unit 10 equipped with a ventilation device 25 for ventilating indoor air and a humidity control device 27 for adjusting the humidity of the air sent into the room by the ventilation device 25, an indoor unit 5 equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 15 and an electrostatic atomizer 85 inside a housing 07, and a control unit 7 for controlling the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 5. The control unit 7 controls the system in an odor component exhaust mode in which the ventilation device 25 sends humidified air from the humidity control device 27 into the room while the electrostatic atomizer 85 is generating electrostatic mist, and also performs dehumidification.

[0059] This allows for more effective removal of odor components. For example, even in the dry winter months, the high humidity inside the indoor unit enables the removal of odor components through condensation, resulting in a reduction of odor in the indoor air.

[0060] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 7 is characterized in that it controls the system in a humidification stop mode, stopping the air blowing operation by the ventilation system 25 while the electrostatic atomizer 85 is circulating the electrostatic mist in the room Rin during electrostatic mist circulation operation.

[0061] This enables quiet operation, reducing the noise from the fan.

[0062] Furthermore, in the air conditioning system 1 according to this embodiment, the control unit 7 is characterized in that it stops the dehumidification operation using the indoor heat exchanger 15 while the electrostatic atomizer 85 is in electrostatic mist circulation operation, in which it circulates electrostatic mist in the indoor Rin.

[0063] This enables quiet operation, reducing noise during dehumidification.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control method for the air conditioning system 1 comprises an outdoor unit 10 equipped with a ventilation device 25 for ventilating indoor air and a humidity control device 27 for adjusting the humidity of the air sent to the indoor Rin by the ventilation device 25, an indoor unit 5 equipped with an indoor heat exchanger 15 and an electrostatic atomizer 85 inside a housing 97, and a control unit 7 for controlling the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 5, characterized in that while the electrostatic atomizer 85 is generating electrostatic mist, the ventilation device 25 sends humidified air from the humidity control device 27 to the indoor Rin and performs a dehumidification operation.

[0065] This allows for more effective removal of odor components. For example, even in the dry winter months, the high humidity inside the indoor unit enables the removal of odor components through condensation, resulting in a reduction of odor in the indoor air.

[0066] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents.

[0067] (Note) Based on the above description of embodiments, the following technologies are disclosed.

[0068] (Technical 1) An air conditioning system comprising an outdoor unit equipped with a ventilation device for ventilating indoor air and a humidity control device for adjusting the humidity of the air sent into the room by the ventilation device, an indoor unit equipped with an indoor heat exchanger and an electrostatic atomizer inside the housing, and a control unit for controlling the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, wherein the control unit is controlled in an odor component exhaust mode in which the ventilation device sends humidified air from the humidity control device into the room and performs dehumidification operation while the electrostatic atomizer is generating electrostatic mist. This configuration allows for more effective removal of odor components.

[0069] (Technology 2) The air conditioning system according to Technology 1, characterized in that the control unit controls the system in a humidification stop mode, which stops the air blowing operation by the ventilation device while the electrostatic atomizer is circulating the electrostatic mist in the room. This configuration enables quiet operation, reducing noise during humidification.

[0070] (Technology 3) The air conditioning system according to Technology 2, characterized in that the control unit stops the dehumidification operation using the indoor heat exchanger while the electrostatic atomizer is circulating the electrostatic mist in the room. This configuration enables quiet operation, reducing noise during dehumidification.

[0071] (Technology 4) A control method for an air conditioning system comprising: an outdoor unit equipped with a ventilation device for ventilating indoor air and a humidity control device for adjusting the humidity of the air sent into the room by the ventilation device; an indoor unit equipped with an indoor heat exchanger and an electrostatic atomizer inside its casing; and a control unit for controlling the outdoor unit and the indoor unit, characterized in that while the electrostatic atomizer is generating electrostatic mist, the ventilation device sends humidified air from the humidity control device into the room and performs a dehumidification operation. This allows for more effective removal of odor components. [Industrial applicability]

[0072] This disclosure is applicable to devices that regulate indoor air in general. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to air conditioning systems, air purifiers, and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0073] 1. Air conditioning system 5 Indoor unit 7 Control Unit 10 Outdoor unit 15 Indoor heat exchanger 25 Ventilation system 27 Humidity control device 85 Electrostatic atomizer 97 cabinets

Claims

1. An outdoor unit equipped with a ventilation device for ventilating indoor air and a humidity control device for adjusting the humidity of the air sent into the room by the ventilation device, The indoor unit, which includes an indoor heat exchanger and an electrostatic atomizer inside the enclosure, The outdoor unit and the control unit that controls the indoor unit An air conditioning system equipped with, The control unit controls the ventilation device in an odor component exhaust mode, which sends humidified air from the humidity control device into the room while the electrostatic atomizer is generating electrostatic mist, and performs dehumidification. The control unit controls the system in a humidification stop mode, which stops the humidification operation by the ventilation device while the electrostatic atomizer is circulating the electrostatic mist in the room. An air conditioning system characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit stops the dehumidification operation while the electrostatic atomizer is in electrostatic mist circulation operation, in which it circulates the electrostatic mist in the room. The air conditioning device according to feature 1.

3. An outdoor unit equipped with a ventilation device for ventilating indoor air and a humidity control device for adjusting the humidity of the air sent into the room by the ventilation device, The indoor unit, which includes an indoor heat exchanger and an electrostatic atomizer inside the enclosure, The outdoor unit and the control unit that controls the indoor unit A control method for an air conditioning system comprising: While the electrostatic atomizer is generating electrostatic mist, the ventilation system sends humidified air from the humidity control device into the room and performs a dehumidification operation. During the electrostatic mist circulation operation in which the electrostatic atomizer circulates the electrostatic mist in the room, the humidification operation by the ventilation device is stopped. A control method for an air conditioning system, characterized by the following features.

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