Air conditioning system
The air conditioning system uses a control device to identify and manage water leaks in integrated systems, ensuring comfort and efficiency by independently controlling the air conditioner and humidifier, thus preventing leaks and minimizing shutdowns.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2022-10-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-17
Smart Images
Figure 0007891632000001 
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Abstract
Description
Technical Field
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[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, as an air conditioning system having a function of detecting drainage abnormalities, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning unit for an entire building provided with a water leakage detection device.
[0003] Hereinafter, the water leakage detection device of the conventional air conditioning unit for an entire building will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the water leakage detection device in the conventional air conditioning system for an entire building.
[0004] An air conditioner 102 is mounted on the air conditioning unit 101 for an entire building, and a drain hose 103 for draining condensed water from the air conditioner 102 is drawn out from the back side of the air conditioning unit 101 for an entire building. A drain pipe 104 is connected to the downstream end of the drain hose 103, and a branch pipe 105 branching in an L shape from the drain pipe 104 is provided at a position below the downstream end of the drain hose 103. Further, a water level detection unit 106 for detecting the water level of the branch pipe 105 is arranged on the branch pipe 105.
[0005] With the above configuration, when the water level detection unit 106 detects a rising water level, that is, a sign of water leakage, an error signal of drainage abnormality is transmitted, and it is possible to notify the user before condensed water overflows from the air conditioner 102 and water leakage occurs, and the air conditioner 102 can be safely stopped.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0006]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0007] Incidentally, in recent years, air conditioning systems with added humidifiers have been attracting attention in order to suppress dryness during heating operation of air conditioners. In particular, for air conditioning systems that are intended to operate 24 hours a day, such as whole-house air conditioning, it is desirable to install a humidifier that can automatically supply and drain water in order to reduce the burden on the user. In such air conditioning systems, in order to reduce the cost of constructing drainage piping, it is common to transport the drainage from the air conditioner and the drainage from the humidifier to the outside as miscellaneous wastewater using the same drainage pipe.
[0008] However, in conventional air conditioning systems, if the drainage routes for both the air conditioner and humidifier were configured using the same drainage piping, it was difficult to determine which device was causing the leak when signs of a leak were detected. Therefore, in order to prevent leaks, both the air conditioner and humidifier had to be shut down at all times, potentially compromising user comfort as devices that were not at risk of leaking were also shut down.
[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide an air conditioning system that can prevent water leakage while maintaining user comfort by identifying a device that may cause water leakage and issuing appropriate operating instructions to the device causing the leakage. [Means for solving the problem]
[0010] To achieve this objective, the air conditioning system according to the present invention comprises: an air conditioning unit having multiple operating modes for raising or lowering the indoor temperature; a humidifier that adjusts the indoor humidity and drains water as needed; a drainage pipe that guides the water discharged from the air conditioning unit and humidifier to the outside; a branch pipe branching off from the drainage pipe; a water level acquisition unit that acquires the water level of the branch pipe; an operating mode acquisition unit that acquires the operating mode currently set in the air conditioning unit; an operating status acquisition unit that acquires the operating status indicating whether the humidifier is operating or stopped; and a control device that controls the air conditioning unit and the humidifier. The control device controls the air conditioning unit and the humidifier based on the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit, the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit, and the operating status acquired by the operating status acquisition unit. This achieves the intended objective. [Effects of the Invention]
[0011] According to the present invention, an air conditioning system can be provided that can prevent water leakage while maintaining user comfort by identifying devices that may cause water leakage and issuing appropriate operating instructions to those devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0012] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of the air conditioning system according to the present invention [Figure 2] Schematic Functional Block Diagram of the Control System [Figure 3] Schematic diagram showing changes in water level in drainage pipes and branch pipes during drainage abnormalities. [Figure 4] Flowchart illustrating the control of the air conditioning system according to the present invention [Figure 5] Matrix diagram showing the operation of the air conditioner and humidifier when the whole-house air conditioning unit according to the present invention detects a water leak. [Figure 6] Schematic diagram of a leak detection device in a conventional whole-house air conditioning system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0014] The following embodiments are merely examples that embody the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, throughout all drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and subsequent descriptions are omitted or simplified. In the following description, an example of an air conditioning system is assumed to be one using a whole-house air conditioning unit, but this does not mean that air conditioning systems are limited to those using a whole-house air conditioning unit.
[0015] (Embodiment) First, an air conditioning system A according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of air conditioning system A and shows the drainage path of air conditioning system A. In the following description, as necessary, the upward direction will be referred to as vertically upward and the downward direction as vertically downward, based on the installation state of the whole-building air conditioning unit 1. As shown in Figure 1, the drainage from air conditioning system A flows vertically downward according to gravity.
[0016] Air conditioning system A comprises a whole-building air conditioning unit 1, a control device 9, drainage piping 6, and branch piping 7.
[0017] The whole-house air conditioning unit 1 is installed in an air-conditioned room 10, for example, in the attic. The whole-house air conditioning unit 1 controls the temperature and humidity of each room in the building by transporting temperature- and humidity-controlled air from the interior space. The whole-house air conditioning unit 1 comprises an air conditioning device 2 and a humidifier 3.
[0018] The air conditioner 2 is a device that adjusts the temperature of the internal space of the whole-building air-conditioning unit 1. The air conditioner 2 has two operating modes: a heating mode for raising the temperature and a cooling mode for lowering the temperature. Note that there may be two or more operating modes in the air conditioner 2. For example, a dehumidifying mode for dehumidifying the air-conditioning chamber 10 may be additionally provided. When the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 is the cooling mode or the dehumidifying mode, condensed water is generated inside the air conditioner 2 due to the temperature drop. Here, although the dehumidifying mode is strictly different from the cooling mode, in the following description, for the sake of understanding, the operating mode of lowering the temperature is generally referred to as the cooling mode. The air conditioner 2 includes an air-conditioning drain hose 4.
[0019] The air-conditioning drain hose 4 is a member for draining the condensed water generated inside the air conditioner 2 to the outside. The upstream end of the air-conditioning drain hose 4 is connected to the air conditioner 2, and the downstream end is connected to a drain pipe 6 described later.
[0020] The humidifying device 3 is a device that adjusts the humidity of the internal space of the whole-building air-conditioning unit 1. The humidifying device 3 in the present embodiment has an automatic water supply function and an automatic drainage function. The humidifying device 3 includes a water supply pipe 11, a remaining water amount detection unit 14, and a humidifying drain hose 5.
[0021] The water supply pipe 11 is a pipe that supplies water to the humidifying device 3. The upstream end of the water supply pipe 11 is connected to a water pipe, and the downstream end is connected to the humidifying device 3. The water supply pipe 11 includes a water supply control valve 12.
[0022] The water supply control valve 12 is a member that adjusts the amount of water supplied to the humidifying device 3. The water supply control valve 12 is provided at the downstream end of the water supply pipe 11. In the present embodiment, the water supply control valve 12 is an electromagnetic valve using an electromagnet, and for example, it automatically supplies water to the humidifying device 3 by opening based on the remaining water amount, which is the amount of water remaining inside the humidifying device 3.
[0023] The remaining water level detection unit 14 is a sensor that detects the amount of water remaining in the humidifier 3. The value detected by the remaining water level detection unit 14 is sent to the control device 9, which will be described later. The remaining water level detection unit 14 is composed of, for example, a float switch or an electrode-type level sensor, and detects the amount of water remaining by acquiring the water level inside the humidifier 3.
[0024] The humidification drain hose 5 is a component for draining excess humidification water generated when extra water is supplied to the humidifier 3, and residual water remaining inside when the humidifier 3 is stopped, to the outside. The upstream end of the humidification drain hose 5 is connected to the humidifier 3, and the downstream end is connected to the drainage pipe 6 described later.
[0025] The control device 9 controls the air conditioning unit 2 and the humidifier unit 3, details of which will be described later. Here, the control device 9 is connected to the air conditioning unit 2 by wire or wireless connection to enable communication in order to acquire the operating mode of the air conditioning unit 2 (cooling mode, heating mode). The control device 9 is also connected to the humidifier unit 3 by wire or wireless connection to enable communication in order to acquire the operating status of the humidifier unit 3 and the amount of water remaining inside the humidifier unit 3. Furthermore, the control device 9 is connected by wire or wireless connection to the water level detection unit 8, described later, to enable communication in order to detect drainage abnormalities in the drainage pipe 6. In this embodiment, the control device 9 is installed near the air conditioning room 10. The control device 9 can be freely positioned within a range that allows communication with the air conditioning unit 2, the humidifier unit 3, and the water level detection unit 8.
[0026] The drainage pipe 6 is a pipe that guides the wastewater discharged from the air conditioning unit 2 and the humidifier 3 to the outdoors. In other words, the drainage pipe 6 merges the wastewater from the air conditioning unit 2 and the wastewater from the humidifier 3 and transports them to the outdoors along the same path. The drainage pipe 6 is installed approximately perpendicular to the floor surface of the air conditioning room 10 and extends vertically downward. The upstream end of the drainage pipe 6 branches into an approximately U-shape, with the air conditioning drain hose 4 connected to one end of the approximately U-shape and the humidifier drain hose 5 connected to the other end. Note that the approximately U-shape also includes U-shapes and V-shapes. The important point is that it has a shape that can be connected to both the air conditioning drain hose 4 and the humidifier drain hose 5, and that the wastewater discharged from the air conditioning unit 2 and the humidifier 3 merges there. The drainage pipe 6 is equipped with a water level threshold line 13.
[0027] The water level threshold line 13 is a virtual line indicating the position of the water level threshold in the drainage pipe 6. Here, the water level threshold is a value determined by the structure of the branch pipe 7, which will be described later, and can be arbitrarily changed by changing the structure of the branch pipe 7. If the drainage pipe 6 becomes clogged and a drainage abnormality occurs, and the water level rises above the water level threshold, it can be determined that there is a possibility of water leakage into the air conditioning room 10.
[0028] The branch pipe 7 is a pipe that temporarily diverts wastewater from the drain pipe 6 when a drainage abnormality occurs in the drain pipe 6. The branch pipe 7 is installed downstream of the confluence of wastewater from the air conditioning unit 2 and wastewater from the humidifier unit 3 in the drain pipe 6. As shown in Figure 1, the branch pipe 7 first extends perpendicularly to the drain pipe 6, and then changes direction vertically upward at a position where the distance from the drain pipe 6 is clearance X. Furthermore, the branch pipe 7 extends perpendicularly to the drain pipe 6 again at a position where it is at the same height as the water level threshold line 13, and then changes direction vertically downward at a position where the distance from the vertically upward-extending branch pipe 7 is clearance Y. In other words, the branch pipe 7 is installed in a roughly S-shape. The branch pipe 7 is equipped with a water level detection unit 8.
[0029] The water level detection unit 8 is a sensor for detecting drainage abnormalities in the drainage pipe 6 and is installed at the extended end of the branch pipe 7. The water level detection unit 8 is composed of, for example, a float switch or an electrode-type level sensor and detects the presence of water at that location. When the water level detection unit 8 detects the presence of water, a message is sent to the control device 9.
[0030] Next, we will explain each function of the control device 9 with reference to Figure 2. Figure 3 is a schematic functional block diagram of the control device 9. Each functional block of the control device 9 can be realized in hardware terms by elements and mechanical devices such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit) of a computer, and in software terms by computer programs, etc., but here we are depicting the functional blocks that are realized through the cooperation of these. Therefore, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by combinations of hardware and software.
[0031] The control device 9 controls the air conditioner 2 and the humidifier 3 based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit 8, the operating mode of the air conditioner 2, and the operating status of the humidifier 3. The control device 9 includes a water level acquisition unit 15, an operating mode acquisition unit 16, an operating status acquisition unit 17, a remaining water amount acquisition unit 18, a determination unit 19, an air conditioner control unit 20, and a humidifier control unit 21.
[0032] The water level acquisition unit 15 acquires the water level of the drainage pipe 6. Specifically, by receiving an error signal indicating a drainage abnormality from the water level detection unit 8, it obtains information that the water level of the drainage pipe 6 has risen above the water level threshold line 13.
[0033] The operating mode acquisition unit 16 acquires the operating mode of the air conditioning unit 2. For example, the operating mode acquisition unit 16 acquires information such as the start of the cooling mode or heating mode of the air conditioning unit 2 from the air conditioning unit output unit 22 provided on the air conditioning unit 2. Alternatively, the operating mode acquisition unit 16 may acquire the operating mode from a remote controller capable of instructing the air conditioning unit 2 to start each operating mode.
[0034] The operating status acquisition unit 17 acquires the operating status of the humidifier 3. For example, the operating status acquisition unit 17 acquires information such as the start and stop of operation of the humidifier 3 from the humidifier output unit 23 provided on the humidifier 3. Alternatively, the operating status acquisition unit 17 may acquire the operating status from a remote controller capable of instructing the humidifier 3 to start or stop operation.
[0035] The remaining water amount acquisition unit 18 acquires the remaining water amount of the humidifier 3 detected by the remaining water amount detection unit 14.
[0036] The determination unit 19 determines the control content for the air conditioner 2 and the humidifier 3 based on the water level detected by the water level detection unit 8, the operating mode of the air conditioner 2, and the operating status of the humidifier 3. Specifically, if the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 is cooling mode, it determines that there is a possibility of water leakage due to the drainage of the air conditioner 2. Also, if the operating status of the humidifier 3 is operating, it determines that there is a possibility of water leakage due to the drainage of the humidifier 3.
[0037] The air conditioning unit control unit 20 stops draining water from the air conditioning unit 2 to the drainage pipe 6 if the determination unit 19 determines that there is a possibility of water leakage occurring in the air conditioning unit 2. Specifically, it suppresses the generation of condensed water by stopping the cooling mode in the air conditioning unit 2.
[0038] The humidifier control unit 21 stops draining water from the humidifier 3 to the drain pipe 6 if the determination unit 19 determines that there is a possibility of water leakage in the humidifier 3. Specifically, it closes the water supply control valve 12 to stop automatic water supply and suppress the generation of excess humidifying water. Furthermore, it continues to operate the humidifier 3 according to the amount of water remaining in the humidifier 3. In other words, it stops draining water from the humidifier 3 to the drain pipe 6, but continues to operate the humidifier 3 using the remaining water. This is because if the operation of the humidifier 3 were to stop immediately, the remaining water in the humidifier 3 would be drained all at once, which could induce water leakage.
[0039] Furthermore, a residual water level threshold may be set as a criterion for deciding whether to stop the operation of the humidifier 3. Here, the residual water level threshold is a value determined in advance through experiments, etc., and is a value that can be changed at will. The humidifier control unit 21 will continue the operation of the humidifier 3 using the remaining water if the amount of remaining water is equal to or greater than the residual water level threshold. In other words, if the amount of remaining water is less than or equal to the residual water level threshold, the humidifier 3 will stop operating. By using this residual water level threshold for control, the humidifier 3 can be stopped at an appropriate time, thereby reducing power consumption.
[0040] The above describes the configuration of air conditioning system A. In such air conditioning system A, if foreign matter such as slime accumulates in the drainage pipe 6 and obstructs the flow of water, there is a risk that the drainage will back up and leak into the air conditioning room 10.
[0041] Next, we will explain the procedure for detecting drainage abnormalities in the drainage pipe 6, referring to Figure 2. Figure 2 shows the changes in water levels in the drainage pipe 6 and branch pipe 7 when foreign matter is found inside the drainage pipe 6.
[0042] As shown in Figure 3(a), if drainage becomes impossible due to foreign matter, the water level in the drain pipe 6 rises. When the water level rises to the connection point between the drain pipe 6 and the branch pipe 7, water flows into the branch pipe 7, and the water levels in the drain pipe 6 and the branch pipe 7 become equal.
[0043] As shown in Figure 3(b), if the water level rises further from the state in Figure 3(a) and exceeds the water level threshold line 13, water will flow into the branch pipe 7 towards the water level detection unit 8. If the water level in the drain pipe 6 is above the water level threshold, there is a possibility of water leakage into the air conditioning room 10. Therefore, the water level detection unit 8 transmits an error signal to the control device 9 indicating that it has detected the presence of water, i.e., a drainage abnormality.
[0044] Next, the specific processing details of the control device 9 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing the control of the air conditioning system A. Here, each step in the flowchart is assigned a number starting with the letter S. For example, S01 refers to a processing step. However, the magnitude of the numerical value indicating a processing step does not relate to the order of processing. Figure 5 is a matrix diagram showing the control details of the air conditioning device 2 and the humidifier device 3 when the air conditioning system A according to this embodiment detects a drainage abnormality.
[0045] The control shown in Figure 4 is the process performed when a drainage abnormality occurs in the drainage pipe 6. Therefore, the control shown in Figure 4 starts when the water level in the drainage pipe 6 exceeds the water level threshold, as shown in Figure 3(b), and the water level acquisition unit 15 receives a drainage abnormality error signal from the water level detection unit 8.
[0046] The operating mode acquisition unit 16 acquires the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 input to the air conditioner output unit 22 (S01).
[0047] The operating status acquisition unit 17 acquires the operating status of the humidifier 3, which is input to the humidifier output unit 23 (S02).
[0048] If the operating status of the humidifier 3, as acquired by the operating status acquisition unit 17, is in operation (S03: YES), the remaining water amount acquisition unit 18 acquires the remaining water amount of the humidifier 3 from the remaining water amount detection unit 14 (S04). If the operating status of the humidifier 3 is stopped (S03: NO), the remaining water amount acquisition unit 18 does not acquire the remaining water amount of the humidifier 3.
[0049] The determination unit 19 determines the control content for the air conditioner 2 and the humidifier 3 based on the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit 16 and the operating status of the humidifier 3 acquired by the operating status acquisition unit 17 (S05). Specifically, it selects one of the control content from α to η in Figure 5.
[0050] If the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 is set to cooling mode and the humidifier 3 is operating, it is determined that there is a possibility of water leakage in both the air conditioner 2 and the humidifier 3. Therefore, the control system is selected to stop the cooling mode of the air conditioner 2, stop the automatic water supply of the humidifier 3, and continue the operation of the humidifier 3 according to the remaining water level (α in Figure 5).
[0051] If the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 is heating mode and the humidifier 3 is operating, it is determined that only the humidifier 3 may have a water leak. Therefore, the control system is selected to continue the heating mode of the air conditioner 2, stop the automatic water supply to the humidifier 3, and continue the operation of the humidifier 3 according to the remaining water level (β in Figure 5).
[0052] If the operating mode of the air conditioning unit 2 is in stop mode and the operating status of the humidifier 3 is in operation, it is determined that only the humidifier 3 may have a water leak. Therefore, the control content selected is to keep the air conditioning unit 2 in stop mode, stop the automatic water supply to the humidifier 3, and continue the operation of the humidifier 3 according to the remaining water amount (γ in Figure 5).
[0053] If the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 is set to cooling mode and the humidifier 3 is stopped, it is determined that only the air conditioner 2 may have a water leak. Therefore, the control setting selected is to stop the cooling mode of the air conditioner 2 and keep the humidifier 3 stopped as well (ε in Figure 5).
[0054] If the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 is heating mode and the humidifier 3 is stopped, it is determined that the possibility of water leakage from both the air conditioner 2 and the humidifier 3 is low. Therefore, the control setting selected is to continue the heating mode of the air conditioner 2 and keep the humidifier 3 stopped (ζ in Figure 5).
[0055] If the operating mode of the air conditioner 2 is set to stop mode and the operating status of the humidifier 3 is also stopped, it is determined that the possibility of water leakage from both the air conditioner 2 and the humidifier 3 is low. Therefore, the control content selected is to keep the air conditioner 2 in stop mode and to keep the humidifier 3 stopped as well (η in Figure 5).
[0056] The air conditioning unit control unit 20 and the humidifier unit control unit 21 control the air conditioning unit 2 and the humidifier unit 3 according to the selected control content (S06).
[0057] This type of control allows for the identification of devices that may be causing water leaks and the issuance of appropriate operating instructions to those devices, thereby providing an air conditioning system that prevents water leaks while maintaining user comfort. For example, in winter, as shown in β in Figure 5, it is possible to prevent water leaks while maintaining the heating mode, thus maintaining a comfortable room temperature for the user.
[0058] (Summary of the invention) The air conditioning system according to the present invention comprises an air conditioning device having multiple operating modes for raising or lowering the indoor temperature; a humidifier that adjusts the indoor humidity and drains water as needed; a drainage pipe that guides the water discharged from the air conditioning device and the humidifier to the outside; a branch pipe branching off from the drainage pipe; a water level acquisition unit that acquires the water level of the branch pipe; an operating mode acquisition unit that acquires the operating mode currently set in the air conditioning device; an operating status acquisition unit that acquires the operating status indicating whether the humidifier is operating or stopped; and a control device that controls the air conditioning device and the humidifier. The control device controls the air conditioning device and the humidifier based on the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit, the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit, and the operating status acquired by the operating status acquisition unit.
[0059] This configuration allows for the identification of potential water leaks and the issuance of appropriate operating instructions to those devices, thereby providing an air conditioning system that prevents water leaks while maintaining user comfort.
[0060] Furthermore, the control device may, if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is above a predetermined water level threshold and the operating status acquired by the operating status acquisition unit is in operation, stop draining from the humidifier to the drainage pipe, regardless of the operating mode set in the air conditioning unit, but continue operating the humidifier using the remaining water.
[0061] This type of control prevents residual water from being drained all at once from the humidifier, thus preventing leakage.
[0062] Furthermore, the control device may be equipped with a remaining water amount acquisition unit that acquires the remaining water amount of the humidifier, and after stopping the drainage from the humidifier to the drainage pipe, the control device may be configured to stop the humidifier if the remaining water amount acquired by the remaining water amount acquisition unit is below a predetermined remaining water amount threshold.
[0063] This type of control allows the humidifier to be stopped at the appropriate time, thereby reducing power consumption.
[0064] Furthermore, the air conditioning system may be equipped with a heating mode as an operating mode to raise the indoor temperature, and the control device may be configured to continue operating the air conditioning system if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is above the water level threshold and the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit is the heating mode.
[0065] This type of control prevents water leaks, especially in winter, while maintaining a comfortable room temperature for the user.
[0066] Furthermore, the air conditioning system may be equipped with a cooling mode as an operating mode for lowering the indoor temperature, and the control device may be configured to stop the air conditioning system if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is above the water level threshold and the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit is the cooling mode.
[0067] Furthermore, the air conditioning system may be equipped with a cooling mode as an operating mode for lowering the indoor temperature, and the control device may be configured to stop the air conditioning system regardless of the operating status of the humidifier if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is above a predetermined water level threshold and the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit is the cooling mode.
[0068] Furthermore, the humidifier may include a water supply pipe for supplying water to the humidifier and a water supply control valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied through the water supply pipe, and the control device may be configured to stop the water supply by closing the water supply pipe via the water supply control valve.
[0069] This configuration makes it possible to suppress the generation of excess humidified water when the drainage of the humidifier is stopped. [Industrial applicability]
[0070] The air conditioning system according to the present invention is useful for preventing water leakage in a whole-building air conditioning unit, which consists of an air conditioner and a humidifier. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0071] A Air conditioning system 1. Whole-house air conditioning unit 2 Air conditioner 3 Humidifier 4. Air conditioning drain hose 5. Humidifying drain hose 6. Drainage piping 7 Branch piping 8. Water level detection unit 9 Control device 10 Air conditioned room 11 Water supply piping 12 Water supply control valve 13. Water level threshold line 14. Residual water level detection unit 15 Water level acquisition part 16. Operating mode acquisition unit 17. Operation Status Acquisition Unit 18 Residual water amount acquisition part 19 Judgment Department 20 Air Conditioning System Control Unit 21 Humidifier Control Unit 22 Air conditioning unit output section 23 Humidifier output section 101 Whole-building air conditioning unit 102 Air conditioner 103 Drain hose 104 Drainage piping 105 Branch piping 106 Water level detection unit
Claims
1. An air conditioning system having multiple operating modes to raise or lower the indoor temperature, A humidifier that adjusts the humidity indoors and drains water as needed, A drainage pipe that guides the wastewater discharged from the air conditioning unit and the humidifier to the outdoors, A branch pipe that branches off from the aforementioned drainage pipe, A water level acquisition unit that acquires the water level of the branch pipe, The air conditioning unit includes an operating mode acquisition unit that acquires the operating mode currently set in the air conditioning unit, An operating status acquisition unit that acquires the operating status indicating whether the humidifier is in operation or stopped, The system comprises a control device for controlling the air conditioning device and the humidifying device, The control device is An air conditioning system that controls the air conditioning device and the humidifier based on the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit, the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit, and the operating status acquired by the operating status acquisition unit.
2. The control device is The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined water level threshold and the operating status acquired by the operating status acquisition unit is operating, drainage from the humidifier to the drain pipe is stopped, regardless of the operating mode set in the air conditioning system, but the operation of the humidifier is continued using the remaining water.
3. The humidifier is equipped with a remaining water amount acquisition unit that acquires the remaining water amount, The control device is The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein, after stopping the drainage from the humidifier to the drainage pipe, the humidifier is stopped if the amount of remaining water obtained by the remaining water amount acquisition unit is less than or equal to a predetermined remaining water amount threshold.
4. The aforementioned air conditioning system is The aforementioned operating mode includes a heating mode for raising the indoor temperature, The control device is The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the operation of the air conditioning device is continued if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the water level threshold and the operation mode acquired by the operation mode acquisition unit is the heating mode.
5. The aforementioned air conditioning system is The aforementioned operating mode includes a cooling mode for lowering the indoor temperature, The control device is The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the air conditioning device is stopped if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is equal to or greater than the water level threshold and the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit is the cooling mode.
6. The aforementioned air conditioning system is The aforementioned operating mode includes a cooling mode for lowering the indoor temperature, The control device is The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein if the water level acquired by the water level acquisition unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined water level threshold and the operating mode acquired by the operating mode acquisition unit is the cooling mode, the air conditioning system is stopped regardless of the operating status of the humidifier.
7. The humidifier is, A water supply pipe for supplying water to the humidifier, The system includes a water supply control valve for adjusting the amount of water supplied through the water supply piping, The control device is The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein the water supply is stopped by closing the water supply pipe via the water supply control valve.