Ventilation equipment and ventilation methods

Abstract

To provide a ventilation device which enables reduction of costs needed for installation.SOLUTION: A ventilation device includes: a compressor; a first unit including a first heat exchanger provided at a first path through which air in an outdoor space of a building is supplied to an indoor space; a second unit including a second heat exchanger provided at a second path through which air in the indoor space is exhausted to the outdoor space; and a refrigerant circuit in which the compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected by a refrigerant pipeline and a refrigerant flows. The first unit discharges air that has passed through the first heat exchanger to one of a ceiling space, an underfloor space, and a space behind a wall included in the building.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ventilation device and a ventilation method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heat recovery external conditioning system that supplies and exhausts air to and from an indoor zone where local exhaust is performed. Patent Document 1 discloses that the heat recovery external conditioning system includes a heat pump type external conditioner that recovers heat from the return air of the indoor zone, exhausts it outdoors, and uses this recovered heat to heat-exchange the outside air from outdoors and supply it to the indoor zone. Patent Document 1 discloses a duct group that communicatively connects the heat pump type external conditioner, the outdoors, and the indoor zone in a freely supply and exhaust manner.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in the heat recovery external conditioning system including the heat pump type external conditioner described in Patent Document 1, supply and exhaust are performed using ducts. When using ducts, equipment costs for the ducts and construction costs for installing the ducts are incurred. Also, for example, when trying to install ducts in the ceiling space, in a building with a narrow ceiling space, there are restrictions on duct routing and installation may be difficult in some cases.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a ventilation device capable of reducing installation costs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The present disclosure a compressor, A first unit comprising a first heat exchanger installed in a first path through which outdoor air from the building is supplied indoors, A second unit comprising a second heat exchanger provided in a second path through which the indoor air is exhausted to the outdoors, The compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected by refrigerant piping, and a refrigerant circuit through which refrigerant flows is provided, The first unit discharges the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger into one of the ceiling space, floor space, or wall space of the building. It is a ventilation device.

[0007] The ventilation system described herein can reduce installation costs.

[0008] The first unit of the ventilation device of this disclosure may be installed along the wall of the exterior wall of the building.

[0009] The second unit of the ventilation device of the present disclosure may be provided near the wall of the exterior wall of the building.

[0010] The ventilation device of this disclosure may further include a blower for supplying air to the second heat exchanger.

[0011] The first unit of the ventilation device of this disclosure may exhaust the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger into the space above the ceiling.

[0012] The second unit of the ventilation system of this disclosure may draw air from the underfloor space into the second heat exchanger.

[0013] The second unit of the ventilation device of this disclosure may draw air from the ceiling space into the second heat exchanger.

[0014] The first unit of the ventilation device of this disclosure may exhaust the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger into the underfloor space.

[0015] The second unit of the ventilation device of the present disclosure may intake the air in the ceiling cavity into the second heat exchanger.

[0016] The first unit of the ventilation device of the present disclosure exhausts the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger into the ceiling cavity. The air exhausted by the first unit passes through the wall cavity and is sent to the underfloor space, and is supplied into the room from the underfloor space. The second unit may intake the air in the ceiling cavity into the second heat exchanger.

[0017] The first unit of the ventilation device of the present disclosure exhausts the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger into a first space between the floors adjacent vertically. The second unit may intake the air in a second space between the floors adjacent vertically into the second heat exchanger.

[0018] The present disclosure includes a step of performing heat exchange between the outdoor air of the building and a first heat exchanger, a step of discharging the air heat-exchanged by the first heat exchanger into any one of the ceiling cavity, the underfloor space, and the wall cavity of the building, a step of performing heat exchange between the indoor air of the building and a second heat exchanger, and a step of flowing a refrigerant through a refrigerant pipe to which a compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected. This is a ventilation method.

[0019] According to the ventilation method of the present disclosure, the installation cost can be reduced.

[0020] The present disclosure includes a step of performing heat exchange between the outdoor air of the building and a first heat exchanger, a step of discharging the air heat-exchanged by the first heat exchanger into any one of the ceiling cavity, the underfloor space, and the wall cavity of the building, a step of supplying the indoor air of the building from any one of the ceiling cavity, the underfloor space, and the wall cavity of the building to the second heat exchanger and performing heat exchange with the second heat exchanger. A step of flowing a refrigerant through a refrigerant pipe to which a compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected, and It is a ventilation method.

[0021] According to the ventilation method of the present disclosure, the cost of installation can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of the ventilation device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view explaining the usage state of a ventilation device according to an eighth embodiment.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Regarding the descriptions in the specifications and drawings according to each embodiment, for components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations, the same reference numerals may be given and duplicate explanations may be omitted. Also, for ease of understanding, the scales of each part in the drawings may be different from the actual ones.

[0024] ≪First Embodiment≫ In Figure 1, the ventilation system 1 supplies outdoor air from the building BLD to the interior of the building BLD, for example, the living room. The ventilation system 1 also exhausts indoor air from the building BLD to the exterior of the building BLD. Figure 1 is a side view illustrating the usage state of the ventilation system 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of the ventilation system according to this embodiment.

[0025] The ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment comprises a compressor 10, an air supply unit 20, and an exhaust unit 30. The ventilation system 1 also comprises refrigerant piping 41, refrigerant piping 42, and refrigerant piping 43. Furthermore, the ventilation system 1 comprises a control unit 60 that controls the entire ventilation system 1. Note that the compressor 10, the air supply heat exchanger 21 of the air supply unit 20 (described later), the exhaust heat exchanger 31 of the exhaust unit 30 (described later), and the refrigerant piping 41, refrigerant piping 42, and refrigerant piping 43 may be collectively referred to as the refrigerant circuit 50.

[0026] The air that the supply air unit 20 takes in from outside the building BLD is called Outdoor Air (OA). The air that the supply air unit 20 sends into the building BLD is called Supply Air (SA). The air that the exhaust unit 30 takes in from inside the building BLD is called Return Air (RA). The air that the exhaust unit 30 exhausts to the outside of the building BLD is called Exhaust Air (EA).

[0027] The supply air unit 20 of the ventilation system 1 is installed in the space above the ceiling AT. The supply air unit 20 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD and supplies supply air SA to the room RM.

[0028] The air supply unit 20 is installed, for example, at the edge of the exterior wall OW1 of the building BLD. By installing the air supply unit 20 at the edge of the exterior wall OW1 of the building BLD, a duct between the exterior wall OW1 and the air supply unit 20 becomes unnecessary. By eliminating the need for a duct between the exterior wall OW1 and the air supply unit 20, the equipment costs and installation costs of the duct can be reduced.

[0029] Furthermore, the exhaust unit 30 of the ventilation system 1 is installed in the space above the ceiling AT. The exhaust unit 30 takes in return air RA from the inside of the building BLD, specifically from the room RM, and exhausts exhaust air EA to the outside of the building BLD. Since the exhaust unit 30 exhausts the indoor air of the building BLD to the outside of the building BLD, it is particularly desirable to install it in the space above the ceiling AT of places where the indoor air is easily contaminated, such as toilets and kitchens.

[0030] The exhaust unit 30 is installed, for example, at the edge of the exterior wall OW2 of the building BLD. By installing the exhaust unit 30 at the edge of the exterior wall OW2 of the building BLD, a duct between the exterior wall OW2 and the exhaust unit 30 becomes unnecessary. By eliminating the need for a duct between the exterior wall OW2 and the exhaust unit 30, the equipment costs and installation costs of the duct can be reduced.

[0031] The compressor 10, refrigerant piping 41, refrigerant piping 42, and refrigerant piping 43 are installed in the space above the ceiling AT of the building's BLD.

[0032] The individual components that make up the ventilation system 1 will be described below.

[0033] [Compressor 10] The compressor 10 compresses the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant circuit 50. For example, in summer, if the indoor temperature of the building BLD is lower than the outdoor temperature due to air conditioning equipment, the compressor 10 supplies the compressed refrigerant to the exhaust unit 30. Also, for example, in winter, if the indoor temperature of the building BLD is higher than the outdoor temperature due to heating equipment, the compressor 10 supplies the compressed refrigerant to the air supply unit 20.

[0034] The compressor 10 is connected to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls the compressor 10.

[0035] [Air supply unit 20] The air supply unit 20 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD, performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the refrigerant, and supplies the heat-exchanged outside air OA to the inside of the building BLD as supply air SA. The air supply unit 20 is equipped with an air supply heat exchanger 21, a blower 22, and a filter 23. The path through which the outside air OA, which is the air outside the building BLD, is supplied to the inside of the building BLD as supply air SA via the air supply unit 20 is called the air supply path P1. In Figure 2, the outside of the building BLD is shown as region Rout, and the inside of the building BLD is shown as region Rin.

[0036] The supply air heat exchanger 21 performs heat exchange between the outside air OA and the refrigerant. The supply air heat exchanger 21 comprises a plurality of plate-shaped fins and piping that passes through the fins and through which the refrigerant flows.

[0037] The supply air heat exchanger 21 is connected to the compressor 10 via refrigerant piping 41 and to the exhaust heat exchanger 31 of the exhaust unit 30 via refrigerant piping 43, thereby allowing refrigerant to flow through the piping of the supply air heat exchanger 21. As outside air OA flows between the fins of the supply air heat exchanger 21, heat exchange takes place between the outside air OA and the refrigerant flowing through the piping of the supply air heat exchanger 21.

[0038] The blower 22 blows outside air OA to the supply air heat exchanger 21. The outside air OA blown into the supply air heat exchanger 21 exchanges heat with the refrigerant R1 flowing through the supply air heat exchanger 21. The heat-exchanged outside air OA is then blown into the building BLD as supply air SA. The blower 22 is, for example, a centrifugal blower or an axial flow blower. The blower 22 is connected to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls the blower 22.

[0039] The filter 23 filters out dust and other debris from the air passing through the air supply unit 20. The filter 23 is installed, for example, on the exhaust side of the air supply unit 20, or more specifically, on the exhaust side of the air supply heat exchanger 21.

[0040] The outside air OA, which has exchanged heat with the refrigerant by the supply air heat exchanger 21, is then blown into the building's BLD as supply air SA by the blower 22.

[0041] Furthermore, regarding the arrangement of the air supply heat exchanger 21 and the blower 22, the arrangement may be reversed, and the outside air OA that has undergone heat exchange in the air supply heat exchanger 21 may be blown indoors by the blower 22.

[0042] [Exhaust unit 30] The exhaust unit 30 takes in return air RA from inside the building BLD, performs heat exchange between the taken-in return air RA and the refrigerant, and exhausts the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD. The exhaust unit 30 is equipped with an exhaust heat exchanger 31 and a blower 32. The path through which the return air RA, which is the indoor air of the building BLD, passes through the exhaust unit 30 and is exhausted to the outside of the building BLD as exhaust EA is called the exhaust path P2.

[0043] The exhaust heat exchanger 31 performs heat exchange between the return air RA and the refrigerant. The exhaust heat exchanger 31 comprises a plurality of plate-shaped fins and piping that passes through the fins and through which the refrigerant flows.

[0044] The exhaust heat exchanger 31 is connected to the compressor 10 via refrigerant piping 42 and also to the supply air heat exchanger 21 of the supply air unit 20 via refrigerant piping 43, thereby allowing refrigerant to flow through the piping of the exhaust heat exchanger 31. As return air RA flows between the fins of the exhaust heat exchanger 31, heat exchange takes place between the return air RA and the refrigerant flowing through the piping of the exhaust heat exchanger 31.

[0045] The blower 32 blows return air RA to the exhaust heat exchanger 31. The blower 32 is, for example, a centrifugal blower or an axial flow blower. The return air RA, which has undergone heat exchange in the exhaust heat exchanger 31, is discharged outdoors as exhaust EA. The blower 32 is connected to the control unit 60. The control unit 60 controls the blower 32.

[0046] The return air RA, which has exchanged heat with the refrigerant by the exhaust heat exchanger 31, is blown out to the outside of the building BLD as exhaust EA by the blower 32.

[0047] Furthermore, regarding the arrangement of the exhaust heat exchanger 31 and the blower 32, the arrangement may be reversed, and the return air RA, which has undergone heat exchange in the exhaust heat exchanger 31, may be blown outside the building BLD as exhaust air EA.

[0048] [Refrigerant piping 41, refrigerant piping 42, and refrigerant piping 43] Refrigerant piping 41 connects the compressor 10 to the air supply unit 20, more specifically, to the air supply heat exchanger 21 of the air supply unit 20. Refrigerant piping 42 connects the compressor 10 to the exhaust unit 30, more specifically, to the exhaust heat exchanger 31 of the exhaust unit 30. Refrigerant piping 43 connects the air supply unit 20 to the exhaust unit 30, more specifically, to the air supply heat exchanger 21 of the air supply unit 20 and the exhaust heat exchanger 31 of the exhaust unit 30. An expansion valve or capillary tube is provided in refrigerant piping 43.

[0049] [Refrigerant circuit 50] The refrigerant circuit 50 comprises a compressor 10, an air supply heat exchanger 21, an exhaust heat exchanger 31, and refrigerant piping 41, 42, and 43. In the refrigerant circuit 50, the compressor 10, the air supply heat exchanger 21, and the exhaust heat exchanger 31 are connected by refrigerant piping 41, 42, and 43, and refrigerant flows through it.

[0050] The operation of the refrigerant circuit 50 will now be explained. For example, in summer, if the indoor temperature of the building BLD is lower than the outdoor temperature due to the air conditioning system, the compressor 10 supplies compressed refrigerant to the exhaust unit 30. The exhaust heat exchanger 31 of the exhaust unit 30 acts as a condenser when it is supplied with compressed refrigerant. On the other hand, the supply air heat exchanger 21 of the supply air unit 20 acts as an evaporator.

[0051] The exhaust heat exchanger 31 acts as a condenser and the supply air heat exchanger 21 acts as an evaporator, thereby recovering the cold energy of the return air RA and cooling the outside air OA.

[0052] Furthermore, for example, in winter, if the indoor temperature of the building's BLD is higher than the outdoor temperature due to heating appliances, the compressor 10 supplies compressed refrigerant to the air supply unit 20. The air supply heat exchanger 21 in the air supply unit 20 acts as a condenser when the compressed refrigerant is supplied. On the other hand, the exhaust heat exchanger 31 in the exhaust unit 30 acts as an evaporator.

[0053] The supply air heat exchanger 21 acts as a condenser and the exhaust air heat exchanger 31 acts as an evaporator, thereby recovering heat from the return air RA and heating the outside air OA.

[0054] [Control Unit 60] The control unit 60 controls the entire ventilation system 1. The control unit 60 is a control circuit equipped with a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and memory. The functions of the control unit 60 are realized by the processor operating according to a program stored in readable format in memory. A specific example of the control unit 60 is a microcontroller (microcomputer). The control unit 60 may also be an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0055] <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the first embodiment> Based on Figure 1, the airflow in the operating state of the ventilation device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. By describing the airflow in the operating state of the ventilation device 1 according to the first embodiment, the steps included in the ventilation method of the ventilation device 1 according to this embodiment will be explained.

[0056] The air supply unit 20 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 20 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 20 discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the space above the ceiling AT of the building BLD.

[0057] The space above the ceiling CL is the space between the ceiling CL and the upper floor or roof. The horizontal direction of the space above the ceiling CL is separated from the outdoors by, for example, an exterior wall (exterior wall OW1, exterior wall OW2, etc.). The space above the ceiling AT may also be separated by a partition wall SW (see Figure 3).

[0058] The air supply unit 20 may also have an opening on the ceiling space AT side, and exhaust air directly into the ceiling space AT through this opening.

[0059] The ceiling CL is designed to allow the supply air SA to pass through (allow ventilation). The ceiling CL may, for example, have multiple holes. The ceiling CL may also be made of a highly breathable material (for example, a porous material).

[0060] The supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 20 into the ceiling space AT passes through the ceiling CL as indicated by arrow SA1 and is supplied to the room RM. Inside the room RM, air flows toward the exhaust unit 30 as indicated by arrow RA1. The exhaust unit 30 then draws in return air RA from the room RM. The exhaust unit 30 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0061] The exhaust unit 30 may also have an opening on the room RM side and draw in return air RA directly from the room RM through this opening. Alternatively, the exhaust unit 30 may have an opening on the ceiling space AT side and draw in air that has entered the ceiling space AT from the room RM through the ceiling CL as return air RA. Furthermore, the exhaust unit 30 may have openings on both the room RM side and the ceiling space AT side for air intake.

[0062] In the case of the exhaust unit 30, when supplying air from the ceiling space AT, it is desirable to provide a partition wall SW (see Figure 3) that separates the ceiling space AT into the space where the supply air unit 20 is installed and the space where the exhaust unit 30 is installed.

[0063] Furthermore, it is desirable to install the air supply unit 20 and the exhaust unit 30 on opposite sides of the room RM to improve ventilation efficiency.

[0064] Note that the supply air unit 20 is an example of the first unit, the exhaust unit 30 is an example of the second unit, the supply air heat exchanger 21 is an example of the first heat exchanger, the exhaust heat exchanger 31 is an example of the second heat exchanger, the supply air path P1 is an example of the first path, and the exhaust air path P2 is an example of the second path.

[0065] <Effects and Actions> According to the ventilation system of the first embodiment, the ventilation system can be installed without using ducts. In other words, according to this disclosure, a ductless ventilation system can be provided. Since the ventilation system can be installed without using ducts, the equipment costs and installation costs (construction costs) of ducts can be reduced. In other words, according to the ventilation system of the first embodiment, the costs associated with installation can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, according to the ventilation system of the first embodiment, since the supply air SA is provided from the ceiling space AT to a wide area of ​​the ceiling CL, stagnant air in the room RM can be suppressed. By suppressing stagnant air in the room RM, ventilation efficiency can be improved.

[0067] ≪Second Embodiment≫ <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the second embodiment> Figure 3 is a side view illustrating the usage state of the ventilation device 1 according to the second embodiment. In the usage state of the ventilation device 1 according to the second embodiment, the supply air SA is supplied from the supply air unit 20 to the wall space WB.

[0068] The air supply unit 20 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 20 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 20 discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the space above the ceiling AT of the building BLD.

[0069] The air supply unit 20 may also have an opening on the ceiling space AT side, and exhaust air directly into the ceiling space AT through this opening.

[0070] A portion of the supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 20 into the ceiling space AT is supplied to the room RM through the ceiling CL as shown by arrow SA1. Another portion of the supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 20 into the ceiling space AT is supplied from the ceiling space AT to the wall space WB. The supply air SA supplied to the wall space WB is then supplied to the underfloor space UF as shown by arrow SA2, passing through the wall space WB.

[0071] The wall space (WB) is the space between adjacent walls. Walls are, in particular, walls that extend vertically (up and down) within a building building deck (BLD). Examples of walls include the exterior walls of a building BLD (e.g., exterior wall OW1, exterior wall OW2, etc.) and the interior walls of a building BLD.

[0072] The supply air SA, which is supplied to the underfloor space UF, passes through the floor FL as shown by arrow SA3 and is supplied to the room RM.

[0073] The floor level (FL) is designed to allow air to pass through (ventilate). For example, the floor level may have multiple holes. Alternatively, the floor level may be made of a highly breathable material (e.g., a porous material).

[0074] The underfloor space UF is the space located below the floor FL, between the floor FL and a wall on the lower floor or ground side. The horizontal direction of the underfloor space UF is separated from the outdoors by, for example, an exterior wall (exterior wall OW1, exterior wall OW2, etc.). The underfloor space UF may also be separated by a partition wall.

[0075] Within room RM, air flows towards the exhaust unit 30, as indicated by arrow RA1. In the underfloor space UF, a portion of the supply air SA flows along the floor FL, as indicated by arrow SA4.

[0076] The exhaust unit 30 then draws in return air RA from the room RM. The exhaust unit 30 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0077] The exhaust unit 30 may also have an opening on the room RM side and draw in return air RA directly from the room RM through this opening. Alternatively, the exhaust unit 30 may have an opening on the ceiling space AT side and draw in air that has entered the ceiling space AT from the room RM through the ceiling CL as return air RA. Furthermore, the exhaust unit 30 may have openings on both the room RM side and the ceiling space AT side for air intake.

[0078] In the case of the exhaust unit 30, when supplying air from the ceiling space AT, it is desirable to provide a partition wall SW that separates the ceiling space AT into the space where the supply air unit 20 is installed and the space where the exhaust unit 30 is installed.

[0079] <Effects and Actions> According to the ventilation device of the second embodiment, in addition to the operation and effects of the ventilation device of the first embodiment, ventilation can be performed by utilizing the space behind the wall.

[0080] ≪Third Embodiment≫ <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the third embodiment> Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the operating state of the ventilation device 1 according to the third embodiment. In the operating state of the ventilation device 1 according to the third embodiment, the supply air unit 20 exhausts air into the space between adjacent floors, and the exhaust unit 30 draws in air from the space between adjacent floors.

[0081] Rooms on adjacent floors, one above the other, are designated as Room RMU and Room RMD. Room RMU is the room on the floor adjacent to Room RMD.

[0082] The air supply unit 20 is installed in the space between adjacent floors, that is, the ceiling space ATD of room RMD located between room RMU and room RMD. The exhaust unit 30 is installed in the space between adjacent floors, that is, the underfloor space UFU of room RMU located between room RMU and room RMD.

[0083] The air supply unit 20 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 20 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 20 discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the ceiling space ATD of the building BLD.

[0084] Alternatively, the air supply unit 20 may have an opening on the ceiling space ATD side, and exhaust air directly to the ceiling space ATD through this opening.

[0085] The supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 20 into the ceiling space ATD is supplied from the ceiling space ATD through the ceiling CL as shown by arrow SA1 to the room RMD. Within the room RMD, air flows toward the opening HUD leading to the exhaust unit 30 as shown by arrow RA1. The room RMD is provided with a ventilated wall RW. Supply air SA may be supplied to one side of the wall RW, and return air RA may be supplied to the other side of the wall RW. Note that the wall RW is not limited to a ventilated wall; vents may be provided in the wall RW.

[0086] The return air RA that has passed through the opening HUD then passes through the underfloor space UFU of the room RMU as indicated by arrow RA2. The exhaust unit 30 then draws in the return air RA from the underfloor space UFU. The exhaust unit 30 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0087] The exhaust unit 30 may also have an opening on the underfloor space UFU side, and air that enters the underfloor space UFU from the room RMD through this opening may be drawn in as return air RA.

[0088] Alternatively, the air supply unit 20 may be installed in the underfloor space UFU of the room RMU located between the room RMU and the room RMD, and the exhaust unit 30 may be installed in the ceiling space ATD of the room RMD.

[0089] The ceiling space (ATD) is an example of the first space, and the underfloor space (UFU) is an example of the second space.

[0090] <Effects and Actions> According to the ventilation system of the third embodiment, in addition to the operation and effects of the ventilation system of the first embodiment, ventilation can be performed by utilizing the space between adjacent floors.

[0091] ≪Fourth Embodiment≫ <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the fourth embodiment> Figure 5 is a side view illustrating the usage state of the ventilation system according to the fourth embodiment. In the usage state of the ventilation system according to the fourth embodiment, a blower 140 is provided between the supply air unit 120 and the exhaust air unit 130, separately from the supply air unit 120 and the exhaust air unit 130.

[0092] Rooms on adjacent floors, one above the other, are designated as Room RMU and Room RMD. Room RMU is the room on the floor adjacent to Room RMD.

[0093] The air supply unit 120 has a configuration that omits the blower 22 compared to the configuration of the air supply unit 20. The exhaust unit 130 has a configuration that omits the blower 32 compared to the configuration of the exhaust unit 30.

[0094] Blower 140 draws in return air RA from room RMD and supplies it to the underfloor space UFU of room RMU.

[0095] The air supply unit 120 is installed in the space between adjacent floors, that is, the ceiling space ATD of room RMD located between room RMU and room RMD. The exhaust unit 130 is installed in the space between adjacent floors, that is, the underfloor space UFU of room RMU located between room RMU and room RMD.

[0096] The air supply unit 120 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 120 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 120 then discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the ceiling space ATD of the building BLD.

[0097] Alternatively, the air supply unit 20 may have an opening on the ceiling space ATD side, and exhaust air directly to the ceiling space ATD through this opening.

[0098] The supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 120 into the ceiling space AT is supplied to the room RMD from the ceiling space ATD through the ceiling CL as shown by arrow SA1. Within the room RMD, air flows towards the blower 140 as shown by arrow RA1. The room RMD is provided with a ventilated wall RW. Supply air SA may be supplied to one side of the wall RW, and air may be drawn in towards the exhaust unit 30 on the other side of the wall RW. Note that the wall RW is not limited to a ventilated wall; vents may be provided in the wall RW.

[0099] Then, the air in room RMD is drawn in by the blower 140 as indicated by arrow RA2. The blower 140 then exhausts the air in room RMD into the underfloor space UFU of room RMU as indicated by arrow RA3. The air exhausted into the underfloor space UFU of room RMU by the blower 140 passes through the underfloor space UFU of room RMU as indicated by arrow RA4. Then, the exhaust unit 130 draws in return air RA from the underfloor space UFU. The exhaust unit 130 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0100] The exhaust unit 130 may also have an opening on the underfloor space UFU side, and air that enters the underfloor space UFU from the room RMD through this opening may be drawn in as return air RA.

[0101] <Effects and Actions> According to the ventilation system of the fourth embodiment, in addition to the operation and effects of the ventilation system of the third embodiment, the supply air unit and exhaust unit can be miniaturized. By miniaturizing the supply air unit and exhaust unit, the installation space can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the ventilation system of the fourth embodiment, the blower can be installed in a location that is easy to maintain. By making the blower easier to maintain, the effort and cost of maintenance can be reduced.

[0102] ≪Fifth Embodiment≫ <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the 5th embodiment> Figure 6 is a side view illustrating the usage state of the ventilation system according to the fifth embodiment. In the usage state of the ventilation system according to the fifth embodiment, a blower 240 is provided between the supply air unit 120 and the exhaust air unit 130, separately from the supply air unit 120 and the exhaust air unit 130.

[0103] The air supply unit 120 has a configuration that omits the blower 22 compared to the configuration of the air supply unit 20. The exhaust unit 130 has a configuration that omits the blower 32 compared to the configuration of the exhaust unit 30.

[0104] The blower 240 draws in air from the underfloor space UF and supplies it to the room RM.

[0105] The air supply unit 120 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 120 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 120 then discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the space above the ceiling AT of the building BLD.

[0106] Alternatively, the air supply unit 120 may have an opening on the ceiling space AT side, and exhaust air directly into the ceiling space AT through this opening.

[0107] The supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 20 into the ceiling space AT is supplied from the ceiling space AT to the wall space WB. The supply air SA supplied to the wall space WB then passes through the wall space WB and is supplied to the underfloor space UF, as shown by arrow SA1. The supply air SA supplied to the underfloor space UF flows along arrow SA2 towards the blower 240.

[0108] A fan 240 is installed on the floor level (FL). The number of fans 240 may be determined as appropriate depending on the size of the room (RM), etc.

[0109] The supply air SA, which is supplied to the underfloor space UF, is supplied to the room RM, as indicated by arrow SA3.

[0110] Within room RM, air flows towards the exhaust unit 130, as indicated by arrow RA1.

[0111] The exhaust unit 130 then draws in return air RA from room RM. The exhaust unit 130 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0112] The exhaust unit 130 may have an opening on the room RM side and draw in return air RA directly from the room RM through this opening. Alternatively, the exhaust unit 130 may have an opening on the ceiling space AT side and draw in RA that has entered the ceiling space AT from the room RM through the ceiling CL as return air RA through this opening. Furthermore, the exhaust unit 130 may have openings on both the room RM side and the ceiling space AT side for intake.

[0113] Furthermore, when the exhaust unit 130 supplies air from the ceiling space AT, it is desirable to provide a partition wall SW that separates the ceiling space AT into the space where the air supply unit 120 is installed and the space where the exhaust unit 130 is installed.

[0114] <Effects and Actions> According to the ventilation system of the fifth embodiment, in addition to the operation and effects of the ventilation system of the first embodiment, the supply air unit and exhaust air unit can be miniaturized. By miniaturizing the supply air unit and exhaust air unit, the installation space can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the ventilation system of the fifth embodiment, the blower can be installed in a location that is easy to maintain. By making the blower easier to maintain, the effort and cost of maintenance can be reduced.

[0115] ≪Sixth Embodiment≫ <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the 6th embodiment> Figure 7 is a side view illustrating the usage state of the ventilation system according to the sixth embodiment. In the usage state of the ventilation system according to the sixth embodiment, an air supply unit 120 without a blower and an exhaust unit 30 equipped with a blower are used.

[0116] The air supply unit 120 has a configuration that omits the blower 22 compared to the configuration of the air supply unit 20.

[0117] The air supply unit 120 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 120 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 120 then discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the space above the ceiling AT of the building BLD.

[0118] Alternatively, the air supply unit 120 may have an opening on the ceiling space AT side, and exhaust air directly into the ceiling space AT through this opening.

[0119] The ceiling CL is designed to allow the supply air SA to pass through (allow ventilation). The ceiling CL may, for example, have multiple holes. The ceiling CL may also be made of a highly breathable material (for example, a porous material).

[0120] The supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 120 into the ceiling space AT passes through the ceiling CL as indicated by arrow SA1 and is supplied to the room RM. Inside the room RM, air flows toward the exhaust unit 30 as indicated by arrow RA1. The exhaust unit 30 then draws in return air RA from the room RM. The exhaust unit 30 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0121] The exhaust unit 30 may also have an opening on the room RM side and draw in return air RA directly from the room RM through this opening. Alternatively, the exhaust unit 30 may have an opening on the ceiling space AT side and draw in air that has entered the ceiling space AT from the room RM through the ceiling CL as return air RA. Furthermore, the exhaust unit 30 may have openings on both the room RM side and the ceiling space AT side for air intake.

[0122] In the case of the exhaust unit 30, when supplying air from the ceiling space AT, it is desirable to provide a partition wall SW (see Figure 3) that separates the ceiling space AT into the space where the supply air unit 20 is installed and the space where the exhaust unit 30 is installed.

[0123] In addition, in the ventilation device according to the sixth embodiment, the exhaust unit 130 may be provided in place of the exhaust unit 30 of the ventilation device according to the first embodiment, thereby reducing the number of blowers in the exhaust unit.

[0124] <Effects and Actions> According to the ventilation system of the sixth embodiment, in addition to the operation and effects of the ventilation system of the first embodiment, either the supply unit or the exhaust unit can be miniaturized. By miniaturizing either the supply unit or the exhaust unit, the installation space can be reduced.

[0125] ≪Seventh Embodiment≫ <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the 7th embodiment> Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the usage state of the ventilation system according to the seventh embodiment. In the usage state of the ventilation system according to the seventh embodiment, air is ventilated by flowing it from the ceiling CL to the floor FL within the room RM.

[0126] The air supply unit 20 is installed in the space AT above the ceiling of the building BLD. The exhaust unit 30 is installed in the space UF below the floor of the building BLD. In Figure 8, the compressor 10 is installed in the space AT above the ceiling, but it may also be installed in the space UF below the floor.

[0127] The air supply unit 20 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 20 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 20 discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the space above the ceiling AT of the building BLD.

[0128] The air supply unit 20 may also have an opening on the ceiling space AT side, and exhaust air directly into the ceiling space AT through this opening.

[0129] The ceiling CL is designed to allow the supply air SA to pass through (allow ventilation). The ceiling CL may, for example, have multiple holes. The ceiling CL may also be made of a highly breathable material (for example, a porous material).

[0130] The supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 20 into the space above the ceiling AT is supplied to the room RM from the space above the ceiling AT through the ceiling CL as shown by arrow SA1. Within the room RM, air flows from the ceiling CL towards the floor FL.

[0131] The floor level (FL) is designed to allow air to pass through (ventilate). For example, the floor level may have multiple holes. Alternatively, the floor level may be made of a highly breathable material (e.g., a porous material).

[0132] As indicated by arrow RA1, air flowing from the ceiling CL to the floor FL within the room RM passes through the floor FL and flows through the underfloor space UF. The exhaust unit 30 then draws in return air RA from the underfloor space UF. The exhaust unit 30 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0133] The exhaust unit 30 may also have an opening on the underfloor space UF side, and air that enters the underfloor space UF from the room RM through the floor FL via this opening may be drawn in as return air RA.

[0134] <Effects and Actions> The ventilation system according to the seventh embodiment can accommodate downflow-type continuous air conditioning in addition to the operation and effects of the ventilation system according to the first embodiment. In particular, by providing continuous air conditioning, which is effective for virus countermeasures, that is, unidirectional air conditioning using only outside air supply without circulating indoor air, a safe and secure air conditioning system can be provided.

[0135] ≪Eighth Embodiment≫ <Airflow during use of the ventilation system according to the 8th embodiment> Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the usage state of the ventilation device according to the eighth embodiment. In the usage state of the ventilation device according to the eighth embodiment, air is ventilated by flowing it from the floor FL towards the ceiling CL within the room RM.

[0136] The air supply unit 20 is installed in the underfloor space UF of the building BLD. The exhaust unit 30 is installed in the ceiling space AT of the building BLD. In Figure 8, the compressor 10 is installed in the underfloor space UF, but it may also be installed in the ceiling space AT.

[0137] The air supply unit 20 takes in outside air OA from the outside of the building BLD. The air supply unit 20 then performs heat exchange between the taken-in outside air OA and the air supply heat exchanger 21. The air supply unit 20 discharges the heat-exchanged outside air OA as supply air SA into the underfloor space UF of the building BLD.

[0138] The air supply unit 20 may also have an opening on the underfloor space UF side, and exhaust air directly into the underfloor space UF through this opening.

[0139] The supply air SA discharged from the supply air unit 20 into the underfloor space UF is supplied to the room RM from the underfloor space UF, passing through the floor FL as shown by arrow SA1. Within room RM, air flows from the floor FL towards the ceiling CL.

[0140] The floor level (FL) is designed to allow air to pass through (ventilate). For example, the floor level may have multiple holes. Alternatively, the floor level may be made of a highly breathable material (e.g., a porous material).

[0141] As indicated by arrow RA1, air flowing from the floor FL towards the ceiling CL within the room RM passes through the ceiling CL and flows through the space above the ceiling AT. The exhaust unit 30 then draws in return air RA from the space above the ceiling AT. The exhaust unit 30 exchanges heat between the supplied return air RA and the exhaust heat exchanger 31, and discharges the return air RA after heat exchange as exhaust EA to the outside of the building BLD.

[0142] The ceiling CL is designed to allow the supply air SA to pass through (allow ventilation). The ceiling CL may, for example, have multiple holes. The ceiling CL may also be made of a highly breathable material (for example, a porous material).

[0143] The exhaust unit 30 may also have an opening on the ceiling space AT side, and air that enters the ceiling space AT from the room RM through the ceiling CL via this opening may be drawn in as return air RA.

[0144] <Effects and Actions> The ventilation system according to the eighth embodiment can accommodate upflow-type continuous air conditioning in addition to the operation and effects of the ventilation system according to the first embodiment. In particular, by providing continuous air conditioning, which is effective for virus countermeasures, that is, unidirectional air conditioning using only outside air supply without circulating indoor air, a safe and secure air conditioning system can be provided.

[0145] <Variation> In the example above, a configuration in which the air supply unit and exhaust unit are separated was described, but an integrated ventilation system in which the air supply unit and exhaust unit are combined may also be used.

[0146] Although embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various modifications to the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Various modifications and improvements are possible, such as combinations or substitutions with parts or all of other embodiments. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 1. Ventilation system 10 Compressor 20, 120 Air supply units 21. Heat exchanger for supply air 22 Blower 30, 130 exhaust unit 31 Exhaust heat exchanger 32 Blower 41, 42, 43 Refrigerant piping 50 Refrigerant Circuit 60 Control Unit 140, 240 blower

Claims

1. Compressor and, A first unit comprising a first heat exchanger installed in a first path through which outdoor air from the building is supplied to a room via the space above the ceiling of the building, A second unit comprising a second heat exchanger provided in a second path through which the air from the aforementioned room enters the ceiling space and is exhausted to the outside, The compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected by refrigerant piping, and a refrigerant circuit through which refrigerant flows is provided, The first unit discharges the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger into the space above the ceiling. The first unit is provided along the wall of the first outer wall of the building, The second unit is provided along the wall of a second exterior wall of the building that is different from the first exterior wall. The first unit and the second unit are provided separately. Ventilation system.

2. The system further includes a blower for supplying air to the second heat exchanger. The ventilation device according to claim 1.

3. The air exhausted by the first unit passes through the space behind the walls of the building and is sent to the space under the floor of the building, and is supplied into the room from the space under the floor. A ventilation device according to either claim 1 or claim 2.

4. Compressor and, A first unit comprising a first heat exchanger installed in a first path through which outdoor air from the building is supplied to a room via the space above the ceiling of the building, A second unit comprising a second heat exchanger provided in a second path through which the air from the aforementioned room enters the ceiling space and is exhausted to the outside, The compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected by refrigerant piping, and a refrigerant circuit through which refrigerant flows is provided, The first unit discharges the air that has passed through the first heat exchanger into the space above the ceiling. The first unit is provided along the wall of the first outer wall of the building, The second unit is provided along the wall of a second exterior wall of the building that is different from the first exterior wall. The first unit and the second unit are provided separately. A ventilation method using a ventilation device, The process of exchanging heat between the outdoor air and the first heat exchanger, The process involves discharging the air that has undergone heat exchange in the first heat exchanger into the space above the ceiling, The process involves the air in the aforementioned room exchanging heat with the air that has entered the space above the ceiling and the second heat exchanger. The process includes flowing a refrigerant through refrigerant piping to which the compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected, Ventilation methods.

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