Air conditioning system

Abstract

An air conditioning system comprises: a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts a temperature of a first heat medium and perform a heat exchange between the first heat medium and a second heat medium to adjust the temperature of the second heat medium to a target temperature; a plurality of thermal devices that are supplied with the second heat medium from the temperature adjusting unit and that cool or heat a space; a plurality of flow rate regulators that are connected to the plurality of thermal devices respectively and that control a flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the connected heat devices such that an indoor temperature of a target space is a set temperature; and a control unit that monitors a load factor corresponding to the flow rate of the second heat medium in the plurality of flow rate regulators, and controls the target temperature such that the load factor in at least one of the plurality of flow rate regulators is equal to or greater than a target load factor.

Description

Air conditioning system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to air conditioning systems.

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a heating device comprising a heat pump unit, a heating unit connected to the heat pump unit and adjusting the temperature of temperature-controlled water, and a floor heating panel to which temperature-controlled water is supplied from the heating unit.

[0003] JP 2012-172933 A

[0004] As exemplified by the floor heating panel in Patent Document 1 that supplies temperature-controlled water, in an air conditioning system that supplies a heat medium from a single heat source to multiple heat devices to cool or heat a space, there has been consideration of controlling the multiple heat devices to reach a set temperature, but there has been no consideration of technology that controls the supply temperature of the heat medium to improve operating efficiency.

[0005] The present disclosure provides an air conditioning system that improves operating efficiency by efficiently supplying a heat medium to thermal equipment.

[0006] An air conditioning system according to a first aspect is an air conditioning system comprising: a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of a first heat medium and adjusts the temperature of the second heat medium to a target temperature by exchanging heat between the first heat medium and a second heat medium; a plurality of thermal devices to which the second heat medium is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit and that cool or heat a space; a plurality of flow rate regulators that are connected to the plurality of thermal devices, respectively, and that control the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of a target space becomes a set temperature; and a control unit that monitors load rates corresponding to the flow rates of the second heat medium in the plurality of flow rate regulators, and controls the target temperature so that the load rate in at least one of the plurality of flow rate regulators is equal to or greater than a target load rate.

[0007] According to the air conditioning system of the first aspect, the operating efficiency can be improved by efficiently supplying the heat medium to the thermal equipment.

[0008] The air conditioning system of the second aspect may be the air conditioning system of the first aspect, further comprising a plurality of temperature regulators connected to each of the plurality of flow rate regulators and controlling the connected flow rate regulators, and each of the plurality of thermal devices may cool or heat a different target space.

[0009] An air conditioning system of a third aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect, which includes a plurality of temperature regulators connected to each of the plurality of flow rate regulators and controlling the connected flow rate regulators, and at least two of the plurality of thermal devices may cool or heat the same target space.

[0010] An air conditioning system according to a fourth aspect may be the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, further comprising a temperature regulator that controls at least two of the flow rate regulators connected to the plurality of thermal devices, respectively.

[0011] An air conditioning system of a fifth aspect is the air conditioning system of any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the control unit may control the air conditioning system so that, when there is no flow regulator whose load rate reaches a target load rate, the target temperature is increased during cooling operation and the target temperature is decreased during heating operation.

[0012] An air conditioning system of a sixth aspect is the air conditioning system of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control unit may control the air conditioning system so that, when there is a flow regulator whose load rate reaches a target load rate and the indoor temperature of the target space does not reach the set temperature, the target temperature is lowered in cooling operation and the target temperature is raised in heating operation.

[0013] In an air conditioning system of a seventh aspect, in the air conditioning systems of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit may control the load rate of the flow rate regulator connected to the thermal equipment in a second target space adjacent to the first target space to be increased when the indoor temperature of a first target space cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the flow rate regulator whose load rate is equal to or higher than a target load rate does not reach the set temperature.

[0014] An air conditioning system of an eighth aspect is the air conditioning system of the seventh aspect, wherein the control unit may control the load rate of the flow regulator connected to the thermal equipment in the second target space to be increased, and if the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after the control unit controls the load rate of the flow regulator connected to the thermal equipment in the second target space to be increased, to lower the target temperature in cooling operation and to raise the target temperature in heating operation.

[0015] An air conditioning system of a ninth aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect, wherein the control unit may control the target temperature when the indoor temperature of a first target space cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the flow regulator whose load rate is equal to or greater than a target load rate does not reach the set temperature and a rate of change of the indoor temperature of the first target space is equal to or less than a first rate of change.

[0016] The air conditioning system of a tenth aspect is the air conditioning system of the first aspect, wherein each of a first thermal device and a second thermal device among the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a third target space which is the same target space, and the control unit may control the load rate of the flow rate regulator connected to the second thermal device to increase when the load rate of the flow rate regulator connected to the first thermal device is equal to or greater than a target load rate, the load rate of the flow rate regulator connected to the second thermal device is less than a target load rate, and the indoor temperature of the third target space does not reach the set temperature.

[0017] An eleventh aspect of the air conditioning system is the air conditioning system of the first to tenth aspects, wherein the control unit may determine the adjustment range of the target temperature in the temperature adjustment unit based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the target space and the set temperature when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, or when the thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram explaining the processing in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a first modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of a second modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram explaining the processing in a third modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted. Furthermore, to facilitate understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0020] An air conditioning system according to this embodiment will be described. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment includes a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of a first heat medium and adjusts the temperature of a second heat medium to a target temperature by exchanging heat between the first heat medium and a second heat medium. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment also includes a plurality of thermal devices to which the second heat medium is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit and that cool or heat a space. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment also includes a plurality of flow rate adjusters that are connected to the plurality of thermal devices and control the flow rate of the second heat medium flowing through the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes a set temperature. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment also includes a control unit that monitors the load factors corresponding to the flow rates of the second heat medium in the plurality of flow rate adjusters and controls the target temperature so that the load factor of at least one of the plurality of flow rate adjusters is equal to or greater than a target load factor. By controlling the target temperature so that the load factor of at least one of the plurality of flow rate adjusters is equal to or greater than the target load factor, the control unit in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment can increase the total load factor, which is the sum of the load factors of the respective flow rate adjusters.

[0021] The air conditioning system according to the present embodiment also includes a plurality of temperature regulators connected to the plurality of flow rate regulators, each of which controls the connected flow rate regulators. In the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment, each of the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a different target space.

[0022] From another perspective, the air conditioning system according to this embodiment includes a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of a heat medium to a target temperature. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment also includes multiple thermal devices that receive a heat medium from the temperature adjustment unit and cool or heat a space. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment also includes multiple valves connected to each of the multiple thermal devices and that control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes the set temperature. The air conditioning system according to this embodiment also includes a control unit that monitors the load factors corresponding to the flow rates of the heat medium in the multiple valves and controls the target temperature so that the load factor of at least one of the multiple valves is equal to or greater than a target load factor. By controlling the target temperature so that the load factor of at least one of the multiple valves is equal to or greater than the target load factor, the control unit in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment can increase the total load factor, which is the sum of the load factors of the individual valves.

[0023] The air conditioning system according to this embodiment also includes a plurality of temperature regulators connected to the plurality of valves to control the connected valves, and each of the plurality of thermal devices in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment cools or heats a different target space.

[0024] 1 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of an air conditioning system 1, which is an example of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment. The air conditioning system 1 is an air conditioning system that adjusts the temperatures of spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 in a building H.

[0025] The building H is, for example, a building or an ordinary house. Furthermore, each of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is, for example, a room. In the air-conditioning system according to this embodiment, the spaces to be cooled or air-conditioned are, for example, a living room, a kitchen, a toilet, a hallway, a conference room, a hall, etc.

[0026] The air conditioning system 1 includes a temperature adjustment unit 10, thermal equipment 21, thermal equipment 22, and thermal equipment 23, valves 31, 32, and 33, a control unit 40, and temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53. The valves 31, 32, and 33 are controlled by the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53, respectively. The thermal equipment 21, 22, and 23 each cool or heat a different space in the building H. The elements included in the air conditioning system 1 will be described in detail. The air conditioning system 1 cools or heats each space using the heat medium RF1 that has exchanged heat with the heat medium RF2. In other words, the air conditioning system 1 is a partial expansion type air conditioning system.

[0027] [Temperature Adjustment Unit 10] The temperature adjustment unit 10 adjusts the temperature of the heat medium RF1 to a target temperature Thw and supplies the heat medium RF1. The temperature adjustment unit 10 includes an outdoor unit 11, a heat exchanger 12, and a pump 13.

[0028] (Outdoor unit 11) The outdoor unit 11 supplies the heat medium RF2, which has been adjusted to a predetermined temperature, to the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 includes a compressor, an expansion valve, and a heat exchanger. The outdoor unit 11 is provided outside the building H. The outdoor unit 11 cools or heats the heat medium RF2 by exchanging heat with air outside the building H.

[0029] The heat medium RF2 is a refrigerant such as a refrigerant alternative to chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) or hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

[0030] When the outdoor unit 11 supplies the high-temperature heat medium RF2 to the heat exchanger 12, that is, in the heating operation, the compressor compresses the gaseous heat medium RF2 and supplies it to the heat exchanger 12. Then, the outdoor unit 11 recovers the heat medium RF2 that has been liquefied by heat exchange in the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 reduces the pressure of the liquid heat medium RF2 using an expansion valve, exchanges heat with outside air using a heat exchanger, and turns it into gaseous heat medium RF2, which is then compressed again by the compressor.

[0031] When the outdoor unit 11 supplies the low-temperature heat medium RF2 to the heat exchanger 12, that is, in the case of cooling operation, the compressor compresses the gaseous heat medium RF2 and supplies it to the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit 11. The outdoor unit 11 then reduces the pressure of the liquid heat medium RF2 that has been heat exchanged in the heat exchanger in the outdoor unit 11 using an expansion valve and supplies it to the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 recovers the gaseous heat medium RF2 that has been heat exchanged in the heat exchanger 12. The outdoor unit 11 compresses the gaseous heat medium RF2 again using the compressor.

[0032] The outdoor unit 11 is controlled by a control unit 40. In the outdoor unit 11, for example, the target temperature, flow rate, etc. of the heat medium RF2 are set by the control unit 40.

[0033] (Heat Exchanger 12) The heat exchanger 12 exchanges heat between the heat medium RF1 and the heat medium RF2. The heat medium RF2 is, for example, water. Note that the heat medium RF1 is not limited to water and may be, for example, a liquid including antifreeze or the like. The heat medium RF1 may be a gas such as air. The heat exchanger 12 is, for example, a plate-type, spiral-type, or double-pipe heat exchanger.

[0034] The high-temperature heat medium RF2 supplied from the outdoor unit 11 to the heat exchanger 12 is cooled by the heat medium RF1 and returns to the outdoor unit 11. The heat medium RF1 that has exchanged heat with the high-temperature heat medium RF2 is heated and discharged from the heat exchanger 12.

[0035] The low-temperature heat medium RF2 supplied from the outdoor unit 11 to the heat exchanger 12 is heated by the heat medium RF1 and returns to the outdoor unit 11. The heat medium RF1 that has exchanged heat with the low-temperature heat medium RF2 is cooled and discharged from the heat exchanger 12.

[0036] (Pump 13) The pump 13 sends the heat medium RF1 to each of the thermal equipment 21, the thermal equipment 22, and the thermal equipment 23. The pump 13 is, for example, an axial flow pump.

[0037] The pump 13 is controlled by the control unit 40. The pump 13 has, for example, a flow rate and the like controlled by the control unit 40.

[0038] The heat exchanger 12 , the pump 13 , and the control unit 40 may be provided inside the outdoor unit 11 .

[0039] [Thermal Device 21, Thermal Device 22, and Thermal Device 23] Each of the thermal devices 21, 22, and 23 cools or heats the space in which they are installed. The thermal device 21, 22, and 23 are each supplied with a heat medium RF1 from the temperature adjustment unit 10. Each of the thermal devices 21, 22, and 23 cools or heats the space in which they are installed by the supplied heat medium RF1. Each of the thermal devices 21, 22, and 23 is, for example, a radiator, a fan convector, a floor heating panel, etc.

[0040] The thermal device 21 is provided in the space RM1. The thermal device 21 cools or heats the space RM1. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 in the thermal device 21 is adjusted by a valve 31 provided between the thermal device 21 and the temperature adjustment unit 10. When the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is reduced by the valve 31, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 21 decreases. On the other hand, when the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is increased by the valve 31, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 21 improves.

[0041] The thermal device 22 is provided in the space RM2. The thermal device 22 cools or heats the space RM2. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 in the thermal device 22 is adjusted by a valve 32 provided between the thermal device 22 and the temperature adjustment unit 10. When the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is reduced by the valve 32, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 22 decreases. On the other hand, when the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is increased by the valve 32, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 22 improves.

[0042] The thermal device 23 is provided in the space RM3. The thermal device 23 cools or heats the space RM3. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 in the thermal device 23 is adjusted by a valve 33 provided between the thermal device 23 and the temperature adjustment unit 10. When the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is reduced by the valve 33, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 23 decreases. On the other hand, when the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 is increased by the valve 33, the cooling capacity or heating capacity of the thermal device 23 improves.

[0043] [Valve 31, Valve 32, and Valve 33] Each of the valve 31, valve 32, and valve 33 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the connected thermal equipment. Each of the valve 31, valve 32, and valve 33 is, for example, a control valve.

[0044] Each of the valves 31, 32, and 33 is an example of a flow rate regulator that controls the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the connected thermal equipment. For example, when the heat medium RF1 is a gas such as air, the flow rate regulator that controls the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 may be a damper.

[0045] [Temperature regulator 51, temperature regulator 52, and temperature regulator 53] Each of the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53 controls a valve so that the indoor temperature of the target space becomes the set temperature. Each of the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53 transmits data to the control unit 40. Data transmission from each of the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53 to the control unit 40 may be, for example, wired or wireless.

[0046] The temperature regulator 51 measures the room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1. Then, the temperature regulator 51 controls the valve 31 so that the measured room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1 becomes the set temperature Ttg1. For example, the temperature regulator 51 controls the aperture of the valve 31 so that the room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1 becomes the set temperature Ttg1. Alternatively, the temperature regulator 51 may control the valve 31 to open or close so that the room temperature Trm1 of the space RM1 falls within a range that includes the set temperature Ttg1. Furthermore, the temperature regulator 51 acquires a load factor Pv1 of the valve 31. The load factor Pv1 is, for example, the aperture of the valve 31 or the proportion of time that the valve 31 is open per unit time. Then, the temperature regulator 51 transmits the acquired load factor Pv1 of the valve 31 to the control unit 40.

[0047] The temperature regulator 52 measures the room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2. The temperature regulator 52 then controls the valve 32 so that the measured room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2 becomes the set temperature Ttg2. For example, the temperature regulator 52 controls the aperture of the valve 32 so that the room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2 becomes the set temperature Ttg2. Alternatively, the temperature regulator 52 may control the valve 32 to open or close so that the room temperature Trm2 of the space RM2 falls within a range that includes the set temperature Ttg2. Furthermore, the temperature regulator 52 acquires a load factor Pv2 of the valve 32. The load factor Pv2 is, for example, the aperture of the valve 32 or the proportion of time that the valve 32 is open per unit time. The temperature regulator 52 then transmits the acquired load factor Pv2 of the valve 32 to the control unit 40.

[0048] The temperature regulator 53 measures the room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3. Then, the temperature regulator 53 controls the valve 33 so that the measured room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3 becomes the set temperature Ttg3. For example, the temperature regulator 53 controls the aperture of the valve 33 so that the room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3 becomes the set temperature Ttg3. Alternatively, the temperature regulator 53 may control the valve 33 to open or close so that the room temperature Trm3 of the space RM3 falls within a range that includes the set temperature Ttg3. Furthermore, the temperature regulator 53 acquires a load factor Pv3 of the valve 33. The load factor Pv3 is, for example, the aperture of the valve 33 or the proportion of time that the valve 33 is open per unit time. Then, the temperature regulator 53 transmits the acquired load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 to the control unit 40.

[0049] The valve 31 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 21. The valve 31 is controlled by a temperature regulator 51. For example, the opening degree or the on / off state of the valve 31 is controlled by the temperature regulator 51. The valve 31 receives valve opening degree information or an on / off signal from the temperature regulator 51 and operates accordingly.

[0050] The valve 32 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 22. The valve 32 is controlled by a temperature regulator 52. For example, the opening degree or the on / off state of the valve 32 is controlled by the temperature regulator 52. The valve 32 receives valve opening degree information or an on / off signal from the temperature regulator 52 and operates accordingly.

[0051] The valve 33 adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 23. The valve 33 is controlled by a temperature regulator 53. For example, the opening degree or the on / off state of the valve 33 is controlled by the temperature regulator 53. The valve 33 receives valve opening degree information or an on / off signal from the temperature regulator 53 and operates accordingly.

[0052] [Control Unit 40] The control unit 40 controls the air conditioning system 1. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the temperature adjustment unit 10 to supply a set amount of the heat medium RF1 adjusted to the target temperature Thw. Specifically, the control unit 40 sets the output of the outdoor unit 11 and the flow rate of the pump 13. The control unit 40 also sets the target temperature Thw to an appropriate value based on the load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3. The control unit 40 controls the target temperature Thw so that at least one of the load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 is equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg.

[0053] The control unit 40 collects the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33 from the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53, respectively. By collecting the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33 from the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53, respectively, the control unit 40 monitors the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33, respectively. Specifically, the control unit 40 acquires the load factor Pv1 of the valve 31 from the temperature regulator 51. The control unit 40 also acquires the load factor Pv2 of the valve 32 from the temperature regulator 52. The control unit 40 also acquires the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 53.

[0054] In the above example, the load factors of all of valves 31, 32, and 33 are monitored, but the load factors of some of the valves may also be monitored. For example, the control unit of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment may be configured to monitor the load factors of some of the multiple flow rate regulators. The control unit of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment may determine the flow rate regulators to be monitored, for example, by settings.

[0055] The control unit 40 controls the target temperature Thw so that at least one of the acquired load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 becomes equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg.

[0056] <Processing in Air Conditioning System According to This Embodiment> The processing in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment will be described in detail using air conditioning system 1, which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing in air conditioning system 1, which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0057] The control unit 40 in the air conditioning system 1 controls the target temperature Thw in the temperature adjustment unit 10 so that the load factor of at least one of the multiple valves is equal to or greater than the target load factor. Specifically, the control unit 40 reduces the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10 when there is no valve whose load factor reaches the target load factor. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the temperature adjustment unit 10 so that the target temperature Thw is increased during cooling operation and the target temperature Twh is decreased during heating operation.

[0058] Furthermore, when the load factor of at least one of the multiple valves is equal to or greater than the target load factor and the target temperature is not reached in the target space in which the thermal equipment connected to the valve with the load factor equal to or greater than the target load factor is installed, the control unit 40 increases the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. Specifically, the control unit 40 controls the temperature adjustment unit 10 to lower the target temperature Thw in cooling operation and to raise the target temperature Twh in heating operation.

[0059] (Step S10) When the process starts, the control unit 40 in the air conditioning system 1 acquires the load factors of the valves 31, 32, and 33 from the temperature regulators 51, 52, and 53, respectively. Specifically, the control unit 40 acquires the load factor Pv1 of the valve 31 from the temperature regulator 51. The control unit 40 also acquires the load factor Pv2 of the valve 32 from the temperature regulator 52. The control unit 40 also acquires the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 53.

[0060] (Step S20) Next, the control unit 40 determines whether at least one of the acquired load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 continues to be equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg. In other words, the control unit 40 determines whether there is one or more valves whose load factors continue to be equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg. Note that in FIG. 2, an example will be described in which the target load factor is 100%. If at least one of the load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 is equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg (YES in step S20), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S30. If at least one of the load factors Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 is not equal to or greater than the target load factor Ptg (NO in step S20), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S40. Although the target load factor Ptg is set to 100% in the flow, it may not be 100% due to system constraints, etc. The target load rate Ptg is not limited to 100% and may be set as appropriate. For example, the target load rate Ptg may be set as appropriate within the range of 80% to 100%. Furthermore, an average value over a predetermined time may be used for each of the load rates Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3.

[0061] (Step S30) Next, the control unit 40 determines whether the room temperature in the target space cooled or heated by the valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or greater than the target load rate has reached the target temperature. If the room temperature in the target space cooled or heated by the valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or greater than the target load rate has reached the target temperature (YES in step S30), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80. If the room temperature in the target space cooled or heated by the valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or greater than the target load rate has not reached the target temperature (NO in step S30), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S50.

[0062] (Step S40) The control unit 40 reduces the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. Specifically, in the case of heating operation, the control unit 40 reduces the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to reduce the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. In the case of cooling operation, the control unit 40 increases the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to reduce the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. After increasing the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80.

[0063] (Step S50) The control unit 40 determines whether there is room to increase the load rate of the valve in a target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to a target space (first target space) that is cooled or heated by a valve whose load rate continues to be equal to or greater than the target load rate. If there is room to increase the load rate of the valve in the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (YES in step S50), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S60. If there is no room to increase the load rate of the valve in the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (NO in step S50), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S70.

[0064] (Step S60) If there is room to increase the load rate of the valve in the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (YES in step S50), the control unit 40 increases the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal equipment that cools or heats the target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space).The control unit 40 then proceeds to step S80.

[0065] (Step S70) If there is no room to increase the load factor of the valve in a target space (adjacent space) (second target space) adjacent to the target space (first target space) (NO in step S50), the control unit 40 increases the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. Specifically, in the case of heating operation, the control unit 40 increases the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to increase the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. In the case of cooling operation, the control unit 40 decreases the target temperature Thw of the temperature adjustment unit 10 in order to increase the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. After increasing the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10, the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80.

[0066] (Step S80) The control unit 40 determines whether to end the process. If the process is to be ended (YES in step S80), the control unit 40 ends the process. If the process is not to be ended, in other words, if the process is to be continued (NO in step S80), the control unit 40 returns to step S10 and repeats the process.

[0067] As described above, by setting the target temperature Thw in the temperature adjustment unit 10 so that at least one of the load factors in the thermal equipment is equal to or greater than the target load factor through the processing of step S20, it is possible to optimize the temperature of the heat medium RF1 supplied from the temperature adjustment unit 10. By optimizing the temperature of the heat medium RF1 supplied from the temperature adjustment unit 10, it is possible to optimize the output in the temperature adjustment unit 10.

[0068] In step S20, even if at least one of the load rates Pv1, Pv2, and Pv3 is operated at or above the target load rate Ptg, the indoor temperature of the first target space in any one of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 may not reach the set temperature. When the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature, the control unit 40 may increase the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device in the second target space adjacent to the first target space, thereby causing the indoor temperature of the first target space to reach the set temperature. Furthermore, even if the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device in the second target space adjacent to the first target space is increased, if the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after increasing the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal device in the second target space adjacent to the first target space, the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10 may be increased.

[0069] Furthermore, when the set temperature in any of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, the control unit 40 may increase the adjustment range for the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10. Furthermore, when the set temperature in any of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, the control unit 40 may increase the adjustment range for the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10. Furthermore, when a thermal device that has been stopped starts operating, the control unit 40 may increase the adjustment range for the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10.

[0070] Furthermore, when the set temperature in any of the spaces RM1, RM2, and RM3 is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, the control unit 40 may increase, by a predetermined value, the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10. Furthermore, when a thermal device that has been stopped during heating operation starts operating, the control unit 40 may increase, by a predetermined value, the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10.

[0071] Furthermore, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, the control unit 40 may lower by a predetermined value the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10. Furthermore, when a thermal device that has been stopped during cooling operation starts operating, the control unit 40 may lower by a predetermined value the target temperature Thw of the heat medium RF1 in the temperature adjustment unit 10. Note that the predetermined value may be determined based on the thermal load and heat dissipation characteristics of the space to be heated by the thermal device.

[0072] In other words, the control unit 40 may determine the adjustment range of the target temperature Thw in the temperature adjustment unit 10 based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the target space RM and the set temperature when the set temperature in the target space RM is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, when the set temperature in the target space RM is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, or when a thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating.

[0073] According to the air conditioning system of this embodiment, the temperature of the heat medium supplied from the temperature adjusting unit can be optimized based on the load factor of the thermal equipment, so the heat medium can be efficiently supplied to the thermal equipment.

[0074] In the air conditioning system 1, which is an example of an air conditioning system according to this embodiment, an example has been shown in which three target spaces, space RM1, space RM2, and space RM3, are air-conditioned, but the number of target spaces air-conditioned by the air conditioning system according to this embodiment is not limited to three. For example, the number of target spaces air-conditioned by the air conditioning system according to this embodiment may be two, or may be four or more. The same applies to the number of thermal equipment, valves, and temperature controllers in the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0075] The heat medium RF2 is an example of a first heat refrigerant, and the heat medium RF1 is an example of a second heat medium.

[0076] <First modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment> In the air conditioning system 1, which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, an example has been described in which each of the multiple thermal devices cools or heats a different target space, but at least two of the multiple thermal devices may cool or heat the same target space.

[0077] 3 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of air conditioning system 2, which is an example of a first modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Here, the configuration of air conditioning system 2 that is different from air conditioning system 1 will be mainly described, and the description of common points will be omitted and reference will be made to the description of air conditioning system 1.

[0078] The air conditioning system 2 cools or heats a space RM11 in the building H1 by a thermal device 121 and a thermal device 122. The thermal device 121 and the thermal device 122 are each provided in the same space RM11. The thermal device 121 and the thermal device 122 each cools or heats the same space RM11.

[0079] The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 121 is controlled by a valve 131 controlled by a temperature regulator 151. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 122 is controlled by a valve 132 controlled by a temperature regulator 152.

[0080] The temperature regulator 151 measures the room temperature Trm11 of the space RM11. Then, the temperature regulator 151 controls the valve 131 so that the measured room temperature Trm11 of the space RM11 becomes the set temperature Ttg11. The temperature regulator 152 measures the room temperature Trm12 of the space RM11. Then, the temperature regulator 152 controls the valve 132 so that the measured room temperature Trm12 of the space RM11 becomes the set temperature Ttg12.

[0081] The set temperature Ttg12 may be the same as or different from the set temperature Ttg11.

[0082] The control unit 140 acquires the load factor Pv11 of the valve 131, the load factor Pv12 of the valve 132, and the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 151, the temperature regulator 152, and the temperature regulator 53, respectively. Then, the control unit 140 sets the target temperature Thw to an appropriate value based on the load factor Pv11, the load factor Pv12, and the load factor Pv3.

[0083] The first modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment can condition a wider target space by using at least two of the multiple thermal devices to cool or heat the same target space. The first modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment can also form a temperature distribution in the target space. Furthermore, the first modified example of the air conditioning system according to the present embodiment can condition the target space with a temperature distribution at an appropriate output.

[0084] <Second modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment> In the air conditioning system 2, which is an example of the first modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, the thermal equipment is individually connected to each of the multiple valves, but the thermal equipment may also control at least two of the multiple valves.

[0085] 4 is a diagram showing an outline of the configuration of air conditioning system 3, which is an example of a second modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Here, the configuration of air conditioning system 3 that is different from air conditioning system 1 or air conditioning system 2 will be mainly described, and common points will not be described here, but rather refer to the description of air conditioning system 1 or air conditioning system 2.

[0086] The air conditioning system 3 cools or heats a space RM11 in the building H1 by a thermal device 221 and a thermal device 222. The thermal device 221 and the thermal device 222 are each provided in the same space RM11. The thermal device 221 and the thermal device 222 cool or heat the same space RM11.

[0087] The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 221 is controlled by a valve 231 controlled by a temperature regulator 251. The flow rate of the heat medium RF1 flowing through the thermal equipment 222 is controlled by a valve 232 controlled by the temperature regulator 251.

[0088] The temperature regulator 251 measures the room temperature Trm21 of the space RM11. Then, the temperature regulator 251 controls the valves 231 and 232 so that the measured room temperature Trm21 of the space RM11 becomes the set temperature Ttg21.

[0089] The control unit 240 acquires the load factor Pv21 of the valve 231, the load factor Pv22 of the valve 232, and the load factor Pv3 of the valve 33 from the temperature regulator 251 and the temperature regulator 53, respectively. Then, the control unit 240 sets the target temperature Thw to an appropriate value based on the load factor Pv21, the load factor Pv22, and the load factor Pv3.

[0090] In the second modified example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment, the temperature regulator controls at least two of the multiple valves, thereby simplifying the system.

[0091] In step S50 of the processing in the air conditioning system 1 shown in FIG. 2, processing is performed on the valve in the adjacent space, but similar processing may be performed on the thermal equipment that cools or heats the same target space, as shown in the first or second modified example.

[0092] For example, the first modified example will be described as an example. For a thermal device 121 and a thermal device 122 that cool or heat the same target space RM11 (third target space), for example, assume that the load rate of the valve 131 connected to the thermal device 121 is equal to or greater than the target load rate, and the load rate of the valve 132 connected to the thermal device 122 is less than the target load rate. If the indoor temperature of the target space RM11 (third target space) does not reach the set temperature, the control unit 140 may control the valve 132 connected to the thermal device 122 to increase its load rate. In the above example, the thermal device 121 is an example of a first thermal device, and the thermal device 122 is an example of a second thermal device. The thermal devices 121 and 122 may be reversed.

[0093] For example, a second modified example will be described. For a thermal device 221 and a thermal device 222 that cool or heat the same target space RM11 (third target space), for example, assume that the load rate of the valve 231 connected to the thermal device 221 is equal to or greater than the target load rate, and the load rate of the valve 232 connected to the thermal device 222 is less than the target load rate. If the indoor temperature of the target space RM11 (third target space) does not reach the set temperature, the control unit 240 may control the valve 232 connected to the thermal device 222 to increase its load rate. In the above example, the thermal device 221 is an example of a first thermal device, and the thermal device 222 is an example of a second thermal device. The thermal devices 221 and 222 may be reversed.

[0094] <Third Modification of Air Conditioning System According to Present Embodiment> The processing of the third modification of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment will be described in detail using the air conditioning system 1, which is an example of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating the processing in the third modification of the air conditioning system according to this embodiment.

[0095] The processing in the third modified example includes step S150 instead of step S50 in the processing in the air conditioning system 1 shown in Fig. 2. Note that for steps other than step 150, the above description should be referred to and a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0096] (Step S150) The control unit 40 determines whether the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is equal to or less than the first rate of change. If the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is equal to or less than the first rate of change (YES in step S150), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S70 and increases the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10. If the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is higher than the first rate of change (NO in step S150), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S80 and repeats the process.

[0097] When the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM is equal to or less than a first rate of change, the temperature is considered to be stable. For example, the temperature of the target space RM changes not only depending on the amount of heat supplied from the thermal equipment installed in the target space RM, but also on the amount of heat supplied from thermal equipment in adjacent spaces and other thermal equipment in the same target space RM. Therefore, by increasing the output of the temperature adjustment unit 10 after the rate of change (time rate of change) of the indoor temperature in the target space RM becomes equal to or less than the first rate of change, the amount of heat supplied from the thermal equipment in adjacent spaces and other thermal equipment in the same target space RM can be effectively utilized.

[0098] The above-disclosed embodiment includes, for example, the following aspects.

[0099] [Supplementary Note 1] An air conditioning system comprising: a temperature adjustment unit that adjusts the temperature of a heat medium to a target temperature; a plurality of thermal devices to which the heat medium is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit and that cool or heat a space; a plurality of valves that are connected to each of the plurality of thermal devices and that control the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the connected thermal devices so that the indoor temperature of a target space becomes a set temperature; and a control unit that monitors load factors corresponding to the flow rates of the heat medium in the plurality of valves and controls the target temperature so that the load factor in at least one of the plurality of valves becomes equal to or greater than a target load factor.

[0100] [Supplementary Note 2] The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a plurality of temperature regulators connected to the plurality of valves and controlling the connected valves, wherein each of the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a different target space.

[0101] [Supplementary Note 3] The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a plurality of temperature regulators connected to the plurality of valves and controlling the connected valves, and at least two of the plurality of thermal devices cool or heat the same target space.

[0102] [Supplementary Note 4] The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 1, further comprising a temperature regulator that controls at least two of the plurality of valves.

[0103] [Supplementary Note 5] The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein when there is no valve whose load factor reaches the target load factor, the control unit controls to increase the target temperature in cooling operation and to decrease the target temperature in heating operation.

[0104] [Supplementary Note 6] The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control unit controls the target temperature to be lowered in cooling operation and the target temperature to be raised in heating operation when there is a valve whose load rate reaches the target load rate and the indoor temperature of the target space does not reach the set temperature.

[0105] [Supplementary Note 7] The air conditioning system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control unit controls the load rate of the valve connected to the thermal equipment in a second target space adjacent to the first target space to be increased when the indoor temperature of the first target space cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the valve whose load rate is equal to or greater than the target load rate does not reach the set temperature.

[0106] [Supplementary Note 8] The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein, if the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after controlling the load factor of the valve to increase, the control unit controls the target temperature to decrease in cooling operation and to increase in heating operation.

[0107] [Supplementary Note 9] The air conditioning system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control unit increases the adjustment range of the target temperature in the temperature adjustment unit when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, or when the thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating.

[0108] [Supplementary Note 10] The air conditioning system described in Supplementary Note 1, wherein the control unit: in a heating operation state, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a higher temperature value or when the thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating, increases the target temperature by a predetermined value; and in a cooling operation state, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value or when the thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating, decreases the target temperature by a predetermined value.

[0109] [Supplementary Note 11] The air conditioning system according to Supplementary Note 10, wherein the predetermined value is determined based on a heat load and heat dissipation characteristics in a space to be cooled or heated by the thermal equipment.

[0110] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Various modifications and improvements, such as combinations and substitutions with part or all of other embodiments, are possible.

[0111] This application claims priority from basic patent application No. 2023-170861, filed with the Japan Patent Office on September 29, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] 1, 2, 3 Air conditioning system 10 Temperature adjustment unit 11 Outdoor unit 12 Heat exchanger 13 Pump 21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222 Thermal equipment 31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232 Valve 40, 140, 240 Control unit 51, 52, 53, 151, 152, 251 Temperature regulator Pv1, Pv2, Pv3, Pv11, Pv12, Pv21, Pv22 Load factor RF1, RF2 Heat medium RM1, RM2, RM3, RM11 Space Thw Target temperature Trm1, Trm2, Trm3, Trm11, Trm12, Trm21 Indoor temperature Ttg1, Ttg2, Ttg3, Ttg11, Ttg12, Ttg21 set temperature

Claims

1. A temperature adjustment unit (10) that adjusts the temperature of a first heat medium (RF2) and adjusts the temperature of the second heat medium (RF1) to a target temperature by adjusting the temperature of the first heat medium (RF2) and exchanging heat between the first heat medium (RF2) and a second heat medium (RF1); a plurality of thermal devices (21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222) to which the second heat medium (RF1) is supplied from the temperature adjustment unit (10) and that cools or heats a space; and a plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) that are connected to each of the plurality of thermal devices (21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222) and control the flow rate of the second heat medium (RF1) flowing through the connected thermal devices (21, 22, 23, 121, 122, 221, 222) so that the indoor temperature of a target space becomes a set temperature; a control unit (40, 140, 240) that monitors a load factor corresponding to a flow rate of the second heat medium (RF1) in the plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) and controls the target temperature such that the load factor in at least one flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) among the plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) becomes equal to or greater than a target load factor.

2. The air conditioning system (1) according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of temperature regulators (51, 52, 53) connected to the plurality of flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33) respectively to control the connected flow rate regulators (31, 32, 33), and each of the plurality of thermal devices (21, 22, 23) cools or heats a different target space.

3. The air conditioning system (2, 3) according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of temperature regulators (53, 151, 152, 251, 252) connected to each of the plurality of flow rate regulators (33, 131, 132, 231, 232) and controlling the connected flow rate regulators (33, 131, 132, 231, 232), and at least two of the plurality of thermal equipment (23, 121, 122, 221, 222) cool or heat the same target space.

4. The air conditioning system (3) according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature regulator (251) for controlling at least two of the flow rate regulators (231, 232) connected to each of the plurality of thermal devices (221, 222).

5. The air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (40, 140, 240) controls so as to increase the target temperature in cooling operation and to decrease the target temperature in heating operation when there is no flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) whose load rate reaches the target load rate.

6. The air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (40, 140, 240) controls the target temperature to be lowered in cooling operation and to be raised in heating operation when there is a flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) whose load rate reaches the target load rate and the indoor temperature of the target space does not reach the set temperature.

7. The air conditioning system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control unit (40) controls to increase the load rate of the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33) connected to the thermal equipment in a second target space adjacent to the first target space when the indoor temperature of the first target space cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33) whose load rate is equal to or higher than the target load rate does not reach the set temperature.

8. The air conditioning system (1) of claim 7, wherein if the indoor temperature of the first target space does not reach the set temperature after controlling the load rate of the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33) connected to the thermal equipment in the second target space to be increased, the control unit (40) controls the target temperature to be lowered in cooling operation and to be higher in heating operation.

9. The air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) of claim 1, wherein the control unit (40, 140, 240) controls the target temperature when the indoor temperature of a first target space cooled or heated by the thermal equipment connected to the flow rate regulator (31, 32, 33, 131, 132, 231, 232) whose load rate is equal to or greater than the target load rate does not reach the set temperature and a rate of change of the indoor temperature of the first target space is equal to or less than a first rate of change.

10. The air conditioning system (3) of claim 1, wherein each of a first thermal device and a second thermal device among the plurality of thermal devices cools or heats a third target space which is the same target space, and the control unit (240) controls to increase the load rate of the flow rate regulator (231, 232) connected to the second thermal device when the load rate of the flow rate regulator (231, 232) connected to the first thermal device is equal to or greater than a target load rate and the load rate of the flow rate regulator (231, 232) connected to the second thermal device is less than a target load rate, and the indoor temperature of the third target space does not reach the set temperature.

11. The air conditioning system (1, 2, 3) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control unit (40, 140, 240) determines the adjustment range of the target temperature in the temperature adjustment unit (10) based on the temperature difference between the temperature of the target space and the set temperature when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a higher temperature value during heating operation, when the set temperature in the target space is changed to a lower temperature value during cooling operation, or when the thermal equipment that was stopped starts operating.

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