Air conditioning system

Abstract

An air conditioning system (40) according to the present disclosure comprises: a humidification device (1) that humidifies air in a habitable room space having a window (8) facing outdoors (10b); a ventilation device (3) that ventilates the habitable room space; and a controller (7) that controls the humidification device (1) and the ventilation device (3). On the basis of the dew point temperature of the habitable room air and the window surface temperature on the habitable room space side, control is performed to switch between a first humidification mode in which humidification is performed under a humidification condition in which the amount of moisture supplied to the habitable room space is greater than or equal to the amount of moisture discharged from the habitable room space by the ventilation device (3), and a second humidification mode in which humidification is performed under a humidification condition in which the amount of moisture supplied to the habitable room space by the humidification device (1) is less than the amount of moisture discharged from the habitable room space by the ventilation device (3).

Description

Air conditioning system

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

[0002] In winter, when the room temperature and humidity are high while the outdoor temperature is low, air conditioning systems detect the room temperature, outdoor temperature, and humidity, calculate the surface temperature of the wall or window on the room side from the outdoor temperature, and perform dehumidification or humidification operation so that this temperature does not fall below the dew point temperature of the room air calculated from the room temperature and humidity (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-42993

[0004] In conventional air conditioning systems, in order to lower the dew point temperature of the room air and prevent condensation on the surfaces of walls and windows while maintaining a comfortable humidity environment, it is necessary to stop the humidification operation or perform dehumidification, but frequent turning on and off of the humidifier or dehumidifier increases power consumption.In addition, there is a concern that humidity control using a dehumidifier can cause sudden increases and decreases in humidity in the living space, causing discomfort to users.

[0005] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an air conditioning system that can suppress an increase in power consumption due to frequent starting and stopping of a humidifier and prevent a sudden increase or decrease in humidity in a living space.

[0006] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes a humidifier that humidifies the air in a living space having a window facing the outdoors, a ventilation device that ventilates the living space, and a controller that controls the humidifier and the ventilation device. The controller is capable of switching between a first humidification mode in which humidification is performed under humidifying conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier is equal to or greater than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device, and a second humidification mode in which humidification is performed under humidifying conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier is less than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device. Furthermore, the controller switches between the first humidification mode and the humidification mode based on the living space dew point temperature of the air in the living space and the window surface temperature on the living space side of the window.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption due to frequent starting and stopping of a humidifier, and to prevent the user from feeling uncomfortable due to a sudden increase or decrease in humidity in the living space.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a house according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of a controller. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for determining the humidification amount and ventilation amount by the controller. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart for determining the humidification mode in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for determining the humidification amount and ventilation amount in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a diagram including an equation for calculating a control reference value. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the transition of the room dew point temperature when control is performed to switch between the first humidification mode and the second humidification mode.

[0009] Before describing specific examples of the present disclosure, an overview of the examples will be described. This example is an air conditioning system installed in a facility such as a house, which controls air conditioning for the facility. The air conditioning system dehumidifies a living space in the facility by ventilation. Here, dehumidification includes exhausting moisture contained in air in the living space (living air) and supplying air from outside the facility (outdoor air) to the living space. Note that, among dehumidification methods by ventilation, supplying air is effective when the humidity outdoors is lower than that of the living space. For example, supplying air in winter when the outside air is dry can dehumidify the living space.

[0010] The examples described below each illustrate a preferred specific example of the present disclosure. Therefore, the numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps (processes), and step order shown in the following examples are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Therefore, among the components in the following examples, components that are not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present disclosure are described as optional components. Furthermore, in each figure, substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) With reference to FIG. 1 , the overall configuration of an air conditioning system 40 applied to a house 30 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of the house 30 according to this embodiment. The house 30 is a building having at least one living space, and as an example, includes a living room 10a and an air-conditioned room 20. In this embodiment, the living room 10a faces the outdoors 10b across a window 8. Here, the living space is a space where a person lives, and in this embodiment, this corresponds to the living room 10a. The air-conditioned room 20 is a space independent of the living room 10a and is not a living space. The air conditioning system 40 conditions the air in the living room 10a, which is a living space, by transporting air conditioned in the air-conditioned room 20 to the living room 10a. While FIG. 1 shows the living room 10a as a living space as an example, the house 30 may have multiple living spaces. If the house 30 has multiple living spaces, the house 30 may be configured so that conditioned air from the air-conditioned room 20 is transported to the multiple living rooms through multiple ducts.

[0012] The air conditioning system 40 installed in the residence 30 includes a humidifier 1, a blower 2, a first air transport duct 4a, a ventilation device 3, a second air transport duct 4b, a third air transport duct 4c, a room humidity sensor 5a, a room temperature sensor 5b, an outdoor temperature sensor 6, and a controller 7. The air conditioning system 40 may also include an air conditioner 22 for adjusting the temperature of the air-conditioned room 20. With this configuration, when air-conditioning the entire living space of the residence 30, not only humidity but also temperature can be adjusted. When the air conditioner 22 is installed in the air-conditioned room 20, it is located upstream of the blower 2.

[0013] The humidifier 1 controls the humidity of the air inside the air-conditioned room 20. The humidifier 1 is installed in the air-conditioned room 20. The humidifier 1 humidifies the air flowing into the air-conditioned room 20 and blows the air at a set air volume so that the humidity inside the air-conditioned room 20 reaches a set level. Humidifiers 1 are classified into ultrasonic, steam, hybrid, and evaporative types. In this embodiment, the humidifier 1 is assumed to be an evaporative type that uses a motor, for example. Since an evaporative humidifier 1 places a heavy load on the motor during startup, increasing power consumption, continuous operation of the humidifier 1 reduces power consumption compared to frequent start-and-stop operation of the humidifier 1. Note that even with other types, such as ultrasonic and steam types, the load on the humidifier 1 during startup is heavy, so it is preferable to continue operating the humidifier 1 without stopping it in order to reduce power consumption.

[0014] An air conditioner 22 may also be installed downstream of the humidifier 1. The air conditioner 22 heats or cools the air output from the humidifier 1 and blows it at a set air volume so that the air temperature inside the air-conditioned room 20 reaches a set temperature. A HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter 24 may also be installed downstream of the air conditioner 22. The HEPA filter 24 is an air filter. The HEPA filter 24 removes dirt, dust, and the like from the air conditioned by the humidifier 1 and the air conditioner 22, allowing purified air to be output.

[0015] The blower 2 is a transport fan and is installed downstream of the HEPA filter 24 in the air-conditioned room 20. The blower 2 blows air from inside the air-conditioned room 20 to the living room 10a. The blower 2 is, for example, a sirocco fan. The air in the air-conditioned room 20 has its humidity adjusted by the humidifier 1, its temperature adjusted by the air conditioner 22, and is purified by the HEPA filter 24 before being transported to the living room 10a by the blower 2.

[0016] In this embodiment, the humidifier 1, the air conditioner 22, and the HEPA filter 24 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream, but the order is not limited to this. Any arrangement is possible as long as the room 10a can be air-conditioned at the set temperature and humidity.

[0017] The first transport air duct 4a is an air duct for transporting air from the air-conditioned room 20 to the living room 10a. In other words, the first transport air duct 4a is an air duct for transporting air conditioned by the humidifier 1 and the air conditioner 22 and purified by the HEPA filter 24 to the living room 10a. The first transport air duct 4a may be, for example, a duct connecting the air-conditioned room 20 and the living room 10a, or a through-hole provided in the wall between the air-conditioned room 20 and the living room 10a to allow ventilation. The air blown out by the blower 2 passes through the first transport air duct 4a and is guided from the air-conditioned room 20 to the living room 10a.

[0018] The ventilation device 3 is equipped with a transport fan and transports air from the living room 10a (hereinafter referred to as "living room air") to the outdoor area 10b and air from the outdoor area 10b (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor air") to the living room 10a, thereby performing Type 1 ventilation. The ventilation device 3 is installed in a space inside the house 30 other than the living room 10a and the air-conditioned room 20, such as the attic, a wall, under the eaves, between floors, or a ventilation room. Here, the ventilation room is a space independent of the living room 10a and the air-conditioned room 20 and is not a living space. In this embodiment, as an example, the ventilation device 3 is located in the attic. When performing Type 1 ventilation, exhaust air is exhausted using a transport fan (exhaust fan) corresponding to the second transport air duct 4b, and air is supplied using a transport fan (supply fan) corresponding to the third transport air duct 4c. Note that the ventilation device 3 may be equipped with a total heat exchanger to exchange heat between the exhaust air passing through the second transport air duct 4b and the supply air passing through the third transport air duct 4c. With this configuration, the amount of moisture exhausted from the living room 10a can be considered to be the sum of the decrease in moisture content of the exhaust air transported from the living room air to the outdoors 10b after heat exchange in the total heat exchanger and the increase in moisture content of the supply air transported from the outdoors air to the living room 10a. In other words, humidity can be reduced more gradually than when only air is exhausted from or supplied to the living room 10a, thereby reducing discomfort caused by sudden changes in humidity.

[0019] Here, the second conveying air duct 4b is an air duct for conveying room air to the outdoor area 10b. When the ventilation device 3 is configured to perform type 3 ventilation, the conveying fan (exhaust fan) of the ventilation device 3 guides the air in the room 10a through the second conveying air duct 4b to the outdoor area 10b.

[0020] The third transport air duct 4c is an air duct for transporting outdoor air to the living room 10a. When the ventilation device 3 is configured to perform type 2 ventilation, the outdoor air is guided to the living room 10a through the third transport air duct 4c by the transport fan (air supply fan) provided in the ventilation device 3.

[0021] The ventilation device 3 may be configured to perform type 2 ventilation. In this case, only the third transport air duct 4c is provided in the air conditioning system 40, and only air is supplied by the ventilation device 3. In addition, when the second transport air duct 4b and the third transport air duct 4c are present as in this embodiment, the configuration may be such that only the transport fan corresponding to the third transport air duct 4c is operated.

[0022] When Type 2 ventilation is performed, the third transport air duct 4c is an air duct that transports outdoor air to the living room 10a. The living room air is exhausted by being pushed out by the outdoor air supplied to the living room 10a through the third transport air duct 4c. Here, the exhaust air from the living room 10a to the outdoors 10b is naturally exhausted through gaps in the house 30, such as a louver in the living room 10a. In this way, when Type 2 ventilation is performed, the amount of moisture exhausted from the living room 10a by the ventilation device 3 can be considered to be the amount of moisture exhausted from the natural exhaust port.

[0023] The ventilation device 3 may also be configured to perform type 3 ventilation. In this case, only the second transport air duct 4b is provided in the air conditioning system 40, and only exhaust air is performed by the ventilation device 3. Note that, in the case where the second transport air duct 4b and the third transport air duct 4c are present as in this embodiment, the configuration may be such that only the transport fan corresponding to the second transport air duct 4b is operated.

[0024] When Type 3 ventilation is performed, the second transport air duct 4b is an air duct that transports room air to the outdoors. When room air is exhausted from the room 10a, negative pressure is created in the room 10a, and air is naturally drawn in through gaps in the house 30, such as a louver in the room 10a. When Type 3 ventilation is performed, the amount of moisture exhausted from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3 can be considered to be the amount of moisture in the exhaust air transported from the room 10a to the outdoors 10b.

[0025] The living room humidity sensor 5a and the living room temperature sensor 5b are installed in the living room 10a. The living room humidity sensor 5a detects the humidity in the living room 10a (hereinafter referred to as "living room humidity"), and the living room temperature sensor 5b detects the temperature in the living room 10a (hereinafter referred to as "living room temperature"). The living room humidity sensor 5a and the living room temperature sensor 5b have communication functions and transmit the living room temperature and living room humidity to the controller 7. The outdoor temperature sensor 6 is installed outside 10b. The outdoor temperature sensor 6 detects the temperature of the outside room 10b (hereinafter referred to as "outdoor temperature"). The outdoor temperature sensor 6 has communication functions and transmits the outdoor temperature to the controller 7.

[0026] The controller 7 is installed in the air-conditioned room 20 and controls the entire air-conditioning system 40. The controller 7 is communicatively connected to the humidifier 1, the air conditioner 22, the blower 2, the ventilation device 3, the room humidity sensor 5a, the room temperature sensor 5b, and the outdoor temperature sensor 6 via wireless or wired communication. The controller 7 receives the room humidity from the room humidity sensor 5a and the room temperature and the outdoor temperature from the room temperature sensor 5b and the outdoor temperature sensor 6, respectively. The controller 7 may also be installed in the room 10a as long as it is capable of controlling the air-conditioning system 40.

[0027] The controller 7 also has an interface for receiving input of information necessary to configure the air conditioning system 40. For example, the controller 7 receives a target humidity (hereinafter referred to as "target humidity") to be set in the air conditioning system 40. Below, a case will be described in which the air conditioning system 40 controls the room humidity based on the target humidity. Also, consider a case in which the humidity of the outdoor space 10b is lower than that of the room 10a so that the ventilation device 3 can more easily discharge moisture from the room 10a. For example, consider the case in winter when the outdoor air is drier than the room air.

[0028] The controller 7 determines whether to control the humidifier 1, the blower 2, and the ventilator 3 in the first humidification mode or the second humidification mode based on the target humidity, the room temperature, the room humidity, and the outdoor temperature.

[0029] Here, the first humidification mode is a control mode in which humidification is performed under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the living room 10a by the humidifier 1 is equal to or greater than the amount of moisture exhausted from the living room 10a by the ventilation device 3. In the first humidification mode, the amount of moisture supplied to the living room 10a is greater than the amount of moisture exhausted from the living room 10a, so the humidity in the living room increases.

[0030] The second humidification mode is a control mode in which humidification is performed under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1 is less than the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3. In the second humidification mode, the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a is greater, resulting in a decrease in room humidity. Here, in order to increase the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a to the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1, the amount of moisture supplied by the humidifier 1 in the second humidification mode is reduced compared to the first humidification mode. Alternatively, the amount of moisture supplied by the humidifier 1 may be maintained, and the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3 may be increased compared to the first humidification mode, thereby increasing the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a to the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1.

[0031] The interface function of the controller 7 may be provided in a communication device separate from the controller 7 and capable of communicating with the controller 7. The communication device is, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, or a tablet terminal (hereinafter referred to as a "terminal").

[0032] Next, the detailed configuration of the controller 7 will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the controller 7. The controller 7 includes an operation unit 52, a display unit 54, a storage unit 56, and a control unit 50.

[0033] The operation unit 52 has the interface function described above. The operation unit 52 accepts operations from a user or the like, such as input of information related to the air conditioning system 40. The operation unit 52 outputs a signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the control unit 50. In FIG. 2 , the operation unit 52 is provided in the controller, but this function may be provided in an external communication device (not shown). When the communication device accepts an operation from a user or the like, the communication device transmits a signal corresponding to the accepted operation to the controller 7. One example of information input by an operation from a user or the like is information on the target humidity of the living room 10a in the air conditioning system 40. Another example of information input by an operation from a user or the like is information on the thermal insulation performance of the window 8 in the house 30. In other words, it is information on the heat transmission coefficient of the window 8 (hereinafter referred to as "window heat transmission coefficient"). The window heat transmission coefficient is used to determine the control mode of the humidifier 1.

[0034] The display unit 54 is a display that visualizes the state of the controller 7. The display unit 54 displays, for example, the target humidity, the current control mode, and the like.

[0035] The memory unit 56 stores a data structure of a table of humidification amounts corresponding to the humidity difference between the target humidity of the humidifier 1 and the room humidity. The humidification amount table has a data structure in which, when the room humidity is lower than the target humidity, the greater the humidity difference between the target humidity and the room humidity, the greater the humidification amount. For example, if the target humidity is 50% at a constant temperature, the humidification amount when the room humidity is 20% will be greater than the humidification amount when the room humidity is 30%. The memory unit 56 also stores information on window heat transmittance received from the user via the operation unit 52.

[0036] The control unit 50 controls the air conditioning system 40 based on the target humidity, room temperature, room humidity, and outdoor temperature. The control unit 50 includes a humidity acquisition unit 58, a room target humidity acquisition unit 60, a temperature acquisition unit 62, a humidity difference calculation unit 64, a room dew point temperature calculation unit 66, a window surface temperature calculation unit 68, a reference value calculation unit 70, a humidification mode determination unit 72, a humidifier determination unit 74, an air blower determination unit 76, and a ventilation unit determination unit 78.

[0037] The humidity acquisition unit 58 is communicably connected to the room humidity sensor 5a and acquires the room humidity.

[0038] The room target humidity acquisition unit 60 acquires the target humidity of the room 10a. The target humidity is a value input by the user via the operation unit 52, for example.

[0039] The temperature acquisition unit 62 is communicably connected to the room temperature sensor 5b and the outdoor temperature sensor 6, and acquires the room temperature and the outdoor temperature.

[0040] The humidity difference calculation unit 64 calculates the humidity difference, which is the difference between the target humidity for the room 10 a acquired by the room target humidity acquisition unit 60 and the room humidity acquired by the humidity acquisition unit 58 .

[0041] The room dew point temperature calculation unit 66 calculates the dew point temperature of the room 10a (hereinafter referred to as the “room dew point temperature”) based on the room humidity acquired by the humidity acquisition unit 58 and the room temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 62.

[0042] The window surface temperature calculation unit 68 calculates the surface temperature of the window 8 on the side of the room 10a (hereinafter referred to as the "window surface temperature") based on the room temperature and outdoor temperature acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 62 and the window heat transmittance stored in the memory unit 56. Here, the room temperature sensor 5b is preferably positioned near the window 8 as shown in FIG. 1 to detect the temperature near the window 8 in the room 10a. This positioning detects the room temperature near the window 8, making it easier to calculate the effect of the room temperature on the surface of the window 8 on the side of the room 10a and the effect of the outdoor temperature on the surface of the window 8 on the side of the room 10a based on the window heat transmittance. Note that the room temperature sensor 5b may be positioned near the window 8 but offset from the front of the window 8 to avoid the effect of direct sunlight. In this embodiment, the window surface temperature is calculated by the window surface temperature calculation unit 68, but this is not limiting. A temperature sensor may also be configured to directly detect the temperature of the surface of the window 8 on the side of the room 10a.

[0043] The reference value calculation unit 70 calculates a first reference value and a second reference value based on the window surface temperature calculated by the window surface temperature calculation unit 68. Here, the first reference value and the second reference value are numerical values ​​used to control the humidifier 1 and are numerical values ​​related to dew-point temperatures different from the room dew-point temperature. Specifically, the first reference value is a dew-point temperature set to a numerical value equal to or lower than the window surface temperature, and the second reference value is a dew-point temperature set to a numerical value even lower than the first reference value. When the dew-point temperature is equal to or higher than the first reference value, the humidifier 1 switches to the second humidification mode, and when the dew-point temperature is equal to or lower than the second reference value, the humidifier 1 switches to the first humidification mode. Details regarding the first and second reference values ​​will be described later.

[0044] The humidification mode determination unit 72 determines whether to perform control in the first humidification mode or the second humidification mode based on the room dew point temperature calculated by the room dew point temperature calculation unit 66 and the first reference value or the second reference value calculated by the reference value calculation unit 70. In other words, the humidification mode determination unit 72 selects one control mode from a plurality of control modes.

[0045] The humidifier determination unit 74 determines the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 based on the control mode determined by the humidification mode determination unit 72 and the humidity difference calculated by the humidity difference calculation unit 64, and transmits the determined amount to the humidifier 1. Here, the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 is determined by referring to the humidification amount table stored in the memory unit 56.

[0046] The air blower determination unit 76 determines the air volume of the air blower 2 based on the humidification amount determined by the humidifier determination unit 74 and transmits the determined air volume to the air blower 2 .

[0047] The ventilation device determination unit 78 determines the ventilation volume of the ventilation device 3 based on the control mode determined by the humidification mode determination unit 72 and transmits the determined volume to the ventilation device 3 .

[0048] For example, in the first humidification mode, the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 are adjusted so that the room humidity approaches the target humidity under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1 is equal to or greater than the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3. In the second humidification mode, in order to prevent condensation on the windows 8 and walls, the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 are adjusted under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1 is less than the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3.

[0049] 6 and 7, a detailed description will be given of the control for preventing condensation on the window 8 while continuing to operate the humidifier 1. Fig. 6 is a diagram including formulas for calculating the control reference values ​​(first and second reference values). Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the transition of the room dew point temperature when control is performed to switch between the first and second humidification modes.

[0050] In Fig. 7, "Ts" is the window surface temperature calculated by the window surface temperature calculation unit 68. Furthermore, Ts-Δt1 (see formula (1) in Fig. 6) is the first reference value calculated by the reference value calculation unit 70, and Ts-Δt2 (see formula (2) in Fig. 6) is the second reference value calculated by the reference value calculation unit 70. Here, Δt1 and Δt2 are positive numbers, and Δt2 is set to a larger number than Δt1 (see formula (3) in Fig. 6). In this embodiment, as an example, "Δt1 = 1" and "Δt2 = 2" are used.

[0051] When the relationship between the room dew point temperature and the window surface temperature is such that "room dew point temperature ≧ window surface temperature," condensation occurs on the surface of the window 8. Therefore, to prevent condensation, the relationship between the room dew point temperature and the window surface temperature must be maintained such that "room dew point temperature < window surface temperature." Here, the room dew point temperature is determined by the room temperature and humidity. In other words, by controlling the room temperature or humidity, the room dew point temperature can be adjusted to be lower than the window surface temperature. In this embodiment, the room humidity, i.e., the room dew point temperature, can be controlled by controlling the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3. Therefore, the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 are controlled so that the room dew point temperature is lower than the window surface temperature.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 7 , when the air conditioning system 40 is started up when the room dew point temperature is lower than the first reference value, the humidifier 1 and the ventilator 3 are controlled in the first humidification mode. As time passes and the room humidity continues to increase, the room dew point temperature exceeds the first reference value. When the room dew point temperature is lower than the first reference value, the air conditioning system 40 switches to the second humidification mode. Furthermore, as time passes and the room humidity continues to decrease, the room dew point temperature falls below the second reference value. When the room dew point temperature is equal to or greater than the second reference value, the air conditioning system 40 switches to the first humidification mode. Repeatedly switching between the first and second humidification modes in this manner prevents condensation on the window 8 while continuing to operate the humidifier 1. In other words, frequent on / off switching of the humidifier 1 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing increases in power consumption and preventing sudden increases and decreases in humidity in the living space.

[0053] Below, with reference to Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6, an overview of the processing in the controller 7 will be explained in detail in the order of (1) determining the first humidification mode and the second humidification mode, and (2) determining the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3. Here, Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for determining the humidification amount and the ventilation amount by the controller 7. Also, Figure 4 is a diagram showing a flowchart for determining the humidification mode in Figure 3. Also, Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the procedure for determining the humidification amount and the ventilation amount in Figure 3. Also, Figure 6 is a diagram including formulas for calculating control reference values ​​(first reference value and second reference value).

[0054] (1) Determination of First Humidification Mode and Second Humidification Mode The determination of the first humidification mode and the second humidification mode will be described with reference to Figure 3. In this embodiment, the air conditioning system 40 has a first humidification mode in which the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 are adjusted so that the amount of moisture supplied to the living room 10a is equal to or greater than the amount of moisture discharged from the living room 10a, and a second humidification mode in which the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 are adjusted so that the amount of moisture supplied to the living room 10a is smaller than the amount of moisture discharged from the living room 10a. Below, the control of the control unit 50 to switch between the first humidification mode and the second humidification mode based on the first reference value and the second reference value will be described in detail.

[0055] First, the control unit 50 acquires the room humidity from the room humidity sensor 5a using the humidity acquisition unit 58. The control unit 50 also acquires the room temperature and outdoor temperature from the room temperature sensor 5b and outdoor temperature sensor 6 using the temperature acquisition unit 62. The control unit 50 then acquires the target humidity input via the operation unit 52 using the room target humidity acquisition unit 60 (step S10).

[0056] Next, the control unit 50 calculates the humidity difference, which is the difference between the room humidity and the target humidity, using the humidity difference calculation unit 64 (step S12).

[0057] Next, the control unit 50 calculates the room dew point temperature based on the room humidity and room temperature in the room dew point temperature calculation unit 66. Furthermore, the control unit 50 calculates the window surface temperature based on the room temperature, outdoor temperature, and window heat transmittance in the window surface temperature calculation unit 68 (step S14).

[0058] Next, the control unit 50 causes the reference value calculation unit 70 to calculate a first reference value (see formula (1) in FIG. 6 ) and a second reference value (see formula (2) in FIG. 6 ) based on the window surface temperature (step S16).

[0059] Next, the control unit 50 determines in the humidification mode determination unit 72 whether to control in the first humidification mode or the second humidification mode based on the room dew point temperature and the first reference value or the second reference value calculated by the reference value calculation unit 70 (step S18).

[0060] The process for determining the humidification mode in step S18 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 . The first and second reference values ​​are used to determine whether the humidification mode is the first or second. The first reference value is a temperature that is Δt1 (1°C in this embodiment) lower than the window surface temperature. When the room dew point temperature exceeds the first reference value, the difference between the room dew point and the window surface temperature is small, which indicates a high possibility of condensation on the window surface. The second reference value is a temperature that is Δt2 (2°C in this embodiment) lower than the window surface temperature. When the room dew point temperature falls below the second reference value, the difference between the room dew point and the window surface temperature is large enough, which indicates a low possibility of condensation on the window surface.

[0061] First, the humidification mode determination unit 72 determines whether the air conditioning system 40 is currently operating in the "first humidification mode" (step S18-1). In other words, it determines whether control is currently being performed to increase the room dew point temperature.

[0062] If the current operation is the "first humidification mode" (step S18-1: YES), it is determined whether the "first reference value < room dew point temperature" (step S18-2). In other words, it is determined whether there is a high possibility of condensation on the window surface if the dew point temperature continues to rise in the current operation.

[0063] If the relationship between the first reference value and the room dew point temperature is "first reference value < room dew point temperature" (step S18-2: YES), the possibility of condensation on the window surface is high, so the first humidification mode is switched to the second humidification mode (step S18-4). If the relationship between the first reference value and the room dew point temperature is not "first reference value < room dew point temperature" (step S18-2: NO), the possibility of condensation on the window surface is low, so the first humidification mode is continued (step S18-5).

[0064] If the current operation is the "second humidification mode" (step S18-1: NO), the system determines whether the "second reference value is equal to or greater than the room dew-point temperature" (step S18-3). Here, if the humidification mode switching decision is based solely on the first reference value, frequent switching between the first and second humidification modes would result in concerns about hunting between the operation of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation device 3 and hunting in the room humidity. Therefore, by setting a second reference value lower than the first reference value and determining whether the room humidity falls below the second reference value during the second humidification mode, this hunting can be avoided. In other words, by determining whether to switch the humidification mode using two reference values, the first and second reference values, which are intentionally provided with hysteresis, hunting can be eliminated, reducing the load on the equipment and discomfort to the user.

[0065] If the relationship between the second reference value and the room dew point temperature is "second reference value ≥ room dew point temperature" (step S18-3: YES), the possibility of condensation on the window surface is low, so the system switches from the second humidification mode to the first humidification mode (step S18-5). If the relationship between the second reference value and the room dew point temperature is not "second reference value ≥ room dew point temperature" (step S18-3: NO), the possibility of condensation on the window surface is high, so the system continues in the second humidification mode (step S18-4).

[0066] (2) Determining the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 The control unit 50 determines the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 based on the control mode (first humidification mode or second humidification mode) determined by the humidification mode determination unit 72 (step S20).

[0067] The processing of step S20 will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5 . For the sake of explanation, let A be the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1, and B be the amount of moisture exhausted from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3. The first humidification mode is a control mode in which A≧B, and the humidity in the room increases as the moisture content of the room air increases. In other words, the first humidification mode can be considered to be a state in which the air in the room is humidified. The second humidification mode is a control mode in which A<B, and the humidity in the room decreases as the moisture content of the room air decreases. In other words, the second humidification mode can be considered to be a state in which the air in the room is dehumidified.

[0068] First, a case where room air is humidified and dehumidified solely by controlling the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 will be described. First, it is determined whether the first humidification mode is selected (step S20-1). If the first humidification mode is selected (step S20-1: YES), the humidifier determination unit 74 determines the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 based on the table in the memory unit 56 so that A≧B holds. In other words, the room air is humidified by supplying more moisture to the room 10a by the humidifier 1 than the amount of moisture exhausted from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3. On the other hand, if the second humidification mode is selected (step S20-1: NO), the humidifier determination unit 74 determines the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 so that A<B holds. In other words, the room air is dehumidified by supplying less moisture to the room 10a by the humidifier 1 than the amount of moisture exhausted from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3.

[0069] Such control makes it possible to humidify and dehumidify the air in a living space without stopping the operation of the humidifier 1. In other words, frequent turning on and off of the humidifier 1 can be suppressed, which suppresses an increase in power consumption and prevents abrupt increases and decreases in humidity in the living space.

[0070] Alternatively, the room 10a may be humidified and dehumidified only by controlling the ventilation rate of the ventilation device 3. In the first humidification mode (step S20-1: YES), the humidifier determination unit 74 determines the ventilation rate of the ventilation device 3 based on the table in the memory unit 56 so that A≧B holds. In other words, the room air is humidified by making the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3 less than the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1. In the second humidification mode (step S20-1: NO), the humidifier determination unit 74 determines the ventilation rate of the ventilation device 3 so that A<B holds. In other words, the room air is dehumidified by making the amount of moisture discharged from the room 10a by the ventilation device 3 greater than the amount of moisture supplied to the room 10a by the humidifier 1. With this type of control, in the second humidification mode, if A<B is not established even when the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 is at the lower limit, A<B can be established by increasing the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3.

[0071] Furthermore, humidification and dehumidification of the room 10a may be performed while simultaneously controlling the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3. In the first humidification mode (step S20-1: YES), the humidifier determination unit 74 determines the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 based on the table in the memory unit 56 so that A≧B. In the second humidification mode (step S20-1: NO), the humidifier determination unit 74 determines the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilation device 3 so that A<B. With this type of control, for example, by additionally installing a carbon dioxide sensor that detects the carbon dioxide concentration in the room, it becomes possible to control the humidity in the room while controlling the carbon dioxide concentration, etc. in the room 10a through ventilation.

[0072] When controlling humidity in a living space by switching between the first and second humidification modes, the humidity level changes more slowly than when the humidifier is turned off or the dehumidifier is operated, because only the humidification amount of the humidifier 1 and the ventilation amount of the ventilator 3 are adjusted. Therefore, an air conditioning system configured in this way can prevent discomfort caused by sudden increases or decreases in humidity in the living space.

[0073] Furthermore, by repeating this cycle of switching between the first and second humidification modes, the relationship between the room dew point temperature and the window surface temperature is maintained at "room dew point temperature < window surface temperature." This control configuration prevents condensation from forming on the walls and windows, and makes it possible to maintain a comfortable humidity environment in the room 10a.

[0074] The subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein includes a computer. The computer executes a program to realize the functions of the subject of the device, system, or method disclosed herein. The computer includes, as its main hardware configuration, a processor that operates according to the program. The type of processor is not important as long as it can realize the functions by executing the program. The processor is composed of one or more electronic circuits, including a semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) or an LSI (Large Scale Integration). The multiple electronic circuits may be integrated into a single chip or may be provided on multiple chips. The multiple chips may be integrated into a single device or may be provided on multiple devices. The program is recorded on a non-transitory recording medium, such as a computer-readable ROM, optical disk, or hard disk drive. The program may be pre-stored on the recording medium or may be supplied to the recording medium via a wide area communication network, including the Internet.

[0075] An outline of one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0076] (Item 1) An air conditioning system 40 comprising: a humidifier 1 that humidifies the air in a living space having a window 8 facing the outdoors 10b; a ventilation device 3 that ventilates the living space; and a controller 7 that controls the humidifier 1 and the ventilation device 3, wherein the controller 7 is capable of switching between a first humidification mode in which humidification is performed under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier 1 is equal to or greater than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device 3, and a second humidification mode in which humidification is performed under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier 1 is less than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device 3, and the controller 7 switches between the first humidification mode and the second humidification mode based on the living space dew point temperature of the air in the living space and the window surface temperature of the window 8 on the living space side.

[0077] (Item 2) The air conditioning system 40 according to claim 1, wherein the controller 7 switches from the first humidification mode to the second humidification mode when it determines that the room dew-point temperature has exceeded a first reference value defined based on the window surface temperature during operation of the humidifier 1 in the first humidification mode.

[0078] (Item 3) The air conditioning system 40 according to claim 2, wherein the controller 7 switches from the second humidification mode to the first humidification mode when it determines that the room dew-point temperature has fallen below a second reference value that is lower than the first reference value during operation of the humidifier 1 in the second humidification mode.

[0079] (Item 4) The air conditioning system 40 according to claim 3, wherein the controller 7 controls the humidifier 1 so that the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier 1 operating in the second humidification mode is less than the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier 1 operating in the first humidification mode.

[0080] (Item 5) The air conditioning system 40 according to claim 3, wherein the controller 7 controls the ventilation device 3 so that the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device 3 operating in the second humidification mode is greater than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device 3 operating in the first humidification mode.

[0081] (Item 6) The air conditioning system 40 according to claim 1, wherein the controller 7 sets the room dew point temperature based on room temperature information of the room space and room humidity information of the room space, and sets the window surface temperature based on the room temperature information, outdoor temperature information of the outdoor space, and insulation performance information of the window 8.

[0082] The present disclosure has been described above based on examples. These examples are merely illustrative, and it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible in the combination of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0083] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure can be applied, for example, as a system for controlling air conditioning in a whole building.

[0084] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Humidifier 2 Air blower 3 Ventilation device 4a First transport air duct 4b Second transport air duct 4c Third transport air duct 5a Room humidity sensor 5b Room temperature sensor 6 Outdoor temperature sensor 7 Controller 8 Window 10a Room 10b Outdoor 20 Air-conditioned room 22 Air conditioner 24 HEPA filter 30 House 40 Air conditioning system 50 Control unit 52 Operation unit 54 Display unit 56 Memory unit 58 Humidity acquisition unit 60 Room target humidity acquisition unit 62 Temperature acquisition unit 64 Humidity difference calculation unit 66 Room dew point temperature calculation unit 68 Window surface temperature calculation unit 70 Reference value calculation unit 72 Humidification mode determination unit 74 Humidifier determination unit 76 Air blower determination unit 78 Ventilation unit determination unit

Claims

1. An air conditioning system comprising: a humidifier that humidifies the air in a living space having a window facing the outdoors; a ventilation device that ventilates the living space; and a controller that controls the humidifier and the ventilation device, wherein the controller is capable of switching between a first humidification mode in which humidification is performed under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier is equal to or greater than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device, and a second humidification mode in which humidification is performed under humidification conditions in which the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier is less than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device, and the controller switches between the first humidification mode and the second humidification mode based on the living space dew point temperature of the air in the living space and the window surface temperature on the living space side of the window.

2. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the controller switches from the first humidification mode to the second humidification mode when it determines that the room dew point temperature exceeds a first reference value defined based on the window surface temperature during operation of the humidifier in the first humidification mode.

3. The air conditioning system of claim 2, wherein the controller switches from the second humidification mode to the first humidification mode when it determines that the room dew point temperature has fallen below a second reference value, which is a temperature lower than the first reference value, during operation of the humidifier in the second humidification mode.

4. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the controller controls the humidifier so that the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier operating in the second humidification mode is less than the amount of moisture supplied to the living space by the humidifier operating in the first humidification mode.

5. The air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the controller controls the ventilation device so that the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device operating in the second humidification mode is greater than the amount of moisture discharged from the living space by the ventilation device operating in the first humidification mode.

6. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the controller sets the room dew point temperature based on room temperature information and room humidity information of the room space, and sets the window surface temperature based on the room temperature information, outdoor temperature information, and insulation performance information of the window.

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