Air conditioning system

Abstract

An air conditioning system according to the present invention comprises: an air conditioning device that conditions the air in a space to be air-conditioned; and a deterioration processing device, wherein the air conditioning device includes a plurality of humidifying bodies which humidify air sent to the space to be air-conditioned and a detection sensor which detects the states of the humidifying bodies or the state of air passed through the humidifying bodies, the deterioration processing device determines a degree of deterioration, which is an index indicating the extent of deterioration in levels, for each of the plurality of humidifying bodies on the basis of the detection results by the detection sensor, and the deterioration processing device notifies a user or worker of the determined degree of deterioration.

Description

Air conditioning system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system including a humidifying body.

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an air conditioning apparatus that humidifies a room by supplying water to a humidifying body during operation and supplying the moisture contained in the humidifying body to the air sent into the room. When such humidification using a humidifying body is performed for a long time, calcium or the like contained in the water precipitates on the humidifying body, so that the humidifying body causes deterioration such as a decrease in the contact area with air and a decrease in the water supply amount. As a result, the humidifying ability of the humidifying body decreases. Patent Document 1 discloses that a plurality of temperature sensors or humidity sensors are provided on the downstream side of a humidifying body (moisture permeable member), and based on the difference value of the detection results, it is detected whether the humidifying body is deteriorated.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-194946

[0004] The air conditioning apparatus of Patent Document 1 has a plurality of humidifying bodies. When a plurality of humidifying bodies are provided in the air conditioning apparatus, the ventilation volume for each humidifying body is different depending on the arrangement in the air passage. Therefore, the degree of deterioration is also different for each humidifying body. In an air conditioning apparatus having a plurality of humidifying bodies, when all the humidifying bodies are replaced during maintenance, even a humidifying body with a small degree of deterioration that does not actually need to be replaced is replaced, resulting in unnecessary costs.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an air conditioning system capable of suppressing an increase in the cost for maintaining the humidifying function of an air conditioning apparatus.

[0006] The air conditioning system according to the present disclosure includes an air conditioning apparatus that conditions the air in an air conditioning target space and a deterioration processing apparatus. The air conditioning apparatus has a plurality of humidifying bodies that humidify the air sent into the air conditioning target space and a detection sensor that detects the state of the humidifying body or the state of the air that has passed through the humidifying body. The deterioration processing apparatus determines, based on the detection result of the detection sensor, a deterioration degree, which is an index indicating the degree of deterioration step by step, for each of the plurality of humidifying bodies, and notifies the determined deterioration degree.

[0007] The air conditioning system disclosed herein determines the degree of deterioration for each of the multiple humidifiers and notifies the determined degree of deterioration. Therefore, it is possible to allow the user or worker to be aware of the replacement timing for each humidifier, thereby suppressing the increase in maintenance costs for the humidification function of the air conditioning system.

[0008] This is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing the control device of Embodiment 1. This is a hardware configuration diagram showing the control device of Embodiment 1. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram showing the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram showing the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. This is a diagram for explaining the replacement work of the humidifier according to Embodiment 1. This is a block diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 1. This is a flowchart showing the operation of the deterioration treatment device in Embodiment 1. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 2. This is a block diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 2. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 3. This is a block diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 3. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 4. This is a block diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 4. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 5. This is a block diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 5. This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit according to Embodiment 6. This is a block diagram of the air conditioning system according to Embodiment 6.

[0009] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that in each drawing, components with the same reference numerals are the same or equivalent components, and this is consistent throughout the entire specification. Furthermore, the size relationships of the components in the following drawings may differ from those of the actual components.

[0010] Embodiment 1. Hereinafter, an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 1, the air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioning device 2, a control device 3, and a notification device 5.

[0011] The air conditioning system 2 comprises an outdoor unit 10 and an indoor unit 20, and is intended to harmonize the air in a space to be air-conditioned, such as a living room, where the indoor unit 20 is installed. The outdoor unit 10 is installed outdoors, for example. The outdoor unit 10 includes a compressor 11, a flow path switching device 12, an outdoor heat exchanger 13, a throttling device 14, and an outdoor fan 15.

[0012] The compressor 11 draws in refrigerant in a low-temperature and low-pressure state, compresses the drawn-in refrigerant to a high-temperature and high-pressure state, and discharges it. The flow path switching device 12 switches the direction of refrigerant flow in the refrigerant circuit, for example, it is a four-way valve. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 performs heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air, for example, it is a fin-and-tube type heat exchanger. The outdoor heat exchanger 13 acts as a condenser during cooling operation and as an evaporator during heating operation. The outdoor fan 15 is a device that sends outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. The throttling device 14 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant and expands it, for example, it is an electronic expansion valve.

[0013] The indoor unit 20 supplies conditioned air to the air-conditioned space in which it is installed. The indoor unit 20 also performs ventilation by exhausting indoor air to the outside. The indoor unit 20 comprises a housing 6, a total heat exchanger 21, an indoor heat exchanger 22, a supply fan 23, and an exhaust fan 24. However, the structure of the indoor unit 20 and the arrangement and dimensions of each component inside the indoor unit 20 shown in Figure 1 are merely schematic representations to explain the function of the indoor unit 20.

[0014] The enclosure 6 is provided with an air supply duct 31, a return air duct 32, an exhaust duct 33, and an outside air duct 34. The indoor unit 20 takes in outside air from the outside air duct 34, passes it through the total heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 22, and supplies it to the room through the air supply duct 31. Hereinafter, the air taken in from outside to the indoor unit 20 will be referred to as "outside air (OA)," and the air supplied to the room will be referred to as "supply air (SA)." The indoor unit 20 also takes in indoor air from the return air duct 32, passes it through the total heat exchanger 21, and discharges it to the outside through the exhaust duct 33. Hereinafter, the air taken in from inside to the indoor unit 20 will be referred to as "return air (RA)," and the air discharged to the outside will be referred to as "exhaust air (EA)."

[0015] In the total heat exchanger 21, heat exchange takes place between the outside air and the return air, and the supply air, whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted, is supplied to the room via the indoor heat exchanger 22. Hereinafter, the air path from which the outside air taken in from outside through the total heat exchanger 21 is supplied to the room as supply air will be referred to as the "supply air path 8," and the air path from which the return air taken in from inside through the total heat exchanger 21 is discharged to the outside as exhaust air will be referred to as the "exhaust air path 9." Upwind and downwind of the total heat exchanger 21, the supply air path 8 and the exhaust air path 9 are separated by a partition 6a in the housing 6.

[0016] The total heat exchanger 21 is a heat exchange element that exchanges heat between outdoor air and indoor air. The total heat exchanger 21 is formed in a rectangular prism shape, with an air supply passage 8 formed on one of adjacent sides of the total heat exchanger 21 and an exhaust passage 9 formed on the other adjacent side. In the total heat exchanger 21, the air supply passage 8 through which outside air flows and the exhaust passage 9 through which return air flows are separated by a partition plate.

[0017] The indoor heat exchanger 22 is located in the air supply passage 8 and performs heat exchange between the air that has passed through the total heat exchanger 21 and the refrigerant. The indoor heat exchanger 22 acts as an evaporator during cooling operation and as a condenser during heating operation. The refrigeration cycle is formed by connecting the compressor 11, the flow path switching device 12, the outdoor heat exchanger 13, the throttling device 14, and the indoor heat exchanger 22 via refrigerant piping 7.

[0018] The air supply fan 23 is located in the air supply passage 8 and is a fan that draws outside air into the room. The air supply fan 23 is equipped with an air supply motor (not shown) and is rotated by the air supply motor. In Embodiment 1, the air supply fan 23 is located on the indoor side of the total heat exchanger 21, that is, downwind of the total heat exchanger 21 in the air supply passage 8. The air supply fan 23 is, for example, a sirocco fan or a propeller fan.

[0019] The exhaust fan 24 is located in the exhaust air passage 9 and is a fan that expels indoor air to the outside. The exhaust fan 24 is equipped with an exhaust motor (not shown) and is rotated by the exhaust motor. In this embodiment, the exhaust fan 24 is located on the outside of the total heat exchanger 21, that is, downwind of the total heat exchanger 21 in the exhaust air passage 9. The exhaust fan 24 is, for example, a sirocco fan or a propeller fan.

[0020] The indoor unit 20 includes a humidifier 41, a water supply device 42, and a drain pan 71. The humidifier 41 humidifies the air that has been sent from the air supply fan 23 and passed through the indoor heat exchanger 22. The water supply device 42 is a device for supplying tap water or the like to the humidifier 41. The structure and arrangement of the humidifier 41 and the water supply device 42 will be described later.

[0021] The drain pan 71 is located below the indoor heat exchanger 22 and the humidifier 41, and stores condensate produced in the indoor heat exchanger 22 during the cooling season and drain water produced in the humidifier 41 during the heating season.

[0022] The indoor unit 20 has an air supply temperature sensor 51 and a return air temperature sensor 53. The air supply temperature sensor 51 detects the air supply temperature, which is the temperature of the air supplied to the room, and outputs it to the control device 3. The air supply temperature sensor 51 is, for example, a thermistor. The air supply temperature sensor 51 is positioned downwind of the humidifier 41 in the air supply passage 8 and detects the temperature of the air after it has passed through the humidifier 41.

[0023] The return air temperature sensor 53 detects the return air temperature, which is the temperature of the air taken in from the room to the indoor unit 20, and outputs it to the control device 3. The return air temperature corresponds to the room temperature. The return air temperature sensor 53 is, for example, a thermistor. The return air temperature sensor 53 is positioned upwind of the total heat exchanger 21 in the exhaust air passage 9 and detects the temperature of the air before it passes through the total heat exchanger 21.

[0024] The control device 3 controls each component of the air conditioning system 2. The control device 3 may be housed inside the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20, or it may be provided outside the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. In addition, the control device 3 performs a degradation processing function as a characteristic function in this disclosure. The degradation processing function includes a function to determine the degree of degradation of the humidifier 41 and a function to provide notification regarding the degradation of the humidifier 41. The part of the control device 3 that performs the degradation processing function is referred to as the degradation processing device 4. The degradation processing device 4 may be provided independently of the part of the control device 3 that performs other functions. In this case, the degradation processing device 4 may be housed inside the outdoor unit 10 or the indoor unit 20, or it may be provided outside the outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20. Furthermore, the degradation processing device 4 may be configured as a server device that can communicate with the control device 3. Details of the degradation processing function will be described later.

[0025] Figures 2 and 3 are hardware configuration diagrams showing a control device 3 according to Embodiment 1. When each function of the control device 3 is executed in hardware, the control device 3 is composed of a processing circuit 101, as shown in Figure 2. When each function is executed in hardware, the processing circuit 101 is, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof.

[0026] When each function of the control device 3 is executed by software, as shown in Figure 3, the control device 3 is composed of a CPU consisting of a processor 102 and a memory 103. The processor 102 and the memory 103 are connected to each other via a bus 104. The software is written as a program and stored in the memory 103. The processor 102 realizes each function of the control device 3 by reading and executing the program stored in the memory 103. As the memory 103, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory such as ROM (Read Only Memory) is used. Alternatively, a volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) may be used as the memory 103.

[0027] The notification device 5 is, for example, installed on the control device 3 and is a device for providing notification regarding the deterioration of the humidifier 41 based on instructions from the control device 3. The notification device 5 consists of, for example, a display that shows images or characters, an indicator light such as an LED that provides notification with light, or a speaker that provides notification with sound. The notification device 5 does not need to be installed on the control device 3 or the air conditioning unit 2, as long as it can communicate with the control device 3 and receive instructions from the control device 3. In this case, for example, an application program for receiving instructions from the control device 3 and providing notification may be installed on a communication device such as a PC (Personal Computer) or a smartphone, so that these communication devices can function as the notification device 5.

[0028] The indoor unit 20 may also include components other than those shown in Figure 1. For example, the indoor unit 20 may be equipped with an outside air temperature sensor located at the inlet of the air supply passage 8 of the indoor unit 20 to measure the outside air temperature, which is the temperature of the air taken into the indoor unit 20 from outside. It may also be equipped with sensors to detect the temperature or pressure of each part of the refrigerant circuit.

[0029] The arrangement of the humidifier 41 and the supply air temperature sensor 51, as well as the structure of the water supply device 42, will be explained using Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic cross-sectional views of the indoor unit 20 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 schematically shows the cross-section (XY section) when the housing 6 of the indoor unit 20 is cut horizontally. Figure 5 shows the cross-section (XZ section) when the housing 6 of the indoor unit 20 is cut vertically. Figure 5 schematically shows the downstream configuration of the total heat exchanger 21 of the supply air passage 8. Hereinafter, the direction in which the indoor duct and the outdoor duct face each other in the horizontal direction will be referred to as the ventilation direction (X direction), and the direction perpendicular to the ventilation direction will be referred to as the depth direction (Y direction).

[0030] The indoor unit 20 has a plurality of humidifiers 41. The indoor unit 20 of Embodiment 1 has four humidifiers 41, and in Figure 4, each humidifier 41 is denoted by a reference numeral "a" to "d" to distinguish them, and is shown as humidifiers 41a to 41d. When the four humidifiers 41a to 41d are not distinguished, they are simply referred to as humidifiers 41. As shown in Figure 4, the four humidifiers 41a to 41d are arranged in a line in the depth direction (Y direction) of the housing 6. The area where the four humidifiers 41a to 41d are provided extends over approximately the entire width in the depth direction (Y direction) of the housing 6 in the air supply passage 8. Also, as shown in Figure 5, all the humidifiers 41 are provided over approximately the entire height in the vertical direction (Z direction) of the housing 6 in the air supply passage 8. Therefore, almost all of the air that has passed through the total heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 22 passes through one of the humidifiers 41. In Embodiment 1, the indoor unit 20 has four humidifiers 41a to 41d that can be replaced independently of each other.

[0031] The indoor unit 20 has a plurality of supply air temperature sensors 51. The indoor unit 20 of Embodiment 1 has four supply air temperature sensors 51, and in Figure 4, each supply air temperature sensor 51 is denoted by a reference numeral "a" to "d" to distinguish them, and is shown as supply air temperature sensors 51a to 51d. When the four supply air temperature sensors 51a to 51d are not distinguished, they are referred to simply as supply air temperature sensors 51 without reference numerals. The supply air temperature sensors 51a to 51d correspond to the humidifiers 41a to 41d. Specifically, supply air temperature sensor 51a is provided in a position opposite to the humidifier 41a and detects the temperature of the air that has passed through the humidifier 41a. Supply air temperature sensor 51b is provided in a position opposite to the humidifier 41b and detects the temperature of the air that has passed through the humidifier 41b. Supply air temperature sensor 51c is provided in a position opposite to the humidifier 41c and detects the temperature of the air that has passed through the humidifier 41c. The air supply temperature sensor 51d is positioned opposite the humidifier 41d and detects the temperature of the air that has passed through the humidifier 41d.

[0032] The water supply device 42 includes a water supply pipe 421 and a water supply control valve 422. The water supply pipe 421 is a pipe through which water flows and branches into four, corresponding to the four humidifiers 41. In this way, the water supply pipe 421 supplies water to the four humidifiers 41 separately. The water supply control valve 422 is installed in the water supply pipe 421 and adjusts the amount of water flowing through the water supply pipe 421. The water supply control valve 422 is, for example, a solenoid valve whose opening degree can be controlled.

[0033] The structure of the humidifier 41 will be described using Figures 6 and 7. Figures 6 and 7 show the humidifier 41 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 6 shows the total heat exchanger 21 and the side facing the total heat exchanger 21 when the humidifier 41 is installed in the indoor unit 20. When the humidifier 41 is installed in the indoor unit 20, the side facing the total heat exchanger 21 and the side facing the total heat exchanger 21 corresponds to the back when viewed from the indoor side, and will therefore be simply referred to as the back below. Figure 7 shows the side of the humidifier 41 that connects the back and the front on the opposite side. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the humidifier 41 has a main body 411, a water inlet 412, and a plurality of humidifying elements 413. The main body 411 forms the skeleton of the humidifier 41 and supports the plurality of humidifying elements 413. The main body 411 is hollow inside and is designed to allow water supplied from the water supply device 42 via the water inlet 412 to pass through the humidifying element 413. The water inlet 412 is an opening provided in the main body 411 and connected to the water supply pipe 421 of the water supply device 42. Water is supplied to the main body 411 via the water inlet 412. The humidifying element 413 is a component formed by accumulating fibers such as paper, and has a strip-like outer shape with numerous fine pores. Multiple humidifying elements 413 are arranged at equal intervals. Water supplied from the main body 411 permeates the humidifying element 413. Air that has passed through the total heat exchanger 21 and the indoor heat exchanger 22 is humidified as it passes through the humidifying element 413.

[0034] The humidifier 41 can be removed from the water supply pipe 421 of the water supply device 42 and replaced when it deteriorates. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the replacement procedure for the humidifier 41 according to Embodiment 1. Figure 8 shows the end of the housing 6 on the side of the supply air duct 31 and return air duct 32 (-X direction) in the ventilation direction. However, in Figure 8, the inside of the housing 6 is shown through. As shown in Figure 8, an opening 74 is provided on the side of the housing 6. When the indoor unit 20 is in use, the opening 74 is covered by an inner lid 72 and a cover 73. The cover 73 can be opened and closed by hooking a hook portion 74a provided on the opening 74 onto a fitting portion 73a formed on the cover 73 and rotating the cover 73 using the hook portion 74a as a pivot point. When the humidifier 41 deteriorates, the user of the indoor unit 20 or a maintenance worker removes the cover 73 and inner lid 72 to open the opening 74. Afterward, the humidifier 41 that was removed from the water supply pipe 421 is taken out through the opening 74 and replaced with a new humidifier 41. Then, the inner lid 72 and cover 73 are reattached, completing the replacement work.

[0035] The functions of the control device 3 will be explained in detail using Figure 9. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Figure 9, the control device 3 has a normal control unit 81 and a deterioration treatment device 4.

[0036] Normally, the control unit 81 controls the compressor 11, the flow path switching device 12, the throttle device 14, the outdoor fan 15, the supply fan 23, and the exhaust fan 24 based on settings input by the user via a remote controller (not shown). For example, the control unit 81 switches the connection state of the flow path switching device 12 depending on whether the user has input cooling operation or heating operation. If the user instructs cooling operation, the control unit 81 switches the connection state of the flow path switching device 12 so that the compressor 11 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 13. If the user instructs heating operation, the control unit 81 switches the connection state of the flow path switching device 12 so that the compressor 11 is connected to the indoor heat exchanger 22. In addition, the control unit 81 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 11, the opening degree of the throttle device 14, and the rotation speed of the motors of the outdoor fan 15, the supply fan 23, and the exhaust fan 24 so that the temperature of the air-conditioned space detected by the return air temperature sensor 53 becomes the temperature set by the user. Furthermore, when the user sets the humidification mode, the water supply control valve 422 of the water supply device 42 is opened to supply moisture to the humidifier 41. The control unit also controls the rotation speed of the motors of the supply fan 23 and exhaust fan 24 based on the airflow or ventilation volume set by the user. Specifically, the control unit 81 increases the rotation speed of the motors of the supply fan 23 and exhaust fan 24 when the high airflow mode is selected by the user, and decreases the rotation speed of the motors of the supply fan 23 and exhaust fan 24 when the low airflow mode is selected.

[0037] The degradation processing device 4 performs a degradation processing function. The degradation processing device 4 has a degradation determination unit 82 and a notification unit 83. The degradation determination unit 82 determines the degree of degradation for each of the multiple humidifiers 41 based on the detection result of the supply air temperature sensor 51. The degree of degradation is an index that shows the degree of degradation of the humidifier 41 in stages. In the following explanation, the degree of degradation will be described as being evaluated in 10 stages. The degree of degradation may be evaluated in stages other than 10, but it is desirable to evaluate it in 3 or more stages so that it is clear how far the degradation has progressed, rather than just indicating whether or not there is degradation. Here, a higher numerical value for the degree of degradation indicates that the degradation has progressed. As an example, the degree of degradation is set to the minimum value (i.e., "1" in this case) if the humidifier 41 is a new product that has not been used before. Also, the degree of degradation is set to the maximum value (i.e., "10" in this case) when the humidification function has deteriorated to the lowest level expected within the range of normal use.

[0038] Here, we will explain the reasons for the deterioration of the humidifier 41 and an example of a method for determining the degree of deterioration. In the humidifier 41, moisture evaporates as air supplied from the air supply fan 23 passes through it. At this time, components such as lime in the moisture gradually precipitate on the humidifying element 413 of the humidifier 41, and particles are formed inside and on the surface of the humidifying element 413. As a result, the amount of air passing through the humidifying element 413 and the amount of moisture that permeates the humidifying element 413 decrease, and the humidifying capacity decreases. For this reason, it is thought that air that has passed through a humidifier 41 with a large amount of precipitate and advanced deterioration will have a relatively high temperature, while air that has passed through a humidifier 41 with a small amount of precipitate and advanced deterioration will have a relatively low temperature.

[0039] Therefore, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration as follows. First, the deterioration determination unit acquires the operating conditions of the air conditioner 2. The operating conditions are determined, for example, by the set temperature and set humidity set by the user. Next, it acquires the temperature after passing through the unused humidifier 41 under the acquired operating conditions. The temperature after passing through the unused humidifier 41 may be stored when the air conditioner 2 is operated when the humidifier is not in use, or it may be a value verified by experiment and simulation that is stored in advance. Note that the case of an unused humidifier does not strictly refer only to cases where it has never been used even once, but may also include cases where deterioration has hardly progressed and it can be considered unused. Furthermore, the deterioration determination unit 82 calculates the ratio of the temperature after passing through the humidifier 41 (hereinafter referred to as the temperature ratio) to the temperature after passing through the unused humidifier 41 under the same operating conditions when determining the degree of deterioration. Then, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration by comparing the calculated temperature ratio with a range set in advance corresponding to each degree of deterioration. Furthermore, the operating conditions are not limited to those described above, as long as the conditions under which the temperature after passing through the humidifier 41 when not in use and the temperature after passing through the humidifier 41 when determining the degree of deterioration are obtained can be made the same.

[0040] For example, the degradation determination unit 82 determines the degree of degradation to be "1" if the temperature ratio falls within a first range (for example, 100.0% to 100.9%). If the temperature ratio falls within a second range where the minimum value is greater than the maximum value of the first range (for example, 101.0% to 101.9%), it determines the degree of degradation to be "2", which is more advanced than "1". If the temperature ratio falls within a third range where the minimum value is greater than the maximum value of the second range (for example, 102.0% to 102.9%), it determines the degree of degradation to be "3", which is more advanced than "2". Subsequent degrees of degradation are determined in the same manner.

[0041] The degree of deterioration is determined using the detection results of the supply air temperature sensor 51 corresponding to each humidifier 41. This allows for the determination of a different degree of deterioration for each humidifier 41.

[0042] The notification unit 83 compares the degree of deterioration of each humidifying body 41 with a predetermined first threshold value. The first threshold value is set to a value (for example, 7 out of 10 levels) at which the decline in the humidifying function of the humidifying body 41 is considered to have progressed relatively far. The first threshold value may be set by the user. However, it is desirable that the first threshold value be set to a value lower than the maximum value of the degree of deterioration.

[0043] When the degree of deterioration of any one of the humidifying bodies 41 becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold value, the notification unit 83 notifies the degree of deterioration of each humidifying body 41. At the same time, the notification unit 83 notifies that replacement of the humidifying body 41 is recommended. Replacement of the humidifying body 41 means exchanging the positions in the depth direction among two or more humidifying bodies 4I. The replacement is performed by detaching the humidifying body 41 from the water supply pipe 421. For example, in the case where the internal structure of the indoor unit 20 is as shown in FIG. 4, it is assumed that the humidifying body 41a, the humidifying body 41b, the humidifying body 41d, and the humidifying body 41c are likely to deteriorate in this order. This is because the ventilation volume tends to increase as the position is closer to the air supply duct 31, and the pipes connected to the indoor heat exchanger 22 provided on the side surface on the front side in the depth direction (-Y direction) of the housing 6, and structures such as the water supply pipe 421 and the water supply control valve 422 impede the ventilation downstream. Thus, the degree of deterioration of the humidifying body 41 varies depending on the installation position. Therefore, by replacing the positions of the humidifying bodies 41, arranging the humidifying body 41 with a lower degree of deterioration at the installation position where the humidifying body 41 with a higher degree of deterioration was arranged, and arranging the humidifying body 4I with a higher degree of deterioration at the installation position where the humidifying body 41 with a lower degree of deterioration was arranged, the degree of deterioration of each humidifying body 41 can be made uniform. As a specific example of the replacement, the notification unit 83 may notify that replacement between the humidifying body 41 with the highest degree of deterioration and the humidifying body 41 with the lowest degree of deterioration is recommended.

[0044] When the degree of deterioration of all the humidifying bodies 41 becomes equal to or higher than the first threshold value, instead of recommending the above-described replacement, the notification unit 83 notifies that it is recommended to replace all the humidifying bodies 41 with new ones.

[0045] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the deterioration processing device 4 in Embodiment 1. First, the deterioration determination unit 82 acquires the measurement result from the intake air temperature sensor 51 (step S1). The acquisition of the measurement result may be performed at regular intervals, or may be performed when an instruction is given from a user, an operator, or the like via a remote controller. When the measurement result is acquired, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the deterioration of each humidifying body 41 (step S2). Then, the notification unit 83 determines the notification content (step S3).

[0046] First, when the deterioration degree of all the humidifying bodies 41 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S3: pattern A), the notification unit 83 notifies the deterioration degree of each humidifying body 41 (step S4). Further, the notification unit 83 notifies that it is recommended to replace all the humidifying bodies 41 with new ones (step S4). [[ID=I5]]

[0047] Second, when the deterioration degree of any one of the humidifying bodies 41 (here, one to three humidifying bodies 41) among the humidifying bodies 41 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (step S3: pattern B), the notification unit 83 notifies the deterioration degree of each humidifying body 41 (step S5). Further, the notification unit 83 notifies that it is recommended to replace the positions of the humidifying bodies 41 (step S5).

[0048] Third, when the deterioration degree of all the humidifying bodies 41 is less than the first threshold value (step S3: pattern C), the deterioration processing device 4 does not perform notification. Note that the notification unit 83 may notify the deterioration degree of each humidifying body 41. Further, the notification unit 83 may notify that none of the humidifying bodies 41 is deteriorated.

[0049] As described above, the air conditioning system 1 of Embodiment 1 determines the deterioration degree for each of the plurality of humidifying bodies 41 and notifies the determined deterioration degree. Therefore, it is possible to allow the user or the operator to grasp the replacement timing for each humidifying body 41 and suppress an increase in the cost for maintaining the humidifying function of the air conditioner 2.

[0050] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1, if the degree of deterioration of any but not all of the humidifiers 41 exceeds the first threshold, a notification is issued recommending that the humidifier 41 be relocated. This allows the humidifiers 41 to be used for a longer period of time.

[0051] Embodiment 2. Figure 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 20 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 11 schematically shows the cross-section (XY section) when the housing 6 of the indoor unit 20 is cut horizontally. As shown in Figure 11, Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has a water supply adjustment device 91. In Embodiment 2, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0052] The water supply adjustment device 91 adjusts the amount of water supplied from the water supply device 42 to each humidifier 41. The water supply adjustment device 91 consists of, for example, a plurality of solenoid valves provided in the water supply piping 421. Each solenoid valve is provided in each branch of the water supply piping 421 corresponding to each humidifier 41. In other words, in Embodiment 2, the water supply adjustment device 91 consists of four solenoid valves corresponding to each of the four humidifiers 41. The water supply adjustment device 91 adjusts the amount of water supplied from the water supply device 42 to each humidifier 41 by controlling the opening degree of each solenoid valve by the degradation treatment device 4. Note that the water supply adjustment device 91 may have other configurations as long as it can adjust the amount of water supplied from the water supply device 42 to each humidifier 41.

[0053] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 2. As shown in Figure 12, the deterioration treatment device 4 has a deterioration control unit 84. As one of its deterioration treatment functions, the deterioration control unit 84 controls the water supply adjustment device 91 based on the degree of deterioration of each humidifier 41 determined by the deterioration determination unit 82. Specifically, the deterioration control unit 84 controls the water supply adjustment device 91 so that the amount of water supplied to the humidifier 41 with the highest degree of deterioration is less than the amount of water supplied to the humidifier 41 with the lowest degree of deterioration. The deterioration control unit 84 also controls the water supply adjustment device 91 so that the amount of water supplied to the humidifier 41 with a lower degree of deterioration is greater.

[0054] As described above, deterioration in the humidifier 41 is caused by chlorine and other substances contained in the supplied water. According to Embodiment 2, the water supply adjustment device 91 is controlled so that the amount of water supplied to the humidifier 41 with the highest degree of deterioration is less than the amount of water supplied to the humidifier 41 with the lowest degree of deterioration. This equalizes the progression of deterioration in each humidifier 41, allowing multiple humidifiers 41 to be replaced simultaneously. Consequently, replacement work can be reduced, improving the convenience of the air conditioning system 2. Furthermore, when multiple humidifiers 41 are replaced simultaneously, it is possible to prevent the disposal of humidifiers 41 that still have sufficient humidifying function.

[0055] Embodiment 3. Figure 13 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 20 according to Embodiment 3. Figure 13 schematically shows the cross-section (XY section) when the housing 6 of the indoor unit 20 is cut horizontally. As shown in Figure 13, Embodiment 3 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has an airflow adjustment device 92. In Embodiment 3, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0056] The airflow adjustment device 92 adjusts the direction and amount of air sent from the supply fan 23 to the multiple humidifiers 41. The airflow adjustment device 92 consists of, for example, multiple vanes installed downwind of the indoor heat exchanger 22. The direction of each vane in the airflow adjustment device 92 is controlled by the deterioration treatment device 4, thereby adjusting the direction and amount of air sent to the humidifiers 41. Note that the airflow adjustment device 92 may use other components such as dampers as long as it can adjust the direction and amount of air sent from the supply fan 23 to the multiple humidifiers 41.

[0057] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Figure 14, the deterioration treatment device 4 has a deterioration control unit 84. As one of its deterioration treatment functions, the deterioration control unit 84 controls the airflow adjustment device 92 based on the degree of deterioration of each humidifier 41 determined by the deterioration determination unit 82. Specifically, the deterioration control unit 84 controls the airflow adjustment device 92 so that the amount of air supplied to the humidifier 41 with the highest degree of deterioration is less than the amount of air supplied to the humidifier 41 with the lowest degree of deterioration. The deterioration control unit 84 also controls the airflow adjustment device 92 so that the amount of air supplied to the humidifier 41 with a lower degree of deterioration is greater.

[0058] As described above, deterioration in the humidifier 41 progresses as moisture evaporates as air supplied from the air supply fan 23 passes through it. In Embodiment 3, the water supply adjustment device 91 is controlled so that the amount of air supplied to the humidifier 41 with the highest degree of deterioration is less than the amount of air supplied to the humidifier 41 with the lowest degree of deterioration. This equalizes the progression of deterioration in each humidifier 41, allowing multiple humidifiers 41 to be replaced simultaneously. Consequently, replacement work is reduced, improving the convenience of the air conditioning system 2. Furthermore, when replacing multiple humidifiers 41 simultaneously, it is possible to prevent the discarding of humidifiers 41 that still have sufficient humidifying function.

[0059] Embodiment 4. Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 20 according to Embodiment 4. Figure 15 schematically shows the cross-section (XY section) when the housing 6 of the indoor unit 20 is cut horizontally. As shown in Figure 15, Embodiment 4 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has a moving device 93. In Embodiment 4, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the differences from Embodiment 1 will be the focus of the explanation.

[0060] The humidifiers 41 are installed at positions where their airflow direction (X direction) and depth direction (Y direction) differ from each other. The water supply pipe 421A is composed of tubes with branching sections made of flexible material such as rubber, corresponding to each humidifier 41. Each tube is sufficiently long to prevent entanglement with other tubes, and is installed to bypass the humidifier 41 upwind of the humidifier 41 to which each tube is connected.

[0061] The moving device 93 moves the installation positions of the multiple humidifiers 41. The moving device 93 consists of, for example, a rail and a wheel section provided above the humidifiers 41. The rail is provided across the entire width of the air supply passage 8 in the depth direction (Y direction). The wheel section is a component that rotates while supported in a groove formed in the rail and moves along the rail, and the humidifiers 41 are fixed to the wheel section. In other words, the humidifiers 41 are suspended from the rail via the wheel section. When the wheel section rotates, the wheel section and the humidifiers 41 fixed to the wheel section move along the rail in the depth direction (Y direction) according to the direction of rotation. The rail and wheel section are provided corresponding to each humidifier 41. In other words, in Embodiment 4, the moving device 93 consists of four rails and wheel sections corresponding to each of the four humidifiers 41. The moving device 93 moves the installation positions of the multiple humidifiers 41 by rotating the wheel section by the deterioration treatment device 4. The mobile device 93 may have other configurations as long as it can move the installation positions of the multiple humidifiers 41. For example, the rails may be provided below the humidifiers 41, and the humidifiers 41 may be placed on them.

[0062] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 4. As shown in Figure 14, the deterioration treatment device 4 has a deterioration control unit 84. As one of its deterioration treatment functions, the deterioration control unit 84 controls the moving device 93 based on the degree of deterioration of each humidifier 41 determined by the deterioration determination unit 82. Specifically, the deterioration control unit 84 controls the moving device 93 to swap the installation positions of the humidifier 41 with the highest degree of deterioration and the humidifier 41 with the lowest degree of deterioration. Alternatively, if the ease of deterioration for each installation position is recorded in advance, the deterioration control unit 84 controls the moving device 93 to place humidifiers 41 with lower degrees of deterioration in positions where they are more likely to deteriorate. However, the deterioration control unit 84 determines the installation positions of the humidifiers 41 so that they are not placed in the same position in the depth direction (Y direction).

[0063] According to Embodiment 4, the deterioration treatment device 4 controls the moving device 93 to swap the installation positions of the humidifier 41 with the highest degree of deterioration and the humidifier 41 with the lowest degree of deterioration. This equalizes the progression of deterioration of each humidifier 41, allowing multiple humidifiers 41 to be replaced simultaneously. Consequently, replacement work can be reduced, improving the convenience of the air conditioning device 2. Furthermore, when replacing multiple humidifiers 41 simultaneously, it is possible to prevent the disposal of humidifiers 41 that still have sufficient humidifying function.

[0064] Embodiment 5. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 20 according to Embodiment 5. Figure 17 schematically shows the cross-section (XY section) when the housing 6 of the indoor unit 20 is cut horizontally. As shown in Figure 17, Embodiment 5 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has a watering device 94. In Embodiment 5, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the differences from Embodiment 1 will be the focus of the explanation.

[0065] The sprinkler system 94 sprinkles water onto multiple humidifiers 41. The sprinkler system 94 consists of, for example, a sprinkler pipe 941 and a sprinkler control valve 942, which are installed upwind of the humidifiers 41. The sprinkler pipe 941 is a pipe through which city water or the like flows, and water is sprayed from a plurality of small holes arranged in the depth direction (Y direction). The sprinkler control valve 942 is installed in the sprinkler pipe 941 and adjusts the amount of water flowing through the sprinkler pipe 941. The sprinkler control valve 942 is, for example, a solenoid valve whose opening degree can be controlled.

[0066] Furthermore, the indoor unit 20 is provided in the air supply duct 31 and has an opening / closing device 95 that closes or opens the air supply duct 31. The opening / closing device 95 is, for example, a damper. When the opening / closing state of the opening / closing device 95 is in the open state, it opens the air supply duct 31. When the opening / closing state of the opening / closing device 95 is in the closed state, it closes the air supply duct 31.

[0067] Figure 18 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 5. As shown in Figure 18, the deterioration treatment device 4 has a deterioration control unit 84. The deterioration control unit 84 controls the water spraying control valve 942 of the water spraying device 94 to spray water on multiple humidifiers 41 if the degree of deterioration of each humidifier 41 determined by the deterioration determination unit 82 is equal to or greater than a second threshold predetermined by the user or the like. The deterioration control unit 84 may cause water to be sprayed when the degree of deterioration of any one or more humidifiers 41 is equal to or greater than the second threshold, or it may cause water to be sprayed when the degree of deterioration of all humidifiers 41 is equal to or greater than the second threshold. In addition, when the deterioration control unit 84 causes the water spraying device 94 to spray water, it switches the opening / closing device 95 to the closed state and stops the air supply fan 23. The second threshold is set to a value (for example, 7 out of 10) that is considered to indicate a relatively advanced deterioration of the humidifying function of the humidifiers 41. The second threshold may be the same as or different from the first threshold.

[0068] According to Embodiment 5, when the humidifier 41 deteriorates, water can be sprayed to clean the humidifier 41, thereby restoring the humidifying function of the humidifier 41.

[0069] Embodiment 6. Figure 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the indoor unit 20 according to Embodiment 6. Figure 19 schematically shows the cross-section (XY section) when the housing 6 of the indoor unit 20 is cut horizontally. As shown in Figure 19, Embodiment 6 differs from Embodiment 1 in that it has a water supply heating device 96. In Embodiment 6, the same parts as in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted, and the differences from Embodiment 1 will be the focus of the explanation.

[0070] The water supply heating device 96 heats the water supplied from the water supply device 42 to the humidifier 41, raising its temperature. The water supply heating device 96 is installed in close proximity to the water supply piping 421. The water supply heating device 96 consists of, for example, an electric heater that heats the water supply piping 421 and a power transmission cable that supplies power to the electric heater. The electric heater of the water supply heating device 96 has its energization state controlled by the degradation treatment device 4 and generates heat when energized. The electric heater of the water supply heating device 96 may also be capable of changing the amount of heat generated by instructions from the degradation treatment device 4.

[0071] Figure 20 is a block diagram showing an air conditioning system 1 according to Embodiment 6. As shown in Figure 20, the deterioration treatment device 4 has a deterioration control unit 84. The deterioration control unit 84 controls the water supply heating device 96 so that the water temperature supplied to each humidifier 41 rises when the degree of deterioration of each humidifier 41 determined by the deterioration determination unit 82 is equal to or greater than a third threshold predetermined by the user or the like. The deterioration control unit 84 may heat the water supplied to the humidifier 41 from the water supply device 42 when the degree of deterioration of any one or more humidifiers 41 is equal to or greater than the third threshold, or it may heat the water supplied to the humidifier 41 from the water supply device 42 when the degree of deterioration of all humidifiers 41 is equal to or greater than the third threshold. The third threshold is set to a value (for example, 7 out of 10) that indicates a relatively advanced deterioration of the humidifying function of the humidifier 41. The third threshold may be the same as or different from the first and second thresholds.

[0072] The degradation control unit 84 may, when operating the water supply heating device 96, ensure that the amount of heat generated by the water supply heating device 96 remains constant. Alternatively, the degradation control unit 84 may change the amount of heat generated by the water supply heating device 96 according to the temperature of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 421 before heating, for example, by changing the power supplied to the water supply heating device 96. In this case, the degradation control unit 84 may ensure that the temperature of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 421 after heating is a predetermined temperature, or it may omit measuring the temperature of the water after heating and instead increase the amount of heat generated as the temperature of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 421 before heating decreases. The temperature of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 421 before and after heating is measured, for example, by installing a temperature sensor in the water supply pipe 421. The degradation control unit 84 obtains information indicating the temperature of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 421 before and after heating from the temperature sensor installed in the water supply pipe 421. Alternatively, the degradation control unit 84 may estimate the temperature of the water flowing through the water supply pipe 421 before heating, based on either the environment in which the air conditioning system 2 is installed, or the timing and duration of operation of the air conditioning system 2.

[0073] According to Embodiment 6, when the deterioration of the humidifier 41 progresses, the water supplied to the humidifier 41 is heated to increase the amount of evaporation from the humidifier 41. Therefore, even when the deterioration of the humidifier 41 is progressing, a decrease in the amount of humidification can be suppressed.

[0074] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure, but the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments described above, and various modifications or combinations are possible within the scope of its technical idea. For example, embodiments 2 to 6 may be combined with each other. Also, although the air conditioning system 2 had both a total heat exchanger 21 and an indoor heat exchanger 22 that constitutes the refrigeration cycle, only one of them may be provided.

[0075] Furthermore, the degradation processing device 4 may estimate the replacement time when the degradation level of all humidifiers 41 exceeds a first threshold, and may order replacement humidifiers 41 before the replacement time arrives. The replacement time when the degradation level of all humidifiers 41 exceeds a first threshold can be estimated as follows, for example. First, the degradation processing device 4 records the rate of degradation progression for each installation location of the humidifiers 41. Then, it estimates the time from the lowest degradation level to the first threshold among the multiple humidifiers 41 whose degradation levels have been determined, based on the recorded rate of degradation progression. The order for replacement humidifiers 41 can be placed, for example, by communication between the degradation processing device 4 and the server of the online shop of the humidifier 41 manufacturer, which is connected via a network line such as the Internet.

[0076] Furthermore, the deterioration treatment device 4 may also be configured to notify the user that it is recommended to improve the installation environment of the air conditioner 2 if the rate of deterioration of all humidifiers 41 exceeds a fourth threshold predetermined by the user. If all humidifiers 41 deteriorate rapidly, possible causes include oil or dust being present in the installation environment of the air conditioner 2. By notifying the user that it is recommended to improve the installation environment of the air conditioner 2, the deterioration of the humidifiers 41 can be suppressed, thereby reducing the increase in maintenance costs for the humidification function of the air conditioner 2. The fourth threshold is predetermined by confirming the rate of deterioration when the air conditioner 2 is placed in an installation environment where improvement is recommended through experiments or simulations.

[0077] The supply air temperature sensor 51 corresponds to a "detection sensor" that detects the state of the air that has passed through the humidifier 41 of this disclosure. Instead of the temperature sensor described in Embodiment 1, a humidity sensor that detects humidity may be used as the detection sensor. Multiple humidity sensors are provided corresponding to the humidifier 41, similar to the temperature sensor described in Embodiment 1. Specifically, it is conceivable that air that has passed through a humidifier 41 with a large amount of precipitate and advanced deterioration will have relatively low humidity, while air that has passed through a humidifier 41 with a small amount of precipitate and advanced deterioration will have relatively high humidity. For this reason, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration as follows. First, the deterioration determination unit 82 acquires the operating conditions of the air conditioner 2. Next, it acquires the humidity after passing through the unused humidifier 41 under the acquired operating conditions. The humidity when passing through the unused humidifier 41 may be stored when the air conditioner 2 is operated when the humidifier is not in use, or a value verified by experiment and simulation may be stored in advance. Furthermore, the deterioration determination unit 82 calculates the percentage of humidity after passing through the humidifier 41 (hereinafter referred to as the humidity percentage) when determining the degree of deterioration with respect to the humidity after passing through the humidifier 41 when it is not in use, under the same operating conditions. The deterioration determination unit 82 then determines the degree of deterioration by comparing the calculated humidity percentage with a range that has been set in advance for each degree of deterioration.

[0078] For example, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration to be "1" if the humidity percentage falls within a first range (for example, 99.1% to 100.0%). If the humidity percentage falls within a second range where the maximum value is less than the minimum value of the first range (for example, 98.1% to 99.0%), it determines the degree of deterioration to be "2", which is more advanced than "1". If the humidity percentage falls within a third range where the maximum value is less than the minimum value of the second range (for example, 97.1% to 98.0%), it determines the degree of deterioration to be "3", which is more advanced than "2". Subsequent degrees of deterioration are determined in the same manner.

[0079] Furthermore, the degree of deterioration may be determined using an upwind temperature sensor, which is installed upwind of the humidifier 41 and detects the temperature of the air before it passes through the humidifier 41, in addition to the supply air temperature sensor 51. The position of the upwind temperature sensor in the depth direction is not limited and may be installed in a position opposite any of the humidifiers 41a to 41d, but it does not necessarily have to be installed in correspondence with the humidifier 41a. For example, it may be installed opposite the center in the depth direction of the indoor heat exchanger 22. In addition, multiple upwind temperature sensors corresponding to the humidifiers 41a to 41d and the supply air temperature sensors 51a to 51d may be installed. In this case, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration by pre-setting a range corresponding to each degree of deterioration for the percentage decrease in air temperature after passing through the humidifier 41. As an example, if the percentage decrease in air temperature after passing through the humidifier 41 is within a first range (for example, 9.1% to 10.0%), the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration to be "1". Furthermore, if the percentage decrease in air temperature after passing through the humidifier 41 falls within a second range (for example, 8.1% to 9.0%) where the maximum value is smaller than the minimum value of the first range, the degree of deterioration is determined to be "2", which is more advanced than "1". Then, if the percentage decrease in air temperature after passing through the humidifier 41 falls within a third range (for example, 7.1% to 8.0%) where the maximum value is smaller than the minimum value of the second range, the degree of deterioration is determined to be "3", which is more advanced than "2". Subsequent degrees of deterioration are determined in the same way. The percentage decrease in air temperature after passing through the humidifier 41 is calculated as (Tu - Td) / Tu, where Tu is the temperature detected by the upwind temperature sensor and Td is the temperature detected by the supply air temperature sensor 51. The detection result of the supply air temperature sensor 51 corresponding to each humidifier 41 is used. As a result, a different degree of deterioration is determined for each humidifier 41.

[0080] Furthermore, the method for determining the degree of deterioration using the upwind temperature sensor may be changed to a method using the upwind humidity sensor. The upwind humidity sensor is installed in the same position as the upwind temperature sensor. In this case, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration by pre-setting ranges corresponding to each degree of deterioration for the percentage increase in air humidity after passing through the humidifier 41. For example, if the percentage increase in air humidity after passing through the humidifier 41 is within a first range (for example, 9.1% to 10.0%), the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration to be "1". Also, if the percentage increase in air humidity after passing through the humidifier 41 is within a second range (for example, 8.1% to 9.0%) where the maximum value is smaller than the minimum value of the first range, the deterioration determination unit 82 determines the degree of deterioration to be "2", which is more advanced than "1". Then, if the percentage increase in air humidity after passing through the humidifier 41 falls within a third range (for example, 7.1% to 8.0%) where the maximum value is smaller than the minimum value of the second range, the degree of deterioration is determined to be "3", which is more advanced than "2". Subsequent degrees of deterioration are determined in the same way. The percentage increase in air humidity after passing through the humidifier 41 is calculated as (Hd - Hu) / Hu, where Hu is the humidity detected by the humidity sensor installed upwind and Hd is the humidity detected by the humidity sensor installed downwind. In addition, similar to the supply air temperature sensor 51, the detection results of humidity sensors installed downwind of each humidifier 41 are used. As a result, a different degree of deterioration is determined for each humidifier 41.

[0081] The detection sensor may also be a camera. When a camera is used as the detection sensor, the deterioration determination unit 82 compares an image of the humidifier 41 taken by the camera when it is not in use with an image of the humidifier 41 taken at the time of deterioration determination to determine the degree of deterioration. The deterioration determination unit 82 estimates the area of ​​limescale or dust deposited on the humidifier 41 and calculates the degree of deterioration from the ratio of the estimated area to the area of ​​the humidifying element 413 of the humidifier 41. Note that the state of multiple humidifiers 41 may be detected by one camera, or the state of multiple humidifiers 41 may be detected by multiple cameras corresponding to each humidifier 41.

[0082] The method for determining the degree of deterioration of the humidifier 41 using the temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and camera described above may be combined.

[0083] 1 Air conditioning system, 2 Air conditioning device, 3 Control device, 4 Degradation treatment device, 5 Notification device, 6 Housing, 6a Partition, 7 Refrigerant piping, 8 Intake air passage, 9 Exhaust air passage, 10 Outdoor unit, 11 Compressor, 12 Flow path switching device, 13 Outdoor heat exchanger, 14 Throttle device, 15 Outdoor fan, 20 Indoor unit, 21 Total heat exchanger, 22 Indoor heat exchanger, 23 Intake fan, 24 Exhaust fan, 31 Intake duct, 32 Return air duct, 33 Exhaust duct, 34 Outside air duct, 41, 41a-41d Humidifier, 42 Water supply device, 51, 51a-51d Intake temperature sensor, 53 Return air temperature sensor, 71 Drain pan, 72 Inner cover, 72a Fitting part, 73 Cover, 73a Fitting part, 74 Opening, 74a Hooking part, 81 Normal control unit, 82 Deterioration determination unit, 83 Notification unit, 84 Deterioration control unit, 91 Water supply adjustment device, 92 Air blower adjustment device, 93 Moving device, 94 Sprinkler device, 95 Opening / closing device, 96 Water supply heating device, 101 Processing circuit, 102 Processor, 103 Memory, 104 Bus, 411 Main body, 412 Water inlet, 413 Humidifying element, 421, 421A Water supply piping, 422 Water supply control valve, 941 Sprinkler piping, 942 Sprinkler control valve.

Images