JP7614034B2 - Air Conditioning System - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.

Convection air conditioning systems that stir conditioned air have been known for some time as air conditioning systems for offices, conference rooms, etc. For example, systems are known in which conditioned air is blown into a room from an outlet or air conditioning equipment installed on the ceiling, and the air is stirred and mixed with the indoor air to adjust it to a specified temperature.

In addition to the air conditioning equipment, ventilation equipment is also provided. Fresh outdoor air is supplied to the room to maintain a constant air environment. In some cases, an outlet for blowing out fresh air is provided directly inside the room, and in other cases, the fresh air is introduced into the room via the air conditioning equipment (see Patent Document 1).

In recent years, there has been an outbreak of infectious diseases caused by the new coronavirus, and from the perspective of preventing infection, there is a demand for well-ventilated indoor environments. It is desirable to introduce fresh air into the room and distribute young air (high freshness) widely throughout the room.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 7-145957

However, with the convection air conditioning method described above, a huge amount of energy is required, such as for all-outdoor air conditioning, to deliver young air to indoor users.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an air conditioning system that can supply fresh air to users inside a room.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following means.
In other words, the air conditioning system of the present invention is an air conditioning system installed in a building in which fixtures are arranged to form a space vertically below the top plate, and is equipped with a radiant air conditioning equipment installed on the ceiling, a desiccant air conditioner that introduces fresh air, and an air direction adjustment unit that adjusts the direction of the fresh air so that it flows toward users in the space of the building, and is characterized in that a first air outlet is provided on the floor of the building for blowing out the fresh air introduced from the desiccant air conditioner , and the first air outlet blows out the fresh air toward the space formed vertically below the top plate.

In the air conditioning system configured in this manner, a first air outlet is provided on the floor. The first air outlet blows fresh air toward the space vertically below the top plate of the fixture. As a result, the fresh air passes through the space vertically below the top plate and moves upward along the user through the gap between the top plate and the user facing the top plate. Thus, fresh air can be supplied to the user in the space.
In addition, since the airflow direction adjustment unit adjusts the direction of the fresh air so that it flows toward the users in the space chamber, the fresh air is more likely to reach the users while its age is still young.

In addition, in the air conditioning system according to the present invention, the airflow direction adjustment unit may be the fixture, and the top plate may be disposed directly above the first air outlet.

In an air conditioning system configured in this way, the top plate of the fixture (airflow direction adjustment unit) is positioned directly above the first air outlet. As a result, when the fresh air blown out from the first air outlet moves upward and reaches the underside of the top plate, it moves upward along the user through the gap between the top plate and the user. The fresh air is supplied to the user's mouth by riding on the rising air current of the heat emitted by the user. This makes it easier for the fresh air to reach the user's mouth while still young.

The air conditioning system according to the present invention may also include a control unit that adjusts the amount of fresh air blown out from the first air outlet.

In an air conditioning system configured in this manner, the control unit adjusts the amount of fresh air blown out from the first air outlets, so that an optimal amount of fresh air can be supplied from each first air outlet depending on the number and positions of users, etc.

Moreover, in the air conditioning system according to the present invention, a plurality of the first air outlets may be provided, and the control unit may control a total amount of the fresh air blown out from the plurality of first air outlets.
In the air conditioning system according to the present invention, the control unit may control the total amount of the fresh air in accordance with user information relating to the number of users present in the space.

In an air conditioning system configured in this manner, the control unit controls the total amount of fresh air blown out from the multiple first air outlets, so that an appropriate amount of fresh air can be supplied to the space depending on the number and positions of users, etc.

The air conditioning system of the present invention can provide fresh air to users in the room.

1 is a plan view showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention and an air conditioning system according to a modified example of the embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an entry mode. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a flow of fresh air in an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an increased headcount mode. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing an airflow selection mode. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an exit mode. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a room entry mode. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an increased number of personnel mode. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, showing an airflow selection mode. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, showing an exit mode. 1 shows a simulation result in which an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in an open space. The figures show the results of a simulation in which a conventional convection air conditioning system was installed in an open space. 1 shows a simulation result in which an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed in a conference room. The following shows the simulation results when a conventional convection air conditioning system is installed in a conference room.

An air conditioning system according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention and an air conditioning system according to a modified example of the embodiment.
As shown in Fig. 1, an air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment is installed in a space 1A such as a conference room or office of a building. An air conditioning system 100B according to a modified example of this embodiment is installed in a space 1B such as a private room that is smaller in space than the space 1A. First, the configuration of the air conditioning system 100 will be described, and then the configuration of the air conditioning system 100B will be described.

Desks (airflow adjustment units, furniture) 110 are installed in the space room 1A. In this embodiment, three desks 110 are installed in approximately the center of the space room 1A. The placement positions and number of desks 110 can be set as appropriate.

The desk 110 has a lower support 111 (see FIG. 2) installed on the floor 104, and a top plate 112 supported by the lower support 111. A space T (see FIG. 2) is formed between the top plate 112 and the floor 104 vertically below the top plate 112.
Here, the side of the desk 110 that the user P faces may be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side may be referred to as the back side. The direction connecting the front side and the back side may be referred to as the depth direction X.

The lower support 111 may support the rear end of the top plate 112 as shown in FIG. 3, or may support approximately the center of the top plate in the front-to-rear direction as shown in FIG. 11.

As shown in FIG. 1, chairs 115 are installed in the space room 1A. The chairs 115 are arranged on both sides of the desk 110 in the depth direction X. In this embodiment, 12 chairs 115 are installed. The arrangement positions and number of chairs 115 can be set as appropriate.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the entry mode.
As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioning system 100 includes a radiant air conditioning device 1, a floor air outlet (first air outlet) 2, a ceiling air outlet (second air outlet) 3, a ceiling exhaust port 4, and a control unit 5.

The radiant air conditioning equipment 1 is installed on the ceiling 101 of the space room 1A. The radiant air conditioning equipment 1 has a radiant panel 11, hot and cold water piping 12, and a heat source unit (not shown). It is configured so that medium-temperature cold water, which is a heat medium that has been heat exchanged in the heat source unit, flows through the hot and cold water piping 12 installed in the ceiling space 102 and is introduced into the radiant panel 11 installed in the ceiling 101. The radiant air conditioning equipment 1 has a well-known configuration. Note that the radiant air conditioning equipment 1 does not necessarily have to be installed in the space room 1A.

The floor air outlets 2 are provided on the floor 104 of the space room 1A. In this embodiment, four floor air outlets 2 are provided. The number of floor air outlets 2 can be set as appropriate.

Below the floor air outlet 2, a fan-equipped air supply member 21 is provided. The fan-equipped air supply member 21 is installed in the underfloor space 105. Fresh air (outside air) introduced from a desiccant air conditioner (not shown) flows through the underfloor space 105 and is introduced into the fan-equipped air supply member 21. When the fan (not shown) of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 is operated, fresh air is supplied from the floor air outlet 2 into the space room 1A. The floor air outlet 2 blows out fresh air toward the space T vertically below the top plate 112 of the desk 110. Note that the desiccant air conditioner is just an example, and fresh air may be introduced from another device. The floor air outlet 2 and the desiccant air conditioner may be connected via a duct (not shown) installed in the underfloor space 105.

As shown in FIG. 1, the floor air outlet 2 is disposed directly below the top plate 112 of the desk 110. In other words, the top plate 112 is disposed directly above the floor air outlet 2. In a plan view, the floor air outlet 2 is disposed at the center of the top plate 112 in the depth direction X. In this embodiment, chairs 115 are disposed on both sides of the desk 110 in the depth direction, so that users P are seated on both sides of the desk 110. In this embodiment, the floor air outlet 2 is disposed at the center of the top plate 112 in the depth direction X in a plan view, but the position of the floor air outlet 2 can be set appropriately. The floor air outlet 2 is preferably disposed directly below the top plate 112, but may be disposed at a position slightly offset from the top plate 112 in a plan view, directly below the chairs 115, etc.

As shown in FIG. 2, the ceiling air outlet 3 is provided on the ceiling 101 of the space room 1A. In this embodiment, the ceiling air outlet 3 is provided near the wall 103 of the space room 1A. Two ceiling air outlets 3 are provided. The position and number of the ceiling air outlets 3 can be set appropriately, and the ceiling air outlets 3 do not necessarily have to be provided.

A fan-equipped air supply member 31 is provided above the ceiling air outlet 3. The fan-equipped air supply member 31 is installed in the ceiling space 102. When the fan (not shown) of the fan-equipped air supply member 31 is operated, cool air in the ceiling space 102 is supplied from the ceiling air outlet 3 to the space room 1A.

The ceiling exhaust port 4 is provided in the ceiling 101 of the space room 1A. Air in the space room 1A is sucked in through the ceiling exhaust port 4 and exhausted to the outside through the ceiling space 102. In this embodiment, two ceiling exhaust ports 4 are provided. The arrangement position and number of the ceiling air outlets 3 can be set appropriately. The air sucked in from the ceiling exhaust port 4 may be exhausted to the outside through a duct (not shown) installed in the ceiling space 102. The ceiling exhaust port 4 may be a punched hole (not shown) formed in the ceiling 101, and may be configured to suck in air through the punched hole.

The control unit 5 is electrically connected to the floor air outlet 2. For example, the control unit 5 obtains user information such as whether the user is present in the space room 1A, whether the user is absent, and the number of users if present, from location information of a smartphone, personal computer, tablet terminal, etc. The method of obtaining the user information is not limited to this. The user information may be obtained from image data or thermal image data of a camera installed in the space room 1A. Alternatively, the user information may be obtained from a seating sensor provided on the chair 115. Alternatively, the user information may be obtained from an ultrasonic sensor or the like. The user information includes information such as the preferences of each user that is registered in advance or obtained during use. The control unit 5 may obtain information from a detection sensor (a _CO2 sensor and a sensor that detects gases generated by the user).

The control unit 5 controls the sum of the fresh air blown out from all the floor air outlets 2 based on the user information. For example, the control unit 5 controls the rotation speed of the fan of the floor air outlet 2 to adjust the air volume blown out from each floor air outlet 2. The rotation speed of the fan of the plurality of floor air outlets 2 may be set to be the same, or the rotation speed of the fan of the plurality of floor air outlets 2 may be set to be different from each other. Alternatively, an opening/closing mechanism may be provided in the floor air outlet 2, and the air volume may be adjusted by opening and closing the floor air outlet 2. For example, if there is one user P, the air volume is set to about 30 m ³ /h, if there are 10 users P, the air volume is set to about 300 m ³ /h, and if there are 15 users P, the air volume is set to about 450 m ³ /h.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the flow of fresh air in the air conditioning system 100. As shown in FIG.
As shown in Fig. 3, fresh air A from the desiccant air conditioner flows through the underfloor space 105 and is introduced into the fan-equipped air supply member 21. When the fan is activated, the fresh air A is supplied from the floor air outlet 2 into the space chamber 1A and moves upward.

From the floor air outlet 2 located directly below the desk 110, fresh air A is blown out toward the space T vertically below the top plate 112 of the desk 110. The fresh air A moves upward between the lower support 111 of the desk 110 and the depth direction X between the user P seated on the chair 115. When the fresh air A reaches the underside of the top plate 112 of the desk 110, it moves upward along the user P from the gap S between the front end of the top plate 112 and the user P. The fresh air A rides on the rising air current B of the heat emitted by the user P and is supplied to the mouth of the user P.

Fresh air A rides on the updraft B from user P and rises further, reaching ceiling 101. Fresh air A that reaches ceiling 101 is sucked in through ceiling exhaust vent 4 and exhausted to the outside through ceiling space 102. It is preferable that fresh air A reach the living area, which is an area 1.8 m above floor 104.

In this way, the top plate 112 of the desk 110 functions to adjust the airflow direction so that fresh air A that reaches the underside of the top plate 112 is guided toward the user P without moving any further upward. In addition, the lower support 111 of the desk 110 has the function of adjusting the airflow direction so that fresh air A supplied from the floor air outlet 2 does not move beyond the lower support 111. If the lower support 111 is configured to block the area below the top plate 112, it can more effectively prevent fresh air A from moving beyond the lower support 111.

Next, a control method for the air conditioning system 100 will be described. Note that the control method described below is an example and is not limited to this.

There are four control methods: the entry mode shown in Figure 2, the personnel increase mode shown in Figure 4, the airflow selection mode shown in Figure 5, and the exit mode shown in Figure 6.

<Entry mode>
As shown in Fig. 2, when a user P enters the space room 1A, the control unit 5 controls the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the floor air outlet 2 to operate at low speed based on the user information. This allows a small amount of fresh air A to be introduced into the space room 1A from the floor air outlet 2. At this time, the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 31 of the ceiling air outlet 3 is stopped.

＜Increased manpower mode＞
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 100, illustrating the increased headcount mode.
As shown in Fig. 4, when the number of users P in the space room 1A increases, the control unit 5 controls the operation of the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the floor air outlet 2 to switch to medium or high operation based on the user information. As the number of users P increases, the operation is switched from low to medium and from medium to high. This introduces a medium or large amount of fresh air A into the space room 1A from the floor air outlet 2. At this time, the fan of the ceiling air outlet 3 is stopped.

<Airflow selection mode>
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 100, illustrating the airflow selection mode.
As shown in Fig. 5, in addition to switching the operation of the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the floor air outlet 2 to low, medium, or high depending on the number of users P in the space room 1A, the user P may set the operation of the fan of the ceiling air outlet 3 to low, medium, or high. This promotes the feeling of airflow. The user P can set the operation of the fan of the ceiling air outlet 3 from a smartphone, personal computer, tablet terminal, etc.

<Exit mode>
FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the air conditioning system 100, illustrating the exit mode.
As shown in Fig. 6, when a user P leaves the space room 1A, the control unit 5 controls the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the floor air outlet 2 to stop, based on the user information. This stops the fresh air A from the floor air outlet 2 into the space room 1A. At this time, the fan of the ceiling air outlet 3 is stopped.

In all modes, including the entry mode, the increased number of people mode, the airflow selection mode, and the exit mode, the radiant air conditioning equipment 1 operates in base operation. The air volume blown out from the floor air outlet 2 and the ceiling air outlet 3 may be configured to be set to the air volume preferred by the individual user P in addition to strong (strong operation), medium (medium operation), and weak (weak operation).

In the air conditioning system 100 configured in this manner, a floor air outlet 2 is provided on the floor 104. The floor air outlet 2 blows out fresh air A toward the space T vertically below the top plate 112 of the desk 110. As a result, the fresh air A passes through the space T vertically below the top plate 112 and moves upward along the user P through the gap S between the top plate 112 and the user P. Thus, fresh air A can be supplied to the user P in the space room 1A.

In addition, the desk 110 adjusts the direction of the fresh air A so that it flows toward the user P in the space room 1A, so that the fresh air A can easily reach the user P while still at a young age.

The desk top 112 of the desk 110 is also positioned directly above the floor air outlet 2. As a result, when fresh air A blown out from the floor air outlet 2 moves upward and reaches the underside of the desk top 112, it moves upward along the user P through the gap S between the desk top 112 and the user P. The fresh air A is supplied to the mouth of the user P by riding on the rising air current from the user P. Therefore, the fresh air A can easily reach the mouth of the user P while still being young.

In addition, the ceiling 101 is provided with a ceiling air outlet 3 that blows out cool air from within the ceiling space 102, promoting a feeling of airflow.

In addition, the control unit 5 adjusts the amount of fresh air A blown out from the floor air outlets 2, so that an optimal amount of fresh air A can be supplied from each floor air outlet 2 depending on the number and positions of users P, etc.

In addition, the control unit 5 controls the total amount of fresh air A blown out from the multiple floor air outlets 2, so that an appropriate amount of fresh air A can be supplied to the space room 1A depending on the number and positions of users P, etc.

In addition, by switching between four modes, namely entry mode, increased number of people mode, airflow selection mode, and exit mode, an appropriate volume of fresh air A can be supplied depending on the number and positions of users P in the space room 1A.

(Modification)
Next, an air conditioning system according to a modification of the embodiment shown above will be described mainly with reference to FIG. 1 and FIGS.
In the following modifications, the same members as those used in the above-described embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the entry mode.
As shown in Figure 7, the air conditioning system 100B of this modified example includes a radiant air conditioning equipment 1, a personal floor air outlet (first air outlet) 2A, a floor air outlet 2B, a ceiling exhaust outlet 4, and a control unit 5.

The personal floor air outlets 2A are provided on the floor 104 of the space room 1B. As shown in FIG. 1, in this embodiment, six personal floor air outlets 2A are provided. The number of personal floor air outlets 2A can be set as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 7, a fan-equipped air supply member 21 is provided below the personal floor air outlet 2A. When the fan (not shown) of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 is operated, fresh air is supplied from the personal floor air outlet 2A into the space room 1A. The fan of the personal floor air outlet 2A is configured to be operable by a user P's smartphone, personal computer, tablet terminal, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "operation device") (not shown).

The floor air outlet 2B is provided on the floor 104 of the space chamber 1B. Fresh air A can flow through the underfloor space 105 and be supplied from the floor air outlet 2B into the space chamber 1A.

Next, a control method for the above air conditioning system 100B will be described. Note that the control method described below is an example and is not limited to this.

There are four control methods: an entry mode shown in FIG. 7, an increase in personnel mode shown in FIG. 8, an airflow selection mode shown in FIG. 9, and an exit mode shown in FIG. 10.

<Entry mode>
As shown in Fig. 7, when a user P enters the space room 1B, the control unit 5 controls the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the personal floor air outlet 2A to operate at low speed based on the user information. This introduces a small amount of fresh air A into the space room 1B from the personal floor air outlet 2A.

＜Increased manpower mode＞
FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 100B in an increased headcount mode.
As shown in FIG. 8, even if the number of users P in the space room 1B increases, the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the personal floor air outlet 2A continues to operate at a low speed.

<Airflow selection mode>
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 100B, illustrating the airflow selection mode.
As shown in Fig. 9, as the number of users P in the space room 1B increases, the users P can operate the operating device to switch the operation of the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the personal floor air outlet 2A from low to medium or high, thereby promoting the feeling of airflow.

<Exit mode>
FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an air conditioning system 100B in the exit mode.
As shown in Fig. 10, when the user P leaves the space room 1B, the control unit 5 controls the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the personal floor air outlet 2A to stop, based on the user information. This stops the flow of fresh air A from the personal floor air outlet 2A into the space room 1B.

In all modes, including entry mode, increased occupancy mode, airflow selection mode, and exit mode, the radiant air conditioning system 1 operates in base mode.

In the air conditioning system 100B configured in this manner, a personal floor air outlet 2A is provided on the floor 104. The personal floor air outlet 2A blows out fresh air A toward the space T vertically below the top plate 112 of the desk 110. As a result, the fresh air A passes through the space T vertically below the top plate 112 and moves upward along the user P through the gap S between the top plate 112 and the user P. Thus, fresh air A can be supplied to the user P in the space room 1B.

In addition, the user P can operate the operating device to switch the operation of the fan of the fan-equipped air supply member 21 of the personal floor air outlet 2A between low, medium, and high. This allows the user P to introduce fresh air A at a volume that suits his or her preference from under the chair 115, creating a more comfortable environment.

Next, the analysis results of a simulation of the air conditioning system of this embodiment are shown. Figure 11 shows the simulation results when the air conditioning system of this embodiment is installed in an open space, Figure 12 shows the simulation results when a conventional convection air conditioning system is installed in an open space, Figure 13 shows the simulation results when the air conditioning system of this embodiment is installed in a conference room, and Figure 14 shows the simulation results when a conventional convection air conditioning system is installed in a conference room.

As shown in Figures 12 and 14, it can be seen that the area around user P is filled with air with low freshness.

On the other hand, as shown in Figures 11 and 13, in the air conditioning system of this embodiment, fresh air supplied from the floor air outlet moves upward. The fresh air accumulates under the top plate 112 of the desk 110 and moves upward along the user P through the gap between the top plate 112 and the user P. The fresh air rides on the rising air current of the heat emitted by the user P and is supplied to the mouth of the user P. It can be seen that the fresh air rides on the rising air current from the user P and rises further, reaching the ceiling 101.

The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above-mentioned embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the desk 110 is used as an example of the airflow direction adjustment unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. The airflow direction adjustment unit may be anything that adjusts the airflow direction so that the airflow flows toward the user P. For example, the airflow direction adjustment unit may be a wind deflector that is gradually inclined toward the user P as it moves upward.

1... Radiant air conditioning equipment 1A, 1B... Space room 2... Floor outlet (first outlet)
2A: Personal floor air outlet (first air outlet)
2B...Floor outlet 3...Ceiling outlet (second outlet)
4... Ceiling exhaust port 5... Control unit 100, 100B... Air conditioning system 101... Ceiling 103... Wall 104... Floor 110... Desk (airflow direction adjustment unit, furniture)
112...Tabletop A...Fresh air P...User

Claims (5)

An air conditioning system to be installed in a building in which a fixture is arranged so that a space is formed vertically below the top plate,
Radiant air conditioning equipment installed on the ceiling,
A desiccant air conditioner that introduces fresh air,
a wind direction adjusting unit that adjusts the direction of the fresh air so that the fresh air flows toward a user in a space of the building;
Equipped with
A first air outlet for blowing out the fresh air introduced from the desiccant air conditioner is provided on a floor of the building,
The air conditioning system, characterized in that the first air outlet blows out the fresh air toward the space formed vertically below the top plate. The airflow direction adjustment unit is the fixture,
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the top plate is disposed directly above the first air outlet. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2 , further comprising a control unit that adjusts an amount of the fresh air blown out from the first air outlet. The first air outlet is provided in plurality,
The air conditioning system according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit controls a total amount of the fresh air blown out from the plurality of first air outlets. The air conditioning system according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit controls the total amount of the fresh air in accordance with user information relating to the number of users present in the space.

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