JP7404458B1 - task air conditioner - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a task air conditioner that can reduce energy consumption compared to conventional systems. A task air conditioner 3 that air-conditions a predetermined work area D includes a cooling radiant panel 32 and a heating radiant panel 33 installed directly facing a worker P working in the work area D; A heat source section 5 is provided that supplies a cooling refrigerant whose temperature is lower than room temperature to the cooling radiant panel 32 and supplies a hot refrigerant whose temperature is higher than room temperature to the heating radiant panel 33. [Selection diagram] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a task air conditioner.

There are two types of air conditioning methods for spaces such as offices: ambient air conditioning and task air conditioning. Ambient air conditioning air-conditions the entire space, while task air conditioning air-conditions individual work areas individually. In recent years, task ambient air conditioning systems that combine ambient air conditioning and task air conditioning have been attracting attention. Comfort and energy savings can be achieved by providing general air conditioning for the space with the ambient air conditioner, and by providing air conditioning tailored to the individual needs of workers in each work area using the task air conditioner.

As a task air conditioner, a device that specifically air-conditions a work area such as a desk is being considered. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-66446 (Patent Document 1) discloses a partition-shaped task air conditioner that partitions the area around a work desk. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-79675 (Patent Document 2) discloses a task air conditioner that controls the output of a planar radiator based on the detected value of an infrared radiation thermometer.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 6-66446 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-79675

In the field of this type of task air conditioner, since it is relatively easy to implement, electric resistance heaters are used to supply cooled refrigerant to achieve the cooling function and heat the refrigerant to achieve the heating function. The specification that the device is mounted is commonly used, and this specification is also seen in the inventions of Patent Documents 1 and 2. However, there was room for improvement in terms of reducing energy consumption, with the specification that energy is used to cool the refrigerant and then energy is used again to heat it.

Therefore, there is a need to realize a task air conditioner that can reduce energy consumption compared to conventional devices.

The task air conditioner according to the present invention includes a cooling radiant panel that is provided at a position directly facing the upper body of a worker working at a desk and is supplied with a refrigerant having a temperature lower than room temperature; a first temperature sensor installed in an adjacent position to detect temperature; a heating radiant panel installed in a position directly facing the lower body of the worker and supplied with a hot refrigerant having a temperature higher than room temperature; and the heating radiation panel. In the task air conditioner, the task air conditioner includes a second temperature sensor that is installed in a position adjacent to the panel in the horizontal direction and detects the temperature, and the cooling radiation panel is supplied with coolant based on the detection result of the first temperature sensor. a first control valve that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant; a second control valve that controls the flow rate of the hot refrigerant supplied to the heating radiant panel based on the detection result of the second temperature sensor; The present invention is characterized by comprising a thermal sensation reporting device which is provided and receives input of thermal sensation felt by the worker .

According to this configuration, both heating and cooling can be achieved through heat exchange with the refrigerant, so energy consumption can be reduced compared to the conventional technology using an electric resistance heater.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, written with reference to the drawings.

1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. It is a figure showing the composition of the direct expansion type external conditioning machine concerning an embodiment. It is a diagram showing a refrigerant circuit of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a task air conditioner according to an embodiment.

Embodiments of a task air conditioner according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Below, an example in which the task air conditioner according to the present invention is applied to the task air conditioner 3 that constitutes the air conditioning system 1 together with the ambient air conditioner 2 will be described.

[Air conditioning system configuration]
The air conditioning system 1 according to the present embodiment includes an ambient air conditioner 2 that air-conditions the entire office R, and an ambient air conditioner 2 that air-conditions the surroundings of a plurality of office desks D installed in the office R (which is an example of a work area). The plurality of task air conditioners 3 and the detection means 4 work together to provide a comfortable working environment to the worker P working at the office desk D in the office R (Fig. 1). . The office R includes a plurality of areas, and the air conditioning system 1 includes, as detection means 4, a human sensor 41 that detects the worker P in each area, a temperature sensor 42 that detects the room temperature of the office R, and a sensor 42 that detects the room temperature of the office R. It includes a humidity sensor 43 that detects humidity, and a task first sensor 44 and a task second sensor 45 provided in the task air conditioner 3. Furthermore, an outdoor unit 5 and a control panel 6 (which is an example of a control means) are provided as devices shared by the ambient air conditioner 2 and the task air conditioner 3. Note that the control panel 6 is electrically connected to each component to be controlled and various sensors, but illustration of the connections is omitted.

(Configuration of ambient air conditioner)
First, the configuration of the ambient air conditioner 2 will be explained. The ambient air conditioner 2 includes a blower air conditioner 7 and a radiation air conditioner 8.

The blower type air conditioner 7 adjusts the temperature and humidity of the air taken in from the outside air intake port 71 using the direct expansion type outside conditioner 72, and then blows the air into the office R from the air outlet 73. Air condition room R. Note that air is guided from an intake port 74 provided in the office R to an exhaust port 75 that opens toward the outdoors.

The direct expansion type external conditioner 72 includes an evaporator 721, a condenser 722, a humidifier 723, and a blower 724 (FIG. 2). The air taken in from the outside air intake port 71 passes through an evaporator 721, a condenser 722, a humidifier 723, and a blower 724 in this order by the power of a blower 724, and after the temperature and humidity are adjusted, the air is sent to the air outlet. 73. Note that a filter unit F is provided upstream of the evaporator 721 to remove dust contained in the outside air.

The evaporator 721 is a device that cools the air by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air, thereby condensing moisture in the air and dehumidifying the air. The refrigerant circuit C1 of the evaporator 721 is supplied to the outdoor unit 5. A liquid refrigerant is supplied to the evaporator 721, and the heat of vaporization when the refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator 721 is used to remove heat from the air. A valve 721a is provided at the inlet of the refrigerant circuit C1 to the evaporator 721, and the temperature of the evaporator 721 can be controlled by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 721a. Note that there is a return pipe in the refrigerant circuit C1 that returns the refrigerant from the evaporator 721 to the outdoor unit 5, but it is not shown for simplicity. Similarly, illustrations of return piping of other components are omitted. Further, a control valve (not shown) is provided in the return pipe, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator 721 can be controlled by the opening degree of this control valve.

The condenser 722 is a device that heats air by exchanging heat between a hot refrigerant and air. Since the air that has passed through the evaporator 721 is generally at a lower temperature than the temperature suitable for supplying to office R, it is reheated by the condenser 722 to make it suitable for supplying to office R. Adjust to temperature. A refrigerant circuit C2 of the condenser 722 is connected to the outdoor unit 5. A vaporized refrigerant is supplied to the condenser 722, and the heat of condensation when condensing the refrigerant in the condenser 722 is used to impart heat to the air. A valve 722a is provided at the inlet of the refrigerant circuit C2 to the condenser 722, and the temperature of the condenser 722 can be controlled by adjusting the opening degree of the valve 722a. Note that the refrigerant circuits C1 and C2 may be coupled or may be independent from each other.

The humidifier 723 is a device that sprays water vapor onto the air passing through the humidifier 723 to increase the humidity of the air. Whether or not the humidifier 723 is operated and its output are controlled by the control panel 6.

The temperature of the air sent out from the direct expansion type external conditioner 72 is adjusted by the balance between cooling by the evaporator 721 and heating by the condenser 722. Further, the humidity of the air sent out from the direct expansion type outdoor conditioner 72 is adjusted by the balance between dehumidification by the evaporator 721 and humidification by the humidifier 723.

The output of the evaporator 721 is determined by the opening degree (flow rate of the refrigerant) of the valve 721a. The opening degree of the valve 721a is determined so that the humidity of the air sent from the direct expansion type outdoor conditioner 72 becomes a desired humidity. The opening degree of 721a is feedback-controlled. Note that the opening degree of the control valve (not shown) of the return pipe is also determined in consideration of the temperature and humidity of the air being sent out. Furthermore, the output of the humidifier 723 can be similarly feedback-controlled.

The output of the condenser 722 is determined by the opening degree (flow rate of hot refrigerant) of the valve 722a. The opening degree of the valve 722a is determined so that the temperature of the air sent out from the direct expansion type external conditioner 72 reaches a desired temperature. (not shown), the indoor temperature sensor 42 of the office R, etc., and feedback control is performed based on the detected values. Note that the higher the humidity of the outside air, the greater the output of the evaporator 721 (necessary amount of dehumidification), and therefore the greater the required output of the condenser 722 (necessary amount of reheating).

These controls are executed by the control panel 6. That is, the evaporator 721, the condenser 722, the outdoor unit 5, and the control panel 6 constitute a temperature control unit that adjusts the temperature of the air supplied to the office R, and the evaporator 721, the humidifier 723, and the control panel 6 constitutes a humidity adjustment section that adjusts the humidity of the air supplied to the office R.

The blower 724 is a known blower, and supplies temperature- and humidity-controlled air to the office R through the outlet 73. The output of the blower 724 is controlled by the control panel 6 based on the detection result of the human sensor 41 that is input to the control panel 6 . Note that a flow rate regulating valve 76 is provided between the blower 724 and the outlet 73.

The air outlet 73 plays the role of blowing out air (air supplied from the blower 724) whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted by the direct expansion type outdoor conditioner 72 to the office R, and has a plurality of openings in the office R. ing. As described above, the office R includes a plurality of areas, and each air outlet 73 is associated with one of the areas. In FIG. 1, two areas A and B are shown for explanation, and components associated with area A are given a subscript A, and components associated with area B are given a subscript B. Therefore, in FIG. 1, regarding the air outlet 73, the air outlet 73A and the air outlet 73B are illustrated.

Further, each outlet 73 is provided with a control valve 731 (731A, 731B), and the amount of air blown out from each outlet 73 can be individually controlled. The control valves 731 are electrically connected to the human sensors 41 (41A, 41B) in the area where each control valve 731 is provided, and are based on the detection results of the human sensors 41 to which they are connected. controlled by Further, each air outlet 73 is provided with an orientation plate (not shown) that can control the air blowing direction.

When air is supplied to the office R, a pressure difference is generated between the office R and the outdoors, and this pressure difference is used as a driving force to cause air to flow out from the office R to the outdoors. This air flow passes through a route from an intake port 74 provided in the office R to an exhaust port 75 that opens toward the outdoors. Note that a total heat exchanger 77 is provided in which heat exchange is performed between the air taken in from the outside air intake port 71 and the air discharged from the exhaust port 75.

The radiant air conditioner 8 causes the upper radiant panel 81 provided at the upper part of the office R to absorb the heat radiated from the heat source (such as the worker P) existing in the office R. Air conditioning (cooling). The upper radiant panel 81 is connected to the outdoor unit 5, and shares the refrigerant circuit C1 with the evaporator 721 of the direct expansion type outdoor conditioner 72 (FIG. 3).

A plurality of upper radiant panels 81 are provided, and each upper radiant panel 81 (81A, 81B) is associated with one of the areas. Further, control valves 82 (82A, 82B) are provided to control the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into each of the upper radiant panels 81 (81A, 81B). Output can be controlled. Further, a control valve (not shown) is provided in the return pipe, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the upper radiant panel 81 can be controlled by the opening degree of this control valve. Note that surface temperature sensors 83 (83A, 83B) are provided to detect the surface temperature of the upper radiation panel 81 (81A, 81B).

In principle, the opening degree of the control valve 82 (output of the upper radiation panel 81) is controlled by the control panel 6 so that the detected value of the temperature sensor 42 becomes the set temperature. However, depending on the relationship between room temperature and humidity, there is a risk of condensation if the upper radiation panel 81 is excessively cooled. Therefore, the dew point temperature is determined from the detected value (room temperature) of the temperature sensor 42 and the detected value (humidity) of the humidity sensor 43, and the control valve 82 is The opening degree of the upper radiant panel 81 is controlled to prevent the surface temperature of the upper radiant panel 81 from falling below the dew point temperature (that is, dew condensation).

(Configuration of task air conditioner)
Next, the configuration of the task air conditioner 3 will be explained. The task air conditioner 3 is a screen-like device installed between two office desks D installed facing each other, and a cooling radiant panel is installed on the front part 31 installed directly facing the office desk D. 32 (which is an example of a radiant panel), a heating radiant panel 33 (which is an example of a radiant panel), and a thermal sensation reporting device 34 (which is an example of a receiving means) (FIG. 1). , Fig. 3, Fig. 4). Further, a task first sensor 44 (an example of a first temperature measuring means) and a task second sensor 45 (an example of a second temperature measuring means) serving as the detection means 4 are also attached to the front part 31. ing. The task air conditioner 3 is a type of radiant air conditioner. In addition, since the task air conditioner 3 is installed upright between the two office desks D, front parts 31 are provided on two surfaces directly facing the two office desks D.

The cooling radiation panel 32 air-conditions (cools) the area around the office desk D by absorbing heat radiated from a heat source (such as the worker P) present in the office R. The cooling radiant panel 32 is provided in the upper half area of the front part 31, and directly faces the upper body of the worker P above the top plate of the office desk D when in use. With this configuration, the area around the head where the worker P tends to feel hot can be cooled intensively, so the worker P can easily feel a cool sensation, contributing to improved comfort.

The cooling radiation panel 32 is connected to the outdoor unit 5 (which is an example of a heat source section). The cooling radiant panel 32 shares a refrigerant circuit C1 with the evaporator 721 and the upper radiant panel 81 (FIG. 3), and the cooling radiant panel 32 is supplied with a refrigerant (refrigerant) whose temperature is lower than room temperature. . Further, a control valve 36 is provided to control the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into the cooling radiant panel 32, and thereby the output of the cooling radiant panel 32 can be controlled. Furthermore, a control valve (not shown) is provided in the return pipe, and the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the cooling radiant panel 32 can be controlled by the opening degree of this control valve. A surface temperature sensor 35 is provided to detect the surface temperature of the cooling radiant panel 32, and the opening degree of the control valve 36 is controlled to the extent that the detected value of the surface temperature sensor 35 is greater than the dew point temperature.

The heating radiation panel 33 air-conditions (heats) the area around the office desk D by radiating heat to heating targets (such as the worker P) present in the office room R. The heating radiant panel 33 is provided in the lower half area of the front part 31, and directly faces the lower body of the worker P below the top plate of the office desk D in a state of use. With this configuration, the area around the feet where the worker tends to feel cold can be heated in a focused manner, making it easier for the worker to feel the warmth and contributing to improved comfort. Note that the heating radiation panel 33 may also be provided with a surface temperature sensor (not shown).

The heating radiant panel 33 is connected to the outdoor unit 5. The heating radiant panel 33 shares a refrigerant circuit C2 with the condenser 722 (FIG. 3), and the heating radiant panel 33 is supplied with a refrigerant (hot refrigerant) having a temperature higher than room temperature. Further, a control valve 37 is provided to control the flow rate of refrigerant flowing into the heating radiant panel 33, and thereby the output of the heating radiant panel 33 can be controlled.

Since the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 are provided on the front section 31 that is installed directly facing the office desk D, the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 are not easily accessible to the worker when in use. You will be facing P directly. The amount of heat transferred by radiation is a function including a view factor representing the geometrical positional relationship between two objects that exchange heat. Since the view factor becomes large by directly facing each other, the amount of heat transferred by radiation becomes large. Therefore, heat is easily exchanged by radiation between the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 and the worker P, resulting in good air conditioning efficiency.

Note that when comparing the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33, the cooling radiant panel 32 has a wider width in the left-right direction when viewed from the worker P. The cooling radiant panel 32 is provided with a dimension wider than the body width of the worker P in order to absorb heat radiated from the heat source (for example, a personal computer, display, etc.) on the office desk D in addition to the worker P. There is. On the other hand, in many cases, the heating radiant panel 33 is provided with a dimension comparable to the width of the worker P's body because it is sufficient to radiate heat to the feet of the worker P.

The task first sensor 44 is provided at a position horizontally adjacent to the cooling radiant panel 32 of the front section 31, and is a sensor capable of detecting at least temperature in this embodiment. Further, the first task sensor 44 is electrically connected to the control valve 36, and the opening degree of the control valve 36 is controlled based on the detection result (for example, environmental temperature) of the first task sensor 44. The detection result of the task first sensor 44 can be an index of the air conditioning state at the office desk D.

More specifically, the cooling radiation panel 32 is provided at the center of the front section 31 in the left-right direction, and the task first sensor 44 is provided on the right side. Since the worker P often works at a position directly facing the center of the front section 31 in the left and right direction (that is, a position directly facing the cooling radiant panel 32), the task first sensor 44 provided at the above position is It is difficult to face worker P directly. Therefore, the task first sensor 44 is more susceptible to the surface temperature of objects around the worker P than the body surface temperature of the worker P. While the body surface of worker P is determined not only by the air conditioning condition but also by the worker's body temperature, the surface temperature of objects around worker P is determined by the air conditioning condition. Therefore, according to this configuration, the task first sensor 44 can easily detect the temperature that reflects the air conditioning state, and it is easy to achieve both control stability and comfort.

The second task sensor 45 is provided at a position horizontally adjacent to the heating radiant panel 33 of the front section 31, and is a sensor capable of detecting at least temperature. Further, the second task sensor 45 is electrically connected to the control valve 37, and the opening degree of the control valve 37 is controlled based on the detection result (for example, environmental temperature) of the second task sensor 45. The detection result of the second task sensor 45 can also be an indicator of the air conditioning state at the office desk D.

The positional relationship between the heating radiant panel 33 and the second task sensor 45 and the effect produced by the positional relationship are the same as the relationship between the cooling radiant panel 32 and the first task sensor 44. That is, by providing the second task sensor 45 at a position where it is difficult to directly face the worker P who performs work in a normal position, it is easy to achieve both control stability and comfort.

The task first sensor 44 and the task second sensor 45 may be known temperature sensors, and as a first example, they may be radiation temperature detectors. When measuring temperature using a radiation temperature detector, heat radiation from a heat source or the like and air convection occurring in the measurement target area can impede accurate measurement; however, in this embodiment, the radiation temperature detector is cooled. Since it does not directly face the area in front of the heating radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 (an area where heat radiation, air convection, etc. are likely to occur), it is easy to accurately measure the environmental temperature.

Further, the task first sensor 44 and the task second sensor 45 may be a composite sensor device including a known temperature sensor, and as a second example, a PMV value (average predicted thermal sensation declaration) is calculated. It can be a PMV meter. A typical PMV meter includes a thermometer, a globe thermometer, an anemometer, and a hygrometer, and calculates PMV by combining the detection values of the individual sensors. When using a PMV meter, it measures airflow and humidity in addition to temperature, so it is possible to evaluate in more detail the need for air conditioning in the environment where worker P is located, and to provide cooling to make worker P more comfortable. The output of the heating radiation panel 32 and the heating radiation panel 33 can be controlled. Note that the advantage of the first example of being less susceptible to effects such as heat radiation and air convection is the same in the second example.

Note that, as in the second example, the first task sensor 44 and the second task sensor 45 may be a composite sensor device capable of detecting a physical quantity other than temperature, such as an anemometer or a hygrometer. Further, the configurations of the first task sensor 44 and the second task sensor 45 may be the same or different. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the first task sensor 44 is a PMV meter and the second task sensor 45 is a radiation temperature detector. Note that the first task sensor 44 and the second task sensor 45 may be one or more sensor devices capable of detecting physical quantities other than temperature.

The thermal sensation reporting device 34 is a device that accepts input of the thermal sensation felt by the worker P at each office desk D. The thermal sensation reporting device 34 may be, for example, a device that accepts a PMV set value based on each worker's own preference, a device that accepts a set temperature desired by each worker, or a device that accepts input of a more rough thermal sensation (for example, "hot" ”, “comfortable”, and “cold”). In either example, it can be said that the thermal sensation reporting device 34 accepts the air conditioning settings desired by each worker.

[Air conditioning system control]
Next, control of the air conditioning system 1 will be explained.

(1) Control of the ambient air conditioner (a) Control of the blower type air conditioner The control of the blower type air conditioner 7 of the ambient air conditioner 2 is generally performed based on the detection results of the human sensor 41 (the presence or absence of the worker P and the number of people). ), the output of the blower 724 and the amount of air flow from each outlet 73 are controlled (the opening degree of the control valve 731 is controlled).

Each human sensor 41 detects the number of workers P in the area with which it is associated. The following two controls are performed based on the number of people detected at this time.

First, the output of blower 724 is controlled. The number of workers P detected by each human sensor 41 is added up in the control panel 6, and the total number of workers P present in the office R is specified. When the specified total number of people is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, the control panel 6 controls the output of the blower 724 to a value obtained by multiplying the total number of people by a predetermined coefficient. That is, the output of the blower 724 is controlled based on the number of workers P.

On the other hand, when the specified total number of people is less than a predetermined threshold, the control panel 6 controls the output of the blower 724 to a predetermined output regardless of the total number of people. This predetermined output is, for example, the minimum output that allows the blower 724 to operate stably.

Second, the amount of air emitted from each air outlet 73 is controlled. For example, FIG. 1 shows a situation where one worker P exists in area A and no worker P exists in area B. To explain this situation as an example, there is a worker P in area A, so the amount of air flow from the air outlet 73A needs to be controlled keeping in mind that the worker P feels comfortable. Since worker P is not present in area B, comfort in area B is not important. Therefore, the blowout amount of the blower outlet 73A is made larger than the blowout amount of the blower outlet 73B, so that more of the air supplied from the blower 724 to the office R is distributed to the area where the worker P is present. Specifically, the opening degree of the control valve 731A is controlled to be larger than the opening degree of the control valve 731B. However, if the blowout amount in the area where the worker P is not present is too small, there is a risk that a temperature gradient will occur in the office R, so the blowout amount of the blower outlet 73B is controlled to be a predetermined minimum value.

As a result, a large amount of air whose temperature and humidity have been adjusted in the direct expansion type outdoor conditioner 72 is supplied around the worker P, so that the worker P tends to feel comfortable. In addition, since the operator P can operate under conditions that make him feel comfortable, even if the load on the direct expansion type outdoor conditioner 72 is lowered (the amount of temperature and humidity adjustment is reduced), the comfort of the operator P will not be impaired. . That is, the power consumption of the direct expansion type outside conditioner 72 can be reduced without impairing the comfort of the worker P, contributing to energy saving.

(b) Control of radiant air conditioner The radiant air conditioner 8 of the ambient air conditioner 2 is controlled by controlling the output of the upper radiant panel 81 (control valve 82) based on the detection result (room temperature) of the temperature sensor 42. control of the opening degree) is performed. That is, when the room temperature is high, the opening of the control valve 82 is increased to increase the output of the upper radiant panel 81, and when the room temperature is low, the opening of the control valve 82 is decreased to lower the output of the upper radiant panel 81. Increasing the output of the upper radiant panel 81 means that the flow rate of refrigerant distributed to the upper radiant panel 81 increases, so the load on the outdoor unit 5 increases.

(2) Control of the task air conditioner The control of the task air conditioner 3 includes controlling the output of the cooling radiant panel 32 (controlling the opening degree of the control valve 36) based on the detection result (environmental temperature) of the task first sensor 44. , control of the output of the heating radiation panel 33 (control of the opening degree of the control valve 37) based on the detection result (environmental temperature) of the second task sensor 45.

The control of the radiant air conditioner 8 and the control of the task air conditioner 3 are similar in that the radiant panel is controlled based on the detection result of the temperature sensor. However, the difference is that the temperature detected in the former is the room temperature of the office R, whereas the temperature detected in the latter is the environmental temperature of the work area where each task air conditioner 3 is installed. That is, the radiant air conditioner 8 is controlled taking into consideration the overall environment of the office R, whereas the task air conditioner 3 is controlled individually taking into consideration the local environment in which each unit is placed. be done.

When the environmental temperature detected by the task first sensor 44 is high, the opening degree of the control valve 36 is increased to increase the output of the cooling radiant panel 32, and when the environmental temperature detected by the task first sensor 44 is low, The opening degree of the control valve 36 is reduced to lower the output of the cooling radiation panel 32. Further, the presence or absence of the worker P is determined based on the detection result of the human sensor 41, and when the worker P is not present, the output of the cooling radiant panel 32 is set to a predetermined minimum value.

When the environmental temperature detected by the second task sensor 45 is low, the opening degree of the control valve 37 is increased to increase the output of the heating radiant panel 33, and when the environmental temperature detected by the second task sensor 45 is high, The opening degree of the control valve 37 is reduced to lower the output of the heating radiation panel 33. Further, the presence or absence of the worker P is determined based on the detection result of the human sensor 41, and when the worker P is not present, the output of the heating radiant panel 33 is set to a predetermined minimum value.

Note that appropriate air conditioning in each work area also depends on the individual preference of the worker P. Therefore, in addition to automatic control based on the detection results of the task first sensor 44 and the task second sensor 45, the cooling radiant panel 32 and the heating radiant panel 33 are controlled manually by the worker P. If it is also possible to do this, it will be easier to implement control according to individual preferences.

(3) Interlocking control (first example)
In the air conditioning system 1, interlocking control of the ambient air conditioner 2 and the task air conditioner 3 is also implemented. Here, a first example of interlock control will be explained.

(a) When the number of workers P is less than the threshold value As mentioned above, when the total number of workers P existing in the office R is less than the predetermined threshold value, the output of the blower 724 becomes the predetermined output regardless of the total number of workers P. controlled. For example, the output of the blower 724 is controlled so as to achieve the minimum required ventilation frequency (for example, 0.5 times or more per hour) for purposes such as preventing sick house syndrome. At this time, there is a possibility that the output of the ambient air conditioner 2 becomes excessive, and the interior of the office R is excessively air-conditioned (too cold in the cooling operation, or too hot in the heating operation).

In this situation, control is performed to increase the output of the task air conditioner 3 so that the excess load on the ambient air conditioner 2 is processed in the task air conditioner 3. For example, if the situation is too cold during cooling operation, the output of the heating radiant panel 33 is increased to absorb the excess cooling load. On the other hand, if the heating operation is too hot, the output of the cooling radiant panel 32 is increased to absorb the excess heating load. By performing such control, variations in load are eliminated within the area, so that the ambient air conditioner 2 does not over-process the load, ensuring comfort and energy saving.

(b) When there are many workers P On the other hand, if the total number of workers P greatly exceeds the predetermined threshold and the ratio of the total number of workers to the capacity of office R exceeds the predetermined standard value, then This is achieved by operating the ambient air conditioner 2 in such a way that those who have low requirements for air conditioning intensity (those who desire operation with a small air conditioning load) feel comfortable, and by operating the ambient air conditioner 2 that is controlled in this manner. Control is performed based on the idea that for workers P who feel that the air conditioning intensity is insufficient, the task air conditioner 3 individually adjusts the air conditioning intensity.

Specifically, first, for each area, among the thermal sensations (in other words, the air conditioning setting values) received by the plurality of thermal sensation reporting devices 34, the thermal sensation with the smallest air conditioning load is selected. , is determined as the representative setting value for the area. For example, during cooling operation, the thermal sensation of the person who is most sensitive to cold among the workers P in the area (assumed to be worker Px (not shown)) is the one with the smallest air conditioning load. .

Next, in order to make the worker Px feel comfortable, a set room temperature for the area is determined based on the representative thermal sensation, and based on this set room temperature, the output of the ambient air conditioner 2 for the area (direct expansion type external air conditioner Each part of the machine 72 and the control amount of the control valves 731 (731A, 731B) and the control valves 82 (82A, 82B) are controlled.

The control described so far achieves a room temperature that the worker Px feels comfortable with. However, since the worker Px is the one who is most sensitive to cold among the workers P in the area, the room temperature achieved here is a room temperature that feels hot to the other workers P. Therefore, the output of each task air conditioner 3 (opening degree of control valves 36 and 37) is controlled based on the thermal sensation received by each thermal sensation reporting device 34, so that all workers P can feel comfortable. Make it feel like. However, if there is a worker P (worker Py, not shown) who does not feel comfortable even if the output of the task air conditioner 3 is maximized, the output of the ambient air conditioner 2 may be increased to Make person Py feel comfortable. In this case, the heating radiant panel 33 of the task air conditioner 3 of the worker Px is operated to alleviate the cooling around the worker Px and maintain the comfort of the worker Px.

Thereby, comfort can be ensured even when there are many workers P without increasing the capacity of the ambient air conditioner 2 excessively. Moreover, since variations in load are eliminated within the area, the ambient air conditioner 2 does not over-process the load, ensuring comfort and energy saving.

(4) Interlocking control (second example)
Next, a second example of interlock control will be explained. In this example, a case will be described in which the task first sensor 44 is implemented as a PMV meter, and the thermal sensation reporting device 34 is implemented as a device that accepts a PMV setting value.

In this example, the air outlet 73 is directed toward one of the office desks D. By blowing air directly onto the office desk D (that is, around the worker P), the worker P feels a thermal sensation with a higher sensitivity than the thermal sensation felt by the temperature of the air itself. This phenomenon can be detected through the detection value (PMV value) of the task first sensor 44. With this configuration, it is possible to realize control that does not impair the comfort of the worker P while reducing the temperature adjustment output, so it is easy to achieve both comfort and energy saving.

Furthermore, if the air conditioning is felt by the worker P to be excessive by blowing air around the worker P, the output of the task air conditioner 3 is adjusted to realize an air conditioning state in which the worker P feels comfortable.

That is, as a series of controls, first, the direction and air volume of each air outlet 73 are determined based on the PMV setting value of each worker P received by the thermal sensation reporting device 34. Depending on the direction of the air outlet 73 and the air volume, differences occur in the air conditioning conditions of the respective office desks D, and the differences are identified by the task first sensor 44. Then, the output of each task air conditioner 3 is controlled based on the detection value (PMV value) of the task first sensor 44 in each task air conditioner 3 and the PMV setting value received by the thermal sensation reporting device 34. .

Further, in this example, since air is blown toward the office desk D, heat is easily removed from the heat source on the office desk D. This point also contributes to improving the comfort of the worker P. In addition, since fresh air is always supplied around the worker P, cleanliness in the vicinity of the worker P can be improved. Furthermore, since the air discharged from the outlet 73 is dehumidified through the evaporator 721, low-humidity air can be supplied around the cooling radiant panel 32, making it easier to prevent dew condensation on the cooling radiant panel 32.

[Other embodiments]
Finally, other embodiments of the task air conditioner according to the present invention will be described. Note that the configurations disclosed in each of the embodiments below can be applied in combination with the configurations disclosed in other embodiments as long as no contradiction occurs.

In the above embodiment, the task air conditioner 3 that constitutes the air conditioning system 1 together with the ambient air conditioner 2 has been described as an example, but it is also possible to use the task air conditioner according to the present invention alone.

In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the first task sensor 44 and the second task sensor 45 are provided on the front part 31 has been described as an example. However, a configuration in which the task air conditioner does not include the detection means is also possible. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the task air conditioner is controlled based on the detection result of a detection means provided separately from the task air conditioner.

In the above embodiment, a radiation temperature detector and a PMV meter (globe temperature detector) are illustrated as examples of the detection means (temperature sensor), but the specifications of the detection means are not limited.

Regarding other configurations, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed in this specification are illustrative in all respects, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. Those skilled in the art will easily understand that modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, other embodiments that are modified without departing from the spirit of the present invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention.

1: Air conditioning system 2: Ambient air conditioner 3: Task air conditioner 31: Front section 32: Cooling radiant panel 33: Heating radiant panel 4: Detection means 44: Task first sensor 45: Task second sensor 5: Outdoor unit C1: Refrigerant circuit C2: Refrigerant circuit R: Office D: Office desk P: Worker

Claims (7)

A cooling radiant panel is provided at a position directly facing the upper body of a worker working at a desk and is supplied with a refrigerant having a temperature lower than room temperature, and a cooling radiant panel is provided at a position horizontally adjacent to the cooling radiant panel to detect temperature. a heating radiant panel provided at a position directly facing the lower body of the worker and supplied with a hot refrigerant having a temperature higher than room temperature; and a heating radiant panel located at a position horizontally adjacent to the heating radiant panel. A task air conditioner comprising: a second temperature sensor provided to detect temperature;
a first control valve that controls the flow rate of refrigerant supplied to the cooling radiant panel based on the detection result of the first temperature sensor;
a second control valve that controls the flow rate of hot refrigerant supplied to the heating radiant panel based on the detection result of the second temperature sensor;
A task air conditioner comprising: a thermal sensation reporting device installed on the desk and accepting input of thermal sensation felt by the worker. The task air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal size of the cooling radiant panel is larger than the horizontal size of the heating radiant panel. The task air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature sensor is provided at a position that does not directly face the worker. The task air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the second temperature sensor is provided at a position that does not directly face the worker. The task air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are radiation temperature detectors. The task air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor are globe temperature detectors. The task air conditioner according to claim 1, further comprising a surface temperature sensor that detects the surface temperature of the cooling radiant panel.

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