JP7141002B1 - Air conditioner and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

An air conditioner capable of realizing air conditioning capable of reducing heat stress load on the human body is provided. An air conditioner includes a control section (100). A control unit (100) controls a first index, which is any one of indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, radiation temperature, air velocity, amount of clothing, amount of activity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity, and human body exergy consumption speed. A first control is performed to perform air conditioning at a first target value based on the value of the first index obtained in the first processing, while performing a first processing for obtaining a value of the first index according to the inflection point in the relationship Run. [Selection drawing] Fig. 5

Description

The present disclosure relates to air conditioners and control systems.

Patent Literature 1 discloses an air conditioner that calculates the heat balance of the human body of a sleeper and the wetted area ratio of the human body, and controls air conditioning so that these values become predetermined values.

JP-A-2002-130765

The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 cannot perform air conditioning in consideration of the heat stress load of the human body. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an air conditioner that can realize air conditioning that can reduce the heat stress load on the human body.

A first aspect is a first index that is any one of indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, radiant temperature, air velocity, amount of clothing, amount of activity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity, and human body exergy consumption speed. A first process is performed to determine the value of the first index according to the inflection point in the relationship, and a first control is performed to perform air conditioning at a first target value based on the value of the first index determined by the first process. The air conditioner includes a control unit (100) for controlling air flow.

In the first aspect, in the first process, the control section (100) obtains the value of the first index according to the inflection point in the relationship between the human exergy consumption speed and the first index. Here, at this inflection point, the human body exergy consumption speed becomes a relatively small value. The human body exergy consumption speed is correlated with the heat stress load of the human body, and the lower the human body exergy consumption speed, the smaller the heat stress load. Therefore, in the first control, the control unit (100) performs air conditioning with the first target value based on the value of the first index corresponding to the inflection point, thereby realizing air conditioning that reduces the heat stress load on the human body. .

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the control unit (100) controls, in the first process, indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, radiation temperature, air velocity, amount of clothing, amount of activity, outside temperature, outside air Determining a predetermined first inflection point from a set of inflection points, which is a set of the inflection points when the value of a second index of humidity different from the first index is changed, and the first inflection point The value of the first index and the value of the second index are obtained according to the point, and in the first control, the first target value based on the value of the first index obtained in the first process and the value of the first index obtained in the first process Air conditioning is performed with a second target value based on the value of the second index.

In the second aspect, in the first process, the control unit (100) changes the value of the second index, which is different from the first index, from the set of inflection points, which is the set of inflection points, to a predetermined number of points. 1 Determine an inflection point. In the first process, the control unit (100) controls a first target value based on the value of the first index corresponding to the first inflection point and a second target value based on the value of the second index corresponding to the first inflection point. Find the target value. The control section (100) performs air conditioning so as to satisfy these target values. As a result, it is possible to control the air conditioning based on the inflection point suitable for the environment of the target space (S), thereby further reducing the heat stress load on the human body.

In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the control unit (100) controls, in the first process, that the human body exergy consumption speed is the lowest among the set inflection points, or the human body exergy consumption speed A first inflection point is determined, which is the inflection point at which the V is less than a predetermined first value.

In the third aspect, in the first process, the control section (100) obtains the first inflection point such that the body exergy consumption speed is the lowest among the set of inflection points. Alternatively, the control unit (100) obtains the first inflection point among the set of inflection points so that the body exergy consumption speed at the first inflection point is smaller than a predetermined first value. The control unit (100) obtains a first target value and a second target value corresponding to the first inflection point. The control unit (100) performs air conditioning so as to satisfy these target values. As described above, in the first control, the exergy consumption speed of the human body can be reliably reduced, and the thermal stress load of the human body can be reduced.

A fourth aspect is the second aspect, further comprising an input section (35) for inputting the second index, wherein the control section (100), in the first process, controls the input A first inflection point corresponding to the second index inputted in the part (35) is determined.

In the fourth aspect, the control section (100) sets the inflection point corresponding to the second index input to the input section (35) as the first inflection point, and sets the first target according to the first inflection point. value and a second target value. As a result, the second index of the target space (S) can be brought closer to the input value, and the heat stress load on the human body can be reduced under this environment.

A fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the first indicator is indoor air temperature.

In the fifth aspect, by controlling the indoor air temperature, the exergy consumption speed of the human body can be reduced, and the heat stress load on the human body can be reduced.

A sixth aspect is any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the second indicator is indoor relative humidity, radiant temperature, or air velocity.

In the sixth aspect, by controlling the indoor relative humidity, the radiant temperature, and the air velocity as the second index, it is possible to realize air conditioning control that can further reduce the exergy consumption rate of the human body.

In a seventh aspect based on any one of the first to sixth aspects, the control unit (100), in the first process, controls at least the outside air temperature and the outside air humidity for a period from a predetermined time ago to the present. The relationship is determined based on data about one.

In the seventh aspect, in the first process, the control section (100) obtains the relationship between the exergy consumption rate and the first index based on past to present data on the outside air temperature or the outside air humidity. Outdoor temperature and humidity affect the human body's adaptation to the seasons. Therefore, by reflecting these indices in the above relationship, it is possible to obtain the first index capable of reducing the exergy consumption speed while considering seasonal adaptation.

An eighth aspect is a control system for an air conditioner comprising the controller (100) of any one of the first to seventh aspects.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic piping system diagram of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of exergy control operation of the air conditioner according to the embodiment. FIG. 5 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the human body exergy consumption rate and the inside air temperature obtained in the first process in the exergy control operation according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram of a utilization unit of the air conditioner of Modification 1. As shown in FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the exergy control operation of the air conditioner according to Modification 1. FIG. FIG. 8 is a graph for explaining the relationship between the exergy consumption speed of the human body and the inside air temperature obtained in the first process in the exergy control operation according to Modification 1. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the exergy control operation of the air conditioner according to Modification 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a graph showing the relationship between outside air temperature and human body exergy consumption speed regarding research results. FIG. 11 is a graph showing the average value±standard deviation of the air temperature and the amount of clothing for each week when the feeling of heat and cold is “neither” in houses in the Kanto region. FIG. 12 is a table showing behavioral patterns of adaptation to environmental changes related to research results. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the relationship between the outside air temperature and the exergy consumption speed of the human body under the condition of "neither hot nor cold" declaration regarding research results. FIG. 14 is a graph showing the relationship between room temperature, human body exergy consumption rate, and wetting rate, related to research results.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is for conceptually explaining the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding.

<<Embodiment>>
(1) Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner An air conditioner (10) of the present disclosure air-conditions an indoor space (S), which is a target space. A person (H) exists in an indoor space (S). The air conditioner (10) of this example has a function of adjusting the temperature of indoor air.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner (10) has a heat source unit (20) and a utilization unit (30). The heat source unit (20) and the utilization unit (30) are connected to each other via two connecting pipes (liquid connecting pipe (11) and gas connecting pipe (12)). This forms a refrigerant circuit (R) in the air conditioner (10). The refrigerant circuit (R) is filled with refrigerant. The refrigerant circuit (R) performs a refrigeration cycle by circulating refrigerant.

(1-1) Heat Source Unit The heat source unit (20) is an outdoor unit arranged in the outdoor space (O). The heat source unit (20) has a heat source fan (21). The heat source unit (20) has, as elements connected to the refrigerant circuit (R), a compressor (22), a heat source heat exchanger (23), a switching mechanism (24), and an expansion mechanism (25).

The compressor (22) compresses the sucked refrigerant. The compressor (22) discharges compressed refrigerant. The compressor (22) is a rotary compressor such as an oscillating piston type. The compressor (22) is of an inverter type. The number of revolutions (operating frequency) of the first motor (M1) of the compressor (22) is adjusted by an inverter device.

The heat source heat exchanger (23) is a fin-and-tube air heat exchanger. The heat source heat exchanger (23) is an outdoor heat exchanger that exchanges heat between refrigerant flowing therein and outdoor air.

The heat source fan (21) is arranged near the heat source heat exchanger (23). The heat source fan (21) of this example is a propeller fan. The heat source fan (21) conveys air passing through the heat source heat exchanger (23).

The switching mechanism (24) changes the flow path of the refrigerant circuit (R) so as to switch between the first refrigerating cycle, which is the cooling cycle, and the second refrigerating cycle, which is the heating cycle. The switching mechanism (24) is a four-way switching valve. The switching mechanism (24) has a first port (P1), a second port (P2), a third port (P3) and a fourth port (P4). A first port (P1) of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to a discharge portion of the compressor (22). The second port (P2) of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the suction portion of the compressor (82). The third port (P3) of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the gas side end of the heat utilization heat exchanger (33) through the gas communication pipe (12). The fourth port (P4) of the switching mechanism (24) is connected to the gas side end of the heat source heat exchanger (23).

The switching mechanism (24) switches between a first state and a second state. The switching mechanism (24) in the first state (the state indicated by the solid line in FIG. 2) connects the first port (P1) and the fourth port (P4) and connects the second port (P2) and the third port (P3). ). The switching mechanism (24) in the second state (the state indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2) communicates between the first port (P1) and the third port (P3), and connects the second port (P2) and the fourth port (P4). ).

The expansion mechanism (25) has one end connected to the liquid side end of the heat source heat exchanger (23) and the other end connected to the liquid side end of the utilization heat exchanger (33) through the liquid communication pipe (11). . The expansion mechanism (25) is an expansion valve. The expansion mechanism (25) is an electronic expansion valve whose degree of opening is adjustable.

(1-2) Usage unit The usage unit (30) is installed on the wall surface of the indoor space (S). In other words, the utilization unit (30) is a wall-mounted indoor air conditioner. The utilization unit (30) has a casing (31) and a utilization fan (32). The utilization unit (30) has a utilization heat exchanger (33) as an element connected to the refrigerant circuit (R).

The casing (31) accommodates the utilization fan (32) and the utilization heat exchanger (33). The casing (31) has an inlet (30a) and an outlet (30b). An air passage (30c) is formed inside the casing (31) from the inlet (30a) to the outlet (30b).

The utilization heat exchanger (33) is a fin-and-tube air heat exchanger. The utilization heat exchanger (33) is an air heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the air flowing therein and the refrigerant.

The utilization fan (32) is a cross-flow fan. The rotation speed of the second motor (M2) of the utilization fan (32) is variable. In other words, the air volume of the utilization fan (32) is variable. The utilization fan (32) is arranged upstream of the utilization heat exchanger (33) in the air passageway (30c). The utilization fan (32) conveys air passing through the utilization heat exchanger (33).

(1-3) Sensors As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the air conditioner (10) has a plurality of sensors. The air conditioner (10) of this example has an outside air temperature sensor (41), an outside air humidity sensor (42), and an inside air temperature sensor (43). An outside air temperature sensor (41) and an outside air humidity sensor (42) are arranged in the outdoor space (O). An outside air temperature sensor (41) detects outside air temperature. The outside air humidity sensor (42) detects outside air humidity (strictly speaking, outdoor relative humidity). The inside air temperature sensor (43) is arranged in the indoor space (S). The inside air temperature sensor (43) detects the inside air temperature.

The air conditioner (10) has various refrigerant sensors (not shown) for detecting high pressure, low pressure, condensation temperature, evaporation temperature, etc. of the refrigerant circuit (R).

(1-4) Remote Controller As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the air conditioner (10) has a remote controller (35). The remote controller (35) has an operation section (36). The operating section (36) is a functional section for a person (H) to input various instructions to the air conditioner (10). The operation unit (36) includes switches, buttons, or a touch panel. Operation of the air conditioner (10) is selected by a person operating the operation unit (36). The operation of the air conditioner (10) includes cooling operation and heating operation. The set temperature can be changed by a person operating the operation unit (36). A remote controller (35) is an input unit for inputting a target value.

(1-5) Controller The air conditioner (10) has a controller (100). As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the control unit (100) includes a first control device (C1), a second control device (C2) and a third control device (C3). The first controller (C1) is provided in the heat source unit (20). A second control device (C2) is provided in the utilization unit (30). The third control device (C3) is provided in the remote controller (35).

The first control device (C1) and the second control device (C2) are connected to each other by a first communication line (W1). The first communication line (W1) is wired or wireless. The second control device (C2) and the third control device (C3) are connected to each other by a second communication line (W2). The second communication line (W1) is wired or wireless.

Each of the first control device (C1), the second control device (C2), and the third control device (C3) includes an MCU (Micro Control Unit), an electric circuit, and an electronic circuit. The MCU includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and a communication interface. Various programs for the CPU to execute are stored in the memory.

The first controller (C1) controls the compressor (22), the heat source fan (21), the switching mechanism (24), and the expansion mechanism (25). The first controller (C1) adjusts the rotation speed of the first motor (M1) of the compressor (22). The second controller (C2) controls the utilization fan (32). The second control device (C2) adjusts the rotation speed of the second motor (M2) of the utilization fan (32).

The detection values of the sensors described above are input to the control section (100).

The control section (100) has a storage section (101). The storage unit (101) in this example is provided in the first control device (C1), but may be provided in the second control device (C2) or the third control device (C3). The storage unit (101) includes a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), and the like. A storage unit (101) stores data that associates the exergy consumption speed of the human body with indices related thereto.

The storage unit (101) appropriately stores the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature sensor (41) and the outside air humidity detected by the outside air humidity sensor (42). A storage unit (101) stores outside air temperature and outside air humidity for a predetermined period as history data. A storage unit (101) stores an outside air temperature and an outside air humidity at predetermined intervals (for example, 30 minutes).

(2) Human body exergy balance The air conditioner (10) performs air conditioning in consideration of the human body exergy consumption speed. The human exergy consumption rate is included in the following exergy balance formula.

[Human body exergy consumption speed] = [Human body exergy input] - [Human body exergy accumulation] - [Human body exergy output]
The human body exergy consumption speed is an index representing the speed of exergy consumption per 1 m ² of the body surface of the human body. The human body exergy input is an index representing the speed of exergy generation per 1 m ² of the body surface of the human body. The human body exergy accumulation is an index representing the rate of accumulation of exergy per ^square meter of the body surface of the human body. The human body exergy output is an index representing the rate of release of exergy per ^square meter of the body surface of the human body. The units for these indices are W/m ² .

The human body exergy consumption speed is the exergy consumed in the body. The exergy consumption rate of the human body is determined by heat diffusion due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the human body, heat diffusion due to the temperature difference between the human body and clothes, and sweat and air due to the water vapor pressure difference between the human body and clothes. due to interdiffusion of

Human body exergy input mainly consists of exergy generated by metabolism, exergy by inhalation, exergy by metabolic water, and exergy by radiant heat absorbed by clothes. Exergy generated by metabolism is exergy generated in the body as a result of consumption of exergy stored in glucose taken into the human body by eating and drinking for cell activity. Exergy due to intake air is exergy generated by heat diffusion of intake air, diffusion of water vapor contained in intake air, and the like. Exergy due to metabolic water is exergy generated by heat diffusion of metabolic water, diffusion of metabolic water to the outside of the body, and the like. Metabolic water is water produced by metabolism, for example, water produced by burning glucose in the body.

Human body exergy accumulation is exergy accumulated in the body according to the surrounding environment. Exergy accumulation in the human body tends to increase as the temperature of the surrounding environment increases.

Human body exergy output is exergy emitted from the body to the outside of the body. The exergy output of the human body is mainly derived from the exergy generated by inhalation, the exergy generated by diffusion of moist air generated after the evaporation of sweat, the exergy generated by radiant heat emitted by clothing, and the exergy generated by convection heat emitted by clothing. Configured. Exergy due to intake air is exergy generated by diffusion of heat of intake air and diffusion of water vapor contained in intake air.

The exergy consumption speed of the human body has a correlation with the degree of expansion and contraction of the blood vessels of the human body. The lower the exergy consumption speed of the human body, the smaller the expansion/contraction degree of blood vessels in the human body, and the smaller the heat stress load applied to the human body. That is, the human body exergy consumption speed is an index representing the heat stress load of the human body.

The exergy consumption rate of the human body tends to be higher in cold and hot environments, and lower in neither cold nor hot environments. The environment in which the exergy consumption rate of the human body is minimized is 1) heat diffusion due to the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the human body, 2) heat diffusion due to the temperature difference between the human body and clothes, and 3) the human body and clothes. Among the interdiffusion of sweat and air due to the water vapor pressure difference between the two, the ratio of item 3) is particularly small. It can be said that the environment in which the exergy consumption speed of the human body is the lowest is the environment in which the heat stress load applied to the human body is the smallest.

(3) Operating Behavior The air conditioner (10) performs normal cooling operation, normal heating operation, and exergy control operation.

(3-1) Cooling operation In cooling operation, the switching mechanism (24) is in the first state. The air conditioner (10) performs a refrigeration cycle (cooling cycle) in which the heat source heat exchanger (23) functions as a radiator and the utilization heat exchanger (33) functions as an evaporator. Specifically, refrigerant compressed by the compressor (22) releases heat in the heat source heat exchanger (23) and is decompressed in the expansion mechanism (25). The refrigerant decompressed by the expansion mechanism (25) is evaporated in the heat utilization exchanger (33) and sucked into the compressor (22).

In the utilization unit (30), the utilization fan (32) is in operation. Air in the indoor space (S) is sucked into the air passageway (30c) through the suction port (30a). The air in the air passageway (30c) is cooled by the heat exchanger (33) and then supplied to the indoor space (S) through the outlet (30b).

(3-2) Heating operation In the heating operation, the switching mechanism (24) is in the second state. The air conditioner (10) in heating operation performs a refrigeration cycle (heating cycle) in which the heat utilization heat exchanger (33) functions as a radiator and the heat source heat exchanger (23) functions as an evaporator. Specifically, refrigerant compressed by the compressor (22) releases heat in the heat utilization heat exchanger (33) and is decompressed in the expansion mechanism (25). The refrigerant depressurized by the expansion mechanism (25) evaporates in the heat source heat exchanger (23) and is sucked into the compressor (22).

In the utilization unit (30), the utilization fan (32) is in operation. Air in the indoor space (S) is sucked into the air passageway (30c) through the suction port (30a). The air in the air passageway (30c) is heated by the heat exchanger (33) and then supplied to the indoor space (S) through the outlet (30b).

(3-3) Exergy Controlled Operation In the exergy controlled operation, the controller (100) controls the air conditioning of the indoor space (S) based on the exergy consumption speed of the human body. The exergy control operation includes a heating exergy operation corresponding to the heating operation and a cooling exergy operation corresponding to the cooling operation.

Exergy control operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. Here, an example of the heating exergy operation performed in winter, for example, will be described.

When the exergy control operation is executed, the outside air temperature sensor (41) acquires the outside air temperature of the outdoor space (O) in step S11. The storage unit (101) appropriately stores the outside air temperature acquired by the outside air temperature sensor (41) as history data. In step S12, the outside air humidity sensor (42) acquires the outside air humidity of the outdoor space (O). The storage unit (101) appropriately stores the outside air humidity acquired by the outside air humidity sensor (42) as historical data.

In step S13, the control section (100) calculates an average outside air temperature (average outside air temperature Ta) based on the history data stored in the storage section (101). A control unit (100) calculates an average value of a plurality of outside air temperatures acquired during a predetermined period ΔT from a predetermined time ago to the present. In this example, the predetermined period ΔT is set to, for example, one month (about 30 days). A plurality of outside air temperatures are acquired every predetermined time t1 and stored in the storage unit (101). The predetermined time t1 is set to 30 minutes, for example. In this way, by acquiring outside air temperatures from the past to the present in a relatively long period of time, it is possible to obtain the human body exergy consumption speed (details will be described later) in consideration of human seasonal adaptation.

In step S14, the control section (100) calculates an average value of outside air humidity (average outside air humidity Ha) based on the history data stored in the storage section (101). A control unit (100) calculates an average value of a plurality of outside air humidity values acquired during a predetermined period ΔT from a predetermined time ago to the present. In this example, the predetermined period ΔT is set to, for example, one month (about 30 days). A plurality of outside air humidity values are acquired every predetermined time t2 and stored in the storage unit (101). The predetermined time t2 is set to 30 minutes, for example. In this way, by acquiring the outside air humidity from the past to the present in a relatively long period of time, it is possible to obtain the human body exergy consumption speed (details will be described later) in consideration of human seasonal adaptation.

In step S15, the inside air temperature sensor (43) acquires the inside air temperature (indoor air temperature) of the indoor space (S).

In step S16, the control unit (100) acquires the amount of clothing worn by the person (H) in the indoor space (S). Here, the amount of clothing (unit: clo) may be a set value that is stored in advance in the control section (100). In this case, it is preferable to set the amount of clothing for each season or period in which the air conditioner (10) is operated in the control section (100). In this case, for example, in the cold season, the amount of clothing is relatively large, and in the hot season, the amount of clothing is relatively small.

The person (H) may directly input the amount of clothing to the remote controller (35) as an input unit. In this case, the control unit (100) can more accurately acquire the current clothing amount of the person (H).

In step S17, the control section (100) of this example obtains the relationship between the human body exergy consumption rate and the inside air temperature. Here, the inside air temperature is the first index of the present disclosure, and is the control value for air conditioning.

The exergy consumption rate of the human body is determined by the outside air temperature and humidity of the outdoor space (O), the inside air temperature and humidity of the target space where the person (H) exists, and the wall temperature (radiation temperature), the velocity of the airflow supplied from the air conditioner (10) to the person (H) (airflow velocity), the amount of clothing of the person (H), and the amount of activity of the person (H) as parameters. . Therefore, by using these indexes, it is possible to obtain the relationship between the human body exergy consumption rate and the inside air temperature, as shown in FIG.

Here, the average outside air temperature Ta acquired in step S13 is used as the outside air temperature, and the average outside air humidity Ha acquired in step S14 is used as the outside air humidity.

In this example, a set value (for example, 50% relative humidity) stored in advance in the control unit (100) is used as the inside air humidity (indoor relative humidity). In this case, it is preferable to set the inside air humidity for each season or period in which the air conditioner (10) is operated in the control section (100). The utilization unit (30) may be provided with an inside air humidity sensor for detecting the inside air humidity to directly obtain the current inside air humidity.

As the wall surface temperature of the target space, the same temperature as the inside air temperature is used.

A set value (for example, 0.1 m/s) stored in advance in the control unit (100) is used as the wind speed. The wind speed is preferably set according to the air volume (rotational speed) of the currently used fan (32). The control unit (100) reads a set value corresponding to the current air volume of the fan in use (32), and uses this set value as a parameter for obtaining the relationship. The current wind speed may be obtained by an anemometer or the like.

As for the amount of clothing, a set value (for example, 0.94 clo in the cold season) stored in advance in the control unit (100) as described above is used.

A set value (for example, 1.1 met) stored in advance in the control unit (100) is used as the amount of activity of the person (H).

At step S17, the control section (100) creates the relationship shown in FIG. 5 using the above parameters. This relationship consists of a plurality of inside air temperatures and human exergy consumption speeds corresponding to the plurality of inside air temperatures, and may be a graph, data table, relational expression, or the like.

As is clear from FIG. 5, the human body exergy consumption speed decreases sharply as the inside air temperature rises in the relatively low inside air temperature range (range A in FIG. 5). Then, in a range (range B in FIG. 5) where the inside air temperature becomes higher with the inflection point a as the boundary, the human body exergy consumption speed gradually decreases while curving like a mountain. The inflection point here is not a mathematically defined inflection point, but a bending point where the slope of the curve showing the relationship between the inside air temperature and the exergy consumption speed of the human body changes abruptly.
The occurrence of an inflection point in the exergy consumption rate of the human body is considered to be due to the perspiration of the human body. For reference, FIG. 5 shows the wettability corresponding to the inside air temperature. Here, the wetting rate is an index representing human perspiration. When the wettability exceeds 0.06, which indicates the upper limit of insensible perspiration, perspiration begins.

At step S18, the control section (100) obtains an inflection point of the exergy consumption speed of the human body based on the relationship acquired at step S17. For example, the control unit (100) determines a point at which the human body exergy consumption speed is lowest in a range A where the human body exergy consumption speed drops sharply as an inflection point (inflection point a).

At step S19, the control section (100) obtains the inside air temperature corresponding to the inflection point a. In this example, the inside air temperature corresponding to the inflection point a (hereinafter also referred to as optimum inside air temperature) is 21°C. This optimum inside air temperature is the value of the first index.

Steps S17, S18, and S19 correspond to the first process of the present disclosure.

In step S20, the control section (100) executes first control for controlling air conditioning using the optimum inside air temperature obtained in step S19 as a first target value. Specifically, in the first control, the control section (100) adjusts the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner (10) so that the inside air temperature detected by the inside air temperature sensor (43) approaches the first target value. . In heating exergy operation, the control unit (100) adjusts the high pressure (condensing pressure or condensing temperature) of the utilization heat exchanger (33) by adjusting the rotation speed of the compressor (22). . As a result, the inside air temperature of the indoor space (S) converges to the optimum inside air temperature. Here, the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner (10) may be adjusted so as to approach a value within a predetermined range (for example, ±3° C., more preferably ±1° C.) from the optimum inside air temperature. good. For example, the air-conditioning capacity of the air conditioner (10) is adjusted so that the exergy consumption speed of the human body hardly changes and the wettability with a small burden of perspiration approaches the maximum temperature in a range of less than 0.1. may

After step S20, when a predetermined period of time elapses in step S21, the process moves to step S11 again and similar processing is executed. Here, the predetermined time in step S21 is set to 30 minutes, for example.

(4) Features (4-1)
The control unit (100) performs a first process of obtaining the value of the first index according to the inflection point in the relationship between the exergy consumption speed of the human body and the first index (internal air temperature). The control unit (100) executes first control for air conditioning with a control target of a first target value based on the value of the first index obtained in the first process. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 5, the control unit (100) sets the optimum internal air temperature (approximately 21° C.) corresponding to the inflection point a as the first target value of the first index. As a result, when the inside air temperature of the indoor space (S) converges to the optimum inside air temperature, the exergy consumption speed of the human body can be made relatively small.

Here, the exergy consumption rate of the human body is correlated with the heat stress load of the human body, and the lower the value, the smaller the heat stress load. Therefore, by reducing the human body exergy consumption speed of the person (H) in the indoor space (S) by the first control, the heat stress load on the human body can be reduced.

In addition, the inflection point a corresponds to a temperature slightly lower than the inside air temperature at which the person (H) perspires. Therefore, by causing the inside air temperature of the target space to converge to the optimum inside air temperature corresponding to the inflection point a, it is possible to suppress sweating of the person (H) in the indoor space (S).

(4-2)
The first index is the inside air temperature (indoor air temperature). Therefore, by adjusting the inside air temperature of the indoor space (S), the heat stress load on the human body can be reduced.

(4-3)
In the first process, the control section (100) determines the relationship based on data relating to outside air temperature and outside air humidity for a period from a predetermined time ago to the present. Note that the control unit (100) may determine the relationship based on data relating to the outside air temperature for a period from a predetermined time ago to the present. The control unit (100) may determine the relationship based on data relating to outside air humidity for a period from a predetermined time ago to the present.

The historical data of ambient temperature and ambient humidity from the past to the present corresponds to the temperature and humidity of the air to which a person is exposed over a period of time. Therefore, such historical data is an index that influences the seasonal adaptation of humans. In order to obtain the relationship shown in FIG. 5 based on this history data, the control unit (100) determines the value of the first index for lowering the person's body exergy consumption speed while considering the person's seasonal adaptation. (here, internal air temperature) can be obtained. Therefore, in the first control, the person's heat stress load can be reduced with high accuracy while considering the person's seasonal adaptation. In addition, in the first control, the person's perspiration can be suppressed while considering the person's adaptation to the season.

(5) Modifications In the above embodiment, the following modifications may be adopted. Note that, in principle, points different from the above embodiment will be described below.

(5-1) Modification 1: Air conditioner including humidity control (1)
(5-1-1) Overall Configuration of Air Conditioner As schematically shown in FIG. It has a fan (32) and a humidity control section (50). The utilization heat exchanger (33) is a temperature control section that controls the temperature of the air. The humidity control section (50) adjusts the humidity of the air.

The humidity control section (50) includes an adsorption member that adjusts the humidity of the air by, for example, adsorbing and desorbing moisture. In this case, the humidity control section (50) includes a heating section for regenerating the adsorption member.

The humidity control section (50) may include, for example, an adsorption heat exchanger in which an adsorbent is carried on the surface of heat exchanger fins or heat transfer tubes. In this case, the humidity control section (50) contains a heat medium (eg, refrigerant) that flows through the adsorption heat exchanger to heat or cool the adsorbent. The humidity control section (50) may include a rotary adsorption rotor. In this case, the adsorption rotor includes a drive source for rotating the adsorption rotor and a heating section for regenerating the adsorption rotor. The adsorption rotor may be provided in the heat source unit (20) (outdoor unit). Air humidified or dehumidified by the adsorption rotor is supplied to the air passageway (30c) of the utilization unit (30) through the duct.

The humidity control section (50) may be a humidifying element that releases moisture into the air, or a sprayer.

The humidity control section (50) may be a total heat exchanger that exchanges sensible heat and latent heat, for example, between indoor air and outdoor air.

The air conditioner (10) has an inside air humidity sensor (44) in addition to the inside air temperature sensor (43). The indoor air humidity sensor (44) detects the indoor air humidity (strictly speaking, relative humidity) in the indoor space (S).

(5-1-2) Exergy Controlled Operation The exergy controlled operation of Modification 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. FIG. Here, an example of the cooling exergy operation performed, for example, in summer will be described.

In Modification 1, steps S21 to S25 are the same as steps S11 to S15 of the embodiment described above. In step S26, the inside air humidity sensor (44) acquires the inside air humidity of the indoor space (S). In step S27, the control section (100) acquires the clothing amount of the person (H) in the indoor space (S), as in step S16.

In step S28, the control section (100) obtains the relationship between the exergy consumption rate of the human body and the inside air temperature. Here, the inside air temperature is the first index of the present disclosure, and is the control value for air conditioning. The control unit (100) of Modification 1 obtains the relationship for each of a plurality of inside air humidity. These relationships are the outside air temperature and outside air humidity of the outdoor space (O), the inside air temperature and inside air humidity of the target space where the person (H) exists, the wall temperature (radiant temperature) of the target space where the person (H) exists, It is created using the wind speed of the air supplied to the person (H) from the air conditioner (10), the amount of clothing of the person (H), and the amount of activity of the person (H) as parameters. The control unit (100) creates a relationship corresponding to a plurality of inside air humidity within the inside air humidity control range.

In the example of FIG. 8, in step S28, the control unit (100) establishes a first relationship R1 corresponding to a room air humidity of 70%, a second relationship R2 corresponding to a room air humidity of 50%, and a room air humidity of Create a third relationship R3 corresponding to 30%. In the example of FIG. 8, the first relationship R1 has an inflection point a, the second relationship R2 has an inflection point b, and the third relationship R3 has an inflection point c. A set of these inflection points is called a set of inflection points. In other words, in step S28, the control section (100) obtains a set of inflection points, which is a set of inflection points when the value of the second index different from the first index is changed.

In step S29, the control section (100) obtains the first inflection point at which the human body exergy consumption speed is the lowest among the plurality of inflection points a, b, and c. The first inflection point can also be said to be an inflection point corresponding to the value of the inside air humidity (second index). The first inflection point in this example is the inflection point a corresponding to the first relationship R1.

At step S30, the control section (100) obtains the value of the first index and the value of the second index corresponding to the first inflection point. The value of the first index is the inside air temperature (optimal inside air humidity) corresponding to the first inflection point. The value of the second index is the first inflection point or the inside air humidity corresponding to the first relationship R1 of the first inflection point (hereinafter also referred to as optimum inside air humidity).

Steps 28, S29, and S30 correspond to the first process of the present disclosure.

In step S31, the control section (100) controls air conditioning using the optimum inside air temperature obtained in step S30 as the first target value. Specifically, the control section (100) adjusts the capacity of the heat exchanger (33) so that the inside air temperature detected by the inside air temperature sensor (43) approaches the first target value. In cooling exergy operation, the control unit (100) adjusts the low pressure (evaporation pressure or evaporation temperature) of the heat exchanger (33) by adjusting the rotation speed of the compressor (22). . As a result, the inside air temperature of the indoor space (S) converges to the optimum inside air temperature.

In step S32, the control section (100) controls the air conditioning using the optimum inside air humidity determined in step S30 as the second target value. Specifically, the control section (100) adjusts the ability of the humidity control section (50) so that the inside air humidity detected by the inside air humidity sensor (44) approaches the second target value. As a result, the inside air humidity of the indoor space (S) converges to the optimum inside air humidity. Here, the ability of the humidity control section (50) may be adjusted so as to approach a value within a predetermined range (for example, a range of ±20%, more preferably a range of ±10%) from the optimum inside air humidity. For example, even if the optimum internal humidity is 70%, if the range of humidity that can be set by the humidity control section is 40 to 60%, the ability of the humidity control section (50) may be adjusted so as to approach 60%. .

Step S31 and step S32 correspond to the first control of the present disclosure.

After that, the process proceeds to step S33, and when a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses, the processes after step S21 are executed again.

(5-2) Features In the first process, the control unit (100) determines the first inflection point so that the human body exergy consumption speed is the lowest among the set of inflection points, and the first inflection point Obtain the value of the first index and the value of the second index according to . In other words, in the first control, the control section (100) controls air conditioning using the value of the first index (inside air temperature) and the value of the second index (inside air humidity) as target values. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 8, in the first control, air conditioning can be performed aiming at the inflection point a at which the exergy consumption speed of the human body is the lowest. As a result, the exergy consumption speed of the human body can be minimized, and the heat stress load of the human body can be effectively reduced.

In addition, since the inflection point a corresponds to the inside air temperature and inside air humidity before perspiration starts, it is possible to suppress human perspiration.

In addition, in step S29 of the exergy control operation of modification 1, the control unit (100) determines that the exergy consumption speed of the human body becomes lower than the predetermined first value among the set inflection points created in step S28. The inflection point may be the first inflection point. Here, the first value is equal to or lower than the median value (Eu-El/2), where Eu is the upper limit of the exergy consumption speed of the human body corresponding to the control range of the second index, and El is the lower limit. Preferably. By determining the first inflection point in this way, in the first control, the exergy consumption speed of the human body can be reduced, and the heat stress load of the human can be reduced.

(6) Modification 2: Air conditioner including humidity control (2)
Modification 2 differs from Modification 1 in the method of determining the first inflection point. As shown in FIG. 9, the control section (100) of Modification 2 controls step S34 instead of step S29 of Modification 1. FIG.

In Modified Example 2, a person inputs the inside air humidity (second index) as the target value into the remote controller (35), which is an input unit. In step S34, the control section (100) determines a first inflection point corresponding to the inside air humidity set in the remote controller (35) from the collective inflection points. For example, when the person (H) inputs 30% relative humidity to the remote controller (35), the control unit (100) first inflects the inflection point a of the first relationship R1 corresponding to 30% relative humidity. point. Subsequent control is the same as in Modification 1.

In the first control of Modified Example 2, the control section (100) performs air conditioning using the inside air humidity set in the remote controller (35) as a target value. Therefore, the body exergy consumption speed can be reduced while satisfying the inside air humidity desired by the person. As a result, it is possible to reduce the heat stress load on the person while ensuring the comfort of the person. In addition, human perspiration can be suppressed.

It should be noted that in Modification 2, in step S34, the control section (100) controls the second index (inside air humidity) detected by the inside air humidity sensor (44) instead of the second index (inside air humidity) set in the input section (35). A first inflection point corresponding to (inside air humidity) may be determined.

The second index input to the input section (35) does not necessarily have to be input by a person. An output value of another device may be input to the input section (35). Specifically, when the target humidity is set for another humidifier, this set value may be input to the input section (35).

(7) Modification 3: Modification of Second Index In the exergy control operation described in Modifications 1 and 2, the control section (100) uses the inside air humidity as the second index. The second index may be the radiant temperature of the target space and the flow velocity of the airflow supplied to the target space.

The radiant temperature of the target space means the radiant temperature (radiant temperature) of walls, floors, ceilings, etc. facing the target space. The radiation temperature can be controlled by adjusting the temperature, flow velocity, wind direction, etc. of the air supplied from the air conditioner (10). Since the radiation temperature is one of the parameters related to the exergy consumption speed of the human body, in the first process, the control section (100) can obtain the relationship according to the radiation temperature instead of the inside air humidity. The radiant temperature can be obtained by an infrared sensor placed in the target space, which can be obtained by a temperature sensor provided on a wall surface or the like.

The flow velocity of the airflow supplied to the target space corresponds to the wind velocity that hits the person. The speed of the airflow can be controlled by adjusting the number of rotations of the fan (32) used in the air conditioner (10). Since the flow velocity of the airflow is one of the parameters related to the exergy consumption rate of the human body, in the first process, the controller (100) can obtain the relationship according to the flow velocity instead of the inside air humidity. The flow velocity can be acquired by a wind velocity sensor or the like.

(8) Modification 4: Control Unit The control unit (100) of the present disclosure is provided in the air conditioner (10). However, the control unit (100) may be a control system provided in a part different from the air conditioner (10). The control unit (100) may be provided in a server device connected to the air conditioner (10) via a network. The control unit (100) may be provided, for example, in a terminal device owned by a person (H). Terminal devices include smartphones, personal computers, tablets, and the like.

(9) Other Embodiments In the example described above, the control unit (100) obtains the inflection point in the relationship between the first index and the human body exergy consumption speed, and then calculates the first index corresponding to the inflection point. I am looking for the value of However, the control unit (100) may directly obtain the first index corresponding to the inflection point using the relationship between the first index and the exergy consumption rate of the human body.

In the example described above, the control section (100) obtains the set inflection points, and then determines the predetermined first inflection point from the set inflection points. However, the control unit (100) may determine the first inflection point without directly obtaining the set inflection points.

In the example described above, the value of the first index corresponding to the inflection point is used as it is as the first target value. However, the first target value may be a first target value based on the value of this first index. or a value obtained by multiplying the value of the first index by a predetermined coefficient.

In the example described above, the value of the second index corresponding to the inflection point is used as it is as the second target value. However, the second target value may be a second target value based on the value of this second index. or a value obtained by multiplying the value of the second index by a predetermined coefficient.

In the first process, the control unit (100) sets an upper limit value and a lower limit value for the first index (for example, indoor air temperature) in the function, and within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, an inflection point may be asked for.

In the first process, the control unit (100) sets an upper limit value and a lower limit value for the second index corresponding to the set inflection point, and within the range between the upper limit value and the lower limit value, the first inflection point may be asked for.

In the first process, the control section (100) may use the first index itself to calculate a parameter for obtaining the exergy consumption speed of the human body. For example, if the first index is the room air temperature, the radiation temperature, which is one of the above parameters, can be obtained from the room air temperature. Alternatively, indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, radiation temperature, air velocity, amount of clothing, and amount of activity may be determined so that PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) satisfies the relationship of zero.

Although embodiments and variations have been described above, it will be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. In addition, the above embodiments, modifications, and other embodiments may be appropriately combined or replaced as long as the functions of the object of the present disclosure are not impaired.

The amount of clothing may be used as the first index. In this case, the value of the amount of clothing corresponding to the inflection point may be notified to the user as the recommended amount of clothing, or the air conditioner may be controlled according to the type of clothing to change the thermal resistance according to the amount of clothing. You may

The descriptions of "first", "second", "third", etc. described above are used to distinguish the words and phrases to which these descriptions are given, and the number and order of the words and phrases are also limited. not something to do.

<Research results related to the present disclosure>
Research results related to the present disclosure are described below.

1. 1.Introduction In the previous report and the report before the previous report, in order to examine the necessity of environmental control according to adaptation to outdoor temperature fluctuations, we applied the adaptive model to set the indoor temperature and humidity conditions, and the conventional standard temperature. We considered the difference between subjective sensation of heat and cold and physiological data when humidity conditions were set. As a result, it was confirmed that the temperature and humidity conditions based on the adaptive model are more comfortable. In addition, we devised a model to discriminate cold and hot sensations using blood flow, which is one of the physiological data.

In this series of reports, we aim to provide a space that is friendly to people, that is, to provide an environment with little heat stress. The term "heat stress" as used herein refers to stress applied to the human body for thermoregulation in a hot or cold environment. In this research, I would like to develop a new air conditioning control method, and I would like to derive a heat stress evaluation method that considers seasonal adaptation by combining the human body exergy balance theory and the adaptive model.

The adaptive model can express the effects of seasonal changes in outside air temperature on comfort, but a separate study is required to take into consideration the heat stress on the human body. Therefore, in this paper, considering the effects of seasonal fluctuations in outside air temperature on comfortable temperature and amount of clothing, we calculated the human body exergy balance, and reported the results of examining the seasonal changes in the speed of human body exergy consumption. do.

2. Adaptation model theory Since humans have the property of seasonal adaptation, thermal perception differs between summer and winter even if the environmental temperature is instantaneously the same. Incorporating this knowledge is essential for human-friendly environmental control. Adaptive models have been proposed in ASHRAE and CEN as a formulation of the human neutral temperature (a temperature value perceived as comfortable, neither hot nor cold) that fluctuates according to changes in environmental temperature. According to the adaptive model, the human neutral temperature is determined by the history of temperature exposure over the past week.

The authors believe that such adaptation, that is, the change in neutral temperature, is caused by seasonal variations in human basal metabolic rate. Although the adaptation model captures the physiological and behavioral adaptation of humans by reflecting the results of on-site measurements, the correspondence between the physiological state of humans and the mechanisms such as heat stress that the thermal environment gives to the human body is unclear. Unknown.

3. Human body exergy balance theory 3.1. Overview of human body exergy balance Previous studies on environmental control have been based on the thermal energy balance of the human body. may be found.

The human body exergy balance theory is a model that can calculate the consumption related to convection, radiation, and evaporation5 ⁾ . As an intermediate calculation, the blood flow volume and wettability are calculated. In addition, the exergy consumption rate of the human body calculated by this model can be expressed by the following equation, and it was thought that there is a possibility that it corresponds to the stress (fatigue) derived from the thermal environment.

[Human body exergy consumption speed]
= [warm exergy generated by metabolism]
+ [warm (cold) and wet (dry) exergy of intake air]
＋[Temperature and humidity exergy of metabolic water (lung)]
+ [Metabolic water (skin) and dry air warm (cold) and wet (dry) exergy]
+ [Warm (cold) radiant exergy absorbed by clothes]
- [accumulation of warm exergy]
- [Breath temperature/humidity exergy]
－[Heat and separation exergy of moist air generated after sweat evaporation]
－[Hot (cold) radiant exergy from clothing]
- [Hot (cold) exergy coming out of clothes by convection]
In the human body exergy balance theory, different forms of heat and moisture transfer such as convection, radiation, and evaporation can be expressed in a unified manner by a quantity (exergy) that indicates diffusion capacity. There are many conditions under which the energy input/output and storage balances are the same even if the heat transfer rates of radiation, convection, and evaporation are different, but in the case of the exergy balance, differences appear in consumption.

Since outside temperature is necessary to guide the exergy balance of the human body, seasonal differences can appear unlike the energy balance. Therefore, it is important to examine the correspondence between the comfort temperature of the adaptive model, in which the outside temperature is used as a variable, and the correspondence.

3.2. Human Body Exergy Balance at Various Outside Temperatures Figure 10 shows how the body exergy consumption rate changes depending on the outside temperature. In this figure, the air temperature and wall temperature are the same, 25°C, the relative humidity is 50%, the wind speed is 0.1 m/s, the amount of clothing is 1 clo, the amount of activity is 1.1 met, and the outside air humidity is 50%. Even if the indoor environment is the same, the exergy consumption rate differs when the outdoor temperature is different, and it can be seen that the degree of diffusion with respect to the outdoor environmental conditions is reflected. However, the human body exergy balance does not include the human thermal environment experience (past outside air temperature history). Therefore, in this paper, we consider how the exergy consumption rate of the human body changes by fusing the data of the adaptive model with the exergy balance theory of the human body.

4. Seasonal adaptation and human exergy consumption rate 4.1. Human body exergy consumption speed according to seasonal adaptation As a calculation condition, using environmental measurement and subjective report data for a house in the Kanto region, the report of coldness and heat feeling is "neither (neither hot nor cold)". We used the average indoor air temperature and standard deviation, and the average amount of clothing and standard deviation for each week when (n = 7,333). Each value is shown in FIG. Radiant temperature was assumed to be equal to air temperature, and relative humidity, wind speed, and activity were fixed at 50%, 0.1m/s, and 1.1met, respectively. For outside air temperature and humidity, we used data released by the Japan Meteorological Agency for the same period and in the same area as the aforementioned survey data. Considering that there are individual differences in the method of adjusting the indoor air temperature and the amount of clothing according to the fluctuation of the outside air temperature, assuming five types of adaptive behavior patterns as shown in FIG. and Details of each pattern are described below.

For the average pattern, the average values in FIG. 11 were used for both the air temperature and the amount of clothing, assuming that the average behavior to adapt to environmental changes is always performed. The A pattern assumes people who are sensitive to heat. Assuming that the air temperature is average throughout the year, but the clothing is always thin, the average air temperature is used, and the amount of clothing is average minus standard deviation. Pattern B assumes people who don't use the air conditioning very much and who change their clothes a lot. The air temperature was average + standard deviation in the cooling season, and average - standard deviation in the heating season to express weak cooling and heating (hereinafter referred to as weak air conditioning conditions). Here, the cooling period is defined as the weekly average maximum outside air temperature>air temperature, and the heating period is defined as the weekly average maximum outside air temperature≤air temperature (the same applies hereinafter). On the other hand, the amount of clothing was defined as the mean value minus the standard deviation in the cooling season, and the mean value plus the standard deviation in the heating season. Pattern C assumes a person who does not use air conditioning very much and changes clothes on average. For the air temperature, the same weak air conditioning conditions as in B were used, and for the amount of clothing, the average value was used. Pattern D assumes a person who actively uses air conditioning and wears clothes on average. Contrary to B and C, the air temperature was average value minus standard deviation in the cooling season, and average value + standard deviation in the heating season, expressing strong cooling and heating. The average value was used for the amount of clothing. FIG. 13 shows the relationship between the body exergy balance speed calculated using the above values and the outside air temperature.

First of all, looking at the whole, even if it is "neither" in terms of the temperature sensation declaration, the human body exergy consumption speed is low in the summer when the outside temperature is high, and the human body exergy consumption speed is low in the winter season when the outside temperature is low. Is high. This indicates that the lower the outside air temperature is, the easier it is for heat to escape from the human body. In both patterns, the exergy consumption speed of the human body was the lowest throughout the year when the outside temperature was around 20℃. This corresponds to the mid-season around May or October, and is consistent with being able to spend comfortably without air conditioning during that period. Furthermore, the variation in the exergy consumption speed of the human body is large in winter and small in summer. This is due to environmental conditions and clothing conditions. The standard deviation of air temperature and amount of clothing tends to vary more in winter than in summer. The fact that the divergence is larger in winter is reflected in the calculation results, and it is considered that the exergy consumption speed of the human body varies even at the same outside air temperature. The reason why environmental conditions vary more in winter than in summer is that there are many environmental adjustment methods such as kotatsu, blankets, and electric lights that are not reflected in input values such as air temperature and humidity. .

Next, the calculation results of patterns A, B, C, and D simulating personal environmental adjustment will be considered. Among the four patterns, B and C show a difference in the exergy consumption speed of the human body especially in summer and winter. This is because the exergy consumption speed of the human body in winter is high. A common point between B and C is that the air conditioning is relatively weak both in summer and winter, simulating a space in which the temperature is high in summer and low in winter. In other words, especially in winter, even if you change your clothes drastically and stay comfortable, the exergy consumption speed of the human body is high. The body is in a state of heat stress more than if it were. Therefore, it is thought that the stress on the body can be further reduced by controlling the environment to some extent, rather than adjusting the temperature only by wearing clothes.

4.2. Estimation of optimum set temperature considering seasonal adaptation As a result of 4.1, the target value of human body exergy consumption speed is not constant, and it is an appropriate value depending on environmental conditions such as outside temperature history, the amount of clothing of the person, etc. indicates that there is Therefore, in this section, when environmental conditions other than air temperature and wall surface temperature, activity level, and amount of clothing are given, the air Describe how to set the temperature. A method for determining the set air temperature assuming specific environmental conditions is described below.

Assuming a winter environment, indoor temperature and human body exergy consumption speed at an outdoor temperature of 5.5°C, outdoor air relative humidity of 45%, indoor relative humidity of 50%, wind speed of 0.1m/s, amount of clothing of 0.94clo, and amount of activity of 1.1met. and the wetting rate relationship is shown in FIG. Note that the air temperature and the wall surface temperature are the same, and the two are collectively referred to as room temperature. The exergy consumption rate of the human body drops sharply to about 2.6w/m ² at indoor temperatures of 14 to 21°C, stops dropping sharply at 21°C, and gradually drops while curving like a mountain. The optimum room temperature is around 21°C, which is the inflection point of the exergy consumption rate of the human body.

The reason why the optimum indoor temperature is set near the inflection point is explained. The appearance of the inflection point is considered to be due to the appearance of perspiration exceeding insensible perspiration. In fact, the wetting rate shown in FIG. 14 increased from 0.06, which indicates insensible perspiration, at 21°C, which is the inflection point of the exergy consumption rate of the human body, indicating that sweating has begun. . Considering the actual environment of sweating in winter, for example, a state in which the heating is turned on but the air temperature becomes too high and the person is sweaty, such a state is obviously uncomfortable. In addition, since the exergy consumption speed of the human body is proportional to the amount of heat released, the human body that constantly releases heat must be above a certain level. In particular, at room temperatures of 28°C or higher, the exergy consumption rate of the human body decreased despite perspiration. . If this state continues, heat will continue to accumulate in the body, the core temperature will rise, and eventually heat stroke will occur. Based on the above, it is considered that 21°C or less, where people are not sweating, is appropriate as an environment for relaxing at home in a seated state in winter.

Next, at 21° C. or less in FIG. 14, the exergy consumption speed of the human body becomes extremely high as the temperature is low. The body's exergy consumption speed needs to be above a certain level for the body's constant heat dissipation, but if it is too high, the heat that should be in the body will be lost due to excessive heat dissipation. , it feels cold and uncomfortable. From the above, in the environment assumed this time, it is considered that the indoor temperature of 20 to 21°C, which does not cause the exergy consumption rate of the human body to be too high, is optimal.

As described above, by determining an environment other than the room temperature, it is possible to derive the room temperature in the environment that causes less heat stress on humans. In the next section, we describe a system using the above calculation method.

5. A proposal for air conditioner control based on human body exergy balance 5.1. Overview As mentioned in the previous report and the report before, this system aims to be a human-friendly environmental control system. This time, we will explain a system that has the function of determining the set temperature using the method of deriving the room temperature that causes less heat stress on people as described in Section 4.2.

By using this system, it is possible to automatically set the temperature according to the person's condition and season, with less burden on the body.

5.2. System configuration In order to derive the optimum indoor temperature, the current outdoor temperature and humidity, indoor humidity, wind speed, amount of clothing, and amount of activity are required. The main usage scene of this system is sitting and relaxing at home, and the wind speed of 0.1m/s and the activity level of 1.1met are considered good. However, from spring to autumn, it is conceivable that the set value of the wind speed may be changed by acquiring the operating status data of the electric fan. The outdoor temperature and humidity are obtained from a temperature and humidity sensor provided in the outdoor unit, and the indoor humidity is obtained from a temperature and humidity sensor provided in the indoor unit. The amount of clothing is fixed for summer, middle season, and winter. However, it is also possible for the user to directly input the amount of clothing. This system is an air-conditioning control system that provides the indoor temperature derived using the calculation method described in Section 4 to the environment.

As explained above, the present disclosure is useful for.

S target space 10 air conditioner 35 input unit 100 control unit

Claims (8)

At the inflection point in the relationship between the first index, which is any one of indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, radiant temperature, air velocity, amount of clothing, amount of activity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity, and the speed of exergy consumption by the human body. A control unit (100) for performing a first process for determining the value of the first index according to the first process, and performing first control for performing air conditioning at a first target value based on the value of the first index determined by the first process. Air conditioner with. The control unit (100)
When the value of the second index different from the first index out of indoor air temperature, indoor relative humidity, radiant temperature, air velocity, amount of clothing, amount of activity, outdoor temperature, and outdoor humidity is changed in the first processing determining a predetermined first inflection point from a set of inflection points, which is a set of the inflection points of , and obtaining a first index value and a second index value corresponding to the first inflection point;
2. In the first control, air conditioning is performed with a first target value based on the value of the first index obtained in the first process and a second target value based on the value of the second index obtained in the first process. The air conditioner according to . The control unit (100)
In the first process, the first inflection point is an inflection point at which the human body exergy consumption speed is the lowest among the set of inflection points or at which the human body exergy consumption speed is smaller than a predetermined first value. 3. The air conditioner of claim 2, wherein points are determined. An input unit (35) for inputting the second index,
3. The control unit (100) determines, in the first process, a first inflection point corresponding to the second index input to the input unit (35) among the set of inflection points. An air conditioner as described. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first index is indoor air temperature. The air conditioner according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the second index is indoor relative humidity, radiation temperature, or air velocity. 7. Any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the first process, the control unit (100) determines the relationship based on data relating to at least one of outside air temperature and outside air humidity for a period from a predetermined time ago to the present. or 1 air conditioner. A control system for an air conditioner comprising the control unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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