JP5180616B2 - Energy-saving devices such as air conditioners - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an air conditioner or the like that reduces the energy consumption of an air conditioner or refrigerator (hereinafter referred to as an air conditioner) that cools the room by exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. It belongs to the technical field of energy-saving devices.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a control device for an air conditioner that performs control so that water is injected from a nozzle to a heat exchanger that functions as a condenser when power consumption exceeds a set value. Further, Patent Document 2 includes a nozzle unit that sprays water on the heat exchanger of the air conditioner, and the operation time of the nozzle unit required to spray water over almost the entire heat exchanger and the heat exchanger. The relationship between the outside air temperature near the inlet and the relationship between the stop time of the nozzle part required for the sprayed water to evaporate and almost the entire heat exchanger to dry and the outside air temperature near the inlet. Disclosed is an auxiliary cooling device for an outdoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus that automatically stores an outside air temperature detected by a temperature sensor and an operation time and a stop time of the nozzle unit based on the memory. Yes. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses an air conditioner in which water in a water tank is applied to a radiator by an electric pump and the condensed water of the indoor unit is collected in this water tank.

Japanese Patent No. 3073966 Japanese Patent No. 3739530 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-26426

  In this way, when water is applied to a heat exchanger of an outdoor unit such as a cooling unit to cool it, the thermal efficiency is improved. Therefore, in an electrically driven cooling unit driven by an electric motor, power saving is realized and a gas engine is used. A gas-driven air conditioner or the like that is driven realizes gas saving, and energy saving is achieved in any case. In that case, it is more costly to use dew condensation water (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “dew condensation water”) generated from the indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit than water used for the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. Cheaper. However, unlike tap water, the amount of condensed water varies, and it is difficult to supply it stably. As a result, there is a shortage of dew condensation water that is not sufficiently supplied to the heat exchangers of outdoor units such as air conditioners, and energy saving cannot be achieved. However, even if there is an excessive supply to the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit such as the air conditioner, there is a situation in which it does not contribute to energy saving.

  In addition, when using an electrically driven air conditioner or the like, in order to reduce the electricity bill, it is necessary to reduce the contract power, that is, the annual maximum demand while suppressing the maximum power demand (peak power) for each user. Thus, the maximum power demand (peak demand) in the entire power market, not as an individual user, often occurs, for example, on a midsummer afternoon.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to such points, and the object of the present invention is to store condensed water in a cooling water tank and prepare it in association with a date and a time zone. By appropriately supplying the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit based on the target water supply amount, energy saving and cost reduction of the air conditioner and the like are promoted.

The present invention is an energy-saving device such as a cooling unit that reduces energy consumption of a cooling unit that cools the room by exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Energy saving equipment
A cooling water tank that collects condensed water generated from indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit;
Water supply means for supplying water from the cooling water tank to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit;
A date and time calculating means for calculating the current date and time;
Supply water to the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit preferentially in the time frame that can aim for energy saving in the time frame that is scheduled to use the air conditioner etc. in the day in relation to the date and time zone. Storage means for storing the target water supply amount set as described above ,
Receiving the output of said time calculating means, the target water supply amount corresponding to the calculated date and time read from the storage means, control means for the water supply amount is to control the water supply means so as to the target water supply amount And.

  Condensed water generated from the indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit is accumulated in the cooling water tank, and the water in the cooling water tank is supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit by the water supply means. Since the heat exchanger of the machine is cooled, the thermal efficiency of the air conditioner and the like is improved, and energy saving is realized. Then, the control unit reads the target water supply amount corresponding to the date and time calculated by the date and time calculation unit from the storage unit, and controls the water supply unit so that the water supply amount becomes the target water supply amount. Is done. And since dew condensation water is used without using tap water etc., cost reduction is implement | achieved.

In that case, the target water supply amount can be set freely by the user, but the target water supply amount should be set so that the water supply to the outdoor unit heat exchanger is preferentially performed in the time zone where the most energy saving is aimed. Having set the most efficient energy saving by using the limited condensed water is achieved. The time zone in which the most energy saving can be aimed at is a time zone in which the cooling load of the air conditioner or the like is maximized. This cooling load indicates, for example, the amount of heat loss, heat acquisition, and the like caused by heat flowing into the room from outside or generating heat in the room during cooling, and indicates the burden of cooling. Therefore, the cooling load increases as the outdoor temperature increases, and the cooling load increases as the number of people in the room increases.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
Divide the day into multiple time zones, and the target water supply is set only in the time zone where the energy consumption per unit time is expected to become the maximum during the day, or the time zone and its surrounding time It may be set only in the band.

  In this way, the setting can be performed in units of time zones, and the setting operation is relatively simple. In addition, in an electric drive air conditioner or the like, peak power for the user is suppressed, contract power, that is, annual maximum demand is reduced, electricity charges are reduced, and cost reduction is realized.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
Furthermore, a liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level height of the cooling water tank,
Correction means for correcting the water supply amount set by the control means when it is determined that the liquid level height is higher than the upper limit height or lower than the lower limit height by the output of the liquid level detection means And may be provided.

  In this way, when there is a sufficient amount of water in the cooling water tank, it is possible to extend the time zone during which water is supplied, and energy saving is promoted. On the other hand, when the amount of water in the cooling water tank decreases or is depleted, it is possible to reduce the time for supplying water or to stop water supply to prevent a failure of the water supply means.

The present invention also relates to an energy saving device such as a cooling unit that reduces energy consumption of a cooling unit that cools the room by exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Energy-saving devices such as machines
A cooling water tank that collects condensed water generated from indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit;
Water supply means for supplying water from the cooling water tank to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit;
A date and time calculating means for calculating the current date and time;
Storage means for storing a target water supply amount associated with a date and a time zone;
Control means for receiving the output of the date and time calculation means, reading the target water supply amount corresponding to the calculated date and time from the storage means, and controlling the water supply means so that the water supply amount becomes the target water supply amount
And
Furthermore, a liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level height of the cooling water tank,
Correction means for correcting the water supply amount set by the control means when it is determined that the liquid level height is higher than the upper limit height or lower than the lower limit height by the output of the liquid level detection means
And.

Condensed water generated from the indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit is accumulated in the cooling water tank, and the water in the cooling water tank is supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit by the water supply means. Since the heat exchanger of the machine is cooled, the thermal efficiency of the air conditioner and the like is improved, and energy saving is realized. Then, the control unit reads the target water supply amount corresponding to the date and time calculated by the date and time calculation unit from the storage unit, and controls the water supply unit so that the water supply amount becomes the target water supply amount. Is done. And since dew condensation water is used without using tap water etc., cost reduction is implement | achieved.

In this case, the target water supply amount can be set freely by the user. For example, the target water supply amount is set so that the water supply to the outdoor unit heat exchanger is preferentially performed in a time zone where energy saving can be most aimed. Is set, the most efficient energy saving is realized using limited dew condensation water. The time zone in which the most energy saving can be aimed at is a time zone in which the cooling load of the air conditioner or the like is maximized. This cooling load indicates, for example, the amount of heat loss, heat acquisition, and the like caused by heat flowing into the room from outside or generating heat in the room during cooling, and indicates the burden of cooling. Therefore, the cooling load increases as the outdoor temperature increases, and the cooling load increases as the number of people in the room increases.

In addition, when there is a sufficient amount of water in the cooling water tank, it is possible to extend the time zone during which water is supplied, and energy saving is promoted. On the other hand, when the amount of water in the cooling water tank decreases or is depleted, it is possible to reduce the time for supplying water or to stop water supply to prevent a failure of the water supply means.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
  Divide the day into multiple time zones, and the target water supply is set only in the time zone where the energy consumption per unit time is expected to become the maximum during the day, or the time zone and its surrounding time It may be set only in the band.

In this way, the setting can be performed in units of time zones, and the setting operation is relatively simple. In addition, in an electric drive air conditioner or the like, peak power for the user is suppressed, contract power, that is, annual maximum demand is reduced, electricity charges are reduced, and cost reduction is realized.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
Divide the day into multiple time zones, and the capacity of the cooling water tank is outside the average of the general indoor temperature and humidity of the room cooled by the air conditioner, the capacity of the air conditioner, etc. Based on temperature and humidity, it corresponds to the amount of water supply required in the time period when peak demand occurs or the time period in and around that time minus the total amount of condensed water generated in that time period May be set.

  In this way, the capacity of the cooling water tank is excessive or insufficient to supply water to the outdoor unit heat exchanger in the time zone when peak demand occurs on the midsummer day, or in the time zone and the surrounding time zone. Not set to capacity. Therefore, when a general user, such as an electrically driven air conditioner, suppresses peak power and lowers annual maximum demand, the size of the cooling water tank is minimized, and further cost reduction is realized.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
In addition, a rainwater tank that collects rainwater,
There may be provided rainwater replenishing means for replenishing the cooling water tank with rainwater from the rainwater tank when the liquid level of the cooling water tank becomes below the limit height.

  In this way, rainwater is replenished when the amount of water in the cooling water tank decreases or is almost exhausted, so that water can be supplied almost as set and energy saving is reliably realized. In addition, when the amount of water in the cooling water tank is almost as set, it is possible to extend the time zone in which water is supplied with rainwater supplemented, and energy saving is promoted.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
A water supply means is connected to the cooling water tank so that one end thereof communicates with the bottom thereof, and the other end is provided on the water supply pipe disposed toward the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. You may be comprised with the pump which pumps the water of the one end side of a water supply pipe to the other end side.

  If it does in this way, when a pump will operate | move, the water of a cooling water tank will be supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger of an outdoor unit via a water supply pipe | tube by pumping.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
The cooling water tank is installed above the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and the water supply means is connected so that one end communicates with the bottom of the cooling water tank and the other end of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. You may be comprised by the water supply pipe arrange | positioned toward the surface, and the electromagnetic valve provided in this water supply pipe.

  In this way, when the electromagnetic valve is opened, the water in the cooling water tank is supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit via the water supply pipe with potential energy.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
A water supply means is connected to the cooling water tank so that one end thereof communicates with the bottom thereof, and the other end is provided on the water supply pipe disposed toward the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. A pump that pumps water on one end of the water supply pipe to the other end, a pressure switch that turns on when the water pressure inside the water supply pipe on the discharge side of the pump becomes lower than a predetermined value, and is connected to this pressure switch. A drive control device for energizing the pump to drive the pump when receiving an ON signal from the pressure switch, and an electromagnetic valve provided on the discharge side of the pump in the water supply pipe and on the downstream side of the pressure switch. It may be.

  In this way, when the water pressure on the discharge side of the pump becomes lower than a predetermined value, the pressure switch is turned ON, and the pump is operated by the drive control device to keep the water pressure on the discharge side of the pump at a predetermined value or higher. Be drunk. And if a solenoid valve opens, the water of a cooling water tank will be supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger of an outdoor unit via a water supply pipe.

The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is
The other end of the water supply pipe is branched into a plurality and arranged toward the surface of the heat exchanger of the plurality of outdoor units,
A solenoid valve is provided at each other end,
The plurality of solenoid valves may be controlled by the control means.

  If it does in this way, water will be supplied to a plurality of heat exchangers from one cooling water tank.

  Since the energy saving apparatus such as the air conditioner of the present invention uses condensed water without using tap water or the like, cost reduction can be realized. If the target water supply amount is set so that water is supplied to the outdoor unit heat exchanger preferentially during the time when energy saving can be aimed at most, the most efficient energy saving can be achieved using limited condensed water. Can be realized.

  If the target water supply volume is set only in the time zone where the energy consumption per unit time is expected to become the maximum during the day, the setting operation can be performed in units of time zone and the setting operation is relatively easy. is there. In addition, in an electric drive air conditioner or the like, peak power for the user can be suppressed, contract power, that is, annual maximum demand can be reduced, electric charges can be reduced, and cost reduction can be realized.

  Further, when the water supply amount set by the control means is corrected when the liquid level height is higher than the upper limit height or lower than the lower limit height, there is a margin in the amount of water in the cooling water tank. In some cases, it is possible to extend the time period during which water is supplied, thereby promoting energy saving. Conversely, when the amount of water in the cooling water tank is low or depleted, the time for supplying water is reduced. It is possible to prevent the water supply means from being broken by reducing the size or stopping the water supply.

  Divide the capacity of the cooling water tank into a plurality of time zones, and the capacity of the cooling water tank can be divided into the general indoor temperature and humidity of the room cooled by the air conditioner, the capacity of the air conditioner, etc. Based on the average outside temperature and humidity for each hour of the day, dew condensation water generated in the same time period from the total amount of water supply required during the time when peak demand occurred or during that time period and the surrounding time period When set to correspond to the amount after subtracting the total amount, the capacity of the cooling water tank is set to a capacity that is sufficient for supplying water to the outdoor unit heat exchanger during the time period, etc. When general users such as air conditioners reduce peak power and reduce annual maximum demand, the size of the cooling water tank can be minimized and further cost reduction can be realized.

  In addition, when the cooling water tank is replenished with the rain water in the rain water tank when the liquid level of the cooling water tank is below the limit height, the water volume in the cooling water tank is likely to decrease or be depleted. Rainwater is replenished and water can be supplied almost as set, energy saving can be realized reliably, and when the amount of water in the cooling water tank is almost as set, the time period for supplying water can be extended. It becomes possible and energy saving can be promoted.

  Air conditioners that supply the water in the cooling tank to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit via the water supply pipe by pumping the pump, by the potential energy, or by the water pressure on the pump discharge side that is kept above a predetermined value The energy-saving device can be exemplified. In addition, an energy saving device such as a cooling device that supplies water from one cooling water tank to a plurality of heat exchangers could be exemplified.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 1 shows an energy saving apparatus 100 such as an air conditioner according to the first embodiment. The energy saving apparatus 100 is used in a cooling device that cools a room by exchanging heat between an indoor unit (not shown) and an outdoor unit (not shown except for a heat exchanger). Here, the present invention is used for an air conditioner that can selectively execute a cooling operation or a heating operation. However, the present invention may be used for a cooling unit dedicated to cooling, or a temperature lower than the cooling unit in the room. It may be used for a refrigerator that is cooled to a low temperature. Moreover, although the air conditioner of this embodiment is an electrically driven air conditioner, the present invention can also be used for a gas driven air conditioner or a refrigerator. In short, it can be used for an air conditioner or the like that cools the room by exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit, whether it is electric drive or gas drive. The energy saving apparatus 100 reduces the energy consumption of the air conditioner by supplying water to the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit and cooling it. This reduction in energy consumption means that power consumption is reduced in electric-powered air conditioners, and power saving is achieved in gas-driven air conditioners, which means gas consumption is reduced. .

  The energy saving apparatus 100 includes a cooling water tank 110 that accumulates condensed water that is cooled by an indoor unit and generated from indoor air. The cooling water tank 110 is a container that can store water. The condensed water generated by condensation on the surface of the heat exchanger due to the contact of indoor air with the heat exchanger of the indoor unit is introduced into the cooling water tank 110 by the water collecting pipe 111. The energy saving apparatus 100 further includes water supply means 120 for supplying water from the cooling water tank 110 to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit. In this embodiment, one end of the water supply pipe 121 is connected to the cooling water tank 110 so as to communicate with the bottom thereof, and the other end is arranged toward the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit. And a pump 122 that pumps water on one end side of the water supply pipe 121 to the other end side, and the water supply means 120 is constituted by the water supply pipe 121 and the pump 122.

  The water supply means 120 is connected to a known programmable logic controller (hereinafter referred to as PLC, also referred to as sequencer) 130 having a microprocessor, a memory, and the like. The PLC 130 receives signals from an operation switch 141 that is turned on when the air conditioner is operating, a temperature sensor 142 that detects the outside air temperature, and a liquid level detection means 143 that is provided in the cooling water tank 110 and detects the liquid level. Each is entered. Then, a signal is sent from the PLC 130 to the pump 122 of the water supply means 120, and the operation of the water supply means 120 is controlled based on this signal. The water supply from the water supply means 120 may be in the form of continuously supplying water or in the form of intermittently supplying water. The PLC 130 includes a date and time calculation unit 131 that calculates the current date and time, and a storage unit 132 that stores a target water supply amount associated with the date and time zone. The time zone here is obtained by dividing the time of the day into a plurality of times. Here, 24 hours a day is divided into 12 to divide one time zone into 2 hours. However, the number of divisions is arbitrary, and the division may not be performed equally, and the form of division is not limited to this. Then, the PLC 130 controls the water supply unit 120. The contents of the control will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the control of the energy saving apparatus 100 is turned on and control is started, it is determined whether or not the air conditioner is in operation in step S1 by checking whether the operation switch 141 is ON or OFF. Whether the air conditioner is in operation is determined by checking whether heat is exchanged between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit. Since this can be determined by whether or not the compressor that compresses the refrigerant is ON, the operation switch 141 is an operation switch of the compressor, but the method of determining whether or not the air conditioner is in operation is limited to this. Not. If NO when the vehicle is not in operation, return to the original position and repeat this determination. On the other hand, when the operation is YES, the outside air temperature is detected by a signal from the temperature sensor 142 in step S2, and it is determined whether the air conditioner is in a cooling operation as a cooling device or in other operation. This determination may be made by obtaining a signal corresponding to the operation mode output from the air conditioner instead. When NO is during the operation other than the cooling operation, the process returns to the original. On the other hand, when YES is during the cooling operation, the process proceeds to step S3, and the liquid level height is detected by the signal from the liquid level detection means 143. When NO is determined to be equal to or lower than the upper limit height, the target water supply amount corresponding to the date and time calculated by the date and time calculation means 131 is read from the storage means 132 in step S4. Then, in step S5, the water supply means 120 is operated, the water in the cooling water tank 110 is supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit, and the operation time of the water supply means 120 is observed in step S6, thereby supplying the water supply amount. Is determined whether or not the target water supply amount has been reached. If NO, the flow returns to step S5 to continue operating the water supply means 120. That is, assuming that the flow rate of water supplied by the water supply unit 120 is substantially constant, the water supply amount is determined by the operation time of the water supply unit 120. When the water supply amount reaches the target water supply amount and becomes YES, the process proceeds to step 7 to stop the operation of the water supply means 120, and in step S8, it is determined whether or not the switch of the energy saving apparatus 100 is turned off. If the switch of the energy saving apparatus 100 is still ON, the process returns to step S1 and the control is continued. If the switch of the energy saving apparatus 100 is OFF, the control is terminated. The target water supply amount can be set freely by the user. However, in the case of this embodiment, the target water supply amount is preferentially used in the outdoor unit heat exchanger in the time zone where the most energy saving can be aimed at in the time frame in which the use of the air conditioner is scheduled during the day. It is set to supply water. The time zone in which the most energy saving can be aimed at is the time zone in which the cooling load of the air conditioner is maximized. Moreover, the cooling load of the air conditioner increases as the difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature increases. This cooling load occurs in the time frame in which the air conditioner is used. Therefore, for example, when the air conditioner is used only during night hours without using the air conditioner during the daytime, the time frame for which the air conditioner is scheduled to be used is the night time business hours. The water supply amount will be set. In the case of this embodiment, the target water supply amount is set only in the time zone in which the energy consumption per unit time is expected to be maximized during the day. Specifically, the target water supply amount is set only in the time zone in which the peak power on each date occurs. For example, in August, the target water supply amount is set in the time zone from 2 pm to 4 pm when peak power is generated, and the target water supply amount is not set in other time zones. It is. The target water supply amount is determined according to the season, day of the week (including holidays), and time zone. The target water supply amount is determined based on past climate data, simulation results, and the like. Instead of this, the target water supply amount may be set only in the time zone in which the energy consumption per unit time is expected to be maximized during the day and the surrounding time zones that are continuous with this time zone. In the above example, in August, in addition to the time zone from 2 pm to 4 pm when peak power is generated, the time before 2:00 pm, which is the continuous time zone around this time In other words, the target water supply amount is set even during a time zone and / or after 4 pm, and the target water supply amount is not set during other time zones. In general, when the air conditioner is started, a cooling load is applied to the air conditioner at once. Therefore, the time zone immediately after the start is the time zone in which the cooling load of the air conditioner is maximum, and the time zone in which the most energy saving can be aimed at. there is a possibility. Therefore, as another setting example when setting the target water supply amount only in the time zone where the energy consumption per unit time is expected to become the maximum during the day, the target water supply amount is set immediately after the air conditioner is started. May be set only in the time zone. In this case, for example, the target water supply amount is set only in the time zone immediately after the time when the air conditioner is expected to be started on each date. Further, for example, the target water supply amount is set only in the time zone immediately after the set time when the air conditioner is reserved and activated by a timer or a memory on each date. As in the previous setting example, the target water supply amount is determined according to the season, the day of the week (including identification of holidays), and the time zone. In addition, the target water supply amount may be set only in the time zone after starting the air conditioner and the time zone following this time zone. In the case of this embodiment, when it is determined that the operation switch 141 has been stopped in step S1, the process returns to the original and the determination is repeated. If the operation switch 141 is stopped in step S1, the water supply means 120 does not operate and the operation switch 141 is turned on so that the air conditioner is turned on. At the same time as starting, the water supply means 120 is operated. As a result, the target water supply amount is set only in the time zone immediately after the start of the air conditioner.

  On the other hand, when it is determined as YES in step S3 that the liquid level is higher than the upper limit height, in step S9, the corrected target water supply amount corresponding to the date and time calculated by the date / time calculating unit 131 is stored. Read from 132. This corrected target water supply amount is obtained by correcting the target water supply amount read in step S4. Then, in step S5, the water supply means 120 is operated, the water in the cooling water tank 110 is supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit, and the operation time of the water supply means 120 is observed in step S6, thereby supplying the water supply amount. Is determined whether or not the corrected target water supply amount has been reached. If NO, the flow returns to step S5 to continue operating the water supply means 120. If the water supply amount reaches the corrected target water supply amount and the answer is YES, the process proceeds to step 7 to stop the operation of the water supply means 120, and whether or not the switch of the energy saving apparatus 100 is turned off in step S8. When the switch of the energy saving apparatus 100 is still ON, the process returns to step S1 and the control is continued. When the switch of the energy saving apparatus 100 is OFF, the control is terminated. Here, the target water supply amount obtained by correcting the target water supply amount is the target water supply amount set in the original time zone described above and the additional target set in other time zones. Consists of water supply. In the previous example of setting the target water supply amount for August in the time zone from 2 pm to 4 pm, the additional target water supply amount can be set even in the time zone from 2 pm to 4 pm. It is set so that the target water supply amount is not set in other time zones. In addition, the target water supply amount for August is added to the time zone from 2 pm to 4 pm, and in the time zone before 2 pm and / or after 4 pm. In the previous example of setting, an additional target water supply amount is set even in a time zone outside this time zone, and the target water supply amount is not set in other time zones.

  Among the above steps S1 to S9, the output of the date calculation unit 131 is received in steps S4 to S7, the target water supply amount corresponding to the calculated date and time is read from the storage unit 132, and the water supply amount is the target water. The control means 133 which controls the water supply means 120 so that it may become a supply amount is comprised. Further, when it is determined in steps S3 and S9 that the liquid level is higher than the upper limit height by the output of the liquid level detection unit 143, the correction unit 134 that corrects the water supply amount set by the control unit 133 is provided. It is composed. In this embodiment, when it is determined by the output of the liquid level detection means 143 that the liquid level has become higher than the upper limit height, the water supply amount set by the control means 133 is corrected. When it is determined by the output that the liquid level is lower than the lower limit height, the water supply amount set by the control means may be corrected. That is, for example, correction for shortening the time zone in which the target water supply amount is set. If such correction is performed, the length of the time zone in which the water supply means 120 operates is shortened. Further, correction may be made to thin out the setting of the target water supply amount during the time zone in which the target water supply amount has been set, and if such correction is performed, the water supply means 120 will be temporarily suspended during the same time zone. Will become inoperable. The setting of the timing at which the operation is disabled may be input in advance in the correction data, or the operation is disabled when the liquid level is lowered according to the output of the liquid level detection means, and when the liquid level is recovered. You may make it operate.

  The capacity of the cooling water tank 110 is set based on the general use conditions of the air conditioner. That is, based on the general indoor temperature and humidity of the room cooled by the air conditioner, the capacity of the air conditioner, and the average outside air temperature and humidity for each time of the past summer days, or the time period during which peak demand occurred And the total amount of water supply required in the surrounding time zone is set corresponding to the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount of condensed water generated in the same time zone. In that case, you may include not only the time zone in which the peak demand occurs, but also the surrounding time zones that follow this. Here, the general indoor temperature and humidity of the room cooled by the air conditioner include, for example, the indoor temperature or the indoor humidity as a target value that is set for the air conditioner when a general user operates the air conditioner. For example, even if a general user does not set the target value, it includes the expected indoor temperature or humidity that is realized indoors when the cooling function is appropriately adjusted, and also includes combinations of these . These room temperature or room humidity data can be obtained by investigation or simulation. This general room temperature is assumed to be in the range of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius, for example, but this is merely an example. The capacity of the cooling water tank used for the energy saving device of the refrigerator, not the air conditioner, can be determined by the same method. That is, the capacity of the cooling water tank generated peak demand based on the general indoor temperature and humidity of the room cooled by the refrigerator, the capacity of the refrigerator, and the average outside temperature and humidity for each past summer day. It is set corresponding to the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount of condensed water generated in the same time zone from the total amount of water supply required in the time zone or the time zone and the surrounding time zone.

  Furthermore, the energy saving apparatus 100 replenishes the cooling water tank 110 with rainwater from the rainwater tank 151 when the liquid level of the rainwater tank 151 for storing rainwater and the cooling water tank 110 becomes below the limit height. And rainwater supplementing means 152. In this embodiment, the water level of the rainwater tank 151 is set to be higher than the water level of the cooling water tank 110, the bottoms of both tanks are communicated with each other through the communication pipe 152a, and the communication pipe 152a is connected to the opening on the cooling water tank side. A known ball tap valve 152b is provided, and when the liquid surface height of the cooling water tank 110 becomes lower than the limit height, the ball tap valve 152b opens so that the rain water in the rain water tank 151 flows into the cooling water tank 110 due to the water level difference. It has become. The communication pipe 152a and the ball tap valve 152b constitute the rainwater replenishing means 152. Instead of the ball tap valve 152b, a normal electromagnetic valve or the like may be provided, and the electromagnetic valve or the like may be opened by detecting that the liquid surface height of the cooling water tank has reached a limit height or less. Further, a pump may be provided in the communication pipe, and the rainwater in the rainwater tank may be sent to the cooling water tank by this pump. If it does so, it becomes unnecessary to provide so that the water level of a rainwater tank may become higher than the water level of a cooling water tank.

  Although the PLC is used in this embodiment, the water supply means may be controlled using a computer.

  Therefore, in the energy saving apparatus 100 such as the air conditioner of the above-described embodiment, the dew condensation water generated from the indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit is accumulated in the cooling water tank 110, and the water in the cooling water tank 110 is collected by the water supply means 120. Is supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit, and the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit is cooled by the latent heat of evaporation of the water, so that the thermal efficiency of the air conditioner is improved and energy saving is realized. Then, the control unit 133 reads the target water supply amount corresponding to the date and time calculated by the date and time calculation unit 131 from the storage unit 132, and the water supply so that the water supply amount becomes the target water supply amount. Means 120 is controlled. And since dew condensation water is used without using tap water etc., cost reduction is implement | achieved.

  In that case, the target water supply amount can be set freely by the user, but the water supply to the outdoor unit heat exchanger is preferentially performed in the time zone where the most energy saving can be aimed at as in the above embodiment. If the target water supply amount is set, the most efficient energy saving is realized by using limited dew condensation water. The time zone in which the most energy saving can be aimed at is the time zone in which the cooling load of the air conditioner is maximized.

  The time zone for setting the target water supply amount in the energy saving device such as the air conditioner of the present invention is not limitedly interpreted by the above embodiment. However, in the above-described embodiment, the day is divided into a plurality of time zones, and the target water supply amount is set only in the time zone in which the energy consumption per unit time is expected to become the maximum in the day, or It was set only in the time zone and the surrounding time zone. In this way, the setting can be performed in units of time zones, and the setting operation is relatively simple. In addition, peak power for users of electric-powered air conditioners is reduced, contract power, that is, annual maximum demand is reduced, electricity charges are reduced, and cost reduction is realized.

  The energy saving apparatus such as the air conditioner of the present invention may not include the liquid level detecting means and the correcting means. However, since the above embodiment includes the liquid level detection means 143 and the correction means 134, it is possible to extend the time period for supplying water when there is a sufficient amount of water in the cooling water tank 110, thus saving energy. Is promoted. On the other hand, when the amount of water in the cooling water tank 110 decreases or is depleted, it is possible to reduce the time for supplying water or to stop the water supply to prevent the water supply means 120 from being broken.

  The capacity of the cooling water tank in the energy saving apparatus such as the air conditioner of the present invention is not limitedly interpreted by the above embodiment. However, in the above-described embodiment, the capacity of the cooling water tank 110 divides the day into a plurality of time zones, and the capacity of the cooling water tank 110 is the general indoor temperature and humidity and cooling of the room cooled by the cooling device. Based on the capacity of the aircraft and the average outside temperature and humidity for each hour of the past midsummer day, from the total amount of water supply required during the time when peak demand occurred or during that time and the surrounding time, the same time It is set according to the amount obtained by subtracting the total amount of condensed water generated in the belt. In this way, the capacity of the cooling water tank 110 is insufficient or insufficient to supply water to the outdoor unit heat exchanger in the time zone when peak demand occurs on the midsummer day, or in the time zone and the surrounding time zone. It is set to a capacity with no. Therefore, when a general user of an electrically driven air conditioner suppresses peak power and lowers the annual maximum demand, the size of the cooling water tank is minimized, and further cost reduction is realized.

  The energy saving apparatus such as the air conditioner of the present invention does not need to be provided with the rainwater tank and the rainwater replenishing means. However, since the embodiment includes the rainwater tank 151 and the rainwater replenishing means 152, the rainwater is replenished when the amount of water in the cooling water tank 110 decreases or is almost exhausted, so that water supply can be performed almost as set. As a result, energy saving can be realized. In addition, when the amount of water in the cooling water tank 110 is almost as set, it is possible to extend the time zone in which water is supplied with rainwater supplemented, and energy saving is promoted.

  FIG. 4 shows an energy saving apparatus 100 such as an air conditioner according to the second embodiment. In the first embodiment, the water supply unit 120 is configured by the water supply pipe 121 and the pump 122. In the energy saving apparatus 100 such as the air conditioner of the second embodiment, the cooling water tank 110 is installed above the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit, and the water in the cooling water tank 110 is heat-exchanged by the outdoor unit with potential energy. It supplies to the surface of the vessel 200. Therefore, the water supply means has one end connected to the cooling water tank 110 so as to communicate with the bottom thereof, and the other end disposed toward the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit, and the water supply unit When the solenoid valve 125 is opened, the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit through the water supply pipe 121a with the potential energy of the water in the cooling water tank 110 when the solenoid valve 125 is opened. To be supplied. This eliminates the need for a pump. In FIG. 4, 121b is an overflow pipe, one end is opened near the upper limit height inside the cooling water tank 110, and the other end is connected downstream of the electromagnetic valve 125 of the water supply pipe 121a. Water overflowed from the upper end of the cooling water tank 110 is supplied to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit through the water supply pipe 121a. Therefore, the liquid level detection means 143 is not provided to control the liquid level as in the case of the first embodiment. Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment, and the operations and effects are also the same.

  FIG. 5 shows an energy saving apparatus 100 such as an air conditioner according to the third embodiment. In the first embodiment, one end of the water supply pipe 121 is connected to the cooling water tank 110 so as to communicate with the bottom thereof, and the other end is arranged toward the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit, and the water supply pipe A water supply means 120 is provided in 121 for supplying water from the cooling water tank 110 to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit by a pump 122 that pumps water from one end of the water supply pipe 121 to the other end. Then, a signal was sent from the PLC 130 to the pump 122 of the water supply means 120 to control the operation of the water supply means 120. On the other hand, in the third embodiment, one end of the water supply pipe 121 is connected to the cooling water tank 110 so as to communicate with the bottom thereof, and the other end is disposed toward the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit; A pump 122 is provided in the water supply pipe 121 and pumps water on one end side of the water supply pipe 121 to the other end side, and the water pressure inside the water supply pipe 121 on the discharge side of the pump 122 is lower than a predetermined value. A pressure switch 123 that is turned on, a drive control device 124 that is connected to the pressure switch 123 and energizes the pump 122 to drive the pump 122 when receiving an ON signal from the pressure switch 123, and the pump 122 in the water supply pipe 121. And a solenoid valve 125 provided on the downstream side of the pressure switch 123, the water supply pipe 121, the pump 122, the pressure switch 123, the drive Controller 124, and the electromagnetic valve 125 constitute a supplied water supply means 120 water of the cooling water tank 110 to the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit. With this configuration, when the water pressure on the discharge side of the pump 122 becomes lower than a predetermined value, the pressure switch 123 is turned on. In response to this, the pump 122 is operated by the drive control device 124 and the discharge side of the pump 122 is turned on. The water pressure is kept above a predetermined value. In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the water supply means 120 is connected to the PLC 130, and signals from the operation switch 141, the temperature sensor 142, and the liquid level detection means 143 are transmitted to the PLC 130. Each is entered. Then, a signal is sent from the PLC 130 to the electromagnetic valve 125 of the water supply means 120, and the operation of the water supply means 120 is controlled based on this signal. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted. Other operations and effects obtained in the third embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment.

  FIG. 6 shows an energy saving apparatus 100 such as an air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment. In the third embodiment, one air conditioner that is configured to cool the room by exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit is provided. In the fourth embodiment, such an air conditioner is provided. A plurality of units are provided, and each air conditioner includes an indoor unit, an outdoor unit, and an operation switch 141. In the figure, there are two air conditioners, but there may be three or more. In the fourth embodiment, the water supply pipe 121 is branched into a number corresponding to the number of cooling units on the downstream side of the pump 122. That is, the other end of the water supply pipe 121 is branched into a plurality, and these other ends are respectively arranged toward the surface of the heat exchanger 200 of the outdoor unit having the number of the cooling units. And the electromagnetic valve 125 is each provided in these other ends. The plurality of solenoid valves 125 are connected to a plurality of PLCs 130 corresponding to the number of cooling units. Each of these PLCs 130 is supplied with a corresponding air conditioner operation switch 141, and a signal from one temperature sensor 142 and a signal from one liquid level detection means 143. Then, signals are sent from these PLCs 130 to the corresponding electromagnetic valves 125 of the water supply means 120, and the operations of the electromagnetic valves 125 of the water supply means 120 are controlled based on these signals. In this embodiment, the water supply pipe 121, the pump 122, the pressure switch 123, the drive control device 124, and the single electromagnetic valve 125 extending to one branch end are used to transfer the water in the cooling water tank 110 to the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. The water supply means 120 supplied to the surface of 200 is configured, and the corresponding water supply means 120 is controlled by each PLC 130. The control content is as shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this case, the target water supply amount can be set differently for each PLC 130 corresponding to the air conditioner, depending on the capacity of the air conditioner and the expected use situation. The capacity of the cooling water tank 110 is determined according to the minimum amount of water required when all the air conditioners are operating. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment and the third embodiment, and the same members are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. Other operations obtained in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first and third embodiments. For example, when the target water supply amount may be set to be the same in some or all of the cooling units, the storage unit 132 may be shared among the configurations of some or all of the PLCs 130.

  The energy saving apparatus 100 such as the air conditioner of the fourth embodiment is configured such that, for example, a plurality of air conditioners can be operated independently, and a single cooling water tank 110 is used as a target for the air conditioners. It is suitable as an energy saving device such as an air conditioner configured to supply water to the heat exchangers 200 of a plurality of corresponding outdoor units. Other effects obtained in the fourth embodiment are the same as those in the first embodiment and the third embodiment.

  In the fourth embodiment, a plurality of air conditioners are provided and the number of PLCs 130 is the same as the number of air conditioners. However, when the total amount of water supply is controlled by the control means 133, that is, all the outdoor units are connected to the heat exchanger 200. When the water supply means 120 is controlled so that the water supply amount becomes the target water supply amount to the heat exchangers 200 of all outdoor units, it is only necessary to provide one PLC 130 for a plurality of cooling units. . In this case, in step S1, it is determined whether or not all air conditioners are in operation, but whether or not at least one air conditioner is in operation. If the machine is stopped, return to the original and repeat this determination. On the other hand, when at least one air conditioner is operating, YES, the outside air temperature is detected by a signal from the temperature sensor 142 in step S2, and the air conditioner is operated as a cooling device or other operation is performed. Determine whether. Moreover, it is preferable to set the water supply amount to the heat exchanger 200 of each outdoor unit in accordance with the capacity of each cooling unit. This includes, for example, setting the passage area of the water supply pipe 121 according to the capacity of the air conditioner, preparing the water supply pipe 121 having the same passage area, and providing the corresponding air conditioner with the number corresponding to the capacity. It can be realized by using the water supply pipe 121 connected in parallel.

  The present invention includes an embodiment in which the features of the above embodiments are combined. In each of the above embodiments, the energy saving device of the present invention has been described in the case where it is applied to an electrically driven chiller. However, when applied to an electrically driven refrigerator, the same operation and effect are achieved although the cooling temperature is lowered. Can be obtained. Furthermore, the same operation and effect can be obtained when applied to a gas-driven air conditioner or a gas-driven refrigerator. Moreover, the above embodiment only showed some examples of energy saving apparatuses, such as the air conditioner of this invention. Therefore, the description of these embodiments does not limit the interpretation of the energy saving apparatus such as the air conditioner of the present invention.

It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows energy saving apparatuses, such as the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows the energy saving apparatus explaining the control content of PLC in energy saving apparatuses, such as the air conditioner of 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram explaining the structure of energy saving apparatuses, such as a cooling machine of this invention. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows energy saving apparatuses, such as an air conditioning machine of 2nd Embodiment. Descriptions of PLC, sensor, rainwater tank, etc. are omitted. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows energy saving apparatuses, such as an air conditioning machine of 3rd Embodiment. It is a schematic explanatory drawing which shows energy saving apparatuses, such as an air conditioning machine of 4th Embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Energy saving apparatus 110 Cooling water tank 120 Water supply means 131 Date and time calculation means 132 Storage means 133 Control means 134 Correction means 143 Liquid level detection means 151 Rain water tank 152 Rain water replenishment means 200 Heat exchanger of outdoor unit

Claims (11)

An energy-saving device such as a cooling unit that reduces energy consumption of a cooling unit that cools the room by exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit,
A cooling water tank that collects condensed water generated from indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit;
Water supply means for supplying water from the cooling water tank to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit;
A date and time calculating means for calculating the current date and time;
Supply water to the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit preferentially in the time frame that can aim for energy saving in the time frame that is scheduled to use the air conditioner etc. in the day in relation to the date and time zone. Storage means for storing the target water supply amount set as described above ,
Receiving the output of said time calculating means, the target water supply amount corresponding to the calculated date and time read from the storage means, control means for the water supply amount is to control the water supply means so as to the target water supply amount Energy-saving devices such as air conditioners equipped with   Divide the day into multiple time zones, and the target water supply is set only in the time zone where the energy consumption per unit time is expected to become the maximum during the day, or the time zone and its surrounding time The energy-saving device such as the air conditioner according to claim 1, which is set only in the belt. Furthermore, a liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level height of the cooling water tank,
Correction means for correcting the water supply amount set by the control means when it is determined that the liquid level height is higher than the upper limit height or lower than the lower limit height by the output of the liquid level detection means An energy-saving device such as a cooling device according to claim 1 or 2 comprising: An energy-saving device such as a cooling unit that reduces energy consumption of a cooling unit that cools the room by exchanging heat between the indoor unit and the outdoor unit,
A cooling water tank that collects condensed water generated from indoor air after being cooled by the indoor unit;
Water supply means for supplying water from the cooling water tank to the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit;
A date and time calculating means for calculating the current date and time;
Storage means for storing a target water supply amount associated with a date and a time zone;
Control means for receiving the output of the date and time calculation means, reading the target water supply amount corresponding to the calculated date and time from the storage means, and controlling the water supply means so that the water supply amount becomes the target water supply amount
And
Furthermore, a liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level height of the cooling water tank,
Correction means for correcting the water supply amount set by the control means when it is determined that the liquid level height is higher than the upper limit height or lower than the lower limit height by the output of the liquid level detection means
Energy-saving devices such as air conditioners equipped with Divide the day into multiple time zones, and the target water supply is set only in the time zone where the energy consumption per unit time is expected to become the maximum during the day, or the time zone and its surrounding time The energy-saving device such as a cooling machine according to claim 4, which is set only in a belt.   Divide the day into multiple time zones, and the capacity of the cooling water tank is outside the average of the general indoor temperature and humidity of the room cooled by the air conditioner, the capacity of the air conditioner, etc. Based on temperature and humidity, it corresponds to the amount of water supply required in the time period when peak demand occurs or the time period in and around that time minus the total amount of condensed water generated in that time period The energy-saving device such as a cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is set as follows. In addition, a rainwater tank that collects rainwater,
The rainwater replenishing means for replenishing the cooling water tank with rainwater from the rainwater tank when the liquid level of the cooling water tank becomes lower than a limit height. Energy-saving devices such as air conditioners.   A water supply means is connected to the cooling water tank so that one end thereof communicates with the bottom thereof, and the other end is provided on the water supply pipe disposed toward the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. The energy-saving device such as a cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a pump that pumps water on one end side of the water supply pipe to the other end side.   The cooling water tank is installed above the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit, and the water supply means is connected so that one end communicates with the bottom of the cooling water tank and the other end of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. The energy-saving device such as a cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising a water supply pipe disposed toward the surface and an electromagnetic valve provided in the water supply pipe.   A water supply means is connected to the cooling water tank so that one end thereof communicates with the bottom thereof, and the other end is provided on the water supply pipe disposed toward the surface of the heat exchanger of the outdoor unit. A pump that pumps water on one end of the water supply pipe to the other end, a pressure switch that turns on when the water pressure inside the water supply pipe on the discharge side of the pump becomes lower than a predetermined value, and is connected to this pressure switch. A drive control device for energizing the pump to drive the pump when receiving an ON signal from the pressure switch, and an electromagnetic valve provided on the discharge side of the pump in the water supply pipe and on the downstream side of the pressure switch. An energy-saving device such as a cooling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The other end of the water supply pipe is branched into a plurality and arranged toward the surface of the heat exchanger of the plurality of outdoor units,
A solenoid valve is provided at each other end,
The energy-saving device such as an air conditioner according to claim 10, wherein the plurality of electromagnetic valves are respectively controlled by a control means.

Images