JP6784161B2 - Air conditioning system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system.

Conventionally, there are air conditioners in which an indoor unit arranged indoors takes away heat in the room and heat is exhausted by a heat source unit arranged behind the ceiling, and an air conditioner system in which a plurality of the air conditioners are installed. For example, in the cooling system disclosed in FIG. 4 of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-173991), the air suction port of the air conditioner is attached to the ceiling plate so as to face both the ceiling and the room. The exhaust heat air outlet of the air conditioner is located behind the ceiling, the cold air outlet is located indoors, and the room below the ceiling plate is in the low temperature area and the ceiling above is in the high temperature area. ..

However, in the above air conditioning system, for example, when the exhaust heat treatment of the attic cannot catch up with the exhaust heat from the heat source machine, or when the atmospheric temperature of the attic rises, there is a risk that efficient air conditioning operation cannot be performed. is there.

An object of the present invention is to provide an air conditioning system that maintains a common space in which a plurality of heat source units are arranged in an environment in which the air conditioner can perform efficient air conditioning operation.

In the air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the present invention, each of the plurality of air conditioners takes in air from the indoor common space by the heat source side fan, flows it to its own heat source side heat exchanger, and blows it out to the common space. It is an air-conditioning system installed so as to take in air from the air-conditioned space, flow it through its own heat exchanger on the user side, and blow out the air-conditioned air to the air-conditioned space, and the first air conditioner, the second air conditioner, and It is equipped with a control unit. The first air conditioner includes a first compressor, a first heat source side heat exchanger, and a first heat source side fan that blows air to the first heat source side heat exchanger. The second air conditioner includes a second compressor, a second heat source side heat exchanger, and a second heat source side fan that blows air to the second heat source side heat exchanger. The control unit executes the first cooperative mode. The first cooperative mode is a mode in which the first blower operation is performed. The first blower operation is a blower operation in which the second compressor is not operated while rotating the second heat source side fan of the second air conditioner when the first compressor of the first air conditioner is operating. is there.

In this air conditioning system, the control unit operates the heat source side fan by causing the second air conditioner to execute the first cooperative mode in which the first air conditioning operation is performed when the first air conditioner is performing the air conditioning operation. Thermal agitation of the space can be performed.

The air conditioning system according to the second aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, and the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner are adjacent to each other.

In this air conditioning system, since air can be blown to the heat source side of the adjacent air conditioner operating in the air conditioning, it is possible to eliminate the heat buildup around the heat source side of the adjacent air conditioner operating in the air conditioning operation.

The air-conditioning system according to the third aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and the control unit executes the first cooperative mode based on the temperature distribution in the common space.

In this air conditioning system, the control unit can grasp the position of "heat buildup" based on the temperature distribution, so select an air conditioner in a position suitable for efficiently eliminating heat buildup, and then select the air conditioner. The air conditioner can be made to execute the first cooperative mode.

The air-conditioning system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning system according to the third aspect, and further includes a temperature sensor. The temperature sensors are arranged at each of a plurality of preset locations in the common space. The control unit grasps the temperature distribution in the common space from the detected values of a plurality of temperature sensors.

The air conditioning system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to the first aspect, and further includes a common exhaust fan. The common exhaust fan ventilates the common space. When the second air conditioner is stopped in the air conditioning operation, the control unit rotates the second heat source side fan of the second air conditioner in conjunction with the operation of the common exhaust fan.

In this air conditioning system, the exhaust heat treatment by the common exhaust fan is supported by the operation of the heat source side fan, which is useful when the exhaust heat treatment in the common space cannot catch up.

The air-conditioning system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning system according to the first aspect or the second aspect, and the control unit is a first compressor of the first air conditioner and a second compressor of the second air conditioner. Executes the second cooperative mode when the air conditioner is operating. The second cooperative mode is a mode in which the second air conditioner is made to perform the second blower operation. The second blower operation is a blower operation in which the rotation speed of the second heat source side fan is higher than that during the normal air conditioning operation.

In this air conditioning system, even if both the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner are operating, the rotation speed of the second heat source side fan of the second air conditioner is set during normal air conditioning operation by executing the second cooperative mode. Since it is higher than the above, it contributes to the elimination of heat buildup around the heat source side of the adjacent first air conditioner.

The air conditioner system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention is the air conditioner system according to the first aspect, and the control unit controls the air in the common space as viewed from the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners in the first cooperative mode. An air conditioner arranged in a direction intersecting the flow and located on the upstream side of the air flow from the first air conditioner is made to perform an air blowing operation in which the compressor is not operated while rotating the heat source side fan.

In this air conditioning system, the air around the first air conditioner is agitated by the air blown from the air conditioner located upstream of the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners.

The air-conditioning system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning system according to the first aspect, and further includes a common exhaust fan for ventilating a common space. In the first cooperative mode, the control unit is arranged in the direction intersecting the air flow in the common space when viewed from the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners, and is located on the heat source side of the air conditioner near the common exhaust fan. While rotating the fan, let the compressor perform the ventilation operation without operating.

In this air conditioning system, the common exhaust fan can be supported by blowing air from an air conditioner that is close to the common exhaust fan among a plurality of air conditioners.

The air conditioning system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the air conditioning system according to the sixth aspect, and the control unit controls the air in the common space as viewed from the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners in the second cooperative mode. An air conditioner arranged in a direction intersecting the flow and located on the upstream side of the air flow from the first air conditioner is made to perform an air blowing operation in which the rotation speed of the heat source side fan is higher than that in the normal air conditioning operation.

In this air conditioning system, the air around the first air conditioner is agitated by the air blown from the air conditioner located upstream of the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners.

The air-conditioning system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is the air-conditioning system according to the sixth aspect, and further includes a common exhaust fan for ventilating a common space. In the second coordinated mode, the control unit is arranged in the direction intersecting the air flow in the common space when viewed from the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners, and is located in the air conditioner close to the common exhaust fan, and the heat source side fan thereof. The air blowing operation is performed in which the rotation speed is higher than that during the normal air conditioning operation and is lower than the rotation speed of the second heat source side fan during the second air blowing operation.

In this air conditioning system, the common exhaust fan can be supported by increasing the amount of air blown by the air conditioner that is close to the common exhaust fan among the plurality of air conditioners.

In the air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the first air conditioner is performing the air conditioning operation, the control unit causes the second air conditioner to execute the first cooperative mode in which the first air blowing operation is performed to the heat source side. Since the fan is operated, it is possible to perform thermal stirring in a common space.

In the air conditioning system according to the second aspect of the present invention, since air can be blown to the heat source side of the adjacent air conditioner operating in the air conditioning operation, heat buildup around the heat source side of the adjacent air conditioner operating in the air conditioning operation is eliminated. can do.

In the air conditioning system according to the third and fourth viewpoints of the present invention, the control unit can grasp the position of the "heat trap" based on the temperature distribution, and is suitable for efficiently eliminating the heat buildup. It is possible to select an air conditioner in a different position and have the air conditioner execute the first cooperative mode.

In the air conditioning system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the exhaust heat treatment by the common exhaust fan is supported by the operation of the heat source side fan, which is useful when the exhaust heat treatment in the common space cannot catch up.

In the air conditioning system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even if both the first air conditioner and the second air conditioner are in operation, the execution of the second cooperative mode causes the rotation of the second heat source side fan of the second air conditioner. Since the number is higher than that during normal air conditioning operation, it contributes to the elimination of heat buildup around the heat source side of the adjacent first air conditioner.

In the air conditioning system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the air around the first air conditioner is agitated by the air blown from the air conditioner located upstream of the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners.

In the air conditioning system according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the common exhaust fan can be supported by blowing air from an air conditioner close to the common exhaust fan among a plurality of air conditioners.

In the air conditioning system according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the air around the first air conditioner is agitated by the air blown from the air conditioner located upstream of the first air conditioner among the plurality of air conditioners.

In the air conditioning system according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the common exhaust fan can be supported by increasing the air volume of the air conditioner close to the common exhaust fan among the plurality of air conditioners.

A plan view of a building in which multiple air conditioners that make up an air conditioning system are installed. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of the building shown in FIG. 1A. A block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system. Configuration diagram of air conditioner The block diagram which shows the control system of an air conditioner. The operation flowchart of the centralized control part in the 1st cooperative mode. The operation flowchart of the centralized control part in the exhaust fan support mode and the 2nd cooperative mode.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) Outline of Air Conditioning System FIG. 1A is a plan view of a building in which a plurality of air conditioners 10A to 10E constituting the air conditioning system are installed. Further, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX of the building shown in FIG. 1A.

In FIGS. 1A and 1B, each of the plurality of air conditioners 10A to 10E is an air conditioner in which an indoor unit, which is a user-side unit installed on the ceiling, and a heat source-side unit arranged behind the ceiling are integrated. .. Since the specific structure of such an integrated air conditioner is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-324928, the description of the specific structure is omitted here.

The plurality of indoor units 21A to 21E are installed on the ceiling of the building, and the heat source side units 11A to 11E corresponding to each indoor unit are arranged in the attic space CS.

When the indoor units 21A to 21E are collectively referred to, it is expressed as "indoor unit 21", and when the heat source side units 11A to 11E are collectively referred to, it is expressed as "heat source side unit 11".

In this air conditioning system, indoor units 21A to 21E of the air conditioners 10A to 10E are arranged on the ceiling of the room Ro, which is the space to be air-conditioned.

Of course, the indoor units 21A to 21E of the air conditioners 10A to 10E may be arranged in separate rooms.

However, the heat source side units 11A to 11E of the air conditioners 10A to 10E are arranged in the attic space CS, which is a common space.

Further, a common exhaust fan 60 is provided on the side wall in order to ventilate the space CS behind the ceiling. In FIG. 1A, one common exhaust fan 60 is installed on the right side wall and one on the left side wall in a plan view. For convenience of explanation, the common exhaust fan 60 on the right side is referred to as a first fan 60A, and the common exhaust fan 60 on the left side is referred to as a second fan 60B.

In the attic space CS, if the outside air is taken in by the second fan 60B and the internal air is discharged by the first fan 60A, an air flow from left to right occurs in the plan view of FIG. 1A. Further, if the outside air is taken in by the first fan 60A and the internal air is discharged by the second fan 60B, an air flow from right to left occurs in the plan view of FIG. 1A. Therefore, the direction of the air flow may be switched depending on the time zone in consideration of the influence of the morning and evening sunlight.

In the present embodiment, the air blowing directions of all the heat source side units 11A to 11E are unified from left to right in the plan view of FIG. 1A, and the ventilation direction of the ceiling space CS is also the heat source side unit. It is configured so that the air flows from left to right in the plan view of FIG. 1A according to the blowing direction.

In FIG. 1A, the heat source side unit 11B is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow when viewed from the heat source side unit 11A. The heat source side units 11C and 11D are arranged in a direction intersecting the air flow direction when viewed from the heat source side unit 11A. Further, the heat source side unit 11E is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow when viewed from the heat source side unit 11D.

In the specification of the present application, the word "adjacent" appears a plurality of times, but all of them are expressed as "adjacent" only in the relationship of being adjacent in parallel with the air flow direction. Therefore, the heat source side unit 11A and the heat source side unit 11B are in a positional relationship adjacent to each other.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of an air conditioning system. In FIG. 2, in the air conditioning system, the centralized control unit 40 may communicate with the communication control unit 50 (see FIG. 4) mounted on each of the plurality of air conditioners 10A to 10E via the communication network 6. it can.

The communication network 6 is composed of a communication line using information and communication technology such as the Internet, an intranet, a LAN (Local, Area, Network), and a VPN (Virtual, Private, Network).

The centralized control unit 40 can cause the air conditioners 10A to 10E to perform various operations by remote control.

Hereinafter, the air conditioners 10A to 10E and the centralized control unit 40 will be described in detail. When the air conditioners 10A to 10E are collectively referred to, the term "air conditioner 10" is used.

(2) Configuration of Air Conditioner 10 FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the air conditioner 10. In FIG. 3, the air conditioner 10 is a refrigerating device capable of cooling operation and heating operation, and is connected to a liquid refrigerant for connecting the heat source side unit 11, the indoor unit 21, and the heat source side unit 11 and the indoor unit 21. It is provided with a pipe 2 and a gas refrigerant connecting pipe 3. For example, R32, which is a single refrigerant, is sealed in the refrigerant circuit C of the air conditioner 10.

(2-1) Configuration of Heat Source Side Unit 11 In FIG. 3, the heat source side unit 11 mainly includes a compressor 12, a four-way switching valve 15, a heat source side heat exchanger 13, and an expansion valve 14. Further, the heat source side unit 11 also has a heat source side fan 16.

(2-1-1) Compressor 12
The compressor 12 compresses the low-pressure refrigerant and discharges the compressed high-pressure refrigerant. In the compressor 12, a scroll type, rotary type, or other compression mechanism is driven by the compressor motor 12a. The operating frequency of the compressor motor 12a is changed by the inverter device.

(2-1-2) Heat source side heat exchanger 13
The heat source side heat exchanger 13 is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. A heat source side fan 16 is installed in the vicinity of the heat source side heat exchanger 13. In the heat source side heat exchanger 13, the air conveyed by the heat source side fan 16 and the refrigerant exchange heat.

(2-1-3) Expansion valve 14
The expansion valve 14 is an electronic expansion valve having a variable opening degree. The expansion valve 14 is arranged on the downstream side of the heat source side heat exchanger 13 in the flow direction of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit C during the cooling operation.

During the cooling operation, the opening degree of the expansion valve 14 is adjusted so as to reduce the pressure (that is, the evaporation pressure) at which the refrigerant flowing into the indoor heat exchanger 32 can be evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 32. Further, during the heating operation, the opening degree of the expansion valve 14 is adjusted so as to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the heat source side heat exchanger 13 to a pressure at which the heat source side heat exchanger 13 can evaporate.

(2-1-4) Four-way switching valve 15
The four-way switching valve 15 has ports P1 to P4 from the first to the fourth. In the four-way switching valve 15, the first port P1 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 12, the second port P2 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 12, and the third port P3 is the gas side of the heat source side heat exchanger 13. It is connected to the end and the fourth port P4 is connected to the gas side closing valve 5.

The four-way switching valve 15 switches between a first state (a state shown by a solid line in FIG. 1) and a second state (a state shown by a broken line in FIG. 1). In the four-way switching valve 15 in the first state, the first port P1 and the third port P3 communicate with each other, and the second port P2 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other. In the four-way switching valve 15 in the second state, the first port P1 and the fourth port P4 communicate with each other, and the second port P2 and the third port P3 communicate with each other.

(2-1-5) Heat source side fan 16
The heat source side fan 16 is composed of a propeller fan 16a and a motor 16b for driving the propeller fan 16a. The rotation speed of the motor 16b is variable depending on the inverter device.

(2-1-6) Heat source side control unit 41a
As shown in FIG. 3, the heat source side unit 11 is equipped with a heat source side control unit 41a. Further, FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control unit 41 of the air conditioner 10. In FIG. 4, the heat source side control unit 41a has a built-in microcomputer 41aa and a memory 41ab. The microcomputer 41aa performs various calculations and gives a command to the device to be controlled. The memory 41ab stores various data.

(2-1-7) Attic temperature sensor 64
The attic temperature sensor 64 detects the temperature of the air flowing into the heat source side unit 11 on the air suction port side of the heat source side unit 11. In the present embodiment, the attic temperature sensor 64 includes a thermistor.

The attic temperature sensor 64 detects the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11 in order to perform appropriate air conditioning operation, and the detected value is used for the calculation required for the refrigeration cycle and the temperature distribution in the attic space. It is also used for the measurement of.

Of course, a temperature sensor that detects the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11 and a temperature sensor used for measuring the temperature distribution of the attic space CS may be provided separately.

(2-2) Configuration of Indoor Unit 21 The indoor unit 21 has an indoor heat exchanger 32 and an indoor fan 27. Further, the indoor unit 21 is attached with a remote control unit (hereinafter, referred to as "remote controller 42"). The user can set various operation modes of the air conditioner 10 and the like via the remote controller 42.

(2-2-1) Indoor heat exchanger 32
The indoor heat exchanger 32 is a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. An indoor fan 27 is installed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 32.

The indoor heat exchanger 32 functions as a refrigerant evaporator to cool the indoor air during the cooling operation, and functions as a refrigerant condenser during the heating operation to heat the indoor air.

(2-2-2) Indoor fan 27
The indoor fan 27 is a cross flow fan. The indoor fan 27 has a fan 27a and a fan motor 27b for rotating the fan 27a.

By operating the indoor fan 27, the indoor unit 21 sucks indoor air into the room, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 32, and then supplies the indoor air as supply air. Further, the indoor fan 27 can change the air volume of the air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger 32 within a predetermined air volume range.

(2-2-3) Indoor control unit 41b
As shown in FIG. 1, the indoor unit 21 is equipped with an indoor control unit 41b. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the indoor control unit 41b has a built-in microcomputer 41ba and a memory 41bb.

The microcomputer 41ba performs various calculations. Further, the memory 41bb stores various data.

Further, the indoor control unit 41b communicates a control signal or the like with the remote controller 42 for individually operating the indoor unit 21, and further, the control signal with the heat source unit 11 via a transmission line. Etc. are communicated.

(2-2-4) Various Sensors The indoor unit 21 is provided with an indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 44 and an indoor temperature sensor 46. The indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 44 is installed at an intermediate position of the indoor heat exchanger 32 and detects the saturation temperature of the refrigerant.

The indoor temperature sensor 46 is provided on the indoor air suction port side of the indoor unit 21. The indoor temperature sensor 46 detects the temperature of the indoor air flowing into the indoor unit 21.

In the present embodiment, the indoor heat exchange temperature sensor 44 and the indoor temperature sensor 46 are composed of a thermistor.

(2-3) Centralized control unit 40
The centralized control unit 40 can remotely control the operating frequency of the compressor 12, the switching operation of the four-way switching valve 15, the opening degree of the expansion valve 14, and the rotation of the heat source side fan 16 and the indoor fan 27. Therefore, the centralized control unit 40 can also control communication with the outside.

In FIG. 2, the centralized control unit 40 controls each of the air conditioners 10A to 10E via the communication network 6. Each indoor unit 21 of each of the air conditioners 10A to 10E is equipped with a communication control unit 50 (see FIG. 4) so that signals can be transmitted and received to and from the centralized control unit 40.

Further, the centralized control unit 40 has a storage unit 401, a determination unit 403, a communication unit 405, and a command unit 407.

(2-3-1) Storage unit 401
The storage unit 401 stores data between each unit of the centralized control unit 40 and operation information communicated between the centralized control unit 40 and the air conditioners 10A to 10E.

(2-3-2) Judgment unit 403
The determination unit 403 determines whether or not the operating state of each of the air conditioners 10A to 10E satisfies the preset operating conditions based on the above operating information.

(2-3-3) Communication unit 405
The communication unit 405 is an interface to the communication network 6, and transmits a signal to the communication network 6 according to a command of the command unit 407, or receives a signal from the communication network 6 and sends a signal to that effect to the command unit 407.

(2-3-4) Command unit 407
The command unit 407 controls the communication unit 405 to receive the operation information transmitted from the air conditioners 10A to 10E, and controls the operation of each unit of the centralized control unit 40 based on the operation information.

(3) Operation of the air conditioner 10 In the air conditioner 10, the four-way switching valve 15 can switch the circulation cycle of the refrigerant to either the circulation cycle during the cooling operation or the circulation cycle during the heating operation.

(3-1) Cooling operation In the cooling operation, the four-way switching valve 15 shown in FIG. 3 is in the state shown by the solid line, and the compressor 12, the indoor fan 27, and the heat source side fan 16 are in the operating state. As a result, in the refrigerant circuit C, a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the heat source side heat exchanger 13 serves as a condenser and the indoor heat exchanger 32 serves as an evaporator.

Specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 flows through the heat source side heat exchanger 13 and exchanges heat with air. In the heat source side heat exchanger 13, the high-pressure refrigerant dissipates heat to the air and condenses. The refrigerant condensed by the heat source side heat exchanger 13 is decompressed by the expansion valve 14 while being sent to the indoor heat exchanger 32, and then flows through the indoor heat exchanger 32.

In the indoor unit 21, the indoor air sucked by the indoor fan 27 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 32 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant at that time. In the indoor heat exchanger 32, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air and evaporates, and at that time, the air is cooled. The air cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 32 is supplied to the indoor space. Further, the refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 32 is sucked into the compressor 12 and compressed again.

(3-2) Heating operation In the heating operation, the four-way switching valve 15 shown in FIG. 1 is in the state shown by the broken line, and the compressor 12, the indoor fan 27, and the heat source side fan 16 are in the operating state. As a result, in the refrigerant circuit C, a refrigeration cycle is performed in which the indoor heat exchanger 32 serves as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger 13 serves as an evaporator.

Specifically, the high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 flows through the indoor heat exchanger 32. In the indoor unit 21, the indoor air sucked by the indoor fan 27 passes through the indoor heat exchanger 32 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant at that time. In the indoor heat exchanger 32, the refrigerant dissipates heat to the indoor air and condenses, and the air is heated at that time. The air heated by the indoor heat exchanger 32 is supplied to the indoor space. Further, the refrigerant condensed by the indoor heat exchanger 32 is depressurized by the expansion valve 14 and then flows through the heat source side heat exchanger 13. In the heat source side heat exchanger 13, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and evaporates. The refrigerant evaporated in the heat source side heat exchanger 13 is sucked into the compressor 12 and compressed again.

(4) First Coordinated Mode of Air Conditioner 10 In this air conditioning system, the centralized control unit 40 controls various operation modes of the plurality of air conditioners 10A to 10E via the control units 41 of the plurality of air conditioners 10A to 10E. Can be executed.

In particular, since the heat source side units 11A to 11E of each of the plurality of air conditioners 10A to 10E constituting the air conditioner system are arranged in a common space called the attic, the exhaust heat treatment of the attic is performed from the heat source side units 11A to 11E. Since a harsh environment is assumed such as when the exhaust heat cannot be caught up or when the atmospheric temperature of the attic space rises, the centralized control unit 40 can also execute an operation mode prepared for such an environment. ..

For example, the centralized control unit 40 executes one of the first coordinated mode, the exhaust fan support mode, and the second coordinated mode with respect to the heat source side unit operating the compressor 12.

Hereinafter, each of the first cooperative mode, the exhaust fan support mode, and the second cooperative mode will be described.

For convenience of explanation, the names and symbols of the compressor 12A and the heat source side fan 16A may be used. In this case, the compressor 12 and the heat source side fan 16 mounted on the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A are used. means.

(4-1) Operation of the centralized control unit 40 in the first cooperative mode In the first cooperative mode, the heat source unit that is stopped adjacent to the heat source side unit that is operating the compressor 12 is [heat source side fan 16]. This is a mode in which the compressor 12 is not operated while rotating the first blower operation].

FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of the centralized control unit 40 in the first cooperative mode. The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Step S1)
First, in step S1, the centralized control unit 40 determines the presence or absence of the heat source side unit in which the compressor 12 is operating, proceeds to step S2 if there is, and continues this determination if not.

(Step S2)
Next, in step S2, the centralized control unit 40 measures the temperature distribution of the attic space CS in which the heat source side units 11A to 11E are installed. The temperature distribution is measured based on the detected values of the attic temperature sensors 64 provided in each of the heat source side units 11A to 11E.

(Step S3)
In step S3, the centralized control unit 40 determines whether or not the ambient temperature Ta of the heat source side unit during operation of the compressor 12 is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature Tu, and when it is determined that “Ta ≧ Tu”, the centralized control unit 40 determines. The process proceeds to step S4, and when it is determined that "Ta <Tu", the process returns to step S2.

The predetermined temperature Tu is an upper limit value of the air temperature for the refrigerant to appropriately exchange heat in the heat source side heat exchanger 13, and has been determined in advance by experiments or the like.

(Steps S4 and S7)
In step S4, the centralized control unit 40 determines whether or not the common exhaust fan 60 is operating, and if the common exhaust fan 60 is operating, proceeds to step S5, and the common exhaust fan 60 is not operating. Then, the process proceeds to step S7.

The centralized control unit 40 operates the common exhaust fan 60 when the process proceeds to step S7. That is, the first fan 60A exhausts the air in the attic space CS, and the second fan 60B introduces the outside air into the attic space CS.

(Step S5)
In step S5, the centralized control unit 40 determines whether or not the adjacent heat source side unit is stopped, and if “the adjacent heat source side unit is stopped”, proceeds to step S6.

As already described, the term "adjacent" as used in the present application means that the air is adjacent to each other in parallel with the air flow direction.

For example, in FIG. 1A, it is assumed that the air conditioner 10A is in operation and the air conditioners 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are stopped. In this case, since the air conditioner 10B adjacent to the air conditioner 10A is stopped, the centralized control unit 40 determines that "the adjacent heat source side unit is stopped".

Since the air conditioner 10D is located in a direction intersecting the air flow direction when viewed from the air conditioner 10A, it deviates from the definition of "adjacent" in the present application.

(Step S6)
The centralized control unit 40 executes the first cooperative mode in step S6. The first cooperative mode is a mode in which the first air blowing operation is performed by the adjacent heat source side unit. Further, the first blower operation is a blower operation [the compressor 12 is not operated while rotating the heat source side fan 16].

For example, in FIG. 1A, when the air conditioner 10A is operating the compressor 12A and the air conditioning operation accompanied by the rotation of the heat source side fan 16A, and the air conditioners 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are stopped, the concentration is concentrated. The control unit 40 rotates only the heat source side fan 16B of the heat source side unit 11B of the air conditioner 10B, and does not operate the compressor 12B.

As a result, an air agitation effect can be obtained, and an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A can be suppressed.

(4-2) Operation of Centralized Control Unit 40 in Exhaust Fan Support Mode On the other hand, if the centralized control unit 40 determines in step S5 that "the adjacent heat source side unit is operating", the process proceeds to step S11. move on.

FIG. 6 is an operation flowchart of the centralized control unit 40 in the exhaust fan support mode and the second cooperative mode. The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Step S11)
In step S11, the centralized control unit 40 determines whether or not there is a heat source side unit in which the compressor 12 is stopped.

When the centralized control unit 40 determines that "there is a heat source side unit in which the compressor 12 is stopped", the process proceeds to step S12.

(Step S12)
The centralized control unit 40 executes the exhaust fan support mode in step S12. The exhaust fan support mode is a mode in which the first blower operation is performed for all the heat source units in which the compressor 12 is stopped. The first blower operation is an operation [the compressor 12 is not operated while rotating the heat source side fan 16] as described in the first cooperative mode. That is, the exhaust fan support mode is a modification of the first cooperative mode.

The significance of this exhaust fan support mode is that since the adjacent heat source unit is in operation, the heat source side of the stopped heat source unit cannot obtain the air stirring effect by the heat source side fan 16 of the adjacent heat source unit. By rotating only the fan 16, ventilation of the ceiling space CS is promoted to suppress an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source unit, and an operation of supporting the common exhaust fan 60 responsible for ventilation of the ceiling space CS. It can be said that.

For example, in FIG. 1A, the air conditioners 10A and 10B are operating the compressors 12A and 12B and the air conditioning operation with the rotation of the heat source side fans 16A and 16B, respectively, and the air conditioners 10C, 10D and 10E are stopped. If so, only the heat source side fans 16C, 16D, 16E of the heat source side unit 11B of the air conditioners 10C, 10D, 10E are rotated.

As a result, ventilation of the attic space CS is promoted, and an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A can be suppressed.

(4-3) Operation of Centralized Control Unit 40 in Second Cooperative Mode On the other hand, in step S11, if the centralized control unit 40 determines that "there is no heat source side unit in which the compressor 12 is stopped", the process proceeds to step S13. .. The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

(Step S13)
The centralized control unit 40 executes the second cooperative mode in step S13. The second cooperative mode is a mode in which the second blower operation is performed by the adjacent heat source side unit. The second blower operation is defined as [the number of rotations of the heat source side fan 16 under the condition that the adjacent heat source unit operates the compressor 12 and rotates the heat source side fan 16 to perform normal air conditioning operation. The number of rotations is higher than that during the normal air-conditioning operation.]

The significance of this second cooperative mode is the rotation of the heat source side fan 16 of the adjacent heat source unit even when neither the first cooperative mode nor the exhaust fan support mode can be executed because there is no stopped heat source side unit. By increasing the number, an air agitation effect is obtained, and an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit located downstream of the blown air is suppressed.

For example, in FIG. 1A, all air conditioners 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E are accompanied by operation of compressors 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and rotation of heat source side fans 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. When the air conditioning operation is performed, only the heat source side fan 16B of the heat source side unit 11B of the air conditioner 10B is rotated at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed during the air conditioning operation.

As a result, an air agitation effect can be obtained, and an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A can be suppressed.

(5) Features (5-1)
In the above air conditioning system, the centralized control unit 40 causes the second air conditioner (for example, air conditioner 10B) to execute the first cooperative mode when the first air conditioner (for example, air conditioner 10A) is performing air conditioning operation. Since the heat source side fan 16 is operated, the heat agitation of the ceiling space CS can be performed.

In particular, in this air conditioning system, since air can be blown to the heat source side unit 11 of the air conditioner operating in the air conditioning operation, it is possible to eliminate the heat buildup around the heat source side unit 11 of the air conditioner operating the air conditioning operation. it can.

(5-2)
In the above air-conditioning system, the centralized control unit 40 can grasp the position of the "heat trap" based on the temperature distribution measured by the ceiling temperature sensor 64, and is suitable for efficiently eliminating the heat buildup. An air conditioner at a position can be selected and the air conditioner can be made to execute the first cooperative mode.

(5-3)
In the above air conditioning system, the centralized control unit 40 executes a common exhaust fan 60 by executing an exhaust fan support mode for rotating the heat source side fan 16 of the heat source side unit 11 for the air conditioner whose air conditioning operation is stopped. Supports exhaust heat treatment by. This is useful when the exhaust heat treatment of the common space cannot keep up.

(5-4)
In the above air conditioning system, even if the first air conditioner (for example, air conditioner 10A) during the air conditioning operation and the second air conditioner (for example, air conditioner 10B) adjacent thereto are both in operation, the execution of the second cooperative mode Since the rotation speed of the heat source side fan 16 of the heat source side unit 11B is higher than that during normal air conditioning operation, it contributes to eliminating heat buildup around the heat source side unit 11A of the adjacent air conditioner 10A.

(6) Modification example (6-1) Modification example in the first cooperative mode In the first cooperative mode of the above embodiment, the centralized control unit 40 rotates only the heat source side fan 16B of the heat source side unit 11B of the air conditioner 10B. , Do not operate the compressor 12B. The air agitation effect at that time suppresses an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A. However, it is not limited to that.

For example, in FIG. 1A, when all the air conditioners 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E except the air conditioner 10A are stopped from the air conditioning operation, in order to suppress an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A. Similar to the above embodiment, the centralized control unit 40 rotates the heat source side fan 16B of the heat source side unit 11B of the air conditioner 10B and does not operate the compressor 12B.

In addition to this, the centralized control unit 40 rotates the heat source side fan 16C of the heat source side unit 11C of the air conditioner 10C and does not operate the compressor 12C.

Further, the centralized control unit 40 rotates the heat source side fan 16D of the heat source side unit 11D of the air conditioner 10D and does not operate the compressor 12D. At this time, the rotation speed of the heat source side fan 16D is lower than that of the heat source side fan 16B and the heat source side fan 16C.

Since the air conditioner 10C and the air conditioner 10D are located in a direction intersecting the air flow direction when viewed from the air conditioner 10A, they are out of the definition of "adjacent" in the present application. However, since the air conditioner 10C is located upstream of the air conditioner 10A in a direction parallel to the air flow direction, the air from the heat source side unit 11C of the air conditioner 10C blows air from the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A. Air is agitated.

Further, although the air conditioner 10D is located in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction, it is close to the first fan 60A of the common exhaust fan 60, so that the common exhaust fan 60 is blown by the air from the heat source side unit 11D of the air conditioner 10D. Can be supported.

Here, the rise in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A has been described as an example, but a similar method is used when suppressing the rise in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11D of the air conditioner 10D. Therefore, the heat source side fan 16E of the heat source side unit 11E of the air conditioner 10E and the heat source side fan 16C of the heat source side unit 11C of the air conditioner 10C are rotated, and the compressor 12E and the compressor 12C are not operated. As a result, the air around the heat source side unit 11D of the air conditioner 10D is agitated.

Then, the heat source side fan 16A of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A is rotated, and the compressor 12A is not operated. This supports the common exhaust fan 60.

(6-2) Modification Example in Second Cooperative Mode In the second cooperative mode of the above embodiment, the centralized control unit 40 uses only the heat source side fan 16B of the heat source side unit 11B of the air conditioner 10B from the rotation speed during the air conditioning operation. Is rotated at a high rotation speed, and the air stirring effect at that time suppresses an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A, but the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, in FIG. 1A, all air conditioners 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E involve the operation of compressors 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E and the rotation of heat source side fans 16A, 16B, 16C, 16D, 16E. During the air conditioning operation, in order to suppress an increase in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A, the heat source side fan 16B of the heat source side unit 11B of the air conditioner 10B is air-conditioned in the same manner as in the above embodiment. Rotate at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed during operation.

In addition to this, the centralized control unit 40 also rotates the heat source side fan 16C of the heat source side unit 11C of the air conditioner 10C at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed during the air conditioning operation. At that time, the rotation speed of the heat source side fan 16C and the rotation speed of the heat source side fan 16B are substantially the same.

Further, the heat source side fan 16D of the heat source side unit 11D of the air conditioner 10D is also rotated at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed during the air conditioning operation and lower than the rotation speeds of the heat source side fan 16B and the heat source side fan 16C.

Since the air conditioner 10C and the air conditioner 10D are located in a direction intersecting the air flow direction when viewed from the air conditioner 10A, they are out of the definition of "adjacent" in the present application. However, since the air conditioner 10C is located upstream of the air conditioner 10A in a direction parallel to the air flow direction, the air from the heat source side unit 11C of the air conditioner 10C blows air from the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A. Air is agitated.

Further, although the air conditioner 10D is located in a direction orthogonal to the air flow direction, it is close to the first fan 60A of the common exhaust fan 60, so that the amount of air blown from the heat source side unit 11D of the air conditioner 10D is increased. The common exhaust fan 60 can be supported.

Here, the rise in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A has been described as an example, but a similar method is used when suppressing the rise in the ambient temperature of the heat source side unit 11D of the air conditioner 10D. Then, the heat source side fan 16E of the heat source side unit 11E of the air conditioner 10E and the heat source side fan 16C of the heat source side unit 11C of the air conditioner 10C are rotated at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed during the air conditioner operation, and the air conditioner 10D The air around the heat source side unit 11D is stirred.

The heat source side fan 16A of the heat source side unit 11A of the air conditioner 10A is also rotated at a rotation speed higher than the rotation speed during the air conditioning operation and lower than the heat source side fan 16E and the heat source side fan 16C. Supports the exhaust fan 60.

(7) Others In the above-described embodiment and the above-described modification, the centralized control unit 40 is provided separately from the control units 41 of the air conditioners 10A to 10E. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any of the air conditioners 10A to 10E may be set as the master unit, and the control unit 41 of the master unit may be set as the centralized control unit.

According to the present invention, even if a plurality of heat source side units are arranged in a common space such as an attic space, heat buildup around the heat source side units is eliminated.

Therefore, under the condition that a plurality of heat source side units are arranged in a common space, the field of use is not limited to the integrated air conditioner, and the air conditioner in which the user side unit (indoor unit) and the heat source side unit are separated. It is also useful.

10 Air conditioner 10A Air conditioner (1st air conditioner)
10B air conditioner (second air conditioner)
12 Compressor 12A Compressor (1st compressor)
12B compressor (second compressor)
16 Heat source side fan 16A Heat source side fan (1st heat source side fan)
16B heat source side fan (second heat source side fan)
40 Centralized control unit (control unit)
60 Common exhaust fan 64 Under-ceiling temperature sensor (temperature sensor)

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-173991

Claims (10)

Each of the plurality of air conditioners takes in air from the indoor common space by the heat source side fan, sends it to its own heat source side heat exchanger, blows it out to the common space, and takes in air from the air conditioning target space to its own user side. It is an air-conditioning system that is installed so as to flow through a heat exchanger and blow out air-conditioned air to the air-conditioned space.
A first air conditioner (10A) including a first compressor (12A), a first heat source side heat exchanger (13A), and a first heat source side fan (16A) that blows air to the first heat source side heat exchanger.
A second air conditioner (10B) including a second compressor (12B), a second heat source side heat exchanger (13B), and a second heat source side fan (16B) that blows air to the second heat source side heat exchanger.
While the first compressor (12A) of the first air conditioner (10A) is operating, the second heat source side fan (16B) of the second air conditioner (10B) is rotated. The control unit (40) that executes the first cooperative mode that performs the first blower operation that does not cause the compressor (12B) to operate, and
To prepare
Air conditioning system. The first air conditioner (10A) and the second air conditioner (10B) are adjacent to each other.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. The control unit (40) executes the first cooperative mode based on the temperature distribution in the common space.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2. Further equipped with temperature sensors (64) arranged in each of a plurality of preset locations in the common space,
The control unit (40) grasps the temperature distribution in the common space from the detected values of the plurality of temperature sensors (64).
The air conditioning system according to claim 3. Further equipped with a common exhaust fan (60) for ventilating the common space,
When the second air conditioner (10B) is stopped from the air conditioning operation, the control unit (40) is linked to the operation of the common exhaust fan (60A) to the second air conditioner (10B). 2 Rotate the heat source side fan (16B),
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. The control unit (40) causes the first compressor (12A) of the first air conditioner (10A) and the second compressor (12B) of the second air conditioner (10B) to operate. At this time, the second cooperative mode is executed in which the second air conditioner (10B) is subjected to the second air blowing operation in which the rotation speed of the second heat source side fan (16B) is higher than that in the normal air conditioning operation.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2. In the first cooperative mode, the control unit (40) is arranged in a direction intersecting the air flow in the common space when viewed from the first air conditioner (10A) among the plurality of air conditioners, and the first. 1 Compressing the air conditioner (10C) while rotating the heat source side fan (16C) of the air conditioner (10C) to the air conditioner (10C) located upstream of the air flow from the air conditioner (10A). Do not let the aircraft (12C) operate.
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. Further equipped with a common exhaust fan (60A) for ventilating the common space,
In the first cooperative mode, the control unit (40) is arranged in a direction intersecting the air flow in the common space when viewed from the first air conditioner (10A) among the plurality of air conditioners, and is common. Do not allow the compressor (12D) of the air conditioner (10D) to operate while rotating the heat source side fan (16D) of the air conditioner (10D) by the air conditioner (10D) close to the exhaust fan (60A). Let the air conditioner operate
The air conditioning system according to claim 1. In the second cooperative mode, the control unit (40) is arranged in a direction intersecting the air flow in the common space when viewed from the first air conditioner (10A) among the plurality of air conditioners, and the first one. 1 Have the air conditioner (10C) located upstream of the air flow of the air conditioner (10A) perform a blowing operation in which the rotation speed of the heat source side fan (16C) is higher than that during normal air conditioning operation. ,
The air conditioning system according to claim 6. Further equipped with a common exhaust fan (60A) for ventilating the common space,
In the second cooperative mode, the control unit (40) is arranged in a direction intersecting the air flow in the common space when viewed from the first air conditioner (10A) among the plurality of air conditioners, and is common. The rotation speed of the heat source side fan (16D) of the air conditioner (10D) close to the exhaust fan (60A) is higher than that during normal air conditioning operation, and the second heat source side fan during the second air blowing operation. The air conditioner is operated to be lower than the rotation speed of (16B).
The air conditioning system according to claim 6.

Images