TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an additional ventilation device selecting
method, an additional ventilation device and air conditioning apparatus selecting
method, and an air-conditioning and ventilation system.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Ventilation devices have widely been used for exhausting indoor air from a room and
supplying outdoor air to the room (refer to, for example, Patent Literature 1 (
JP 2005-300112 A)).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
<Technical Problem>
[0003] Ventilation devices have been installed in many existing buildings to provide ventilation
to some extent.
[0004] Meanwhile, it has recently been required to increase an amount of ventilation as
one of measures against infection owing to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria
(hereinafter, such infection will be referred to as pathogenic infection).
[0005] Replacing an existing ventilation device with a new one, however, needs high device
costs and high installation costs.
<Solution to Problem>
[0006] A first aspect is directed to an additional ventilation device selecting method in
newly installing, in an indoor space where an existing first ventilation device is
placed, another ventilation device as an additional ventilation device. The existing
first ventilation device has a first amount of ventilation as an amount of ventilation
per hour. The additional ventilation device selecting method according to the first
aspect includes a first step, a second step, and a third step. The first step includes
calculating a second amount of ventilation, based on a size of the indoor space. Examples
of the size of the indoor space may include, but not limited to, a floor area of the
indoor space, a volumetric capacity of the indoor space, and an occupant capacity
of the indoor space. The second amount of ventilation is an amount of ventilation
per hour to be required as a measure against pathogenic infection. The second step
includes calculating a difference between the second amount of ventilation and the
first amount of ventilation, as an additional amount of ventilation. The third step
includes selecting a ventilation device that enables ventilation corresponding to
the additional amount of ventilation, as the additional ventilation device.
[0007] According to the first aspect, an additional ventilation device is selected based
on a novel and excellent idea of utilizing the first amount of ventilation by the
existing first ventilation device as it is and compensating ventilation corresponding
to an insufficient amount of ventilation (i.e., the additional amount of ventilation)
with the additional ventilation device. This configuration achieves ventilation corresponding
to the second amount of ventilation to be required as a measure against pathogenic
infection while keeping costs low.
[0008] A second aspect is directed to an additional ventilation device and air conditioning
apparatus selecting method for selecting an additional ventilation device by the additional
ventilation device selecting method according to the first aspect, and selecting an
air conditioning apparatus. The air conditioning apparatus is an apparatus configured
to condition air in the indoor space. The additional ventilation device and air conditioning
apparatus selecting method according to the second aspect includes a fourth step and
a fifth step in addition to the first step, the second step, and the third step. The
fourth step includes calculating a sum of a first air conditioning load, a second
air conditioning load, and a third air conditioning load, as a total air conditioning
load. The first air conditioning load is determined based on the size of the indoor
space. The second air conditioning load is an air conditioning load resulting from
ventilation by the existing first ventilation device. The third air conditioning load
is an air conditioning load resulting from ventilation by the additional ventilation
device selected in the third step. The fifth step includes selecting an air conditioning
apparatus having an air conditioning capacity capable of handling the total air conditioning
load, from among a plurality of candidate air conditioning apparatuses that are different
in air conditioning capacity from one another.
[0009] In a case where the additional ventilation device is installed in the indoor space
in addition to the existing first ventilation device, it is predicted that the ventilation
by the additional ventilation device increases an air conditioning load in the indoor
space. Taking this prediction into no consideration may result in deterioration of
a thermal environment in the indoor space. In view of this, the additional ventilation
device and air conditioning apparatus selecting method according to the second aspect
is capable of selecting an air conditioning apparatus that can handle the total air
conditioning load including the air conditioning load resulting from the ventilation
by the additional ventilation device.
[0010] A third aspect is directed to the additional ventilation device and air conditioning
apparatus selecting method according to the second aspect, in which the third step
includes selecting, as the additional ventilation device, a ventilation device including
a heat exchange unit. The heat exchange unit is configured to perform heat exchange
between outside air corresponding to supply air to the indoor space and return air
corresponding to exhaust air from the indoor space. The fourth step includes calculating
the third air conditioning load in consideration of an amount of heat exchange by
the heat exchange unit of the additional ventilation device selected.
[0011] According to the third aspect, the ventilation device including the heat exchange
unit configured to perform heat exchange between the supply air and the exhaust air
is selected as the additional ventilation device. This configuration therefore reduces
the deterioration of a thermal environment in the indoor space owing to the ventilation
by the additional ventilation device. In addition, the third air conditioning load
is calculated in consideration of the amount of heat exchange by the heat exchange
unit. Therefore, there is no possibility to excessively calculate the total air conditioning
load. This configuration thus enables correct recognition of a required air conditioning
capacity of an air conditioning apparatus and appropriate selection of an air conditioning
apparatus.
[0012] A fourth aspect is directed to the additional ventilation device and air conditioning
apparatus selecting method according to the second or third aspect, further including
a sixth step and a seventh step. The sixth step includes determining whether a volume
of air at a maximum amount of ventilation by the additional ventilation device selected
in the third step is equal to or less than 30% of a rated volume of air of the air
conditioning apparatus selected in the fifth step. The seventh step includes reviewing
the selection of the additional ventilation device and air conditioning apparatus
when it is determined in the sixth step that the volume of air at the maximum amount
of ventilation by the additional ventilation device is more than 30% of the rated
volume of air of the air conditioning apparatus.
[0013] In the case where the volume of air at the maximum amount of ventilation by the additional
ventilation device is more than 30% of the rated volume of air of the air conditioning
apparatus, the air conditioning apparatus operates at poor efficiency although the
air conditioning apparatus can handle the total air conditioning load with its air
conditioning capacity, which may increase running costs. In view of this, the additional
ventilation device and air conditioning apparatus selecting method according to the
fourth aspect further performs the sixth step and the seventh step for reviewing the
selection of the additional ventilation device and air conditioning apparatus. This
configuration thus enables selection of, for example, an air conditioning apparatus
having a higher rated volume of air and a higher air conditioning capacity, and thereby
enables reduction in running costs of air conditioning and ventilation.
[0014] A fifth aspect is directed to the additional ventilation device and air conditioning
apparatus selecting method according to any of the second to fourth aspects, in which
the third step includes selecting the additional ventilation device from among a plurality
of candidate ventilation devices that are different in maximum amount of ventilation
from one another. In addition, the candidate air conditioning apparatuses in the fifth
step are larger in number than the candidate ventilation devices in the third step.
[0015] According to the fifth aspect, a more appropriate air conditioning apparatus is selectable
from among many candidate air conditioning apparatuses prepared, in accordance with
a selected additional ventilation device. This configuration thus enables reduction
in device and apparatus costs and installation costs.
[0016] A sixth aspect is directed to an air-conditioning and ventilation system to be installed
in an indoor space which has a floor area from 70 m
2 or more to 95 m
2 or less and where an existing first ventilation device having a first amount of ventilation
as an amount of ventilation per hour is placed. The air-conditioning and ventilation
system includes an air conditioning apparatus having a rated cooling capacity of approximately
12.5 kW, and a ventilation device having a maximum amount of ventilation of 250 m
3/h.
[0017] When this air-conditioning and ventilation system is installed in an indoor space
in an existing building, such as the indoor space which has the foregoing floor area
and where the first amount of ventilation is secured, the air-conditioning and ventilation
system ensures a required amount of ventilation as a measure against pathogenic infection,
and the air conditioning apparatus handles a total air conditioning load in the indoor
space, the total air conditioning load including an air conditioning load based on
the increased amount of ventilation.
[0018] A seventh aspect is directed to an air-conditioning and ventilation system to be
installed in an indoor space which has a floor area from 40 m
2 or more to 60 m
2 or less and where an existing first ventilation device having a first amount of ventilation
as an amount of ventilation per hour is placed. The air-conditioning and ventilation
system includes an air conditioning apparatus having a rated cooling capacity of approximately
7.1 kW, and a ventilation device having a maximum amount of ventilation of 150 m
3/h.
[0019] When this air-conditioning and ventilation system is installed in an indoor space
in an existing building, such as the indoor space which has the foregoing floor area
and where the first amount of ventilation is secured, the air-conditioning and ventilation
system ensures a required amount of ventilation as a measure against pathogenic infection,
and the air conditioning apparatus handles a total air conditioning load in the indoor
space, the total air conditioning load including an air conditioning load based on
the increased amount of ventilation.
[0020] An eighth aspect is directed to the air-conditioning and ventilation system according
to the sixth or seventh aspect, in which the air conditioning apparatus includes an
air supply port. The air supply port takes in supply air outside the indoor space.
The ventilation device includes an air supply fan. The air supply fan is a fan configured
to feed outside air as the supply air to the air conditioning apparatus. The air-conditioning
and ventilation system according to the eighth aspect further includes an air supply
path forming member. The air supply path forming member is connected to the ventilation
device and the air conditioning apparatus to form an air supply path. The air supply
path is an air flow path through which the supply air is guided from the ventilation
device to the air supply port of the air conditioning apparatus.
[0021] This air-conditioning and ventilation system is constituted of the packaged ventilation
device, air conditioning apparatus, and air supply path forming member. The air-conditioning
and ventilation system therefore contributes to reduction in introduction costs including
installation construction costs, as compared with a case where the ventilation device
and the air conditioning apparatus are connected with a component such as a local-content
duct. In addition, since the supply air from the ventilation device is taken in the
air conditioning apparatus, the supply air of which the temperature has been changed
by the air conditioning apparatus can be supplied to the indoor space.
[0022] A ninth aspect is directed to the air-conditioning and ventilation system according
to the eighth aspect, in which the ventilation device further includes a casing, an
air exhaust fan, and a heat exchanger. The casing accommodates the air supply fan
and the air exhaust fan. The air exhaust fan is a fan configured to feed air in the
indoor space as exhaust air to an outside of the indoor space. The heat exchanger
causes the outside air to exchange heat with return air corresponding to the exhaust
air. The casing includes a first opening, a second opening, a third opening, and a
fourth opening. The third opening is an opening for taking in the outside air. The
air supply path forming member is connected to the fourth opening. The first opening
is an opening for taking in the air in the indoor space as the return air. The second
opening is an opening for feeding the return air as the exhaust air to the outside
of the indoor space. The air-conditioning and ventilation system according to the
ninth aspect further includes a pressure adjustment unit. The pressure adjustment
unit is configured to adjust a pressure of air to reduce a difference between a pressure
of the return air flowing from the first opening to the second opening in the ventilation
device and a pressure of the outside air flowing from the third opening to the fourth
opening in the ventilation device.
[0023] According to the ninth aspect, when the air exhaust fan operates, the air in the
indoor space is taken as the return air in the casing through the first opening, and
is fed as the exhaust air to the outside of the indoor space through the second opening.
When the air supply fan operates, the outside air is taken in the casing through the
third opening. The outside air flows from the third opening to the fourth opening,
and fed to the air conditioning apparatus from the fourth opening via air supply path.
The heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the return air taken in the casing
through the first opening and the outside air taken in the casing through the third
opening. This configuration thus suppresses increase in air conditioning load in the
indoor space owing to the ventilation.
[0024] The air-conditioning and ventilation system according to the ninth aspect further
includes the pressure adjustment unit configured to reduce the difference between
the pressure of the outside air and the pressure of the return air to be subjected
to heat exchange with the outside air. This configuration thus suppresses disadvantageous
mixing of the outside air with the return air in, for example, the heat exchanger.
[0025] A tenth aspect is directed to the air-conditioning and ventilation system according
to any of the sixth to ninth aspects, further includes a remote controller configured
to control the air conditioning apparatus and the ventilation device.
[0026] According to the tenth aspect, for example, the remote controller is capable of operating
or stopping the air conditioning apparatus and the ventilation device in an associated
manner. The remote controller is also capable of causing the ventilation device not
to provide the ventilation during a stop of the air conditioning apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027]
FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating a state of a building in which a first ventilation
device and an air-conditioning and ventilation system are installed.
FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating a state of the building before additional installation
of a second ventilation device.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view for assembly illustrating an air-conditioning indoor
unit, a supply air intake member to be mounted on the air-conditioning indoor unit,
and a supply air duct.
FIG. 3 is a control block diagram illustrating the air-conditioning and ventilation
system.
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a state of ventilation in a room by the first ventilation
device before installation of the second ventilation device.
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating a state of ventilation in the room in a case where
an amount of ventilation is increased by opening a window without installing the second
ventilation device.
FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a state of ventilation in the room in a case where
the second ventilation device is additionally installed.
FIG. 5 is a table showing various numerical values obtained from a combination of
a candidate second ventilation device with a candidate air-conditioning indoor unit.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
(1) General configurations of first ventilation device and air-conditioning and ventilation
system
[0028] FIG. 1A illustrates a state in which a first ventilation device 10 and an air-conditioning
and ventilation system 100 are installed in a building H. The first ventilation device
10 and the air-conditioning and ventilation system 100 are installed in a predetermined
indoor space SI in the building H. The air-conditioning and ventilation system 100
mainly includes a second ventilation device 20, an air-conditioning indoor unit 30,
ducts 21 to 24, and a remote controller 90.
[0029] The first ventilation device 10 is a ventilation device which has already been installed
in the indoor space SI before installation of the second ventilation device 20.
[0030] The air-conditioning indoor unit 30 of the air-conditioning and ventilation system
100 is a unit which has also already been installed in the indoor space SI before
installation of the second ventilation device 20.
[0031] FIG. 1B illustrates a state of the building H before installation of the second ventilation
device 20.
[0032] The second ventilation device 20 and ducts 21 to 24 of the air-conditioning and ventilation
system 100 are additionally installed later in the indoor space SI in which the first
ventilation device 10 and the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 have already been installed.
[0033] In an embodiment disclosed herein, a description will be given on the assumption
that the first ventilation device 10 and air-conditioning indoor unit 30 illustrated
in FIGS. 1A and 1B have already been installed while the second ventilation device
20 and ducts 21 to 24 illustrated in FIG. 1A are under design and examination as will
be installed from now.
(2) Details of first ventilation device
[0034] The first ventilation device 10 is a ventilator including a propeller fan or a ventilation
device including a sirocco fan. The first ventilation device 10 illustrated in FIGS.
1A and 1B is configured to suck in indoor air in the indoor space SI and to discharge
the indoor air to the outside of the building H (i.e., to an outdoor space SO). The
first ventilation device 10 includes an intake port connected to a first return air
port 16 provided in the ceiling defining the indoor space SI. The first ventilation
device 10 includes an outlet port connected to a first exhaust air port 18 bored in
an external wall of the building H. The first ventilation device 10 has an amount
of ventilation of, for example, 500 m
3/h.
(3) Details of air-conditioning indoor unit
[0035] The air-conditioning indoor unit 30 is a unit constituting an air conditioning apparatus,
together with an air-conditioning outdoor unit (not illustrated) to be installed outdoors
or on the roof of the building H. The air conditioning apparatus is an apparatus configured
to cool or heat air in the indoor space SI by a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.
As illustrated in FIG. 1A or 1B, the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 includes, for
example, a heat exchanger 37 constituting a refrigeration cycle, and an indoor fan
35 configured to provide indoor air to the heat exchanger 37 and to send the indoor
air back to the indoor space SI. The air-conditioning indoor unit 30 includes a casing
having a quadrilateral shape in plan view. The casing has a suction port 31 bored
at a center of a lower face of the casing, and four blow-out ports 32 respectively
extending along the four sides of the lower face. Indoor air is sucked through the
suction port 31 (see an arrow Ain in FIG. 1A). Conditioned air is returned to the
indoor space SI through the blow-out ports 32 (see arrows Aout in FIG. 1A).
[0036] A supply air intake member 30a illustrated in FIG. 2 is optionally mounted on the
air-conditioning indoor unit 30 illustrated in FIG. 1A. The supply air intake member
30a forms an air flow path. Air taken in inlet 33 of the supply air intake member
30a flows near the suction port 31 of the casing of the air-conditioning indoor unit
30.
(4) Details of second ventilation device and ducts cooperating with air-conditioning
indoor unit to constitute air-conditioning and ventilation system
[0037] The second ventilation device 20 is placed in a space SC in the attic of the room
defining the indoor space SI, in the building H. The second ventilation device 20
is configured to provide ventilation of air in the indoor space SI. The second ventilation
device 20 is also configured to perform heat exchange between outside air OA corresponding
to supply air SA and return air RA corresponding to exhaust air EA.
[0038] The ducts 21 to 24 are a return air duct 21, an exhaust air duct 22, an outside air
guide duct 23, and a supply air duct 24.
[0039] The second ventilation device 20 includes a casing 50, an air supply fan 26, an air
exhaust fan 28, a heat exchange element 40 having a substantially quadrangular prism
shape, and a ventilation control unit 70.
[0040] The casing 50 accommodates the heat exchange element 40, the air supply fan 26, the
air exhaust fan 28, and the like. The casing 50 includes a first opening 51 to which
the return air duct 21 is connected, a second opening 52 to which the exhaust air
duct 22 is connected, a third opening 53 to which the outside air guide duct 23 is
connected, and a fourth opening 54 to which the supply air duct 24 is connected.
[0041] The casing 50 has a first space 51a defined between the first opening 51 and the
heat exchange element 40, a second space 52a defined between the second opening 52
and the heat exchange element 40, a third space 53a defined between the third opening
53 and the heat exchange element 40, and a fourth space 54a defined between the fourth
opening 54 and the heat exchange element 40.
[0042] The air supply fan 26 is disposed in the fourth space 54a, and includes an air supply
fan motor 26m. The air exhaust fan 28 is disposed in the second space 52a, and includes
an air exhaust fan motor 28m.
[0043] The return air duct 21 connects the first opening 51 of the second ventilation device
20 and a second return air port 81 provided in the ceiling defining the indoor space
SI, to form a return air path 21a through which return air RA flows.
[0044] The exhaust air duct 22 connects the second opening 52 of the second ventilation
device 20 and a second exhaust air port 82 bored in the external wall of the building
H, to form an exhaust air path 22a through which exhaust air EA flows.
[0045] The outside air guide duct 23 connects the third opening 53 of the second ventilation
device 20 and an outside air guide port 83 bored in the external wall of the building
H, to form an outside air guide path 23a through which outside air OA flows.
[0046] The supply air duct 24 connects the fourth opening 54 of the second ventilation device
20 and the inlets 33 of the supply air intake member 30a additionally provided in
the air-conditioning indoor unit 30, to form an air supply path 24a through which
supply air SA flows. The supply air duct 24 is bifurcated and connected to the two
inlets 33. This bifurcated configuration enables increase in an area of an air path
and also enables reduction in pressure loss at the supply air duct.
[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the ventilation control unit 70 is connected to the air
supply fan motor 26m, the air exhaust fan motor 28m, the remote controller 90, and
the like. The ventilation control unit 70 is practicable using a computer. The ventilation
control unit 70 includes a control processing device and a storage device. The control
processing device may be a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU) or a
graphics processing unit (GPU). The control processing device reads a program from
the storage device, and executes predetermined image processing and arithmetic processing
in accordance with this program. In addition, the control processing device writes
a result of the arithmetic processing into the storage device, and reads information
from the storage device, in accordance with this program. The ventilation control
unit 70 performs ON/OFF control on the air supply fan 26 and the air exhaust fan 28
in accordance with, for example, a command from the remote controller 90 to be described
later.
[0048] Although not described herein with reference to the drawings, sensor values may be
used for control in such a manner that the ventilation control unit 70 is connected
to an outside air temperature sensor and an indoor temperature sensor.
(5) Details of remote controller
[0049] The remote controller 90 is used by a user in the indoor space SI. The user makes
various settings on the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 and the second ventilation
device 20. The remote controller 90 is practicable using a computer, which is similar
to the ventilation control unit 70 in this respect.
[0050] The remote controller 90, the ventilation control unit 70, and a control unit (not
illustrated) of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 are connected via communication
lines.
(6) Details of ventilation by air-conditioning and ventilation system
[0051] The remote controller 90 operates the second ventilation device 20 during operation
of the indoor fan 35 of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30. In other words, the remote
controller 90 operates the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 in a case where the second
ventilation device 20 needs to operate. When the air supply fan 26 and air exhaust
fan 28 of the second ventilation device 20 operate, outside air OA in the outdoor
space SO flows into the heat exchange element 40 through the outside air guide path
23a. The air, when passing through the heat exchange element 40, passes the air supply
fan 26. The air is then supplied as fresh supply air SA to the indoor space SI. Indoor
air in the indoor space SI flows through the return air path 21a and then flows as
return air RA into the heat exchange element 40. The air, when passing through the
heat exchange element 40, passes the air exhaust fan 28. The air is then discharged
as exhaust air EA to the outdoor space SO.
[0052] The heat exchange element 40 performs heat exchange between the outside air OA and
the return air RA in order to suppress increase in air conditioning load owing to
the ventilation by the second ventilation device 20.
(7) Second ventilation device selecting method for selecting second ventilation device
to be additionally installed for increasing amount of ventilation in indoor space,
and air-conditioning indoor unit selecting method
[0053] It is assumed herein that it is required, as one of measures against infection owing
to pathogens such as viruses and bacteria, to increase an amount of ventilation in
the indoor space SI in the building H where the first ventilation device 10 and the
air-conditioning indoor unit 30 have already been installed as illustrated in FIG.
1B. For example, an amount of ventilation by the first ventilation device 10 has been
determined with the amount of ventilation designed at 20 m
3/h per person. However, it is predicted that an amount of ventilation of 30 m
3/h in total is required, which corresponds to a sum of the foregoing amount of ventilation
of 20 m
3/h and an additional amount of ventilation of 10 m
3/h. In other words, the current amount of ventilation is required to be increased
1.5 times. In this case, a second ventilation device 20 to be additionally installed
is selected through the following steps.
(7-1) Second ventilation device selecting method
[0054] First, in a first step, a second amount of ventilation that is required of a second
ventilation device 20 to be additionally installed is calculated based on a size of
the indoor space SI. In this embodiment, the first step includes a step of calculating
a maximum occupant capacity of the indoor space SI, and a step of calculating, from
the maximum occupant capacity, an amount of ventilation required for the indoor space
SI. Specifically, the amount of ventilation required for the indoor space SI is obtained
by multiplying a value, which is obtained by dividing a floor area (m
3) of the indoor space SI by an exclusive area (m
2) per person determined based on use (e.g., use as a typical store, use as an office)
of the indoor space SI (i.e., the room), by an amount of ventilation per hour (m
3/h) to be required per person. The exclusive area (m
2) per person to be determined in accordance with the use of the indoor space SI is
determined as 3 m
2, 5 m
2, or the like in accordance with, for example, the use. The required amount of ventilation
may be calculated using a volumetric capacity (m
3) of the indoor space SI or a required frequency of ventilation of air in the room.
[0055] The first amount of ventilation (m
3/h) is an amount of ventilation required for the indoor space SI based on, for example,
an amount of carbon dioxide which a person breathes out. The second amount of ventilation
(m
3/h) is an amount of ventilation per hour required for the indoor space SI as a measure
against pathogenic infection. Examples of a pathogen as a target for a measure against
infection may include viruses or bacterium such as an influenza virus, a norovirus,
a coronavirus, and a tubercle bacillus. The second amount of ventilation (m
3/h) is larger in value than the first amount of ventilation (m
3/h).
[0056] Next, in a second step, a difference between the second amount of ventilation and
the first amount of ventilation is calculated as an additional amount of ventilation
(m
3/h). The first amount of ventilation (m
3/h) is an amount of ventilation by the first ventilation device 10 which has already
been installed in the indoor space SI.
[0057] Next, in a third step, a ventilation device that enables ventilation corresponding
to the additional amount of ventilation is selected as a second ventilation device
20 to be added. In the third step, the second ventilation device 20 is selected from
among candidate ventilation devices V1 to V6 to be described below in (7-2).
(7-2) Candidate ventilation devices V1 to V6
[0058] The candidate ventilation devices are:
a ventilation device V1 having an amount of ventilation of 150 m3/h;
a ventilation device V2 having an amount of ventilation of 250 m3/h;
a ventilation device V3 having an amount of ventilation of 350 m3/h;
a ventilation device V4 having an amount of ventilation of 500 m3/h;
a ventilation device V5 having an amount of ventilation of 650 m3/h; and
a ventilation device V6 having an amount of ventilation of 800 m3/h.
(7-3) Air-conditioning indoor unit selecting method
[0059] After the selection of the second ventilation device 20 in the third step, next,
a fourth step is carried out. In the fourth step, a sum of a first air conditioning
load, a second air conditioning load, and a third air conditioning load is calculated
as a total air conditioning load. The first air conditioning load is an air conditioning
load to be determined based on the size of the indoor space SI. The first air conditioning
load is calculated by summing a thermal load from a person or a device in the room,
a solar heat entering the room through a window or a wall, a thermal load based on
a difference between a temperature inside the room and a temperature outside the room,
and the like. A cooling or heating load per unit floor area (i.e., the first air conditioning
load) is publicly known in accordance with the use (e.g., the use as a typical store,
the use as an office) of the indoor space SI (i.e., the room) in the building H. The
second air conditioning load is an air conditioning load resulting from ventilation
by the existing first ventilation device 10. During the ventilation, outside air is
taken in the indoor space SI through a duct or an opening left by a door open. At
this time, a load is occurred for keeping the outside air at indoor temperature and
humidity. This load corresponds to the second air conditioning load resulting from
the ventilation. The third air conditioning load is an air conditioning load resulting
from ventilation by the second ventilation device 20 selected in the third step.
[0060] In the fourth step, the third air conditioning load is calculated in consideration
of an amount of heat exchange between outside air OA and return air RA performed by
the heat exchange element 40 of the second ventilation device 20. The heat exchange
element 40 is provided for recovering total heat (sensible heat and latent heat) of
air conditioning energy lost by ventilation. In the fourth step, the amount of recovered
total heat is taken into consideration.
[0061] In a fifth step, an air-conditioning indoor unit 30 having an air conditioning capacity
capable of handling the total air conditioning load is selected from among a plurality
of candidate air-conditioning indoor units that are different in air conditioning
capacity from one another. In this embodiment, an air-conditioning indoor unit 30
is selected from among candidate air-conditioning indoor units A1 to A9 to be described
below in (7-4).
(7-4) Candidate air-conditioning indoor units A1 to A9
[0062] The candidate air-conditioning indoor units for the indoor space SI to be used for
a typical store are:
a 1.5 horsepower (3.6 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A1 suitable for a floor area
from 22 to 25 m2;
a 1.8 horsepower (4.0 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A2 suitable for a floor area
from 25 to 28 m2;
a 2 horsepower (4.5 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A3 suitable for a floor area
from 28 to 31 m2;
a 2.3 horsepower (5.0 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A4 suitable for a floor area
from 31 to 35 m2;
a 2.5 horsepower (5.6 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A5 suitable for a floor area
from 35 to 39 m2;
a 3 horsepower (7.1 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A6 suitable for a floor area
from 44 to 50 m2;
a 4 horsepower (10.0 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A7 suitable for a floor area
from 62 to 70 m2;
a 5 horsepower (12.5 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A8 suitable for a floor area
from 78 to 88 m2; and
a 6 horsepower (14.0 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A9 suitable for a floor area
from 89 to 100 m2.
[0063] The candidate air-conditioning indoor units A1 to A9 are larger in number than the
foregoing candidate ventilation devices V1 to V6.
(7-5) Review of selection of second ventilation device and air-conditioning indoor
unit
[0064] In a sixth step, a determination is made whether a volume of air at a maximum amount
of ventilation by the second ventilation device 20 selected in the third step is equal
to or less than 30% of a rated volume of air of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30
selected in the fifth step.
[0065] Next, in a seventh step, , the selection of the second ventilation device and air-conditioning
indoor unit is reviewed when it is determined in the sixth step that the volume of
air at the maximum amount of ventilation by the second ventilation device 20 is more
than 30% of the rated volume of air of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30. In reviewing
the selection, an air-conditioning indoor unit 30 is newly selected from among the
candidate air-conditioning indoor units larger in rated volume of air than the air-conditioning
indoor unit 30 selected in the fifth step or a second ventilation device 20 is newly
selected from among the candidate ventilation devices smaller in maximum amount of
ventilation than the second ventilation device 20 selected in the third step.
(7-6) Specific examples of selection
[0066] With reference to FIGS. 4A to 4C, next, a description will be given of a specific
example of how to select a second ventilation device 20 in additionally installing
the second ventilation device 20 in an indoor space SI in a building H where a first
ventilation device 10 has already been installed, in order to increase an amount of
ventilation.
[0067] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, it is assumed herein that a 5 horsepower air-conditioning
indoor unit 30 and a first ventilation device 10 having an amount of ventilation of
500 m
3/h are installed in an indoor space SI in, for example, a certain store. As to a certain
store, an exclusive area (m
2) per person to be determined in accordance with use of an indoor space SI is 3 m
2. With regard to a store having an indoor space SI whose floor area is 75 m
2 and whose occupant capacity is 25 persons, in a case where the store was designed
in the past to have an amount of ventilation of 20 m
3/h per person, a first ventilation device 10 installed in the indoor space SI has
an amount of ventilation of 500 m
3/h. In a typical store, a 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor unit 30 having an air
conditioning capacity of 12.5 kW is capable of conditioning air in a room having a
floor area of 83 m
3. In the case where the current amount of ventilation is 500 m
3/h, an air conditioning capacity to be required for the indoor space SI, whose floor
area is 75 m
2, in the typical store is 11.3 kW. Therefore, the 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor
unit 30 has a margin of approximately 10% with respect to the current indoor space
SI whose floor area is 75 m
2.
[0068] In a case where it is considered, as a measure against pathogenic infection, to secure
an amount of ventilation of 30 m
3/h in total (per person) for the indoor space SI in the store, by increasing the current
amount of ventilation (20 m
3/h per person), ventilation of air by opening a window is proposed as a candidate
for a simple solution.
[0069] In providing ventilation of air by opening a window, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, it
is required to additionally take outside air by an amount of 250 m
3/h in the indoor space SI through an opening left by the window open. However, opening
the window causes some disadvantages such increased noise, bugs intruding into the
indoor space SI, and variations in temperature in the indoor space SI. These disadvantages
impair the comfortability of a customer in the store. In addition, the introduction
of outside air increases an air conditioning load. For example, a load resulting from
outside air increases by 1.5 kW on conditions that an outside air temperature is 35°C
and an indoor temperature is 27°C. As a result, an air conditioning capacity to be
required for the indoor space SI, whose floor area is 75 m
2, is 12.8 kW (= 11.3 kW + 1.5 kW). The existing 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor
unit 30 having the air conditioning capacity (12.5 kW) is insufficient to meet this.
Therefore, the store where the ventilation of air is provided by opening the window
has a necessity of replacing the 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor unit 30 with
a new 6 horsepower (14.0 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit.
[0070] In view of this, the selecting methods described above in (7-1) to (7-5) are employed
as a method for securing the amount of ventilation of 30 m
3/h in total for the indoor space SI, thereby securing the amount of ventilation in
the indoor space SI and handling the air conditioning load while keeping initial costs
and running costs low.
[0071] According to the foregoing selecting methods, in the first step, a second amount
of ventilation to be required for the indoor space SI as a measure against pathogenic
infection is calculated based on the size (i.e., the floor area of 75 m
2, the occupant capacity of 25 persons) of the indoor space SI. The second amount of
ventilation to be required as a measure against pathogenic infection is 30 m
3/h per person. Therefore, the second amount of ventilation is 750 m
3/h (25 × 30 m
3/h).
[0072] Next, in the second step, a difference between the second amount of ventilation and
the first amount of ventilation is calculated as an additional amount of ventilation
(m
3/h). The additional amount of ventilation is 250 m
3/h (750 m
3/h: the second amount of ventilation - 500 m
3/h: the first amount of ventilation by the first ventilation device 10).
[0073] Next, in the third step, , a ventilation device capable of providing ventilation
corresponding to the additional amount of ventilation is selected from among the foregoing
candidate ventilation devices V1 to V6, and this ventilation device is selected as
a second ventilation device 20. In this embodiment, the ventilation device V2 having
the amount of ventilation of 250 m
3/h is selected as a second ventilation device 20.
[0074] Next, in the fourth step, , a sum of a first air conditioning load, a second air
conditioning load, and a third air conditioning load is calculated as a total air
conditioning load. As described above, the second air conditioning load is an air
conditioning load resulting from ventilation by the existing first ventilation device
10. A sum of the first air conditioning load and the second air conditioning load
resulting from the ventilation (the volume of ventilation: 500 m
3/h) by the existing first ventilation device 10 is 11.3 kW in the case of the indoor
space SI, whose floor area is 75 m
2, in the typical store. The third air conditioning load is an additional air conditioning
load resulting from the ventilation by the second ventilation device 20 that is additionally
installed. In the case where the ventilation device V2 having the amount of ventilation
of 250 m
3/h is selected as the second ventilation device 20, the additional air conditioning
load (the third air conditioning load) is 0.6 kW on conditions that the outside air
temperature is 35°C and the indoor temperature is 27°C. In the case where the ventilation
of air is provided by opening the window, the additional air conditioning load is
1.5 kW on the same conditions. When the second ventilation device 20 is employed,
the heat exchange element 40 performs total heat exchange. Therefore, the additional
air conditioning load is 0.6 kW. As a result, the total air conditioning load is 11.9
kW (11.3 kW + 0.6 kW).
[0075] For reference, FIG. 5 illustrates additional air conditioning loads and other numerical
values obtained from various combinations of the candidate second ventilation devices
20 with the candidate air-conditioning indoor units 30.
[0076] Next, in the fifth step, , an air-conditioning indoor unit 30 having an air conditioning
capacity capable of handling the total air conditioning load is selected from among
the foregoing candidate air-conditioning indoor units A1 to A9. In this embodiment,
the 5 horsepower (12.5 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A8, which has already been
installed in the indoor space SI, is selected as an air-conditioning indoor unit 30.
The 5 horsepower (12.5 kW) air-conditioning indoor unit A8 is selected since the total
air conditioning load (11.9 kW) can be handled with 5 horsepower (12.5 kW).
[0077] Next, in the sixth step,, a determination is made whether a volume of air at a maximum
amount of ventilation by the second ventilation device 20 selected in the third step
is equal to or less than 30% of a rated volume of air of the air-conditioning indoor
unit 30 selected in the fifth step. In this embodiment, the volume of air at the maximum
amount of ventilation by the second ventilation device 20 is equal to or less than
30% of the rated volume of air of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30. Therefore,
the seventh step is not carried out for reviewing the selection of the second ventilation
device and air-conditioning indoor unit.
[0078] In this embodiment, as described above, the air-conditioning and ventilation system
100 is constituted of the existing 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor unit 30 and
the additionally installed second ventilation device 20 including the heat exchange
element 40 configured to perform total heat exchange (see FIG. 4C).
[0079] In the case where the ventilation of air is provided by opening the window as a measure
against pathogenic infection, as described above, the 5 horsepower air-conditioning
indoor unit 30 should be replaced with a new 6 horsepower (14.0 kW) air-conditioning
indoor unit. On the other hand, when the second ventilation device 20 including the
heat exchange element 40 configured to perform total heat exchange is additionally
installed, the existing 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor unit 30 is usable as
it is.
(8) Features of second ventilation device selecting method
[0080] (8-1)
The second ventilation device selecting method described above in (7) involves selecting
a second ventilation device 20, based on a novel and excellent idea of utilizing the
first amount of ventilation by the existing first ventilation device 10 as it is and
compensating ventilation corresponding to an insufficient additional amount of ventilation
with the second ventilation device 20. This configuration achieves ventilation corresponding
to a second amount of ventilation to be required as a measure against pathogenic infection
while keeping costs low.
[0081] (8-2)
In a case where the second ventilation device 20 is installed in the indoor space
SI in addition to the existing first ventilation device 10, it is predicted that ventilation
by the second ventilation device 20 increases an air conditioning load in the indoor
space SI. Taking this prediction into no consideration may result in deterioration
of a thermal environment in the indoor space SI. In view of this, the foregoing method
for selecting a second ventilation device 20 and an air-conditioning indoor unit 30
involves selecting an air-conditioning indoor unit 30 capable of handling a total
air conditioning load including the air conditioning load resulting from the ventilation.
This configuration makes it possible to determine whether the air-conditioning indoor
unit 30, which has already been installed in the indoor space SI, is usable as it
is or whether this existing air-conditioning indoor unit 30 needs to be replaced with
a new air-conditioning indoor unit 30 higher in air conditioning capacity than the
existing air-conditioning indoor unit 30.
[0082] (8-3)
The second ventilation device selecting method described above in (7) involves selecting,
as an additional ventilation device, the second ventilation device 20 including the
heat exchange element 40 configured to perform heat exchange between supply air SA
and exhaust air EA. This configuration therefore reduces the deterioration of a thermal
environment in the indoor space SI owing to the ventilation by the second ventilation
device 20. The second ventilation device selecting method described above in (7) also
involves calculating a third air conditioning load (i.e., the air conditioning load
resulting from the additional ventilation), in consideration of the amount of heat
exchange by the heat exchange element 40. Therefore, there is no possibility to excessively
calculate the total air conditioning load. This configuration thus achieves correct
recognition of a required air conditioning capacity and appropriate selection of an
air-conditioning indoor unit 30.
[0083] (8-4)
In a case where a volume of air at a maximum amount of ventilation by a second ventilation
device 20 to be added as a measure against pathogenic infection is more than 30% of
a rated volume of air of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30, the air conditioning
apparatus operates at poor efficiency although the air-conditioning indoor unit 30
can handle a total air conditioning load with its air conditioning capacity, which
may increase running costs. In view of this, the second ventilation device and air-conditioning
indoor unit selecting method according to this embodiment involves reviewing the selection
of a second ventilation device and an air-conditioning indoor unit through the sixth
step and the seventh step. This configuration thus enables selection of, for example,
an air-conditioning indoor unit having a higher rated volume of air and a higher air
conditioning capacity, and thereby enables reduction in running costs of air conditioning
and ventilation.
[0084] (8-5)
According to the foregoing embodiment, a more appropriate air-conditioning indoor
unit 30 is selectable from among the many candidate air-conditioning indoor units
described above in (7-4), in accordance with a selected second ventilation device
20. This configuration thus enables reduction in running costs and installation costs
of the air-conditioning and ventilation system 100.
(9) Variations and features of air-conditioning and ventilation system
[0085] (9-1)
In the air-conditioning and ventilation system 100 described above in (1) to (6),
the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 has already been installed. Alternatively, the
air-conditioning and ventilation system 100 may be constituted of the packaged second
ventilation device 20, air-conditioning indoor unit 30, and ducts 21 to 24 such as
the supply air duct 24 defining the flow path through which supply air SA flows. The
ducts 21 to 24 are connected to the second ventilation device 20 such that a volume
of air to be supplied to the room becomes equal to a target amount of ventilation
when the fan of the second ventilation device 20 is driven at a predetermined number
of rotations. The ducts 21 to 24 and the supply air intake member 30a each have a
certain flow path resistance. A packaged system refers to a system that achieves a
target amount of ventilation without calculating a flow path resistance on site since
the ducts 21 to 24 and the supply air intake member 30a each have a desired flow path
resistance only by connecting the ducts 21 to 24 and the supply air intake member
30a to the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 and the second ventilation device 20. Employing
the packaged air-conditioning and ventilation system 100 achieves reduction in introduction
costs including installation construction costs, as compared with a case where the
ventilation device and the indoor unit of the air conditioning apparatus are connected
with a component such as a local-content duct.
[0086] (9-2)
Also in the air-conditioning and ventilation system 100, supply air SA from the second
ventilation device 20 flows into the air-conditioning indoor unit 30. Therefore, the
supply air SA whose temperature or humidity has been adjusted by the air-conditioning
indoor unit 30 is supplied to the indoor space SI.
[0087] (9-3)
The air-conditioning and ventilation system 100 includes the remote controller 90
configured to control the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 and the second ventilation
device 20. The remote controller 90 is capable of operating or stopping the air-conditioning
indoor unit 30 and the second ventilation device 20 in an associated manner. The remote
controller 90 is also capable of causing the second ventilation device 20 not to provide
ventilation during a stop of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30.
[0088] In the air-conditioning and ventilation system 100, if the second ventilation device
20 provides ventilation during a stop of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30, dust
adhering to an intake filter of the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 may disadvantageously
drop into the indoor space SI. This disadvantage is avoidable by the remote controller
90 that controls the air-conditioning indoor unit 30 and the second ventilation device
20 in an associated manner.
(10) Specific examples of air-conditioning and ventilation system
[0089] (10-1)
In the specific example of the selection of a second ventilation device described
above in (7-6), on the assumption that the 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor unit
30 and the first ventilation device 10 having the amount of ventilation of 500 m
3/h are installed in the indoor space SI (the floor area: 75 m
2) in the certain store, the current amount of ventilation (20 m
3/h per person) is increased as a measure against pathogenic infection so as to secure
the amount of ventilation of 30 m
3/h in total per person, for the indoor space SI.
[0090] In a case where a second ventilation device 20 is selected based on the similar idea
to that in this specific example, an air-conditioning and ventilation system to be
installed in an indoor space having a floor area from 70 m
2 or more to 95 m
2 or less preferably includes an air-conditioning indoor unit having a rated cooling
capacity of approximately 12.5 kW, and a second ventilation device having a maximum
amount of ventilation of 250 m
3/h.
[0091] When the air-conditioning and ventilation system is installed in an indoor space
in an existing building, such as the indoor space which has the foregoing floor area
and where a first amount of ventilation (e.g., an amount of ventilation twice as large
as a maximum amount of ventilation by a second ventilation device) is secured, the
air-conditioning and ventilation system ensures a required amount of ventilation as
a measure against pathogenic infection, and the air conditioning apparatus handles
a total air conditioning load in the indoor space, the total air conditioning load
including an air conditioning load based on the increased amount of ventilation.
[0092] (10-2)
In the specific example of the selection of a second ventilation device described
above in (7-6), on the assumption that the 5 horsepower air-conditioning indoor unit
30 and the first ventilation device 10 having the amount of ventilation of 500 m
3/h are installed in the indoor space SI (the floor area: 75 m
2) in the certain store, the current amount of ventilation (20 m
3/h per person) is increased as a measure against pathogenic infection so as to secure
the amount of ventilation of 30 m
3/h in total per person, for the indoor space SI.
[0093] In a case where a second ventilation device 20 is selected based on the similar idea
to that in this specific example, an air-conditioning and ventilation system to be
installed in an indoor space having a floor area from 40 m
2 or more to 60 m
2 or less preferably includes an air-conditioning indoor unit having a rated cooling
capacity of approximately 7.1 kW, and a second ventilation device having a maximum
amount of ventilation of 150 m
3/h.
[0094] When the air-conditioning and ventilation system is installed in an indoor space
in an existing building, such as the indoor space which has the foregoing floor area
and where a first amount of ventilation (e.g., an amount of ventilation twice as large
as a maximum amount of ventilation by a second ventilation device) is secured, the
air-conditioning and ventilation system ensures a required amount of ventilation as
a measure against pathogenic infection, and the air conditioning apparatus handles
a total air conditioning load in the indoor space, the total air conditioning load
including an air conditioning load based on the increased amount of ventilation.
(11) Modifications
[0095] (11-1)
In the air-conditioning and ventilation system 100 according to the foregoing embodiment,
indoor air in the indoor space SI flows through the return air path 21a and then flows
as return air RA into the heat exchange element 40. The air, when passing through
the heat exchange element 40, passes the air exhaust fan 28. The air is then discharged
as exhaust air EA to the outdoor space SO. On the other hand, outside air OA in the
outdoor space SO flows into the heat exchange element 40 through the outside air guide
path 23a. The air, when passing through the heat exchange element 40, passes the air
supply fan 26. The air is then supplied as fresh supply air SA to the indoor space
SI. However, the supply air SA needs a static pressure to a certain degree such that
the supply air SA passes through the narrow flow path in the air-conditioning indoor
unit 30 to which the supply air intake member 30a is mounted. This may result in a
pressure difference between the flow path with small flow path resistance, through
which the return air RA and the exhaust air EA flow, and the flow path with large
flow path resistance, through which the outside air OA and the supply air SA flow.
[0096] Therefore, in a case where the pressure loss of the supply air SA is considerably
large, preferably, the air-conditioning and ventilation system 100 additionally includes
a pressure adjustment unit.
[0097] An example of the pressure adjustment unit is a decompression member 58, such as
a baffle plate or a damper, to be provided in the first space 51a in the second ventilation
device 20 illustrated in FIG. 1A so as to increase the flow path resistance of the
return air RA and exhaust air EA. This configuration thus reduces the foregoing pressure
difference and hardly causes disadvantageous mixing of the outside air with the return
air in the heat exchange element 40.
[0098] (11-2)
While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein above,
it is to be appreciated that various changes in form and detail may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure presently or hereafter
claimed.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0099]
10: first ventilation device
20: second ventilation device (ventilation device, additional ventilation device)
24: air supply path forming member
24a: air supply path
26: air supply fan
28: air exhaust fan
30: air-conditioning indoor unit (air conditioning apparatus)
30a: supply air intake member
33: inlet of supply air intake member (air supply port)
40: heat exchange element
50: casing
51: first opening
52: second opening
53: third opening
54: fourth opening
58: decompression member (pressure adjustment unit)
90: remote controller (controller)
100: air-conditioning and ventilation system
EA: exhaust air
OA: outside air
RA: return air
SA: supply air
SI: indoor space
SO: outdoor space (outside of indoor space)
CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE