JP2762425B2 - Air conditioner - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an air conditioner for automatically controlling an indoor environment so that residents are comfortable.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional air conditioner is controlled so as to maintain a room temperature within a certain temperature range. However, it should originally be designed to maintain a comfortable thermal sensation of a person living there. In order to realize such comfort, a comfort index called PMV has been proposed, and as a device for controlling an air conditioner based on this index, Japanese Patent Laid-Open Nos. 2-178555 and 2-2.
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 42037 or the like.

[0003] PMV (Predicted Mean)
Vote) is translated as an average expected thermal sensation report, and is one index for evaluating the comfort of a thermal environment. It was proposed by Prof. Whanger of the Technical University of Denmark.
It is internationally standardized as SO-7730. The PMV is a function of temperature, humidity, radiation temperature, and air flow velocity, which are environmental elements, and the amount of activity and the amount of clothing, which are human body elements, and can be determined from these values by the formula described in ISO-7730. . And this PMV value 0
Is neutral and comfortable, 3 is hot, 2 is warm,
1 is defined as slightly warm, -3 as cold, -2 as cool, and -1 as slightly cool. The description of the formula and the calculation method is omitted.

[0004] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 2-178555 discloses a fuzzy set expressing the amount of activity and the amount of clothing, which are factors on the human body side of PMV, to calculate an optimal PMV value so that the PMV value becomes neutral. The air conditioner is controlled using temperature and humidity as control parameters. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
No. 42037 discloses a system in which a detecting means for detecting temperature, humidity and radiation temperature is installed in a living area, and a PMV value is calculated from a setting means for setting an air flow velocity, an activity amount, and a clothing amount. In this method, various air conditioners are cooperatively controlled using temperature as a control parameter so as to be neutral.

[0005]

However, in the conventional method, the air conditioner is controlled using temperature and humidity as control parameters in order to neutralize the PMV value.
It takes time for the V value to become neutral. Further, since the environmental element in the living area is directly detected, the installation location of the detecting means is restricted, and the configuration becomes expensive. Furthermore, even if the PMV values are distributed in the air-conditioned space, P
There is a disadvantage that the PMV value cannot be neutralized in the entire living area because the MV value is neutralized.

[0006] The present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems, and calculates a PMV value without being limited by the installation location of the detecting means, promptly controls the PMV value to a neutral value, and also sets the PMV value in an air-conditioned space. PMV in all residential areas even if
It is an object of the present invention to provide an air conditioner that controls values neutrally.

[0007]

To achieve this object, an air conditioner according to the present invention comprises a blower for circulating indoor air, a heat exchange means for heating or cooling the intake air,
A wind direction changing means for changing the wind direction of the blown air, a PMV value calculating means for calculating a PMV value in the living area,
There is provided a wind direction change control means for controlling the wind direction change means so that the value becomes neutral.

[0008] Further, the PM
There is provided a neuro PMV value calculating means for learning the V value calculation in advance and inferring the PMV value of the living area from the input conditions.

Further, there is provided fuzzy wind direction change control means for fuzzy controlling the angle of the wind direction changing means using the PMV value as one input condition.

A zone-based PMV value calculating means for dividing a living area in a room into a plurality of zones and calculating a PMV value of each zone, and a wind direction of blown air facing each zone.
And a plurality of wind direction change control means for controlling the plurality of wind direction change means so that the PMV value of each zone becomes neutral.

[0011]

According to the present invention, when the PMV value is not neutral, the blowout airflow is controlled so that the PMV value becomes neutral by controlling the wind direction changing means. Can be.

Further, since the PMV value in the living area is learned and inferred in advance by a neural network from the limited input conditions that can be detected by the air conditioner main body, it is inexpensive without being restricted by the installation location of the detection means. With such a configuration, the PMV value of the living area can be obtained.

Further, since the angle of the wind direction changing means is fuzzy controlled with the PMV value as one input condition, the PMV value can be quickly and stably neutralized.

Further, the indoor living area is divided into a plurality of zones, and the wind direction is changed up and down by wind direction changing means facing each zone.
To control the PMV value of each zone individually. Therefore, even if the PMV value is distributed, P
The MV value can be controlled to be neutral.

[0015]

【Example】

(Embodiment 1) An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner. In FIG. 1, 1 is a compressor, 2 is a four-way valve, 3 is an indoor heat exchanger which is a heat exchange means for heating or cooling indoor suction air, 4 is a decompressor, 5 is an outdoor heat exchanger, and Are connected annularly to form a refrigeration cycle. Reference numeral 6 denotes an indoor blower that sucks indoor air and blows out air heated or cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 3, and reference numeral 7 denotes an outdoor blower. 8 is an indoor unit installed indoors, and 9 is an outdoor unit installed outdoors. Switching between the cooling operation and the heating operation is performed by switching the four-way valve 2 to switch the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle.

FIG. 2 is an example of the indoor unit 8 and is a schematic diagram of a cassette type embedded in a ceiling. 10a, 10b, 10c,
Reference numerals 10d denote air outlets provided in four directions, each of which is provided with electric louvers 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d as wind direction changing means for changing the wind direction up and down. The electric louvers 11a, 11b, 11c, 11d are driven by a stepping motor or the like, and the angle of the louvers can be arbitrarily determined.

In this embodiment, the description of the stepping motor and the transmission mechanism will be omitted. 12 is a suction port for indoor air, and 13 is a filter for removing dirt and dust in the air. The indoor heat exchanger 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape so that heat can be exchanged in four directions.
4 and an induction motor 15. 1
Reference numeral 6 denotes a heat insulating wall for separating the suction air and the blown air.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the flow of air near one outlet 10a. As shown in the figure, the blowing direction is determined by the angle θ between the louver and the horizontal. In the present embodiment, θ has five steps of 15, 30, 45, 60, and 75 degrees.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of this embodiment.
Numeral 17 denotes a state detecting means installed in the living area. Room temperature detecting means 18, radiant temperature detecting means 19, humidity detecting means 20, air flow rate detecting means 21, activity amount setting means 22, which is set by the occupant, clothing amount setting. Means 23. 24 is a P for calculating a PMV value from each information input from the state detecting means 17.
MV value calculation means.

Reference numeral 25 denotes electric louvers 11a, 11b, 11
Electric louver control means, which is a wind direction change control means for controlling the angles of c and 11d, is controlled by the PMV value. 2
Numeral 6 is a refrigeration cycle control means for controlling the indoor blower 6, the outdoor blower 7, the compressor 1 and the four-way valve 2;
Controlled by value. PMV during cooling operation and heating operation
Tables 1 and 2 show examples of control of each control object by value.

[0022]

[Table 1]

[0023]

[Table 2]

In the comfortable state during the cooling operation, the cooled air is blown out in a substantially horizontal direction (15 degrees) to spread the cool air throughout the room. In the comfortable state during the heating operation, the heated air is dissipated in the substantially vertical direction (75 degrees). ) And warms the room from below.
45 when blowing directly into the living area during both cooling and heating operations
It blows out in degrees.

An operation example of the air conditioner having the above configuration will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example during the cooling operation. The solid line is the present embodiment, and the dashed line is the conventional operation example. In the present embodiment, the PMV
The value is 3 or more (hot), and the electric louvers 11a, 11
b, 11c, and 11d are set to 45 degrees, and the cooled air is directly blown into the living area (air velocity 0.3 in the living area).
m / s).

For this reason, the PMV value drops rapidly. Then, since the PMV value becomes 2 at the point A, the angle of the electric louver is set to 30 degrees to reduce the air flow velocity in the living area.
2m / s), the PMV value further decreases. And point B
The PMV value becomes 0, the angle of the electric louver is set to 15
And the airflow velocity in the living area is further reduced (0.1 m
/ S) Spread cool air throughout the room. At this time, the PMV value slightly increases, but if the range of the PMV values 1 to -1 is set to be comfortable, it is comfortable without falling out of this range.
As described above, it has conventionally taken about 25 minutes to reach the comfortable area (PMV values 1 to -1), but in the present embodiment, it takes less than 15 minutes.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an operation example during the heating operation. At the start of operation, the PMV value is -3 or less (cold), and the electric louvers 11a, 11b, 11
The heated air is directly blown into the living area by setting the angles of c and 11d to 45 degrees (the air velocity in the living area is 0.3 m / s).
Therefore, the PMV value increases rapidly. And P at point C
Since the MV value becomes -2, the angle of the electric louver is set to 60 degrees to reduce the air flow velocity in the living area (0.2 m /
s), the PMV value further increases. And PM at point D
Since the V value becomes 0, the angle of the electric louver is set to 75 degrees to further reduce the air flow velocity in the living area (0.1 m / s).
Warm the room from your feet.

At this time, the PMV value drops slightly,
If the MV value is in the range of 1 to −1, it is comfortable without deviating from this range. As described above, it has conventionally taken about 25 minutes to reach the comfortable area (PMV values 1 to -1), but in the present embodiment, it takes less than 15 minutes.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the compressor 1
A four-way valve 2, an indoor heat exchanger 3, which is a heat exchange means for heating or cooling indoor suction air, and a decompressor 4,
A refrigeration cycle configured by connecting the outdoor heat exchanger 5 in a ring shape; an indoor blower 6 that sucks indoor air and blows out air heated or cooled by the indoor heat exchanger 3; an outdoor blower 7; Embedded cassette type indoor unit 8-4
Outlets 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d provided in the directions for blowing heated or cooled air, and electric louvers 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d provided in the outlets for changing the direction of the blown air up and down, respectively.
PMV value calculation means 24 for calculating the PMV value of the living area;
Since the electric louver control means 25 is provided to control the electric louver so that the PMV value falls within the comfortable area, the PMV value can be quickly reached to the comfortable area.

(Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 27 denotes a neuro state detecting means, which is a suction temperature detecting means 28, a radiation temperature detecting means 19, a humidity detecting means 20, and a wind speed judging means 29 of the indoor blower 6, the electric louvers 11a and 11b, which are provided at the suction port 12 of the indoor unit 8. , 11c,
It comprises a wind direction determining means 30 set by 11d, an activity amount setting means 22 set by the resident himself, and a clothing amount setting means 23.

The suction temperature detecting means 28, the radiation temperature detecting means 19, the humidity detecting means 20, the wind speed judging means 29 and the wind direction judging means 30 are installed in the main body of the indoor unit 8 and are not restricted by the installation place. Numeral 31 denotes a neuro PMV value calculating means for learning in advance the relationship between the input of the neuro state detecting means 27 and the PMV value of the living area by a neural network, and inferring the PMV value of the living area from the input of the neuro state detecting means 27. The neuro PMV value calculation means 31 expresses the result of learning by the neural network in advance by the inventor based on a large number of experimental data. Hereinafter, FIG.
The description of the same configuration is omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the suction temperature detecting means 28, the radiation temperature detecting means 19, the humidity detecting means 20, the wind speed determining means 29, and the wind direction determining means 30 are installed in the main body of the indoor unit 8, and the By providing the neuro PMV value calculating means for inferring the PMV value of the living area from the input of the state detecting means 27, the PMV value is inferred without directly detecting the environmental element of the living area. It is not necessary to install a detecting means, so that it can be configured at low cost.

(Embodiment 3) A third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the present embodiment.
Reference numeral 32 denotes the PMV value. The electric louvers 11a, 11b, 1 which quickly reach the comfortable region and stabilize the PMV value by fuzzy inference from the change amount of the PMV value per unit time.
This is fuzzy electric louver control means for determining the control amounts of 1c and 11d. In this embodiment, the electric louver 11 is used.
The angles of a, 11b, 11c and 11d can be continuously changed from 15 degrees to 75 degrees by a stepping motor.
Hereinafter, description of the same configuration as in FIG. 4 will be omitted.

The control rules for cooling operation incorporated in the fuzzy electric louver control means 32 are the following nine rules.

Rule 1: If the PMV value is hot and the change amount of the PMV value per unit time is small (S), change the electric louver angle largely in the positive direction (PB).

Rule 2: If PMV value is warm, PMV
If the change in the value per unit time is close to zero (Z), change the electric louver angle greatly in the positive direction (P
B).

Rule 3: If PMV value is warm, PMV
If the change amount of the value per unit time is small (S), change the electric louver angle in the positive direction to a small value (PS).

Rule 4: If the PMV value is slightly warm, P
If the change amount of the MV value per unit time is large (B), change the electric louver angle greatly in the positive direction (P
B).

Rule 5: If PMV value is slightly warm, P
If the change amount of the MV value per unit time is close to zero (Z), change the electric louver angle in the positive direction to a small value (P
S).

Rule 6: If the PMV value is slightly warm, P
If the change amount of the MV value per unit time is small (S), the angle of the electric louver should not be changed much (ZO).

Rule 7: If PMV value is comfortable, PMV
If the change amount of the value per unit time is large (B), change the electric louver angle in the positive direction to a small value (PS).

Rule 8: If PMV value is comfortable, PMV
If the change of the value per unit time is close to zero (Z), the electric louver angle should not be changed much (ZO).

Rule 9: If PMV value is comfortable, PMV
If the change amount of the value per unit time is small (S), change the electric louver angle to a small value in the negative direction (NS).

However, the electric louver angle at the start of the cooling operation is 45 degrees, and the controllable range is from 15 degrees to 45 degrees.

On the other hand, the nine control rules during the heating operation are as follows. Rule 1: If the PMV value is cold and the change amount of the PMV value per unit time is large (B), change the electric louver angle largely in the negative direction (NB).

Rule 2: If the PMV value is cool and the PMV
If the change amount of the value per unit time is large (B), change the electric louver angle to a small value in the negative direction (NS).

Rule 3: If PMV value is cool, PMV
If the change of the value per unit time is close to zero (Z), the electric louver angle should not be changed much (ZO).

Rule 4: If the PMV value is slightly cool, P
If the change amount of the MV value per unit time is large (B), change the electric louver angle to a small value in the negative direction (N
S).

Rule 5: If the PMV value is slightly cool,
If the change amount of the MV value per unit time is close to zero (Z), change the electric louver angle to a small value in the negative direction (N
S).

Rule 6: If the PMV value is slightly cool,
If the change amount of the MV value per unit time is small (S), change the electric louver angle largely in the negative direction (N
B).

Rule 7: If PMV value is comfortable, PMV
If the change amount of the value per unit time is large (B), change the electric louver angle in the positive direction to a small value (PS).

Rule 8: If PMV value is comfortable, PMV
If the change of the value per unit time is close to zero (Z), the electric louver angle should not be changed much (ZO).

Rule 9: If PMV value is comfortable, PMV
If the change amount of the value per unit time is small (S), change the electric louver angle largely in the negative direction (NS).

However, the electric louver angle at the start of the heating operation is 45 degrees, and the controllable range is from 45 degrees to 75 degrees.

The above-mentioned language data is a control rule of the electric louver angle for the PMB value to quickly reach the comfortable region and stabilize, which is obtained by the inventor from a number of experimental data and empirical rules. Tables 3 and 4 show the relationship of the PMB value over time.

[0058]

[Table 3]

[0059]

[Table 4]

Table 3 shows the control rules for the cooling operation, and Table 4 shows the control rules for the heating operation. In each case, the PMV value is divided into four stages in the horizontal direction, and the change amount of the PMV value per unit time is arranged in three stages in the vertical direction, and the divided PMV value and the change amount of the PMV value per unit time are arranged. At each of the intersections, the optimal angle of the electric louver corresponding to the change amount of the PMV value per unit time is arranged in five stages.

FIG. 9 shows a fuzzy variable in the cooling operation, that is, a membership function of the PMV value, the amount of change per unit time of the PMV value, and the control amount of the electric louver angle. FIG. 10 shows the members of the fuzzy variable in the heating operation. It is a ship function. The determination of the control amount of the electric louver angle based on this membership function uses a MAX-MIN combination method, which is one method of fuzzy control. In addition, MA
The description of the X-MIN synthesis method is omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the PMV value and the amount of change per unit time of the PMV value are used as input conditions.
The fuzzy control of the electric louver angle is performed based on a number of experimental data and the inventor's empirical rules, so that the PMV value can more quickly reach the comfortable region and be stabilized.

In this embodiment, the input conditions are the PMV value and the amount of change in the PMV value per unit time.
Similar effects can be obtained with the MV value and the blowing temperature.

(Embodiment 4) Hereinafter, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the zone division of this embodiment. 33 is a room to be air-conditioned, and the zone is the indoor unit 8
Are divided into four zones according to the four blowing directions.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram of the present embodiment. Numeral 34 denotes first zone state detecting means installed in the living area of the first zone. The first zone room temperature detecting means 35, the first zone radiation temperature detecting means 36, and the first zone humidity detecting means 3 are provided.
7. The first zone air flow rate detecting means 38 and the first zone activity amount setting means 39 which the resident of the first zone sets themselves,
It comprises zone clothing amount setting means 40.

Similarly, reference numeral 41 denotes second zone state detecting means for detecting the state of the second zone, 42 denotes third zone state detecting means, and 43 denotes fourth zone state detecting means. 44 is a first, second, third and fourth zone state detecting means 34 and 4
This is a zone-based PMV value calculation means for calculating a PMV value for each zone from state information for each zone input from 1, 42, and 43.

Reference numeral 45 denotes the first zone according to the PMV value of the first zone.
First electric louver control means for controlling the angle of the electric louver 46, 47 is second electric louver control means for controlling the angle of the second electric louver 48 according to the PMV value of the second zone, 49 is according to the PMV value of the third zone. Third electric louver control means for controlling the angle of the third electric louver 50,
Reference numeral 51 denotes fourth electric louver control means for controlling the angle of the fourth electric louver 52 according to the PMV value of the fourth zone.

The first, second, third, and fourth electric louver control means 45, 47, 49, and 51 control the PM of each zone.
Control is performed so that the V value quickly reaches the comfortable region and is stabilized. Hereinafter, description of the same configuration as in FIG. 4 is omitted.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the per-zone PMV value calculating means 44 for dividing the living area into four zones according to the blowing direction of the indoor unit 8 and calculating the PMV value of each zone, First, second, third, and third motors that control the first, second, third, and fourth electric louvers 46, 48, 50, and 52 corresponding to the zones according to the PMV value of each zone.
Since the fourth electric louver control means 45, 47, 49, and 51 are provided, even if the PMV value is distributed in the living area, the PMV value quickly reaches the comfortable area and stabilizes in the entire living area. be able to.

Although the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments have been described above, it goes without saying that the same effect can be obtained by combining the embodiments.

[0072]

As described above, the air conditioner of the present invention comprises a blower for circulating indoor air, a heat exchange means for heating or cooling the intake air, a wind direction changing means for changing the wind direction of the blown air, and a living room. PMV to calculate the PMV value of the area
Value calculation means and wind direction change control means for controlling the wind direction change means so that the PMV value becomes neutral (comfortable). If the PMV value is not neutral, the wind direction change means is controlled. Thus, the blown airflow is controlled so that the PMV value becomes neutral, so that the PMV value can be quickly neutralized.

Further, the air conditioner of the present invention is provided with a neuro PMV value calculating means for learning the PMV value calculation in advance by a neural network and inferring the PMV value of the living area from the input conditions. The PMV value can be learned and inferred by a neural network in advance from the limited input conditions that can be detected by the main body of the device, and the PMV value can be obtained with an inexpensive configuration without being restricted by the installation location of the detection means.

Further, the air conditioner of the present invention is provided with fuzzy wind direction change control means for fuzzy controlling the angle of the wind direction change means using the PMV value as one input condition, so that the PMV value can be further quickly and stably stabilized. Can be controlled neutrally.

Also, the air conditioner of the present invention divides a living area in a room into a plurality of zones and calculates a PMV value of each zone .
A plurality of wind direction changing means for changing the direction of the blown air upward and downward, and a plurality of wind direction change control means for controlling the plurality of wind direction changing means so that the PMV value of each zone becomes neutral. Therefore, the PM of each zone
The V value can be individually controlled by the wind direction changing means facing each zone. Even if the PMV value is distributed, P
The MV value can be controlled to be neutral.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioner according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cassette type indoor unit according to the embodiment; FIG. 2B is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a cassette type indoor unit according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a main part showing the flow of air near the outlet of the cassette type indoor unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the air conditioner in the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example during a cooling operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart illustrating an operation example during a heating operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of an air conditioner according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

9A is a characteristic diagram showing a membership value with respect to a PMV value during a cooling operation in the embodiment. FIG. 9B is a graph showing a membership value with respect to a change amount per unit time of the PMV value during a cooling operation in the embodiment. (C) Characteristic diagram showing the membership value for the control amount of the electric louver angle during the cooling operation in the embodiment

FIG. 10A shows a PMV during a heating operation in the embodiment.
FIG. 3B is a characteristic diagram showing a membership value with respect to a value. FIG. 4B is a characteristic diagram showing a membership value with respect to a change amount per unit time of a PMV value during a heating operation in the embodiment. Characteristic diagram showing membership values for angle control amounts

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing zone division of an air conditioner according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a functional block diagram in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 3 heat exchange means 6 blowers 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d wind direction change means 24 PMV value calculation means 25 wind direction change control means 31 neuro PMV value calculation means 32 fuzzy wind direction change control means 44 per zone PMV value calculation means 45 1st electric louver Control means 46 First electric louver 47 Second electric louver control means 48 Second electric louver 49 Third electric louver control means 50 Third electric louver 51 Fourth electric louver control means 52 Fourth electric louver

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-4-155136 (JP, A) JP-A-4-316946 (JP, A) JP-A-4-1777041 (JP, A) JP-A-4-320750 (JP) , A) JP-A-4-18644 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) F24F 11/02

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A blower for circulating indoor air, a heat exchange means for heating or cooling the intake air, and indoor living
Divide the area into multiple zones and calculate the PMV value for each zone
Means for calculating the PMV value for each zone to be calculated
Multiple winds that change the direction of the blown air up and down
The direction change means and the PMV value of each zone will be neutral
A plurality of wind direction changing means for controlling the plurality of wind direction changing means.
An air conditioner provided with control means .