Thermal equilibrium system for building and energy-saving air-conditioning system using the same

A thermal equilibrium for building and an energy-saving air-conditioning system using the same incorporates a first energy-recovery apparatus and a second energy-recovery apparatus. The first energy-recovery apparatus includes a first water storage tank, a foundation pile under and connected to a building architecture construction and a first heat-exchanging pipeline connected to the first water storage tank for performing heat exchange with the foundation pile so that the water in the first heat-exchanging pipeline is heated to a first temperature range. The second energy-recovery apparatus includes a second water storage tank, at least one home appliance that generates a first thermal energy during operation, and a second heat-exchanging pipeline connected to the second water storage tank for performing heat exchange with the at least one home appliance so that the water in the second heat-exchanging pipeline is heated to a second temperature range.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to a thermal equilibrium system for building and an energy-saving air-conditioning system using the same, and in particular to a thermal equilibrium system which recycles underground thermal energy absorbed by foundation piles and waste heat generated from home appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many modern buildings are much taller and heavier than the buildings before them. The foundation piles deeply fixed into the ground or rock are widely adopted as the basis for supporting the buildings and maintain the stability of the same. The temperature variation of the soil around the foundation pile that is deeply fixed into the ground is much more stable as compared with the changing atmosphere temperatures where the building is located. Although the temperature of the soil changes along with different latitudes and seasons, it does not change drastically like the atmospheric temperature which will obviously change along with latitudes, climate, weather and even different times of the day. Therefore, based on the principle of heat exchange, appropriately utilizing the foundation pile to absorb thermal energy from underground for use in a building or a house improves energy efficiency and achieves the goal of green building.

In addition, many home appliances, such as a microwave oven, electric oven, refrigerator, electric cooker, induction cooker, steamer, air-conditioner and heating stove, are needed to satisfy the requirements of the modern lifestyle of a family. Normally, those home appliances will generate waste heat during operation and release thermal energy directly to the air without being properly recycled for use, and this is not environmentally friendly.

Therefore, if we can recycle the underground thermal energy or waste heat of the home appliances as mentioned above, it can be expected that a building or living environment with better energy efficiency can be achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a thermal equilibrium system for a building which is able to utilize underground thermal energy from a foundation pile to proceed with environmental control of a building or a house.

The other object of the invention is to provide a thermal equilibrium system for a building which is able to utilize the waste heat generated from the home appliances to proceed with environmental control of a building or a house.

Another object of the invention is to provide an energy-recycling air-conditioning system which can utilize the recycled thermal energy collected from the above thermal equilibrium system for a building.

In order to achieve the above objects, the invention provides a thermal equilibrium system for a building, comprising: a first energy-recovery apparatus and a second energy-recovery apparatus. The first energy-recovery apparatus comprises: a first water storage tank; a foundation pile connected to a lower part of a structure of the building; a first heat-exchanging pipeline connected to the first water storage tank for performing heat exchange with the foundation pile, thereby heating water in the first heat-exchanging pipeline to a first temperature range; and a first pump disposed between the first water storage tank and the first heat-exchanging pipeline, and configured to pump the water in the first water storage tank to circulate the water between the first water storage tank and the first heat-exchanging pipeline. The second energy-recovery apparatus comprises: a second water storage tank, at least one first home appliance, wherein the at least one first home appliance generates first thermal energy during use; a second heat-exchanging pipeline connected to the second water storage tank for performing heat exchange with the at least one first home appliance to absorb the first thermal energy generated by the at least one first home appliance, thereby heating water in the second heat-exchanging pipeline to a second temperature range; and a second pump disposed between the second water storage tank and the second heat-exchanging pipeline, and configured to pump the water in the second water storage tank to circulate the water between the second water storage tank and the second heat-exchanging pipeline, wherein the second temperature range is broader than the first temperature range.

The invention also provides another aspect of a thermal equilibrium system, wherein the thermal equilibrium system as described above further comprises: a third pump and a fourth pump. The third pump connects to the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank, and is configured to pump water out of at least one of the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank to output the water to an indoor coiled pipe. The fourth pump connects to the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank, and is configured to pump water out of at least one of the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank to output the water to at least one second home appliance.

In order to achieve the above objects, the invention provides an aspect of an air-conditioning system, comprising: the thermal equilibrium system as described above and an air-handling unit. The air-handling unit comprises: an air intake capable of sucking an airflow from at least one of an external environment and an indoor space of the building; an air outtake capable of conveying the airflow to the indoor space of the building; a fan located between the air intake and the air outtake and capable of blowing the airflow from the air intake to the air outtake of the air-handling unit; a cooling coiled pipe positioned between the air intake and the air outtake for performing heat exchange with the airflow to cool the airflow, wherein the cooling coiled pipe is connected to a chilled water inlet pipe and a chilled water outlet pipe; and a heating coiled pipe which is positioned between the air intake and the air outtake, and is configured to perform heat exchange with the airflow to heat the airflow, wherein the heating coiled pipe is connected to a hot water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe. The third pump of the above-mentioned thermal equilibrium system can pump water from the first water storage tank to convey the water to the cooling coiled pipe through a first auxiliary pipe connected to the chilled water inlet pipe; and the fourth pump of the above-mentioned thermal equilibrium system can pump water from the second water storage tank to convey the water to the heating coiled pipe through a second auxiliary pipe connected to the hot water inlet pipe.

In order to achieve the above objects, the invention provides another aspect of an air-conditioning system comprising the thermal equilibrium system and an air-handling unit. The air-handling unit comprises: an air intake capable of sucking an airflow from at least one of an external environment and an indoor space of the building; an air outtake capable of conveying the airflow to the indoor space of the building; a fan positioned between the air intake and the air outtake and used to blow the airflow from the air intake of the air-handling unit to the air outtake; a cooling coiled pipe positioned between the air intake and the air outtake, and configured to perform heat exchange with the airflow to cool the airflow, wherein the cooling coiled pipe is connected to a chilled water inlet pipe and a chilled water outlet pipe; a heating coiled pipe positioned between the air intake and the air outtake, and configured to perform heat exchange with the airflow to heat the airflow, wherein the heating coiled pipe is connected to a hot water inlet pipe and a hot water outlet pipe, and an auxiliary coiled pipe positioned after the air intake and before the cooling coiled pipe and the heating coiled pipe, and configured to perform heat exchange with the airflow to cool or to heat the airflow, wherein the auxiliary coiled pipe is connected to an auxiliary water inlet pipe and an auxiliary water outlet pipe, wherein the third pump of the thermal equilibrium system is able to pump water from the first water storage tank to the auxiliary water inlet pipe, to convey the water to the auxiliary coiled pipe; and the fourth pump of the thermal equilibrium system is able to pump water from the second water storage tank to the auxiliary water inlet pipe, to convey the water to the auxiliary coiled pipe.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

To clearly understand the features, contents, and advantageous technical effects of the invention, the invention is to be described in accompaniment with the drawings and preferred embodiments below. The drawings only serve to support the description and thus the interpretation of the claims of the invention should not be limited to the ratio and arrangement of the drawings.

The foundation piles as described below are preferable to be adopted in the construction of a building structure, such as an apartment, villa, dormitory, hotel, motel and so on. The foundation pile can also be adopted in the construction of a commercial building, factory, storage building, hospital, airport, station and other composite building structures. The term “building” in this description is not intended to be limited to “residential building,” but can be extended to all building types with an available internal space for use.

FIG. 1illustrates an arrangement of a preferred embodiment of a thermal equilibrium system for a building, wherein a thermal equilibrium system1at least comprises a first energy-recovery apparatus10and a second energy-recovery apparatus20. The first energy-recovery apparatus10comprises a first water storage tank11, a foundation pile12connected to a lower part of a building structure, a first heat-exchanging pipeline13and a first pump18. The first heat-exchanging pipeline13is buried with or wound around the foundation pile to perform heat exchange. The temperature deep in the ground around the foundation pile under the building is relatively stable, and thus the temperature of the foundation pile12contacting the underground soil or rock is relatively constant. In this embodiment, by disposing the first pump18between the first water storage tank11and the first heat-exchanging pipeline13, the water is pumped from the first water storage tank11and is circulated between the first water storage tank11and the first heat-exchanging pipeline13so that the water in the first heat-exchanging pipeline13is heat exchanged with the foundation pile12to heat the water in the first heat-exchanging pipeline13to a first temperature range and is then conveyed back to the first water storage tank11. The temperature of the water in the first water storage tank11is therefore within the first temperature range. The first temperature range is preferably between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, but not limited within the range. For instance, the constant temperature neighboring the foundation pile underground changes along with different latitudes where the building is located or seasons.

The second energy-recovery apparatus20comprises a second water storage tank21, at least one first home appliance22, second heat-exchanging pipeline23, and a pump28. The at least one first home appliance22can be, for example, one or more of a refrigerator, stove (including gas stove or electric stove) or heating oven, which generates first thermal energy or utilizable waste heat during use. The second heat-exchanging pipeline23is connected to the second water storage tank21, and is also connected to the at least one first home appliance22to perform heat exchange by absorbing the first thermal energy or waste heat generated by the at least one first home appliance during use. The second pump28, which is arranged between the second water storage tank21and the second heat-exchanging pipeline23, serves to pump the water in the second water storage tank21to circulate the water between the second water storage tank21and the second heat-exchanging pipeline23so that the water in the second heat-exchanging pipeline23performs heat exchange with the at least one first home appliance22and is heated to a second temperature range. The second temperature range is preferably between 30 and 40 degrees Celsius, but is not limited within this range. For instance, based on the different numbers, types or waste heat amounts of the first home appliances, the temperature of the water heated by the second heat-exchanging pipeline23will also change.

As mentioned above, the thermal energy recycled by the first energy-recovery apparatus10and the second energy-recovery apparatus20heats the water in the first water storage tank11and in the second water storage tank21to the first temperature range and the second temperature range, respectively. The present embodiment also comprises a third pump30connected to the first water storage tank11and the second water storage tank12and serving to pump the water out of at least one of the first water storage tank11or the second water storage tank12for use. According to the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the first water storage tank11is connected to the third pump30through a first pipeline14, and the second water storage tank21is connected to third pump30through a second pipeline24. It should be noted that the second pipeline24is connected to the third pump30by, for example, a pipe tee through the first pipeline14. Besides, a first control valve16is disposed between the third pump30and the first water storage tank11according toFIG. 1. The first control valve16is disposed before the joint of the first pipeline14and the second pipeline24inFIG. 1to control the output of the water for use from the first water storage tank11through the third pump30. A second control valve26is disposed between the third pump30and the second water storage tank21. The second control valve26is disposed at the second pipeline24before the joint of the first pipeline14and the second pipeline24to control the output of the water for use from the second water storage tank21through the third pump30. With this pipeline structure described above, the user can pump the water out of the first water storage tank11or the second water storage tank21for use through the third pump30by the operation of the first control valve16or the second control valve26. In operation, the user can also simultaneously switch on both the first control valve16and the second control valve26so that the water for use is outputted by the third pump30from both the first water storage tank11and second water storage21.

The water pumped out of the first water storage tank11or the second water storage tank21by the third pump30can supply to, for example, an indoor coiled pipe of the building serving as an indoor ground cooling system (during summer) or ground warming system (during winter), and may also serve as an auxiliary water source for a chilled water type air-handling unit or hot water type air-handling unit. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the water output by the third pump30supplies the indoor coiled pipe50for regulating the indoor temperature of the building.

In addition, the present embodiment further comprises a fourth pump40connected to first water storage tank11and the second water storage tank21. The fourth pump40is configured to pump water out of at least one of the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank for use. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, the first water storage tank11is connected to the fourth pump40through a third pipeline15and the second water storage tank21is connected to the fourth pump40through a fourth pipeline25. It should be noted that the third pipeline15is connected to the fourth pump40with, for example, a pipe tee through the fourth pipeline25. Besides, a third control valve17is disposed between the fourth pump40and the first water storage tank11. The third control valve17is disposed at the third pipeline15before the joint of the third pipeline15and the fourth pipeline25and serves to control the water output from the first water storage tank11through the fourth pump40for use. A fourth control valve27is disposed between the fourth pump40and the second water storage tank21. The fourth control valve27is disposed at the fourth pipeline25before the joint of the third pipeline15and the fourth pipeline25, and serves to control the water output from the second water storage tank21through the fourth pump40for use. With this pipeline structure, the user is able to output the water from the first water storage tank11or the second water storage tank21by the operation of the third control valve17or the fourth control valve27. During operation, the user can also output the water from both the first water storage tank11and the second water storage21by simultaneously switching on both the third control valve17and the fourth control valve27.

The water pumped out from the first water storage tank11or the second water storage tank21by the fourth pump40is able to be supplied to at least one second home appliance60of the building. The at least one home appliance60includes, for example, a water heater, thermos, washing machine, dishwasher and hot water bag. Utilizing the water with sufficient high temperature pumped out by the fourth pump40is able to directly reduce the thermal energy required for heating water from a certain low temperature to a higher temperature.

The embodiment inFIG. 1further includes a third energy-recovery apparatus70comprising at least a third home appliance71, a third heat-exchanging pipeline73and a fifth pump74. The at least one third home appliance71could be an air-conditioning device which generates a second thermal energy during operation. The third heat-exchanging pipeline73is connected to the second water storage tank21, and is also connected to the at least one third home appliance71so that the third heat-exchanging pipeline73is able to perform heat exchange with and absorb the second thermal energy generated by the third home appliance71during operation. The fifth pump74is disposed between the second water storage tank21and the third heat-exchanging pipeline73, and is able to pump out the water from the second water storage tank21to circulate the water between the second water storage tank21and the third heat-exchanging pipeline73so as to absorb the second thermal energy generated by the at least one third home appliance71during operation, thereby heating the water in the third heat-exchanging pipeline73to a third temperature range. The third temperature range is close to the second temperature range or exceeds the upper limit of the second temperature range.

It should be noted that the thermal equilibrium system further includes a green energy apparatus80which can generate electrical power. The green energy apparatus connects to an electrical heating apparatus211in the second water storage tank21to heat the water in the second water storage tank21. The green energy apparatus80can be, for example, a solar panel81mounted on the building, a micro wind turbine82and/or a relevant power collecting panel83. The power source of the electrical heating apparatus211of the second water storage tank21is not limited to the electricity generated by the green energy apparatus80mentioned above, but can also connect to other power sources to cover the electricity deficit when the electricity generated by the green energy apparatus80is not enough for heating the water in the second water storage tank21to a specific temperature.

In light of the above contents, the water is pumped out of the first water storage tank11and the second water storage tank21by the third pump30or the fourth pump40for use. Hence, under some circumstances, the water in the first water storage tank11and the second water storage tank21may not be enough for other usage(s) due to the decreased volume of the water therein. In order to supply water to the first water storage tank11and the second water storage tank21, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1further includes an external water source S, a fifth control valve S1, and a sixth control valve S2. The external water source S is connected to both the first water storage tank11and the second water storage tank21to supply the water to the first water storage tank and the second water storage tank, among which the fifth control valve S1controls the supply of the water from the external water source S to the first water storage tank11, and the sixth control valve S2controls the supply of the water from the external water source S to the second water storage tank21.

In order to monitor and control the thermal equilibrium system1ofFIG. 1, some sensors are arranged at water storage tanks or pipelines of the system1for providing the temperature in the pipelines and the water volume in the water storage tanks, and thereby different operation modes of the thermal equilibrium system for the building can be executed based on the information. The sensors mentioned above include a first temperature sensor T1and a first liquid level sensor L1disposed in the first water storage tank11, a second temperature sensor T2and a second liquid level sensor L2disposed in the second water storage tank21, a third temperature sensor T3disposed at the water outlet pipe of the third pump30to measure the temperature of water output by the third pump, and a fourth temperature sensor T4disposed at the water outlet pipe of the fourth pump40to measure the temperature of water output by the fourth pump40. In other embodiments of the invention, the thermal equilibrium system1can further include the sensors disposed at the first heat-exchanging pipeline13, the second heat-exchanging pipeline23and the external water source S to monitor the temperature of water in each pipeline of the thermal equilibrium system1, and thus more detailed information of the system can be obtained.

The thermal equilibrium system illustrated inFIG. 1of the invention has different operation modes. For instance, in regular mode, the water in the first water storage tank11of the first energy-recovery apparatus10reaches the first temperature range by the heat exchange between the first heat-exchanging pipeline13and the foundation pile12, and is pumped by the third pump30directly to supply the indoor coiled pipeline50to serve as a ground cooling or warming system inside the building for use. At this time, the first control valve16is opened and the second control valve26is closed, and therefore the water in the second water storage tank22is not pumped out by the third pump30. Similarly, the water in the second water storage tank21of the second energy-recovery apparatus20reaches the second temperature range by the heat exchange between the second heat-exchanging pipeline23and at least one home appliance22, and is pumped by the fourth pump40directly to supply at least one second home appliance60for use. At this time, the fourth control valve27is opened and the third control valve17is closed, and therefore the water in the first water storage tank11is not pumped out by the fourth pump40.

However, under some circumstances, if the thermal energy recycled by the thermal equilibrium system1exceeds the required thermal energy, for an exemplary condition, the volume of the water recycled by the second energy-recovery apparatus20and having the second temperature range inside the second water storage tank21is sufficient to cover the water consumption of at least one second home appliance60(i.e., the water consumption of at least one second home appliance is not high), the water in the second water storage tank21is able to supply to the indoor coiled pipeline50through the third pump30by opening the second control valve26. Referring to an exemplary flowchart inFIG. 2, in step U1, the thermal equilibrium system1starts up and is followed by step U2. In step U2, the system will determine whether the temperature of the water output by the fourth pump40and measured by the fourth temperature sensor T4is higher than 30 degrees Celsius or not. If affirmative, then step U4follows and the thermal equilibrium system will further determine whether the temperature of water measured by the second temperature sensor T2in the second water storage tank21is higher than 30 degrees Celsius or not. If affirmative, then step U5follows and the thermal equilibrium system will determine whether the liquid level of the second water storage tank21measured by the second liquid level sensor L2is higher than the minimum allowed liquid level (such as 20%). If affirmative, such a condition means that the volume of water having a temperature within the second temperature range in the second water storage tank21is sufficient to cover the water consumption of at least one second home appliance. At this time, step U6follows and the thermal equilibrium system will detect whether the user activates the ground warming mode (i.e., whether the third pump30is pumping water from the first water storage tank11to be supplied to the indoor coiled pipe50). If affirmative, step U7follows and the thermal equilibrium system will open the second control valve26and close the first control valve16. Subsequently, step U8follows and the system will pump water from the second water storage tank21instead so as to supply the indoor coiled pipe50for the execution of ground warming mode. Of course, as illustrated inFIG. 2, if any of the steps U2, U4, U5and U6is determined false, the system will enter step U3, and be maintained in regular mode, which means that each of the energy-recovery apparatuses will independently recycle and utilize thermal energy (i.e., the first water storage tank11of the first energy-recovery apparatus10supplies water to the indoor coiled pipe50, and the second water storage tank21of the second energy-recovery apparatus20supplies water to the at least one second home appliance).

Under some circumstances, the water consumption increases abruptly and thus causes the shortage of recycled thermal energy. For example, in the case that the volume of the water having the second temperature range recycled by the second energy-recovery apparatus20in the second water storage tank21is insufficient to be supplied to at least one second home appliance60, the water in the first water storage tank11will supply at least one second home appliance60through the fourth pump40by opening the third control valve17. For instance, according to the exemplary flowchart illustrated inFIG. 3, in step V1the thermal equilibrium system will start up, and is followed by step V2. In step V2, the thermal equilibrium system will determine whether the liquid level of the second water storage tank21measured by the second liquid level sensor L2is lower than the minimum allowed liquid level (such as 20%) or not. If affirmative, step V4is followed, and the system will further determine whether the temperature of the water output by the fourth pump40and measured by the fourth temperature sensor T4is lower than 30 degrees Celsius or not. At this time, if the measured temperature of the water is lower than 30 degrees Celsius, the system enters step V5. Subsequently, the system will further determine whether the temperature of the water measured by the first temperature sensor T1in the first water storage tank11is higher than 25 degrees Celsius. If affirmative, step V6then follows and the system will determine whether the liquid level of water in first water storage tank measured by the first liquid level sensor L1is higher than the minimum allowed liquid level (such as 20%). If affirmative, it means that the liquid level of water in the first water storage tank11is higher than the minimum allowed liquid level, and then the system enters step V7. In step V7the system will open the third control valve17to allow the fourth pump40to pump water from the first water storage tank11to increase the water supply to at least one second home appliance60. Of course, as illustrated inFIG. 3, if any of the steps V4, V2, V4, V5and V6is determined false, the system will enter step V3and the system will be maintained in regular mode, which means that each of the energy-recovery apparatuses will independently recycle and utilize thermal energy (i.e., the water of the first water storage tank11in the first energy-recovery apparatus10supplies the indoor coiled pipe50, and the water of the second water storage tank21in the second energy-recovery apparatus20supplies the at least one second home appliance60). However, in step V7, when the system allows the fourth pump40to pump the water from the first water storage tank11to increase the water supply to the at least one second home appliance60, the water temperature of the mixed water decreases because the temperature of the water having the first temperature range in the first water storage tank11is lower than the temperature of the water having the second temperature range in the second water storage tank21. At this time, the system will enter step V8and the thermal equilibrium system1will further determine whether the temperature of the water measured by the second temperature sensor T2in the second water storage tank21is lower than 35 degrees Celsius. If affirmative, the system will enter step V9and the thermal equilibrium system1will further switch on the electrical heating apparatus211in the second water storage tank21to heat the water in the second water storage tank21to at least 35 degrees Celsius to increase the temperature of the water pumped by the fourth pump40and thus to further raise the temperature of the mixed water in the system. In contrast, if the determined outcome in step V8is false, which means the temperature of the water in the second water storage tank21is still higher than 35 degrees Celsius, the system will enter step V10and the thermal equilibrium system1will not switch on the electrical heating apparatus211to save energy. It should be noted that after performing step V9or step V10, the system will return to step V8after a certain interval of time to recheck whether the temperature of the water in the second water storage tank21is lower than 35 degrees Celsius as a feedback mechanism, so as to maintain the stability of the temperature of the suppled water in the whole system.

As mentioned above, the water pumped out by the third pump30from the first water storage tank11or the water pumped out by the fourth pump40from the second water storage tank21of the thermal equilibrium system1is able to be supplied to the indoor coiled pipe of the building to serve as a ground cooling system (during summer) or ground warming system (during winter). However, the water stored in the first water storage tank11and in the second water storage tank21of the thermal equilibrium system of the invention can also serve as an auxiliary water source for a conventional air-conditioning system of chilled water type or hot water type to reduce the water consumption of the chilled water or the hot water of the main system and to reduce energy consumption.

FIG. 4illustrates an arrangement of a preferred embodiment of an air-conditioning system. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity and conciseness,FIG. 4only illustrates the first water storage tank11, the second water storage tank12, the third pump30and the fourth pump40, and does not illustrate the rest of the parts of the thermal equilibrium system.

InFIG. 4, the air-conditioning system300is usually disposed in an independent space between an indoor space400whose environment quality is to be controlled and an external environment500outside the building. For example, the space may be between the ceiling of the indoor space and the upper floor panel or similar space for arrangement of the air-conditioning system300. The air-conditioning system300comprises an air-handling unit310having an air intake320and an air outtake330, and further comprises a filter layer380, a cooling coiled pipe340for cooling airflow, a heating coiled pipe350for heating airflow, a humidifier360for humidifying the airflow, and a fan370between the air intake320and the air outtake330arranged in sequence along a traverse direction between the air intake320and the air outtake330of the air-handling unit310illustrated inFIG. 4. The air intake320can suck an airflow from at least one of an external environment500or the indoor space400, the air outtake330can output the airflow to the indoor space400of the building, and the fan370is located between the air intake320and the air outtake330and is used for conveying airflow from the air intake320to the air outtake330of the air-handling unit310. In other words, when the fan370is activated, the airflow will enter the air-handling unit310through the air intake320from at least one of the external environment500or the indoor space400, pass through the filter layer380, the cooling coiled pipe340, the heating coiled pipe350and the humidifier360, and eventually enter the indoor space400through the air outtake330. Of course, the position of the fan370is not limited to what is shown inFIG. 4. For instance, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the fan370is disposed between the filter380and the cooling coiled pipe340. In addition, only one of the cooling coiled pipe340and heating coiled pipe350will work instead of both for either the cooling mode or the warming mode, and the positions of the cooling coiled pipe340and the heating coiled pipe350can be interchanged based on the requirements of the air-conditioner structure or pipeline arrangement. The filter layer380is not limited to one single layer filter, as multiple-layer filters can also be adopted to enhance the filtering of air filtration, such as a primary filter381and a secondary filter382illustrated inFIG. 4.

The preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 4discloses that the air-conditioning system300comprises a return air damper401mounted or connected to an opening of the indoor space400and an external air damper501mounted or connected to another opening of the building in communication to the external space500. When the fan330of the air-handling unit310is activated, the air intake320can suck air from at least one of the return air damper401or the external air damper501to form an airflow. With the structures of the return air damper401and the external air damper501, the air-conditioning system300is able to suck air from the external environment500to the indoor space400for ventilation, to suck air from the indoor space400for air circulation, or to control the open degree of the openings of the return air damper401and the external air damper501separately by a controller600to adjust the mixing ratio of sucked air from the two openings.

The cooling coiled pipe340performs heat exchange with the airflow to cool down the airflow in cooling mode. In the present embodiment, the cooling coiled pipe340is connected to a chilled water inlet pipe341and a chilled water outlet pipe342, wherein the chilled water inlet pipe341and the chilled water outlet pipe342are connected to a conventional main system capable of supplying chilled water to the cooling coiled pipe (not illustrated), and the chilled water inlet pipe341is further provided with a first auxiliary pipe343connected to the third pump30of the thermal equilibrium system for the building. The third pump30pumps water from the first water storage tank11to the cooling coiled pipe340through the first auxiliary pipe343of chilled water inlet pipe341. The heating coiled pipe350performs heat exchange with the airflow to heat the airflow in the warming mode and is connected to a hot water inlet pipe351and a hot water outlet pipe352, wherein the hot water inlet pipe351and the hot water outlet pipe352are connected to another conventional main system capable of supplying hot water to the heating coiled pipe (not illustrated), and the hot water inlet pipe351is further provided with a second auxiliary pipe353connected to the fourth pump40of the thermal equilibrium system. The fourth pump40pumps water from the second water storage tank21to the heating coiled pipe350through the second auxiliary pipe353of the hot water inlet pipe351.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the first auxiliary pipe343of the chilled water inlet pipe341connected to cooling coiled pipe340is provided with a seventh control valve344to control the volume of water entering the chilled water inlet pipe341from the first water storage tank11through the first auxiliary pipe343. A third auxiliary pipe345can be further provided between the chilled water outlet pipe342and the first water storage tank11so that the water of the cooling coiled pipe340is able to be conveyed back to the first water storage tank11from the chilled water outlet pipe342through the third auxiliary pipe345. The third auxiliary pipe345is provided with an eighth control valve346to control the volume of water conveyed back to the first water storage tank11from the chilled water outlet pipe342through the third auxiliary pipe345.

In addition, the chilled water inlet pipe341is further provided with a ninth control valve347to control the main water intake supplied from the main system to the chilled water inlet pipe341, and the first auxiliary pipe343is located between the ninth control valve347and the cooling coiled pipe340. The chilled water outlet pipe342is further provided with a tenth control valve348to control the main water volume output from the chilled water outlet pipe342, and the third auxiliary pipe345is located between the tenth control valve348and the cooling coiled pipe340.

Similarly, the second auxiliary pipe353of the hot water inlet pipe351connected to the heating coiled pipe350is provided with an eleventh control valve354to control the volume of water conveyed to the hot water inlet pipe351from the second water storage tank21through the second auxiliary pipe353. A fourth auxiliary pipe355is further provided between the hot water outlet pipe352and the second water storage tank21so that the water in the heating coiled pipe350is able to be convey back to the second water storage tank21from the hot water outlet pipe352through the fourth auxiliary pipe355. The fourth auxiliary pipe355is provided with a twelfth control valve356to control the water volume conveyed back to the second water storage tank21from the hot water outlet pipe352through the fourth auxiliary pipe355.

In addition, the hot water inlet pipe351is further provided with a thirteenth control valve357to control the main water intake supplied from the main system and conveyed to the hot water inlet pipe351, and the second auxiliary pipe353is positioned between the thirteenth control valve357and the heating coiled pipe350. The hot water outlet pipe352is further provided with a fourteenth control valve358to control the main water volume output from the hot water outlet pipe352, and the fourth auxiliary pipe355is positioned between the fourteenth control valve358and the heating coiled pipe350.

It should be noted that in order to control the quality of the air and environment of the indoor space, the air-conditioning system300is positioned in the air-handling unit310, a temperature sensor T5is preferably disposed in the air-handling unit310of the air-conditioning system300at a position behind the cooling coiled pipe340and the heating coiled pipe350, so as to measure the temperature of airflow transferred in the air-handling unit310after performing heat exchange through the cooling coiled pipe340or the heating coiled pipe350. In the indoor space400, an indoor temperature sensor T6, an indoor humidity sensor M1and an indoor CO2concentration sensor can be provided. In addition, at the external environment500of the building, an external environment temperature sensor T7and a PM2.5 sensor P1can be provided. Furthermore, all sensors illustrated inFIG. 4are able to transmit signals to the controller600, and the controller600is able to control the individual open degree of the return air damper401, the external air damper501, all the control valves illustrated inFIG. 4, and the actuation of the humidifier360. By utilizing the sensors, the control valves and dampers having adjustable degrees of opening, and the controllable humidifier, etc., the control of the quality of the air and environment of the indoor space400can be achieved.

For instance, when the humidity of the indoor space measured by an indoor humidity sensor M1is less than a predetermined humidity value, the controller600will activate the humidifier360to humidify the airflow in the air-handling unit until the humidity reaches the predetermined humidity value. In addition, due to the controllable open degree of the external air damper501and the return air damper401, if the indoor CO2concentration sensor C1detects that the CO2concentration of the indoor space400is greater than a predetermined CO2concentration value, the open degree of the external air damper501and the return air damper401can be individually controlled to adjust the mixing ratio of the air drawn from the external environment500and from the indoor space400to reach the predetermined CO2concentration value when the air-handling unit sucks in air. In an example of a cooling mode, if the external environment temperature measured by the external environment temperature sensor T7is lower than a predetermined indoor temperature, the open degree of the external air damper501can be raised to increase the amount of air sucked from the external environment to adjust the temperature of the indoor space400. However, if the value of PM2.5 of the external environment measured by the PM2.5 sensor P1is greater than a predetermined value of PM2.5, the predetermined CO2concentration value of the indoor space400will serve as a standard value for the controller600to individually control the open degree of the external air damper501and the return air damper401so as to prevent too high of a concentration of PM2.5 suspended particulates from entering the indoor space400and negatively affecting the indoor air quality.

The air-conditioning system300is able to run at least one of the cooling mode or warming mode. For instance, under the cooling mode, only the cooling coiled pipe340is working, and the heating coiled pipe350is not. Meanwhile, all of the eleventh control valve354, the twelfth control valve356, the thirteenth control valve357and the fourteenth control valve358will be closed.FIG. 5illustrates the steps of an exemplary cooling mode. In step W1, the air-conditioning system300starts up and the controller600opens the ninth control valve347of the chilled water inlet pipe341and the tenth control valve348of the chilled water outlet pipe342to allow the chilled water of the main system to run through the cooling coiled pipe340, and to perform heat exchange with the airflow in the air-handling unit to cool it down so that the airflow can then be transferred to the indoor space400. In step W2, after the airflow performs heat exchange with the cooling coiled pipe340, the temperature sensor T5in the air-handling unit310will measure the temperature of the airflow after cooling down and determine whether the temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined airflow temperature. If false, step W3follows to maintain the use of the chilled water provided from the main system to run through the cooling coiled pipe to continue cooling down the airflow in the air-handling unit310, and then returns to step W2until the outcome of step W2is determined affirmative. Once the outcome of step W2is affirmative, then step W4follows to check whether the open degree of the ninth control valve347of the chilled water inlet pipe341and the tenth control valve348of the chilled water outlet pipe342are lower or equal to 20%. If the outcome is false, it means that the heat load of the indoor space400is still in a high load state, and then returns to step W3which keeps the use of the chilled water from the main system to run through the cooling coiled pipe340to cool down the airflow in the air-handling unit310. If the outcome is affirmative, it means that the heat load of the indoor space400is in a low load state, and then step W5follows. In Step5, the controller600will open the seventh control valve344of the first auxiliary pipe343and the eighth control valve346of the third auxiliary pipe345to allow the third pump30to pump water from the first water storage tank11of the thermal equilibrium system as an auxiliary water source running through the first auxiliary pipe343to mix with the chilled water output by the chilled water inlet pipe341from the main system, and then the mixed water is supplied to the cooling coiled pipe340. In step W5, the auxiliary water source is used so that the energy consumption of the main system is reduced. Subsequently, in step W6, the temperature sensor T5will detect the temperature of the airflow after the auxiliary water source is used to proceed with the cooling in step W5, so as to determine if it is higher than the predetermined temperature. If the determined outcome is false, it means that the temperature of the airflow is lower than or remains the same as the predetermined temperature, and the system will return to step W5which keeps utilizing the auxiliary water source of the first water storage tank11to maintain the mixing ratio of the chilled water of the main system and the auxiliary water source for saving energy and cooling down the airflow. If the determined outcome is affirmative, it means that the temperature of the airflow transferred by the air-handling unit310is higher than the predetermined temperature, and step W7follows. In step W7, the degrees of opening of the seventh control valve344of the first auxiliary pipe343and the eighth control valve346of the third auxiliary pipe345will be individually adjusted to change the mixing ratio of the water from the auxiliary water source and from the chilled water of the main system, or will be directly closed to stop conveying the water from the auxiliary water source but only utilize the chilled water of the main system to supply water to the cooling coiled pipe340. Subsequently, step W6is performed to again determine whether the temperature of airflow detected by the temperature sensor T5is higher than the predetermined temperature or not. With the above feedback control, the ratio of water from the auxiliary water source of the first water storage tank11and the chilled water from the main system can be optimized to achieve the goal of energy saving.

Similarly, if the air-conditioning system300is under warming mode, only the heating coiled pipe350is working and the cooling coiled pipe340is not. Meanwhile, the seventh control valve344, the eighth control valve346, the ninth control valve347and the tenth control valve348are closed.FIG. 6illustrates the steps of an exemplary warming mode. In step X1, the air-conditioning system300starts up and the controller600opens the thirteenth control valve357of the hot water inlet pipe351and the fourteenth control valve358of the hot water outlet pipe352to allow the hot water of the main system to run through the heating coiled pipe350, and to perform heat exchange with the airflow in the air-handling unit310to heat it up, so the airflow can be transferred to the indoor space400. In step X2, after the airflow performs heat exchange with the heating coiled pipe350, the temperature sensor T5in the air-handling unit310will measure the temperature of airflow after heating and determine whether the airflow temperature is lower than or equal to a predetermined airflow temperature. If false, the system will proceed with X3to keep using the hot water from the main system to run through the heating coiled pipe350to heat up the airflow in the air-handling unit310, and then step X2will follow again until the outcome of X2is affirmative. If the determined outcome of step X2is affirmative, the system will proceed with step X4. In step X4, the system will check whether the open degree of the thirteenth control valve357of the hot water inlet pipe351and the fourteenth control valve358of the hot water outlet pipe352is lower than or equal to 20%. If the determined outcome is false, it means that the cold load of the indoor space400is still in high load state, and the system will return to step X3in which the system will keep using the hot water from the main system to run through the heating coiled pipe350to heat up the airflow in air-handling unit310. However, if the outcome is affirmative, it means that the cold load of indoor space400is in a low load state, and the system will proceed with step X5. At this time, the controller600will open the eleventh control valve354of the second auxiliary pipe353and the twelfth control valve356of the fourth auxiliary pipe355to allow the fourth pump40to pump water from the second water storage tank21of the thermal equilibrium system as an auxiliary water source so that the water of the auxiliary water source is able to run through the second auxiliary pipe343and then to mix with the hot water running in the hot water inlet pipe351from the main system and eventually be supplied to the heating coiled pipe. In step X5, the auxiliary water source is used to decrease the energy consumption of the main system. Subsequently, in step X6, after the system starts to use the auxiliary water source to save energy and to heat the airflow (as described in step X5), the temperature of airflow output by the air-handling unit will be measured by the temperature sensor T5and the system will determine whether the measured temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature. If the determined outcome is false, it means that the airflow temperature is higher than or the same as the predetermined temperature, and the system will then return to step X5to keep utilizing the auxiliary water source from the second water storage tank21and maintaining the mixing ratio of the water from the auxiliary water source and hot water from the main system to save energy and to heat up the airflow. If the determined outcome is affirmative, it means that the temperature of the airflow transferred by the air-handling unit310is lower than the predetermined temperature, and the system will proceed with step X7. In step X7, the system will adjust the degrees of opening of the eleventh control valve354of the second auxiliary pipe353and the twelfth control valve356of the fourth auxiliary pipe355individually to change the mixing ratio of the water from the auxiliary source and hot water of the main system, or will directly close the eleventh control valve354of the second auxiliary pipe353and the twelfth control valve356of the fourth auxiliary pipe355to stop transferring the water from the auxiliary water source but only utilize the hot water of the main system to supply water to the heating coiled pipe350. The system will then return to step X6to again determine whether the temperature of the airflow detected by the temperature sensor T5is lower than the predetermined temperature. With the above feedback control, the mixing ratio of the water from the auxiliary water source of the second water storage tank21and hot water from the main system can be optimized to achieve the goal of energy saving.

FIG. 7illustrates a structure of another embodiment of the air-conditioning system of the invention. Most of the structures illustrated inFIG. 7are similar to the structures inFIG. 4. It should be noted that for the sake of clarity and conciseness,FIG. 7only illustrates the first water storage tank11, the second water storage tank12, the third pump30and the fourth pump40, but omits the rest of the parts of the thermal equilibrium system for the building.

InFIG. 7, the air-conditioning system300′ is usually arranged in a space independent from and between the indoor space400and the external environment500outside the building. The air-conditioning system300′ is provided with an air-handling unit310′ having an air intake320and an air outtake330. Referring toFIG. 7, the air-handling unit310′ further comprises a filter layer380, an auxiliary coiled pipe390for pre-cooling or pre-heating the airflow, a cooling coiled pipe340for cooling an airflow, a heating coiled pipe350for heating the airflow, a humidifier360for humidify the airflow, and a fan370arranged in a traverse direction in sequence between the air intake320and the air outtake330. As mentioned above, the airflow enters the air intake320from at least one of an external environment500and the indoor space400, and is outputted from the air outtake330to the indoor space400of the building. The fan370is located between the air intake320and air outtake330and is able to convey the airflow from the air intake320to the air outtake330of the air-handling unit310′. When the fan370is activated, the airflow enters the air-handling unit310′ through the air intake320from at least one of the external environment500and the indoor space400, and then runs through the filter layer380, the auxiliary coiled pipe390, the cooling coiled pipe340, the heating coiled pipe350and the humidifier360, and eventually enters the indoor space400from the air outtake330by the fan370for conveying the air flow. The position of the fan370is not limited to what is illustrated inFIG. 7. For instance, in an embodiment of the invention, the fan370is disposed between the filter380and the auxiliary coiled pipe390. In addition, the positions of the cooling coiled pipe340and the heating coiled pipe350can be interchanged based on the requirements of the structure or pipeline arrangement. The filter layer380is not limited to one single layer filter, and multiple-layer filters can also be adopted to enhance the effect of air filtration, such as the primary filter381and the secondary filter382illustrated inFIG. 7.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated inFIG. 7, the air-conditioning system300′ is provided with a return air damper401mounted or connected to the opening of the indoor space400and an external air damper501mounted or connected to another opening of the building in communication with the external space500. When the fan370of the air-handling unit310′ is activated, air flow is sucked from at least one of the return air damper401and the external air damper501to formulate airflow into the air intake320. By utilizing the structures of the return air damper401and the external air damper501, the air-conditioning system300′ is able to either suck air from the external environment500to the indoor space400for ventilation or suck air from the indoor space400for air circulation, and to control the degrees of opening of the return air damper401and the external air damper501with a controller600to adjust the mixing ratio of sucked air.

The auxiliary coiled pipe390inFIG. 7is for pre-cooling or pre-heating of the airflow in the air-handling unit310′ in a cooling mode or warming mode. The auxiliary coiled pipe390is connected to an auxiliary inlet pipe391and an auxiliary outlet pipe392, among which a fifth auxiliary pipe393is provided between the first water storage tank11and the auxiliary inlet pipe391, and a sixth auxiliary pipe394is provided between the first water storage tank11and the auxiliary outlet pipe392. With this structure, the water in the first water storage tank can be pumped by the third pump30, enters the auxiliary inlet pipe391through the fifth auxiliary pipe393, then enters the auxiliary coiled pipe390, and finally runs back to the first water storage tank through the auxiliary outlet pipe392and the sixth auxiliary pipe394. One of the fifth auxiliary pipe393and the sixth auxiliary pipe394is provided with a fifteenth control valve397to control the water volume entering the auxiliary inlet pipe391from the first water storage tank11so as to control the pre-cooling of the airflow in the air-handling unit310′ by the auxiliary coiled pipe390.

The cooling coiled pipe340illustrated inFIG. 7performs heat exchange with the airflow to cool it down in cooling mode. The cooling coiled pipe340is connected to a chilled water inlet pipe341and a chilled water outlet pipe342. In the present embodiment, the chilled water inlet pipe341and the chilled water outlet pipe342are mainly connected to a conventional main system (not illustrated) capable of supplying chilled water to run through the cooling coiled pipe. In addition, one of the chilled water inlet pipe341and the chilled water outlet pipe342is provided with a sixteenth control valve349to control the water volume conveyed to the chilled water inlet pipe341from the main system.

In addition, inFIG. 7, a seventh auxiliary pipe395is provided between the second water storage tank21and the auxiliary inlet pipe391, and an eighth auxiliary pipe396is provided between the second water storage tank21and the auxiliary outlet pipe392. With this structure, the water in the second water storage tank can be pumped by the fourth pump40to enter the auxiliary inlet pipe391through the seventh auxiliary pipe395, and then to enter the auxiliary coiled pipe390, and finally to go back to the second water storage tank through the auxiliary outlet pipe392and the eighth auxiliary pipe396. One of the seventh auxiliary pipe395and the eighth auxiliary pipe396is provided with a seventeenth control valve398to control the water volume that enters the auxiliary inlet pipe391from the second water storage tank21to control the pre-heating level of the airflow in the air-handling unit310′ conveyed through the auxiliary coiled pipe390.

Furthermore, the heating coiled pipe350inFIG. 7performs heat exchange with the airflow to heat it up in warming mode. The heating coiled pipe350is connected to a hot water inlet pipe351and a hot water outlet pipe352. The hot water inlet pipe351and the hot water outlet pipe352are mainly connected to a conventional main system (not illustrated) for supplying hot water to the heating coiled pipe, and one of the hot water inlet pipe351and the hot water out let pipe352is provided with an eighteenth control valve349to control the volume of hot water transferred to the hot water inlet pipe351from the main system.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, in order to achieve the control of the air quality of the indoor air space or the indoor environment, an air-conditioning system300′ is also arranged in the air-handling unit310′, and a temperature sensor T5is preferably disposed behind the cooling coiled pipe340and the heating coiled pipe350to measure the temperature of airflow after the airflow runs through the cooling coiled pipe340or the heating coiled pipe350for heat exchange. In the indoor space400, an indoor temperature sensor T6, an indoor humidity sensor M1and an indoor CO2concentration sensor C1can be provided. In addition, at the external environment500outside, an external environment temperature sensor T7and a PM2.5 sensor P1can also be provided. Furthermore, all of the sensors are able to transmit signals to the controller600illustrated inFIG. 7. Also, the degrees of opening of the return air damper401, the external air damper501, and all the control valves illustrated in ofFIG. 7, together with the activation of the humidifier360of the air-handling unit310′, can be individually adjusted or controlled by the controller600. By using the above-mentioned sensors, control valves and damper structures with adjustable degrees of opening, controllable humidifier, etc., the goals of controlling the air or environment quality of the indoor space400can be achieved.

For instance, when the humidity of the indoor space measured by the indoor humidity sensor M1is less than a predetermined humidity value, the controller600will activate the humidifier360to humidify the airflow in the air-handling unit until the measured humidity reaches the predetermined humidity value. In addition, due to controllable degrees of opening of the external air damper501and the return air damper401, when the CO2concentration of the indoor space400detected by the indoor CO2concentration sensor C1is greater than a predetermined CO2concentration value, the system will control the degrees of opening of the external air damper501and the return air damper individually to adjust the mixing ratio of the air sucked into the air-handling unit310′ from the external environment500and from the indoor space, so that the predetermined CO2concentration value can be reached. In addition, if the value of PM2.5 of the external environment measured by the PM2.5 sensor P1is greater than a predetermined value of PM2.5, the predetermined CO2concentration value of the indoor space400will serve as a standard value as reference for the controller600to control the degrees of opening of the external air damper501and the return air damper401individually to prevent too high of a concentration of PM2.5 suspended particulates from being introduced into the indoor space400and negatively affecting the indoor air quality.

The air-conditioning system300′ can also be operated under cooling mode or warming room mode. If the system operates under cooling mode, only the auxiliary coiled pipe390and the cooling coiled pipe340will work and the heating coiled pipe350will not. Therefore, both the seventeenth control valve398and the eighteenth control valve359are closed. Under an operation condition of the cooling mode, the temperature sensor T5of the air-handling unit310′ will measure the temperature of airflow output by air conditioning box310′. If the temperature measured by temperature sensor T5reaches the predetermined airflow temperature, the controller600will open the fifteenth control valve397to allow the third pump30of the thermal equilibrium system to pump water from the first water storage tank11to supply water to the auxiliary coiled pipe390through the auxiliary inlet pipe391, so as to pre-cool the airflow in the air-handling unit310′, and to reduce the degrees of opening of the sixteenth control valve349to decrease the water volume entering the cooling coiled pipe340through the chilled water inlet pipe341to achieve the goal of saving energy consumption. Besides, if the temperature of the airflow measured by the temperature sensor T5is maintained at the predetermined airflow temperature, the controller will individually maintain the degrees of opening of the fifteenth control valve397and the sixteenth control valve349. However, if the temperature of airflow measured by the temperature sensor T5fails to be maintained at the predetermined airflow temperature, the controller600will adjust the degrees of opening of the fifteenth control valve397and the sixteenth control valve349individually in order to adjust water volume entering the auxiliary coiled pipe390from the first water storage tank11and the water volume entering the cooling coiled pipe340from the main system through the chilled water inlet pipe341until the temperature of airflow measured by the temperature sensor reaches the predetermined airflow temperature. With the above-mentioned cooling mode mentioned above, the thermal energy recycled by thermal equilibrium system can be effectively utilized and the energy consumption of the main system can be reduced.

If the system operates under warming mode, the air-conditioning system300′ will only activate the auxiliary coiled pipe390and the heating coiled pipe350, while the cooling coiled pipe340will not be activated and both the fifteenth control valve397and the sixteenth control valve349will be closed. Under an operation condition of the warming mode, the temperature sensor T5of the air-handling unit310′ will measure the temperature of airflow output by the air-handling unit310′. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor T5reaches the predetermined airflow temperature, the controller600will open the seventeenth control valve398to make the fourth pump40of the thermal equilibrium system to pump water from the second water storage tank21to supply water to the auxiliary coiled pipe390through the auxiliary inlet pipe391, and to pre-heat the airflow running through the air-handling unit310′, so as to reduce the degrees of opening of the eighteenth control valve359to decrease the water volume entering the heating coiled pipe350through the hot water inlet pipe351to save energy consumption. Besides, if the temperature of airflow measured by the temperature sensor T5is maintained at the predetermined airflow temperature, the controller will maintain the degrees of opening of the seventeenth control valve398and the eighteenth control valve359individually. If the temperature of the airflow measured by the temperature sensor T5fails to be maintained at the predetermined airflow temperature, the controller600will adjust the degrees of opening of the seventeenth control valve398and the eighteenth control valve359individually in order to adjust the water volume entering the auxiliary coiled pipe390from the second water storage tank21and the water volume entering the heating coiled pipe350through the hot water inlet pipe351from the main system, until the temperature of airflow measured by the temperature sensor reaches the predetermined airflow temperature. With the above-mentioned operation mode, the thermal energy recycled by the thermal equilibrium system can be effectively utilized and the energy consumption of the main air-conditioning system can be reduced.

FIG. 8illustrates the steps of another exemplary operation mode of an air-conditioning system300′ inFIG. 7. In step Y, the air-conditioning system300′ starts up and step Y11then proceeds. In step Y11, the system will determine whether the temperature of the external environment measured by the external environment temperature sensor T7is higher than the temperature of the indoors measured by the indoor temperature sensor T6. If the determined outcome in step Y11is affirmative, a cooling mode operation is selected and the system proceeds with step Y12. In step Y12, the controller600will open the fifteenth control valve397to make the third pump30to pump water from the first water storage tank11to supply water to the auxiliary coiled pipe390in order to pre-cool the airflow running through the air-handling unit310′. If the auxiliary coiled pipe390starts the pre-cool process, the system proceeds with step Y13. In step Y13, the system will determine whether the temperature of airflow in the air-handling unit310′ measured by the temperature sensor T5is lower than or equal to a predetermined airflow temperature. If the determined outcome in step Y13is affirmative, the system will proceed with step Y14. In step Y14, the air-conditioning system300′ keeps utilizing the water pumped from the first water storage tank11by the third pump30to supply water to the auxiliary coiled pipe390in order to regulate the temperature of the indoor space400by pre-cooling the airflow in the air-handling unit310′. If the determined outcome in Y13is false, it means that the temperature of airflow output by the air-handling unit310′ is higher than the predetermined airflow temperature, and the system will then proceed with step Y15. In step Y15, the controller600of the air-conditioning system300′ will open the sixteenth control valve349to convey the chilled water from the main system to the cooling coiled pipe340in order to further cool down the airflow in the air-handling unit310′ which has been pre-cooled by the auxiliary coiled pipe390. The system will then proceed with step Y16, and the controller of the air-conditioning system300′ will adjust the open degree of the fifteenth control valve397and the sixteenth control valve349individually to make the temperature of the airflow measured by the temperature sensor T5in the air-handling unit310′ reach the predetermined airflow temperature.

Besides, if the determined outcome in step Y11is false, the operation of the warming mode is selected and the system proceeds with step Y21. In step Y21, the system will again determine whether the external temperature measured by the external environment temperature sensor T7is lower than the indoor temperature measured by the indoor temperature sensor T6. If the determined outcome of Y21is affirmative, the system will proceed with step Y22. In step Y22, the controller600will open the seventeenth control valve398to pump water from the second water storage tank21with the fourth pump40to supply the auxiliary coiled pipe390in order to pre-heat the airflow running through the air-handling unit310′. After the auxiliary coiled pipe390starts to pre-heat the airflow, the system will proceed with step Y23. In step Y23, the system will determine whether the temperature of the airflow measured by the temperature sensor T5in the air-handling unit310′ is higher or equal to a predetermined airflow temperature. If the determined outcome in step Y23is affirmative, the system will proceed with step Y24. In step Y24, the air-conditioning system300′ keeps utilizing the water pumped from the second water storage tank21by the fourth pump40to supply water to the auxiliary coiled pipe390in order to regulate the temperature of the indoor space400by pre-heating the airflow in the air-handling unit310′. If the determined outcome in step Y23is false, it means that the temperature of airflow running through the air-handling unit310′ is lower than the predetermined airflow temperature, and the system will then proceed with step Y25. In step Y25, the controller600of the air-conditioning system300′ will open the eighteenth control valve359and convey hot water from the main system to heat the coiled pipe350in order to heat the airflow in the air-handling unit310′ after the air flow is pre-heated by the auxiliary coiled pipe390. The system then proceeds with step Y26, and the controller600of the air-conditioning system300′ will adjust the degrees of opening of the seventeenth control valve398and the eighteenth control valve359individually to make the temperature of airflow measured by the temperature sensor T5in the air-handling unit310′ reach the predetermined airflow temperature. With the operation of the air-conditioning system300′ illustrated inFIG. 8, the thermal energy recycled by the first water storage tank11and the second water storage tank21of thermal equilibrium system of the invention can be appropriately utilized as a supportive energy source for the energy-saving air-conditioning system to reduce energy consumption.

In summary, based on the thermal equilibrium system for the building and its operation modes provided by the same, as well as the air-conditioning system utilizing the thermal energy recycled by thermal equilibrium system and the operation manner thereof, the underground thermal energy, waste heat generated from home appliances and energy generated from green energy apparatuses can be effectively utilized to achieve the goals of reducing energy consumption and maintaining the indoor air quality simultaneously. Even if the actual energy consumption exceeds the load of the thermal system mentioned above and the main system is required to be activated, the embodiment provided above can still be a supportive system for reducing energy consumption.

The embodiments mentioned above are the technical aspects and traits of the invention, and are meant to be understood and carried out by a person ordinarily skilled in the art. It shall not limit the claims of the invention. Variation and modification are possible within the scope of the foregoing disclosure and the claims to the invention.