Air conditioning system for building

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that can clean air of each room rapidly in a building while keeping a temperature control property of each room.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system 1 for a building 2 is disclosed. The air conditioning system 1 includes an air conditioner 11, a circulation device 12, a filter member 13, and a control device 14. The circulation device 12 includes: duct means 19 including a fan 22; and a plurality of dampers 20. The control device includes a fan operation part, a damper adjustment part, and a user interface part. The fan operation part includes a first mode of operating the fan 22 at first air volume and a second mode of operating the fan 22 at second air volume so as to be selectable. The user interface part can change the degree of opening of at least one damper 20 of the dampers 20 to a small degree by operation by a user during operation in the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to building air conditioning systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various systems have been proposed for supplying conditioned air purified by a filter member to multiple rooms partitioned in a building (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In this type of system, conditioned air is supplied to multiple rooms and return air is collected, thereby circulating the air and performing air conditioning. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-198395 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, when the air quality in a building deteriorates, there is a need to quickly purify the air by supplying a large volume of conditioned air that has been purified by a filter member to each room. However, if conditioned air is uniformly supplied to each room at a large volume, there is a problem that, for example, rooms with small floor areas are over-conditioned, resulting in temperature variations among multiple rooms.

[0005] The present invention was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its main object is to provide an air conditioning system that can quickly purify the air in each room while maintaining temperature controllability in each room in a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an air conditioning system for a building having a plurality of partitioned rooms, comprising an air conditioner for generating conditioned air by conditioning air including outside air and / or air inside the building, a circulation device for forming an air circulation path for supplying the conditioned air to the plurality of rooms and recovering return air as the air inside the building, a filter member provided in the air circulation path, and a control device, wherein the circulation device comprises duct means including a fan for supplying the conditioned air to each of the plurality of rooms, and a plurality of dampers for adjusting the supply amount of the conditioned air for each of the plurality of rooms, and the control device comprises The air conditioning system for a building includes a fan operation unit that adjusts the airflow of the fan, a damper adjustment unit that adjusts the opening of the multiple dampers, and a user interface unit that can change the opening of the multiple dampers, wherein the fan operation unit is capable of selecting between a first mode in which the fan is operated at a predetermined first airflow and a second mode in which the fan is operated at a second airflow that is larger than the first airflow, and the user interface unit is capable of decreasing the opening of at least one of the multiple dampers by user operation during operation in the second mode. Effect of the Invention

[0007] By employing the above-described configuration, the air conditioning system of the present invention is able to quickly purify the air in each room while maintaining temperature controllability in each room in a building. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a building in which a building air conditioning system is installed. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the opening degree of a damper and the magnitude of the opening degree. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device. [Diagram 5] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a building air conditioning method. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a ventilation air-conditioning starting process. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a purification operation starting step. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface (operation screen) for enabling the opening degrees of a plurality of dampers to be changed. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a purification operation ending step. [Figure 10] 2 is a graph showing the PQ curve of a fan and the resistance curve of a duct means. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of an air conditioning method according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated expressions and expressions different from the dimensional ratio of the actual structure in order to help understand the contents of the invention. Furthermore, the same or common elements are given the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments, and duplicated explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0010] [building] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a building 2 in which a building air conditioning system (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "air conditioning system") 1 is installed. The building 2 is exemplified as a residence, but may be a building or the like. The building 2 of this embodiment is exemplified as a one-story building, but may be two or more stories. The building 2 of this embodiment is configured to include an underfloor space 3 and an above-floor space 4.

[0011] The underfloor space 3 in this embodiment is a space surrounded by the foundation, the ground, and the first floor floor 5. An opening 6 is provided in the foundation for taking in outside air Ao. The outside air Ao taken in from the opening 6 is heat exchanged through the ground with underground heat, which has little temperature change throughout the year. This allows the underfloor space 3 to store air Au (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "underfloor air") that is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than the outside air Ao.

[0012] The above-floor space 4 is a space provided above the under-floor space 3 (floor 5). In the above-floor space 4 of this embodiment, a plurality of rooms 7 are partitioned.

[0013] In this embodiment, the multiple chambers 7 include a first chamber 7a, a second chamber 7b, a third chamber 7c, and a fourth chamber 7d, but are not limited to this form. For example, some of these may be omitted, or other chambers may be included.

[0014] In this embodiment, the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d are configured as living rooms (e.g., a living room, a child's room, a bedroom, etc.), but they may be non-living rooms (e.g., a washroom, etc.). In this embodiment, the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d have different floor areas, and the fourth room 7d has the smallest floor area, but this is not limited to this. For example, the second room 7b may have the smallest floor area, or both the second room 7b and the fourth room 7d may have the smallest floor area.

[0015] [Air conditioning system] The air conditioning system 1 is for ventilating and / or air-conditioning a plurality of rooms 7 (in this example, the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d) partitioned in a building 2. The air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured as a central air conditioning system that performs ventilation and air-conditioning for all rooms 7, but is not limited to this form. The air conditioning system 1 may be, for example, a system that air-conditions only a portion of all the rooms 7 (for example, the first room 7a and the second room 7b).

[0016] In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to perform not only air conditioning operation to ventilate and / or air condition multiple rooms 7, but also air purification operation to purify the air in multiple rooms 7 when the air quality in the building 2 deteriorates.

[0017] 2 is an enlarged view of the air conditioning system 1. The air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured to include an air conditioner 11, a circulation device 12, a filter member 13, and a control device 14 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0018] [Air conditioner] The air conditioner 11 is for generating conditioned air Ac. The air conditioner 11 of this embodiment is configured, for example, as a typical household separate type air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner 11 includes an indoor unit 16 and an outdoor unit (not shown). The indoor unit 16 has an intake port 16a, an exhaust port 16b, and an indoor unit fan 16c.

[0019] The air inlet 16a is for taking in air to a heat exchanger (not shown) provided inside the indoor unit 16. The air taken in through the air inlet 16a includes outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) and / or inside-building air Ai (return air Ar). In this embodiment, Both the outside air Ao and the inside air Ai of the building are taken in through the air inlet 16a and conditioned. This allows conditioned air Ac capable of both ventilation and conditioning to be generated. Note that only one of the outside air Ao and the inside air Ai of the building may be conditioned.

[0020] The air outlet 16b is for discharging the conditioned air Ac generated in a heat exchanger (not shown). In this embodiment, the set temperature and the like of the air conditioner 11 can be controlled by a control device 14 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0021] The indoor unit fan 16c is for sucking air from the intake port 16a and discharging the generated conditioned air Ac from the outlet port 16b. In this embodiment, the conditioned air Ac is discharged based on one air volume selected from a plurality of predetermined air volumes, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the conditioned air Ac may be discharged based on only one predetermined air volume (single notch). The air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c is controlled by the control device 14 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0022] The indoor unit 16 of this embodiment is housed inside a chamber box 17. Furthermore, the chamber box 17 is provided in, for example, a non-occupied room (hall) 8, but is not limited to this embodiment.

[0023] The chamber box 17 is formed in a box shape having a space therein. The chamber box 17 of this embodiment is provided with an air supply port (not shown) for supplying the building air Ai (return air Ar) circulated through a plurality of rooms 7 (shown in FIG. 1) to the inside, and an outside air intake port (not shown) for supplying the outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) to the inside.

[0024] In the chamber box 17 of this embodiment, the outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) is taken in from the underfloor space 3, for example, via an outside air supply duct 23 and an outside air supply fan 24. The outside air Ao may be taken in directly from outdoors. The air volume of the outside air supply fan 24 is appropriately set based on the ventilation rate required per hour in the building 2 (for example, 0.5 times / h).

[0025] [Circulation device] 1, the circulation device 12 is for forming an air circulation path 15 that supplies conditioned air Ac to a plurality of rooms 7 and collects return air Ar as in-building air Ai. The circulation device 12 of this embodiment includes a duct means 19 and a damper 20.

[0026] [Duct Means] The duct means 19 is for supplying the conditioned air Ac to each of the multiple rooms 7. The duct means 19 of the present embodiment is configured to include a duct 21 and a fan 22.

[0027] [duct] As shown in FIG. 2, the duct 21 is for transporting the conditioned air Ac generated by the air conditioner 11 to the multiple rooms 7 (in this example, the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d) shown in FIG. 1.

[0028] One end of the duct 21 in this embodiment is connected to the air conditioner 11 side (in this example, the air outlet 16b side in the chamber box 17). Furthermore, the duct 21 branches between one end and the other end, and the other ends are connected to each of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1. Such a duct 21 provides communication between the air conditioner 11 (chamber box 17) and the first room 7a to fourth room 7d, and the conditioned air Ac can be guided to each of the first room 7a to fourth room 7d.

[0029] In this embodiment, the duct 21 is configured as only one, but is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, if a room 7 (not shown) provided on the second floor or higher is included, a duct (not shown) communicating with the room 7 may be further added.

[0030] [fan] The fan 22 is for pressure-feeding the conditioned air Ac to the multiple chambers 7 (in this example, the first chamber 7a to the fourth chamber 7d) through the duct 21. The fan 22 in this embodiment is housed in the chamber box 17, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0031] In this embodiment, the air conditioner is configured with only one fan 22, but is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, when a plurality of ducts 21 are provided, each of the ducts 21 may further include a fan (not shown) for pressure-feeding the conditioned air Ac to the room 7.

[0032] It is preferable to select a fan 22 that has the power and size to control the temperature of the multiple rooms 7 and has a known relationship between pressure loss and rotation speed. This allows the conditioned air Ac to be efficiently compressed and sent to the multiple rooms 7, improving the temperature controllability and comfort of the multiple rooms 7.

[0033] In this embodiment, the fan 22 is configured as a constant volume fan whose rotation speed is controlled so as to keep the volume of air constant. Therefore, the fan 22 can be operated based on any one of a plurality of predetermined volume of air (volume of air notch). These volume of air are different from each other.

[0034] The air volume of the fan 22 in this embodiment is determined in advance and includes a first air volume and a second air volume that is larger than the first air volume. Note that the air volume is not limited to the first air volume and the second air volume, and may further include, for example, an air volume that is set smaller than the first air volume, an air volume that is set larger than the first air volume and smaller than the second air volume, etc.

[0035] The first airflow rate can be set, for example, based on the number of ventilations required per hour in the building 2 (for example, 0.5 times / h). By pumping the conditioned air Ac to the multiple rooms 7 based on such a first airflow rate, it becomes possible to ventilate and condition the multiple rooms 7. The first airflow rate can be set, for example, to 200 to 400 m 3 / h (in this example, 320m 3 / h).

[0036] The second air volume can be set appropriately as long as it is larger than the first air volume. In this embodiment, the second air volume is preferably set to an air volume that achieves three ventilations per hour in the building 2 or more. The conditioned air Ac purified by the filter member 13 is pumped based on this second air volume, so that the air in each room 7 can be purified quickly.

[0037] The second air volume is preferably equal to or greater than the air volume that realizes four ventilations per hour in the building 2. If the second air volume is greater than necessary, the rooms 7 may be over-conditioned, which may reduce the temperature controllability of each room 7. From this perspective, the second air volume is preferably equal to or less than the air volume that realizes eight ventilations per hour in the building 2. The second air volume in this embodiment is, for example, 600 to 1200 m 3 / h (in this example, 800m 3 / h).

[0038] The switching of the air volumes (first air volume and second air volume) of fan 22 is performed by control device 14 shown in Fig. 1. As a result, like a conventional constant air volume fan, fan 22 has its rotation speed controlled according to the ventilation resistance, and can pressure-feed conditioned air Ac based on the air volumes (first air volume and second air volume).

[0039] [Damper] 1, the multiple dampers 20 are for adjusting the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied to each of the multiple rooms 7. In the dampers 20 of this embodiment, the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied (air volume) can be adjusted according to the size of the opening degree (opening area) of the dampers 20. The opening degree of the dampers 20 is adjusted by the control device 14.

[0040] The opening degree of the damper 20 in this embodiment can be changed in three stages: "normal," "weak," and "slight." Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the opening degree of the damper 20 and the magnitude of the opening degree.

[0041] In FIG. 3, the magnitude of the opening indicates a ratio when the largest opening (opening area) is set to "100%". Among the above openings (in this example, "normal", "weak" and "slight"), the "normal" opening is set to the largest. Therefore, by adjusting the opening of the damper 20 to "normal", the supply amount of the conditioned air Ac shown in FIG. 1 to the room 7 becomes the largest. On the other hand, the "slight" opening (65%) is set to the smallest. Therefore, by adjusting the opening of the damper 20 to "slight", the supply amount of the conditioned air Ac shown in FIG. 1 to the room 7 becomes the smallest. Note that the opening of the damper 20 is not limited to such a mode, and may be changeable in four or more stages, for example. Also, the magnitude of the opening is not limited to the above mode.

[0042] 1, the multiple dampers 20 of this embodiment include a first damper 20a, a second damper 20b, a third damper 20c, and a fourth damper 20d. The first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d are connected to the other end of the duct 21.

[0043] The first damper 20a is for adjusting the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied to the first chamber 7a. The second damper 20b is for adjusting the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied to the second chamber 7b. The third damper 20c is for adjusting the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied to the third chamber 7c. The fourth damper 20d is for adjusting the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied to the fourth chamber 7d. The first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d can adjust the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied under pressure from the fan 22 via the duct 21 for each of the first chamber 7a to the fourth chamber 7d.

[0044] In the circulation device 12 of the present embodiment, the conditioned air Ac generated by the air conditioner 11 is supplied to each of the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d through the duct 21 and the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d by the operation of the fan 22. The return air Ar that has passed through the multiple rooms 7 (the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d) can be collected as the building air Ai into the chamber box 17 through the gaps (such as undercuts of doors) 18 of each room 7 and the hole 8. The circulation device 12 described above can ventilate and air-condition the building 2 while circulating the conditioned air Ac and the return air Ar (the building air Ai). The path through which the conditioned air Ac and the return air Ar (the building air Ai) pass (in this example, the chamber box 17, the fan 22, the duct 21, the damper 20, the room 7, the gaps 18 of the room 7, and the hole 8) is formed as the air circulation path 15. Thus, an air circulation path 15 can be formed by the circulation device 12 .

[0045] [Filter material] The filter member 13 is for purifying air. A known filter member can be appropriately selected for this filter member 13. For example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, a photocatalyst filter, an activated carbon deodorizing filter, an electric dust collecting filter, or the like can be adopted for the filter member 13 of this embodiment. The filter member 13 may also be configured by combining these.

[0046] The filter member 13 is provided in the air circulation path 15. This enables the air conditioning system 1 to circulate the air purified by the filter member 13.

[0047] The filter member 13 of the present embodiment is housed inside the chamber box 17 shown in Fig. 2 in the air circulation path 15, and is disposed between the air outlet 16b and the fan 22 of the air conditioner 11 in the flow direction of the conditioned air Ac. This enables the filter member 13 to purify the conditioned air Ac generated by the air conditioner 11.

[0048] [Control device] The control device 14 is for operating the fan 22 and adjusting the opening degree of the damper 20. In this embodiment, in addition to the operation of the fan 22 and the adjustment of the opening degree of the damper 20, the control device 14 also controls the operation of the air conditioner 11, but is not limited to this.

[0049] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 14. The control device 14 of this embodiment is configured by a computer 36, and is installed, for example, in a partition wall of the building 2 shown in FIG.

[0050] The control device 14 includes, for example, an arithmetic device 31, a storage device 32 for storing processing procedures and the like, and a working memory 33 for reading the processing procedures and the like from the storage device 32. Furthermore, an input / output device 34 is connected to the control device 14 (arithmetic device 31).

[0051] [Input / Output Devices] The input / output device 34 in this embodiment is configured as a touch panel display provided on the housing of the control device 14 shown in Fig. 1, but is not limited to this. For example, the input / output device 34 may be configured as a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone or a tablet computer) of the user.

[0052] For example, data (signals) input by a user (resident) or the like can be transmitted to the control device 14 via the input / output device 34. Data can be input, for example, via an operation screen (user interface) displayed on the input / output device 34.

[0053] The input data includes, for example, instruction data for starting and ending the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1, and instruction data for starting and ending the air purification operation. The input data may also include, for example, the target temperature of each of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1. This target temperature is the temperature of each room 7 that should be achieved and maintained by ventilation and air conditioning in the air conditioning system 1 (air conditioning method).

[0054] The input / output device 34 receives data (signals) from the control device 14 and can display, for example, the operating status of the air conditioning system 1. Examples of the operating status include the operating status (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1 and the target temperatures and room temperatures of each of the multiple rooms 7 shown in Fig. 1.

[0055] [Arithmetic device] As shown in FIG. 4, the arithmetic unit 31 of this embodiment is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0056] The arithmetic device 31 (control device 14) of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the fan 22. This allows the operation of the fan 22 (e.g., selection of the first air volume and the second air volume, etc.) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data relating to the operating status of the fan 22 (e.g., data on the currently operating air volume, rotation speed, power consumption, etc.) can be received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0057] The arithmetic device 31 (control device 14) of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d). This allows the opening degree of the damper 20 to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data relating to the operating status of the damper 20 (for example, the current opening degree, etc.) is received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0058] The arithmetic device 31 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the air conditioner 11. This allows the operation of the air conditioner 11 (for example, changing the set temperature or changing the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c shown in FIG. 1) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data relating to the operating status of the air conditioner 11 is received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0059] The arithmetic device 31 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the outside air supply fan 24. This allows the operation of the outside air supply fan 24 (e.g., adjustment of the air volume, etc.) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data relating to the operating status of the outside air supply fan 24 (e.g., data on the currently operating air volume, rotation speed, etc.) is received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0060] [Storage device] The storage device 32 of the present embodiment is, for example, a non-volatile information storage device. The storage device 32 includes a data section 37 and a program section .

[0061] [Data section] The data section 37 of this embodiment is for storing the results of calculations by the arithmetic device 31, etc. The data section 37 of this embodiment includes a damper opening input section 37a, a purification operation status input section 37b, a fully open number input section 37c, and a pressure loss input section 37d. Note that the data section 37 is not limited to this form. For example, the data section 37 may further include an input section for storing other information (data). Details of the data stored in the data section 37 will be described later.

[0062] [Program section] The program section 38 is a program (computer program) for causing the arithmetic device 31 (control device 14) to execute the air conditioning method of the present embodiment. The program section (program) 38, when executed by the arithmetic device 31, causes the control device 14 to function as a specific means.

[0063] The program section 38 includes a fan operation section 38a, a damper adjustment section 38b, and a user interface section 38c. Furthermore, the program section 38 of this embodiment includes a pressure loss determination section 38d, an air conditioning operation adjustment section 38e, and an outside air supply fan operation section 38f. Furthermore, the program section 38 of this embodiment includes a purification operation determination section 38g, a purification start determination section 38h, a purification end determination section 38i, a ventilation air conditioning end determination section 38j, and an opening degree determination section 38k. Note that the program section 38 is not limited to such an embodiment, and may include other programs. The functions of these program sections 38 will be described in each step of the air conditioning method described later.

[0064] [Building air conditioning method (first embodiment)] In the air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, multiple rooms 7 (in this example, all of the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d) partitioned within the building 2 shown in Figure 1 are ventilated and / or air-conditioned (in this example, ventilation and air-conditioning) based on the processing procedures of a building air conditioning method (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "air conditioning method").

[0065] In this embodiment, the air conditioning method is started based on instruction data for starting air conditioning operation. This instruction data is input to the input / output device 34 (shown in Figs. 1 and 4) by a user (resident) or the like. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the air conditioning method for a building.

[0066] [Start ventilation / air conditioning operation (ventilation / air conditioning start process)] In the air conditioning method of this embodiment, first, a ventilation air conditioning operation is started (ventilation air conditioning start step S1). Note that, when conditioned air is generated by conditioning only the air inside the building Ai, the air conditioning operation is started. In the ventilation air conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the air conditioner 11 shown in FIG. 1 is started, the fan 22 is started, the outdoor air supply fan 24 is started, and the opening degree of the damper 20 is adjusted. Note that, from the viewpoint of maintaining ventilation of the building 2, for example, if the fan 22 and the outdoor air supply fan 24 have already been started prior to carrying out the ventilation air conditioning start step S1, the step of starting the operation of the fan 22 and the outdoor air supply fan 24 may be omitted. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the ventilation air conditioning start step S1.

[0067] [Start the air conditioner] In the ventilation air conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, first, operation of the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1 is started (step S11). In step S11 of this embodiment, an air conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. The air conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e is a program for operating the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1, adjusting the set temperature, etc. When this air conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e is executed by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for starting operation of the air conditioner 11.

[0068] In step S11 of this embodiment, the air conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 starts the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1. Switching between heating operation and cooling operation, and adjustment of the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 may be performed based on, for example, instruction data, a target temperature, and an outside air temperature input to the input / output device 34. In addition, the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c is set appropriately according to, for example, the operating status (air conditioning load) of the air conditioner 11, etc.

[0069] [Start fan operation] Next, in the ventilation air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the operation of the fan 22 shown in Fig. 1 is started (step S12). In step S12 of this embodiment, a fan operation unit 38a included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. The fan operation unit 38a is a program for starting the operation of the fan 22, adjusting the air volume of the fan 22, etc. The fan operation unit 38a is executed by the arithmetic device 31, thereby causing the control device 14 to function as a means for starting the operation of the fan 22.

[0070] In step S12 of the present embodiment, the fan operation unit 38a (control device 14) shown in FIG. 4 starts the operation of the fan 22 shown in FIG. 1. As described above, the air volume of the fan 22 includes the first air volume (in this example, 320 m 3 / h) and the second air volume (in this example, 800 m 3 / h). Therefore, the fan operation unit 38a in this embodiment is capable of selecting between a first mode in which the fan 22 is operated at a first airflow rate and a second mode in which the fan 22 is operated at a second airflow rate.

[0071] In step S12 of the present embodiment, the fan operation unit 38a (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 selects the first mode from the first mode and the second mode. Then, the fan operation unit 38a operates the fan 22 based on the first mode (in this example, the first air volume).

[0072] The air volume of the fan 22 is not limited to the first air volume, and may be set appropriately according to, for example, the operating status of the air conditioner 11 (air conditioning load) and the like.

[0073] [Start outdoor air supply fan] Next, in the ventilation air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the operation of the outside air supply fan 24 shown in Fig. 1 is started (step S13). In step S13 of this embodiment, an outside air supply fan operation unit 38f included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. The outside air supply fan operation unit 38f is a program for starting the operation of the outside air supply fan 24, adjusting the air volume of the outside air supply fan 24, and the like. When this outside air supply fan operation unit 38f is executed by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for starting the operation of the outside air supply fan 24.

[0074] In step S13 of this embodiment, first, the outdoor air supply fan operation unit 38f (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 starts operation of the outdoor air supply fan 24 shown in Fig. 1. The air volume of the outdoor air supply fan 24 is appropriately set according to, for example, the number of ventilations required per hour in the building 2 (for example, 0.5 times / h), the operating status of the air conditioner 11 (air conditioning load), etc.

[0075] [Adjust the damper opening] Next, in the ventilation air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (in this example, the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) shown in Fig. 1 are adjusted (step S14). In step S14 of this embodiment, a damper adjustment section 38b included in the program section 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The damper adjustment section 38b is a program for adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20. When this damper adjustment section 38b is executed by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20.

[0076] In step S14 of this embodiment, the damper adjustment unit 38b (control device 14) shown in FIG. 4 adjusts the opening of the damper 20 shown in FIG. 1. The opening of the multiple dampers 20 can be set appropriately. In this embodiment, when the first mode is selected in step S12 of starting the operation of the fan 22, it is preferable that the opening of the multiple dampers is set to 100% (the opening shown in FIG. 3 is adjusted to "normal"). As a result, at the start of the ventilation and air-conditioning operation, the conditioned air Ac is sufficiently supplied to the multiple rooms 7, so that ventilation and air-conditioning can be performed while maintaining the temperature controllability of each room 7 in the building 2. In addition, 100% (the opening "normal" shown in FIG. 3) is input as the opening of the multiple dampers 20 to the damper opening input unit 37a shown in FIG. 4.

[0077] In the ventilation air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, steps S11 to S14 shown in Fig. 6 are carried out, whereby under-floor air Au (outside air Ao) supplied by the operation of the outside air supply fan 24 shown in Fig. 1 and inside-building air Ai (return air Ar) are sucked into the indoor unit 16. Then, conditioned air Ac that has been heat exchanged in the indoor unit 16 is discharged into the chamber box 17 and purified by the filter member 13.

[0078] Furthermore, in the ventilation air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the fan 22 is operated to pressure-feed the conditioned air Ac to the duct 21. Then, the conditioned air Ac is supplied to each of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) via the dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d). The return air Ar that has passed through the multiple rooms 7 can be collected as in-building air Ai into the chamber box 17 via gaps (such as door undercuts) 18 in the rooms 7 and holes 8. As a result, in the air-conditioning method (air-conditioning system 1), a ventilation air-conditioning operation can be started to ventilate and air-condition the multiple rooms 7 while circulating the conditioned air Ac and the return air Ar (in-building air Ai).

[0079] In the ventilation air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, an air purification operation for purifying the air in the multiple rooms 7 is not performed (i.e., a purification operation start step S5 described below has not been performed). Therefore, non-execution data indicating that an air purification operation is not being performed is input to the purification operation status input unit 37b shown in Fig. 4 as data (flag) indicating the air purification operation status.

[0080] [Determine whether air purification is in progress] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an air purification operation for purifying the air in the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in FIG. 1 is being performed (step S2).

[0081] In step S2 of this embodiment, data (flag) indicating the air purification operation status inputted to the purification operation status input unit 37b shown in Fig. 4 is read into the working memory 33. Furthermore, the purification operation determination unit 38g included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is read into the working memory 33. The purification operation determination unit 38g is a program for determining whether or not the air purification operation is being executed. By executing this purification operation determination unit 38g by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for determining whether or not the air purification operation is being executed.

[0082] In this embodiment, the determination of whether or not the air purification operation is being performed is made based on data indicating the air purification operation status input to the purification operation status input unit 37b shown in Fig. 4. The data indicating the air purification operation status includes the above-mentioned non-execution data and execution data indicating that the air purification operation is being performed. This execution data is input when the air purification operation is started (operated in the second mode) in the purification operation start step S5 described below.

[0083] If it is determined that the air purification operation is not being performed ("No" in step S2), the air purification operation is not being performed. In this case, step S3 is performed to determine whether or not there is an instruction to start the air purification operation.

[0084] If it is determined that the air purification operation is being performed ("Yes" in step S2), the air purification operation has already started (operating in the second mode) in the purification operation start step S5. In this case, step S4 is executed to display a user interface (operation screen) that allows the opening degree of the damper 20 to be changed to a smaller value by the user during operation in the second mode.

[0085] [Determine whether or not an instruction to start air purification operation has been issued] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an instruction to start the air purification operation has been issued (step S3). In step S3 of this embodiment, first, a purification start determination unit 38h included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The purification start determination unit 38h is a program for determining whether or not an instruction to start the air purification operation has been issued. By executing this purification start determination unit 38h by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for determining whether or not an instruction to start the air purification operation has been issued.

[0086] In this embodiment, the presence or absence of an instruction to start the air purification operation is determined based on instruction data for starting the air purification operation. This instruction data is input to the input / output device 34 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) by a user (resident) or the like.

[0087] If it is determined that there is an instruction to start the air purification operation ("Yes" in step S3), the next purification operation start step S5 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to start the air purification operation ("No" in step S3), the next ventilation air-conditioning operation end instruction is determined in step S6.

[0088] [Starting air purification operation (purification operation start process)] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, an air purification operation is started to purify the air in the multiple rooms 7 (purification operation start step S5). In the air purification operation of this embodiment, the fan 22 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is operated in the second mode (second air volume) to supply more conditioned air Ac purified by the filter member 13 to each room 7. This performs air purification in the multiple rooms 7. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the purification operation start step S5.

[0089] [Operate the fan in the second mode] In the purification operation start step S5 of this embodiment, first, the fan 22 is operated in the second mode (step S51). In step S51 of this embodiment, first, the fan operation unit 38a included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. As described above, the fan operation unit 38a is provided with a first mode and a second mode selectable, and is a program for operating the fan 22 (shown in Figs. 1 and 2) based on the selected mode. The fan operation unit 38a is executed by the arithmetic device 31, so that the control device 14 can function as a means for operating the fan 22 in the second mode.

[0090] In step S51 of the present embodiment, the fan operation unit 38a (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 selects the second mode from the first mode and the second mode. Then, the fan operation unit 38a operates the fan 22 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 based on the second mode (second air volume). This makes it possible to supply a larger amount of conditioned air Ac purified by the filter member 13 to each of the chambers 7 (first chamber 7a to fourth chamber 7d) in the purification operation start step S5, as shown in Fig. 1.

[0091] [Set multiple dampers to 100%] Next, in a purification operation start step S5 of this embodiment, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) shown in Fig. 1 are set to 100% (step S52). In this embodiment, when the second mode is selected in step S51, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 are set to 100% (the opening degrees shown in Fig. 3 are adjusted to "normal").

[0092] In step S52 of this embodiment, first, the damper adjustment section 38b included in the program section 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. As described above, the damper adjustment section 38b is a program for adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) shown in Fig. 1. The damper adjustment section 38b is executed by the arithmetic device 31, thereby allowing the control device 14 to function as a means for setting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 to 100%.

[0093] In step S52 of this embodiment, the damper adjustment unit 38b (control device 14) shown in FIG. 4 sets the opening of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) shown in FIG. 1 to 100% (adjusting the opening shown in FIG. 3 to "normal"). As a result, in the purification operation start step S5, the conditioned air Ac purified by the filter member 13 shown in FIG. 1 can be supplied to each room 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) in larger amounts, making it possible to purify the air in each room 7 quickly. In addition, 100% (the opening "normal" shown in FIG. 3) is input to the damper opening input unit 37a shown in FIG. 4 as the opening of the multiple dampers 20.

[0094] In the purification operation start process S5 of this embodiment, in-progress data indicating that air purification operation is being performed (operating in the second mode) is input to the purification operation status input unit 37b shown in FIG. 4 as data indicating the air purification operation status.

[0095] In this embodiment, when a larger amount of conditioned air Ac is supplied to each room 7 during the air purification operation (operation in the second mode), the room 7 having a smaller floor area (the fourth room 7d in this example) shown in Fig. 1 is over-conditioned. This causes a problem of temperature variation among the multiple rooms 7.

[0096] In the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, when it is determined in step S2 that the air purification operation is being performed (operation in the second mode is being performed) ("Yes" in step S2), the following steps S4, S7, and S8 are performed. In these steps S4, S7, and S8, the opening degree of at least one damper 20 (for example, the fourth damper 20d) among the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) shown in FIG. 1 can be changed to a smaller degree by a user's operation. As a result, the supply amount of conditioned air Ac is reduced in any room 7 (for example, the fourth room 7d) in which the opening degree of the damper 20 is changed to a smaller degree, and excessive air conditioning of the room 7 is suppressed. Therefore, in the air conditioning method, the temperature variation of the multiple rooms 7 is suppressed, so that it is possible to quickly purify the air in each room 7 while maintaining the temperature controllability of each room 7 in the building 2.

[0097] [Displays the user interface that allows you to change the damper opening to a smaller size] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, a user interface is displayed that allows the user to change the opening degree of at least one of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) shown in Fig. 1 to a smaller value (step S4). In step S4 of the present embodiment, the user interface (operation screen) is displayed during operation in the second mode.

[0098] In step S4 of this embodiment, first, a user interface section 38c included in the program section 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The user interface section 38c is a program for making it possible to change the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) shown in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, a user interface (operation screen) for making it possible to change the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 by a user operation is displayed on the input / output device 34. The user interface section 38c is executed by the arithmetic device 31, so that the control device 14 can function as a means for making it possible to change the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (displaying a user interface).

[0099] In step S4 of the present embodiment, the user interface unit 38c (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 displays a user interface for enabling the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) to be changed on the input / output device 34. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a user interface (operation screen) 41 for enabling the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 to be changed.

[0100] A user interface (operation screen) 41 of this embodiment displays buttons 42 for selecting the degree of opening for each of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d). The buttons 42 of this embodiment are provided for the first room 7a (children's room A), the second room 7b (children's room B), the third room 7c (living / dining / kitchen) and the fourth room 7d (bedroom) in which the first damper 20a, the second damper 20b, the third damper 20c and the fourth damper 20d are installed, respectively.

[0101] In this embodiment, the opening degree can be changed to three levels, "normal", "weak" and "slight", as shown in Fig. 3. Therefore, the buttons 42 include a normal button 42a for selecting the "normal" opening degree, a weak button 42b for selecting the "weak" opening degree, and a slight button 42c for selecting the "slight" opening degree. Of these buttons 42, the selected button 42 is displayed in color (gray in Fig. 8).

[0102] In this embodiment, in step S52 described above, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) are set to 100% ("normal"). For this reason, in step S4, of the buttons 42 for selecting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 shown in FIG. 8, the normal buttons 42a indicating 100% opening degree are selected (colored gray in the figure). Then, for at least one damper 20 among the multiple dampers 20, the user can change the opening degree of that damper 20 to a smaller degree by selecting a button 42 other than the normal button 42a (weak button 42b or fine button 42c).

[0103] In this embodiment, the user can change the opening degree of any damper 20 to less than 100% ("normal") by displaying the user interface (operation screen) 41 shown in Fig. 8. As the damper 20 whose opening degree is changed to a smaller value, for example, a damper 20 connected to a room 7 that is likely to be overly air-conditioned (in this example, the fourth damper 20d connected to the fourth room 7d) can be selected.

[0104] In this embodiment, when the opening degree of the damper 20 is changed to a smaller value, the opening degree of the damper 20 that has been changed to a smaller value, among the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 inputted to the damper opening degree input section 37a shown in FIG. 4, is updated.

[0105] [Determine if the damper opening has been changed to a smaller value] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the opening degree of at least one of the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) shown in FIG. 1 has been changed to a smaller degree (step S7).

[0106] In step S7 of this embodiment, first, the openings of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) input to the damper opening input unit 37a shown in Fig. 4 and an opening determination unit 38k included in the program unit 38 are read into the working memory 33. The opening determination unit 38k is a program for determining whether the opening of at least one damper 20 among the multiple dampers 20 has been reduced based on the openings of the multiple dampers 20 input to the damper opening input unit 37a. The opening determination unit 38k is executed by the arithmetic device 31, thereby allowing the control device 14 to function as a means for determining whether the opening of the damper 20 has been reduced.

[0107] If it is determined that the opening degree of at least one of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) has been changed to a smaller value ("Yes" in step S7), the next step S8 is performed. In this step S8, the opening degree of the damper 20 is adjusted based on the changed opening degree. On the other hand, if it is determined that the opening degrees of all dampers 20 have not been changed ("No" in step S7), there is no need to adjust the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20, so the next step S9 is performed.

[0108] In this embodiment, even if it is determined that the opening degree of the damper 20 has been changed from a small opening degree (e.g., "weak" or "mild") to a large opening degree (e.g., "normal"), step S8 of adjusting the opening degree of the damper 20 may be performed.

[0109] [Adjust damper opening based on small change in opening] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, the opening degree of the damper 20 is adjusted to be smaller based on the opening degree that has been changed to be smaller (step S8).

[0110] In step S8 of this embodiment, first, the openings of the multiple dampers 20 inputted to the damper opening input unit 37a shown in Fig. 4 and the damper adjustment unit 38b included in the program unit 38 are read into the working memory 33. As described above, the damper adjustment unit 38b is a program for adjusting the openings of the multiple dampers 20. By executing this damper adjustment unit 38b by the arithmetic device 31, it is possible to cause the control device 14 to function as a means for adjusting the openings of the dampers 20 to a smaller value based on the openings that have been changed to a smaller value.

[0111] In step S8 of this embodiment, the damper adjustment unit 38b (control device 14) adjusts the opening of the damper 20 shown in Fig. 1 based on the opening that has been changed to a smaller value ("weak" or "slight"). This reduces the supply of conditioned air Ac to a room 7 connected to the damper 20 whose opening has been changed to a smaller value (for example, the fourth room 7d connected to the fourth damper 20d), thereby preventing the room 7 from being excessively conditioned. Therefore, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, temperature variations in the multiple rooms 7 are reduced, and temperature controllability of each room 7 in the building 2 can be maintained.

[0112] In step S8 of this embodiment, if the opening degree of the damper 20, which has been changed to a small opening degree (e.g., "weak" or "slight"), is changed to a large opening degree (e.g., "normal"), the opening degree of the damper 20 may be adjusted to a larger degree based on the large opening degree.

[0113] [Determine whether or not an instruction to end air purification operation has been issued] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the air purification operation has been given (step S9). In step S9 of this embodiment, a purification end determination unit 38i included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The purification end determination unit 38i is a program for determining whether or not an instruction to start the air purification operation has been given. By executing this purification end determination unit 38i by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for determining whether or not an instruction to end the air purification operation has been given.

[0114] In this embodiment, the determination of whether or not an instruction to end the air purification operation has been given is made based on end instruction data for the air purification operation. This end instruction data may be input to the input / output device 34 (shown in Figs. 1 and 4) by a user (resident) or the like. The end instruction data may also be automatically input by the control device 14 after a predetermined time (e.g., 30 to 90 minutes) has elapsed since the air purification operation was started. The end instruction data may also be automatically input based on the occurrence of an abnormal end, such as an interrupt process.

[0115] If it is determined that there is an instruction to end the air purification operation ("Yes" in step S9), the next purification operation end step S10 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to end the air purification operation ("No" in step S9), the air purification operation is continued and step S6 is performed to determine whether there is an instruction to end the ventilation / air-conditioning operation.

[0116] In this way, in the air conditioning method (air conditioning system 1) of this embodiment, the air purification operation is continuously performed from when an instruction to start the air purification operation is given until an instruction to end the air purification operation is given. As a result, the air conditioning method of this embodiment can effectively purify the air in each room 7.

[0117] In the air conditioning method (air conditioning system 1) of this embodiment, during operation in the second mode, the opening degree of at least one of the multiple dampers 20 shown in FIG. 1 can be changed to a smaller value by a user's operation. As a result, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, during operation in the second mode, the user can reduce the supply amount of conditioned air Ac to any room 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d), so that the room 7 can be prevented from being excessively conditioned. Therefore, in the air conditioning method (air conditioning system 1) of this embodiment, it is possible to quickly purify the air in each room 7 while maintaining the temperature controllability of each room in the building.

[0118] [Ending air purification operation (purification operation ending process)] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, the air purification operation is ended (purification operation ending step S10). In the purification operation ending step S10 of this embodiment, the fan 22 shown in FIG. 1 is operated in the first mode, and the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) are set to 100%. This ends the air purification operation, and the ventilation air-conditioning operation is performed again. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the purification operation ending step S10.

[0119] [Operate the fan in the first mode] In the purification operation ending step S10 of this embodiment, first, the fan 22 is operated in the first mode (step S61).

[0120] In step S61 of this embodiment, first, the fan operation unit 38a included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. As described above, the fan operation unit 38a is provided with a selectable first mode and second mode, and is a program for operating the fan 22 based on the selected mode. The fan operation unit 38a is executed by the arithmetic device 31, thereby causing the control device 14 to function as a means for operating the fan 22 in the first mode.

[0121] In step S61 of the present embodiment, the fan operation unit 38a (control device 14) selects the first mode from the first mode and the second mode. Then, in step S61, the fan operation unit 38a operates the fan 22 based on the first mode (in this example, the first air volume).

[0122] The air volume of the fan 22 is not limited to the first air volume, and may be set appropriately to an air volume smaller than the second air volume depending on, for example, the operating status of the air conditioner 11 (air conditioning load) and the like.

[0123] [Set multiple dampers to 100%] Next, in the purification operation ending step S10 of this embodiment, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) shown in Fig. 1 are set to 100% (step S62). In this embodiment, when the first mode is selected in step S61, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 are set to 100% (the opening degrees shown in Fig. 3 are adjusted to "normal").

[0124] In step S62 of this embodiment, first, the damper adjustment section 38b included in the program section 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. As described above, the damper adjustment section 38b is a program for adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d). The damper adjustment section 38b is executed by the arithmetic device 31, thereby allowing the control device 14 to function as a means for setting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 to 100%.

[0125] In step S62 of the present embodiment, the damper adjuster 38b (controller 14) sets the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) to 100% (adjusts the opening degrees shown in FIG. 3 to "normal").

[0126] Thus, in the purification operation ending step S10 of this embodiment, steps S61 and S62 shown in Fig. 9 are performed to end the air purification operation and perform the ventilation air-conditioning operation again. In this ventilation air-conditioning operation, the fan 22 is operated in the first mode, and the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) are set to 100%. As a result, in the ventilation air-conditioning operation, the conditioned air Ac is sufficiently supplied to the multiple rooms 7 (the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d), so that ventilation and air-conditioning can be performed while maintaining the temperature controllability of each room 7 in the building 2. In this ventilation air-conditioning operation, as in the air purification operation, the user interface (operation screen) 41 shown in Fig. 8 may be displayed, and the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 may be changed.

[0127] [Determine whether or not an instruction to end ventilation / air conditioning operation has been issued] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the ventilation air conditioning operation has been given (step S6).

[0128] In step S6 of this embodiment, first, a ventilation / air-conditioning termination determination unit 38j included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The ventilation / air-conditioning termination determination unit 38j is a program for determining whether or not an instruction to terminate the ventilation / air-conditioning operation has been received. The execution of this ventilation / air-conditioning termination determination unit 38j by the calculation device 31 allows the control device 14 to function as a means for determining whether or not an instruction to terminate the ventilation / air-conditioning operation has been received.

[0129] The determination of whether or not there is an instruction to end the ventilation air conditioning operation is made based on end instruction data for the ventilation air operation. This end instruction data may be input to the input / output device 34 (shown in Figs. 1 and 4) by a user (resident), for example, or may be input automatically based on the occurrence of an abnormal end such as an interrupt process.

[0130] If it is determined that there is an instruction to end the ventilation air conditioning operation ("Yes" in step S6), the next ventilation air conditioning ending step S21 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to end the ventilation air conditioning operation ("No" in step S6), step S2 is performed again.

[0131] In this embodiment, the ventilation and air conditioning operation continues from when it is started to when it is finished, and the air purification operation is appropriately performed based on instructions from the user. As a result, the air conditioning method (air conditioning system 1) of this embodiment can quickly purify the air in each room 7 in the building 2 while maintaining the temperature controllability of each room 7.

[0132] [End ventilation / air conditioning operation (ventilation / air conditioning end process)] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, the ventilation air conditioning operation is terminated (ventilation air conditioning termination step S21). In the ventilation air conditioning termination step S21 of this embodiment, the operation of the air conditioner 11 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is terminated. Meanwhile, in order to continue ventilation of the building 2, the operation of the fan 22 and the outside air supply fan 24 may be continued.

[0133] In the ventilation air-conditioning termination step S21 of this embodiment, first, the air-conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. The air-conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e is a program for operating the air conditioner 11, adjusting the set temperature, etc. When this air-conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e is executed by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for terminating the operation of the air conditioner 11.

[0134] In the ventilation air conditioning ending process S21 of this embodiment, the air conditioning operation adjustment unit 38e (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 ends the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) by the air conditioner 11 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This ends the air conditioning of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d). Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the operation of the fan 22 and the outside air supply fan 24 is maintained, so that ventilation of the building 2 can be continued. In this case, the air volumes of the fan 22 and the outside air supply fan 24 are appropriately set based on, for example, the number of ventilations required per hour in the building 2.

[0135] [Building air conditioning method (second embodiment)] Incidentally, in step S8 of the embodiment described above, if the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) shown in FIG. 1 are uniformly adjusted to be small, the pressure loss in the duct 21 may become larger than necessary. In this case, the total supply amount of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 becomes smaller than the second air volume of the fan 22, and the conditioned air Ac purified by the filter member 13 may short-circuit (circulate) within the chamber box 17. Such a short circuit may reduce the supply amount of the conditioned air Ac to each room 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d), making it impossible to sufficiently purify the air in each room 7.

[0136] In step S8 of this embodiment, during operation in the second mode, the damper adjustment unit 38b (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 maintains the opening degree of at least one of the multiple dampers 20 at 100%, without being affected by the changed opening degree of the damper 20. This can prevent the pressure loss in the duct 21 from becoming larger than necessary, and can prevent the conditioned air Ac purified by the filter member 13 from circulating (short-circuiting) within the chamber box 17. Therefore, the amount of conditioned air Ac supplied to each chamber 7 (first chamber 7a to fourth chamber 7d) is maintained, and the air in each chamber 7 can be sufficiently purified.

[0137] It is preferable that the number of fully open dampers 20 whose opening degree is maintained at 100% is determined in advance. In this case, the damper adjustment unit 38b (control device 14) selects the number of dampers 20 that are fully open from the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) and maintains the opening degree of the selected dampers 20 at 100%. This prevents the number of dampers 20 whose opening degree is maintained at 100% from increasing more than necessary, so that the temperature controllability of each room 7 in the building 2 can be maintained. It is preferable that the dampers 20 whose opening degree is maintained at 100% exclude dampers 20 connected to rooms 7 that are likely to be overly air-conditioned (having a small floor area). The number of fully open dampers is stored in advance in the fully open number input unit 37c shown in FIG. 4.

[0138] The number of fully open dampers can be set appropriately based on, for example, the total number of the dampers 20 (first damper 20a to fourth damper 20d) shown in FIG. 1. If the number of fully open dampers is small, the number of dampers 20 whose opening degree can be changed to a smaller value increases, and the pressure loss of the duct 21 becomes larger than necessary. In this case, there is a risk of short-circuiting the conditioned air Ac. On the other hand, if the number of fully open dampers is large, the number of dampers 20 whose opening degree can be changed to a smaller value decreases, so that, for example, even if the opening degree of a damper 20 is changed to a smaller value, the opening degree is maintained at 100%. As a result, there is a risk of the room 7 connected to that damper 20 being over-conditioned.

[0139] In this embodiment, the number of fully open dampers is first set to be smaller than the total number of the multiple dampers 20. Furthermore, the fully open number is determined so that the total supply amount of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 is equal to or greater than the second air volume by maintaining the opening degree of the selected dampers 20 at 100% based on this fully open number. By selecting the dampers 20 whose opening degree is maintained at 100% based on this fully open number, short-circuiting of the conditioned air Ac due to increased pressure loss in the duct 21 is more reliably prevented.

[0140] The larger the total number of branches of the multiple ducts 21 (i.e., the total number of dampers 20), the more likely it is that the increase in pressure loss in the multiple ducts 21 will be suppressed even if the number of dampers 20 that are maintained at 100% opening (the number fully open) is reduced. As shown in Fig. 1, in this embodiment, the duct 21 branches into four, so the total number of branches is "4."

[0141] In this embodiment, for example, when the total number of branches is "5" or less, the number of fully open may be set to "2." When the total number of branches is "6" or more, the number of fully open may be set to "1." In this way, the greater the total number of branches, the smaller the number of fully open is set, thereby preventing both short-circuiting of the conditioned air Ac and excessive air conditioning.

[0142] [Building air conditioning method (third embodiment)] In the second embodiment, a predetermined number of fully open dampers 20 are selected, and the opening degree of the selected dampers 20 is maintained at 100%, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.

[0143] Meanwhile, the pressure loss in the duct means 19 changes from moment to moment depending on, for example, the degree of clogging of the filter member 13. Fig. 10 is a graph showing the PQ curve of the fan 22 and the resistance curve of the duct means 19. In the graph of Fig. 2, the vertical axis represents the static pressure P (Pa) and the horizontal axis represents the air volume Q (m 3 / h).

[0144] 10 includes a first resistance curve R1, a second resistance curve R2, and a third resistance curve R3 as resistance curves of the duct means 19. In the duct means 19 having pressure losses indicated by the first resistance curve R1, the second resistance curve R2, and the third resistance curve R3, the same number of fully open dampers 20 are selected, and the opening degree of the selected dampers 20 is maintained at 100%. Therefore, the difference in pressure losses of these duct means 19 is not caused by the opening degree of the dampers 20, but is caused by the degree of clogging of the filter member 13, etc.

[0145] The first resistance curve R1 has a smaller pressure loss in the duct means 19 than the second resistance curve R2. This is because the duct 21 represented by the first resistance curve R1 has a smaller degree of clogging of the filter member 13 than the duct 21 represented by the second resistance curve R2. The second resistance curve R2 has a smaller pressure loss in the duct means 19 than the third resistance curve R3. This is because the duct 21 represented by the second resistance curve R2 has a smaller degree of clogging of the filter member 13 than the duct 21 represented by the third resistance curve R3.

[0146] 10 shows the PQ curve of the fan 22 operating at the maximum rotation speed. This PQ curve is determined in advance according to the specifications of the fan 22. This fan 22 is capable of pressurizing and delivering the conditioned air Ac at the second air volume Q2 by changing the rotation speed to a speed lower than the maximum rotation speed. However, in order to pressurize and deliver the conditioned air Ac at the second air volume Q2, the intersection of the resistance curve at the second air volume Q2 and the PQ curve needs to be equal to or lower than the first static pressure P1.

[0147] The PQ curve intersects with the first resistance curve R1 at the second air volume Q2. In the duct 21 represented by such a first resistance curve R1, the air volume of the fan 22 is adjusted to the second air volume Q2 (during operation in the second mode), so that the total supply volume of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 can be equal to or greater than the second air volume Q2. Furthermore, the first resistance curve R1 intersects with the PQ curve at a static pressure smaller than the first static pressure P1. In this case, for example, even if the number of fully open dampers is reduced and pressure loss increases, it is possible to maintain the total supply volume of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 at or greater than the second air volume Q2.

[0148] The PQ curve intersects with the second resistance curve R2 at the second air volume Q2. In the duct 21 represented by such a second resistance curve R2, the total supply volume of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 can be set to the second air volume Q2 or more by adjusting the air volume of the fan 22 to the second air volume Q2 (during operation in the second mode). Meanwhile, unlike the first resistance curve R1, the second resistance curve R2 intersects with the PQ curve at the first static pressure P1. In this case, for example, if the number of fully open dampers is reduced and pressure loss increases, the total supply volume of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 cannot be maintained at the second air volume Q2 or more.

[0149] The PQ curve intersects with the third resistance curve R3 at an air volume Q3 that is smaller than the second air volume Q2. In the duct 21 represented by such a third resistance curve R3, even if the air volume of the fan 22 is adjusted to the second air volume Q2 (during operation in the second mode), the total supply volume of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 is less than the second air volume Q2. In this case, for example, if the number of fully open dampers is increased to reduce pressure loss, it is possible to maintain the total supply volume of the conditioned air Ac at or above the second air volume Q2.

[0150] In this way, for example, if the degree of clogging of the filter member 13 is large, the pressure loss in the duct means 19 increases, and therefore if the number of dampers 20 equal to the number of fully open dampers is uniformly selected, the total supply amount of conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 may be less than the second air volume Q2. On the other hand, if the degree of clogging of the filter member 13 is small, the pressure loss in the duct means 19 decreases, and therefore even if the number of fully open dampers is reduced and the pressure loss increases, the total supply amount of conditioned air Ac can be maintained at or above the second air volume Q2.

[0151] In the air conditioning method of this embodiment, the pressure loss of the duct means 19 is identified, and the number of fully open units is corrected based on the identified pressure loss. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the air conditioning method of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] [Specify pressure loss in duct means] In the air conditioning method of this embodiment, the pressure loss of the duct means 19 is identified (step S22). This step S22 is performed prior to step S8 of adjusting the opening degree of the damper 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d) shown in FIG.

[0153] In step S22 of this embodiment, a pressure loss determination unit 38d included in the program unit 38 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The pressure loss determination unit 38d is a program for determining the pressure loss of the duct means 19 shown in Fig. 1. The pressure loss determination unit 38d is executed by the calculation device 31, whereby the control device 14 can function as a means for determining the pressure loss of the duct means 19.

[0154] The pressure loss of the duct means 19 can be appropriately specified. It is generally known that the pressure loss (static pressure) of the duct means 19 is proportional to the square of the rotation speed of the fan 22 (blower's law). Based on this knowledge, the pressure loss of the duct means 19 can be easily specified from the rotation speed of the fan 22. Also, a relational expression between the pressure loss of the duct means 19 and the rotation speed of the fan 22 may be specified in advance, and the pressure loss of the duct means 19 may be specified by substituting the current rotation speed of the fan 22 into this relational expression. The specified pressure loss is stored in the pressure loss input unit 37d.

[0155] [Adjust damper opening based on small change in opening] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, after step S22 of identifying the pressure loss, the opening degree of the damper 20 is adjusted to be smaller based on the opening degree that has been changed to be smaller, as in the previous embodiments (step S8). The number of fully open dampers is corrected based on the identified pressure loss.

[0156] In step S8 of this embodiment, the number of fully open valves input in the fully open number input section 37c shown in Fig. 4 and the pressure loss input in the pressure loss input section 37d are input to the working memory 33. Furthermore, the damper adjustment section 38b included in the program section 38 is configured as a program that corrects the number of fully open valves based on the identified pressure loss. By being executed by the arithmetic device 31, this damper adjustment section 38b can function as a means for correcting the number of fully open valves based on the identified pressure loss.

[0157] In step S8 of this embodiment, first, the number of fully open dampers is corrected based on the identified pressure loss. As shown in Fig. 10, when the identified pressure loss (static pressure) is equal to or greater than the first static pressure P1, the total supply amount of conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 is already equal to or less than the second air volume Q2. In this case, a damper 20 that is maintained at 100% opening is selected based on the fully open number, and when the opening amount of the selected damper 20 is maintained at 100%, the total supply amount of conditioned air Ac becomes less than the second air volume Q2. Therefore, the fully open number is largely corrected (for example, 1 is added to the fully open number).

[0158] If the identified pressure loss (static pressure) is less than the first static pressure P1, and further, if the difference between the identified pressure loss (static pressure) and the first static pressure P1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, it is considered that the number of fully open ducts is corrected downward so that the second air volume Q2 or more can be maintained even if the pressure loss increases. In this case, the number of fully open ducts is corrected downward (for example, the number of fully open ducts is reduced by 1). The threshold is appropriately set according to the total number of branches of the multiple ducts 21, and can be set to, for example, 280 to 350 Pa.

[0159] Then, in step S8 of this embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, the corrected number of fully open dampers 20 are selected from the multiple dampers 20 (the first damper 20a to the fourth damper 20d), and the opening degree of the selected dampers 20 is maintained at 100%.

[0160] In this embodiment, when the pressure loss of the duct means 19 is large, the number of fully open dampers is largely corrected, so that the total supply amount of the conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 can be reliably set to be equal to or greater than the second air volume Q2. This can reliably prevent short-circuiting of the conditioned air Ac.

[0161] On the other hand, when the pressure loss of the duct means 19 is small, the number of fully open units is corrected to be small, so that the total supply amount of conditioned air Ac from the multiple dampers 20 is maintained at the second air volume Q2 or more, while the number of rooms 7 maintained at 100% opening (excessive air conditioning) is minimized. Note that it is preferable that the dampers 20 that are maintained at 100% opening exclude dampers 20 connected to rooms 7 that are likely to be excessively air-conditioned (with small floor area).

[0162] [Building air conditioning method (fourth embodiment)] In the air conditioning method of the above embodiment, the presence or absence of an instruction to start the air purification operation is determined based on instruction data for starting the air purification operation input by a user (resident) or the like to the input / output device 34 (shown in Figs. 1 and 4), but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the purification start determination unit 38h included in the program unit 38 may determine that there is an instruction to start the air purification operation based on measurement data from a known sensor (not shown) capable of measuring the air quality of each room 7. This makes it possible to start the air purification operation at the timing when the air quality of each room 7 deteriorates, thereby making it possible to maintain good air quality in each room 7.

[0163] Although a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be modified and carried out in various forms.

[0164] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0165] [Invention 1] An air conditioning system for a building having a plurality of partitioned rooms, An air conditioner for generating conditioned air by conditioning air including outside air and / or air inside a building; a circulation device for forming an air circulation path that supplies the conditioned air to a plurality of rooms and collects return air as the building air; A filter member provided in the air circulation path; a control device; The circulation device includes: duct means including a fan for supplying the conditioned air to each of the plurality of rooms; a plurality of dampers for adjusting the amount of the conditioned air supplied to each of the plurality of rooms; The control device includes: A fan operation unit that adjusts the air volume of the fan; A damper adjustment unit that adjusts the opening degrees of the dampers; a user interface unit capable of changing the opening degree of the plurality of dampers, the fan operation unit is capable of selecting between a first mode in which the fan is operated at a predetermined first air volume and a second mode in which the fan is operated at a second air volume larger than the first air volume, The user interface unit is configured to be able to change the opening degree of at least one of the plurality of dampers to a smaller value by a user operation during operation in the second mode. Building air conditioning system. [Invention 2] The air conditioning system for a building according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the damper adjustment section sets the opening degree of the plurality of dampers to 100% when the second mode is selected. [Invention 3] 3. The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second air volume is equal to or greater than an air volume that realizes three ventilations per hour in the building. [Invention 4] The air conditioning system for a building described in Invention 2 or 3, wherein the damper adjustment unit maintains the opening degree of at least one of the plurality of dampers at 100% during operation in the second mode, regardless of the changed opening degree of the damper. [Invention 5] The number of fully open dampers that maintain the opening degree at 100% is determined in advance. The air conditioning system for a building according to the present invention 4, wherein the damper adjustment unit selects a number of dampers equal to the number of fully open dampers from the plurality of dampers and maintains the opening degree of the selected dampers at 100%. [Invention 6] The air conditioning system for a building described in Invention 5, wherein the number of fully open dampers is smaller than the total number of the plurality of dampers, and the opening degree of the selected dampers is maintained at 100% so that the total supply volume of the conditioned air from the plurality of dampers is equal to or greater than the second air volume. [Invention 7] the control device includes a pressure loss determination unit that determines a pressure loss in the duct means; 7. The air conditioning system for a building as described in claim 5 or 6, wherein the damper adjustment section corrects the number of fully open dampers based on the identified pressure loss. [Invention 8] The air conditioning system for a building according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the conditioned air is generated by conditioning air including the outside air and the air inside the building. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1. Air conditioning system 2. Building 11 Air conditioner 12 Circulation device 13 Filter material 14 Control device 19 Duct means 20 Damper 22 Fan

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for a building having a plurality of partitioned rooms, An air conditioner for generating conditioned air by conditioning air including outside air and / or air inside a building; a circulation device for forming an air circulation path that supplies the conditioned air to a plurality of rooms and collects return air as the building air; A filter member provided in the air circulation path; a control device; The circulation device includes: duct means including a fan for supplying the conditioned air to each of the plurality of rooms; a plurality of dampers for adjusting the amount of the conditioned air supplied to each of the plurality of rooms; The control device includes: A fan operation unit that adjusts the air volume of the fan; A damper adjustment unit that adjusts the opening degrees of the dampers; a user interface unit capable of changing the opening degree of the plurality of dampers, the fan operation unit is capable of selecting between a first mode in which the fan is operated at a predetermined first air volume and a second mode in which the fan is operated at a second air volume larger than the first air volume, The user interface unit is configured to be able to change the opening degree of at least one of the plurality of dampers to a smaller value by a user operation during operation in the second mode. Building air conditioning system.

2. The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 , wherein the damper adjustment unit sets the opening degrees of the dampers to 100% when the second mode is selected.

3. The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second air volume is equal to or greater than an air volume that realizes three air changes per hour in the building.

4. 3. The building air conditioning system of claim 2, wherein the damper adjustment unit maintains the opening degree of at least one of the plurality of dampers at 100% during operation in the second mode, regardless of the changed opening degree of the damper.

5. The number of fully open dampers that maintain the opening degree at 100% is determined in advance.

5. The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 4, wherein the damper adjustment unit selects the dampers from the plurality of dampers in a number equal to the number of fully open dampers, and maintains the opening degrees of the selected dampers at 100%.

6. The air conditioning system for a building as described in claim 5, wherein the number of fully open dampers is smaller than the total number of the plurality of dampers, and the opening degree of the selected damper is maintained at 100% so that the total supply volume of the conditioned air from the plurality of dampers is greater than or equal to the second air volume.

7. the control device includes a pressure loss determination unit that determines a pressure loss in the duct means; The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 5 , wherein the damper adjustment unit corrects the number of fully open dampers based on the identified pressure loss.

8. The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 , wherein the conditioned air is generated by conditioning air including the outside air and the air inside the building.

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