Method for controlling a central ventilation system and ventilation system configured for performing said method

Abstract

Method for controlling a central ventilation system (1), comprising a ventilation unit (2), ducts (8, 9, 10), connected on one side to the ventilation unit (2) and on the other side to a respective room (3, 4, 5) for discharging air, respective control valves (21, 22, 23), each movable between a maximum open position and a minimum position, for regulating the discharge of air, one or more ventilators (20) for discharging the air, wherein a central sensor in the ventilation unit (2) generates central measurement values (26) of an air parameter, a local sensor (15) in one of the ducts (8) generates local measurement values (28) of the air parameter and a control unit (24) with a comparison unit (36) calculates the first air parameter of air discharged via another one of the ducts (9) on the basis of the central measurement values (26) and the local measurement values (28) as calculation values (33), and controls the control valve (22) of this other duct (9) on the basis of these calculation values (33).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling a central ventilation system for ventilating rooms of a dwelling, the central ventilation system comprising: a ventilation unit which is provided with a first central sensor for measuring a first air parameter of air in the ventilation unit; at least two discharge ducts which are connected on one side to the ventilation unit and on the other side to a said respective room which is designed as a discharge room, each for discharging air from the respective discharge room, wherein: a first said discharge room or its respective first said discharge duct is provided with a first local sensor for measuring the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct; a second said discharge room or its respective second said discharge duct is provided with a second local sensor for measuring a second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct; for each discharge duct, a respective control valve which is movable between a maximum open position and a minimum position for regulating the discharge of air through this discharge duct; at least one passage which is connected on one side to the second discharge room and on the other side to a further said room which is designed as a supply room, for discharging air from this supply room; one or more ventilators for discharging the air from the discharge rooms; a control unit for controlling the one or more ventilators and / or the control valves which comprises an adjustment unit for adjusting, for each discharge room, a nominal ventilation flow rate for adjusting a first central threshold value for the first air parameter in the ventilation unit, for adjusting a first local threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct and for adjusting a second local threshold value for the second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct; wherein the first central sensor generates first central measurement values, the first local sensor generates first local measurement values and the second local sensor generates second local measurement values and the control unit controls the one or more ventilators and / or the control valves to keep the air discharged via the discharge ducts below the respective adjusted nominal ventilation flow rates, to keep the first central measurement values below the first central threshold value, to keep the first local measurement values below the first local threshold value and to keep the second local measurement values below the second local threshold value.

[0002] Said central ventilation systems are used for ventilating buildings, typically for residential use. Examples of such central ventilation systems are described and illustrated in BE1018155A5, BE1018969A5, BE1019913A5 and BE1028326A1.

[0003] These central ventilation systems always comprise several ducts which are connected to a common ventilation unit. Depending on the presence of ducts for the supply of air (supply ducts) and / or ducts for the discharge of air (discharge ducts), these ventilation systems are divided into the following types : type A, with natural supply and discharge of air, in which no ventilators are used. type B, with mechanical supply, in which air is drawn in by means of one or more ventilators in the building. The ducts are then provided for supplying air and are connected to various rooms of the building to be ventilated in order to supply air thereto. type C, with mechanical extraction, in which air is discharged from the building by means of one or more ventilators. The ducts are then provided for discharging air and are connected to various rooms of the building to be ventilated in order to discharge air therefrom. These rooms are typically the so-called wet rooms, inter alia bathroom, kitchen and toilet, but sometimes also, for example, so-called dry rooms, such as bedrooms where an excessively high CO 2 or NO x content has been measured. type D, with mechanical supply and extraction, wherein air is drawn into the building as well as extracted from the building by means of one or more ventilators. In that case, there are one or more ducts for supplying air connected to one or more rooms in the building to be ventilated and one or more ducts for discharging air connected to one or more rooms in the building to be ventilated.

[0004] The present invention relates to central ventilation systems of type C and of type D and is particularly advantageous with central ventilation systems of type C.

[0005] Local standards and / or regulations specify threshold values for the nominal ventilation flow rates which, in this case, have to be extracted from each room, as has also been described in BE1019913A5, and for the threshold values at which ventilation has to take place for certain air parameters, as has also been described in BE1028326A1.

[0006] In practice, there are various methods to control such a central ventilation system to meet these standards and regulations. The control unit of such a central ventilation system in this case typically controls the one or more ventilators and / or the control valves on the basis of central measurement values and / or on the basis of local measurement values of air parameters, such as CO 2 , VOC, RH, NO x , fine particulate matter, etc. In this way, such a central ventilation system may be provided with an adapted local sensor in each discharge room, either in the duct, or on the control valve, or in the room itself, wherein the associated control valve is controlled on the basis of the local measurement values measured with this adapted local sensor.

[0007] Typically, in a dwelling, at least the so-called wet rooms, i.e. kitchen, toilet, bathroom,... are provided, as discharge rooms, with a discharge duct, so as to be able to also extract moisture from such wet rooms to prevent the formation of mould. In this case, air is then supplied from outside via supply ducts (with D-type systems) or via air vents or tilt windows and the like (with C-type systems) in so-called dry rooms, such as bedrooms, offices, ..., as supply rooms, and passed from the supply rooms to the discharge rooms via passages. However, it is also possible to provide such supply rooms with a discharge duct as well and also to provide these rooms with an adapted local sensor, either in the duct, or on the control valve, or in the room itself, wherein the associated control valve is controlled on the basis of the local measurement values measured with this adapted local sensor.

[0008] The present Healthbox 3.0 by the Applicant is, for example, provided with: a VOC sensor which measures volatile organic components in every toilet; an RH sensor which measures the relative humidity in every bathroom, kitchen and bedroom; a CO 2 sensor in every kitchen and every bedroom.

[0009] By controlling the one or more ventilators and / or the control valves on the basis of measured air parameters, it is possible to limit the level of ventilation (in a room), as long as the measured air quality (in a room) is good. This is attractive from an energy-saving point of view with regard to heat saving or cold saving and power consumption. Air in the dwelling is not unnecessarily cooled or heated by means of supplied outside air in rooms where this is not required. The ventilator(s) can also be controlled in a more energy-efficient way.

[0010] However, it is not always evident to install such more energy-efficient variants when renovating dwellings.

[0011] Often, it is difficult or impossible to provide the discharge ducts required for the purpose in every wet room and in every dry room during renovation.

[0012] Where this is possible, the investment costs to provide the necessary ducts and sensors is relatively high.

[0013] Nevertheless, with ever more stringent energy standards, there is a great need for energy-efficient central ventilation systems here as well.

[0014] It is the object of the present invention to provide an energy-efficient central ventilation system which is less expensive and can also be implemented more easily in case of renovations.

[0015] This object of the invention is achieved by providing a method according to the introductory part of the first claim, in which the control unit comprises a comparison unit which calculates the first air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct on the basis of the first central measurement values and the first local measurement values as local calculation values, and that the control unit controls the control valve of the second discharge duct on the basis of these local calculation values.

[0016] Typically, on the basis of the standards and regulations in the various countries, at least the following will be done: a central sensor will be provided in the ventilation unit for a first air parameter; a first local sensor will be provided in a first discharge room or a corresponding first discharge duct for the same first air parameter; and a second local sensor will be provided in a second discharge room or a corresponding second discharge duct for a different, second air parameter.

[0017] The reason for this is that the aim is to at least extract the air from the so-called wet rooms. Typically, this will be a kitchen or an open kitchen which may also comprise a living room, one or more bathrooms which may optionally include a toilet and possibly also one or more separate toilets.

[0018] According to the standards and regulations in Belgium and the Netherlands, the first air parameter would be CO 2 , so that the first central sensor and the first local sensor there would be a CO 2 sensor, whereas in France it would be relative humidity, so that the first central sensor and the first local sensor there would be an RH sensor. However, it would also be possible to select, for example, volatile organic compounds as the first air parameter and to provide a VOC sensor as the first central sensor and the first local sensor. Alternatively, a PM sensor which measures fine particulate matter could be selected as the first central sensor and the first local sensor, or an NO x sensor, etc.

[0019] A different sensor for measuring a said air parameter could also be provided as the second local sensor. In case of a CO 2 sensor as the first central sensor and the first local sensor, an RH sensor may for example be selected as the second local sensor. By using a central sensor in the ventilation unit and a local sensor for the air discharged via a first discharge duct in this ventilation unit, and this for the same air parameter, it is also possible to make an assessment on the basis hereof of the proportion of this same air parameter in the air which is supplied in the ventilation unit from the second discharge duct, and this without a sensor having to be provided for this air parameter in such a second discharge room or the corresponding second discharge duct. In this way, the cost price of such a sensor is saved.

[0020] An additional advantage is the fact that this will typically also be an air parameter which may not be important for the second discharge room, but is so for the said one or more supply rooms, which is / are connected to the second discharge room via a passage.

[0021] Typically, one will also want to ventilate bedrooms, for example, on the basis of, for example, relative humidity and / or CO 2 and / or fine particulate matter, etc. By using the method according to the present invention, it is then no longer necessary to provide a discharge duct for such a room, but these rooms may be ventilated indirectly via the second discharge room, without this affecting the first discharge room. This makes it possible, for example, to prevent colder air from unnecessarily being supplied to the kitchen / living room as first discharge room via bedrooms as supply rooms, by actively extracting this air via a toilet as second discharge room, where such a cooling-down operation would be less bad from an energy-saving point of view.

[0022] In the case of renovations, there will typically already be a discharge duct present for example, in for example a kitchen in the shape of an extractor hood and typically, for example, a discharge duct will already have been provided in a toilet and / or a bathroom so as to be able to extract moisture from this / these room(s), i.e. will be easier to implement.

[0023] It is sufficient to provide these discharge ducts, if still necessary, with control valves, a ventilation unit, corresponding sensors, one or more ventilators and a control unit, in order to be able to provide an energy-efficient central ventilation system. The required modifications and associated costs may in this case be significantly reduced compared to existing solutions.

[0024] There are quite a large number of dwellings which have already been provided with so-called C-type systems, according to the introductory part of the first claim, in line with existing standards and regulations. Such a central ventilation system will be easily modifiable by e.g. installing new software on the control unit in order thus to apply a method for controlling this central ventilation system according to the present invention. If necessary, this may for example be combined with the addition of control valves (controllable valves) to the respective discharge lines, e.g. at connecting points of the discharge ducts to the central ventilation unit.

[0025] In a simple embodiment: the first discharge room is a kitchen or a kitchen space which may also comprise a living room; and the second discharge room is a toilet or a bathroom which comprises a toilet.

[0026] In quite a few existing ventilation systems, these respective rooms will already have been provided with a said first local sensor and a said second local sensor, so that these may be transformed into a central ventilation system according to the present invention and in this way a method according to the present invention may be applied.

[0027] Alternatively, however, it is also possible to select another room as first discharge room and / or to select another room as second discharge room.

[0028] The said one or more supply rooms are preferably not provided with a discharge duct. They are preferably not directly connected to the ventilation unit, but only connected to the second said discharge room via the said passage. In the case of renovations, it is often easier and less expensive to provide such a passage than to provide a said discharge duct. A said passage may, for example, be provided by simply shortening the associated inner doors and / or providing passage vents in inner walls or inner doors.

[0029] In a preferred method according to the present invention, the control unit moves the control valve of the first discharge duct to the maximum open position if the first central measurement values drop below the first local measurement values.

[0030] If the first central measurement values drop below the first local measurement values, it is clear that the proportion of the first air parameter in the ventilation unit is mainly due to the air discharged via the first discharge duct.

[0031] By moving the control valve of the first discharge duct to the maximum open position, it is possible to react quickly to this increase of the first air parameter by discharging extra air from this first discharge room without unnecessarily cooling down other rooms further and / or unnecessarily ventilating more in order thus to prevent heat loss during winter and cold losses in summer.

[0032] In this way, it is possible to react quickly to this increase of the first air parameter by adjusting the ratio of extracting air from the various discharge rooms, even if the first local measurement values have not yet reached the first local threshold value. In this way, the ventilation of the dwelling becomes more energy-efficient.

[0033] If the first local measurement values have already reached the first local threshold value, it is possible to maintain the displacement of the control valve of the first discharge duct which was already desired on the basis thereof or it may be adjusted by additionally moving the first control valve to a higher or even to the maximum open position.

[0034] The control unit will preferably further control the other control valves and / or the ventilator(s), taking into account the other parameters, such as for example the nominal ventilation flow rates and the threshold values. This remains possible, for example, in the various ways known from the state of the art.

[0035] Preferably, the comparison unit is also provided to determine the difference between the first local measurement values and the first central measurement values, and the adjustment unit is provided for adjusting a first maximum threshold value for this difference. The control unit then preferably keeps the control valve of the first discharge duct in the maximum open position if this difference remains above or equal to the first maximum threshold value, if the first central measurement values remain below the first local measurement values.

[0036] More specifically, the adjustment unit may be provided for adjusting a third local threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct. If the first central measurement values remain above or equal to the first local measurement values, the control unit can, in addition, move the control valve of the second discharge duct between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of the local calculation values, if these local calculation values rise above the third local threshold value.

[0037] Furthermore, the adjustment unit may be provided for adjusting a second maximum threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct. If the first central measurement values remain above or equal to the first local measurement values, the control unit can, in addition, keep the control valve of the second discharge duct in the maximum open position, if the local calculation values remain above or equal to the second maximum threshold value.

[0038] In order to adjust the third local threshold value, the adjustment unit may, more specifically, be provided for adjusting the number of supply rooms. The adjustment unit may then be provided to determine the third local threshold value and the optional second maximum threshold value on the basis of this number of supply rooms. Alternatively, the adjustment unit may, for example, be provided for adjusting the total volume of the one or more supply rooms, in order to determine the third local threshold value and the optional maximum threshold value on the basis of this total volume. Specifically, if the increase in the first air parameter is not expected from the second discharge room itself, but ends up in the second discharge room via a said supply room and thus enters the ventilation unit via the second discharge duct, the proportion of this first air parameter may be diluted by the presence of other supply rooms. Depending on the number and / or the total volume of these supply rooms, it is thus possible to predetermine a different third local threshold value in this way, in order to be able to discharge air via the second discharge room if the proportion of this first air parameter in the respective supply room were to reach a predetermined limit.

[0039] In a method according to the present invention, the control unit moves the control valve of the first discharge duct preferably to the minimum position if the first central measurement values rise above the first local measurement values.

[0040] If the first central measurement values rise above the first local measurement values, the proportion of the first air parameter in the ventilation unit will mainly be due to the air discharged via one or more other discharge ducts.

[0041] By then moving the control valve of the first discharge duct to the minimum position, the proportion of the first air parameter can be limited more efficiently by discharging additional air via these one or more other discharge ducts, while conserving energy in the first discharge room.

[0042] If the first central measurement values remain below the first local measurement values, the control unit preferably continues to control the control valve of the second discharge duct between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of the second local measurement values.

[0043] If the first central measurement values remain above or equal to the first local measurement values, the control unit preferably controls the control valve of the first discharge duct between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of the first local measurement values.

[0044] In a specific embodiment, the central ventilation system may comprise a third local sensor for detecting a third air parameter which is arranged in the first discharge duct or in the first discharge room. This third local sensor then generates third local measurement values. The control unit then preferably controls the control valve of the first discharge duct also between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of these third local measurement values, if the first central measurement values remain above or equal to the first local measurement values.

[0045] In a more specific embodiment, the central ventilation system comprises a third said discharge duct for discharging air from a respective third said discharge room and a fourth local sensor for detecting a fourth air parameter which is arranged in the third discharge duct or in the third discharge room. This fourth local sensor can then generate fourth local measurement values. The adjustment unit is then preferably provided for adjusting a fourth local threshold value. The control unit then preferably controls the control valve of the third discharge duct to keep the fourth local measurement values below the fourth local threshold value.

[0046] Each time a said threshold value is mentioned above, preferably a corresponding maximum threshold value may also be provided so as to be adjustable and the control unit may preferably be provided for adjusting the corresponding control valve in its maximum open position if the respective measurement values exceed this maximum threshold value, all this analogously to the situation described above for the first maximum threshold value and the situation described above for the second maximum threshold value.

[0047] In a preferred method according to the present invention, the adjustment unit is furthermore provided for adjusting which discharge room is regarded as being the second said discharge room.

[0048] The object of the present invention is furthermore also achieved by providing a said central ventilation system to which the present invention relates, wherein the control unit is configured to perform an above-described method according to the present invention.

[0049] In addition, the object of the present invention is also achieved by providing a computer program product consisting of computer-readable code which, if this code is run on a control unit of an above-described central ventilation system according to the present invention, would result in the central ventilation system being controlled according to an above-described method according to the present invention.

[0050] Finally, the object of the present invention is also achieved by providing a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium on which an above-described computer program product according to the present invention is stored.

[0051] The present invention will now be explained in more detail by means of the following detailed description of some preferred embodiments of methods and central ventilation systems according to the present invention. The sole aim of this description is to give illustrative examples and to indicate further advantages and particulars of the present invention, and can therefore not be interpreted as a limitation of the area of application of the invention or of the patent rights defined in the claims.

[0052] In this detailed description, reference numerals are used to refer to the attached figure which diagrammatically illustrates a method for controlling a central ventilation system according to the invention.

[0053] Below, some specific examples are given, taking into account the requirements in Belgium. Obviously, it is mutatis mutandis possible to come up with similar examples which take into account the requirements in the Netherlands, France or yet other countries.

[0054] A method according to the present invention applies to various types of central ventilation systems (1) which may be configured as central ventilation systems according to the prior art. These central ventilation systems (1) in this case comprise in each case a ventilation unit (2).

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, a central ventilator (20) is arranged in this ventilation unit (2). The ventilation unit (2) is provided with a control unit (24) for controlling the central ventilator (20).

[0056] In alternative embodiments, more ventilators (20) may also be arranged in this ventilation unit (2) or distributed in the central ventilation system (1), as is also the case with known central ventilation systems (1). In that case, the control unit (24) will be provided for controlling the ventilators (20) which are present.

[0057] The ventilation unit (2) is provided with a first central sensor (13) for measuring a first air parameter of air in the ventilation unit (2) and may optionally be provided with one or more further central sensors (14) for measuring one or more further air parameters of air in the ventilation unit (2).

[0058] At least two discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) are connected on one side to the ventilation unit (2) and are connected on the other side to discharge rooms (3, 4, 5) of a dwelling to be ventilated in order to discharge air from these discharge rooms (3, 4, 5).

[0059] A first illustrated discharge room (3) or its respective first discharge duct (8) is provided with a first local sensor (15) for measuring the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8). This first discharge room (3) or the first discharge duct (8) may also be provided with one or more further local sensors (17) for measuring one or more further air parameters of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8).

[0060] A second illustrated discharge room (4) or its respective second discharge duct (9) is provided with a second local sensor (16) for measuring a second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9). This second air parameter differs from the said first air parameter. This second discharge room (4) or the second discharge duct (9) may also be provided with one or more further local sensors (19), for measuring one or more further air parameters of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9). This second air parameter also differs from the said first air parameter.

[0061] If desired, one or more additional discharge rooms (5) may be provided. These one or more additional discharge rooms (5) or their respective additional discharge duct (10) may optionally be provided with one or more local sensors (18, 19) for measuring one or more air parameters of air discharged via the corresponding additional discharge duct (10). These one or more air parameters may comprise the first air parameter and / or the second air parameter and / or any further air parameters. For each discharge duct (8, 9, 10), the ventilation system (1) is provided with a respective control valve (21, 22, 23) which is movable between a maximum open position and a minimum position for regulating the discharge of air through the discharge duct (8, 9, 10). In this case, this control valve (21, 22, 23) may be arranged anywhere in this discharge duct (8, 9, 10), such as for example at connecting points of the discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) to the ventilation unit (2) or at connecting points of the discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) to the respective discharge rooms (3, 4, 5), or somewhere central in these discharge ducts (8, 9, 10). The control unit (24) is also provided for controlling these control valves (21, 22, 23). Alternatively, the control unit (24) may be provided for controlling several ventilators (20) for regulating the discharge of air in the various discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) or be provided only for controlling these control valves (21, 22, 23) and not for controlling ventilators (20). In this case, the basic principles of a method according to the present invention remain the same.

[0062] The central ventilation system (1) furthermore comprises a passage (11) which is connected on one side to the second discharge room (4) and on the other side to a supply room (6) of the dwelling for discharging air from this supply room (6). If desired, one or more additional passages (11) may be provided which are connected to one or more respective additional supply rooms (7) for discharging air from these one or more additional supply rooms (7).

[0063] The illustrated ventilation system (1) is a C-type system. In this case, every supply room (6, 7) is provided with one or more suitable ventilation air vents (34) or tilt windows or the like for supplying air to these supply rooms (6, 7). Alternatively (D-type system), one or more supply rooms (6, 7) may be provided with a supply duct which is connected to the ventilation unit (2) for supplying air to the supply rooms (6, 7). If desired, one or more of the said discharge rooms (3, 4, 5) may also be provided with an air vent (35) or a tilt window or a supply duct or the like for supplying air to these discharge rooms (3, 4, 5). If desired, but less preferred, one or more of the supply rooms (6, 7) may also be provided with a discharge duct which is connected to the ventilation unit (2) for discharging air from these supply rooms (6, 7) and which is optionally provided with a respective control valve.

[0064] The control unit (24) of the central ventilation system (1) comprises an adjustment unit (25) for adjusting: a nominal ventilation flow rate for each discharge room (3, 4, 5); a first central threshold value for the first air parameter of air in the ventilation unit (2); any further threshold values for any further air parameters of air in the ventilation unit (2); a first local threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8); a second local threshold value for the second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9); any further local threshold values for further air parameters of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8) and / or the second discharge duct (9) and / or further discharge ducts (10); optionally, the number of supply rooms (6, 7) and / or the total volume of the supply rooms (6, 7); and optionally, which discharge room (3, 4, 5) is considered to be the second said discharge room (4).

[0065] Most of these parameters to be adjusted will typically be dictated by standards or regulations. A fitter can then adjust these parameters upon the start of operations of the central ventilation system (1) in this adjustment unit (25). If there are no such standards or regulations, these may be purposely selected and adjusted.

[0066] In Belgium, it is for example compulsory for central ventilation systems (1): to adjust the nominal ventilation flow rate for each discharge room (3, 4, 5) according to the regulations; to provide a CO 2 sensor as first central sensor (13); to discharge the air at the adjusted nominal ventilation flow rate if the first central measurement values (26), measured with the central CO 2 sensor, rise above 650ppm; extract at most 50% of the nominal ventilation flow rate if the first central measurement values (26) remain below 450ppm; to extract at least 30% of the nominal ventilation flow rate in each of the so-called wet rooms, wherein, in all wet rooms together, at least 35% of the sum of the nominal ventilation flow rates of all wet rooms together is extracted; to extract at least 10% of the nominal ventilation flow rate in each of the so-called dry rooms, wherein, in all dry rooms together, at least 30% of the sum of the nominal ventilation flow rates of all dry rooms together is extracted.

[0067] In the further specific examples, it is therefore assumed that a CO 2 sensor is the first central sensor (13) and a CO 2 sensor is the first local sensor (15). These examples therefore apply equally to other sensor types as first central sensor (13) and as first local sensor (15), such as for example a sensor for measuring RH (Relative Humidity) or VOC (Volatile Organic Components) or PM (fine Particulate Matter) or NO x or combinations thereof. The principles mentioned below remain the same.

[0068] In one specific embodiment, the kitchen (or living room in case of an open kitchen principle) of a dwelling is in this case designed as the first discharge room (3), the toilet of said dwelling as the second discharge room (4) and the bathroom of said dwelling as the third discharge room (5). A bedroom of said dwelling is designed as the first supply room (6). A further bedroom and office are designed as the further supply rooms (7).

[0069] The control unit (24) is adjusted, as is known, to control the control valves (21, 22, 23) and / or the ventilator (20) to keep the air discharged via the discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) below the respective adjusted nominal ventilation flow rates.

[0070] The central CO 2 sensor (13) in the ventilation unit (2) supplies data (central measurement values) (26) about the CO 2 value of the mixed air of all rooms (3, 4, 5) where air extraction is provided by means of a discharge duct (8, 9, 10) between these rooms (3, 4, 5) and the ventilation unit (2). On the basis of these central measurement values (26), the control valves (21, 22, 23) and / or the ventilator (20) are controlled by the control unit (24), as is known, in order to limit the CO 2 value and keep it below the input first central threshold value.

[0071] Analogously, any further sensors (14) in the ventilation unit (2) supply data (27) about further air parameters of the mixed air of all rooms (3, 4, 5) where air extraction is provided and the control unit (24) controls the control valves (21, 22, 23) and / or the ventilator (20) to keep the further air parameters below the optional further adjusted threshold values for these air parameters in the air in the ventilation unit (2).

[0072] The local CO 2 sensor (15) in the kitchen (3) supplies data (local measurement values) (28) about the CO 2 value in this kitchen (3) itself. On the basis of these local measurement values (28), the control valve (21) of the kitchen (3) and / or the ventilator (20) is controlled, as is known, in order to limit the CO 2 value in the kitchen (3) and keep it below the input first local threshold value.

[0073] Analogously, optional further sensors (17) for the first discharge duct (8) supply data (30) about further air parameters of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8) and the control unit (24) controls the first control valve (21) and / or the ventilator (20) to keep these further air parameters below the optional corresponding further input local threshold values.

[0074] An RH sensor is provided as the second local sensor (16) for measuring the relative humidity of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9). This RH sensor (16) generates second local measurement values (29) and the control unit (24) controls the ventilator (20) and / or the second control valves (22) to keep the second local measurement values (29) below the adjusted second local threshold value. Analogously, optional further sensors (19) for the second discharge duct (9) supply data (32) about further air parameters of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9) and the control unit (24) controls the second control valve (22) and / or the ventilator (20) to keep these further air parameters below the optional corresponding further input local threshold values.

[0075] Further analogously, optional further sensors (18, 19) for the third discharge duct (10) (or optional further discharge ducts) supply data (31, 32) about optional further air parameters of air discharged via the third discharge duct (10) (or optional further discharge ducts) and the control unit (24) controls the third control valve (23) (or optional further control valves) and / or the ventilator (20) to keep these further air parameters below the optional corresponding further input local threshold values.

[0076] The control unit (24) now additionally comprises a comparison unit (36) for comparing the local CO 2 values (28) with the central CO 2 values (26). In this case, the comparison unit (36) may be provided for determining the difference between the first local measurement values (28) and the first central measurement values (26).

[0077] The adjustment unit (25) may also be provided for adjusting a first maximum threshold value for this difference.

[0078] If the local CO 2 values (28) rise above the central CO 2 values (26), then there is an increase in CO 2 substantially via extraction of the kitchen (3). The control unit (24) may then be provided to move the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) to the maximum open position.

[0079] If the first local measurement values (28) remain above the first central measurement values (26), then the control unit (24) may keep the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) in the maximum open position, if the difference between the first local measurement values (28) and the first central measurement values (26) remains above or equal to the first maximum threshold value.

[0080] In this case, the central control unit (24) will also furthermore be provided to additionally control the other control valves (21, 22, 23) and / or the ventilator (20) to keep the respective measurement values (29, 31, 32) below the respective adjusted threshold values and to limit extraction to the adjusted nominal ventilation flow rates.

[0081] If the local CO 2 values (28) and the central CO 2 values (26) are equal, then this means that there is no dilution of this CO 2 by supply via the toilet (4) or the bathroom (5). The central control unit (24) may then be provided, as described above and as is known in the state of the art, to control the respective control valves (21, 22, 23) and / or the ventilator (20) by keeping the respective measurement values (26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32) below the respective adjusted threshold values and to limit extraction to the adjusted nominal ventilation flow rates.

[0082] According to the invention, in a night zone optimization of the control of the central ventilation system (1), the CO 2 from the bedrooms (6, 7) is not measured directly, but determined indirectly via a calculation of the CO 2 values in the toilet (4) as local calculation values (33), on the basis of measurements of the central CO 2 values (26) measured in the ventilation unit (2) and the local CO 2 values (28) measured in the kitchen (3).

[0083] On the basis of these central measurement values (26), these local measurement values (28) and the adjusted ventilation flow rates, the comparison unit (36) of the control unit (24) calculates local calculation values (33), which are a measure for the proportion of CO 2 which is discharged via the toilet (4).

[0084] On the basis of these local calculation values (33), the control unit (24) may decide to overrule the usual control values of the control valve of the toilet (4), which are normally sent on the basis of the second local sensor (16), in order to ensure sufficient ventilation in the supply rooms (6, 7) which are ventilated via the toilet. Thus, in the case of an excess of CO 2 which is discharged via the toilet (4) and logically originates from the bedrooms (6, 7), via the passage (11, 12), the control unit (24) may discharge air more directly via the toilet (4). In this way, it is possible to react more quickly to an increase in CO 2 in the bedrooms (6, 7) in order to keep the energy in the kitchen (3) at a maximum and to cool down the bathroom (5) as little as possible.

[0085] If the local CO 2 values (28) drop below the central CO 2 values (26), then the source of CO 2 mainly originates from extraction of air from the toilet (4). If, in addition, in this case the central CO 2 values (26) remain below the central threshold value, then the control unit (24) may be provided to additionally extract air from the toilet (4) by moving the control valve (22) of the second discharge duct (9) to its open position. If necessary, the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) may in this case also be (temporarily) constricted in order to sufficiently ventilate the rooms via the toilet (4).

[0086] If the local calculation values (33) in this case remain equal to or below a corresponding adjusted local threshold value, then the control unit (24) may keep the control valve (22) of the toilet (4) in its minimum position which ensures at least 10% of the nominal flow rate, in accordance with the regulations. If the local calculation values (33) rise above this corresponding local threshold value, then the control unit (24) may regulate the control valve (22) of the toilet (4) and / or increase the rotary speed of the ventilator (20). If the local calculation values rise above an adjusted maximum threshold value, then the control unit (24) may move the control valve (22) of the toilet (4) to its maximum open position and keep the flow rate of air extracted via the second discharge duct (22) at the nominal ventilation flow rate.

[0087] Upon the start of operations, the fitter indicates in the adjustment unit (25) how many supply rooms (6, 7) are to be ventilated via the toilet (4) (or alternatively the total volumes which are to be ventilated). The control unit (24) can then adjust a said corresponding local threshold value for the local calculation values (33) for the toilet (4) as well as a said maximum threshold value for the local calculation values (33) in a corresponding manner. With one bedroom (6) which is ventilated via the toilet (4), these values may be, for example, 600ppm CO 2 as the local threshold value for the local calculation values (33) and 800ppm CO 2 as the maximum threshold value for the local calculation values (33), respectively. If there are more bedrooms, these values will be lower, since it has to be ensured that ventilation occurs in a timely and sufficient manner.Examples:

[0088] in the case of two bedrooms (6, 7) (equal in volume) which, as supply rooms, have to be discharged via the toilet (4) and wherein the value in one bedroom (6) is, for example, 800ppm CO 2 and the value in the other bedroom (7) is 400ppm CO 2 , this would then result in a mixed value of 600ppm. The corresponding maximum threshold value for the local calculation values (33) can then be adjusted to 600ppm CO 2 . In this way, it is possible, even in the said extreme case of 800ppm CO 2 and 400ppm CO 2 , given by way of example, to ensure that action is taken in a timely and sufficient manner in order to be able to ensure the necessary ventilation at the said CO 2 values in the respective bedrooms (6, 7). in the case of three bedrooms (6, 7) (equal in volume), wherein the value in one bedroom (6) is 800ppm CO 2 and the value in the two other bedrooms (7) is 400ppm CO 2 , this results in a maximum threshold value of 533ppm CO 2 for the air which is discharged via the toilet (4) and optionally a local threshold value of 466ppm CO 2 . The local and maximum threshold values for the local calculation values (33) can then in practice preferably still be modified in order to find a balance between preventive and proactive ventilation and energy conservation, e.g. to 525 and 600ppm CO 2 , respectively.

[0089] It should be noted that the measurement value of ppm CO 2 will always be positive and the local calculation values (33) will consequently remain positive, since the outside air will also always contain a minimal amount of CO 2 , for example + / - 400ppm. Specifically, an average value of CO 2 concentration in the outside air is usually between 350 and 460ppm. Analogously, this also applies to other parameters, such as relative humidity, VOC, fine particulate matter, ...

[0090] By way of reference for the minimum value above which the local calculation values (33) have to remain, it is possible, for example, to place a corresponding sensor in an outside space. Alternatively, the adjustment unit (25) could be provided in order to input a reference value for this minimum value.

Claims

1. Method for controlling a central ventilation system (1) for ventilating rooms (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of a dwelling, the central ventilation system (1) comprising: - a ventilation unit (2) which is provided with a first central sensor (13) for measuring a first air parameter of air in the ventilation unit (2); - at least two discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) which are connected on one side to the ventilation unit (2) and on the other side to a said respective room (3, 4, 5) which is designed as a discharge room (3, 4, 5), each for discharging air from the respective discharge room (3, 4, 5), wherein: - a first said discharge room (3) or its respective first said discharge duct (8) is provided with a first local sensor (15) for measuring the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8); - a second said discharge room (4) or its respective second said discharge duct (9) is provided with a second local sensor (16) for measuring a second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9); - for each discharge duct (8, 9, 10), a respective control valve (21, 22, 23) which is movable between a maximum open position and a minimum position for regulating the discharge of air through this discharge duct (8, 9, 10); - at least one passage (11, 12) which is connected on one side to the second discharge room (4) and on the other side to a further said room (6, 7) which is designed as a supply room (6, 7), for discharging air from this supply room (6, 7); - one or more ventilators (20) for discharging the air from the discharge rooms (3, 4, 5); - a control unit (24) for controlling the one or more ventilators (20) and / or the control valves (21, 22, 23) which comprises an adjustment unit (25) for adjusting, for each discharge room (3, 4, 5), a nominal ventilation flow rate for adjusting a first central threshold value for the first air parameter in the ventilation unit (2), for adjusting a first local threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8) and for adjusting a second local threshold value for the second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9); wherein the first central sensor (13) generates first central measurement values (26), the first local sensor (15) generates first local measurement values (28) and the second local sensor (16) generates second local measurement values (29) and the control unit (24) controls the one or more ventilators (20) and / or the control valves (21, 22, 23) to keep the air discharged via the discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) below the respective adjusted nominal ventilation flow rates, to keep the first central measurement values (26) below the first central threshold value, to keep the first local measurement values (28) below the first local threshold value and to keep the second local measurement values (29) below the second local threshold value; characterized in that the control unit (24) comprises a comparison unit (36) which calculates the first air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9) on the basis of the first central measurement values (26) and the first local measurement values (28) as local calculation values (33), and in that the control unit (24) controls the control valve (22) of the second discharge duct (9) on the basis of these local calculation values (33).

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (24) moves the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) to the maximum open position if the first central measurement values (26) drop below the first local measurement values (28).

3. Method according to Claim 2, characterized in that, if the first central measurement values (26) remain below the first local measurement values (28), the comparison unit (36) is provided to determine the difference between the first local measurement values (28) and the first central measurement values (26), in that the adjustment unit (25) is provided for adjusting a first maximum threshold value for this difference, and in that the control unit (24) keeps the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) in the maximum open position if this difference remains above or equal to the first maximum threshold value.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment unit (25) is provided for adjusting a third local threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9), and in that, if the first central measurement values (26) remain above or equal to the first local measurement values (28), the control unit (24) moves the control valve (22) of the second discharge duct (9) between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of the local calculation values (33), if the local calculation values (33) rise above the third local threshold value.

5. Method according to Claim 4, characterized in that the adjustment unit (25) is provided for adjusting a second maximum threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9), and in that, if the first central measurement values (26) remain above or equal to the first local measurement values (28), the control unit (24) keeps the control valve (22) of the second discharge duct (9) in the maximum open position, if the local calculation values (33) remain above or equal to the second maximum threshold value.

6. Method according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the adjustment unit (25) is provided for adjusting the number of supply rooms (6, 7) and / or is provided for adjusting the total volume of these one or more supply rooms (6, 7) and is provided for determining the third local threshold value and the optional maximum threshold value on the basis of this number of supply rooms (6, 7) or of this total volume.

7. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, if the first central measurement values (26) rise above the first local measurement values (28), the control unit (24) moves the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) to the minimum position.

8. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control unit (24) controls the control valve (22) of the second discharge duct (9) between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of the second local measurement values (29), if the first central measurement values (26) remain below the first local measurement values (28).

9. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit (24) controls the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of the first local measurement values (28), if the first central measurement values (26) remain above or equal to the first local measurement values (28).

10. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the central ventilation system (1) comprises a third local sensor (17) for detecting a third air parameter which is arranged in the first discharge duct (8) or in the first discharge room (3), in that this third local sensor (17) generates third local measurement values (30), and in that the control unit (24) controls the control valve (21) of the first discharge duct (8) between the maximum open position and the minimum position on the basis of these third local measurement values (30), if the first central measurement values (26) remain above or equal to the first local measurement values (28).

11. Method according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the central ventilation system (1) comprises a third said discharge duct (10) for discharging air from a respective third said discharge room (5), and comprises a fourth local sensor (18) for detecting a fourth air parameter which is arranged in the third discharge duct (10) or in the third discharge room (5), in that this fourth local sensor (18) generates fourth local measurement values (31), in that the adjustment unit (25) is provided for adjusting a fourth local threshold value, and in that the control unit (24) controls the control valve (23) of the third discharge duct (10) to keep the fourth local measurement values (31) below the fourth local threshold value.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment unit (25) is provided for adjusting which discharge room (3, 4, 5) is regarded as being the second said discharge room (4).

13. Central ventilation system (1) for ventilating rooms (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) of a dwelling, comprising: - a ventilation unit (2) which is provided with a first central sensor (13) for measuring a first air parameter of air in the ventilation unit (2); - at least two discharge ducts (8, 9, 10) which are connected on one side to the ventilation unit (2) and on the other side to said respective room (3, 4, 5) which is designed as a discharge room (3, 4, 5), each for discharging air from the respective discharge room (3, 4, 5), wherein: - a first said discharge room (3) or its respective first said discharge duct (8) is provided with a first local sensor (15) for measuring the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8); - a second said discharge room (4) or its respective second said discharge duct (9) is provided with a second local sensor (16) for measuring a second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9); - for each discharge duct (8, 9, 10), a respective control valve (21, 22, 23) which is movable between a maximum open position and a minimum position for regulating the discharge of air through this discharge duct (8, 9, 10); - at least one passage (11, 12) which is connected on one side to the second discharge room (4) and on the other side to a further said room (6, 7) which is designed as a supply room (6, 7), for discharging air from this supply room (6, 7); - one or more ventilators (20) for discharging the air from the discharge rooms (3, 4, 5); - a control unit (24) for controlling the one or more ventilators (20) and / or the control valves (21, 22, 23) which comprises an adjustment unit (25) for adjusting, for each discharge room (3, 4, 5), a nominal ventilation flow rate for adjusting a first central threshold value for the first air parameter in the ventilation unit (2), for adjusting a first local threshold value for the first air parameter of air discharged via the first discharge duct (8) and for adjusting a second local threshold value for the second air parameter of air discharged via the second discharge duct (9); characterized in that the control unit (24) is configured to perform a method according to one of Claims 1-12.

14. Computer program product consisting of computer-readable code which, if this code is run on a control unit (24) of a central ventilation system (1) according to Claim 13, results in the central ventilation system (1) being controlled according to a method according to one of Claims 1-12.

15. Non-transitory machine-readable storage medium on which a computer program product according to Claim 14 is stored.

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