Air volume control device, air volume control method, and air volume control program

Abstract

To prevent decrease in surface air speed on an aperture of a local exhaust system.SOLUTION: An air volume control device 100 sets an exhaust capacity allocated to each predetermined exhaust system for each local exhaust valve connected to the exhaust system. The air volume control device 100 adds up a required exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve to calculate a total required exhaust volume value. The air volume control device 100 calculates a possible exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve based on the exhaust capacity, the total required exhaust volume value, and the required exhaust volume. The air volume control device 100 identifies local exhaust valves that satisfy predetermined conditions as local exhaust valves to be controlled. Then, the air volume control device 100 performs predetermined air volume control on the local exhaust valves to be controlled.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air volume control device, an air volume control method, and an air volume control program. [Background technology]

[0002] When handling substances harmful to the human body such as organic solvents and gases in factories and laboratories, local exhaust ventilation systems such as fume hoods that exhaust harmful substances outdoors may be used to ensure the safety of workers. The local exhaust ventilation system adjusts the exhaust volume by adjusting the opening of a valve connected to an exhaust duct to match the opening of the sash of the local exhaust ventilation system. This keeps the surface velocity of the sash opening surface of the local exhaust ventilation system constant, preventing exposure to harmful substances even when workers handle harmful substances.

[0003] As described above, the local exhaust ventilation system draws in indoor air from an opening and exhausts it through an exhaust duct in order to prevent workers from being exposed to harmful substances. Therefore, if air is not supplied to the room in which the local exhaust ventilation system is installed, the balance of the air pressure will be lost, and therefore a technology has been proposed for controlling the air volume balance by controlling the opening of the valve on the supply side and the valve on the exhaust side (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0004] However, when the maximum possible exhaust air volume is set, if the exhaust volume exceeds the maximum air volume, air volume balance control is not possible, and the surface air velocity at the opening surface of the local exhaust device may decrease. Therefore, as a conventional technique, a technique has been proposed in which a safety margin is calculated based on information on the operating state of the local exhaust device, and the calculation result is displayed to the user, etc., to prevent the exhaust volume from exceeding the maximum air volume (see, for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-124924 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2004-069122 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned conventional technology, it was sometimes difficult to prevent a decrease in the surface air velocity of the local exhaust device opening. For example, in the conventional technology, the balance between supply and exhaust is controlled according to the usage status of the local exhaust device, but when multiple local exhaust devices are in operation, the simultaneous operation rate (the ratio of the maximum exhaust air volume of the exhaust duct and the exhaust fan) is not taken into consideration, so it was sometimes difficult to prevent a decrease in the surface air velocity of the local exhaust device. In addition, in the conventional technology, a safety margin is calculated and an alarm is issued to display the data, so a decrease in the surface air velocity of the local exhaust device cannot be prevented unless the worker takes action. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the air volume control device of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a setting unit that sets the exhaust capacity allocated to each specified exhaust system for each local exhaust valve connected to the exhaust system, a calculation unit that adds up the required exhaust volumes for each local exhaust valve to calculate a required exhaust volume total value, a calculation unit that calculates the exhaustable volume for each local exhaust valve based on the exhaust capacity, the required exhaust volume total value, and the required exhaust volume, an identification unit that identifies the local exhaust valve that satisfies specified conditions as the local exhaust valve to be controlled, and an air volume control unit that performs specified air volume control on the local exhaust valve to be controlled. Effect of the Invention

[0008] The present invention has an effect of preventing a decrease in the surface wind speed at the opening face of the local exhaust ventilation system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of air volume balance control according to a reference technique. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a table showing an example of the correspondence between the sash opening degree and the air volume according to the reference technology. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of air volume control according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an air volume control system according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a table diagram showing an example of air volume control information according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for a predetermined calculation related to a required displacement amount according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of air volume control according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of air volume control according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the air volume control procedure according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the air volume control device according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] From here, an embodiment (hereinafter, "embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, common components are given the same reference symbols and repeated description will be omitted. Furthermore, the description of the embodiment described below does not limit the air volume control device, air volume control method, and air volume control program according to the present invention.

[0011] [1. Introduction] When the local exhaust system requests an exhaust volume that exceeds the capacity of the exhaust system, the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment limits the exhaust volume of the local exhaust system and causes the local exhaust system to display a warning, thereby preventing a decrease in the surface wind speed at the opening. In this way, the air volume control device 100 prevents workers at the local exhaust system from being exposed to harmful substances, etc.

[0012] [1-1. Overview of air volume control] From here, an overall outline of the air volume control according to this embodiment will be described. As described above, when substances harmful to the human body, such as organic solvents and gases, are handled in factories, laboratories, etc., a local exhaust device such as a fume hood that exhausts harmful substances outdoors through an exhaust duct may be used to prevent workers from being exposed to the toxic substances.

[0013] The local exhaust device is connected to an exhaust duct. The amount of exhaust air passing through the local exhaust device is adjusted by an air volume control device included in the air volume control system controlling the local exhaust valve. Specifically, the local exhaust valve is controlled so as to be linked to the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device. For example, when the opening degree of the sash of the local exhaust device increases, the amount of exhaust air is increased to prevent a decrease in the surface wind speed of the opening.

[0014] In addition, because the air pressure balance is lost when the local exhaust device exhausts the air in the room, the air volume control system maintains a constant air pressure in the room in which the local exhaust device is installed by controlling a predetermined air volume balance so that the supply air volume and exhaust air volume are approximately equal. Specifically, the air volume control system controls the opening of the supply air valve, general exhaust valve, local exhaust valve, etc., to perform air volume balance control.

[0015] Here, the air volume balance control based on the reference technology will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of air volume balance control according to the reference technology. As shown in Fig. 1, an air volume control system 10 according to the reference technology is a system that adjusts the air volume of a local exhaust duct so that the opening of the local exhaust device has a predetermined surface wind speed in order to prevent harmful substances from flowing back into a room when the harmful substances are handled.

[0016] The air volume control system 10 is composed of local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2 installed in room 20, local exhaust ducts 12-1 and 12-2 connected to the local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2, an air supply duct 13 that supplies air to room 20, a general exhaust duct 14 that exhausts air from room 20, local exhaust valves EXV11 and EXV12 that adjust the air volume of the local exhaust ducts 12-1 and 12-2, an air supply valve MAV that adjusts the air volume of the air supply duct 13, a general exhaust valve GEX that adjusts the air volume of the general exhaust duct 14, controllers 15-1 and 15-2 that control the local exhaust valves EXV1 and EXV2, a controller 16 that controls the air supply valve MAV, a controller 17 that controls the general exhaust valve GEX, and communication lines 18 that connect each of the controllers 15-1, 15-2, 16, 17 to each other.

[0017] The local exhaust ventilation systems 11-1 and 11-2 include sashes 11-1S and 11-2S, monitors 11-1M and 11-2M for notifying information to operators using the local exhaust ventilation systems 11-1 and 11-2, and sash sensors 11-1SS and 11-2SS for detecting the opening degree of the sashes 11-1S and 11-2S.

[0018] In the air volume control system 10, the air volumes of the valves EXV11, EXV12, MAV, and GEX are controlled to switch in conjunction with the sash openings of the local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2. An example of air volume control by the air volume control system 10 will now be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a table showing an example of the correspondence between the sash openings and the air volumes according to the reference technology.

[0019] As shown in Fig. 2, air volume control system 10 performs air volume balance control so that the supply air volume of supply air duct 13, the exhaust air volume of general exhaust duct 14, and the local exhaust air volumes of local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2 satisfy the relationship of "supply air volume = general exhaust volume + local exhaust volume + offset air volume." Specifically, air volume control system 10 detects the sash opening degree using sash sensors 11-1SS and 11-2SS. Then, air volume control system 10 performs air volume balance control by controlling the opening degrees of the supply air valve MAV, general exhaust valve GEX, and local exhaust valves EXV11 and EXV12 based on the detected sash opening degree.

[0020] For example, in the example shown in Fig. 2, when the sashes of both the local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2 are open, the local exhaust valve EXV1 is "1000", the local exhaust valve EXV1 is "1000", the intake valve MAV is "2100", and the general exhaust valve GEX is "100". Note that the unit of air volume for each valve EXV11, EXV12, MAV, and GEX shown in Fig. 2 is "m 3 / h. In addition, in Fig. 2, the offset air volume is set to "0 m 3 / h".

[0021] In this way, the air volume control system 10 keeps the air pressure constant in the room in which the local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2 are installed by controlling the supply and exhaust volumes based on the operating status of the local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2, i.e., the sash opening degree. Note that, in order to maintain a minimum ventilation volume, the air volume control system 10 sets the supply air volume to 1000 m when the sashes 11-1S and 11-2S of the two local exhaust devices 11-1 and 11-2 are both closed. 3 / h. Therefore, the air volume control system 10 controls the supply air volume to be 1000 m 3 / h, the general exhaust valve GEX is controlled to increase or decrease the general exhaust volume to maintain the air volume balance in the room.

[0022] Furthermore, when multiple local exhaust devices are installed, the air volume control system 10 performs air volume balance control taking into consideration the "simultaneous operation rate." This simultaneous operation rate is a ratio that indicates the amount of exhaust air from the multiple local exhaust devices relative to the allowable amount of exhaust air in an exhaust duct connected to a room in which multiple local exhaust devices are installed, and is a value that is set according to the design specifications of the room.

[0023] The above-mentioned simultaneous operation rate may be set to 100% or less in order to reduce the size of the exhaust duct and the exhaust performance of the exhaust fan, and to reduce equipment costs during construction, etc. For example, if there is a low possibility that multiple local exhaust devices will all be operated at the same time, the simultaneous operation rate is set to 100% or less in order to improve cost-effectiveness by reducing the performance of the exhaust fan, duct size, etc.

[0024] However, in the air volume balance control according to the reference technology, if the simultaneous operation rate increases and the exhaust volume exceeds the maximum exhaust volume of the exhaust duct connected to the room, the surface wind speed at the opening surface of the local exhaust device is not maintained, and there is a risk that workers will be exposed to harmful substances. For example, when a specific local exhaust device is constantly operating to store harmful substances in it, if the allowable exhaust volume is exceeded by using another local exhaust device, the surface wind speed at the opening surface of the local exhaust device may decrease. If this happens, harmful substances will not be discharged, and harmful substances may fill the local exhaust device or flow back from the local exhaust device, exposing workers to harmful substances.

[0025] For this reason, conventionally, when the exhaust volume of the local exhaust system reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, a diversity alarm is issued using a local exhaust system monitor (e.g., 11-1M and 11-2M) and a rotating light installed in the room to urge the worker to stop using the local exhaust system. However, since the diversity alarm issues a warning to urge the worker to stop using the local exhaust system but does not control the air volume, a decrease in the surface air velocity at the opening of the local exhaust system is unavoidable unless the worker himself stops the operation of the local exhaust system. Furthermore, even if a diversity alarm is issued, if the worker does not fully understand the danger, he or she may ignore or overlook the alarm, and the decrease in the surface air velocity at the opening of the local exhaust system cannot be prevented.

[0026] Therefore, the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment provides a technology for preventing a decrease in the surface air velocity at the opening of the local exhaust device and ensuring the safety of the worker. Specifically, the air volume control device 100 calculates the possible exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve based on the preset exhaust allowable volume for each exhaust system, the required exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve connected to the local exhaust device, and a total required exhaust volume value that is the sum of the required exhaust volumes. The air volume control device 100 then identifies a local exhaust valve that satisfies a predetermined condition as a local exhaust valve to be controlled, and provides a technology for performing a predetermined air volume control.

[0027] From here, an overview of the air volume control of the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the overview of the air volume control according to this embodiment. The air volume control system 1 according to this embodiment shown in Fig. 3 has the air volume control device 100, local exhaust valves 200 (200A and 200B), local exhaust devices 300 (300A and 300B), an air supply valve LAB, and a general exhaust valve GEX. Note that the air volume control system 1 shown in Fig. 3 may have an air volume control mechanism (e.g., a VAV system (Variable Air Volume system) or the like) that is not shown.

[0028] The air volume control device 100 controls the air volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled and issues predetermined notifications to the local exhaust device 300 and the like based on predetermined information (air volume control information) related to air volume control. The local exhaust valve 200 is connected to the local exhaust device 300 and controls the exhaust volume of the local exhaust device 300 based on set conditions. The local exhaust device 300 is an exhaust device such as a fume hood having an opening (sash). The supply air valve LAB controls the volume of air supplied into the room via a connected supply air duct. The general exhaust valve GEX controls the volume of exhaust air exhausted from the room via a connected exhaust duct.

[0029] Note that the local exhaust valve 200, the air supply valve LAB, and the general exhaust valve GEX are controlled in conjunction with each other, and the following explanation will focus on an overview of the air volume control process, assuming that the air volume balance is controlled so as to maintain a constant air pressure in the room.

[0030] First, the acquisition unit 131 of the air volume control device 100 acquires information about the sash opening acquired by the sash sensor of the local exhaust device 300 ((1-1) and (1-2) in FIG. 3). The acquisition unit 131 also acquires air volume control information such as the actual exhaust volume from the local exhaust valve 200 ((1-3) and (1-4) in FIG. 3). The acquisition unit 131 then stores the acquired information in the memory unit 120 (opening information memory unit or air volume control information memory unit) ((1-5) in FIG. 1).

[0031] The setting unit 132 of the air volume control device 100 sets information related to the exhaust permissible amount for each exhaust system that has been set in advance for each local exhaust valve 200. For example, the setting unit 132 can store the exhaust permissible amount for each exhaust system in the storage unit 120 (air volume control information storage unit) in association with information for identifying the local exhaust valve 200.

[0032] The calculation unit 133 of the air volume control device 100 calculates a required exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200 using information related to the opening degree of the sash associated with each local exhaust valve 200, and stores the calculated required exhaust volume in the memory unit 120 (air volume control information memory unit). Next, the calculation unit 133 adds up the calculated required exhaust volumes to calculate a total required exhaust volume value, and stores the total required exhaust volume value in the memory unit 120 (air volume control information memory unit).

[0033] The calculation unit 134 of the air volume control device 100 calculates the possible exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200 using the permissible exhaust volume, the required exhaust volume, and the combined required exhaust volume.

[0034] The measurement unit 135 of the air volume control device 100 measures the time that has elapsed since the start of use of each local exhaust device 300, based on the usage time of each local exhaust device 300 and a predetermined threshold value related to a preset sash opening degree.

[0035] When the required exhaust volume exceeds the possible exhaust volume, the identification unit 136 of the air volume control device 100 judges use based on whether the usage time of each local exhaust device 300 measured by the measurement unit 135 exceeds a predetermined threshold time, and identifies the local exhaust valve 200 determined to be in final use as the target for air volume control.

[0036] The air volume control unit 137 of the air volume control device 100 controls the air volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, identified by the identification unit 136, by restricting the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300, or the like. Furthermore, the notification unit 138 of the air volume control device 100 notifies the operator as an alarm that a predetermined air volume threshold has been exceeded, either in conjunction with or independently of the air volume control by the air volume control unit 137.

[0037] The air volume control device 100 according to the present embodiment can suppress a decrease in the surface air velocity at the opening of the local exhaust device 300 by controlling the air volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled when the predetermined exhaust allowance described above is exceeded in a situation where multiple local exhaust devices 300 are used. Furthermore, in a situation where multiple local exhaust devices 300 are used, the air volume control device 100 can present which local exhaust device 300 the worker should stop using by providing the predetermined notification described above to the worker. Therefore, even if the worker uses multiple local exhaust devices 300 simultaneously, the air volume control device 100 provides the effect of maintaining the exhaust volume of the non-control target local exhaust device 300 that has already started to be used, restricting the use of the target local exhaust device 300, and maintaining the safety of the worker.

[0038] 2. Equipment Configuration From here, the configuration of the air volume control system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air volume control system 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the air volume control system 1 has an air volume control device 100, a local exhaust valve 200, and a local exhaust device 300.

[0039] [2-1. Configuration of air volume control device] Next, the configuration of the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described. The air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment is a device that controls the air volume of the local exhaust valve 200 and issues predetermined notifications to the local exhaust device 300 and the like, based on information related to predetermined air volume control (air volume control information). As shown in Fig. 4, the air volume control device 100 has a communication unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a control unit 130. Although not shown in Fig. 4, the air volume control device 100 may also have an input unit (e.g., a touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, etc.) that accepts various operations.

[0040] (Communication unit 110) The communication unit 110 is realized by a NIC (Network Interface Card) or the like. The communication unit 110 is connected to a network by wire or wirelessly as necessary, and can transmit and receive information in both directions. In the following sections, the air volume control device 100 will be described on the assumption that it communicates with the local exhaust valve 200 or the local exhaust device 300 via the communication unit 110. However, communication is not limited to via the communication unit 110, and each functional unit included in the air volume control device 100 may communicate directly.

[0041] (Storage unit 120) The storage unit 120 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk. As shown in FIG. 4, the storage unit 120 has an opening degree information storage unit 121 and an airflow control information storage unit 122.

[0042] (Opening information storage unit 121) The opening degree information storage unit 121 stores information related to the opening degree of the sash (opening) of the local exhaust device 300 acquired by the acquisition unit 131 described below. For example, the opening degree information storage unit 121 can store a predetermined index indicating the opening degree of the sash as information related to the opening degree of the sash detected by a sash sensor or the like included in the local exhaust device 300. Note that the predetermined index indicating the opening degree of the sash referred to here may be, for example, a ratio of the opening area when the opening area when the sash is fully opened is set to 1, a moving distance of the sash operated for opening, or binary information indicating "open" or "closed" when a predetermined threshold is exceeded.

[0043] (Air volume control information storage unit 122) The air volume control information storage unit 122 stores, as air volume control information, information used for a predetermined air volume control performed by the air volume control unit 137 described below. Specifically, the air volume control information storage unit 122 can store information on the allowable exhaust volume, the required exhaust volume, the total required exhaust volume, the possible exhaust volume, the actual exhaust volume, the usage time, the control target flag, and the warning state.

[0044] The exhaust capacity is the total amount of exhaust that can be exhausted by the exhaust system connected to one or more local exhaust devices 300, and includes, for example, the total value of the local exhaust system determined based on the equipment such as the exhaust duct and the local exhaust valve, and a fixed numerical value determined for each room. The required exhaust capacity is a numerical value such as the exhaust capacity required by the local exhaust valve 200 connected to each local exhaust device 300 by opening and closing the sash (for example, a variable according to the sash opening degree), and is an exhaust capacity calculated using information on the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300. The total required exhaust capacity is a value obtained by adding up the required exhaust capacity of each local exhaust device 300 when multiple local exhaust devices 300 are installed. The exhaustable capacity is a value calculated by subtracting the required exhaust capacity of a predetermined local exhaust valve 200 from the total required exhaust capacity, and then subtracting the result from the exhaust capacity. The actual exhaust capacity is the actual exhaust capacity exhausted by the local exhaust valve 200 connected to each local exhaust device 300. The usage time is the usage time of the local exhaust device 300 measured by the measuring unit 135 described below, and is information used by the identifying unit 136 described below to identify the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. The control target flag is flag information for identifying the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled identified by the identifying unit 136 described below. The warning state is information for identifying a state in which air volume control or warning is issued when the actual exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled exceeds the possible exhaust volume.

[0045] Here, an example of air volume control information stored by the air volume control information storage unit 122 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a table diagram showing an example of air volume control information according to this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the air volume control information storage unit 122 stores, for each local exhaust valve 200 connected to the local exhaust device 300, an exhaust permissible volume, a required exhaust volume, a total required exhaust volume, an exhaustable volume, an actual exhaust volume, a usage time, a control target flag, an alarm state, and the like.

[0046] For example, the air volume control information storage unit 122 stores information such as exhaust allowance "1500", required exhaust amount "200", total required exhaust amount "400", possible exhaust amount "1300", actual exhaust amount "200", usage time "10 seconds", control target flag "target", alarm status "normal", etc., identified by local exhaust valve "200A". Note that the units for the above-mentioned exhaust allowance amount, required exhaust amount, total required exhaust amount, possible exhaust amount, and actual exhaust amount are all "m 3 / h". The above items are merely examples, and the air volume control information storage unit 122 can store any information that falls within the category of information related to air volume control, without any limitations.

[0047] (Control unit 130) Returning to Fig. 4, the explanation will be continued. The control unit 130 is realized by a processor, a micro processing unit (MPU), a central processing unit (CPU), etc., executing various programs stored in the storage unit 120 using the RAM as a working area. The control unit 130 may also be realized by an integrated circuit (IC) such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). As shown in Fig. 4, the control unit 130 has an acquisition unit 131, a setting unit 132, a calculation unit 133, a calculation unit 134, a measurement unit 135, a determination unit 136, an air volume control unit 137, and a notification unit 138.

[0048] (Acquisition part 131) The acquisition unit 131 acquires information used for air volume control from a predetermined device included in the air volume control system 1. Specifically, the acquisition unit 131 acquires information related to the sash opening degree acquired by a sash sensor of the local exhaust device 300. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired information related to the sash opening degree in the opening degree information storage unit 121.

[0049] Furthermore, the acquisition unit 131 acquires air volume control information such as an actual exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200 from the local exhaust valve 200. Then, the acquisition unit 131 stores the acquired air volume control information in the air volume control information storage unit 122.

[0050] The acquisition unit 131 can acquire any information other than the above-mentioned information as long as it is used for air volume control.

[0051] (Setting unit 132) The setting unit 132 sets the exhaust permissible amount allocated to each predetermined exhaust system for each local exhaust valve 200 connected to that exhaust system. Specifically, the setting unit 132 associates the exhaust permissible amount for each exhaust system with the local exhaust valve 200 related to the local exhaust device 300 and stores them in the air volume control information storage unit 122. That is, in order to perform control taking into consideration the simultaneous operation rate, the setting unit 132 sets the total value of the exhaust volume that can be tolerated by the unit space in which the local exhaust device 300 is installed as the exhaust permissible amount for each local exhaust valve 200. Note that the setting unit 132 may set the total value of the exhaust volume that can be tolerated in the unit space as the exhaust permissible amount in the air volume control device 100.

[0052] (Computation unit 133) The calculation unit 133 performs a predetermined calculation on the required exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200 .

[0053] Specifically, the calculation unit 133 calculates the required exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200 based on the information on the sash opening degree acquired by the acquisition unit 131. Note that the sash opening degree referred to here may be binary information such as "open" or "closed", or may be information expressed as a percentage, such as an opening degree of 0% to 100%.

[0054] The calculation unit 133 uses the calculated required exhaust volume to update the stored information on the required exhaust volume in the air volume control information storage unit 122 .

[0055] The calculation unit 133 adds up the required exhaust volumes for each local exhaust valve 200 to calculate a required exhaust volume combined value. For example, in the example of Fig. 5, the calculation unit 133 adds up the required exhaust volume "200" of the local exhaust valve 200A and the required exhaust volume "200" of the local exhaust valve 200B to calculate the required exhaust volume combined value. Then, the calculation unit 133 stores the calculated required exhaust volume combined value in the air volume control information storage unit 122.

[0056] (Calculation unit 134) Returning to Fig. 4, the explanation will be continued. The calculation unit 134 calculates the possible exhaust amount for each local exhaust valve 200 based on the exhaust permissible amount, the required exhaust amount combined value, and the required exhaust amount. Specifically, the calculation unit 134 calculates the possible exhaust amount based on the required exhaust amount combined value calculated by the operation unit 133, the exhaust permissible amount, and the required exhaust amount for each local exhaust valve 200, within a range in which the required exhaust amount combined value does not exceed the exhaust permissible amount, which is the permissible value of the exhaust amount of the entire exhaust system. For example, the calculation unit 134 calculates the possible exhaust amount of the specified local exhaust valve 200 by subtracting the value obtained by subtracting the required exhaust amount of the specified local exhaust valve 200 from the required exhaust amount combined value from the exhaust permissible amount.

[0057] Here, an example of the predetermined calculation related to the required displacement will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process of the predetermined calculation related to the required displacement according to this embodiment.

[0058] First, the operation unit 133 calculates the required exhaust amount and the total required exhaust amount (step S101). Next, the calculation unit 134 calculates the exhaustable amount for each local exhaust valve 200 (step S102).

[0059] Here, if the required exhaust volume for the specific local exhaust valve 200 has increased (Yes in step S103), the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the warning flag to "on" (step S104). On the other hand, if the required exhaust volume for the specific local exhaust valve 200 has not increased (No in step S103), the air volume control device 100 skips to the next step without performing the process in step S104.

[0060] Next, if the requested exhaust amount exceeds the possible exhaust amount (Yes in step S105) and exceeds the stored requested exhaust amount (Yes in step S106), the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the requested exhaust amount by setting the possible exhaust amount as the upper limit (step S107). On the other hand, if the requested exhaust amount exceeds the possible exhaust amount (Yes in step S105) and does not exceed the stored requested exhaust amount (No in step S106), the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the requested exhaust amount by setting the stored possible exhaust amount as the upper limit (step S108).

[0061] Furthermore, if the requested exhaust volume does not exceed the possible exhaust volume (No in step S105), the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the stored requested exhaust volume using information on the current requested exhaust volume (step S109).

[0062] Next, the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the stored requested exhaust volume with the requested exhaust volume (step S110). If the updated requested exhaust volume exceeds the possible exhaust volume (Yes in step S111) and an alarm flag is generated (Yes in step S112), the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the alarm status to "alarm" (step S113). On the other hand, if the updated requested exhaust volume does not exceed the possible exhaust volume (No in step S111), the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the alarm status to "normal" (step S114). If an alarm flag is not generated (No in step S112), the air volume control device 100 skips to the next step without performing any processing.

[0063] If the usage time of the local exhaust device 300 has not exceeded the predetermined threshold time (No in step S115), the air volume control device 100 ends the process. On the other hand, if the usage time of the local exhaust device 300 has exceeded the predetermined threshold time (Yes in step S115), the air volume control information storage unit 122 updates the warning flag to "returned" (step S116), and ends the process.

[0064] (Measuring section 135) The measurement unit 135 measures the usage time of each local exhaust ventilation device 300 based on a predetermined threshold value related to the opening degree of the sash that has been set in advance. For example, when the area of ​​the opening of the local exhaust ventilation device 300 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, the sash is opened to a predetermined range or more), the measurement unit 135 measures the usage time and stores the usage time in the air volume control information storage unit 122 at a predetermined timing. Note that the predetermined timing here may be a condition that is set appropriately, and may be, for example, a condition that stores each measurement in real time, stores every second, stores every minute, etc.

[0065] (Specific Section 136) The identifying unit 136 identifies the local exhaust valve 200 that satisfies a predetermined condition as the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. In identifying the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled by the identifying unit 136, an example will be described in this embodiment in which the "local exhaust valve 200 that was last started to be used" is the local exhaust valve to be controlled. In addition, "last started to be used" may be, for example, the local exhaust valve 200 related to the local exhaust valve 300 that has been used for the shortest time among the local exhaust valves 300 that have recently started to be used other than the local exhaust valves 300 that are already in operation.

[0066] Specifically, when the required exhaust volume of a given local exhaust valve 200 exceeds the possible exhaust volume as a given condition, the identifying unit 136 identifies the local exhaust valve 200 related to the local exhaust device 300 for which the elapsed time since the sash was opened is less than a given threshold value as the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. For example, when the required exhaust volume exceeds the possible exhaust volume, the identifying unit 136 identifies the local exhaust valve 200 of the local exhaust device 300 for which the usage time measured by the measuring unit 135 is shorter than a given threshold time as the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled that was last started to be used. Furthermore, when the difference in usage time of a plurality of local exhaust devices 300 is a given standard (for example, less than 1 second), the identifying unit 136 can identify a plurality of local exhaust valves 200 connected to each of the plurality of local exhaust devices 300 as the control targets.

[0067] When the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 exceeds the possible exhaust volume and the usage time exceeds a predetermined threshold time, the air volume control unit 137 described below determines that the use of the local exhaust valve 200 is confirmed and does not control the air volume. When the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 exceeds the possible exhaust volume and the usage time exceeds a predetermined threshold time, the notification unit 138 described below determines that the use of the local exhaust valve 200 is confirmed and does not issue an alarm. In other words, when there is a margin in the possible exhaust volume, the air volume control device 100 maintains the air volume for a local exhaust valve 200 that has already started to be used, even if another local exhaust valve 200 starts to be used.

[0068] (Air volume control unit 137) The air volume control unit 137 performs a predetermined air volume control on the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. Specifically, when the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 exceeds the possible exhaust volume, the air volume control unit 137 performs air volume control on the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled identified by the identification unit 136. Now, an example of the air volume control performed by the air volume control unit 137 will be described.

[0069] When the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled exceeds the possible exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, the air volume control unit 137 performs a predetermined air volume control by restricting the exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. Specifically, when the required exhaust volume exceeds the possible exhaust volume, the air volume control unit 137 can perform air volume control by reducing the opening degree (closing the valve) of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled identified by the identification unit 136 to suppress the exhaust volume.

[0070] Furthermore, when the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled exceeds the possible exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, the air volume control unit 137 performs a predetermined air volume control by limiting the sash opening of the local exhaust device 300 including the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. Specifically, the air volume control unit 137 can perform a predetermined air volume control by limiting the sash opening by implementing at least one of limiting the sash opening based on an electromagnetic mechanism or physical mechanism of the sash of the local exhaust device 300 including the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, opening and closing the sash based on an electromagnetic mechanism or physical mechanism, displaying a guide specifying the upper limit of the sash opening, and displaying information indicating the upper limit of the sash opening on a predetermined display device.

[0071] For example, the air volume control unit 137 can control the air volume by restricting the sash opening of the local exhaust device 300 to reduce the area of ​​the opening and suppress the exhaust volume using an electromagnetic mechanism such as a motor provided in the local exhaust device 300 or a physical mechanism such as the protrusion of a physical protrusion. Also, the air volume control unit 137 can suppress the sash opening and control the air volume by indicating an upper limit of the sash opening based on the current possible exhaust volume on the sash of the local exhaust device 300, or a guide unit near the sash, or a monitor provided in the local exhaust device 300.

[0072] In this way, the air volume control unit 137 prevents the exhaust volume of the entire exhaust system from exceeding the exhaust capacity by limiting the valve opening degree of the local exhaust valve 200 and the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300 so that the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled falls below the exhaust capacity.

[0073] (Notification Department 138) When the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled exceeds the exhaust volume that the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled can exhaust, the notification unit 138 notifies a predetermined alarm to the local exhaust device 300 equipped with the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled.

[0074] Specifically, the notification unit 138 can notify the alarm by at least one of the following: flashing or lighting a warning light of the local exhaust device 300 equipped with the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, displaying information notifying the alarm on a specified display device, and flashing or lighting a warning light installed at a specified location.

[0075] For example, the notification unit 138 can notify an alarm to the worker to stop using the local exhaust device 300 by flashing or continuously lighting a rotating warning light or the like provided on the local exhaust device 300 to which the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled is connected. The notification unit 138 can also notify an alarm to the local exhaust device 300 or a display device such as a monitor installed at any location in the room in which the local exhaust device 300 is installed, to stop using the local exhaust device 300. The notification unit 138 can also notify an alarm to a terminal device or the like operated by the worker.

[0076] In this way, the notification unit 138 notifies the worker using the local exhaust ventilation system 300 of an alarm to cause him or her to stop using the local exhaust ventilation system 300, thereby preventing the exhaust volume of the entire exhaust system from exceeding the exhaust capacity.

[0077] [2-2. Configuration of local exhaust valve] The local exhaust valve 200 is a valve connected to the local exhaust device 300, and controls the amount of exhaust depending on the operating status of the local exhaust device 300. For example, when the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300 increases, i.e., the area of ​​the opening increases, the valve is opened to maintain the face wind speed, thereby increasing the amount of exhaust. Note that the local exhaust valve 200 in this embodiment is not particularly limited as long as it is a valve that can control the amount of exhaust for each local exhaust device 300 as described above.

[0078] [2-3. Configuration of local exhaust ventilation system] The local exhaust ventilation system 300 is a device that exhausts harmful substances to the outside through an exhaust duct so that workers do not inhale toxic substances when handling substances harmful to the human body, such as organic solvents and gases, in a factory, laboratory, etc. For example, the local exhaust ventilation system 300 may be a fume hood, a draft chamber, a safety cabinet, etc., and is not particularly limited as long as it falls within the category of local exhaust ventilation systems used to contain harmful substances.

[0079] [3. An example of air volume control] From here, an example of air volume control realized by the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of air volume control according to this embodiment.

[0080] 7 shows an example of air volume control based on fluctuations in the required exhaust volume for the local exhaust valve 200A connected to the local exhaust device 300A and the local exhaust valve 200B connected to the local exhaust device 300B. Note that the unit of air volume and the like in FIG. 7 is "m 3 / h".

[0081] Step (1) is the initial state. Specifically, the local exhaust devices 300A and 300B are not in use, and the required exhaust volumes of the local exhaust valves 200A and 200B are each "200".

[0082] Here, it is assumed that the use of the local exhaust device 300A is started (see step (2)). In this case, as the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300A increases, the valve opening degree of the local exhaust valve 200A increases, and the required exhaust amount becomes "900".

[0083] Next, the use of the local exhaust device 300B is started (see step (3)). In this case, as the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300B increases, the valve opening degree of the local exhaust valve 200B increases, and the required exhaust volume becomes "800". Here, the calculation unit 134 calculates the exhaustable volume of the local exhaust valve 200A to be "700" and the exhaustable volume of the local exhaust valve 200B to be "600". In this way, the exhaustable volumes of the local exhaust valves 200A and 200B decrease, but the air volume control device 100 maintains the actual exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200A for the local exhaust device 300A that was started to be used earlier in order to maintain the face wind speed of the opening. On the other hand, for the local exhaust valve 200B, the exhaustable volume is "600" and the actual exhaust volume is "600", so the air volume control device 100 updates the alarm status of the local exhaust valve 200B from "normal" to "alarm".

[0084] From here, we will explain the cases of "closing the sash of local exhaust device 300B (step (4)-1)", "closing the sash of local exhaust device 300A (step (4)-2)", and "further opening the sash of local exhaust device 300B (step (4)-3)".

[0085] First, "closing the sash of the local exhaust device 300B (step (4)-1)" will be described. In step (4)-1, the requested exhaust volume and actual exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200B decrease due to a decrease in the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300B. Therefore, the air volume control device 100 updates the alarm status of the local exhaust valve 200B to "normal." Therefore, in step (4)-1, the air volume control device 100 does not perform air volume control.

[0086] Next, "closing the sash of the local exhaust device 300A (step (4)-2)" will be described. In step (4)-2, the sash opening of the local exhaust device 300A is reduced, so that the required exhaust volume and actual exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200A are reduced. As a result, the possible exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200B increases, so that the possible exhaust volume exceeds the required exhaust volume and the actual exhaust volume. Therefore, the air volume control device 100 updates the alarm status of the local exhaust valve 200B to "normal". Therefore, in step (4)-2, the air volume control device 100 does not perform air volume control.

[0087] Next, "Further opening of the sash of the local exhaust device 300B (step (4)-3)" will be described. In step (4)-3, the sash opening of the local exhaust device 300A is further increased, so that the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200A increases to "1000". As a result, the air volume control device 100 updates the alarm status of the local exhaust valve 200A to "alarm". Here, the air volume control device 100 does not update the required exhaust volume because the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200A exceeds the possible exhaust volume. Then, the air volume control device 100 performs the predetermined air volume control and the predetermined notification as described above for the local exhaust device 300A that was last started to be used.

[0088] 4. Modifications From here, a modified example of air volume control realized by the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a modified example of air volume control according to this embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 8 illustrates a modified example in which multiple exhaust systems are connected to one room. For example, when a wide variety of gases and chemicals are handled in the same room, the exhaust systems may be separated to prevent reactions between the gases and chemicals caused by mixing of the exhaust gases. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 8, multiple local exhaust devices 300 (300A and 300B) surrounded by dashed lines (1) are connected to an exhaust system that exhausts "acid gases." On the other hand, multiple local exhaust devices 300 (300C and 300D) surrounded by dashed lines (2) are connected to an exhaust system that exhausts "organic gases."

[0090] Even in such a case, the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment can calculate the exhaust permissible volume, required exhaust volume, total required exhaust volume, possible exhaust volume, etc. for each exhaust system, and perform the above-mentioned air volume control and alarm notification. Specifically, for the exhaust system (dashed line (1)) that exhausts acidic gases, the air volume control device 100 adds up the exhaust volumes of the local exhaust valves EXV1 and EXV2, and sets the possible exhaust volumes for each exhaust system to the local exhaust valves EXV1 and EXV2. On the other hand, for the exhaust system (dashed line (2)) that exhausts organic gases, the air volume control device 100 adds up the exhaust volumes of the local exhaust valves EXV3 and EXV4, and sets the possible exhaust volumes for each exhaust system to the local exhaust valves EXV3 and EXV4.

[0091] 5. Processing Procedure From here, the air volume control procedure of the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart of the air volume control procedure according to this embodiment. Note that the steps described below may be executed in a different order, and some processes may be omitted.

[0092] The acquisition unit 131 acquires information related to air volume control (step S201). For example, the acquisition unit 131 can acquire information related to the sash opening degree acquired by a sash sensor of the local exhaust device 300. The acquisition unit 131 can also acquire air volume control information such as the actual exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200 from the local exhaust valve 200.

[0093] The setting unit 132 sets the exhaust permissible amount (step S202). For example, the setting unit 132 can store the exhaust permissible amount for each exhaust system in the air volume control information storage unit 122 in association with the local exhaust valve 200 related to the local exhaust device 300.

[0094] The calculation unit 133 calculates the required exhaust amount (step S203). For example, the calculation unit 133 calculates the required exhaust amount for each local exhaust valve 200 based on the information related to the opening degree of the sash acquired by the acquisition unit 131.

[0095] The calculation unit 133 calculates the total required exhaust amount (step S204). For example, the calculation unit 133 can calculate the total required exhaust amount by adding up the required exhaust amounts for each local exhaust valve 200.

[0096] The calculation unit 134 calculates the possible exhaust amount for each local exhaust valve 200 (step S205). For example, the calculation unit 134 can calculate the possible exhaust amount for adjusting the exhaust amount based on the total required exhaust amount calculated by the operation unit 133, the allowable exhaust amount, and the required exhaust amount for each local exhaust valve 200, within a range in which the total required exhaust amount does not exceed the allowable exhaust amount, which is the allowable value for the exhaust amount of the entire exhaust system.

[0097] Here, if the required exhaust volume of each local exhaust valve 200 does not exceed the possible exhaust volume (No in step S206), or if the usage time of a certain local exhaust valve is equal to or longer than a certain threshold (No in step S207), the air volume control device 100 returns to the previous step and continues processing.

[0098] On the other hand, if the required exhaust volume of the predetermined local exhaust valve 200 exceeds the possible exhaust volume (Yes in step S206) and the usage time of the predetermined local exhaust valve is less than the predetermined threshold (Yes in step S207), the identifying unit 136 identifies the local exhaust valve 200 that satisfies the predetermined condition as the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled (step S208). For example, when the required exhaust volume of the predetermined local exhaust valve 200 exceeds the possible exhaust volume as the predetermined condition, the identifying unit 136 can identify the local exhaust valve 200 associated with the local exhaust device 300 for which the elapsed time since the sash opening operation was performed is less than the predetermined threshold as the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled.

[0099] Then, the air volume control device 100 performs at least one of a predetermined air volume control and a predetermined notification (step S209). Specifically, the air volume control unit 137 of the air volume control device 100 performs a predetermined air volume control on the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled identified by the identification unit 136. For example, the air volume control unit 137 can perform air volume control by limiting the exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, limiting the sash opening degree, etc.

[0100] Furthermore, the notification unit 138 of the air volume control device 100 notifies the local exhaust device 300 equipped with the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled identified by the identification unit 136 of a predetermined warning. For example, the notification unit 138 can implement the predetermined notification based on the blinking or lighting of a warning light of the local exhaust device 300 equipped with the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, the display of information notifying of the warning on a predetermined display device, the blinking or lighting of a warning light installed in a predetermined location, etc. Then, the air volume control device 100 ends the process.

[0101] 6. Effects As described above, the setting unit 132 of the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment sets the exhaust allowable volume allocated to each predetermined exhaust system for each local exhaust valve 200 connected to the exhaust system. The calculation unit 133 of the air volume control device 100 adds up the required exhaust volumes for each local exhaust valve 200 to calculate a required exhaust volume total value. The calculation unit 134 of the air volume control device 100 calculates the possible exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200 based on the exhaust allowable volume, the required exhaust volume total value, and the required exhaust volume. The identification unit 136 of the air volume control device 100 identifies the local exhaust valve 200 that satisfies a predetermined condition as the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. The air volume control unit 137 of the air volume control device 100 performs a predetermined air volume control on the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0102] The air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment has the effect of preventing a decrease in the surface wind speed at the opening surface of the local exhaust device 300.

[0103] Specifically, when the required exhaust volume of a given local exhaust valve 200 exceeds the possible exhaust volume as a given condition, the identifying unit 136 of the air volume control device 100 determines whether or not the usage time of each local exhaust device 300 exceeds a given threshold time, and identifies the local exhaust valve 200 determined to be last used as the air volume control target. In this way, the air volume control device 100 realizes air volume control according to the usage status of the worker by identifying the local exhaust valve 200 related to the local exhaust device 300 to be controlled based on the given condition. As a result, the air volume control device 100 can control the air volume of the local exhaust device 300 that was last used while continuing to use the local exhaust device 300 that has already been used.

[0104] The calculation unit 134 of the air volume control device 100 subtracts the required exhaust volume of the predetermined local exhaust valve 200 from the total required exhaust volume value from the allowable exhaust volume to calculate the possible exhaust volume of the predetermined local exhaust valve 200. In this way, the air volume control device 100 realizes air volume control of the local exhaust valves 200 taking into account the simultaneous operation rate by calculating the allowable exhaust volume for each local exhaust valve 200.

[0105] When the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled exceeds the exhaust capacity of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, the notification unit 138 of the air volume control device 100 notifies the local exhaust device 300 including the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled of a predetermined alarm. Specifically, the notification unit 138 of the air volume control device 100 notifies the alarm by implementing at least one of the following: blinking or lighting a warning light of the local exhaust device 300 including the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, displaying information notifying the warning on a predetermined display device, and blinking or lighting a warning light installed in a predetermined location.

[0106] In this way, the air volume control device 100 issues an alarm to the local exhaust device 300 in question when the allowable exhaust volume is exceeded, thereby making it possible for the worker to clearly indicate which local exhaust device 300 to stop using. Furthermore, the air volume control device 100 makes it possible to notify the worker of an alarm by various methods when the allowable exhaust volume is exceeded, and can clearly indicate which local exhaust device 300 the worker should stop using.

[0107] When the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled exceeds the possible exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, the air volume control unit 137 of the air volume control device 100 performs a predetermined air volume control by restricting the exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. In this way, the air volume control device 100 directly controls the air volume by adjusting the local exhaust valve 200 connected to the local exhaust device 300 related to the case where the allowable exhaust volume is exceeded. This makes it possible to control the air volume of only the local exhaust device 300 that the worker last started using, while maintaining the use of the local exhaust devices 300 that have already started using.

[0108] When the required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled exceeds the possible exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, the air volume control unit 137 of the air volume control device 100 performs a predetermined air volume control by limiting the sash opening of the local exhaust device 300 including the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled. Specifically, the air volume control unit 137 of the air volume control device 100 performs the predetermined air volume control by limiting the sash opening by implementing at least one of limiting the sash opening based on an electromagnetic mechanism or physical mechanism of the sash of the local exhaust device 300 including the local exhaust valve 200 to be controlled, opening and closing the sash based on an electromagnetic mechanism or physical mechanism, displaying a guide specifying the upper limit of the sash opening, and displaying information indicating the upper limit of the sash opening on a predetermined display device.

[0109] In this way, the air volume control device 100 controls the air volume by physically restricting the sash opening degree of the local exhaust device 300 when the allowable exhaust volume is exceeded. This makes it possible to control the air volume of only the local exhaust device 300 that the worker last started using, while maintaining the use of local exhaust devices 300 that have already been started.

[0110] [7. Hardware Configuration] The air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment is realized, for example, by a computer 1000 configured as shown in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 is a hardware configuration diagram showing an example of a computer that realizes the functions of the connection determination support device according to this embodiment. The computer 1000 has a configuration in which a CPU 1100, a RAM 1200, a ROM 1300, an auxiliary storage device 1400, a communication I / F (interface) 1500, and an input / output I / F (interface) 1600 are connected by a bus 1800.

[0111] The CPU 1100 operates and controls each unit based on a program stored in the ROM 1300 or the auxiliary storage device 1400. The ROM 1300 stores a boot program executed by the CPU 1100 when the computer 1000 is started up, programs that depend on the hardware of the computer 1000, and the like.

[0112] The auxiliary storage device 1400 stores programs executed by the CPU 1100 and data used by the programs. The communication I / F 1500 receives data from other devices via a predetermined communication network NW and sends the data to the CPU 1100, and transmits data generated by the CPU 1100 to other devices via the predetermined communication network NW. The CPU 1100 controls output devices such as a display and a printer, and an input / output device 1700 such as a keyboard and a mouse, via an input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 acquires data from the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600. The CPU 1100 also outputs the generated data to the input / output device 1700 via the input / output I / F 1600.

[0113] For example, when the computer 1000 functions as the air volume control device 100 according to this embodiment, the CPU 1100 of the computer 1000 executes a program loaded onto the RAM 1200 to realize the functions of the control unit 130.

[0114] [8. Other] Of the processes described in the above embodiments and modifications, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically by a known method. In addition, the information including the processing procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed arbitrarily unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the illustrated information.

[0115] In addition, each component of each device shown in the figure is a functional concept, and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0116] The above-mentioned components include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the so-called equivalent range. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications can be appropriately combined within a range that does not cause contradictions in the processing contents.

[0117] Moreover, the above-mentioned "section, module, unit" can be read as "means" or "circuit", etc. For example, a control section can be read as control means or a control circuit.

[0118] Although some of the embodiments have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and it is possible to implement the present embodiments in other forms that include various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the Disclosure of the Invention section. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1,10 Airflow control system 100 Air volume control device 110 Communications Department 120 Storage section 121 Opening information storage section 122 Air volume control information storage unit 130 Control section 131 Acquisition Department 132 Setting section 133 Arithmetic section 134 Calculation section 135 Measurement section 136 Specific part 137 Air volume control unit 138 Notification Department 200 Local exhaust valve 300 Local exhaust ventilation system 1000 Computers 1100 CPU 1200 RAM 1300 ROM 1400 Auxiliary storage 1500 Communication I / F 1600 Input / Output Interface 1700 I / O device 1800 Bus

Claims

1. A setting unit that sets an exhaust allowance allocated to each predetermined exhaust system for each local exhaust valve connected to the exhaust system; a calculation unit that calculates a total required exhaust amount by adding up the required exhaust amounts for each of the local exhaust valves; a calculation unit that calculates an exhaustable amount for each local exhaust valve based on the exhaust allowable amount, the total required exhaust amount, and the required exhaust amount; an identification unit that identifies the local exhaust valve that satisfies a predetermined condition as a local exhaust valve to be controlled; an air volume control unit that performs a predetermined air volume control on the local exhaust valve to be controlled; An air volume control device comprising:

2. The identification unit is When the required exhaust volume of a predetermined local exhaust valve exceeds the possible exhaust volume as the predetermined condition, use is judged based on whether or not the measured usage time of the local exhaust device exceeds a predetermined threshold time, and the local exhaust valve judged to be in final use is specified as the local exhaust valve to be controlled. The air volume control device according to claim 1 .

3. The calculation unit is a value obtained by subtracting a required exhaust amount of a predetermined local exhaust valve from the total required exhaust amount, and the resultant value is subtracted from the exhaust allowable amount to calculate an exhaustable amount of the predetermined local exhaust valve; The air volume control device according to claim 1 .

4. a notification unit that notifies a local exhaust device including the local exhaust valve to be controlled of a predetermined alarm when a required exhaust amount of the local exhaust valve to be controlled exceeds an exhaustable amount of the local exhaust valve to be controlled. The air volume control device according to claim 1 .

5. The notification unit is As the predetermined warning, at least one of blinking or lighting of a warning light of a local exhaust device including the local exhaust valve to be controlled, displaying information notifying the warning on a predetermined display device, and blinking or lighting of a warning light installed at a predetermined location is implemented to notify the warning. The air volume control device according to claim 4 .

6. The air volume control unit is When a required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve to be controlled exceeds an exhaustable volume of the local exhaust valve to be controlled, a predetermined air volume control is performed by limiting the exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve to be controlled. The air volume control device according to claim 1 .

7. The air volume control unit is When a required exhaust volume of the local exhaust valve to be controlled exceeds an exhaustable volume of the local exhaust valve to be controlled, a sash opening degree of a local exhaust device including the local exhaust valve to be controlled is limited to perform a predetermined air volume control. The air volume control device according to claim 1 .

8. The air volume control unit is a predetermined air volume control is performed by limiting the sash opening by implementing at least one of the following: limiting the sash opening based on an electromagnetic mechanism or a physical mechanism of the sash of a local exhaust device equipped with the local exhaust valve to be controlled, opening and closing the sash based on an electromagnetic mechanism or a physical mechanism, displaying a guide specifying an upper limit of the sash opening, and displaying information indicating an upper limit of the sash opening on a predetermined display device; The air volume control device according to claim 1 or 7.

9. An air volume control method executed by an air volume control device, a setting step of setting an exhaust allowance allocated to each predetermined exhaust system for each local exhaust valve connected to the exhaust system; a calculation step of adding up the required exhaust amounts for each of the local exhaust valves to calculate a total required exhaust amount value; a calculation step of calculating an exhaustable amount for each local exhaust valve based on the exhaust allowable amount, the total required exhaust amount, and the required exhaust amount; a step of identifying the local exhaust valve that satisfies a predetermined condition as a local exhaust valve to be controlled; an air volume control step of performing a predetermined air volume control on the local exhaust valve to be controlled; An airflow control method comprising:

10. A setting procedure for setting an exhaust allowance allocated to each predetermined exhaust system for each local exhaust valve connected to the exhaust system; a calculation step of adding up the required exhaust amounts for each of the local exhaust valves to calculate a total required exhaust amount value; a calculation step of calculating an exhaustable amount for each local exhaust valve based on the exhaust allowable amount, the total required exhaust amount, and the required exhaust amount; an identification step of identifying the local exhaust valve that satisfies a predetermined condition as a local exhaust valve to be controlled; an air volume control step of performing a predetermined air volume control on the local exhaust valve to be controlled; An air volume control program that causes a computer to execute the above steps.

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