Air age measurement system and air age measurement method

Abstract

To provide an air age measurement system capable of measuring an air age of a space using a tracer having affinity to a human body, and easily and surely measuring an air age of a space even if a person exists in the space.SOLUTION: An air age measurement system 10 comprises: diffusion means for diffusing minute liquid 12 including tracer fine particles into a chamber 11; fine particle measurement means for measuring numerical data of the tracer fine particles diffused into the chamber 11 following to diffusion of the minute liquid 12 by the diffusion means; and air age measurement means for calculating an air age in the chamber 11, on the basis of the numerical data related to the tracer fine particles measured by the fine particle measurement means. The air age measurement means calculates an air age of the chamber 11 on the basis of a change state of the numerical data caused by lapse of a time period of the tracer fine particles in the chamber 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an age of air measuring system and an age of air measuring method for measuring the age of air in a given space by utilizing a tracer. [Background technology]

[0002] The system disclosed has an age-of-air distribution property analysis system, which includes an analysis space calculation unit that performs analysis and calculation of flow and temperature fields in an analysis space using a turbulent flow model of a mean flow in which turbulence is modeled from the equation of continuity of a fluid, the Navier-Stokes equations which satisfy the laws of conservation of mass and conservation of momentum of a fluid, and the law of conservation of energy based on Fourier's law, and stores the calculated data of the flow field and temperature field in a storage unit; an outlet contribution calculation unit that fixes the flow field and the temperature field and obtains a spatial distribution of the outlet contribution rate which indicates the ratio of air inflow to a measurement point for each outlet; a concentration field calculation unit that generates a tracer uniformly in a room space and solves a diffusion equation for each effective volume distribution corresponding to each outlet, with each outlet contribution rate being the effective volume for that field; and an age-of-air calculation unit that calculates the spatial distribution of the age of air of the air flowing in from each outlet by dividing the concentration field by the corresponding outlet contribution rate (see Patent Document 1). This air age distribution property analysis system can evaluate the age of air corresponding to each outlet and inlet in a room with multiple outlets and inlets, corresponding to the contribution rate of air inflow and outflow from each outlet and inlet, making it possible to design an efficient ventilation system.

[0003] If the mean age of air is short, the air in the space is replaced quickly, and the ventilation condition of the space is evaluated as good. Conversely, if the mean age of air is long, the airflow is stagnant and the air is stagnant, and the ventilation condition of the space is evaluated as relatively poor (poor). Furthermore, CO2 (carbon dioxide) is mainly used as a tracer because its specific gravity is close to that of air and its global warming potential is small. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-101058 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when measuring the age of air in a space using CO2 as a tracer, there is a risk that accurate measurement cannot be performed in a space where people are present due to the effect of CO2 emissions from people, and there is also a problem that a CO2 cylinder is required, which requires transportation, installation, and condition setting, making the measurement large-scale. In addition, when measuring the age of air using CO2 as a tracer, the value of the CO2 concentration (tracer concentration) when the concentration decay (change) is completed when measuring the age of air is 0, so the value of the CO2 concentration in the ventilation air must be 0. The value of the CO2 concentration of 0 corresponds to the CO2 concentration of the outside air. When measuring the age of air using CO2 as a tracer in a space in a circulation system where not all air is exhausted but some air is returned, air containing a high concentration of CO2 that is to be exhausted in order to measure the decay of the CO2 concentration is returned, and the value of the CO2 concentration (tracer concentration) of the ventilation air becomes higher than 0. Therefore, when CO2 is used as a tracer, the space in which the age of air can be measured is limited to a ventilation system equipped with a means for supplying and exhausting the outside air, and there is a problem that the age of air cannot be measured in a space in a circulation system where indoor air is circulated.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide an age of air measuring system and an age of air measuring method which are not large-scale, can measure the age of air in a space by using a tracer which has affinity with the human body, and can reliably and easily measure the age of air in the space even if people are present. Another object of the present invention is to provide an age of air measuring system and an age of air measuring method which can measure the age of air in a space of a ventilation system as well as in a space of a circulatory system by using a tracer. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first premise of the present invention for solving the above problems is an age of air measurement system that measures the age of air in a specified space by utilizing a tracer.

[0008] A first feature of the present invention in the first premise is that the tracer is a tracer particle that diffuses with the diffusion of a minute liquid, and the age of air measurement system comprises diffusing means for diffusing a minute liquid containing the tracer particle into a space, particle measuring means having a measurement range including the particle size of the tracer particle and measuring, during a predetermined measurement time, numerical data of the tracer particle diffused into the space by the diffusing means with the diffusion of the minute liquid, and age of air measurement means for calculating the age of air in the space based on the numerical data on the tracer particle measured by the particle measuring means, and the age of air measurement means calculates the age of air in the space from the change in the numerical data of the tracer particle in the space over time.

[0009] As an example of the present invention having the first feature, the age of air measurement system includes a collection means for collecting tracer particles contained in the air in a space, and in the age of air measurement system, the tracer particles contained in the air after the particle measuring means has measured numerical data of the tracer particles, are removed by the collection means, and the air from which the tracer particles have been removed is returned to the space.

[0010] Another example of the present invention having the first feature is a humidifier in which the diffusing means diffuses minute particles of liquid into a space.

[0011] As an example of the present invention having the first characteristic, a humidifier is an ultrasonic humidifier that generates ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic vibrator to create minute liquid particles.

[0012] As an example of the present invention having the first characteristic, the particle measuring means is a particle measuring means using a light scattering method.

[0013] In one example of the present invention having the first feature, the particle measuring means is a particle counter that measures the number of tracer particles suspended in space.

[0014] One example of the present invention having the first feature is a PM2.5 measuring instrument in which the fine particle measuring means measures fine particulate matter suspended in space.

[0015] In one example of the present invention having the first characteristic, the minute liquid for diffusing the tracer particles is made from tap water.

[0016] In one example of the present invention having the first characteristic, a plurality of diffusion means are installed at predetermined positions in a space, and a particle measuring means measures numerical data of the tracer particles at a plurality of positions in the space.

[0017] A second premise of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is a method for measuring the age of air in a specified space by utilizing a tracer.

[0018] A second feature of the present invention in the first premise is that the age of air measuring method uses tracer particles that diffuse as a tracer with the diffusion of a minute liquid, and comprises a diffusion step of diffusing a minute liquid containing the tracer particles into a space, a particle measuring step having a measurement range including the particle diameter of the tracer particles and measuring, during a predetermined measurement time, numerical data of the tracer particles diffused into the space with the diffusion of the minute liquid by the diffusion step, and an age of air measuring step of calculating the age of air in the space from changes over time in the numerical data of the tracer particles measured by the particle measuring step.

[0019] As an example of the present invention having the second feature, a method for measuring the age of air includes a collection step of collecting tracer particles contained in the air in a space, and in the method for measuring the age of air, the tracer particles contained in the air after the numerical data of the tracer particles are measured by the particle measuring means are removed in the collection step, and the air from which the tracer particles have been removed is returned to the space.

[0020] In another example of the present invention having the second feature, the diffusion step uses an ultrasonic humidifier that generates ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic vibrator to create the minute liquid particles.

[0021] In another example of the present invention having the second feature, the particle measuring step uses a particle counter that obtains data on the number of tracer particles by a light scattering method.

[0022] In another example of the present invention having the second feature, the particulate matter measuring step uses a PM2.5 measuring device that measures fine particulate matter suspended in space.

[0023] In another example of the present invention having the second characteristic, in the diffusion step, minute liquid for diffusing tracer particles is made from tap water. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to the age of air measuring system of the present invention, tracer particles that diffuse with the diffusion of minute liquid are used as tracers, so that the age of air in a space can be measured using tracer particles that have affinity with the human body, and the age of air in the space can be measured reliably and easily not only in a space where no people are present but also in a space where people are present. The age of air measuring system diffuses minute liquid containing tracer particles into a space, measures numerical data of the tracer particles for a predetermined measurement time after the diffusion of the minute liquid containing tracer particles into the space is stopped, and calculates the age of air in the space from the change in the numerical data of the tracer particles in the space over time, so that the age of air in the space can be measured accurately using the tracer particles.

[0025] An age of air measurement system includes a collection means for collecting tracer particles contained in the air in a space, removes the tracer particles contained in the air after measuring numerical data of the tracer particles by a particle measuring means using the collection means, and returns the air from which the tracer particles have been removed to the space.By removing the tracer particles by the collection means, the concentration of tracer particles can be set to zero, and by returning the air from which the tracer particles have been removed to the space, an increase in the concentration of tracer particles in the space to which the air has been returned can be prevented.This system is not only capable of measuring the age of air in a space with a ventilation system equipped with an air supply and exhaust means, but also capable of measuring the age of air in a space with a circulation system using the tracer particles that diffuse along with the diffusion of tiny liquids.

[0026] The age of air measuring system in which the diffusing means is a humidifier that diffuses minute liquid into a space generates minute liquid containing tracer particles by the humidifier and uses tracer particles as a tracer that diffuse with the diffusion of the minute liquid produced by the humidifier, so that the system is not large-scale and can measure the age of air in a space by using tracer particles that have affinity with the human body, and can reliably and easily measure the age of air in a space not only in a space where no people are present but also in a space where people are present. The age of air measuring system diffuses minute liquid containing tracer particles into a space by the humidifier, measures numerical data of the tracer particles for a predetermined measurement time after the diffusion of the minute liquid containing tracer particles into the space is stopped, and calculates the age of air in the space from the change in the numerical data of the tracer particles in the space over time, so that the age of air in the space can be measured quickly.

[0027] The age of air measurement system, in which the humidifier is an ultrasonic humidifier that generates ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic vibrator to create minute liquid, generates minute liquid containing tracer particles by vibration energy of ultrasonic waves, so that it can measure the age of air in a space using tracer particles at room temperature without using a special heat source, and can reliably and easily measure the age of air in a space not only in a space where no people are present but also in a space where people are present. The age of air measurement system diffuses minute liquid containing tracer particles into a space by an ultrasonic humidifier, measures numerical data of the tracer particles for a predetermined measurement time after the diffusion of the minute liquid containing tracer particles into the space is stopped, and calculates the age of air in the space from the change in the numerical data of the tracer particles in the space over time, so that it can quickly measure the age of air in the space.

[0028] The age of air measurement system in which the particle measuring means uses a light scattering method has the characteristic of being extremely sensitive to changes and reacting in real time by utilizing the scattering of laser light that hits the tracer particles, so that it can quickly and accurately measure the numerical data of the tracer particles and can accurately measure the age of air in the space.

[0029] The age of air measurement system, in which the particle measuring means is a particle counter that measures the number of tracer particles suspended in space, uses the particle counter to measure numerical data of the tracer particles in the space within a specified measurement time after a tiny liquid containing the tracer particles is diffused into the space. Therefore, the particle counter can accurately measure the numerical data of the tracer particles, and the age of air in the space can be accurately measured.

[0030] The air age measurement system, whose particle measurement means is a PM2.5 measuring device that measures fine particulate matter suspended in the air, has a narrower measurement range than a particle counter, but can accurately capture tracer particles of the same size as PM2.5 and uses a measuring device with a relatively simple configuration. As a result, the PM2.5 measuring device can accurately measure the numerical data of the tracer particles, and the air age in the space can be accurately measured.

[0031] In the age of air measurement system, the minute liquid for diffusing tracer particles is made from tap water, so the tracer particles are diffused into space by the minute liquid made from tap water that has an affinity with the human body, and the age of air in the space can be measured using the tracer particles that have an affinity with the human body, and the age of air in the space can be measured reliably and easily, not only in spaces where no people are present, but also in spaces where people are present.By using tap water, the age of air measurement system does not need to be large-scale compared to when CO2 is used as a tracer, and the age of air can be measured easily.

[0032] In an age of air measurement system in which a plurality of diffusion means are installed at predetermined positions in a space and a particle measuring means measures numerical data of tracer particles at a plurality of positions in the space, by installing a plurality of diffusion means at predetermined positions in the space, minute liquid containing tracer particles can be diffused evenly and quickly throughout the space, and the age of air in the space can be measured quickly without losing time. In the age of air measurement system, by the particle measuring means measuring numerical data of the tracer particles at a plurality of positions in the space, the particle measuring means can accurately measure the numerical data of the tracer particles in the space, and the accurate age of air in the space can be measured.

[0033] According to the method for measuring the age of air of the present invention, tracer particles that diffuse with the diffusion of minute liquid are used as tracers, so that the age of air in a space can be measured by using tracer particles that have affinity with the human body, and the age of air in the space can be measured reliably and easily not only in a space where no people are present but also in a space where people are present. The method for measuring the age of air includes diffusing minute liquid containing tracer particles into the space, measuring numerical data of the tracer particles for a predetermined measurement time after the diffusion of the minute liquid containing tracer particles into the space is stopped, and calculating the age of air in the space from the change in the numerical data of the tracer particles over time, so that the age of air in the space can be measured accurately by using the tracer particles.

[0034] A method for measuring the age of air includes a collection step of collecting tracer particles contained in the air in a space, and after measuring numerical data of the tracer particles by a particle measuring means, the tracer particles contained in the air are removed in a collection step, and the air from which the tracer particles have been removed is returned to the space. By removing the tracer particles in the collection step, the concentration of the tracer particles can be made to be zero, and by returning the air from which the tracer particles have been removed to the space, an increase in the concentration of tracer particles in the space to which the air has been returned can be prevented. This not only makes it possible to measure the age of air in a space having a ventilation system equipped with an air supply and exhaust means, but also makes it possible to measure the age of air in a space having a circulation system by using the tracer particles that diffuse along with the diffusion of minute liquids.

[0035] The age of air measuring method using an ultrasonic humidifier which generates ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic vibrator to produce minute liquid in the diffusion step generates minute liquid containing tracer particles by the vibration energy of ultrasonic waves using the ultrasonic humidifier, so that the age of air in a space can be measured using tracer particles at room temperature without using a special heat source, and the device does not need to be large-scale, and the age of air in the space can be measured reliably and easily not only in a space where no people are present but also in a space where people are present. The age of air measuring method diffuses minute liquid containing tracer particles into the space using the ultrasonic humidifier, measures numerical data of the tracer particles for a predetermined measurement time after the diffusion of the minute liquid containing tracer particles into the space is stopped, and calculates the age of air in the space from the change in the numerical data of the tracer particles in the space over time, so that the age of air in the space can be measured quickly.

[0036] The age of air measurement method using a particle counter that obtains data on the number of tracer particles by a light scattering method in the particle measurement process measures numerical data on the tracer particles in a space using a particle counter that has the property of being extremely sensitive to changes and responding in real time during a specified measurement time after the diffusion of a minute liquid containing the tracer particles is stopped. Therefore, the particle counter can accurately measure the numerical data of the tracer particles and accurately measure the age of air in the space.

[0037] The age of air measurement method using a PM2.5 measuring instrument that measures fine particulate matter suspended in space in a particulate measurement means accurately captures tracer particles of the same size as PM2.5 within a specified measurement time after the diffusion of the minute liquid containing the tracer particles is stopped, and measures numerical data of the tracer particles in space using a PM2.5 measuring instrument that measures fine particulate matter with a simple configuration. Therefore, the numerical data of the tracer particles can be measured more easily and accurately by the PM2.5 measuring instrument, and the age of air in the space can be accurately measured.

[0038] In the age of air measuring method, in which the minute liquid for diffusing the tracer particles is made from tap water in the diffusion step, the minute liquid for diffusing the tracer particles is tap water, so that the tracer particles are diffused into the space by the minute liquid made from tap water that has an affinity with the human body, and the age of air in the space can be measured using the tracer particles that have an affinity with the human body, and the age of air in the space can be measured reliably and easily not only in spaces where no people are present but also in spaces where people are present. By using tap water, the age of air measuring method can easily measure the age of air without requiring a large-scale system compared to the case where CO2 is used as a tracer. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of an age of air measurement system in a room (space) of a ventilation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for calculating the age of air in a room with a ventilation system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for calculating the age of air, continuing from FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the concentration decay method (step-down method), which is a method for measuring the age of air. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a top view showing an example of an age of air measurement system in a circulatory system chamber (space). [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for calculating the age of air in a circulatory system chamber. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for calculating the age of air, continuing from FIG. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040] The age of air measurement system 10 and age of air measurement method according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a top view showing an example of the age of air measurement system 10 in a room 11 (space) of a ventilation system. In Fig. 1, a square indicates an ultrasonic humidifier 15, and a circle indicates a light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or a PM2.5 measurement device 17. The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) measures the age of air in a specified room 11 (space) by utilizing a tracer. The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) uses tracer fine particles as the tracer, which diffuse with the diffusion of minute liquid 12 (liquid droplets).

[0041] 1 (an actual room in which the age of air is measured) is a ventilation system room 11 in which air (outside air) conditioned by an air conditioner (not shown) is supplied to the inside of room 11 by air supply duct 13, and the air inside room 11 is exhausted to the outside of room 11 by air exhaust duct 14. Although not shown, an air supply fan (air supply means) is installed in air supply duct 13, and an exhaust fan (exhaust means) is installed in exhaust duct 14.

[0042] Air (conditioned by an air conditioner) that has passed through supply duct 13 by the supply fan is supplied to room 11, and the air that has passed through room 11 passes through exhaust duct 14 by the exhaust fan, after which the air in room 11 is exhausted to the outside. Ventilation operation is performed in room 11. The supply fan, exhaust fan, and air conditioner are connected to a control unit (not shown) to form an air conditioning control system. The start / stop and output of the supply fan, exhaust fan, and air conditioner are controlled by the control unit. In this example, a so-called first-type ventilation configuration is described, but the configurations of second and third-type ventilation are also applicable.

[0043] The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) in the chamber 11 in Fig. 1 has a diffusion means (diffusion step), a particulate measuring means (particulate measuring step), and an age of air measurement means (age of air measurement step). The diffusion means (diffusion step) diffuses minute liquid 12 containing tracer particulates into the chamber 11 (space) of a predetermined volume. The diffusion means (diffusion step) uses an ultrasonic humidifier 15. The ultrasonic humidifier 15 generates ultrasonic waves (vibrations) by an ultrasonic vibrator installed at the bottom of a tank, and the vibrations bounce off the surface of the water contained in the tank to create minute liquid droplets (mist), and the minute liquid 12 is diffused into the air (inside the chamber 11) by utilizing the physical phenomenon of concentration diffusion.

[0044] As a diffusion means, in addition to the ultrasonic humidifier 15 that generates minute liquid 12 containing tracer particles in the room temperature range without using a special heat source, a steam type (heating type) humidifier that heats water with a heater to evaporate it and diffuses the water vapor into the air (inside the room 11) using a fan, a hybrid type humidifier that combines the steam type and the ultrasonic type, a heating evaporation type humidifier that evaporates the water by passing warm air created by a heater and a fan through a filter soaked in water and diffuses the water vapor into the air (inside the room 11), and an evaporation type humidifier that evaporates the water by passing wind created by a fan through a filter soaked in water and diffuses the water vapor into the air (inside the room 11) can also be used. All of these are considerably more compact than large-scale devices such as CO2 tanks, and are easy to install and handle.

[0045] In Fig. 1, multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed inside a room 11 (an actual room). The ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed inside the room 11 at locations on the upwind side of the room 11 and at locations where the air age is expected to deteriorate. Although multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed in the room 11 in Fig. 1, there is no particular limit to the number of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed in the room 11, and the number is determined according to the volume of the room 11. Also, only one ultrasonic humidifier 15 may be installed inside the room 11.

[0046] For example, a humidifier identification number (humidifier identifier) ​​is set for each ultrasonic humidifier 15, and the humidifier identification number is stored in a hard disk of a computer described later. The humidifier identification number (humidifier identifier) ​​may be an individual identification number or model number of each ultrasonic humidifier 15, or the computer may generate a unique identifier for each ultrasonic humidifier 15, and the generated identifier may be used as the humidifier identification number.

[0047] The liquid used in the ultrasonic humidifier 15, steam humidifier, hybrid humidifier, and evaporative humidifier is tap water, which has affinity with humans (PAO, which is used for testing HEPA filters, or saline solution may be used in some cases). The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) uses the ultrasonic humidifier 15 or another humidifier as the diffusion means (diffusion step), and the humidifier may be installed inside the room 11, and the minute liquid 12 may be easily diffused throughout the interior of the room 11 using the humidifier, and the tracer fine particles may be easily diffused throughout the interior of the room 11 as the minute liquid 12 diffuses. The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) uses tap water as the water used in the humidifier, so there is no need to prepare a special aqueous solution, and tap water may be simply supplied to the humidifier from a water pipe, which allows the system 10 to be simplified and reduced in cost.

[0048] The particle measuring means (particle measuring process) has a measurement range including the particle size of the tracer particles in the chamber 11 (space) diffused by the ultrasonic humidifier 15 (or other humidifier) ​​(diffusion means). The particle measuring means (particle measuring process) measures the numerical data of the tracer particles for a predetermined measurement time after the ultrasonic humidifier 15 (diffusion means (diffusion process)) stops the ultrasonic humidifier 15 (diffusion means (diffusion process)) after the minute liquid 12 containing the tracer particles is diffused into the interior (space) of the chamber 11.

[0049] A light scattering airborne particle counter 16 (particle measuring device) is used for the particle measuring means (particle measuring process). The light scattering airborne particle counter 16 takes in air from the chamber 11 through an inlet nozzle and irradiates the taken-in air with laser light. When the laser light hits tracer particles contained in the air of the chamber 11 (floating in space), the light is scattered. This scattered light is detected by a photodiode and converted into an electrical signal to measure the number of tracer particles (number data). The size of the particles can be calculated from the voltage, and the number of tracer particles in the air of the chamber 11 (number / m) can be calculated from the number of waveforms. 3 ) can be measured.

[0050] As a particle measuring means, in addition to the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16, a light blocking type particle counter can also be used. A light blocking type particle counter places a light source opposite a light receiving element and converts light into an electrical signal. When the light passes through tracer particles contained in the air of the room 11 (floating in space), the light received by the light receiving element becomes weaker. The amount of attenuation of the electrical signal is the particle size of the tracer particle, and the number of times the light is blocked is the number data of the tracer particle (number / m 3 )

[0051] As a particulate matter measurement means (particulate matter measurement process), in addition to the particle counter 16, a PM2.5 measurement device 17 can be used, which is a similar light scattering type but is relatively inexpensive and has a simple and narrow measurement range. The PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 uses a light scattering method in which particles sucked in by a pump are classified using an impactor, and then the weight concentration is calculated using the intensity of light scattering when the classified particles are irradiated with light. As a combination method, the weight concentration of PM2.5 is calculated by the b-ray absorption method, in which the classified particles are collected on a paper, and the collected particles are exposed to b-rays and the weight concentration is calculated from the amount of b-rays transmitted.

[0052] In the impactor, particles sucked in from the outside are classified by four selected types of impactors (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10) with a collection efficiency of 50%. After classification, one-third of the flow rate of particles entering the interior from the suction port is used as sheath air through a HEPA filter, and the remaining particles are sent to the detector. The sheath air enters the detector, covering the air containing the particles to be measured. The detector is protected by the sheath air, ensuring stable accuracy.

[0053] Particles that enter the detector pass through a laser, and the light scattered during this process is detected by a photodetector. The intensity of the scattered light depends on the particle concentration, particle size distribution, refractive index, shape, etc., and the signal from the photodetector is instantly converted to weight concentration and then saved (stored) in an internal logger. After detection, the particles are collected by a gravimetric filter and used to measure their weight and composition. Furthermore, a calibration coefficient is used to bring the measurement results closer to more accurate values.

[0054] 1, a plurality of light scattering type airborne particle counters 16 or a plurality of automatic PM2.5 measurement devices 17 are installed inside a room 11. There is no particular limit to the number of light scattering type airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measurement devices 17 installed in the room 11, and the number to be installed is determined according to the volume of the room 11. Also, only one light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17 may be installed near the exhaust port 19 (near the exit) inside the room 11.

[0055] A measuring device identification number (humidifier identifier) ​​is set for each of the light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or each of the PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17, and the measuring device identification number is stored on the computer's hard disk. The measuring device identification number (humidifier identifier) ​​may be the individual identification number or model number of each light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or each of the PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17, or the computer may generate a unique identifier for each light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or each of the PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17, and the generated identifier may be used as the measuring device identification number.

[0056] The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) measures numerical data (number data or concentration data) of tracer particles contained in the air in the room 11 (floating in space) using a light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or an automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17 (PM2.5 measuring instrument), so that the numerical data of the tracer particles contained in the air in the room 11 can be accurately measured by the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or the automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17, and the accurate age of air in the room 11 (space) can be calculated.

[0057] The air age measuring means (air age measuring step) calculates the concentration and air age of tracer particles at each measurement point 18 in the room 11 (space) of the ventilation system in Fig. 1 based on numerical data on tracer particles contained in the air inside the room 11 of the ventilation system in Fig. 1 measured by the fine particle measuring means (light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or PM2.5 automatic measuring device 17). In the air age measuring means (air age measuring step), a computer calculates the air age at each measurement point 18 in the room 11 (space) of the ventilation system in Fig. 1 based on the attenuation (change) of the numerical data over time of the tracer particles measured by the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or PM2.5 automatic measuring device 17 (fine particle measuring means).

[0058] The calculation of the age of air by the age of air measuring means (age of air measuring step) uses a physical computer (not shown) equipped with a central processing unit (CPU or MPU) and memory (main memory and cache memory) and incorporating a large-capacity hard disk. Input / output devices such as a display, touch panel, keyboard, and mouse are connected to the computer. The control unit of the room 11, the control unit of the ultrasonic humidifier 15, the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16, and the control unit of the automatic PM2.5 measuring device 17 are connected to the computer via signal lines (wired or wireless).

[0059] An application for calculating the age of air is installed in the computer's memory. The age of air is calculated using the existing calculation formula shown below for the step-down method (concentration decay method). An example of the calculation formula for the age of air is as follows:

[0060] Formula for calculating age of air:

[0061]

number

[0062] The computer calculates the ventilation rate in the room 11 from the age of air calculated based on numerical data measured by a light scattering particle counter 16 or an automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17 installed near the exhaust port 19 (near the outlet) of the room 11. The ventilation rate is calculated using the existing calculation formula shown below. The calculation formula for the ventilation rate is stored in the computer's memory. An example of the calculation formula is as follows:

[0063]

number

[0064] Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a procedure for calculating the age of air in a room 11 of a ventilation system, and Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the procedure for calculating the age of air, which is continued from Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the concentration decay method (step-down method), which is an age of air measurement method. Note that in this embodiment, the concentration decay method (step-down method) is used as an example of the age of air measurement method, but the present invention can be implemented with any existing age of air measurement method, and can be applied to, for example, the step-up method and pulse method.

[0065] In the concentration decay method (step-down method) in the age-of-air measurement system 10 (age-of-air measurement method), tracer particles are uniformly diffused in the room 11 (space) at the start of measurement, and then decay of the number data or concentration data of the tracer particles over time is measured. As shown in Fig. 1, multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed inside the room 11, and multiple light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or multiple PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17 are installed as tracer particle measurement points. Tap water is supplied to the tanks of these ultrasonic humidifiers 15 at full range.

[0066] In addition, the hard disk of the computer records the volume of the room 11 (space) in Figure 1, "m 3", the amount of tracer particles in the liquid 12 emitted from one ultrasonic humidifier 15 "μm 3 The following are stored: "times per second / s", the number of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed in the room 11 (space) and the humidifier identification numbers, the number of light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring devices 17 installed in the room 11 (space), the measuring device identification numbers of the light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring devices 17, and the set time "t0" until the minute liquid 12 containing the tracer particles is diffused throughout the entire room 11 (space) by the number of installed ultrasonic humidifiers 15.

[0067] The volume of the room 11 (space), the amount of minute liquid 12 containing tracer particles emitted from the ultrasonic humidifier 15, the number of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed, and the number of light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring devices 17 installed can be entered into a computer using a touch panel, keyboard, or mouse, and can be changed afterwards.

[0068] An icon indicating an application for calculating the age of air is output (displayed) on the computer start-up screen (not shown) output (displayed) on the display or touch panel. When this icon is clicked (tapped), a condition setting screen (not shown) is output (displayed) on the display or touch panel. On the condition setting screen, a measurement start button, a room sample image creation button, a numerical input button, and a cancel button are output (displayed). When the cancel button is clicked (tapped), the application ends (the same applies to the cancel button below). If a room sample image has already been created and the various numerical values ​​have been set, measurement of the age of air and ventilation rate can be started by clicking (tapping) the measurement start button.

[0069] To create a room sample image, click (tap) the Room Sample Image Creation button. When the Room Sample Image Creation button is clicked (tapped), a room sample image creation screen (not shown) is output (displayed) on the display or touch panel. A room sample image creation area, a sample confirmation button, a clear button, and a cancel button are output (displayed) on the room sample image creation screen. Using the touch panel, keyboard, or mouse, create multiple room sample images of various types of room layouts of your choice in the room sample image creation area, freely arranging the ventilation system shown in Figure 1 or the circulation system room 11 shown in Figure 5 described below. Furthermore, clicking (tapping) the clear button clears the created room sample image.

[0070] After creating the room sample image, when the user clicks (tap) the sample confirmation button, the computer's central processing unit (CPU or MPU) generates a unique room-specific identification number (room-specific identifier) ​​to identify the created room sample image, and stores the created room sample image on the hard disk in association with the room-specific identification number and the creation date and time. The computer's central processing unit generates a unique room-specific identification number (room-specific identifier) ​​to identify the room sample image each time it is created. The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) can use a touch panel, keyboard, and mouse to create a variety of multiple room sample images of any layout, freely arranging the ventilation system room 11 shown in Figure 1, which simulates an actual room, and the circulation system room 20 shown in Figure 5, which will be described later.

[0071] After storing the room sample images in the hard disk, the computer outputs (displays) a point setting screen (not shown) on a display or touch panel. On the point setting screen, various room sample images (room sample top surface images) representing the room sample image of the ventilation system room 11 shown in Fig. 1 and the room sample image of the circulation system room 11 shown in Fig. 5, a setting confirmation button, a clear button, and a cancel button are output (displayed).

[0072] On the point setting screen, multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 (tracer fine particle generation points) can be attached (displayed) to any point (diffusion point) on the room sample image by using the touch panel or mouse, and multiple light scattering airborne particle counters 16 (tracer fine particle measurement points 18) or multiple PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17 (tracer fine particle measurement points 18) can be attached (displayed) to any point on the room sample image by using drag and drop. Clicking (tapping) the clear button clears the attached ultrasonic humidifiers 15, light scattering airborne particle counters 16, or PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17.

[0073] The age-of-air measurement system 10 (age-of-air measurement method) utilizes a touch panel, keyboard, and mouse to freely attach (freely display) a plurality of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 (tracer particle generation points) at any desired locations (diffusion points) of the room sample image of the ventilation system room 11 shown in Figure 1 or the circulation system room 11 shown in Figure 5, and to freely attach (freely display) a plurality of light scattering airborne particle counters 16 (tracer particle measurement points 18) or a plurality of automatic PM2.5 measurement devices 17 (tracer particle measurement points 18) at any desired locations of the room sample image of the ventilation system room 11 shown in Figure 1 or the circulation system room 20 shown in Figure 5.

[0074] When the Confirm Placement button is clicked (tapped) on the point setting screen, the computer outputs (displays) a numerical input screen (not shown) on the display or touch panel. The numerical input screen outputs (displays) a number of humidifiers input area for inputting the number of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 to be installed, an emission amount input area for inputting the amount of liquid 12 emitted by the ultrasonic humidifiers 15, a room volume input area for inputting the volume of the room 11, a measurement point input area for inputting the number of light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring devices 17 to be installed, a numerical confirmation button, a clear button, and a cancel button. When the clear button is clicked (tapped), the numerical values ​​input in each input area are cleared.

[0075] An ultrasonic humidifier 15 is attached at any location on the room sample image, and a light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or an automatic PM2.5 measuring device 17 is attached, and the number of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed, the amount of liquid 12 emitted by the ultrasonic humidifier 15, the volume of the room 11, and the number of light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring devices 17 installed are entered in each numerical input area, and the numerical confirmation button is clicked (tapped).The computer will then store on the hard disk the attached ultrasonic humidifier 15 (humidifier identification number), light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring device 17 (measuring device identification number), and the entered numerical values, associated with the room-specific identification number (room-specific identifier) ​​and the input date and time. Furthermore, the computer calculates the diffusion time (set time) required for the liquid 12 released from the ultrasonic humidifier 15 to diffuse throughout the entire room sample image (room 11), and stores the calculated diffusion time (set time) on the hard disk in association with the room-specific identification number (room-specific identifier) ​​and the calculation date and time.

[0076] After storing the attached ultrasonic humidifier 15 (humidifier identification number), the attached light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 (measurement device identification number), their numerical values, and the diffusion time (set time), the computer outputs (displays) the calculated diffusion time (set time), a measurement start button, a cancel button, and a clear button on the display or touch panel. When the measurement start button output to the display or touch panel is clicked (tapped), the computer measures the age of air at each measurement point 18 in room 11 in Figure 1 and starts measuring the ventilation rate of room 11 in Figure 1.

[0077] The computer transmits a start signal (measurement signal) to the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17. The control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 that receives the start signal (measurement signal) starts the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16, or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 that receives the start signal (measurement signal) starts the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17. Here, measurement of the number data (numerical data) of tracer particles in the room 11 in Figure 1 is started, and the number of tracer particles before diffusion (background number) or the concentration before diffusion (background concentration) is measured. The computer receives the measured and transmitted measurement values.

[0078] It then sends a stop signal to the control unit of room 11, and sends a start signal to the control units of those ultrasonic humidifiers 15 (ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed in the actual room). The control unit of the room that receives the stop signal stops the supply air fan, exhaust fan, and air conditioner. When the supply air fan, exhaust fan, and air conditioner stop, the supply air fan stops supplying (inflowing) outside air into room 11, the exhaust fan stops exhausting (outflowing) air from inside room 11 to the outside, the ventilation operation stops, and the flow of air inside room 11 stops.

[0079] The control unit of the ultrasonic humidifier 15 that receives the start-up signal starts the ultrasonic humidifier 15. The ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic humidifier 15 generates ultrasonic waves (vibrations), and the vibrations cause minute liquid particles 12 containing tracer particles to be continuously released from the ultrasonic humidifier 15. As shown in FIG. 2, the minute liquid particles 12 containing tracer particles are gradually diffused in the air of the room 11 (space) by the action of air currents created by multiple stirring fans (not shown) (diffusion means (diffusion process)).

[0080] When the number data or concentration of tracer particles measured after the release of the minute liquid 12 from the ultrasonic humidifiers 15 becomes uniform around the target concentration at each tracer particle measurement point (diffusion time), the computer sends a stop signal to the control unit of the ultrasonic humidifiers 15 and also sends a stop signal to the multiple stirring fans. Furthermore, it sends a start signal to the control unit of the room 11.

[0081] The control unit of the ultrasonic humidifier 15 that receives the stop signal stops the ultrasonic humidifier 15. In addition, the stirring fans are stopped. Immediately after the ultrasonic humidifier 15 stops and the number data or concentration of the tracer particles becomes uniform at each tracer particle measurement point, the minute liquid 12 containing the tracer particles is diffused evenly throughout almost the entire interior of the chamber 11 in FIG. 1, and the minute liquid 12 containing the tracer particles fills almost the entire interior of the chamber 11.

[0082] The room control unit that receives the start signal starts the supply air fan, exhaust fan, and air conditioner. When the supply air fan, exhaust fan, and air conditioner start, the supply air fan supplies conditioned air (outside air) to room 11, and the exhaust fan exhausts the air that has passed through room 11 to the outside, and ventilation operation is performed again. The light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or the automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17 sends tracer particle number data (numerical data) or weight concentration data (numerical data) to the computer, and the computer determines the start timing of the particle measurement process related to the age of air when the change in the increase in the numerical data over time becomes sufficiently close to 0 as a trigger.

[0083] The light scattering airborne particle counters 16 measure the number data (numerical data) of the tracer particles diffused in the chamber 11 in Fig. 1 immediately after the start of the particle measurement process as data for calculating the age of the air (particle measurement means (particle measurement process)). Alternatively, the PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17 that have received the measurement signal measure the weight concentration data (numerical data) of the tracer particles diffused in the chamber 11 in Fig. 1 immediately after the start of the particle measurement process as data for calculating the age of the air (particle measurement means (particle measurement process)).

[0084] The control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 outputs the number data (numerical data) of tracer particles inside the room 11 (space) of FIG. 1 measured by the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 as "number / m 3 " to the computer. Alternatively, the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 transmits the weight concentration data (numerical data) "μg / m 3 " to the computer.

[0085] The computer stores on the hard disk the tracer particle number data (numerical data) transmitted from the control units of those light scattering airborne particle counters 16 in association with the measuring device identification number and room identification number of each light scattering airborne particle counter 16 and the measurement date and time. Alternatively, the computer stores on the hard disk the tracer particle weight concentration data (numerical data) transmitted from the control units of those PM2.5 automatic measuring devices 17 in association with the measuring device identification number and room identification number of each PM2.5 automatic measuring device 17 and the measurement date and time.

[0086] The ventilation operation is resumed by starting the air conditioner, the intake fan, and the exhaust fan, and the air conditioned by the air conditioner (outside air) is supplied to the inside of the room 11 by the intake fan (air supply means), and the air inside the room 11 is exhausted to the outside by the exhaust fan (exhaust means). As a result, the concentration of the tracer particles inside the room 11 gradually decreases, as shown in FIG. 3. Therefore, the data on the number of tracer particles measured by the light scattering airborne particle counter 16, "number of particles / m 3 " gradually decreases (changes) over time, or the weight concentration of tracer particles "μg / m3" measured by the PM2.5 automatic measuring device 17 3 " gradually decreases (changes) over time.

[0087] When the tracer particle number data inside the ventilation system room 11 (space) of Fig. 1 transmitted from the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 becomes 0 (the tracer particle number data is the same as that of the background), or when the tracer particle weight concentration data (numerical data) inside the ventilation system room 11 (space) of Fig. 1 transmitted from the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 becomes 0 (the tracer particle weight concentration is the same as that of the background), the computer transmits a stop signal (measurement stop signal) to the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17. The control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 that receives the stop signal stops the start (measurement) of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16, or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 that receives the stop signal stops the start (measurement) of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17.

[0088] As shown in Fig. 4, the computer calculates the age of air at each measurement point 18 in the room 11 (space) from the attenuation of the numerical data of the tracer particles over time in the room 11 (space) in Fig. 1 (the change (attenuation) state from the state where the tracer particles are diffused almost throughout the entire room 11 until the number data or weight concentration data of the tracer particles becomes 0) using the above-mentioned formula for calculating the age of air (air age measurement means (air age measurement step)). Furthermore, the computer calculates the ventilation rate in the room 11 from the age of air calculated based on the numerical data measured by the light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or the automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17 installed near the exhaust port 19 of the room 11 in Fig. 1 using the above-mentioned formula for calculating the ventilation rate (ventilation rate measurement means (ventilation rate measurement step)).

[0089] The computer stores on the hard disk the age of air at each measurement point 18 in the room 11 (space) in Fig. 1 calculated by the age of air measurement means (age of air measurement step) in association with the measurement device identification number of each light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or the measurement device identification number of each PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17, the room specific identification number, and the measurement date and time. The computer stores on the hard disk the air change rate of the room 11 in Fig. 1 calculated by the air change rate measurement means (air change rate measurement step) in association with the room specific identification number and the measurement date and time.

[0090] After calculating the age of air and the ventilation rate, the computer outputs (displays) an age of air and ventilation rate output screen (not shown) on a display or touch panel. The age of air and ventilation rate output screen outputs (displays) the age of air at the tracer particle measurement point 18 near each light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 (tracer particle measurement point 18) or each PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 (tracer particle measurement point 18) output (displayed) on the room sample image of the room 11 in Fig. 1, and also outputs (displays) the ventilation rate in the ventilation rate display area.

[0091] By looking at the age of air at each measurement point 18 output (displayed) on the display or touch panel, it is possible to know the locations in room 11 of the ventilation system in Fig. 1 where the ventilation condition is good and the locations in room 11 where the ventilation condition is poor. By looking at the ventilation rate output (displayed) in the ventilation rate display area, it is possible to know the ventilation rate in room 11 of the ventilation system in Fig. 1.

[0092] The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) uses tracer microparticles as a tracer that diffuse with the diffusion of minute liquid 12, so that the age of air in a room 11 (space) can be measured using tracer microparticles that have an affinity with the human body, and the age of air in the room 11 (space) can be reliably and easily measured not only in a room 11 (space) where no people are present, but also in a room 11 (space) where people are present.

[0093] The age of air measurement system 10 diffuses a minute liquid 12 containing tracer particles into a room 11 (space) and measures numerical data of the tracer particles during a predetermined measurement time (the time from when the tracer particles are diffused (filled) into the room 11 (space) and it is determined that the amount of change in the increase in the number data of the tracer particles over time has become sufficiently close to zero until the number data of the tracer particles becomes zero through ventilation, or the time from when the tracer particles are diffused (filled) into the room 11 (space) and it is determined that the amount of change in the increase in the weight concentration of the tracer particles over time has become sufficiently close to zero until the weight concentration (numerical data) becomes zero through ventilation), and calculates the age of air in the room 11 (space) from the change (decay) in the numerical data of the tracer particles in the room 11 (space) over time, so that the age of air in the room 11 (space) can be measured accurately using the tracer particles.

[0094] The age of air measurement system 10 can quickly and evenly diffuse minute liquid 12 containing tracer particles throughout the room 11 (space) by installing multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 (multiple diffusion means) at predetermined positions in the room 11 (space), and can quickly measure the age of air in the room 11 (space) without wasting time. The age of air measurement system 10 can accurately measure the numerical data of the tracer particles in the room 11 (space) by using a light scattering airborne particle counter 16 (particle measurement means) or an automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17 (particle measurement means) to measure numerical data of the tracer particles at multiple locations (measurement points 18) in the room 11 (space) by the light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or the automatic PM2.5 measurement device 17, and can accurately measure the age of air in the room 11 (space).

[0095] Fig. 5 is a top view showing an example of the age of air measurement system 10 in the circulatory system chamber 20 (space), and Fig. 6 is a diagram explaining an example of a procedure for calculating the age of air in the circulatory system chamber 20. Fig. 7 is a diagram explaining the procedure for calculating the age of air, continuing from Fig. 6.

[0096] Room 20 shown in Fig. 5 is a circulating room 11 in which air conditioned by an air conditioner (outside air) is supplied to the interior of room 11 through an air supply duct, after which part of the air inside room 11 is exhausted to the outside through an exhaust duct, and the remaining air excluding the air exhausted to the outside flows through a collection means and is then returned to the interior of room 11 through a return air duct. An air supply fan (air supply means) (not shown) is installed in the air supply duct, an exhaust fan (exhaust means) (not shown) is installed in the exhaust duct, and a return air fan (return air means) (not shown) is installed in the return air duct.

[0097] In the room 20, air (conditioned by an air conditioner) that has passed through the supply air duct is supplied to the room 20 by the supply air fan, a part of the air that has passed through the room 20 is exhausted to the outside by the exhaust fan through the exhaust duct, and the remaining air, excluding the air that has been exhausted to the outside, is returned to the room 20 by the return air fan through the return air duct, performing a circulation operation. The supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner are connected to a control unit (not shown) to form an air conditioning control system. The start / stop and output of the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner are controlled by the control unit. Although not shown, a HEPA filter 21 or filters 21 are used as the collection means. Tracer particles in the air are collected by the collection means (filter), and the air from which the tracer particles have been removed is returned to the room 20.

[0098] In the air conditioning control system that controls the air conditioning of room 20 in Fig. 5, the supply air volume of the supply air fan, the exhaust air volume of the exhaust fan, and the return air volume of the return air fan in room 20 are adjusted by automatic adjustment (feedback control, etc.) using a computer and a room pressure sensor, etc. after the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner are started, under conditions that the supply air volume, delivery air volume, and return air volume are maintained at the designed air volumes at the time of installation of room 20. Also, under conditions that the supply air volume, delivery air volume, and return air volume are maintained at the designed air volumes at the time of installation of room 20, an operator may adjust the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner using a remote control outside room 20 when starting operation.

[0099] The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) in the chamber 20 in Fig. 5 has a diffusion means (diffusion step), a particulate measuring means (particulate measuring step), and an age of air measurement means (age of air measurement step). The diffusion means (diffusion step) diffuses minute liquid 12 containing tracer particulates into a chamber 20 (space) of a predetermined volume by an ultrasonic humidifier 15, similar to the chamber 11 in Fig. 1. Tap water is used as the liquid for the ultrasonic humidifier 15.

[0100] In Fig. 5, multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed inside a room 20 (an actual room). The ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed inside the room 20 at locations on the windward side of the room 20 and at locations where the air age is expected to deteriorate. Although multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed in the room 20 in Fig. 5, there is no particular limit to the number of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed in the room 20, and the number is determined according to the volume of the room 20. Also, only one ultrasonic humidifier 15 may be installed inside the room 20.

[0101] The particulate matter measuring means (particulate matter measuring process) uses an ultrasonic humidifier 15 (diffusion means (diffusion process)) to diffuse minute liquid 12 containing tracer particulates into the interior (space) of the chamber 20, and then measures numerical data of the tracer particulates using a light scattering airborne particle counter 16 (particulate matter measuring device) or a PM2.5 measuring device 17 within a specified measurement time after the ultrasonic humidifier 15 (diffusion means (diffusion process)) is stopped.

[0102] The calculation of the age of air by the age of air measurement means (age of air measurement step) is performed by the computer described above. The computer memory stores the above-mentioned formula for calculating the age of air and formula for calculating the ventilation rate. The age of air measurement means (age of air measurement step) measures the age of air at each measurement point 18 in the room 20 (space) based on numerical data on tracer particles contained in the air inside the room 20 of the circulation system in Fig. 5 measured by the particle measurement means (light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17).

[0103] In the age of air measurement means (age of air measurement process), a computer calculates the age of air at each measurement point 18 in the chamber 20 (space) of the circulatory system in Figure 5 from the attenuation (change) over time of the numerical data of the tracer particles measured by a light scattering airborne particle counter 16 (particle measurement means) or a PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 (particle measurement means).

[0104] As shown in Fig. 5, multiple ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are installed inside a room 20, and multiple light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or multiple PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17 are also installed. The tanks of these ultrasonic humidifiers 15 are supplied with full range tap water.

[0105] In addition, the hard disk of the computer records the volume of the room 20 (space) in FIG. 3 ", and the amount of tracer particles in the minute liquid 12 emitted from one ultrasonic humidifier 15 "m 3 / s", the number of ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed in the room 20 (space) and the humidifier identification numbers, the number of light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring devices 17 installed in the room 20 (space), the measuring device identification numbers of the light scattering airborne particle counters 16 or automatic PM2.5 measuring devices 17, and the set time "t0" until the minute liquid 12 containing the tracer particles is diffused throughout the entire room 20 (space) by the number of installed ultrasonic humidifiers 15.

[0106] After storing the ultrasonic humidifier (humidifier identification number) attached to the room sample image of room 20 in Fig. 5, the light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 (measurement device identification number) attached to the room sample image of room 20, the numerical values ​​entered in each input area, and the calculated diffusion time (set time), the computer outputs (displays) the calculated diffusion time (set time), a measurement start button, a cancel button, and a clear button on the display or touch panel. When the measurement start button output to the display or touch panel is clicked (tapped), the computer measures the age of air at each measurement point 18 in room 20 in Fig. 5 and starts measuring the ventilation rate of room 20 in Fig. 5. The computer transmits a start signal (measurement signal) to the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17. The control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 that receives the start signal (measurement signal) starts the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16, or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 that receives the start signal (measurement signal) starts the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17. Here, measurement of the number data (numerical data) of tracer particles in the room 11 in Figure 1 is started, and the number of tracer particles before diffusion (background number) or the concentration before diffusion (background concentration) is measured. The computer receives the measured and transmitted measurement values.

[0107] Then, a stop signal is sent to the control unit of room 11, and a start signal is sent to the control units of those ultrasonic humidifiers 15 (ultrasonic humidifiers 15 installed in the actual room). The control unit of room 20 that receives the stop signal stops the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner. When the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner are stopped, the supply of outside air to room 20 by the supply air fan stops, the exhaust fan stops exhausting a portion of the air in room 20 to the outside, and further, the return air fan stops returning the remaining air of the air in room 20 to room 20, the circulation operation stops, and the flow of air inside room 20 stops. The ultrasonic vibrator of the ultrasonic humidifier 15 generates ultrasonic waves (vibrations), and the vibrations cause minute liquid particles 12 containing tracer particles to be continuously discharged from the ultrasonic humidifier 15. As shown in Fig. 6, the minute liquid particles 12 containing tracer particles are gradually diffused in the air of the chamber 20 (space) by the action of air currents created by multiple stirring fans (not shown) (diffusion means (diffusion process)).

[0108] When the number data or concentration of tracer particles becomes uniform around the target concentration at each tracer particle measurement point (diffusion time) after the release of the minute liquid 12 from the ultrasonic humidifiers 15 starts, the computer sends a stop signal to the control unit of the ultrasonic humidifiers 15 and also sends a stop signal to the multiple stirring fans. Furthermore, it sends a start signal to the control unit of the room 20.

[0109] The control unit of the ultrasonic humidifier 15 that receives the stop signal stops the ultrasonic humidifier 15. The stirring fans are also stopped. Immediately after the ultrasonic humidifier 15 stops and the number data or concentration of the tracer particles becomes uniform at each tracer particle measurement point, the minute liquid 12 containing the tracer particles is diffused evenly throughout almost the entire interior of the chamber 20 in FIG. 5, and the minute liquid 12 containing the tracer particles fills almost the entire interior of the chamber 20.

[0110] The control unit of room 20 that receives the start-up signal starts the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner. When the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner start up, conditioned air (outside air) is supplied to room 20 by the supply air fan, a portion of the air that has passed through room 20 is exhausted to the outside by the exhaust fan, and the remaining air excluding the air exhausted to the outside is passed through HEPA filter 21 (collection means) or filters 21 (collection means) by the return air fan, and then the circulation operation is resumed in which the air is returned to room 20.

[0111] The light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or the automatic PM2.5 measuring device 17 transmits data on the number of tracer particles (numerical data) or weight concentration data (numerical data) to the computer, and the computer determines that the timing to start the particle measurement process related to the age of air is triggered when the increase in the numerical data over time becomes sufficiently close to zero.

[0112] The light scattering airborne particle counters 16 measure the number data (numerical data) of the tracer particles diffused in the chamber 20 in Fig. 5 immediately after the start of the particle measurement process as data for calculating the age of the air (particle measurement means (particle measurement process)). Alternatively, the PM2.5 automatic measurement devices 17 that have received the measurement signal measure the weight concentration data (numerical data) of the tracer particles diffused in the chamber 20 in Fig. 5 immediately after the start of the particle measurement process as data for calculating the age of the air (particle measurement means (particle measurement process)).

[0113] The control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 outputs the number data (numerical data) of tracer particles inside the room 20 (space) of FIG. 5 measured by the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 as "number / m 3 " to the computer. Alternatively, the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 transmits the weight concentration data (numerical data) "μg / m 3 " to the computer.

[0114] The computer stores on the hard disk the tracer particle number data (numerical data) transmitted from the control units of those light scattering airborne particle counters 16 in association with the measuring device identification number and room identification number of each light scattering airborne particle counter 16 and the measurement date and time. Alternatively, the computer stores on the hard disk the tracer particle weight concentration data (numerical data) transmitted from the control units of those PM2.5 automatic measuring devices 17 in association with the measuring device identification number and room identification number of each PM2.5 automatic measuring device 17 and the measurement date and time.

[0115] Circulation operation is resumed by starting the supply air fan, exhaust fan, return air fan, and air conditioner, and the air conditioned by the air conditioner (outside air) is supplied to the inside of room 20 by the supply air fan (air supply means), part of the air in the room is exhausted to the outside by the exhaust fan (exhaust means), and the remaining air excluding the part of the air exhausted to the outside flows through HEPA filter 21 or filters 21 and is then returned to room 20, and the tracer particles contained in the remaining air are captured by HEPA filter 21 or filters 21, so that the concentration of tracer particles in room 20 gradually decreases as shown in FIG. 7. Therefore, the data on the number of tracer particles "particles / m" measured by light scattering airborne particle counter 16 is 3 " gradually decreases (changes) over time, or the weight concentration of tracer particles "μg / m3" measured by the PM2.5 automatic measuring device 17 3 " gradually decreases (changes) over time.

[0116] When the tracer particle number data in the chamber 20 (space) of the circulation system in Fig. 5 transmitted from the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 becomes 0 (the tracer particle number data is the same as that of the background), or when the tracer particle weight concentration data (numerical data) in the chamber 20 (space) of the circulation system in Fig. 5 transmitted from the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 becomes 0 (the tracer particle weight concentration is the same as that of the background), the computer transmits a stop signal (measurement stop signal) to the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17. The control unit of the control unit of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 that receives the stop signal stops the start (measurement) of the light scattering type airborne particle counter 16, or the control unit of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 that receives the stop signal stops the start (measurement) of the PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17.

[0117] The computer calculates the age of air in the room 20 (space) using the above-mentioned formula for calculating the age of air from the decay of the numerical data of the tracer particles over time in the room 20 (space) in Fig. 5 (the change (decay) state from the state where the tracer particles are diffused almost throughout the entire room 20 until the number data or weight concentration data of the tracer particles becomes 0) (air age measuring means (air age measuring step)) (refer to Fig. 4). Furthermore, the computer calculates the ventilation rate in the room 20 using the above-mentioned formula for calculating the ventilation rate from the age of air calculated based on the numerical data measured by the light scattering airborne particle counter 16 or the automatic PM2.5 measuring device 17 installed in the vicinity 22 upstream of the HEPA filter 21 (collection means) or filters 21 (collection means) in the room 20 in Fig. 5 (ventilation rate measuring means (ventilation rate measuring step)).

[0118] The computer stores on the hard disk the age of air at each measurement point 18 in room 20 (space) in Fig. 5 calculated by the age of air measurement means (age of air measurement step) in association with the measurement device identification number of each light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 or the measurement device identification number of each PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17, the room specific identification number, and the measurement date and time. The computer stores on the hard disk the air change rate of room 20 in Fig. 5 calculated by the air change rate measurement means (air change rate measurement step) in association with the room specific identification number and the measurement date and time.

[0119] After calculating the age of air and the ventilation rate, the computer outputs (displays) an age of air and ventilation rate output screen (not shown) on a display or touch panel. The age of air and ventilation rate output screen outputs (displays) the age of air at the tracer particle measurement point near each light scattering type airborne particle counter 16 (tracer particle measurement point 18) or each PM2.5 automatic measurement device 17 (tracer particle measurement point 18) output (displayed) on the room sample image of room 20 in Fig. 5, and also outputs (displays) the ventilation rate in the ventilation rate display area.

[0120] By looking at the age of air at each measurement point 18 output (displayed) on the display or touch panel, it is possible to know the locations where the ventilation condition is good and the locations where the ventilation condition is poor in room 20 of the circulatory system in Fig. 5. By looking at the ventilation rate output (displayed) in the ventilation rate display area, it is possible to know the ventilation rate in room 20 of the circulatory system in Fig. 5. In this embodiment, the concentration decay method (step-down method) will be described as an example of the age-of-air measurement method, but the present invention can be implemented with any existing age-of-air measurement method, and can be applied to, for example, the step-up method and the pulse method.

[0121] The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) in the room 20 in Fig. 5 has the following effects in addition to the effects of the age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) in the room 11 in Fig. 1. The age of air measurement system 10 (age of air measurement method) in the room 20 in Fig. 5 can set the value of the number data or concentration data of the tracer particles to 0 by removing the tracer particles with a HEPA filter 21 (collection means) or filters 21 (collection means), and can prevent an increase in the concentration of the tracer particles in the room 20 (space) to which the air has been returned by returning the air from which the tracer particles have been removed to the room 20 (space). This not only makes it possible to measure the age of air in the room 11 (space) of a ventilation system equipped with an air supply and exhaust means, but also makes it possible to measure the age of air in the room 20 (space) of a circulation system by using the tracer particles that diffuse with the diffusion of the minute liquid 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0122] 10 Age of Air Measurement System 11 Ventilation room 12 Liquid (water droplets) 13 Air supply duct 14 Exhaust duct 15 Ultrasonic humidifier (diffusion means) 16 Light scattering airborne particle counter (particle measuring device) 17 PM2.5 measuring device 18 Measurement points 19 Near the exhaust port 20 Circulatory System Room 21 HEPA filter (collection means) or filters (collection means) 22 Near the upstream side

Claims

1. In an age of air measurement system for measuring the age of air in a specified space by using a tracer, The tracer is a tracer microparticle that diffuses with the diffusion of a small amount of liquid, the age of air measurement system comprises: diffusion means for diffusing the minute liquid containing the tracer particles into the space; particle measuring means having a measurement range including the particle diameter of the tracer particles and measuring, during a predetermined measurement time, numerical data of the tracer particles diffused into the space by the diffusion means in association with the diffusion of the minute liquid; and age of air measurement means for calculating the age of air in the space based on the numerical data relating to the tracer particles measured by the particle measuring means; The age of air measuring system, characterized in that the age of air measuring means calculates the age of air in the space from changes in numerical data of tracer particles in the space over time.

2. 2. The age of air measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising a collection means for collecting the tracer particles contained in the air of the space, wherein the tracer particles contained in the air after the particle measuring means has measured the numerical data of the tracer particles are removed by the collection means, and the air from which the tracer particles have been removed is returned to the space.

3. 2. The age of air measuring system according to claim 1, wherein the diffusion means is a humidifier that diffuses the minute liquid into the space.

4. 4. The age of air measuring system according to claim 3, wherein the humidifier is an ultrasonic humidifier that creates the minute liquid by generating ultrasonic waves using an ultrasonic vibrator.

5. 5. The age of air measuring system according to claim 4, wherein the particulate matter measuring means is a particulate matter measuring means using a light scattering method.

6. 6. The age of air measuring system according to claim 5, wherein the particulate matter measuring means is a particle counter that measures the number of the tracer particulate matter suspended in the space.

7. 6. The age of air measuring system according to claim 5, wherein the particulate matter measuring means is a PM2.5 measuring device that measures fine particulate matter suspended in the space.

8. 8. The age of air measuring system according to claim 5, wherein the minute liquid in which the tracer particles are diffused is made from tap water.

9. 8. The age of air measuring system according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of the diffusion means are installed at predetermined positions in the space, and the particle measuring means measures numerical data of the tracer particles at a plurality of positions in the space.

10. A method for measuring the age of air in a given space by using a tracer, comprising: In the method for measuring the age of air, tracer particles that diffuse with the diffusion of minute liquid are used as the tracer, the age of air measuring method comprising: a diffusion step of diffusing the minute liquid containing the tracer particles into the space; a particle measuring step having a measurement range including the particle diameter of the tracer particles and measuring, during a predetermined measurement time, numerical data of the tracer particles diffused into the space as a result of the diffusion of the minute liquid by the diffusion step; and an air age measuring step of calculating the age of air in the space from a change in the numerical data of the tracer particles measured by the particle measuring step over time.

11. 11. The age of air measuring method according to claim 10, further comprising a collecting step of collecting the tracer particles contained in the air in the space, the tracer particles contained in the air after the particle measuring means has measured the numerical data of the tracer particles are removed in the collecting step, and the air from which the tracer particles have been removed is returned to the space.

12. 11. The age of air measuring method according to claim 10, wherein the diffusion step uses an ultrasonic humidifier that generates ultrasonic waves by an ultrasonic vibrator to create the minute liquid.

13. The age of air measuring method according to claim 12, wherein the particulate matter measuring step uses a particle counter that acquires data on the number of the tracer particulate matter by a light scattering method.

14. The age of air measuring method according to claim 12, wherein the particulate matter measuring step uses a PM2.5 measuring device that measures fine particulate matter suspended in the space.

15. 15. The method for measuring the age of air according to claim 13, wherein in the diffusing step, the minute liquid for diffusing the tracer fine particles is made from tap water.

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