Air-conditioning system for building

Abstract

To provide an air-conditioning system for a building which can enhance air-volume control capability of a fan.SOLUTION: The present invention is directed to an air-conditioning system 1 for a building 2. The air-conditioning system 1 has an air conditioner 11, an air duct 12 for conveying air-conditioned air Ac generated by the air conditioner 11 to a living room 7, a fan 13 for blowing the air-conditioned air Ac to the living room 7 through the duct 12, and a control device 15 for controlling an operation of the fan 13. The control device 15 has a fan operating part for operating the fan 13 based on any one of the plurality of notches. The fan operating part has a first notch operating part for changing the rotation number of the fan 13 to, based on any one of a plurality of set air flow amounts, to control the air flow of the fan 13, and a second notch operating part for set the rotation number constant to control the air flow amount to be smaller as compared with the minimum value of the set air flow amount set by the first notch operating part and to, based on the any one of the plurality of set rotation numbers, control the rotation number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes an air conditioning system for a building. This air conditioning system includes an air conditioner, a chamber having an inlet and multiple outlets, and a fan for supplying conditioned air that has been heat exchanged by the air conditioner to the inlet of the chamber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-165606 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In order to perform efficient air conditioning in the above air conditioning system, it is important to adjust the air volume of the fan based on, for example, the temperature difference between the current temperature in the room and the target temperature. In general, the air volume is adjusted by changing the rotation speed of the fan. For example, increasing the rotation speed increases the air volume, and decreasing the rotation speed decreases the air volume. However, in the range of low rotation speeds, pulsation or the like occurs in the fan, and the air volume tends to be unstable. Therefore, there is room for further improvement in the controllability of the air volume of the fan.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and has as its main object to provide an air conditioning system for a building that is capable of improving controllability of the air volume of a fan. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an air conditioning system for conditioning at least one room in a building, comprising an air conditioner, at least one duct for transporting conditioned air generated by the air conditioner to the room, at least one fan for pressurizing the conditioned air to the room through the duct, and a control device for controlling operation of the fan, wherein the control device includes a fan operation unit that operates the fan based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches, and the fan operation unit includes a first notch operation unit that controls the airflow of the fan based on any one of a plurality of predetermined set airflows by changing the rotation speed of the fan, and a second notch operation unit that keeps the rotation speed constant to control an airflow that is smaller than the minimum value of the set airflow set by the first notch operation unit, and controls the rotation speed based on any one of a plurality of predetermined set rotation speeds. Effect of the Invention

[0007] By employing the above-described configuration, the building air conditioning system of the present invention can improve the controllability of the fan air volume. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a building in which a building air conditioning system is installed. [Diagram 2] 4 is a graph showing a PQ curve of a fan and a resistance curve of a duct in a first notch operation mode. [Diagram 3] 11 is a graph showing a PQ curve of a fan and a resistance curve of a duct in a second notch operation mode. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a fan operation unit. [Figure 6] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a building air conditioning method. [Figure 7]11 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the temperature difference ΔT between a room temperature and a target temperature and the score S associated with the temperature difference ΔT. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the average values ​​of the scores S (the average values ​​of the first floor and the second floor) and the supply amounts of conditioned air Ac required for the rooms on the first floor and the rooms on the second floor. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a fan operation step. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a first fan operating step. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a second notch operation step. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a weak notch operating step. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

[0011] The building 2 of this embodiment is configured to include an underfloor space 3 and an above-floor space 4.

[0012] The underfloor space 3 in this embodiment is a space surrounded by the foundation, the ground, and the first floor floor 5. An opening 6 is provided in the foundation for taking in outside air Ao. The outside air Ao taken in from the opening 6 is heat exchanged through the ground with underground heat, which has little temperature change throughout the year. This allows the underfloor space 3 to store air Au (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "underfloor air") that is cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than the outside air Ao.

[0013] The above-floor space 4 is a space provided above the under-floor space 3 (floor 5). In this embodiment, the above-floor space 4 is provided with a room 7. The room 7 in this embodiment includes a first room 7a, a second room 7b, a third room 7c, and a fourth room 7d. Of these first room 7a to fourth room 7d, the first room 7a and the second room 7b are provided on the first floor of the building 2, and the third room 7c and the fourth room 7d are provided on the second floor of the building 2. However, the room 7 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the room 7 may be composed of only one room 7, or may further include other rooms (not shown) different from the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d.

[0014] [Air conditioning system] The air conditioning system 1 is for conditioning at least one room 7 provided in a building 2. The air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment is configured as a central air conditioning system for conditioning a plurality of rooms 7 (all of the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d). Note that the air conditioning system 1 is not limited to being configured as a central air conditioning system, and may be, for example, a system for conditioning only a specific room 7.

[0015] The air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment includes an air conditioner 11, at least one duct 12, at least one fan 13, and a control device 15. In this specification, the "fan" is not particularly limited as long as it is a machine for compressing and sending air. The air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment also includes a room temperature sensor 14, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0016] [Air conditioner] The air conditioner 11 of this embodiment is configured as, for example, a typical household split-type air conditioner. The air conditioner 11 therefore includes an indoor unit 16 and an outdoor unit (not shown).

[0017] The indoor unit 16 has an intake port 16a and an outlet port 16b. The intake port 16a is for taking in air (in this example, a mixture of circulated air Ai and outside air Ao (underfloor air Au)) into a heat exchanger (not shown) provided inside the indoor unit 16. On the other hand, the outlet port 16b is for discharging air (conditioned air) Ac generated by the heat exchanger (not shown). In this embodiment, the set temperature and the like of the air conditioner 11 can be controlled by the control device 15.

[0018] The indoor unit 16 is provided with an indoor unit fan 16c. The indoor unit fan 16c is for sucking in air to be conditioned from an inlet 16a and discharging conditioned air Ac from an outlet 16b. In this embodiment, the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c is controlled in multiple stages, but it may also be controlled at one air volume (single notch).

[0019] The indoor unit 16 of this embodiment is housed inside a chamber box 17. The chamber box 17 is provided in a non-occupied room (hall) 8, for example, but is not limited to this embodiment.

[0020] The chamber box 17 is formed in a box shape having a space therein. The chamber box 17 of this embodiment is provided with an air supply port (not shown) and an outside air intake port (not shown).

[0021] The air supply port (not shown) is for supplying air Ai that has been circulated through the multiple rooms 7 to the inside of the chamber box 17. The outside air intake port (not shown) is for supplying outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) to the inside of the chamber box 17. In this embodiment, the outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) is taken into the chamber box 17 from, for example, the underfloor space 3 via the outside air supply duct 18, the outside air supply fan 19, and the outside air intake port. The outside air Ao may also be taken in directly from outdoors. The air volume of the outside air supply fan 19 is set appropriately based on, for example, the number of ventilation cycles required for the building 2.

[0022] [duct] The duct 12 in this embodiment is for transporting the conditioned air Ac generated by the air conditioner 11 to the living room 7. When multiple living rooms 7 are conditioned as in this embodiment, multiple ducts 12 are provided connected to each of the living rooms 7. The ducts 12 in this embodiment include a first duct 12a and a second duct 12b.

[0023] The first duct 12a in this embodiment is for transporting the conditioned air Ac to the rooms 7 (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) on the first floor. One end of the first duct 12a is connected to the air conditioner 11 side (in this example, the air outlet 16b side in the chamber box 17). Furthermore, the first duct 12a branches between one end and the other end, and the other end is connected to each of the first room 7a and the second room 7b. Such a first duct 12a provides communication between the air conditioner 11 (chamber box 17) and the first room 7a and the second room 7b, and the conditioned air Ac can be transported to each of the first room 7a and the second room 7b.

[0024] The second duct 12b in this embodiment is for transporting the conditioned air Ac to the rooms 7 on the second floor (the third room 7c and the fourth room 7d). One end of the second duct 12b is connected to the air conditioner 11 side (in this example, the air outlet 16b side in the chamber box 17). Furthermore, the second duct 12b branches between one end and the other end, and the other end is connected to each of the third room 7c and the fourth room 7d. Such a second duct 12b provides communication between the air conditioner 11 (chamber box 17) and the third room 7c and the fourth room 7d, and the conditioned air Ac can be transported to each of the third room 7c and the fourth room 7d.

[0025] A damper 20 may be provided at the other end of the first duct 12a and the other end of the second duct 12b. The damper 20 is for adjusting the volume of the conditioned air Ac according to the size of its opening (opening area). With such dampers 20, the volume of the conditioned air Ac can be independently adjusted in each of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d).

[0026] The duct 12 in this embodiment is composed of the first duct 12a and the second duct 12b, but is not limited to this. For example, if a room 7 (not shown) is provided on the third floor or higher, a duct 12 (not shown) communicating with the room 7 may be further added.

[0027] [fan] The fan 13 is for pressurizing and sending the conditioned air Ac to the living room 7 through the duct 12. The fan 13 in this embodiment is housed in a chamber box 17, but is not particularly limited thereto. The fan 13 preferably has a power and size that are assumed to be capable of controlling the temperature of the living room 7. This allows the conditioned air Ac to be efficiently pressurized and sent to the living room 7, improving the temperature controllability and comfort of the living room 7.

[0028] 1, this embodiment includes a plurality of fans 13 for pressurizing and sending conditioned air Ac to a plurality of rooms 7 through a plurality of ducts 12 (a first duct 12a and a second duct 12b). The fans 13 in this embodiment include a first fan 13a and a second fan 13b.

[0029] The first fan 13a in this embodiment is for pressure-transmitting the conditioned air Ac to the rooms 7 on the first floor (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) through the first duct 12a. The second fan 13b in this embodiment is for pressure-transmitting the conditioned air Ac to the rooms 7 on the second floor (the third room 7c and the fourth room 7d) through the second duct 12b.

[0030] Although the fan 13 in this embodiment is composed of the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if another duct (not shown) is provided in addition to the first duct 12a and the second duct 12b, a fan (not shown) may be further added to pressure-feed the conditioned air Ac to the room 7 through that duct.

[0031] A known fan is used for the fans 13 (first fan 13a and second fan 13b) in this embodiment. A DC brushless fan may be used for the fans 13 in this embodiment. The maximum rotation speed of the fans 13 is determined in advance. The maximum rotation speed is set appropriately depending on, for example, the supply amount of conditioned air Ac required for air conditioning the living room 7, and may be set to, for example, 1200 to 2500 rotations per minute.

[0032] The fan 13 of the present embodiment can be operated based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches. The control device 15 switches between these notches.

[0033] The multiple notches can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the temperature controllability required for each room 7. The multiple notches in this embodiment include a strong notch, a medium notch, a weak notch, a second very weak notch, a first very weak notch, and a very weak notch. Of these notches, the strong notch allows the conditioned air Ac to be compressed at the largest air volume, and the very weak notch allows the conditioned air Ac to be compressed at the smallest air volume. Note that the notches are not limited to this embodiment, and some of these notches may be omitted, or other notches may be included.

[0034] The switching between the multiple notches (airflow rates) is performed by controlling the rotation speed of fan 13. In general, in a range where the rotation speed of fan 13 is high, the rotation of fan 13 is stable even if the rotation speed of fan 13 is changed according to the pressure loss of duct 12 so as to maintain a constant airflow rate, for example. Therefore, fan 13 can be operated as a constant airflow fan capable of compressing and blowing conditioned air Ac at a constant airflow rate (first notch operation mode). In this embodiment, the range where the rotation speed of fan 13 is high is specified as a range between 50% and 100% of the maximum rotation speed of fan 13.

[0035] On the other hand, in a range where the rotation speed of the fan 13 is low, for example, if the rotation speed of the fan 13 is changed according to the pressure loss of the duct 12 so as to maintain a constant air volume, pulsation or the like occurs in the fan 13, and the air volume tends to become unstable. In this case, since it is difficult to operate the fan 13 as a constant air volume fan, it is preferable to operate the fan 13 with the rotation speed of the fan 13 constant (second notch operation mode). This makes it possible to suppress pulsation or the like of the fan 13. In this embodiment, the range where the rotation speed of the fan 13 is low is specified as a range that is less than 50% of the maximum rotation speed of the fan 13.

[0036] [First notch driving mode] The first notch operation mode of this embodiment is an operation method in which the rotation speed of the fan 13 is changed to control the air volume of the fan 13 based on one of a plurality of preset air volumes. In this first notch operation mode, the operation of the fan 13 is controlled so that the rotation speed of the fan 13 is 50% or more and 100% or less of the maximum rotation speed of the fan 13. In addition, in the first notch operation mode of this embodiment, among the plurality of notches, the rotation speed of the fan 13 can be switched to a strong notch, a medium notch, and a weak notch, which are relatively high. A predetermined set air volume is set for these strong notch, medium notch, and weak notch.

[0037] 2 is a graph showing the PQ curve of the fan 13 and the resistance curve of the duct 12 in the first notch operation mode. In the graph of FIG. 2, the vertical axis represents the static pressure P (Pa), and the horizontal axis represents the air volume Q (m 3 / h).

[0038] The set airflow rates of the strong notch, the medium notch, and the weak notch can be appropriately set according to, for example, the temperature controllability required for each room 7. The set airflow rate N1 of the strong notch is, for example, 800 m 3 / h. The set air volume N2 for the middle notch is, for example, 640 m 3 / h. The weak notch setting air volume N3 is, for example, 480 m 3 When these set air volumes N1 to N3 are arranged in ascending order, the air volume D between the set air volumes is constant (160 m 3 / h), but this is not particularly limited and does not have to be constant.

[0039] The resistance curve of the duct 12 includes a first resistance curve R1 and a second resistance curve R2. The first resistance curve R1 has a smaller pressure loss in the duct 12 than the second resistance curve R2. Such variations in pressure loss occur due to, for example, the degree of dirt on a filter (not shown) or the construction state of the duct 12 (for example, the length, the number of bends, etc.). It is preferable that the first resistance curve R1 and the second resistance curve R2 are obtained, for example, taking into consideration the pressure loss that can be expected in the duct 12. The resistance curves can be obtained as appropriate based on conventional procedures.

[0040] The PQ curve of the fan 13 includes a first P-Q curve C1 which is the PQ curve of the fan 13 operating at the maximum rotation speed. This first P-Q curve C1 is determined in advance based on the specifications of the fan 13.

[0041] In the first P-Q curve C1, the air volume Q decreases as the static pressure P (pressure loss) increases. The first P-Q curve C1 and the first resistance curve R1 intersect at a first air volume F1 that is larger than the set air volume N1 of the strong notch. In the duct 12 having the pressure loss indicated by the first resistance curve R1, when the fan 13 is operated at the maximum rotation speed, the conditioned air Ac can be compressed and delivered at the first air volume F1 that is larger than the set air volume N1 of the strong notch. In this case, in the first notch operation mode, the rotation speed of the fan 13 is changed at a rotation speed smaller than the maximum rotation speed, so that the fan 13 can be operated at any one of the set air volume N1 of the strong notch, the set air volume N2 of the medium notch, and the set air volume N3 of the weak notch.

[0042] The first P-Q curve C1 and the second resistance curve R2 intersect at a second airflow rate F2 between the strong notch set airflow rate N1 and the medium notch set airflow rate N2. When the fan 13 is operated at the maximum rotation speed in the duct 12 having the pressure loss indicated by the second resistance curve R2, the conditioned air Ac can be pressurized and delivered at the second airflow rate F2 smaller than the strong notch set airflow rate N1. In this case, in the first notch operation mode, the rotation speed of the fan 13 is changed at a rotation speed smaller than the maximum rotation speed, so that the fan 13 can be operated at either the medium notch set airflow rate N2 or the weak notch set airflow rate N3.

[0043] In this way, in the first notch operation mode, the air volume of the fan 13 can be controlled based on one of a plurality of preset air volumes (strong notch set air volume N1, medium notch set air volume N2, weak notch set air volume N3) by changing the rotation speed of the fan 13. However, like the duct 12 having the pressure loss indicated by the second resistance curve R2, depending on the magnitude of the pressure loss, there are cases where the air volume of the fan 13 cannot be controlled at the predetermined set air volume (for example, strong notch set air volume N1).

[0044] [Second notch driving mode] The second notch operation mode is different from the first notch operation mode in that the rotation speed of the fan 13 is constant. In this second notch operation mode, the operation of the fan 13 is controlled so that the rotation speed of the fan 13 is less than 50% of the maximum rotation speed of the fan 13. In addition, in this second notch operation mode, the rotation speed of the fan 13 is controlled to an air volume smaller than the minimum value of the set air volume set in the first notch operation mode, and is controlled based on any one of a plurality of predetermined set rotation speeds. In this embodiment, the minimum value of the set air volume set in the first notch operation mode is the weak notch set air volume N3 (480 m 3 / h).

[0045] 3 is a graph showing the PQ curve of the fan 13 and the resistance curve of the duct 12 in the second notch operation mode. In the graph of FIG. 3, the vertical axis represents the static pressure P (Pa), and the horizontal axis represents the air volume Q (m3 / h).

[0046] In the second notch operation mode, the rotation speed of the fan 13 is kept constant, thereby suppressing pulsation of the fan 13 that tends to occur at an air volume smaller than the minimum set air volume (weak notch set air volume N3) set in the first notch operation mode. Therefore, in the second notch operation mode, it is possible to stabilize the air volume of the fan 13.

[0047] In the second notch operation mode, the rotation speed of fan 13 is constant, and therefore the air volume of fan 13 is determined based on the magnitude of pressure loss in duct 12. As described above, the pressure loss in duct 12 tends to vary depending on the degree of dirt in a filter (not shown) and the construction state of duct 12 (e.g., length, number of bends, etc.). Therefore, in the second notch operation mode, unlike the first notch operation mode, fan 13 cannot be operated as a constant air volume fan capable of compressing and blowing conditioned air Ac at a constant air volume.

[0048] The second notch operation mode of the present embodiment includes, among the multiple notches, a second weak notch, a first weak notch, and a fine notch that can pressurize and deliver the conditioned air Ac at an air volume smaller than the minimum set air volume (weak notch set air volume N3) set in the first notch operation mode. The second weak notch, the first weak notch, and the fine notch have a constant rotation speed of the fan 13 and are set to a predetermined set rotation speed.

[0049] Of the second weak notch, the first weak notch, and the fine notch, the set rotation speed of the fine notch is set to the smallest. The set rotation speed of the fine notch is set to, for example, 300 rotations per minute. The first weak notch is set to a higher set rotation speed than the fine notch. The set rotation speed of the first weak notch is set to, for example, 600 rotations per minute. The second weak notch is set to a higher set rotation speed than the first weak notch. The set rotation speed of the second weak notch is set to, for example, 700 rotations per minute.

[0050] In the second notch operation mode of this embodiment, the above-mentioned set rotation speed can be switched to any one of the second weak notch, the first weak notch, and the fine notch, making it possible to supply conditioned air Ac at different air volumes under constant pressure loss conditions.

[0051] 3, the PQ curve of fan 13 includes a second P-Q curve C2, a third P-Q curve C3, and a fourth P-Q curve C4. Similar to the first P-Q curve C1, the second P-Q curve C2 to the fourth P-Q curve C4 have a smaller air volume Q as the static pressure P (pressure loss) increases.

[0052] The second P-Q curve C2 is the PQ curve of the fan 13 operating at the second weak notch. The third P-Q curve C3 is the PQ curve of the fan 13 operating at the first weak notch. The fourth P-Q curve C4 is the PQ curve of the fan 13 operating at the fine notch.

[0053] As described above, in the second notch operation mode, the rotational speed of the fan 13 is constant, so that the air volume of the fan 13 is determined by the pressure loss of the duct 12. For example, in the duct 12 having the pressure loss indicated by the first resistance curve R1, the air volume of the fan 13 at the second weak notch is the third air volume F3 at which the second P-Q curve C2 and the first resistance curve R1 intersect. This third air volume F3 is close to the minimum value of the set air volume set in the first notch operation mode (the set air volume N3 of the weak notch). On the other hand, in the duct 12 having the pressure loss indicated by the second resistance curve R2, the air volume of the fan 13 at the second weak notch is the fifth air volume F5 at which the second P-Q curve C2 and the second resistance curve R2 intersect. This fifth air volume F5 is different from the third air volume F3 and deviates from the set air volume N3 of the weak notch.

[0054] In duct 12 having a pressure loss indicated by first resistance curve R1, the airflow of fan 13 at the first weak notch is a fourth airflow F4 where the third P-Q curve C3 and the first resistance curve R1 intersect. Meanwhile, in duct 12 having a pressure loss indicated by second resistance curve R2, the airflow of fan 13 at the first weak notch is a sixth airflow F6 where the third P-Q curve C3 and the second resistance curve R2 intersect.

[0055] In duct 12 having a pressure loss indicated by the first resistance curve R1, the airflow rate of fan 13 at the fine notch is a seventh airflow rate F7 where the fourth P-Q curve C4 and the first resistance curve R1 intersect. Meanwhile, in duct 12 having a pressure loss indicated by the second resistance curve R2, the airflow rate of fan 13 at the fine notch is an eighth airflow rate F8 where the fourth P-Q curve C4 and the second resistance curve R2 intersect.

[0056] Thus, in the second notch operation mode, variations in the air volume of the fan 13 occur due to variations in the pressure loss (first resistance curve R1 or second resistance curve R2) in the duct 12. Such variations in the air volume of the fan 13 tend to be small at the fine notch where the set rotation speed is small, and tend to be large at the first weak notch and second weak notch where the set rotation speed of the fan 13 is large.

[0057] In the second notch operation mode, if only a single notch (for example, the second weak notch) is set, the air volume controllability of the fan 13 is reduced. In particular, if the air volume of the second weak notch (third air volume F3) is close to the minimum set air volume set in the first notch operation mode (set air volume N3 of the weak notch), the air volume of the fan 13 does not decrease sufficiently even when the weak notch is switched to the second weak notch. This reduces the air volume controllability of the fan 13.

[0058] In the second notch operation mode of the present embodiment, the controllability of the air volume of the fan 13 is improved by switching to any one of the fine notch, the first weak notch, and the second weak notch. For example, in the duct 12 having the pressure loss indicated by the first resistance curve R1, the air volume of the fan 13 at the second weak notch (third air volume F3) is close to the minimum value of the set air volume set in the first notch operation mode (in this example, the set air volume N3 of the weak notch). In such a case, even if the weak notch is switched to the second weak notch, the air volume of the fan 13 cannot be sufficiently reduced because the difference in the air volumes (i.e., the value obtained by subtracting the third air volume F3 from the set air volume N3) is small. In this case, by switching from the second weak notch to the first weak notch, the air volume of the fan 13 can be reduced from the air volume at the second weak notch (third air volume F3) to the air volume at the first weak notch (fourth air volume F4). This allows the air volume of fan 13 to be sufficiently reduced from the weak notch, improving the controllability of the air volume of fan 13. In addition, by switching from the first weak notch to the fine notch, the air volume of fan 13 can be further reduced.

[0059] Furthermore, by switching the notch between the first weak notch and the second weak notch, the airflow of fan 13 at the first weak notch (e.g., the fourth airflow F4) and the airflow of fan 13 at the second weak notch (e.g., the third airflow F3) can be adjusted. In this way, in the second notch operation mode, by switching to either the first weak notch or the second weak notch, the controllability of the airflow of fan 13 is improved.

[0060] [Room temperature sensor] As shown in FIG. 1, the room temperature sensor 14 is for measuring the temperature of the room 7 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "room temperature"). The room temperature sensor 14 is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of detecting the room temperature, and for example, a known temperature sensor may be used. The room temperature sensor 14 of this embodiment is installed in each of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d). The room temperature (signal) detected by the room temperature sensor 14 is transmitted to the control device 15.

[0061] [Control device] The control device 15 of the present embodiment is for controlling the operation of the fan 13. The control device 15 of the present embodiment controls not only the operation of the fan 13 but also the operation of the air conditioner 11, but is not limited to this embodiment.

[0062] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 15. The control device 15 of this embodiment is configured by a computer 26, and is installed, for example, in a partition wall of the building 2 shown in FIG.

[0063] The control device 15 includes, for example, a calculation device 21, a storage device 22 for storing processing procedures and the like, and a working memory 23 for reading the processing procedures and the like from the storage device 22. An input device 24 and an output device 25 are connected to the control device 15 (calculation device 21).

[0064] [Input device] The input device 24 of this embodiment is configured with operation buttons, a touch panel, and the like provided on the housing of the control device 15 shown in Fig. 1. For example, information (signals) input by a user (resident) or the like can be transmitted to the control device 15 by the input device 24.

[0065] The information input to the input device 24 includes, for example, the start and stop of the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 11. Furthermore, the information input to the input device 24 includes the target temperature for each of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d). The target temperature in this embodiment is the temperature of each room 7 that is to be achieved and maintained by air conditioning by the air conditioning system 1 (air conditioning method).

[0066] [Output device] The output device 25 of this embodiment is configured as a display provided on the housing of the control device 15 shown in Fig. 1. Such an output device 25 receives a signal (data) from the control device 15 and can display, for example, the operating status of the air conditioning system 1. One example of the operating status is the operating status (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 11, and the target temperature and room temperature of each of the multiple rooms 7.

[0067] [Arithmetic device] As shown in FIG. 4, the arithmetic unit 21 of this embodiment is configured, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0068] The arithmetic device 21 (control device 15) of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the fans 13 (the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b). This allows the operation of the fans 13 (e.g., switching of notches, etc.) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 21. Furthermore, signals from the fans 13 (e.g., data such as the currently operating notch, rotation speed, and power consumption) can be received by the arithmetic device 21.

[0069] The arithmetic device 21 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the air conditioner 11. This allows the operation of the air conditioner 11 (for example, changing the set temperature or changing the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c shown in FIG. 1) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 21. Furthermore, data relating to the operating status of the air conditioner 11 can be received by the arithmetic device 21.

[0070] The arithmetic device 21 of the present embodiment is communicatively connected to the outside air supply fan 19. This allows the operation of the outside air supply fan 19 (e.g., adjustment of the air volume, etc.) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 21. Furthermore, the arithmetic device 21 can receive signals from the outside air supply fan 19 (data such as the currently operating air volume and rotation speed).

[0071] The arithmetic device 21 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the room temperature sensor 14. As a result, the arithmetic device 21 receives signals from the room temperature sensor 14 (measurement data of the room temperatures of the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d shown in FIG. 1).

[0072] [Storage device] The storage device 22 of the present embodiment is, for example, a non-volatile information storage device. The storage device 22 includes a data section 27 and a program section .

[0073] [Data section] The data section 27 of this embodiment is for storing the calculation results by the arithmetic device 21 and the like. The data section 27 of this embodiment includes a supply amount input section 27a and an air volume input section 27b. Furthermore, the data section 27 of this embodiment includes a target temperature input section 27c, a room temperature input section 27d, a temperature difference input section 27e, and a fan rotation speed input section 27f. Note that the data section 27 is not limited to this aspect. For example, the data section 27 may further include an input section for storing other information. Details of the data stored in the data section 27 will be described later.

[0074] [Program section] The program section 28 is a program (computer program) for causing the arithmetic device 21 (control device 15) to execute the air conditioning method of the present embodiment. The program section (program) 27, when executed by the arithmetic device 21, causes the control device 15 to function as a specific means.

[0075] The program unit 28 includes a fan operation unit 28a. Furthermore, the program unit 28 of the present embodiment includes a supply amount specifying unit 28b, an air volume specifying unit 28c, a target temperature acquiring unit 28d, a room temperature acquiring unit 28e, an air conditioning start unit 28f, an air conditioning end unit 28g, an end determination unit 28h, and an air conditioning operation adjustment unit 28i.

[0076] 5 is a block diagram of the fan operation unit 28a. The fan operation unit 28a includes a first determination unit 29, a second determination unit 30, a fan rotation speed determination unit 31, a first notch operation unit 32, and a second notch operation unit 33. The second notch operation unit 33 includes a third determination unit 33a, a fine notch operation unit 33b, a second notch initial operation unit 33c, a second notch air volume determination unit 33d, a fourth determination unit 33e, and a second notch switching operation unit 33f.

[0077] The program unit 28 is not limited to this embodiment and may include other programs. The functions of these program units 28 will be explained in the respective steps of the air conditioning method described below.

[0078] [Building air conditioning methods] The air conditioning system 1 of this embodiment conditions at least one room 7 (all of the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d) provided in the building 2 shown in Fig. 1 based on the processing procedure of a building air conditioning method (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "air conditioning method"). Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the building air conditioning method.

[0079] [Start air conditioning] In the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, first, air conditioning operation is started (step S1). In step S1 of the present embodiment, the operation of the air conditioner 11, the fan 13, and the outside air supply fan 19 shown in Fig. 1 is started.

[0080] In step S1 of this embodiment, an air-conditioning start section 28f included in the program section 28 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 23. The air-conditioning start section 28f is a program for starting air-conditioning operation (operation of the air conditioner 11, the fan 13, and the outside air supply fan 19 shown in Fig. 1). Execution of this air-conditioning start section 28f by the arithmetic device 21 causes the control device 15 to function as a means for starting air-conditioning operation.

[0081] In step S1 of this embodiment, first, the air conditioning starting unit 28f (control device 15) starts the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1. Switching between heating operation and cooling operation and the set temperature (initial set temperature) of the air conditioner 11 may be performed based on, for example, instruction data input by a user (resident) to the input device 24, the outside air temperature, etc. The air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c is set appropriately depending on, for example, the operating status (air conditioning load) of the air conditioner 11, etc.

[0082] Next, in step S1 of this embodiment, the air conditioning starting unit 28f (control device 15) shown in Fig. 4 starts the operation of the fan 13 and the outdoor air supply fan 19 shown in Fig. 1. The notch of the fan 13 is set appropriately according to, for example, the ventilation rate required for the building 2 and the operating status (air conditioning load) of the air conditioner 11. In addition, the air volume of the outdoor air supply fan 19 is set appropriately based on, for example, the ventilation rate required for the building 2.

[0083] 1, in step S1 of this embodiment, a mixture of under-floor air Au (outside air Ao) supplied by the operation of the outside air supply fan 19 and air Ai circulated through the multiple rooms 7 is drawn into the indoor unit 16. Then, conditioned air Ac that has been heat exchanged in the indoor unit 16 is discharged into the chamber box 17.

[0084] The conditioned air Ac is supplied to each of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) through duct 12 (first duct 12a and second duct 12b) by operation of fans 13 (first fan 13a and second fan 13b). As a result, in step S1, the multiple rooms 7 can be ventilated and air-conditioned while circulating the air Ai inside the building 2.

[0085] [Enter the target room temperature] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, the target temperature of the room 7 shown in FIG. 1 is input (step S2).

[0086] In step S2 of this embodiment, first, a target temperature acquisition unit 28d included in the program unit 28 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 23. The target temperature acquisition unit 28d is a program for inputting the target temperatures of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1. The target temperature acquisition unit 28d is executed by the arithmetic device 21, thereby allowing the control device 15 to function as a means for inputting the target temperatures.

[0087] In this embodiment, prior to carrying out step S2, the target temperatures for the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1 are input by a user (resident) or the like. If these target temperatures have not yet been input, they may be input by a user (resident) or the like in step S2. These target temperatures (signals) are transmitted from the input device 24 to the target temperature acquisition unit 28d (control device 15) shown in Fig. 4, and stored (input) in the target temperature input unit 27c.

[0088] [Get room temperature] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, the room temperature is acquired from the room temperature sensor 14 shown in FIG. 1 (step S3).

[0089] In step S3 of this embodiment, a room temperature acquisition unit 28e included in the program unit 28 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 23. The room temperature acquisition unit 28e is a program for acquiring the room temperatures of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1. Execution of this room temperature acquisition unit 28e by the arithmetic device 21 causes the control device 15 to function as a means for acquiring the room temperatures.

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, the temperatures of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1 are measured by the room temperature sensor 14. These room temperatures are transmitted from the room temperature sensor 14 to the room temperature acquisition unit 28e (control device 15) shown in Fig. 4 and input (stored) in the room temperature input unit 27d.

[0091] [Adjusting air conditioner operation] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, the operation of the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1 is adjusted (step S4). In step S4 of the present embodiment, the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 and the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c are adjusted.

[0092] The set temperature of the air conditioner 11 and the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c shown in Fig. 1 can be appropriately determined based on, for example, the target temperatures set for each of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) and the room temperatures. In this embodiment, the set temperature and air volume are determined based on the temperature difference ΔT between the room temperature and the target temperature, or a score S associated with the temperature difference ΔT. The temperature difference ΔT and score S can be obtained for each of the multiple rooms 7.

[0093] In step S4 of this embodiment, first, the target temperatures of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) stored in the target temperature input unit 27c shown in Fig. 4 are read into the working memory 23. Furthermore, the room temperatures of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) stored in the room temperature input unit 27d and the air conditioning operation adjustment unit 28i included in the program unit 28 are read into the working memory 23. The air conditioning operation adjustment unit 28i is a program for adjusting the operation of the air conditioner 11 shown in Fig. 1 (in this example, the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 and the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c). By executing this air conditioning operation adjustment unit 28i by the arithmetic device 21, the control device 15 can function as a means for adjusting the operation of the air conditioner 11.

[0094] The temperature difference ΔT can be appropriately obtained based on the room temperature and the target temperature. In this embodiment, the temperature difference ΔT is the negative temperature difference between the room temperature and the target temperature (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "negative temperature difference"). This negative temperature difference ΔT is a value obtained by subtracting one of the target temperature and the room temperature from the other so that the difference between them becomes positive when the room temperature has not reached the target temperature (i.e., when it is negative).

[0095] 1, "when the room temperature has not reached the target temperature (negative)" refers to a case where the room temperature is lower than the target temperature. Therefore, the temperature difference ΔT during heating operation is calculated as the value obtained by subtracting the room temperature from the target temperature (i.e., a value that is positive in the case of a negative value).

[0096] On the other hand, when the air conditioner 11 is in cooling operation, "when the room temperature has not reached the target temperature (negative)" means that the room temperature is higher than the target temperature. Therefore, the temperature difference ΔT during cooling operation is calculated as the value obtained by subtracting the target temperature from the room temperature (i.e., a value that is positive in the case of a negative result).

[0097] There is no particular limitation on the score S as long as it is associated with the temperature difference ΔT. In this embodiment, a different score S is set for each predetermined numerical range (threshold) of the temperature difference ΔT. The numerical range of the temperature difference ΔT can be set appropriately according to, for example, the air conditioning accuracy required for the air conditioning system 1.

[0098] 7 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the temperature difference ΔT between the room temperature and the target temperature and the score S associated with the temperature difference ΔT. In this embodiment, the score S increases in proportion to the magnitude of the temperature difference ΔT. Therefore, the score S is associated with the temperature difference ΔT.

[0099] First, during heating operation, if the temperature difference ΔT is a positive value, the room temperature has not reached the target temperature (i.e., the room temperature is lower than the target temperature). In this case, it may be determined that the greater the temperature difference ΔT or the score S, the stronger the air conditioning (heating) action required for room 7. On the other hand, if the temperature difference ΔT during heating operation is equal to or less than zero, the room temperature has reached the target temperature (i.e., the room temperature is equal to or higher than the target temperature). In this case, it may be determined that the room 7 does not require strong air conditioning (heating) action.

[0100] In this embodiment, the larger the temperature difference ΔT or the score S during heating operation, the lower the room temperature is compared to the target temperature, and further, the larger the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature. In this case, even though the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 is determined to be high, the deviation between the target temperature and the room temperature is large, so it is preferable to set the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c to be large. This increases the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 11, and the temperature controllability and comfort of the room 7 can be improved. On the other hand, the smaller the temperature difference ΔT or the score S during heating operation, the smaller the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature. In this case, the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 is determined to be low (close to the target temperature), so it is preferable to set the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c to be small. This reduces the air conditioning load (heating load) of the air conditioner 11, improving energy saving.

[0101] Next, during cooling operation, if the temperature difference ΔT is a positive value, the room temperature has not reached the target temperature (i.e., the room temperature is higher than the target temperature). In this case, it may be determined that the greater the temperature difference ΔT or the score S, the stronger the air conditioning (cooling) effect is required in room 7. On the other hand, if the negative difference ΔT during cooling operation is zero or less, the room temperature has reached the target temperature (i.e., the room temperature is below the target temperature). In this case, it may be determined that the room 7 does not require a strong air conditioning (cooling) effect.

[0102] In this embodiment, the larger the temperature difference ΔT or the score S during cooling operation, the higher the room temperature is compared to the target temperature, and further, the larger the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature. In this case, even though the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 is determined to be low, the deviation between the target temperature and the room temperature is large, so it is preferable to set the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c to be large. This increases the air conditioning load of the air conditioner 11, and the temperature controllability and comfort of the room 7 can be improved. On the other hand, the smaller the temperature difference ΔT or the score S during cooling operation, the smaller the difference between the target temperature and the room temperature. In this case, the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 is determined to be high (close to the target temperature), so it is preferable to set the air volume of the indoor unit fan 16c to be small. This reduces the air conditioning load (cooling load) of the air conditioner 11, improving energy saving.

[0103] When multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) are conditioned as in this embodiment, the set temperature of the air conditioner 11 may be adjusted based on, for example, the average value of the temperature difference ΔT (or score S) of these rooms 7 or the maximum value of the temperature difference ΔT (or score S). This improves the temperature controllability and comfort of the multiple rooms 7. The set temperature and air volume may be set appropriately based on, for example, the size of the rooms 7. The temperature difference ΔT and score S are stored in the temperature difference input unit 27e shown in FIG. 5.

[0104] [Identify the required supply of conditioned air] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, the supply amount of conditioned air Ac required for air conditioning the room 7 shown in FIG. 1 is specified (step S5). As described above, the conditioned air Ac in this embodiment is pressure-fed to the rooms 7 on the first floor (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) via the first duct 12a and the first fan 13a. Furthermore, the conditioned air Ac is pressure-fed to the rooms 7 on the second floor (the third room 7c and the fourth room 7d) via the second duct 12b and the second fan 13b. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to specify the supply amount of conditioned air Ac required for air conditioning (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "required supply amount") for each of the rooms 7 on the first floor and the rooms 7 on the second floor.

[0105] The required supply amount for the room 7 on the first floor and the required supply amount for the room 7 on the second floor can be appropriately specified. In this embodiment, the required supply amount for the room 7 on the first floor and the required supply amount for the room 7 on the second floor are specified based on the temperature difference ΔT between the room temperature and the target temperature or the score S shown in FIG. 7. In this embodiment, the required supply amount for the room 7 on the first floor is the required supply amount obtained by combining the required supply amount for the first room 7a on the first floor and the required supply amount for the second room 7b on the first floor. In addition, the required supply amount for the room 7 on the second floor is the required supply amount obtained by combining the required supply amount for the third room 7c on the second floor and the required supply amount for the fourth room 7d on the second floor.

[0106] In step S5 of this embodiment, first, the temperature difference ΔT or the score S stored in the temperature difference input unit 27e shown in Fig. 4 and the supply amount specifying unit 28b included in the program unit 28 are read into the working memory 23. The supply amount specifying unit 28b is a program for specifying the required supply amount for the living room 7. By executing the supply amount specifying unit 28b by the calculation device 21, the control device 15 can function as a means for specifying the required supply amount for the living room 7.

[0107] The required supply amount for the first floor living room 7 (first living room 7a and second living room 7b) can be appropriately determined based on the temperature difference ΔT or score S (shown in FIG. 7) of the first floor living room 7. In this embodiment, the required supply amount for the first floor living room 7 is determined based on the average value of the score S of each of the first floor living rooms 7 (first living room 7a and second living room 7b) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "first floor average value").

[0108] The larger the first floor average value, the lower the degree to which the room temperature of the first floor rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) as a whole is reaching the target temperature, and stronger air conditioning is required. Therefore, in step S5, it is preferable to set the required supply amount for the first floor rooms 7 to be larger as the first floor average value is larger.

[0109] On the other hand, the smaller the first floor average value, the higher the degree to which the room temperature of the first floor rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) as a whole has reached the target temperature, and strong air conditioning is not required. Therefore, in step S5, it is preferable to set the required supply amount for the first floor rooms 7 to be smaller as the first floor average value is smaller.

[0110] Furthermore, the required supply amount for the second floor living room 7 (the third living room 7c and the fourth living room 7d) can be appropriately determined based on the temperature difference ΔT or the score S of the second floor living room 7. In this embodiment, the required supply amount for the second floor living room 7 is determined based on the average value of the score S of the second floor living room 7 (the third living room 7c and the fourth living room 7d) (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "second floor average value").

[0111] The larger the second floor average value, the lower the degree to which the room temperature of the second floor rooms 7 (third room 7c and fourth room 7d) as a whole is reaching the target temperature, and stronger air conditioning is required. Therefore, in step S5, it is preferable to set the required supply amount for the second floor rooms 7 to be larger as the second floor average value is larger.

[0112] The smaller the second floor average value, the higher the degree to which the room temperature of the second floor rooms 7 (third room 7c and fourth room 7d) as a whole has reached the target temperature, and strong air conditioning is not required. Therefore, in step S5, it is preferable to set the required supply amount for the second floor rooms 7 to be smaller as the first floor average value is smaller.

[0113] In step S5, the required supply amount may be specified based on the correspondence relationship between the average values ​​of the scores S (the average values ​​of the first floor and the average values ​​of the second floor) and the required supply amounts for the rooms 7 on the first floor and the rooms 7 on the second floor. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the correspondence relationship between the average values ​​of the scores S (the average values ​​of the first floor and the average values ​​of the second floor) and the required supply amounts of conditioned air Ac for the rooms 7 on the first floor and the rooms 7 on the second floor. Note that the correspondence relationship is not limited to this embodiment, and can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the performance of the air conditioner 11 and the number and size of the rooms 7 to be air-conditioned.

[0114] The larger the first floor average value and the second floor average value, the larger the required supply amount is set for each of the first floor rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) and second floor rooms 7 (third room 7c and fourth room 7d). Also, the smaller the first floor average value and the second floor average value, the smaller the required supply amount is set for each of the first floor rooms 7 and second floor rooms 7. By using such a correspondence relationship, the required supply amount for each of the first floor rooms 7 and second floor rooms 7 is uniquely determined based on the average value of the score S.

[0115] In FIG. 8, the required supply volume for the room 7 on the first floor and the room 7 on the second floor when the average value of the score S is 4.0 points or more is the set air volume N1 (800 m 3 When the average value of the score S is 3.5 or more and less than 4.0, the required supply volume is the set air volume N2 (640 m 3 When the average value of the score S is 3.0 or more and less than 3.5, the required supply volume is the weak notch setting air volume N3 (480 m 3 / h). In this way, by matching at least a part of the required supply volume with the set air volume of the notches of fan 13, it is possible to easily control the air volume of fan 13 based on the required supply volume. The required supply volume for room 7 on the first floor and the required supply volume for room 7 on the second floor are stored in supply volume input unit 27a shown in FIG. 4.

[0116] [Identify the fan speed currently in operation] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, the air volume of the currently operating fan 13 is identified (step S6). When the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b are included as in this embodiment, the air volumes of the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b are each identified.

[0117] In step S6 of the present embodiment, first, an air volume specifying unit 28c included in the program unit 28 shown in FIG. 4 is loaded into the working memory 23. The air volume specifying unit 28c is a program for specifying the air volume of the currently operating fan 13 (shown in FIG. 1). The air volume specifying unit 28c is executed by the arithmetic device 21, whereby the control device 15 can function as a means for specifying the air volume of the fan 13.

[0118] The air volume of the currently operating fan 13 can be appropriately specified. As the air volume of the fan 13 increases, the rotation speed of the fan 13 and the power consumption of the fan 13 also increase, so there is a correlation between the air volume of the fan 13, the rotation speed of the fan 13, and the power consumption of the fan 13. Therefore, in step S6 (air volume specifying unit 28c) of this embodiment, the air volume of the fan 13 can be specified based on at least one of the rotation speed of the fan 13 and the power consumption of the fan 13.

[0119] It is generally known that the power consumption of the fan 13 is proportional to the cube of the air volume of the fan 13 (blower's law). Based on this knowledge, the air volume of the fan 13 can be easily determined from the power consumption of the fan 13. Also, a relational expression between the power consumption of the fan 13 and the air volume of the fan 13 may be determined in advance, and the air volume of the fan 13 may be determined by substituting the power consumption of the fan 13 into this relational expression. The air volumes of the fans 13 (first fan 13a and second fan 13b) are stored in the air volume input unit 27b shown in FIG. 4.

[0120] [Fan operation process] Next, in the air conditioning method of the present embodiment, the fan 13 shown in FIG. 1 is operated based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches (fan operation step S7).

[0121] The operation of the fan 13 can be appropriately performed based on a plurality of notches. In this embodiment, the operation of the fan 13 is adjusted based on one of a plurality of notches (strong notch to weak notch) so that the difference between the required supply amount in the room 7 (the supply amount of conditioned air Ac required for air conditioning) and the air volume of the currently operating fan 13 falls within a predetermined range.

[0122] When the notch of fan 13 is switched, the rotation speed of fan 13 also changes. As described above, in the range in which the rotation speed of fan 13 is low (in this example, the range between 0% and less than 50% of the maximum rotation speed of fan 13), pulsation or the like occurs in fan 13, and the air volume tends to be unstable. In this embodiment, in the range in which the rotation speed of fan 13 is low, the rotation speed of fan 13 is kept constant. This prevents pulsation or the like from occurring in fan 13, making it possible to stabilize the air volume.

[0123] Furthermore, when the rotation speed of fan 13 is constant, the air volume of fan 13 is determined by the magnitude of pressure loss in duct 12 (first resistance curve R1 and second resistance curve R2 shown in FIG. 3). For this reason, if only one set rotation speed (for example, the set rotation speed of the second weak notch) is set, it is difficult to control the air volume to a desired value.

[0124] In this embodiment, the rotation speed of fan 13 is controlled based on one of a plurality of predetermined set rotation speeds (in this example, the set rotation speed of the second weak notch to the set rotation speed of the fine notch) within a range where the rotation speed of fan 13 is small. As a result, even if there is variation in the pressure loss of duct 12, the set rotation speed can be appropriately changed to control the air volume to a desired volume, thereby improving the air volume controllability of fan 13.

[0125] When a plurality of fans 13 (first fan 13a and second fan 13b) are provided as in this embodiment, operation is performed for each of the fans 13. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the fan operation step S7.

[0126] [First fan operation process] In the fan operation step S7 of the present embodiment, first, the first fan 13a shown in Fig. 1 is operated based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches (first fan operation step S21). Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the first fan operation step S21.

[0127] [Determine whether the difference between the required supply volume in the room and the fan volume is within a predetermined range] In the first fan operation process S21 of this embodiment, first, it is determined whether the difference between the required supply volume for the first floor rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) shown in Figure 1 and the air volume of the first fan 13a currently operating is within a predetermined range (process S31).

[0128] In step S31 of this embodiment, first, the required supply amount for the first floor room 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) stored in the supply amount input unit 27a shown in FIG. 4 is read into the working memory 23. Furthermore, the air volume of the first fan 13a currently operating stored in the air volume input unit 27b is read into the working memory 23. Furthermore, the first judgment unit 29 included in the fan operation unit 28a shown in FIG. 5 is read into the working memory 23. The first judgment unit 29 is a program for judging whether or not the difference between the required supply amount for the first floor room 7 and the air volume of the currently operating fan 13 is within a predetermined range. By executing this first judgment unit 29 by the arithmetic device 21, the control device 15 can function as a means for judging whether or not the difference between the required supply amount for the first floor room 7 and the air volume of the fan 13 is within a predetermined range.

[0129] In this embodiment, the absolute value of the difference between the required supply volume for the rooms 7 on the first floor (first room 7a and second room 7b) and the air volume of the first fan 13a currently in operation is calculated. By calculating such an absolute difference, it is possible to grasp whether the air volume is insufficient or excessive with respect to the required supply volume, regardless of the magnitude relationship between the required supply volume and the air volume.

[0130] In this embodiment, it is appropriately determined whether or not the difference between the required supply amount for the first floor living room 7 (first living room 7a and second living room 7b) and the air volume of the first fan 13a currently in operation is within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, if the difference between the required supply amount for the first floor living room 7 and the air volume of the first fan 13a is less than a first threshold, it is determined that the difference is within the predetermined range. The first threshold is appropriately set depending on, for example, the temperature controllability required for the first floor living room 7. The first threshold in this embodiment is the air volume D (160 m in this example) between the set air volumes of the notches (strong notch to weak notch) in the first notch operation mode shown in FIG. 3 / h) is set to 10% to 60%.

[0131] If the difference between the required supply volume for the first floor rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) and the air volume of the first fan 13a is less than the first threshold value ("Yes" in step S31), the air volume of the first fan 13a currently in operation is close to the required supply volume for the first floor rooms 7. In this case, there is no need to adjust the operation of the first fan 13a, and the series of processes in the first fan operation step S21 ends.

[0132] On the other hand, if the difference between the required supply amount for the living room 7 on the first floor and the air volume of the first fan 13a is equal to or greater than the first threshold ("No" in step S31), the air volume of the first fan 13a currently in operation deviates from the required supply amount for the living room 7 on the first floor (i.e., is insufficient or excessive). In this case, it is preferable to adjust the operation of the first fan 13a so that the difference between the required supply amount for the living room 7 on the first floor and the air volume of the first fan 13a is within a predetermined range (in this example, less than the first threshold). Therefore, the next step S32 is performed.

[0133] [Specify the fan speed] Next, in the first fan operation step S21 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a required to keep the difference between the required supply amount in the first floor rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) and the airflow of the first fan 13a within a predetermined range is specified (step S32). In this embodiment, the rotation speed of the fan 13 required to keep the difference between the required supply amount in the first floor rooms 7 and the airflow of the first fan 13a less than a first threshold is specified.

[0134] In step S32 of this embodiment, first, the required supply amount for the rooms 7 on the first floor (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) stored in the supply amount input unit 27a shown in FIG. 4 is read into the working memory 23. Furthermore, the fan rotation speed determination unit 31 included in the fan operation unit 28a shown in FIG. 5 is read into the working memory 23. The fan rotation speed determination unit 31 is a program for determining the rotation speed of the first fan 13a required to make the difference between the required supply amount for the rooms 7 on the first floor and the air volume of the first fan 13a fall within a predetermined range (in this example, less than the first threshold value). The fan rotation speed determination unit 31 is executed by the arithmetic device 21, so that the control device 15 can function as a means for determining the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a.

[0135] In step S32 of this embodiment, first, the air volume of the first fan 13a necessary for keeping the difference between the required supply volume for the living room 7 on the first floor (the first living room 7a and the second living room 7b) and the air volume of the first fan 13a within a predetermined range (in this example, less than a first threshold value) is specified. In this embodiment, the required supply volume for the living room 7 on the first floor is specified as the air volume required for the first fan 13a.

[0136] Next, in step S32 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a when the conditioned air Ac is compressed and sent to the room 7 on the first floor with the air volume required for the first fan 13a (the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a) is acquired. It is generally known that the air volume of the fan 13 and the rotation speed of the fan 13 are proportional (blower's law). Based on this knowledge, the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a can be easily acquired from the air volume required for the first fan 13a. In addition, a relational expression between the air volume of the fan 13 and the rotation speed of the fan 13 may be specified in advance, and the air volume of the first fan 13a may be substituted into this relational expression to acquire the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a. The rotation speed required for the first fan 13a is stored in the fan rotation speed input unit 27f shown in FIG. 4.

[0137] [Determine whether the required RPM of the first fan is equal to or greater than the second threshold] Next, in a first fan operation step S21 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a shown in Fig. 1 is equal to or greater than a second threshold value (step S33). In step S33 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the first fan 13a can be operated in the first notch operation mode based on the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a.

[0138] As described above, the first notch operation mode is an operation method for controlling the air volume of the first fan 13a based on one of a plurality of preset air volumes (the set air volumes of the strong notch, the medium notch, and the weak notch) by changing the rotation speed of the fan 13. In the first notch operation mode, it is preferable to operate the first fan 13a in a high rotation speed range so that the rotation of the first fan 13a is stable. Therefore, it is preferable to set the second threshold value in a high rotation speed range of the fan 13 (50% of the maximum rotation speed of the fan 13 in this embodiment).

[0139] In step S33 of this embodiment, first, the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a stored in the fan rotation speed input unit 27f shown in FIG. 4 is read into the working memory 23. Furthermore, the second judgment unit 30 included in the fan operation unit 28a shown in FIG. 5 is read into the working memory 23. The second judgment unit 30 is a program for judging whether or not the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. The second judgment unit 30 is executed by the arithmetic device 21, thereby allowing the control device 15 to function as a means for judging whether or not the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0140] If the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a is equal to or greater than the second threshold value ("Yes" in step S33), the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a is large, so that the rotation of the first fan 13a is stable even if the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is changed as in the first notch operation mode. In this case, the next first notch operation step S34 is performed.

[0141] On the other hand, when the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a is less than the second threshold value ("No" in step S33), the rotation speed required for the first fan 13a is small, so that changing the rotation speed of the first fan 13a tends to cause pulsation in the first fan 13a, resulting in an unstable air volume. In this case, the next second notch operation step S35 is performed.

[0142] [First notch operation process] Next, in a first fan operation step S21 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is changed to control the air volume of the first fan 13a based on one of a plurality of preset air volumes (a first notch operation step S34). In the first notch operation step S34 of this embodiment, the above-mentioned first notch operation mode is performed.

[0143] The first notch operation mode is an operation method for controlling the air volume of the fan 13 based on one of a plurality of preset air volumes (strong notch, medium notch, and weak notch air volumes) by changing the rotation speed of the fan 13. In the first notch operation step S34 of this embodiment, one set air volume is selected from the plurality of set air volumes based on the supply amount of conditioned air Ac required for air conditioning the rooms 7 on the first floor (the first room 7a and the second room 7b).

[0144] In the first notch operation step S34 of this embodiment, first, the required supply amount for the rooms 7 on the first floor (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) stored in the supply amount input unit 27a shown in FIG. 4 is read into the working memory 23. Furthermore, the first notch operation unit 32 included in the fan operation unit 28a shown in FIG. 5 is read into the working memory 23. The first notch operation unit 32 is a program for controlling the air volume of the first fan 13a based on any one of a plurality of preset air volumes (the set air volumes of the strong notch, the medium notch, and the weak notch) by changing the rotation speed of the first fan 13a. The first notch operation unit 32 is executed by the arithmetic device 21, so that the control device 15 can function as a means for controlling the air volume of the first fan 13a based on any one of a plurality of set air volumes.

[0145] As described above, in this embodiment, the operation of the first fan 13a is adjusted based on any one of a plurality of notches so that the difference between the required supply amount in the first floor room 7 and the air volume of the first fan 13a falls within a predetermined range (less than the first threshold value). In order to make the difference between the required supply amount and the air volume of the first fan 13a less than the first threshold value, it is preferable to control the operation of the fan 13 at the same air volume as the required supply amount.

[0146] The required supply amount (shown in FIG. 8) in this embodiment coincides with a plurality of set airflow amounts (set airflow amounts of strong notch, medium notch, and weak notch). Therefore, in the first fan operation process S21, the airflow amount of the first fan 13a is controlled based on the set airflow amount of the notch that coincides with the required supply amount among the plurality of set airflow amounts. As a result, the difference between the required supply amount of the living room 7 (the first living room 7a and the second living room 7b) on the first floor and the airflow amount of the first fan 13a becomes zero (i.e., less than the first threshold value), and it becomes possible to increase the degree to which the living room temperature reaches the target temperature in the living room 7 on the first floor as a whole. This can improve the temperature controllability and comfort of the living room 7 on the first floor.

[0147] In this embodiment, the first notch operation process S34 (first notch operation unit 32) is repeatedly performed, whereby the fan 13 can be operated while changing the set airflow (strong notch to weak notch set airflow) stepwise in accordance with the magnitude of the required supply volume in the first floor room 7. Therefore, in the first notch operation process S34, the airflow volume of the fan 13 is controlled so that the difference with the required supply volume in the first floor room 7, which changes from moment to moment, is less than the first threshold value, and therefore the temperature controllability and comfort of the room 7 can be improved.

[0148] [Second notch operation process] Next, in the first fan operation step S21 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is kept constant, and the rotation speed of the fan 13 is controlled based on one of a plurality of preset rotation speeds (second notch operation step S35). In this second notch operation step S35, the operation of the first fan 13a is controlled at an air volume smaller than the minimum value of the set air volume (in this example, the set air volume N3 of the weak notch) set in the first notch operation step S34 (first notch operation unit 32). In the second notch operation step S35 of this embodiment, the second notch operation mode is performed.

[0149] In the second notch operation process S35 (second notch operation mode), the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is controlled (fixed) based on any one of a plurality of set rotation speeds. Therefore, in the second notch operation process S35 (second notch operation mode), unlike the first notch operation process S34 (first notch operation mode), the air volume of the first fan 13a cannot be controlled based on a predetermined set air volume.

[0150] In this embodiment, among the required supply amounts for the rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b) on the first floor shown in FIG. 8, the required supply amount that does not match the set airflow rates of the strong notch, the medium notch, and the weak notch included in the first notch operation mode is 320 m 3 / h and 160m 3 / h. The smallest of these required supply amounts (in this example, 160 m 3 / h) is specified as the required supply amount for the first floor living room 7, the living room temperature has reached a high degree relative to the target temperature. In this case, since strong air conditioning is not required for the first floor living room 7 (in this example, the first living room 7a and the second living room 7b) shown in Fig. 1, it is preferable to control the rotation speed of the fan 13 based on the set rotation speed of the fine notch that provides the smallest air volume among the multiple notches.

[0151] On the other hand, the required supply volume of 320m shown in Fig. 8 3 / h and 160m 3 / h, 320m 3 When / h is specified as the required supply amount of conditioned air Ac, the room temperature has reached a relatively high level relative to the target temperature, but a somewhat strong air conditioning action is required. In this case, it is preferable to control the rotation speed of the first fan 13a based on the set rotation speed of either the second weak notch or the first weak notch, which has a larger air volume than the weak notch, among the multiple notches. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the second notch operation step S35.

[0152] [Determine the smallest required supply of conditioned air] In the second notch operation step S35 of this embodiment, first, it is determined whether the supply amount of conditioned air Ac required for air conditioning the rooms 7 on the first floor (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) is the smallest (step S41).

[0153] In step S41 of this embodiment, first, the required supply amount for the rooms 7 on the first floor (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) stored in the supply amount input unit 27a shown in FIG. 4 is read into the working memory 23. Furthermore, the third judgment unit 33a included in the second notch operation unit 33 shown in FIG. 5 is read into the working memory 23. The third judgment unit 33a is a program for judging whether the required supply amount for the rooms 7 on the first floor is the smallest or not. By executing this third judgment unit 33a by the arithmetic device 21, the control device 15 can function as a means for judging whether the required supply amount for the rooms 7 on the first floor is the smallest or not.

[0154] When it is determined that the required supply amount in the first floor living room 7 (first living room 7a and second living room 7b) is the smallest ("Yes" in step S41), the living room temperature in the first floor living room 7 has reached a high degree relative to the target temperature. Therefore, strong air conditioning is not required in the first floor living room 7. Therefore, a fine notch operation step S42 is executed to control the rotation speed of the first fan 13a based on the set rotation speed of the fine notch that has the smallest air volume among the multiple notches.

[0155] On the other hand, if it is determined that the required supply amount in the first floor living room 7 (first living room 7a and second living room 7b) is not the smallest ("No" in step S41), the living room temperature in the first floor living room 7 has reached the target temperature relatively well, but a somewhat strong air conditioning action is required. In this case, a weak notch operation step S43 is executed to control the rotation speed of the fan 13 based on the set rotation speed of either the second weak notch or the first weak notch, which has a larger airflow than the fine notch, among the multiple notches.

[0156] [Fine notch operation process] Next, in the second notch operation process S35 of this embodiment, the first fan 13a is controlled based on the fine notch (fine notch operation process S42). In the fine notch operation process S42 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is controlled based on the set rotation speed of the fine notch.

[0157] In the fine notch operation step S42 of this embodiment, a fine notch operation unit 33b included in the second notch operation unit 33 shown in Fig. 5 is loaded into the work memory 23. The fine notch operation unit 33b is a program for controlling the first fan 13a based on the fine notch. The fine notch operation unit 33b is executed by the arithmetic device 21, thereby allowing the control device 15 to function as a means for controlling the first fan 13a based on the fine notch.

[0158] In the fine notch operation step S42 of the present embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is set to the fine notch set rotation speed, whereby the conditioned air Ac can be pressure-fed to the first floor rooms 7 (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) at the smallest air volume among the multiple notches.

[0159] In the first floor rooms 7 (first room 7a and second room 7b), the room temperature has reached a high level relative to the target temperature, and strong air conditioning is not required. Therefore, in the fine notch operation step S42, the conditioned air Ac is pumped at the smallest air volume, thereby improving the temperature controllability and comfort of the first floor rooms 7.

[0160] 3, the fine notch has smaller variation in the airflow of the fan 13 (i.e., the difference between the seventh airflow F7 and the eighth airflow F8) than the first weak notch and the second weak notch. Therefore, in the fine notch operation step S42, even if the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is set to the set rotation speed of the fine notch, the temperature controllability and comfort of the living room 7 on the first floor can be maintained.

[0161] [Weak notch operation process] Next, in the second notch operation process S35 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a shown in FIG. 1 is controlled based on the set rotation speed of either the second weak notch or the first weak notch (weak notch operation process S43).

[0162] As described above, when the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is controlled (fixed), the air volume of the first fan 13a cannot be controlled based on a predetermined set air volume. Therefore, in order to control the air volume of the fan 13 so that the difference between the required supply volume of the first floor room 7 (the first room 7a and the second room 7b) is less than the first threshold, it is preferable to specify the air volume of the first fan 13a currently in operation. Then, it is preferable to change the set rotation speeds of the second weak notch and the first weak notch in a stepwise manner so that the difference between the required supply volume of the first floor room 7 and the air volume of the first fan 13a currently in operation is less than the first threshold.

[0163] The set rotation speeds of the second weak notch and the first weak notch can be changed stepwise as appropriate. In this embodiment, the set rotation speeds are changed stepwise from the highest set rotation speed (the set rotation speed of the second weak notch) to the lowest set rotation speed (the set rotation speed of the first weak notch). This prevents a significant decrease in the supply of conditioned air Ac to the living room 7 on the first floor, making it possible to improve the temperature controllability and comfort of the living room 7. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the weak notch operation step S43.

[0164] [Second notch initial operation process] Next, in the weak notch operation step S43 of this embodiment, first, the first fan 13a is operated based on the second weak notch (second notch initial operation step S51). In the second notch initial operation step S51 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is controlled based on the set rotation speed of the second weak notch.

[0165] In the second notch initial operation step S51 of this embodiment, first, a second notch initial operation unit 33c included in the second notch operation unit 33 shown in Fig. 5 is loaded into the work memory 23. The second notch initial operation unit 33c is a program for operating the fan 13 based on the second weak notch. When the second notch initial operation unit 33c is executed by the arithmetic device 21, the control device 15 can function as a means for operating the fan 13 based on the second weak notch.

[0166] In the second notch initial operation step S51 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is set to the set rotation speed of the second weak notch. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the operation of the first fan 13a can be controlled at an air volume smaller than the minimum set air volume (in this example, the set air volume N3 of the weak notch) set in the first notch operation step S34 (first notch operation unit 32). Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the set rotation speed is set to the largest set rotation speed (the set rotation speed of the second weak notch) among the multiple set rotation speeds, a significant decrease in the supply amount of the conditioned air Ac to the living room 7 on the first floor (the first living room 7a and the second living room 7b) can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the temperature controllability and comfort of the living room 7 on the first floor.

[0167] [Second notch air volume determination process] Next, in the weak notch operation step S43 of this embodiment, the air volume of the first fan 13a operating at the second weak notch is identified (second notch air volume identification step S52).

[0168] In the second notch air volume specifying step S52 of this embodiment, first, the second notch air volume specifying unit 33d included in the second notch operation unit 33 shown in Fig. 5 is loaded into the working memory 23 shown in Fig. 4. The second notch air volume specifying unit 33d is a program for specifying the air volume of the first fan 13a operating at the second weak notch. The second notch air volume specifying unit 33d is executed by the arithmetic device 21, thereby allowing the control device 15 to function as a means for specifying the air volume of the first fan 13a operating at the second weak notch.

[0169] The air volume of the first fan 13a operating at the second weak notch can be appropriately specified. In the second notch air volume specifying step S52 of the present embodiment, the air volume of the first fan 13a operating at the second weak notch can be specified based on a procedure similar to that of the above-described step S6 for specifying the air volume of the currently operating fan 13. The specified air volume of the first fan 13a is stored in the air volume input unit 27b shown in FIG. 4.

[0170] [Determine whether the difference between the second weak notch airflow and the weak notch airflow setting is less than the third threshold] Next, in the weak notch operation step S43 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the difference between the air volume of the first fan operating at the second weak notch and the minimum value of the set air volume set in the first notch operation step S34 (first notch operation unit 32) is within a predetermined range (step S53). As described above, the minimum value in this embodiment is the set air volume N3 of the weak notch.

[0171] 3, in a duct 12 having a pressure loss indicated by a first resistance curve R1, the airflow rate of the fan 13 at the second weak notch (third airflow rate F3) may approximate the set airflow rate N3 of the weak notch. In such a case, even if the weak notch is switched to the second weak notch, the airflow rate of the fan 13 is not sufficiently reduced from the weak notch, and the airflow controllability of the first fan 13a decreases. In step S53 of this embodiment, in order to determine whether the airflow controllability of the fan 13 decreases, it is determined whether the airflow rate of the first fan 13a at the second weak notch (third airflow rate F3) approximates the set airflow rate N3 of the weak notch.

[0172] In this embodiment, it is determined as appropriate whether the difference between the airflow of the second weak notch (e.g., the third airflow F3 or the fifth airflow F5) and the set airflow N3 of the weak notch is within a predetermined range. In this embodiment, if the difference between these airflows is less than a third threshold, it can be determined that it is within the predetermined range. The third threshold can be set as appropriate. The third threshold in this embodiment is the airflow D (160 m in this example) between the set airflows of the notches (strong notch to weak notch) in the first notch operation mode shown in FIG. 3 / h) is set to 10% to 40%.

[0173] In step S53 of this embodiment, first, the air volume of the first fan 13a operating at the second weak notch stored in the air volume input unit 27b shown in FIG. 4 and the fourth determination unit 33e included in the second notch operation unit 33 shown in FIG. 5 are read into the working memory 23 shown in FIG. 4. The fourth determination unit 33e is a program for determining whether or not the difference between the air volume of the second weak notch (e.g., the third air volume F3 or the fifth air volume F5) and the set air volume N3 of the weak notch is within a predetermined range (less than the third threshold). The fourth determination unit 33e is executed by the arithmetic device 21, thereby allowing the control device 15 to function as a means for determining whether or not the difference between the air volume of the second weak notch and the set air volume N3 of the weak notch is within a predetermined range (less than the third threshold).

[0174] If it is determined that the difference between the air volume of the second weak notch (e.g., the third air volume F3 or the fifth air volume F5) and the set air volume N3 of the weak notch is less than the third threshold value ("Yes" in step S53), the air volume of the second weak notch is close to the set air volume N3 of the weak notch. Therefore, the air volume of the second weak notch is larger than necessary, and the air volume controllability of the first fan 13a is reduced. In this case, in order to sufficiently reduce the air volume of the first fan 13a from the weak notch, a second notch switching operation step S54 is performed in which the notch is switched from the second weak notch to the first weak notch and the first fan 13a is operated.

[0175] If it is determined that the difference between the airflow of the second weak notch (e.g., the third airflow F3 or the fifth airflow F5) and the set airflow N3 of the weak notch is equal to or greater than the third threshold ("No" in step S53), the airflow of the second weak notch is separated from the set airflow N3 of the weak notch. Therefore, the airflow of the fan 13 is sufficiently reduced from the weak notch, so that the airflow controllability of the first fan 13a is maintained. In this case, the series of processes in the weak notch operation step S43 ends with the first fan 13a operating based on the second weak notch.

[0176] [Second notch switching operation process] Next, in the weak notch operation step S43 of this embodiment, the second weak notch is switched to the first weak notch, and the first fan 13a is operated (second notch switching operation step S54).

[0177] In the second notch switching operation step S54 of this embodiment, first, a second notch switching operation unit 33f included in the second notch operation unit 33 shown in Fig. 5 is loaded into the work memory 23 shown in Fig. 4. The second notch switching operation unit 33f is a program for switching from the second weak notch to the first weak notch and operating the first fan 13a. The second notch switching operation unit 33f is executed by the arithmetic device 21, so that the control device 15 can function as a means for switching from the second weak notch to the first weak notch and operating the first fan 13a.

[0178] In the second notch switching operation step S54 of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the first fan 13a is set to the set rotation speed of the first weak notch. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3, the operation of the first fan 13a is controlled at an air volume (e.g., fourth air volume F4) smaller than the air volume of the second weak notch (e.g., third air volume F3), so that the air volume of the first fan 13a can be deviated from the set air volume N3 of the weak notch. This improves the air volume controllability of the first fan 13a, and enables the temperature controllability and comfort of the room 7 to be improved.

[0179] As shown in FIG. 3, under a predetermined pressure loss condition, the difference (F3-F4) between the air volume of fan 13 operating at the second weak notch and the air volume of fan 13 operating at the first weak notch is preferably set to 5% to 30% (10% in this example) of the maximum air volume between the set air volumes. In this embodiment, the maximum air volume is set to a constant air volume D (160 m 3 / h).

[0180] By setting the difference (F3-F4) between the airflow of the second weak notch and the airflow of the first weak notch to 10% or more of the maximum airflow (airflow D) between the set airflows, the airflow of the first fan 13a can be sufficiently reduced when switching from the second weak notch to the first weak notch. This improves the airflow controllability of the first fan 13a. On the other hand, by setting the difference (F3-F4) between the airflow of the second weak notch and the airflow of the first weak notch to 50% or less of the maximum airflow (airflow D) between the set airflows, this prevents the airflow of the first fan 13a from being reduced more than necessary when switching from the second weak notch to the first weak notch. This improves the airflow controllability of the first fan 13a.

[0181] [Second fan operation process] Next, as shown in Fig. 9, in a fan operation step S7 of the present embodiment, the second fan 13b is operated based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches (second fan operation step S22). In the second fan operation step S22 of the present embodiment, the second fan 13b is operated based on a procedure similar to the processing procedure of the first fan operation step S21 shown in Figs. 10 to 12.

[0182] [First notch operation process] In the second fan operation step S22 of this embodiment, a first notch operation step S34 shown in Fig. 10 is performed. In this first notch operation step S34, the rotation speed of the second fan 13b is changed to control the air volume of the second fan 13b based on one of a plurality of preset air volumes. This makes it possible to control the second fan 13b based on a desired air volume in the first notch operation step S34.

[0183] Furthermore, in the first notch operation process S34, the operation of the first fan 13a is adjusted so that the difference between the required supply amount in the second floor living rooms 7 (the third living room 7c and the fourth living room 7d) and the air volume of the second fan 13b is within a predetermined range (less than the first threshold value). As a result, in the second fan operation process S22, it is possible to increase the degree to which the living room temperature of the second floor living rooms 7 as a whole reaches the target temperature. Therefore, the temperature controllability and comfort of the living rooms 7 can be improved.

[0184] [Second notch operation process] In the second fan operation step S22 of this embodiment, the second notch operation step S35 shown in Fig. 10 is performed. In this second notch operation step S35, the rotation speed of the second fan 13b is constant. Furthermore, in the second notch operation step S35, the second fan 13b is controlled to have an airflow rate smaller than the minimum value of the set airflow rate (set airflow rate N3) set in the first notch operation step S34, and the rotation speed of the second fan 13b is controlled based on one of the multiple set rotation speeds. This makes it possible to suppress pulsation or the like from occurring in the second fan 13b at an airflow rate smaller than the minimum value of the set airflow rate (set airflow rate N3), and to stabilize the airflow.

[0185] In the second notch operation step S35 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, in the second notch initial operation step S51, the second fan 13b is operated based on the second weak notch. Furthermore, in the second notch air volume specification step S52, the air volume of the second fan 13b operating with the second weak notch is specified. Then, when the difference between the air volume of the second fan 13b operating with the second weak notch and the set air volume N3 of the weak notch becomes less than the third threshold, in the second notch switching operation step S54, the second weak notch is switched from the second weak notch to the first weak notch and the operation of the second fan 13b is performed. As a result, the air volume of the second fan 13b can be deviated from the set air volume N3 of the weak notch, so that the air volume controllability of the second fan 13b is improved, and the temperature controllability and comfort of the living room 7 can be improved.

[0186] In the fan operation step S7 of this embodiment, in both the first fan operation step S21 and the second fan operation step S22, the rotation speeds of the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b in the second notch operation step S35 (second notch operation unit 33) shown in Fig. 10 are kept constant. This can prevent pulsation and the like from occurring in the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b at an air volume smaller than the minimum value of the set air volume (set air volume N3) set in the first notch operation unit 32. Therefore, the air volumes of both the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b can be stabilized.

[0187] Furthermore, in both the first fan operation step S21 and the second fan operation step S22, the rotation speeds of the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b in the second notch operation step S35 (second notch operation unit 33) are controlled based on any one of a plurality of set rotation speeds. As a result, even if there is variation in the pressure loss of the duct 12 as shown in Fig. 3, it is possible to control both the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b to a desired air volume by appropriately changing the set rotation speed. Therefore, the building air conditioning method (air conditioning system 1) of this embodiment makes it possible to improve the air volume controllability of the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b.

[0188] [Determine whether or not an instruction to stop air conditioning operation has been issued] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the air conditioning operation (step S8). In step S8 of this embodiment, a termination determination unit 28h included in the program unit 28 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 23. The termination determination unit 28h is a program for determining whether or not there is an instruction to end the air conditioning operation. By executing this termination determination unit 28h by the arithmetic device 21, the control device 15 can function as a means for determining whether or not there is an instruction to end the air conditioning operation.

[0189] The determination of whether or not there is an instruction to end the air conditioning operation is made based on, for example, instruction data input by a user (resident) or the like to the input device 24 (shown in Figures 1 and 4), or the occurrence of an abnormal termination of an interrupt process, etc.

[0190] In this embodiment, if it is determined that there is an instruction to end the air conditioning operation ("Yes" in step S8), step S9 is performed to end the air conditioning operation. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to end the air conditioning operation ("No" in step S8), steps S2 to S8 are performed again.

[0191] The judgment in step S8 is preferably performed at predetermined time intervals. As a result, in the fan operation step S7, the notch of the fan 13 is adjusted at each time interval, which can improve the temperature controllability and comfort of the room 7. The time interval can be set appropriately. In this embodiment, the time interval can be controlled to, for example, 1 to 60 minutes.

[0192] In the air conditioning method (air conditioning system 1) of this embodiment, the operation of the fans 13 (the first fan 13a and the second fan 13b) can be controlled based on either the first notch operation process S34 or the second notch operation process S35 during the period from when the air conditioning operation is started to when it is ended. This makes it possible to control the air volume to a desired volume while suppressing the occurrence of pulsation or the like in the fan 13, thereby improving the air volume controllability of the fan 13.

[0193] [End air conditioning operation] Next, in the air conditioning method of this embodiment, if the determination in step S8 is affirmative, the air conditioning operation is terminated (step S9). In step S9 of this embodiment, first, an air conditioning termination section 28g included in the program section 28 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 23. This air conditioning termination section 28g is a program for terminating the air conditioning of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1. Execution of this air conditioning termination section 28g by the arithmetic device 21 allows the control device 15 to function as a means for terminating the air conditioning operation.

[0194] In step S9 of this embodiment, the air conditioning termination unit 28g (control device 15) terminates the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) by the air conditioner 11. This terminates the air conditioning of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d). Meanwhile, the operation of the fan 13 and the outside air supply fan 19 may be continued to maintain ventilation of the building 2. In this case, the air volume notch of the fan 13 and the air volume of the outside air supply fan 19 are appropriately set based on, for example, the number of ventilations required for the building 2.

[0195] [Second notch operation section (second embodiment)] In the above embodiments, the second notch operation unit 33 includes the second notch initial operation unit 33c, the second notch air volume specification unit 33d, and the second notch switching operation unit 33f as shown in Fig. 5, but is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the second notch operation unit 33 may include a first notch initial operation unit (not shown), a first notch air volume specification unit (not shown), a fifth determination unit (not shown), and a first notch switching operation unit (not shown).

[0196] The first notch initial operation section (not shown) is a program for operating the fan 13 based on the first weak notch. When this first notch initial operation section is executed by the arithmetic device 21, the control device 15 can function as a means for operating the fan 13 based on the first weak notch.

[0197] The first notch air volume specifying unit (not shown) is a program for specifying the air volume of fan 13 operating at the first weak notch. This first notch air volume specifying unit is executed by arithmetic device 21 shown in Fig. 4, thereby allowing control device 15 to function as a means for specifying the air volume of fan 13 operating at the first weak notch.

[0198] The fifth determination unit (not shown) is a program for determining whether the air volume of the first weak notch (for example, the fourth air volume F4 or the sixth air volume F6 shown in FIG. 3) has become smaller than a predetermined air volume. The fifth determination unit is executed by the arithmetic device 21 shown in FIG. 4, thereby allowing the control device 15 to function as a means for determining whether the air volume of the first weak notch has become smaller than a predetermined air volume.

[0199] The first notch switching operation unit (not shown) is a program for switching from the first weak notch to the second weak notch to operate fan 13 when the air volume of fan 13 operating at the first weak notch becomes smaller than a predetermined air volume. This first notch switching operation unit is executed by arithmetic device 21 shown in Fig. 4, thereby causing control device 15 to function as a means for switching from the first weak notch to the second weak notch to operate fan 13.

[0200] [Weak notch operation process (second embodiment)] The weak notch operation step S43 of this embodiment includes a first notch initial operation step (not shown), a first notch air volume specification step (not shown), a step of determining whether the air volume of the first weak notch has become smaller than a predetermined air volume (not shown), and a first notch switching operation step (not shown). These steps may be performed instead of the weak notch operation step S43 of the previous embodiment shown in Fig. 12, or may be performed sequentially after the second notch switching operation step S54 of the previous embodiment shown in Fig. 12. Note that when these steps are performed sequentially after the second notch switching operation step S54, the first notch initial operation step is omitted.

[0201] [First notch initial operation process] In the first notch initial operation step, the fan 13 is operated based on the first weak notch. This step is processed by the calculation device 21 (shown in FIG. 4) that has executed the first notch initial operation part (not shown).

[0202] In the first notch initial operation step of this embodiment, the rotation speed of the fan 13 is set to the set rotation speed of the first weak notch. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3, the operation of the first fan 13a can be controlled at an air volume smaller than the minimum set air volume (in this example, the set air volume N3 of the weak notch) set in the first notch operation step S34 (first notch operation unit 32). Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the set rotation speed is set to an intermediate set rotation speed (the set rotation speed of the first weak notch) among the multiple set rotation speeds, a significant decrease in the supply amount of the conditioned air Ac to the living room 7 and an unnecessary increase in the supply amount can be suppressed. Therefore, the temperature controllability and comfort of the living room 7 can be improved.

[0203] [First notch air volume determination process] In the first notch air volume specifying step, the air volume of the fan 13 operating at the first weak notch is specified. This step is processed by the calculation device 21 (shown in FIG. 4) that executes the first notch air volume specifying unit (not shown).

[0204] The air volume of fan 13 operating at the first weak notch may be appropriately specified. In the first notch air volume specifying step of this embodiment, the air volume of fan 13 operating at the first weak notch may be specified based on a procedure similar to that of step S6 for specifying the air volume of fan 13 currently operating. The specified air volume of fan 13 is stored in air volume input section 27b shown in FIG. 4.

[0205] [Determine whether the airflow of the first weak notch is smaller than the predetermined airflow] In the step of determining the air volume of the first weak notch, it is determined whether the air volume of the first weak notch has become smaller than a predetermined air volume. This step is processed by the calculation device 21 (shown in FIG. 4) that executes the fifth determination unit (not shown).

[0206] The predetermined air volume can be set appropriately. As shown in Fig. 3, in the duct 12 having the pressure loss indicated by the second resistance curve R2, the air volume (sixth air volume F6) of the fan 13 at the first weak notch may be significantly different from the minimum set air volume set by the first notch operation unit 32 (in this example, the set air volume N3 of the weak notch). In such a case, when the notch is switched to the first weak notch, the air volume of the fan 13 is reduced more than necessary from the set air volume N3 of the weak notch, and the air volume controllability of the fan 13 is reduced.

[0207] In the process of this embodiment, in order to determine whether the air volume controllability of the fan 13 is degraded, it is determined whether the air volume of the fan 13 at the first weak notch (sixth air volume F6) deviates from the minimum value of the set air volume set by the first notch operation unit 32 (in this example, the set air volume N3 of the weak notch). From this perspective, the above-mentioned predetermined air volume is set to the air volume of the fine notch (in this example, 160 m 3 / h) and the weak notch setting air volume N3 (in this example, 480 m 3 / h) and the intermediate air volume (in this example, 320 m 3 / h).

[0208] If it is determined that the air volume at the first weak notch has become smaller than the predetermined air volume ("Yes" in this step), the air volume of fan 13 at the first weak notch has significantly deviated from the set air volume N3 at the weak notch, and the air volume controllability of fan 13 has deteriorated. In this case, a first notch switching operation step is performed in which the notch is switched from the first weak notch to the second weak notch and fan 13 is operated.

[0209] On the other hand, if it is determined that the air volume of the first weak notch is equal to or greater than the predetermined air volume ("No" in this step), the air volume controllability of the fan 13 is maintained. In this case, the series of processes in the weak notch operation step S43 ends with the fan 13 being operated based on the first weak notch.

[0210] [First notch switching operation process] In the first notch switching step, when the air volume of fan 13 operating at the first weak notch becomes smaller than a predetermined air volume, the notch is switched from the first weak notch to the second weak notch to operate fan 13. This step is processed by the calculation device 21 (shown in FIG. 4) that has executed a first notch switching operation section (not shown).

[0211] In the first notch switching operation step of this embodiment, the rotation speed of fan 13 is set to the set rotation speed of the second weak notch. As a result, as shown in Fig. 3, operation of fan 13 is controlled at an airflow rate (e.g., fifth airflow rate F5) greater than the airflow rate of the first weak notch (e.g., sixth airflow rate F6), so that the airflow rate of fan 13 can be brought closer to the set airflow rate N3 of the weak notch. This improves the airflow controllability of fan 13, and enables the temperature controllability and comfort of room 7 to be improved.

[0212] Although a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment and can be modified and carried out in various forms.

[0213] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0214] [Invention 1] An air conditioning system for air conditioning at least one room provided in a building, comprising: An air conditioner, At least one duct for transporting conditioned air generated by the air conditioner to the living room; at least one fan for pumping the conditioned air through the duct to the living room; a control device for controlling operation of the fan, the control device includes a fan operation unit that operates the fan based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches; the fan operation unit includes a first notch operation unit that controls the air volume of the fan based on one of a plurality of preset air volumes by changing the rotation speed of the fan; and a second notch operation unit that controls the rotation speed based on any one of a plurality of preset rotation speeds, by keeping the rotation speed constant so as to control the airflow at a value smaller than the minimum value of the set airflow set by the first notch operation unit. Building air conditioning system. [Invention 2] the first notch operation unit controls operation of the fan so that the rotation speed is 50% or more and 100% or less of a maximum rotation speed of the fan; The air conditioning system for a building according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the second notch operation unit controls the operation of the fan so that the rotation speed is less than 50% of a maximum rotation speed of the fan. [Invention 3] An air conditioning system for a building as described in invention 1 or 2, wherein the second notch operation unit is switchable between a first weak notch and a second weak notch having a set rotation speed higher than that of the first weak notch. [Invention 4] The air conditioning system for a building described in Invention 3, wherein the second notch operation unit includes a second notch switching operation unit that switches from the second weak notch to the first weak notch to operate the fan when a difference between the airflow of the fan while operating at the second weak notch and the minimum value of the set airflow falls within a predetermined range. [Invention 5] The air conditioning system for a building as described in Invention 3 or 4, wherein the second notch operation unit includes a first notch switching operation unit that switches from the first weak notch to the second weak notch to operate the fan when the airflow of the fan while operating at the first weak notch becomes smaller than a predetermined airflow. [Invention 6] the first notch operation unit operates the fan while changing the set air volume in a stepwise manner, An air conditioning system for a building as described in any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein under predetermined pressure loss conditions, the difference between the airflow of the fan operating at the second weak notch and the airflow of the fan operating at the first weak notch is 5% to 30% of the maximum airflow between the set airflows. [Invention 7] The control device includes: a supply amount specification unit that specifies a supply amount of the conditioned air required for air conditioning the room; and an air volume determination unit that determines the air volume of the fan currently in operation, An air conditioning system for a building as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fan operating unit adjusts the operation of the fan based on any one of the plurality of notches so that the difference between the supply of conditioned air required for air conditioning the room and the air volume of the fan currently operating is within a predetermined range. [Invention 8] The building air conditioning system according to invention 7, wherein the fan operation unit adjusts the notch of the fan at predetermined time intervals. [The present invention 9] 9. The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the air volume specifying unit specifies the air volume of the fan based on at least one of the rotation speed and the power consumption of the fan. [Explanation of symbols]

[0215] 1. Air conditioning system 2. Building 7 Room 11 Air conditioner 12 Duct 13 Fan 15 Control device AC Air Conditioning

Claims

1. An air conditioning system for air conditioning at least one room provided in a building, comprising: An air conditioner, At least one duct for transporting conditioned air generated by the air conditioner to the living room; at least one fan for pumping the conditioned air through the duct to the living room; a control device for controlling operation of the fan, the control device includes a fan operation unit that operates the fan based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches; the fan operation unit is a first notch operation unit that controls the air volume of the fan based on any one of a plurality of preset air volumes by changing the rotation speed of the fan; a second notch operation unit that controls the rotation speed based on any one of a plurality of preset rotation speeds, by keeping the rotation speed constant so as to control the air volume at a volume smaller than a minimum value of the set air volume set by the first notch operation unit, Building air conditioning system.

2. the first notch operation unit controls operation of the fan so that the rotation speed is 50% or more and 100% or less of a maximum rotation speed of the fan; The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 , wherein the second notch operation unit controls the operation of the fan so that the rotation speed is less than 50% of a maximum rotation speed of the fan.

3. The building air conditioning system according to claim 1 , wherein the second notch operation unit is switchable between a first weak notch and a second weak notch having a set rotation speed greater than that of the first weak notch.

4. 4. The building air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the second notch operation unit includes a second notch switching operation unit that switches from the second weak notch to the first weak notch to operate the fan when a difference between the airflow of the fan operating at the second weak notch and the minimum value of the set airflow falls within a predetermined range.

5. 4. The building air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein the second notch operation unit includes a first notch switching operation unit that switches from the first weak notch to the second weak notch to operate the fan when the air volume of the fan operating at the first weak notch becomes smaller than a predetermined air volume.

6. the first notch operation unit operates the fan while changing the set air volume in a stepwise manner, The building air conditioning system of claim 3, wherein under predetermined pressure loss conditions, the difference between the air volume of the fan operating at the second weak notch and the air volume of the fan operating at the first weak notch is 5% to 30% of the maximum air volume between the set air volumes.

7. The control device includes: a supply amount specification unit that specifies a supply amount of the conditioned air required for air conditioning the room; and an air volume determination unit that determines the air volume of the fan currently in operation, The building air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the fan operating unit adjusts the operation of the fan based on one of the plurality of notches so that the difference between the supply amount of conditioned air required for air conditioning the room and the air volume of the fan currently operating is within a predetermined range.

8. The building air conditioning system according to claim 7 , wherein the fan operation unit adjusts the notch of the fan at predetermined time intervals.

9. The air conditioning system for a building according to claim 7 , wherein the air volume specifying unit specifies the air volume of the fan based on at least one of the rotation speed and the power consumption of the fan.

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