Whole building air conditioning system for building and duct inspection method

Abstract

To provide a whole building air conditioning system capable of efficiently performing quality determination of a plurality of branch ducts forcibly feeding air into a plurality of rooms.SOLUTION: A whole building air conditioning system for a building incudes: a fan 12 for forcibly feeding air Ac through a plurality of branch ducts 22 from a main duct 21; a plurality of dampers 13; and a control device for operating the fan 12 and adjusting the plurality of dampers 13. The control device can execute a branch duct quality determination mode. The branch duct quality determination mode comprises: a first process for successively selecting one branch duct 22 from the plurality of branch ducts 22, setting the aperture of the damper 13 mounted on the selected branch duct 22 to a first aperture smaller than the aperture of the other damper 13 and acquiring a physical quantity related to an operation load on the fan 12 when driving the fan 12; and a second process for performing quality determination of the plurality of branch ducts 22 on the basis of each physical quantity acquired in the first process.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a central air conditioning system for a building and a duct inspection method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, various central air conditioning systems for conditioning buildings with multiple rooms have been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1 below). In such central air conditioning systems, air for ventilation and / or air conditioning is pumped from a chamber through ducts to multiple rooms. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-110489 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When determining whether a branch duct that branches into multiple rooms is in good condition, it is conceivable that a service technician would measure the air volume by pressing an air flow meter against each of the outlets of the multiple branch ducts while the fan is running. However, since these outlets are often installed in places that are difficult to access, such as the ceiling, there is a problem that determining whether such branch ducts are in good condition requires a lot of effort.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its main object is to provide a central air conditioning system that can efficiently determine the quality of multiple branch ducts that pressurize air to multiple rooms. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a central air-conditioning system for a building having a plurality of rooms, comprising: a duct means including a plurality of branch ducts branching off from a main duct and connected to each of the plurality of rooms; a fan for pressurizing ventilation or air-conditioning air from the main duct through the plurality of branch ducts to the plurality of rooms; a plurality of dampers provided in each of the plurality of branch ducts and capable of individually adjusting the pressure loss of each of the plurality of branch ducts by adjusting their opening degrees; and a control device for adjusting the operation of the fan and the plurality of dampers, wherein the control device is capable of executing a branch duct quality determination mode, the branch duct quality determination mode comprising: a first step of sequentially selecting one branch duct from the plurality of branch ducts, setting the opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct to a first opening degree that is smaller than the opening degrees of the other dampers, and acquiring physical quantities related to the operating load of the fan when the fan is driven; and a second step of performing quality determination of the plurality of branch ducts based on the physical quantities obtained in the first step. Effect of the Invention

[0007] By employing the above-described configuration, the central air-conditioning system of the present invention can efficiently determine the quality of a plurality of branch ducts that pump air to a plurality of rooms. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a building in which a central air-conditioning system is installed. [Diagram 2] This is an enlarged view of the central air conditioning system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the opening degree of a damper and the magnitude of the opening degree. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a method for air-conditioning a building at a central location and a method for inspecting a duct of a central air-conditioning system; [Figure 6]13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for a central air-conditioning start process. [Figure 7] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a branch duct quality determination step (branch duct quality determination mode). [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a first step. [Figure 9] 13(a) to 13(d) are diagrams illustrating a state in which the opening degree of a damper provided in a selected branch duct is set to a first opening degree that is smaller than the opening degrees of the other dampers. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating physical quantities of the fan before and during execution of the branch duct quality determination mode. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a second step. [Figure 12] This figure shows the difference in the physical quantities of the fan added to FIG. [Figure 13] 2 is a graph showing the PQ curve of a fan and the resistance curve of a duct means. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of a second step according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

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

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

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

[0013] The multiple rooms 7 in this embodiment include a first room 7a, a second room 7b, a third room 7c, and a fourth room 7d. The multiple rooms 7 are not limited to the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d, and for example, some of these may be omitted, or other rooms may be further included. In addition, the first room 7a to the fourth room 7d in this embodiment are configured as living rooms (e.g., a living room, a child's room, a bedroom, etc.), but they may be non-living rooms (e.g., a washroom, etc.).

[0014] [Whole building air conditioning system] The central air-conditioning system 1 is for ventilating or air-conditioning a plurality of rooms 7 (in this example, a first room 7a to a fourth room 7d) provided in a building 2. FIG.

[0015] 1 and 2, the central air-conditioning system 1 of this embodiment includes a duct means 11, a fan 12, a plurality of dampers 13, and a control device 14. Furthermore, the central air-conditioning system 1 of this embodiment further includes a chamber box 15 and an air conditioner 16.

[0016] [Chamber box] The chamber box 15 is formed in a box shape having a space therein. The chamber box 15 in this embodiment is provided in a non-habitable room (hall) 8, but is not particularly limited thereto, and may be provided in, for example, an underfloor space 3 or the like.

[0017] The chamber box 15 of this embodiment is provided with an air supply port (not shown) and an outside air intake port (not shown). The air supply port is for supplying the building air Ai (return air Ar) circulated through a plurality of rooms 7 (shown in FIG. 1) to the inside. As shown in FIG. 2, the outside air intake port is for supplying the outside air Ao to the inside. For example, the outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) is taken into the outside air intake port via the outside air supply duct 17 and the outside air supply fan 18, but this is not limited to such a mode, and the outside air Ao may be taken in directly from the outdoors. The air volume of the outside air supply fan 18 is appropriately set based on the ventilation frequency (for example, 0.5 times / h) required per hour in the building 2.

[0018] [Air conditioner] The air conditioner 16 is for generating air Ac for air conditioning. The air conditioner 16 of this embodiment is configured, for example, as a typical household separate type air conditioner. Therefore, the air conditioner 16 includes an indoor unit 19 and an outdoor unit (not shown). The indoor unit 19 has an intake port 19a, an exhaust port 19b, and an indoor unit fan 19c.

[0019] The intake port 19a is for taking in air into a heat exchanger (not shown) provided inside the indoor unit 19. The air taken in through the intake port 19a includes outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) and / or inside-building air Ai (return air Ar). By taking in the outside air Ao and conditioning it, air for conditioning Ac that can also be used for ventilation can be generated. In addition, by taking in the inside-building air Ai (return air Ar), the air conditioning load required for generating the air for conditioning Ac can be reduced. In this embodiment, both the outside air Ao and the inside-building air Ai are taken in and conditioned, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, when a ventilation facility, an air circulation facility, or the like is separately provided, only one of the outside air Ao and the inside-building air Ai may be taken in and conditioned.

[0020] The air outlet 19b is for discharging air Ac for air conditioning that has been generated (heat exchanged) in a heat exchanger (not shown). In this embodiment, the set temperature and the like of the air conditioner 16 can be controlled by the control device 14 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0021] The indoor unit fan 19c is for sucking in the outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) and / or the building air Ai (return air Ar) from the inlet 19a and discharging the generated air for air conditioning Ac from the outlet 19b. In this embodiment, the air for air conditioning Ac is discharged based on one air volume selected from a plurality of predetermined air volumes, but is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the air for air conditioning Ac may be discharged based on only one predetermined air volume (single notch). The air volume of the indoor unit fan 19c is controlled by the control device 14 (shown in FIG. 1).

[0022] In this embodiment, when the air conditioning operation by the air conditioner 16 is stopped, ventilation air Av including outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) is supplied to the chamber box 15 instead of the air for air conditioning Ac. The ventilation air Av in this embodiment includes the air inside the building Ai (return air Ar), but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0023] [Duct Means] As shown in Fig. 1, the duct means 11 is for conveying ventilation air Av or air conditioning air Ac to a plurality of rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d). In this embodiment, only one duct means 11 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, in the case where the building 2 includes a room 7 (not shown) provided on the second floor or higher, a duct means (not shown) communicating with the room 7 on the second floor or higher may be further included.

[0024] The duct means 11 of the present embodiment is configured to include a main duct 21 and a plurality of branch ducts 22. A branch chamber 23 is provided between the main duct 21 and the plurality of branch ducts 22, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0025] The main duct 21 is for transporting ventilation air Av or air for air conditioning Ac (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "air for air conditioning Ac, etc.") to the plurality of branch ducts 22. One end of the main duct 21 in this embodiment is connected to the chamber box 15 (the side of the air outlet 19b of the indoor unit 19 shown in FIG. 2), and the other end is connected to the plurality of branch ducts 22 via the branch chamber 23. Such a main duct 21 communicates between the chamber box 15, the branch chamber 23, and the plurality of branch ducts 22, and the air for air conditioning Ac, etc. can be transported to the plurality of branch ducts 22.

[0026] The multiple branch ducts 22 are for branching the air for air conditioning Ac, etc. from the main duct 21 and transporting it to each of the multiple chambers 7 (first chamber 7a to fourth chamber 7d). In this embodiment, one end of each of the multiple branch ducts 22 is connected to the main duct 21 via a branch chamber 23, and the other end is connected to each of the multiple chambers 7. The multiple branch ducts 22 communicate between the main duct 21 and the multiple chambers 7, and the air for air conditioning Ac, etc. can be transported to each of the multiple chambers 7.

[0027] The branch ducts 22 include a first branch duct 22a, a second branch duct 22b, a third branch duct 22c, and a fourth branch duct 22d. The first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d are branched from the main duct 21 via a branch chamber 23.

[0028] The first branch duct 22a is connected to the first chamber 7a. The second branch duct 22b is connected to the second chamber 7b. The third branch duct 22c is connected to the third chamber 7c. The fourth branch duct 22d is connected to the fourth chamber. The first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d can transport the air for air conditioning Ac, etc., which is divided by the main duct 21 (branch chamber 23), to each of the first chamber 7a to the fourth chamber 7d.

[0029] The plurality of branch ducts 22 is not limited to the embodiment configured with the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d. For example, some of the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d may be omitted or other branch ducts (not shown) may be included in accordance with the number of the plurality of rooms 7 provided in the building 2.

[0030] [fan] The fan 12 is for pressure-feeding air Ac for air conditioning from a main duct 21 to a plurality of chambers 7 (first chamber 7a to fourth chamber 7d) through a plurality of branch ducts 22. The fan 12 in this embodiment is housed in a chamber box 15, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0031] In this embodiment, only one fan 12 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a plurality of duct means (not shown) are provided, a fan (not shown) may be further provided for each of the duct means 11.

[0032] It is preferable to select a fan 12 that has the power and size required for ventilation and air conditioning of the multiple chambers 7 and has a known relationship between pressure loss and rotation speed. This allows air Ac for air conditioning and the like to be efficiently pumped to the multiple chambers 7 (first chamber 7a to fourth chamber 7d).

[0033] In this embodiment, the fan 12 is configured as a constant air volume fan whose operating load changes according to the magnitude of the pressure loss in the duct means 11, but is not particularly limited thereto and may be, for example, a variable air volume fan. Examples of physical quantities related to the operating load of the fan 12 include the rotation speed, current value, and power amount of the fan 12. By configuring the fan 12 as a constant air volume fan as in this embodiment, it becomes possible to pressurize and blow air Ac for air conditioning at a predetermined set air volume. Furthermore, a known fan (constant air volume fan) may be adopted for the fan 12, and for example, a DC brushless fan may be adopted.

[0034] The fan 12 of the present embodiment can be operated based on any one of a plurality of predetermined notches. The notches can be switched by the control device 14.

[0035] The multiple notches can be set appropriately depending on, for example, the temperature controllability required for each of the multiple chambers 7 (first chamber 7a to fourth chamber 7d). The multiple notches in this embodiment include strong notches, medium notches, and weak notches. Of these notches, the strong notches can pressure-feed the air Ac for air conditioning at the largest air volume. On the other hand, the weak notches can pressure-feed the air Ac for air conditioning at the smallest air volume. Note that the notches are not limited to such an embodiment, and some of these notches may be omitted, or other notches may be included.

[0036] The set air volume for each notch can be set appropriately. The set air volume N1 for 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 m3 / h. These set airflow rates are not limited to such embodiments, and can be set appropriately according to, for example, the temperature controllability required for each of the multiple chambers 7.

[0037] [Damper] The dampers 13 are provided in each of the branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d), and the opening degree (opening area) of each damper 13 can be adjusted to individually adjust the pressure loss of each of the branch ducts 22. By individually adjusting the pressure loss of each of the branch ducts 22, the supply amount (air volume) of air Ac for air conditioning can be adjusted in each of the rooms 7 connected to the branch ducts 22. The opening degree of each damper 13 is adjusted by a control device 14.

[0038] In this embodiment, the opening degrees of the dampers 13 are configured to include “small,” “medium,” and “large.” Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the opening degrees of the dampers 13 and the magnitude of the opening degrees.

[0039] The opening degree in Fig. 3 indicates the size of the opening area of ​​the damper 13. The size of this opening area is shown as a ratio when the maximum opening degree (opening area) that can be adjusted by the damper 13 is set to "100%."

[0040] 3 (in this example, "small," "medium," and "large"), the "small" opening is set to the smallest opening (0% in this example) that can be adjusted by each damper 13. Therefore, when the opening of the damper 13 is set to "small," the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 shown in FIG. 1 becomes the largest, and the supply amount (air volume) of the air for air conditioning Ac, etc. shown in FIG. 1 becomes the smallest (zero in this example).

[0041] On the other hand, "large" is set to the largest adjustable opening degree (100% in this example) for each damper 13. Therefore, when the opening degree of the damper 13 is set to "large", the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 shown in Fig. 1 is minimized, and the supply amount (air volume) of the air Ac for air conditioning, etc. is maximized.

[0042] The opening degree of the damper 13 is not limited to being changeable in three stages including "small", "medium" and "large", but may be changeable in four or more stages, for example. Also, the magnitude of the opening degree is not limited to the above-mentioned mode.

[0043] 1, the dampers 13 of this embodiment include a first damper 13a, a second damper 13b, a third damper 13c, and a fourth damper 13d. The first damper 13a to the fourth damper 13d are connected to the other ends of the branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d), respectively.

[0044] The first damper 13a is connected to the first branch duct 22a. The first damper 13a can adjust the pressure loss of the first branch duct 22a and the supply amount (air volume) of the air conditioning air Ac to the first chamber 7a. The second damper 13b is connected to the second branch duct 22b. The second damper 13b can adjust the pressure loss of the second branch duct 22b and the supply amount (air volume) of the air conditioning air Ac to the second chamber 7b.

[0045] The third damper 13c is connected to the third branch duct 22c. The third damper 13c can adjust the pressure loss of the third branch duct 22c and the supply amount (air volume) of the air conditioning air Ac to the third chamber 7c. The fourth damper 13d is connected to the fourth branch duct 22d. The fourth damper 13d can adjust the pressure loss of the fourth branch duct 22d and the supply amount (air volume) of the air conditioning air Ac to the fourth chamber 7d.

[0046] These first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d individually adjust the pressure loss of each of the first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d, and the supply amount (air volume) of air for air conditioning Ac, etc. can be individually adjusted for each of the first chamber 7a to fourth chamber 7d.

[0047] [Filter material] As shown in Fig. 2, the central air-conditioning system 1 of this embodiment may include a filter member 24 for purifying air. A known filter member 24 may be appropriately selected as the filter member 24. For example, a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter, a photocatalyst filter, an activated carbon deodorizing filter, an electrostatic dust collecting filter, or the like may be adopted as the filter member 24 of this embodiment. The filter member 24 may also be configured by combining these.

[0048] The filter member 24 of the present embodiment is housed inside the chamber box 15 and is capable of passing air for air conditioning Ac, etc. This enables the filter member 24 to purify the air for air conditioning Ac, etc., thereby improving the air quality in the building 2.

[0049] [Control device] 1, the control device 14 is for adjusting the operation of the fan 12 and the opening degree of a plurality of dampers 13. In the control device 14 of the present embodiment, in addition to the fan 12 and the dampers 13, the operation of the air conditioner 16 and the outside air supply fan 18 is also controlled, but is not limited to this embodiment.

[0050] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 14. The control device 14 of this embodiment is configured by a computer 25, and is installed, for example, in a partition wall of the building 2 shown in FIG.

[0051] The control device 14 includes, for example, an arithmetic device 31, a storage device 32 for storing processing procedures and the like, and a working memory 33 for reading the processing procedures and the like from the storage device 32. Furthermore, an input / output device 34 is connected to the control device 14 (arithmetic device 31).

[0052] [Input / Output Devices] The input / output device 34 in this embodiment is configured as a touch panel display provided on the housing of the control device 14 shown in Fig. 1, but is not limited to this. For example, the input / output device 34 may be configured as a mobile terminal (such as a smartphone or a tablet computer) of the user.

[0053] For example, data (signals) input by a user (resident) or the like can be transmitted to the control device 14 via the input / output device 34. Data can be input, for example, via an operation screen (user interface) displayed on the input / output device 34.

[0054] The input data includes, for example, instruction data for starting and ending the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 16 shown in Fig. 1. Furthermore, the input data may include, for example, the target temperature for each of the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1. This target temperature is the temperature of each room 7 that should be achieved and maintained by air conditioning by the central air conditioning system 1.

[0055] The input / output device 34 receives data (signals) from the control device 14 and can display, for example, the operating status of the central air-conditioning system 1. Examples of the operating status include the operating status (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 16 shown in Fig. 1 and the target temperatures and current temperatures of each of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) shown in Fig. 1.

[0056] [Arithmetic device] As shown in FIG. 4, the arithmetic unit 31 of this embodiment is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0057] The arithmetic device 31 (control device 14) of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the fan 12. This allows the operation of the fan 12 (e.g., switching between strong notch and weak notch, etc.) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data related to the operating status of the fan 12 (e.g., data such as the currently operating air volume, rotation speed, current value, and power amount) can be received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0058] The arithmetic device 31 (control device 14) of this embodiment is communicatively connected to each of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d). This allows the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data relating to the operating conditions of the multiple dampers 13 (for example, current opening degrees, etc.) is received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0059] The arithmetic device 31 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the air conditioner 16. This allows the operation of the air conditioner 16 (for example, changing the set temperature or changing the air volume of the indoor unit fan 19c shown in FIG. 2) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data relating to the operating status of the air conditioner 16 is received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0060] The arithmetic device 31 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the outside air supply fan 18. This allows the operation of the outside air supply fan 18 (e.g., adjustment of the air volume, etc.) to be controlled by the arithmetic device 31. Furthermore, data relating to the operating status of the outside air supply fan 18 (e.g., data on the currently operating air volume, rotation speed, etc.) is received by the arithmetic device 31.

[0061] [Storage device] The storage device 32 of the present embodiment is, for example, a non-volatile information storage device. The storage device 32 includes a data section 35 and a program section 36.

[0062] [Data section] The data section 35 of this embodiment is for storing the calculation results by the arithmetic device 31, etc. The data section 35 of this embodiment includes a branch duct storage section 35a, a physical quantity storage section 35b, an air volume ratio storage section 35c, a specific duct storage section 35d, a pressure loss increment storage section 35e, and a threshold storage section 35f. Note that the data section 35 is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the data section 35 may further include an input section for storing other information (data). Details of the data stored in the data section 35 will be described later.

[0063] [Program section] The program unit 36 ​​of this embodiment is a program (computer program) for causing the arithmetic device 31 (control device 14) to execute a method for central air-conditioning of a building, which will be described later, and a method for inspecting the central air-conditioning system 1. The program unit 36, when executed by the arithmetic device 31, causes the control device 14 to function as a specific means.

[0064] The program unit 36 ​​includes a physical quantity acquisition unit 36a and a good / bad judgment unit 36b. Furthermore, the program unit 36 ​​includes an air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c, a fan operation unit 36d, an outside air supply fan operation unit 36e, a damper adjustment unit 36f, a judgment execution judgment unit 36g, a branch duct selection unit 36h, and a selection end judgment unit 36i. Furthermore, the program unit 36 ​​includes an air volume ratio acquisition unit 36j, a branch duct identification unit 36k, an air conditioning end judgment unit 36m, and an increment estimation unit 36n. Note that the program unit 36 ​​is not limited to such an embodiment, and may include other programs. The functions of these program units 36 will be described in the respective steps of the central air conditioning method for a building and the inspection method for the central air conditioning system described later.

[0065] [Method for air conditioning a whole building and method for inspecting a whole building air conditioning system (first embodiment)] In the central building air-conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) provided in the building 2 shown in FIG. 1 are ventilated or air-conditioned based on the processing procedure of a central building air-conditioning method for a building described below (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "central building air-conditioning method"). In this embodiment, the implementation of the central building air-conditioning method is started based on instruction data for starting the central building air-conditioning operation. Such instruction data is input to an input / output device 34 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) by a user (resident) or the like.

[0066] Incidentally, in order to efficiently ventilate or air-condition the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d), it is important that each of the multiple branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) that transports the air Ac for air conditioning is maintained in a good state. Here, the good state is a state in which the air Ac for air conditioning can be supplied to the multiple rooms 7 at an air volume assumed for each of the multiple branch ducts 22 when the building 2 is designed. In addition, the assumed air volume can be easily specified from the installation conditions (length of the branch duct 22, number of bends, etc.) specified for each of the multiple branch ducts 22 when the building 2 is designed. Note that, if the branch duct 22 is installed in a state different from such installation conditions, the pressure loss of the branch duct 22 may become large. In this case, the air Ac for air conditioning is supplied at an air volume smaller than the assumed air volume, which is not good for the branch duct 22.

[0067] The quality of the multiple branch ducts 22 can be determined, for example, by measuring the air volume of the air conditioning air Ac etc. that is pressurized and sent from each of the outlets of the multiple branch ducts 22 while the fan 12 is driven, and comparing the measured air volume with an expected air volume. These air volumes can be measured, for example, by a serviceman who repairs the building 2, pressing a known air volume meter (not shown) against the outlets of the multiple branch ducts 22. However, since these outlets are often provided in difficult-to-access parts such as the ceiling, there is a problem that determining the quality of these branch ducts 22 requires a lot of effort.

[0068] In the central building air-conditioning system 1 of this embodiment, a branch duct quality determination mode can be executed. In this branch duct quality determination mode, the quality of the multiple branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) is determined based on the processing procedure of a duct inspection method for the central building air-conditioning system 1 described below (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "duct inspection method"). By executing this branch duct quality determination mode (duct inspection method), the quality of the multiple branch ducts 22 can be efficiently determined without, for example, pressing a known air flow meter (not shown) against the air outlets of the multiple branch ducts 22.

[0069] In this embodiment, the execution of the branch duct quality determination mode (duct inspection method) is started based on execution instruction data for determining whether the branch duct is good or bad. Such execution instruction data is input to the input / output device 34 (shown in Figs. 1 and 4) by a user (resident), a serviceman, or the like.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the method for air-conditioning a building at a central location and the method for inspecting a duct of the central air-conditioning system 1. In FIG.

[0071] [Starting central air conditioning operation (central air conditioning start process)] In the central air-conditioning method of this embodiment, first, the central air-conditioning operation of the building 2 shown in Fig. 1 is started (central air-conditioning start step S1). Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the central air-conditioning start step S1.

[0072] In the central air-conditioning start process S1 of this embodiment, a process S11 of starting the operation of the air conditioner 16, a process S12 of starting the operation of the fan 12, a process S13 of starting the operation of the outside air supply fan 18, and a process S14 of adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 shown in Fig. 1 are performed. Note that, prior to the implementation of the central air-conditioning start process S1, for example, if the operation of the fan 12 or the outside air supply fan 18 is started to ventilate the building 2, the process S12 of starting the operation of the fan 12 and the process S13 of starting the operation of the outside air supply fan 18 may be omitted. Furthermore, if there is no need to air-condition multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d), the process S11 of starting the operation of the air conditioner 16 may be omitted.

[0073] [Start the air conditioner] In the central air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, first, the operation of the air conditioner 16 shown in FIG. 1 is started (step S11).

[0074] In step S11 of this embodiment, the air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. The air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c is a program for operating the air conditioner 16 shown in Fig. 1, adjusting the set temperature, etc. By executing this air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for starting the operation of the air conditioner 16.

[0075] In step S11 of this embodiment, the air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 starts the air conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) of the air conditioner 16 shown in Fig. 1. Switching between heating operation and cooling operation and adjustment of the set temperature of the air conditioner 16 may be performed based on, for example, instruction data, a target temperature, and an outside air temperature input to the input / output device 34. The air volume of the indoor unit fan 19c is set appropriately according to, for example, the operating status (air conditioning load) of the air conditioner 16.

[0076] [Start fan operation] Next, in the central air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the operation of the fan 12 shown in FIG. 1 is started (step S12).

[0077] In step S12 of this embodiment, a fan operation unit 36d included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The fan operation unit 36d is a program for starting the operation of the fan 12 shown in Fig. 1 and adjusting the air volume of the fan 12. The fan operation unit 36d is executed by the arithmetic device 31, whereby the control device 14 can function as a means for starting the operation of the fan 12.

[0078] In step S12 of this embodiment, the fan operation unit 36d (control device 14) shown in FIG. 4 starts the operation of the fan 12 shown in FIG. 1. The set airflow of the fan 12 is appropriately selected from the set airflows of a plurality of notches (for example, a strong notch, a medium notch, and a weak notch). In this embodiment, the set airflow N3 of the weak notch (for example, 480 m 3 / h), but is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the set air volume of the fan 12 can be appropriately selected according to the operating status (air conditioning load) of the air conditioner 16.

[0079] [Start outdoor air supply fan] Next, in the central air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the operation of the outside air supply fan 18 shown in FIG. 1 is started (step S13).

[0080] In step S13 of this embodiment, an outside air supply fan operation unit 36e included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. The outside air supply fan operation unit 36e is a program for starting the operation of the outside air supply fan 18 shown in Fig. 1 and adjusting the air volume of the outside air supply fan 18. The outside air supply fan operation unit 36e is executed by the arithmetic device 31, thereby making it possible for the control device 14 to function as a means for starting the operation of the outside air supply fan 18.

[0081] In step S13 of this embodiment, first, the outside air supply fan operation unit 36e (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 starts operation of the outside air supply fan 18 shown in Fig. 1. The air volume of the outside air supply fan 18 is appropriately set according to, for example, the number of ventilations required per hour in the building 2 (for example, 0.5 times / h), the operating status of the air conditioner 16 (air conditioning load), etc.

[0082] [Adjust the damper opening] Next, in the central air-conditioning start step S1 of this embodiment, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (the first damper 13a to the fourth damper 13d) shown in FIG. 1 are adjusted (step S14).

[0083] In step S14 of this embodiment, a damper adjustment section 36f included in the program section 36 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The damper adjustment section 36f is a program for adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) shown in Fig. 1. When the damper adjustment section 36f is executed by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13.

[0084] In step S14 of this embodiment, the damper adjustment unit 36f (control device 14) shown in FIG. 4 adjusts the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) shown in FIG. 1. The opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 can be appropriately selected from the opening degrees "small" to "large" shown in FIG. 3, for example. In this embodiment, it is preferable to adjust the opening degrees of the multiple dampers to "large: 100%". As a result, at the start of the central air-conditioning operation, air for air conditioning Ac and the like is sufficiently supplied to the multiple rooms 7, making it possible to quickly ventilate or air-condition the inside of the building 2.

[0085] In the central air-conditioning start step S1 (central air-conditioning system 1) of this embodiment, the operation of the outdoor air supply fan 18 shown in FIG. 1 is started, and the underfloor air Au (outdoor air Ao) is taken into the chamber box 15. Furthermore, the operation of the air conditioner 16 is started, and the underfloor air Au (outdoor air Ao) and the building air Ai (return air Ar) are sucked into the indoor unit 19 shown in FIG. 2. Then, the air for air conditioning Ac that has been heat exchanged by the indoor unit 19 is supplied into the chamber box 15. Note that, if the step S11 of starting the operation of the air conditioner 16 is omitted, ventilation air Av containing the outdoor air Ao (underfloor air Au) is supplied to the chamber box 15 instead of the air for air conditioning Ac. The air for air conditioning Ac and the like are purified by the filter member 24.

[0086] Furthermore, in the central air-conditioning start step S1 (central air-conditioning system 1), the fan 12 is driven as shown in Fig. 1. This causes air Ac for air conditioning to be compressed and sent to the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) through the main duct 21, the multiple branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) and the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d). The return air Ar that has passed through the first room 7a to fourth room 7d can be collected as building air Ai into the chamber box 15 through the gaps (such as door undercuts) 9 and the hole 8 of each room 7.

[0087] In this way, in the central air conditioning start process S1 (central air conditioning system 1), central air conditioning operation can be started to ventilate or air condition multiple rooms 7 (room 1 7a to room 4 7d) in building 2 while circulating air for air conditioning Ac, etc. and return air Ar (air inside the building Ai).

[0088] [Judge whether or not a branch duct pass / fail judgment mode execution command is issued] Next, in the central building air-conditioning method of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to execute a branch duct quality determination mode (step S2).

[0089] In step S2 of this embodiment, first, a judgment execution determination unit 36g included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The judgment execution determination unit 36g is a program for determining whether or not there is an instruction to execute a branch duct pass / fail determination mode. By executing the judgment execution determination unit 36g by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for determining whether or not there is an instruction to execute a branch duct pass / fail determination.

[0090] In this embodiment, the presence or absence of an instruction to start the branch duct quality determination is determined based on execution instruction data for the branch duct quality determination. This execution instruction data is input to the input / output device 34 (shown in FIGS. 1 and 4) by a user (resident), a serviceman, or the like.

[0091] 5, if it is determined that there is an instruction to perform a branch duct quality determination ("Yes" in step S2), the next branch duct quality determination mode (branch duct quality determination step S3) is executed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to perform a branch duct quality determination ("No" in step S2), step S4 is executed to determine whether there is an instruction to end the next central air-conditioning operation.

[0092] [Branch duct quality judgment mode (branch duct quality judgment process)] Next, in the central air conditioning method of this embodiment, a branch duct quality determination mode is executed (branch duct quality determination step S3). As described above, in the branch duct quality determination mode, the quality (i.e., whether or not each of the branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) shown in Fig. 1 is determined to be good (i.e., whether or not it is maintained in a good state) based on the processing procedure of the duct inspection method.

[0093] 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process procedure of the branch duct quality determination step S3 (branch duct quality determination mode). This flowchart can be specified as a process procedure of the duct inspection method.

[0094] [Obtain the physical quantities of the fan by gradually decreasing the damper opening (first step)] In the branch duct quality determination mode (branch duct quality determination step S3) of this embodiment, a first step S31 is first performed. In this first step S31, physical quantities related to the operating load of the fan 12 when the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) shown in FIG. 1 are successively decreased are acquired.

[0095] In a first step S31, one branch duct 22 is selected in sequence from the plurality of branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d), and the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in the selected branch duct 22 is set to a first opening degree that is smaller than the opening degrees of the other dampers 13. Then, when each damper 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) is set to the first opening degree, a physical quantity related to the operating load of the fan 12 when the fan 12 is driven is acquired. These physical quantities are used to determine the quality of the plurality of branch ducts 22 in a second step S32 described later. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the first step S31.

[0096] [Select one branch duct from multiple branch ducts] In the first step S31 of this embodiment, first, one branch duct 22 is selected from the plurality of branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) shown in Fig. 1 (step S41). In this embodiment, a predetermined identification number is assigned to each of the plurality of branch ducts 22. Each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 can be uniquely identified by these identification numbers.

[0097] In step S41 of this embodiment, one branch duct 22 is selected from the plurality of branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d). Then, the identification number of the selected branch duct 22 can be specified.

[0098] In step S41 of this embodiment, a branch duct selection unit 36h included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The branch duct selection unit 36h is a program for selecting one branch duct 22 from the multiple branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) shown in Fig. 1. When the branch duct selection unit 36h is executed by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for selecting one branch duct 22.

[0099] One branch duct 22 is appropriately selected from the plurality of branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d). In this embodiment, for example, one branch duct (one branch duct) 22 is selected from the plurality of branch ducts 22 in a predetermined order (for example, in ascending order of identification number). Note that the selection of one branch duct 22 is not limited to this mode, and one branch duct 22 may be selected randomly from the plurality of branch ducts 22. The identification number of the selected one branch duct 22 (for example, first branch duct 22a) is stored in the branch duct storage unit 35a shown in FIG. 4.

[0100] [Set the damper opening of the selected branch duct to the first opening] Next, in the first step S31 of this embodiment, the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in a selected branch duct 22 (e.g., the first branch duct 22a) is set to a first opening degree that is smaller than the opening degrees of the other dampers 13 (step S42).

[0101] In step S42 of this embodiment, the identification number of one branch duct 22 inputted to the branch duct storage unit 35a shown in Fig. 4 and the damper adjustment unit 36f included in the program unit 36 ​​are read into the working memory 33. As described above, the damper adjustment unit 36f is a program for adjusting the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 shown in Fig. 1. By executing this damper adjustment unit 36f by the arithmetic device 31, it is possible to cause the control device 14 to function as a means for setting the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in the selected one branch duct 22 to the first opening degree.

[0102] In this embodiment, a predetermined identification number is assigned to each of the dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) shown in FIG. 1. The identification numbers allow each of the dampers 13 to be uniquely identified. The identification numbers of the dampers 13 are linked to the identification numbers of the branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) in which the dampers 13 are provided, respectively. For this reason, in step S42, a damper 13 (for example, the first damper 13a) provided in a selected branch duct 22 (for example, the first branch duct 22a) can be uniquely identified from the identification number of the selected branch duct 22.

[0103] The first opening degree is not particularly limited as long as the opening degree of the damper 13 (for example, the first damper 13a) provided in one branch duct 22 is set smaller than the opening degrees of the other dampers 13 (for example, the second damper 13b to the fourth damper 13d). For example, when the opening degrees of the second damper 13b to the fourth damper 13d among the opening degrees of the dampers 13 shown in FIG. 3 are adjusted to "large: 100%", the first opening degree of the first damper 13a can be set to "small: 0%" or "medium: 71%". The first opening degree of this embodiment is set to the smallest opening degree ("small: 0%) that can be set to the damper 13.

[0104] 9(a) to 9(d) are diagrams showing a state in which the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in the selected branch duct 22 is set to a first opening degree that is smaller than the opening degrees of the other dampers 13. FIG. 9(a) shows a state in which the opening degree of the first damper 13a is set to the first opening degree, and FIG. 9(b) shows a state in which the opening degree of the second damper 13b is set to the first opening degree. FIG. 9(c) shows a state in which the opening degree of the third damper 13c is set to the first opening degree, and FIG. 9(d) shows a state in which the opening degree of the fourth damper 13d is set to the first opening degree.

[0105] In step S42 of this embodiment, the damper adjustment unit 36f (control device 14) shown in FIG. 4 identifies the damper 13 (for example, the first damper 13a provided in the first branch duct 22a) provided in the selected branch duct 22 as shown in FIG. 9(a). Next, the damper adjustment unit 36f sets the opening degree of the identified damper 13 (for example, the first damper 13a) to the first opening degree (in this example, "small: 0%" shown in FIG. 3). Furthermore, the damper adjustment unit 36f sets the opening degrees of the other dampers 13 (for example, the second damper 13b to the fourth damper 13d) to be larger than the first opening degree (in this example, "large: 100%" shown in FIG. 3). Note that, if the opening degrees of the other dampers 13 are already set to be larger than the first opening degree, those opening degrees may be maintained as they are. As a result, in step S42, the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 (first branch duct 22a) in which the damper 13 set to the first opening degree is provided becomes greater than the pressure loss in the branch ducts (second branch duct 22b to fourth branch duct 22d) in which the other dampers 13 are provided.

[0106] Furthermore, in step S42, due to an increase in pressure loss in the branch duct 22 (first branch duct 22a) in which the damper 13 set to the first opening degree is provided, the overall pressure loss in the duct means 11 increases compared to before the branch duct quality determination mode (branch duct quality determination step S3) was executed.

[0107] [Get physical quantities related to the fan operating load] Next, in the first step S31 of this embodiment, a physical quantity related to the operating load of the fan 12 when the fan 12 is driven is acquired (step S43).

[0108] In step S43 of this embodiment, a physical quantity acquisition unit 36a included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The physical quantity acquisition unit 36a is a program for acquiring a physical quantity (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "physical quantity of the fan 12") related to the operating load of the fan 12 when the fan 12 shown in Fig. 9(a) is driven. The physical quantity acquisition unit 36a is executed by the arithmetic device 31, whereby the control device 14 can function as a means for acquiring the physical quantity of the fan 12.

[0109] As described above, the physical quantities of the fan 12 in this embodiment include the rotation speed, current value, and power amount of the fan 12. These physical quantities of the fan 12 change according to the magnitude of the pressure loss of the duct means 11 in order to pressure-feed the air Ac for air conditioning at a predetermined set air volume. For example, when the pressure loss of the duct means 11 (including the multiple branch ducts 22) increases, the air becomes difficult to flow in the duct means 11. In this case, in order to pressure-feed the air at the predetermined set air volume, it is necessary to increase the operating load (rotation speed) of the fan 12. In this way, when the pressure loss of the duct means 11 increases, the physical quantity (rotation speed) of the fan 12 increases, so there is a correlation between the pressure loss of the duct means 11 (branch ducts 22) and the physical quantity of the fan 12.

[0110] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 9(a), the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 (first branch duct 22a) in which the damper 13 set to the first opening degree is provided increases. Due to this increase in pressure loss in the branch duct 22, the pressure loss in the duct means 11 as a whole increases compared to before the branch duct quality determination mode (branch duct quality determination step S3) shown in Fig. 1 is executed. Therefore, in step S43, a physical quantity of the fan 12 in which the operating load has increased compared to before the branch duct quality determination mode is executed can be acquired.

[0111] 10 is a diagram showing physical quantities of the fan 12 before the branch duct quality determination mode is executed and physical quantities of the fan 12 during the branch duct quality determination mode is executed. In FIG. 10, the damper 13 set to the first opening degree and the other dampers 13 are shown.

[0112] 10, when the first damper 13a is set to the first opening degree during execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode, the physical quantity (rotation speed) of the fan 12 increases compared to before execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode (when the opening degrees of all dampers 13 are set to "large: 100%). Note that the physical quantity of the fan 12 before execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode is preferably acquired in advance before execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode.

[0113] The physical quantity of the fan 12 may vary due to pulsation of the fan 12, etc. For this reason, an average value of the physical quantities of the fan 12 acquired multiple times within a predetermined time period (for example, 10 to 90 seconds) may be acquired as the physical quantity of the fan 12. This allows the physical quantities of the fan 12 to be acquired stably and accurately. The acquired physical quantities of the fan 12 are stored in the physical quantity storage unit 35b shown in FIG. 4.

[0114] [Determine whether all branch ducts are selected] Next, in the first step S31 of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not all of the branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) shown in FIG. 1 have been selected (step S44).

[0115] In step S44 of this embodiment, first, a selection end determination unit 36i included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The selection end determination unit 36i is a program for determining whether or not all of the branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) shown in Fig. 1 have been selected. By executing this selection end determination unit 36i by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for determining whether or not all of the branch ducts 22 have been selected.

[0116] As shown in Fig. 8, when it is determined that all the branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) have been selected ("Yes" in step S44), the next second step S32 shown in Fig. 7 is performed. On the other hand, when it is determined that all the branch ducts 22 have not been selected ("No" in step S44), steps S41 to S44 are performed again. In step S41 that is performed again, one branch duct 22 that has not yet been selected (for example, any one of the second branch duct 22b to the fourth branch duct 22d) is selected from among the plurality of branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d).

[0117] 9(a) to 9(d), in the first step S31 of the present embodiment, one branch duct 22 may be selected in sequence from the plurality of branch ducts 22, and the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in the selected branch duct 22 may be set to the first opening degree. Then, in a state in which the opening degrees of the dampers 13 (the first damper 13a, the second damper 13b, the third damper 13c, and the fourth damper 13d) are each set to the first opening degree, the physical quantities of the fan 12 when the fan 12 is driven may be acquired. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 10, the physical quantities of the fan 12 when the opening degrees of the dampers 13 are each sequentially set to the first opening degree may be acquired.

[0118] [Quality assessment of multiple branch ducts (2nd process)] Next, in the branch duct quality determination mode (branch duct quality determination step S3) of this embodiment, a second step S32 is performed. In this second step S32, quality determination is performed on the plurality of branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d).

[0119] The quality of the multiple branch ducts 22 is determined based on the physical quantities (shown in FIG. 10) of the respective fans 12 obtained in the first step S31. These physical quantities of the fans 12 are obtained when the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) are sequentially set to the first opening degree, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d).

[0120] As described above, a good state of the branch duct 22 is a state in which air Ac for air conditioning can be supplied at an air volume assumed at the time of designing the building 2 shown in Fig. 1. On the other hand, an ungood state of the branch duct 22 is a state in which air Ac for air conditioning can be supplied at an air volume smaller than the air volume assumed at the time of designing the building 2. In such an ungood state, for example, the branch duct 22 may have been installed under conditions in which at least some of the installation conditions (such as the length of the branch duct 22 and the number of bends) specified at the time of designing the building 2 are different. As a result, it may be determined that the pressure loss of the branch duct 22 is larger than assumed at the time of designing.

[0121] Furthermore, when the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 increases, it becomes difficult for air to flow in the duct means 11, and the operating load (rotation speed) of the fan 12 increases. Therefore, there is a correlation between the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 (shown in FIG. 1) and the physical quantity of the fan 12 shown in FIG. 10. Furthermore, when the pressure loss in the multiple branch ducts 22 increases, the volume of air (air Ac for air conditioning, etc.) compressed and sent by the driving of the fan 12 decreases. Therefore, there is a correlation between the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 and the volume of air. Therefore, there is a correlation between the physical quantity of the fan 12, the volume of air, and the pressure loss in the branch duct 22.

[0122] In the second step S32 of this embodiment, an air volume ratio of air pressure-fed to each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) shown in FIG. 1 is estimated based on the physical quantity (shown in FIG. 10) of the fan 12 obtained in the first step S31. Furthermore, based on this estimated air volume ratio, a pressure loss of each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 is estimated. Then, a quality judgment of the plurality of branch ducts 22 is performed based on the estimated pressure losses of the plurality of branch ducts 22. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure of the second step S32.

[0123] [Estimating the ratio of air volumes pumped through multiple branch ducts] In the second step S32 of this embodiment, first, the air volume ratio of the air pressurized to each of the multiple branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) is estimated based on the physical quantities of each fan 12 obtained in the first step S31 (shown in FIG. 10) (step S51).

[0124] In step S51 of the present embodiment, the physical quantities (shown in FIG. 10) of the fans 12 obtained in the first step S31 and inputted to the physical quantity storage unit 35b shown in FIG. 4 are read into the working memory 33. These physical quantities of the fans 12 are the physical quantities of the fans 12 when the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) are sequentially set to the first opening degree, as shown in FIGS. 9(a) to 9(d) and 10.

[0125] In step S51 of this embodiment, an air volume ratio acquisition unit 36j included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. This air volume ratio acquisition unit 36j is a program for estimating the air volume ratio of the air pressure-sent to each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) shown in Fig. 1. This air volume ratio can be estimated based on the physical quantity (shown in Fig. 10) of each fan 12 obtained in the first step S31. By executing this air volume ratio acquisition unit 36j by the arithmetic device 31, it is possible to cause the control device 14 to function as a means for estimating the air volume ratio of the plurality of branch ducts 22.

[0126] Fig. 12 is a diagram in which the differences in the physical quantities of the fans 12 are added to Fig. 10. These differences in the physical quantities of the fans 12 can be obtained by subtracting the physical quantities of the fans 12 (1207 rpm in this example) before the branch duct pass / fail determination mode is executed from the respective physical quantities of the fans 12 (e.g., 1301 rpm, etc.) during the branch duct pass / fail determination mode. These differences can be obtained by the air volume ratio acquisition unit 36j (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4.

[0127] In general, when the opening degree of the damper 13 is set to the first opening degree, the pressure loss in the duct means 11 including the branch duct 22 in which the damper 13 is provided increases. Therefore, the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 (i.e., the increment in the rotation speed) also increases.

[0128] 12 is small, the increment in pressure loss in the branch duct 22 (e.g., the second branch duct 22b) caused by setting the opening of the damper 13 (e.g., the second damper 13b) to the first opening is small. In this case, regardless of the size of the opening of the damper 13, it can be estimated that the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 in which the damper 13 set to the first opening is provided was large before the branch duct quality determination mode was executed.

[0129] Furthermore, it can be estimated that the amount of air pressure sent from the branch duct 22, such as the second branch duct 22b, is small in the branch duct 22 with a large pressure loss (for example, the second branch duct 22b). In this way, the smaller the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 shown in FIG. 12 is, the smaller the amount of air pressure sent from the branch duct 22 is. Therefore, there is a correlation between the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 and the amount of air pressure sent from the branch duct 22.

[0130] 12 is large, the increment in pressure loss in the branch duct 22 (e.g., first branch duct 22a) caused by setting the opening of the damper 13 (e.g., first damper 13a) to the first opening is large. In this case, regardless of the size of the opening of the damper 13, it can be estimated that the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 in which the damper 13 set to the first opening is provided was small even before the branch duct quality determination mode was executed.

[0131] Furthermore, it can be estimated that in a branch duct 22 with a small pressure loss (for example, the first branch duct 22a), the volume of air for air conditioning Ac etc. that is pressurized and sent out is large. In this way, the volume of air that is pressurized and sent out from the branch duct 22 increases as the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 increases, so there is a correlation between the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 and the volume of air that is pressurized and sent out from the branch duct 22.

[0132] In this way, there is a correlation between the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 and the volume of air pressure-fed from the branch duct 22. For this reason, the volume ratio of air pressure-fed to each of the multiple branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) can be estimated from the ratio of the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 when each of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) is set to the first opening degree.

[0133] The ratio of the difference in the physical quantity can be appropriately obtained based on the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 shown in Fig. 12. In this embodiment, the ratio of the difference in the physical quantity is obtained based on the minimum value of the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 (in this example, the difference in the physical quantity when the second damper 13b is set to the first opening degree: 21 rpm). In this case, the ratio of the difference in the physical quantity of the first branch duct 22a, the second branch duct 22b, the third branch duct 22c, and the fourth branch duct 22d is as follows. 4.5:1.0:4.1:4.7

[0134] It is generally known that the air volume of the fan 12 is proportional to the rotation speed of the fan 12 (blower's law). Therefore, the ratio of the difference between the above physical quantities is estimated as the air volume ratio of the air pressure-sent to each of the multiple branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d). In the case of the above air volume ratio, the air volume of the second branch duct 22b is smaller than the air volumes of the other branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a, third branch duct 22c, and fourth branch duct 22d). The air volume ratio is stored in the air volume ratio storage unit 35c shown in FIG. 4.

[0135] [Identify the branch duct with the highest pressure loss based on the airflow ratio] Next, in a second step S32 of this embodiment, the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss is identified (step S52) from among the plurality of branch ducts 22. The branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss can be identified based on the ratio of the air volumes of the air pressure-fed to each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) shown in FIG.

[0136] In step S52 of this embodiment, the air volume ratios of the air in the plurality of branch ducts 22 inputted in the air volume ratio storage unit 35c shown in FIG. 4 are read into the working memory 33. Furthermore, a branch duct identification unit 36k included in the program unit 36 ​​is read into the working memory 33. This branch duct identification unit 36k is a program for identifying the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss from among the plurality of branch ducts 22. The branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss can be identified based on the air volume ratios of the air pressure-fed to each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) shown in FIG. 1. By executing this branch duct identification unit 36k by the calculation device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for identifying the branch duct having the largest pressure loss.

[0137] As described above, it can be estimated that the amount of airflow, such as the air for air conditioning Ac, is small in the branch duct 22 with a large pressure loss. On the other hand, it can be estimated that the amount of airflow, such as the air for air conditioning Ac, is large in the branch duct 22 with a small pressure loss. Therefore, there is a correlation between the pressure loss of the branch duct 22 and the amount of airflow sent from the branch duct 22.

[0138] In step S52 of this embodiment, the branch duct 22 (the second branch duct 22b in this example) having the smallest air volume ratio of the air pressure-fed to each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d) is selected. Then, the selected branch duct 22 is identified as the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss. The identification number of the identified branch duct 22 is stored in the identified duct storage unit 35d shown in FIG. 4.

[0139] As described above, the branch duct 22 with the largest pressure loss may be installed under conditions that differ from at least some of the installation conditions (such as the length of the branch duct 22 and the number of bends) specified at the time of designing the building 2. In the second step S32 of this embodiment, in order to determine whether the branch duct 22 with the largest pressure loss is installed under conditions that differ from at least some of the installation conditions specified at the time of designing the building 2, step S53 of determining whether the next branch duct 22 is good or bad is performed.

[0140] [Compare the physical value of the branch duct with the greatest pressure loss with a predefined threshold value] Next, in the second step S32 of this embodiment, the quality of the branch duct 22 is determined (step S53). In this step S53, for the branch duct 22 with the largest pressure loss, the physical quantity of the fan 12 when the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in that branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "the damper 13 of the branch duct 22 with the largest pressure loss is set to the first opening degree") is compared with a predetermined threshold value.

[0141] In step S53 of this embodiment, the identification number of the branch duct 22 inputted to the specific duct storage unit 35d shown in FIG. 4 and the physical quantity of the fan 12 inputted to the physical quantity storage unit 35b (shown in FIG. 12) are read into the working memory 33. Furthermore, the threshold value inputted to the threshold value storage unit 35f and the quality determination unit 36b included in the program unit 36 ​​are read into the working memory 33. The quality determination unit 36b is a program for determining the quality of the branch duct 22 by comparing the physical quantity of the fan 12 when the damper 13 of the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss is set to the first opening degree with a predetermined threshold value. The quality determination unit 36b is executed by the arithmetic device 31, so that the control device 14 can function as a means for determining the quality of the branch duct 22.

[0142] The comparison with the threshold value may be the physical quantity (rotation speed) of the fan 12 shown in Fig. 12, or the difference in the physical quantity (rotation speed) of the fan 12. In this embodiment, the difference in the physical quantity (rotation speed) of the fan 12 is compared with the threshold value.

[0143] The threshold value can be appropriately determined. In general, the greater the number of the branch ducts 22, the smaller the effect of pressure loss (the effect of increasing pressure loss) caused by setting the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in one branch duct 22 selected from the branch ducts 22 to the first opening degree. For this reason, the greater the number of the branch ducts, the smaller the threshold value of the physical quantity of the fan 12 may be set.

[0144] When the number of the branch ducts is five or less, the threshold value of the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 can be set to, for example, 30 to 50 rpm. In this embodiment, the number of the branch ducts is four, so that the threshold value can be set to this value.

[0145] When the number of the branch ducts is six, the threshold value of the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 may be set to, for example, 20 to 40 rpm. When the number of the branch ducts is seven, the threshold value of the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 may be set to, for example, 10 to 30 rpm. Note that these threshold values ​​are not limited to such embodiments and may be set appropriately depending on the installation conditions of the branch ducts 22, past experiments, empirical rules, and the like.

[0146] Moreover, the branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) are connected to the rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d) provided in the building 2. For this reason, the branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) often have different installation conditions (such as the length of the branch duct 22 and the number of bends) specified when the building 2 is designed. In this case, the pressure losses of the branch ducts 22 and the physical quantities of the fans 12 when the dampers 13 provided in the branch ducts 22 are set to the first opening degree also tend to differ from one another. Therefore, in order to accurately determine whether the branch ducts 22 are good or bad, different threshold values ​​may be specified for each of the branch ducts 22. When the difference between the installation conditions of the branch ducts 22 is small, the same threshold value may be used.

[0147] The thresholds (thresholds of the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12) of the multiple branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) can be appropriately specified. As described above, there is a correlation between the physical quantity of the fan 12 and the pressure loss of the branch duct 22. For this reason, the thresholds of the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 can be specified in advance based on the pressure loss estimated from the installation conditions of each of the multiple branch ducts 22.

[0148] First, the pressure loss of each branch duct 22 is specified based on the installation conditions of each of the plurality of branch ducts 22. Next, based on the pressure loss of each of the plurality of branch ducts 22, the pressure loss of the duct means 11 when the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in each branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree is specified.

[0149] Next, the pressure loss of the duct means 11 before the execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode is identified based on the pressure loss of each of the branch ducts 22. The pressure loss before the execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode is identified as the pressure loss of the duct means 11 when the opening degrees of all the dampers 13 are set to "large: 100%" as shown in FIG.

[0150] Next, the pressure loss in the duct means 11 when the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in each branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree is substituted into the relationship between the static pressure and the rotation speed of the fan 12. As a result, the rotation speed of the fan 12 when the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in each branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree is specified.

[0151] Next, the pressure loss of the duct means 11 before the branch duct pass / fail determination mode is executed is substituted into the relationship between the static pressure and the rotation speed of the fan 12. This specifies the rotation speed of the fan 12 before the branch duct pass / fail determination mode is executed (when the opening degrees of all dampers 13 are set to "large: 100%)).

[0152] Next, the rotation speed of the fan 12 when the opening of the damper 13 provided in each branch duct 22 is set to the first opening is reduced by the rotation speed of the fan 12 before the branch duct quality determination mode is executed. This specifies the difference in the rotation speed of the fan 12 when the opening of the damper 13 provided in each branch duct 22 is set to the first opening. By taking into account the difference in the rotation speed and the difference within the allowable range, it is possible to specify a threshold value for the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 for each of the multiple branch ducts 22. The threshold value is input to the threshold value storage unit 35f shown in FIG. 4.

[0153] As shown in Fig. 11, in step S53, the physical quantity (in this example, the difference) of the fan 12 when the damper 13 of the branch duct 22 with the largest pressure loss is set to the first opening degree is compared with the threshold value. If the physical quantity (in this example, the difference) of the fan 12 is equal to or greater than the threshold value ("Yes" in step S53), the increment in pressure loss of the branch duct 22 caused by setting the opening degree of the damper 13 to the first opening degree is large. In this case, regardless of the size of the opening degree of the damper 13, it can be estimated that the pressure loss of the branch duct 22 in which the damper 13 is provided was small before the branch duct quality determination mode was executed. Therefore, it can be estimated that the branch duct 22 is installed based on the installation conditions specified at the time of designing the building 2, and it can be determined that the installation state of the branch duct 22 is good (step S54).

[0154] On the other hand, if the physical quantity of the fan 12 (in this example, the difference) is smaller than the threshold value ("No" in step S53), the increment in pressure loss in the branch duct 22 caused by setting the opening degree of the damper 13 to the first opening degree is small. In this case, regardless of the size of the opening degree of the damper 13, it can be estimated that the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 in which the damper 13 is provided was large before the branch duct quality determination mode was executed. Therefore, there is a possibility that there is a problem with the installation state of the branch duct 22. In this case, it is determined that the installation state of the branch duct 22 is not good (step S55), and step S56 is performed to repair the branch duct 22.

[0155] In steps S54 and S55, the judgment result of the branch duct 22 may be output to the input / output device 34 shown in Figures 1 and 4. In step S56, it is preferable to repair the branch duct 22 based on the installation conditions specified when the building 2 is designed.

[0156] In this manner, in this embodiment, by executing the branch duct quality determination mode (duct inspection method), it is not necessary for a service technician to measure the air volume by pressing a known air volume meter against each of the air outlets of the multiple branch ducts 22 shown in Fig. 1 as in the conventional case. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently determine the quality of the multiple branch ducts 22.

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first step S31, the first opening is set to the smallest opening that can be set for the damper 13, so that it is possible to effectively increase the pressure loss of the entire duct means 11 including the branch duct 22. This effectively increases the physical quantity of the fan 12, and makes it possible to sharply vary the air volume ratio, so that it becomes possible to accurately determine the quality of the multiple branch ducts 22.

[0158] In the present embodiment, the branch duct 22 with the largest pressure loss is identified, and the physical quantity (in this example, the difference) of the fan 12 when the damper 13 of the branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree is compared with the threshold value, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, for all the branch ducts 22 (the first branch duct 22a to the fourth branch duct 22d), the physical quantity (in this example, the difference) of the fan 12 when the damper 13 is set to the first opening degree may be compared with the threshold value. In this way, when there are multiple branch ducts 22 with poor installation conditions, these branch ducts 22 can be quickly identified.

[0159] However, when the pressure loss in the duct means 11 becomes larger than necessary due to an increase in pressure loss in a branch duct 22 (for example, the first branch duct 22a) in which a damper 13 set to a first opening degree is provided, the air volume of the fan 12 may become smaller than the set air volume. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12, the operating load of the fan 12 (the number of rotations of the fan 12) cannot be increased compared to before the branch duct quality determination mode was executed, and therefore it may not be possible to accurately determine the quality of the multiple branch ducts 22. FIG. 13 is a graph showing the PQ curve of the fan 12 and the resistance curve of the duct means 11. In the graph of FIG. 13, the vertical axis indicates static pressure (Pa) and the horizontal axis indicates air volume (m 3 / h).

[0160] FIG. 13 includes, as the resistance curves of the duct means 11, a first resistance curve R1 and a second resistance curve R2.

[0161] The first resistance curve R1 is a resistance curve of the duct means 11 before the branch duct quality determination mode (branch duct quality determination step S3) is executed. Before the branch duct quality determination mode is executed, as shown in Fig. 1, the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) are adjusted to "large: 100%" as shown in Fig. 3.

[0162] The second resistance curve R2 is a resistance curve of the duct means 11 during execution of the branch duct quality determination mode (branch duct quality determination step S3) shown in Fig. 9(a). During execution of this branch duct quality determination mode, the opening degree of the damper 13 (first damper 13a) provided in one branch duct 22 is set to the first level ("small: 0%" shown in Fig. 3). On the other hand, the opening degrees of the other dampers 13 (second damper 13b to fourth damper 13d) are set to "large: 100%" shown in Fig. 3.

[0163] As shown by the first resistance curve R1 and the second resistance curve R2, the pressure loss in the duct means 11 is smaller before the branch duct pass / fail determination mode (branch duct pass / fail determination step S3) is executed than during the branch duct pass / fail determination mode.

[0164] 13 shows the PQ curve of the fan 12 operating at the maximum rotation speed. This PQ curve is determined in advance according to the specifications of the fan 12. This fan 12 is capable of pumping air Ac for air conditioning at the maximum airflow (set airflow N1 of the strong notch) by changing the rotation speed to a speed lower than the maximum rotation speed. However, in order to pump air at the maximum airflow (set airflow N1), the static pressure of the maximum airflow (set airflow N1) on the resistance curve needs to be equal to or lower than the static pressure at the intersection of the PQ curve and the maximum airflow (set airflow N1) (i.e., the first static pressure P1).

[0165] The static pressure of the maximum airflow (set airflow N1) on the first resistance curve R1 is the first static pressure P1. Therefore, in the duct means 11 before the branch duct quality determination mode shown by the first resistance curve R1 is executed, in order to compress and send air at the maximum airflow (set airflow N1), it is necessary to operate the fan 12 at the maximum rotation speed.

[0166] On the other hand, the static pressure of the maximum airflow (set airflow N1) in the second resistance curve R2 is greater than the first static pressure P1. Therefore, in the duct means 11 during the execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode shown by the second resistance curve R2, even if the fan 12 is operated at the maximum rotation speed, the air is compressed and delivered at an airflow Q1 that is smaller than the maximum airflow (set airflow N1). Therefore, both before and during the execution of the branch duct pass / fail determination mode, the fan 12 is operated at the maximum rotation speed, and therefore the operating load of the fan 12 (the rotation speed of the fan 12) cannot be increased (is maintained).

[0167] In this way, if the pressure loss in the duct means 11 becomes larger than necessary due to an increase in the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 provided with the damper 13 set to the first opening degree, it may become impossible to increase the operating load of the fan 12. In this case, it becomes impossible to accurately determine the quality of the multiple branch ducts 22.

[0168] In the branch duct quality determination mode (duct inspection method) of this embodiment, in the first step S31, the maximum air volume of the fan 12 (set air volume N1 of the strong notch: 800 m 3 It is preferable to drive the fan 12 based on an airflow rate smaller than the set airflow rate N2 (640 m / h) of the middle notch in this embodiment. 3 / h), the fan 12 is driven.

[0169] In FIG. 13, to pump air at the set air volume for the middle notch (set air volume N2), the static pressure of the set air volume N2 on the resistance curve must be less than or equal to the static pressure at the intersection of the PQ curve and the set air volume N2 (i.e., the first static pressure P1).

[0170] The static pressure (intersection A1) of the set air volume N2 on the first resistance curve R1 and the static pressure (intersection A2) of the set air volume N2 on the second resistance curve R2 are both equal to or less than the first static pressure P1. Therefore, unlike the strong notch (maximum air volume), the medium notch of this embodiment can increase the operating load of the fan 12 as the overall pressure loss of the duct means 11 increases due to the execution of the branch duct quality determination mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to accurately determine the quality of the multiple branch ducts 22.

[0171] [Determine whether or not to instruct the end of central air conditioning operation] Next, in the central building air-conditioning method of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end the central building air-conditioning operation has been issued (step S4).

[0172] In step S4 of this embodiment, first, an air-conditioning termination determination unit 36m included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 33. The air-conditioning termination determination unit 36m is a program for determining whether or not an instruction to terminate the central air-conditioning operation has been issued. By executing this air-conditioning termination determination unit 36m by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for determining whether or not an instruction to terminate the central air-conditioning operation has been issued.

[0173] The determination of whether or not to issue an instruction to end the central air conditioning operation is made based on data instructing the end of the central air conditioning operation. This data may be input to the input / output device 34 (shown in Figs. 1 and 4) by a user (resident), for example, or may be input automatically based on the occurrence of an abnormal end such as an interrupt process.

[0174] If it is determined that there is an instruction to end the central air-conditioning operation ("Yes" in step S4), the next central air-conditioning end step S5 is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to end the central air-conditioning operation ("No" in step S4), steps S2 to S4 are performed again.

[0175] In this embodiment, the central air-conditioning operation continues from when it is started to when it is finished, and the branch duct quality determination mode (duct inspection method) is appropriately executed based on instructions from a user (resident), a serviceman, etc. As a result, the central air-conditioning method (central air-conditioning system 1) of this embodiment can improve the temperature controllability of each room 7 in the building 2 while maintaining the branch duct 22 in a good condition.

[0176] [Ending central air conditioning operation (central air conditioning ending process)] Next, in the central building air-conditioning method of this embodiment, the central building air-conditioning operation is terminated (central building air-conditioning termination process S5). In the central building air-conditioning termination process S5 of this embodiment, the operation of the air conditioner 16 shown in Fig. 1 is terminated. Meanwhile, in order to continue ventilation of the building 2, the operation of the fan 12 and the outside air supply fan 18 may be continued.

[0177] In the central air conditioning termination process S5 of this embodiment, first, the air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c included in the program unit 36 ​​shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the work memory 33. The air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c is a program for operating the air conditioner 16 shown in Fig. 1, adjusting the set temperature, etc. By executing this air conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for terminating the operation of the air conditioner 16.

[0178] In the whole-building air-conditioning termination process S5 of this embodiment, the air-conditioning operation adjustment unit 36c (control device 14) shown in Fig. 4 terminates the air-conditioning operation (heating operation or cooling operation) by the air conditioner 16 shown in Figs. 1 and 2. This terminates the air-conditioning of the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to fourth room 7d). Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the operation of the fan 12 and the outside air supply fan 18 is maintained, so that ventilation of the building 2 can be continued. In this case, the air volumes of the fan 12 and the outside air supply fan 18 are appropriately set based on, for example, the number of ventilations required per hour in the building 2.

[0179] [Whole building air conditioning method (second embodiment)] In the above embodiments, in the second step S32, the air volume ratio of each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 is estimated in order to identify the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss from among the plurality of branch ducts 22, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, an increment in pressure loss of each of the branch ducts 22 when the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in the branch duct 22 selected from the plurality of branch ducts is set to a first opening degree may be estimated.

[0180] [Quality assessment of multiple branch ducts (2nd process)] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the second step S32 in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0181] In the second step S32 of this embodiment, first, based on the respective physical quantities obtained in the first step S31, an increment in pressure loss in each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) is estimated (step S57). In this step S57, an increment in pressure loss in each of the branch ducts 22 when the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in one branch duct 22 selected from the plurality of branch ducts 22 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the opening degree of the damper 13 of the selected branch duct 22") is set to the first opening degree is estimated.

[0182] In step S57 of this embodiment, the physical quantities of the fans 12 obtained in the first step S31 and inputted to the physical quantity storage unit 35b shown in Fig. 4 are read into the working memory 33. These physical quantities of the fans 12 are the physical quantities (shown in Fig. 12) of the fans 12 when the opening degrees of the multiple dampers 13 (first damper 13a to fourth damper 13d) are sequentially set to the first opening degree as shown in Figs. 9(a) to 9(d).

[0183] In step S57 of this embodiment, an increment estimation unit 36n included in the program unit 36 ​​is loaded into the working memory 33. This increment estimation unit 36n is a program for estimating an increment in pressure loss of each branch duct 22 when the opening degree of the damper 13 of the selected branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree, based on the physical quantity (shown in FIG. 12) of each fan 12 obtained in the first step S31. When this increment estimation unit 36n is executed by the arithmetic device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for estimating an increment in pressure loss of each branch duct 22.

[0184] 12 can be obtained by subtracting the physical quantity of the fan 12 before the branch duct quality determination mode is executed from the physical quantity of the fan 12 during the branch duct quality determination mode. Therefore, the difference in the physical quantity of the fan 12 can be estimated as an increment in the physical quantity (rotation speed) of the fan 12 for a branch duct 22 selected from the multiple branch ducts 22 when the damper 13 provided in the branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree.

[0185] It is generally known that the pressure loss (static pressure) of the duct means 11 (including the plurality of branch ducts 22) is proportional to the square of the rotation speed of the fan 12 (blower's law). Therefore, the increment of the pressure loss is also proportional to the square of the increment of the rotation speed of the fan 12. For this reason, by calculating the square root of each increment (difference) of the rotation speed of the fan 12 shown in FIG. 12, the increment of the pressure loss (not shown) of each of the branch ducts 22 (first branch duct 22a to fourth branch duct 22d) when the first opening degree is set can be easily estimated. The increment of the pressure loss is stored in the pressure loss increment storage unit 35e shown in FIG. 4.

[0186] Identify the branch duct with the highest pressure loss based on the incremental pressure loss Next, in a second step S32 of this embodiment, the branch duct having the largest pressure loss is identified from among the plurality of branch ducts 22 based on the estimated increments of pressure loss of each of the plurality of branch ducts 22 (step S58).

[0187] In step S58 of this embodiment, the increments of pressure loss (not shown) of the plurality of branch ducts 22 inputted to the pressure loss increment storage unit 35e shown in FIG. 4 are read into the working memory 33. Furthermore, a branch duct identification unit 36k included in the program unit 36 ​​is read into the working memory 33. This branch duct identification unit 36k is a program for identifying the branch duct having the largest pressure loss from among the plurality of branch ducts 22 based on the increments of pressure loss of each of the plurality of branch ducts 22. By executing this branch duct identification unit 36k by the calculation device 31, the control device 14 can function as a means for identifying the branch duct having the largest pressure loss.

[0188] 12 is small, it can be estimated that the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 in which the damper 13 set to the first opening is provided was large before the branch duct quality determination mode was executed, regardless of the opening of the damper 13. Furthermore, the pressure loss (static pressure) in the duct means 11 is proportional to the square of the rotation speed of the fan 12. Therefore, the smaller the increment in pressure loss, the greater the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 can be estimated to have been large before the branch duct quality determination mode was executed.

[0189] In step S58 of this embodiment, a branch duct having the smallest increment in pressure loss (in this example, the second branch duct 22b) is selected from among the multiple branch ducts 22. Then, the selected branch duct 22 is identified as the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss. The identification number of the identified branch duct 22 is stored in the identified duct storage unit 35d shown in FIG. 4.

[0190] In this embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss can be identified. Then, in step S53, the physical quantity of the fan 12 when the opening degree of the damper 13 provided in the identified branch duct 22 is set to the first opening degree is compared with a predetermined threshold value. This makes it possible to efficiently determine whether the branch duct 22 is good or bad.

[0191] [Whole building air conditioning method (third embodiment)] In the above embodiments, in the second step S32, the physical quantity (difference) of the branch duct 22 having the largest pressure loss is compared with a threshold value to determine whether the branch duct 22 is good or bad, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, the quality of the branch duct 22 may be determined by comparing the fluctuation range of the physical quantity (shown in FIG. 12) of each fan 12 obtained in the first step S31 with a threshold value.

[0192] The fluctuation range of the physical quantity of the fan 12 can be appropriately acquired. In this embodiment, first, an average value of the physical quantities (shown in FIG. 12) of all the fans 12 obtained during execution of the branch duct quality determination mode in the first step S31 is acquired. Then, the physical quantities of each of the fans 12 during execution of the branch duct quality determination mode obtained in the first step S31 are subtracted by the average value. In this way, the fluctuation range of each of the physical quantities of the fans 12 can be acquired. Note that the fluctuation range is not limited to this aspect, and for example, the fluctuation range may be acquired by acquiring an average value of the differences in the physical quantities of all the fans 12 and subtracting the differences in the physical quantities of each of the fans 12 by the average value of the differences.

[0193] The smaller the fluctuation range of the physical quantity of the fan 12, the smaller the increment in pressure loss in the branch duct 22 caused by setting the opening of the damper 13 to the first opening. In this case, regardless of the magnitude of the opening of the damper 13, it can be estimated that the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 (e.g., the second branch duct 22b) in which the damper 13 set to the first opening is provided has been large before the branch duct quality determination mode is executed. On the other hand, the larger the fluctuation range of the physical quantity of the fan 12, the larger the increment in pressure loss in the branch duct 22 caused by setting the opening of the damper 13 to the first opening. In this case, regardless of the magnitude of the opening of the damper 13, it can be estimated that the pressure loss in the branch duct 22 in which the damper 13 set to the first opening is provided has been small before the branch duct quality determination mode is executed.

[0194] The threshold value of the fluctuation range of the physical quantity of the fan 12 can be appropriately acquired by the same procedure as in the previous embodiments. Then, when the smallest fluctuation range among the fluctuation ranges of the physical quantities of the fans 12 acquired in the first step S31 is smaller than the threshold value, it can be determined that the installation state of the branch duct 22 is not good.

[0195] In this manner, in this embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, it is not necessary for a serviceman to measure the air volume by pressing a known air volume meter against each of the air outlets of the plurality of branch ducts 22. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently determine the quality of the plurality of branch ducts 22.

[0196] 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. EXAMPLES

[0197] A branch duct quality determination mode (duct inspection method for a central air conditioning system) was performed (Example) according to the processing procedures shown in Figures 5, 7, 8, and 11. In the first step of the Example, as shown in Figures 9(a) to (d), one branch duct was selected in sequence from a plurality of branch ducts (first branch duct to fourth branch duct), and the opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct was set to a first opening degree. Then, physical quantities related to the operating load of the fan when the fan was driven were respectively obtained.

[0198] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the physical quantities of the fan before and during the branch duct quality determination mode, and Fig. 12 is a diagram in which the differences in the physical quantities of the fan are added to Fig. 10.

[0199] Next, in the second step of the embodiment, the quality of the multiple branch ducts was judged based on the physical quantities of each fan obtained in the first step. In this second step, first, the air volume ratio of the multiple branch ducts (first branch duct to fourth branch duct) was estimated. The air volume ratio was as follows. 4.5:1.0:4.1:4.7

[0200] Next, in the second step of the embodiment, the branch duct with the largest pressure loss was identified from among the multiple branch ducts based on the air volume ratio. In the embodiment, the second branch duct with the smallest air volume ratio was identified as the duct with the largest pressure loss. Then, the difference in the physical quantity of the fan when the second damper provided in the second branch duct was set to the first opening degree was compared with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the branch duct was good or bad. In the embodiment, since the number of branch ducts was four (i.e., five or less), the threshold value for the difference in the physical quantity was set to "40 rpm."

[0201] In the example, as shown in Fig. 12, "21 rpm" was acquired as the difference in the physical quantity of the fan when the second damper was set to the first opening degree. Since this difference in the physical quantity was less than the threshold value ("40 rpm"), it was determined that the installation condition of the second branch duct was not good. Since the differences in the physical quantities of the other fans were all equal to or greater than the threshold value, it was determined that the installation conditions of the first branch duct, the third branch duct, and the fourth branch duct were good.

[0202] In order to determine whether the results of the embodiment are accurate, the air volumes were measured when an air flow meter was pressed against each of the air outlets of the first branch duct to the fourth branch duct (experimental example). Then, in the experimental example, the ratio of these air volumes was obtained. 2.5:1.0:2.1:2.5

[0203] In the measured air volume ratios of the experimental example, the value of the second branch duct was the smallest. Therefore, the magnitude relationship between the air volume ratios estimated in the embodiment and the air volume ratios measured in the experimental example matched. Furthermore, when the installation condition of the second branch duct was visually confirmed, it was found that the second branch duct was installed under conditions different from those specified at the time of designing the building.

[0204] In this way, unlike the experimental example, the working example was able to determine the quality of multiple branch ducts without the need for a serviceman to press an air flow meter against each of the outlets of multiple branch ducts installed in difficult-to-access areas such as the ceiling to measure the air volume. As a result, the working example was able to reduce the time required for determination by 70% compared to the experimental example. Therefore, the working example was able to efficiently determine the quality of multiple branch ducts.

[0205] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0206] [Invention 1] A central air conditioning system for a building having multiple rooms, duct means including a plurality of branch ducts branching from a main duct and connected to the plurality of chambers respectively; a fan for pumping ventilation or air conditioning air from the main duct through the branch ducts to the rooms; a plurality of dampers provided in the plurality of branch ducts, respectively, and capable of individually adjusting pressure losses in the plurality of branch ducts by adjusting opening degrees; a control device for adjusting operation of the fan and the plurality of dampers; The control device is capable of executing a branch duct quality determination mode, The branch duct quality determination mode includes: a first step of sequentially selecting one branch duct from the plurality of branch ducts, setting an opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct to a first opening degree that is smaller than opening degrees of the other dampers, and acquiring a physical quantity related to an operating load of the fan when the fan is driven; and a second step of determining whether the plurality of branch ducts are good or bad based on the respective physical quantities obtained in the first step. The building's entire air conditioning system. [Invention 2] The second step comprises: estimating an air volume ratio of the air pressure-sent to each of the plurality of branch ducts based on the physical quantities obtained in the first step; and identifying a branch duct having the greatest pressure loss from among the plurality of branch ducts based on the air volume ratio. [Invention 3] The second step comprises: estimating an increment in pressure loss of each of the branch ducts when the opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct is set to the first opening degree, based on each of the physical quantities obtained in the first step; A central air-conditioning system for a building as described in Invention 1 or 2, comprising a step of identifying the branch duct having the largest pressure loss from among the plurality of branch ducts based on the estimated increment in pressure loss. [Invention 4] The central air-conditioning system for a building according to the present invention 2 or 3, wherein the second step further includes a step of comparing the physical quantity of the branch duct having the largest pressure loss with a predetermined threshold value to judge whether the physical quantity is good or bad. [Invention 5] A central air-conditioning system for a building as described in Invention 4, wherein the threshold value is specified for each of the plurality of branch ducts. [Invention 6] A central air-conditioning system for a building as described in the present invention 5, wherein the threshold value of each of the plurality of branch ducts is specified in advance based on a pressure loss estimated from installation conditions of each of the branch ducts. [Invention 7] the fan is a constant volume fan whose operating load changes according to the magnitude of pressure loss in the duct means, 7. The central air-conditioning system for a building according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the physical quantity is the rotation speed, current value or power amount of the fan. [Invention 8] 8. The central air-conditioning system for a building according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first opening degree is the smallest opening degree that can be set for the damper. [The present invention 9] A duct inspection method for a central air conditioning system in which ventilation or air conditioning air is pressure-fed to a plurality of rooms through a main duct, a plurality of branch ducts branched from the main duct, and an openable / closable damper by driving a fan, comprising: a first step of sequentially selecting one branch duct from the plurality of branch ducts, setting an opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct to a first opening degree that is smaller than opening degrees of the other dampers, and acquiring a physical quantity related to an operating load of the fan when the fan is driven; and a second step of determining whether the plurality of branch ducts are good or bad based on the respective physical quantities obtained in the first step. How to inspect ducts in a whole-building air conditioning system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0207] 12 Fan 13 Damper 21 Main duct 22 Branch Duct

Claims

1. A central air conditioning system for a building having multiple rooms, duct means including a plurality of branch ducts branching from a main duct and connected to the plurality of chambers respectively; a fan for pumping ventilation or air conditioning air from the main duct through the branch ducts to the rooms; a plurality of dampers provided in the plurality of branch ducts, respectively, and capable of individually adjusting pressure losses in the plurality of branch ducts by adjusting opening degrees; a control device for adjusting the operation of the fan and the plurality of dampers; The control device is capable of executing a branch duct quality determination mode, The branch duct quality determination mode includes: a first step of sequentially selecting one branch duct from the plurality of branch ducts, setting an opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct to a first opening degree that is smaller than opening degrees of the other dampers, and acquiring a physical quantity related to an operating load of the fan when the fan is driven; and a second step of determining whether the plurality of branch ducts are good or bad based on the respective physical quantities obtained in the first step. The building's entire air conditioning system.

2. The second step comprises: estimating an air volume ratio of the air pressure-sent to each of the plurality of branch ducts based on the physical quantities obtained in the first step; The central air-conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of identifying a branch duct having the largest pressure loss from among the plurality of branch ducts based on the air volume ratio.

3. The second step comprises: estimating an increment in pressure loss of each of the branch ducts when the opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct is set to the first opening degree, based on each of the physical quantities obtained in the first step; The central air-conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of identifying a branch duct having the largest pressure loss from among the plurality of branch ducts based on the estimated increment of pressure loss.

4. 4. The central air-conditioning system for a building according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the second step further comprises a step of comparing the physical quantity of the branch duct having the largest pressure loss with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether the physical quantity is good or bad.

5. The central air-conditioning system for a building according to claim 4 , wherein the threshold value is specified for each of the plurality of branch ducts.

6. The central air-conditioning system for a building according to claim 5 , wherein the threshold value for each of the plurality of branch ducts is specified in advance based on a pressure loss estimated from an installation condition of each of the branch ducts.

7. the fan is a constant volume fan whose operating load changes according to the magnitude of pressure loss in the duct means, The central air-conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 , wherein the physical quantity is a rotation speed, a current value, or an amount of power of the fan.

8. The central air-conditioning system for a building according to claim 1 , wherein the first opening degree is the smallest opening degree that can be set for the damper.

9. A duct inspection method for a central air conditioning system in which ventilation or air conditioning air is pressure-fed to a plurality of rooms through a main duct, a plurality of branch ducts branched from the main duct, and an openable / closable damper by driving a fan, comprising: a first step of sequentially selecting one branch duct from the plurality of branch ducts, setting an opening degree of the damper provided in the selected branch duct to a first opening degree that is smaller than opening degrees of the other dampers, and acquiring a physical quantity related to an operating load of the fan when the fan is driven; and a second step of determining whether the plurality of branch ducts are good or bad based on the respective physical quantities obtained in the first step. How to inspect ducts in a whole-building air conditioning system.

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