Air conditioning system and control method for air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system that can improve comfort of a user, and a control method for the air conditioning system.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system is installed in a building comprising a first space, a second space and a third space arranged in a lower layer than the first space, an underfloor space arranged in a lower layer than the second space and the third space, and a wall inside space communicating from a floor provided with the third space to a floor provided with the first space, and comprises: an air conditioning device installed in the first space, and heating or cooling the first space; an air supply device installed in the first space, and making outdoor air flow into the first space; an air exhaust device installed in the second space, and discharging air in the second space to the outdoors; a duct provided in the underfloor space and the wall inside space, and forming an air passage connecting the first space and the third space; and an air blowing device provided in the air passage, and sending air in the first space to the third space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning and ventilation in a building and a method for controlling the air conditioning system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in an air conditioning system that performs air conditioning and ventilation in a building such as a house, it is known to improve the thermal environment in the building by sending air from an air-conditioned space where an air conditioner is installed to a non-air-conditioned space where an air conditioner is not installed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system that uses a duct fan to send air from a living room, which is an air-conditioned space, to a dressing room, which is a non-air-conditioned space. The air conditioning system in Patent Document 1 is configured to efficiently heat multiple spaces by controlling the duct fan based on the heating capacity reserve of the heating device and the heating needs of the non-air-conditioned spaces. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-185743 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in an air conditioning system like that described in Patent Document 1, if the volume of air blown from the living room to the changing room is small, the blown air is discharged to the outside through the exhaust equipment, resulting in little improvement in the thermal environment and failure to improve user comfort. While it is conceivable to increase the volume of air blown, this would increase power consumption and generate noise, potentially reducing user comfort.

[0005] The present disclosure is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an air conditioning system and a method for controlling an air conditioning system that can improve user comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The air conditioning system of the present disclosure is an air conditioning system installed in a building having a first space, a second space and a third space located below the first space, an underfloor space located below the second and third spaces, and an in-wall space connecting the floor on which the third space is located to the floor on which the first space is located, and is equipped with an air conditioning unit installed in the first space for heating or cooling the first space, an air supply unit installed in the first space for introducing outside air into the first space, an exhaust unit installed in the second space for discharging air from the second space to the outdoors, ducts installed in the underfloor space and in the in-wall space for forming an air passage connecting the first space and the third space, and a blower installed in the air passage for sending air from the first space to the third space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the air conditioning system and the control method for the air conditioning system disclosed herein, the comfort of users can be improved by providing ducts in the underfloor space and the in-wall space that form an air path connecting the first space and the third space, and a blower that sends air from the first space to the third space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a building in which an air conditioning system according to a first embodiment is installed. [Figure 3] 4 is a diagram showing the air flow in a building when the air blower is stopped in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing the air flow in a building when the air blower is operating in the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a building in which an air-conditioning system according to a second embodiment is installed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by a control device in an air conditioning system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a building in which an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment is installed. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a control block diagram of an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by a control device in an air conditioning system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow in winter by a control device according to a modified example. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing a control flow in summer of a control device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the configurations shown in each drawing may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. The air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment is installed in a building 200 such as a house. FIG. 1 shows a plan view of the building 200 and each component of the air conditioning system 100 installed in the building 200. The building 200 is a two-story building consisting of a first floor 201 and a second floor 202. It is possible to move between the first floor 201 and the second floor 202 using a staircase 210. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the building 200 in which the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment is installed. FIG. 2 shows a cross section of the building 200 taken along line AA in FIG. 1. The configuration and arrangement of the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0011] 1 and 2, the air conditioning system 100 includes an air conditioner 11 and an air supply device 12 installed in the first space R1, and an exhaust device 21 installed in the second space R2. The air conditioning system 100 also includes a duct 41 forming an air passage 40 connecting the first space R1 and the third space R3, a blower 42 installed in the air passage 40, an intake port 43 installed in the first space R1, and an outlet port 44 installed in the third space R3.

[0012] The first space R1 is, for example, a living room or other room located on the second floor 202 of the building 200. A room door 10 is provided between the first space R1 and the corridor on the second floor 202. The first space R1 on the second floor 202 is connected to the second space R2 and the third space R3 on the first floor 201 via a staircase 210.

[0013] The air conditioner 11 is installed on a wall of the first space R1. The air conditioner 11 may be installed on the ceiling of the first space R1 or may be a floor-standing type. The air conditioner 11 is equipped with a refrigerant circuit consisting of a compressor, a four-way valve, an outdoor heat exchanger, an expansion valve, and an indoor heat exchanger, and heats or cools the first space R1. The air conditioner 11 also has a control unit (not shown) consisting of a microcomputer or the like. The control unit controls the operating frequency of the compressor, the air volume of the outdoor fan that sends air to the outdoor heat exchanger, and the air volume of the indoor fan that sends air to the indoor heat exchanger, thereby controlling the air conditioning capacity of the air conditioner 11.

[0014] The air supply device 12 is provided on the wall of the first space R1. The air supply device 12 is an air supply port that allows outside air to flow into the first space R1. Alternatively, the air supply device 12 may be equipped with an air supply fan that draws outside air into the first space R1.

[0015] The second space R2 is, for example, a bathroom or a changing room provided on the first floor 201 of the building 200. The second space R2 is located below the first space R1. The second space R2 is adjacent to the third space R3. A changing room door 20 is provided between the second space R2 and the third space R3. The exhaust device 21 is installed on the wall of the second space R2. The exhaust device 21 is an exhaust fan that exhausts air from the second space R2 to the outdoors. The exhaust air volume of the exhaust device 21 may be fixed or variable.

[0016] The third space R3 is, for example, a corridor or entrance hall provided on the first floor 201 of the building 200. The third space R3 is located on a floor below the first space R1. The third space R3 is provided with an entrance door, which is a fixture 30 that connects to the outdoors, and it is possible to move to the outdoors through the fixture 30. The fixture 30 may also be, for example, a window.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 2, an underfloor space RS is provided below the first floor 201 of the building 200. An in-wall space RW that is an open space extending to the second floor 202 is provided in the wall separating the second space R2 and the third space R3. A duct 41 that forms an air passage 40 connecting the first space R1 and the third space R3 is provided in the underfloor space RS and the in-wall space RW. The duct 41 is a rectangular or circular duct made of metal, resin, or the like.

[0018] An intake port 43 of the air passage 40 is provided in the wall of the first space R1, and an outlet port 44 of the air passage 40 is provided in the floor of the third space R3. Filters may be attached to the intake port 43 and the outlet port 44 to prevent dust and other particles from being drawn into the air passage 40. A blower 42 is installed in the air passage 40 in the underfloor space RS, and transports air from the first space R1 to the third space R3. The blower 42 is a blower fan equipped with an inverter, and the rotation speed is variably controlled to control the amount of air sent from the first space R1 to the third space R3.

[0019] The arrangement of the first space R1, the second space R2, and the third space R3 in the building 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. Any arrangement is possible as long as the second space R2 and the third space R3 are located on a floor below the first space R1 and are interconnected. Here, "interconnected" means that air can flow through gaps between the living room door 10 and the dressing room door 20 or through vents or other openings in the doors or walls, even when the doors are closed, not just when the living room door 10 and the dressing room door 20 are open. The arrangement of the intra-wall space RW is also not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 1 and 2. It is sufficient for the intra-wall space RW to be interconnected from the floor on which the third space R3 is located to the floor on which the first space R1 is located. For example, the intra-wall space RW may be formed inside the exterior-facing walls of the third space R3 and the first space R1.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the air flow in the building 200 when the blower 42 is stopped in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. The hollow arrows and thick dotted lines in the figure indicate the air flow. FIG. 3 shows the air flow in a state in which the air conditioner 11 and the exhaust device 21 are operating and the blower 42 is stopped. The air conditioner 11 is started to operate by a user operating a remote controller (not shown) or the like. Once started, the air conditioner 11 performs cooling or heating operation so that the temperature of the first space R1 becomes the set temperature set by the user. Furthermore, the exhaust device 21 operates at a preset exhaust airflow rate and exhausts air from the second space R2 outdoors. Here, the exhaust airflow rate of the exhaust device 21 is set to an airflow rate that satisfies, for example, a ventilation rate of 0.5 times / h in the building 200.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, outside air first flows into the first space R1 through the air supply device 12, and the air in the first space R1 is heated or cooled by the air conditioning device 11. The heated or cooled air in the first space R1 flows into the corridor on the second floor 202 through gaps or vents in the room doors 10, and then flows into the third space R3 through the stairs 210. The air that has flowed into the third space R3 then flows into the second space R2 through gaps or vents in the undressing room door 20, and is exhausted to the outdoors by the exhaust device 21.

[0022] Here, when the air conditioning unit 11 and the exhaust unit 21 are operating and the blower 42 is stopped, the relationship between the pressure P1 in the first space R1, the pressure P2 in the second space R2, and the pressure P3 in the third space R3 is P1 > P3 > P2. Because the pressure P1 in the first space R1, into which outside air flows through the air supply unit 12, is approximately the same as atmospheric pressure, the pressure P3 becomes lower than atmospheric pressure. Therefore, outside air flows into the third space R3 through gaps or vents in the building fixtures 30. As a result, the temperature in the third space R3 changes depending on the outside air temperature, reducing the comfort of occupants in the building 200.

[0023] Furthermore, even when the blower 42 is operating, if the blowing rate of the blower 42 is equal to or less than the exhaust rate of the exhaust device 21, the relationship between the pressures P1 and P3 in the first to third spaces R1 to R3 is P1>P3>P2, resulting in the air flow shown in FIG. 3. In this case, too, outside air flows into the third space R3 through gaps or vents in the fittings 30, reducing the effect of improving the thermal environment by blowing air from the first space R1 to the third space R3, and reducing the comfort of occupants in the building 200. Increasing the rotation speed of the blower 42 is one way to increase the blowing rate of the blower 42, but this increases the power consumption of the blower 42 and generates noise, again reducing the comfort of occupants.

[0024] Therefore, in the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment, a duct 41 is provided that forms an air passage 40 in the underfloor space RS and the in-wall space RW. This allows the diameter of the duct 41 to be larger than in the prior art, when the duct 41 is installed above the ceiling, which has structural constraints such as height restrictions. By increasing the diameter of the duct 41, the airflow rate can be increased without increasing the rotation speed of the blower 42. Therefore, in the air conditioning system 100 according to this embodiment, the airflow rate can be increased without increasing the rotation speed of the blower 42 provided in the air passage 40, and the pressure P3 in the third space R3 can be made higher than the pressure P1 in the first space R1.

[0025] More specifically, duct 41 in this embodiment has a diameter such that the volume of air blown by blower 42 is greater than the volume of air exhausted by exhaust device 21 when blower 42 operates at a rotational speed at which the noise generated by blower 42 is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value (e.g., 60 dB). In the following description, the rotational speed at which the noise generated by blower 42 is equal to or less than the predetermined reference value is referred to as the "reference rotational speed." This allows the relationship between pressure P1 in first space R1, pressure P2 in second space R2, and pressure P3 in third space R3 to be P3>P1>P2, while suppressing the noise generated by blower 42.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the air flow in the building 200 when the blower 42 is operating in the air conditioning system 100 according to the first embodiment. The hollow arrows and thick dotted lines in the figure indicate the air flow. FIG. 4 shows the air flow when the air conditioner 11 and the exhaust device 21 are operating and the blower 42 is operating at a reference rotation speed. The air conditioner 11 is started to operate by a user operating a remote controller (not shown) or the like. Once started, the air conditioner 11 performs cooling or heating operation so that the temperature of the first space R1 becomes the set temperature set by the user. The exhaust device 21 also operates at a preset exhaust airflow rate and exhausts air from the second space R2 outdoors. Here, the exhaust airflow rate of the exhaust device 21 is set to an airflow rate that satisfies an air change rate of 0.5 times / h in the building 200, for example.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 4 , outside air first flows into the first space R1 through the air supply device 12, and the air in the first space R1 is heated or cooled by the air conditioning device 11. The heated or cooled air in the first space R1 is drawn into the air duct 40 through the air inlet 43 by the air blower 42, passes through the air duct 40, and is blown out into the third space R3 through the air outlet 44. The air that has flowed into the third space R3 then flows into the second space R2 through a gap or a vent in the dressing room door 20 and is exhausted to the outdoors by the exhaust device 21. At this time, the relationship between the pressures P1 and P3 in the first space R1 to the third space R3 is P3>P1>P2, so that the inflow of outside air into the third space R3 through a gap or a vent in the fittings 30 is suppressed. As a result, the air blown from the first space R1 improves the thermal environment in the third space R3, improving the comfort of users in the building 200.

[0028] Furthermore, the air in the third space R3 flows through the stairs 210 into the corridor on the second floor 202, and then flows into the first space R1 through gaps or vents in the room doors 10, and circulates. This increases the area in the building 200 through which the conditioned air circulates, improving the thermal environment throughout the building 200.

[0029] As described above, the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment is provided with the duct 41 that forms the air passage 40 connecting the first space R1 and the third space R3 in the underfloor space RS and the in-wall space RW of the building 200. The diameter of the duct 41 is set so that the air flow rate of the air blower 42 is greater than the air exhaust rate of the exhaust device 21 when the air blower 42 operates at the reference rotation speed. This suppresses noise generation, and by making the pressure P3 in the third space R3 greater than the pressure P1 in the first space R1, it is possible to improve the thermal environment and increase the comfort of users in the building 200.

[0030] Furthermore, the air conditioning system 100 of this embodiment is provided with an air supply device 12 that takes in outside air in the first space R1 on the second floor 201, and an exhaust device 21 that exhausts air outdoors in the second space R2 on the first floor 201. By transporting air from the first space R1 on the second floor 202 to the third space R3 and second space R2 on the first floor 201, it is possible to resolve the lack of ventilation on the second floor 202 and the lack of air supply on the first floor 201.

[0031] Embodiment 2 An air conditioning system 100A according to the second embodiment will be described. The air conditioning system 100A according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the air passage 40. The other configurations of the air conditioning system 100A are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a building 200 in which an air-conditioning system 100A according to Embodiment 2 is installed. FIG. 5 shows a cross section of the building 200 taken along a line corresponding to line AA in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the air-conditioning system 100A according to this embodiment includes the same air-conditioning unit 11, air supply unit 12, exhaust unit 21, duct 41, blower 42, and air outlet 44 as those in Embodiment 1. The air-conditioning system 100A according to this embodiment also includes a first air inlet 431 and a second air inlet 432 provided in the first space R1 as air inlets for air passage 40, an opening / closing device 45 for switching the air inlets for air passage 40, and a control device 5 for controlling the opening / closing device 45.

[0033] The first air inlet 431 and the second air inlet 432 are installed in the wall of the first space R1. As shown in Fig. 5, the first space R1 is divided into two areas, an upper area R11 and a lower area R12, by a boundary line L that divides the first space R1 equally in the height direction. In this case, the first air inlet 431 is disposed in the upper area R11, and the second air inlet 432 is disposed in the lower area R12. Filters may be attached to the first air inlet 431 and the second air inlet 432 to prevent dust and other particles from being drawn into the air passage 40.

[0034] The opening and closing device 45 is, for example, a damper whose angle is variably controlled. The opening and closing device 45 is switched between a first state (solid line in FIG. 5 ) in which the second suction port 432 and the blower 42 are closed and the first suction port 431 is open, and a second state (dashed line in FIG. 5 ) in which the first suction port 431 and the blower 42 are closed and the second suction port 432 is open. When the opening and closing device 45 is in the first state, when the blower 42 is operated, air in the upper region R11 of the first space R1 is sucked into the air passage 40 from the first suction port 431, passes through the air passage 40, and is blown out from the air outlet 44 into the third space R3. On the other hand, when the opening / closing device 45 is in the second state, when the blower 42 is operated, air in the lower region R12 of the first space R1 is sucked into the air passage 40 through the second intake port 432, passes through the air passage 40, and is blown out into the third space R3 through the outlet port 44.

[0035] The control device 5 is connected to the air conditioning apparatus 11 and the opening and closing device 45 via wired or wireless communication, and switches the state of the opening and closing device 45 depending on the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 11. The control device 5 is configured by a circuit having a memory for storing programs and a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory, or a dedicated processing circuit. The control device 5 may be installed in an occupancy space such as the first space R1, the second space R2, or the third space R3 of the building 200, or may be installed in the underfloor space RS or the in-wall space RW. Furthermore, the control device 5 does not necessarily have to be installed inside the building 200, but may be an external device capable of communicating with the air conditioning apparatus 11 and the opening and closing device 45 via wireless LAN or the like, or may exist on the cloud.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a control block diagram of an air conditioning system 100A according to embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 6, the control device 5 has an information acquisition unit 51 and an opening / closing control unit 52. The information acquisition unit 51 and the opening / closing control unit 52 are functional units that are realized by the processor of the control device 5 executing a program. Alternatively, at least one of the information acquisition unit 51 and the opening / closing control unit 52 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0037] The information acquisition unit 51 acquires operation information from the air conditioner 11. The operation information of the air conditioner 11 is information relating to operation, stop, and operation mode such as cooling or heating of the air conditioner 11. The information acquisition unit 51 outputs the operation information acquired from the air conditioner 11 to the opening / closing control unit 52.

[0038] The opening / closing control unit 52 switches the opening / closing device 45 between the first state and the second state based on the operation information of the air conditioner 11 acquired by the information acquisition unit 51. Here, warm air in a room tends to accumulate near the ceiling, and cold air tends to accumulate near the floor. Therefore, when the air conditioner 11 is performing heating operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the opening / closing device 45 to the first state and opens the first air inlet 431. As a result, warm air stagnating in the upper region R11 of the first space R1 is sucked in through the first air inlet 431 and supplied to the third space R3. On the other hand, when the air conditioner 11 is performing cooling operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the opening / closing device 45 to the second state and opens the second air inlet 432. As a result, cold air stagnating in the lower region R12 of the first space R1 is sucked in through the second air inlet 432 and supplied to the third space R3.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by the control device 5 in the air conditioning system 100A according to embodiment 2. The flowchart in Fig. 7 is executed by the control device 5 when operation of the blower 42 is started. First, the information acquisition unit 51 of the control device 5 acquires operation information from the air conditioner 11 (S1). Then, the opening / closing control unit 52 of the control device 5 determines whether the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S2).

[0040] Then, if the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S2: YES), the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the opening / closing device 45 to the first state and opens the first air inlet 431 (S3). As a result, air heated by the air conditioner 11 is drawn in through the first air inlet 431 and supplied to the third space R3 through the air passage 40. On the other hand, if the air conditioner 11 is not in heating operation (S2: NO), that is, if the air conditioner 11 is in cooling operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the opening / closing device 45 to the second state and opens the second air inlet 432 (S4). As a result, air cooled by the air conditioner 11 is drawn in through the second air inlet 432 and supplied to the third space R3 through the air passage 40.

[0041] The control device 5 maintains the state of the opening and closing device 45 until a preset time t1 has elapsed (S5: NO), and after the time t1 has elapsed (S5: YES), returns to step S1 again and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0042] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100A according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, warm air or cold air from the first space R1 can be selectively supplied to the third space R3 by switching the intake port of the air passage 40 with the opening and closing device 45. This makes it possible to efficiently improve the thermal environment in the third space R3 and reduce temperature unevenness in the first space R1, thereby improving the comfort of users in the building 200.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the state of the opening and closing device 45 is automatically switched by the control device 5, but the state of the opening and closing device 45 may be switched manually using a switch or the like. Also, in the above embodiment, the state of the opening and closing device 45 is switched in accordance with the operation information of the air conditioning device 11, but the state of the opening and closing device 45 may be switched in accordance with the season (date) or the temperature of the first space R1.

[0044] Embodiment 3 An air conditioning system 100B according to the third embodiment will be described. The air conditioning system 100B according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the air passage 40. The other configurations of the air conditioning system 100B are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a building 200 in which an air-conditioning system 100B according to the third embodiment is installed. FIG. 8 shows a cross section of the building 200 taken along a line corresponding to line AA in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the air-conditioning system 100B according to the present embodiment includes the same air-conditioning unit 11, air supply unit 12, and exhaust unit 21 as those in the first embodiment. Air passage 40 of the air-conditioning system 100B includes a first air passage 401 connecting the first space R1 and the third space R3, and a second air passage 402 connecting the underfloor space RS and the third space R3. The first air passage 401 and the second air passage 402 are each formed by a duct 41. A common air blower 42 is provided for the first air passage 401 and the second air passage 402. The configurations of the duct 41 and the air blower 42 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0046] Air conditioning system 100B of the present embodiment also includes first air inlet 431 and second air inlet 432 provided in first space R1 as air inlets for first air passage 401, and first opening / closing device 451 for switching the air inlets for first air passage 401. First air inlet 431 and second air inlet 432 are respectively arranged in upper region R11 and lower region R12 of first space R1, as in the second embodiment. First opening / closing device 451 has the same configuration and function as opening / closing device 45 of the second embodiment. Specifically, first opening / closing device 451 is switched between a first state (solid line in FIG. 8 ) in which second air inlet 432 is blocked from communicating with blower 42 and first air inlet 431 is open, and a second state (dashed line in FIG. 8 ) in which first air inlet 431 is blocked from communicating with blower 42 and second air inlet 432 is open.

[0047] Air conditioning system 100B of this embodiment also includes a third air inlet 433 provided in underfloor space RS as an air inlet for second air duct 402. A filter may be attached to third air inlet 433 to prevent dust and other particles from being drawn into second air duct 402. Air conditioning system 100B also includes a second opening and closing device 452 for switching between first air duct 401 and second air duct 402, a control device 5A for controlling first opening and closing device 451 and second opening and closing device 452, and a measuring device 6 for measuring air quality information in the underfloor space RS.

[0048] The second opening and closing device 452 is, for example, a damper whose angle is variably controlled. The second opening and closing device 452 is switched between a first state (solid line in FIG. 8 ) in which the second air passage 402 is closed and the first space R1 and the third space R3 are connected, and a second state (dashed line in FIG. 8 ) in which the first air passage 401 is closed and the underfloor space RS and the third space R3 are connected. When the second opening and closing device 452 is in the first state, when the blower 42 is operated, air from the first space R1 is drawn in through the first air inlet 431 or the second air inlet 432, passes through the first air passage 401, and is blown out from the air outlet 44 into the third space R3. On the other hand, when the second opening and closing device 452 is in the second state, when the blower 42 is operated, air from the underfloor space RS is drawn in through the third air inlet 433, passes through the second air passage 402, and is blown out from the air outlet 44 into the third space R3.

[0049] The control device 5A is connected to the air conditioning apparatus 11, the first opening / closing device 451, the second opening / closing device 452, and the measurement device 6 via wired or wireless communication. The control device 5A switches the states of the first opening / closing device 451 and the second opening / closing device 452 according to the operating state of the air conditioning apparatus 11 and the measurement results of the measurement device 6. The control device 5A is configured with a processing circuit having a memory for storing programs and a processor for executing the programs stored in the memory, or a dedicated processing circuit. The control device 5A may be installed in an occupancy space of the building 200, such as the first space R1, the second space R2, or the third space R3 of the building 200, or may be installed in the underfloor space RS or the in-wall space RW. Furthermore, the control device 5A does not necessarily have to be installed within the building 200. It may be an external device capable of communicating with the air conditioning apparatus 11, the first opening / closing device 451, the second opening / closing device 452, and the measurement device 6 via wireless LAN or the like, or it may exist on the cloud.

[0050] The measuring device 6 is installed in the underfloor space RS of the building 200 and measures air quality information of the underfloor space RS. As an example, the measuring device 6 is a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the underfloor space RS, or a humidity sensor that measures the humidity of the underfloor space RS. Note that the measuring device 6 is not limited to a temperature sensor or a humidity sensor, and may be a sensor that measures both temperature and humidity, or may measure other air quality information. In the following description, the measuring device 6 is assumed to be a temperature sensor that measures the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS.

[0051] Fig. 9 is a control block diagram of an air conditioning system 100B according to Embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 9, a control device 5A has an information acquisition unit 51 and an opening / closing control unit 52. The information acquisition unit 51 and the opening / closing control unit 52 are functional units that are realized by a processor of the control device 5A executing a program. Alternatively, at least one of the information acquisition unit 51 and the opening / closing control unit 52 may be realized by a processing circuit such as an ASIC or an FPGA.

[0052] The information acquisition unit 51 acquires operation information and air quality information from the air conditioner 11 and the measurement device 6, respectively. The operation information of the air conditioner 11 is information relating to the operation mode of the air conditioner 11, such as operation, stop, cooling or heating. The air quality information is, for example, the temperature or humidity of the underfloor space RS. The information acquisition unit 51 outputs the acquired operation information of the air conditioner 11 and air quality information of the underfloor space RS to the opening / closing control unit 52.

[0053] The opening / closing control unit 52 switches the first opening / closing device 451 and the second opening / closing device 452 between the first state and the second state based on the operating information of the air conditioner 11 and the air quality information of the underfloor space RS acquired by the information acquisition unit 51. As in the second embodiment, when the air conditioner 11 is performing heating operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the first opening / closing device 451 to the first state and opens the first air inlet 431, and when the air conditioner 11 is performing cooling operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the first opening / closing device 451 to the second state and opens the second air inlet 432. This allows warm air or cold air in the first space R1 to be selectively supplied to the third space R3.

[0054] Furthermore, in winter, air warmer than the outside air tends to accumulate in the underfloor space RS, while in summer, air cooler than the outside air tends to accumulate in the underfloor space RS. Therefore, when the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is equal to or higher than a preset first temperature Ta in winter, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the second state to connect the underfloor space RS to the third space R3. The first temperature Ta is, for example, 15°C. As a result, the warm air in the underfloor space RS is supplied to the third space R3. On the other hand, when the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is not equal to or higher than the preset first temperature Ta in winter, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the first state to connect the first space R1 to the third space R3. As a result, the heated air in the first space R1 is supplied to the third space R3.

[0055] Furthermore, when the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS in summer is equal to or lower than a preset second temperature Tb, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the second state to connect the underfloor space RS to the third space R3. The second temperature Tb is, for example, 20°C. As a result, cool air in the underfloor space RS is supplied to the third space R3. On the other hand, when the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS in summer is not equal to or lower than the preset second temperature Tb, the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the first state to connect the first space R1 to the third space R3. As a result, cooled air in the first space R1 is supplied to the third space R3.

[0056] Since the underfloor space RS is in communication with the outdoors, supplying air from the underfloor space RS to the third space R3 makes the relationship between the pressures P1 and P3 in the first to third spaces R1 and R3 P3 > P1 > P2. This prevents outside air from flowing into the third space R3 through gaps in the fittings 30 or through vents, and similarly to the first embodiment, the air blown from the first space R1 improves the thermal environment in the third space R3, improving the comfort of users in the building 200.

[0057] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of control by the control device 5A in the air conditioning system 100B according to embodiment 3. The flowchart in Fig. 10 is executed by the control device 5A when operation of the blower 42 is started. First, the information acquisition unit 51 of the control device 5A acquires operation information of the air conditioning device 11 and the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS measured by the measurement device 6 (S11).

[0058] Then, the opening / closing control unit 52 of the control device 5A determines whether the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S12). If the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S12: YES), the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the first opening / closing device 451 to the first state and opens the first air inlet 431 (S13). Then, the opening / closing control unit 52 determines whether the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is equal to or higher than a preset first temperature Ta (S14).

[0059] If the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is equal to or higher than the first temperature Ta (S14: YES), the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the second state to connect the underfloor space RS to the third space R3 (S15). As a result, the warm air in the underfloor space RS is supplied to the third space R3. On the other hand, if the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is not equal to or higher than the first temperature Ta (S14: NO), the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the first state to connect the first space R1 to the third space R3 (S16). As a result, the warm air in the first space R1 sucked in through the first air inlet 431 is supplied to the third space R3 through the air passage 40.

[0060] On the other hand, if the air conditioner 11 is not in heating operation (S12: NO), that is, if the air conditioner 11 is in cooling operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the first opening / closing device 451 to the second state and opens the second air inlet 432 (S17).Then, the opening / closing control unit 52 determines whether the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is equal to or lower than a preset second temperature Tb (S18).

[0061] If the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is equal to or lower than the second temperature Tb (S18: YES), the opening / closing control unit 52 proceeds to step S15, sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the second state, and connects the underfloor space RS to the third space R3 (S15). As a result, the cool air in the underfloor space RS is supplied to the third space R3. On the other hand, if the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is not equal to or lower than the second temperature Tb (S18: NO), the opening / closing control unit 52 proceeds to step S16, sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the first state, and connects the first space R1 to the third space R3 (S16). As a result, the cool air sucked in from the second air inlet 432 passes through the air passage 40 and is supplied to the third space R3.

[0062] The control device 5A maintains the state of the first opening / closing device 451 and the second opening / closing device 452 until a preset time t1 has elapsed (S19: NO), and after the time t1 has elapsed (S19: YES), returns to step S11 and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0063] As described above, in the air conditioning system 100B according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects of the first and second embodiments, warm air and cold air in the underfloor space RS can be supplied to the third space R3 by switching between the first air duct 401 and the second air duct 402 using the second opening and closing device 452. This makes it possible to improve the temperature environment in the third space R3 and reduce the load on the air conditioning device 11, thereby achieving an energy-saving effect.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the state of the second opening and closing device 452 is automatically switched by the control device 5A. However, the state of the second opening and closing device 452 may be manually switched using a switch or the like. In the above embodiment, the state of the second opening and closing device 452 is switched according to the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS. However, the state of the opening and closing device 452 may be switched according to the humidity of the underfloor space RS. In this case, when the humidity of the underfloor space RS is equal to or higher than a preset humidity level in winter, the opening and closing control unit 52 sets the second opening and closing device 452 to the second state to connect the underfloor space RS to the third space R3. As a result, the highly humid air in the underfloor space RS is supplied to the third space R3. In addition, when the humidity of the underfloor space RS is equal to or lower than a preset humidity level in summer, the opening and closing control unit 52 sets the second opening and closing device 452 to the second state to connect the underfloor space RS to the third space R3. As a result, the low-humidity air in the underfloor space RS is supplied to the third space R3. In this case as well, the temperature environment in the third space R3 can be improved, and the comfort of the user can be improved.

[0065] Although the above is a description of the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and various modifications and combinations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. For example, in the above embodiments, building 200 is described as a two-story building consisting of first floor 201 and second floor 202, but building 200 may be a building with three or more floors.

[0066] Furthermore, in the above description, "outdoors" may include not only the outside of building 200 but also the outside of a space that is not subject to air conditioning, such as a parking lot within building 200. Furthermore, "outdoor air" may include not only the air outside building 200 but also the outside air that is not subject to air conditioning.

[0067] Furthermore, the control of the first opening / closing device 451 and the second opening / closing device 452 in the third embodiment is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 10. For example, in FIG. 10, the opening / closing control unit 52 determines whether it is winter or summer depending on whether the operating mode of the air conditioner 11 is heating operation or cooling operation, and controls the second opening / closing device 452 accordingly. However, the control may be divided into winter and summer control. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the control flow in winter by the control device 5A according to a modified example. The flowchart in FIG. 11 applies to winter, and is executed by the control device 5A when the operation of the air blower 42 is started. Note that, although winter generally refers to the period from December to February, the period including other months may also be considered winter depending on the temperature, humidity, etc. First, the information acquisition unit 51 of the control device 5A acquires the operating information of the air conditioner 11 and the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS measured by the measurement device 6 (S21).

[0068] Then, the opening / closing control section 52 of the control device 5A determines whether the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is equal to or higher than a preset first temperature Ta (S22). If the temperature T1 is equal to or higher than the first temperature Ta (S22: YES), the opening / closing control section 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the second state, and connects the underfloor space RS to the third space R3 (S23). This allows the warm air in the underfloor space RS to be supplied to the third space R3.

[0069] On the other hand, if the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is not equal to or higher than the first temperature Ta (S22: NO), the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the first state to connect the first space R1 and the third space R3 (S24).Then, the opening / closing control unit 52 determines whether the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S25).

[0070] If the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S25: YES), the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the first opening / closing device 451 to the first state and opens the first air inlet 431 (S26). As a result, warm air drawn in through the first air inlet 431 passes through the air passage 40 and is supplied to the third space R3. On the other hand, if the air conditioner 11 is not in heating operation (S25: NO), that is, if the air conditioner 11 is in cooling operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the first opening / closing device 451 to the second state and opens the second air inlet 432 (S27). As a result, cool air drawn in through the second air inlet 432 passes through the air passage 40 and is supplied to the third space R3.

[0071] The control device 5A maintains the state of the first opening / closing device 451 and the second opening / closing device 452 until a preset time t1 has elapsed (S28: NO), and after the time t1 has elapsed (S28: YES), returns to step S21 and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0072] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing the control flow in summer by the control device 5A according to a modified example. The flowchart in Fig. 12 applies to summer, and is executed by the control device 5A when operation of the air blower 42 is started. Although summer generally refers to the period from June to August, the period including other months may also be considered summer depending on the temperature, humidity, etc. First, the information acquisition unit 51 of the control device 5A acquires operation information of the air conditioning device 11 and the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS measured by the measurement device 6 (S31).

[0073] Then, the opening / closing control section 52 of the control device 5A determines whether the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is equal to or lower than a preset second temperature Tb (S32). If the temperature T1 is equal to or lower than the second temperature Tb (S32: YES), the opening / closing control section 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the second state, and connects the underfloor space RS to the third space R3 (S33). This allows the cool air in the underfloor space RS to be supplied to the third space R3.

[0074] On the other hand, if the temperature T1 of the underfloor space RS is not equal to or lower than the second temperature Tb (S32: NO), the opening / closing control unit 52 sets the second opening / closing device 452 to the first state and connects the first space R1 and the third space R3 (S34).The opening / closing control unit 52 then determines whether the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S35).

[0075] If the air conditioner 11 is in heating operation (S35: YES), the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the first opening / closing device 451 to the first state and opens the first air inlet 431 (S36). As a result, warm air drawn in through the first air inlet 431 passes through the air passage 40 and is supplied to the third space R3. On the other hand, if the air conditioner 11 is not in heating operation (S35: NO), that is, if the air conditioner 11 is in cooling operation, the opening / closing control unit 52 switches the first opening / closing device 451 to the second state and opens the second air inlet 432 (S37). As a result, cool air drawn in through the second air inlet 432 passes through the air passage 40 and is supplied to the third space R3.

[0076] The control device 5A maintains the states of the first opening / closing device 451 and the second opening / closing device 452 until a preset time t1 has elapsed (S38: NO), and after the time t1 has elapsed (S38: YES), the process returns to step S31 and repeats the subsequent processes. In this case, the same effects as in the third embodiment can be obtained.

[0077] As another modification, second air inlet 432 and first opening / closing device 451 may be omitted in the third embodiment. In this case, only control of second opening / closing device 452 is performed in accordance with the air quality information of underfloor space RS. The arrangement of first opening / closing device 451 and second opening / closing device 452 is not limited to the example in FIG. 10 . For example, first opening / closing device 451 may be provided so as to block first air inlet 431, or first opening / closing device 451 may be provided at both first air inlet 431 and second air inlet 432. Second opening / closing device 452 may be provided so as to block first air passage 401.

[0078] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0079] (Appendix 1) An air conditioning system installed in a building having a first space, a second space and a third space arranged on a floor lower than the first space, an underfloor space arranged on a floor lower than the second space and the third space, and an in-wall space communicating from a floor on which the third space is provided to a floor on which the first space is provided, an air conditioning device installed in the first space and performing heating or cooling of the first space; an air supply device installed in the first space and causing outside air to flow into the first space; an exhaust device installed in the second space and discharging air from the second space to the outdoors; a duct provided in the underfloor space and the wall space, the duct forming an air passage connecting the first space and the third space; an air blower provided in the air passage and configured to blow air from the first space to the third space. (Appendix 2) The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein the duct has a diameter such that the air flow rate of the blower is greater than the exhaust air flow rate of the exhaust device when the blower is operated at a rotational speed at which the noise generated by the blower is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. (Appendix 3) a first suction port and a second suction port installed in the first space; a first opening / closing device that can be switched between a first state in which the second air inlet and the blower are closed and the first air inlet is open, and a second state in which the first air inlet and the blower are closed and the second air inlet is open, An air conditioning system as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein when the first space is divided into two regions, an upper region and a lower region, by a boundary line that divides the first space equally in the height direction, the first air inlet is located in the upper region and the second air inlet is located in the lower region. (Appendix 4) An air conditioning system as described in Appendix 3, wherein the first opening / closing device is in the first state when the air conditioning device is performing heating operation, and in the second state when the air conditioning device is performing cooling operation. (Appendix 5) the air passage includes a first air passage connecting the first space and the third space, and a second air passage connecting the underfloor space and the third space, A third suction port installed in the underfloor space; An air conditioning system as described in any one of appendices 1 to 4, further comprising a second opening / closing device that can be switched between a first state in which the second air passage is blocked and the first space is connected to the third space, and a second state in which the first air passage is blocked and the underfloor space is connected to the third space. (Appendix 6) a control device that controls the second opening and closing device; a measuring device for measuring air quality information in the underfloor space, 6. The air conditioning system according to claim 5, wherein the control device switches the state of the second opening / closing device in accordance with the air quality information of the underfloor space. (Appendix 7) the measuring device measures the temperature of the underfloor space, The control device When the temperature in the underfloor space is equal to or higher than a predetermined first temperature during a period set as winter, the second opening and closing device is set to the second state, and when the temperature in the underfloor space is not equal to or higher than the first temperature, the second opening and closing device is set to the first state; An air conditioning system as described in Appendix 6, wherein if the temperature in the underfloor space is equal to or lower than a predetermined second temperature during a period set as summer, the second opening / closing device is set to the second state, and if the temperature in the underfloor space is not equal to or lower than the second temperature, the second opening / closing device is set to the first state. (Appendix 8) A control method for an air conditioning system according to claim 6, When the operation of the air blower device is started, the control device acquires the air quality information from the measurement device; and a step in which the control device switches the second opening / closing device to the first state or the second state in accordance with the air quality information. (Appendix 9) A control method for an air conditioning system according to claim 6, When the operation of the air blower device is started, the control device acquires the air quality information from the measurement device and acquires operation information from the air conditioning device; the control device switching the first opening / closing device to the first state or the second state in accordance with the operation information of the air conditioning device; and a step in which the control device switches the second opening / closing device to the first state or the second state in accordance with the air quality information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0080] 5, 5A control device, 6 measuring device, 10 room door, 11 air conditioning device, 12 air supply device, 20 changing room door, 21 exhaust device, 30 fittings, 40 air duct, 41 duct, 42 blower device, 43 air intake port, 44 air outlet, 45 opening / closing device, 51 information acquisition unit, 52 opening / closing control unit, 100, 100A, 100B air conditioning system, 200 building, 201 first floor, 202 second floor, 210 stairs, 401 first air duct, 402 second air duct, 431 first air intake port, 432 second air intake port, 433 third air intake port, 451 first opening / closing device, 452 second opening / closing device, R1 first space, R11 upper area, R12 lower area, R2 second space, R3 third space, RS Underfloor space, RW intra-wall space.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system installed in a building having a first space, a second space and a third space arranged on a floor lower than the first space, an underfloor space arranged on a floor lower than the second space and the third space, and an in-wall space communicating from a floor on which the third space is provided to a floor on which the first space is provided, an air conditioning device installed in the first space and performing heating or cooling of the first space; an air supply device installed in the first space and causing outside air to flow into the first space; an exhaust device installed in the second space and configured to exhaust air from the second space to the outdoors; a duct provided in the underfloor space and the wall space, the duct forming an air passage connecting the first space and the third space; an air blower provided in the air passage and configured to blow air from the first space to the third space.

2. 2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the duct has a diameter such that the air flow rate of the blower is greater than the exhaust air flow rate of the exhaust device when the blower is operating at a rotational speed at which noise generated by the blower is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value.

3. a first suction port and a second suction port installed in the first space; a first opening / closing device that can be switched between a first state in which the second air inlet and the blower are closed and the first air inlet is open, and a second state in which the first air inlet and the blower are closed and the second air inlet is open, 3. The air conditioning system of claim 1, wherein when the first space is divided into two regions, an upper region and a lower region, by a boundary line that divides the first space equally in the height direction, the first air inlet is located in the upper region and the second air inlet is located in the lower region.

4. The air conditioning system according to claim 3, wherein the first opening / closing device is in the first state when the air conditioning device performs heating operation, and in the second state when the air conditioning device performs cooling operation.

5. the air passage includes a first air passage connecting the first space and the third space, and a second air passage connecting the underfloor space and the third space, a third air inlet installed in the underfloor space; The air conditioning system according to claim 3, further comprising a second opening / closing device that can be switched between a first state in which the second air passage is blocked and the first space is connected to the third space, and a second state in which the first air passage is blocked and the underfloor space is connected to the third space.

6. a control device that controls the second opening and closing device; a measuring device for measuring air quality information in the underfloor space, The air conditioning system according to claim 5 , wherein the control device switches the state of the second opening / closing device in accordance with the air quality information of the underfloor space.

7. the measuring device measures the temperature of the underfloor space, The control device When the temperature in the underfloor space is equal to or higher than a predetermined first temperature during a period set as winter, the second opening and closing device is set to the second state, and when the temperature in the underfloor space is not equal to or higher than the first temperature, the second opening and closing device is set to the first state; The air conditioning system of claim 6, wherein when the temperature in the underfloor space is equal to or lower than a predetermined second temperature during a period set as summer, the second opening / closing device is set to the second state, and when the temperature in the underfloor space is not equal to or lower than the second temperature, the second opening / closing device is set to the first state.

8. 7. A method for controlling an air conditioning system according to claim 6, When the operation of the air blower device is started, the control device acquires the air quality information from the measurement device; and a step by the control device of switching the second opening / closing device to the first state or the second state in accordance with the air quality information.

9. 7. A method for controlling an air conditioning system according to claim 6, When the operation of the air blower device is started, the control device acquires the air quality information from the measurement device and acquires operation information from the air conditioning device; the control device switches the first opening / closing device to the first state or the second state in accordance with the operation information of the air conditioning device; and a step by the control device of switching the second opening / closing device to the first state or the second state in accordance with the air quality information.

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