Air conveyance system and air conveyance method

Abstract

To provide an air conveyance system capable of effectively suppressing growth of mold on a layer of dust accumulated in a filter.SOLUTION: An air conveyance system 1 includes: a fan 11 for generating an air flow; a conveyance route 12 through which an air flow Af passes; a pressure loss detection section for directly or indirectly detecting pressure loss of the fan 11; a filter 13 disposed in the conveyance route 12 to collect dust; a sensor 14 for measuring a temperature and humidity of the air flow Af; a mold index calculation section that calculates a mold index of the air flow Af on the basis of data from the sensor 14; and a maintenance report section that outputs a signal for reporting arrival of maintenance timing of the filter 13 when the pressure loss of the fan 11 is a first threshold value or larger and the mold index or a historical value thereof is a second threshold value or larger.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conveying system and an air conveying method. [Background technology]

[0002] A ventilation air-conditioning unit is described in Patent Document 1. This ventilation air-conditioning unit includes a chamber box and a filter member disposed inside the chamber box. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-198395 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Generally, dust particles such as pollen and PM2.5 accumulate on the surface of a filter, and mold can adhere to and grow on the accumulated layer. In this case, even if an anti-mold layer is applied to the surface of the filter, mold can grow in areas away from the anti-mold layer, which may prevent the anti-mold layer from functioning properly. Therefore, in order to prevent mold growth on the filter, it is important to perform filter maintenance at appropriate times, taking into consideration mold growth on the dust layer accumulated on the filter.

[0005] The present invention was devised in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its main object is to provide an air conveying system that can effectively suppress the growth of mold on the dust layer accumulated on the filter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is an air conveying system including a fan for generating an air flow, a conveying path through which the air flow passes, a pressure loss detection unit for directly or indirectly detecting the pressure loss of the fan, a filter arranged in the conveying path and for capturing dust, a sensor for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air flow, a mold index calculation unit for calculating the mold index of the air flow based on data from the sensor, and a maintenance notification unit that outputs a signal to notify that it is time to perform maintenance on the filter when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold and the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] By adopting the above-described configuration, the air conditioning system for a building of the present invention can effectively suppress the growth of mold on the dust layer accumulated on the filter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a building equipped with an air conveying system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of a filter. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a control device. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure of an air conveying method. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a mold index and the number of weeks elapsed; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated representations and representations that differ from the dimensional ratios of actual structures in order to facilitate understanding of the contents of the invention. Furthermore, identical or common elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for the purpose of understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0010] [building] The air conveying system of this embodiment is installed in a building, but is not particularly limited to this. Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a building 2 equipped with an air conveying system 1. Fig. 2 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 1.

[0011] 1, the building 2 is exemplified as a house, but may also be a building, etc. In addition, in this embodiment, the building 2 is exemplified as a one-story building, but is not particularly limited thereto, and may also be a building 2 with two or more stories.

[0012] The building 2 of this embodiment is configured to include an underfloor space 3 and an above-floor space 4.

[0013] The underfloor space 3 in this embodiment is a space surrounded by the foundation, the ground, and the first floor 5. The foundation is provided with an air intake vent 6 for taking in outside air Ao. The outside air Ao taken in through this air intake vent 6 exchanges heat with underground heat, which has little temperature change throughout the year, via the ground. As a result, 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 is stored in the underfloor space 3.

[0014] The above-floor space 4 is a space provided above the under-floor space 3 (floor 5). The above-floor space 4 of this embodiment is configured to include a plurality of living rooms 7 and non-living rooms 8.

[0015] The multiple rooms 7 in this embodiment include a first room 7a and a second room 7b located on the first floor of the building 2. Note that the multiple rooms 7 are not limited to this example, and may include, for example, other rooms (not shown) located on the first floor, or may include rooms (not shown) located on the second floor or higher.

[0016] The non-habitable room 8 in this embodiment includes a hall 8a provided between the first habitable room 7a and the second habitable room 7b, as well as a washroom and toilet (not shown). Note that the non-habitable room 8 is not limited to this example and may include, for example, other spaces.

[0017] [Air conveying system] The air conveying system 1 of this embodiment includes a fan 11, a conveying path 12, a filter 13, a sensor 14 (shown in FIG. 2), and a control device 15. The air conveying system 1 further includes an air conditioner 16. In this specification, a "fan" is a machine for compressing and feeding air. Therefore, the fan 11 and an outside air supply fan 17 (described later) are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of compressing and feeding air.

[0018] [fan] The fan 11 is for generating the airflow Af. In this embodiment, the fan 11 is configured as a constant airflow fan 11c. The rotation speed of the constant airflow fan 11c is controlled so that the airflow of the airflow Af is constant. Such a constant airflow fan 11c can stably supply (generate) the airflow Af at a predetermined airflow.

[0019] The airflow rate of the fan 11 may be controlled using multiple notches. The notches in this embodiment include a strong notch, a medium notch, a weak notch, and a very weak notch. Of these notches, the strong notch is set to the largest airflow rate per unit time, and the very weak notch is set to the smallest airflow rate per unit time. Note that the notches are not limited to this configuration and may be a single notch (one airflow rate), or may further include other notches. The airflow rate of each notch is set appropriately depending on, for example, the sizes of the multiple living rooms 7 (in this example, the first living room 7a and the second living room 7b). In this embodiment, the operation of the fan 11 may be controlled by the control device 15.

[0020] In this embodiment, the fan 11 is disposed inside the chamber 18, but this is not particularly limited, and for example, the fan 11 may be disposed outside the chamber 18. The chamber 18 in this embodiment is provided in a non-habitable room 8 (hall 8a).

[0021] 2, the chamber 18 of this embodiment is formed in a box shape having a space 18s therein. The chamber 18 is formed with an air vent 19 that allows air to pass between the space 18s and the non-habitable room 8 (hall 8a).

[0022] A first duct 21 and a second duct 22 are connected to the chamber 18 in this embodiment.

[0023] 1, the first duct 21 of this embodiment is for connecting the chamber 18 with the plurality of rooms 7. One end of the first duct 21 is connected to the chamber 18. The other end of the first duct 21 is connected to the plurality of rooms 7 (in this example, the first room 7a and the second room 7b).

[0024] In this embodiment, a fan 11 is connected to one end of the first duct 21. The fan 11 is capable of sucking air from the chamber 18 and blowing it out into the first duct 21. This allows the airflow Af generated by the fan 11 to pass through the chamber 18 and the first duct 21.

[0025] The second duct 22 in this embodiment is for connecting the chamber 18 and the underfloor space 3. One end of the second duct 22 is connected to the chamber 18. The other end of the second duct 22 is connected to the underfloor space 3.

[0026] In this embodiment, the second duct 22 is provided with an outside air supply fan 17. This outside air supply fan 17 is for pressurizing outside air Ao (under-floor air Au) to the chamber 18 via the second duct 22. The second duct 22 and the outside air supply fan 17 take in the under-floor air Au (outside air Ao) for ventilation into the chamber 18. In this embodiment, the operation of the outside air supply fan 17 can be controlled by the control device 15.

[0027] [Transportation route] The transport path 12 is for passing the air flow Af. As described above, in this embodiment, the air flow Af generated by the fan 11 can pass through the chamber 18 and the first duct 21. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the transport path 12 in this embodiment can be composed of the chamber 18 and the first duct 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the first duct 21 that constitutes the transport path 12 is connected to multiple rooms 7 (in this example, the first room 7a and the second room 7b), so the air flow Af generated by the fan 11 can be supplied to the multiple rooms 7.

[0028] Filter The filter 13 is disposed in the conveying path 12 and serves to capture dust. In this embodiment, the filter 13 is disposed in a chamber 18 that constitutes the conveying path 12.

[0029] The filter 13 of this embodiment is provided upstream of the fan 11 in the flow direction of the air flow Af. As a result, the air flow Af from which dust has been collected (purified) by the filter 13 can be supplied to multiple rooms 7 through the first duct 21 that constitutes the transfer path 12.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an example of the filter 13. The filter 13 of this embodiment includes a filter medium 13A. The filter medium 13A is not particularly limited as long as it can collect dust and the like, and an electrically charged filter medium or a physical filter medium (e.g., HEPA or ULPA) can be used. In this embodiment, an electrically charged filter medium is used as the filter medium 13A. Such an electrically charged filter medium captures dust by static electricity, thereby reducing the pressure loss of the air flow Af.

[0031] In this embodiment, an antifungal layer 13B is formed on at least a part of the surface 13s of the filter 13. Such an antifungal layer 13B can inhibit the growth of mold on the surface 13s of the filter 13.

[0032] The antifungal layer 13B can be formed as appropriate. For example, the antifungal layer 13B is formed by coating a sheet-like nonwoven fabric with a cured product of a dipping liquid containing an antifungal agent. For example, the antifungal agent and the dipping liquid may be those described in Patent Document (JP 2024-001747 A).

[0033] [Air conditioner] 1, the air conditioner 16 of this embodiment is disposed in the transport path 12 and is for conditioning the air flow Af. The air conditioner 16 of this embodiment is configured, for example, as a typical split-type air conditioner for home use, and includes an indoor unit 16A and an outdoor unit (not shown) as a set.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, the indoor unit 16A has an air inlet 16i and an air outlet 16o.

[0035] The intake port 16i is intended to take in at least a portion of the air-fuel mixture Am contained in the airflow Af into a heat exchanger (not shown) provided inside the indoor unit 16A. The air-fuel mixture Am in this embodiment includes air (return air) Ai circulated through the multiple rooms 7 shown in FIG. 1 and underfloor air Au (outdoor air Ao). In this embodiment, there is a gap 28 between the indoor unit 16A and the chamber 18 through which the air-fuel mixture Am passes, and therefore, regardless of whether the air conditioner 16 is operating, a portion of the air-fuel mixture Am passes to the filter 13 side without being air-conditioned.

[0036] On the other hand, the air outlet 16o is for discharging the air flow Af (conditioned air Ac) that has been air-conditioned by the heat exchanger. In this embodiment, the operation of the air conditioner 16 can be controlled by the control device 15 shown in FIG.

[0037] The air conditioner 16 of this embodiment is disposed in a chamber 18 that constitutes the transfer path 12. Therefore, the conditioned air Ac is generated within the chamber 18. The air conditioner 16 of this embodiment is disposed upstream of the filter 13 in the flow direction of the air flow Af. As a result, the air flow Af, which contains the conditioned air Ac and the unconditioned mixed air Am, passes through the filter 13, and dust contained in the air flow Af is captured. The air flow Af from which the dust has been captured by the filter 13 can then pass through a first duct 21 that constitutes the transfer path 12 and be supplied to the multiple rooms 7 (in this example, the first room 7a and the second room 7b) shown in FIG. 1 .

[0038] [Sensor] As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor 14 is for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air. The sensor 14 in this embodiment includes a temperature sensor 14A and a humidity sensor 14B provided in the air conditioner 16 (indoor unit 16A). The temperature sensor 14A is capable of measuring the temperature of the air flow Af (air-mixture Am) before air conditioning. The humidity sensor 14B is capable of measuring the humidity of the air flow Af (air-mixture Am) before air conditioning. The humidity measured in this embodiment is relative humidity, but is not particularly limited thereto and may be, for example, absolute humidity. The measured temperature and humidity are transmitted to the control device 15 shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] The sensor 14 of this embodiment further includes a discharge temperature sensor 14C. The discharge temperature sensor 14C is capable of measuring the temperature of the airflow Af (conditioned air Ac) after air conditioning. A known temperature sensor is used for such discharge temperature sensor 14C, and is fixed near the air outlet 16o of the air conditioner 16. The measured temperature is transmitted to the control device 15 shown in FIG. 1.

[0040] [Control device] The control device 15 is configured by a computer and is installed, for example, on a partition wall or the like.

[0041] 4 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 15. The control device 15 includes, for example, a calculation unit (CPU) 23, a storage device 24 for storing processing procedures and the like, and a working memory 25 for reading the processing procedures and the like from the storage device 24. An input device 26 and an output device 27 are connected to the control device 15 (calculation unit 23).

[0042] [Input Device] The input device 26 of this embodiment is configured, for example, by operation buttons, a touch panel, or the like (not shown) provided on the housing of the control device 15 shown in Fig. 1. By using such an input device 26, for example, input data (signals) by a user (resident), etc. can be transmitted to the control device 15. This input data includes, for example, instruction data regarding starting and stopping the operation of the air conveying system 1 (fan 11 and air conditioner 16).

[0043] [Output device] The output device 27 of this embodiment is configured as, for example, a display (not shown) provided on the housing of the control device 15 shown in Fig. 1. When such an output device 27 receives data (signals) from the control device 15, it can display, for example, the operating status of the air conveying system 1. This operating status includes, for example, the operating status of the fan 11 and the air conditioner 16.

[0044] [Arithmetic device] The arithmetic unit 23 of this embodiment is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0045] The arithmetic device 23 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the fan 11. This allows the arithmetic device 23 to grasp the operating status of the fan 11. The operating status includes the notch (air volume), the rotation speed, etc. Furthermore, the operation of the fan 11 (including, for example, starting and stopping the operation and switching the air volume) can be controlled by the arithmetic device 23.

[0046] The arithmetic device 23 of this embodiment is communicably connected to the sensor 14. This allows the arithmetic device 23 to grasp the measurement results of the temperature and humidity (absolute humidity in this example) of the air flow Af.

[0047] As described above, the sensor 14 of this embodiment includes the temperature sensor 14A and humidity sensor 14B provided in the air conditioner 16 shown in Fig. 2. This allows the calculation device 23 to grasp the measurement results of the temperature and humidity (relative humidity) of the air flow Af (air-mixture Am) before air conditioning. Furthermore, the sensor 14 of this embodiment includes a blowout temperature sensor 14C. This allows the calculation device 23 to grasp the measurement results of the temperature of the air flow Af (conditioned air Ac) after air conditioning.

[0048] The arithmetic device 23 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the air conditioner 16. This allows the arithmetic device 23 to grasp the operating status (air volume of conditioned air) of the air conditioner 16. Furthermore, the operation of the air conditioner 16 (for example, starting and stopping operation) can be controlled by the arithmetic device 23.

[0049] The arithmetic device 23 of this embodiment is communicatively connected to the outside air supply fan 17. This allows the arithmetic device 23 to grasp the operating status of the outside air supply fan 17. Furthermore, the operation of the outside air supply fan 17 (for example, starting and stopping the operation) can be controlled by the arithmetic device 23.

[0050] [Storage device] The storage device 24 of this embodiment is, for example, a non-volatile information storage device. The storage device 24 includes a data section 29 and a program section 30.

[0051] The data unit 29 of this embodiment is for storing data necessary for the air conveyance by the air conveyance system 1, calculation results (calculation data) by the arithmetic device 23, etc. These data are used to execute the processing procedures of the air conveyance method described below.

[0052] The data unit 29 of this embodiment includes a pressure loss memory unit 29a, a mold index memory unit 29b, a threshold memory unit 29c, and a temperature and humidity memory unit 29d. The data unit 29 may further include a memory unit for storing other information.

[0053] The pressure loss memory unit 29a stores the pressure loss of the fan 11. The mold index memory unit 29b stores the mold index of the airflow Af or its historical value. The pressure loss, mold index, and historical value of the mold index are calculated based on the procedures described below.

[0054] The threshold value storage unit 29c stores a pressure loss threshold value and a mold index or a mold index history value threshold value. In this embodiment, the pressure loss threshold value includes a first threshold value and a third threshold value. Meanwhile, the mold index or a mold index history value threshold value includes a second threshold value. Details of these first to third threshold values ​​will be described later.

[0055] The temperature and humidity storage unit 29d stores the temperature and humidity of the air flow Af shown in Fig. 2. In this embodiment, the temperature and humidity (relative humidity) of the air flow Af before air conditioning and the temperature of the air flow Af after air conditioning are stored. These temperatures and humidity are acquired based on the procedure described below.

[0056] [Program section] The program section 30 is a program (computer program) for causing the arithmetic device 23 (control device 15) to execute the processing procedure of the air conveying method described below. When the program section (program) 30 is executed by the arithmetic device 23, the control device 15 can function as a specific means.

[0057] The program unit 30 of this embodiment includes a pressure loss detection unit 30a, a mold index calculation unit 30b, and a maintenance notification unit 30c. Furthermore, the program unit 30 includes an air conveyance control unit 30d, a temperature and humidity acquisition unit 30e, a first determination unit 30f, a second determination unit 30g, a third determination unit 30h, and an end determination unit 30i. Note that the program unit 30 is not limited to this configuration, and may include other programs, or some of these programs may be omitted. The functions of these programs will be explained in the respective steps of the air conveyance method described below.

[0058] Incidentally, dust particles such as pollen and PM2.5 may accumulate on the surface 13s of the filter 13 shown in Figure 3, and mold may adhere to and grow on the accumulated layer. In this case, even if an anti-mold layer 13B is provided on the surface 13s side of the filter 13, mold may grow in positions away from the anti-mold layer 13B, which may prevent the anti-mold layer 13B from fully functioning. Therefore, in order to prevent mold growth on the filter 13, it is important to perform maintenance on the filter 13 at an appropriate time, taking into consideration the possibility of mold growth on the dust layer (not shown) accumulated on the filter 13.

[0059] [Air conveying method (first embodiment)] The pneumatic conveying method (pneumatic conveying system 1) of this embodiment effectively suppresses the growth of mold on the dust layer (not shown) accumulated on the filter 13. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the pneumatic conveying method.

[0060] [Start air transport] In the pneumatic conveying method of this embodiment, pneumatic conveying by the pneumatic conveying system 1 is started (step S1).

[0061] In step S1 of this embodiment, an air conveyance control unit 30d included in the program unit 30 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 25. The air conveyance control unit 30d is a program for controlling (including starting and ending) air conveyance by the air conveyance system 1 shown in Fig. 1. When this air conveyance control unit 30d is executed by the arithmetic device 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for starting air conveyance by the air conveyance system 1.

[0062] In step S1 of this embodiment, the outside air supply fan 17, the fan 11, and the air conditioner 16 shown in FIG. 1 are started to operate.

[0063] In step S1 of this embodiment, operation of the outdoor air supply fan 17 is started, and underfloor air Au (outdoor air Ao) for ventilation is taken into the chamber 18. Furthermore, operation of the air conditioner 16 is started, and at least a part of the mixed air Am is taken into the intake port 16i of the indoor unit 16A, as shown in Fig. 2. Then, the conditioned air Ac that has undergone heat exchange by the indoor unit 16A is discharged from the air outlet 16o.

[0064] Furthermore, in step S1 of this embodiment, operation of the fan 11 is started, thereby generating an air flow Af in the transfer path 12 including the chamber 18 and the first duct 21. The air flow Af (including the conditioned air Ac and the mixed air Am) passes through a filter 13 arranged in the transfer path 12, thereby capturing dust contained in the air flow Af. This allows the air flow Af to be purified.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the air flow Af purified by the filter 13 passes through a first duct 21 that constitutes the transport path 12 and is supplied to the multiple rooms 7. Then, the air (return air) Ai that has circulated through these multiple rooms 7 can be collected in the chamber 18 via the hole 8a.

[0066] In this way, in step S1 (air conveying system 1), the air (return air) Ai circulated through the multiple rooms 7, the underfloor air Au (outside air Ao), and the conditioned air Ac are circulated to ventilate or air-condition the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to second room 7b). Therefore, in step S1 of this embodiment, central air-conditioning operation can be started.

[0067] In step S1 of this embodiment, the operation of the air conditioner 16 may be stopped. This makes it possible to ventilate the multiple rooms 7 (first room 7a to second room 7b) while circulating the air (return air) Ai circulated through the multiple rooms 7 and the underfloor air Au (outside air Ao).

[0068] The air volume of the outside air supply fan 17 can be set appropriately. In this embodiment, it is preferable to set the air volume of the outside air supply fan 17 based on the number of ventilations required per hour in the building 2 (for example, 0.5 times / h).

[0069] The air volume of the fan 11 is appropriately set. In this embodiment, the air volume of the fan 11 is controlled based on one of a plurality of predetermined notches (in this example, from a strong notch to a weak notch).

[0070] As described above, the fan 11 of this embodiment is configured as a constant airflow fan whose rotation speed is controlled so that the airflow Af remains constant. Even if the pressure loss of the fan 11 increases due to an increase in the amount of dust accumulated on the filter 13, for example, the rotation speed of the fan 11 can be increased to generate the airflow Af based on the predetermined notch airflow. This allows efficient ventilation and air-conditioning of the multiple rooms 7.

[0071] [Get airflow temperature and humidity] Next, in the air conveying method of this embodiment, the temperature and humidity of the air flow Af shown in FIG. 2 are acquired (step S2).

[0072] In step S2 of this embodiment, the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 30e included in the program unit 30 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 25. The temperature and humidity acquisition unit 30e is a program for acquiring the temperature and humidity of the air flow Af shown in Fig. 2. When the temperature and humidity acquisition unit 30e is executed by the arithmetic unit 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for acquiring the temperature and humidity of the air flow Af.

[0073] In step S2 of this embodiment, the temperature of the air flow Af before air conditioning (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "pre-air conditioning temperature") and the temperature of the air flow Af after air conditioning (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "post-air conditioning temperature") are acquired as the temperatures of the air flow Af shown in Fig. 2. The pre-air conditioning temperature is the temperature of the air-fuel mixture Am measured by the temperature sensor 14A provided in the air conditioner 16 described above. The post-air conditioning temperature is the temperature of the conditioned air Ac measured by the blow-out temperature sensor 14C described above.

[0074] In step S2 of this embodiment, the absolute humidity of the air flow Af before air conditioning (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pre-air conditioning absolute humidity") is acquired as the humidity of the air flow Af. The pre-air conditioning absolute humidity is an absolute humidity calculated from the relative humidity of the air-fuel mixture Am measured by the humidity sensor 14B provided in the air conditioner 16 described above.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, if the determination in step S6 of determining whether or not an instruction to end air conveyance has been issued is negative ("No" in step S6), step S2 is performed again. Therefore, the temperature and humidity (temperature before air conditioning, temperature after air conditioning, and absolute humidity before air conditioning) of the air flow Af shown in Fig. 2 can be acquired in chronological order. The temperature and humidity of the air flow Af acquired in step S2 are stored in the temperature and humidity memory unit 29d shown in Fig. 4.

[0076] [Detection of fan pressure loss] Next, in the air conveying method of this embodiment, the pressure loss of the fan 11 is detected directly or indirectly (step S3).

[0077] In step S3 of this embodiment, a pressure loss detection unit 30a included in the program unit 30 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 25. The pressure loss detection unit 30a is a program for directly or indirectly detecting the pressure loss of the fan 11 shown in Fig. 2. When the pressure loss detection unit 30a is executed by the arithmetic unit 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for directly or indirectly detecting the pressure loss of the fan 11.

[0078] As described above, when the fan 11 of this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is configured as a constant airflow fan 11c, for example, as the amount of dust accumulated on the filter 13 increases, the pressure loss of the fan 11 increases, and the rotation speed of the fan 11 increases. Therefore, there is a correlation between the pressure loss of the fan 11 and the rotation speed of the fan 11. Therefore, the pressure loss of the fan 11 can be indirectly detected from the rotation speed of the fan 11. The rotation speed of the fan 11 can be determined by the pressure loss detection unit 30a (control device 15) shown in FIG. 4.

[0079] In this embodiment, it is preferable to specify the rotation speed of fan 11 at a specific notch (e.g., the middle notch). Furthermore, a reference rotation speed, which is the rotation speed of fan 11 detected at a specific notch (e.g., the middle notch) when no dust has accumulated on filter 13, may be specified in advance. By comparing this reference rotation speed with the rotation speed of fan 11, it is possible to indirectly determine the pressure loss of fan 11 that has increased due to an increase in the amount of dust accumulated on filter 13.

[0080] Furthermore, when the pressure loss of the fan 11 is detected directly, the pressure loss of the fan 11 can be directly detected from the current rotation speed of the fan 11 based on, for example, the relationship between the rotation speed of the fan (not shown) and the pressure loss (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the "rotation speed-pressure loss curve"). This rotation speed-pressure loss curve can be obtained, for example, by actually measuring the rotation speed of the fan 11 and the corresponding pressure loss multiple times and obtaining a regression equation that approximately represents the distribution of these data. Note that if the manufacturer of the fan 11 publishes a rotation speed-pressure loss curve, this published curve can be used. Furthermore, it is preferable that the rotation speed-pressure loss curve and the rotation speed of the fan 11 be specified at a specific notch (e.g., a middle notch). The detected pressure loss of the fan 11 is stored in the pressure loss storage unit 29a shown in FIG. 4.

[0081] [Determine whether the fan pressure loss is above the first threshold] Next, in the air conveying method of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the pressure loss of the fan 11 shown in FIG. 2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value (step S4).

[0082] The first threshold value is used to determine whether or not a dust layer has been formed on the surface 13s of the filter 13 and whether or not mold may grow on the layer. Such a first threshold value can be set as appropriate as long as the above determination is possible.

[0083] When the pressure loss of fan 11 is indirectly detected (estimated) from the rotation speed of fan 11 as in this embodiment, the first threshold value can be set to, for example, 1.05 to 1.20 times the pressure loss estimated from the reference rotation speed (in this example, the rotation speed at the middle notch under conditions where no dust has accumulated on filter 13). Note that the first threshold value may be set by replacing the pressure loss with an increment in the rotation speed equivalent to the pressure loss.

[0084] The first threshold is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, under the condition that the mold index FI of the airflow Af is constant (for example, the second threshold described later), the rotation speed (pressure loss) of the fan 11 when mold grows in each of a plurality of dust layers of different sizes may be measured, and the minimum value of these values ​​may be set as the first threshold. The first threshold is pre-stored in the threshold storage unit 29c shown in FIG. 4.

[0085] In step S4 of the present embodiment, the first threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 29c and the pressure loss of the fan 11 stored in the pressure loss storage unit 29a are loaded into the working memory 25. Furthermore, a first determination unit 30f included in the program unit 30 is loaded into the working memory 25. The first determination unit 30f is a program for determining whether the pressure loss of the fan 11 shown in FIG. 2 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value. When the first determination unit 30f is executed by the arithmetic unit 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for determining whether the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value.

[0086] If the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value ("Yes" in step S4), the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13 shown in Figures 2 and 3 has grown large, and mold may grow on the dust layer. In this case, step S5 is performed to calculate the mold index of the airflow Af.

[0087] On the other hand, if the pressure loss of fan 11 is less than the first threshold value ("No" in step S4), the dust layer accumulated on filter 13 is small, and mold growth can be prevented by anti-mold layer 13B applied to surface 13s side of filter 13. In this case, step S6 is performed to determine whether or not there is a command to end the next air conveyance.

[0088] [Calculate the mold index of airflow] Next, in the air conveying method of this embodiment, the mold index FI of the air flow Af shown in Figure 2 is calculated (step S5). In this embodiment, the mold index FI is used to evaluate whether mold is growing on the dust layer (not shown) accumulated on the filter 13. The mold index FI can be calculated based on the temperature and humidity of the air flow Af (mixed air Am and conditioned air Ac).

[0089] In step S5 of this embodiment, the pre-conditioning temperature (temperature of the mixed gas Am), the post-conditioning temperature (temperature of the conditioned air Ac), and the pre-conditioning absolute humidity (absolute humidity of the mixed gas Am) stored in the temperature and humidity memory unit 29d shown in FIG. 4 are read into the working memory 25. Furthermore, a mold index calculation unit 30b included in the program unit 30 is read into the working memory 25. The mold index calculation unit 30b is a program for calculating the mold index FI of the air flow Af based on data from the sensor 14 shown in FIG. 2. When the mold index calculation unit 30b is executed by the arithmetic unit 23, the control unit 15 can function as a means for calculating the mold index FI of the air flow Af.

[0090] The mold index FI is calculated using, for example, the following formula (1).

[0091]

number

[0092] The temperature T in the above formula (1) is substituted with the temperature of the air flow Af shown in FIG. 2. When the mold index FI is used to evaluate the presence or absence of mold growth on a dust layer (not shown) accumulated on the filter 13, as in this embodiment, it is preferable to calculate the mold index FI near the surface 13s of the filter 13. In this embodiment, an air flow Af containing conditioned air Ac and an air-fuel mixture Am passes through the filter 13. For this reason, it is preferable to determine the temperature T of the air flow Af near the surface 13s of the filter 13 based on the temperature of the conditioned air Ac and the temperature of the air-fuel mixture Am. In this embodiment, the temperature T is determined based on the following formula (2): T=(T in ×(V fan -V ac )+T ac ×V ac ) / V fan …(2) where: T in : Temperature of the air-fuel mixture V fan : Fan air volume V ac :Air conditioning air volume T ac : Temperature of conditioned air

[0093] T in the above formula (2) in is the temperature of the gas mixture Am, and the pre-conditioning temperature (temperature of the gas mixture Am) stored in the temperature and humidity storage unit 29d shown in FIG. 4 is substituted therein. When the pre-conditioning temperature is acquired in chronological order as in this embodiment, the average pre-conditioning temperature from the start of air conveyance or after maintenance of the filter 13 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "mold index reference time") to the present time is calculated as T in the above formula (2). in may be assigned to

[0094] V in the above formula (2) fan is the air volume of the fan 11, and can be grasped by the calculation device 23. Such an air volume of the fan 11 is treated as the air volume of the air flow Af containing the conditioned air Ac and the mixed gas Am. V in the above formula (2) ac is the air volume of the conditioned air Ac discharged from the air conditioner 16, and can be determined by the calculation device 23. In the above formula (2), the air volume V of the fan fan From the above, the air volume of the conditioned air V ac By reducing the air volume (V fan -V ac ) can be obtained.

[0095] T in the above formula (2) ac is the temperature of the conditioned air Ac, and the post-conditioning temperature (temperature of the conditioned air Ac) stored in the temperature and humidity storage unit 29d shown in FIG. 4 is substituted therein. When the post-conditioning temperature is acquired in chronological order as in this embodiment, the average value of the post-conditioning temperature from the mold index reference time to the present is calculated as T in the above formula (2). ac may be assigned to

[0096] In the above equation (2), the temperature T of the mixture Am in and the air volume of the air-fuel mixture Am (V fan -V ac ) and the temperature T of the conditioned air Ac ac and the air volume V of the conditioned air Ac ac The sum of the multiplied value and the air volume V of fan 11 is fan This divides the temperature of the air-fuel mixture Am by T in and the temperature T of the conditioned air Ac ac Based on this, the temperature T of the air flow Af, which is the junction of the air-fuel mixture Am and the conditioned air Ac, can be determined near the surface 13s of the filter 13. This temperature T is substituted into the above formula (1).

[0097] Next, the relative temperature of the air flow Af is substituted for the relative humidity h in the above equation (1). As described above, in this embodiment, an air flow Af containing conditioned air Ac and mixed gas Am passes through the filter 13. For this reason, in this embodiment, first, the absolute humidity of the air flow Af near the surface 13s of the filter 13 is determined based on the absolute humidity of the conditioned air Ac and the absolute humidity of the mixed gas Am. Next, the amount of saturated water vapor at the temperature T of the air flow Af is determined near the surface 13s of the filter 13. Then, it is preferable to determine the relative humidity h of the air flow Af based on the determined absolute humidity of the air flow Af and the amount of saturated water vapor at the temperature T of the air flow Af.

[0098] In this embodiment, the absolute humidity X near the surface 13s of the filter 13 is calculated based on the following formula (3): f is identified. X f =(X in ×(V fan -V ac )+X ac ×V ac ) / V fan …(3) where: X in : Absolute humidity of the air-fuel mixture V fan : Fan air volume V ac :Air conditioning air volume X ac : Absolute humidity of conditioned air

[0099] X in the above formula (3) in is the absolute humidity of the gas mixture Am, and the pre-conditioning absolute humidity (absolute humidity of the gas mixture Am) stored in the temperature and humidity storage unit 29d shown in FIG. 4 is substituted into it. When the pre-conditioning absolute humidity is acquired in chronological order as in this embodiment, the average value of the pre-conditioning absolute humidity from the mold index reference time to the present is calculated as X in the above formula (3). in may be assigned to

[0100] V in the above formula (3) fan and V ac is as explained in the above formula (2). X in the above formula (3)ac is the absolute humidity of the conditioned air Ac. The conditioned air Ac in this embodiment is obtained by conditioning the air-fuel mixture Am without humidifying it. Therefore, the absolute humidity X of the conditioned air Ac is determined to be the smaller of the absolute humidity before air conditioning (the absolute humidity of the air-fuel mixture Am) stored in the temperature and humidity storage unit 29d shown in FIG. 4 and the saturated absolute humidity determined from the temperature of the conditioned air Ac. ac When the absolute humidity before air conditioning is used, the average value of the absolute humidity before air conditioning from the mold index reference time to the present is used as X in the above formula (3). ac may be assigned to

[0101] In the above formula (3), the absolute humidity X of the gas mixture Am in and the air volume of the air-fuel mixture Am (V fan -V ac ) and the absolute humidity of the conditioned air Ac, X ac and the air volume V of the conditioned air Ac ac The sum of the multiplied value and the air volume V of fan 11 is fan This gives the absolute humidity of the gas mixture Am, X in and the absolute humidity of the conditioned air Ac, X ac Based on this, the absolute humidity X of the air flow where the air-fuel mixture Am and the conditioned air Ac join together near the surface 13s of the filter 13 is f can be identified.

[0102] And the absolute humidity X of the specified air flow Af f The relative humidity h of the air flow Af is obtained by dividing this by the amount of saturated water vapor at the temperature T of the air flow Af (specified by the above formula (2)) and multiplying the result by 100. This relative humidity h is then substituted into the above formula (1).

[0103] In this embodiment, the mold index FI near the surface 13s of the filter 13 can be calculated by substituting the temperature T and relative humidity h of the air flow Af near the surface 13s of the filter 13 into the above formula (1). Furthermore, the mold index FI is calculated using the above-mentioned average values ​​of the pre-conditioning temperature, the post-conditioning temperature, and the pre-conditioning absolute humidity. Therefore, the mold index FI can be calculated based on the pre-conditioning temperature, the post-conditioning temperature, and the pre-conditioning absolute humidity, which change from moment to moment, from the above-mentioned mold index reference time to the present.

[0104] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, if the determination in step S6 of determining whether or not an instruction to end air conveyance has been issued is negative ("No" in step S6), and the pressure loss of fan 11 is equal to or greater than the first threshold ("Yes" in step S4), step S5 is performed again. Therefore, the mold index FI is acquired in chronological order, and these multiple mold indexes FI can be identified as historical values ​​of the mold index FI. The mold index FI (historical values ​​of the mold index FI) is stored in mold index memory unit 29b shown in Fig. 4.

[0105] [Judge whether the mold index or its historical value is above the second threshold] Next, in the pneumatic conveying method of the present embodiment, it is determined whether or not the mold index FI or its history value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value (step S7).

[0106] In step S7, it may be determined whether the mold index FI (in this example, the latest mold index FI among the multiple mold indexes FI acquired as history values) is equal to or greater than a second threshold value. Furthermore, it may be determined whether the maximum value of the multiple mold indexes FI acquired as history values ​​is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0107] Generally, the smaller the mold index FI, the longer it takes for mold to grow, while the larger the mold index FI, the shorter the time it tends to grow. For this reason, when determining whether mold is growing, it is preferable to consider not only the mold index FI but also the period (number of weeks) that has passed since the mold index reference time described above.

[0108] In this embodiment, the mold index FI (in this example, the latest mold index FI among multiple mold indexes FI acquired as historical values) is multiplied by the number of weeks that have passed (i.e., the mold index multiplied by the number of weeks that have passed) and the second threshold value are compared. Note that when the historical value of the mold index FI is used, for example, the value obtained by adding up the average value of the mold index FI for each week from the mold index reference time to the present (i.e., the mold index FI summed over the number of weeks that have passed) may be compared with the second threshold value.

[0109] The second threshold value can be appropriately determined. For example, in environments with a plurality of different mold indices FI, the number of weeks until mold growth occurs is determined, and then the value obtained by multiplying the plurality of mold indices FI by the number of weeks elapsed is averaged. The second threshold value can be set to, for example, 60 to 120 (80 in this example). The second threshold value is pre-stored in the threshold value storage unit 29c shown in FIG. 4.

[0110] In step S7 of this embodiment, the second threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 29c shown in FIG. 4 and the mold index FI or the history value of the mold index FI stored in the mold index storage unit 29b are loaded into the working memory 25. Furthermore, a second judgment unit 30g included in the program unit 30 is loaded into the working memory 25. The second judgment unit 30g is a program for determining whether the mold index FI or its history value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value. When the second judgment unit 30g is executed by the calculation device 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for determining whether the mold index FI or its history value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value.

[0111] If the mold index (in this example, the latest mold index FI multiplied by the number of weeks elapsed) is equal to or greater than the second threshold value ("Yes" in step S7), it is determined that mold spores are growing on the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13. In this case, step S8 is carried out to notify that it is time for maintenance of the filter 13.

[0112] On the other hand, if the mold index (in this example, the latest mold index FI multiplied by the number of elapsed weeks) is less than the second threshold value ("No" in step S7), it is determined that mold spores are not growing on the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13. In this case, step S9 is performed to determine whether the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value.

[0113] [Notification that filter maintenance is due] Next, in the air conveying method of this embodiment, a notification is given that the time for maintenance of the filter 13 has arrived (step S8).

[0114] In step S8 of this embodiment, a maintenance notification unit 30c included in the program unit 30 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 25. The maintenance notification unit 30c is a program for outputting a signal to notify that it is time to perform maintenance on the filter 13. When this maintenance notification unit 30c is executed by the arithmetic unit 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for outputting the signal.

[0115] In this embodiment, if the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value ("Yes" in step S4) and the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value ("Yes" in step S7), it is determined that mold spores are growing on the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13. In such a case, a signal is output in step S8 to notify that it is time for filter maintenance.

[0116] In this embodiment, for example, the signal may be received by the output device 27, and a message or the like notifying that maintenance is due may be displayed. By performing maintenance such as cleaning or replacing the filter 13 based on such a message or the like, it becomes possible to effectively suppress the growth of mold on the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13.

[0117] [Determine whether the fan pressure loss is equal to or greater than the third threshold] In the air conveying method of the present embodiment, it is determined whether the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value (step S9).

[0118] The third threshold is used to determine whether or not a dust layer (not shown) accumulated on the filter 13 has grown large, causing an increase in the rotation speed of the fan 11 with an increase in pressure loss, making it difficult to transport air stably. Such a third threshold is larger than the first threshold and is set appropriately as long as the above determination is possible. The third threshold in this embodiment is set to 1.1 to 1.4 times the first threshold. The third threshold is pre-stored in the threshold storage unit 29c shown in FIG. 4.

[0119] In step S9 of the present embodiment, the third threshold value stored in the threshold value storage unit 29c shown in FIG. 4 and the pressure loss of the fan 11 (shown in FIG. 2) stored in the pressure loss storage unit 29a are loaded into the working memory 25. Furthermore, a third determination unit 30h included in the program unit 30 is loaded into the working memory 25. The third determination unit 30h is a program for determining whether the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value. When the third determination unit 30h is executed by the arithmetic unit 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for determining whether the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than the third threshold value.

[0120] If the pressure loss of the fan 11 is equal to or greater than the third threshold ("Yes" in step S9), the dust layer (not shown) accumulated on the filter 13 shown in FIG. 2 has grown large, which may make stable air transport difficult. In this case, step S8 is executed to notify that it is time for maintenance of the filter 13. Based on this notification, maintenance such as cleaning or replacement of the filter 13 is performed, thereby enabling stable air transport.

[0121] On the other hand, if the pressure loss of the fan 11 is less than the third threshold value ("No" in step S9), it is determined that air conveyance can be performed stably. In this case, step S6 of determining whether or not there is a next instruction to end air conveyance is performed.

[0122] [Determine whether or not an instruction to end air transport is given] Next, in the air conveying method of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an instruction to end air conveying has been issued (step S6).

[0123] In step S6 of this embodiment, a termination determination unit 30i included in the program unit 30 shown in Fig. 4 is loaded into the working memory 25. This termination determination unit 30i is a program for determining whether or not there is an instruction to terminate air conveyance by the air conveying system 1. By executing this termination determination unit 30i by the arithmetic device 23, the control device 15 can function as a means for determining whether or not there is an instruction to terminate air conveyance.

[0124] The determination as to whether or not there is an instruction to end air conveyance is made based on, for example, instruction information input by a user (resident) or the like to the input device 26, or the occurrence of an abnormal end of an interrupt process or the like.

[0125] If it is determined that an instruction to end air conveyance has been issued ("Yes" in step S6), air conveyance is ended (step S10). In step S10, the air conveyance control unit 30d shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the arithmetic device 23, causing the control device 15 to function as a means for ending air conveyance by the air conveyance system 1. Then, the operation of the outside air supply fan 17, the fan 11, and the air conditioner 16 shown in FIG. 1 is ended. Note that the operation of the outside air supply fan 17 and the fan 11 may be continued in order to maintain ventilation of the building 2.

[0126] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to end air conveyance ("No" in step S6), steps S2 to S10 are performed again. As a result, the air conveyance method (air conveyance system 1) of this embodiment can output a signal notifying the arrival of the maintenance time based on the pressure loss of the fan 11 (the amount of dust accumulated on the filter 13), which changes from moment to moment, and the mold index or its historical value. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the growth of mold on the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13.

[0127] In this embodiment, steps S2 to S10 may be performed again after a predetermined time (for example, 10 to 90 minutes) has elapsed since the determination in step S6 was negative. This prevents the temperature and humidity of the airflow Af from being repeatedly acquired within a short period of time, and can prevent an increase in the load on the control device 15, etc.

[0128] [Air conveying method (second embodiment)] In the above-described embodiments, when the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, a notification is given that the time for maintenance of the filter 13 has arrived, but this is not limiting. For example, when the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than the second threshold value, it may be determined whether or not to give a notification that the time for maintenance of the filter 13 has arrived, depending on the period (number of weeks elapsed) that has elapsed from the mold index reference time described above to the present.

[0129] In this embodiment, unlike the previous embodiments, the mold index FI or its historical value and the number of weeks elapsed are considered independently, without multiplying the latest mold index FI by the number of weeks elapsed. Therefore, the second threshold is set to a value smaller than the second threshold in the previous embodiments that takes the number of weeks elapsed into consideration, and is set to, for example, 3 to 10 (7 in this example).

[0130] In this embodiment, the latest mold index FI among the multiple mold indexes FI acquired as historical values ​​is compared with the second threshold value. When the historical values ​​of the mold index FI are used, for example, the average value of the mold index FI for each week from the mold index reference time to the present may be compared with the second threshold value.

[0131] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a mold index and the number of weeks elapsed. In FIG. 6, a range (category) of the mold index FI and the number of weeks elapsed corresponding to the range of the mold index FI are set. Such a table can be specified, for example, by determining a plurality of different mold indices FI and the elapsed period (number of weeks elapsed) until mold grows in an environment that results in each of the mold indices FI. Note that if the mold index FI is less than a second threshold value (7 in this example), the possibility of mold growth is low, so the number of weeks elapsed is not set.

[0132] As mentioned above, the smaller the mold index FI, the longer it takes for mold to grow, while the larger the mold index FI, the shorter the time it tends to grow. For this reason, the smaller the mold index FI, the longer the elapsed period is set, while the larger the mold index FI, the shorter the elapsed period is set.

[0133] In step S7 of this embodiment, for example, if the mold index FI is equal to or greater than 7 and less than 20, and the number of weeks that have passed is 8 weeks or more, it is determined that mold spores are growing on the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, step S8 is performed to notify that the time for maintenance of the filter 13 has arrived.

[0134] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, even if the mold index FI is equal to or greater than 7 and less than 20, if the number of weeks that have passed is less than 8 weeks, it is determined that mold spores have not grown on the dust layer accumulated on filter 13. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, step S9 is carried out to determine whether the pressure loss of fan 11 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value.

[0135] Similarly, as shown in Fig. 6, when the mold index FI is equal to or greater than 40 and less than 80, and the number of weeks that have passed is two weeks or more, it is determined that mold spores are growing on the dust layer accumulated on the filter 13, as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, step S8 is carried out to notify that the time for maintenance of the filter 13 has arrived.

[0136] On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 6, even if the mold index FI is equal to or greater than 40 and less than 80, if the number of weeks that have passed is less than two weeks, it is determined that mold spores have not grown on the dust layer accumulated on filter 13. In this case, as shown in Fig. 5, step S9 is performed to determine whether the pressure loss of fan 11 is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value.

[0137] As described above, in this embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, the determination of whether to notify that the time for maintenance of the filter 13 has arrived is made taking into consideration not only the mold index FI or its historical value, but also the period (number of weeks elapsed) from the mold index reference time to the present. Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the growth of mold on the dust layer accumulated on the filter.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, it is possible to determine in detail whether to notify the user that the time for maintenance of the filter 13 has arrived, based on the range of the mold index FI and the number of weeks that have passed corresponding to the range of the mold index FI. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the growth of mold on the dust layer (not shown) that has accumulated on the filter 13.

[0139] 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 implemented in various ways.

[0140] [Note] The present invention includes the following aspects.

[0141] [Invention 1] 1. A pneumatic conveying system comprising: a fan for generating an air flow; a conveying path through which the airflow passes; a pressure loss detection unit for directly or indirectly detecting a pressure loss of the fan; a filter disposed in the conveying path for collecting dust; sensors for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air flow; a mold index calculation unit that calculates a mold index of the airflow based on data from the sensor; and a maintenance notification unit that outputs a signal to notify that the time for maintenance of the filter has arrived when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold and the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold. Pneumatic conveying system. [Invention 2] The air conveying system of present invention 1, wherein the maintenance notification unit outputs the signal when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and the mold index or its history value is less than the second threshold value. [Invention 3] The apparatus further includes an air conditioner disposed in the transport path and configured to condition the air flow; 3. The air conveyance system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor provided in the air conditioner. [Invention 4] the fan includes a constant air volume fan whose rotation speed is controlled so that the volume of the airflow is constant, 4. The air conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pressure loss detection unit calculates the pressure loss of the fan based on the rotation speed. [Invention 5] 5. The pneumatic conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an antifungal layer is formed on at least a part of the surface of the filter. [Invention 6] A building equipped with an air conveying system according to any one of the present inventions 1 to 5. [Invention 7] 1. A method for conveying air using a fan to generate an air flow and a filter to capture dust contained in the air flow, comprising: directly or indirectly detecting a pressure loss of the fan; calculating a mold index for the airflow based on the temperature and humidity of the airflow; and when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold and the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, notifying that the time for maintenance of the filter has arrived. Pneumatic conveying method. [Invention 8] The air conveying method according to Invention 7, further comprising a step of notifying that the maintenance time has arrived when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and the mold index or its history value is less than the second threshold value. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Pneumatic conveying system 11 Fan 12 Transport Route 13 filters 14 Sensors Af Air flow

Claims

1. 1. A pneumatic conveying system comprising: a fan for generating an air flow; a conveying path through which the airflow passes; a pressure loss detection unit for directly or indirectly detecting a pressure loss of the fan; a filter disposed in the conveying path for collecting dust; sensors for measuring the temperature and humidity of the air flow; a mold index calculation unit that calculates a mold index of the airflow based on data from the sensor; a maintenance notification unit that outputs a signal to notify that the time for maintenance of the filter has arrived when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value and the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold value, Pneumatic conveying system.

2. The air conveying system of claim 1, wherein the maintenance notification unit outputs the signal when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and the mold index or its history value is less than the second threshold value.

3. The apparatus further includes an air conditioner disposed in the transport path and configured to condition the air flow; The air conveyance system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensors include a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor provided in the air conditioner.

4. the fan includes a constant air volume fan whose rotation speed is controlled so that the volume of the airflow is constant, The air conveyance system according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure loss detection unit calculates the pressure loss of the fan based on the rotation speed.

5. The pneumatic conveying system according to claim 1 , wherein an antifungal layer is formed on at least a portion of the surface of the filter.

6. A building comprising an air conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. 1. A method for conveying air using a fan to generate an air flow and a filter to capture dust contained in the air flow, comprising: directly or indirectly detecting a pressure loss of the fan; calculating a mold index for the airflow based on the temperature and humidity of the airflow; and when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold and the mold index or its history value is equal to or greater than a predetermined second threshold, notifying that the time for maintenance of the filter has arrived. Pneumatic conveying method.

8. The air conveying method of claim 7, further comprising a step of notifying that the maintenance time has arrived when the pressure loss of the fan is equal to or greater than a third threshold value that is greater than the first threshold value, and the mold index or its history value is less than the second threshold value.

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