Control method and ventilation system

Abstract

To provide a control method for reducing an energy consumption in a ventilation of a ventilated space.SOLUTION: A control method according to the disclosure for controlling a plurality of ventilation devices for ventilating the ventilated space, includes: an acquisition step for acquiring a required ventilation amount in the ventilated space; a determination step for determining whether the sum of a first air amount which is the smallest ventilation amount of each of the plurality of ventilation devices is the required ventilation amount or more; and a first ventilation implementation step for, when the determination step determines that the sum of the first air amount is the required air amount or more, operating at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices at the first air amount during a predefined period of time to bring the ventilation amount in the ventilated space to the required ventilation amount. In the first ventilation implementation step, a ventilation air amount of each of the plurality of ventilation devices is set at the first air amount as priority. When the sum of the first air amount is larger than the required ventilation amount, an operation of at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices is turned off.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method and a ventilation system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for comparing the number of people in a room, the ventilation volume required per person, and the total weak air volume of a plurality of ventilation devices to set the air volume of the plurality of ventilation devices. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-137595 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a control method and ventilation system that can reduce energy consumption in ventilation of a ventilated space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The control method disclosed herein is a control method for controlling a plurality of ventilation devices that ventilate a space to be ventilated, and includes: an acquisition step of acquiring a required ventilation volume in the space to be ventilated based on a detection value of an air quality sensor that detects the air quality of the space to be ventilated; a determination step of determining whether a sum of first airflow rates, which is the smallest ventilation airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices, is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume; and a first ventilation execution step of operating at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices at the first airflow rate for a predetermined period of time, if it is determined in the determination step that the sum of the first airflow rates is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, to make the ventilation volume in the space to be ventilated equal to the required ventilation volume; the acquisition step, the determination step, and the first ventilation execution step are repeatedly executed for each predetermined period of time; and in the first ventilation execution step, the ventilation airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices is prioritized over the first airflow rate, and if the sum of the first airflow rates is greater than the required ventilation volume, the operation of at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices is turned off.

[0006] Moreover, the ventilation system of the present disclosure includes a plurality of ventilation devices that ventilate a space to be ventilated, an air quality sensor that detects the air quality of the space to be ventilated, and a management device, wherein the management device repeatedly performs the following steps for each predetermined period: an acquisition step that acquires the required ventilation volume in the space to be ventilated based on the detection value of the air quality sensor; a determination step that determines whether the sum of first airflow rates, which is the smallest airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices, is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume; and a first ventilation execution step that, if it is determined that the sum of the first airflow rates is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, operates at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices at only the first airflow rate for a predetermined period to make the ventilation volume in the space to be ventilated equal to the required ventilation volume; and in the first ventilation execution step, prioritizes the ventilation airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices over the first airflow rate, and turns off the operation of at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices if it is determined that the sum of the first airflow rates is greater than the required ventilation volume. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In the control method, ventilation system, and program disclosed herein, when the sum of the first airflow rates is greater than the required ventilation rate for the ventilated space, not all ventilators are operated, and among the ventilators that are in operation, many can be operated at the first airflow rate, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a ventilation system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a ventilation device and a server device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing the operation of the ventilation system according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors arrived at the present disclosure, there was a technique for setting the ventilation airflow rates of multiple ventilation devices by comparing the required ventilation rate with the sum of the smallest ventilation airflow rates of the multiple ventilation devices, as in, for example, Patent Document 1. However, when this sum is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate, there are cases where it is not necessary to operate all of the multiple ventilation devices ventilating the space to be ventilated at the smallest ventilation airflow rate, and the inventors discovered a problem that there is room for improvement in reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the space to be ventilated, and have come to constitute the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a control method and a ventilation system that can reduce energy consumption in ventilation of a ventilated space.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, in some cases, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] (Embodiment 1) [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Ventilation system configuration] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a ventilation system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The ventilation system 1000 is a system that ventilates a space S to be ventilated that is provided inside a building H such as a residence or a facility. An example of the space S to be ventilated is a room provided inside the building H.

[0012] The ventilation system 1000 includes a plurality of ventilation devices 1. The ventilation device 1 is installed in the space S to be ventilated. The ventilation device 1 includes a blower fan 11 and a fan motor 12 that drives the blower fan 11, and performs at least one of supplying air to the space S to be ventilated and exhausting air from the space S to be ventilated. The ventilation device 1 of this embodiment is exemplified as a ceiling-embedded device. Note that the ventilation device 1 is not limited to a ceiling-embedded device, and may be, for example, a duct-shaped device that connects the space S to be ventilated with the outside of the building H. The ventilation device 1 may also be a device having a total heat exchanger. The ventilation device 1 may also be provided with a filter that captures dust, fine particles, virus droplets, aerosols, etc. Note that the space S to be ventilated is provided with at least one of an exhaust port and an air inlet port corresponding to at least one of the air intake and exhaust of the ventilation device 1.

[0013] Three ventilation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C are provided in the ventilated space S. In the following description, the ventilation devices 1A, 1B, and 1C may be referred to as "ventilation device 1" without distinction. The ventilation device 1 is capable of switching the ventilation air volume. The ventilation device 1 of this embodiment is capable of switching the ventilation air volume to "weak air", which is a weak ventilation volume, or "strong air", which is a strong ventilation volume. Note that "strong air" has a larger air volume than "weak air". "Weak air ventilation volume" corresponds to the "first air volume" in the present disclosure. "Strong air ventilation volume" corresponds to the "second air volume" in the present disclosure.

[0014] The ventilation device 1 is connected to a communication device 2 installed in the building H for communication, and communicates via the communication device 2 with a server device 3 connected to the network NW. The server device 3 corresponds to the "management device" of the present disclosure.

[0015] The communication device 2 is connected to a network NW consisting of a public line network, a dedicated line, or other communication circuits, and communicates with the server device 3 via the network NW. The communication device 2 functions as an interface device for connecting each device to the network NW. The communication device 2 establishes a local network in the building H.

[0016] The ventilation system 1000 includes an air quality sensor 4 . The air quality sensor 4 is a sensor that detects the air quality of the ventilated space S. The air quality sensor 4 detects the CO2 concentration as the air quality. In this embodiment, the air quality sensor 4 is a sensor that employs, for example, a non-dispersive infrared absorption method. The air quality sensor 4 is connected to the communication device 2 for communication and periodically transmits air quality data including the detected CO2 concentration value to the server device 3. In this embodiment, an example is given in which the air quality sensor 4 is installed in the ventilated space S, but the installation location of the air quality sensor 4 is not limited to the ventilated space S, and it may also be inside the ventilation device 1.

[0017] The ventilation system 1000 includes a plurality of indoor units 5. The multiple indoor units 5, together with one or more outdoor units, make up one or more air conditioning apparatuses. In this embodiment, a ceiling cassette type is exemplified as the type of indoor unit 5, but the type of indoor unit 5 is not limited to the ceiling cassette type and may be other types such as a wall-mounted type or a ceiling-suspended type. The indoor unit 5 periodically transmits set temperature data including the set temperature of the ventilated space S to the server device 3.

[0018] The ventilation system 1000 includes a server device 3. The server device 3 is a device that processes information using the ventilation device 1, the indoor unit 5, and the air quality sensor 4 as clients. The server device 3 is connected to the network NW and communicates with the ventilation device 1, the indoor unit 5, and the air quality sensor 4. Note that in each figure, the server device 3 is represented by a single block, but this does not necessarily mean that the server device 3 is composed of a single device.

[0019] [1-1-2. Configuration of ventilation system] Next, the configuration of the ventilation device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the ventilation device 1 and the server device 3. The ventilation device 1 includes a ventilation control device 14, a ventilation communication unit 15, and a fan motor 12.

[0020] The ventilation control device 14 is a control device that controls each part of the ventilation device 1. The ventilation control device 14 includes a ventilation processor 100, which is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ventilation memory 110, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the ventilation device 1.

[0021] The ventilation memory 110 is a memory that stores programs and data. The ventilation memory 110 stores a control program 111 and data to be processed by the ventilation processor 100. The ventilation memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. The ventilation memory 110 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the ventilation processor 100. The ventilation memory 110 is composed of, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0022] The ventilation communication unit 15 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the server device 3 connected to the network NW under the control of the ventilation control device 14. The communication standard of the ventilation communication unit 15 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0023] The fan motor 12 rotates the blower fan 11 at a predetermined rotation speed under the control of the ventilation control device 14 .

[0024] The ventilation processor 100 functions as a ventilation communication control unit 101 and an operation control unit 102 by reading and executing a control program 111 stored in a ventilation memory 110.

[0025] The ventilation communication control unit 101 communicates with the server device 3 via the ventilation communication unit 15.

[0026] The operation control unit 102 controls the operation of the ventilation device 1. The ventilation device 1 of this embodiment performs 15-minute operation in accordance with the set period ratio described below. The operation control unit 102 controls the ventilation air volume of the ventilation device 1 in accordance with the set period ratio during one 15-minute operation by controlling the fan motor 12. The set period ratio refers to the ratio between the first set period, the second set period, and the third set period during one 15-minute operation. The first set period is the period during which the ventilation air volume is set to "weak wind." The second set period is the period during which the ventilation air volume is set to "strong wind." The third set period is the period during which the operation is set to off. The total length of the first set period, the second set period, and the third set period is 15 minutes.

[0027] The operation control unit 102 controls each ventilation device 1 so that the ventilation airflow rate of the ventilation device 1 is switched in descending order of ventilation airflow rate during a single 15-minute operation. For example, if the first set period of a certain ventilation device 1 is set to "5 minutes" and the third set period is set to "10 minutes," the ventilation device 1 operates at a low ventilation rate for 5 minutes and turns off operation for 10 minutes. If the first set period of a certain ventilation device 1 is set to "5 minutes" and the second set period is set to "10 minutes," the ventilation device 1 operates at a high ventilation rate for 10 minutes and then at a low ventilation rate for 5 minutes. 15 minutes corresponds to the "predetermined period" in this disclosure.

[0028] When the ventilation communication control unit 101 receives set period ratio information from the server device 3, the operation control unit 102 controls the ventilation airflow rate of the ventilation device 1 for 15 minutes according to the set period ratio indicated by the received set period ratio information. When the ventilation communication control unit 101 does not receive set period ratio information from the server device 3, the operation control unit 102 turns off the operation of the ventilation device 1. In other words, when the ventilation communication control unit 101 does not receive set period ratio information from the server device 3, the ventilation device 1 does not operate.

[0029] [1-1-3. Server configuration] Next, the configuration of the server device 3 will be described. The server device 3 includes a server control device 30 and a server communication unit 31. The server control device 30 is a control device that controls each part of the server device 3. The server control device 30 includes a server processor 300, which is a processor such as a CPU, a server memory 310, and an interface circuit for connecting other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the server device 3.

[0030] The server memory 310 is a memory that stores programs and data. The server memory 310 stores a control program 311, management data 312, and data to be processed by the server processor 300. The server memory 310 has a non-volatile storage area. The server memory 310 may also have a volatile storage area and constitute a work area for the server processor 300. The server memory 310 is constituted by, for example, a ROM or a RAM.

[0031] The management data 312 has a record R for each of the ventilation devices 1A, 1B, 1C. Each record R in the management data 312 has first ventilation capacity information, second ventilation capacity information, and communication information. The first ventilation capacity information is information indicating the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 1, and indicates the ventilation volume per hour when ventilation is performed at a ventilation air volume of "weak wind" (hereinafter referred to as "weak wind ventilation volume"). The second ventilation capacity information is information indicating the ventilation capacity of the ventilation device 1, and indicates the ventilation volume per hour when ventilation is performed at a ventilation air volume of "strong wind" (hereinafter referred to as "strong wind ventilation volume"). The communication information is information for communicating with the ventilator 1, such as address information. Furthermore, the management data 312 is data for managing the temperature setting of the indoor unit 5 and the CO2 concentration detected by the air quality sensor 4. The management data 312 describes temperature setting data and air quality data.

[0032] The server communication unit 31 includes communication hardware such as a communication circuit, and communicates with the ventilator 1, indoor unit 5, and air quality sensor 4 connected to the network NW under the control of the server control device 30. The communication standard of the server communication unit 31 may be a wireless communication standard or a wired communication standard.

[0033] The server processor 300 reads and executes a control program 311 stored in the server memory 310 , thereby functioning as a server communication control unit 301 , a server processing unit 302 , a calculation unit 303 , and a selection unit 304 .

[0034] The server communication control unit 301 communicates with the ventilation device 1, the air quality sensor 4, and the indoor unit 5 via the server communication unit 31.

[0035] The server processing unit 302 processes the management data 312. When the server communication control unit 301 receives set temperature data from the indoor unit 5, the server processing unit 302 updates the set temperature data described in the management data 312 to the received set temperature data. When the server communication control unit 301 receives air quality data from the air quality sensor 4, the server processing unit 302 updates the air quality data described in the management data 312 to the received air quality data.

[0036] When a trigger for acquiring air quality data occurs, calculation unit 303 acquires the latest air quality data within a predetermined period by referring to management data 312. The trigger may be, for example, the passage of a predetermined period.

[0037] The calculation unit 303 calculates a corresponding value of the CO2 concentration for a predetermined period based on the CO2 concentration value described in the acquired air quality data. Furthermore, the calculation unit 303 refers to the management data 312 and acquires the required ventilation volume for the ventilated space S based on the calculated corresponding value of the CO2 concentration.

[0038] The corresponding value of the CO2 concentration calculated by the calculation unit 303 is, for example, an arithmetic mean. Note that the corresponding value may be a value calculated based on the time change of the CO2 concentration within a predetermined period, or may be a weighted mean calculated by weighting CO2 concentration data corresponding to a specific period within the predetermined period. Alternatively, the calculation unit 303 may not calculate the corresponding value of the CO2 concentration, but may instead obtain, from the air quality data, one CO2 concentration value for the predetermined period that is closest to the current value, as the corresponding value of the CO2 concentration.

[0039] The management data 312 has a data set of required ventilation volumes in which the corresponding values ​​of CO2 concentrations correspond one-to-one to the required ventilation volumes. The calculation unit 303 refers to the management data 312 and acquires the required ventilation volumes from the data set of required ventilation volumes.

[0040] The required ventilation rate is the rate of ventilation required to keep the CO2 concentration below a predetermined threshold. Generally, the required ventilation rate is the value obtained by multiplying the number of people in the ventilated space S by the ventilation rate required per person. The number of people in the ventilated space S is preset to the number of people estimated from the perspective of the type of ventilated space S. For example, if the ventilated space S is an office space, the estimated number of people is the number of employees working in the office space. For example, if the ventilated space S is a residential space, the estimated number of people is the number of people in the household. The ventilation rate required per person may be a value determined by law or regulation.

[0041] [1-1-3-1. Configuration of the selection section] The selection unit 304 determines whether the sum of the weak ventilation rates is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate. Below, a case where the selection unit 304 determines that the sum of the weak ventilation rates is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate will be described.

[0042] If the selection unit 304 determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is greater than or equal to the required ventilation volume, it refers to each of the first ventilation capacity information contained in the management data 312 and selects the ventilation devices 1 to operate using the weak ventilation volumes in order of smallest weak ventilation volumes.

[0043] An example of selection of ventilators 1 to be operated at low ventilation rates by the selection unit 304 will be described below. The selection unit 304 references each piece of first ventilation capacity information contained in the management data 312, selects ventilators 1 in ascending order of low ventilation rates, and repeatedly calculates the sum of the low ventilation rates of the selected ventilators 1. When the sum of the low ventilation rates becomes equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate, the selection unit 304 selects the ventilators 1 selected up to that point as the ventilators 1 to be operated at low ventilation rates. By this selection by the selection unit 304, the ventilation air volume of each of the plurality of ventilation devices 1 can be prioritized over the weak ventilation volume.

[0044] Next, the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio of the ventilator 1 with the largest weak ventilation rate among the selected ventilators 1 so that the ventilation rate of the ventilated space S becomes the required ventilation rate. By determining the set period ratio, the first set period is set to "(15-X) minutes" and the third set period is set to "X minutes." In other words, the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio so that the ventilation rate of the ventilated space S becomes the required ventilation rate even if the ventilator 1 with the largest weak ventilation rate among the selected ventilators 1 is turned off for only the third set period of the predetermined period.

[0045] Furthermore, an example of how the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio when the selection unit 304 determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume will be described. The selection unit 304 sets the first set period to "15 minutes" for the ventilation devices 1 other than the ventilation device 1 with the largest weak ventilation rate among the ventilation devices 1 selected when the sum of the weak ventilation rates described above is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate, and determines the set period ratio. The determination of the set period ratio for the ventilation device 1 with the largest weak ventilation rate by the selection unit 304 in this case will be described later. The selection unit 304 calculates the converted ventilation air volume based on the ratio between the predetermined period and the third set period and the weak ventilation volume. The converted ventilation air volume is the ventilation air volume converted into ventilation capacity for a predetermined period in the ventilator 1 whose ventilation air volume changes within the predetermined period.

[0046] For example, if the predetermined period is T, the third set period is X, and the weak ventilation volume is W, the converted ventilation volume can be calculated using formula (1) "converted ventilation volume=W+W(1-X / T)". The selection unit 304 calculates a first differential airflow by subtracting the required ventilation volume from the sum of the weak ventilation volumes of the selected ventilation devices 1. The first differential airflow is a value equal to or greater than 0. Furthermore, the selection unit 304 calculates a first required airflow by subtracting the first differential airflow from the largest weak ventilation volume among the selected ventilation devices 1.

[0047] The selection unit 304 calculates X that satisfies formula (1) by assuming that the first required air volume and the converted ventilation air volume are equal, and sets the third set period. In this way, the set period ratio of the ventilator 1 with the largest weak ventilation volume is determined. This ensures the first required air volume even if the ventilation device 1 with the largest weak ventilation volume among the selected ventilation devices 1 is turned off for only the third set period. When the converted ventilation air volume is equal to the first required air volume, the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S is equal to the required ventilation volume.

[0048] The unselected ventilation devices 1 do not operate because the set period ratio is not set by the selection unit 304. As a result, the selection unit 304 selects the ventilation devices 1 to be turned off from all the ventilation devices 1 included in the ventilation system 1000 in descending order of weak ventilation volume.

[0049] Below, we will explain the case where the selection unit 304 determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is not equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume. The calculation unit 303 calculates a second differential air volume, which is the difference between the required ventilation volume and the sum of the weak ventilation volumes. The second differential air volume is the value obtained by subtracting the sum of the weak ventilation volumes from the required ventilation volume. The second differential air volume is a value greater than 0. The second differential air volume corresponds to the "differential air volume" in this disclosure.

[0050] If the selection unit 304 determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is not equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, it selects the ventilators 1 to operate at strong ventilation volumes in ascending order of strong ventilation volumes based on the second differential air volume and the air volume change, and by referring to each of the second ventilation capacity information contained in the management data 312. The air volume change is the amount of change in ventilation air volume from weak ventilation volume to strong ventilation volume for each ventilator 1. In this embodiment, the order of magnitude of the air volume change for each ventilator 1 is the same as the order of magnitude of the weak ventilation volume and the strong ventilation volume for each ventilator 1.

[0051] The following is an example of the selection of ventilators 1 to be operated at a strong ventilation volume by the selection unit 304. The selection unit 304 repeatedly selects ventilators 1 in ascending order of air volume change and calculates the sum of the air volume change volumes of the selected ventilators 1. When the sum of the air volume change volumes is equal to or greater than the second differential air volume, the selection unit 304 selects the ventilators 1 selected up to that point as the ventilators 1 to be operated at a strong ventilation volume. In this way, the selection unit 304 can select ventilators 1 to be operated using a strong ventilation volume in ascending order of strong ventilation volume.

[0052] Furthermore, the selection unit 304 determines a set period ratio, which is the ratio between the first set period and the second set period for each ventilation device 1, based on the airflow change rate and the second differential airflow rate so that the second differential airflow rate can be ensured by the strong ventilation rate. By determining the set period ratio, the first set period is set to "(15-Y) minutes" and the second set period is set to "Y minutes." In other words, the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio so that the ventilation rate in the ventilated space S will be the required ventilation rate even if the ventilator 1 with the largest strong ventilation rate among the selected ventilators 1 is operated at weak ventilation rate for only the first set period of the predetermined period.

[0053] Furthermore, an example of how the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio when the selection unit 304 determines that the total of the weak ventilation volumes is not equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume will be described. When the sum of the above-mentioned air volume changes is equal to or greater than the second differential air volume, the selection unit 304 sets the second set period to "15 minutes" for the ventilators 1 selected to operate at the strong ventilation volume, except for the ventilator 1 with the largest strong ventilation volume, and determines the set period ratio. The determination of the set period ratio for the ventilator 1 with the largest strong ventilation volume by the selection unit 304 in this case will be described later. Furthermore, the selection unit 304 sets the first set period of the ventilation device 1 selected to be operated using the weak ventilation volume to "15 minutes" and determines the set period ratio.

[0054] A second differential airflow is calculated by subtracting the required ventilation volume from the sum of the airflow change volume of the ventilation device 1 selected to operate at a strong ventilation volume (hereinafter referred to as the "sum of selected airflow change volumes") and the sum of the weak ventilation volumes.The second differential airflow volume is a value greater than or equal to 0.

[0055] Next, based on the second differential airflow, the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio of the ventilation device 1 with the largest strong wind ventilation volume among the selected ventilation devices 1 so that the ventilation volume of the ventilated space S becomes the required ventilation volume.

[0056] The selection unit 304 calculates the converted ventilation air volume corresponding to one ventilation device 1 based on the ratio between the predetermined period and the second set period, the weak ventilation volume, and the strong ventilation volume.

[0057] For example, if the specified period is T, the second set period is Y, the weak ventilation volume is W, and the air volume change is Δ, the converted ventilation air volume can be calculated using formula (2): "Converted ventilation air volume = W(1-Y / T)+(W+Δ)(Y / T)".

[0058] If the selection unit 304 selects one ventilation device 1 to operate at the strong ventilation volume, the selection unit 304 calculates Y that satisfies formula (2) by assuming that the converted ventilation volume is equal to the second differential air volume, and sets the second set period. In this way, the set period ratio of the ventilation device 1 with the largest strong ventilation volume is determined. This ensures that the second differential airflow is achieved by operating only the ventilator 1 with the smallest strong ventilation volume at the strong ventilation volume. When the converted ventilation volume is equal to the second differential airflow, the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S is equal to the required ventilation volume.

[0059] If there are two or more ventilation devices 1 selected by the selection unit 304 to operate at the strong ventilation volume, the selection unit 304 sets the second set period to "15 minutes" for the ventilation devices 1 other than the ventilation device 1 with the largest strong ventilation volume among the selected ventilation devices 1. Furthermore, the selection unit 304 calculates a second required air volume, which is the value obtained by subtracting the sum of the air volume changes of the ventilation devices 1 selected to operate at the strong ventilation volume, other than the ventilation device 1 with the largest strong ventilation volume, from the second differential air volume.

[0060] Next, the selection unit 304 calculates Y that satisfies Equation 2, assuming that the converted ventilation volume and the second required air volume are equal, and sets the second set period. In this way, the set period ratio of the ventilator 1 with the largest strong ventilation volume is determined. This allows the ventilation devices 1 to operate at strong ventilation rates in ascending order of strong ventilation rates, thereby ensuring the second required air volume and, ultimately, the second differential air volume. When the converted ventilation volume is equal to the second required air volume, the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S is equal to the required ventilation volume.

[0061] The unselected ventilation devices 1 do not operate because no set period ratio is set for them. As a result, the selection unit 304 selects the ventilation devices 1 to operate at strong ventilation rates in ascending order of strong ventilation rates so that the ventilation rate of the ventilated space S becomes the required ventilation rate, determines the set period ratio for each selected ventilation device 1, selects the ventilators 1 to operate at weak ventilation rates in descending order of weak ventilation rates, and operates each selected ventilation device 1 at weak ventilation rates for 15 minutes corresponding to the predetermined period.

[0062] If the calculation unit 303 determines that the CO2 concentration value is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the selection unit 304 sets the second set period to "15 minutes" for the set period ratios of all ventilators 1. In other words, if the CO2 concentration value in the ventilated space S becomes equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the selection unit 304 operates all ventilators 1 at a strong ventilation rate for 15 minutes, which corresponds to the predetermined period. The predetermined threshold is, for example, 1100 ppm (parts per million).

[0063] Of the CO2 concentrations in the predetermined period, the one closest to the present is used as the CO2 concentration value used to determine whether it is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value. The CO2 concentration value corresponds to the "detection value of the air quality sensor" in this disclosure.

[0064] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of each part of the ventilation system 1000 of this embodiment will be described. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the server device 3. In FIG. 3, a flowchart FA shows the operation of the ventilator 1, and a flowchart FB shows the operation of the server device 3.

[0065] As shown in the flowchart FB, the selection unit 304 determines whether a trigger has occurred to acquire air quality data from the air quality sensor 4 (step SB1). An example of this trigger is when 15 minutes have passed since the previous transmission of period setting ratio information.

[0066] If the selection unit 304 determines that a trigger for acquiring air quality data from the air quality sensor 4 has occurred (step SB1: YES), the calculation unit 303 acquires the air quality data from the air quality sensor 4 (step SB2). Next, the calculation unit 303 determines whether the CO2 concentration value in the ventilated space S is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step SB3).

[0067] If the calculation unit 303 determines that the CO2 concentration value in the ventilated space S is not equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (step SB3: NO), the calculation unit 303 acquires the required ventilation volume for the ventilated space S based on the corresponding value of the CO2 concentration (step SB4). Step SB4 corresponds to the "acquisition step" in this disclosure.

[0068] Next, the selection unit 304 determines whether the total of the weak ventilation volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume (step SB5). Step SB5 corresponds to the "determination step" in this disclosure.

[0069] If the selection unit 304 determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume (step SB5: YES), the calculation unit 303 calculates the first differential air volume (step SB6).

[0070] Next, the selection unit 304 selects the ventilation devices 1 to operate at low ventilation rates in order of decreasing low ventilation rates based on the first differential airflow calculated in step SB6, and selects the ventilation devices 1 to turn off in order of increasing low ventilation rates (step SB7).

[0071] Next, the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio of each ventilation device 1 selected in step SB7 so as to ensure the first required air volume (step SB8).

[0072] Next, the selection unit 304 transmits set period ratio information including the set period ratio determined in step SB8 (step SB9). Steps SB7, SB8, and SB9 correspond to the "first ventilation execution step" in this disclosure.

[0073] As shown in the flowchart FA, the ventilation communication control section 101 receives the set period ratio information from the server device 3 (step SA1).

[0074] Next, the operation control unit 102 performs operation for 15 minutes in accordance with the set period ratio indicated by the set period ratio information received in step SA1 (step SA2).

[0075] In step SA2, if the first set period is the set period ratio indicating "15 minutes", the operation control unit 102 sets the ventilation air volume of the ventilator 1 to weak ventilation volume for 15 minutes.

[0076] For example, suppose that the ventilation volume of weak ventilation is smallest in the order of ventilation device 1A, ventilation device 1B, and ventilation device 1C. Furthermore, suppose that ventilation device 1A and ventilation device 1B are selected in step SB6, and the first set period of ventilation device 1A is determined to be "15 minutes," and the first set period of ventilation device 1B is determined to be "8 minutes," and the third set period is determined to be "7 minutes" in step SB7. In this case, ventilation device 1A operates at a weak ventilation volume for 15 minutes, ventilation device 1B first operates at a weak ventilation volume for 8 minutes and then turns off for 7 minutes, and ventilation device 1C turns off for 15 minutes.

[0077] Returning to the explanation of step SB4, if the selection unit 304 determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is not equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume (step SB4: NO), the calculation unit 303 calculates the second differential air volume (step SB16). Step SB16 corresponds to the "calculation step" in this disclosure.

[0078] Next, the selection unit 304 selects the ventilators 1 to operate at strong ventilation rates in ascending order of strong ventilation rates based on the airflow rate change and the second differential airflow rate calculated in step SB16 (step SB17). Furthermore, in step SB17, the selection unit 304 selects the ventilators 1 to operate at weak ventilation rates based on the airflow rate change and the second differential airflow rate calculated in step SB16.

[0079] In step SB17, for example, if the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S cannot be made the required ventilation volume by operating only the ventilation device 1 with the smallest strong ventilation volume at the strong ventilation volume, the ventilation device 1 with the second smallest strong ventilation volume is also selected.

[0080] Next, the selection unit 304 determines the set period ratio for each ventilation device 1 selected in step SB17 based on the second differential air volume and the air volume change amount so as to ensure the second differential air volume calculated in step SB16 (step SB18).

[0081] In step SB17, the ventilation device 1 selected to operate at the weak ventilation rate is set to have a first set period of 15 minutes, a second set period of 0 minutes, and a third set period of 0 minutes in step SB18. That is, the ventilation device 1 selected to operate at the weak ventilation rate in step SB17 operates at the weak ventilation rate for 15 minutes, which corresponds to the predetermined period.

[0082] In step SB17, for example, if two ventilation devices 1 are selected to operate at strong ventilation volumes, and the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S can be set to the required ventilation volume without determining the second set period of the ventilation device 1 with the second smallest strong ventilation volume to 15 minutes, which corresponds to the specified period, then in step SB18, the second set period of the ventilation device 1 with the second smallest strong ventilation volume is determined to be less than the specified period.

[0083] Next, the selection unit 304 transmits set period ratio information including the set period ratio determined in step SB18 (step SB19). Steps SB16, SB17, SB18, and SB19 correspond to the "second ventilation execution step" of this disclosure.

[0084] In step SA2, if the second set period is the set period ratio indicating "15 minutes", the operation control unit 102 sets the ventilation air volume of the ventilator 1 to the strong ventilation volume for 15 minutes.

[0085] For example, suppose that the ventilation rate of weak airflow is lowest in the order of ventilation device 1A, ventilation device 1B, and ventilation device 1C, and the ventilation rate of strong airflow is lowest in the order of ventilation device 1A, ventilation device 1B, and ventilation device 1C. Furthermore, suppose that ventilation devices 1A and 1B are selected in step SB16, and ventilation device 1C is selected in step SB17. Furthermore, suppose that the second set period of ventilation device 1A is determined to be "15 minutes," the second set period of ventilation device 1B is determined to be "8 minutes" and the first set period of ventilation device 1B is determined to be "7 minutes," and the first set period of ventilation device 1C is determined to be "15 minutes" in step SB18. In this case, ventilation device 1A operates at the strong ventilation rate for 15 minutes, ventilation device 1B operates at the strong ventilation rate for 8 minutes and the weak ventilation rate for 7 minutes, and ventilation device 1C operates at the weak ventilation rate for 15 minutes.

[0086] Returning to the explanation of step SB3, if the calculation unit 303 determines that the CO2 concentration value in the ventilated space S is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (step SB3: YES), the selection unit 304 selects all ventilation devices 1 as ventilation devices 1 that will operate at a strong ventilation volume, sets the second set period to "15 minutes", and determines the period set period ratio (step SB31). Next, the selection unit 304 transmits set period ratio information including the set period ratio determined in step SB31 (step SB32). Steps SB3, SB31, and SB32 correspond to the "third ventilation execution step" of this disclosure.

[0087] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the control method of this embodiment is a control method for controlling multiple ventilation devices 1 that ventilate the ventilated space S, and includes: an acquisition step for acquiring the required ventilation volume in the ventilated space S based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 that detects the air quality of the ventilated space 1; a judgment step for determining whether the sum of the weak ventilation volumes, which are the smallest ventilation air volumes of each of the multiple ventilation devices 1, is greater than or equal to the required ventilation volume; and a first ventilation execution step for operating at least one of the multiple ventilation devices 1 at a weak ventilation volume for a predetermined period of time if the judgment step determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is greater than or equal to the required ventilation volume, and the acquisition step, judgment step, and first ventilation execution step are repeatedly executed at predetermined periods, and in the first ventilation execution step, the ventilation air volume of each of the multiple ventilation devices 1 is prioritized over the weak ventilation volume, and if the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is greater than the required ventilation volume, the operation of at least one of the multiple ventilation devices 1 is turned off. According to this, when the sum of the weak ventilation rates is greater than the required ventilation rate for the ventilated space S, not all ventilators 1 operate, and among the ventilators 1 that are in operation, many can be operated at weak ventilation rates. Therefore, energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S can be reduced.

[0088] Furthermore, if the judgment step determines that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is not greater than the required ventilation volume, at least one of the multiple ventilation devices 1 is selected, the selected ventilation device 1 is operated at a strong ventilation volume that is greater than the weak ventilation volume, and at least one of the other ventilation devices 1 is operated at a weak ventilation volume, thereby making the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S the required ventilation volume.The acquisition step, judgment step, first ventilation execution step, and second ventilation execution step may be repeatedly executed at each predetermined period, and in the second ventilation execution step, a ventilation device to be operated at a strong ventilation volume may be selected from the multiple ventilation devices 1 in order of the ventilation device with the smallest strong ventilation volume. According to this, when the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S cannot be made the required ventilation volume with only weak ventilation volume, by operating some of the ventilators 1 with strong ventilation volume, the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S can be made the required ventilation volume with weak ventilation volume as much as possible. Therefore, the energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S can be reduced. Furthermore, because the ventilation air volume is switched at predetermined intervals, if a ventilation device 1 with a large strong ventilation volume is selected from among the multiple ventilation devices 1 in the second ventilation execution step, the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S may greatly exceed the required ventilation volume, resulting in excessive ventilation of the ventilated space S and a corresponding increase in energy consumption. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, by preferentially selecting a ventilation device with the smallest strong ventilation volume in the second ventilation execution step, excessive ventilation can be prevented and energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S can be reduced.

[0089] The method may also include a calculation step for calculating a second differential air volume, which is the difference between the sum of the weak ventilation volumes and the required ventilation volume, and in the second ventilation execution step, for the ventilation device 1 selected to operate at the strong ventilation volume, a set period ratio, which is the ratio between a first set period for operation at the weak ventilation volume and a second set period for operation at the strong ventilation volume within a specified period, may be determined so that the second differential air volume can be secured by the strong ventilation volume, and ventilation may be executed based on the determined set period ratio. This makes it possible to reduce the period of time during which ventilation is performed at a strong ventilation rate while still achieving the required ventilation rate, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S.

[0090] In addition, in the second ventilation execution step, for the ventilation device 1 selected to operate at a strong ventilation volume, the set period ratio may be determined based on the change in air volume from a weak ventilation volume to a strong ventilation volume and the second differential air volume. This allows the set period ratio to be determined based on the amount of change in the airflow of each ventilation device 1, and the period during which the ventilation device 1 operates at a strong ventilation rate can be more accurately reduced from the viewpoint of ensuring the second differential airflow rate. As a result, energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S can be reduced.

[0091] In addition, in the second ventilation execution step, if the ventilation device 1 with the smallest strong ventilation volume cannot secure the second differential air volume at the strong ventilation volume, the ventilation device 1 with the smallest strong ventilation volume may be operated at the strong ventilation volume for a specified period, and the set period ratio may be determined for the ventilation device with the next smallest strong ventilation volume. This ensures the second differential airflow rate, and reduces the use of strong ventilation while maintaining the required ventilation rate in the ventilated space S. Therefore, energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S can be reduced.

[0092] The method may also include a third ventilation execution step of operating all of the plurality of ventilation devices 1 at a high ventilation rate for a predetermined period of time when the detection value of the air quality sensor 4 exceeds a predetermined threshold. This makes it possible to prevent the CO2 concentration in the ventilated space S from becoming excessively high.

[0093] In addition, in the first ventilation execution step, the ventilation device 1 with the largest weak ventilation volume among the ventilation devices 1 selected to operate at weak ventilation volumes is selected, and for the selected ventilation device 1, a set period ratio is determined which is the ratio between a first set period for operation at weak ventilation volume and a third set period for turning off operation, and ventilation is executed based on the determined set period ratio, and the ventilation devices 1 not selected to operate at weak ventilation volume may have their operation turned off during a specified period. This makes it possible to reduce the period of operation at a weak ventilation rate while maintaining the ventilation rate in the ventilated space S at the required ventilation rate. Therefore, energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space S can be reduced.

[0094] The ventilation system 1000 comprises a plurality of ventilation devices 1 that ventilate the ventilated space S, an air quality sensor 4 that detects the air quality of the ventilated space S, and a server device 3. The server device 3 repeatedly executes the following steps at predetermined intervals: an acquisition step that acquires the required ventilation volume in the ventilated space S based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4; a determination step that determines whether the sum of the weak ventilation volumes, which are the smallest air volumes of each of the plurality of ventilation devices 1, is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume; and a first ventilation execution step that, if it is determined that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, operates at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices 1 at only the weak ventilation volume for a predetermined period to make the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S equal to the required ventilation volume. In the first ventilation execution step, the ventilation air volume of each of the plurality of ventilation devices 1 is prioritized over the weak ventilation volume, and if it is determined that the sum of the weak ventilation volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, turns off the operation of at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices. This provides the same effects as the control method described above.

[0095] (Other embodiments) As described above, the above-mentioned first embodiment has been described as an example disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Furthermore, it is also possible to combine the components described in the above-mentioned first embodiment to create new embodiments. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0096] In the above-described first embodiment, the type of ventilation airflow that the ventilation device 1 can switch between is illustrated as two types: "weak" and "strong." In other embodiments, the type of ventilation airflow that the ventilation device 1 can switch between may be three or more. For example, in other embodiments, the type of ventilation airflow that the ventilation device 1 can switch between may be three types: "weak," "medium," and "strong." Note that "medium" has a greater ventilation airflow than "weak," and a smaller ventilation airflow than "strong."

[0097] In the above-described first embodiment, 15 minutes is given as an example of the "predetermined period" of the present disclosure, but the "predetermined period" of the present disclosure is not limited to 15 minutes. In the first embodiment described above, all ventilators 1 are configured to operate for a predetermined period in steps SB16, SB17, SB18, and SB19 corresponding to the second ventilation execution step, but this is not limiting. For example, some ventilators 1 may not operate as long as the ventilation volume in the ventilated space S can be set to the required ventilation volume.

[0098] In the first embodiment described above, the calculation unit 303 calculates a corresponding value of the CO2 concentration based on the CO2 concentration over a predetermined period, and acquires the required ventilation volume from the data set of the required ventilation volume. In other embodiments, a corrected required ventilation volume may be calculated by correcting the acquired required ventilation volume based on the detection value of the air quality sensor 4. In this case, the corrected required ventilation volume corresponds to the "required ventilation volume" in the first embodiment.

[0099] In the above-described first embodiment, the CO2 concentration in the ventilated space S is used as an example of the air quality of the ventilated space S, and the set period ratio is determined based on the CO2 concentration. In other embodiments, the set period ratio may be determined based on pollen concentration or fine particulate matter concentration such as PM2.5 instead of or in addition to the CO2 concentration. In this configuration, the air quality sensor 4 detects pollen concentration or fine particulate matter concentration such as PM2.5 as air quality instead of or in addition to the CO2 concentration. Furthermore, in this other embodiment, instead of the detection value of the air quality sensor 4, the server device 3 may obtain meteorological information describing pollen concentration, fine particulate matter concentration, etc. from a predetermined server connected to the network NW.

[0100] The ventilation processor 100 and the server processor 300 may be configured with a single processor or multiple processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functions. That is, these processors may be configured with, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0101] The configurations of the server device 3 and the ventilation device 1 shown in Figure 2 are merely examples, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. In other words, it is not necessary to implement hardware corresponding to each unit individually, and it is also possible to implement a configuration in which a single processor executes a program to realize the functions of each unit. Furthermore, some of the functions realized by software in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented by hardware, or some of the functions realized by hardware may be implemented by software.

[0102] The step units of the operation shown in Figure 3 are divided according to the main processing content to make the operation easier to understand, and the operation is not limited by the way the processing units are divided or the names of the processing units. The operation may be divided into more step units depending on the processing content. Furthermore, one step unit may be divided so that it includes more processing. Furthermore, the order of the steps may be changed as appropriate within the scope that does not interfere with the purpose of this disclosure.

[0103] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology of the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0104] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0105] (Technology 1) A control method for controlling a plurality of ventilation devices that ventilate a space to be ventilated, the control method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a required ventilation volume within the space to be ventilated based on a detection value of an air quality sensor that detects the air quality of the space to be ventilated; a determination step of determining whether a sum of first airflow rates, which is the smallest ventilation airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices, is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume; and a first ventilation execution step of operating at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices at the first airflow rate for a predetermined period of time, if it is determined in the determination step that the sum of the first airflow rates is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, to make the ventilation volume within the space to be ventilated equal to the required ventilation volume; the acquisition step, the determination step, and the first ventilation execution step are repeatedly executed for each of the predetermined period of time; and in the first ventilation execution step, the ventilation airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices is given priority over the first airflow rate, and if the sum of the first airflow rates is greater than the required ventilation volume, the control method turns off operation of at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices. According to this, when the sum of the first airflow rates is greater than the ventilation rate required for the ventilated space, not all ventilators operate, and among the ventilators that do operate, many can be operated at the first airflow rate, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space.

[0106] (Technology 2) A control method according to Technology 1, comprising: a second ventilation execution step of selecting at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices, operating the selected ventilation device at a second air volume that is a ventilation air volume greater than the first air volume, and causing at least one of the other ventilation devices to ventilate at the first air volume, thereby making the ventilation volume in the ventilated space the required ventilation volume; wherein the acquisition step, the determination step, the first ventilation execution step, and the second ventilation execution step are repeatedly executed at the predetermined period; and in the second ventilation execution step, a ventilation device to be operated at the second air volume is selected from the plurality of ventilation devices in order of decreasing second air volume. According to this, when the ventilation volume in the ventilated space cannot be made the required ventilation volume with only the first air volume, by operating some of the ventilators at the second air volume, the ventilation volume in the ventilated space can be made the required ventilation volume with the first air volume as much as possible, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilating the ventilated space. Furthermore, because the ventilation airflow rate is switched at predetermined intervals, if a ventilator 1 with a large second airflow rate is selected from among multiple ventilators in the second ventilation execution step, the ventilation rate in the ventilated space may greatly exceed the required ventilation rate, resulting in excessive ventilation of the ventilated space and correspondingly increased energy consumption. According to the configuration of the present disclosure, by preferentially selecting a ventilator with the smallest second airflow rate in the second ventilation execution step, excessive ventilation can be prevented and energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space can be reduced.

[0107] (Technology 3) A control method according to Technology 2, which includes a calculation step of calculating a differential air volume, which is the difference between the sum of the first air volumes and the required ventilation volume, and in the second ventilation execution step, for the ventilation device selected to operate at the second air volume, a set period ratio, which is the ratio of a first set period during which the ventilation device operates at the first air volume and a second set period during which the ventilation device operates at the second air volume, within the specified period, is determined so that the differential air volume can be secured by the second air volume, and ventilation is executed based on the determined set period ratio. This makes it possible to reduce the period of ventilation at the second air volume while achieving the required ventilation volume, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space.

[0108] (Technical 4) In the control method described in Technical 3, in the second ventilation execution step, for the ventilation device selected to operate at the second air volume, the set period ratio is determined based on the air volume change from the first air volume to the second air volume and the differential air volume. This allows the set period ratio to be determined based on the change in air volume of each ventilation device, and the period during which the ventilation device operates at the second air volume can be more accurately reduced from the viewpoint of ensuring the difference in air volume, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space.

[0109] (Technology 5) In the second ventilation execution step, if the ventilation device with the smallest second air volume cannot secure the differential air volume at the second air volume, the ventilation device with the smallest second air volume is operated at the second air volume during the specified period, and the set period ratio is determined for the ventilation device with the next smallest second air volume. This is a control method described in Technology 3. This ensures the differential air volume, and the ventilation volume in the ventilated space is set to the required ventilation volume while suppressing the use of the second air volume, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space.

[0110] (Technology 6) The control method described in Technology 1 includes a third ventilation execution step of operating all of the plurality of ventilation devices at a second air volume greater than the first air volume during the specified period when the detection value of the air quality sensor is equal to or greater than a specified threshold value. This makes it possible to prevent the CO2 concentration in the ventilated space from becoming excessively high.

[0111] (Technology 7) In the first ventilation execution step, a ventilation device having the largest first airflow rate among the ventilation devices selected to operate at the first airflow rate is selected, and for the selected ventilation device, a set period ratio is determined which is the ratio between a first set period during which the ventilation device operates at the first airflow rate and a third set period during which operation is turned off, and ventilation is executed based on the determined set period ratio, and ventilation devices not selected to operate at the first airflow rate are turned off during the predetermined period. This is a control method described in Technology 1. This makes it possible to reduce the period of operation at a low ventilation rate while maintaining the ventilation rate in the ventilated space at the required ventilation rate, thereby reducing energy consumption in ventilation of the ventilated space.

[0112] (Technology 8) A ventilation system comprising: a plurality of ventilation devices for ventilating a space to be ventilated; an air quality sensor for detecting the air quality of the space to be ventilated; and a management device, wherein the management device repeatedly performs the following steps for each predetermined period: an acquisition step for acquiring a required ventilation volume in the space to be ventilated based on the detection value of the air quality sensor; a determination step for determining whether a sum of first airflow rates, which is the smallest airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices, is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume; and a first ventilation execution step for, if it is determined that the sum of the first airflow rates is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, operating at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices at only the first airflow rate for a predetermined period to make the ventilation volume in the space to be ventilated equal to the required ventilation volume; and in the first ventilation execution step, prioritizing the ventilation airflow rate of each of the plurality of ventilation devices over the first airflow rate, if it is determined that the sum of the first airflow rates is greater than the required ventilation volume, turning off operation of at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices. This provides the same effects as those of the ventilation system control method described in Technique 1. [Industrial Applicability]

[0113] As described above, the control method and ventilation system according to the present invention can be used to ventilate a space to be ventilated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. 1A~1C ventilation equipment 3. Server device (management device) 4 Air Quality Sensor 5 Indoor unit 11 Blower fan 12 Fan motor 14 Ventilation control device 15 Ventilation communication unit 30 Server control device 31 Server Communication Department 100 Ventilation Processor 101 Ventilation communication control unit 102 Operation control unit 110 Ventilation Memory 111 Control Program 300 Server Processors 301 Server communication control unit 302 Server processing unit 303 Calculation Unit 304 Selection Department 310 Server Memory 311 Control Program 312 Management Data 1000 Ventilation System S Ventilated space SB4 Step (Acquisition Step) SB5 step (decision step) SB7, SB8, SB9 steps (first ventilation execution step) SB16 Step (Calculation Step) SB16, SB17, SB18, SB19 steps (second ventilation execution steps) SB3, SB31, SB32 steps (third ventilation execution step)

Claims

1. A control method for controlling a plurality of ventilation devices that ventilate a ventilated space, comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring a required ventilation volume in the ventilated space based on a detection value of an air quality sensor that detects the air quality of the ventilated space; a determination step of determining whether a sum of first airflow rates, which are the smallest ventilation airflow rates of each of the plurality of ventilation devices, is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate; a first ventilation execution step of operating at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices at the first air volume for a predetermined period of time when it is determined in the determination step that the sum of the first air volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, thereby making the ventilation volume in the ventilated space the required ventilation volume; The acquisition step, the determination step, and the first ventilation execution step are repeatedly executed for each predetermined period; In the first ventilation execution step, the ventilation air volume of each of the plurality of ventilation devices is prioritized over the first air volume, and if the sum of the first air volumes is greater than the required ventilation volume, the operation of at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices is turned off.

2. a second ventilation execution step of selecting at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices when it is determined in the determination step that the sum of the first airflow rates is not equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate, operating the selected ventilation device at a second airflow rate that is greater than the first airflow rate, and causing at least one of the other ventilation devices to ventilate at the first airflow rate, thereby making the ventilation rate in the ventilated space equal to the required ventilation rate; The acquiring step, the determining step, the first ventilation performing step, and the second ventilation performing step are repeatedly performed for each predetermined period; The control method according to claim 1 , wherein in the second ventilation execution step, a ventilation device to be operated at the second air volume is selected from among the plurality of ventilation devices in descending order of the second air volume.

3. a calculation step of calculating a differential air volume that is a difference between the sum of the first air volumes and the required ventilation volume, In the second ventilation execution step, For the ventilation device selected to operate at the second air volume, determining a set period ratio, which is a ratio between a first set period during which the air conditioner is operated at the first air volume and a second set period during which the air conditioner is operated at the second air volume, within the predetermined period, so that the difference in air volume can be secured by the second air volume, and performing ventilation based on the determined set period ratio; The control method according to claim 2 .

4. In the second ventilation execution step, For the ventilation device selected to operate at the second air volume, determining the set period ratio based on the airflow rate change from the first airflow rate to the second airflow rate and the differential airflow rate; The control method according to claim 3 .

5. In the second ventilation execution step, In the ventilation device with the smallest second air volume, when the second air volume cannot ensure the difference in air volume, operating the ventilation device with the smallest second air volume at the second air volume during the predetermined period; The control method according to claim 3 , further comprising determining the set period ratio for a ventilation device with the second smallest air volume.

6. a third ventilation execution step of operating all of the plurality of ventilation devices at a second air volume greater than the first air volume during the predetermined period when the detected value of the air quality sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value; The control method according to claim 1 .

7. In the first ventilation execution step, selecting a ventilation device having the largest first airflow rate among the ventilation devices selected to operate at the first airflow rate; determining a set period ratio, which is a ratio between a first set period during which the selected ventilation device operates at the first air volume and a third set period during which the operation is turned off, and performing ventilation based on the determined set period ratio; The control method according to claim 1 , wherein the ventilation devices that are not selected to operate at the first air volume are turned off during the predetermined period.

8. The system comprises a plurality of ventilation devices for ventilating a ventilated space, an air quality sensor for detecting the air quality of the ventilated space, and a management device; The management device an acquisition step of acquiring a required ventilation volume in the ventilated space based on the detection value of the air quality sensor; a determination step of determining whether a sum of first airflow rates, which are the smallest airflow rates of each of the plurality of ventilation devices, is equal to or greater than the required ventilation rate; a first ventilation execution step of operating at least one of the plurality of ventilation devices only at the first air volume for a predetermined period when it is determined that the sum of the first air volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, thereby making the ventilation volume in the ventilated space equal to the required ventilation volume; In the first ventilation execution step, while giving priority to the ventilation air volume of each of the plurality of ventilation devices over the first air volume, when it is determined that the sum of the first air volumes is equal to or greater than the required ventilation volume, the operation of at least one ventilation device among the plurality of ventilation devices is turned off. Ventilation system.

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