Ventilation system

Abstract

By optimizing ventilation in each of the multiple areas within the building according to the area environment, the loss of thermal energy throughout the building is suppressed, while also enhancing the comfort of the building's occupants. [Solution] A ventilation system for ventilating multiple areas within a building includes a ventilation device that includes a heat exchange unit that performs heat exchange between air passing through a supply duct and air passing through an exhaust duct, and an airflow adjustment unit that adjusts the airflow rate of one or both of the air passing through the supply duct and the exhaust duct; an opening adjustment unit that changes the airflow rate of one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct leading to the target area; and a control device. The control device controls the airflow adjustment unit to reduce the airflow rate of the air passing through one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct when the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the airflow rate of one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technology of ventilation systems.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation system provided with a heat exchange ventilator configured to perform heat exchange between outside air supplied from the outside to the inside and indoor air exhausted from the inside to the outside, and to guide the outside air with a reduced temperature difference into the room.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When a ventilation system as shown in Patent Document 1 is applied to a building having a plurality of areas, since ventilation is uniformly performed throughout the building, there is a problem that the ventilation operation in each of the plurality of areas cannot be optimized according to the area environment.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a ventilation system capable of suppressing heat energy loss as a whole building and enhancing the comfort of users in the building by optimizing the ventilation operation in each of a plurality of areas in the building according to the area environment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The ventilation system of this disclosure is a ventilation system for ventilating multiple areas within a building, and includes a ventilation device comprising: a supply air duct for introducing outside air from the outside and supplying it into the building; an exhaust duct for exhausting the air inside the building to the outside; a heat exchange unit for performing heat exchange between the air passing through the supply air duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct; and an airflow adjustment unit for adjusting the airflow rate of one or both of the air passing through the supply air duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct; and an opening adjustment unit for changing the airflow rate of one or both of the supply air unit leading to the supply air duct and the exhaust air unit leading to the exhaust duct by changing the opening of the air passage. The system comprises an opening degree changing unit and an airflow adjustment unit, respectively, wherein the supply unit is installed to lead to a target area among multiple areas, and the exhaust unit is installed to lead to a target area among multiple areas or an area where air can flow to the target area, and the control unit is configured to perform airflow control processing to control the airflow adjustment unit to reduce the airflow rate of the air passing through one or both of the supply and exhaust ducts when the opening degree changing unit is controlled to reduce the airflow rate of one or both of the supply and exhaust units based on the area environment of the target area. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the technology disclosed herein, by optimizing the ventilation operation in each of the multiple areas within a building according to the area environment, it is possible to suppress the loss of thermal energy throughout the building and enhance the comfort of the building's occupants. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of a building in which the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 is installed. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ventilation device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control device in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining an example of the effect achieved by the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of the hardware resources of the control device. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing another example of the hardware resources of the control device. [Figure 12] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a building in which the ventilation system according to the first modification of Embodiment 1 is installed. [Figure 13] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a building in which the ventilation system according to the second modification of Embodiment 1 is installed. [Figure 14] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a building in which the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2 is installed. [Figure 15] It is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the control device in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the bypass configuration of the ventilation device. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 20]It is a flowchart of a routine executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 4.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0010] Embodiment 1. 1-1. Configuration of the ventilation system in Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a building in which the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 is installed. The ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 ventilates the inside of the building 10. In the building 10, areas A, B, C, and D are provided as a plurality of areas. In the building 10 of FIG. 1, areas A, B, and C are configured as room A, room B, and room C, respectively. Room A, room B, and room C are exemplified by living rooms such as living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, Japanese-style rooms, bedrooms, studies, children's rooms, etc. In the example of the building 10 in FIG. 1, room A is a living / dining room on the first floor, and rooms B and C are private rooms on the second floor. Area D is configured as a second-floor corridor D connecting rooms B and C. Note that area D may be configured by non-residential rooms such as an entrance, a toilet, a dressing room, a bathroom, etc.

[0011] An air conditioner 12 is provided in each of rooms A, B, and C. In the following description, when distinguishing the air conditioners 12 provided in each of rooms A, B, and C, they are denoted as "air conditioner 12A", "air conditioner 12B", and "air conditioner 12C", respectively. These air conditioners 12 perform air conditioning in each room. The air conditioner cools or heats air, for example, to cool or heat each room.

[0012] The ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 includes a ventilation device 20. The ventilation device 20 has a housing. An air supply passage and an exhaust passage are formed inside the housing of the ventilation device 20. Each of the air supply passage and the exhaust passage of the ventilation device 20 is connected to the outside of the building 10 via a duct or the like.

[0013] Furthermore, the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 includes an air supply duct 30 and an exhaust duct 40 installed in the building 10. The air supply duct 30 is a duct for introducing outside air from outdoors and supplying it into the building. The exhaust duct 40 is a duct for exhausting the air inside the building 10 to the outside.

[0014] Each of the rooms A, B, and C has an air supply unit 32 in its ceiling. In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, room A has two air supply units 32A. Room B has one air supply unit 32B. Room C also has one air supply unit 32C. In this disclosure, when referring to the air supply units 32A, 32B, and 32C collectively without distinction, they are referred to as "air supply unit 32". One end of the air supply duct 30 is connected to the air supply passage of the ventilation device 20. The other end of the air supply duct 30 branches off and is connected to each of the air supply units 32. That is, each of these air supply units 32 is connected to the air supply duct 30.

[0015] Exhaust units 42 are provided in the ceilings of both Room A and Corridor D. In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, Room A has two exhaust units 42A. Corridor D has one exhaust unit 42D. In this disclosure, when exhaust units 42A and exhaust units 42D are referred to collectively without distinction, they are called "exhaust units 42". One end of the exhaust duct 40 is connected to the exhaust air passage of the ventilation device 20. The other end of the exhaust duct 40 branches off and is connected to each of the exhaust units 42. That is, each of these exhaust units 42 is connected to the exhaust duct 40. In the following description, outside air introduced into the ventilation device 20 is also referred to as "OA", supply air supplied from the ventilation device 20 to the supply air duct 30 is also referred to as "SA", return air recirculated from the exhaust duct 40 to the ventilation device 20 is also referred to as "RA", and exhaust air from the ventilation device 20 is also referred to as "EA".

[0016] Furthermore, the placement of the air intake section 32 is not limited to the end of the air intake duct 30, but may be in the middle of the air intake duct 30. Similarly, the placement of the exhaust section 42 is not limited to the end of the exhaust duct 40, but may be in the middle of the exhaust duct 40.

[0017] Thus, room A is equipped with both an air supply section 32A and an exhaust section 42A. Room B is equipped with an air supply section 32B, but no exhaust section 42. Similarly, room C is equipped with an air supply section 32B, but no exhaust section 42. On the other hand, corridor D is equipped with an exhaust section 42D, but no air supply section 32. Rooms B and C can circulate air between them and corridor D. Air circulation between rooms B and C and corridor D is possible, for example, through vents in the walls between rooms B and C and corridor D, undercuts in the doors leading from rooms B and C to corridor D, or louvers provided in the doors, etc. Room A is an example of a target area equipped with both an air supply section 32 leading to an air supply duct 30 and an exhaust section 42 leading to an exhaust duct 40, while corridor D is an example of an area equipped with an exhaust section 42 leading to an exhaust duct 40. Furthermore, rooms B and C are examples of target areas where an air supply section 32 is provided that leads to the air supply duct 30, allowing for air circulation with corridor D.

[0018] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the ventilation device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. The ventilation device 20 includes a heat exchange unit 22 and an airflow adjustment unit 24.

[0019] The airflow adjustment unit 24 includes an air supply fan 241 and an exhaust fan 242. The air supply fan 241 is a device for adjusting the airflow rate of the air passing through the air supply duct 30. The air supply fan 241 is located within the aforementioned air supply passage of the housing of the ventilation device 20. The exhaust fan 242 is a device for adjusting the airflow rate of the air passing through the exhaust duct 40. The exhaust fan 242 is located within the aforementioned exhaust passage of the housing of the ventilation device 20.

[0020] When the supply air fan 241 of the ventilation system 20 operates, outside air OA from the building 10 is drawn into the supply air passage of the ventilation system 20. The outside air drawn into the supply air passage of the ventilation system 20 is then sent as supply air SA to the supply air duct 30 by the supply air fan 241. The supply air SA sent to the supply air duct 30 is supplied to each room from the supply air section 32. Specifically, supply air SA is supplied to room A from supply air section 32A. In addition, supply air SA is supplied to room B from supply air section 32B, and supply air SA is supplied to room C from supply air section 32C.

[0021] When the exhaust fan 242 of the ventilation system 20 operates, indoor air is drawn into the exhaust air passage of the ventilation system 20 as circulating air RA from the exhaust section 42 through the exhaust duct 40. Specifically, air from room A is drawn into the exhaust duct 40 from the exhaust section 42A. Similarly, air from corridor D is drawn into the exhaust duct 40 from the exhaust section 42D. The circulating air RA drawn into the exhaust air passage of the ventilation system 20 is then discharged outside the building 10 as exhaust EA by the exhaust fan 242.

[0022] As mentioned above, rooms B and C are equipped only with an air supply unit 32 and no exhaust unit 42. Similarly, corridor D is equipped only with an exhaust unit 42 and no air supply unit 32. Air can flow from rooms B and C to corridor D. Therefore, when air is supplied from the air supply unit 32B in room B or the air supply unit 32C in room C, and simultaneously exhausted from the exhaust unit 42D in corridor D, the air inside rooms B or C flows out of these rooms into corridor D and is exhausted from the exhaust unit 42D. In this way, ventilation can be performed in rooms B and C via corridor D and the exhaust unit 42D of corridor D.

[0023] As mentioned above, the ventilation system 20 may be equipped with both a supply fan 241 and an exhaust fan 242, or it may be equipped with only one of them. If both a supply fan 241 and an exhaust fan 242 are equipped, the ventilation system 20 can perform Type 1 ventilation, which mechanically performs both supply and exhaust. If only a supply fan 241 is equipped and the exhaust fan 242 is not equipped, the ventilation system 20 can perform Type 2 ventilation, which uses mechanical supply and natural exhaust. If only an exhaust fan 242 is equipped and the supply fan 241 is not equipped, the ventilation system 20 can perform Type 3 ventilation, which uses natural supply and mechanical exhaust.

[0024] The heat exchange unit 22 is located inside the housing of the ventilation device 20. Inside the housing of the ventilation device 20, the aforementioned supply air passage and exhaust air passage are formed to intersect. The heat exchange unit 22 is installed at the intersection of the supply air passage and the exhaust air passage. The heat exchange unit 22 is a heat exchange element that causes heat exchange to occur between the air passing through the supply air passage and the air passing through the exhaust air passage. There are no limitations on the structure of the heat exchange unit 22.

[0025] When the ventilation system 20 is in operation, if the exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 is driven, indoor air is drawn from the exhaust section 42 into the exhaust duct 40 and guided as circulating air RA into the exhaust air passage of the ventilation system 20. The circulating air RA then passes through the heat exchange section 22. At the same time, if the supply air fan 241 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 is driven, fresh outdoor air OA is guided into the supply air passage of the ventilation system 20. The outdoor air OA then passes through the heat exchange section 22. At this time, the circulating air RA and the outdoor air OA flow in a way that crosses each other via the heat exchange section 22, and only heat is exchanged through the heat exchange section 22. The circulating air RA then becomes exhaust air EA and is discharged outdoors. The fresh outdoor air OA becomes supply air SA and passes through the supply air duct 30 and is supplied indoors from the supply air section 32. In this way, the heat exchange unit 22 performs heat exchange between the air passing through the supply air duct 30 and the air passing through the exhaust duct 40.

[0026] The ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 further includes an opening degree changing unit 50 that changes the amount of airflow through one or both of the supply air section 32 and the exhaust air section 42 by changing the opening degree of the air passage. In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the opening degree changing unit 50 changes the opening degree of both the supply air section 32 and the exhaust air section 42. That is, the opening degree changing unit 50 includes supply air dampers 52 provided in each of the supply air sections 32A, 32B, and 32C. The opening degree changing unit 50 can individually change the opening degree of these supply air dampers 52. By changing the opening degree of these supply air dampers 52, the opening degree changing unit 50 can change the amount of airflow through each of the supply air sections 32A, 32B, and 32C, i.e., the amount of air supplied.

[0027] Furthermore, the opening degree changing section 50 includes exhaust dampers 54 provided in each of the exhaust sections 42A and 42D. The opening degree changing section 50 can individually change the opening degree of these exhaust dampers 54. By changing the opening degree of these exhaust dampers 54, the opening degree changing section 50 can change the amount of air vented, i.e., the amount of exhaust, in each of the exhaust sections 42A and 42D. In the illustrated configuration example, the opening degree changing section 50 is located in the supply section 32 and exhaust section 42 at the end of the duct, but the location of the opening degree changing section 50 is not limited to this. That is, the opening degree changing section 50 may be provided in the middle of the supply duct 30 and the exhaust duct 40.

[0028] The ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 includes a measuring device 60 for detecting the area environment of each area. The measuring device 60 includes a room temperature sensor for detecting the room temperature in the area and a human sensor for detecting the presence or absence of people in the area. The human sensor is a sensor that detects the presence or absence or number of people in the room in which the measuring device 60 is installed. As the human sensor, any of the following may be used: a Doppler sensor, an infrared sensor, an image sensor, an illuminance sensor for making a determination based on the lighting, or a power sensor for making a determination based on power usage. In the example configuration shown in Figure 1, the measuring device 60A is installed in room A. The measuring device 60B is installed in room B. And the measuring device 60C is installed in room C. In this disclosure, when these measuring devices 60A, 60B, and 60C are referred to collectively without distinction, they are called "measuring device 60".

[0029] The operation of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 is controlled by the control device 100 of the server 110. Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the control device in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. Each air conditioning unit 12, each measuring device 60, the airflow adjustment unit 24 of the ventilation unit 20, and each opening degree changing unit 50 are connected to the control device 100 of the server 110 in a communicative manner. The control device 100 of the server 110 controls the airflow adjustment unit 24 and each opening degree changing unit 50 of the ventilation unit 20.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 1, the server 110 is located outside the building 10. Each air conditioning unit 12, each measuring device 60, the airflow adjustment unit 24 of the ventilation device 20, and each opening degree change unit 50 communicate with the server 110 via the network 120 and the router 130. The network 120 is, for example, the internet. Communication between the router 130 and each air conditioning unit 12, each measuring device 60, the airflow adjustment unit 24 of the ventilation device 20, and each opening degree change unit 50 is preferably wireless, but is not limited to wireless, and may also be wired. The control device 100 may be located inside the building 10, rather than on the server 110 outside the building 10. Alternatively, the control device 100 may be incorporated into each air conditioning unit 12, each measuring device 60, or the ventilation device 20.

[0031] As shown in Figure 3, the control device 100 comprises, as its functional blocks, an opening degree control processing unit 102 and an airflow control processing unit 104. The opening degree control processing unit 102 is a functional block that, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, performs a process to control the opening degree of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50 according to the area environment of each area. This process is hereinafter referred to as the "opening degree control process".

[0032] The airflow control processing unit 104 is a functional block that performs a process to control the airflow of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 according to the opening degrees of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50. This process is hereinafter referred to as the "airflow control process".

[0033] 1-2. Operation of the ventilation system in Embodiment 1 When the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 performs an opening degree control process that controls the opening of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50 according to the area environment of each target area, and an airflow control process that controls the airflow of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24. The following describes the control according to the operating status of the air conditioning device 12 in each area, the room temperature in each area, and the occupancy status of people in each area, as the area environment of each area.

[0034] 1-2-1. Operation of the ventilation system according to the operating status of the air conditioning system When the ventilation system 20 is in operation, the control device 100 performs an opening control process that controls the opening of the supply air damper 52 and the exhaust damper 54 of the opening change unit 50 according to the operating status of each air conditioning unit 12 in each area. Typically, in the opening control process, when the air conditioning unit 12A of room A is not in air conditioning operation when the ventilation system 20 is in operation, the control device 100 reduces the opening of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42A compared to when the air conditioning unit 12A is in air conditioning operation. Here, when the air conditioning unit 12 is in air conditioning operation, it means that the air conditioning unit 12 is mainly performing an operation that adjusts the room temperature, that is, a cooling operation or a heating operation.

[0035] For example, when the air conditioning unit 12A is in operation, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A. When the air conditioning unit 12A is not in operation, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A. Note that the opening degree of each damper does not necessarily have to be fully open or fully closed; it is sufficient that the damper opening degree is greater during air conditioning operation than when the air conditioning is stopped. In this way, the opening degree changing unit 50 reduces the amount of air passing through one or both of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust section 42A of the target area, room A, when it is not air-conditioned, compared to when room A is air-conditioned.

[0036] In this case, if, for example, the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A in room A are both completely closed in building 10, the amount of airflow from the supply air units 32B and 32C and the exhaust air unit 42D in other rooms will unintentionally increase by the amount of airflow from room A. In this case, there is a possibility that more ventilation than necessary will occur in other rooms, and it may not be possible to optimize the temperature improvement effect by the heat exchange function while minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 20.

[0037] Therefore, the control device 100 performs an airflow control process that controls the airflow of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 according to the opening of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50. Typically, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A in room A by reducing the opening of one or both of them, thereby reducing the amount of air that can be passed through one or both of the supply air section 32A and exhaust section 42A in room A. The control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air that can be passed through.

[0038] For example, when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A of the room A, which is the target area, are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of air that can be ventilated is reduced by an amount equivalent to when the supply air damper 52 and the exhaust damper 54 are fully open.

[0039] As an example of application to other areas, in the opening degree control process, the control device 100 reduces the opening degree of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D when the air conditioning unit 12B of the target area, room B, is not in air conditioning operation, compared to when the air conditioning unit 12B is in air conditioning operation. For example, when the air conditioning unit 12B is in air conditioning operation, the control device 100 fully opens both the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D. Then, when the air conditioning unit 12B is not in air conditioning operation, the control device 100 fully closes both the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D.

[0040] In the airflow control processing during the operation of the ventilation device 20, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that when the opening of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32B in room B and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D in corridor D is reduced, thereby reducing the amount of ventilation in room B, the control device 100 reduces the airflow by an amount equivalent to the reduction in the amount of ventilation. For example, when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32B and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of ventilation in room B is reduced by an amount equivalent to when the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 are fully open.

[0041] Similarly, as an example of application to other areas, the control device 100, in the opening degree control process, reduces the opening degree of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D when the air conditioning unit 12C of the target area, room C, is not in air conditioning operation, compared to when the air conditioning unit 12C is in air conditioning operation. For example, when the air conditioning unit 12C is in air conditioning operation, the control device 100 fully opens both the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D. Then, when the air conditioning unit 12C is not in air conditioning operation, the control device 100 fully closes both the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D.

[0042] In the airflow control processing during the operation of the ventilation device 20, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of air ventilating room C is reduced by decreasing the opening of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32C in room C and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D in corridor D. For example, when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32C and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust section 42D are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of air ventilating room C is reduced by an amount equivalent to the amount of air ventilating room C when the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 are fully open.

[0043] According to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1 configured as described above, conditioned air from the air conditioning unit 12 in each room is guided to the heat exchange unit 22 of the ventilation device 20 via the exhaust duct 40, and the guidance of unconditioned air from rooms to the heat exchange unit 22 of the ventilation device 20 via the exhaust duct 40 is suppressed. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchange unit 22 of the ventilation device 20 can be increased, making it possible to ventilate while suppressing the loss of thermal energy in each room.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1, when the opening of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32 and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust section 42 in an area not air-conditioned by the air conditioning unit 12 is reduced to decrease the amount of airflow, the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust air fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 is reduced. This prevents the amount of airflow from other dampers from unintentionally increasing, making it possible to optimize the temperature improvement effect by the heat exchange function while minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 20.

[0045] 1-2-2. Operation of the ventilation system according to room temperature When the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 performs an opening control process that controls the opening of the supply air damper 52 and the exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50 according to the room temperature of each area. Typically, in the opening control process, if the room temperature of room A does not meet a preset temperature condition, the control device 100 reduces the opening of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42A compared to when the temperature condition is met. Here, regarding the temperature condition of the target area, for example, it is conceivable that the temperature condition is met when one or more of the following conditions are met. If the temperature condition includes the outside temperature, for example, an outside temperature sensor (not shown) is further provided.

[0046] • During the summer, the room temperature [°C] of the target area is below the pre-set summer standard room temperature [°C]. • During winter, the room temperature [°C] in the target area is equal to or higher than the pre-set winter standard room temperature [°C]. • In summer, the difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature [K] in the target area is equal to or greater than the predetermined summer standard indoor-outdoor temperature difference [K]. • In winter, the difference between the indoor temperature and the outdoor temperature [K] in the target area is equal to or greater than the predetermined winter standard indoor-outdoor temperature difference [K]. - If there is another area where the temperature difference [K] between the target area and the target area is equal to or greater than a preset standard temperature difference [K], then during cooling operation, the first temperature [°C] of the target area is lower than the second temperature [°C] of the other area, or during heating operation, the first temperature [°C] of the target area is higher than the second temperature [°C] of the other area.

[0047] Under these temperature conditions, the standard summer room temperature should be, for example, 27°C or lower. The standard winter room temperature should be, for example, 20°C or higher. The standard summer indoor-outdoor temperature difference should be, for example, 8K or higher. The standard winter indoor-outdoor temperature difference should be, for example, 13K or higher. The standard room temperature difference should be, for example, 5K or higher. These standard values ​​may also be determined from historical information on each temperature in the past.

[0048] For example, if the room temperature of room A detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device 60A meets the temperature conditions, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. If the room temperature of room A does not meet the temperature conditions, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. In this way, the opening degree changing unit 50 reduces the amount of air passing through one or both of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust air unit 42A of room A when the room temperature of room A does not meet the temperature conditions, compared to when the room temperature of room A meets the temperature conditions.

[0049] Furthermore, the control device 100 performs airflow control processing to control the airflow of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 according to the opening degrees of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50. Typically, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A in room A by reducing the opening degree of one or both of the supply air section 32A and exhaust section 42A in room A, so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in airflow.

[0050] For example, when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A of the room A, which is the target area, are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of air that can be ventilated is reduced by an amount equivalent to when the supply air damper 52 and the exhaust damper 54 are fully open.

[0051] As an example of application to other areas, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42D if the room temperature of room B detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device 60B meets the temperature conditions. If the room temperature of room B does not meet the temperature conditions, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42D. When the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42D are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of airflow is reduced by an amount equivalent to when these supply air dampers 52 and exhaust dampers 54 are fully open.

[0052] Similarly, as an example of application to other areas, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D if the room temperature of room C detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device 60C meets the temperature conditions. If the room temperature of room C does not meet the temperature conditions, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D. When the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of airflow is reduced by the equivalent amount that would be available if these supply air dampers 52 and exhaust dampers 54 were fully open.

[0053] According to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1 configured as described above, air with a large temperature difference from the outside air is introduced to the heat exchange section 22 of the ventilation device 20 via the exhaust duct 40, while air with a small temperature difference from the outside air is suppressed from being introduced to the heat exchange section 22 of the ventilation device 20 via the exhaust duct 40. As a result, the heat exchange efficiency in the heat exchange section 22 of the ventilation device 20 can be increased, making it possible to ventilate while suppressing the loss of thermal energy in each room.

[0054] Furthermore, according to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1, when the opening of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32 and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust air section 42 in an area that does not meet the temperature conditions is reduced, the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust air fan 242 of the airflow adjustment section 24 is reduced. This prevents the amount of airflow from other dampers from unintentionally increasing, making it possible to optimize the temperature improvement effect by the heat exchange function while minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 20.

[0055] 1-2-3. Operation of the ventilation system according to occupancy status When the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 performs an opening degree control process that controls the opening degrees of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50 according to the occupancy status of each area. Typically, in the opening degree control process, when the control device 100 does not detect the presence of people in each area, it reduces the opening degree of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42A compared to when the presence of people is detected.

[0056] For example, if the control device 100 detects the presence of a person in room A by the human sensor of the measuring device 60A, it fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. If the control device 100 does not detect the presence of a person in room A, it fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. In this way, the opening degree changing unit 50 reduces the amount of air vented by one or both of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust air unit 42A in room A when no person is detected in the target area, room A, compared to when a person is detected in room A.

[0057] Furthermore, the control device 100 performs airflow control processing to control the airflow of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 according to the opening degrees of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50. Typically, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A in room A by reducing the opening degree of one or both of the supply air section 32A and exhaust section 42A in room A, so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in airflow.

[0058] For example, when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A of the room A, which is the target area, are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of air that can be ventilated is reduced by an amount equivalent to when the supply air damper 52 and the exhaust damper 54 are fully open.

[0059] As an example of application to other areas, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D when the human sensor of the measuring device 60B detects the presence of a person in room B. Then, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D are moved from fully open to fully closed, and the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of airflow is reduced by an amount equivalent to when these supply air dampers 52 and exhaust dampers 54 are fully open.

[0060] Similarly, as an example of application to other areas, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D when the human sensor of the measuring device 60C detects the presence of a person in room C. Then, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32C and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42D are moved from fully open to fully closed, and the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so as to reduce the amount of airflow equivalent to when these supply air dampers 52 and exhaust dampers 54 are fully open.

[0061] According to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1 configured as described above, air from the area where people are present is guided to the heat exchange section 22 of the ventilation device 20 via the exhaust duct 40, while air from the area where people are not present is suppressed from being guided to the heat exchange section 22 of the ventilation device 20 via the exhaust duct 40. This makes it possible to optimize ventilation in the area where people are present while suppressing power consumption due to ventilation in the area where people are not present.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1, when the opening of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32 and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust section 42 in an area where no people are present is reduced to decrease the amount of airflow, the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust air fan 242 of the airflow adjustment section 24 is reduced. This prevents the amount of airflow from other dampers from unintentionally increasing, making it possible to optimize the temperature improvement effect by the heat exchange function while minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 20.

[0063] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 4 is a table summarizing an example of the operation of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. In the table in the figure, "○" in the "Heating / Cooling" column indicates that the air conditioning system in the room is operating, and "×" in the same column indicates that the air conditioning system in the room is not operating. Also, "○" in the "Supply Air" and "Exhaust Air" columns indicates that the supply air damper for the room and the exhaust damper for the room or the exhaust damper for an area where air can flow into the room are fully open. "×" in the "Supply Air" and "Exhaust Air" columns indicates that the supply air damper for the room and the exhaust damper for the room or the exhaust damper for a non-habitable room adjacent to the room are fully closed. Furthermore, "○" in the "Room Temperature Detection / Person Detection" column indicates that the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device in the room meets the aforementioned temperature conditions, or that a person has been detected by the person sensor of the measuring device in the room. The "×" in the "Room Temperature Detection / Human Detection" column indicates that the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device in that room does not meet the aforementioned temperature conditions, or that no human being was detected by the human being sensor of the measuring device in that room.

[0064] 1-3. Specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 Next, with reference to the flowchart, we will describe the specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1.

[0065] 1-3-1. Ventilation operation according to the operating status of the air conditioning system Figure 5 is a flowchart of the routine performed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs opening degree control processing and airflow control processing according to the operating status of the air conditioning unit 12 in each area. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with an air conditioning unit 12, that is, for rooms A, B, and C of the building 10.

[0066] First, in step S100, it is determined whether or not the air conditioning unit 12 in the target area is in operation. If the air conditioning unit 12 in the target area is in operation, the process proceeds to step S102; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0067] In step S102, an opening degree control process is executed to fully open the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. In step S104, an opening degree control process is executed to fully close one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. After the process in step S104 is executed, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, an airflow control process is executed to reduce the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air supplied to the target area due to one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 being fully closed. When the process in step S102 or step S106 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0068] 1-3-2. Ventilation operation according to room temperature conditions Figure 6 is a flowchart of the routine performed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs opening degree control processing and airflow control processing according to the room temperature of each area. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with the air conditioning unit 12, that is, for rooms A, B, and C of the building 10.

[0069] First, in step S110, it is determined whether the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in the target area satisfies the aforementioned temperature conditions. If the room temperature in the target area satisfies the temperature conditions, the process proceeds to step S112. If the room temperature in the target area satisfies the temperature conditions and the air conditioning unit 12 in the target area is not operating, the process proceeds to step S114.

[0070] In step S112, an opening degree control process is executed to fully open the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. In step S114, an opening degree control process is executed to fully close one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. After the process in step S114 is executed, the process proceeds to step S116. In step S116, an airflow control process is executed to reduce the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air supplied to the target area due to one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 being fully closed. When the process in step S112 or step S116 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0071] 1-3-3. Ventilation operation according to room temperature difference Figure 7 is a flowchart of the routine performed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs opening degree control processing and airflow control processing according to the room temperature difference in each area. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with the air conditioning unit 12, that is, for rooms A, B, and C of the building 10.

[0072] First, in step S120, it is determined whether there are other areas where the difference in room temperature between the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in the target area and the room temperature detected by the room temperature sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in other areas is greater than or equal to the aforementioned standard room temperature difference. If the determination is not met, this routine is terminated.

[0073] On the other hand, if the determination in step S120 is successful, the process proceeds to step S122. In step S122, it is determined whether the room temperature in the target area is lower than the room temperature in the other area during cooling operation, or whether the room temperature in the target area is higher than the room temperature in the other area during heating operation. If the determination is successful, the process proceeds to step S124; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S126.

[0074] In step S124, an opening degree control process is executed to fully open the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. In step S126, an opening degree control process is executed to fully close one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. After the process in step S126 is executed, the process proceeds to step S128. In step S128, an airflow control process is executed to reduce the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air supplied to the target area due to one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 being fully closed. When the process in step S124 or step S128 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0075] 1-3-4. Ventilation operation according to room occupancy status Figure 8 is a flowchart of the routine performed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs opening degree control processing and airflow control processing according to the occupancy status of people in each area. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with the air conditioning unit 12, that is, for rooms A, B, and C of the building 10.

[0076] First, in step S130, it is determined whether or not a person is present in the room by the human sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in the target area. If a person is present, the process proceeds to step S132; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S134.

[0077] In step S132, an opening degree control process is executed to fully open the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. In step S134, an opening degree control process is executed to fully close one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. After the process in step S134 is executed, the process proceeds to step S136. In step S136, an airflow control process is executed to reduce the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air supplied to the target area due to one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 being fully closed. When the process in step S132 or step S136 is completed, the process of this routine is terminated.

[0078] 1-4. Effects achieved by the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 Next, an example of the effects achieved by the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 will be described. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effects achieved by the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1. Figure 9(A) shows a comparative example in which three areas, rooms A, B, and C, are simultaneously ventilated by a conventional ventilation system, and Figure 9(B) shows an example in which only room A is ventilated by the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1.

[0079] In this example, room A, which is being air-conditioned by the air conditioning unit 12A, has a ambient air temperature RA of 20°C and a ventilation rate V of 100m³ provided by the ventilation unit 20. 3 The temperature of the ambient air RA in rooms B and C, where air conditioning units 12B and 12C are not operating, is 10 [°C], and the ventilation rate V from the ventilation device 20 is 50 [m³]. 3The temperature is [ / h]. Also, the temperature of the outside air OA, which is the outside temperature of building 10, is 0 [°C], and the temperature exchange efficiency η of the heat exchange section 22 of the ventilation device 20 is 0.8. In the comparative example of a conventional ventilation system, when the air from rooms A, B and C is mixed and returned to the ventilation device 20, the total ventilation volume Q of the entire building 10 by the ventilation device 20 is 200 [m³]. 3 The temperature of the supply air SA is 12°C, as the value is [ / h].

[0080] On the other hand, if the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1 ventilates only room A, which is being air-conditioned, and stops ventilation in rooms B and C, which are not being air-conditioned, the total ventilation volume Q of the entire building 10 by the ventilation device 20 is 100 [m³ 3 The temperature decreases to [ / h], and the temperature of the supply air SA to room A becomes 16[°C]. Thus, according to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1, compared to the case where ventilation is performed simultaneously in all living rooms and the supply and exhaust air are mixed, by ventilating room A alone, the air conditioning load due to ventilation can be reduced, and the amount of energy consumed by the air conditioning unit 12A in room A during air conditioning operation can be reduced.

[0081] Furthermore, according to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1, compared to the case where ventilation is performed simultaneously in all rooms and supply and exhaust air are mixed, the total ventilation volume Q by the ventilation device 20 is 200 [m³ 3 [h] to 100[m 3 Since it decreases to [ / h], the energy consumption of the ventilation device 20 can be reduced.

[0082] Thus, according to the ventilation system of Embodiment 1, the ventilation operation in each of the multiple areas within the building 10 is optimized according to the area environment, and by performing ventilation while exchanging heat between the supply air and exhaust air, it is possible to suppress the loss of thermal energy throughout the building. Furthermore, it is possible to improve the comfort of users within the building.

[0083] 1-6. Variations The ventilation system of Embodiment 1 may also adopt the following modified forms. Note that the following modifications can also be applied to the ventilation system of other embodiments.

[0084] 1-6-1. Hardware resources of the control device 100 Figure 10 shows an example of hardware resources for a control device. The control device 100 includes a processing circuit 116 as hardware resources, which includes a processor 112 and memory 114. The processing circuit 116 may include multiple processors 112. The processing circuit 116 may also include multiple memory 114.

[0085] In this embodiment, the opening degree control processing unit 102, the airflow control processing unit 104, and the outside air control processing unit 106 (described later) represent functions of the control device 100. These functions can be realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware, which are written as programs. The program is stored in memory 114. Alternatively, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. The control device realizes these functions by having the processor 112 (computer) execute the program stored in memory 114.

[0086] The processor 112 is also called a CPU (Central Processing Unit), central processing unit, processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP. The memory 114 may be semiconductor memory, magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisc, or DVD. Possible semiconductor memories include RAM, ROM, flash memory, EPROM, and EEPROM.

[0087] Figure 11 shows another example of the hardware resources of a control device. In the example shown in Figure 11, the control device 100 includes a processor 112, memory 114, and a processing circuit 116 including dedicated hardware 118. Figure 11 shows an example in which some of the functions of the control device are realized by the dedicated hardware 118. All of the functions of the control device may also be realized by the dedicated hardware 118. As the dedicated hardware 118, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC, an FPGA, or a combination thereof can be used. Note that the modifications of the hardware resources of the control device described above can also be applied to control devices of other embodiments described later.

[0088] 1-6-2. Target area of ​​the controlled object In the ventilation system according to Embodiment 1, the ventilation volume is controlled for each room in the target area, but the ventilation volume may also be controlled by dividing the building 10 into zones containing multiple rooms. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a building in which the ventilation system according to the first modified example of Embodiment 1 is installed. The ventilation system of the first modified example is configured to control the ventilation volume by dividing multiple rooms into two zones. Specifically, the ventilation system of the first modified example is equipped with a damper 56 in the middle of the supply air duct 30. The damper 56 is configured to adjust the ventilation volume of the first zone, which includes room A on the first floor, and the ventilation volume of the second zone, which includes rooms B and C on the second floor, and corridor D. With this ventilation system of the first modified example, ventilation control is performed in units of zones consisting of multiple rooms rather than on a room-by-room basis, so there is a disadvantage that fine-grained ventilation control is not possible. However, it is possible to achieve functions such as energy saving, humidity and air quality improvement with a simpler equipment configuration, and the ease of installation, controllability, and cost performance are improved.

[0089] Figure 13 schematically shows the configuration of a building in which a ventilation system according to a second modification of Embodiment 1 is installed. The ventilation system of the second modification is configured to control the amount of ventilation by dividing a large space such as an office or a school lecture hall into multiple areas. Specifically, the ventilation system of the second modification is applied to a building 10 with a large space including areas A, B, and C that are not separated by walls. Areas A, B, and C are each equipped with an air supply unit 32, an air supply damper 52, an exhaust unit 42, an exhaust damper 54, an air conditioning unit 12, and a measuring device 60, respectively. With this ventilation system of the second modification, although the accuracy of temperature, humidity, and air quality control is reduced because each area is an apparent division and is not separated by walls, etc., the same effect as the ventilation system of Embodiment 1 can be obtained in environments other than residences, including commercial facilities such as offices.

[0090] 2. Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 2, the differences from the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 will be explained in particular detail. For features not described in Embodiment 2, any of the features from the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 may be adopted.

[0091] 2-1. Features of the Ventilation System of Embodiment 2 Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a building in which the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2 is installed. Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control device in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2. The ventilation system of Embodiment 2 further includes an outside air adjustment unit 70 in addition to the configuration of the ventilation system of Embodiment 1. The outside air adjustment unit 70 is a device for adjusting the state of the supply air SA introduced into the building 10 before introducing it to each area. The outside air adjustment unit 70 includes either or both of a dehumidifier 72 and a humidifier 74 for adjusting the humidity of the supply air SA. The outside air adjustment unit 70 may be installed interposed in the middle of the supply air duct 30, or it may be built into the ventilation device 20.

[0092] If the outside air adjustment unit 70 includes a dehumidifier 72 or a humidifier 74, the measuring device 60 of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2 includes a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity in the area. The humidity sensor may be either an absolute humidity sensor or a relative humidity sensor. The ventilation system also includes an outside air humidity sensor (not shown) for detecting outside air humidity.

[0093] As shown in Figure 15, the control device 100 includes, as its functional blocks, an opening degree control processing unit 102 and an airflow control processing unit 104, as well as an outside air control processing unit 106. The outside air control processing unit 106 is a functional block that, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, performs processing to control the dehumidifier 72 or humidifier 74 of the outside air adjustment unit 70 according to the humidity state of each area and the outside air. This processing is hereinafter referred to as "outside air control processing".

[0094] 2-2. Operation of the ventilation system in Embodiment 2 When the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 performs the following operations according to the humidity conditions of each area: an opening degree control process that controls the opening of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50; an air volume control process that controls the air volume of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the air volume adjustment unit 24; and an outside air control process that controls the dehumidifier 72 or humidifier 74 of the outside air adjustment unit 70.

[0095] 2-2-1. Dehumidification operation of the outside air control unit according to the humidity state of each target area. In summer, areas with high humidity can cause discomfort or increase the risk of mold growth. Therefore, in the opening degree control process, if the humidity detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60 in each target area is less than a predetermined dehumidification threshold, the control device 100 reduces the opening degree of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust air damper 54 of the exhaust air section 42A compared to when the humidity is above the dehumidification threshold. The dehumidification threshold here is a value set in advance as the humidity at which discomfort or mold growth risk occurs due to high humidity. The dehumidification threshold is absolute humidity [g / m³]. 3It can be either ] or relative humidity [%]. Specifically, the dehumidification threshold is, for example, relative humidity: 70 [%], or absolute humidity corresponding to a temperature of 24 [°C] and humidity: 60 [%].

[0096] For example, if the humidity of room A detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60A is above the dehumidification threshold, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. Then, if the humidity of room A is below the dehumidification threshold, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. In this way, the opening degree changing unit 50 reduces the amount of air passing through one or both of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust air unit 42A of room A when the humidity of room A is below the dehumidification threshold, compared to when the humidity of room A is above the dehumidification threshold.

[0097] Furthermore, the control device 100 performs airflow control processing to control the airflow of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 according to the opening degrees of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50. Typically, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A in room A by reducing the opening degree of one or both of the supply air section 32A and exhaust section 42A in room A, so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in airflow.

[0098] For example, when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A of the room A, which is the target area, are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of air that can be ventilated is reduced by an amount equivalent to when the supply air damper 52 and the exhaust damper 54 are fully open.

[0099] Furthermore, the control device 100 executes an outside air control process to dehumidify the incoming outside air when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60 is above the dehumidification threshold, and the outside air humidity is above the said dehumidification threshold. Typically, the control device 100 performs a dehumidification operation using the dehumidifier 72 of the outside air adjustment unit 70 when the humidity of room A detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60A is above the dehumidification threshold, and the outside air humidity is above the dehumidification threshold.

[0100] According to the ventilation system of Embodiment 2 configured as described above, if there is an area that deviates from the appropriate humidity environment, ventilation can be performed only in that area if the humidity environment improves by introducing outside air, and if the humidity environment does not improve by introducing outside air, dehumidification operation by outside air control processing is used in combination. This makes it possible to maintain the appropriate humidity in areas that deviate from the appropriate humidity environment. Furthermore, since ventilation is stopped or reduced in areas with an appropriate humidity environment, it is possible to optimize the humidity environment while minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 20. Moreover, according to the ventilation system of Embodiment 2, since the presence or absence of people in the room is not taken into consideration, the risk of mold growth can be suppressed by maintaining appropriate humidity even in areas where no people are present.

[0101] 2-2-2. Humidification operation of the outside air control unit according to the humidity state of each target area. In winter, low humidity environments can cause discomfort due to dryness. Therefore, in the opening degree control process, the control device 100, when there are no people in the target area, or when there are people in the target area, if the humidity detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60 in the target area is greater than a predetermined humidification threshold, reduces the opening degree of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A compared to when the humidity is below the humidification threshold. The humidification threshold here is a value set in advance as the humidity at which discomfort occurs due to dryness caused by low-humidity air. The humidification threshold is absolute humidity [g / m³]. 3It can be either ] or relative humidity [%]. Specifically, the humidification threshold is, for example, relative humidity: 40 [%], or absolute humidity corresponding to a temperature of 20 [°C] and humidity: 40 [%].

[0102] For example, if the humidity of room A detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60A is below the humidification threshold, the control device 100 fully opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. If the humidity of room A is above the humidification threshold, the control device 100 fully closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust air unit 42A. In this way, the opening degree changing unit 50 reduces the amount of air passing through one or both of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust air unit 42A of room A when the humidity of room A is above the humidification threshold, compared to when the humidity of room A is below the humidification threshold.

[0103] Furthermore, the control device 100 performs airflow control processing to control the airflow of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 according to the opening degrees of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50. Typically, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A in room A by reducing the opening degree of one or both of the supply air section 32A and exhaust section 42A in room A, so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in airflow.

[0104] For example, when the supply air damper 52 of the supply air section 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42A of the room A, which is the target area, are moved from fully open to fully closed, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that the amount of air that can be ventilated is reduced by an amount equivalent to when the supply air damper 52 and the exhaust damper 54 are fully open.

[0105] Furthermore, the control device 100 humidifies the incoming outside air when the humidity detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60 is below the humidification threshold and the outside air humidity is below the humidification threshold. Typically, the control device 100 performs humidification operation using the humidifier 74 of the outside air adjustment unit 70 when the humidity of room A detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60A is below the humidification threshold and the outside air humidity is below the humidification threshold.

[0106] According to the ventilation system of Embodiment 2 configured as described above, if there is an area that deviates from the appropriate humidity environment, ventilation can be performed only in that area if the humidity environment improves by introducing outside air. If the humidity environment does not improve by introducing outside air, humidification operation by outside air control processing is performed in combination. This makes it possible to maintain the appropriate humidity in areas that deviate from the appropriate humidity environment. Furthermore, since ventilation is stopped or reduced in areas with an appropriate humidity environment, it is possible to optimize the humidity environment while minimizing the power consumption of the ventilation device 20.

[0107] 2-3. Specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2 Next, with reference to the flowchart, specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2 will be described.

[0108] Figure 16 is a flowchart of the routines executed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs dehumidification operation by opening degree control processing, airflow control processing, and outside air control processing according to the humidity of each area. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with the air conditioning unit 12, that is, for rooms A, B, and C of the building 10.

[0109] First, in step S200, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in the target area is above the aforementioned dehumidification threshold. If the determination is unsuccessful, it is determined that the target area does not require ventilation to improve the humidity environment, and the process proceeds to step S202.

[0110] In step S202, an opening degree control process is executed to close one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area to the fully closed position. Once the process in step S202 is completed, the process proceeds to step S204. In step S204, an airflow control process is executed to reduce the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air supplied to the target area due to one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area being fully closed. Once the process in step S204 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0111] On the other hand, if the determination in step S200 is successful, it is determined that the target area requires ventilation due to high humidity, and the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, it is determined whether the outside air humidity detected by the outside air humidity sensor is lower than the aforementioned dehumidification threshold. If the determination is successful, it is determined that the humidity environment will improve by introducing outside air, and the process proceeds to step S208. In step S208, the opening degree control process is executed, and the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the target area are controlled to open to their fullest extent.

[0112] On the other hand, if the determination in step S206 is not found to be true, it is determined that the humidity environment will not improve by introducing outside air, and the process proceeds to step S210. In step S210, the opening degree control process is executed, and the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 in the target area are controlled to open to their fullest extent. Once the process in step S210 is executed, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S212, the outside air control process is executed, and dehumidification is performed by the dehumidifier 72 of the outside air adjustment unit 70. Once the process in step S212 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0113] Figure 17 is a flowchart of the routines performed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 2. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs humidification operation by opening degree control processing, airflow control processing, and outside air control processing according to the humidity of each area. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with the air conditioning unit 12, that is, for rooms A, B, and C of building 10.

[0114] First, in step S220, it is determined whether the presence of a person is detected by the human sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in the target area. If the determination is not successful, it is determined that ventilation to alleviate human discomfort is not necessary, and the process proceeds to step S222.

[0115] In step S222, an opening degree control process is executed to fully close one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area. Once the process in step S222 is completed, the process proceeds to step S224. In step S224, an airflow control process is executed to reduce the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air supplied to the target area due to one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area being fully closed. Once the process in step S224 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0116] On the other hand, if the determination in step S220 is found to be true, the process proceeds to step S226. In step S226, it is determined whether the humidity detected by the humidity sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in the target area is below the aforementioned humidification threshold. If the determination is not found to be true, it is determined that the target area does not require ventilation to improve the humidity environment, and the process proceeds to step S222. On the other hand, if the determination is found to be true, the process proceeds to step S228.

[0117] In step S228, it is determined whether the ambient humidity detected by the ambient humidity sensor is greater than the aforementioned humidification threshold. If the determination is successful, it is determined that the humidity environment will improve by introducing ambient air, and the process proceeds to step S230. In step S230, the opening degree control process is executed, and the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 in the target area are controlled to open to their fullest extent.

[0118] On the other hand, if the determination in step S228 is not met, it is determined that the humidity environment will not improve by introducing outside air, and the process proceeds to step S232. In step S232, the opening degree control process is executed, and the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 in the target area are controlled to open fully. Once the process in step S232 is executed, the process proceeds to step S234. In step S234, the outside air control process is executed, and humidification is performed by the humidifier 74 of the outside air adjustment unit 70. Once the process in step S234 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0119] 2-4. Variations The ventilation system of Embodiment 2 may employ the following modified forms.

[0120] 2-4-1. Ventilation device 20 The ventilation system 20 may have a bypass configuration that bypasses one or both of the air passing through the supply duct 30 and the air passing through the exhaust duct 40 from the heat exchange unit 22. Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the bypass configuration of the ventilation system. In the example shown in this figure, there is a bypass passage 26 that bypasses the air passing through the supply duct 30 from the heat exchange unit 22, allowing outside air OA to flow to the supply air SA side without passing through the heat exchange unit 22. The bypass passage 26 is provided with a bypass valve 28 for opening and closing the bypass passage 26. Figure (A) shows the state in which the bypass valve 28 is closed. In this case, outside air OA is introduced into the heat exchange unit 22 and heat is exchanged with the surrounding air RA. On the other hand, Figure (B) shows the state in which the bypass valve 28 is open. In this case, since the outside air OA bypasses the heat exchange unit 22 by passing through the bypass passage 26, no heat exchange occurs with the surrounding air RA.

[0121] In the heat exchange section 22, humidity exchange may occur between the outside air OA and the surrounding air RA. Therefore, if the humidity of the surrounding air RA is higher than that of the outside air OA, when the humidity-exchanged supply air SA is introduced into the building 10, it may not be possible to efficiently improve the humidity in the target area.

[0122] Therefore, in a ventilation system equipped with the modified ventilation device 20, the bypass valve 28 may be opened when the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 in the target area are fully opened in response to the humidity in the target area being above the dehumidification threshold. Such an operation can be performed, for example, by adding the operation of opening the bypass valve 28 in step S208 or S210 of the routine shown in Figure 16. This makes it possible to efficiently improve the humidity in the target area.

[0123] Similarly, in a ventilation system equipped with the modified ventilation device 20, the bypass valve 28 may be opened when the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the target area are fully opened in response to the humidity in the target area being below the humidification threshold. Such an operation can be performed, for example, by adding the operation of opening the bypass valve 28 in step S230 or S232 of the routine shown in Figure 17. This makes it possible to efficiently improve the humidity in the target area.

[0124] 3. Embodiment 3. In Embodiment 3, the differences from the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 will be explained in particular detail. For features not described in Embodiment 3, any of the features from the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 may be adopted.

[0125] 3-1. Features of the ventilation system of Embodiment 3 The measuring device 60 of the ventilation system in Embodiment 3 includes an air pollution sensor that detects the amount of air pollution in the target area. The air pollution sensor is a sensor that detects the amount of air pollution, such as odor intensity or CO2 concentration in the area, and examples include odor sensors, CO2 sensors, particulate matter sensors, etc.

[0126] Within the target area, the air quality may be contaminated by factors such as the generation of household odors associated with cooking, pet keeping, or caregiving, microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, and increased CO2 concentration due to exhaled breath. When the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 performs an opening degree control process that controls the opening of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 of the opening degree change unit 50 according to the amount of air contamination in each target area, and an air volume control process that controls the air volume of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the air volume adjustment unit 24.

[0127] 3-2. Operation based on the amount of air pollution in each area The following describes the operations performed by the control device 100 of the ventilation system of Embodiment 3 for three different area patterns, each with and without the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54.

[0128] 3-2-1. Areas equipped with both intake and exhaust dampers. In areas equipped with both an air supply damper 52 and an exhaust damper 54, both air supply and exhaust within the area can be controlled. Therefore, in the opening degree control process, if the amount of air quality pollution detected by the air pollution sensor of the measuring device 60 in the target area is greater than or equal to a predetermined pollution threshold, the control device 100 reduces the opening degree of the air supply damper 52 of the air supply unit 32 compared to when the amount of air quality pollution is less than the pollution threshold, and sets the opening degree of the exhaust damper 54 to a predetermined large opening degree so that the amount of airflow through the exhaust unit 42 is maintained or increased. The pollution threshold degree here is a predetermined value representing the amount of pollution that causes health risks or discomfort due to air pollution. Specifically, the pollution threshold degree is, for example, 3 for odor intensity, or 1000 ppm for CO2 concentration. The large opening degree here is, for example, fully open.

[0129] For example, if the amount of air pollution in room A detected by the air pollution sensor of the measuring device 60A is equal to or greater than the pollution threshold, the control device 100 completely closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and fully opens the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42A. If the amount of air pollution in room A is less than the pollution threshold, the control device 100 fully opens both the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32A and the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust unit 42A. In this way, the opening degree changing unit 50 reduces the amount of air supplied by the supply air unit 32A in room A when the amount of air pollution in room A is equal to or greater than the pollution threshold, compared to when the amount of air pollution in room A is less than the pollution threshold.

[0130] Through the above operation, the contaminated area can be made to have a negative pressure compared to other areas. This allows for exhaust while suppressing the outflow of air from the contaminated area to other areas.

[0131] 3-2-2. Areas equipped only with intake dampers and not with exhaust dampers. In areas equipped only with an air supply damper 52, only the air supply within that area can be controlled. Therefore, in the opening degree control process, if the amount of air quality pollution detected by the air pollution amount sensor of the measuring device 60 in that area is greater than or equal to the aforementioned pollution threshold, the control device 100 reduces the opening degree of the air supply damper 52 of the air supply unit 32 compared to when the amount of air quality pollution is less than the pollution threshold. In addition, the control device 100 performs airflow control processing and reduces the airflow of one or both of the air supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that when the opening degree of the air supply damper 52 of the air supply unit 32 in that area is reduced and the amount of airflow through the air supply unit 32 in that area is reduced, the airflow is reduced by an amount equivalent to the reduction in the amount of airflow.

[0132] For example, if the amount of air pollution in room B detected by the air pollution sensor of the measuring device 60B is equal to or greater than the pollution threshold, the control device 100 completely closes the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B. If the amount of air pollution in room B is less than the pollution threshold, the control device 100 completely opens the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B. In this way, the opening degree changing unit 50 reduces the amount of air supplied by the supply air unit 32B in room B when the amount of air pollution in room B is equal to or greater than the pollution threshold, compared to when the amount of air pollution in room B is less than the pollution threshold.

[0133] Furthermore, the control device 100 performs airflow control processing to control the airflow of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 according to the opening degree of the supply air damper 52 of the opening degree change unit 50. Typically, when the ventilation device 20 is in operation, the control device 100 reduces the airflow of one or both of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 so that when the opening degree of the supply air damper 52 of the supply air unit 32B in room B is reduced to decrease the amount of airflow in the supply air unit 32B of room B, the airflow of one or both of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 decreases by the amount of airflow.

[0134] Through the actions described above, it is possible to prevent the contaminated area from becoming more positively pressurized than other areas, thereby suppressing the outflow of air from the contaminated area to other areas.

[0135] 3-2-3. Areas equipped only with exhaust dampers and not with intake dampers. In areas equipped only with exhaust dampers 54, only the exhaust within that area can be controlled. Therefore, in the opening degree control process, if the amount of air pollution detected by the air pollution amount sensor of the measuring device 60 in that area is equal to or greater than the aforementioned pollution threshold, the control device 100 sets the opening degree of the exhaust damper 54 of the exhaust section 42 to a predetermined large opening degree.

[0136] Through the above-described operation, at least the air within the contaminated area is exhausted, and the area is prevented from becoming more positively pressurized than other areas, thereby suppressing the outflow of the contaminated air into other areas.

[0137] 3-3. Specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 3 Next, with reference to the flowchart, specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 3 will be described.

[0138] Figure 19 is a flowchart of the routine performed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 3. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs opening degree control processing and airflow rate control processing according to the amount of air quality pollution in each area. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with the measuring device 60, that is, for rooms A, B, and C of building 10.

[0139] First, in step S300, it is determined whether the amount of air pollution detected by the air pollution sensor of the measuring device 60 installed in the target area is equal to or greater than the aforementioned pollution threshold. If the determination is not met, it is determined that the target area does not require ventilation for improving the air quality environment, and the process proceeds to step S302.

[0140] In step S302, an opening degree control process is executed, and one or both of the supply air damper 52 and exhaust damper 54 in the target area are controlled to open to their fullest extent. Once the process in step S302 is executed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0141] On the other hand, if the determination in step S300 is successful, it is determined that the target area requires ventilation to improve the air quality environment, and the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, it is determined whether there is an air supply damper 52 and no exhaust damper 54 in the target area. If the determination is successful, the process proceeds to step S306; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S310.

[0142] In step S306, an opening degree control process is executed to close the supply air damper 52 in the target area to its fully closed position. After the process in step S306 is completed, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S308, an airflow control process is executed to reduce the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and the exhaust fan 242 so that the airflow decreases by an amount equivalent to the decrease in the amount of air supplied to the target area due to the supply air damper 52 in the target area being fully closed. After the process in step S308 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0143] In step S310, it is determined whether there is no air intake damper 52 and an exhaust damper 54 in the target area. If the determination is not met, the process proceeds to step S312. If the determination is met, the process proceeds to step S314.

[0144] In step S312, an opening degree control process is executed, causing the supply air damper 52 in the target area to be fully closed and the exhaust damper 54 to be fully opened. In step S314, an opening degree control process is executed, causing the exhaust damper 54 in the target area to be fully opened. Once the processing in step S312 or S314 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0145] 4. Embodiment 4. In Embodiment 4, the differences from the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 will be explained in particular detail. For features not described in Embodiment 4, any of the features from the example disclosed in Embodiment 1 may be adopted.

[0146] 4-1. Features of the ventilation system of Embodiment 4 The ventilation system of Embodiment 4 is characterized by an operation that compensates for the insufficient ventilation volume caused by reducing the airflow of one or both of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 through airflow control processing during a different time period. That is, for example, if the default ventilation volume is "0.5 times / h for 24 hours", and the ventilation volume in room A is reduced to 0.1 times / h for 6 hours, then the ventilation volume will be insufficient by the volume of room A × 0.4 times / h × 6 hours.

[0147] Therefore, in the case of a ventilation system in Embodiment 4, if a ventilation shortage occurs, an airflow increase process is performed to increase the ventilation volume when predetermined execution conditions are met. Typically, in the airflow increase process, the airflow control processing unit 104 of the control device 100 increases the airflow of one or both of the supply fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 of the airflow adjustment unit 24 compared to before the execution conditions were met, so that the airflow equivalent to the shortage is compensated for. The execution conditions here include, for example, any of the conditions under which the opening control process described above is not performed, i.e., the air conditioning unit 12 is in air conditioning operation, the room temperature in the area meets the temperature conditions, and there are people in the area. With the operation of the ventilation system in Embodiment 4 as described above, it is possible to suppress a shortage of ventilation volume for the building 10 as a whole.

[0148] 4-2. Specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 4 Next, with reference to the flowchart, specific processes performed in the ventilation system according to Embodiment 4 will be described.

[0149] Figure 20 is a flowchart of the routine performed in the control device of the ventilation system according to Embodiment 4. This flowchart is an example of the operation in which the control device 100 performs an airflow increase process. This flowchart is performed for each area equipped with the measuring device 60, i.e., for rooms A, B, and C of building 10.

[0150] First, in step S400, it is determined whether the airflow control process was performed in the target area during the judgment time to reduce the ventilation rate. The judgment time here is, for example, the time from the completion of the previous airflow increase process to the present. If the judgment is not successful, the processing of this routine is terminated; if the judgment is successful, the process proceeds to step S402.

[0151] In step S402, it is determined whether the predetermined execution conditions mentioned above are met. If the determination is not met, the processing of this routine is terminated. If the determination is met, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0152] In step S404, an opening degree control process is executed, and the supply air damper 52 and exhaust air damper 54 in the target area are controlled to open fully. After the process in step S404 is executed, the process proceeds to step S406. In step S406, the amount of reduction in airflow that was reduced in the previous airflow control process is calculated. Then, an airflow increase process is executed, and the airflow of one or both of the supply air fan 241 and exhaust fan 242 is increased until the calculated reduction in airflow is compensated for. After the process in step S406 is completed, the processing of this routine is terminated.

[0153] 5. Others Although preferred embodiments have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0154] The various aspects of this disclosure are summarized below as an appendix.

[0155] (Note 1) A ventilation system that ventilates multiple areas within a building, An air supply duct that introduces outside air from the outdoors and supplies it into the building, An exhaust duct for exhausting the air inside the building to the outside, A ventilation device including a heat exchange unit that causes heat exchange between the air passing through the supply air duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct, and an airflow adjustment unit that adjusts the airflow of one or both of the air passing through the supply air duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct, An opening degree changing unit that changes the amount of airflow through one or both of the supply air section leading to the supply air duct and the exhaust air section leading to the exhaust air duct by changing the opening degree of the air passage, The system includes a control device that controls the opening degree changing unit and the airflow adjustment unit, respectively. The aforementioned air supply unit is installed so as to lead to the target area among the multiple areas, The exhaust unit is installed so as to lead to the target area among the plurality of areas or to an area where air can circulate with the target area. The control device is When the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the airflow rate of one or both of the supply and exhaust units based on the area environment of the target area, an airflow control process is executed to control the airflow adjustment unit to reduce the airflow rate of the air passing through one or both of the supply and exhaust ducts. A ventilation system configured in such a way. (Note 2) The system further includes an air conditioning unit for providing air conditioning to the aforementioned target area. The control device is If the target area is not air-conditioned by the air conditioning system, the opening change unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust sections compared to when the target area is air-conditioned. The ventilation system described in Appendix 1 is configured as follows. (Note 3) The control device is If the airflow control process is performed during the determination time, and the target area is being air-conditioned by the air conditioning system, the airflow adjustment unit is controlled to increase the airflow rate passing through one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct so as to compensate for the ventilation rate limited by the airflow control process. The ventilation system described in Appendix 2 is configured as follows. (Note 4) The area further includes a human sensor that detects the presence or absence of people in the aforementioned target area. The control device is If there are no people in the target area, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust sections compared to when there are people in the target area. The ventilation system described in Appendix 1 is configured as follows. (Note 5) The control device is If the airflow control process is performed during the determination time, and there are people in the target area, the airflow adjustment unit is controlled to increase the airflow rate passing through one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct so that the ventilation rate limited by the airflow control process is compensated for. The ventilation system described in Appendix 4 is configured as follows. (Note 6) The system further includes a room temperature sensor that detects the room temperature of the target area, The control device is If the room temperature in the target area does not meet the preset temperature conditions, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust units compared to when the temperature conditions are met. The ventilation system described in Appendix 1 is configured as follows. (Note 7) The system further includes an air conditioning unit for providing air conditioning to the aforementioned target area. The aforementioned temperature conditions are, The ventilation system according to Appendix 6, wherein the difference in room temperature between a first room temperature, which is the room temperature of the target area, and a second room temperature, which is the room temperature of an area other than the target area among the plurality of areas, is equal to or greater than a predetermined standard room temperature difference, and the first room temperature is lower than the second room temperature when the air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode, or the first room temperature is higher than the second room temperature when the air conditioning system is operating in heating mode. (Note 8) The control device is If the airflow control process is executed during the determination time, and the temperature condition is met, the airflow adjustment unit is controlled to increase the airflow rate passing through one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct so as to compensate for the ventilation rate limited by the airflow control process. A ventilation system as described in Appendix 6 or Appendix 7, configured as follows. (Note 9) The system further includes a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the target area, The control device is When the humidity of the target area is less than a predetermined dehumidification threshold, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust units compared to when the humidity of the target area is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold. The ventilation system described in Appendix 1 is configured as follows. (Note 10) The system further includes an outside air adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the outside air introduced into the aforementioned air supply duct from the outdoors. The control device, when the humidity of the target area is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold, executes a dehumidification operation in the outdoor air adjustment unit when the humidity of the outdoor air is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold. The ventilation system described in Appendix 9 is configured as follows. (Note 11) The aforementioned ventilation device is A bypass passage that bypasses one or both of the air passing through the supply duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct from the heat exchange section, The system includes a bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass passage, The control device opens the bypass valve when the humidity of the target area is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold. A ventilation system as described in Appendix 9 or Appendix 10, configured as follows. (Note 12) A human sensor that detects the presence or absence of people in the aforementioned target area, The system further includes a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the target area, The control device controls the opening change unit so that, when a person is present in the target area and the humidity in the target area is greater than a predetermined humidification threshold, the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust units is reduced compared to when the humidity in the target area is below the humidification threshold. The ventilation system described in Appendix 1 is configured as follows. (Note 13) The system further includes an outside air adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the outside air introduced into the aforementioned air supply duct from the outdoors. The control device performs humidification operation in the outdoor air adjustment unit when the humidity of the target area is below the humidification threshold and the humidity of the outdoor air is below the humidification threshold. The ventilation system described in Appendix 12 is configured as follows. (Note 14) The aforementioned ventilation device is A bypass passage that bypasses one or both of the air passing through the supply duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct from the heat exchange section, The system includes a bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass passage, The control device opens the bypass valve when the humidity of the target area is below the humidification threshold. The ventilation system described in Appendix 12 or Appendix 13, configured as follows. (Note 15) The opening degree changing unit is configured to change the amount of airflow in at least the air intake unit among the air intake unit and the exhaust unit, The system further includes an air pollution sensor for detecting the amount of air pollution in the aforementioned target area. The control device is When the amount of air pollution in the target area exceeds a predetermined pollution threshold, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of air supplied to the air supply unit compared to when the amount of air pollution in the target area is less than the pollution threshold. The ventilation system described in Appendix 1 is configured as follows. (Note 16) The opening degree changing unit is configured to further change the amount of airflow to both of the exhaust units, The control device is When the amount of air pollution in the target area is equal to or greater than the pollution threshold, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to maintain or increase the amount of airflow from the exhaust section compared to when the amount of air pollution in the target area is less than the pollution threshold. The ventilation system described in Appendix 15 is configured as follows. (Note 17) The aforementioned target area is one in which adjacent areas among the aforementioned multiple areas are not separated by walls. A ventilation system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 16. (Note 18) The aforementioned target area is comprised of two or more of the aforementioned multiple areas, Multiple air supply units are installed so as to be connected to each of the two or more areas. A ventilation system as described in any one of the items from Appendix 1 to Appendix 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0156] 10 Building, 12,12A,12B,12C Air conditioning system, 20 Ventilation system, 22 Heat exchange unit, 24 Air volume adjustment unit, 26 Bypass passage, 28 Bypass valve, 30 Supply air duct, 32,32A,32B,32C Supply air unit, 40 Exhaust duct, 42,42A,42D Exhaust unit, 50 Opening degree change unit, 52 Supply air damper, 54 Exhaust damper, 56 Damper, 60,60A,60B,60C Measuring device, 70 Outside air adjustment unit, 72 Dehumidifier, 74 Humidifier, 100 Control device, 102 Opening degree control unit, 104 Air volume control unit, 106 Outside air control unit, 110 Server, 112 Processor 114 Memory, 116 Processing circuits, 118 Dedicated hardware, 120 Network, 130 Router, 241 Intake fan, 242 Exhaust fan

Claims

1. A ventilation system that ventilates multiple areas within a building, An air supply duct that introduces outside air from the outdoors and supplies it into the building, An exhaust duct for exhausting the air inside the building to the outside, A ventilation device including a heat exchange unit that causes heat exchange between the air passing through the supply air duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct, and an airflow adjustment unit that adjusts the airflow of one or both of the air passing through the supply air duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct, An opening degree changing unit that changes the amount of airflow through one or both of the supply air section leading to the supply air duct and the exhaust air section leading to the exhaust air duct by changing the opening degree of the air passage, The system includes a control device that controls the opening degree changing unit and the airflow adjustment unit, respectively. The aforementioned air supply unit is installed so as to lead to the target area among the multiple areas, The exhaust unit is installed so as to lead to the target area among the plurality of areas or to an area where air can circulate with the target area. The control device is When the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the airflow rate of one or both of the supply and exhaust units based on the area environment of the target area, an airflow control process is executed to control the airflow adjustment unit to reduce the airflow rate of the air passing through one or both of the supply and exhaust ducts. A ventilation system configured in such a way.

2. The system further includes an air conditioning unit for providing air conditioning to the aforementioned target area. The control device is If the target area is not air-conditioned by the air conditioning system, the opening change unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust sections compared to when the target area is air-conditioned. The ventilation system according to claim 1, configured as follows.

3. The control device is If the airflow control process is performed during the determination time, and the target area is being air-conditioned by the air conditioning system, the airflow adjustment unit is controlled to increase the airflow rate passing through one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct so as to compensate for the ventilation rate limited by the airflow control process. The ventilation system according to claim 2, configured as follows.

4. The area further includes a human sensor that detects the presence or absence of people in the aforementioned target area. The control device is If there are no people in the target area, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust sections compared to when there are people in the target area. The ventilation system according to claim 1, configured as follows.

5. The control device is If the airflow control process is performed during the determination time, and there are people in the target area, the airflow adjustment unit is controlled to increase the airflow rate passing through one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct so that the ventilation rate limited by the airflow control process is compensated for. The ventilation system according to claim 4, configured as follows.

6. The system further includes a room temperature sensor that detects the room temperature of the target area, The control device is If the room temperature in the target area does not meet the preset temperature conditions, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust units compared to when the temperature conditions are met. The ventilation system according to claim 1, configured as follows.

7. The system further includes an air conditioning unit for providing air conditioning to the aforementioned target area. The aforementioned temperature conditions are, The ventilation system according to claim 6, wherein the difference in room temperature between a first room temperature, which is the room temperature of the target area, and a second room temperature, which is the room temperature of an area other than the target area among the plurality of areas, is greater than or equal to a predetermined standard room temperature difference, and the first room temperature is lower than the second room temperature when the air conditioning system is operating in cooling mode, or the first room temperature is higher than the second room temperature when the air conditioning system is operating in heating mode.

8. The control device is If the airflow control process is executed during the determination time, and the temperature condition is met, the airflow adjustment unit is controlled to increase the airflow rate passing through one or both of the supply duct and the exhaust duct so as to compensate for the ventilation rate limited by the airflow control process. The ventilation system according to claim 6 or claim 7, configured as follows.

9. The system further includes a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the target area, The control device is When the humidity of the target area is less than a predetermined dehumidification threshold, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust units compared to when the humidity of the target area is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 1, configured as follows.

10. The system further includes an outside air adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the outside air introduced into the aforementioned air supply duct from the outdoors. The control device, when the humidity of the target area is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold, executes a dehumidification operation in the outdoor air adjustment unit when the humidity of the outdoor air is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 9, configured as follows.

11. The aforementioned ventilation device is A bypass passage that bypasses one or both of the air passing through the supply duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct from the heat exchange section, The system includes a bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass passage, The control device opens the bypass valve when the humidity of the target area is equal to or greater than the dehumidification threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 9 or claim 10, configured as follows.

12. A human sensor that detects the presence or absence of people in the aforementioned target area, The system further includes a humidity sensor for detecting the humidity of the target area, The control device controls the opening change unit so that, when a person is present in the target area and the humidity in the target area is greater than a predetermined humidification threshold, the amount of airflow from one or both of the supply and exhaust units is reduced compared to when the humidity in the target area is below the humidification threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 1, configured as follows.

13. The system further includes an outside air adjustment unit that adjusts the humidity of the outside air introduced into the aforementioned air supply duct from the outdoors. The control device performs humidification operation in the outdoor air adjustment unit when the humidity of the target area is below the humidification threshold and the humidity of the outdoor air is below the humidification threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 12, configured as follows.

14. The aforementioned ventilation device is A bypass passage that bypasses one or both of the air passing through the supply duct and the air passing through the exhaust duct from the heat exchange section, The system includes a bypass valve for opening and closing the bypass passage, The control device opens the bypass valve when the humidity of the target area is below the humidification threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 12 or claim 13, configured as follows.

15. The opening degree changing unit is configured to change the amount of airflow in at least the air intake unit among the air intake unit and the exhaust unit, The system further includes an air pollution sensor for detecting the amount of air pollution in the aforementioned target area. The control device is When the amount of air pollution in the target area exceeds a predetermined pollution threshold, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to reduce the amount of air supplied to the air supply unit compared to when the amount of air pollution in the target area is less than the pollution threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 1, configured as follows.

16. The opening degree changing unit is configured to further change the amount of airflow to both of the exhaust units, The control device is When the amount of air pollution in the target area is equal to or greater than the pollution threshold, the opening adjustment unit is controlled to maintain or increase the amount of airflow from the exhaust section compared to when the amount of air pollution in the target area is less than the pollution threshold. The ventilation system according to claim 15, configured as follows.

17. The aforementioned target area is one in which adjacent areas among the aforementioned multiple areas are not separated by walls. The ventilation system according to claim 1.

18. The aforementioned target area is comprised of two or more of the aforementioned multiple areas, Multiple air supply units are installed so as to be connected to each of the two or more areas. The ventilation system according to claim 1.

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