Information processing device, air conditioning device, air conditioning system, and air conditioning method
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images
Figure 2026088947000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an air conditioner, an air conditioning system, and an air conditioning method.
Background Art
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an air conditioning system. The air conditioning system described in Patent Document 1 conveys the air in an air conditioning room to a plurality of living rooms independent of the air conditioning room by a plurality of conveying fans, obtains a plurality of living room target temperatures set for each of the plurality of living rooms, and when the air conditioner is in a cooling operation, controls the temperature of the air conditioning room to a temperature below the lowest temperature among the plurality of living room target temperatures, and when the air conditioner is in a heating operation, controls the temperature of the air conditioning room to a temperature above the highest temperature among the plurality of target temperatures, and controls the air volume of the conveying fan based on the living room target temperature and the temperature of the air conditioning room.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] As the number of people in the target space increases, the air in the target space tends to get dirty, and there is a possibility that the ventilation volume is insufficient. However, in order to address this, when there are people in the target space, increasing the air volume of an air conditioning device such as a ventilation device and an air purifier may cause the driving sound of the device to increase, which may make the people in the target space feel uncomfortable.
[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an information processing apparatus, an air conditioner, an air conditioning system, and an air conditioning method that can adjust the air volume of an air conditioning device while suppressing discomfort felt by people in a target space.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0006] The first embodiment of the information processing device includes a control unit (34) that controls an air conditioning device (20) used in a target space (A) and having an air purification function or a ventilation function, and an acquisition unit (35) that acquires information regarding the number of people in the target space (A) by an input unit (32) that receives input of the information or a detection unit (44) that detects the information, wherein the control unit (34), based on the information, determines that the target space (A) has transitioned from a state in which people are present to a state in which people are absent, and performs airflow correction to adjust the airflow of the air conditioning device (20) according to the number of people present in the present state or the length of time the present state lasted.
[0007] In the first embodiment, the airflow of the air conditioner (20) can be adjusted while suppressing discomfort for people in the target space (A).
[0008] In the second embodiment, the control unit (34) outputs a target airflow rate for the air conditioning device (20) during airflow correction based on the required ventilation rate determined from the number of occupants and the design ventilation rate set in advance in the target space (A).
[0009] In the second embodiment, the target airflow can be the difference between the required ventilation volume determined by the number of people in the room and the design ventilation volume, which is insufficient.
[0010] In the third aspect, in the second aspect, the control unit (34) outputs an integrated value of the insufficient ventilation amount of the target space (A) that was insufficient during the state of existence, based on the required ventilation amount and the design ventilation amount, and outputs an equivalent ventilation airflow amount such that the integrated value of the equivalent ventilation airflow amount obtained by replacing the airflow amount of the air conditioner (20) with the ventilation amount over a predetermined period is equal to or greater than the integrated value of the insufficient ventilation amount, and sets the output equivalent ventilation airflow amount as the target airflow amount of the air conditioner (20) during the airflow correction.
[0011] In the third embodiment, the target airflow rate during the absence state can be determined based on the cumulative value of the ventilation volume that was insufficient during the presence state.
[0012] The fourth aspect is an aspect of any one of the first to third aspects in which the air conditioning device (20) is an air conditioning device or air purifier that includes an air purification function.
[0013] In the fourth embodiment, airflow correction can be performed using an air conditioning system or air purifier that includes an air purification function.
[0014] The fifth embodiment is one of the first to fourth embodiments, wherein the control unit (34) controls the ventilation device (10) as the air conditioning device (20) to ventilate the target space (A) with a predetermined ventilation rate which is equal to or greater than the design ventilation rate when the presence state is met, and controls the ventilation device (10) and the air conditioning device (20) to ventilate the target space (A) with the predetermined ventilation rate while the air conditioning device (20) performs the airflow correction when the absence state is met.
[0015] In the fifth embodiment, the ventilation that was insufficient when the device was present can be compensated for by airflow correction by the air conditioning system when the device is absent.
[0016] The sixth embodiment is that, in any one embodiment of the first to fifth embodiments, the control unit (34) cancels the airflow correction if it determines, based on the information, that the state has transitioned from the absent state to the present state during the airflow correction.
[0017] In the sixth embodiment, the operating noise of the air conditioner (20) can be reduced by discontinuing the airflow correction of the air conditioner (20), thereby preventing people from experiencing discomfort due to the operating noise.
[0018] In the seventh aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, when the control unit (34) determines that the predetermined period output based on the information or the predetermined period input from the input unit (32) has elapsed during the air volume correction, the air volume correction is stopped.
[0019] In the seventh aspect, the air volume correction can be terminated after a lapse of a predetermined period from the start of the air volume correction.
[0020] The air conditioner according to the eighth aspect includes the information processing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects.
[0021] The air conditioning system according to the ninth aspect includes the information processing device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects and the above air conditioner.
[0022] The air conditioning method according to the tenth aspect includes a step of obtaining information on the number of people present in the target space (A) by an input unit (32) that receives the input of the information or a detection unit (44) that detects the information, and based on the information, when it is determined that a transition has occurred from a presence state in which a person is present in the target space (A) to an absence state in which the person is absent, adjusting the air volume of the air conditioner (20) used in the target space (A) according to the number of people present during the period of the presence state or the length of the time in the presence state.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of air conditioning processing by an air conditioning system. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram showing the operation of an air conditioning system in an absence state. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram showing the operation of an air conditioning system when transitioning from an absence state to a presence state. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram showing the operation of the air conditioning system when shifting from a non - existent state to an existent state during air volume correction. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a modified example of the air conditioning system. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical idea of the present disclosure. Since each drawing is for conceptually explaining the present disclosure, dimensions, ratios, or numbers may be exaggerated or simplified as necessary for easy understanding. In each embodiment, each example, each modified example, and in the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions and descriptions of accompanying effects and the like will not be repeated.
[0025] - AIR - CONDITIONING SYSTEM - The air - conditioning system (1) is, for example, a system that is provided in facilities such as houses, commercial facilities, and public facilities and performs air - conditioning for the target space (A) of the facility. The air - conditioning system (1) air - conditions the target space (A) of the facility, for example, for the purpose of preventing infectious diseases. The target space (A) is, for example, a room, a living room, a dining room, a kitchen, an office, a store, an enclosed space in a hospital, etc. Hereinafter, the air volume indicates the air volume per unit time (for example, 1 hour).
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the air - conditioning system (1) includes a ventilation device (10), an air - conditioning device (20), an information processing device (30), an input unit (32), a detection unit (44), a first passage (51), a second passage (52), a third passage (53), and a fourth passage (54). The air - conditioning device (20) is an example of a first air - conditioning device. The ventilation device (10) is an example of a second air - conditioning device.
[0027] The first passage (51), the second passage (52), the third passage (53), and the fourth passage (54) are ducts. The first passage (51), the second passage (52), the third passage (53), and the fourth passage (54) are located within the facility. The first passage (51) communicates with the target space (A) and the air conditioning unit (20). The second passage (52) communicates with the target space (A) and the ventilation unit (10). The third passage (53) communicates with the target space (A) and the ventilation unit (10). The fourth passage (54) communicates with the ventilation unit (10) and the first passage (51). The first passage (51) and the second passage (52) form a circulation path that circulates air between the target space (A) and the air conditioning unit (20).
[0028] The return air (61), which is the air sent from the target space (A) to the first passage (51), is mixed with the outside air (63) sent through the fourth passage (54) by the ventilation device (10). The outside air (63) is the air from outside (outside the target space (A) and the circulation path). The supply air (64), which is the mixture of the return air (61) and the outside air (63), is sent to the air conditioning device (20) through the first passage (51), and after passing through the air conditioning device (20), it is sent to the target space (A) through the second passage (52). The exhaust air (62), which is the air sent from the target space (A) to the third passage (53), is sent to the second passage (52) by the ventilation device (10), and then discharged outside (outside the facility).
[0029] The airflow rate of the return air (61) is the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20). The airflow rate of the outside air (63) is the ventilation rate of the ventilation unit (10).
[0030] The ventilation system (10) includes an outside air intake fan and an outside air intake motor that rotates the outside air intake fan. An outside air inlet (not shown) is installed on the exterior wall of the facility. The outside air inlet is connected to the ventilation system (10). The ventilation system (10) takes in outside air (63) from the outside air inlet by rotating the outside air intake fan with the outside air intake motor and sends the outside air (63) to the first passage (51) through the fourth passage (54).
[0031] The ventilation system (10) includes an exhaust fan and an exhaust motor that rotates the exhaust fan. An exhaust vent (not shown) is installed on the exterior wall of the facility. The exhaust vent is connected to the ventilation system (10). The ventilation system (10) rotates the exhaust fan with the exhaust motor to send the air in the target space (A) to the third passage (53), and discharges the exhaust (62) sent to the third passage (53) to the outside through the exhaust vent.
[0032] The ventilation volume (airflow rate of outside air (63)) of the ventilation device (10) is adjusted by controlling the rotational speed of the ventilation fans (outside air intake motor and exhaust motor) by manipulating the current values of the ventilation motors (outside air intake motor and exhaust motor). The ventilation volume (airflow rate of outside air (63)) is equivalent to the airflow rate of the exhaust (62). Heat exchange between the outside air (63) and the exhaust (62) may occur in the ventilation device (10).
[0033] The casing of the air conditioning unit (20) has an intake port and an outlet port. The supply air (64) flowing through the first passage (51) is sent into the casing of the air conditioning unit (20) through the intake port, and then passes through the air conditioning unit (20) so as to be sent to the second passage (52) outside the casing through the outlet port. The airflow rate of the supply air (64) is the sum of the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) and the ventilation rate of the ventilation device (10).
[0034] The air conditioning unit (20) is an air conditioning system that includes an air purification function. The air conditioning unit (20) includes a temperature control unit (21), an air purification unit (22), and a blower unit (23). The temperature control unit (21) controls the temperature of the air in the target space (A). The temperature control unit (21) includes, for example, a first heat exchanger located inside the casing of the air conditioning unit (20), a second heat exchanger located outside, a compressor, and an expansion valve. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are connected in a ring shape via piping or the like to form a refrigerant circuit. The temperature control unit (21) performs cooling operation by releasing heat from the refrigerant compressed by the compressor in the second heat exchanger, then reducing the pressure with the expansion valve, and evaporating the reduced pressure refrigerant in the first heat exchanger. When cooling operation is performed, the first heat exchanger functions as a refrigerant evaporator. When cooling operation is performed, the supply air (64) sent into the casing of the air conditioner (20) through the first passage (51) is cooled by the first heat exchanger, and the cooled supply air (64) is sent to the target space (A) through the second passage (52). As a result, the air in the target space (A) is cooled. The temperature control unit (21) may also be able to switch between cooling operation and heating operation. In this case, the temperature control unit (21) includes a four-way switching valve, and performs heating operation by using the four-way switching valve to flow the refrigerant in the opposite direction to that of cooling operation in the refrigerant circuit. The temperature control unit (21) performs heating operation by releasing heat from the refrigerant compressed by the compressor in the first heat exchanger, then reducing the pressure with an expansion valve, and evaporating the reduced pressure refrigerant in the second heat exchanger. When heating operation is performed, the first heat exchanger functions as a refrigerant condenser. When heating is performed, the supply air (64) sent into the casing of the air conditioner (20) through the first passage (51) is heated by the first heat exchanger, and the heated supply air (64) is sent to the target space (A) through the second passage (52). As a result, the air in the target space (A) is heated.
[0035] The air purification unit (22) purifies the air in the target space (A). The air purification unit (22) includes, for example, a first capture unit that captures dust in the air. The first capture unit is, for example, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air). The air purification unit (22) is positioned, for example, at the intake or outlet of the casing of the air conditioner (20). The supply air (64) sent into the casing of the air conditioner (20) through the first passage (51) passes through the air purification unit (22). At this time, the supply air (64) is purified by the capture of dust in the supply air (64) by the air purification unit (22). The purified supply air (64) is sent to the target space (A) through the second passage (52). As a result, the air in the target space (A) is purified. The air conditioning unit (20) includes an air purification unit (22) that purifies the air in the target space (A), and when circulating air between the air conditioning unit (20) and the target space (A), it sends the air purified by the air purification unit (22) to the target space (A). The airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) indicates the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) that is circulated between the air conditioning unit (20) and the target space (A). If the air conditioning unit (20) includes an air purification unit (22), the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) adjusted for airflow correction indicates the airflow rate circulating between the air conditioning unit (20) and the target space (A) (airflow rate during fan operation).
[0036] The blower unit (23) includes a blower fan that sends air (return air (61)) through a circulation path and a blower motor that rotates the blower fan. The blower unit (23) (blower fan and blower motor) is located inside the casing of the air conditioning unit (20). The blower motor rotates the blower fan, causing the return air (61) to circulate between the air conditioning unit (20) and the target space (A) through the circulation path (first passage (51) and second passage (52)). The airflow rate of the return air (61) (airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20)) is adjusted by controlling the rotation speed of the blower fan by manipulating the current value of the blower motor.
[0037] The information processing device (30) is, for example, a PC (Personal Computer). The information processing device (30) includes a display unit (31), a storage unit (33), a control unit (34), and an acquisition unit (35). The display unit (31) displays information. The display unit (31) includes, for example, a display (liquid crystal display, organic EL display, etc.). The storage unit (33) includes, for example, a main memory (e.g., semiconductor memory) such as flash memory, ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), and may further include an auxiliary memory (e.g., a hard disk drive, SSD (Solid State Drive), SD (Secure Digital) memory card, or USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash memory). The storage unit (33) stores various computer programs executed by the control unit (34). The control unit (34) includes a processor or ASIC such as a CPU and MPU. The control unit (34) controls each component of the air conditioning system (1) by executing a computer program stored in the memory unit (33).
[0038] The input unit (32) receives instructions from an external source. The input unit (32) includes, for example, a keyboard, touch panel, mouse, operation buttons, etc. The input unit (32) may not be provided in the information processing device (30) but may be an external terminal (such as a smartphone) that is connected to the information processing device (30) in a communicative manner. Figure 2 shows the configuration of the information processing device (30) when the input unit (32) is an external terminal. The input unit (32) may also receive input regarding the number of people in the target space (A). In this case, for example, the user inputs information from the input unit (32) indicating the number of people in the target space (A), whether or not they are present, the period during which they were present, the period during which they were absent, the average number of people in the target space (A) during the period during which they were present, the total number of people in the target space (A) during the period during which they were present, etc. The input unit (32) may also receive input regarding a predetermined period, which will be described later. In this case, for example, the user inputs information indicating a predetermined period from the input unit (32).
[0039] The detection unit (44) detects information regarding the number of people in the target space (A). The detection unit (44) includes, for example, a human presence sensor (infrared sensor). The detection unit (44) is installed in the target space (A) (for example, on the wall surface of the target space (A)). Information indicating the detection result of the detection unit (44) is acquired by the acquisition unit (35). The control unit (34) can determine whether or not there are people in the target space (A) based on the detection result of the detection unit (44), and can also output the number of people in the target space (A) based on the detection result of the detection unit (44).
[0040] The acquisition unit (35) acquires information regarding the number of people in the target space (A), such as information indicating the detection result of the detection unit (44). If the acquisition unit (35) is wirelessly connected to the detection unit (44), it includes a communication module such as a LAN board, and if it is wired, it includes a communication port. The acquisition unit (35) acquires information input from the input unit (32). The acquisition unit (35) includes a circuit for reading the operation status of the input unit (32), such as a keyboard. Furthermore, if the input unit (32) is an external terminal, the acquisition unit (35) includes a communication module for communicating with the external terminal.
[0041] —Air conditioning treatment— As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 4A, in step S1, if a person is present in the target space (A), the control unit (34) controls the ventilation device (10) so that the ventilation volume in the target space (A) is equal to or greater than a predetermined ventilation volume equal to or greater than the design ventilation volume set in advance. Regarding the airflow of the air conditioner (20) when a person is present in the target space (A), it is set to 0 if the air conditioner (20) is not operated by the user, and if the air conditioner (20) is operated by the user, it becomes the airflow of the air conditioner (20) operating in an operating mode corresponding to the user's operation.
[0042] The design ventilation rate is the amount of air required to maintain a hygienic environment within the target space (A). The design ventilation rate is the airflow required for a predetermined number of air changes. Information indicating the design ventilation rate is stored in the memory unit (33) (see Figure 2). The design ventilation rate is set, for example, based on the required number of air changes in the target space (A) and the volume of the target space (A).
[0043] In step S2, the control unit (34) determines whether or not a person is present in the target space (A) based on the input result from the input unit (32) or the detection result from the detection unit (44). If a person is present in the target space (A) (Yes in step S2), the process proceeds to step S3. If a person is absent in the target space (A) (No in step S2), the process proceeds to step S4.
[0044] In step S3, the control unit (34) outputs the number of people in the target space (A) based on the input result from the input unit (32) or the detection result from the detection unit (44). When step S3 is completed, the process moves to step S1.
[0045] As shown in Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 4B, in step S4, the control unit (34) outputs the average number of people in the target space (A) during the period (0 to t0) in which it was present, or the total number of people in the target space (A) during the period (0 to t0) in which it was present, based on the input result of the input unit (32) or the detection result of the detection unit (44). The control unit (34) also functions as a timer and counts the length of the period in which it was present.
[0046] In step S5, the control unit (34) outputs the cumulative value (X1) of the insufficient ventilation volume of the target space (A) during the period of existence, based on the required ventilation volume and the design ventilation volume. The required ventilation volume is calculated based on the number of people in the target space (A) and 300 CHM (Cubic Meter Per Hour (m²)). 3It is expressed as the product of ( / h) and changes according to the number of people in the target space (A) (Required ventilation = Number of people in the target space (A) × 300CHM). In this case, the cumulative value of the insufficient ventilation (X1) is the value obtained by subtracting the cumulative value of the predetermined ventilation (X2) during the period of existence (0 to t0) from the value obtained by integrating the required ventilation over the period of existence (0 to t0) (X1 + X2). The predetermined ventilation indicates the ventilation volume (ventilation volume equal to or greater than the design ventilation volume) provided by the ventilation device (10) during the period of existence (0 to t0). The required ventilation volume may also be the first value shown by the product of the average number of people in the target space (A) during the period of existence (0 to t0) and 300CHM. In this case, the cumulative value of the insufficient ventilation (X1) is the product of the first value and the length of the period (0 to t0) during which the condition existed, minus the cumulative value (X2). Alternatively, the required ventilation may be the second value, which is the product of the total number of people in the target space (A) during the period (0 to t0) during which the condition existed, and 300 CHM. In this case, the cumulative value of the insufficient ventilation (X1) is the product of the second value and the length of the period (0 to t0) during which the condition existed, minus the cumulative value (X2).
[0047] In step S6, the control unit (34) outputs the target airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) during airflow correction based on the cumulative value (X1) of the insufficient ventilation rate.
[0048] The control unit (34) outputs an equivalent ventilation airflow rate such that the cumulative value (X3) of the equivalent ventilation airflow rate over a predetermined period (ΔT) is equal to or greater than the cumulative value (X1) of the insufficient ventilation rate, and sets the output equivalent ventilation airflow rate as the target airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) during airflow rate correction. The equivalent ventilation airflow rate is obtained by replacing the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) with the ventilation rate. In other words, the equivalent ventilation airflow rate is obtained by considering the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) as the ventilation rate. That is, ventilating the air in the target space (A) is replaced by sending air purified by the air purification unit (22) of the air conditioning unit (20) to the target space (A).
[0049] The target airflow is set to a value such that the cumulative value (X3), which is the value obtained by integrating the target airflow over a predetermined period (ΔT) (or the product of the target airflow and the predetermined period (ΔT) if the target airflow is constant), is equal to or greater than the cumulative value (X1) of the insufficient ventilation.
[0050] The control unit (34) outputs, for example, a value obtained by dividing the cumulative value of the insufficient ventilation volume (X1) by a predetermined period (ΔT) as the target airflow rate. The control unit (34) may also output an increased value obtained by multiplying the cumulative value of the insufficient ventilation volume (X1) by a predetermined value, adding a predetermined value, etc., and output a value obtained by dividing this increased value by a predetermined period (ΔT) as the target airflow rate. The target airflow rate may also be input by the user from the input unit (32).
[0051] The predetermined period (ΔT) indicates the length of time for performing airflow correction. Airflow correction will be described later. The predetermined period (ΔT) is set in advance and stored in the memory unit (33). The predetermined period (ΔT) may also be output by the control unit (34) based on the length of the past period of absence. In this case, for example, the control unit (34) outputs the predetermined period (ΔT) based on the input result of the input unit (32) (information on the number of people in the target space (A) input by the input unit (32)) or the detection result of the detection unit (44) (information on the number of people in the target space (A) detected by the detection unit (44)). The predetermined period (ΔT) may be the average, median, or mode of multiple past periods of absence. The predetermined period (ΔT) may also be input by the user from the input unit (32). The predetermined period (ΔT) is, for example, a value such that the target airflow is greater than the required ventilation airflow.
[0052] In step S7, the control unit (34) performs airflow correction. Airflow correction is the control unit (34) controlling the air conditioning unit (20) so that the airflow of the air conditioning unit (20) becomes the target airflow for a predetermined period (ΔT). In this embodiment, ventilation is performed by the ventilation device (10) during airflow correction. During airflow correction, the control unit (34) controls the ventilation device (10) so that the ventilation volume of the ventilation device (10) becomes a predetermined ventilation volume equal to or greater than the design ventilation volume. In Figure 4A, the integrated value (X4) shows the integrated value of the ventilation volume of the ventilation device (10) during airflow correction.
[0053] In step S8, the control unit (34) determines whether or not a person is present in the target space (A) based on the input result from the input unit (32) or the detection result from the detection unit (44). That is, the control unit (34) determines whether or not a person has entered the target space (A) since the start of airflow correction. If the control unit (34) determines that a person is present in the target space (A), that is, that the state has changed from absent to present (Yes in step S8), the airflow correction is canceled and the process proceeds to step S1. If there is no person present in the target space (A) (No in step S8), the process proceeds to step S9.
[0054] In step S9, the control unit (34) determines whether a predetermined period (ΔT) has elapsed since the start of airflow correction. If the predetermined period (ΔT) has elapsed (Yes in step S9), the control unit (34) terminates the airflow correction. Therefore, the control unit (34) cancels the airflow correction if it determines that the predetermined period (ΔT) has elapsed during airflow correction. After the completion of airflow correction, the process may proceed to step S1 or the process may end. If the predetermined period (ΔT) has not elapsed (No in step S9), the process proceeds to step S8 and the airflow correction continues.
[0055] Referring to Figure 4C, an example of the change in airflow when the processes shown in steps S1 to S7 are performed will be explained.
[0056] As shown in Figure 4C, after the required ventilation volume equals the cumulative value (X5) in the present state, the state becomes absent, and the first airflow correction is performed. However, because the present state is re-established at a time (ΔT') before the predetermined period (ΔT) in which the first airflow correction was scheduled to be performed has elapsed, the first airflow correction is canceled. As a result, the cumulative value (X6) in the first airflow correction becomes smaller than the cumulative value (X5). Subsequently, after the required ventilation volume equals the cumulative value (X7) in the present state, the state becomes absent, and the second airflow correction is performed. In the second airflow correction, the predetermined period (ΔT) in which the first airflow correction was scheduled to be performed has elapsed without the present state being re-established. As a result, the cumulative value (X8) in the second airflow correction becomes the cumulative value (X7). After the completion of the second airflow correction, the ventilation device (10) operates at a ventilation volume equal to or greater than the design ventilation volume.
[0057] -effect- As described above, when the control unit (34) determines, based on the information on the number of people in the target space (A) acquired by the acquisition unit (35), that the target space (A) has transitioned from a state where people are present to a state where people are absent, it performs airflow correction to adjust (change) the airflow of the air conditioner (20) according to the number of people present when it was present or the length of time it was present. As a result, by performing airflow correction to adjust the airflow of the air conditioner (20) when it is absent, it is possible to increase the airflow of the air conditioner (20) while suppressing the discomfort felt by people in the target space (A) when the operating noise of the air conditioner (20) becomes louder when it is absent.
[0058] Furthermore, any deficiency in ventilation when the room is occupied can be compensated for by adjusting the airflow when the room is unoccupied. As a result, the deterioration of the air environment in the target space (A) can be suppressed.
[0059] —Revised Version— The air conditioning unit (20) may have a ventilation function that sends air from the target space (A) to the outside and / or sends outside air (outside air) into the target space (A). In this case, the air conditioning unit (20) comprises a casing of the air conditioning unit (20), a blower pipe communicating with the outside, and a blower fan provided on the blower pipe. When the air conditioning unit (20) performs exhaust ventilation, it rotates the blower fan to send air from the target space (A) to the casing of the air conditioning unit (20) and then to the outside through the blower pipe. When the air conditioning unit (20) performs supply ventilation, it rotates the blower fan to send outside air through the blower pipe to the casing of the air conditioning unit (20) and then to the target space (A) from the casing of the air conditioning unit (20). In this case, the air conditioning unit (20) may also perform ventilation operation when correcting the airflow. If the air conditioning unit (20) has a ventilation function, the airflow of the air conditioning unit (20) to be adjusted for airflow correction indicates the ventilation airflow of the air conditioning unit (20) (airflow during ventilation operation). The ventilation airflow of the air conditioning unit (20) indicates the supply airflow to the target space (A) or the exhaust airflow from the target space (A).
[0060] The airflow rate of the air conditioner (20) circulating air between the air conditioner (20) and the target space (A) (fan operation) is the first example of the airflow rate of the air conditioner (20). The ventilation airflow rate of the air conditioner (20) (ventilation airflow rate of the target space (A) by the air conditioner (20)) is the second example of the airflow rate of the air conditioner (20). The airflow rate of the air conditioner (20) includes an air purification unit (22) and refers to the airflow rate of the air sent to the target space (A) by the air conditioner (20) that has purified air by the air purification unit (22), or the ventilation airflow rate of the target space (A) by the air conditioner (20) that has a ventilation function.
[0061] Furthermore, if the air conditioning system (20) has a ventilation function, the air conditioning system (20) may function as the ventilation system (10) without providing a separate ventilation system (10). In this case, when present, the ventilation airflow of the air conditioning system (20) is controlled so that the ventilation volume of the target space (A) is equal to or greater than the design ventilation volume. When absent, the air conditioning system (20) is controlled so that the airflow of the air conditioning system (20) circulating between the target space (A) and the air conditioning system (20), or the ventilation airflow of the air conditioning system (20), becomes the target airflow. Also, when absent, the ventilation airflow of the air conditioning system (20) is controlled so that the ventilation airflow of the target space (A) is equal to or greater than the design ventilation volume.
[0062] Furthermore, if the air conditioning system (20) only performs ventilation such as ventilating at a predetermined ventilation rate greater than or equal to the design ventilation rate when present, and ventilating at a target airflow rate and a predetermined ventilation rate greater than or equal to the design ventilation rate when absent, then it is sufficient for the ventilation system (10) to have only the ventilation function, and it does not need to have a temperature control unit (21) (temperature control function) and an air purification unit (22) (air purification function).
[0063] The air conditioning unit (20) only needs to have an air purification function or a ventilation function. That is, the air conditioning unit (20) only needs to have at least one of the functions of air purification and ventilation. The air purification function refers to the function of sending air purified by the air purification unit (22) to the target space (A). The ventilation function refers to at least one of the functions of supplying air to the target space (A) and exhausting air from the target space (A). The air conditioning unit (20) does not need to have a temperature control function (temperature control unit (21)) to adjust the temperature of the air in the target space (A), or it may have a temperature control function. As shown in Figure 1, if the air conditioning unit (20) has an air purification function but does not have a ventilation function, the control unit (34) causes the air conditioning unit (20) to perform a fan operation when correcting the airflow rate. Fan operation is an operation that circulates air between the air conditioning unit (20) and the target space (A). If the air conditioning unit (20) has an air purification function but no ventilation function, the control unit (34) adjusts the airflow rate of the fan operation during airflow correction. Therefore, if the air conditioning unit (20) has an air purification function but no ventilation function, the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) adjusted during airflow correction is the airflow rate of the fan operation (in this embodiment, the airflow rate of the return air (61)). Also, if the air conditioning unit (20) does not have an air purification function but does have a ventilation function, the control unit (34) causes the air conditioning unit (20) to perform ventilation operation during airflow correction. Ventilation operation is an operation that exhausts and / or supplies air to the target space (A). If the air conditioning unit (20) does not have an air purification function but has a ventilation function, the control unit (34) adjusts the airflow rate for ventilation operation (the exhaust airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) when exhausting and ventilating the target space (A), and / or the supply airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) when supplying and ventilating the target space (A)) during airflow correction. Therefore, if the air conditioning unit (20) does not have an air purification function but has a ventilation function, the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) adjusted during airflow correction represents the airflow rate for ventilation operation (in this embodiment, the exhaust airflow rate (62) and / or the outside air airflow rate (63)). If the air conditioning unit (20) does not have an air purification function but has a ventilation function, the air conditioning system (1) may not be equipped with a ventilation device (10), and the air conditioning unit (20) may function as the ventilation device (10).If the air conditioning unit (20) has both an air purification function and a ventilation function, the air conditioning unit (20) may be made to operate in fan mode or ventilation mode when correcting the airflow rate. If the air conditioning unit (20) has both an air purification function and a ventilation function and operates in fan mode when correcting the airflow rate, the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) adjusted during airflow correction will be the airflow rate for fan mode. If the air conditioning unit (20) has both an air purification function and a ventilation function and operates in ventilation mode when correcting the airflow rate, the airflow rate of the air conditioning unit (20) adjusted during airflow correction will be the airflow rate for ventilation mode. If the air conditioning unit (20) has both an air purification function and a ventilation function and operates in ventilation mode when correcting the airflow rate, the air conditioning system (1) may not have a ventilation device (10), and the air conditioning unit (20) may function as the ventilation device (10). In a configuration where the air conditioning system (20) performs ventilation operation during airflow correction, the air conditioning system (20) is controlled so that the ventilation airflow (airflow during ventilation operation) of the air conditioning system (20) becomes the target airflow when the occupant is absent. In a configuration where the air conditioning system (20) functions as a ventilation system (10), the ventilation airflow of the air conditioning system (20) is controlled so that the ventilation airflow of the target space (A) becomes a predetermined ventilation amount equal to or greater than the design ventilation amount, in both the present and absent states.
[0064] The air purification unit (22) may include a sterilization unit that inactivates harmful microorganisms floating in the air within the target space (A). The sterilization unit is, for example, an LED placed inside the casing of the air conditioner (20) that irradiates ultraviolet light onto the air (supply air (64)) passing through the casing. This inactivates viruses and bacteria in the supply air (64), and the air in the target space (A) is purified when the supply air (64) is sent to the target space (A).
[0065] The air purification unit (22) may include an ion generator that releases ions into the air. The ion generator releases ions to the air (supply air (64)) passing through the casing of the air conditioner (20), and the ions combine with components in the air to generate highly oxidative active species. The supply air (64) from which the ions have been released is then sent to the target space (A), thereby purifying the air in the target space (A).
[0066] The fourth passage (54) does not have to be in communication with the first passage (51), and may be in direct communication with the target space (A). In this case, the outside air (63) is sent to the target space (A) without mixing with the return air (61).
[0067] The configuration of the air conditioning system (20) is not particularly limited. For example, the air conditioning system (20) may have an indoor unit located within the target space (A) and an outdoor unit located outside. In this case, the indoor unit may have a temperature control unit (21), an air purification unit (22), a blower unit (23), a first heat exchanger, etc., and the outdoor unit may have a second heat exchanger, etc. In this case, a second passage (52) is not provided, and supply air (64) is sent directly from the indoor unit into the target space (A). The indoor unit may be wall-mounted or ceiling-embedded.
[0068] The information processing device (30) may be provided in the air conditioning system (20). In this case, for example, the control unit (34), storage unit (33), and acquisition unit (35) are provided on a control board located inside the casing of the indoor unit of the air conditioning system (20), and the display unit (31) is provided on the remote controller of the air conditioning system (20). The input unit (32) may be provided on the remote controller of the air conditioning system (20). The detection unit (44) may also be provided in the air conditioning system (20). In this case, the detection unit (44) is located, for example, in the casing of the indoor unit of the air conditioning system (20).
[0069] The configuration of the ventilation device (10) is not particularly limited. For example, the ventilation device (10) may have a structure in which an outside air intake fan is installed on the ceiling of the target space (A), and the outside air intake fan is connected to the outside by a duct.
[0070] In this embodiment, a detection unit (44), which is a human presence sensor, acquires information regarding the number of people in the target space (A). However, the present invention is not limited to this. An input unit (32) may also accept input regarding the number of people in the target space (A). For example, a user of the target space (A) inputs information regarding the number of people in the target space (A) to the input unit (32). The information regarding the number of people in the target space (A) input from the input unit (32) is acquired by the acquisition unit (35). The information regarding the number of people in the target space (A) input from the input unit (32) is a second example of information regarding the number of people in the target space (A).
[0071] Alternatively, a CO2 sensor may be placed within the target space (A), and the control unit (34) may output the number of people in the target space (A) based on the CO2 sensor's detection value and the correlation information between the number of people in the space and the CO2 concentration. This correlation information is stored in the storage unit (33) (see Figure 2). Information indicating the CO2 sensor's detection value is acquired by the acquisition unit (35). Information indicating the CO2 sensor's detection value, which detects the CO2 concentration within the target space (A), is a third example of information regarding the number of people in the target space (A).
[0072] In the second passage (52), a damper (80) may be provided at the outlet to the target space (A). In this case, if the opening of the damper (80) is fixed, the airflow rate of the air conditioning device (20) (rotation speed of the blower fan) may be adjusted to achieve the desired equivalent ventilation airflow rate, or if the airflow rate of the air conditioning device (20) is fixed, the opening of the damper (80) may be adjusted to achieve the desired equivalent ventilation airflow rate.
[0073] As shown in Figure 5, the air conditioning unit (20) may also be an air purifier. The air conditioning unit (20), which is an air purifier, is placed, for example, within the target space (A). The air conditioning unit (20), which is an air purifier, includes an air purification unit (22) (a second capture unit that captures dust, such as a HEPA filter), a fan, and a motor that rotates the fan. The air conditioning unit (20) circulates air between the air conditioning unit (20) and the target space (A) by rotating the fan with the motor. The air circulating between the air conditioning unit (20) and the target space (A) is purified by the second capture unit (HEPA filter) as it passes through the air purifier (70). As a result, purified air is sent from the air conditioning unit (20) to the target space (A). In this case, the equivalent ventilation airflow is obtained by replacing the airflow of the air conditioning unit (20), which is an air purifier, with the ventilation volume.
[0074] If the required ventilation volume falls below the design ventilation volume, the control unit (34) may control the air conditioning unit (20) during airflow correction so that the airflow of the air conditioning unit (20) is equal to or greater than the design ventilation volume.
[0075] The air conditioning unit (20) may also be an air handling unit. The air conditioning unit (20), which is an air handling unit, has both an air purification function and a ventilation function, and mixes outside air and return air, and supplies clean air to the target space (A) by passing the mixed outside air and return air through an air purification unit (22) (for example, a HEPA filter). In the air conditioning unit (20), which is an air handling unit, when increasing the amount of supply air, the proportion of return air may be controlled to increase in order to reduce the load due to ventilation. In addition, in the air conditioning system (1), the air conditioning system (1) may be an air handling unit by configuring the air conditioning unit (20) and the ventilation unit (10) as a single unit instead of separate units.
[0076] While embodiments and modifications have been described above, it will be understood that a variety of changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. Furthermore, the above embodiments, examples, modifications, and other embodiments may be combined or substituted as appropriate, as long as they do not impair the functions covered by this disclosure.
[0077] The designations "1st," "2nd," "3rd," etc., mentioned above are used to distinguish between the terms to which these designations are attached, and do not limit the number or order of those terms. [Industrial applicability]
[0078] As described above, this disclosure is useful for information processing devices, air conditioning devices, air conditioning systems, and air conditioning methods. [Explanation of symbols]
[0079] 1. Air conditioning system 10 Ventilation system 20 Air conditioning system 21 Temperature control section 22 Air purification unit 34 Control Unit 35 Acquisition Department A Target space
Claims
1. A control unit (34) controls an air conditioning system (20) used in the target space (A) that has an air purification function or a ventilation function, An acquisition unit (35) acquires information regarding the number of people in the target space (A) by an input unit (32) that receives the input of the information or an acquisition unit (44) that detects the information. In an information processing device equipped with, The control unit (34), based on the information, determines that the target space (A) has transitioned from a state in which people are present to a state in which people are absent, and performs airflow correction to adjust the airflow of the air conditioner (20) according to the number of people present in the present state or the length of time the present state lasted, as an information processing device.
2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (34) outputs a target airflow rate for the air conditioning device (20) during airflow rate correction based on the required ventilation rate determined from the number of occupants and the design ventilation rate set in advance in the target space (A).
3. The information processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (34) outputs an integrated value of the insufficient ventilation amount of the target space (A) that was insufficient during the existence state based on the required ventilation amount and the design ventilation amount, outputs an equivalent ventilation airflow amount such that the integrated value of the equivalent ventilation airflow amount obtained by replacing the airflow amount of the air conditioner (20) with ventilation amount over a predetermined period is equal to or greater than the integrated value of the insufficient ventilation amount, and sets the outputted equivalent ventilation airflow amount as the target airflow amount of the air conditioner (20) during the airflow correction.
4. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the air conditioning device (20) is an air conditioning device or air purifier that includes an air purification function.
5. The control unit (34) In the aforementioned state, the ventilation device (10) is controlled as the air conditioning device (20) to ventilate the target space (A) with a predetermined ventilation rate which is equal to or greater than the design ventilation rate. The information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in the absence of the aforementioned state, the ventilation device (10) and the air conditioning device (20) are controlled so that the ventilation device (10) ventilates the target space (A) at a predetermined ventilation rate while the air conditioning device (20) performs the airflow correction.
6. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (34) cancels the airflow correction when it determines, based on the information, that the state has transitioned from the absent state to the present state during the airflow correction.
7. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (34) determines that a predetermined period output based on the information or the predetermined period input from the input unit (32) has elapsed during the airflow correction.
8. An air conditioning system comprising an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
9. An air conditioning system comprising an information processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and the air conditioning device (20).
10. The process involves acquiring information regarding the number of people in the target space (A) using an input unit (32) that receives the input of the said information or a detection unit (44) that detects the said information, Based on the aforementioned information, if it is determined that the target space (A) has transitioned from a state in which people are present to a state in which people are absent, the process involves adjusting the airflow rate of the air conditioning system (20) used in the target space (A) according to the number of people present during the period of presence or the length of time the presence was maintained. An air conditioning method that includes [this].