Air circulation system and air circulation method

Abstract

This invention provides an air circulation system that allows for the evaluation of the quality of the return flow path for returning the air from a living space back to the chamber. [Solution] The air circulation system 1 includes a chamber 17, a fan 18, a circulation path 19 having a supply path 29 for supplying air Ai pressurized by the fan 18 from the chamber 17 to the living room 8, and a return path 30 for returning the air Ai from the living room 8 to the chamber 17, and a control device 20 for controlling the fan 18. The control device 20 includes a first acquisition unit that acquires a first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss of the circulation path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 open, a second acquisition unit that acquires a second pressure loss, which is the pressure loss of the circulation path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 closed, and an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the return path 30 based on the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air circulation system and an air circulation method.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 below describes a whole-house air conditioning system. This system includes a fan for pumping air conditioned by an air conditioner in a chamber box to a plurality of living rooms via a plurality of ducts, a detection unit for acquiring first information that is the rotational speed during operation of the fan or information corresponding thereto, and a display unit for displaying the first information. By displaying this first information, it is possible to determine the possibility that a problem has occurred in the duct.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In recent years, due to the improvement of the airtightness of each living room, when the fittings of the living room are completely closed, the resistance of the return flow path (return path) through which the air in each living room returns to the chamber box of the whole-house air conditioning system is increasing. In particular, in the case of a large-volume air supply for the air circulation and purification of the entire house like a whole-house air conditioning system, the resistance due to the specifications of the fittings in each living room cannot be ignored.

[0005] From the above situation, in order to smoothly circulate the air in the house, it is important to know whether there is a problem in the return path for returning the air in the living room to the chamber box.

[0006] This invention was devised in view of the above-described circumstances, and its main objective is to provide an air circulation system that can evaluate the quality of the return flow path for returning the air from a living space back to the chamber. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to an air circulation system installed in a dwelling, comprising: a chamber having an inlet and an outlet; a fan disposed within the chamber; a circulation path having a supply path for supplying air pressurized by the fan from the outlet of the chamber to a living room; and a return path for returning the air from the living room to the inlet of the chamber; and a control device for controlling the fan, wherein the living room includes an openable and closable door and a vent that forms part of the circulation path, the vent being able to fluidly communicate the living room and the inlet of the chamber when the door is closed, and the control device comprising: a first acquisition unit that acquires a first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss of the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the living room open; a second acquisition unit that acquires a second pressure loss, which is the pressure loss of the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the living room closed; and an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the return path based on the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] By adopting the above configuration, the air circulation system of the present invention makes it possible to evaluate the quality of the return flow path for returning the air from the living space back to the chamber. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a house equipped with an air circulation system. [Figure 2] This is a conceptual diagram showing the state of air circulation with the doors and windows closed. [Figure 3] This diagram shows an example of a house floor plan. [Figure 4]This figure shows an example of a door and ventilation opening. (a) shows the door in the closed position, and (b) shows the door in the open position. [Figure 5] This is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for an air circulation method. [Figure 7] This is a conceptual diagram showing the state of air circulation with the doors and windows open. [Figure 8] This graph shows the relationship between fan speed and pressure loss when operating at high notch. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart showing an example of the processing steps for the evaluation process. [Figure 10] This flowchart shows an example of the processing procedure for the evaluation step of another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings contain exaggerations and representations that differ from the actual dimensional ratios of the structures in order to aid in understanding the content of the invention. Furthermore, the same or common elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout each embodiment, and redundant explanations are omitted. Moreover, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for the purpose of understanding the content of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0011] [Housing] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a house 2 in which an air circulation system 1 is installed. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the state in which air Ai is circulated with the doors 11 closed. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of floor plan 3 of house 2. In this Figure 3, the floor plan 3 of the second floor is shown as a representative example.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, although the house 2 of the present embodiment is exemplified as a two-story house, it may be a single-story house or a three-story or higher house. Further, the house 2 of the present embodiment is configured as an industrialized house having excellent airtight performance. Thereby, reduction of air-conditioning load and the like are made possible. Note that the house 2 is not necessarily limited to an industrialized house.

[0013] The house 2 of the present embodiment is configured to include a space under the floor 4 and a space above the floor 5.

[0014] The space under the floor 4 is a space surrounded by a foundation, the ground, and the first-floor floor 6. An air supply port 7 for taking in outside air Ao is provided in the foundation. The outside air Ao taken in from this air supply port 7 is heat-exchanged with the heat in the ground with little temperature change throughout the year through the ground. As a result, in the space under the floor 4, air that is cooler in summer and warmer in winter than the outside air Ao (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "under-floor air") is stored.

[0015] The space above the floor 5 is a space provided above the space under the floor 4 (floor 6). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a living room 8 and a non-living room 9 are provided in the space above the floor 5.

[0016] The living room 8 of the present embodiment includes a first-floor living room 8A and a second-floor living room 8B. Note that the living room 8 may be, for example, only the first-floor living room 8A, or may include living rooms on the third floor or higher (not shown). In a house 2 having excellent airtight performance as in the present embodiment, the airtightness of each living room 8 is improved. Further, the living room 8 includes fittings 11 and a ventilation port 12.

[0017] The non-living room 9 includes a first-floor non-living room 9A and a second-floor non-living room 9B. Note that the non-living room 9 may be, for example, only the first-floor non-living room 9A, or may include non-living rooms on the third floor or higher (not shown). These non-living rooms 9 are configured as, for example, a toilet 13, a bathroom (not shown), a corridor 14, and a staircase room 15 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. A staircase 15A is provided in the staircase room 15.

[0018] [Joinery] Figures 4(a) and 4(b) show examples of the door 11 and ventilation opening 12. Figure 4(a) shows the door 11 in the closed position. Figure 4(b) shows the door 11 in the open position.

[0019] The door 11 is installed in the opening 16 provided in the living room 8. This door 11 allows the opening 16 to be opened and closed. Any known door 11 that can be opened and closed may be used as appropriate. The door 11 is not limited to a sliding door 11A; it may also be a hinged door or the like.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), the ventilation opening 12 in this embodiment includes a gap around the door / window 11, including an undercut 12A. Such a ventilation opening 12 allows air to circulate between the inside and outside of the living room 8 when the door / window 11 is closed. This allows for ventilation of each living room 8, which has improved airtightness. Note that the ventilation opening 12 is not limited to the undercut 12A, and may also be a louver or transom, for example, not shown.

[0021] [Air circulation system] As shown in Figure 1, the air circulation system 1 of this embodiment includes a chamber 17, a fan 18, a circulation channel 19, and a control device 20. In this specification, "fan" is a machine for pressurizing air. Therefore, the fan 18 and the outside air supply fan 28 described later are not particularly limited as long as they are capable of pressurizing air.

[0022] [chamber] Chamber 17 is formed in a box shape with space inside. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the chamber 17 in this embodiment is located on the second floor, but is not particularly limited and may be located on the first floor, or in the underfloor space 4 or attic 10, etc.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, for example, an air conditioner 21 may be installed inside the chamber 17. When this air conditioner 21 is operated, conditioned air (conditioned air) can be generated inside the chamber 17. By supplying this conditioned air to the living room 8, the air circulation system 1 of this embodiment can also be configured as a whole-house air conditioning system.

[0024] The operation of the air conditioner 21 may be controlled by the control device 20. Furthermore, a filter (not shown) may be provided inside the chamber 17. This allows filtered air to be generated inside the chamber 17.

[0025] The chamber 17 has an inlet 23 and an outlet 24. These inlet 23 and outlet 24 allow air to move between the inside and outside of the chamber 17.

[0026] The inlet 23 is for taking in the air (return air) Ai from the living room 8 shown in Figures 2 and 3 into the chamber 17 via the return passage 30, which will be described later. The inlet 23 (chamber 17) in this embodiment is adjacent to the living room 8 (living room 8A on the first floor and living room 8B on the second floor) via the non-living room 9 (corridor 14 and staircase 15A) shown in Figures 1 and 3. As shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), the vent 12 allows air to pass between the inside and outside of the living room 8 when the door 11 is closed. As a result, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the vent 12 allows fluid communication (air to pass between) between the living room 8 and the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 when the door 11 is closed.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the outlet 24 is for supplying (discharging) the air Ai inside the chamber 17 to the outside of the chamber 17. In this embodiment, the outlet 24 includes a first outlet 24a and a second outlet 24b.

[0028] The first outlet 24a in this embodiment is for supplying air Ai, which has been pressurized by the fan 18 (first fan 18A), to the living room 8A on the first floor via the supply passage 29 (first supply passage 29A) described later. On the other hand, the second outlet 24b is for supplying air Ai, which has been pressurized by the fan 18 (second fan 18B), to the living room 8B on the second floor via the supply passage 29 (second supply passage 29B) described later. Note that the outlet 24 is not limited to an embodiment that includes the first outlet 24a and the second outlet 24b, and for example, depending on the number of floors of the house 2 in which the living room 8 is located, some of these may be omitted, or other outlets (not shown) may be included.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, the chamber 17 of this embodiment is provided with an outside air supply port 25. This outside air supply port 25 is for taking in outside air (underfloor air) Ao into the chamber 17. One end of an outside air supply duct 27 is connected to this outside air supply port 25. The other end of the outside air supply duct 27 is connected to the underfloor space 4. The chamber 17 and the underfloor space 4 are connected by this outside air supply duct 27.

[0030] An outside air supply fan 28 is provided in the outside air supply duct 27. This outside air supply fan 28 is for pressurizing and supplying outside air (underfloor air) Ao into the chamber 17 via the outside air supply duct 27 and the outside air supply port 25. Through these outside air supply duct 27 and outside air supply fan 28, outside air (underfloor air) Ao for ventilation is drawn into the chamber 17. By supplying such outside air (underfloor air) Ao to each living room 8, each living room 8 can be efficiently ventilated. In this embodiment, the operation of the outside air supply fan 28 and other operations can be controlled by the control device 20.

[0031] [fan] As shown in Figure 2, the fan 18 is for pressurizing (supplying) the air Ai inside the chamber 17 to the living room 8. In this embodiment, the fan 18 is located inside the chamber 17.

[0032] The fan 18 in this embodiment is configured as a constant-airflow fan. The rotation speed of a constant-airflow fan is controlled so that the airflow remains constant. With such a constant-airflow fan, the air Ai in the chamber 17 can be stably supplied at a predetermined airflow rate.

[0033] The airflow of the fan 18 may be controlled by multiple notches. In this embodiment, the notches include a strong notch, a medium notch, and a weak notch. Of these notches, the strong notch is set to the largest airflow per unit time, and the weak notch is set to the smallest. However, the notches are not limited to this configuration; there may be a single notch (one airflow), or other notches (for example, a very weak notch) may be included. Furthermore, the airflow for each notch is set appropriately according to, for example, the size and number of multiple rooms 8. In this embodiment, the operation of the fan 18 may be controlled by the control device 20.

[0034] The fan 18 in this embodiment includes a first fan 18A and a second fan 18B. The first fan 18A is for pressurizing (supplying) the air Ai in the chamber 17 to the living room 8A on the first floor. This first fan 18A is connected to the first supply channel 29A, which will be described later. On the other hand, the second fan 18B is for pressurizing (supplying) the air Ai in the chamber 17 to the living room 8B on the second floor. This second fan 18B is connected to the second supply channel 29B, which will be described later. Note that the fan 18 is not limited to an embodiment that includes the first fan 18A and the second fan 18B, and for example, depending on the number of floors of the house 2 in which the living room 8 is located, it may consist of either one of the fans, or other fans may be included.

[0035] [Circulation channel] The circulation channel 19 is for guiding and circulating air within the house 2. In this embodiment, the circulation channel 19 includes a supply channel 29 and a return channel 30.

[0036] [Supply channel] The supply channel 29 is for supplying the air Ai, which is pressurized by the fan 18, from the outlet 24 of the chamber 17 to the living room 8. In this embodiment, the supply channel 29 includes a duct 31. One end of this duct 31 communicates with the outlet 24 of the chamber 17. On the other hand, the other end of the duct 31 communicates with the living room 8, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. With such a supply channel 29 including the duct 31, the air Ai, which is pressurized by the fan 18, can be smoothly supplied from the outlet 24 of the chamber 17 to the living room 8.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the supply channel 29 of this embodiment is configured to include a first supply channel 29A and a second supply channel 29B. The first supply channel 29A is for supplying air Ai, which has been pressurized by the fan 18, to the living room 8A on the first floor. On the other hand, the second supply channel 29B is for supplying air Ai, which has been pressurized by the fan 18, to the living room 8B on the second floor. It should be noted that the supply channel 29 is not limited to a configuration that includes the first supply channel 29A and the second supply channel 29B. For example, it may be configured to include only one of the supply channels depending on the number of floors in the house 2 where the living room 8 is located, or it may further include other supply channels (not shown).

[0038] The first supply channel 29A extends between the chamber 17 and the living room 8A on the first floor. One end of the first supply channel 29A in this embodiment communicates with the first outlet 24a of the chamber 17 and is connected to the first fan 18A. The other end of the first supply channel 29A communicates with the living room 8A on the first floor. A branch is provided between the one end and the other end of the first supply channel 29A. Through this first supply channel 29A, the air Ai in the chamber 17, which has been pressurized by the first fan 18A, is supplied to the living room 8A on the first floor from the first outlet 24a.

[0039] The second supply channel 29B extends between the chamber 17 and the living room 8B on the second floor. One end of the second supply channel 29B in this embodiment communicates with the second outlet 24b of the chamber 17 and is connected to the second fan 18B. The other end of the second supply channel 29B communicates with the living room 8B on the second floor. A branch is provided between the one end and the other end of the second supply channel 29B. Through this second supply channel 29B, the air Ai in the chamber 17, which has been pressurized by the second fan 18B, is supplied to the living room 8B on the second floor from the second outlet 24b.

[0040] [Return channel] The return channel 30 is for returning the air Ai from the living room 8 to the inlet 23 of the chamber 17. As shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), even when the door 11 is closed, the vent 12 allows fluid communication between the living room 8 and the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 (allowing air Ai to move back and forth). Therefore, the vent 12 can be configured as part of the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30).

[0041] The return passage 30 in this embodiment is configured to include a first return passage 30A and a second return passage 30B. The first return passage 30A is for returning the air Ai from the living room 8A on the first floor to the chamber 17. On the other hand, the second return passage 30B is for returning the air Ai from the living room 8B on the second floor to the chamber 17. Note that the return passage 30 is not limited to a configuration that includes the first return passage 30A and the second return passage 30B. For example, depending on the number of floors in the house 2 where the living room 8 is located, it may consist of only one of the return passages, or it may further include other return passages (not shown).

[0042] The first return passage 30A extends between the living room 8A on the first floor and the inlet 23 of the chamber 17. As described above, the vent 12 (undercut 12A in this example) shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) constitutes part of the circulation passage 19 (return passage 30). Therefore, the vent 12 provided in the living room 8A on the first floor constitutes part of the first return passage 30A.

[0043] Furthermore, a corridor 14 on the first floor, a staircase 15A (stairwell 15), and a corridor 14 on the second floor are provided between the ventilation opening 12 in the living room 8A on the first floor and the entrance 23 of the chamber 17. Therefore, the first return flow path 30A in this embodiment is composed of the ventilation opening 12 in the living room 8A on the first floor, the corridor 14 on the first floor, the staircase 15A (stairwell 15), and the corridor 14 on the second floor. Note that, as shown in Figure 4(b), when the fitting 11 provided in the opening 16 of the living room 8A on the first floor is open, the opening 16 can constitute part of the first return flow path 30A.

[0044] In this embodiment, the first return passage 30A extends between the living room 8A on the first floor and the inlet 23 of the chamber 17, so that the air Ai from the living room 8A on the first floor can be returned to the inside of the chamber 17 via the inlet 23. In this embodiment, the operation of the fan 18 (first fan 18A and second fan 18B) creates negative pressure inside the chamber 17, so that the air Ai from the living room 8A on the first floor can be smoothly guided to the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 via the first return passage 30A.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the second return channel 30B extends between the living room 8B on the second floor and the inlet 23 of the chamber 17. As described above, the vent 12 (undercut 12A in this example) shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) constitutes part of the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30). Therefore, the vent 12 provided in the living room 8B on the second floor constitutes part of the second return channel 30B.

[0046] Furthermore, a corridor 14 on the second floor is provided between the ventilation opening 12 in the second-floor living room 8B and the entrance 23 of the chamber 17. Therefore, the second return flow path 30B in this embodiment is composed of the ventilation opening 12 in the second-floor living room 8B and the corridor 14 on the second floor. As shown in Figure 4(b), when the fitting 11 provided in the opening 16 of the second-floor living room 8B is open, the opening 16 can constitute part of the second return flow path 30B.

[0047] In this embodiment, the second return channel 30B, with the above configuration, returns the air Ai from the second-floor living room 8B to the inside of the chamber 17 via the inlet 23. In this embodiment, the operation of the fan 18 (first fan 18A and second fan 18B) creates negative pressure inside the chamber 17, allowing the air Ai from the second-floor living room 8B to be smoothly guided to the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 via the second return channel 30B.

[0048] [Control device] As shown in Figure 1, the control device 20 is for controlling the fan 18. In this embodiment, the control device 20 may also control the operation of the air conditioner 21 and the outside air supply fan 28 in addition to the fan 18.

[0049] The control device 20 in this embodiment is composed of a computer and is installed, for example, in a partition wall. Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control device 20.

[0050] The control device 20 is configured to include, for example, an arithmetic unit (CPU) 33, a storage device 34 for storing processing procedures, etc., and a working memory 35 for reading processing procedures, etc., from the storage device 34. An input device 36 and an output device 37 are connected to the control device 20 (arithmetic unit 33).

[0051] [Input device] The input device 36 in this embodiment is composed of, for example, operation buttons or a touch panel provided on the housing of the control device 20 shown in Figure 1. Through such an input device 36, input data (signals) from, for example, a user (resident) can be transmitted to the control device 20 (arithmetic unit 33). This input data includes, for example, instruction data regarding the start and stop of operation of the air circulation system 1 (fan 18, air conditioner 21, and outside air supply fan 28).

[0052] [Output device] In this embodiment, the output device 37 is configured, for example, as a display provided in the housing of the control device 20 shown in Figure 1. When data (signals) from the control device 20 (arithmetic unit 33) is received by such an output device 37, the operating status of the air circulation system 1, for example, can be displayed.

[0053] [Arithmetic device] The arithmetic unit 33 in this embodiment is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

[0054] The arithmetic unit 33 in this embodiment is communicatively connected to the fans 18 (first fan 18A and second fan 18B). This allows the operation of the fans 18 (e.g., switching between high and low settings) to be controlled by the arithmetic unit 33. Furthermore, data related to the operating status of the fans 18 (e.g., data such as the current airflow, rotational speed, current value, and power consumption) can be received by the arithmetic unit 33.

[0055] The computing device 33 in this embodiment may be connected to the air conditioner 21 in a communicative manner. This allows the operation of the air conditioner 21 (for example, changing the set temperature or airflow) to be controlled by the computing device 33. Furthermore, data regarding the operating status of the air conditioner 21 is received by the computing device 33.

[0056] The computing device 33 in this embodiment may be connected to the outside air supply fan 28 in a communication manner. This allows the operation of the outside air supply fan 28 (e.g., adjustment of airflow) to be controlled by the computing device 33. Furthermore, data related to the operating status of the outside air supply fan 28 (e.g., data such as the currently operating airflow and rotation speed) is received by the computing device 33.

[0057] [Storage device] The storage device 34 in this embodiment is, for example, a non-volatile information storage device. The storage device 34 includes a data unit 39 and a program unit 40.

[0058] [Data Section] The data unit 39 in this embodiment is for storing (inputting) calculation results and the like from the arithmetic unit 33. The data unit 39 in this embodiment includes a pressure loss storage unit 39A, a difference storage unit 39B, and a threshold storage unit 39C. However, the data unit 39 is not limited to this configuration. For example, the data unit 39 may further include a storage unit for storing other information (data). Details of the data input to these data units 39 will be described later.

[0059] [Programming Department] The program unit 40 in this embodiment is a program (computer program) that causes the arithmetic unit 33 (control device 20) to execute the air circulation method described later. When this program unit 40 is executed by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a specific means.

[0060] The program unit 40 includes a circulation operation start unit 40A, a first determination unit 40B, a second determination unit 40C, a first acquisition unit 40D, a second acquisition unit 40E, an evaluation unit 40F, and a circulation operation end unit 40G. In this embodiment, the evaluation unit 40F includes a difference acquisition unit 41, a first evaluation unit 42, a second evaluation unit 43, and a third evaluation unit 44. Note that the program unit 40 is not limited to this configuration and may include other programs. The functions of these program units 40 will be explained in each step of the air circulation method described later.

[0061] [Air circulation method (first embodiment)] The air circulation system 1 of this embodiment is capable of circulating the air Ai inside the house 2, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, based on the processing procedure of the air circulation method. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure of the air circulation method.

[0062] [Start air circulation inside the house] In the air circulation method of this embodiment, first, the circulation of air Ai inside the house 2 is started (step S1).

[0063] In step S1 of this embodiment, the circulation operation start unit 40A included in the program unit 40 shown in Figure 5 is loaded into the working memory 35. The circulation operation start unit 40A is a program for starting the circulation of air Ai inside the house 2 shown in Figures 2 and 3. When this circulation operation start unit 40A is executed by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for starting the circulation of air Ai inside the house 2.

[0064] In step S1, the circulation operation start unit 40A (control device 20) starts operating the fan 18 (in this example, the first fan 18A and the second fan 18B) shown in Figure 2. As a result, the air Ai pumped by the fan 18 is supplied to the living rooms 8 (in this example, living room 8A on the first floor and living room 8B on the second floor) via the supply passage 29 (in this example, the first supply passage 29A and the second supply passage 29B). Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the air Ai in living rooms 8 is returned to the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 via the return passage (in this example, the first return passage 30A and the second return passage 30B). This makes it possible for the air circulation system 1 (air circulation method) to circulate the air Ai inside the house 2. Furthermore, if a filter (not shown) is provided inside the chamber 17, it becomes possible to circulate the air Ai inside the house 2 while filtering it, and the air quality in living rooms 8 can be maintained in a good state.

[0065] The set airflow rate of the fan 18 can be appropriately set from multiple notch settings (e.g., strong notch, medium notch, and weak notch). For example, the set airflow rate of the fan 18 may be set according to the air quality of the living room 8. For example, by operating the fan 18 at a high airflow rate such as the strong notch, the air Ai inside the house 2 can be circulated quickly. This makes it possible to quickly circulate and purify the air throughout the entire house.

[0066] In addition, in step S1, the circulation operation start unit 40A (control device 20) may start operating the outside air supply fan 28 shown in Figure 1. As a result, outside air (underfloor air) Ao for ventilation is drawn into the chamber 17. This outside air (underfloor air) Ao is supplied to the living room 8 via the supply channel 29, making it possible to circulate the air Ai while ventilating the living room 8. The airflow rate of the outside air supply fan 28 is set appropriately according to, for example, the number of ventilations required per hour in the house 2 (for example, 0.5 times / h).

[0067] Furthermore, in step S1, the circulation operation start unit 40A (control device 20) may start operating the air conditioner 21 shown in Figure 1. As a result, conditioned air generated by the air conditioner 21 is generated in the chamber 17. This conditioned air is supplied to the living room 8 via the supply channel 29, making it possible to circulate the air while conditioned the living room 8. The operation of the air conditioner 21 can be appropriately set according to, for example, the temperature of the living room 8 or the temperature of the outside air Ao.

[0068] Incidentally, as shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), in each living room 8 where airtightness has been improved, when the doors 11 are closed, the resistance of the return passage 30 for returning the air Ai from each living room 8, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, back to the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 is increasing. In particular, in cases where a large volume of air is supplied for the air circulation and purification of the entire house, the resistance due to the specifications of the doors 11 (including the vents 12) of each living room 8 can no longer be ignored. Therefore, in order to smoothly circulate the air Ai inside the house 2, it is important to know whether there are any problems with the return passage 30 (i.e., whether the pressure loss is greater than the design value).

[0069] In the air circulation method (air circulation system 1) of this embodiment, it is possible to evaluate the quality of the return channel 30. The evaluation of the return channel 30 is started, for example, when a service technician or user (resident) inputs instruction data to start the evaluation of the return channel 30 into the input device 36 shown in Figures 1 and 5, but it is not limited to this configuration. For example, the evaluation of the return channel 30 may be automatically started based on instruction data that is automatically generated at predetermined time intervals (e.g., 1 to 60 days). Furthermore, it is preferable that the evaluation of the return channel 30 be performed immediately after the completion of the house 2. This makes it possible to determine whether there are any construction defects in the return channel 30 of the house 2 before handing the house 2 over to the user (resident), and if there are any construction defects, repairs can be carried out as appropriate. Therefore, it is possible to hand over a house 2 that can efficiently circulate air Ai to the user.

[0070] [Determine whether or not instructions have been given to begin the evaluation] In the air circulation method of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not an instruction to start evaluating the return flow path 30 is given (step S2).

[0071] In step S2 of this embodiment, first, the first determination unit 40B included in the program unit 40 shown in Figure 5 is loaded into the working memory 35. The first determination unit 40B is a program for determining whether or not there is an instruction to start the evaluation of the return flow path 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3. When this first determination unit 40B is executed by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for determining whether or not there is an instruction to start the evaluation.

[0072] In step S2 of this embodiment, if instruction data to start the evaluation of the return channel 30 is input or generated, it is determined that there is an instruction to start the evaluation of the return channel 30 ("Yes" in step S2). In this case, steps S3 to evaluation steps S5 are performed to evaluate the quality of the return channel 30. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to start the evaluation of the return channel 30 ("No" in step S2), it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the air circulation in the house 2 without evaluating the return channel 30 (step S6).

[0073] [Obtain the first pressure loss when the fan is operated with the door / window open.] Next, in the air circulation method of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4(b), the first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 open, is obtained (step S3). Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram showing the state in which air Ai is circulated with the door 11 open. In Figure 7, the open door 11 is shown by a dashed line.

[0074] In step S3 of this embodiment, first, the first acquisition unit 40D included in the program unit 40 shown in Figure 5 is loaded into the working memory 35. As shown in Figures 4(b) and 7, the first acquisition unit 40D is a program for acquiring the first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 open. When this first acquisition unit 40D is executed by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for acquiring the first pressure loss.

[0075] In step S3 of this embodiment, prior to acquiring the pressure loss (first pressure loss) of the circulation channel 19, the doors 11 of all the rooms 8 (room 8A on the first floor and room 8B on the second floor) are opened, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 7. In this embodiment, the doors 11 of all the rooms 8 are opened directly by a service worker or user (resident). The timing for opening the doors 11 can be set as appropriate, as long as it is before acquiring the pressure loss (first pressure loss) of the circulation channel 19. For example, the doors 11 may be opened when data (not shown) instructing the first acquisition unit 40D (control device 20) shown in Figure 5 to open the doors 11 of each room 8 is displayed on the output device 37.

[0076] Furthermore, after all the doors 11 of the rooms 8 have been opened, data to identify that all the doors 11 of the rooms 8 have been opened may be input to the input device 36, for example, by a service worker or a user (resident). This allows the first acquisition unit 40D (control device 20) to identify that all the doors 11 of the rooms 8 have been opened.

[0077] In this embodiment, the doors 11 in all rooms 8 are opened directly by service personnel or users (residents), but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, if each room 8 is provided with an opening / closing device for the doors 11 (not shown), the first acquisition unit 40D (control device 20) may open the doors 11 via these opening / closing devices. This allows the doors 11 to be opened quickly and reliably.

[0078] Thus, in step S3 of this embodiment, when the door 11 is opened, the opening 16 in which the door 11 is located becomes part of the return flow path 30. As a result, the pressure loss in the circulation flow path 19 (return flow path 30) is reduced and the air resistance in the circulation flow path 19 (return flow path 30) is reduced compared to when the door 11 is closed.

[0079] Next, in step S3 of this embodiment, the first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 open, is obtained.

[0080] The airflow rate of fan 18 in step S3 can be set as appropriate. As mentioned above, in cases where a large airflow rate is used for air circulation and purification throughout the entire house, the resistance due to the specifications of the fixtures 11 (including the vents 12) of each room 8 cannot be ignored. In order to identify any problems in the return flow path 30 due to such resistance, the airflow rate of fan 18 may be set to a large airflow rate. The set airflow rate of fan 18 in this embodiment includes multiple notches (for example, a strong notch, a medium notch, and a weak notch). In this case, the strong notch, which has the largest airflow rate (for example, 800 m), is used. 3 It is preferable to set it to / h). If there are multiple fans 18 (in this example, the first fan 18A and the second fan 18B), the airflow of all of these fans 18 may be set to the high notch.

[0081] The first pressure loss can be obtained as appropriate. The fan 18 in this embodiment is configured as a constant airflow fan whose rotational speed is controlled so that the airflow is constant. In such a constant airflow fan, if the relationship between the rotational speed of the fan 18 and the pressure loss is predetermined for each notch (for example, a strong notch, a medium notch, and a weak notch), the first pressure loss can be determined by specifying the currently operating notch (for example, a strong notch) and rotational speed.

[0082] Figure 8 is a graph showing the relationship between the rotational speed of fan 18 operating at high notch and the pressure loss. In this graph, the rotational speed increases as the pressure loss (Pa) increases in order to maintain the airflow at high notch. In this graph, by specifying the rotational speed R1 of fan 18 operating at high notch, the pressure loss (first pressure loss P1) can be specified.

[0083] As in this embodiment, when multiple fans 18 (in this example, the first fan 18A and the second fan 18B) are operated and the first pressure loss P1 is measured, the sum of the pressure losses identified by each fan 18 can be identified as the first pressure loss P1. The first pressure loss P1 is input to the pressure loss storage unit 39A shown in Figure 5.

[0084] The first pressure loss P1 is the pressure loss in the circulation path 19 (supply path 29 and return path 30) when the fan 18 (in this example, the first fan 18A and the second fan 18B) is operated with the door 11 open, as shown in Figure 7. In order to accurately obtain this first pressure loss P1, the operation of the outside air supply fan 28 shown in Figure 1 and the operation of the air conditioner 21 may be stopped. This prevents outside air (underfloor air) Ao and conditioned air from being supplied into the chamber 17 (circulation path 19), so that the first pressure loss P1 in the circulation path 19 can be obtained with good accuracy.

[0085] [Second pressure loss obtained when the fan is operated with the door / window closed] Next, in the air circulation method of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), a second pressure loss is obtained, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 closed (step S4).

[0086] In step S4 of this embodiment, first, the second acquisition unit 40E included in the program unit 40 shown in Figure 5 is loaded into the working memory 35. As shown in Figures 2 and 4(a), the second acquisition unit 40E is a program for acquiring the second pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 closed. When this second acquisition unit 40E is executed by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for acquiring the second pressure loss.

[0087] In step S4 of this embodiment, prior to acquiring the pressure loss (second pressure loss) of the circulation channel 19, the doors 11 of all the rooms 8 (room 8A on the first floor and room 8B on the second floor) are closed, as shown in Figures 2 and 4(a). In this embodiment, the doors 11 of all the rooms 8 are closed directly by a service worker or user (resident). The timing for closing the doors 11 is set as appropriate, as long as it is before acquiring the pressure loss (second pressure loss) of the circulation channel 19. For example, the doors 11 may be closed when data (not shown) instructing the second acquisition unit 40E (control device 20) to close the doors 11 of each room 8 is displayed on the output device 37.

[0088] Furthermore, after all the doors 11 of the rooms 8 have been closed, data to identify that all the doors 11 of the rooms 8 have been closed may be input to the input device 36, for example, by a service worker or a user (resident). This allows the second acquisition unit 40E (control device 20) to identify that all the doors 11 of the rooms 8 have been closed.

[0089] In this embodiment, the doors 11 in all rooms 8 were closed by a service technician or user (resident), but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. For example, if each room 8 is provided with an opening and closing device for the doors 11 (not shown), the second acquisition unit 40E (control device 20) may close the doors 11 via these opening and closing devices. This allows the doors 11 to be closed quickly and reliably.

[0090] Thus, in step S4 of this embodiment, when the door 11 is closed, the opening 16 in which the door 11 is located ceases to be part of the return flow path 30. As a result, the pressure loss in the circulation flow path 19 (return flow path 30) increases, and the air resistance in the circulation flow path 19 (return flow path 30) increases, compared to the case where the door 11 is open as shown in Figure 7.

[0091] Next, in step S4 of this embodiment, a second pressure loss is obtained, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 closed.

[0092] The airflow rate of fan 18 in step S4 can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, it is preferable to set it to the same airflow rate as fan 18 when the first pressure loss was obtained. In this way, by comparing the first pressure loss and the second pressure loss based on the same airflow rate, the pressure loss of the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30) that has changed due to the opening and closing state of the door / window 11 (for example, the increase in pressure loss) can be accurately identified.

[0093] The second pressure loss can be obtained as appropriate. In this embodiment, similar to the first pressure loss, the second pressure loss P2 is determined from the rotational speed R2 of the fan 18 based on the relationship between the rotational speed of the fan 18 and the pressure loss shown in Figure 8. When the second pressure loss P2 is measured by operating multiple fans 18 (in this example, the first fan 18A and the second fan 18B), as in this embodiment, the sum of the pressure losses determined for each fan 18 is determined as the second pressure loss P2. The second pressure loss is input to the pressure loss storage unit 39A shown in Figure 5.

[0094] To accurately obtain the second pressure loss P2, the operation of the outside air supply fan 28 and the air conditioner 21 shown in Figure 1 may be stopped. This prevents outside air (underfloor air) Ao and conditioned air from being supplied into the chamber 17 (circulation channel 19), thus allowing the second pressure loss P2 in the circulation channel 19 to be obtained with high accuracy.

[0095] [Evaluating the quality of the return channel (evaluation process)] Next, in the air circulation method of this embodiment, the quality of the return flow path 30 shown in Figure 2 is evaluated based on the second pressure loss P2 and the first pressure loss P1 shown in Figure 8 (evaluation step S5).

[0096] In the evaluation step S5 of this embodiment, first, the first pressure loss P1 and the second pressure loss P2, which are input to the pressure loss storage unit 39A shown in Figure 5, are loaded into the working memory 35. Furthermore, the evaluation unit 40F (in this example, including the first evaluation unit 42 and the second evaluation unit 43) included in the program unit 40 is loaded into the working memory 35. The evaluation unit 40F is a program for evaluating the quality of the return flow path 30 based on the second pressure loss P2 and the first pressure loss P1. By executing this evaluation unit 40F by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for evaluating the quality of the return flow path 30.

[0097] The quality of the return flow path 30 can be appropriately evaluated based on the second pressure loss P2 and the first pressure loss P1 shown in Figure 8. As described above, the first pressure loss P1 is the pressure loss in the circulation flow path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 open, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 7. On the other hand, the second pressure loss P2 is the pressure loss in the circulation flow path 19 when the fan 18 is operated with the door 11 of the living room 8 closed, as shown in Figures 2 and 4(a). By comparing these first pressure loss P1 and second pressure loss P2, the pressure loss in the circulation flow path 19 (return flow path 30) that has changed depending on the open / closed state of the door 11 (for example, the increase in pressure loss) can be identified.

[0098] In this embodiment, evaluation step S5 may evaluate the quality of the return flow path 30 based on the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss P2 and the first pressure loss P1, as shown in Figure 8. By obtaining such a difference (P2-P1), the increased pressure loss in the circulation flow path 19 (return flow path 30) due to the closing of the door 11 can be identified.

[0099] If the difference (P2-P1) is large, the pressure loss in the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30) increases more than necessary when the door 11 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) is closed. In such cases, the ventilation opening 12 that mainly connects the living room 8 and the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 may be insufficient in the return channel 30 when the door 11 is closed. On the other hand, if the difference (P2-P1) is small, the pressure loss in the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30) hardly increases despite the door 11 being closed. In such cases, since the change in pressure loss associated with the opening and closing state of the door 11 is small, air may be entering and leaving the return channel 30, and the airtightness of the return channel 30 may be insufficient.

[0100] In the evaluation step S5 of this embodiment, the quality of the return flow path 30 is evaluated based on the above difference (P2-P1), but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the quality of the return flow path 30 may be evaluated based on the rate of change between the second pressure loss P2 and the first pressure loss P1 (for example, the ratio of the second pressure loss to the first pressure loss P2 / P1).

[0101] Thus, in the air circulation method (air circulation system 1), the quality of the return flow path 30 can be evaluated by acquiring the first pressure loss P1 and the second pressure loss P2. In the evaluation step S5 of this embodiment, the evaluation unit 40F (difference acquisition unit 41 to third evaluation unit 44) shown in Figure 5 evaluates the quality of the return flow path based on the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss. Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for evaluation step S5.

[0102] [Obtain the difference between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss] In the evaluation step S5 of this embodiment, first, the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss is obtained (step S51). In step S51 of this embodiment, the difference acquisition unit 41 included in the evaluation unit 40F shown in Figure 5 is executed by the calculation unit 33. This difference acquisition unit 41 is a program for acquiring the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss. By executing this difference acquisition unit 41 by the calculation unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for acquiring the difference.

[0103] As in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, if the second pressure loss P2 is greater than the first pressure loss P1, it is preferable to subtract the first pressure loss P1 from the second pressure loss P2. The difference (P2-P1) is stored in the difference storage unit 39B shown in Figure 5.

[0104] [Determine whether the difference is greater than the first threshold] Next, in evaluation step S5 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss is greater than a predetermined first threshold (step S52). If the difference (P2-P1) is greater than the first threshold ("Yes" in step S52), the vent 12 of the return flow path 30 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) is evaluated as insufficient (step S53). On the other hand, if the difference (P2-P1) is less than or equal to the first threshold ("No" in step S52), the vent 12 of the return flow path 30 is evaluated as sufficiently secured (step S54).

[0105] In steps S52 to S54 of this embodiment, the first evaluation unit 42, included in the evaluation unit 40F shown in Figure 5, is executed by the calculation unit 33. This first evaluation unit 42 is a program for evaluating that the vent 12 of the return flow path 30 is insufficient when the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss is greater than a first threshold. By executing this first evaluation unit 42 by the calculation unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for evaluating that the vent 12 is insufficient when the difference (P2-P1) is greater than a first threshold.

[0106] The first threshold can be determined as appropriate based on the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss shown in Figure 8, if it can be evaluated that the vent 12 of the return flow path 30 is insufficient.

[0107] In this embodiment, first, a design value of pressure loss D2 based on the circulation channel 19 with the door 11 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) closed is obtained (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "design value of the second pressure loss"). This design value of the second pressure loss D2 can be obtained, for example, by adding the design value V1 of the pressure loss of the supply channel 29 and the design value V2 of the pressure loss of the return channel 30 with the door 11 closed.

[0108] Next, a design value D1 of the pressure loss based on the circulation channel 19 with the door 11 open, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 7 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "design value of the first pressure loss") is obtained. This design value D1 of the first pressure loss can be obtained, for example, by adding the design value V1 of the pressure loss in the supply channel 29 and the design value V3 of the pressure loss in the return channel 30 with the door 11 open.

[0109] In this embodiment, the first threshold can be determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value D1 of the first pressure loss from the design value D2 of the second pressure loss.

[0110] The design value V1 of the pressure loss in the supply channel 29 can be appropriately obtained from the design data of the supply channel 29 based on known methods.

[0111] The design data for the supply channel 29 includes the design data for the duct 31 shown in Figure 1. Examples of the design data for this duct 31 include the pressure loss coefficient at both ends in the longitudinal direction (end ventilation openings), the friction coefficient, the diameter (m), the length (m), and the sum of the pressure loss coefficients at localized areas such as bends in the verification unit. Furthermore, examples of the design data for the duct 31 include the reference dynamic pressure (Pa) determined in accordance with the duct diameter and the airflow rate (m³) of the fan 18. 3 ( / h) and the standard airflow rate (m³) for the duct diameter and the connection diameter of both ends (end ventilation openings).3 ( / h) are examples of this.

[0112] In this embodiment, the design value V1 of the pressure loss of the supply channel 29 is obtained by substituting the design data of the supply channel 29 into, for example, a known formula for calculating the total pressure loss. The formula for calculating the total pressure loss is described, for example, in the literature (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Housing Bureau, Building Guidance Division, et al., "Manual for Countermeasures against Sick Building Syndrome in Buildings in accordance with the Revised Building Standards Act - Explanation of the Building Standards Act and the Housing Performance Labeling System and Design and Construction Manual -", Engineering Books, November 2003, 2nd edition).

[0113] The design value V2 of the pressure loss in the return channel 30 when the door 11 is closed is obtained as appropriate using the design data of the return channel 30. Examples of the design data for the return channel 30 include the total opening area of ​​the vents 12 shown in Figures 2 and 4, the total opening area of ​​the openings 16, the total length (m) of the return channel 30, and the opening area of ​​the inlet 23.

[0114] In this embodiment, the total gap area of ​​the vents 12, the total length of the return passage 30, and the opening area of ​​the inlet 23 from the above design data are substituted into the formula for calculating the total pressure loss. This allows the design value V2 of the pressure loss in the return passage 30 with the door 11 closed to be obtained. If the formula for calculating the total pressure loss consists of duct design variables (e.g., diameter and length), then, for example, the total opening area of ​​the vents 12 and openings 16, and the total length of the return passage 30 may be converted to the diameter and length of the duct, or they may be treated as a pressure loss coefficient ζ, similar to the chamber 17 in the circulation passage 19. By substituting these values ​​into the formula, the design value V2 of the pressure loss can be easily obtained.

[0115] The design value V3 of the pressure loss in the return channel 30 with the door 11 open is obtained as appropriate using the design data of the return channel 30 described above. In this embodiment, in addition to the total length of the return channel 30 and the opening area of ​​the inlet 23, the total opening area of ​​the opening 16 (including the total gap area of ​​the vent 12) from the design data described above is substituted into the formula for calculating the total pressure loss. This obtains the design value V3 of the pressure loss in the return channel 30 with the door 11 open.

[0116] In this embodiment, based on the procedure described above, the design value V1 of the pressure loss in the supply channel 29, the design value V2 of the pressure loss in the return channel 30 with the door 11 closed, and the design value V3 of the pressure loss in the return channel 30 with the door 11 open are obtained. Next, based on these design values ​​V1 to V3, the design value D1 of the first pressure loss and the design value D2 of the second pressure loss are obtained. Then, the first threshold value is determined by subtracting the design value D1 of the first pressure loss from the design value D2 of the second pressure loss. Such a first threshold value can be specified as the design value of the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss. The first threshold value is pre-stored in the threshold value storage unit 39C shown in Figure 5.

[0117] In step S52 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss is greater than the first threshold. If the difference (P2-P1) is greater than the first threshold ("Yes" in step S52), the measured value of the increase in pressure loss in the circulation passage 19 (return passage 30) when the door 11 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) is closed is greater than the design value. For this reason, in the actual return passage 30 with the door 11 closed as shown in Figure 2, the vent 12 that mainly connects the living room 8 and the inlet 23 of the chamber 17 is evaluated as insufficient (step S53). In this case, it is preferable to modify the vent 12 (door 11) so that the vent 12 (flow rate of return air) in the return passage 30 is sufficient.

[0118] On the other hand, if the difference (P2-P1) is less than or equal to the first threshold ("No" in step S52), the measured value of the increase in pressure loss in the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30) when the joinery 11 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) is closed is greater than or equal to the design value. Therefore, the ventilation opening 12 of the actual return channel 30 shown in Figure 2 is evaluated as sufficient (step S54).

[0119] [Determine whether the difference is smaller than the second threshold] Next, in evaluation step S5 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss is smaller than a predetermined second threshold (step S55). If the difference (P2-P1) is smaller than the second threshold ("Yes" in step S55), the airtightness of the return flow path 30 is evaluated as insufficient (step S56). On the other hand, if the difference (P2-P1) is larger than the second threshold ("No" in step S55), the airtightness of the return flow path 30 is evaluated as being sufficiently ensured (step S57).

[0120] In steps S55 to S57 of this embodiment, the second evaluation unit 43, included in the evaluation unit 40F shown in Figure 5, is executed by the calculation unit 33. This second evaluation unit 43 is a program for evaluating that the airtightness of the return flow path 30 is insufficient when the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss is smaller than the second threshold. By executing this second evaluation unit 43 by the calculation unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for evaluating that the airtightness of the vent 12 is insufficient when the difference (P2-P1) is smaller than the second threshold.

[0121] The second threshold can be determined as appropriate based on the difference (P2-P1) between the second and first pressure losses shown in Figure 8, if it can be evaluated that the airtightness of the return channel 30 is insufficient. From the viewpoint of evaluating the airtightness of the return channel 30, it is preferable that gaps in the house 2 be taken into consideration when determining the second threshold.

[0122] In this embodiment, first, a design value D4 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel 19 and the house 2 with the door 11 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) closed (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "design value of the second pressure loss considering the gap in the house") is obtained. This design value D4 of the second pressure loss considering the gap in the house can be obtained, for example, by adding the design value V1 of the pressure loss of the supply channel 29 and the design value V4 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the return channel 30 and the house 2 with the door 11 closed.

[0123] Next, the design value of the pressure loss D3, based on the gap between the circulating channel 19 and the house 2 with the door 11 open as shown in Figures 4(b) and 7 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "design value of the first pressure loss considering the gap in the house"), is determined. This design value of the first pressure loss D3 considering the gap in the house is obtained, for example, by adding the design value V1 of the pressure loss of the supply channel 29 and the design value V5 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the return channel 30 and the house 2 with the door 11 open.

[0124] In this embodiment, the second threshold can be determined by subtracting the design value D3 of the first pressure loss, which takes into account gaps in the house, from the design value D4 of the second pressure loss, which takes into account gaps in the house.

[0125] The design value D1 of the pressure loss in the supply channel 29 can be appropriately obtained from the design data of the supply channel 29 based on known methods. Since the supply channel 29 in this embodiment is composed of a sealed duct 31 as shown in Figure 1, there is no need to consider gaps in the house 2. For this reason, the design value D1 of the pressure loss in the supply channel 29 can be obtained using the same procedure as when the first threshold was determined.

[0126] The design value V4 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the return passage 30 and the house 2 when the door 11 is closed is appropriately obtained based on the design data of the return passage 30 and the design data of the gap in the house 2. An example of the design data of the gap in the house is the gap area value of the house 2, which is obtained by multiplying the C value of the house by the floor area of ​​the return passage 30.

[0127] In this embodiment, the total gap area of ​​the vents 12, the total length of the return passage 30, the opening area of ​​the inlet 23, and the gap area of ​​the house 2 are substituted into the formula for calculating the total pressure loss. This allows for the acquisition of a design value V4 for the pressure loss based on the gap between the return passage 30 and the house 2 with the door 11 closed. If the formula for calculating the total pressure loss consists of duct design variables (e.g., diameter and length), then, for example, the total opening area of ​​the vents 12 and openings 16, the gap area of ​​the house 2, and the total length of the return passage 30 may be converted to the diameter and length of the duct, or they may be treated as a pressure loss coefficient ζ, similar to the chamber 17 in the circulation passage 19. By substituting these values ​​into the calculation formula, the design value V4 for pressure loss can be easily obtained.

[0128] The design value V5 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the return passage 30 and the house 2 when the door 11 is open is acquired as appropriate. In this embodiment, in addition to the total length of the return passage 30, the opening area of ​​the inlet 23, and the gap area of ​​the house 2 from the above design data, the total opening area of ​​the opening 16 (including the total gap area of ​​the vent 12) is substituted into the formula for calculating the total pressure loss. This allows the design value V5 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the return passage 30 and the house 2 when the door 11 is open to be acquired.

[0129] In this embodiment, based on the procedure described above, a design value V1 of the pressure loss in the supply channel 29, a design value V4 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the return channel 30 and the house 2 when the door 11 is closed, and a design value V5 of the pressure loss based on the gap between the return channel 30 and the house 2 when the door 11 is open are obtained. Next, based on these design values ​​V1, V4, and V5, a design value D3 of the first pressure loss considering the gap in the house and a design value D4 of the second pressure loss considering the gap in the house are obtained. Then, a second threshold value is determined by subtracting the design value D3 of the first pressure loss considering the gap in the house from the design value D4 of the second pressure loss considering the gap in the house. Such a second threshold value can be specified as the design value of the difference between the second pressure loss considering the gap in the house 2 and the first pressure loss. The second threshold value is pre-stored in the threshold value storage unit 39C shown in Figure 5.

[0130] In step S55 of this embodiment, it is determined whether the difference (P2-P1) between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss is smaller than the second threshold. If the difference (P2-P1) is smaller than the second threshold ("Yes" in step S55), the measured value of the increase in pressure loss in the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30) when the door 11 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) is closed is smaller than the design value considering the gaps in the house 2. In this case, since the change in pressure loss associated with the opening and closing state of the door 11 is small, it is evaluated that air is entering and leaving the actual return channel 30 shown in Figure 2, and that the airtightness of the return channel 30 is insufficient (step S56). In this case, it is preferable to modify the return channel 30 (the gap constituting the vent 12) so that the airtightness of the return channel 30 is ensured.

[0131] On the other hand, if the difference (P2-P1) is greater than or equal to the second threshold ("No" in step S55), the measured value of the increase in pressure loss in the circulation channel 19 (return channel 30) when the joinery 11 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) is closed is greater than or equal to the design value that takes into account the gaps in the house 2. In this case, it is evaluated that the airtightness of the return channel 30 is sufficiently ensured (step S57).

[0132] Thus, in the air circulation method (air circulation system 1) of this embodiment, the quality of the return flow path 30 can be evaluated based on the first pressure loss P1 when the door 11 of the living room 8 is open and the second pressure loss P2 when the door 11 is closed. If this evaluation is not satisfactory, the air Ai can be circulated smoothly by ensuring sufficient airtightness of the vent 12 of the return flow path 30 and the house 2, thereby creating a comfortable living environment.

[0133] [Determine whether or not there is an instruction to end air circulation] Next, in the air circulation method of this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to end the air circulation inside the house 2 (step S6).

[0134] In step S6 of this embodiment, first, the second determination unit 40C, included in the program unit 40 shown in Figure 5, is loaded into the working memory 35. The second determination unit 40C is a program for determining whether or not there is an instruction to terminate the air circulation inside the house 2. When this second determination unit 40C is executed by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for determining whether or not there is an instruction to terminate the air circulation.

[0135] The determination of whether or not an instruction to terminate air circulation has been issued is made based on the air circulation termination instruction data. This termination instruction data may be input to the input device 36 (shown in Figures 1 and 5) by, for example, a user (resident), or it may be automatically input based on the occurrence of an abnormal termination such as an interrupt.

[0136] If it is determined that there is an instruction to end air circulation (Yes in step S6), then step S7, which ends the air circulation in the next house 2, is performed. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no instruction to end air circulation (No in step S6), then steps S2 to S6 are performed again.

[0137] In this embodiment, the circulation of air Ai within the house 2 continues from the time it starts until it finishes. Furthermore, the quality of the return channel 30 is evaluated based on instructions from a service technician or user (resident). As a result, the air circulation method (air circulation system 1) of this embodiment is able to circulate the air Ai within the house 2 while maintaining the return channel 30 in good condition.

[0138] [Air circulation inside the house has been terminated] Next, in the air circulation method of this embodiment, the circulation of air Ai inside the house 2 is terminated (step S7).

[0139] In step S7 of this embodiment, the circulation operation termination unit 40G included in the program unit 40 shown in Figure 5 is loaded into the working memory 35. The circulation operation termination unit 40G is a program for terminating the circulation of air Ai inside the house 2. When this circulation operation termination unit 40G is executed by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for terminating the circulation of air Ai inside the house 2.

[0140] In step S7 of this embodiment, the operation of the fan 18 (first fan 18A and second fan 18B) and the outside air supply fan 28 is terminated. However, the operation of the fan 18 and the outside air supply fan 28 may be continued in order to continue circulating the air Ai while ventilating the house 2. In this case, the airflow of the fan 18 and the outside air supply fan 28 may be appropriately set based, for example, on the number of ventilations required per hour in the house 2. Furthermore, in step S7, the air conditioning operation by the air conditioner 21 shown in Figure 1 may be terminated.

[0141] [Air circulation method (second embodiment)] Incidentally, when a user resides in the house 2, the vents 12 that constitute part of the return flow path 30 shown in Figures 2 and 4(a) may be blocked by furniture or closed by the user. In such cases, the pressure loss in the circulation flow path 19 (return flow path 30) may increase compared to before the user resided in the house 2, and there is a risk that the air inside the house 2 may not circulate smoothly. Therefore, it is important to understand the usage status of the vents 12 by the user. Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing procedure for evaluation step S5 in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] [Evaluate the usage status of the ventilation openings based on the difference before and after occupancy.] In the evaluation step S5 of this embodiment, the usage status of the vent 12 is evaluated based on the difference before the user moves into the house 2 (sometimes called the "difference before occupancy") and the difference after the user moves into the house 2 (sometimes called the "difference after occupancy") (step S58).

[0143] The difference before occupancy (P2-P1) is acquired before the user occupies the house 2 (for example, after the completion of the house 2) based on the same processing procedure as in process S51, and is stored in the difference storage unit 39B shown in Figure 5. The difference after occupancy (P2-P1) is acquired in process S51, which is included in the evaluation process S5, and is stored in the difference storage unit 39B shown in Figure 5.

[0144] In step S58, the third evaluation unit 44, included in the evaluation unit 40F shown in Figure 5, is executed by the arithmetic unit 33. This third evaluation unit 44 is a program for evaluating the usage status of the vent 12 based on the difference before occupancy (P2-P1) and the difference after occupancy (P2-P1). By executing this third evaluation unit 44 by the arithmetic unit 33, the control device 20 can be made to function as a means for evaluating the usage status of the vent 12.

[0145] The usage status of the ventilation opening 12 can be appropriately evaluated based on the difference before occupancy (P2-P1) and the difference after occupancy (P2-P1). In this embodiment, the ratio of the difference before occupancy (P2-P1) to the difference after occupancy (P2-P1) (i.e., difference after occupancy / difference before occupancy) is obtained. If this ratio is large, it means that the difference after occupancy (P2-P1) is larger than the difference before occupancy (P2-P1), so there is a possibility that the ventilation opening 12 has been blocked after occupancy. Note that the embodiment is not limited to obtaining the ratio of the difference before occupancy (P2-P1) to the difference after occupancy (P2-P1); for example, the difference between the difference before occupancy (P2-P1) and the difference after occupancy (P2-P1) may also be obtained.

[0146] The vent 12 may be evaluated as being in good condition if the ratio (difference after occupancy / difference before occupancy) is less than or equal to a predetermined third threshold. On the other hand, the vent 12 may be evaluated as not being in good condition if the ratio (difference after occupancy / difference before occupancy) is greater than the third threshold. The third threshold can be set to, for example, 1.05 to 1.20, taking into consideration the air circulation efficiency inside the house 2.

[0147] The evaluation results of the usage status of the vent 12 may be displayed on the output device 37 shown in Figures 1 and 3. Based on these evaluation results, correcting the usage status of the vent 12 makes it possible to circulate the air Ai inside the house 2 in a good condition.

[0148] Although particularly preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0149] [Note] The present invention includes the following embodiments.

[0150] [Invention 1] An air circulation system installed inside a house, A chamber having an inlet and an outlet, A fan is placed inside the aforementioned chamber, A circulation path comprising a supply path for supplying air pressurized by the fan from the outlet of the chamber to the living room, and a return path for returning the air from the living room to the inlet of the chamber, Includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned fan, The aforementioned living room includes a door that can be opened and closed, and a vent that forms part of the circulation path, The aforementioned vent allows for fluid communication between the living room and the entrance to the chamber when the door is closed. The control device is A first acquisition unit acquires a first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room open. A second acquisition unit acquires a second pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room closed. Includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the return flow path based on the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss, Air circulation system. [Invention 2] The air circulation system according to the present invention 1, wherein the supply channel includes a duct whose one end communicates with the outlet of the chamber and whose other end communicates with the living room. [Invention 3] The air circulation system according to invention 1 or 2, wherein the ventilation opening includes a gap around the joinery, including an undercut of the joinery. [4th Invention] The air circulation system according to any one of the present invention 1 to 3, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the quality of the return flow path based on the difference between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss. [5th ​​Invention] The air circulation system according to the present invention, wherein the evaluation unit includes a first evaluation unit that evaluates the vent of the return flow path as insufficient when the difference is greater than a predetermined first threshold. [Invention 6] The air circulation system according to the present invention, wherein the first threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is closed. [7th Invention] The air circulation system according to any one of 4 to 6 of the present invention, wherein the evaluation unit includes a second evaluation unit that evaluates that the airtightness of the return flow path is insufficient when the difference is smaller than a predetermined second threshold. [8th Invention] The air circulation system according to the present invention, wherein the second threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is closed. [Invention 9] The air circulation system according to any one of 4 to 8 of the present invention, wherein the evaluation unit includes a third evaluation unit that evaluates the usage status of the vent based on the difference before the user resides in the house and the difference after the user resides in the house. [Invention 10] A method for circulating air inside a house, The aforementioned house is A chamber having an inlet and an outlet, A fan is placed inside the aforementioned chamber, A circulation path comprising a supply path for supplying air pressurized by the fan from the outlet of the chamber to the living room, and a return path for returning the air from the living room to the inlet of the chamber, The aforementioned living room includes a door that can be opened and closed, and a vent that forms part of the circulation path, The aforementioned vent allows for fluid communication between the living room and the entrance to the chamber when the door is closed. The aforementioned method, A step of obtaining a first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room open, A step of obtaining a second pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room closed, Includes an evaluation step of evaluating the quality of the return flow path based on the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss, Air circulation method. [Invention 11] The air circulation method according to the present invention 10, wherein the supply channel includes a duct whose one end communicates with the outlet of the chamber and whose other end communicates with the living room. [Invention 12] The air circulation method according to the present invention 10 or 11, wherein the ventilation opening includes a gap around the joinery, including an undercut of the joinery. [Invention 13] The air circulation method according to any one of the present invention 10 to 12, wherein the evaluation step evaluates the quality of the return flow path based on the difference between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss. [Invention 14] The air circulation method according to the present invention 13, wherein the evaluation step includes a step of evaluating that the vent of the return channel is insufficient when the difference is greater than a predetermined first threshold. [Invention 15] The air circulation method according to the present invention 14, wherein the first threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is closed. [Invention 16] The air circulation method according to any one of the present invention 13 to 15, wherein the evaluation step includes a step of evaluating that the airtightness of the return channel is insufficient when the difference is smaller than a predetermined second threshold. [17th Invention] The air circulation method according to the present invention 16, wherein the second threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is closed. [Invention 18] The air circulation method according to any one of the present invention 13 to 17, wherein the evaluation step includes a step of evaluating the usage state of the vent based on the difference before the user resides in the house and the difference after the user resides in the house. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0151] 1. Air circulation system 2 living room 11 Joinery 17 Chambers 18 Fans 19 Circulation channels 20 Control device 29 Supply channel 30 Return channel AI Air

Claims

1. An air circulation system installed inside a house, A chamber having an inlet and an outlet, A fan is placed inside the aforementioned chamber, A circulation path comprising a supply path for supplying air pressurized by the fan from the outlet of the chamber to the living room, and a return path for returning the air from the living room to the inlet of the chamber, Includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned fan, The aforementioned living room includes a door that can be opened and closed, and a vent that forms part of the circulation path, The aforementioned vent allows for fluid communication between the living room and the entrance to the chamber when the door is closed. The control device is A first acquisition unit acquires a first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room open. A second acquisition unit acquires a second pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room closed. Includes an evaluation unit that evaluates the quality of the return flow path based on the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss, Air circulation system.

2. The air circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the supply channel includes a duct whose one end communicates with the outlet of the chamber and whose other end communicates with the living room.

3. The air circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the vent includes a gap around the joinery, including an undercut of the joinery.

4. The air circulation system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit evaluates the quality of the return flow path based on the difference between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss.

5. The air circulation system according to claim 4, wherein the evaluation unit includes a first evaluation unit that evaluates the vent of the return channel as insufficient when the difference is greater than a predetermined first threshold.

6. The air circulation system according to claim 5, wherein the first threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is closed.

7. The air circulation system according to claim 4, wherein the evaluation unit includes a second evaluation unit that evaluates that the airtightness of the return flow path is insufficient when the difference is smaller than a predetermined second threshold.

8. The air circulation system according to claim 7, wherein the second threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is closed.

9. The air circulation system according to claim 4, wherein the evaluation unit includes a third evaluation unit that evaluates the usage status of the vent based on the difference before the user resides in the house and the difference after the user resides in the house.

10. A method for circulating air inside a house, The aforementioned house is A chamber having an inlet and an outlet, A fan is placed inside the aforementioned chamber, A circulation path comprising a supply path for supplying air pressurized by the fan from the outlet of the chamber to the living room, and a return path for returning the air from the living room to the inlet of the chamber, The aforementioned living room includes a door that can be opened and closed, and a vent that forms part of the circulation path, The aforementioned vent allows for fluid communication between the living room and the entrance to the chamber when the door is closed. The aforementioned method, A step of obtaining a first pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room open, A step of obtaining a second pressure loss, which is the pressure loss in the circulation path when the fan is operated with the door of the room closed, Includes an evaluation step of evaluating the quality of the return flow path based on the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss, Air circulation method.

11. The air circulation method according to claim 10, wherein the supply channel includes a duct having one end communicating with the outlet of the chamber and the other end communicating with the living room.

12. The air circulation method according to claim 10, wherein the vent includes a gap around the joinery, including an undercut of the joinery.

13. The air circulation method according to claim 10, wherein the evaluation step evaluates the quality of the return flow path based on the difference between the second pressure loss and the first pressure loss.

14. The air circulation method according to claim 13, wherein the evaluation step includes a step of evaluating that the vent of the return channel is insufficient when the difference is greater than a predetermined first threshold.

15. The air circulation method according to claim 14, wherein the first threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the circulation path when the door is closed.

16. The air circulation method according to claim 13, wherein the evaluation step includes a step of evaluating that the airtightness of the return channel is insufficient when the difference is smaller than a predetermined second threshold.

17. The air circulation method according to claim 16, wherein the second threshold is determined based on the value obtained by subtracting the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is open from the design value of the pressure loss based on the gap between the circulating channel and the house when the door is closed.

18. The air circulation method according to claim 13, wherein the evaluation step includes a step of evaluating the usage state of the vent based on the difference before the user resides in the house and the difference after the user resides in the house.

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