Ventilation device control method, information processing device, and ventilation control system

Abstract

To achieve energy conservation. [Solution] A control method for controlling a ventilation device (50) having a temperature adjustment unit (52) and supplying outside air to a target space, wherein the ventilation device operates in one of the following operating modes depending on the outside air temperature: heating operation using the temperature adjustment unit, fan operation without using the temperature adjustment unit, or cooling operation using the temperature adjustment unit, the operating mode is switched between the heating operation and the fan operation when the outside air temperature reaches a first switching setting value (Thu, Thd), and the operating mode is switched between the fan operation and the cooling operation when the outside air temperature reaches a second switching setting value (Tcu, Tcd), and the control unit (101, 1701) changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information regarding the internal load of the target space, information indicating the season, or information indicating the weather.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a control method for a ventilator, an information processing apparatus, and a ventilation control system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in an air conditioning control system including an air conditioner and a ventilator, a technique is known for switching to a cooling mode, a blowing mode, or a heating mode based on the relationship between the indoor temperature and a cooling set value (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] As described in Patent Document 1, when the cooling set value for switching the operation mode is a fixed value, there is a possibility that the system switches to an operation mode that performs temperature adjustment even in a situation where the need for cooling or heating is low, resulting in power consumption.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to facilitate switching to an operation mode that does not perform temperature adjustment, thereby achieving energy saving.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] A first aspect is A control method for controlling a ventilator that has a temperature adjustment unit and supplies outside air to a target space, the control method comprising: The ventilation device operates in one of the following operating modes depending on the outside air temperature: heating operation using the temperature control unit, fan operation without the temperature control unit, or cooling operation using the temperature control unit, wherein the operating mode is switched between the heating operation and the fan operation when the outside air temperature reaches a first switching setting value, and the operating mode is switched between the fan operation and the cooling operation when the outside air temperature reaches a second switching setting value. The control unit is a control method for a ventilation device that changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information regarding the internal load of the target space, information indicating the season, or information indicating the weather.

[0007] According to the first embodiment, by changing the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value, it is possible to easily switch to an operating mode in which a fan operation without using a temperature control unit is performed, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0008] The second aspect is a control method according to the first aspect, The control unit changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information relating to the internal load of the target space, such as information indicating the operation of an air conditioning unit installed in the target space, information indicating whether or not a person has been detected by a sensor installed in the target space, information indicating whether or not lighting is on in the target space, schedule information regarding the use of the target space, or temperature changes in the target space over a predetermined period up to the present.

[0009] According to the second embodiment, the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value is changed based on the internal load of the target space, thereby facilitating switching to an operating mode that performs fan operation without using the temperature control unit, and thus achieving energy savings.

[0010] The third aspect is a control method according to the second aspect, This control method involves the control unit lowering the first switching setting value or raising the second switching setting value if the air conditioning unit is not operating or if it does not detect any people in the target space.

[0011] According to the third embodiment, energy saving is achieved by making it easy to switch to an operating mode that performs fan operation without using the temperature control unit by lowering the first switching setting value or raising the second switching setting value.

[0012] The fourth aspect is a control method according to any one of the first to third aspects, The ventilation device supplies the outside air to a plurality of target spaces according to the operating mode. The control unit is a control method that changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information regarding the internal loads in a plurality of target spaces.

[0013] According to the fourth embodiment, temperature adjustment suitable for the conditions of multiple target spaces is made possible by changing the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on the internal load in multiple target spaces.

[0014] The fifth aspect is a control method according to the fourth aspect, The control method involves the control unit changing the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on the number of operating air conditioners as information regarding the internal load of the target space.

[0015] According to the fifth embodiment, by changing the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on the number of operating air conditioners, it is possible to switch the operating mode according to the internal load of the target space, thereby achieving energy savings while maintaining comfort in multiple target spaces.

[0016] The sixth aspect is a control method according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, This control method is characterized in that a lower limit is set for the first switching setting value, or an upper limit is set for the second switching setting value.

[0017] According to the sixth aspect, a lower limit is defined for the first switching set value, or an upper limit is defined for the second switching set value, whereby a possible range for switching the operation mode is set, so that the comfort of the target space can be maintained.

[0018] The seventh aspect is An information processing apparatus that controls a ventilator having a temperature adjustment unit and configured to supply outdoor air to a target space, the information processing apparatus comprising When the ventilator is operated in any one operation mode among a heating operation using the temperature adjustment unit, a ventilation operation not using the temperature adjustment unit, and a cooling operation using the temperature adjustment unit according to the outdoor air temperature, the operation mode is switched between the heating operation and the ventilation operation when the outdoor air temperature reaches a first switching set value, and the operation mode is switched between the ventilation operation and the cooling operation when the outdoor air temperature reaches a second switching set value, the information processing apparatus comprising a control unit capable of transmitting information to the ventilator The control unit is an information processing apparatus that transmits information for changing the first switching set value or the second switching set value based on information related to an internal load of the target space, information indicating a season, or information indicating weather.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect, by changing the first switching set value or the second switching set value, switching to the operation mode for performing the ventilation operation without using the temperature adjustment unit is facilitated, and energy saving is achieved.

[0020] The eighth aspect is A ventilation control system including a ventilator that has a temperature adjustment unit and supplies outdoor air to a target space, and an information processing apparatus that controls the ventilator The ventilator When operating in any one operation mode among a heating operation using the temperature adjustment unit, a ventilation operation not using the temperature adjustment unit, and a cooling operation using the temperature adjustment unit according to the outdoor air temperature, the ventilator includes a control unit that switches the operation mode between the heating operation and the ventilation operation when the outdoor air temperature reaches a first switching set value, and switches the operation mode between the ventilation operation and the cooling operation when the outdoor air temperature reaches a second switching set value The information processing apparatus A ventilation control system comprising a control unit that transmits information for changing the first switching set value or the second switching set value based on information related to the internal load of the target space, information indicating a season, or information indicating weather.

[0021] According to the eighth aspect, by changing the first switching set value or the second switching set value, switching to an operation mode that performs air blowing operation without using a temperature adjustment unit is facilitated, and energy saving is achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ventilation control system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of the air conditioner, the ventilation device, and the host control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram illustrating the switching of operation modes based on set values in the ventilation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a diagram illustrating the switching of operation modes based on the changed cooling set value in the ventilation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram illustrating the switching of operation modes based on the changed heating set value in the ventilation device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the host control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart illustrating the procedure of processing in the control unit of the host control device according to the first embodiment up to changing the heating set value or the cooling set value Tcs. [Figure 8] It is a block diagram showing the functional configurations of an air conditioner, a ventilation device, and a host control device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, several embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0024] (First embodiment) Figure 1 shows an example configuration of a ventilation control system according to the first embodiment. The ventilation control system SYS shown in Figure 1 is an example of ventilating multiple living spaces RA, RB, and RC. In this embodiment, the case in which the target spaces for ventilation are three living spaces RA, RB, and RC will be described.

[0025] The three living spaces RA, RB, and RC are living spaces within the building BL that are ventilated, such as living spaces inside an office or residence. However, this embodiment does not limit the number of spaces to be ventilated to three; there may be four or more, or two or fewer. Furthermore, there may even be only one space to be ventilated.

[0026] The SYS ventilation control system includes a ventilation device 50 and air conditioners 60A, 60B, and 60C for air conditioning of indoor spaces. Furthermore, the SYS ventilation control system is equipped with a higher-level control device 100 to coordinate between the ventilation device 50 and the air conditioners 60A, 60B, and 60C.

[0027] The ventilation device 50 is installed, for example, in the building BL and supplies outside air to each of the three living spaces RA, RB, and RC.

[0028] The living space RA is equipped with an air conditioner 60A and a carbon dioxide detection sensor SA. Furthermore, outside air taken in by the ventilation device 50 is supplied to the living space RA through an air inlet 65A. In this embodiment, a damper DA is provided between the living space RA and the ventilation device 50.

[0029] The air conditioner 60A is installed to regulate the temperature of the living space RA. The air conditioner 60A and the higher-level control device 100 are connected by a signal line. The air conditioner 60A transmits its operating status to the higher-level control device 100.

[0030] The carbon dioxide detection sensor SA is a sensor that detects carbon dioxide in the living space RA and transmits a signal indicating the detection result of carbon dioxide in the living space RA to the higher-level control device 100.

[0031] The living space RB is equipped with an air conditioner 60B and a carbon dioxide detection sensor SB. Furthermore, outside air taken in by the ventilation device 50 is supplied to the living space RB through an air inlet 65B. In this embodiment, a damper DB is provided between the living space RB and the ventilation device 50.

[0032] The air conditioner 60B is installed to regulate the temperature of the living space RB. The air conditioner 60B and the higher-level control unit 100 are connected by a signal line. The air conditioner 60B transmits its operating status to the higher-level control unit 100.

[0033] The carbon dioxide detection sensor SB is a sensor that detects carbon dioxide in the living space RB and transmits a signal indicating the detection result of carbon dioxide in the living space RB to the higher-level control device 100.

[0034] The RC living space is equipped with an air conditioner 60C and a carbon dioxide detection sensor SC. Furthermore, outside air taken in by the ventilation device 50 is supplied to the RC living space through an air inlet 65C. In this embodiment, a damper DC is provided between the RC living space and the ventilation device 50.

[0035] The air conditioner 60C is installed to regulate the temperature of the reinforced concrete (RC) space in the living area. The air conditioner 60C and the higher-level control unit 100 are connected by a signal line. The air conditioner 60C transmits its operating status to the higher-level control unit 100.

[0036] The carbon dioxide detection sensor SC is a sensor that detects carbon dioxide in the RC (reinforced concrete) space of a living room, and transmits a signal indicating the detection result of carbon dioxide in the RC space to the higher-level control device 100.

[0037] This embodiment does not limit the number of air conditioners installed in a living space; for example, two or more units may be installed. Furthermore, there may be living spaces without air conditioners.

[0038] Air conditioners 60A, 60B, and 60C are equipped with an outdoor unit (not shown) and perform a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle to cool or heat the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. Air conditioners 60A, 60B, and 60C according to this embodiment are capable of both cooling and heating the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. However, this embodiment is not limited to air conditioners capable of both cooling and heating; for example, a device capable of cooling only may also be used. In this embodiment, when there is no difference between air conditioners 60A, 60B, and 60C, they are collectively referred to as air conditioner 60.

[0039] In this embodiment, dampers DA, DB, and DC are controlled to switch between an open state and a closed state according to signals from the higher-level control device 100. While the case where dampers DA, DB, and DC are all open is described, they may be closed as needed. Furthermore, dampers DA, DB, and DC do not necessarily have to be installed.

[0040] The ventilation system 50 is installed to supply the outside air taken in to each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. As the ventilation system 50, for example, an outdoor air conditioning system (DOAS (Dedicated Outdoor Air System)) may be used.

[0041] The ventilation device 50 comprises a control unit 51, a temperature control unit 52, a fan 53, and an air supply path P1. Furthermore, the ventilation device 50 is connected to an air supply temperature sensor 54 and an outdoor temperature sensor 55.

[0042] The air supply path P1 is a flow path for supplying outside air taken in from outside the building BL, through the temperature control unit 52 of the ventilation device 50, to the respective living spaces RA, RB, and RC via air inlets 65A, 65B, and 65C.

[0043] Fan 53 functions to supply outside air drawn in from outside the building BL to the living spaces RA, RB, and RC.

[0044] The temperature control unit 52 functions to adjust the temperature of the outside air taken in from outside the building BL. The temperature control unit 52 is, for example, a heat exchanger. In this case, the temperature control unit 52 is connected to another heat exchanger (not shown) via a refrigerant circuit and functions as a condenser or evaporator. This allows the temperature control unit 52 to adjust the temperature of the outside air taken in from outside the building BL.

[0045] The outdoor temperature sensor 55 detects the temperature of the outside air outside the building BL and transmits the detection result to the control unit 51. The supply air temperature sensor 54 detects the temperature of the air flowing through the supply air channel P1 after the temperature has been adjusted by the temperature adjustment unit 52 and transmits the detection result to the control unit 51.

[0046] The control unit 51 controls the internal configuration of the ventilation device 50. The control unit 51 performs various controls according to the detection results from the supply air temperature sensor 54 and the outdoor temperature sensor 55. For example, the control unit 51 adjusts the function of the temperature adjustment unit 52 as a condenser or evaporator according to the detection results from the outdoor temperature sensor 55 and the supply air temperature sensor 54.

[0047] The higher-level control device 100 is an example of an information processing device for managing the air conditioning of a building BL, and is provided for controlling the ventilation system 50 and the air conditioners 60A, 60B, and 60C.

[0048] The higher-level control device 100 is implemented by, for example, a single server. In this embodiment, the higher-level control device 100 may be implemented by multiple servers, or it may be a server installed in a data center or the like.

[0049] Next, the functions of the air conditioner 60, ventilation system 50, and higher-level control device according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioner 60, ventilation system 50, and higher-level control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2, the air conditioners 60 (60A, 60B, 60C) are equipped with a control unit 61. The control unit 61 has a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0051] The control unit 61 executes a program stored in ROM or the like to perform air conditioning control according to the operations of people in the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. For example, when the control unit 61 receives an operation to start cooling operation, it performs cooling operation. When the control unit 61 receives an operation to start heating operation, it performs heating operation.

[0052] The control unit 61 is connected to the higher-level control unit 100 via a signal line. The control unit 61 transmits information to the higher-level control unit 100 indicating an operation received from a person, for example, information indicating that an operation to start or stop cooling operation has been received, or information indicating that an operation to start or stop heating operation has been received. The control unit 61 also transmits information to the higher-level control unit 100 indicating the operation currently being performed by the air conditioner 60. The current operation is, for example, heating operation, cooling operation, or dehumidification operation. Furthermore, if the operation is stopped, the control unit 61 transmits information to the higher-level control unit 100 indicating that the operation has stopped. By receiving the above information, the higher-level control unit 100 can recognize the operation currently being performed by the air conditioner 60.

[0053] As shown in Figure 2, the ventilation device 50 includes a control unit 51. The control unit 51 has a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0054] The control unit 51 executes a program stored in ROM or the like to control the operation mode of the ventilation device 50 based on the outside air temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 and a set value. The set value will be described later.

[0055] The ventilation device 50 according to this embodiment has three operating modes: a heating mode, a fan mode, and a cooling mode.

[0056] The control unit 51 according to this embodiment controls operation in one of the following operating modes, depending on the outside air temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55: a heating mode in which heating operation is performed using the temperature adjustment unit 52, a fan mode in which fan operation is performed without using the temperature adjustment unit 52, and a cooling mode in which cooling operation is performed using the temperature adjustment unit 52.

[0057] The ventilation system 50 supplies the taken-in outside air to each of the multiple living spaces RA, RB, and RC according to the operating mode.

[0058] The heating mode is a mode in which the temperature control unit 52 functions to raise the temperature of the outside air taken in from outside the building BL. For example, in heating mode, the ventilation device 50 warms the air passing through the supply air passage P1 by having the temperature control unit 52 function as a condenser. The supply air temperature in heating mode can be determined according to the embodiment, and may be, for example, 20 degrees.

[0059] The fan mode is a mode in which outside air taken in from outside the building BL is supplied as is, without the temperature control unit 52 being activated.

[0060] The cooling mode is a mode in which the temperature control unit 52 functions to lower the temperature of the outside air taken in from outside the building BL. For example, in the cooling mode, the ventilation device 50 cools the air passing through the supply air passage P1 by having the temperature control unit 52 function as an evaporator. The supply air temperature in the cooling mode can be determined according to the embodiment, and may be, for example, 18 degrees.

[0061] Figure 3 illustrates the switching of operating modes based on set values ​​in the ventilation device 50 according to this embodiment.

[0062] The heating setting value Ths is a setting value defined as the temperature reference for switching between heating mode and fan mode. This embodiment has a differential (temperature difference) for switching the operating mode based on the heating setting value Ths. In the example shown in Figure 3, a temperature a predetermined temperature above the heating setting value Ths is set as the fan mode switching setting value Thu. A temperature a predetermined temperature below the heating setting value Ths is set as the heating mode switching setting value Thd. The predetermined temperature is a temperature determined according to the embodiment. For example, if the heating setting value Ths is 18 degrees and the predetermined temperature is 0.5 degrees, the fan mode switching setting value Thu will be 18.5 degrees and the heating mode switching setting value Thd will be 17.5 degrees.

[0063] In the example shown in Figure 3, when the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is heating mode 1301, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to fan mode 1302 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or exceeds) the fan mode switching setting value Thu. Also, when the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is fan mode 1302, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to heating mode 1301 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or falls below) the heating mode switching setting value Thd.

[0064] This embodiment uses a fan-mode switching setting value Thu and a heating mode switching setting value Thd, such that the set value for the outside air temperature used to switch between heating mode and fan mode (an example of a first switching setting value) falls within a range based on the heating setting value Ths. However, this embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which a fan-mode switching setting value Thu and a heating mode switching setting value Thd are used. For example, a configuration in which a single setting value is used to switch between fan mode and heating mode without a differential (temperature difference) is also possible.

[0065] The cooling setting value Tcs is a set value defined as the temperature reference for switching between fan mode and cooling mode. This embodiment has a differential (temperature difference) for switching the operating mode based on the cooling setting value Tcs. In the example shown in Figure 3, a temperature a predetermined amount above the cooling setting value Tcs is set as the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu. A temperature a predetermined amount below the cooling setting value Tcs is set as the fan mode switching setting value Tcd. The predetermined temperature is a temperature determined according to the embodiment. For example, if the cooling setting value Tcs is 22 degrees and the predetermined temperature is 0.5 degrees, the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu will be 22.5 degrees and the fan mode switching setting value Tcd will be 21.5 degrees.

[0066] In the example shown in Figure 3, when the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is fan mode 1302, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to cooling mode 1303 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or exceeds) the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu. Also, when the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is cooling mode 1303, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to fan mode 1302 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or falls below) the fan mode switching setting value Tcd.

[0067] This embodiment uses a fan mode switching setting value Tcu and a cooling mode switching setting value Tcd such that the set value of the outside air temperature for switching between fan mode and cooling mode (an example of a second switching setting value) falls within a range based on the cooling setting value Tcs. However, this embodiment is not limited to the configuration in which a fan mode switching setting value Tcu and a cooling mode switching setting value Tcd are used. For example, a configuration in which a single setting value is used to switch between fan mode and cooling mode without a differential (temperature difference) is also possible.

[0068] In this embodiment, the ventilation device 50 switches between the operating modes shown in Figure 3, so that each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC is supplied with air at the supply air temperature based on the operating mode.

[0069] The control performed by the ventilation system 50 described above does not take into account the internal load conditions of each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. For example, there may be cases where the ventilation system 50 does not need to operate in cooling or heating mode, such as when there are no people in one or more of the living spaces RA, RB, or RC.

[0070] Therefore, in the ventilation control system SYS according to this embodiment, the higher-level control device 100 changes one or more of the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs based on information regarding the internal load of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. When the heating setting value Ths is changed, the fan mode switching setting value Thu and the heating mode switching setting value Thd are also changed. Similarly, when the cooling setting value Tcs is changed, the cooling mode switching setting value Tc and the fan mode switching setting value Tcd are also changed.

[0071] In this embodiment, the higher-level control device 100 changes the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs based on the operation of the air conditioners 60A, 60B, and 60C, as an example of information regarding the internal load of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC.

[0072] Returning to Figure 2, the configuration of the higher-level control unit 100 will be described. The higher-level control unit 100 includes a control unit 101. The control unit 101 includes a computer configuration, including a processor and memory. The specific hardware configuration of the higher-level control unit 100 will be described later.

[0073] The control unit 101 executes a program stored in the auxiliary storage device 403 (see Figure 6), etc., to realize the first communication control unit 111, the second communication control unit 112, the acquisition unit 113, the estimation unit 114, and the correction value calculation unit 115.

[0074] The first communication control unit 111 controls the transmission and reception of information with the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50.

[0075] The second communication control unit 112 controls the transmission and reception of information with the control unit 61 of the air conditioner 60.

[0076] For example, when the air conditioner 60 receives an operation for cooling or heating, the second communication control unit 112 receives information from the control unit 61 of the air conditioner 60 indicating that the operation for cooling or heating has been received.

[0077] Furthermore, the second communication control unit 112 receives information from the control unit 61 of the air conditioner 60 indicating that it will perform a cooling operation or a heating operation when the air conditioner 60 performs a cooling operation in response to a cooling request or a heating operation in response to a heating request.

[0078] The acquisition unit 113 acquires the carbon dioxide detection results for each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC from the carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, and SC.

[0079] The estimation unit 114 estimates whether or not a person is present in each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC based on the carbon dioxide detection results acquired by the acquisition unit 113. Any method may be used to estimate whether or not a person is present based on the carbon dioxide detection results, regardless of whether it is a well-known method.

[0080] The correction value calculation unit 115 calculates a correction value to change the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs based on the information received by the second communication control unit 112 and the estimation result by the estimation unit 114.

[0081] For example, the correction value calculation unit 115 calculates a correction value based on the number of operating air conditioners 60 among the air conditioners 60 installed in the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. Next, a specific example will be explained.

[0082] For example, let's assume that among the living spaces RA, RB, and RC, the air conditioners 60A and 60C installed in living spaces RA and RC accept the command to start cooling operation, while the air conditioner 60B installed in living space RB does not accept the command to start cooling operation. Air conditioner 60A in living space RA is performing cooling operation based on the cooling request. On the other hand, let's assume that living space RC does not meet the conditions for cooling operation, for example, when the outside air temperature is lower than the cooling set temperature of air conditioner 60C in living space RC. In this case, air conditioner 60C in living space RC will not perform cooling operation. In other words, among the living spaces RA, RB, and RC, two living spaces, RB and RC, can be considered to be in a situation where temperature adjustment is not required.

[0083] Therefore, the higher-level control device 100 according to this embodiment changes the cooling setting value Tcs according to the number of air conditioners 60 performing cooling operation.

[0084] The correction value calculation unit 115 according to this embodiment calculates the correction value CV1 using the following formula (1).

[0085] Correction value CV1 = Number of indoor units not operating in cooling mode × 1 degree ... (1)

[0086] If two of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC do not require temperature adjustment, the correction value calculation unit 115 calculates the correction value CV1"2" degrees from equation (1).

[0087] The first communication control unit 111 transmits information to the ventilation device 50 indicating a correction value CV1"2" degrees for changing the cooling setting value Tcs.

[0088] The control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 changes the cooling setting value Tcs to a cooling setting value Tcs1 that is 2 degrees higher than the received correction value CV1"2". Similarly, the control unit 51 changes the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu1 that is 2 degrees higher than before the change. Furthermore, the control unit 51 changes the fan mode switching setting value Tc1 that is 2 degrees higher than before the change.

[0089] Figure 4 illustrates the switching of the operating mode in the ventilation device 50 according to this embodiment, based on the changed cooling setting value Tcs1.

[0090] The cooling setting value Tcs1 is the setting value defined as the temperature reference for switching between fan mode and cooling mode. A temperature a predetermined amount above the cooling setting value Tcs1 is set as the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu1. A temperature a predetermined amount below the cooling setting value Tcs1 is set as the fan mode switching setting value Tcd1.

[0091] The cooling setting value Tcs1, the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu1, and the fan mode switching setting value Tcd1 are 2 degrees higher than the cooling setting value Tcs, the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu, and the fan mode switching setting value Tcd. In the example shown in Figure 4, it is shifted to the right by the amount indicated by the dotted arrow.

[0092] When the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is fan mode 1402, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to cooling mode 1403 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or exceeds) the cooling mode switching setting value Tcu1. Also, when the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is cooling mode 1403, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to fan mode 1402 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or falls below) the fan mode switching setting value Tcd1.

[0093] The temperature range in which the corrected fan mode 1402 is set is longer than the temperature range in which the uncorrected fan mode 1302 is set. In other words, the ventilation device 50 is more likely to operate in fan mode 1302 than before the correction. When the ventilation device 50 according to this embodiment operates in fan mode 1302, the load on the air conditioner 60 performing cooling operations increases, but temperature adjustment in other living spaces is suppressed. Therefore, the entire ventilation control system SYS can reduce power consumption and achieve energy savings.

[0094] Another example is a situation where, among the living spaces RA, RB, and RC, the air conditioners 60A and 60C installed in living spaces RA and RC accept commands to start heating operation, while the air conditioner 60B installed in living space RB does not accept commands to start heating operation. Air conditioner 60A in living space RA is performing heating operation based on the heating request. On the other hand, in living space RC, due to a sunny environment, the temperature of living space RC is higher than the heating set temperature of air conditioner 60C. In this case, air conditioner 60C in living space RC does not perform heating operation. In other words, it can be inferred that two of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC, living spaces RB and RC, do not require temperature adjustment.

[0095] Therefore, the higher-level control device 100 according to this embodiment changes the heating setting value Ths according to the number of air conditioners 60 performing heating operations.

[0096] The correction value calculation unit 115 according to this embodiment calculates the correction value CV2 using the following formula (2).

[0097] Correction value CV2 = Number of indoor units not operating in heating mode × 1 degree ... (2)

[0098] If two of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC do not require temperature adjustment, the correction value calculation unit 115 calculates the correction value CV2"2" degrees from equation (2).

[0099] The first communication control unit 111 transmits information to the ventilation device 50 indicating a correction value CV2"2" degrees for changing the heating setting value Ths.

[0100] The control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 changes the heating setting value Ths to a heating setting value Ths1, which is 2 degrees lower, based on the received correction value CV2"2". Similarly, the control unit 51 changes the fan mode switching setting value Thu1, which is 2 degrees lower than before the change. Furthermore, the control unit 51 changes the heating mode switching setting value Thd1, which is 2 degrees lower than before the change.

[0101] Figure 5 illustrates the switching of the operating mode in the ventilation device 50 according to this embodiment, based on the changed heating setting value Ths1.

[0102] The heating setting value Ths1 is the setting value defined as the temperature reference for switching between fan mode and heating mode. A temperature a predetermined amount above the heating setting value Ths1 is set as the fan mode switching setting value Thu1. A temperature a predetermined amount below the heating setting value Ths1 is set as the heating mode switching setting value Thd1.

[0103] The heating setting value Ths1, the fan mode switching setting value Thu1, and the heating mode switching setting value Thd1 are 2 degrees lower than the heating setting value Ths, the fan mode switching setting value Thu, and the heating mode switching setting value Thd. In the example shown in Figure 5, it is shifted to the left by the amount indicated by the dotted arrow.

[0104] When the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is fan mode 1502, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to heating mode 1501 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or falls below) the heating mode switching setting value Thd1. Also, when the operating mode of the ventilation device 50 is heating mode 1501, the control unit 51 of the ventilation device 50 switches to fan mode 1502 when the temperature detected by the outdoor temperature sensor 55 reaches (or rises above) the fan mode switching setting value Thu1.

[0105] The temperature range in which the corrected fan mode 1502 is set is longer than the temperature range in which the uncorrected fan mode 1302 is set. In other words, the ventilation device 50 is more likely to operate in fan mode 1302 than before the correction. When the ventilation device 50 according to this embodiment operates in fan mode 1302, the load on the air conditioner 60 requesting heating increases, but temperature adjustment in other living spaces is suppressed. Therefore, the entire ventilation control system SYS can reduce power consumption and achieve energy savings.

[0106] In this embodiment, an example was described in which the control unit 101 changes the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs based on the number of air conditioners 60 performing cooling or heating operations. However, this embodiment does not limit the operation to change the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs to cooling or heating operations; for example, it may also be a defrosting operation. In this embodiment, the control unit 101 changes the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs based on the number of operating air conditioners 60, enabling switching of the operating mode while considering variations in the internal load of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. Therefore, energy saving can be achieved while maintaining the comfort of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC.

[0107] Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit the parameters for calculating the correction value to the number of operating air conditioners 60. For example, the correction value calculation unit 115 may calculate the correction value based on the number of living spaces that satisfy the conditions related to the internal load. Specifically, when multiple air conditioners are installed in a single living space, the correction value calculation unit 115 may calculate the correction value according to the number of living spaces in which air conditioners performing cooling or heating operations are present.

[0108] Furthermore, information regarding the internal load for changing the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs is not limited to the operation of the air conditioner 60. For example, the information regarding the internal load may include information indicating whether or not a person is present in the living space, based on carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, and SC.

[0109] For example, the correction value calculation unit 115 can calculate a correction value based on a combination of whether the air conditioner 60 is performing cooling or heating operations and whether or not there are people in each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC.

[0110] The air conditioner 60 has a function to start air conditioning at a predetermined time according to the schedule. In other words, the air conditioner 60 may operate even in a living space where no one is present (for example, one of living spaces RA, RB, or RC). In such cases, the higher-level control device 100 considers that there is little need to operate in cooling mode or heating mode and changes the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs to operate in cooling mode or heating mode.

[0111] Specifically, the higher-level control device 100 stores correspondence information in the auxiliary storage device 403 (see Figure 6) that associates the living space where the air conditioner 60 is installed with the living space where the carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, and SC are installed.

[0112] The estimation unit 114 estimates whether or not a person is present in each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC based on the detection results from the carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, and SC.

[0113] Based on the correspondence information stored in the auxiliary storage device 403, the estimation unit 114 estimates the habitable spaces where an air conditioner 60 operating in cooling or heating mode is present, as received by the second communication control unit 112, but where no people are present.

[0114] The correction value calculation unit 115 calculates a correction value based on the number of air conditioners 60 that are not operating in cooling mode and the number of air conditioners 60 that are operating in cooling mode but are located in living spaces where no people are present. For example, the correction value calculation unit 115 calculates the correction value CV3 from the following formula (3).

[0115] Correction value CV3 = ((Number of indoor units not operating in cooling mode) + (Number of indoor units operating in cooling mode but located in living spaces where no one is present)) × 1 degree ... (3)

[0116] The first communication control unit 111 transmits information to the ventilation device 50 indicating a correction value CV3 for changing the cooling setting value Tcs.

[0117] Thus, the higher-level control device 100 controls the cooling setting value Tcs when the air conditioner 60 is not operating in cooling mode, or when it does not detect any people in the living spaces RA, RB, or RC.

[0118] Furthermore, the higher-level control device 100 also performs control to lower the heating setpoint Ths if the air conditioner 60 is not operating in heating mode, or if it does not detect any people in the living spaces RA, RB, or RC. The procedure for performing control to lower the heating setpoint Ths is the same as the procedure for raising the cooling setpoint Tcs, so the explanation will be omitted.

[0119] Furthermore, the information regarding the internal load for changing the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs does not necessarily include the operation of the air conditioner 60. As a modified example, the higher-level control device 100 changes the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs based on the number of habitable spaces where no people are present. In this case, the correction value calculation unit 115 calculates a correction value by the number of habitable spaces where no people are present × 1 degree.

[0120] Furthermore, the information regarding the internal load for changing the heating setpoint Ths or the cooling setpoint Tcs may include information indicating whether or not the lights are on in the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. For example, the higher-level control device 100 may change the heating setpoint Ths or the cooling setpoint Tcs based on the number of living spaces where the lights are not on.

[0121] Furthermore, this embodiment describes the case where there are three living spaces. However, this embodiment is not limited to the case where there are three living spaces, but may be four or more. In the case of four or more living spaces, the method of changing the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs according to the number of living spaces as described above may result in a large correction amount.

[0122] Therefore, a lower limit is set for the heating setting value Ths, and an upper limit is set for the cooling setting value Tcs.

[0123] For example, the heating setting Ths has a lower limit of "15 degrees". For example, the heating setting Ths is adjusted between "18 degrees" and the lower limit of "15 degrees".

[0124] For example, the cooling setting value Tcs has an upper limit of "25 degrees". For example, the cooling setting value Tcs is adjusted between "22 degrees" and the upper limit of "25 degrees".

[0125] This embodiment shows examples of the lower limit of the heating setting value Ths and the upper limit of the cooling setting value Tcs, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment. As a modification, there is a method in which only one of the lower limit of the heating setting value Ths and the upper limit of the cooling setting value Tcs is set. In this way, in this embodiment, the ranges of the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs are defined. This embodiment can maintain the comfort of the living space by suppressing the failure to switch to heating mode due to the heating setting value Ths being too low, and the failure to switch to cooling mode due to the cooling setting value Tcs being too high.

[0126] In addition to the calculation method described above, the correction value may also be calculated by dividing the adjustable correction amount (e.g., 3 degrees) by the number of air conditioners (e.g., 5 units) to obtain a value of 0.6. For example, the correction value calculation unit 115 calculates the correction value CV1 using "Correction value CV1 = Number of indoor units not operating in cooling mode × 0.6 degrees (3 degrees / 5 units)" instead of formula (1).

[0127] The higher-level control device 100 in Figure 1 is an example of an information processing device having a control unit 101 that controls the ventilation device 50.

[0128] <Hardware Configuration> The higher-level control unit 100 has a computer hardware configuration as shown in Figure 6, for example. The higher-level control unit 100 may be composed of multiple computers. The ventilation system 50 may also have a computer hardware configuration as shown in Figure 6.

[0129] Figure 6 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the higher-level control unit 100. As shown in Figure 6, the higher-level control unit 100 includes a processor 401, memory 402, auxiliary storage device 403, I / F (Interface) device 404, communication device 405, and drive device 406. Each piece of hardware in the higher-level control unit 100 is interconnected via a bus 407.

[0130] The processor 401 has various computing devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The processor 401 reads various programs (for example, a ventilation system control program) into the memory 402 and executes them.

[0131] Memory 402 has main memory devices such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 101 described above is hardware including the processor 401 and memory 402. The processor 401 realizes the various functions of the control unit 101 by executing various programs read from memory 402.

[0132] The auxiliary storage device 403 stores various programs and various information used when those programs are executed by the processor 401.

[0133] The I / F device 404 connects the upper-level control device 100 to an operating device 411 for inputting user instructions and a display device 412 for displaying processing results to the user.

[0134] The communication interface 405 is connected to both the ventilation device 50 and the air conditioner 60, and transmits and receives signals between them.

[0135] The drive device 406 is a device for setting the recording medium 413. The recording medium 413 includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as CD-ROMs, flexible disks, and magneto-optical disks. The recording medium 413 may also include semiconductor memory that records information electrically, such as ROMs and flash memory.

[0136] The various programs to be installed on the auxiliary storage device 403 are installed, for example, when the distributed recording medium 413 is set in the drive device 406 and the various programs recorded on the recording medium 413 are read by the drive device 406. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed on the auxiliary storage device 403 may be installed by downloading them from an external network 140 via the communication device 405.

[0137] The higher-level control device 100 may include electronic circuits such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The higher-level control device 100 performs the various control operations described in this specification by executing a program such as instruction code stored in memory, or by designing a circuit for a special application.

[0138] Next, we will explain the process by which the upper-level control device 100 changes the lower limit of the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs.

[0139] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the procedure for changing the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs in the control unit 101 of the higher-level control device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0140] The second communication control unit 112 receives signals from each of the three air conditioners 60 indicating whether or not they are performing cooling or heating operations (S1601).

[0141] The acquisition unit 113 receives detection results from each of the three carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, and SC (S1602).

[0142] The estimation unit 114 estimates whether or not a person is present in each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC based on the detection results from each of the carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, and SC (S1603). At that time, the estimation unit 114 estimates living spaces in which the air conditioner 60 is operating in heating or cooling mode, but no people are present.

[0143] The correction value calculation unit 115 calculates a correction value based on the number of air conditioners 60 that are not operating in heating or cooling mode, and the number of air conditioners 60 that are operating in heating or cooling mode but are located in living spaces where no people are present (S1604). Note that the method for calculating the correction value is not limited to the method shown in S1604, but any of the correction value calculation methods described above is acceptable.

[0144] The first communication control unit 111 transmits information to the ventilation device 50 indicating a correction value for changing the cooling setting value Tcs or the heating setting value Ths (S1605).

[0145] In the ventilation control system SYS according to this embodiment, the above-described control makes it possible to adjust the operating mode according to the internal load of the living space.

[0146] (Second embodiment) In the embodiments described above, the changes to the heating setpoint Ths and the cooling setpoint Tcs in accordance with the internal load of the living space were explained. However, the embodiments described above do not limit the changes to the heating setpoint Ths and the cooling setpoint Tcs to the internal load of the living space. Therefore, in the second embodiment, other conditions for changing the heating setpoint Ths and the cooling setpoint Tcs will be described.

[0147] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the air conditioner 60, ventilation device 50, and higher-level control device 1700 according to this embodiment. Among the configurations shown in Figure 8, those that are the same as those in the embodiment described above are assigned the same reference numerals and their descriptions are omitted.

[0148] The higher-level control device 1700 of the ventilation control system SYS1 according to this embodiment is connected to an information provision service 1750. The information provision service 1750 is a cloud server or the like that provides information other than the internal load of the living space RA, RB, RC, and is used to change the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs.

[0149] Information service 1750 provides weather and seasonal information for areas where living spaces RA, RB, and RC exist. Furthermore, information service 1750 provides information showing predictions of outside temperature changes for areas where living spaces RA, RB, and RC exist. Weather information may include a forecast of the weather for the day or a forecast for the week. Seasonal information may include, for example, at least one of the following: the current date, season, climate forecast for that season, and temperature forecast for that season.

[0150] Furthermore, the information service 1750 provides schedule information regarding the use of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC within the building's building line (BL). The schedule information includes, for example, whether or not reservations for meetings, etc., are set for each of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC for each time slot.

[0151] The higher-level control unit 1700 comprises a control unit 1701 and an auxiliary storage device 403. The control unit 1701 includes a computer configuration including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory). The hardware configuration of the higher-level control unit 1700 in the second embodiment may be the same as the hardware configuration of the higher-level control unit 100 shown in Figure 6.

[0152] The auxiliary storage device 403 stores the history information storage unit 1721. The history information storage unit 1721 stores history information regarding the internal load of the living space, history information indicating temperature changes in the living space, history information indicating the weather, and history information of changes to the heating setting value Ths and cooling setting value Tcs changed by the higher-level control device 100 over a predetermined period. The predetermined period can be determined according to the embodiment, and may be, for example, two weeks or one year.

[0153] The control unit 1701 of the higher-level control device 1700 changes the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs based on the weather information, seasonal information, and schedule information provided by the information provision service 1750, and the history information stored in the history information storage unit 1721.

[0154] The control unit 1701 implements the first communication control unit 111, the second communication control unit 112, the third communication control unit 1711, the acquisition unit 113, the estimation unit 1712, and the correction value calculation unit 1713 by executing a program stored in ROM or the like. Compared to the control unit 101, the control unit 1701 has the third communication control unit 1711 added. Also, compared to the control unit 101, the control unit 1701 has the estimation unit 1712 and the correction value calculation unit 1713 instead of the estimation unit 114 and the correction value calculation unit 115.

[0155] The third communication control unit 1711 receives information provided by the information provision service 1750. The information received includes at least one of the following: weather information, seasonal information, information indicating the forecast of changes in outside air temperature in the area where the living spaces RA, RB, and RC are located, and schedule information regarding the use of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC within the building BL.

[0156] In addition to the estimation process performed by the estimation unit 114 in the above-described embodiment, the estimation unit 1712 performs estimation based on the information received by the third communication control unit 1711 and the history information stored in the history information storage unit 1721.

[0157] For example, the estimation unit 1712 changes the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs based on seasonal information. For example, the estimation unit 1712 identifies the heating setting value Ths as the target for change during the period from October to March. Also, for example, the estimation unit 1712 identifies the cooling setting value Tcs as the target for change during the period from May to September.

[0158] The correction value calculation unit 1713 may change the initial value of the set value (heating set value Ths or cooling set value Tcs) identified by the estimation unit 1712. For example, the correction value calculation unit 1713 may lower the heating set value Ths by 1 degree compared to other seasons, for example, from October to March. Another example is that the correction value calculation unit 1713 may raise the cooling set value Tcs by 1 degree compared to other seasons, for example, from May to September.

[0159] The control unit 1701 according to this embodiment is not limited to changing the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs based on the date corresponding to the season. For example, it may change the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs based on the climate forecast or temperature forecast for the season.

[0160] Furthermore, the estimation unit 1712 may estimate whether or not there are people in the living spaces RA, RB, and RC based on the schedule information. For example, even in living spaces where it has been determined that no people are present based on the detection results from the carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, and SC, the estimation unit 1712 may estimate that there are people in the living space if it has been determined, based on the schedule information, that a meeting will start in 10 minutes. In this case, the correction value calculation unit 1713 may assume that there are people in the living space and perform the same processing as in the embodiment described above.

[0161] Furthermore, the control unit 1701 of the higher-level control device 100 changes the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs based on weather information.

[0162] For example, if the weather is sunny, the correction value calculation unit 1713 assumes that the temperature of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC will rise and determines a correction value corresponding to sunny weather. The correction value is, for example, a value predetermined to lower the heating set value Ths. The correction value corresponding to sunny weather may be determined according to the embodiment.

[0163] For example, if it is raining, the correction value calculation unit 1713 assumes that the temperature of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC will decrease and determines a correction value corresponding to the rain. The correction value corresponding to the rain may be determined according to the embodiment.

[0164] Furthermore, the control unit 1701 of the higher-level control device 100 may change the heating set value Ths or the cooling set value Tcs based on information regarding humidity.

[0165] Various methods may be used to change the heating setting value Ths and the cooling setting value Tcs.

[0166] As a modification of this embodiment, the control unit 1701 changes the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs according to the temperature changes of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC over a predetermined period (e.g., two weeks) up to the present, based on the history information stored in the history information storage unit 1721. For example, the estimation unit 1712 estimates the temperature changes of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC for today based on a predetermined period (e.g., two weeks) up to the present. The correction value calculation unit 1713 identifies a correction value to change the heating setting value Ths or the cooling setting value Tcs based on the estimated temperature changes of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC. For example, if it is estimated that the temperature of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC will rise, the correction value calculation unit 1713 may identify a correction value to raise the cooling setting value Tcs. As another example, if it is estimated that the temperature of the living spaces RA, RB, and RC will fall, the correction value calculation unit 1713 may identify a correction value to lower the heating setting value Ths.

[0167] In a further modification of this embodiment, the correction value calculation unit 1713 identifies correction values ​​for changing the heating set value Ths and the cooling set value Tcs based on weather information and history information stored in the history information storage unit 1721. For example, it identifies history information that is close to the current weather from among the weather information included in the history information stored in the history information storage unit 1721. The correction value calculation unit 1713 identifies correction values ​​so that the heating set value Ths and the cooling set value Tcs are changed according to the identified history information.

[0168] In the ventilation control system SYS1 according to this embodiment, the above-described control enables adjustment of the operating mode based on the schedule information, seasonal information, weather information, and history information of the living space. In the ventilation control system SYS1 according to this embodiment, by adjusting the setting value for switching the operating mode, it is possible to easily switch to the fan mode, thereby reducing power consumption and achieving energy savings.

[0169] In the embodiments described above, an example was described in which the higher-level control devices 100 and 1700 control the ventilation device 50. However, the embodiments described above are not limited to the mode in which the higher-level control devices 100 and 1700 control the ventilation device 50, and the configuration shown for the higher-level control devices 100 and 1700 may be realized inside the ventilation device 50 or the air conditioner 60. In this case, the control unit of the ventilation device 50 or the air conditioner 60 sets a cooling set value Tcs or a heating set value Ths based on information regarding the internal load of the living space, information indicating the season, or information indicating the weather, etc.

[0170] Furthermore, the configuration of the higher-level control devices 100 and 1700 may be implemented as a network service. One example of a network service is the use of a cloud server. In this case, the ventilation device 50, carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, SC, and air conditioner 60 are made connectable to the cloud server via a public network. The cloud server then transmits information to the ventilation device 50 to change the cooling setting value Tcs or the heating setting value Ths based on information received from the air conditioner 60 and carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, SC, weather information, and seasonal information. The information transmitted by the air conditioner 60 and carbon dioxide detection sensors SA, SB, SC is the same as in the embodiment described above.

[0171] As described above, the control method for the ventilation system 50 performed by the higher-level control devices 100 and 1700 can be implemented by any method, for example, by embedding it in an independently installed information processing device, the ventilation system 50, or the air conditioner 60, or by using a network service.

[0172] As described above, embodiments have been explained, but these embodiments are presented as examples only, and the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various combinations, omissions, substitutions, and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0173] 50 Ventilation system 51 Control Unit 54. Air supply temperature sensor 55 Outdoor temperature sensor 60A, 60B, 60C air conditioner 61 Control Unit 100, 1700 Higher-level control unit 101, 1701 Control Unit 111 First Communication Control Unit 112 Second Communication Control Unit 113 Acquisition Department 114, 1712 Estimation Department 115, 1713 Correction Value Calculation Unit 1711 Third Communication Control Unit 1721 History Information Storage Unit

Claims

1. A control method for controlling a ventilation device (50) that has a temperature control unit (52) and supplies outside air to a target space, The ventilation device operates in one of the following operating modes depending on the outside air temperature: heating operation using the temperature control unit, fan operation without the temperature control unit, or cooling operation using the temperature control unit, wherein the operating mode is switched between the heating operation and the fan operation when the outside air temperature reaches a first switching setting value (Thu, Thd), and the operating mode is switched between the fan operation and the cooling operation when the outside air temperature reaches a second switching setting value (Tcu, Tcd). The control unit (101, 1701) changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information regarding the internal load of the target space, information indicating the season, or information indicating the weather. A method for controlling a ventilation system.

2. The control unit changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information relating to the internal load of the target space, such as information indicating the operation of the air conditioning unit (60A, 60B, 60C) installed in the target space, information indicating whether or not a person has been detected by the sensor (SA, SB, SC) installed in the target space, information indicating whether or not the lights in the target space are on, schedule information regarding the use of the target space, or temperature changes in the target space within a predetermined period up to the present. The control method according to claim 1.

3. The control unit lowers the first switching setting value or raises the second switching setting value if the air conditioning unit is not operating or if it does not detect any people in the target space. The control method according to claim 2.

4. The ventilation device supplies the outside air to a plurality of target spaces according to the operating mode. The control unit changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information regarding the internal load of a plurality of target spaces. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control unit changes the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on the number of operating air conditioners (60A, 60B, 60C) as information regarding the internal load of the target space. The control method according to claim 1.

6. A lower limit is set for the first switching setting value, or an upper limit is set for the second switching setting value. The control method according to claim 1.

7. An information processing device (100, 1700) having a temperature control unit (52) and controlling a ventilation device (50) that supplies outside air to the target space, The ventilation device is equipped with a control unit (101, 1701) capable of transmitting information to the ventilation device, which operates in one of the following modes depending on the outside air temperature: heating operation using the temperature control unit, fan operation without the temperature control unit, or cooling operation using the temperature control unit, and switches the operating mode between the heating operation and the fan operation when the outside air temperature reaches a first switching setting value, and switches between the fan operation and the cooling operation when the outside air temperature reaches a second switching setting value. The control unit transmits information to change the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information regarding the internal load of the target space, information indicating the season, or information indicating the weather. Information processing device.

8. A ventilation control system (SYS, SYS1) comprising a ventilation device (50) having a temperature control unit (52) and supplying outside air to the target space, and an information processing device (100, 1700) that controls the ventilation device, The aforementioned ventilation device is The system includes a control unit (51) that, when operating in one of the following modes depending on the outside air temperature: heating operation using the temperature control unit, fan operation without the temperature control unit, or cooling operation using the temperature control unit, switches the operating mode between heating operation and fan operation when the outside air temperature reaches a first switching setting value, and switches between fan operation and cooling operation when the outside air temperature reaches a second switching setting value. The aforementioned information processing device is The system includes a control unit (101, 1701) that transmits information to change the first switching setting value or the second switching setting value based on information regarding the internal load of the target space, information indicating the season, or information indicating the weather. Ventilation control system.

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