Ventilation system

Abstract

To provide a technique that can restrain the influence of operation noise of a cooling fan for cooling electric components for driving a ventilation device.SOLUTION: A ventilation device 30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an air supply fan 44 and an air exhaust fan 45 for ventilating an indoor space R, a sensor 52F for acquiring information related to the amount of work of the air supply fan 44 and the air exhaust fan 45, electric components 52 for driving the air supply fan 44 and the air exhaust fan 45, a casing 51 for housing the electric components 52, a cooling fan 55 for cooling the electric components 52, and a control unit 52E for controlling the operation of the cooling fan 55. The control unit 52E controls the operation of the cooling fan 55 on the basis of the information related to the amount of work of the air supply fan 44 and the air exhaust fan 45.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a ventilation device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a technique is known in which a heat dissipation member for dissipating heat from electrical equipment for driving a ventilation device is protruded into an air passage inside the ventilation device to cool the electrical equipment (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-178083 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, it is conceivable to use a dedicated cooling fan to cool the electrical components for driving the ventilation device.

[0005] However, depending on the operating state of the main fan for ventilating the room in the ventilation device, the sound caused by the operation of the cooling fan (hereinafter, "operational sound") may stand out compared to the sound caused by the operation of the main fan (operational sound). For example, even if the air volume and wind speed of the main fan are relatively small and the operating sound of the main fan is small, the sound of the cooling fan may stand out and be heard by the user, causing discomfort.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of suppressing the influence of the operating noise of a cooling fan that cools electrical components for driving a ventilation device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, The main fan for ventilating the room, a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a workload of the main fan; an electrical component for driving the main fan; an electrical equipment casing that houses the electrical equipment; A cooling fan for cooling the electrical equipment; A control unit that controls the operation of the cooling fan based on the information about the workload. R, Ventilation is provided.

[0008] According to this aspect, the ventilation device can control the operation of the cooling fan by taking into consideration the workload of the main fan. Therefore, the ventilation device can make the operating noise of the cooling fan less noticeable in comparison with the operating noise of the main fan. Therefore, the ventilation device can suppress the impact of the operating noise of the cooling fan.

[0009] In addition, in a second aspect of the present disclosure, based on the first aspect described above, The ventilation device includes a second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a temperature inside the electrical component casing, The control unit may control operation of the cooling fan based on information relating to the workload and information relating to the temperature.

[0010] In addition, in a third aspect of the present disclosure, based on the second aspect described above, The control unit may drive the cooling fan when the workload is relatively large with respect to a first criterion and the temperature is relatively large with respect to a second criterion.

[0011] In addition, in a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, on the premise of any one of the first to third aspects described above, The information regarding the workload may be information regarding a current of the main fan.

[0012] In addition, in a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, on the premise of any one of the first to third aspects described above, The information on the workload may be information on the air volume of the main fan and information on the rotation speed of the main fan, or information on the wind speed of the main fan and information on the rotation speed of the main fan.

[0013] In addition, in a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, on the premise of any one of the first to fifth aspects described above, The main fan may be an intake fan that supplies outdoor air to the room, or an exhaust fan that exhausts indoor air to the outside.

[0014] In addition, in the seventh aspect, on the premise of any one of the first to sixth aspects, The ventilation system may be installed indoors or above the ceiling.

[0015] In addition, in an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, on the premise of any one of the first to seventh aspects described above, The ventilation device includes a main casing that houses the main fan, The space within the electrical component casing and the space within the main casing may be independent of each other. Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the above-described embodiment, it is possible to suppress the influence of the operating noise of the cooling fan that cools the electrical components for driving the ventilation device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a ventilation system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main body of the ventilation device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main body of the ventilation device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a main body of the ventilation device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a total heat exchanger. [Figure 6]5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a configuration of an electrical equipment housing portion. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process related to operation control of a cooling fan. [Figure 8] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for detecting an abnormality in a cooling fan. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for detecting an abnormality in a sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0019] [Ventilation system configuration] The configuration of a ventilation system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ventilation system 1. FIGS. 2 to 4 are diagrams showing an example of the configuration of a main body 40 of the ventilation device 30. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of the main body 40 of the ventilation device 30. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 40 of FIG. 2 taken along line AA. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 40 of FIG. 2 taken along line BB. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a total heat exchanger 46. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an electrical equipment housing section 50.

[0021] In FIG. 2, the top surface of the casing 41 (the end surface in the positive direction of the Z axis in the drawing) is omitted so that the inside of the main body 40 is exposed.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the ventilation system 1 includes an air supply duct 10, an exhaust duct 20, and a ventilation device 30.

[0023] The ventilation system 1 ventilates an indoor space S1 inside a room R.

[0024] The supply air duct 10 is a path that takes in outside air OA from an outdoor space S2 outside the room R and supplies it to the indoor space S1 as supply air SA. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the supply air duct 10 is installed in a space S3 above the attic above the indoor space S1 in the room R. Also, depending on the installation position of the ventilation device 30, a part or all of the supply air duct 10 may be disposed in the indoor space S1 or the outdoor space S2.

[0025] The air supply duct 10 includes air supply ducts 11 and 12.

[0026] One end of the supply air duct 11 is connected to the outdoor space S2 outside the room R, and the other end is connected to the main body 40 (outdoor air intake 41A) of the ventilation device 30. This allows the supply air duct 11 to supply the outdoor air OA of the outdoor space S2 to the main body 40 of the ventilation device 30.

[0027] One end of the supply air duct 12 is connected to the main body 40 (supply air outlet 41B) of the ventilation device 30, and the other end is connected to the indoor space S1. This allows the supply air duct 12 to supply the outside air OA that has passed through the main body 40 of the ventilation device 30 to the indoor space S1 as supply air SA.

[0028] The exhaust duct 20 is a path that takes in return air RA from an indoor space S1 and discharges it as exhaust air EA to an outdoor space S2. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the exhaust duct 20 is installed in a space S3 above the ceiling. Also, the exhaust duct 20 may be partially or entirely located in the indoor space S1 or the outdoor space S2 depending on the installation position of the ventilation device 30.

[0029] The exhaust duct 20 includes exhaust ducts 21 and 22.

[0030] One end of the exhaust duct 21 is connected to the indoor space S1, and the other end is connected to the main body 40 (return air intake 41C) of the ventilation device 30. This allows the exhaust duct 21 to take in the return air RA from the indoor space S1 and supply it to the main body 40 of the ventilation device 30.

[0031] One end of the exhaust duct 22 is connected to the main body 40 (exhaust air outlet 41D) of the ventilation device 30, and the other end is connected to the outdoor space S2. This allows the exhaust duct 22 to discharge the return air RA that has passed through the ventilation device 30 to the outdoor space S2 as exhaust air EA.

[0032] The ventilation device 30 is provided in the middle of the intake air duct 10 and the exhaust air duct 20, and ventilates the indoor space S1 through the intake air duct 10 and the exhaust air duct 20. The ventilation device 30 is installed, for example, in the attic. The ventilation device 30 may also be installed in the indoor space S1 or the outdoor space S2.

[0033] The ventilation device 30 includes a main body 40 , an electrical component housing 50 , and a remote controller 60 .

[0034] For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the main body 40 includes a casing 41, an air supply path 42, an exhaust path 43, an air supply fan 44, an exhaust fan 45, a total heat exchanger 46, and partition walls 47 and 48.

[0035] The casing 41 is a housing that houses the components of the main body 40 .

[0036] For example, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, casing 41 is configured with sides parallel to any of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis in the figures, and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape with a relatively small dimension in the Z-axis direction and a relatively long dimension in the X-axis direction.

[0037] An outside air intake 41A and an exhaust air outlet 41D are provided on the end face of the casing 41 facing in the negative direction along the X axis, and a supply air outlet 41B and a return air intake 41C are provided on the end face of the casing 41 facing in the positive direction along the X axis.

[0038] The outside air intake 41A is connected to one end of the air supply duct 11 and is an opening for taking in the outside air OA supplied through the air supply duct 11 into the inside of the casing 41.

[0039] The supply air outlet 41B is connected to one end of the supply air duct 12, and is an opening for blowing out the outside air OA that has passed through the casing 41 toward the indoor space S1 as supply air SA.

[0040] The return air intake 41C is connected to one end of the exhaust duct 21 and is an opening for taking in the return air RA supplied through the exhaust duct 21 into the inside of the casing 41.

[0041] The exhaust air outlet 41D is an opening for blowing out the return air RA that has passed through the inside of the casing 41 toward the outdoor space S2 as exhaust air EA.

[0042] For example, the outside air intake 41A and the supply air outlet 41B are disposed at approximately the same position in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Similarly, the return air intake 41C and the exhaust air outlet 41D are disposed at approximately the same position in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, in the main body 40 (casing 41), the outside air intake 41A and the supply air outlet 41B are disposed closer to the positive direction of the Y-axis, and the return air intake 41C and the exhaust air outlet 41D are disposed closer to the negative direction of the Y-axis.

[0043] The air supply path 42 is provided inside the casing 41, and is a path that guides the outside air OA taken in from the outside air intake 41A to the air supply outlet 41B via the total heat exchanger 46. For example, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, one air supply path 42 is provided. Alternatively, a plurality of air supply paths 42 may be provided.

[0044] The air supply path 42 includes air supply paths 42a and 42b.

[0045] The air supply path 42a corresponds to a portion of the air supply path 42 that is upstream of the total heat exchanger 46, and is a path through which the outside air OA taken in from the outside air intake 41A flows toward the total heat exchanger 46.

[0046] The supply air path 42b corresponds to a portion of the supply air path 42 that is downstream of the total heat exchanger 46, and is a path through which the outside air OA that has passed through the total heat exchanger 46 flows toward the supply air outlet 41B.

[0047] The exhaust path 43 is provided inside the casing 41, and is a path that guides the return air RA taken in from the return air intake 41C to the exhaust outlet 41D via the total heat exchanger 46. For example, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, one exhaust path 43 is provided. Alternatively, a plurality of exhaust paths 43 may be provided.

[0048] The exhaust path 43 includes exhaust paths 43a and 43b.

[0049] The exhaust path 43a corresponds to a portion of the exhaust path 43 that is upstream of the total heat exchanger 46, and is a path through which the return air RA taken in from the return air intake 41C flows toward the total heat exchanger 46.

[0050] The exhaust path 43b corresponds to a portion of the exhaust path 43 that is downstream of the total heat exchanger 46, and is a path through which the return air RA that has passed through the total heat exchanger 46 flows toward the exhaust outlet 41D.

[0051] The supply air fan 44 is provided in the supply air path 42, and sends out the outside air OA taken in from the outside air intake 41A to the downstream side. For example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the supply air fan 44 is provided near the supply air outlet 41B of the supply air path 42b. The supply air fan 44 is driven by a drive motor built therein, for example, under the control of a control unit 52E described below. The drive motor is, for example, a DC (Direct Current) motor. The drive motor may also be an AC (Alternating Current) motor.

[0052] As described above, a plurality of air supply paths 42 may be provided. In this case, a plurality of air supply fans 44 may be provided, or one air supply fan 44 may be provided in common for the plurality of air supply paths 42. When a plurality of air supply fans 44 are provided, the air supply fan 44 may be provided for each of the plurality of air supply paths 42, or the air supply fan 44 may be provided in common for two or more of a portion of the plurality of air supply paths 42.

[0053] The exhaust fan 45 is provided in the exhaust path 43, and sends out the return air RA taken in from the return air intake 41C to the downstream side. For example, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, the exhaust fan 45 is provided near the exhaust outlet 41D of the exhaust path 43b. The exhaust fan 45 is driven by a drive motor built in the exhaust fan 45, for example, under the control of a control unit 52E described later. The drive motor is, for example, a DC motor. The drive motor may also be an AC motor.

[0054] Hereinafter, the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 may be collectively referred to as the "main fans."

[0055] As described above, a plurality of exhaust paths 43 may be provided. In this case, a plurality of exhaust fans 45 may be provided, or one exhaust fan 45 may be provided in common to the plurality of exhaust paths 43. Similarly, as described above, a plurality of exhaust fans 45 may be provided. In this case, the exhaust fan 45 may be provided for each of the plurality of exhaust paths 43, or the exhaust fan 45 may be provided in common to two or more exhaust paths 43 that are a part of the plurality of exhaust paths 43.

[0056] The total heat exchanger 46 performs total heat exchange (exchange of latent heat and sensible heat) between the outside air OA of the intake air path 42 and the return air RA of the exhaust air path 43.

[0057] 2 to 4, the total heat exchanger 46 has a rectangular columnar shape as a whole, with the height direction being approximately parallel to the Y axis, and is disposed such that a pair of diagonal corners contact the end faces in the positive and negative Z-axis directions of the casing 41 when viewed along the Y axis. This divides the internal space of the casing 41 into a space in the negative X-axis direction and a space in the positive X-axis direction when viewed from the total heat exchanger 46.

[0058] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the total heat exchanger 46 is formed by alternately stacking partition plates 46a and partition plates 46b. The partition plate 46a is a rectangular flat plate having thermal conductivity and moisture permeability. The partition plate 46b has a rectangular shape substantially the same as the partition plate 46a when viewed along the Y-axis direction, and has a corrugated shape in which a triangular mountain-shaped cross section is repeated from one opposing side of the rectangle to the other side. The partition plate 46a and the partition plate 46b are connected by an adhesive or the like. As a result, an air flow path is formed by a pair of adjacent partition plates 46a and the partition plate 46b therebetween.

[0059] The partition plates 46b are alternately stacked in the Y-axis direction so that the direction of the air flow path formed by the corrugated plate shape is perpendicular to the other partition plates 46b adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction through the partition plate 46a. This allows the total heat exchanger 46 to realize two different air flows that are perpendicular to each other and are partitioned by the partition plate 46a. Therefore, the total heat exchanger 46 can perform total heat exchange between the flow F1 of the outside air OA and the flow F2 of the return air RA passing through one of the flow paths through the partition plate 46a having heat conductivity and moisture permeability. Therefore, the ventilation device 30 can reduce the temperature difference between the temperature of the outside air OA supplied as the supply air SA to the indoor space S1 and the temperature of the air in the indoor space S1, thereby improving the energy saving of the air conditioner in the indoor space S1.

[0060] As described above, a plurality of air supply paths 42 and exhaust paths 43 may be provided. In this case, a plurality of total heat exchangers 46 may be provided, or one total heat exchanger 46 may be provided in common for all of the air supply paths 42 and exhaust paths 43. For example, when a plurality of air supply paths 42 and an equal number of exhaust paths 43 are provided, a total heat exchanger 46 may be provided for each combination of the air supply path 42 and the exhaust path 43.

[0061] The partition wall 47 divides the space inside the casing 41 on the negative side of the X-axis from the total heat exchanger 46 into an air supply path 42a and an exhaust path 43b.

[0062] The partition wall 48 divides the space inside the casing 41 in the positive direction of the X-axis beyond the total heat exchanger 46 into an air supply path 42b and an exhaust path 43a.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 6, the electrical equipment housing 50 includes a casing 51, electrical equipment 52, an air intake port 53, an exhaust port 54, and a cooling fan 55.

[0064] The casing 51 is a housing that houses the electrical components 52. The internal space of the casing 51 is isolated and independent from the internal space of the casing 41 of the main body 40.

[0065] Electrical equipment 52 is an electronic device for driving ventilation device 30. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, electrical equipment 52 includes converter unit 52B, supply air fan driving unit 52C, exhaust fan driving unit 52D, control unit 52E, sensor 52F, and sensor 52G.

[0066] Converter unit 52B converts AC power supplied from the outside into DC power. For example, converter unit 52B includes a full-wave rectifier bridge circuit using diodes and a smoothing circuit that smoothes the DC output of the full-wave rectifier bridge circuit. The smoothing circuit includes, for example, a capacitor and a reactor. Among the components of electrical equipment 52, the capacitor and the reactor in particular generate a large amount of heat when supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 are operated.

[0067] Air supply fan driving section 52C drives air supply fan 44 (DC motor) using the DC power output from converter section 52B.

[0068] The exhaust fan driving unit 52D drives the exhaust fan 45 (DC motor) using the DC power output from the converter unit 52B.

[0069] When air supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 are driven by AC motors, converter unit 52B, air supply fan drive unit 52C, and exhaust fan drive unit 52D are omitted.

[0070] The control unit 52E controls the operation of the ventilation device 30.

[0071] The functions of the control unit 52E may be realized by any hardware or any combination of hardware and software. For example, the control unit 52E is mainly configured with a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory device, an auxiliary storage device, an interface device, and the like. The memory device is, for example, a static random access memory (SRAM), etc. The auxiliary storage device is, for example, a flash memory or an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), etc. The interface device includes, for example, a communication interface for communicating with an external device of the control unit 52E. In addition, the interface device includes an external interface for reading data from an external recording medium and writing data to the recording medium. This allows, for example, a program used by the control unit 52E to be installed in the auxiliary storage device through the external interface.

[0072] Control unit 52E controls supply air fan drive unit 52C and exhaust fan drive unit 52D to control the operation of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45. For example, control unit 52E adjusts the air volume and the like of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 in response to a command from remote controller 60 or in response to a predetermined control condition based on sensing information or the like that indicates the air state in indoor space S1.

[0073] Moreover, the control unit 52E controls the operation of the cooling fan 55. The details of the operation control of the cooling fan 55 will be described later (see FIG. 7).

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 52E detects various abnormalities related to the ventilation device 30. For example, the control unit 52E detects abnormalities in the cooling fan 55 and the sensor 52G. Details of abnormality detection in the cooling fan 55 and the sensor 52G will be described later (see FIG. 8 and FIG. 9).

[0075] The functions of the control unit 52E may be realized by a plurality of control units. For example, some or all of the functions of controlling the operation of the cooling fan 55 and detecting various abnormalities related to the ventilation device 30 may be realized by a control unit (hardware) other than the control unit 52E.

[0076] Sensor 52F obtains information regarding the magnitude of the workload of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45. Specifically, sensor 52F may obtain information regarding the workload (power) of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 per unit time.

[0077] The information on the workload of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 is, for example, information on the current of the supply air fan 44 (drive motor) and the exhaust fan 45 (drive motor). In this case, the sensor 52F is a current sensor that outputs a signal indicating the current of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45. The current sensor measures, for example, the current output from the supply air fan drive unit 52C and the exhaust fan drive unit 52D. Furthermore, the information on the workload of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 may be acquired based on information on the air volume and the number of revolutions (rotation speed) of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45, or may be acquired based on information on the air speed and the number of revolutions (rotation speed) of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45. In this case, the sensor 52F is a sensor that measures the air volume, the air speed, and the number of revolutions of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45. Furthermore, the rotation speeds of intake air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 may be obtained from the drive motors of intake air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 by control unit 52E.

[0078] Note that a plurality of sensors 52F are provided when information on the magnitude of the workload of both supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 is used or when information on the magnitude of the workload of a plurality of supply air fans 44 or a plurality of exhaust fans 45 is used. Sensor 52F as a current sensor may be transferred to the outside of electrical component 52 by being mounted on supply air fan 44 (drive motor) or exhaust fan 45 (drive motor).

[0079] The sensor 52G acquires information regarding the temperature inside the casing 51. For example, the sensor 52G is a temperature sensor disposed inside the casing 51. The temperature sensor is, for example, a thermistor.

[0080] The temperature sensor is disposed, for example, near a component of electrical equipment 52 that is most susceptible to the temperature inside casing 51. The component that is most susceptible to the temperature inside casing 51 is, for example, a component with the lowest lower limit of the temperature range that affects the component's lifespan (deterioration). For example, the component that is most susceptible to the temperature inside casing 51 is an electrolytic capacitor mounted in converter unit 52B, and the temperature sensor is disposed near the electrolytic capacitor on the board of converter unit 52B.

[0081] Air intake port 53 is provided in casing 51, and is an opening for supplying air from the outside of casing 51 to the inside of casing 51 (see the outlined arrow in the figure).

[0082] The exhaust port 54 is provided in the casing 51 and is an opening for exhausting air from inside the casing 51 to the outside of the casing 51 (see the black arrow in the figure).

[0083] The cooling fan 55 takes in air outside the casing 51 through the air inlet 53 and exhausts air inside the casing 51 through the exhaust port 54, thereby cooling the electrical equipment 52 by forced convection caused by the air flow. For example, the cooling fan 55 is installed near the exhaust port 54, and creates an air flow from the air inlet 53 to the exhaust port 54 by sucking air inside the casing 51 to the outside through the exhaust port 54. This allows the cooling fan 55 to forcibly exhaust heat inside the casing 51 to the outside even when the space inside the casing 51 is relatively small. As a result, the ventilation device 30 can reduce the size of the casing 51 to a range where the components inside the casing 51 can be accommodated. Also, for example, even in a situation where the amount of heat generated by the electrical equipment 52 increases to a certain extent due to the presence of the converter unit 52B, the cooling fan 55 can forcibly exhaust heat inside the casing 51 to the outside. As a result, the ventilation device 30 can employ DC motors as the drive motors for the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45.

[0084] The cooling fan 55 is driven by a built-in driving motor. The driving motor is, for example, an AC motor. The driving motor may also be a DC motor. The cooling fan 55 rotates at a constant speed (number of rotations) when activated (ON). The speed (number of rotations) of the cooling fan 55 may be variable under the control of the control unit 52E when activated (ON).

[0085] The remote controller 60 is placed in the indoor space S1 and is used by the user to perform various operations related to the ventilation device 30. The various operations related to the ventilation device 30 include, for example, operations to start and stop the operation of the ventilation device 30, and operations to set the humidity of the indoor space S1, the strength of the airflow, and the like.

[0086] Specifically, the remote controller 60 is connected to the control unit 52E in a wired or wireless manner so as to be able to communicate with the control unit 52E. This allows the user to remotely operate the ventilation device 30 using the remote controller 60.

[0087] [Cooling fan operation control] Next, the operation control of the cooling fan 55 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0088] <Summary> First, an overview of the operation control of the cooling fan 55 will be described.

[0089] Control unit 52E controls the operation of cooling fan 55 based on information regarding the workload of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45. Control unit 52E can obtain information regarding the workload of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 based on the output of sensor 52F.

[0090] At this time, control unit 52E may take into consideration information on the magnitude of the workload of both supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45, or may take into consideration only information on the workload of one of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 which has a larger workload. Furthermore, as described above, a plurality of supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45 may be provided. In this case, control unit 52E may take into consideration information on the workload of all supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45, or may take into consideration information on the workload of some of all supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45 which have a relatively larger workload.

[0091] Specifically, the control unit 52E may operate the cooling fan 55 when a value corresponding to the information on the workload of at least one of the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 is relatively large with respect to a predetermined standard (hereinafter, "workload standard"). On the other hand, the control unit 52E may stop the cooling fan 55 in other cases. The value corresponding to the information on the workload is, for example, a detection value of a predetermined physical quantity acquired (detected) based on the output of the sensor 52F corresponding to the information on the workload. The value corresponding to the information on the workload being relatively large with respect to the predetermined workload standard may mean that the value corresponding to the information on the workload is equal to or larger than the predetermined workload standard, or may mean that the value corresponding to the information on the workload is larger than the predetermined workload standard. Furthermore, the control unit 52E may increase the air volume or air speed (revolutions) of the cooling fan 55 as the value corresponding to the information on the workload of the intake fan 44 or the exhaust fan 45 increases. Thereby, the ventilation device 30 can stop the cooling fan 55 or reduce the air speed (revolutions) when the value corresponding to the information on the workload of the intake fan 44 or the exhaust fan 45 is relatively small. Therefore, the ventilation device 30 can suppress a situation in which the operating sound of the cooling fan 55 is conspicuous and audible to the user in comparison with the operating sound of the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45. This is because the operating sound of the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 tends to become louder as the workload (power) of the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 increases, and the operating sound of the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 tends to become quieter as the workload (power) of the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 decreases. In addition, when the workload (power) of the intake fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 is relatively large, the heat generation amount of the electrical component 52 also tends to be relatively large. Therefore, the ventilation device 30 can operate the cooling fan 55 in accordance with the heat generation state of the electrical component 52. Therefore, the ventilation device 30 can appropriately cool the electrical component 52 using the cooling fan 55 while suppressing the influence of the operating sound of the cooling fan 55.

[0092] The operating sounds of the intake air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 include, for example, sounds emitted by the intake air fan 44 itself when the intake air fan 44 is operated. The operating sounds of the intake air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 may also include ventilation sounds generated by the ventilation of the intake air duct 10 and the exhaust air duct 20 caused by the operation of the intake air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45.

[0093] For example, the control unit 52E operates the cooling fan 55 when a value (total value) corresponding to information regarding the workload of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 based on the output of the sensor 52F is relatively large compared to a threshold value corresponding to the above-mentioned workload standard.

[0094] Furthermore, control unit 52E may control the operation of cooling fan 55 based on information regarding the temperature inside casing 51, in addition to information regarding the workload of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45. Control unit 52E can obtain information regarding the temperature inside casing 51 based on the output of sensor 52G.

[0095] Specifically, the control unit 52E may operate the cooling fan 55 when a value corresponding to the information on the workload of at least one of the intake air fan 44 and the exhaust air fan 45 is relatively large with respect to the workload standard described above and a value corresponding to the information on the temperature inside the casing 51 is relatively high (large) with respect to a predetermined standard (hereinafter, "temperature standard"). On the other hand, the control unit 52E may stop the cooling fan 55 in other cases. The value corresponding to the information on the temperature inside the casing 51 is, for example, a temperature detection value acquired (detected) based on the output of the sensor 52G (temperature sensor) corresponding to the information on the temperature inside the casing 51. The value corresponding to the information on the temperature being relatively high with respect to the predetermined temperature standard may mean that the value corresponding to the information on the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature standard, or may mean that the value corresponding to the information on the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature standard. Furthermore, the control unit 52E may increase the air volume or air speed (rotation speed) of the cooling fan 55 as the value corresponding to the information on the temperature inside the casing 51 becomes higher (larger). This allows control unit 52E to control the operation / non-operation of cooling fan 55 and the air volume and air speed (rotation speed) of cooling fan 55, taking into consideration the temperature state inside casing 51. Therefore, control unit 52E can efficiently operate cooling fan 55 in accordance with the temperature state inside casing 51, while suppressing the effect of the operating noise of cooling fan 55.

[0096] For example, control unit 52E operates cooling fan 55 when a value (total value) corresponding to information regarding the workload of supply air fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 based on the output of sensor 52F is relatively large compared to a threshold value corresponding to the above-mentioned workload standard, and when a value corresponding to information regarding the temperature inside casing 51 based on the output of sensor 52G is relatively large compared to a threshold value corresponding to the above-mentioned temperature standard.

[0097] <Example> FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control process for the cooling fan 55. In FIG.

[0098] This flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined processing intervals, for example, while the ventilation device 30 is in operation (power ON state).

[0099] In the following, in this example, the case where there is one each of intake fan 44 and exhaust fan 45 and cooling fan 55 has a constant rotation speed during operation will be mainly described.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 7, in step S102, the control unit 52E obtains the latest output information captured from the sensors 52F and 52G.

[0101] When control unit 52E completes the process of step S102, the process proceeds to step S104.

[0102] In step S104, control unit 52E determines whether cooling fan 55 is OFF (not operating). If cooling fan 55 is OFF, control unit 52E proceeds to step S106, and if cooling fan 55 is not OFF, i.e., is ON (operating), control unit 52E proceeds to step S110.

[0103] In step S106, control unit 52E determines whether or not a condition for activating (turning on) cooling fan 55 (hereinafter, "cooling fan ON condition") is satisfied based on the latest output information of sensors 52F, 52G acquired in step S102. If the cooling fan ON condition is satisfied, control unit 52E proceeds to step S108, and if not, ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0104] For example, the cooling fan ON condition is expressed as an AND condition of condition A1, condition B1, and condition C1 as shown in the following Table 1. That is, when all of the conditions A1, B1, and C1 are satisfied, the cooling fan 55 is turned ON.

[0105] [Table 1]

[0106] Condition A1 is a condition (main fan workload condition) related to the workload of the main fans (air supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45), and specifically, is a condition that represents a state in which a value corresponding to information related to the workload of the main fans is relatively large with respect to a predetermined workload standard. In this example, condition A1 is that the sum Iab of the current detection value Ia of air supply fan 44 (driving motor) and the current detection value Ib of exhaust fan 45 (driving motor) is equal to or greater than threshold value Iab_th1. The current detection value Ia of air supply fan 44 and the current detection value Ib of exhaust fan 45 are acquired (calculated) based on the output of sensor 52F (current sensor) that acquires information related to the currents of air supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45, respectively.

[0107] The condition A1 may be a condition using only one of the current detection value Ia of the supply air fan 44 and the current detection value Ib of the exhaust fan 45. For example, the condition A1 may be a condition that indicates a state in which the larger of the current detection value Ia of the supply air fan 44 and the current detection value Ib of the exhaust fan 45 is relatively large with respect to a predetermined threshold value. As described above, a plurality of supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45 may be provided. In this case, the condition A1 may be a condition for the total value of the current detection values ​​of all the supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45. In addition, when a plurality of supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45 are provided and the same number of them are provided, the condition A1 may be specified by a condition for the total value Iab of the current detection values ​​Ia, Ib for each combination of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45. For example, when there are N supply air fans 44 and N exhaust fans 45 (N: an integer of 2 or more), N combinations of the supply air fans 44 and the exhaust fans 45 are specified in advance. Condition A1 is defined as an OR condition of the condition of the total value Iab of the first combination, the condition of the total value Iab of the second combination, ..., and the total value Iab of the Nth combination. That is, condition A1 is met when any of the condition of the total value Iab of the first combination to the condition of the total value Iab of the Nth combination is met.

[0108] Condition B1 is a condition related to the temperature inside the casing 51 (casing internal temperature condition), and specifically, is a condition that represents a state in which a value corresponding to information related to the temperature inside the casing 51 is relatively high (large) with respect to a predetermined temperature reference. In this example, condition B1 is that the temperature detection value T inside the casing 51 is equal to or higher than a threshold value T_th1.

[0109] Condition C1 is a condition (main fan rotation state condition) related to the rotation state of the main fans (air supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45), and specifically, a condition indicating that the main fans are rotating. As a result, even if condition A1 is satisfied despite the air supply fan 44 or exhaust fan 45 not rotating due to an abnormality in sensor 52F or the like, condition C1 is not satisfied, and the cooling fan ON condition can be set to not be satisfied. Therefore, control unit 52E can appropriately suppress the occurrence of a situation in which cooling fan 55 operates while the operating noise of the main fan is relatively small due to an abnormality in sensor 52F or the like.

[0110] In this example, the condition C1 is expressed as an OR condition of the satisfaction of the conditions C1-1 and C1-2. The condition C1-1 is a condition indicating that the supply air fan 44 is rotating, specifically, that the target rotation speed Ra of the supply air fan 44 is greater than a threshold value Ra_th1 (>0). The condition C1-2 is a condition indicating that the exhaust fan 45 is rotating, specifically, that the target rotation speed Rb of the exhaust fan 45 is greater than a threshold value Rb_th1 (>0). That is, the condition C1 is satisfied when either the supply air fan 44 or the exhaust fan 45 is rotating. The threshold values ​​Ra_th1 and Rb_th1 may be the same or different. The target rotation speed Ra of the supply air fan 44 and the target rotation speed Rb of the exhaust fan 45 are generated by the control unit 52E that controls the operation of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45.

[0111] Incidentally, condition C1 may be omitted.

[0112] In step S108, control unit 52E operates (ON) cooling fan 55 which is in the OFF state.

[0113] When the process of step S108 is completed, control unit 52E ends the process of this flowchart.

[0114] On the other hand, in step S110, control unit 52E determines whether or not a condition for stopping (turning off) cooling fan 55 (hereinafter, "cooling fan OFF condition") is satisfied. If the cooling fan OFF condition is satisfied, control unit 52E proceeds to step S112, and if not satisfied, ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0115] For example, as shown in the following Table 2, the cooling fan OFF condition is expressed as an OR condition of condition A2, condition B2, and condition C2. That is, when any of condition A2, condition B2, and condition C2 is satisfied, the cooling fan is turned off.

[0116] [Table 2]

[0117] Condition A2 is a condition (main fan workload condition) related to the workload of the main fans (air supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45), and specifically, is a condition indicating that the value corresponding to the information on the workload of the main fans is not relatively large with respect to a predetermined workload standard. In this example, condition A2 is that the sum Iab of the current detection value Ia of air supply fan 44 (driving motor) and the current detection value Ib of exhaust fan 45 (driving motor) is smaller than threshold value Iab_th2 (≦Iab_th1). This allows control unit 52E to stop cooling fan 55 in accordance with the transition to a state in which the operating noise of the main fans is relatively small due to the reduction in the workload of the main fans. Therefore, control unit 52E can suppress the influence of the operating noise of cooling fan 55.

[0118] The condition A2 may be a condition using only one of the current detection value Ia of the supply air fan 44 and the current detection value Ib of the exhaust fan 45. For example, the condition A2 may be a condition that indicates a state in which the smaller one of the current detection value Ia of the supply air fan 44 and the current detection value Ib of the exhaust fan 45 is relatively small with respect to a predetermined threshold value. As described above, a plurality of supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45 may be provided. In this case, the condition A2 may be a condition for the total value of the current detection values ​​of all the supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45. In addition, when a plurality of supply air fans 44 and exhaust fans 45 are provided in equal numbers, the condition A2 may be specified by a condition for the total value Iab of the current detection values ​​Ia, Ib for each combination of the supply air fans 44 and the exhaust fans 45. For example, when there are N supply air fans 44 and N exhaust fans 45, N combinations of the supply air fans 44 and the exhaust fans 45 are specified in advance. Condition A2 is defined as an AND condition of the condition of the total value Iab of the first combination, the condition of the total value Iab of the second combination, ..., and the total value Iab of the Nth combination. That is, condition A2 is satisfied when all of the conditions of the total value Iab of the first combination to the total value Iab of the Nth combination are satisfied.

[0119] Condition B2 is a condition related to the temperature inside the casing 51 (internal casing temperature condition), and specifically, is a condition indicating that a value corresponding to information related to the temperature inside the casing 51 is not relatively high (large) with respect to a predetermined temperature reference. In this example, condition B2 is that the detected temperature value T inside the casing 51 is lower (smaller) than the threshold value T_th2 (≦T_th1). This allows the control unit 52E to stop the cooling fan 55 in accordance with the decrease in the temperature inside the casing 51. Therefore, the control unit 52E can improve the efficiency of the operation of the cooling fan 55 and suppress the power consumption by the cooling fan 55.

[0120] Condition C2 is a condition (main fan rotation state condition) related to the rotation state of the main fans (air supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45), and specifically, is a condition representing a state in which the main fans are not rotating, i.e., the main fans are stopped. This allows control unit 52E to stop cooling fan 55 in conjunction with the stopping of the main fans. Therefore, control unit 52E can suppress the influence of the operating noise of cooling fan 55 in a situation in which there is no operating noise of the main fans.

[0121] In this example, condition C2 is expressed as an AND condition of conditions C2-1 and C2-2 being satisfied. Condition C2-1 is a condition indicating that supply air fan 44 is not rotating, specifically, that the target rotation speed Ra of supply air fan 44 is 0 (zero). Condition C2-2 is a condition indicating that exhaust fan 45 is not rotating, specifically, that the target rotation speed Rb of exhaust fan 45 is 0 (zero). That is, condition C2 is satisfied when neither supply air fan 44 nor exhaust fan 45 is rotating.

[0122] Also, as shown in Table 3 below, the cooling fan OFF condition may be an OR condition of condition A2 and condition C2, and an AND condition of condition B2. That is, the cooling fan may be turned off when condition A2 and condition B2 are satisfied, or when condition C2 and condition B2 are satisfied. By making condition B2 an essential condition for turning off the cooling fan, for example, even when the main fan is stopped, the control unit 52E can continue to operate the cooling fan 55 until the temperature inside the casing 51 drops to a certain degree, that is, perform residual operation of the cooling fan 55. Therefore, if the cooling fan 55 is stopped immediately after the main fan is stopped, there is a possibility that the temperature inside the casing 51 will temporarily rise, but the control unit 52E can suppress such a temperature rise. Therefore, the control unit 52E can further suppress deterioration of electrical components (e.g., electrolytic capacitors) inside the casing 51 and extend their lifespan.

[0123] [Table 3]

[0124] Incidentally, the residual operation of the cooling fan 55 may simply be performed for a certain period of time after the main fans (the supply fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45) are stopped.

[0125] In step S112, control unit 52E stops (turns off) the cooling fan that is in the ON state (operating).

[0126] When the process of step S112 is completed, control unit 52E ends the process of this flowchart.

[0127] Thus, in this example, the control unit 52E can suppress the impact of the operating noise of the cooling fan 55 by turning the cooling fan 55 ON / OFF using the conditions A1 and A2 related to the workload of the main fans (the supply fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45).

[0128] In addition, in this example, the control unit 52E can operate the cooling fan 55 efficiently in accordance with the temperature inside the casing 51 by turning the cooling fan 55 ON / OFF using conditions B1 and B2 related to the temperature inside the casing 51.

[0129] [Cooling fan abnormality detection] Next, detection of an abnormality in the cooling fan 55 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0130] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for detecting an abnormality in the cooling fan 55. In the process shown in FIG.

[0131] This flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined processing intervals, for example, while the cooling fan 55 is operating (power supply ON) and the cooling fan 55 is normal (abnormality flag of the cooling fan 55 OFF).

[0132] As shown in FIG. 8, in step S202, the control unit 52E acquires the latest output information captured from the sensor 52G.

[0133] When the process of step S202 is completed, the control unit 52E proceeds to step S204.

[0134] The control unit 52E determines whether the cooling fan 55 is in the ON state (operating state). If the cooling fan 55 is in the ON state, the control unit 52E proceeds to step S206; otherwise, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0135] In step S206, based on the output information of the sensor 52G acquired in step S202, the control unit 52E determines whether the temperature condition inside the casing 51 corresponding to the overheated state inside the casing 51 (hereinafter, "overheat temperature condition") is satisfied. If the overheat temperature condition is satisfied, the control unit 52E proceeds to step S208; if not, the processing of this flowchart ends.

[0136] The overheat temperature condition is, for example, that the temperature detection value T inside the casing 51 is equal to or higher than the threshold value T_th3 (T≧T_th3) (hereinafter, conveniently referred to as the "first overheat temperature condition"). Also, the overheat temperature condition is, for example, that the state where the temperature detection value T inside the casing 51 is equal to or higher than the threshold value T_th4 (<T_th3) (T≧T_th4) continues for a predetermined time (for example, 60 minutes) (hereinafter, conveniently referred to as the "second overheat temperature condition"). The threshold values T_th3 and T_th4 are set to values larger than the above-mentioned threshold value T_th1, for example. Also, the overheat temperature condition may be the OR condition of the above-mentioned first overheat temperature condition and the second overheat temperature condition. That is, the overheat temperature condition may be set to be satisfied when either the first overheat temperature condition or the second overheat temperature condition is satisfied.

[0137] In step S208, the control unit 52E sets the abnormality flag of the cooling fan 55 to ON and stops the operation of the ventilation device 30 (the supply fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45).

[0138] The abnormality flag of the cooling fan 55 is maintained in the ON state unless a predetermined recovery condition is met.

[0139] When the process of step S208 is completed, control unit 52E ends the process of this flowchart.

[0140] In this way, when the temperature inside casing 51 is in an overheated state even though cooling fan 55 is in operation, control unit 52E determines that there is an abnormality in cooling fan 55, thereby being able to detect the abnormality in cooling fan 55. Therefore, control unit 52E can stop the operation of ventilation device 30 in response to detection of an abnormality in cooling fan 55, thereby suppressing heat generation in electrical components 52 and suppressing deterioration (shortening of life) of the above-mentioned electrolytic capacitors and the like.

[0141] [Temperature sensor abnormality detection] Next, abnormality detection of the sensor 52G (temperature sensor) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0142] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for detecting an abnormality in the sensor 52G (temperature sensor).

[0143] This flowchart is repeatedly executed at predetermined processing intervals, for example, while the cooling fan 55 is operating (power is ON) and the sensor 52G (temperature sensor) is normal (the abnormality flag of the sensor 52G is OFF).

[0144] As shown in FIG. 9, in step S302, control unit 52E obtains the latest output information captured from sensor 52G.

[0145] When control unit 52E completes the process of step S302, the process proceeds to step S304.

[0146] In step S304, control unit 52E determines whether or not the temperature detection value T based on the output information of sensor 52G acquired in step S302 is within a predetermined normal range. The normal range is defined as a range between an upper limit value Tlim1 and a lower limit value Tlim2, for example. If the temperature detection value T is outside the normal range, control unit 52E determines that an abnormality such as a disconnection or short circuit has occurred in sensor 52G and proceeds to step S306. If the temperature detection value T is within the normal range, control unit 52E ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0147] In step S306, control unit 52E sets the abnormality flag of sensor 52G (temperature sensor) to ON, and stops the operation of ventilation device 30 (air supply fan 44 and exhaust fan 45).

[0148] The abnormality flag of the sensor 52G (temperature sensor) is maintained in the ON state unless a predetermined recovery condition is met.

[0149] In this way, when the temperature detection value T based on the output of the sensor 52G (temperature sensor) deviates from a predetermined normal range and indicates an abnormal value, the control unit 52E can determine that the sensor 52G is abnormal, thereby detecting the abnormality of the sensor 52G. Therefore, the control unit 52E can stop the operation of the ventilation device 30 in response to the detection of the abnormality of the sensor 52G. Therefore, for example, the control unit 52E can prevent a situation in which the operation of the ventilation device 30 is continued while the sensor 52G remains in an abnormal state, and the operation control of the cooling fan 55 is not performed appropriately.

[0150] [Other embodiments] Next, another embodiment will be described.

[0151] The above-described embodiment may be modified or altered as appropriate.

[0152] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the ventilation device 30 may be provided with only one of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust air fan 45.

[0153] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments and examples of their variations and modifications, the air supply path 42 and the exhaust path 43 may be provided with other temperature control devices instead of the total heat exchanger 46, which adjust the temperature difference between the outside air OA taken into the indoor space S1 and the air in the indoor space S1.

[0154] In the above-described embodiment and its variations and modifications, the air supply path 42 and the air exhaust path 43 may be provided with devices for adjusting the humidity of the outside air OA taken into the indoor space S1.

[0155] [Effect] Next, the operation of the ventilation device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0156] In this embodiment, the ventilation device includes a main fan, a first acquisition unit, an electric component, an electric component casing, a cooling fan, and a control unit. The ventilation device is, for example, the above-mentioned ventilation device 30. The main fan is, for example, the above-mentioned intake fan 44 or exhaust fan 45. The first acquisition unit is, for example, the above-mentioned sensor 52F. The electric component is, for example, the above-mentioned electric component 52. The electric component casing is, for example, the above-mentioned casing 51. The cooling fan is, for example, the above-mentioned cooling fan 55. The control unit is, for example, the above-mentioned control unit 52E. Specifically, the main fan ventilates the room. In addition, the first acquisition unit acquires information on the workload of the main fan (information on the volume of the operating noise of the main fan). In addition, the electric component is a component for driving the main fan. In addition, the electric component casing houses the electric component. In addition, the cooling fan cools the electric component. The control unit then controls the operation of the cooling fan based on the information relating to the workload.

[0157] This allows the ventilation device to control the operation of the cooling fan in consideration of the workload of the main fan. Therefore, the ventilation device can prevent the operating sound of the cooling fan from being noticeable in comparison with the operating sound of the main fan. For example, the ventilation device can operate the cooling fan when the workload of the main fan is relatively large. Therefore, when the workload of the main fan is relatively large, the operating sound of the main fan is relatively large, so the ventilation device can suppress the influence of the operating sound of the cooling fan. In addition, when the workload of the main fan is relatively large, it is expected that the heat generation of the electrical equipment is large, so the ventilation device can also respond to the heat generation state of the electrical equipment. Therefore, the ventilation device can appropriately cool the electrical equipment while suppressing the influence of the operating sound of the cooling fan.

[0158] In addition, in this embodiment, the ventilation device may include a second acquisition unit. The second acquisition unit is, for example, the above-mentioned sensor 52G. Specifically, the second acquisition unit acquires information about the temperature inside the electrical component casing. Then, the control unit may control the operation of the cooling fan based on the information about the workload and the information about the temperature.

[0159] This allows the ventilation device to operate the cooling fan taking into consideration the temperature state of the space in which the electrical equipment to be cooled is placed, thereby allowing the ventilation device to operate the cooling fan efficiently.

[0160] In the present embodiment, the control unit may drive the cooling fan when the workload is relatively large with respect to the first reference and the temperature is relatively high (large) with respect to the second reference. The workload being relatively large with respect to the first reference may mean that the workload is equal to or greater than the first reference, or that the workload is greater than the first reference. Similarly, the temperature being relatively high (large) with respect to the second reference may mean that the temperature is equal to or greater than the second reference, or that the temperature is higher (large) than the second reference. The first reference is, for example, the workload (total value) of the supply air fan 44 and the exhaust fan 45 corresponding to the above-mentioned threshold Iab_th1. The second reference is, for example, the above-mentioned threshold T_th1.

[0161] This allows the ventilation device to operate the cooling fan when the workload of the main fan is relatively large and the temperature of the space in which the electrical equipment to be cooled is located is relatively high. Therefore, the ventilation device can operate the cooling fan only in situations where the operating sound of the cooling fan is not noticeable in comparison with the operating sound of the main fan and where cooling of the electrical equipment is required.

[0162] In the present embodiment, the information about the workload may be information about the current of the main fan.

[0163] This allows the ventilation device to use information about the current of the main fan to control the operation of the cooling fan while taking into account the workload of the main fan.

[0164] In this embodiment, the information on the workload may be information on the air volume of the main fan and information on the rotation speed of the main fan, or information on the wind speed of the main fan and information on the rotation speed of the main fan.

[0165] As a result, the ventilation device can control the operation of the cooling fan taking into account the workload of the main fan by using information related to the air volume and wind speed of the main fan and information related to the rotation speed of the main fan.

[0166] In this embodiment, the main fan may be a supply fan that supplies outdoor air to the room, or an exhaust fan that exhausts indoor air to the outside. The outdoor space is, for example, the outdoor space S2 described above. The indoor space is, for example, the indoor space S1 described above. The supply fan is, for example, the supply fan 44 described above. The exhaust fan is, for example, the exhaust fan 45 described above.

[0167] This allows the ventilation device to operate the cooling fan while taking into consideration the volume of operating noise of the intake fan and exhaust fan.

[0168] In this embodiment, the ventilation device may be installed inside a room or above the ceiling.

[0169] As a result, the ventilation device can be placed in a room where a user is present or in the attic thereof, and in an environment where the impact of the noise from the cooling fan is relatively large, thereby appropriately suppressing the impact of the operating noise of the cooling fan.

[0170] In the present embodiment, the ventilation device may include a main casing. The main casing is, for example, the above-mentioned casing 41. The main casing houses a main fan. The space inside the electrical component casing and the space inside the main casing may be independent of each other.

[0171] As a result, the ventilation device does not use the wind from the main fan to cool the electrical equipment, and can use the cooling fan to properly cool the electrical equipment while suppressing the impact of the cooling fan's operating noise in situations where heat is likely to build up in the electrical equipment casing.

[0172] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1. Ventilation system 10 Air supply duct 11 Air supply duct 12 Air supply duct 20 Exhaust Duct 21 Exhaust duct 22 Exhaust duct 30 Ventilation system 40 Main body 41 Casing 41A Outside air intake 41B Air supply outlet 41C Return air intake 41D Exhaust outlet 42 Air supply route 42a Air supply route 42b Air supply route 43 Exhaust route 43a Exhaust route 43b Exhaust route 44 Intake fan 45 Exhaust Fan 46 Total heat exchanger 46a Partition 46b Bulkhead plate 47 Bulkhead 48 Bulkhead 50 Electrical equipment storage section 51 Casing 52 Electrical equipment 52B Converter section 52C Intake fan drive unit 52D Exhaust fan drive unit 52E Control Unit 52F Sensor 52G Sensor 53 Air supply port 54 Exhaust port 55 Cooling Fan 60 Remote Controller

Claims

1. A main fan for ventilating the room; a first acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a workload of the main fan; an electrical component for driving the main fan; an electrical equipment casing that houses the electrical equipment; A cooling fan for cooling the electrical equipment; a control unit that controls operation of the cooling fan based on information about the workload; a second acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a temperature inside the electrical component casing, the information on the workload is information on a current of the main fan, information on an air volume of the main fan, and information on a rotation speed of the main fan, or information on a wind speed of the main fan, and information on the rotation speed of the main fan, The control unit controls the operation of the cooling fan based on the information related to the workload and the information related to the temperature. Ventilation equipment.

2. the control unit drives the cooling fan when the workload is relatively large with respect to a first criterion and the temperature is relatively large with respect to a second criterion.

2. The ventilation device of claim 1.

3. The main fan is an intake fan that supplies outdoor air to the room, or an exhaust fan that exhausts indoor air to the outside.

3. A ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. Installed indoors or in the attic, 3. A ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A main casing that houses the main fan, The space inside the electrical component casing and the space inside the main casing are independent of each other.

3. A ventilation device according to claim 1 or 2.

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