Humidity Control System

Abstract

To provide a humidity conditioning system 1 capable of improving house comfort.SOLUTION: The humidity conditioning system 1 is for conditioning the humidity of a house 2 provided with a heat-insulated foundation 3, an underfloor space 4 sectioned by the foundation 3, and an above-floor space 5 provided above the underfloor space 4. This humidity conditioning system 1 comprises: an air outlet 18 for feeding outside air Ao to the underfloor space 4; a feeding device 19 for feeding air Au of the underfloor space to the above-floor space 5; an underfloor exhaust device 20 for discharging the air Au of the underfloor space to an outdoor side 15; a first humidity acquisition device 21 for acquiring the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao; a second humidity acquisition device 22 for acquiring the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4; and a control device 23 that controls an operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20 on the basis of the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao and the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidity control system. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a house. This house is equipped with an underfloor space that is surrounded by the ground, an insulated foundation, and a first floor floor and is capable of exchanging heat with the ground, an above-floor space that is adjacently disposed above the underfloor space via the floor, and a ventilation means for supplying air from the underfloor space to the above-floor space. At least one opening is formed in the foundation for introducing outside air into the underfloor space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-172889 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The absolute humidity of the outside air changes from moment to moment depending on the season and time. On the other hand, the absolute humidity of the air in the underfloor space also changes from moment to moment due to the influence of the outside air. Therefore, in order to improve the comfort of a home, it is important to adjust the humidity in the underfloor space according to the absolute humidity of the outside air.

[0005] The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and has as its main object to provide a humidity control system capable of improving the comfort of a home. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention is a system for controlling humidity in a house having an insulated foundation, an underfloor space partitioned by the foundation, and an above-floor space provided above the underfloor space, and is characterized in including an air intake port for supplying outside air to the underfloor space, a supply device for supplying air from the underfloor space to the above-floor space, an underfloor exhaust device for exhausting the air from the underfloor space to the outdoors, a first humidity acquisition device for acquiring the absolute humidity of the outside air, a second humidity acquisition device for acquiring the absolute humidity of the underfloor space, and a control device for controlling the operation of the underfloor exhaust device based on the relationship between the absolute humidity of the outside air and the absolute humidity of the underfloor space.

[0007] In the humidity control system of the present invention, the control device may execute a first operating mode in which, when it is currently summer and the absolute humidity of the outside air is less than the absolute humidity in the under-floor space, the control device starts operation of the under-floor exhaust device and increases the amount of the outside air supplied from the air intake port.

[0008] In the humidity control system of the present invention, the control device may execute a second operating mode in which, when it is currently summer and the absolute humidity of the outside air is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity in the under-floor space, the operation of the under-floor exhaust device is stopped and the amount of the outside air supplied from the air intake port is reduced.

[0009] In the humidity control system of the present invention, the control device may execute a third operating mode in which, when it is currently winter and the absolute humidity of the outside air is greater than the absolute humidity in the under-floor space, the control device starts operation of the under-floor exhaust device and increases the amount of outside air supplied from the air intake port.

[0010] In the humidity control system of the present invention, the control device may execute a fourth operating mode in which, when it is currently winter and the absolute humidity of the outside air is lower than or equal to the absolute humidity in the under-floor space, the operation of the under-floor exhaust device is stopped and the amount of the outside air supplied from the air intake port is reduced.

[0011] In the humidity control system according to the present invention, the under-floor exhaust device may be disposed at a position facing the air intake port.

[0012] The humidity control system according to the present invention may further include a humidity control material provided in the underfloor space.

[0013] The humidity control system according to the present invention may further include an above-floor exhaust device for exhausting air in the above-floor space to the outdoors. Effect of the Invention

[0014] By employing the above-described configuration, the humidity control system of the present invention can improve the comfort of a home. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a cross-sectional view conceptually showing a house provided with a humidity control system of the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a control device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the humidity adjustment system of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a summer humidity adjustment mode in the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a first operation mode and a third operation mode. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a humidity adjustment system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of a winter humidity control mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings include exaggerated expressions and expressions different from the dimensional ratio of the actual structure in order to help understand the contents of the invention. Furthermore, the same or common elements are given the same reference numerals throughout the embodiments, and duplicated explanations are omitted. Furthermore, the specific configurations shown in the embodiments and drawings are for understanding the contents of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations shown in the drawings.

[0017] [Overall structure of the house] 1 shows a cross-sectional view conceptually illustrating a house 2 equipped with a humidity control system 1 according to the present embodiment. The house 2 according to the present embodiment is configured as, for example, an industrialized house with excellent thermal insulation performance. However, the house 2 is not limited to an industrialized house.

[0018] A house 2 of this embodiment is configured to include an insulated foundation 3, an underfloor space 4 partitioned by the foundation 3, and an above-floor space 5 provided above the underfloor space 4.

[0019] [Basics] The foundation 3 is disposed continuously around the periphery of the house 2. The foundation 3 in this embodiment is configured as, for example, a strip footing made of reinforced concrete, but may also be a mat footing. The foundation 3 in this embodiment includes a base portion 6 and a rising portion 7. The base portion 6 extends horizontally underground. The rising portion 7 extends upward from the center of the base portion 6 in the width direction. A heat insulating material 8 is disposed in the rising portion 7 in this embodiment.

[0020] [Thermal insulation] The heat insulating material 8 in this embodiment extends vertically along the side surface of the foundation 3 (in this example, the rising portion 7) facing the underfloor space 4. Such heat insulating material 8 can block heat from the outside air transmitted through the foundation 3. This allows the house 2 to reduce temperature changes in the air in the underfloor space 4 (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "underfloor air"). For example, polystyrene foam or the like can be appropriately used as the heat insulating material 8.

[0021] [Underfloor space] In this embodiment, the underfloor space 4 is defined by the foundation 3, the floor 9, and the earthen floor 10.

[0022] [floor] The floor 9 extends between the foundations 3, 3. The floor 9 in this embodiment is configured as flooring in which a plurality of plank panels are arranged, for example.

[0023] [Doma] The dirt floor 10 constitutes the bottom surface of the underfloor space 4. In this embodiment, the dirt floor 10 is constituted as a dirt floor concrete laid between the foundations 3, 3, but is not limited to this form.

[0024] Geothermal heat, which has little temperature change throughout the year, is transmitted to the earthen floor 10. Therefore, the earthen floor 10 is configured as a heat exchanger that can exchange heat between the geothermal heat and the underfloor air Au. As a result, the underfloor air Au that is cooler than the outside air Ao in summer and warmer than the outside air Ao in winter is stored in the underfloor space 4. The underfloor space 4 of this embodiment can effectively store the above-mentioned underfloor air Au due to the insulated foundation 3.

[0025] [Humidity control material] In this embodiment, a humidity control material 11 is provided in the underfloor space 4. The humidity control material 11 in this embodiment has a humidity control function of adsorbing (absorbing) moisture (water vapor) and releasing (releasing) moisture according to the amount of moisture contained in the air (underfloor air Au in this example). Such a humidity control material 11 can control the humidity of the underfloor air Au (outside air Ao) and suppress condensation in the underfloor space 4. Furthermore, the humidity-controlled underfloor air Au is supplied to the above-floor space 5, thereby maintaining the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0026] The humidity control material 11 of the present embodiment is formed in a panel shape, but is not limited to this form and may be formed in, for example, a block shape, a powder shape, etc. The humidity control material 11 of the present embodiment is disposed on the inner surface of the floor 9 (the surface facing the underfloor space 4), but may be disposed on the earthen floor 10, for example.

[0027] For example, a humidity-conditioning material (not shown) having a porous surface structure is blended in the humidity-conditioning material 11. For example, diatomaceous earth, siliceous shale, allophane, imogolite, acid clay, theoiolite, zeolite, calcium silicate, silica gel, bentonite, montmorillonite, or charcoal may be used as the humidity-conditioning material. The humidity-conditioning material 11 may be formed by combining a plurality of these humidity-conditioning materials.

[0028] The moisture-conditioning material 11 of this embodiment has good moisture absorption and desorption performance in the relative humidity range of 60%RH to 70%RH. Here, the moisture absorption and desorption performance (moisture conditioning performance) is defined as the moisture permeability measured at a temperature of 23±0.5°C and a relative humidity of 50%RH to 75%RH in accordance with JIS A 1470-1 (Test method for moisture absorption and desorption of moisture-conditioning building materials). The moisture conditioning performance can be appropriately set according to the combination and blending amount of the above moisture-conditioning materials (not shown).

[0029] [Floor space] The above-floor space 5 is provided above the under-floor space 4. The above-floor space 5 in this embodiment is partitioned by a floor 9, a ceiling 12, an exterior wall 13, and a partition wall 14.

[0030] [Above-floor exhaust system] In this embodiment, an above-floor exhaust device 16 is provided to exhaust air Ai in the above-floor space 5 (hereinafter simply referred to as "above-floor air") to the outdoors 15. The above-floor exhaust device 16 is configured to include an exhaust fan 17. The exhaust fan 17 in this embodiment is provided in a hole (not shown) formed in the exterior wall 13.

[0031] The exhaust fan 17 is installed in a direction to blow air from the above-floor space 5 toward the outdoors 15. This allows the above-floor exhaust device 16 to exhaust the above-floor air Ai to the outdoors 15. The air volume of the exhaust fan 17 can be set appropriately. It is desirable to set the air volume based on the ventilation frequency required for the house 2, for example.

[0032] [Humidity control system] The humidity control system 1 of this embodiment includes an air intake 18, a supply device 19, an under-floor exhaust device 20, a first humidity acquisition device 21, a second humidity acquisition device 22, and a control device .

[0033] [Air supply port] The air intake port 18 is for supplying outside air Ao to the underfloor space 4. The air intake port 18 in this embodiment is formed by a hole penetrating the foundation 3 (in this example, the rising portion 7) and the heat insulating material 8. Note that the air intake port 18 is not limited to this embodiment as long as it is capable of supplying outside air Ao to the underfloor space 4. Furthermore, there may be only one air intake port 18, or multiple air intake ports 18 may be provided depending on the size of the house 2.

[0034] [Feeding device] The supply device 19 is for supplying air (underfloor air) Au from the underfloor space to the above-floor space 5. The supply device 19 of this embodiment is configured to include an air flow path 25 and a fan .

[0035] The air flow path 25 in this embodiment is configured, for example, by a duct arranged in a piping space of the house 2. Note that the air flow path 25 is not limited to a duct, and may be configured, for example, by a space (not shown) surrounded by a partition wall or the like. One end of the air flow path 25 is disposed in the underfloor space 4. The other end of the air flow path 25 is disposed in the above-floor space 5.

[0036] The fan 26 in this embodiment is installed in a direction to blow air from the underfloor space 4 toward the air flow path 25 (above-floor space 5). By driving the fan 26 in this manner, the supply device 19 can supply the underfloor air Au (outside air Ao) to the above-floor space 5 via the air flow path 25, so that the above-floor space 5 can be ventilated. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above-floor air Ai is exhausted to the outdoors 15 by the above-floor exhaust device 16, so that the above-floor space 5 can be ventilated efficiently. The air volume of the fan 26 can be set appropriately. For example, the air volume is desirably set based on the number of ventilations required for the house 2, similar to the exhaust fan 17 of the above-floor exhaust device 16.

[0037] [Underfloor exhaust system] The underfloor exhaust device 20 is for exhausting air (underfloor air) Au in the underfloor space to the outdoors 15. The underfloor exhaust device 20 of this embodiment is configured to include an exhaust fan 27. The exhaust fan 27 of this embodiment is provided in a hole (not shown) penetrating the foundation 3 (in this example, the rising portion 7) and the thermal insulation material 8.

[0038] The exhaust fan 27 is installed in a direction to blow air from the underfloor space 4 towards the outdoors 15. This allows the underfloor exhaust device 20 to exhaust the underfloor air Au to the outdoors 15.

[0039] [First humidity acquisition device] The first humidity acquisition device 21 is for acquiring the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao. The first humidity acquisition device 21 in this embodiment is configured with a sensor capable of measuring relative humidity, but may be, for example, a sensor capable of measuring absolute humidity.

[0040] When the relative humidity is measured as in the first humidity acquisition device 21 of this embodiment, it is desirable to convert the relative humidity to absolute humidity based on the SONNTAG formula in accordance with the provisions of JIS-Z8806. This makes it possible to acquire the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao. In this embodiment, the conversion from the relative humidity to absolute humidity is performed by the control device 23.

[0041] The first humidity acquisition device 21 of the present embodiment is provided at the air intake port 18 (inside the outer surface of the foundation 3 (rising portion 7) in this example). This allows the first humidity acquisition device 21 to acquire the absolute humidity (relative humidity) of the outside air Ao while being protected from exposure to rain and sunlight.

[0042] [Second humidity acquisition device] The second humidity acquisition device 22 is for acquiring the absolute humidity in the underfloor space 4. As the second humidity acquisition device 22 of the present embodiment, one similar to the first humidity acquisition device 21 can be adopted.

[0043] The position at which the second humidity acquisition device 22 is disposed is not particularly limited as long as it is possible to acquire the absolute humidity in the underfloor space 4. The second humidity acquisition device 22 of the present embodiment is disposed in a position (in the present example, the center of the underfloor space 4) away from the air supply port 18 in the underfloor space 4. This allows the second humidity acquisition device 22 to acquire the absolute humidity (relative humidity) of the underfloor space 4 while suppressing the influence of the outside air Ao supplied from the air supply port 18.

[0044] [Control device] The control device 23 is for controlling the operation of the under-floor exhaust device 20 based on the relationship between the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao and the absolute humidity of the air (under-floor air) Au in the under-floor space. The control device 23 in this embodiment is configured with a computer. The control device 23 is installed, for example, on a partition wall, but is not limited to such an embodiment. Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of the control device 23 in this embodiment.

[0045] The control device 23 of this embodiment is composed of a calculation unit 31 consisting of a CPU (central processing unit), a memory unit 32 in which processing procedures are stored, and a working memory 33 for reading the processing procedures, etc. stored in the memory unit 32.

[0046] The calculation unit 31 is connected to the input means 34. The input means 34 in this embodiment is configured, for example, with an operation button, a touch panel, or the like provided on the housing (shown in FIG. 1) of the control device 23. For example, information input by a resident or the like can be transmitted to the calculation unit 31 by such input means 34.

[0047] The calculation unit 31 is connected to the output means 35. The output means 35 in this embodiment is configured as a display provided in the housing (shown in FIG. 1) of the control device 23. The calculation unit 31 transmits a signal to the output means 35, thereby making it possible to display, for example, the operating status of the humidity control system 1 on the output means 35.

[0048] The calculation unit 31 of this embodiment is connected to the under-floor exhaust device 20, the first humidity acquisition device 21, the second humidity acquisition device 22, and the above-floor exhaust device 16. As a result, the calculation unit 31 can, for example, transmit signals to the under-floor exhaust device 20, the first humidity acquisition device 21, the second humidity acquisition device 22, and the above-floor exhaust device 16, thereby controlling their operation and grasping their operating conditions.

[0049] The control device 23 of this embodiment controls the operation of the under-floor exhaust device 20 based on the relationship between the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao acquired by the first humidity acquisition device 21 and the absolute humidity of the under-floor air Au acquired by the second humidity acquisition device 22.

[0050] [First embodiment of humidity control system (humidity control method)] 3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as a "humidity control method") of the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment. This processing procedure is performed based on a control procedure stored in the control device 23 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0051] [Underfloor air supply begins] In the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) of this embodiment, first, as shown in Fig. 1, the control device 23 starts supplying air (underfloor air) Au from the underfloor space to the above-floor space 5 (step S1). In step S1 of this embodiment, first, the control device 23 starts operation of the fan 26 of the supply device 19.

[0052] In step S1 of this embodiment, the fan 26 starts operating, creating a negative pressure in the underfloor space 4, so that the outside air Ao can be supplied to the underfloor space 4 via the air intake port 18. Then, in step S1, the outside air Ao (underfloor air Au) supplied to the underfloor space 4 is supplied to the above-floor space 5 via the supply device 19, so that the above-floor space 5 can be ventilated.

[0053] In step S1, the control device 23 may start the operation of the above-floor exhaust device 16 (exhaust fan 17). As a result, in step S1, the above-floor air Ai can be exhausted to the outdoors 15, so that the above-floor space 5 can be efficiently ventilated.

[0054] [Determine the current season] Next, as shown in Fig. 3, in the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) of this embodiment, it is determined which season the current time belongs to (step S2). In this embodiment, the determination of the current season is performed by the control device 23 (shown in Fig. 2), but it may also be performed by a resident of the house 2.

[0055] The current season may be determined, for example, based on a calendar set in the control device 23, or based on the outside air temperature, etc. In this embodiment, the seasons to be determined include summer and seasons other than summer (for example, spring, autumn, and winter). The periods corresponding to these seasons may be set appropriately depending on the region of the house 2.

[0056] If it is determined in step S2 that the current season is summer, the control device 23 executes the summer humidity control mode (step S3). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the current season is a season other than summer (for example, spring, autumn, or winter), the control device 23 executes step S4, in which the control device 23 stops the operation of the under-floor exhaust device 20.

[0057] [Summer humidity control mode] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the summer humidity adjustment mode in this embodiment.

[0058] [Get the absolute humidity of the outside air] In the summer humidity adjustment mode (step S3) of this embodiment, first, the control device 23 acquires the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao (step S31). In step S31 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the control device 23 causes the first humidity acquisition device 21 to measure the relative humidity of the outside air Ao. Then, the measured relative humidity is converted to absolute humidity by the control device 23. As a result, the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is acquired in step S31. Note that if the first humidity acquisition device 21 is capable of measuring absolute humidity, the above conversion is omitted.

[0059] [Get absolute humidity in the underfloor space] Next, as shown in Fig. 4, in the summer humidity adjustment mode (step S3) of this embodiment, the control device 23 acquires the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 (step S32). In step S32 of this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 1, the control device 23 causes the second humidity acquisition device 22 to measure the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4 (underfloor air Au). The measured relative humidity is then converted to absolute humidity by the control device 23. As a result, the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 is acquired in step S32. Note that if the second humidity acquisition device 22 is capable of measuring absolute humidity, the above conversion is omitted.

[0060] [Determining absolute humidity] Next, as shown in Fig. 4, in the summer humidity control mode (step S3) of this embodiment, the control device 23 determines whether or not the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is lower than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 (step S33). The determination in step S33 is made by the control device 23 (shown in Fig. 1).

[0061] In step S33, if it is determined that the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is less than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 ("Yes" in step S33), the control device 23 executes the first operation mode (step S34). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S33 that the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is equal to or greater than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 ("No" in step S33), the control device 23 executes the second operation mode (step S35).

[0062] [First operation mode] In this embodiment, the first operation mode (step S34) is executed when it is currently summer and the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is lower than the absolute humidity in the underfloor space 4, as determined in step S2 (shown in FIG. 3) and step S33 (shown in FIG. 4). In the first operation mode of this embodiment, the control device 23 starts the operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20 to increase the amount of the outside air Ao supplied from the air intake port 18.

[0063] In the house 2 of this embodiment, a temperature difference occurs between the outside air Ao and the underfloor space 4 due to the insulated foundation 3. As a result, in summer, the temperature of the underfloor space 4 (the temperature of the underfloor air Au) tends to be lower than the temperature of the outside air Ao (outdoor air temperature). For this reason, when the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is lower than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4, even if the temperature of the outside air Ao decreases due to its supply to the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity of the outside air Ao becomes lower than the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4. In such a case, when the outside air Ao is actively supplied to the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity (absolute humidity) of the underfloor space 4 can be decreased.

[0064] 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the first and third operation modes. In the first operation mode (step S34), the underfloor exhaust device 20 starts operating, so that the underfloor space 4 can be made to have a negative pressure compared to when the underfloor exhaust device 20 is stopped (shown in FIG. 1). As a result, in the first operation mode, the outside air Ao, which has a lower absolute humidity than the underfloor space 4, can be actively supplied (the supply amount is increased) to the underfloor space 4 through the air intake port 18, so that the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4 can be reduced. Therefore, in the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to suppress condensation in the underfloor space 4.

[0065] To efficiently supply the outside air Ao to the underfloor space 4, it is desirable to arrange the underfloor exhaust device 20 in a position facing the air intake port 18. As a result, in the humidity control system 1 of the present embodiment, the direction in which the outside air Ao is supplied and the direction in which the underfloor air Au is exhausted can be made substantially the same, so that turbulence in the underfloor space 4 can be suppressed and the outside air Ao can be efficiently supplied to the underfloor space 4.

[0066] In this embodiment, the underfloor exhaust device 20 and the air intake port 18 are arranged to face each other in the underfloor space 4, but are not limited to this. For example, as long as the underfloor exhaust device 20 and the air intake port 18 are respectively arranged in a pair of foundations 3 (rising portions 7) facing each other in the underfloor space 4, they may be misaligned with each other in the periphery direction of the house 2 (foundations 3) or in the vertical direction.

[0067] Moreover, it is desirable to set the air volume of the exhaust fan 27 of the underfloor exhaust device 20 to 0.5 to 2.0 times the air volume of the fan 26 of the supply device 19. By setting the air volume of the exhaust fan 27 to 0.5 times or more the air volume of the fan 26, it is possible to increase the supply amount of the outside air Ao from the air intake port 18. On the other hand, by setting the air volume of the exhaust fan 27 to 2.0 times or less the air volume of the fan 26, it is possible to suppress an increase in the operating costs and noise of the exhaust fan 27.

[0068] In this embodiment, since the humidity control material 11 is provided in the underfloor space 4, the moisture vapor adsorbed in the humidity control material 11 can be efficiently released by the reduction in the relative humidity in the underfloor space 4 in the first operation mode. This allows the moisture control performance of the humidity control material 11 to be restored (i.e., restored to the point where it can dehumidify again). Furthermore, the air from which the moisture has been released (high humidity underfloor air Au) is exhausted to the outdoors 15 by the underfloor exhaust device 20, so that the underfloor air Au containing a large amount of moisture can be prevented from being supplied to the above-floor space 5. Therefore, the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment can prevent condensation in the underfloor space 4 and improve the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0069] [Second operating mode] In this embodiment, the second operation mode (step S35) is executed when it is currently summer and the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity in the underfloor space 4, as determined in step S2 (shown in FIG. 3) and step S33 (shown in FIG. 4). In the second operation mode of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 23 stops the operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20 and reduces the amount of outside air Ao supplied from the air intake port 18.

[0070] As described above, in the house 2 of this embodiment, the temperature of the underfloor space 4 (the temperature of the underfloor air Au) tends to be lower than the temperature of the outside air Ao (outdoor air temperature) in summer. For this reason, when the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4, for example, when the temperature of the outside air Ao drops due to its supply to the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity of the outside air Ao may become higher than the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4. In such a case, when the outside air Ao is actively supplied to the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity (absolute humidity) of the underfloor space 4 may become high.

[0071] In the second operation mode (step S35), as shown in Fig. 1, by stopping the operation of the under-floor exhaust device 20, the amount of outside air Ao supplied to the under-floor space 4 can be reduced compared to when the under-floor exhaust device 20 is operating (first operation mode) as shown in Fig. 5. As a result, in the second operation mode, it is possible to prevent the outside air Ao, which has a higher absolute humidity than the under-floor space 4, from being actively supplied to the under-floor space 4, and therefore it is possible to prevent the relative humidity in the under-floor space 4 from becoming high. Therefore, in the humidity control system 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress condensation in the under-floor space 4.

[0072] In this embodiment, since the humidity control material 11 is provided in the underfloor space 4, even if outside air Ao with a high absolute humidity is supplied to the underfloor space 4, the water vapor contained in the outside air Ao can be adsorbed by the humidity control material 11. Therefore, in the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the relative humidity in the underfloor space 4 from becoming high, and therefore it is possible to prevent condensation in the underfloor space 4. Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent underfloor air Au with a high relative humidity from being supplied to the above-floor space 5, and therefore it is possible to maintain the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0073] In this way, in the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) of this embodiment, the operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20 can be controlled based on the relationship (magnitude relationship) between the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao and the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation in the underfloor space 4. Moreover, in the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment, the effect of the supply of the outside air Ao on the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4 can be grasped based on the absolute humidity (amount of water vapor) that does not vary with temperature, making it possible to more reliably prevent condensation in the underfloor space 4.

[0074] [Underfloor exhaust system stopped operating] As shown in Fig. 3, in step S4 of this embodiment, in seasons other than summer when the possibility of condensation in the under-floor space 4 is low (in this example, spring, autumn, and winter), the control device 23 stops operation of the under-floor exhaust device 20. Note that in step S4, if operation of the under-floor exhaust device 20 has already been stopped, the stopping operation is omitted. As a result, in the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent an increase in the operating costs of the exhaust fan 27 of the under-floor exhaust device 20.

[0075] [Determine whether a suspension order has been issued] Next, in the humidity adjustment system 1 (humidity adjustment method) of the present embodiment, the control device 23 determines whether or not there is a stop command (step S5). The stop command can be input to the control device 23 by, for example, the resident.

[0076] If it is determined in step S5 that there is a stop command ("Yes" in step S5), the control device 23 stops the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) 1 (step S6). In step S6, if the exhaust fan 27 of the underfloor exhaust device 20 shown in Fig. 1 is operating, the operation of the exhaust fan 27 is stopped. Note that in order to maintain ventilation of the house 2, the operation of the fan 26 of the supply device 19 and the exhaust fan 17 of the above-floor exhaust device 16 may continue.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that there is no stop command ("No" in step S5), the control device 23 executes steps S2 to S5 again.

[0078] Thus, in the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) 1 of this embodiment, until a stop command is received, the control device 23 can control the operation of the under-floor exhaust device 20 based on the relationship between the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao and the absolute humidity of the under-floor space 4. Therefore, the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment can continuously suppress condensation in the under-floor space 4, and can improve the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0079] [Second embodiment of control procedure (humidity control method) of humidity control system] In the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) of the embodiments described above, if it is currently summer, the summer humidity control mode is executed, and if it is currently a season other than summer (e.g., spring, autumn, or winter), a step of stopping is executed, but the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a control procedure (humidity control method) of the humidity control system 1 of another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same components as those of the embodiments described above are given the same reference numerals, and the description may be omitted.

[0080] In step S2 of this embodiment, the seasons determined include summer, winter, and seasons other than summer and winter (e.g., spring and autumn). The periods corresponding to these seasons can be set appropriately depending on the region of the house 2. Then, if it is determined in step S2 that the current season is winter, the control device 23 executes the winter humidity control mode (step S7).

[0081] [Winter humidity control mode] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the winter humidity control mode.

[0082] [Obtain absolute humidity of outside air and underfloor space] In the winter humidity control mode (step S7) of this embodiment, first, the control device 23 acquires the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao (step S71), and acquires the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 (step S72). These absolute humidities are acquired in the same procedure as in the summer humidity control mode (step S3) shown in FIG.

[0083] [Determining absolute humidity] Next, in the winter humidity control mode of this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is higher than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 (step S73). The determination in step S73 is made by the control device .

[0084] In step S73, if it is determined that the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is greater than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 ("Yes" in step S73), the control device 23 executes the third operation mode (step S74). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S73 that the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is equal to or less than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4 ("No" in step S73), the control device 23 executes the fourth operation mode (step S75).

[0085] [Third operation mode] In this embodiment, the third operation mode (step S74) is executed when it is currently winter and the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is higher than the absolute humidity in the underfloor space 4, as determined in step S2 (shown in FIG. 6) and step S73 (shown in FIG. 7). In the third operation mode of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the control device 23 starts operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20 to increase the amount of outside air Ao supplied from the air intake port 18.

[0086] When the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is greater than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4 increases when the outside air Ao is supplied to the underfloor space 4. In such a case, when the outside air Ao is actively supplied to the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity (absolute humidity) of the underfloor space 4, which tends to dry out in winter, can be increased.

[0087] In the third operation mode (step S74), the underfloor exhaust device 20 starts operating, so that the underfloor space 4 can be made to have a more negative pressure than when the underfloor exhaust device 20 shown in FIG. 1 is stopped (fourth operation mode). As a result, in the third operation mode, the outside air Ao, which has a higher absolute humidity than the underfloor space 4, can be actively supplied (the supply amount is increased) to the underfloor space 4 through the air intake port 18, so that the relative humidity of the underfloor air Au can be increased. Then, the underfloor air Au with an increased relative humidity is supplied to the above-floor space 5 through the supply device 19, so that the above-floor space 5 can be humidified. As a result, the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment can improve the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0088] In this embodiment, as in the previous embodiments, the underfloor exhaust device 20 is disposed at a position facing the air intake port 18. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outside air Ao can be efficiently supplied to the underfloor space 4. As a result, the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment can effectively improve the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5). The air volume of the exhaust fan 27 of the underfloor exhaust device 20 is desirably set within the above-mentioned range.

[0089] In this embodiment, since the humidity control material 11 is provided in the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4 is increased by the third operation mode, and the water vapor contained in the underfloor air Au can be efficiently adsorbed by the humidity control material 11. This makes it possible to restore the humidity control performance of the humidity control material 11 (i.e., to restore it so that it can humidify again). Furthermore, the air with the adsorbed water vapor (low-humidity underfloor air Au) is exhausted to the outdoors 15 by the underfloor exhaust device 20, so that the low-humidity air can be prevented from being supplied to the above-floor space 5. Therefore, the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment can improve the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0090] [Fourth operation mode] In this embodiment, the fourth operation mode (step S75) is executed when it is currently winter and the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is equal to or lower than the absolute humidity in the underfloor space 4, as determined in step S2 (shown in FIG. 6) and step S73 (shown in FIG. 7). In the fourth operation mode of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 23 stops the operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20 and reduces the amount of outside air Ao supplied from the air intake port 18.

[0091] As described above, in the house 2 of this embodiment, in winter, the temperature of the underfloor space 4 (the temperature of the underfloor air Au) tends to be higher than the temperature of the outside air Ao (outdoor air temperature). For this reason, when the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao is equal to or lower than the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4, if the temperature of the outside air Ao rises due to its supply to the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity of the outside air Ao becomes lower than the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4. In such a case, when the outside air Ao is actively supplied to the underfloor space 4, the relative humidity (absolute humidity) of the underfloor space 4 becomes lower.

[0092] In the fourth operation mode (step S75), by stopping the operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20, the amount of outside air Ao supplied to the underfloor space 4 can be reduced compared to when the underfloor exhaust device 20 is operating (third operation mode) shown in Fig. 5. As a result, in the fourth operation mode, outside air Ao having an absolute humidity lower than that of the underfloor space 4 can be prevented from being actively supplied to the underfloor space 4, and therefore the relative humidity of the underfloor space 4 can be prevented from becoming low. As a result, the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment can suppress the supply of underfloor air Au with a low relative humidity to the above-floor space 5, making it possible to improve the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0093] In this embodiment, since the humidity control material 11 is provided in the underfloor space 4, water vapor adsorbed to the humidity control material 11 can be released even if outside air Ao with a low absolute humidity is supplied to the underfloor space 4. Therefore, in the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the relative humidity in the underfloor space 4 from becoming low, and therefore it is possible to suppress underfloor air Au with a low relative humidity from being supplied to the above-floor space 5, and ultimately to improve the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0094] As in the previous embodiments, the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) of this embodiment can control the operation of the underfloor exhaust device 20 based on the relationship between the absolute humidity of the outside air Ao and the absolute humidity of the underfloor space 4, thereby making it possible to suppress the occurrence of condensation in the underfloor space 4 in summer. Furthermore, the humidity control system 1 of this embodiment can increase the absolute humidity (and therefore the relative humidity) of the underfloor space 4, which tends to dry out in winter, so that the underfloor air Au is supplied to the above-floor space 5, thereby improving the comfort of the house 2 (above-floor space 5).

[0095] In the humidity control system 1 (humidity control method) of this embodiment, if it is currently summer, the summer humidity control mode is executed, if it is currently winter, the winter humidity control mode is executed, and if it is a season other than summer and winter (e.g., spring, autumn), a step of stopping is executed, but this is not limited to such an embodiment. For example, if it is currently winter, the winter humidity control mode may be executed, and if it is currently a season other than winter (e.g., spring, summer, and autumn), a step of stopping may be executed.

[0096] Although a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and can be modified and carried out in various forms. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 1 Humidity Control System 2. Housing 3 Basics 4 Underfloor space 5 Above-floor space 15 Outdoors 18 Air supply port 19 Feeding device 20 Underfloor exhaust system 21 1st humidity acquisition device 22 Second humidity acquisition device 23 Control device Ao Outside air Au Underfloor air

Claims

1. A system for controlling humidity in a house having an insulated foundation, a floor space partitioned by the foundation, and an above-floor space provided above the floor space, an air intake port for supplying outside air to the underfloor space; A supply device for supplying air from the underfloor space to the above-floor space; an underfloor exhaust device for exhausting air in the underfloor space to the outdoors; A first humidity acquisition device for acquiring the absolute humidity of the outside air; A second humidity acquisition device for acquiring the absolute humidity of the underfloor space; a control device that controls an operation of the under-floor exhaust device based on a relationship between the absolute humidity of the outside air and the absolute humidity of the under-floor space, the control device, when it is currently winter and the absolute humidity of the outside air is higher than the absolute humidity of the under-floor space, starts operation of the under-floor exhaust device and executes a third operation mode in which the amount of the outside air supplied from the air supply port is increased. Humidity control system.

2. A system for controlling humidity in a house having an insulated foundation, a floor space partitioned by the foundation, and an above-floor space provided above the floor space, comprising: an air intake port for supplying outside air to the underfloor space; A supply device for supplying air from the underfloor space to the above-floor space; an underfloor exhaust device for exhausting air in the underfloor space to the outdoors; A first humidity acquisition device for acquiring the absolute humidity of the outside air; A second humidity acquisition device for acquiring the absolute humidity of the underfloor space; a control device that controls an operation of the under-floor exhaust device based on a relationship between the absolute humidity of the outside air and the absolute humidity of the under-floor space, When it is currently winter and the absolute humidity of the outside air is equal to or lower than the absolute humidity of the under-floor space, the control device stops operation of the under-floor exhaust device and executes a fourth operation mode in which the amount of the outside air supplied from the air supply port is reduced. Humidity control system.

3. 3. The humidity control system of claim 1, wherein the control device executes a first operating mode in which, when it is currently summer and the absolute humidity of the outside air is lower than the absolute humidity of the under-floor space, the control device starts operating the under-floor exhaust device and increases the amount of the outside air supplied from the air intake port.

4. The humidity control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control device, when it is currently summer and the absolute humidity of the outside air is equal to or higher than the absolute humidity of the under-floor space, executes a second operating mode in which the operation of the under-floor exhaust device is stopped and the amount of the outside air supplied from the air intake port is reduced.

5. A humidity control system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the underfloor exhaust device is positioned opposite the air intake port.

6. A humidity control system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a humidity control material provided in the underfloor space.

7. A humidity control system described in any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an above-floor exhaust device for exhausting air in the above-floor space to the outdoors.

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