Environmental estimation method and program

Abstract

According to the present invention, an environment estimation method includes a first acquisition step (S23) for acquiring first information about a ventilation count for an indoor space and second information about a humidification amount for the indoor space, a second acquisition step (S22) for acquiring size information that indicates the size of the indoor space and the like, a first creation step (S25) for creating BIM data for the building that forms the indoor space, a third acquisition step (S27) for acquiring calculation conditions and the like, a second creation step (S28) for creating a simulation model for the environment of the indoor space, and an execution step (S29) for using the created simulation model to execute a simulation of the environment of the indoor space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an environment estimation method and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques have been proposed for simulating the environment inside a building such as a house. Patent Document 1 discloses a living environment simulation system that can present the comfort level at each position inside a building. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-33684 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention provides an environment estimation method and program that can simulate the environment of an indoor space while taking into account the influence of ventilation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An environmental estimation method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first acquisition step of acquiring at least one of first information regarding the ventilation rate in an indoor space and second information regarding the humidification amount for the indoor space; a second acquisition step of acquiring size information indicating the size of the indoor space, layout information indicating the layout of equipment and fixtures in the indoor space, and specification information for the equipment and fixtures; a first creation step of creating Building Information Modeling (BIM) data of a building that forms the indoor space from the acquired size information, the acquired layout information, and the acquired specification information; a third acquisition step of acquiring calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, and outdoor air conditions, including a mesh size set for the BIM data; a second creation step of creating a simulation model of the environment in the indoor space from the acquired at least one of the information, the created BIM data, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions; and an execution step of executing a simulation of the environment in the indoor space using the created simulation model.

[0006] A program according to one aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the environment estimation method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The environment estimation method and program according to one aspect of the present invention can simulate the environment of an indoor space taking into account the influence of ventilation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of an environment estimation system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an indoor space that is a target of a simulation by the environment estimation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for actually measuring data in an indoor space. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a first operation example of the environment estimation system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of conversion to a simplified model. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of calculation condition setting information. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a second operation example of the environment estimation system according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and step order shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components not recited in independent claims will be described as optional components.

[0010] It should be noted that the drawings are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily strict illustrations. In addition, in the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions may be omitted or simplified.

[0011] (Embodiment) [composition] First, an overview of an environment estimation system according to an embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the environment estimation system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an indoor space that is a target of simulation by the environment estimation system according to an embodiment.

[0012] The environment estimation system 10 is a system capable of simulating the environment in an indoor space 70 of a building such as an office. The environment in the indoor space 70 specifically refers to the thermal environment and the air quality environment. The thermal environment is specifically expressed by environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed. The air quality environment is specifically expressed by environmental parameters such as carbon dioxide concentration, formaldehyde concentration, or fine particle concentration (concentration of particulate matter (PM)).

[0013] The environment estimation system 10, for example, simulates the environment in an actual indoor space 70, and further simulates the environment when a new piece of equipment is introduced into the indoor space 70. The new equipment is, for example, a ventilation equipment such as a total heat exchanger, or an air conditioning equipment.

[0014] Based on these two types of simulation results (images), a salesperson from a manufacturer and seller of new equipment can show the manager or owner of a building (hereinafter also referred to as the manager) how the environment in the indoor space 70 will change before and after the introduction of the new equipment. In other words, the appeal of introducing the new equipment can be improved.

[0015] Specifically, the environment estimation system 10 includes an information terminal 20, a specification information management server 30, a weather information management server 40, and an information processing server 50. The devices included in the environment estimation system 10 will be described below.

[0016] The information terminal 20 is a computer, such as a personal computer, that simulates the environment in the indoor space 70. The information terminal 20 includes an input receiving unit 21, an information processing unit 22, a storage unit 23, a display unit 24, and a communication unit 25.

[0017] The input accepting unit 21 accepts user input. The input accepting unit 21 is, for example, an input device such as a mouse or a keyboard, and accepts user operations (such as a click operation) as input. The input accepting unit 21 may also be another input device such as a touch panel, in which case it accepts user tap operations and the like as input.

[0018] The information processing unit 22 simulates the environment in the indoor space 70. The information processing unit 22 is realized by, for example, a microcomputer, but may also be realized by a processor. The functions of the information processing unit 22 are realized, for example, by the microcomputer or processor constituting the information processing unit 22 executing a computer program stored in the storage unit 23.

[0019] The storage unit 23 is a storage device that stores computer programs and the like executed by the information processing unit 22. The storage unit 23 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory.

[0020] The display unit 24 displays a display screen relating to a simulation of the environment in the indoor space 70. The display unit 24 also displays a display screen showing three-dimensional distributions (i.e., simulation results) of temperature, humidity, wind speed, carbon dioxide concentration, formaldehyde concentration, or particulate concentration in the indoor space 70. The display unit 24 is realized by, for example, a display panel such as a liquid crystal panel or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) panel.

[0021] The communication unit 25 is a communication circuit (communication module) that enables the information terminal 20 to communicate with the specification information management server 30, the weather information management server 40, and the information processing server 50 via a wide area communication network 60 such as the Internet. The communication unit 25 is, for example, a wired communication circuit that performs wired communication, but may also be a wireless communication circuit that performs wireless communication. There are no particular limitations on the communication standard of the communication performed by the communication unit 25.

[0022] The specification information management server 30 is a cloud computer that manages specification information indicating the design specifications of facilities and fixtures, and provides the specifications of the facilities and fixtures to the information terminal 20. The specification information can also be referred to as catalog information or the like.

[0023] The weather information management server 40 is a cloud computer that manages current or past weather information and provides weather information to the information terminal 20. The weather information includes solar radiation information, temperature information, humidity information, and the like.

[0024] The information processing server 50 is a cloud computer that supports the simulation performed by the information terminal 20. The information processing server 50 functions, for example, as a storage server that stores data related to the simulation, but may also cooperate with the information terminal 20 and execute some or all of the processing executed by the information terminal 20.

[0025] [Actual measurement of data required for simulation] The data required for the simulation by the environment estimation system 10 is measured by a measurement person, such as a salesperson belonging to a manufacturer and seller of new equipment, who visits the building (indoor space 70). Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for measuring data in the indoor space 70.

[0026] First, the measurer measures the volume of air flowing into the indoor space 70 at an air intake port (an opening for letting air into the indoor space 70) of the indoor space 70 (S11). To measure the volume of air, for example, a portable air volume meter is used. Note that the volume of air may also be measured at an exhaust port (an opening for discharging air from the indoor space 70).

[0027] The measured air volume is used to calculate the ventilation rate together with the size of the indoor space 70 measured in step S13 described below. The ventilation rate here is a parameter indicating how many times the air in the entire indoor space 70 is replaced per unit time, and is expressed in units of, for example, number of times / hour [h].

[0028] The measurer also measures the temperature and humidity of the air flowing into the indoor space 70 at the air intake port (S12). For example, a portable thermometer and hygrometer are used to measure the temperature and humidity. Note that the humidity here is mainly relative humidity, which can be easily measured with a portable hygrometer.

[0029] The measured temperature and humidity, together with the airflow rate measured in step S11, are used to calculate the humidification amount. The humidification amount here is a parameter indicating how much moisture is supplied to the indoor space 70 per unit time, and is expressed in units of moisture amount [g] / time [h], for example.

[0030] The measurer also measures the size (volume) of the indoor space 70 and the layout of existing equipment and fixtures in the indoor space 70 (S13). Hereinafter, the size information indicating the size of the indoor space 70 and the layout information indicating the layout of the equipment and fixtures will also be collectively referred to as structural data.

[0031] The measurer measures this structural data using, for example, a portable laser rangefinder, but the structural data may also be measured using a 3D scanner, etc. The measurer can also obtain structural data by taking pictures of the indoor space 70 using a smartphone with a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) function.

[0032] The measured structural data is used to create BIM (Building Information Modeling) data. BIM data is data that integrates multiple types of data related to a building. The BIM data includes data (such as 3D CAD data) that indicates the shape and dimensions of the building that forms the interior space 70, as well as data related to the equipment and fixtures arranged in the interior space 70. The BIM data in this embodiment also includes various data necessary to simulate the environment in the interior space 70.

[0033] The measurer may further measure the temperature, humidity, and air quality in the indoor space 70. Examples of the air quality include carbon dioxide concentration and particulate concentration. This allows the manufacturer and seller of the new equipment to more accurately grasp the current state of the indoor space 70.

[0034] [Example 1: Current simulation operation] Next, an operation (operation example 1) of simulating the environment in the current indoor space 70 before the introduction of new equipment will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of operation example 1 of the environment estimation system 10.

[0035] First, the input receiving unit 21 of the information terminal 20 receives input of data actually measured in accordance with the procedure of Fig. 3 from an operator performing a simulation task (S21). The input data includes air volume data of air flowing into the indoor space 70, temperature data of air flowing into the indoor space 70, humidity data of air flowing into the indoor space 70, and structural data. The structural data includes size information indicating the size (volume) of the indoor space 70, and layout information indicating the layout of existing facilities and fixtures in the indoor space 70. The information processing unit 22 acquires the data input in step S21 (S22).

[0036] Next, the information processing unit 22 calculates the ventilation rate in the indoor space 70 and the amount of humidification caused by the air flowing into the indoor space 70 based on the data acquired in step S22 (S23). As described above, the ventilation rate is a parameter that indicates how many times the air in the entire indoor space 70 is replaced per unit time. The information processing unit 22 can calculate the ventilation rate based on the air volume data and size information included in the structural data, which are among the data acquired in step S22.

[0037] The humidification amount is a parameter that indicates how much moisture is supplied from the air intake port to the indoor space 70. The information processing unit 22 can calculate the humidification amount based on the air volume data, temperature data, and humidity data among the data acquired in step S22.

[0038] In other words, the processing of step S23 is a processing to acquire first information determined based on actual measurement data, which directly indicates the number of ventilations in the indoor space 70, and second information determined based on actual measurement data, which directly indicates the amount of humidification of the indoor space 70 by the air flowing into the indoor space 70.

[0039] Next, the information processing unit 22 acquires specification information of the existing equipment and fixtures identified by the placement information acquired in step S22 from the specification information management server 30 (S24). Specifically, the information processing unit 22 transmits the product numbers of the equipment and fixtures included in the placement information to the specification information management server 30 via the communication unit 25. This allows the information processing unit 22 to acquire specification information of the existing equipment and fixtures arranged in the indoor space 70 as a response from the specification information management server 30. The specification information includes 3D CAD data of the equipment and fixtures, as well as setting information for the equipment. The equipment here refers to ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, etc.

[0040] Next, the information processing unit 22 creates BIM data of the building that forms the interior space 70 from the size information and arrangement information acquired in step S22 and the specification information acquired in step S24 (S25).

[0041] Here, in the created BIM data (3D CAD data), the equipment and fixtures are modeled in detail based on the specification information. Therefore, the information processing unit 22 uses a predetermined algorithm to convert the equipment and fixtures in the created BIM data into a simplified model (S26). Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of conversion to a simplified model. As shown in Figure 5, the simplified model is composed only of simple components such as rectangular parallelepipeds and planes, and does not have curved surfaces. In other words, the simplified model is obtained by converting the actual shapes of the equipment and fixtures determined by the specification information into a shape that does not have curved surfaces.

[0042] Such a simplified model allows the use of orthogonal meshes that divide the space only in the vertical and horizontal directions, reducing the total number of meshes in the simulation model and thereby shortening the calculation time required for the simulation. It also has the effect of stabilizing the convergence of the simulation solution. Since the curved surfaces of the equipment and fixtures occupy a smaller volume than a large space such as the interior space 70, it is believed that simplification will have little practical effect on the simulation results.

[0043] Next, the information processing unit 22 acquires the calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, and outdoor air conditions (S27). The calculation conditions include the mesh size set for the BIM data, the number of calculation cycles, and the like. The calculation conditions are specified, for example, by an operator's input operation to the input receiving unit 21. A mesh is a unit used when dividing the object to be simulated into elements with simple shapes.

[0044] Furthermore, the information processing unit 22 acquires the solar radiation conditions and the outside air conditions from the weather information management server 40. Specifically, the information processing unit 22 can acquire the solar radiation conditions (solar radiation amount information) and the outside air conditions (temperature information and outside air humidity information) from the weather information management server 40 based on an input operation by an operator to the input receiving unit 21.

[0045] In step S27, the information processing unit 22 may calculate the floor area of ​​the indoor space 70 from the BIM data created in step S25 and acquire calculation conditions corresponding to the calculated floor area. In this case, the storage unit 23 stores calculation condition setting information that associates the size of the floor area with the calculation conditions to be used at that time. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the calculation condition setting information. Each calculation condition in the calculation condition setting information is created empirically or experimentally by, for example, a designer of the environment estimation system.

[0046] It is not necessary to change all the calculation conditions depending on the floor area, but it is sufficient to change at least the mesh size depending on the floor area. By appropriately changing the mesh size depending on the floor area, it is possible to shorten the calculation time required for the simulation.

[0047] The minimum dimension of the simplified model obtained in step S26 is set to be equal to or larger than the smallest mesh size selectable in the environment estimation system 10. This makes it easy to apply a mesh to the simplified model.

[0048] After step S27, the information processing unit 22 creates a simulation model of the environment in the indoor space 70 from the ventilation rate and humidification amount calculated in step S23, the BIM data created in steps S25 and S26, and the calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, and outdoor air conditions acquired in step S27 (S28).

[0049] Furthermore, the information processing unit 22 uses the simulation model created in step S28 to perform a simulation of the environment in the indoor space 70 (S29). For example, under the various conditions acquired in step S27, the information processing unit 22 can calculate a three-dimensional distribution of environmental parameters in the indoor space 70 when existing equipment (ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, etc.) in the indoor space 70 is operated so as to approach a predetermined environment (target).

[0050] The environmental parameters here include temperature, humidity, wind speed, carbon dioxide concentration, formaldehyde concentration, and particulate matter concentration. Temperature, humidity, and wind speed are examples of environmental parameters related to a thermal environment, and carbon dioxide concentration, formaldehyde concentration, and particulate matter concentration are examples of environmental parameters related to an air quality environment. In step S29, the information processing unit 22 may calculate a three-dimensional distribution of at least one of temperature, humidity, wind speed, carbon dioxide concentration, formaldehyde concentration, and particulate matter concentration.

[0051] Furthermore, the information processing unit 22 uses the simulation model created in step S28 to perform a simulation of the power consumption of existing equipment installed in the indoor space 70 (S30). For example, under the various conditions acquired in step S27, the information processing unit 22 can calculate the power consumption (power consumption amount) when the existing equipment (ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, etc.) in the indoor space 70 is operated so as to approach a predetermined environment (target). In step S30, the power consumption (power consumption amount) of each piece of equipment may be calculated individually, or the total power consumption (power consumption amount) of all the equipment may be calculated.

[0052] Next, the information processing unit 22 displays the results of the executed simulation on the display unit 24 (S31). The information processing unit 22 displays, on the display unit 24, a display screen including, for example, an image (such as an image in heat map format) showing the three-dimensional distribution of the environmental parameters and numerical values ​​of the power consumption amount.

[0053] Using such a display screen, the environment estimation system 10 can present the environment and power consumption (i.e., the current environment and power consumption) before the new equipment is introduced (before renovation) to the manager of the building (indoor space 70). It is not essential that the simulation results be presented through the display unit 24 of the information terminal 20. For example, a salesperson working for a manufacturer and seller of the new equipment may print the simulation results on paper and present them through the paper. If the simulation results are provided to a tablet terminal or the like as an electronic file, the salesperson can present the simulation results to the manager or the like through the tablet terminal.

[0054] Note that data related to the simulation, such as BIM data, calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, outdoor air conditions, specification information, simulation model, and simulation results, are stored in the storage unit 23 of the information terminal 20, but may also be stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the information processing server 50. This allows for efficient management of huge amounts of data. Also, some or all of the processing shown in Fig. 4 may be executed by the information processing server 50 instead of the information terminal 20 (information processing unit 22).

[0055] [Example 2: Simulation operation after introducing new equipment] Next, a description will be given of an operation (operation example 2) for simulating the environment in the indoor space 70 when new equipment is introduced. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of operation example 2 of the environment estimation system 10. Note that in the following operation example 2, an example will be described in which a total heat exchanger (heat exchange ventilation system) is introduced as the new equipment.

[0056] First, the input receiving unit 21 of the information terminal 20 receives input of the structural data actually measured in step S13 of FIG. 3 and input of the desired ventilation rate after the introduction of the total heat exchanger from the operator performing the simulation work (S41). The structural data includes size information indicating the size (volume) of the indoor space 70 and layout information indicating the layout of existing equipment and fixtures in the indoor space 70. The desired ventilation rate is input based on the request of the building manager, etc., but the current ventilation rate (the ventilation rate calculated in step S23) may also be input. If a standard ventilation rate is input by default, input of the ventilation rate may be omitted. The information processing unit 22 acquires the structural data and ventilation rate input in step S41 (S42). The processing of step S42 can be said to include processing to acquire first information indicating the desired ventilation rate after the introduction of the newly installed equipment.

[0057] Next, the information processing unit 22 acquires specification information of the existing equipment and fixtures identified by the placement information acquired in step S42, and specification information of the newly installed total heat exchanger, from the specification information management server 30 (S43). The processing of step S43 is similar to the processing of step S24, except that specification information of the newly installed total heat exchanger is acquired.

[0058] Next, the information processing unit 22 creates BIM data of the building that forms the interior space 70 from the size information and placement information acquired in step S42 and the specification information acquired in step S43 (S44). The processing of step S44 is similar to the processing of step S25, except that data on the total heat exchanger that is newly introduced is included in the BIM data.

[0059] Furthermore, the information processing unit 22 uses a predetermined algorithm to convert the equipment and fixtures in the created BIM data, as well as the newly installed total heat exchanger, into simplified models (S45). The processing in step S45 is the same as the processing in step S26, except that the newly installed total heat exchanger is converted into a simplified model.

[0060] Next, the information processing unit 22 acquires the calculation conditions, the solar radiation conditions, and the outdoor air conditions (S46). The process of step S46 is the same as step S27.

[0061] Next, the information processing unit 22 calculates the amount of humidification that the newly installed total heat exchanger needs to perform on the indoor space 70 based on the size information and ventilation rate acquired in step S42, the specification information of the newly installed total heat exchanger acquired in step S43, and the outdoor air conditions acquired in step S46 (S47). For example, when the outdoor air conditions are a temperature of 15°C and a humidity of 40% and a predetermined environment (target) is 20°C and 50%, the information processing unit 22 calculates the amount of humidification that the newly installed total heat exchanger needs to perform on the indoor space 70 in order to realize the predetermined environment. Note that the processing of step S47 includes processing to acquire second information that directly indicates the calculated amount of humidification.

[0062] Next, the information processing unit 22 creates a simulation model of the environment in the indoor space 70 from the BIM data created in steps S44 and S45, the calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, and outdoor air conditions acquired in step S46, and the humidification amount calculated in step S47 (S48).

[0063] Furthermore, the information processing unit 22 uses the simulation model created in step S48 to execute a simulation of the environment in the indoor space 70 (S49). For example, under the various conditions acquired in step S46, the information processing unit 22 can calculate a three-dimensional distribution of environmental parameters in the indoor space 70 when existing equipment (ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, etc.) in the indoor space 70 and a newly installed total heat exchanger are operated so as to approach a predetermined environment (target).

[0064] Furthermore, the information processing unit 22 uses the simulation model created in step S48 to perform a simulation of the power consumption of the existing equipment installed in the indoor space 70 and the newly installed total heat exchanger (S50). For example, under the various conditions acquired in step S46, the information processing unit 22 can calculate the power consumption (power consumption amount) when the existing equipment (ventilation equipment, air conditioning equipment, lighting equipment, etc.) and the newly installed total heat exchanger in the indoor space 70 are operated so as to approach a predetermined environment (target). In step S50, the power consumption (power consumption amount) of each equipment may be calculated individually, or the total power consumption (power consumption amount) of all the equipment may be calculated.

[0065] Next, the information processing unit 22 displays the results of the executed simulation on the display unit 24 (S51). The information processing unit 22 displays, on the display unit 24, a display screen including, for example, an image (such as an image in heat map format) showing the three-dimensional distribution of the environmental parameters and numerical values ​​of the power consumption amount.

[0066] Using such a display screen, the environment estimation system 10 can present the environment and power consumption after the installation (renovation) of new equipment to the manager or the like of the building (indoor space 70). It is not essential that the simulation results be presented through the display unit 24 of the information terminal 20. For example, a salesperson belonging to the manufacturer and seller of the new equipment may print the simulation results on paper and present them through the paper. If the simulation results are provided as an electronic file to a tablet terminal or the like, the salesperson can present the simulation results through the tablet terminal. If it becomes clear that the installation of the new equipment will improve the environment of the indoor space 70, it can encourage the manager or the like to decide to install the new equipment.

[0067] Note that data related to the simulation, such as BIM data, calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, outdoor air conditions, specification information, simulation model, and simulation results, are stored in the storage unit 23 of the information terminal 20, but may also be stored in a storage unit (not shown) provided in the information processing server 50. This allows for efficient management of huge amounts of data. Also, some or all of the processing shown in Fig. 7 may be executed by the information processing server 50 instead of the information terminal 20 (information processing unit 22).

[0068] In addition, in Operation Example 2, an example of newly introducing a total heat exchanger is described, but Operation Example 2 can also be applied to simulating the environment when other equipment with the function of humidifying the indoor space 70 is introduced.

[0069] [Variations] In the above embodiment, the simulation of the environment in the current indoor space 70 and the simulation of the environment in the indoor space 70 after the introduction of new equipment have been described using separate flowcharts. However, the simulation of the environment in the current indoor space 70 and the simulation of the environment in the indoor space 70 after the introduction of new equipment may be performed in a single flow.

[0070] Furthermore, when displaying the results of the simulation, the current simulation results and the simulation results after the introduction of the new equipment may be displayed side by side on one screen, which allows the administrator or the like to easily grasp the changes in the environment before and after the introduction of the new equipment.

[0071] Furthermore, in Operation Example 1 and Operation Example 2 of the embodiment, both the first information regarding the ventilation rate in the indoor space 70 and the second information regarding the amount of humidification for the indoor space 70 are acquired, but it is sufficient if at least one of the first information and the second information is acquired. For example, in Operation Example 1, a simulation of the environment in the indoor space may be performed by acquiring only one of the first information and the second information. Furthermore, in Operation Example 2, the amount of humidification is calculated using a predetermined ventilation rate, so that the process of acquiring the ventilation rate can be omitted.

[0072] [Effects, etc.] As described above, the environmental estimation method executed by a computer such as the environmental estimation system 10 includes: a first acquisition step of acquiring at least one of first information regarding the ventilation rate in the indoor space 70 and second information regarding the humidification amount for the indoor space 70; a second acquisition step of acquiring size information indicating the size of the indoor space 70, layout information indicating the layout of the equipment and fixtures in the indoor space 70, and specification information for the equipment and fixtures; a first creation step of creating BIM data of the building that forms the indoor space 70 from the acquired size information, acquired layout information, and acquired specification information; a third acquisition step of acquiring calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, and outdoor air conditions, including a mesh size set for the BIM data; a second creation step of creating a simulation model of the environment in the indoor space 70 from the acquired at least one of the information, the created BIM data, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions; and an execution step of executing a simulation of the environment in the indoor space 70 using the created simulation model.

[0073] Such an environment estimation method can simulate the environment of the indoor space 70 taking into account the influence of ventilation by creating a simulation model using at least one of the first information and the second information.

[0074] Furthermore, in operation example 1, in the first acquisition step, first information and second information are acquired, and the first information indicates the ventilation rate in the indoor space 70, which is determined based on actual measurement data. The second information indicates the amount of humidification of the indoor space 70 by the air flowing into the indoor space 70, which is determined based on actual measurement data. In the second creation step, a simulation model is created from the acquired first information, the acquired second information, the created BIM data, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions.

[0075] Such an environment estimation method can simulate the environment of the indoor space 70 taking into consideration the influence of the ventilation rate and the amount of humidification.

[0076] Furthermore, in operation example 2, second information is acquired in the first acquisition step, and the second information indicates the amount of humidification that the equipment newly installed in the indoor space 70 will perform on the indoor space 70. In the second creation step, a simulation model is created from the acquired second information, the created BIM data, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions.

[0077] Such an environment estimation method can simulate the environment of the indoor space 70 taking into consideration the influence of changes in the amount of humidification due to the introduction of new equipment.

[0078] In addition, in the second operational example, the environment estimation method further includes a calculation step of calculating the amount of humidification that the newly installed equipment will perform on the indoor space 70 based on the acquired outdoor air conditions, specification information of the newly installed equipment, and acquired size information. In the first acquisition step, second information indicating the calculated amount of humidification is acquired.

[0079] Such an environment estimation method can simulate the environment of the indoor space 70 taking into consideration the influence of changes in the amount of humidification due to the introduction of new equipment.

[0080] Furthermore, in operation example 2, the first acquisition step further acquires first information, which indicates the desired ventilation frequency after the installation of the newly installed equipment, and the calculation step calculates the amount of humidification that the newly installed equipment will perform on the indoor space 70 based on the acquired outdoor air conditions, specification information of the newly installed equipment, acquired size information, and acquired first information.

[0081] Such an environment estimation method can simulate the environment of the indoor space 70 taking into consideration the influence of changes in the amount of humidification due to the introduction of new equipment.

[0082] Furthermore, for example, the environmental estimation method further includes a conversion step of converting the equipment and fixtures in the created BIM data into a simplified model, and in a second creation step, a simulation model is created from at least one of the acquired information, the BIM data including the simplified model, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions.

[0083] According to such a simplified model, the total number of meshes in the simulation model is reduced, thereby shortening the calculation time required for the simulation.

[0084] Furthermore, for example, a simplified model can be obtained by converting the actual shape of the equipment and fixtures determined by the acquired specification information into a shape that does not have curved surfaces.

[0085] According to such a simplified model having a shape without curved surfaces, the total number of meshes in the simulation model is reduced, thereby shortening the calculation time required for the simulation.

[0086] Also, for example, the minimum dimension of the simplified model is equal to or greater than the smallest mesh size among the mesh sizes that can be selected in the environment estimation method.

[0087] This makes it easy to apply a mesh to the simplified model.

[0088] Also, for example, in the third acquisition step, the floor area of ​​the interior space 70 is calculated from the created BIM data, and a mesh size according to the calculated floor area is acquired.

[0089] In this way, if the mesh size is appropriately changed depending on the floor area, the calculation time required for the simulation can be reduced.

[0090] Also, for example, the environment estimation method further includes a display step of displaying the results of the executed simulation.

[0091] Such an environment estimation method makes it possible to visualize the results of the performed simulation.

[0092] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments.

[0093] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the environment estimation system is realized by a plurality of devices. In this case, the components of the environment estimation system described in the above-described embodiment may be distributed among the plurality of devices in any manner. The environment estimation system may also be realized as a single device. For example, the environment estimation system may be realized as a single device corresponding to an information terminal. The environment estimation system may also be realized as a client-server system in which some of the functions of the information terminal are distributed to an information processing server.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, the processing performed by a specific processing unit may be performed by another processing unit. The order of multiple processing operations may be changed, or multiple processing operations may be performed in parallel.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments, each component may be realized by executing a software program suitable for that component, or by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

[0096] Furthermore, each component may be realized by hardware. Each component may be a circuit (or integrated circuit). These circuits may form a single circuit as a whole, or each may be a separate circuit. Furthermore, each of these circuits may be a general-purpose circuit or a dedicated circuit.

[0097] Furthermore, the general or specific aspects of the present invention may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium.

[0098] For example, the present invention may be realized as the environment estimation system or information terminal of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the present invention may be realized as an environment estimation method executed by a computer such as the environment estimation system of the above-described embodiments. The present invention may be realized as a program (computer program product) for causing a computer to execute such an environment estimation method, or as a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0099] In addition, the present invention also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications to each embodiment that a person skilled in the art would think of, or forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 10 Environmental Estimation System 20 Information terminal 21 Input reception section 22 Information Processing Department 23 Memory section 24 Display section 25 Communications Department 30 Specification information management server 40 Weather Information Management Server 50 Information Processing Server 60 Wide Area Communication Network 70 Indoor space

Claims

1. A first acquisition step of acquiring information about the amount of humidification for an indoor space; a second acquisition step of acquiring size information indicating the size of the indoor space, arrangement information indicating the arrangement of equipment and fixtures in the indoor space, and specification information of the equipment and fixtures; a first creation step of creating BIM (Building Information Modeling) data of a building that forms the interior space from the acquired size information, the acquired placement information, and the acquired specification information; A third acquisition step of acquiring calculation conditions, solar radiation conditions, and outdoor air conditions including a mesh size set for the BIM data; A second creation step of creating a simulation model of the environment in the indoor space from the acquired information on the humidification amount, the created BIM data, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions; and an execution step of executing a simulation of an environment in the indoor space using the created simulation model. Environmental estimation method.

2. In the first acquisition step, information indicating the ventilation rate in the indoor space determined based on actual measurement data is further acquired, the information about the humidification amount indicates a humidification amount of the indoor space caused by the air flowing into the indoor space, the humidification amount being determined based on actual measurement data; In the second creation step, the simulation model is created from the acquired information indicating the ventilation rate, the acquired information regarding the humidification amount, the created BIM data, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions. The environment estimation method according to claim 1 .

3. The information about the humidification amount indicates the amount of humidification to be performed on the indoor space by equipment to be newly installed in the indoor space. The environment estimation method according to claim 1 .

4. The method further includes a calculation step of calculating an amount of humidification to be performed by the newly installed equipment on the indoor space based on the acquired outdoor air conditions, specification information of the newly installed equipment, and the acquired size information, In the first obtaining step, information about the humidification amount indicating the calculated humidification amount is obtained. The environment estimation method according to claim 3 .

5. In the first acquisition step, information indicating a desired ventilation frequency after the installation of the newly installed equipment is further acquired, In the calculation step, the amount of humidification to be performed by the newly installed equipment on the indoor space is calculated based on the acquired outdoor air conditions, specification information of the newly installed equipment, the acquired size information, and information indicating the acquired desired ventilation rate. The environment estimation method according to claim 4 .

6. Further, a conversion step of converting the equipment and fixtures in the created BIM data into a simplified model, In the second creation step, the simulation model is created from the acquired information on the humidification amount, the BIM data including the simplified model, the acquired calculation conditions, the acquired solar radiation conditions, and the acquired outdoor air conditions. The environment estimation method according to claim 1 .

7. The simplified model is obtained by converting the actual shape of the equipment and fixtures determined by the acquired specification information into a shape that does not have curved surfaces. The environment estimation method according to claim 6 .

8. The minimum dimension of the simplified model is equal to or greater than the smallest mesh size among the mesh sizes that can be selected in the environment estimation method. The environment estimation method according to claim 6 .

9. In the third acquisition step, the floor area of ​​the indoor space is calculated from the created BIM data, and the mesh size corresponding to the calculated floor area is acquired. The environment estimation method according to claim 1 .

10. Further, a display step for displaying the results of the executed simulation is included. The environment estimation method according to claim 1 .

11. A program for causing a computer to execute the environment estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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