Air conditioning system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system capable of suppressing an increase of humidity in an attic space of a building in a simple construction.SOLUTION: An air conditioning system S includes a temperature and humidity sensor 12 for outputting a signal corresponding to measurement values for temperature and relative humidity in an attic space K1 in a building, an exhaust fan 16 for exhausting air from the attic space K1 to the outside of the attic space, and a control device 20 for controlling the exhaust fan 16 on the basis of the signal from the temperature and humidity sensor 12. The control device 20 stops the exhaust fan 16 when the measurement value for the relative humidity in the attic space K1 is lower than a first set value and the temperature in the attic space K1 is lower than a second set value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an air conditioning system, and particularly to an air conditioning system for adjusting the humidity in a space sandwiched between the roof of a building and a ceiling located below the roof within the building.

Background Art

[0002] When the space sandwiched between the roof of a building and the indoor ceiling within the building (hereinafter also referred to as the attic space) becomes a high-humidity environment, condensation occurs in the attic space, and there is a possibility that mold may occur on the walls and the like facing the attic space due to the condensed water. As a countermeasure, it is known to install an air conditioning device such as an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier in the attic space of the building to forcibly exhaust the air in the attic space or dehumidify it (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the building described in Patent Document 1, the air in the attic space (in Patent Document 1, the roof space) can be moved by a fan arranged in the attic space to a ventilation part communicating with the attic space and discharged outdoors through the ventilation part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to avoid the high humidity of the attic space of a building, it is conceivable to constantly operate a device for exhausting or dehumidifying the air in the attic space. However, from the viewpoint of reducing power consumption, it is preferable to switch the on / off of the above device as needed.

[0006] The on / off switching of a device that exhausts or dehumidifies the air in the attic space may be controlled, for example, according to the relative humidity in the attic space. In this case, the device would stop operating when the relative humidity falls below a set value. However, even if the relative humidity is low, the absolute humidity may still be relatively high, and this situation is more likely to occur during periods when the outside temperature is high, such as in summer. If the device is stopped in this situation, there is a risk of condensation occurring in the attic space.

[0007] One possible solution to the above situation is to use a sensor capable of measuring the absolute humidity in the attic space and control the operation of the device according to the measurement results. However, sensors for measuring absolute humidity are generally expensive, which would result in high equipment installation costs. Another possible solution involves measuring both temperature and relative humidity in the attic space, calculating absolute humidity from both measurements, and controlling the device's operation based on that calculation. However, this requires performing a process to calculate absolute humidity, which would increase processing load.

[0008] As a configuration to avoid high humidity in the attic space of a building, a configuration that is less expensive and reduces the processing load is preferable. Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and its objective is to provide an air conditioning system that can suppress high humidity in the attic space of a building with a simpler configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above problems are solved by the air conditioning system of the present invention, which comprises an output device that outputs signals corresponding to the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the space between the roof of a building and the ceiling located below the roof, a target device that operates to discharge the air in the space to the outside of the space or to dehumidify the air in the space, and a control device that controls the target device based on the signals, wherein the control device stops the target device when the measured value of the relative humidity in the space is less than a first set value and the temperature in the space is less than a second set value.

[0010] In the air conditioning system of the present invention configured as described above, the target device is stopped only when the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the attic space fall below their respective set values. This makes it possible to suppress high humidity in the attic space with a simpler configuration compared to cases where a sensor for measuring absolute humidity is installed or absolute humidity calculation processing is performed.

[0011] Furthermore, in the above-described air conditioning system, the target device is preferably an exhaust fan installed in the above-described space within a building with a flat roof. In buildings with flat roofs, the temperature inside the attic space tends to rise more easily due to solar radiation compared to buildings with sloped roofs. Therefore, even if the relative humidity inside the attic space remains unchanged, the absolute humidity increases, raising the risk of condensation. For this reason, the air conditioning system of the present invention is more effectively utilized.

[0012] Furthermore, in the above-described air conditioning system, it is more preferable that the target device is an exhaust fan installed in the above-described space within a building whose roof is made of lightweight aerated concrete. In buildings with roofs made of autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC), the attic space tends to become humid due to the moisture release from the ALC. Therefore, the above configuration allows the air conditioning system of the present invention to be even more effective.

[0013] Furthermore, in the above-described air conditioning system, it is even more preferable that the second setpoint is set based on the trend of change in absolute humidity within the space in response to temperature changes. With the above configuration, the second setpoint, which is the control condition for the device, can be appropriately set based on the correlation between temperature and absolute humidity in the attic space.

[0014] Furthermore, in the above-described air conditioning system, it is even more preferable that the trend of change is identified based on the absolute humidity value in the test space, calculated using the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the test space, and the measured value of temperature in the test space. According to the above configuration, the second setpoint is set using the measurement results obtained when the temperature and relative humidity in the test space are actually measured, thereby increasing the reliability (validity) of the second setpoint.

[0015] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned air conditioning system, it is even more preferable if the second setting value is set according to the building's purpose. With the above configuration, the second setting value, which is the control condition for the device, can be appropriately set to reflect the differences in the use of the building.

[0016] Furthermore, in the above-described air conditioning system, it is even more preferable that the second setting value is set according to the elapsed time since the building's completion. With the above configuration, the second setting value, which is the control condition for the device, can be appropriately set, taking into account the deterioration of building materials over time.

[0017] In addition, in the above air conditioning system, the building may be a building having a structure with multiple floors. In this case, the output device is a first output device that outputs a first signal according to each measured value of the temperature and relative humidity in the first space formed between the roof and the ceiling wall of the top floor. The target device is a first target device that operates to discharge the air in the first space to the outside of the first space or dehumidify the air in the first space. The air conditioning system may further include a second output device that outputs a second signal according to the measured value of the relative humidity in the second space located between two adjacent floors in the building, and a second target device that operates to discharge the air in the first space to the outside of the second space or dehumidify the air in the second space. Then, the control device may control the first target device based on the first signal and control the second target device based on the second signal. According to the above configuration, in a building having a structure with multiple floors, it is possible to suppress the high humidity of the attic space and the space between floors.

[0018] In addition, in the above air conditioning system, it is more preferable that the control device stops the second target device when the measured value of the relative humidity in the second space is less than the third set value. According to the above configuration, by considering the change tendency of the temperature and humidity in the space between floors, the device that operates to adjust the humidity in the space between floors can be controlled more simply.

Effects of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, there is provided an air conditioning system that can suppress the high humidity of the attic space of a building with a simpler configuration.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing the change over time of the temperature of the attic space and the space between floors measured during a certain period. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing the change over time of the relative humidity of the attic space and the space between floors measured during a certain period. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing the change over time of the absolute humidity in the attic space and the space between floors measured over a certain period. [Figure 5] It is a conceptual diagram showing the components of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the correlation between temperature and absolute humidity in the attic space. [Figure 7] It is a device control flow according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the configuration of an air conditioning system according to a modified example of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] <<Regarding an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention>> Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, this embodiment) will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, each member is illustrated in a somewhat simplified and schematic manner for easier understanding of the explanation. Also, the sizes (dimensions) of each member shown in the drawings and the intervals between members are different from the actual ones.

[0022] The air conditioning system according to this embodiment (hereinafter, simply referred to as the air conditioning system S) is used in a building, for example, a building B having a plurality of floors as shown in FIG. 1, and specifically, it is used for the purpose of adjusting the humidity in the attic space K1 and the space between floors K2 inside the building. The attic space K1 is a space sandwiched between the roof R of the building B and a ceiling (indoor ceiling) located below the roof R inside the building B. Specifically, it is a space formed between the roof R and the ceiling wall of the top floor. The space between floors K2 is a space located between two adjacent floors inside the building B. Specifically, it is a space formed between the floor slab of the upper floor and the ceiling wall of the lower floor among two vertically adjacent floors. Note that the attic space K1 corresponds to the "first space" of the present invention, and the space between floors K2 corresponds to the "second space" of the present invention.

[0023] The building B according to this embodiment may be a residence (including one intended for rental), or a building constructed for purposes other than residential use, such as an office, building, or shop. For the sake of explanation, the following description will use a two-story building B, that is, a building B having one attic space K1 and one inter-floor space K2, as an example. However, the number of floors a building has is not particularly limited.

[0024] To elaborate on building B, as shown in Figure 1, the roof R of building B according to this embodiment is a flat roof and is made of autoclaved lightweight concrete (ALC). In building B with such a roof structure, the attic space K1 tends to become highly humid due to moisture release from the ALC (release of water vapor absorbed within the ALC).

[0025] On the other hand, the amount of solar radiation received by the roof R causes the temperature of the attic space K1 to rise during the day. This rise in temperature in the attic space K1 promotes the release of moisture from the ALC, resulting in an increase in the absolute humidity in the attic space K1. Conversely, even if the absolute amount of water vapor (i.e., absolute humidity) in the attic space K1 increases due to the release of moisture from the ALC as the temperature rises, the relative humidity does not necessarily rise accordingly, and in some cases may even decrease.

[0026] The above trend can occur during periods of high ambient temperature, such as summer, as shown in Figures 2-4. Furthermore, this trend is more pronounced when the roof R is a flat roof compared to when the roof is a sloped roof.

[0027] Furthermore, even if the relative humidity is low, if the absolute humidity in the attic space K1 is high, condensation may occur within the attic space K1. If this condensation adheres to the wall surface facing the attic space K1, for example, the panels that make up the ceiling wall, and seeps into the panels, mold may grow inside the panels. In addition, insects may breed in the highly humid attic space K1.

[0028] Furthermore, in the inter-floor space K2, the air within the inter-floor space K2 does not easily flow through the gap space K2. Therefore, if highly humid air enters the inter-floor space K2, that highly humid air tends to remain within the inter-floor space K2, leading to an increase in humidity within the inter-floor space K2.

[0029] For the reasons stated above, in this embodiment, the air conditioning system S forcibly exhausts the air in the attic space K1 and the inter-floor space K2 while predetermined conditions (hereinafter referred to as ventilation conditions) are met, and also draws in outside air into the attic space K1 and the inter-floor space K2, respectively.

[0030] The configuration of the air conditioning system S is as follows: As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the air conditioning system S consists of a temperature and humidity sensor 12, a humidity sensor 14, exhaust fans 16 and 18, and a control device 20.

[0031] The temperature and humidity sensor 12 is a device that measures the temperature and relative humidity around the sensor and outputs a signal corresponding to the measured values, and is placed in the attic space K1. In other words, the temperature and humidity sensor 12 corresponds to the output device of the present invention, more specifically to the first output device, and outputs a signal corresponding to the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the attic space K1. Here, the signal output from the temperature and humidity sensor 12 corresponds to the first signal. In this embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor 12, which integrates a temperature sensor and a relative humidity sensor, is used to measure the temperature and relative humidity in the attic space K1. However, the temperature sensor and relative humidity sensor may be separate from each other, and measurements may be taken using these sensors. Furthermore, the temperature and humidity sensor 12 may be a device-integrated sensor, for example, mounted in the exhaust fan 16.

[0032] The humidity sensor 14 is a device that measures the relative humidity around the sensor and outputs a signal corresponding to the measured value, and is located in the inter-floor space K2. In other words, the humidity sensor 14 corresponds to the second output device and outputs a signal corresponding to the measured value of relative humidity in the inter-floor space K2. Here, the signal output from the humidity sensor 14 corresponds to the second signal. Note that the humidity sensor 14 may be a device-integrated sensor, for example, mounted in the exhaust fan 18.

[0033] The exhaust fan 16 is a device that operates to expel air from the attic space K1 to the outside of the attic space K1. As will be explained later, it is a device that is subject to operation control (specifically, on / off control) and is the first target device. In this embodiment, the exhaust fan 16 is installed in the attic space K1 as shown in Figure 1. The number and location of the exhaust fans 16 installed in the attic space K1 are not particularly limited and may be determined arbitrarily.

[0034] The exhaust fan 18 is a device that operates to discharge air from the inter-floor space K2 to the outside of the inter-floor space K2, and is a second target device that is subject to operation control (specifically, on / off control). In this embodiment, the exhaust fan 18 is installed in the inter-floor space K2 as shown in Figure 1. The number and location of the exhaust fans 18 installed in the inter-floor space K2 are not particularly limited and may be determined arbitrarily.

[0035] The types of exhaust fans 16 and 18 are not particularly limited, and known fans can be used. Preferably, DC fans can be used as known fans, and examples include propeller fans, sirocco fans, turbo fans, mixed-flow fans, and line flow fans (registered trademark).

[0036] When each exhaust fan 16, 18 is activated, the air in the space where each exhaust fan 16, 18 is installed is discharged to the outside through an opening M formed in the outer wall surrounding the space, while outside air flows into the space through another opening M formed at a different location. As a result, the attic space K1 and the inter-floor space K2 are ventilated, or in other words, the rise in humidity in each space is suppressed.

[0037] The control device 20 controls the operation of the exhaust fan 16 based on the signal (first signal) output from the temperature and humidity sensor 12, and controls the operation of the exhaust fan 18 based on the signal (second signal) output from the humidity sensor 14.

[0038] In this embodiment, the control device 20 is composed of control circuits 22 and 24 mounted on the exhaust fans 16 and 18, respectively, as shown in Figure 5. In other words, the control device 20 consists of multiple control circuits (groups of control circuits). Each control circuit 22 and 24 may be an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip, or a processor consisting of a microcomputer or the like.

[0039] The control circuit 22 receives a signal (first signal) output from the temperature and humidity sensor 12 and controls the on / off state of the exhaust fan 16 based on the temperature and relative humidity of the attic space K1 indicated by that signal. Specifically, the control circuit 22 is provided with a memory unit 26, which stores a first set value and a second set value as control condition values.

[0040] In this embodiment, the control device 20 (more precisely, the control circuit 22) operates the exhaust fan 16 if the measured relative humidity in the attic space K1 is equal to or greater than the first set value, or if the temperature in the attic space K1 is equal to or greater than the second set value. On the other hand, if the measured relative humidity in the attic space K1 is less than the first set value, and the temperature in the attic space K1 is less than the second set value, the control device 20 stops the exhaust fan 16.

[0041] The first setting value is set for the relative humidity in the attic space K1, and is typically set to a value suitable for managing the humidity in the attic space K1. The first setting value may be specified by the user of building B, the management company or construction company of building B, etc., who are users of the air conditioning system S, or it may be automatically determined by the control device 20. Furthermore, the first setting value may be updated as needed, or, to put it simply, it may be reset as appropriate depending on the situation.

[0042] The second setting value is set for the temperature in the attic space K1, and more specifically, it is set based on the trend of change in absolute humidity in the attic space K1 in response to temperature changes in the attic space K1, that is, the correlation between temperature and absolute humidity in the attic space K1.

[0043] The correlation described above is determined by measuring the temperature and relative humidity in the test space. Specifically, the attic space K1 of an actual building B with an ALC flat roof is used as the test space, and the temperature and relative humidity of the attic space K1 are measured at regular intervals (for example, every hour) over a predetermined measurement period. Then, the absolute humidity in the test space at each measurement point is calculated using the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the test space. Specifically, the water vapor pressure is determined by substituting the temperature and relative humidity into a predetermined conversion formula, and the absolute humidity is calculated by substituting the determined water vapor pressure into another conversion formula.

[0044] By following the above procedure, the absolute humidity at each measurement point in the test space can be obtained. Then, by plotting the temperature and absolute humidity at each measurement point, a correlation diagram shown in Figure 6 can be obtained. Subsequently, an approximate formula representing the relationship between temperature and absolute humidity in the attic space K1 is derived from the plots in the correlation diagram. The method for deriving the approximate formula is not particularly limited, and any known method for obtaining an approximate formula (correlation formula) from a correlation diagram can be used. The approximate formula obtained in this way corresponds to the correlation between temperature and absolute humidity in the attic space K1, that is, the trend of change in absolute humidity in response to temperature changes.

[0045] The correlation diagram shown in Figure 6 was obtained by measuring the temperature and relative humidity of the test space every hour using a temperature and humidity sensor and data logger manufactured by T&D Corporation, during the period from March 18, 2018 to July 18, 2018.

[0046] As can be seen from Figure 6, a positive correlation exists between temperature and absolute humidity in the attic space K1, and the degree of this correlation is high. In this embodiment, we focus on this and set a second setpoint as a control condition value based on the above correlation. Specifically, we set a target value, or more simply, an acceptable upper limit, for the absolute humidity in the attic space K1, and then use the above approximation formula to find the temperature corresponding to that target value and set the found temperature as the second setpoint. For example, using the approximation formula shown in Figure 6, if the target absolute humidity is 20 g / kg (amount of moisture per 1 kg of dry air), the corresponding temperature is 30 degrees, and as a result, the second setpoint is set to 30 degrees.

[0047] In this embodiment, a second setpoint is set by the procedure described above, and the operation of the exhaust fan 16 is controlled using the second setpoint as a control condition. This makes it possible to control the exhaust fan 16 so that the absolute humidity does not exceed the target value (acceptable upper limit) by substituting temperature, which has a high correlation with absolute humidity, for measurement in the attic space K1, without directly measuring the absolute humidity. As a result, it is not necessary to use an expensive sensor that can measure absolute humidity, and the increase in humidity in the attic space K1 can be suppressed with a less expensive configuration.

[0048] Furthermore, conventional control systems control the exhaust fan 16 based solely on the measured relative humidity in the attic space K1. For example, if the measured relative humidity falls below a set value, the exhaust fan 16 is stopped. However, in the attic space K1, the temperature inside the space tends to rise during the day, especially during the daytime in summer, and the absolute humidity tends to increase due to moisture release from the ALC. In such cases, the relative humidity decreases despite the high absolute humidity. As a result, during the daytime in summer, the exhaust fan may not operate even when the absolute humidity is high, preventing the air in the attic space K1 from being exhausted, potentially leading to high humidity in the attic space K1.

[0049] In contrast, in this embodiment, the on / off status of the exhaust fan 16 is controlled not only based on the measured humidity in the attic space K1, but also based on the measured temperature in the attic space K1. As a result, even if the relative humidity is at a low level, the exhaust fan 16 can be activated if the absolute humidity is high (i.e., if the temperature in the attic space K1 is high), and consequently, the increase in humidity in the attic space K1 due to the stopping of the exhaust fan can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when deciding whether to turn the exhaust fan 16 on or off, the measured relative humidity in the attic space K1 is compared with a first set value, and the measured temperature in the attic space K1 is compared with a second set value. In other words, the measured temperature and relative humidity values ​​can be used directly, so there is no need to perform calculations to calculate absolute humidity from the measured temperature and humidity values, thereby reducing the processing load. That is, it is possible to suppress high humidity in the attic space K1 with a simpler configuration.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the correlation is identified using the measurement results obtained when the temperature and relative humidity in the test space are actually measured, and the second set value is set based on that correlation. In this way, the second set value can be set based on the actual measurement results of temperature and relative humidity, thereby increasing the reliability (validity) of the second set value.

[0052] It should be noted that the second setting value is not limited to cases where it is set using an approximation formula derived from a correlation diagram as shown in Figure 6. For example, based on the above correlation diagram, the correspondence between absolute humidity and temperature may be identified, this correspondence may be recorded as table data (LUT: Look Up Table), and the temperature relative to the target value of absolute humidity (specifically, the allowable upper limit), i.e., the second setting value, may be set by referring to this table data.

[0053] Furthermore, the above correlations are best identified for each use of Building B, including residential properties, rental properties, offices, buildings, and facilities. For example, the temperature and relative humidity measurements described above can be conducted for each use, and a correlation diagram like the one in Figure 6 can be obtained for each use. In this case, it is preferable to set the second setting value according to the use of Building B based on the correlation obtained for that Building B. This allows the second setting value, which is the control condition for the device, to be appropriately set to reflect the differences in the uses of Building B.

[0054] Furthermore, the above correlation may change depending on the time elapsed since the completion of Building B (the point set as the end of construction work, for example, the acceptance date). This is because the performance of the building materials constituting Building B, such as the moisture absorption and release properties of the ALC that makes up the roof, can change over time. Taking this into consideration, it is preferable that the second setting value be set according to the elapsed time since the completion of Building B. This makes it possible to appropriately set the second setting value, which is the control condition for the device, taking into account the changes in the performance of the building materials over time.

[0055] One method for setting the second set value according to the time elapsed since the completion of building B is to conduct tests to measure the temperature and relative humidity in the attic space K1 of building B, for example, at intervals of several years after the completion of building B, and to periodically obtain (update) a correlation diagram like the one in Figure 6. This method allows for the periodic identification of the correlation between temperature and absolute humidity in the attic space K1, and enables the second set value to be reset based on the latest correlation. Another method for setting the second setting value according to the time elapsed since the completion of building B is to adjust the second setting value that was first set after the completion (i.e., the second setting value set initially) as appropriate according to the time elapsed since the completion.

[0056] Returning to the explanation of the control device 20, the control circuit 24 included in the control device 20 receives a signal (second signal) output from the humidity sensor 14 and controls the on / off state of the exhaust fan 18 based on the relative humidity of the inter-floor space K2 indicated by that signal. Specifically, the control circuit 24 is provided with a memory unit 28, and the memory unit 26 stores a third setting value as a control condition value.

[0057] In this embodiment, the control device 20 (more precisely, the control circuit 24) operates the exhaust fan 18 if the measured relative humidity in the inter-floor space K2 is equal to or greater than the third set value, and conversely, stops the exhaust fan 18 if the measured relative humidity in the inter-floor space K2 is less than the third set value. Thus, the operation of the exhaust fan 18, which operates to ventilate the inter-floor space K2, is controlled solely based on the relative humidity of the inter-floor space K2. This is because, unlike the attic space K1, the inter-floor space K2 is unlikely to reach a situation where the temperature inside the space rises during the day in summer, resulting in relatively low relative humidity.

[0058] To explain in more detail, in the inter-floor space K2, even during periods such as summer, the temperature inside the space does not rise significantly during the day as in the attic space K1, and the temperature inside the space remains relatively stable (see Figure 2). In addition, in the inter-floor space K2, there is almost no increase in absolute humidity due to moisture release from ALC that can occur in the attic space K1, and the absolute humidity remains relatively stable (see Figure 3). As a result, as shown in Figure 4, in the inter-floor space K2, even in summer, the degree of fluctuation in relative humidity throughout the day is small, and it is unlikely that the relative humidity will be low despite the absolute humidity being high during the day. Based on this, a conventional control method is adopted for the inter-floor space K2, and the operation of the exhaust fan 18 is controlled based only on the measured value of relative humidity in the inter-floor space K2. This makes it possible to simplify the control of the equipment to suppress high humidity in the inter-floor space K2, i.e., the control of the operation of the exhaust fan 18.

[0059] <<Device Control Flow>> Next, as a control flow to suppress high humidity in the attic space K1, the flow by which the control device 20 (more specifically, the control circuit 22) controls the exhaust fan 16 according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the device control flow) will be explained with reference to Figure 7. The device control flow described below is merely an example, and some steps in the flow may be modified, new steps added, or the order in which the steps are performed may be changed, without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0060] In the device control flow, first, the temperature and relative humidity in the attic space K1 are measured by the temperature and humidity sensor 12 (S001). The temperature and humidity sensor 12 outputs a signal (first signal) according to the measurement result.

[0061] The output signal from the temperature and humidity sensor 12 is received by the control device 20, which analyzes the received signal and identifies the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the attic space K1. The control device 20 then determines whether the measured value of relative humidity in the attic space K1 is equal to or greater than a first set value (S002).

[0062] If the measured relative humidity is equal to or greater than the first set value (Yes in S002), the control device 20 operates the exhaust fan 16, thereby ventilating the attic space K1 (S003). On the other hand, if the measured relative humidity is less than the first set value (No in S002), the process proceeds to step S004.

[0063] In step S004, the control device 20 determines whether the measured temperature in the attic space K1 is equal to or greater than the second setpoint. If the measured temperature is equal to or greater than the second setpoint (Yes in S004), the control device 20 operates the exhaust fan 16 to ventilate the attic space K1 (S003).

[0064] On the other hand, if the measured temperature is less than the second set value (No in S004), the control device 20 stops the exhaust fan 16, thereby interrupting ventilation of the attic space K1 (S005).

[0065] After step S003 or S005 is completed, unless there are special circumstances such as performing maintenance or repairs on the exhaust fan 16, the process returns to step S001 and the device control flow continues (S006). By repeatedly executing the series of steps S001 to S006 described above, the humidity in the attic space K1 of building B can be effectively suppressed.

[0066] <<Regarding other embodiments>> Although one embodiment of the air conditioning system of the present invention has been described above, the above embodiment is merely an example to facilitate understanding of the present invention and does not limit it. In other words, the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from its spirit. Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention includes equivalents thereof.

[0067] In the above embodiment, an exhaust fan 16 that exhausts air from the attic space K1 to the outside was given as an example of a target device controlled by the control device 20, but it is not limited to this. The target device may be any device that operates to suppress high humidity in the attic space K1, other than an exhaust fan, for example, a dehumidifier that dehumidifies the air in the attic space K1.

[0068] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exhaust fan 16, which is the target device, is assumed to be installed inside the attic space K1, but it is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the air inside the attic space K1 can be exhausted to the outside of the attic space K1. For example, an intake fan installed outside the attic space K1 may draw in air inside the attic space K1 through a duct leading to the attic space K1 and discharge it to the outside of the attic space K1.

[0069] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control device 20 is configured with control circuits 22 and 24 mounted on the exhaust fans 16 and 18, i.e., multiple control circuits (groups of control circuits) provided for each exhaust fan, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 8, the control device 20X may be configured with one or more computers separate from the exhaust fans. The control device 20X is connected to each exhaust fan 16 and 18 by wired or wireless connection, and it is preferable that all exhaust fans 16 and 18 in the building be able to be controlled remotely.

[0070] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the exhaust fan 16 that operates to ventilate the attic space K1 is controlled based on the temperature and relative humidity in the attic space K1, whereas the exhaust fan 18 that operates to ventilate the inter-floor space K2 is controlled based only on the relative humidity in the inter-floor space K2. However, it is not limited to this, and the exhaust fan 18 for ventilating the inter-floor space K2 may also be controlled based on the temperature and relative humidity in the inter-floor space K2.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the building in which the air conditioning system S is used is assumed to be a building with a flat roof, but it is not limited to this, and the air conditioning system of the present invention can also be used in buildings with a sloped roof. However, in buildings with a flat roof, the temperature of the attic space K1 tends to rise more easily during the daytime in summer, so the effect of the air conditioning system of the present invention becomes more significant.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the building in which the air conditioning system S is used is assumed to be a building with a roof made of ALC, but it is not limited to this, and the air conditioning system of the present invention can also be used in buildings with roofs made of materials other than ALC, such as wooden roofs or tiled roofs. However, in buildings with ALC specifications, the absolute humidity in the attic space K1 tends to rise easily due to moisture release from the ALC during the daytime in summer, so the effect of the air conditioning system of the present invention becomes more significant.

[0073] Furthermore, although the above embodiment assumes that the building using the air conditioning system S is a building with multiple floors, the air conditioning system of the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be used in a single-story building, i.e., a bungalow.

[0074] Furthermore, the device control flow described in the above embodiment, that is, the process flow for controlling the exhaust fan 16 that operates to ventilate the attic space K1, may be executed only during periods when the temperature in the attic space K1 tends to rise, for example, during the summer. In this case, during periods other than summer (for example, winter), a conventional control flow may be adopted, and the operation of the exhaust fan 16 may be controlled based on the measured relative humidity in the attic space K1. In other words, during periods other than summer, the exhaust fan 16 may be stopped if the relative humidity in the attic space K1 falls below a first set value. Here, summer refers to, for example, the period when air conditioners installed inside a building are operated in cooling mode, or the period when the indoor temperature of a building is lowered by cooling equipment, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0075] 12. Temperature and humidity sensor (output device, first output device) 14. Humidity sensor (second output device) 16. Exhaust fan (Target device, First target device) 18. Exhaust fan (Second target device) 20,20X control unit 22,24 Control circuits 26,28 Storage section Building B K1 Attic space (First space) K2 inter-floor space (second space) M opening R roof S Air Conditioning System

Claims

1. An output device that outputs signals corresponding to the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the space between the roof of the building and the ceiling located below the roof, A target device that operates to discharge the air in the space to the outside of the space, or to dehumidify the air in the space, The system includes a control device that controls the target device based on the aforementioned signal, The control device stops the target device when the measured value of the relative humidity in the space is less than a first set value and the temperature in the space is less than a second set value. An air conditioning system in which the second setting value is set based on the trend of change in absolute humidity in the space in response to the change in temperature.

2. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned trend of change is determined based on the absolute humidity value in the test space calculated using the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the test space, and the measured value of temperature in the test space.

3. The air conditioning system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the target device is an exhaust fan installed in the space within the building, the roof of which is a flat roof.

4. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the target device is an exhaust fan installed in the space within the building, the roof of which is made of lightweight aerated concrete.

5. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second setting value is set according to the use of the building.

6. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second setting value is set according to the elapsed time since the completion of the building.

7. If the aforementioned building is a building with multiple floors, The output device is a first output device that outputs a first signal corresponding to the measured values ​​of temperature and relative humidity in the first space formed between the roof and the ceiling wall of the top floor. The aforementioned target device is a first target device that operates to discharge the air in the first space to the outside of the first space, or to dehumidify the air in the first space. A second output device that outputs a second signal corresponding to the measured value of relative humidity in a second space located between two adjacent floors within the aforementioned building, The system further comprises a second target device that operates to discharge the air in the second space to the outside of the second space, or to dehumidify the air in the second space, The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the control device controls the first target device based on the first signal and controls the second target device based on the second signal.

8. The air conditioning system according to claim 7, wherein the control device stops the second target device when the measured value of the relative humidity in the second space is less than a third set value.

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