Ventilation system

Abstract

To provide an air conditioning system in which a carbon dioxide sensor can be disposed at any position and a target space can be more appropriately ventilated, and to spend safely / with security by timely displaying a carbon dioxide concentration in a display device, improving visibility, and recognizing a change of the carbon dioxide concentration at a glance.SOLUTION: An air supply-ventilation system comprises: air supply / ventilation means; a carbon dioxide sensor which is disposed inside of a room and detects a carbon diode concentration; a controller for controlling an air volume of an air supply / ventilation fan; and a system management unit which controls the controller. The system management unit includes a display device capable of displaying a detection result of the carbon dioxide sensor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation system that controls the operating status of a ventilation and air supply means using data on the carbon dioxide concentration detected by a carbon dioxide sensor.

Background Art

[0002] Currently, the Building Management Law, which is a law regarding ensuring a hygienic environment in buildings, stipulates that the carbon dioxide concentration in the living rooms of specific buildings should be 1000 ppm or less. To meet this standard, there is a method of measuring time with a timer or the like and forcibly operating a ventilation device at regular intervals. However, when there is no one in the living room, the ventilation operation becomes wasted.

[0003] For this reason, based on the value detected by a carbon dioxide sensor that measures the carbon dioxide concentration in a room, when ventilation is required, a ventilation operation is performed and the demand for ventilation devices is increasing. Conventional ventilation devices automatically control the ventilation air volume so that the carbon dioxide concentration in the room does not exceed 1000 ppm based on the measurement results from a built-in carbon dioxide sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the ventilation device described in Patent Document 1, as mentioned above, the air environment differs from that of the indoor living area, for example, from the ceiling of a room. Therefore, the carbon dioxide sensor's detection data (carbon dioxide concentration) may not match the carbon dioxide concentration in the indoor living area. Consequently, in the case of a ventilation device equipped with a carbon dioxide sensor, as shown in Patent Document 1, there is a problem in that it is difficult to perform indoor ventilation that reflects the carbon dioxide concentration in the indoor living area.

[0006] Furthermore, the ventilation system described in Patent Document 1 has the drawbacks of being very expensive to install because it integrates components such as a carbon dioxide detection means and a heat exchanger, and as mentioned above, it can only be installed in limited locations.

[0007] In view of these challenges, the present invention aims to provide a ventilation system that allows a carbon dioxide sensor to be placed at any desired location and enables more appropriate ventilation of the target space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A ventilation system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a ventilation means, a carbon dioxide sensor placed in a room for detecting the carbon dioxide concentration, a control unit for controlling the airflow of the ventilation means, and a system management unit for controlling the control unit, wherein the system management unit includes a receiving unit for receiving carbon dioxide concentration data detected by the carbon dioxide sensor, a storage unit for storing the carbon dioxide concentration data, a calculation unit for determining the airflow of the ventilation means from the carbon dioxide concentration data, and a transmitting unit for transmitting airflow data.

[0009] With this configuration, the ventilation system and the carbon dioxide sensor are separate components, and the carbon dioxide sensor can be placed at any location in the room. Therefore, by placing the carbon dioxide sensor in a location appropriate to the indoor environment, it becomes possible to control the ventilation system according to the carbon dioxide concentration in the room.

[0010] Furthermore, in this ventilation system, the system management unit stores ventilation airflow switching threshold data corresponding to the carbon dioxide concentration in the storage unit, the calculation unit compares the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor with the ventilation airflow switching threshold to verify the airflow of the ventilation means, and the determined airflow data is transmitted to the ventilation means via the control unit.

[0011] With this configuration, the airflow of the ventilation system can be adjusted to correspond to the indoor carbon dioxide concentration according to a set airflow switching threshold, making it easy to adjust the indoor carbon dioxide concentration and create a comfortable indoor environment.

[0012] Furthermore, this ventilation system has a ventilation airflow switching threshold that includes at least a first switching threshold between high and zero ventilation airflow. This configuration allows the ventilation means to be switched on and off according to the carbon dioxide concentration in the room. It is also desirable to have an operating gap between high and zero ventilation airflow. By providing an operating gap, it is possible to prevent output fluctuations and ensure control stability.

[0013] Furthermore, this ventilation system has a ventilation airflow switching threshold that includes at least a first switching threshold for strong and weak ventilation airflow, and a second switching threshold lower than the first switching threshold, for weak and zero ventilation airflow. With this configuration, the airflow of the ventilation means can be adjusted in at least two stages according to the carbon dioxide concentration in the room. It is also desirable to provide an operating gap between strong and weak ventilation airflow, and between weak and zero ventilation airflow. Providing an operating gap can prevent output fluctuations and ensure control stability.

[0014] Furthermore, this ventilation system has a ventilation airflow switching threshold that includes at least a first switching threshold for strong and medium ventilation airflow, a second switching threshold lower than the first switching threshold for medium and weak ventilation airflow, and a third switching threshold lower than the second switching threshold for weak and zero ventilation airflow. With this configuration, the airflow of the ventilation means can be adjusted in at least three stages according to the carbon dioxide concentration in the room. It is also desirable to provide operating gaps between strong and medium, medium and weak, and weak and zero ventilation airflow. Providing operating gaps can prevent output fluctuations and improve control stability.

[0015] The above-described ventilation system makes it possible to maintain a comfortable indoor air environment while preventing the ventilation volume from exceeding the required amount, thus contributing to a reduction in the power consumption of the ventilation system. The ventilation system can also prevent wasted energy during heating, for example, thus contributing to a reduction in energy consumption during heating. Furthermore, the ventilation system can prevent wasted energy during cooling, thus contributing to a reduction in energy consumption during cooling.

[0016] Furthermore, in this ventilation system, the control unit has a variable means for varying the frequency of the electricity it sends out, and by controlling the frequency with the variable means, it controls the airflow of the ventilation unit. With this configuration, proper ventilation can be achieved with simpler control. Moreover, with this control, it is possible to control the airflow of existing ventilation units, such as ventilation fans, by connecting the control unit to existing ventilation units.

[0017] Furthermore, in this ventilation system, the control unit is connected to an electrical supply means such as an electrical system, and the control unit and the ventilation means are connected by a power cable. With this configuration, it is easy to connect the control unit to existing ventilation means such as ventilation fans.

[0018] Furthermore, as described above, this ventilation system can utilize an existing ventilation fan as the ventilation means by connecting it to the control unit. With this configuration, an existing ventilation fan already installed in the room can be used as the ventilation means, eliminating the need to purchase a new ventilation fan and thus reducing costs for the user.

[0019] Furthermore, this ventilation system includes a system management unit that further has a display unit capable of displaying the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor, and the display unit displays the carbon dioxide concentration numerically. With this configuration, the carbon dioxide concentration is displayed on the display device in a timely manner, improving visibility and allowing changes in carbon dioxide concentration to be recognized at a glance, thus enabling a safe and secure environment.

[0020] Furthermore, in this ventilation system, it is desirable that the display unit displays a background that changes color in stages according to the change in carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor. Moreover, in this ventilation system, it is even more desirable that the background color of the display device changes from green to yellow and then to red as the carbon dioxide concentration increases. These features further enhance visibility.

[0021] Furthermore, in this ventilation system, the control unit, the system management unit, and the carbon dioxide sensor are connected by wire or wireless means. Alternatively, in this ventilation system, the control unit and the system management unit may be integrated into a single unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] Therefore, the ventilation system of the present invention allows for the placement of a carbon dioxide sensor at any desired location, providing a ventilation system that can ventilate the target space more appropriately. Furthermore, by configuring the display unit to show the carbon dioxide concentration in a timely manner, visibility is improved, allowing changes in carbon dioxide concentration to be recognized at a glance, thus enabling a safer and more secure environment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0023] [Figure 1] It is a conceptual diagram showing a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a display device of a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit. [Figure 5] It is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in a system management unit of a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in normal interlock processing of a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing in normal interlock processing of a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is an explanatory diagram of an operating clearance in a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0024] Hereinafter, a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a supply and exhaust ventilation system according to this embodiment. The supply and exhaust ventilation system illustrated here includes a supply and exhaust ventilation means 2, a carbon dioxide sensor 3, a system management unit 4, and a control unit 5.

[0026] The ventilation supply and exhaust means 2 introduces outside air into the room 1 and / or exhausts the air inside room 1, and is installed on the wall facing the outside air. According to the ventilation supply and exhaust system of this embodiment, since the ventilation supply and exhaust means 2 uses an existing ventilation fan already installed inside room 1, there is no need to purchase a new ventilation supply and exhaust means 2, and costs can be reduced. However, it is also possible to use newly installed ventilation supplies such as a ventilation fan.

[0027] The carbon dioxide sensor 3 detects the carbon dioxide concentration inside Room 1 and can be installed at any location within Room 1. In this embodiment, only one carbon dioxide sensor 3 is used, but multiple sensors can be prepared and installed in different locations within the same room. By installing multiple sensors, it is possible to accurately recognize that the carbon dioxide concentration differs depending on the location.

[0028] The system management unit 4 provides an operation variable to the control unit 5, which controls the airflow adjustment of the ventilation means 2 described above. As shown in Figure 3, it comprises a storage unit 41, a calculation unit 42, a transmission unit 43, a reception unit 44, and a display unit 45. In Figure 3, the transmission unit and reception unit are shown as multiple units, but they may be handled by a single transmission unit and reception unit.

[0029] The memory unit 41 stores information necessary for controlling the ventilation means 2, and is a memory device. Note that memory is just one example; any device capable of storing data, such as a hard disk drive or SD card, is acceptable.

[0030] The calculation unit 42 is a device that calculates control commands to the control unit 5 using the data stored in the storage unit 41, and is a processor or the like.

[0031] The transmitter 43 is a device that sends manipulated values ​​to the control unit 5 and other components. The transmitter 43 also communicates data to the carbon dioxide sensor 3 via Bluetooth®. The receiver 44 receives data from the control unit 5, the carbon dioxide sensor 3, and other components. The system management unit 4 and the control unit 5 are connected to each other via serial communication such as RS485. The system management unit 4 and the control unit 5 are also connected via WiFi®.

[0032] Furthermore, the receiving unit 44 also receives measurement data from the carbon dioxide sensor 3 and provides the data to the calculation unit 42. Note that these communication or connection methods are just examples; other wired or wireless connections are also possible.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the display unit 45 in this embodiment is a tablet liquid crystal display, and in addition to displaying the carbon dioxide concentration in Room 1 in real time as a number, it also displays the ventilation status. The display unit 45 may be a photo frame type LED light panel, an organic EL panel, or a large panel.

[0034] The background color of the display unit 45 changes in stages according to changes in carbon dioxide concentration. In this embodiment, the background color is set to green when the carbon dioxide concentration is normal, and as the carbon dioxide concentration increases, it changes from green to yellow, red, and so on. Setting the background color to green when the carbon dioxide concentration is normal helps to relieve visual fatigue in the viewer, reduces tension, and improves work efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, the control unit 5 is for controlling the airflow adjustment of the ventilation means 2 described above, and as shown in Figure 4, it comprises an airflow adjustment unit 51, a transmission unit 52, and a reception unit 53.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the airflow adjustment unit 51 of the control unit 5 controls the operating status of the above-mentioned ventilation supply means 2. Based on an operation amount corresponding to the airflow data provided from the transmission unit 43 of the system management unit 4, the frequency is varied, thereby changing the rotation speed of the motor 21 and fan 22 of the ventilation supply means 2 and controlling the airflow.

[0037] Figures 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the processes performed by the system management unit 4 described above. The operation of the ventilation system will be explained below with reference to these flowcharts.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, first, when the software of the system management unit 4 is started in this ventilation system, a search screen is displayed on the display unit 45 (step S1), and it is detected whether the search button has been pressed (S2).

[0039] When it is detected that the search button has been pressed (YES in S2), the results of the search for carbon dioxide sensor 3 are displayed (S3). It is then detected whether the specified sensor from the displayed carbon dioxide sensor 3 has been pressed (S4).

[0040] When it is detected that the designated sensor has been pressed (S4, "YES"), the designated carbon dioxide sensor 3 is connected and the display switches to the monitor screen (S5).

[0041] Next, it is determined whether the carbon dioxide sensor 3 is updating data at 500ms intervals (S6). If the data is not updating at 500ms intervals (S6 "NO"), it is checked whether to terminate the software (S10). If the decision to terminate is made (S10 "YES"), the system terminates; otherwise, it returns to S6.

[0042] If data is being updated every 500ms (S6 "YES"), the wireless and wired connection status is checked (S7), and normal synchronized processing is performed (S8).

[0043] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the normal interlocking process. In the normal interlocking process, the calculation unit 42 acquires the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor 3 through the receiving unit 44 (S801). If automatic control is performed (S802 "YES") and the sensor connection is normal (S803 "YES"), it determines whether the ventilation airflow of the supply and ventilation means 2 is stopped. If the sensor connection is not normal, the ventilation airflow is determined to be "low", and the ventilation airflow operation of the supply and ventilation means 2 is operated at "low".

[0044] When the ventilation airflow of the supply and ventilation means 2 is set to "stopped" (YES in S804), the carbon dioxide concentration received by the receiving unit 44 is compared with a preset airflow switching threshold. The storage unit 41 has the airflow switching threshold. The airflow switching threshold can be set by the user. In this embodiment, the switching threshold for ventilation airflow operation between "strong" and "medium" is set to 900 ppm, and the switching threshold for ventilation airflow operation between "medium" and "weak" is set to 700 ppm. When the concentration is 700 ppm or less, the ventilation airflow operation is set to "weak", when it is greater than 700 ppm but 900 ppm or less, the ventilation airflow operation is set to "medium", and when it exceeds 900 ppm, the ventilation airflow operation is set to "strong". By detecting the carbon dioxide concentration inside room 1, three-stage airflow switching control is possible.

[0045] If the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds 900 ppm, the ventilation airflow rate of the supply and ventilation means 2 is set to "strong" (YES in S805). If the carbon dioxide concentration is 900 ppm or less but exceeds 700 ppm, the ventilation airflow rate is set to "medium" (YES in S817). If the carbon dioxide concentration is 700 ppm or less, the ventilation airflow rate is set to "weak" (NO in S817). The control amount for the ventilation airflow rate is provided through the transmission unit 43, output from the airflow control unit 51, and returned. As a result, the supply and ventilation means 2 is operated at the "strong," "medium," and "weak" ventilation airflow rates, respectively, and the carbon dioxide concentration inside room 1 gradually decreases.

[0046] If the ventilation airflow of supply and ventilation means 2 is not set to "stopped" (NO in S804) and the ventilation airflow is set to "weak" (YES in S809), then it is first determined whether the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds 1500 ppm (S810).

[0047] Here, as shown in Figure 8, the switching threshold for ventilation airflow operation between "high" and "medium" is set to 900 ppm, and the switching threshold for ventilation airflow operation between "medium" and "low" is set to 700 ppm. An operating gap of 10 ppm is provided between "high" and "medium" ventilation airflow operation, and between "medium" and "low" ventilation airflow operation. By providing an operating gap, it is possible to prevent output fluctuations and ensure control stability. In this embodiment, the value of the operating gap is fixed at 10 ppm, but it may be settable.

[0048] If the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds 1500 ppm, the ventilation airflow is set to "strong" (YES in S810). If the carbon dioxide concentration is 1500 ppm or less but exceeds 1000 ppm, the ventilation airflow is set to "medium" (YES in S811). If the carbon dioxide concentration is 1000 ppm or less, the ventilation airflow is set to "0" (NO in S811). The control amount for the ventilation airflow is provided via the transmission unit 43, output from the airflow adjustment unit 51, and returned. As a result, the supply and ventilation means 2 are operated at the "strong," "medium," and "weak" ventilation airflows, respectively, and the carbon dioxide concentration inside room 1 gradually decreases. Note that these values ​​may be configured to be arbitrarily set.

[0049] If the ventilation airflow is set to "medium" (YES in S812), the system first determines whether the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds 900 ppm (S813). If the carbon dioxide concentration exceeds 900 ppm (YES in S813), the ventilation airflow is set to "high" (YES in S813). If the carbon dioxide concentration is less than 690 ppm, the ventilation airflow is set to "low" (YES in S814). If the carbon dioxide concentration is 900 ppm or less but 690 ppm or more, the ventilation airflow is set to "0" (NO in S814).

[0050] The amount of ventilation airflow control is provided through the transmission unit 43, and the airflow control unit 51 outputs and returns the control. As a result, the supply and ventilation means 2 are operated at "high," "low," and "medium" ventilation airflows, respectively, and the carbon dioxide concentration inside room 1 gradually decreases.

[0051] When the ventilation airflow is set to "High" (S812 "NO"), the system first determines whether the carbon dioxide concentration is less than 690 ppm (S815). If the carbon dioxide concentration is less than 690 ppm, the ventilation airflow is set to "Low" (S815 "YES"). If the carbon dioxide concentration is 690 ppm or higher but less than 890 ppm, the ventilation airflow is set to "Medium" (S816 "YES"). If the carbon dioxide concentration is 890 ppm or higher, the ventilation airflow is set to "0" (S816 "NO"). Note that the various values ​​described above may be configured to be arbitrarily set.

[0052] The amount of ventilation airflow control is provided via the transmitter 43, output from the airflow controller 51, and returned. As a result, the supply and ventilation means 2 are operated at "low," "medium," and "high" ventilation airflows, respectively, and the carbon dioxide concentration inside room 1 gradually decreases.

[0053] If automatic control is not enabled (S802 "NO"), and "Low" is selected in manual control, the setting is determined as "Low" (S806 "YES"), if "Medium" is selected in manual control, the setting is determined as "Medium" (S807 "YES"), if "Strong" is selected in manual control, the setting is determined as "Strong" (S808 "YES"), and otherwise, the setting is determined as "Stop" (S808 "NO"). The amount of ventilation airflow control is provided via the transmission unit 43, output from the airflow controller 51, and returned. As a result, the ventilation supply and ventilation means 2 will have ventilation airflows of "Low", "Medium", "Strong", and "Stop", respectively.

[0054] Normally, the linked processing is performed, and the display unit 45 displays real-time information such as carbon dioxide concentration and ventilation status (S9). Once the display processing (S9) is complete, the process returns to S6 and is repeated.

[0055] As described above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained with reference to the drawings. However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and that various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims also fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0056] For example, the above embodiment is an example of a ventilation fan used as an example of a means of supplying and ventilating, but it is not limited to this, and can be used with various electrical devices equipped with motors, such as electric fans, circulators, ceiling fans, pumps, and doors and windows with opening and closing mechanisms operated by motors.

[0057] Furthermore, while the above embodiment is an example where the control unit and the system management unit are configured separately, the system is not limited to this, and it is also possible to have a system where the control unit and the system management unit are configured as a single unit. Also, while the above embodiment is an example of control with four stages: "weak," "medium," "strong," and "stop," the system is not limited to this, and it is also possible to have two, three, or even five or more stages. In addition, the numerical values ​​that trigger the above-mentioned actions may be set to other values, and it is also possible to have a configuration that allows them to be set arbitrarily. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 room 2. Ventilation fan (means of supplying and ventilating air) 21 Motor 22 Fans 3. Carbon dioxide sensor 4. System Management Department 41 Storage section 42 Arithmetic section 43 Transmitter 44 Receiving Unit 45 Display section 5. Control Unit 51 Air volume adjustment section 52 Transmitter 53 Receiving Unit

Claims

1. Supply and ventilation means, A carbon dioxide sensor placed inside the room to detect the carbon dioxide concentration, A control unit that controls the airflow rate of the aforementioned ventilation means, The system includes a system management unit that controls the control unit, The aforementioned system management unit, A receiving unit receives carbon dioxide concentration data detected by the carbon dioxide sensor from the carbon dioxide sensor. A storage unit for storing the carbon dioxide concentration data, A calculation unit that determines the airflow rate of the ventilation means from the carbon dioxide concentration data, It has a transmitting unit that transmits airflow data, The control unit is connected to an electrical supply means such as an electrical system. The control unit and the ventilation means are connected by a power cable. The system management unit further includes a display unit capable of displaying the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor. The display unit displays the carbon dioxide concentration numerically and displays a background that changes color in stages according to the change in carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor. The ventilation means is characterized by being an existing ventilation fan connected to the control unit. Ventilation system.

2. The aforementioned system management unit, The storage unit stores threshold data for switching the supply and ventilation airflow rate according to a preset carbon dioxide concentration. The calculation unit compares the carbon dioxide concentration detected by the carbon dioxide sensor with the ventilation airflow switching threshold to verify the airflow rate of the ventilation means. The determined airflow data is transmitted to the ventilation means via the control unit. The ventilation system according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned ventilation airflow switching threshold is at least, The supply and ventilation airflow has a first switching threshold between high and 0. The ventilation system according to claim 2.

4. An operating gap is provided between the high and zero settings for the supply and ventilation airflow. The ventilation system according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned ventilation airflow switching threshold is at least, The first switching threshold between high and low supply and ventilation airflow, A second switching threshold is set lower than the first switching threshold, with the supply and ventilation airflow being low and 0. The ventilation system according to claim 2.

6. An operating gap is provided between the high and low settings for the supply and ventilation airflow, and between the low setting and zero setting. The ventilation system according to claim 5.

7. The aforementioned ventilation airflow switching threshold is at least, The first switching threshold for supply and ventilation airflow between high and medium, A second switching threshold, lower than the first switching threshold, for medium and low supply and ventilation airflow, A third switching threshold is set lower than the second switching threshold, with the supply and ventilation airflow rates being low and 0. The ventilation system according to claim 2.

8. An operating gap is provided between the high and medium settings, and between the medium and low settings for the ventilation airflow. The ventilation system according to claim 7.

9. The control unit has a variable means for varying the frequency of the electricity to be sent, The variable means controls the frequency, thereby controlling the airflow of the ventilation means. A ventilation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. As the carbon dioxide concentration increases, the background color of the display device changes from green to yellow to red. The ventilation system according to claim 1.

11. The control unit, the system management unit, and the carbon dioxide sensor are each connected by wire or wireless means. A ventilation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The control unit and the system management unit are configured as an integrated unit. A ventilation system according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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