Ventilation control system and ventilation control method

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a ventilation control system capable of performing appropriate ventilation control even in the case of a communication connection failure, and a ventilation control method. [Solution] A ventilation control system 100 for controlling, via wireless communication WL, the ventilation of building structures 2 in each of which a central heat source system is used, the ventilation control system 100 comprising: blowers 21 each of which delivers air to a plurality of spaces 22 in the corresponding building structure 2; control devices 1 each of which controls the corresponding blower 21 on the basis of output schedule information indicating future control conditions of said blower 21; and a management unit 4 which transmits new output schedule information to the control devices 1 via wireless communication WL. When one of the control devices 1 does not receive the new output schedule information during a preset reception period, said control device 1 controls the corresponding blower 21 on the basis of constraint information indicating a preset control condition of the blower 21.

Description

Ventilation control system and ventilation control method

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation control system and a ventilation control method for controlling ventilation in a building structure using a central heat source system via wireless communication.

[0002] Conventionally, as a method for controlling ventilation in a building structure, a ventilation system such as that disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a ventilation system applicable to, for example, a kitchen including multiple ventilation zones, each of which requires a required ventilation volume. The ventilation system of Patent Document 1 includes an exhaust fan for exhausting oily smoke and the like from the ventilation zone, an exhaust hood connected to the exhaust fan via a duct, a gas cooking appliance, a gas flow sensor attached to a gas supply pipe that supplies gas to the gas cooking appliance, and a control device connected to each of the gas flow sensor and the exhaust fan. The control device of Patent Document 1 calculates the required ventilation volume for each ventilation zone based on the gas flow rate acquired by the gas flow sensor, and controls the operation rate of the exhaust fan based on the maximum of these values.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-125521

[0005] Here, Patent Document 1 discloses that the control device may be wirelessly connected to the supply air fan and the exhaust fan. However, when controlling the supply air fan or the like using wireless communication, a poor communication connection may occur due to the influence of the surrounding environment of the building structure, making it impossible to perform appropriate control. In particular, there is a concern that insufficient ventilation in a building structure may have adverse effects on the human body. In this regard, the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not describe or suggest how to control the supply air fan or the like in the event of a poor communication connection, making it difficult to solve the above-mentioned problem.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been devised in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a ventilation control system and a ventilation control method that can perform appropriate ventilation control even in the event of a poor communication connection.

[0007] The ventilation control system of the first invention is a ventilation control system that controls ventilation of an architectural structure using a central heat source system via wireless communication, and includes: a blower that sends air to multiple spaces in the architectural structure; a control device that controls the blower based on output schedule information that indicates future control conditions for the blower; and a management unit that transmits new output schedule information to the control device via wireless communication, wherein if the control device does not receive the new output schedule information within a predetermined reception period, it controls the blower based on forced information that indicates predetermined control conditions for the blower.

[0008] A ventilation control system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the ventilation control system according to the first aspect of the present invention, characterized in that the forced information indicates a condition for maintaining maximum output of the blower.

[0009] A ventilation control system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the ventilation control system according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein the output schedule information includes at least an operation period and a stop period of the blower.

[0010] The ventilation control system of the fourth invention is any of the first to third inventions, further comprising a measuring device provided for each of the plurality of spaces to measure environmental characteristics in the space, and the management unit generates the new output schedule information based on a plurality of measurement values ​​measured using the plurality of measuring devices.

[0011] The ventilation control system of the fifth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the measuring device includes a carbon dioxide concentration meter that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in the space, and the management unit generates the new output schedule information when at least one of the multiple concentrations exceeds a predetermined reference value.

[0012] The ventilation control system of the sixth invention is characterized in that, in the fifth invention, the measuring device includes an air volume meter that measures the air volume of air flowing into the space, the management unit generates the new output schedule information based on the concentration and the air volume measured for each of the multiple spaces, and the reference value includes multiple reference concentrations that differ depending on the air volume.

[0013] The ventilation control system of the seventh invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the management unit includes an information storage unit that stores a learning model constructed by machine learning using multiple pairs of learning data indicating previously acquired reference measurement values ​​and reference output schedule information linked to the reference measurement values, and a generation unit that references the learning model and generates the new output schedule information based on the measurement values.

[0014] The ventilation control system of the eighth invention is characterized in that, in the fourth invention, the management unit generates the new output planned information based on spatial information including at least one of the volume, shape, and occupancy of the multiple spaces and the measurement values.

[0015] The ventilation control system of the 9th invention is characterized in that, in the 8th invention, the management unit includes an information storage unit that stores a learning model constructed by machine learning using multiple sets of learning data indicating previously acquired reference spatial information, reference measurement values ​​linked to the reference spatial information, and reference output plan information linked to the reference measurement values, and a generation unit that references the learning model and generates the new output plan information based on the spatial information and the measurement values.

[0016] The ventilation control method of the tenth invention is a ventilation control method for controlling ventilation of an architectural structure using a central heat source system via wireless communication, and is characterized by comprising: a control step of controlling the fan using a control device based on output schedule information indicating future control conditions of a fan that sends air to multiple spaces in the architectural structure; a transmission step of transmitting new output schedule information to the controller via the wireless communication using a management unit; a reception step of determining whether the new output schedule information has been received within a predetermined reception period; and a forced control step of controlling the fan using the control device based on forced information indicating predetermined control conditions of the fan if the new output schedule information is not received within the reception period.

[0017] According to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the management unit transmits new output schedule information to the control device via wireless communication. Furthermore, if the control device does not receive new output schedule information within a preset reception period, it controls the fan based on forced information indicating preset fan control conditions. Therefore, even if the control device is unable to receive new output schedule information due to a poor communication connection or other reasons, it can still control the fan based on the forced information. This allows for appropriate ventilation control even in the event of a poor communication connection.

[0018] In particular, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the forced information indicates the conditions for maintaining the maximum output of the fan. Therefore, even in the case of poor communication, it is possible to easily prevent insufficient ventilation from occurring. This makes it possible to suppress the effects on the human body caused by insufficient ventilation.

[0019] In particular, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the output schedule information includes at least the operating period and the stop period of the fan. Therefore, the fan control can be continuously performed while minimizing the number of communication connections from the management unit to the control device. This makes it possible to perform ventilation control that takes into account the reduction of power consumption, even in building structures where communication connection failures are likely to occur.

[0020] In particular, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the management unit generates new output schedule information based on multiple measurement values ​​obtained using multiple measurement devices. This allows the generation of output schedule information that takes into account the environmental characteristics of multiple spaces. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0021] In particular, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the management unit generates new output schedule information when at least one of the multiple concentrations exceeds a predetermined reference value. This makes it possible to prevent insufficient ventilation in multiple spaces while minimizing the number of communication connections from the management unit to the control device. This makes it easier to perform appropriate ventilation control even in architectural structures where communication connection problems are likely to occur.

[0022] In particular, according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the management unit generates new output schedule information based on the concentration and air volume measured for each of the multiple spaces. The reference values ​​include multiple reference concentrations that vary depending on the air volume. Therefore, even if the reference value for the carbon dioxide concentration varies depending on the air volume supplied to the space, output schedule information appropriate for the space environment can be generated. This allows for further improvement in the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0023] In particular, according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the generation unit references the learning model and generates new output schedule information based on the measurement values. Therefore, compared to a measurement value evaluation method using a reference value, it is easier to generate output schedule information that takes into account the fluctuation trends of the measurement values, etc. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0024] In particular, according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the management unit generates new output schedule information based on the spatial information and the measurement values. Therefore, the output schedule information can be generated taking into account the different characteristics of each space. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0025] In particular, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the generation unit references the learning model and generates new output schedule information based on the spatial information and the measured values. Therefore, compared to a measurement value evaluation method using a reference value, it is easier to generate output schedule information that takes into account the characteristics of each space and the fluctuation trends of the measured values. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0026] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the transmission step transmits new output schedule information to the control device via wireless communication using the management unit. Furthermore, the forced control step, if no new output schedule information is received during the reception period, controls the blower using the control device based on forced information indicating preset blower control conditions. Therefore, even if the control device cannot receive the output schedule information due to a poor communication connection or the like, it is possible to control the blower based on the forced information. This makes it possible to perform appropriate ventilation control even in the event of a poor communication connection.

[0027] FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an architectural structure, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a ventilation control system in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of output schedule information, device information, operation information, and control information. FIG. 3(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control device, and FIG. 3(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the function of the control device. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a ventilation control method in the first embodiment. FIG. 5(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a location where a measurement device is installed, and FIG. 5(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a location where an air flow meter is installed.

[0028] Hereinafter, an example of a ventilation control system and a ventilation control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0029] (First embodiment: ventilation control system 100) Fig. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an architectural structure 2, and Fig. 1(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a ventilation control system 100 in the first embodiment.

[0030] The ventilation control system 100 is used to control ventilation of a building structure 2 using a central heat source system via wireless communication WL. The ventilation control system 100 can perform ventilation control suitable for reducing power consumption in the building structure 2, for example.

[0031] The architectural structure 2 may be, for example, a hotel, an office building, or a commercial facility such as a department store or shopping center, as long as it is a structure that uses a central heat source system. The central heat source system may be a known system such as a single duct system or a unit system on each floor.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1( a), the architectural structure 2 includes a plurality of spaces 22 and ducts 23 connected to each space 22. Each space 22 is an area separated by, for example, an interior wall or ceiling, and may have any volume or shape. The space 22 may be used for purposes such as a living room, guest room, office, or store. The duct 23 has a structure conforming to a central heat source system and may have any structure depending on the purpose. The duct 23 has, for example, one base end and multiple tips that branch off from the base end and connect to the multiple spaces 22. Therefore, by taking in air from the base end, for example, the air can be sent to each space 22 via the multiple tips.

[0033] The ventilation control system 100 includes a blower 21, a control device 1, and a management unit 4. The blower 21 and the control device 1 are provided in an architectural structure 2. The management unit 4 is connected to the control device 1 via wireless communication WL. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(b), multiple control devices 1 may be connected to one management unit 4.

[0034] <Blower 21> The blower 21 sends air to a plurality of spaces 22 in the architectural structure 2. The blower 21 is connected to a duct 23, for example, connected to the base end. As the blower 21, a device conforming to a known system such as a VAV (Variable Air Volume) system or a CAV (Constant Air Volume) system may be used.

[0035] The blower 21 is designed to be controlled by, for example, a control panel installed in the architectural structure 2. In this case, a control device 1 is newly installed in the architectural structure 2, and the blower 21 is controlled via the control device 1, thereby realizing the ventilation control system 100.

[0036] <Control device 1> The control device 1 controls the fan 21 based on the output schedule information D30. The control device 1 may control the fan 21 using, for example, a control panel provided in the architectural structure 2, existing control signals (signal information), or connection wiring, or may control the fan 21 using newly set signal information or connection wiring.

[0037] The output schedule information D30 indicates future control conditions for the blower 21. The output schedule information D30 may indicate control conditions for any time period, such as 30 minutes, 1 hour, or 1 day, or may indicate control conditions according to the purpose of the building structure 2, such as "check-in time period," "cleaning time period," or "closing time period."

[0038] 2, the output schedule information D30 includes information on the output level of the fan 21 ("output stopped," "output 20%," "output 40%," and "output 50%" in FIG. 2) for specific times ("0:00," "4:00," "8:00," "12:00," "16:00," and "20:00" in FIG. 2). This enables the control device 1 to control the fan 21 at the specific times included in the output schedule information D30.

[0039] The output schedule information D30 may include, for example, device information D31. The device information D31 indicates information about device characteristics such as the type and specifications of the blower 21 and duct 23, and indicates, for example, manufacturer information and model number information of the blower 21. When the device information D31 is included in the output schedule information D30, for example, the control device 1 can control only the blower 21 that matches the content of the device information D31. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous control of the blower 21.

[0040] The output schedule information D30 may include, for example, operation information D32. The operation information D32 indicates the operation content of the blower 21, such as "start", "increase the blowing volume by one level", "output xx%", etc.

[0041] The output schedule information D30 may include, for example, control information D33. The control information D33 indicates a control signal (signal information) for causing the blower 21 to perform a specific operation. The control information D33 may be linked to, for example, the device information D31 and the operation information D32, and may indicate different signal information depending on the content of the device information D31 (e.g., the manufacturer and model number of the blower 21) and the content of the operation information D32.

[0042] The device information D31, operation information D32, and control information D33 may be included in the output schedule information D30 in any combination depending on the application. For example, if the control device 1 pre-stores a link between the operation information D32 and the control information D33, the output schedule information D30 may include the operation information D32 but not the control information D33. In this case, the control device 1 can identify the control information D33 corresponding to the output schedule information D30 based on the operation information D32 included in the output schedule information D30 and control the blower 21. Note that "new output schedule information D30n" described below indicates information of the same type as the above-mentioned output schedule information D30, and will be referred to as "output schedule information D30" depending on the content of the description.

[0043] The control device 1 may be a known single-board computer such as Raspberry Pi (registered trademark), or may be a known electronic device capable of controlling the fan 21. As shown in FIG. 3( a), the control device 1 includes a housing 10, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a storage unit 104, and I / Fs 105 to 107. The components 101 to 107 are connected via an internal bus 110.

[0044] The CPU 101 controls the entire control device 1. The ROM 102 stores operation code for the CPU 101. The RAM 103 is a work area used when the CPU 101 is operating. The storage unit 104 stores various information (e.g., multiple pieces of output schedule information D30, etc.) used in the ventilation control system 100. As the storage unit 104, for example, a data storage device such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) is used.

[0045] The I / F 105 is an interface for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the blower 21, the management unit 4, etc. The I / F 106 is an interface for transmitting and receiving information to and from the input unit 108. For example, a keyboard is used as the input unit 108, and an administrator of the ventilation control system 100, etc., inputs various types of information, such as control commands, via the input unit 108. The I / F 107 is an interface for transmitting and receiving various types of information to and from the display unit 109. The display unit 109 displays various types of information stored in the storage unit 104. A display is used as the display unit 109, and in the case of a touch panel type, for example, it is provided integrally with the input unit 108. Note that the input unit 108 and the display unit 109 may be connected, for example, only during the preparation stage of the control device 1, and may be replaced by external electronic devices.

[0046] For example, an external storage medium different from the control device 1 may be used instead of the storage unit 104. As the external storage medium, for example, a known electronic device such as a personal computer may be used, and may be connected to the control device 1 via the I / F 106 or the like.

[0047] Fig. 3(b) is a schematic diagram showing an example of the functions of the control device 1. The control device 1 includes, for example, a control unit 11, a receiving unit 12, a forcing unit 13, and a storage unit 14. Note that each component shown in Fig. 3(b) is realized by the CPU 101 using the RAM 103 as a working area and executing a program stored in the storage unit 104 or the like.

[0048] <<Control Unit 11>> The control unit 11 controls the blower 21 based on the output schedule information D30. For example, when the control unit 11 acquires new output schedule information D30n, the control unit 11 controls the blower 21 based on the latest output schedule information D30. In addition to the above, for example, when the control unit 11 acquires a plurality of pieces of output schedule information D30, the control unit 11 selects specific output schedule information D30 based on the device information D31 included in each piece of output schedule information D30, and controls the blower 21. The control unit 11 acquires the output schedule information D30 stored in the storage unit 104, for example, via the memory unit 14, and controls the blower 21.

[0049] <<Receiving Unit 12>> The receiving unit 12 receives new output schedule information D30n transmitted from the management unit 4 via wireless communication WL. The receiving unit 12 may determine whether or not new output schedule information D30n has been received, for example, during a preset reception period. For example, in the ventilation control system 100, if it is determined that new output schedule information D30n has been received during the reception period, the control unit 11 controls the blower 21. In addition to the above, if it is determined that new output schedule information D30n has not been received during the reception period, for example, the forcing unit 13 controls the blower 21.

[0050] The reception period may be set using any time such as 30 minutes, 1 hour, 1 day, etc., or may be set according to the purpose of the architectural structure 2, such as "check-in time slot," "cleaning time slot," "closing time slot," etc. The reception period can be set arbitrarily according to the communication environment of the architectural structure 2, for example.

[0051] <<Forcing Unit 13>> When new output schedule information D30n is not received within a preset reception period, the forcing unit 13 controls the fan 21 based on the forcing information. The forcing unit 13 acquires the forcing information stored in the saving unit 104 via the memory unit 14, for example, and controls the fan 21.

[0052] The forcing information indicates preset control conditions for the blower 21. The forcing information is set, for example, based on the space 22 that requires the greatest amount of ventilation among the multiple spaces 22. In this case, it is possible to prevent insufficient ventilation from occurring in the multiple spaces 22.

[0053] The compulsion information indicates, for example, the conditions for maintaining the maximum output of the fan 21. In this case, even in the case of a poor communication connection, it is possible to prevent the fan 21 from stopping.

[0054] The forcing unit 13 may generate the forcing information by, for example, referring to the current output schedule information D30. In this case, for example, the forcing unit 13 calculates the average output or the maximum output for the multiple outputs set by the output schedule information D30 and generates the forcing information.

[0055] <<Storage Unit 14>> The storage unit 14 retrieves, as needed, various pieces of information stored in the saving unit 104. The storage unit 14 saves, for example, new output schedule information D30n received by the receiving unit 12 in the saving unit 104 as needed.

[0056] <Management Unit 4> The management unit 4 transmits output schedule information D30 (e.g., new output schedule information D30n) to the control device 1 via wireless communication WL. A known electronic device such as a personal computer may be used as the management unit 4, and may include an information storage unit such as a server. Note that, for example, the electronic device and the information storage unit that stores various information may be provided separately via a communication network 5. In this case, a system provided by a third party, such as a known cloud server, may be used as the information storage unit.

[0057] The management unit 4 selects output schedule information D30 that is suitable for the status of the building structure 2 from among a plurality of pieces of output schedule information D30 stored in, for example, an information storage unit or the like, and transmits the selected output schedule information D30n as new output schedule information D30n to the control device 1. The management unit 4 may be configured to transmit new output schedule information D30n every period (for example, one week) longer than the control period (for example, one day) included in the output schedule information D30.

[0058] The management unit 4 generates the output schedule information D30, for example, in accordance with the state of the architectural structure 2, and may also generate the output schedule information D30 in accordance with regulations regarding ventilation of the architectural structure 2. The management unit 4 can use known techniques as a method for generating the output schedule information D30.

[0059] For example, the management unit 4 generates output schedule information D30 using information such as device information D31, operation information D32, and control information D33 based on desired control conditions (e.g., output conditions for time) input by an administrator or the like. Note that various types of information such as device information D31, operation information D32, and control information D33 that may be included when generating the output schedule information D30 may be stored in the information storage unit in advance in multiple pieces and selected as needed.

[0060] The control information D33 may be stored in a linked state with the device information D31. For example, model number information "A123" of the blower 21 manufactured by manufacturer A is linked to signal information "10XXX" for controlling the model number information "A123." Also, model number information "B456" of the blower 21 manufactured by manufacturer B is linked to signal information "11XXX" for controlling the model number information "B456."

[0061] The management unit 4 may display a control template that can be viewed by, for example, an administrator of the ventilation control system 100. Then, based on the desired control conditions input by the administrator, the management unit 4 converts the data into a data format suitable for the blower 21 and generates the result as output schedule information D30. In this case, for example, for one desired control condition, it is possible to easily generate output schedule information D30 suitable for multiple blowers 21 each having different specifications.

[0062] The management unit 4 transmits new output schedule information D30n to, for example, the control devices 1 provided for each of the plurality of building structures 2. In this case, the management unit 4 may transmit the same new output schedule information D30n to the plurality of control devices 1, or may transmit different new output schedule information D30n to each control device 1.

[0063] The management unit 4 may receive, for example, notification information informing that new output schedule information D30n has been received from the control device 1. Furthermore, if the management unit 4 does not receive notification information after transmitting new output schedule information D30n, the management unit 4 may be configured to transmit the new output schedule information D30n again.

[0064] The management unit 4 may generate the output schedule information D30 based on, for example, spatial information regarding the characteristics of the space 22. The spatial information may include, for example, at least one of the volume, shape, and occupancy of the space 22. Generating the output schedule information D30 based on the spatial information allows for detailed setting of control conditions. In particular, if repairs, maintenance, renovations, etc. have been performed on the architectural structure 2, the spatial information may differ from that at the time of new construction. Even in this case, generating the output schedule information D30 based on the spatial information makes it possible to achieve ventilation control appropriate for the current space 22. The spatial information may be stored, for example, in an information storage unit or the like, and updated as necessary by an administrator or the like. The spatial information may also include, for example, the number of spaces 22 in the architectural structure 2, the location of the ducts 23 in each space 22, the occupancy of the space 22, and the business hours of the space 22.

[0065] The management unit 4 may generate the output schedule information D30 based on external information indicating, for example, information about the operation of the building structure 2 and information about the surrounding environment. Examples of external information that can be used include information about the operation of the building structure 2, such as the maintenance status of the blower 21, information about the currently contracted electric power company, information about the contract plan of each electric power company, information about the amount of electricity used, and the date the blower 21 began operation. In addition to the above, examples of external information that can be used include information obtained via public communication networks such as the Internet, such as weather forecasts, perceived temperature indexes, heat shock forecasts, heatstroke information, precipitation probability, pollen dispersion information, yellow sand dispersion information, air pollution information such as smog and PM2.5, information about volcanic eruptions and resulting gas filling and ashfall, ocean wave information, outdoor wind direction and wind speed information, traffic congestion information, radiation information including that resulting from nuclear accidents, various news information, beer indexes, and ice indexes.

[0066] The management unit 4 may generate the output schedule information D30 based on, for example, performance information indicating past performance values ​​of electricity usage in the building structure 2 and the fan 21. For example, performance information may be used such as "150 kWh used from 12:00 to 1:00 pm last Wednesday" or "120 kWh used from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm last Tuesday." The performance information may be stored by an administrator in an information storage unit or the like, or may be calculated by the management unit 4 based on, for example, the output schedule information D30 used by the control device 1.

[0067] <Communication network 5> The communication network 5 is an internet network or the like through which the management unit 4 and the like communicate with the control device 1. The communication network 5 may be realized by a known wireless communication technology such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), and can be realized by using any technology depending on the application.

[0068] (First embodiment: ventilation control method) Next, an example of a ventilation control method in the first embodiment will be described. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the ventilation control method in the first embodiment.

[0069] The ventilation control method includes a control step S110, a transmission step S120, a reception step S130, and a forced control step S140.

[0070] <Control Step S110> In control step S110, the control device 1 controls the blower 21 based on the output schedule information D30. The control unit 11 of the control device 1 controls the blower 21 based on, for example, preset output schedule information D30. When the control unit 11 acquires new output schedule information D30n, the control unit 11 controls the blower 21 based on the new output schedule information D30n.

[0071] <Transmission Step S120> In the transmission step S120, the management unit 4 transmits new output schedule information D30n to the control device 1 via wireless communication WL. The management unit 4 may transmit the new output schedule information D30n to the control device 1 multiple times, for example, within a certain period (e.g., a reception period).

[0072] <Reception Step S130> In the reception step S130, it is determined whether new output schedule information D30n has been received during a preset reception period. For example, if the reception unit 12 of the control device 1 receives new output schedule information D30n during the reception period, the process proceeds to control step S110. If new output schedule information D30n has not been received during the reception period, the process proceeds to forced control step S140.

[0073] <Forcible control step S140> In the forcible control step S140, the blower 21 is controlled based on the forcible information using the control device 1. For example, the forcible unit 13 of the control device 1 controls the blower 21 based on the forcible information until new output schedule information D30n is received.

[0074] The ventilation control method is completed by performing each of the above steps. Note that the frequency at which each step is performed can be set arbitrarily depending on the application.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the management unit 4 transmits new output schedule information D30n to the control device 1 via wireless communication WL. Furthermore, if the control device 1 does not receive new output schedule information D30n within a preset reception period, it controls the blower 21 based on forcing information indicating preset control conditions for the blower 21. Therefore, even if the control device 1 cannot receive the new output schedule information D30n due to a poor communication connection or the like, it can still control the blower 21 based on the forcing information. This makes it possible to perform appropriate ventilation control even in the case of a poor communication connection.

[0076] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the forced information indicates the conditions for maintaining the maximum output of the fan 21. Therefore, even in the case of a poor communication connection, it is possible to easily prevent insufficient ventilation from occurring. This makes it possible to suppress the effects on the human body caused by insufficient ventilation.

[0077] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the output schedule information D30 includes at least the operation period and stop period of the blower 21. Therefore, the control of the blower 21 can be continuously performed while minimizing the number of communication connections from the management unit 4 to the control device 1. As a result, even in the case of an architectural structure 2 where communication connection failures are likely to occur, ventilation control can be performed with consideration given to reducing power consumption.

[0078] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the transmission step S120 transmits new output schedule information D30n to the control device 1 via wireless communication WL using the management unit 4. Furthermore, if new output schedule information D30n is not received during the reception period, the forced control step S140 controls the blower 21 using the control device 1 based on forced information indicating preset control conditions for the blower 21. Therefore, even if the control device 1 cannot receive the output schedule information D30 due to a poor communication connection or the like, it can still control the blower 21 based on the forced information. This makes it possible to perform appropriate ventilation control even in the event of a poor communication connection.

[0079] (Second embodiment: ventilation control system 100) Next, an example of a ventilation control system 100 in a second embodiment will be described. The difference between this embodiment and the above-described embodiment is that a measuring device 3 is provided. Note that a description of the same content as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0080] The ventilation control system 100 includes a measuring device 3, as shown in FIG. 5A, for example. The measuring device 3 is provided for each of a plurality of spaces 22 and measures environmental characteristics in the spaces 22. The measuring device 3 transmits measurement results to the management unit 4 via a communication connection, such as wireless communication WL. In this case, the management unit 4 can generate output schedule information D30 based on multiple measurement values ​​measured using the multiple measuring devices 3. In particular, if the environmental characteristics of each space 22 change over time, it becomes easier to set control conditions appropriate for each time period, taking into account the changes in the measurement values ​​over time.

[0081] The measurement device 3 includes, for example, a carbon dioxide concentration meter. The carbon dioxide concentration meter measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in the space 22. A known measurement device is used as the carbon dioxide concentration meter.

[0082] When the measuring device 3 includes a carbon dioxide concentration meter, for example, the management unit 4 generates the output schedule information D30 when at least one of the multiple concentrations exceeds a preset reference value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent insufficient ventilation in the multiple spaces 22 while minimizing the number of communication connections from the management unit 4 to the control device 1.

[0083] The measuring device 3 includes, for example, an airflow meter 3a. The airflow meter 3a measures the volume of air flowing into the space 22. For example, as shown in Fig. 5(b), the airflow meter 3a is provided near the tip 23a of a duct 23 arranged for each space 22. A known measuring device is used as the airflow meter 3a.

[0084] When the measurement device 3 includes an airflow meter 3a, for example, the management unit 4 generates the output schedule information D30 based on multiple airflow volumes. In this case, the management unit 4 may generate the output schedule information D30 when, for example, the lowest airflow volume among the multiple airflow volumes is below a preset reference value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent insufficient ventilation in the multiple spaces 22 while minimizing the number of communication connections from the management unit 4 to the control device 1.

[0085] The measurement device 3 may include, for example, the carbon dioxide concentration meter and airflow meter 3a described above. In this case, the management unit 4 generates the output schedule information D30 based on the air volume and concentration measured for each of the multiple spaces 22. Furthermore, the reference values ​​used when evaluating each concentration include multiple reference concentrations that vary depending on the air volume. Therefore, even if the reference value for the carbon dioxide concentration varies depending on the air volume supplied to the space 22, it is possible to generate the output schedule information D30 that is appropriate for the state of the space 22.

[0086] The management unit 4 may generate the output schedule information D30 based on, for example, at least one of the spatial information, external information, and performance information described above, and measurement values ​​measured for each of the multiple spaces 22. In this case, the output schedule information D30 can be generated taking into account the different characteristics of each space 22.

[0087] The measuring device 3 may include one or more known measuring devices for measuring the characteristics of the indoor environment in the space 22, such as a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a PM (Particulate Matter) sensor, a VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) sensor, an odor sensor, an ozone concentration sensor, an infrared sensor, a camera (imaging sensor), a power consumption meter, etc.

[0088] According to this embodiment, the management unit 4 generates new output schedule information D30n based on multiple measurement values ​​measured using multiple measuring devices 3. This makes it possible to generate output schedule information D30 that takes into account the environmental characteristics of multiple spaces 22. This makes it possible to improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0089] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management unit 4 generates new output schedule information D30n when at least one of the multiple concentrations exceeds a preset reference value. Therefore, it is possible to prevent insufficient ventilation in the multiple spaces 22 while minimizing the number of communication connections from the management unit 4 to the control device 1. This makes it easier to perform appropriate ventilation control even in the case of an architectural structure 2 where communication connection problems are likely to occur.

[0090] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management unit 4 generates new output schedule information D30n based on the concentration and air volume measured for each of the multiple spaces 22. Furthermore, the reference value includes multiple reference concentrations that vary depending on the air volume. Therefore, even if the reference value of the carbon dioxide concentration varies depending on the air volume supplied to the space 22, it is possible to generate output schedule information D30 that is suitable for the environment of the space 22. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0091] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the management unit 4 generates new output schedule information D30n based on the space information and the measurement values. Therefore, it is possible to generate output schedule information D30 taking into account the different characteristics of each space 22. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0092] (Third embodiment: ventilation control system 100) Next, an example of a ventilation control system 100 in a third embodiment will be described. The difference between this embodiment and the above-described embodiments is that a learning model is stored in the information storage unit of the management unit 4. Note that a description of the same content as in the above-described embodiment will be omitted.

[0093] The learning model is constructed by machine learning using, for example, multiple pairs of learning data indicating previously acquired reference measurement values ​​and reference output schedule information linked to the reference measurement values. As the machine learning, a well-known learning method such as deep learning or SVM (Support Vector Machine) is used.

[0094] The reference measurement value indicates a measurement value measured in advance using the measuring device 3 as learning data, and may include, for example, a plurality of measurement values. The reference output schedule information indicates output schedule information D30 that is optimal for the reference measurement value, and may be generated, for example, based on the results of controlling the blower 21 through advance verification. The control period included in the reference output schedule information may use a value that is set, for example, based on the communication environment of the architectural structure 2.

[0095] In this embodiment, the management unit 4 includes a generation unit that references the learning model and generates new output schedule information D30n based on the measurement values. That is, by referring to the learning model, the generation unit can generate optimal output schedule information D30 for the multiple measurement values ​​received from the measurement device 3.

[0096] In addition to the above, for example, when constructing a learning model, multiple sets of learning data may be used, each set indicating pre-acquired reference spatial information, reference measurement values ​​linked to the reference spatial information, and reference output plan information linked to the reference measurement values.

[0097] The reference spatial information indicates spatial information acquired in advance as learning data, and may include, for example, a change history of the spatial information corresponding to the space 22. By using the reference spatial information as learning data, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the output plan information D30 that is generated when referring to the learning model.

[0098] For example, when constructing a learning model, reference external information or reference performance information may be used instead of the above-mentioned reference spatial information. The reference external information indicates external information acquired in advance as learning data. The reference performance information indicates performance information acquired in advance as learning data. When constructing a learning model, any combination of reference measurement values, reference spatial information, reference external information, and reference performance information can be used as explanatory variables.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the generation unit included in the management unit 4 references the learning model and generates new output schedule information D30n based on the measurement values. Therefore, compared to a measurement value evaluation method using a reference value, it is easier to generate output schedule information D30 that takes into account the fluctuation trends of the measurement values, etc. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the generator refers to the learning model and generates new output schedule information D30n based on the spatial information and the measurement values. Therefore, compared to the measurement value evaluation method using reference values, it is easier to generate output schedule information D30 that takes into account the characteristics of each space and the fluctuation trends of the measurement values. This makes it possible to further improve the accuracy of ventilation control.

[0101] The management unit 4 is an electronic device that includes a processor such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, and executes the various processes described above. The management unit 4 also includes a data storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) and stores various types of information.

[0102] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described, this embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Such novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the inventions described in the claims and their equivalents.

[0103] 1: Control device 10: Housing 11: Control unit 12: Receiving unit 13: Forcing unit 14: Memory unit 2: Architectural structure 21: Fan 22: Space 23: Duct 23a: Near the tip 3: Measuring device 3a: Air volume meter 4: Management unit 5: Communication network 100: Ventilation control system S110: Control step S120: Transmission step S130: Receiving step S140: Forcing control step WL: Wireless communication

Claims

1. A ventilation control system that controls ventilation of an architectural structure using a central heat source system via wireless communication, comprising: a blower that sends air to multiple spaces in the architectural structure; a control device that controls the blower based on output schedule information that indicates future control conditions for the blower; and a management unit that transmits new output schedule information to the control device via the wireless communication, wherein if the control device does not receive the new output schedule information within a predetermined reception period, it controls the blower based on preset forced information that indicates the control conditions for the blower.

2. The ventilation control system according to claim 1, wherein the forced information indicates a condition for maintaining maximum output in the blower.

3. The ventilation control system according to claim 1, wherein the output schedule information includes at least the operation period and stop period of the blower.

4. A ventilation control system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a measuring device provided for each of a plurality of said spaces for measuring environmental characteristics in said spaces, and wherein said management unit generates said new output schedule information based on a plurality of measurement values ​​measured using said plurality of said measuring devices.

5. The ventilation control system of claim 4, wherein the measuring device includes a carbon dioxide concentration meter that measures the concentration of carbon dioxide in the space, and the management unit generates the new output schedule information when at least one of the multiple concentrations exceeds a preset reference value.

6. The ventilation control system of claim 5, wherein the measuring device includes an air flow meter that measures the volume of air flowing into the space, the management unit generates the new output schedule information based on the concentration and the air volume measured for each of the multiple spaces, and the reference value includes multiple reference concentrations that differ depending on the air volume.

7. The ventilation control system of claim 4, wherein the management unit includes: an information storage unit that stores a learning model constructed by machine learning using multiple pairs of learning data indicating previously acquired reference measurement values ​​and reference output plan information linked to the reference measurement values; and a generation unit that refers to the learning model and generates the new output plan information based on the measurement values.

8. The ventilation control system according to claim 4, wherein the management unit generates the new output schedule information based on spatial information including at least one of the volume, shape, and occupancy of the plurality of spaces and the measurement values.

9. The ventilation control system of claim 8, wherein the management unit includes: an information storage unit that stores a learning model constructed by machine learning using a set of learning data indicating previously acquired reference spatial information, reference measurement values ​​linked to the reference spatial information, and reference planned output information linked to the reference measurement values; and a generation unit that refers to the learning model and generates the new planned output information based on the spatial information and the measurement values.

10. A ventilation control method for controlling ventilation of an architectural structure using a central heat source system via wireless communication, comprising: a control step of controlling the blower using a control device based on output schedule information indicating future control conditions of the blower that blows air to multiple spaces in the architectural structure; a transmission step of transmitting new output schedule information to the control device using a management unit via the wireless communication; a reception step of determining whether the new output schedule information has been received within a predetermined reception period; and a forced control step of controlling the blower using the control device based on forced information indicating predetermined control conditions of the blower if the new output schedule information is not received within the reception period.

Images